A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

I've been so busy this Summer traveling anywhere and everywhere, but mostly to the lake of course.
I wanted to share some pictures from my Summer since I haven't done much crafting lately.

My dad invested in a Lily Pad. Is this not the coolest thing you have seen? You can fit a ton of people on it and won't sink. Probably the best thing that has made it's way to our lake house since the water trampoline of course.

My mom and her friends always have a Girl's Weekend at the lake. They rent a condo in Osage Beach. I had the opportunity to go this year since I am so close and had to work Saturday which meant I couldn't go far for the weekend. I had so much fun. The view was amazing, the pool olympics were hilarious, and the beer was cold.



I've been spending a lot of time in Arkansas over the Summer since my boyfriend actually has Saturday's off. That means one thing, we go out on the lake ALL day Saturday and most of the day Sunday. Needless to say I have had a very relaxing Summer so far.

One last picture to share, while driving to work this morning I was greeted with this. How awesome right? It's the little things in life that just make you smile.

Peace, Love, It's almost Friday!

This has been a long week. But on a good note I had my mid-review this week and it was GREAT! My boss told me I'm her top analyst and take more phone calls than anyone else. (There are people who have worked here for almost 30 years) So I was very excited.

On another note, I got some crafting in this week. A friend's birthday was a little while back and I've been meaning to finish up a few things for her. I've had the supplies for a while but I finally found the time to do it.

To start, I got all my supplies out. This just required a canvas, paint, paint brushes, and the wooden peace sign. There were so many other options at Hobby Lobby that I could have put on this but I decided to go with the peace sign.

I knew I wanted to do zebra print so I drew it out in pencil on my canvas. This could take a long time for someone who does not know how to free hand zebra print, but for some reason I'm really good at free handing it and it only took me a few minutes.

Next come the longest and most time consuming part. Painting the zebra print. This takes so long because you have to go slow and stay in your lines. This took about 2 coats of paint, which really isn't much paint at all.

While the zebra was drying I painted my peace sign. I went with bright red. This also took 2 coats and took a little while longer to dry.

Once they are both completely dry it is time to glue them together. I just used tacky glue, a lot of glue and put it on the canvas. Let the glue dry for 24 hours and your masterpiece is complete!

Just be Thankful

Today I can be nothing but thankful.

Thankful for the fact that I have a job that I love.

Thankful that I have 2 college degrees.

Thankful for my parents who are always there for me no matter what.

Thankful for my boyfriend who's always by my side and supports me.

Thankful for my family members who make sure there is never a dull moment in life.

Thankful for the fact that I have lived 23 years and have already experience so much.

On a different note today is an exciting day because…..the Cards play the Cubs!

This is a VERY touchy subject between my boyfriend and I (I secretly love it). He's a Cubs fan and I'm a Cardinals fan. We can't really talk about baseball because it becomes a heated discussion and we legitimately become mad.  I'm going to Arkansas this weekend to see the boy and packed a Cardinals shirt just for the sake of it! J

Today is goody day at work. Which means everyone brings something  to eat and we all share aka my healthy eating plans go out the window for the day.

Being that I have hardly any dishes for dips and cakes and what not I went to wal-mart last night to resolve this. I bought a cake carrier that also has an insert for cupcakes and deviled eggs (yuck).

I decided to make red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing, of course out of a box mix and can of icing but I do have 1 tip I would like to share. When you buy that icing in a jar it is always so compacted in the jar after sitting on the shelf for a while.

Put the icing in a bowl and mix it up with the mixer for a few minutes. This puts some air (and life) back into the frosting. I know it sounds crazy but the icing becomes a whole different, fluffier texture and actually tastes better.

My note for you today: You may not always being having a great day but focus on the positives. Love is as important as air, so take a deep breath and fall in love with something that makes you happy whether it's a person, hobby, or anything.

America!

Since the 4^th of July is tomorrow it only seemed right to make a project that was flagged themed. So, of course I went for a tank because I need something to wear.

I have to say this was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I bought a tank top from the boy's section at Wal-Mart for $3.00. I already had red and blue paint.

I started by taping off the t-shirt for the stripes and stars.

I printed off some stars just on a word document and then cut them out and taped them down to the t-shirt.

Next I just started painting. This took a lot more paint than I thought it would. I put on quite a few layers.

Then I painted the stars section. Then I let it dry and pulled off the tape.

I have to say I'm pretty proud of how it turned out. I kind of like that the stripes and stars aren't perfect. Of course I will be wearing it tomorrow!

You win some & you lose some

If there is one thing that I have learned it is that life goes on.

I have been pretty busy lately with work and my summer extravaganzas. I have been studying for a test I took at work today that I didn't end up doing so hot on. Insurance is intense, who would have known? But no worries, I still love my job and love working for Shelter.

 Anyway, since I've been traveling a lot to the lake and to see the boyfriend I have not had much time for crafting, but I have made a HUGE list of projects I want to do and wanted to share some of them with you.
Also, I had a request (thanks Aunt Cris) for a sign she wanted me to make for her so I'm pretty excited about starting on that. I'll post it once I start it and finish it, until then it's a secret.

A friend sent me this quote today and it made my day A LOT better. I love this. I might have to do something with it like paint it on a canvas or something. Plus who doesn't love Liz Taylor?

I really like baking. I may not always be great at it but you can't learn unless you experiment. Plus not dessert can ever be bad. I saw this on pinterest and the lady who makes them charge a ridiculous amount. All this is is a cake carrier, some paint, and a little bit of patience. I have 2 of 3 (will need a cake carrier) and will be a lot cheaper. Plus it would make an awesome gift.

Now this is just funny. I might have to make this is in a clear jar and put it on my desk for candy just because I can.

I am obsessed with ecards. They are hilarious. Everytime I read this one I think of my mom. Not because she drinks a lot of wine, but because she is a hoarder when it comes to wine corks. Mom, i'll start drinking more wine so you can have more wine corks and make something crafty wtih them!

Sunglasses are my #1 accessory

I NEVER leave the house without a pair of sunglasses (unless it's at night, except in college I wore them at night a lot too).
I have tons of sunglasses and I never can seem to find the pair I want because they are all over the place. This weekend I decided to solve that problem by making a sunglasses holder....I couldn't think of a fancy name for it.
I went to the local goodwill and found a $2 picture frame. Found some fabric on clearance at hobby lobby that cost me $2.50. The most expensive item was the ribbon at $3 but I have a lot left over and will use it on something.

I told you the picture frame was ugly. I started off by taking out the picture and painting the frame gray.

Then I took the cardboard and glued on the fabric.

then I glued some ribbon onto the board. I glued it down on the ends and then added some glue in the middle to create sections so all my sunglasses wouldn't fall to the middle of the ribbon. I put the backing in the frame and then WOLA...You're done. Now add the sunglasses.



I just need to find somewhere to hang it in my room.

P.S. I used part of my hobby lobby gift card for the fabric and ribbon. I also got a Michael's giftcard that I know I will use in the future.

If you don't stop and look around once in a while you will miss everything

My Friday night has consisted of chicken Alfredo, wine, and say Yes to the Dress! I have to say it has very relaxing and much needed.
While enjoying my relaxing evening I started looking through photos on my computer. I came across some really good ones that I had to share...

 

This picture sums up my parents perfectly

Clearly my love for sunglasses started young

I just LOVE this picture and I'm pretty sure we still have that head dress at my house somewhere.

Now for some newer ones...

The world's largest rocking chair

We have been friends since we were little. And I'm sure we will be friends till the end.