Don't Miss Out

Shutterfly has some amazing deals right now!! This is not sponsored or anything I just bought stuff from there and got so many great things for discounted or free that I wanted to share!! Check out https://www.shutterfly.com/special-offers to see the discounts.

Why I went on Shutterfly is because I wanted to get a giant order of prints so I can scrapbook this December. When you sign up you get three free gifts plus you can add any of the other discounts or freebies to your order so I went a bit crazy. I got over three hundred prints, a calendar, a magnet, a Christmas card, address labels and free shipping!! A tad excessive I know, but the deals and it is just more present I can add to friends already gifts.

Thought you all should know!

Well That Was A Fail!!

A fail at least on here. I managed to post everyday on my youtube channel. Though it was a struggle near the end to find time. If anyone would like to see any of my thirty-one October videos then here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKO7oMjNgLEBkqy2ZaR7fWlq6eBjZyIdX

Now let us recap October:

 < Visited with distant relations in San Francisco for a very rainy breakfast. A child I am related to took this photo of me.









My Halloween costume. I went as REY!
V

 

My Halloween wreath I made.






These are all Pumpkins I either painted, ribboned, or poured wax on.

 

I entered a art contest themed "Classic Movie Monsters" so I decided to do the creature from the black lagoon!

 

Also made cupcakes with amazing coloring inside! Spookerific!

 

 I also visited a pumpkin patch which was heavenly because I love me some pumpkins!



I also went to Color Me Mine and painted pottery for the season! This is my Nightmare Before Christmas themed skull.

I'm Back!

As Summer is coming to a close I am ready to jump back into writing and posting on here. I know it has been a while but with Fall coming I am excited to start sharing again! Especially since I plan to post everyday in October leading up to my favorite day Halloween!!

Texas

If you've ever been to Austin, Texas you might have heard of Franklin's BBQ. It is said to be the best BBQ around and if word of mouth isn't enough for you the line outside the door is a good indication of just how good the food really is. We arrived just after 7am and were probably behind thirty people and the line continued to grow after us. Franklin's doesn't open until 11am and they are only open until food is all sold (roughly 3pm). We waited four and a half hours to get the BBQ and it was worth the wait. While in line we played games like Adventure Time Card Wars and Sorry or chatted up the guy ahead of us who came to Franklin's straight from the airport.

 
Here is a snap from our first attempt and getting Franklin's BBQ the week before. We arrived around 9am and they told us that they weren't sure if there would be any but if there was we would be served at 3pm. We opted out and figured we would try again (with success) Though we went to another BBQ place called Salt Lick that was all you can eat BBQ. Not bad at all but not Franklin's.

I recommend that everyone have a tourist day where ever you visit. Do something you cannot do in any other city because you will never forget it. We explored all three accessible floors of the capitol building to beat the heat but also just to see all the history and craftsmanship put into that building.

 If you like art, color and/or making a mess then Baylor Street Art Wall is the place for you to visit. This is a free space and totally legal to vandalize so BYOSP! (bring your own spray paint). I also recommend a camera because the backdrop is amazing. The temporary life span of your artwork is sort of the best part so snap a picture because it most likely wont be there when you return. Enjoy!

Spend a day on the Colorado River and see the lovely Austin city skyline as you float on down. There are plenty of kayak, canoe and paddle board rental spots all along the river or bring your own and ship off. I recommend bringing sunscreen and a cooler filled with your preferred beverages. The weather is much cooler on the river than on land plus the perks of being able to see turtles everywhere makes it an ideal relaxed kind of day. If you get a one day fishing license from any local Walmart you can even do some fishing on the river. Tip: If on a kayak remember to tie down everything you don't want to lose in the river in case you accidentally capsize. Especially when fishing because you can yank the fishing rod to hard and flip over I have learned.

If you are looking to have a blast try shooting off some guns in a safe environment. We went to Eagle Peak Shooting Range and had a heck of a day. The gentlemen who run the place have got a tight ship and are very cautious and conscious of everything going on especially if it is unsafe. They have a handgun range and a rifle range neatly set up for use. We brought our own guns, ammo and safety equipment though they do have a little shop on the premises I'm not sure what it exactly carries.  Remember to follow all rules when you are handling guns and near other people shooting off guns.

 Those were some of the highlights from my trip to Austin, Texas! Hope y'all enjoyed!

Tie Dye Marble Nails

So messy! Attempting tie dye nails for the first time! Enjoy the spring colors swirled all around. I like how they turned out but I would probably do a few things different next time like different glue, one finger at a time (maybe), having a hair dryer handy to dry these bad boys and probably doing it outside so that I don't fear for my everything getting stained.

Timelapse of DIY Spring Wreath

Check out the previous post to see some of the thoughts behind making this wreath:
http://swordface.blogspot.com/2016/03/diy-spring-wreath.html

DIY Spring Wreath

Today I made a spring time wreath that can also carry on as an Easter one as well. I used a Dollartree wire wreath mold, 5 bundles of flowers (these were leftover after tea party) and a rabbit banner from Targets dollar spot. That comes out to about nine dollars and you can make a beautiful wreath! 

I like to start with an idea in my head and warp it as I'm working. The flowers are the tricky part because you have to twist the wires all around which isn't easy and takes some thought placement wise. Remember: with fake flowers you can swap the colors around from stem to stem if you think a color is taking over a section and you want to break it up. 

Then I just took my rabbits and figured out my pattern and how many I wanted to use. Tied then off and voila! My front door is a nice green so I didn't add anything dazzling above or around the rabbits because my door will do the hard work. 

DIY Lego Gummies!

I made lego shaped gummies the other day and they turned out so well! Also they were super yummy. Lime and Strawberry flavored. (I was going to make them during Christmas time but there was no time)
Recipe is:
1. Place 1/2 cup water in saucepan on stove
2. Add 2 tablespoons of unflavored geliton
3. Add 1 pack of flavored gelitan (around 85 grams)
4. Heat mix on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes
5. Turn heat off and pour mix into mixing cup
6. Pour into molds and chill 15-20 minutes

Dying My Sisters Hair Blue, Purple and Pink

What's in OUR Bags?

Would You Rather!

I played would you rather with my little sister while we put star wars temporary tattoos on each others arms.

VLOG: MonsterJam 2016

February Favorites!

Playdoh Recipe

1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
1 cup flour
Few drops of food coloring, flavoring or glitter

Step 1
Combine water, oil, cream of tartar, salt, color and flavoring over medium heat.

Step 2
Stir. Once bubbling reduce heat and continue stirring.

Step 3
Turn off heat and add flour and glitter.

Step 4
Mix up until everything combined. Knead if you wish. Then let it set in an air tight container until no longer warm.


For these I used two drops of red food coloring, a few splashes of raspberry flavor and pink & purple glitter. I ended up making the recipe twice because one go wasn't big enough for multiple kids.

Painting My Living Room (time lapse)

Here is the blog post from when I wrote about painting it:

http://swordface.blogspot.com/2015/08/painting-mountain.html

2016!

Welcome 2016!

I started this year off so fantastic I am excited to see what the rest of the year brings. I have some goals for this year that I want to share of just a few things I want to start and hopefully make into habits that I continue doing longer than most people keep resolutions.

1. Eat healthier
I actually do this often but with the fall to winter holidays comes too much candy and sweets and I cannot finish it all. I have piles and bags filled with candies and cookies that I find myself reaching for them more than normal food. Throughout the year I don't really ever buy junky food because real food is so good. So this is on my list of goals to remind myself to jump off the chocolate train.


2. Pay off student loan
I have one and have been making small payments every month because I like to have savings just in case of an emergency and other reasons BUT right now I feel really good about my living situation and my three jobs so I am wanting to focus on paying it all off. huge chunks at a time.


3. Learn a new language
I want new knowledge. Plain and simple. I am thinking Russian or American Sign Language.


4. Start Exercising for Mental Stress Release
I want to find a sport or activity I can do to let off some steam. I work with kids a lot so I do get exercise in the form of running around, picking up kids/holding babies, etc etc.... I am always on my feet. I want to start kickboxing or jujitsu or hot yoga or surfing. I just want an activity to do that is tough but fun. I hold a lot in so if I find a sport I can really get into I think my mind could settle easier.

5. Blog and Youtube more
It brings me closer to my sister, I love an outlet to express myself and its pure fun. I just want to do more of it.


Overall I am very excited for this year!!

My Ornament Collection!

I made this video displaying the ornaments that have been picked out for me or by me each Christmas I have been alive. It's a tradition my mom started when she had me and it has stuck because even to this day I am always so excited to find my ornament and put the year on it.