Take a Break & Read with Me

 

I enjoy going on YouTube and finding "Read with me" videos. To be creative, I attempted to make one myself with just my phone and a tripod. I know it's bad! ha. However, for my friends and family across the country, I still hope they will enjoy spending this time together. So grab your book and something refreshing to drink then sit with me and let's read! Run time is only 24 minutes. 

"...judge tenderly of me" ~ Emily Dickinson

 YouTube uploaded it in 240p so select the gear ⚙️ to adjust the video quality higher size to match your phone or computer.

 

Doing Something New - The 12 Decision Challenge by Chip Gaines

#makesense

I'm currently reading Chip Gaines' book, "No Pain No Gaines - The good stuff doesn't come easy." In one of the chapters he encourages readers not to go through life on auto pilot. There is a week long challenge to make 12 decisions and do something you usually wouldn't.

So far they have varied from decisions as simple as taking myself out to breakfast or driving down a different road in my new hometown to trying a home project. (Chip doesn't mention home projects but I was inspired!) 

Our new home has a duct in the kitchen for a horizontal vented range hood. Unfortunately, the hole was cut too low for a rear vent unit that could also fit below the cabinet. A technician came to measure and the recommendation was to fill the hole and get a recirculating unit. That wasn't the answer I had hoped for but ultimately I knew it would be the easiest fix.

HERE IS WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE PRIOR TO MOVE IN

I've patched holes but never one that went all the way through the wall. But since I took Chip's challenge, I decided to do research and take a shot. Some benefits are that it would be less expensive, we wouldn't need to find a handy man, and we wouldn't need to wait for scheduling. Plus, the weather turned cold today and a hole in the wall is not ideal. 

This morning I woke up, ran to the local hardware store and here are the results. Sure, a professional probably would have done things different, but for an all in cost of $62.98, I'm pretty proud of myself!

THAT IS OUR NEIGHBORS FRONT DOOR!

PIPE I REMOVED - IT STUCK OUT BOTH SIDES

PLASTIC CAP TO HELP WITH CLOSING HOLE

INSIDE CAP VIEW

FOAM TO HELP INSULATE

ADDED MORE FOAM TO INSIDE COVER

SOME GAPS BUT TAPED THE LEAVERS SHUT

UTILIZING THIS TO FILL GAPS - NOT SPONSORED

INSTALLED!

PATCH IS GOING ON

 

GOES ON PINK - DRIES WHITE SO YOU KNOW TO SAND & APPLY 2ND COAT

ALL DONE! I'M SO PROUD OF MYSELF!

____________________________________________________________

PS - another thing I'm proud of is figuring out
how to cover the dryer pipe that also stuck out of our home.

A Cute Gift for Your Love

I made this cute, small gift for my wonderful beau and wanted to share this idea on how to encourage your significant other: 

1. Grab a small notebook. Mine was from a birthday adventure I had at an AirBnB called the Cell Block

2. Take a spare lipstick, lather it on thick and "kiss" several pieces of paper.

3. Under those kisses, write encouraging quotes or love messages then cut them out.

4. Using tape/lamination sheets, cover over the kiss and quotes so they won't smudge.

5. Next, cut around each one, then tape one per page of the notebook. 

6. Write a thoughtful message on the front page explaining the journal.

7. Add a single kiss on the cover, wrap and surprise them. 

Snazzy Car Kits for Caregivers

 

Most of us know people who are full time caregivers. Often these sacrificial people spend a lot of time at doctor's appointments which usually means a lot of driving. If you've been wondering about ways to support full time caregivers, why not create an inexpensive car kit. Unlike an emergency kit, this is more about comfort and convenience. 

Simply grab a larger food container and fill it with some helpful items (most of them I already had around my house). I placed a list on top so the driver can easily be reminded what is inside before they go digging.

Quick Front Door Makeover

The front door of my place was ugly. It seems a previous owner had caulked around the windows and it collected dirt and grim that would not go away. So I decided the whole entry way needed a quick face lift! The color is called "Mink" and I'm so pleased. :)

I highly recommend these magnetic wreath holders
instead of the over the door one I had previously. 

Envelope Doodles

People feel special when they get mail and I like to make the surprise even cuter by drawing pictures on them. I hope to make some mail carriers smile too. Here are some that I've drawn.

Pumpkin Wreaths

Recently, my mom, aunt and I got together to make some cute Fall pumpkin wreaths. Here is a great post that has directions: Miss Kopy Kat

Happy in Stressful Places

Texas tornadoes are beyond frightening. When I had to herd my kids into my small master closet recently, I knew something had to change. Now I have a tornado pod in my garage for our safety. As I prep it, I felt the cold metal and bland color changed my mood so I decided to draw a cute picture. Sometimes it's the small things. Just a note that when I moved, they didn't give us the same one back so someone, somewhere has this in their pod. :)

Pictures of the installers for reference and pic of my owl. 

From Survive A Storm

 

Valentine Day Gift Ideas

 

Did you realize Valentine's day is only 28 days away. Don't wait until the last minute to plan for your special loved one. Take some time to really make them feel special. LOVE is awesome! Whether you are single, dating, or married the fact is we ALL have someone that we can show love and appreciation to. Here are some quick ideas to spark your mind and heart. Please add your own special touch to these and adapt them. I've started out with some basics and added variations to get your creative juices flowing. Enjoy spreading the love!

Gift ideas for Children

• Tic-Tacs & Tic Tac Toe board. This is precious, can be fun to play together and not too much sugar. 
• Make the bracelet above for your kid'o. Here's how: Heart bracelets
• My dad left for work early before mom and I had gotten out of bed but, even if the holiday fell on a weekend, he always left a red box of Valentine chocolates for my mom and a pink one for me when we woke up. Made me feel super special!
• Leave surprise notes all over the house for kids to find. On them share what you love and appreciate about them.
• Consider surprising your child in the morning by hanging hearts in their doorway. (or all over the house) On the hearts, write sweet words of encouragement and love. Check Hearts Galore idea here. (picture below)
  

Gifts ideas for Women

• Romantic: Simple wine glass (dollar stores are a great place to buy one) - if it's painted, even better. Fill with chocolate, or hand written encouragement notes. Tie a fancy red ribbon around the base for special touch. ** Variation: buy two and enjoy some wine/sparkling cider with a toast in a location that's special to you both. Add simple grapes/cheeses for an "indoor picnic".
• Poetic: Buy a small, cute box. Write your own poem(s) or print off some special ones. Roll up like a scroll and tied with a fancy red ribbon. Place some real rose petals or silk flowers inside the box along side the poems. Wrap and give with a sweet valentine card.** Variation: After the gift is opened, recite these poems personally to your special person. If there is a special item mentioned in the poem (like a rose, jewelry, etc) consider handing it to them as you speak those words in the poem.
• Dreamers: Purchase an inexpensive book that would inspire your special person. Inside write a sweet note of love and encouragement. Consider flipping through the book and marking some pages that you think they will enjoy with heart shaped memos.** Variation: Spend time together flipping through the book or making a dream list. Cozy book stores or in front of a fireplace are great locations for this.
• Inspiration: On squares of beautiful, valentine card stock, write out inspiring quotes or sayings. Carefully hole punch the left corner of each square and loop all the cards together with fancy red ribbon. Please a few chocolates inside and wrap in a pretty valentine box. ** Variation: make each card have positive affirmations or romantic quotes. You can also write on each card things you love about your special person.
• Simple reminders: Fill a picture frame (valentine theme a bonus) with encouraging words, favorite poems, funny pictures of the two of you, things you have drawn etc. Wrap in valentine gift wrap and include a sweet card. **Variation: Keep & display items from dates by creating a shadow box and embellishing with hearts inside. Some examples are: ticket stubs, branded napkin from a favorite restaurant, tokens, photographs...etc...

Gifts ideas for Men

• Are there any successful men or someone he admires? Fill a small photo album with quotes from them. Gift-wrap in valentine style and consider writing to him why he is a man you admire.  
• Gift him a special valentine card and with it provide a food gift certificate/gas card inside. Guys do enjoy practical things sometimes.
• Gift him tickets to his favorite upcoming sporting event. Surprise him by placing them in a place he won't expect it.
• Want a gift that gives on Valentine's day and beyond? Give a food, beer, or wine of the month club gift certificate.
• Cook him a special or favorite lunch/dinner. If a lunch, consider if there is a way to deliver to him at work. If dinner, set a special valentine atmosphere.
• Bake him something sweet! Wrap up in a simple valentine box and surprise deliver. Consider sharing with him what you find to be "sweet" about him.
• Buy an accessory for his favorite gadget. Package in a valentine box. Share with him all the special ways he improves your life and makes you smile. 

Here's an idea of a funny, homemade 3-D card. I thought this was priceless and perfect for all those in love! Origami Valentine

 Pop-up Cards instructions:

 

• Fold a colorful sheet of paper in half vertically.
• On the fold, cut four short lines near the middle of that fold.
• Push the two “flaps” these cuts make towards the inside of the card and make a crease.
• With construction paper cut out balloons, flowers, or letters spelling your message.
• Tape or glue these items to the “flaps” inside your card. (make sure these items do not stick out when the card is closed)
• Glue another piece of paper around the edges to the outside of the card.
• Write any further messages. (design and date the back)

Neighbors' Christmas Gifts

In my neighborhood, it seems that people are beginning to open up. I see more waving, more "hello's" and more holiday decorations than I have the three years I've lived there. So while praying yesterday, God put the 21 homes on my street on my heart. I prayed for a way to go meet them all and decided I would stop by and give holiday gifts & cards. Below are the items I created. [Go Pinterest & the Dollar Tree!] 

Originally, I wanted to give everyone whisks and holiday cards but I bought the D. Tree out when I bought the only 5 whisks they had in stock. :) So I'm giving my 5 closest neighbors these gifts since they are always looking out for me and loving up on me. 

so cute!

For the other 16 neighbors, I'm going to give a bag of Jolly rancher candy, a holiday card, and again use the play on words from a Christmas song.

I want to wrap it all in prayer so I'll be praying for each home down my street for a day in December. Here's my nerdy little map to help me be specific - the visual side of me loves this! 

Anyway, I'm super excited and hopeful that I can meet many of them. Prayerfully, they will be encouraged by their "neighbor with the blue door." :D

Simple Banana & Peanut Butter snack

I totally dig bananas, especially if they are a tiny bit green, but find that it's often hard for me to finish a whole bunch. So I went hunting on Pinterest for a solution.

Ta-da! Frozen Banana bites. :) I sliced the bananas, placed them on a wooden cutting board then added some of my favorite peanut butter on top. For an extra treat, I also topped them off with some dark chocolate chips. 

Once they hardened, I placed them all in a freezer bag and they have done great! Anytime I need a little snack, I just grab a quick frozen bite. The only thing I'll change next time is to cut the banana's a bit thinner because it's a mouth full! ha. 

  YUM!!!!

S'Mores Halloween Gift

Mom and I put together some Halloween treats to give out to friends and encourage some folks at a Senior Services Center. Easy & cute! 

Each pack includes: 2 gram crackers, a snack size Hershey's chocolate bar & one ghost "Peep."

Repurposed Antique Chairs - Bench

My dining room chairs are from the 1930's. Super cute yet also super small so I had to go purchase chairs that "fit" better and were more comfortable. I'd been struggling with what to do with these beautiful chairs when I came across a great idea on Pinterest.

You remove the seats of antique chairs and placing them side then you either use boards or cut out a seat to stretch across them and make a bench. Problem fixed!

I tested it out using an extra shelf I had from the entertainment center. I think that actual piece is a tiny bit small but it gave me a great idea of what it would look like once completed.

Quick Rainy Day Project - Christmas tree skirt

**Sorry for the early Christmas post but I can't afford all of Christmas on just one month's salary so I've always got to get an early start. HA. **

Over Labor Day, we had a nice rainy day so I took the opportunity to do some crafting. I have been looking for over three years for a Christmas tree skirt but either they were ugly or just too expensive! I found one I really liked on Etsy but, even though it's reversible, it was still $85 before shipping. :(

So before I'd spend that kind of money, I had to at least try to make one first. I'm pretty satisfied with the one I made and eventually I can make it reversible as well. Mine had to be cat friendly...and of course, presents sit on top of it most of the time so it didn't need to be too elaborate. Here it is!

Just took a clean white towel - the cut didn't need to be perfect

Cut burlap ribbon into strips, hot-glued one side of strip to towel then folded other side over and hot-glued

.

All the way around...*tip: used an old medicine bottle to press fabric down so my fingers didn't get in the hot glue

Cut up an old scarf and did the same thing as with the burlap

Running low on burlap ribbon so I hot-glued strips flat

Finished off with remainder of scarf

 

Looks perfect around my little tree!

Here's another idea of patterns I was experimenting with that day: