NOT AT THIS ADDRESS

We get a lot of lost mail sent to our house. Or perhaps it isn't the mail that is lost, but the person who should be receiving it. This is what happens when you are renting.
While it is a lot of fun using colorful markers and magazine clippings to let the mail man know that the person is "NOT AT THIS ADDRESS" I have decided that I want a fun stamp to help me do the job. A big stamp. Like the old library stamps with the wooden handle and ink pad. This would make finding those letters in my mail box a lot funner, and less time consuming than the colorful pictures I draw on the envelopes. I'm thinking something similar to the picture above, only it would read, "Not at this address" and then point to the name/address marked on the envelope.
Just to switch things up for a bit.
It's nice to think the letter bill, is making it's way to the right home, while looking pretty.
I imagine it traveling in the wind, as it makes it way across america, to the correct address. It looks so pretty with all those colorful drawings on it.

Am I the only one who decorates envelopes searching for their lost recipients?

So I'm sick

Yeah it's true. And I have totally flaked on my 31 day challenge for NCM. Sorry!
My sister came to visit and I decided to put those crafts on hold and go shopping instead. I love shopping and I don't have to be buying anything to enjoy it.
Then I caught a nasty cold. I don't know if Mike gave it to me, or if it was Little Miss S, but I've got it, and I don't want it.
Let's hope I get better ASAP so I can get going on the crafts!

So this is a quick craft that I really enjoy. It's wonderful, and so perfect.
The Record Bowl
Use it as a popcorn bowl, use it to put your keys in, hang it on your wall, or turn it into a lamp!
It's really easy and makes a great gift.

Here's what you'll need:
*Oven safe bowl (I used my tin mixing bowl)
*Vinyl Record
*Cookie Sheet
*Oven
How to:
1) Preheat your oven to 200 degrees.
2) Place the bowl upside down on the cookie sheet. 
3) Set the record horizontally on bottom of the bowl.


  4) Place the cookie sheet, the bowl, and the record inside the heated oven, and set your timer for 8 to 10 minutes.

5) The record will start to soften and drape itself around the bowl.6) When ready, remove cookie sheet, bowl, and record from the oven.
*This is where you have to be fast!!*
7) While your record is still soft, use your oven mitt to shape the record.
8) After you have shaped it to your liking, peel it away from oven safe bowl, and enjoy!

You can shape your record using the inside of the bowl, or keep it on the outside and shape it that way. If you use the inside you have a better chance of the base of your record bowl being even, but I have done it both ways, and if you feel okay about having it a little uneven, or can press it down without placing the record on the inside, then go ahead and shape it on the outside. It's all personal choice. Try it out both ways!
There are a lot of different styles. Do a Google search to find the look you want, and have fun with it!

Happy crafting!

Bridals

I'm sitting here looking through wedding pictures, and came across some of my bridals. What a cold, but very fun, evening.
I have the best husband, and great parents.

The veil was my moms, and the dress was a surprise from my parents.
I think they are both beautiful.

*Photos by, James C.

Not Rated

Mike picked out a pair of sale shoes for me yesterday. Hes pretty much the greatest, eh?

I love them so much. I didn't love however, the many sprays of perfume he attacked me with while standing in line. It was suffocating, and it made everyone in line cough and glare, including me.

Thanks sweet cakes.

*Shoes: Not Rated brand

Also, those cute lace piping socks? I made them this morning right before church. My tights had a big hole in them, so I cut them in half and made me some cute socks. Maybe you're not so fond of them, but I sure am.
I also spent my morning repurposing an old corduroy skirt I got when I was 11. After many outfit changes, I had only 5 minutes before church started, and decided to turn my old skirt into a new skirt that I could wear today. Because I was crunched on time, I took zero pictures to show ya'll, sorry!
I really like how it turned out though, and I was able to make it to church on time too!
Mike was asleep in bed (he's been really sick) so I went over to sacrament meeting alone. I didn't have time to walk, so I had to take the car, which was kind of a bummer because spring has decided to make an appearance and it is a beautiful day! I appreciate Mike letting me take the car though.
I think I'll bring some Banana Bread over to some friends who live a few blocks away. They've been wanting some and it's a nice day for a walk.

Happy Sunday, everyone!
>>>>

NCM 31 Day Challenge

So today I'm posting a picture of a hat that I recently made for Mike, to take on his "No girls allowed" snowmobiling trip.

Introducing... the "Beard Hat!"

I know you've all seen these, they're flying around the internet like hot cakes.

I have no tutorial because I just winged it, but I am positive you will be able to find one easy peasy rice and cheesy. Probably following a tutorial is better anyway, I'm sure it would look a lot better than mine. It kept him warm though, and he's been wanting one for a long time, so fancy or not, it gets worn.

I put a unique twist on mine, and made the beard and hat two separate pieces. This way, he is able to choose if he wants to wear the hat with our without the beard. This also means, that he can change out the beard. We're both excited about this feature.

I have buttons placed on the sides of the beard, making it very easy. The buttons give it a fun look too.

So there you have it. The Beard Hat.

I'll try to make something tomorrow, that is better and has a tutorial for you.

Happy crafting!

>>>

Dear Mike,

 
 This video makes me laughograph. If someone were to tell me that you choreographed this, I would 100% believe them. You're the kingstar of dance moves. In fact, one day your wife, aka me, will rub off on you, and you will bust out of that shy shell and will shake your booty all over town. I know it. You've got all the moves, babe. Remember when we danced together in the land of giants? It's because somewhere, deep down inside, you don't want to be embarrassed all over the time, you want to be seen! You rock my socks, baby honey boo boo.

   Love,

Sweet Potato

"You're living in a bruise!"

I woke up with sensitive fingers. Why? Because they are bruised. How did they get bruised? I slept on them. 

Good morning, Fibromyalgia!
I feel like I've been working at my mamma's furniture store again, pulling mattresses off of the semis.
Silly fingers, toughen up!
(yes I did just spell toughen with two f's. Does anyone else do "stupid spelling" and then look at it and think, what the heck! Or am I the only one?)

All of those dark spots? bruises.

Speaking of bruises, here's some Bryttan childhood trivia for ya.
When I was little my mom told me I could paint/wallpaper my room.
I got to pick out my colors of choice and so I chose lavender/purple.
Are you jealous?
My mom went to work one day while I was at Ice skating lessons, and when I came home my sister and I walked into my bedroom and I felt like I was walking into a grape! I remember liking it, but thinking to myself, "Holy cow that's a lot of purple!"
My sister started laughing (I'm sure my mom did not appreciate this after all of her hard work and cleaning out her wallet.)
My sister laughed so hard and then looked at me, and with a British accent exclaimed,
 "It looks like a big purple bruuuise!" ... "You're living in a bruise!"
I think I decided that I didn't care too much for the color purple that day. Aren't sisters the best!
It stayed purple up until a few months ago, when my other sister decided that she was sick of living inside a big purple bruise and repainted.
 Can you blame her?