New Design

Just a VERY short blog post to say hello and that I updated the look of my blog. What do you think? Yes I realize its 3:30 am. I've been working on this for a while. Guess tonight is one of those nights of insomnia. Hmpf... I'm hoping to share some photos of my kitchen later today once the painting is finished. It's only taken the entire weekend. Thats all. Note of advice folks, NEVER paint your kitchen a dark color and then try painting it a really light color without being prepared for a ton of work and aggravation! Our kitchen used to be a crimson color... and I decided I wanted to change it to something bright and cheery.... yellow. Yeah, oy! lol. We primed the wall with white Kilz, and so far we have put 2 coats of yellow on top of that. Tomorrow we have 2 more walls to do of the last coat of paint and then I have to paint the trim bright white, and we will be finished. {at least with that project!} Next comes my craft room... eegads! Thats an entirely new story LOL. Does anyone have some really cool, bright and colorful idea's for decor in the kitchen? I don't really have anything due to changing the color and theme. {It used to be farm animals and sunflowers....} Now I think I want something like butterflies.... or birds and butterflies. Something whimsical, shabby chic, colorful and cute. Any idea's would be greatly appreciated! Hope everyone likes the new look & had a great weekend! Until later!

If I won the lottery...

3 Words Wednesdays....

Its a linky party over at Real Life Reslers! 

Each Wednesday, link up with a photo--BUT--the catch is you can only have 3 words to describe your picture!! No more, no less. 

Here's mine: 

One Handsome Dude! 

Kanzashi Flowers

I love youtube! Especially when it comes to learning stuff! Like I mentioned in my last vlog, its my best friend when it comes to learning new crafts lol. Last night I found a video tuturial on how to make Kanzashi Flowers by DreamBigLover. The flowers are sooooo adorable and she explained it so well that I just HAD to try it. So between late last night and this morning I made these kanzashi flowers using her tutorial. I think it took me about 2 hours to make all of these. Not bad, and its VERY addicting! I just wanted to share the link to the tutorial and also what I have put together. I plan on using these flowers in various projects whether it be scrapbook pages, mini albums, altered frames etc. a few of them I already have plans for LOL.

My first flower...

This one would be so pretty for a girls
 scrapbook page, a hair clip or even a frame! 

This one is the largest of the set I have made.
 I like how the fabric folded with this one. 

This one is actually made from vintage fabric that I snagged from my grandma's fabric stash way back in junior high! I used to go into her closet all the time and find different fabric remnants that I liked and use them for crafts. I can't believe I found this! I am definately planning on using this one for a mini album or scrapbook page pertaining to my grandma... this one is special to me!

I made this one for my graduation scrapbook page. Shout out to CCHS! GO VIKS! haha! Our school colors were green and gold, so these will be perfect to add! I'm not sure how I will add them but I think I will be able to figure it out! BTW... remember the tarn from a previous post... these flowers were made from the left over sleeves of the t-shirts I used to make the tarn. So now I am definitely recycling almost the entire shirt into something else =) Yay me! {go green! =D}

This happens to be my favorite from the set. I really love how simple but elegant it looks. The versatility of using white fabric is great too. I was thinking that with the white fabric it would be possible to take versamark ink (because its waterproof) and stamp designs on it. You could even take ranger inks and dye the fabric. Or what about glimmer mists... or better yet, edging the petals in stickles! That would be AWESOME! This flower would be PERFECT for a wedding, or christening or some sort of special occassion. Even using this flower when altering a frame for a wedding gift would be cool! The possibilities are endless. I found the button in a bag of buttons I bought from Michaels. You can get a ton of buttons for a reasonable price at either Michaels or Walmart, and I'm sure plenty of other places. I think I lucked out finding that one in my bag lol. 

Those are just a few of my flowers that I thought I would share! A BIIIIG thank you for the AWESOME video tutorial on making these! If you are interested in trying this out please visit DreamBigLover's YouTube Channel or Click HERE to go directly to the video! Thanks for visiting! 

My Most Embarrassing Moment

90's realizations...

I saw on someone else's blog this website called Things 90's kids realize... and wow its a blast from the past! I was born in 84 but I grew up in the 90's so all of the stuff mentioned on this site definitely fits into my opinions of growing up =) I had to share some of my favorites that were mentioned!

{I loved this cartoon, and watched it religiously growing up! The movies are good but nothing compares to the cartoon!}

{Dude I really did cry over that ant!}

{I perfected that dance LOL! For further reference watch the dance here!}

{I actually have an huge box of assorted gel pens still!}

{LOVED LOVED LOVED Carmen Sadiago, and Where's Waldo! I'm still searching for Waldo! LOL}

{hahahaha nuff said!]

{thankfully I have never said mentioned phrase... I think?!}

{I agree wholeheartedly! ALL THAT was DA BOMB haha}

{one of the best, but saddest Disney Films ever}

{so true!}

{I remember everyone in my family doing this constantly to make our games work! Soo funny!}

{I think me & all of my siblings had these shoes growing up! LOL!}

{I would play this game with my siblings all the time and my brothers would get mad because I would beat them and they would say it was cheating! I also remember on quite a few occassions, me and my aunt would have sleep overs and would play mortal kombat until the sun came up! I don't think we ever won the entire game though =( }

{I looked forward to playing this game during computer time! I loved it!}

{too true! I love this show, and I doubt I could ever get tired of it! oh and Will Smith happens to be one of my favorite actors ever!I love every single one of his movies, and am proud to say that I own them all!}

{If there was 1 thing I miss the most from the 90's it would be TGIF! I loved all of the show's and never ever thought of doing anything other than sitting at home and being a couch potato on Friday nights!}

Vlog Response about Cheap Makeup

Trinity over at Real Life Reslers posted a vlog about cheap makeup, and I just had to respond with a video of my own =)

How to make Tarn (T-shirt Yarn)

My very 1st Vlog!

My First 'Rag' Rug {wip}

I found this super awesome tutorial on how to recycle old worn out t-shirts into yarn {or t-arn lol}... I have spent SEVERAL days going through my closet finding clothes that I personally love but my husband hates HAHA. Typically because its my 'comfy lounging clothes' which we all know includes the baggy sweats, and holy t-shirts that you've had for 10 years. Yes folks, I have t-shirts that I have owned  and have worn since I was a junior in high school. Yep, 11 years! YIKES! I even have the t-shirt I wore on our very first date... bizarre right?! HAHA! He will be pleasantly surprised when he returns from Florida to see a rug made from those  'rags' as he calls them LOL. Anyway... I decided to take a bunch of shirts and make t-arn with them, then I found a cool free rug pattern {here} and I am now attempting to put the two together and come up with something colorful, fun, and re-functional for somewhere in our house. If I cant fix it it will most likely be pulled apart and I'll have to try again! LOL. =)

This is what I have at the moment... I am loving the bright colors but I am hating the curling that is going on! I don't want a ruffled rug, I want a rug that lies flat, because folks, you are reading something from the most clumsy person on the east coast... and thats no exaggeration. HA! Last year I had a fight with a rug in my living room, and the rug won! I ended up spraining my ankle really badly and to this day it's still giving me problems. I do not need that to happen again or something worse happen. EESH. I'm almost 27 years old and never had a broken bone, I don't wanna start now. LOL. So if anyone has any tips on how to get this to lie flatter and lose the ruffles, THAT WOULD BE GREAT! I was thinking maybe I should increase 1 time in each of the 4 corners for one round instead of 4 in each corner. Or perhaps should I do an entire round with no increases at all? Any tips or help would be AWESOME & most welcome!

I do plan on making a video to share some tips about making t-arn... it'll be my first video tutorial WOO HOO! There are some issues I went through with my first few balls of t-arn that I had to do quick trouble shooting with, but once I got the gist of it, it was cake! Easy Peasy! =) Just for the sake of sharing another picture, here's a close up of the colors and stitches one more time.... I'm not too sure how I feel about it just yet. I don't know if I like using double crochet for this because the stitches are so large... but it is a time saver too... hmmmmm.... Just thought I would share what's been keeping me busy this week.... more to come soon! Thanks for stopping by!

Edward Cullen's Teenage Dream (Katy Perry Twilight Parody)

I had to share this youtube video. I thought it was just hilarious, especially if you're a twihard like me =) Gah, I can't wait until Breaking Dawn! HURRY UP ALREADY! LOL.

WWW Wednesday

To play along, just click on the image to visit www Wednesdays & comment with your answers to the following three (3) questions, then blog about it on your blog... 

The Questions:

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading? 

• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers:

• What are you currently reading? I am reading 'Awakened' By PC & Kristin Cast. I am obsessed with this series and this is the newest book of the series. I typically read these books in one day, however, I have been trying to hold back because its such a long wait until the next in the series. LOL. Thats not to say that I'm not enjoying it thoroughly! =)
• What did you recently finish reading? I just finished reading one of the short stories from a book called 'Be Mine, Valentine'. It's a book of I guess you could say, romantic short stories. We are reading and reviewing each story over at Opinionated Women. We were hoping to complete all of the reviews BEFORE Valentine's Day, but alas we were slackers. LOL! I'm not typically a short story, or romance fan, but I can say that I am really enjoying this book. You can check it out HERE. 
• What do you think you'll read next? Hmmmm thats a good question. It just so happens that over the weekend my hubby surprised me with an autographed copy of 'Legend's of the Mountain State 2' Edited by Michael Knost. He met Michael Knost who signed my copy, and then he also met another of the authors who also signed one of the pages where his story begins. Its pretty cool actually. My first autographed book. =) I'm really interested in the paranormal and so this will be a good read, especially since the stories are about our home state. Should be interesting =) I plan to blog again sharing my thoughts on the stories, and to show my autographs LOL.

Isn't it Ironic?

This is my horoscope for today: Trust your heart to know who is being sincere and who may have an ulterior motive. Trust your heart to know that a choice you are now making based on emotion is just as valid as any. You should also trust your heart to lead you into something that other people might consider too uncertain - because you know what's best. The only time you will really need to trust your head over your heart today is when it comes to a money matter that has been causing you a headache for some time now. Once that's resolved, everything else will be a cakewalk.   

It's so ironic to me when my horoscope actually applies to my day. Today has been one of the oddest days I've had in a while. I mean it was a typical day but the conversations I had and decisions I made all goes into what my horoscope mentions. I had a long conversation with my sister about my father today.... this conversation led to another 3way conversation with my sister and my aunt on the same subject and some other family things. In the midst of my conversation with them my mother of all people calls me. So I click over to have a talk with her.... for her to tell me that my father requested her friendship on Facebook. How Ironic is that?!?! Fast forward a bit and I'm talking to my aunt and sis again... for my mother to call me back AGAIN (very very strange because I'm lucky to hear from her more than once every month or so) to tell me that she is sorry for my father. Wait, what?! Was the only reaction that I could muster.... She basically apologized for us having a deadbeat father... How is all of this coming up sooo randomly in the midst of a conversation I am literally in the middle of with my aunt and sister?! Is my phone bugged or something?! Shortly after all of these conversations, my father sends me a message and literally for the VERY FIRST TIME PEOPLE, APOLOGIZED to me. I was 12 years old when my parents divorced and he left... after almost 15 years, and in the middle of everything I just mentioned, he sends me this message.... I'm so very baffled! I spoke with my sister again tonight and said to her 'maybe its not a coincidence... maybe its supposed to be this way.' Thats the only thing I can think of... I mean, someone is trying to tell me something, they are literally trying to smack me in the face with it, I think. lol. How can it not be obvious?! 

I'm basically putting everything in my faith, closing my eyes and jumping into this head first. I believe in God, and I believe that God has a plan for each of us. I truly think someone's trying to tell me something, I'm listening for the first time, and it feels right. 

p.s. Another bit of irony... The song 'You Saved Me' by Kutless is playing in the background as I write this. 

I'll close for now while pondering the things that leave me scratching my head .lol. *scratch scratch*

Valentine's Day 2011

I know this is a bit early but since my hubby has to work Valentine's Day/Night we decided to celebrate early. We had a really nice weekend together, doing nothing too important. We did some shopping and went out to eat yesterday. Today we decided to go to Lowe's and purchase some paint and tile for some home renovations that we want to finally complete. When we made it home we decided to exchange gifts. I was soo anxious to do this because I spent A LOT of time on his gift and I just knew he was going to laugh so hard with it. He surprised me with this gorgeous bracelet! Its sooo pretty! I love the fact that it is gold, silver, AND bronze because I am not one who things if you have 1 gold ring, they all should be gold... or if you wear 1 piece of jewelry that is gold everything needs to also be gold. I like all kinds of jewelry... as you can tell from my rings that are in both silver and gold... It matches my personality and the XO's are just the added touch of love from him. I really adore it! Its actually the first bracelet he has ever gotten me... I think he was a bit nervous that I wouldn't like it. He's silly! Now on to his gift.. LOL... 

If this happens to insult or offend anyone then I apologize in advance. I am warning you that this gift is of an adult nature... its a gag gift. I took a great photo with him and his gift, and then even video'd him opening his gift, because I knew his reaction would be priceless.. here are both to share.

Thats right folks! Its a crocheted boobie pillow! LOL! If you know us, then you totally understand the hilarity in this gift (: Needless to say, he appreciated it and I am soooo glad!!!! (:

Here's the video:

Wishing everyone a happy, fun filled Valentine's day! 

Please Vote for PeeWee!

We entered our pup PeeWee into a Cutest Pet contest through our local newspaper, voting is open from today until the 23rd of February. Each person can vote up to 5 times per day... so if you would please vote for our little man. We would love to win *lol*

Goosfraba

Or should I count to 10 and back again? The annoying drama that happens in my family with certain individuals has really put a damper on a otherwise enjoyable weekend. I'm really tired of it all... basically (long story short)... my brother and his wife asked me and Tim to be their childs Godparents. We agreed... little did we know that Cheryl is Catholic and wanted to have a Catholic ceremony in the church for him. We discovered that to have it legit we have to be Catholic... which neither of us are. We are both Baptist. So I made it clear that it wouldn't work, well they basically took the title away from us, gave it to some other teenage yahoos and are posting all over facebook stuff about us backing out and how much they love the new godparents blah blah blah... basically throwing it in my face that they took that (something I valued very much) away from me. They are now claiming that I am the one that said I didnt want to be his Godmother and that it was basically all of my fault. Did I fail to mention that at the first chance for them to get mad about something, they decided to tell us it was a mistake to make us Godparents. Yeah that was the first tiffed we had... then this. We basically had a battle royale about the entire situation and I flat out decided that I'm over it. I will no longer have contact with them, and they can do what they want. My life has no room in it for drama and I'm not going to keep going through this crap all of the time. All I need to say is that they need to grow up and realize that they are not just hurting me in this process, but they are also hurting that little boy.

THIS DAMNED GOOSFRABA DOESNT SEEM TO BE WORKING... LOL.

Interesting Horoscope...

Let your anger go, Aries. No, not just the anger stirred by a recent event. Let go of that, but also let go of all the anger you've been harboring. It doesn't matter why you got angry. It doesn't matter whether the matter has been resolved. It doesn't even matter if the issue is unforgivable. Let go of any hostile, bitter emotions you have now, and let go of feelings of revenge while you're at it. It isn't about the other person/people involved - it's about you. Your life will dramatically improve when you make room for peace, harmony, and serenity.

Interesting that this was my horoscope.... I do have a lot of bitter emotions about my past and have a lot of anger and resentment. I have been trying to work through them for years. Letting go of all of it, especially what all me and my family have been through is easier said that done. As a christian, I know this is something I definitely need to do... but its not easy. Sometimes I feel like I have let it all go and then there are days when things come back to me and I just get angry again. Its hard to forget things... its like that saying forgive but never forget. Thats sort of how I feel... but thinking about it... how can you truly forgive someone, if you never forget? Because to me... when you forgive someone but what ever the betrayal was comes back to you in your mind.. doesnt it still upset you, causing you to be right back in the same boat you were in at the beginning? I thought the whole point of forgiveness was resolving it, period. Not to be reminded of it ever again... putting it in the past and leaving it there. I think my trouble is actually forgetting or understanding forgiveness in the proper context. Maybe I think I have forgiven but in all reality I haven't fully done so. I don't know. Its just complicated....

With Love,

Andrea

Zoey's Home!!!!

Prayer really does work! Sunday morning Tim woke up and as usual every morning walked the dogs to the door to let them out. When he opened the door, Zoey was sitting there waiting to be let in... just a waggin' her tail! He scooped her up and brought her running into the bedroom where I was still snoozing, and said "Look who was waiting to come in." I opened up one eye and as soon as I saw her I literally jumped up and screamed with joy! She jumped out of his arms and jumped in my lap... Once she had enough of my squeezing and loving... she ran straight to the food. LOL. It was such a great moment... I have never been more relieved! I have no clue where she went or what she has been through, but thankfully she was just dirty, cold and hungry. I gave her a nice bath, and she ate all she wanted and now she's my happy little Zoe Zoe again! I really wish you could talk to dog's or read their minds because I really want to know what she went through those two nights of being lost. Thanks everyone for your support and prayers! 

With Love,

Andrea

Bella's La Push Hat from Twilight (Crochet)

Today I finished this hat that's pretty much a duplicate of the hat Bella wore in Twilight during the scene where she visited La Push for the first time. I'm SUPER proud of it because I am such a twihard *lol* Below are photo's of my hat, and then scenes from the movie to show the resemblance's! This hat is available at Cre8tive Cre8tionz, and can be ordered in any color for $10. Contact me or visit Cre8tive Cre8tionz for more information! Thanks so much for visiting! <3


MY VERSION:

Side View 1



Back View

 

Front View

Front & Side View



Side View 2

TWILIGHT'S VERSION:

I do realize her hat is a blue color...

I still think its very unique... I love that its a unisex hat!

With Love,

Andrea