Note Center

I needed to make something where I could hang up important papers in plain view (so we could see them and daily be reminded of them) that would look cute and be out of the way. I didn't have very much sitting around the house, but this is what I came up with.

I took a piece of fabric I had left over (it is a heavy denim material) and sewed bobby pins every 6 inches. Then I tacked it in place over our mirror so it would be easy to spot the notes, papers, and things  we needed in plain view and easy access.  

I bet this would also work with a piece of sheet foam or decorative card stock and mini clothes pins.  

Something out of Nothing

It ended up being just me and the puppy home tonight. So after Zumba I searched the refrigerator and cupboards and found some ground beef, a half bag of corn chips, and some american cheese. Most people would say "there is nothing to eat", but I disagree. Here is what I concocted. 

Yum!

 I didn't have any taco seasoning so I used what I had in the cupboard. Salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and oregano. I started by sautéing a quarter onion and clove of garlic in olive oil. Then I added the ground beef and seasoning to taste. 

While the ground beef was cooking I sliced up some slices of american cheese.

Then I put it all together and...

 Delicious!

Now lets see if there is any left for the husband when he gets home from work.

Shake the Jar

When my husband and I got married we did a unity sand jar. 

It started with the pastor pouring white sand in the bottom of the jar to represent God as our foundation, then we each poured some sand of our respective colors in to represent our individual lives, and last we all three poured in the rest of our sand at the same time finishing the layers. It was a unique way of showing our unity with each other and God to those attending our ceremony, and then it could sit in our house and remind us the rest of our lives of that moment. After the ceremony we poured hot wax to seal the top of the jar so the sand would not spill out. The next day as we were gathering together all of our things from the wedding, we noticed that the jar had tipped over in the car on the way home. Now what was once three distinct colors of sand, was throughly and evenly mixed together and could no longer be defined as three separate colors. They were so integrated they could never again be separated or individual. 

It was beautiful.

A perfect example of what our life now is. 

No longer two separate lives, one life combined with God as our glue and foundation. 

So if you have a sand jar, next time you are frustrated or going through a rough time with your spouse. Go grab that glass jar and shake it up. Reminding yourselves that you are one in the deepest way and nothing can now separate what God has brought together. 

Abintra Designs - Projects for Gifts

I must admit that Abintra Designs has still not done anything to get back up and running since I moved to Fort Worth, but this week I did do a few projects for personal gifts. Our friends are expecting their first child here within the next month and mom LOVES bows and head bands. So I took my first shot at yo-yo's. They were SO much easier than I expected and way too cute. 

(as you can see I even added a few to embellish the front of the bag as a last minute touch) 

Then another one of my friends had a birthday this week and I made her a quaint little wallet. 

I think my favorite part of that one was the vintage charm. 

So, it is something to keep my creative juices flowing in the meantime :)

Me Time

Just because I work 40+ hours a week in a restaurant setting with my hair pulled back in a greasy pony tail wearing oversized uniform and comfy - yet ugly - tennis shoes does not mean that I don't still like to look nice the other 128 hrs. 

Tonight while my husband was at work I had some much needed pamper time. I filled the bath halfway with water as hot as I could stand and a few tablespoons of ground ginger. The ginger bath is supposed to help your body release toxins. I did not use as much ginger as recommended  but I also am not sick or needing to sweat THAT much over the next few hours. While I soaked I made a mask for my face out of oatmeal and milk. I put just enough milk to sog up the oats. Its clumpy, so make sure you are laying down before you try to apply. I noticed that my face had life in it again. The skin is plump and moist. (now if only the blackheads will run away) 

Now I sit with my glass of cold water and watch the "Saving Grace" TV series. 

Cheers to Me Time!

Writing

I have known for many years that I want to write a book of some sort. Over the years I have journaled extensively in seasons, but none of it has even come together in one place or thought. Until now.

When I lived in Van Horn, TX this past summer I began to write in a journal almost everyday for a few weeks. The subject was something I had learned from a teaching out of 1 Kings 17:7. Last week I picked up the journal and starting reading it. I was cut through the heart. I felt like I was reading something someone else had written, and it was what I needed to apply to my life right now.
So I started typing. Transferring the journal onto my computer. With that, also came more journaling.

So right now I am in the middle of piecing together a short book. I'm not sure if it is going to be finished all at once, or if this is just the beginning and the rest will come down the road. But here it goes!

Extremely Unique, Kinda Cute, FREE Anniversary Gift

Wow time flies, it has already been over a year since me and my hubby tied the knot.

I wanted to do something thoughtful and creative for my husband for our First Wedding Anniversary. I didn't want to let the fact that we have no money or permanent place to live get in the way (no place of our own kinds cuts out homemade candlelight dinner, etc). I started to look up places near where we will be living that could be potentially good date nights (he lived there already, but I would be moving right before our Anniversary). 

A coupon booklet of dates seemed a little...3rd grade Father's Day gift, so I thought I would make him a website instead.

I used Wix.com, it is free to have an account and you can make several websites per account (I use it for Abintra Designs as well). I started with a template design and then made it my own. 

(Home page of "Date Night" website)

I added a picture of us as the background, and a song I wrote him for our wedding as the music to play when you visit the site. (Wix lets you use songs from Sound Cloud *also free to join and upload songs)

The second page of the site was for "Favorite Memories". Here I wrote some of my favorite memories with my husband over the last two years (we dated for exactly one year before we got married) and put some of my favorite pictures on that page. 

(Favorite Memories page)

The next page was "Terms and Conditions", these were the conditions of the future dates such as: I had to be present, they had to be used between August 2012 and August 2013, we had to have fun, I couldn't refuse to go on a date from the list, etc. 

On this page I also put a picture that I created on Tagxedo . 

I took the words from my Wedding Vows to my husband and put them into a "heart" outline.

("Terms & Conditions" page)

The next page of the site is "Future Dates".  It is a picture gallery that is full of local, fun places that we can go on dates to. After looking up specific places I thought were interesting or I knew were his favorite, I put a picture of that place/logo into the gallery. When you add pictures to a gallery wix gives you the ability to name the picture, give a description, and even add a link. This was perfect for what I wanted to do. I put the name of the place, then under "description" I wrote briefly what the date would be like,  then added the link to any place that had a website. (I added about 27 "dates" to the gallery) 

Now he can scroll through the "date gallery" and see a picture and brief description. When he clicks on the link he can find out more about the place, times of special events, and directions.

("Future Dates" page)

(When you click on a date it appears like this. Showing the description and link) 

The last page was "Bonus Material".
On this page I had a button to a link that went to a photobucket album of pictures for him.
Also there was also a video ( add>media>video and using YouTube) that was a slideshow of pictures of us from way back when we met at summer camp as teenagers through to the present.

Last but not least, a link to a photo book: "10 Things I Love About You". Mixbook is an awesome website that I created a few photo albums on (I have still YET to get my wedding album printed). You can create and account and albums/books for free (it only costs money when you want them printed) then link it to places (like FB, Blog, or a Anniversary Website). When you are finished making your album/book you "publish" it. (make sure when you are saving the settings that it is set to public view so he doesnt have to create and account or log in to see it)

("Bonus Material" page)

It was a success! He loved the thought and effort put into it.
I ended up working on our Anniversary, but the day after we went and did some things that represented past favorite dates, and some of the ideas I had put into the gallery.

Latest Projects

I feel like I haven't done any projects since I moved to Forth Worth. (I guess the 40+ hrs a week has something to do with it) I had today off and finally pulled out the sewing machine. (yah!) 

This was the result:

I also whipped out this little zipper pouch for all the loose ends that hangout in the bottom of my purses. 

Here is a closer look at the purse. I like the combination.

A few days ago I also made Galao a new doggie bed. His old blanket he had pulled all of the batting out of. (It was an old quilt). So I picked up some cute paw print fleece on sale at Jo Ann's. I bought a yard and folded it in fourths, then sewed the edges so he wouldn't unfold it. 

He seems to love it. I often find him dragging it around the room like a toddler with his blanky, chewing on the edges.  

Then I also had made this small purse for myself. Its one of those smaller purses that is black and white. For simple-ness sake. Those times when you want something that won't stick out too much.  

So there is what I have been up to in the crafting world.

Hope to add more projects soon!

the Hulk in Me

"That's my secret Captain, I'm always angry." Were the words that Dr. Banner said as he walked towards the oncoming Gamma Monsters, about to transform into the Hulk. 

I never saw myself as an angry person. I was the "peacemaker" in our home growing up. Everyone else had serious angry issues. I was the one trying to be really, really good and hope that everything would be ok if I could just be quiet and good. Even in my adult years I have been more of a peacemaker in situations. I continue to avoid conflict if at all possible. So why would I ever think that I am angry. I'm quiet and calm. I'm Dr Banner, not the Hulk.

One of the worst things that can happen to a victim of abuse, is to become an abuser. Today I was disciplining our dog for trying to bite my face. One hit became two. Raising my voice became shouting.  Discipline turned violent. My husband quickly grabbed my arm. I turned in fury to meet a solid stare. Eventually my muscles released their tention, and I broke eye contact. I took a deep breath and broke out in sobs.
"Am I an abuser?"
I thought of what would have escalated if he was not there to stop me. I thought of how much force he used to stop my arm. I couldn't breathe. What if that was a child not a dog?
It made me think of how short tempered I have been with everyone lately. How bitter my words and attitudes are. I feel like I am Dr. Banner, always angry. I may never turn into the Hulk like some people with angry problems do, but I am always angry just the same. Perhaps it is time to look inside and dissipate some of this anger. Just because it is invisible (although it really isn't fully invisible) does not mean it isn't hurting me (and potentially others).
   

A Different Shade of Darkness

Sometimes I get to these really tough spots in life and bitterness pours out of my heart. Why am I here...again? Not that I am again in the same situation, but that I am again in a very dark place that I don't want to be and am not quite sure what I did to deserve to be there. Currently I am in one of those places. This time it is lasting longer than desired (not that I desire it at all). Every time I think that this season of darkness I am in is about to turn a corner, another bomb drops and I am once again surrounded by darkness.

Its just another shade of darkness.

I always thought that I could be content in everything. I have been content in much worse than most could ever be. I have seen more than most can imagine. Once in a while, I break. I throw a mini tantrum and I cry "Why me? What did I do to deserve this? When is it going to get better? Will it ever get better?". Then my husband dries my tears, picks up my chin, and tells me "Its gonna be ok." I take a deep breathe, push through a smile, and trust him even though I can't see any light at the end of this tunnel.

One thing I have learned to be grateful for (in fact I speak my gratitude for this almost daily) is how well we handle what life has thrown our way. On the one hand I am sad, scared, and frustrated. On the other I am in love, determined, and embracing life for what it is. We laugh as much as some couples we know fight. Even though it isn't perfect, we calmly (most of the time) look at the facts and deal with the situation the best we can. No phones for a month, ok we will make do. No car insurance, ok we will just drive super safe and pray no one hits us. No time to see each other, ok I will drive you to work so we can catch up (or go out for a drink after work even though I'm exhausted physically). Character comes out in times of testing and darkness. Its not about learning things through this trial (although I do learn things) a test is all about showing what you have learned in the past. This test is showing the fruit of what we have put into our lives and our character over the years. I must say, as difficult as it is to face the mirror somedays, there is definitely some deep down character that is proving to be well worth the time.

So as I let my eyes adjust to this new shade of darkness, I dig down deep for that character that I have built over the years. Then I see areas where I lack, and I decide to build character there for the next shade.

Burnout & Bruises

My first week here in Fort Worth I went to church with my husband. He had been there before and was excited to return now that I had moved into town. I walked in and bee-lined for the bathrooms (as I usually did when attending church so that I would not have to interact with anyone before the service began) but I stopped short when I realized the service had already begun. I turned to comment to my husband about where to sit, when I realized I had left him at the front door where a greeter had welcomed him and I (unbeknown to me because of my one track mind). I back stepped and returned her friendly smile. Soon I was greeted by several other women and we entered the sanctuary as they helped us find a seat. The pastor was standing in the back and recognizing my husband pointed to me and gave that look of "you're the person I'm thinking you are...right?". He assured me he was glad that I was there and had a book he wanted to give me before I left that day. After an entire service without and anxiety attack we stayed in the loby long enough to meet some people from the young adults group and get invited to their home that evening (and we actually went and enjoyed it). As he sped through the crowd in the loby, greeting and smiling at members of his congregation, pastor again assured me not to leave without seeing him first. After our conversation with the young couples was through he brought me this book:  

Mad Church Disease by: Anne Jackson

My eyes filled up with tears as I received a gift from this complete stranger who knew nothing about me except that I had once been in ministry and now had a hard time even attending church (and what ever other details my husband had previously shared with him). It felt like the beginning of hope. 

Three weeks later it remains on the pile of papers next to our bed.

Tonight I finally picked it up. I have only read the first section, but it sounds as if I could have written the back story. Now to find out what the end of her story looks like, 

because right now I could use some hope and revelation in mine. 

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Well, Sunday I moved to Fort Worth to join my husband. Monday morning I shrieked with delight as we went to the mall (less than 5 minutes away), it was a REAL mall. As much as I enjoyed the quiet, I'm so glad to be in a CITY! Within 2 days I had a job interview and things were looking up. FINALLY a light at the end of the tunnel. Getting back on our feet was within reach. Then, like a slap in the face, the tunnel caved in. An hour before I started my new job, my husband received a voicemail saying he had been terminated. No good explanation. No warning. No second chance. My heart fell through my stomach as a million things spun through my mind. Why? What the heck God? Things were just starting to look up. I should have known better than to hope.
I know we are never dropped. Like I said an hour later I started my new job. It will not as big of an income, but it is something. I just want to know what the lesson is that I need to learn. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, am I strong enough yet? This learning process is about killing me, but I KNOW that I KNOW it is for a reason. Accepting the unchangeable with grace is my current task. May it come with more ease as time passes.

Playlist

I am proud to say that after joining Fitocracy I have faithfully worked out at least 6 days a week and drank at least 1 gallon of water a day. (Go me!)
I love music and often listen to Pandora while I walk/run. Unfortunately as much as I try to "train" my stations, they still play music I don't want sometimes. There is nothing that is more of a buzz kill than in the middle of a sprint and the song switches from upbeat to really slow. Then you have to pull out your phone, skip the song, and wait to see if Pandora picks one that you like. So I finally sat down a made a playlist of motivational songs for my mornings.
Here is my current playlist:

Good Morning - Mandisa
No More - Beckah Shae
You - Britt Nicole
Ghostride the Whip - Family Force 5
Tonight (All of Me) - Flame
Power - Deitrick Haddon
Ohh Ahh - Grits
Movin' - Group 1 Crew
Our God - Israel Houghton
Take Me As I Am - Lecrae
Every Time You Run - Manafest
LIFE - Beckah Shae
Stronger - Mandisa
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
Transcend - Group 1 Crew
Respect - Aretha Franklin
Bless the Lord (Son of Man) - Tye Tribbett
U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer
I am a Conquerer - Joy Enriquez
Yahweh (The Lifter) - Israel Houghton
This is The Stuff - Francesca Battistelli
Keep on Movin - Frontline
Showpiece - Out of Eden
Go - Andy Hunter
Jessy Matador Mash up - DJ Earworm

Make a playlist of what motivates you physically and mentally and GO GET IT DONE!

Marshmallow Brownies

Needing my sweet fix I made these brownies today. A modified recipe that I made with ingredients I had in the house. They were just to thing to satisfy that sweet tooth.

1/2 cup baking Crisco
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons water
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
6-8 marshmallows

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup crisco and water. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar and eggs. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan. Rip marshmallows in half and place in top of batter.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.
Cool and serve.

ENJOY!

Jean Skirt Shoulder Tote

I recently received an email asking if I could do a jean purse. I had some left over jean material from my shorts, so I said "of course!". She explained to me that she wanted the purse not to just be made out of jean material, but to be the top of a pair of children's jeans. That way you have the jean's pockets as...well, pockets. I thought the idea was so cool, but I have no where around here to purchase children's jeans. This wonderful lady sent me several pairs of children's jeans and skirts to use for bags. I finished hers yesterday LINK and I made this one out a a skirt today.

The idea is so cute, I had to share.

Here is the skirt that I used:

I measured the width and length of the part that I wanted to line and cut out the two pieces of material.

After sewing them together on 3 sides, I sewed the liner to the inside of the skirt just below the waist band (the material is not as thick here and easier to sew)

BTW: You will want to use a thicker needle with jean material. Make sure your machine is capable of handling thick material before you start this project, broken sewing machines can be expensive to repair.

When sewing the liner onto the skirt I stopped on either side of the front zipper. This section of the skirt has very thick material and a metal zipper. (don't want to snap any needles) I hand stitched this section.

The headband that I made today to keep my hair out of may face while sewing (isn't it cute).

Ok, so after attaching the liner I tacked the bottom of the skirt together in the middle. I did this so that it would not separate and show the underside of the lining. If you want to renforce the bottom of the bag better you can sew all the way across the bottom of the skirt.  

To make the handles I used leftover pant leg material from yesterdays project. I cut the seams out of the leg (leaving me with 2 flat pieces of fabric) then sewed those two pieces together (creating a long piece) and cut it down the middle lengthwise. Then I took each long strip and folded in half lengthwise, folding the edge in and sewing in place.

Once the straps were created I looped the front one through the belt loops and sewed back to itself.

Here is a view of the front handle attached. 

Then I attached the rear handle to the outside of the waistband. 

There ya have it:

I didn't add any bling to this one, but I'm sure it would look good.

When the Going Gets Tough

As those of you who have been reading know, we moved to Texas from Maine on a whim (well, it was more like we had no choice being broke down in Colorado). Since then life has continued to get interesting, and even more financially stressful. Just today I got an overdue notice that made it all sink in even more. Trial and error, even in the big stuff that we pray we never have to make mistakes with. It is like rollar coaster going down and gaining speed. I stopped screaming a while back, but my stomach is still in my throat. I am still aware of the speedy decent. Often I stop for a moment and wonder if it will ever go up again.

That is life, though. It is never what we expect it to be, and never perfect. If we get bitter at the fact that we have to struggle, then life will always be a distasteful course. It is more than making the best of a situation, it is having the mindset that what I have here in front of me is what life is supposed to me right now. I am not saying to settle, but understand that sometimes we are meant to have nothing to our name but a few unflattering outfits and some shampoo. That I need to be content in the fact that there is no privacy or  mall within 200 miles, but still continue to pursue my dreams and goals the best that I can. It is being content with the things that I cannot or should not change, and doing something about the things I can and should change. 


So here's to the things that cannot be changed, are not going my way, and scare me to death. Here's to life! 

Mornings

I have started working out in the mornings. I alternate walking and Pilates, for now. This morning I took my puppy (6 months) and went for a 4 mile walk. Afterwords I was hot and hungry. 

I have been making these smoothies for breakfast that are delicious, easy, and refreshing. 

Behold the bullet:

(It isn't an actually Magic Bullet, any brand works)

Froze fruit. Less expensive, already cut, and easy access.

I fill the cup with frozen fruit, then about 3/4 or more with liquid. I use water most days. 

You can use: milk, juice, sprite etc.

Shake it around and let it sit for a second or two. Then blend.

If it is not blending you will have to add more liquid. Shake the blender around a little to get all the chunks. Then end product will be thick and frosty.

Put in a reusable cup and have a on the go breakfast!

Flip-Flop Makeover II

So I did another pair of Flip-flops. These ones are for Lelaini, and they came out super cute!

I started as I did before 

(buying a pair of $1 flip-flops and cutting off the plastic strap. See Up-Cycled Flip-flops ) 

I used T-shirt material and ribbon for the straps. (Messure the length of ribbon you will need to reach from your toes to about the mid-heel of your foot.) 

Then I sewed a button in the middle of the backside of the ribbon. 

Make sure you melt the ends of the ribbon so it does not fray. (careful not to catch it on fire)

Push the two ends of the ribbon through the top strap hole. 

Pull all the way through until the button is flat against the bottom of the sandle.

Taking the t-shirt material (about 7.5" - 8" long and 1" wide) and twisting it (as we did last time) then threading it through the ankle holes and tying underneath the sandle. (I learned from my first pair you do not want to tie the knot so tight that it can slip through the hole) 

 Next I took the ends of the ribbon and wrapping them around the heel strap I sewed them. Make sure you sew ribbon to ribbon, you want them to be able to slide up and down on the heel strap.

And there you have it! She choose crazy cute colors with this one.