Happy (slightly early) Birthday to Me!

Tomorrow is my Birthday and I couldn't possibly be more excited. I have amazing plans for an adventure with some of my favorite people. I CAN'T WAIT.  Last night I was reflecting on my first 25 years and thought I would do something a little different and fun. It's a gif list because I'm a millennial after all. Without further ado: 25 things I've learned in 25 years.

1. 25 is still young enough that being carded is annoying.

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2. Sometimes I still think boys have cooties. Other times sometime I know they do.

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3. Calories are sneaky, sneaky bullies.

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4. I have become worse at over-estimating my own abilities as I get older. Or just more stubborn. Same dif.

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5. I don't know how to respond to recommendations for anti-aging or wrinkle creams. Apparently now is the time for that stuff. Already.

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7. In the past few years I've found all sorts of new ways and reasons to be confident.

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8. I no longer feel the need to pretend I'm enjoying things I have no interest in.

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9. I've learned to prioritize, and the importance of saying no.

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10.  I have a different level of appreciation for caffeine.

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11. I have to admit that some of the best conversations ever will never remembered.

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12. I don't need to apologize for just being myself. Or to inanimate objects..

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13. We are all emotional about different things that don't seem important to other people. That doesn't mean it's not a valid emotion.

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14. The more money I have to spend, the more likely I am to waste it. 

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15. It's funny to think of the things that are funny now, but were NOT funny at the time.

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16. What other people think about me is not my business. 

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17. Even after years of being away from things, like singing and theater, I still see glimpses of them everywhere and love to support it. You never outgrow the things that are part of who you are. 

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18.  The only long term plan I can count on is that plans will change. 

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19. Failure is just a part of life. Avoiding that creates mediocrity.

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20.  Saying something silly is also, unfortunately, a part of life. Learning to apologize and try again is a continual lesson.

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21. I used to take time with family for granted. Now it seems like the most precious thing in the world.

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22. Friends are the best investment one could make.

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23.  It's okay to show happiness and joy even if no one else is. That's when everyone needs it the most.

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24. Occasionally I'm stricken with a panic that I've wasted my youth by not being "exciting enough" or not going on enough adventures, and them I remember how young I still am.

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25. Sometimes even we introverts need a night out.

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I'm posting this today instead of tomorrow because I won't want to spend one minute away from the action even if the action is just sitting and talking. Thanks so much for being a part of what made 24 a special year :) What would make your list? I'd love to know!

Sheila

P.S. HAPPY SPRING! 

"Iron" Headboard (trickery)

Is there anything better than the feeling of making something yourself for SUPER cheap, and having people think it was store bought and expensive? Nope. Not to me anyway. Especially when it's something that completely changes a room. A perfect example of this type of project was a PVC headboard that looks like iron. #fooledyou

This bed frame and headboard set from Urban Outfitters is $800. My bed frame and headboard set was about $50. And $35 of that was spent on the plain metal sturdy frame. Enough with the numbers, the other great part is how relatively simple it was to make!

You Will Need:
4- 10' PVC pipe poles 3/4" thick
2- PVC elbow joints for 3/4"
14- PVC t-joints for 3/4"
PVC pipe cutters
Measuring Tape
Sharpie
Spray Paint
Plastic sheeting or area okay to paint it

My dimensions are for a queen size bed but it would be easy enough to adjust the width as needed. Mark off your measurements with a sharpie and use the pipe cutters to cut to length. Here's a list of cuts:

1 piece- 60"
2 pieces-6"
2 pieces- 18"
6 pieces- 24"
10 pieces-11.5"



I know 11.5" is kind of a weird measurement but using the t-joints adds a tiny bit of length. Using a full 12" would make the detailed section too long for the top bar and too wide for the bed. Push all the pieces firmly together. You can use a rubber mallet if you're having trouble getting them as tightly as possible. After this picture, I added t-joints to the bottom pipes too.



To paint, I used Rust-oleum in hammered finished antique pewter. It has a primer in it and is also suitable for plastic. Give it all 2 coats and a day to try between each one.I just happened to have these large sheets of plastic still around from when I bought my mattress. They were perfect to guard the background from rogue spray paint. Be sure to wear some kind of shoes though - the bottoms of my feet were antique pewter for a week, Ikidyounot.




After it dries thoroughly just put it behind your bed. I haven't attached it in any way, just let it rest between the bed and the wall in the corner and it's fine. I wouldn't lean on it myself but it's perfect for pillows and looks cute with a blanket over the top rail as well.

Can you tell it's made of $10 worth of PVC and a good can of spray paint? What color would look best in your room? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Weekend Inspiration: Snow Days

Well, this time last week we were just getting over a 3 day snow break. Today, it was 70 degrees outside. It's nice to be able to walk outside again but I have to be honest and say I miss it a little bit. With memories of sleeping in and watching the snow fall still in my head, the weekend inspiration is snow days! Since many parts of the country still have a few months of cold left it's got to be relevant to someone still...






1. Snow day popcorn is everything you need. And by that I mean white chocolate nutmeg.

2. This cozy cartoon is everything I want on a snow day.

3. If you're in a place that doesn't normally get snow you can make the most out of it for the time being by making a duct tape sled.

4. Warm your bones with a caramel apple cider cocktail.

5. If you'd rather not eat the snow, can you paint with it instead.

6. Macaroni snowflakes would be adorable to make with kids or as simple snow party decorations.

7. When life gives you snow, turn it into snow cream.

Is it sunny and warm where you are or is it still snowy? How is your favorite was to spend a snow day? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Last Minute Valentine Idea! (3 Day Snowpocalypse/Craftathon)

As everyone has heard by now, the south got slammed with Winter Storm Pax this week which has resulted in my work being closed for 3 days. Growing up in Florida, we never had snow days. Hurricanes days, yes. Snow days, no. Even though I lived in Montana I don't think I ever had a snow day until this week. I can't even imagine how much snow would be required to shut everything down there... *shudders with snowy thoughts* But here in the south, where snow is possible but not necessarily expected it only takes a few inches to shut it down. That said, I finished the Valentine's I would be giving out if civilization in Greenville is allowed to continue again. 

I tore the existing tag off a tea bag, folded washi tape over it and cut it into a heart shape. It took about 30 seconds. I just happened to have these little cello bags so I put the tea bag in there to give away. I couldn't resist the urge to incorporate a pun ("You're my cup of tea!"). Sealed the bag with another little piece of washi tape and it's all ready to give away to coworkers or friends.



I have made the most of these snow days. By that, I mean I've slept in, stayed in pajamas, eaten junk food, and watched wayyyyy to many movies. AND crafting!  Scrapbooking, crocheting, sewing, printing. The life and times of a lazy crafter. It's been wonderful :)

Wherever you are I hope you're safe, warm, and have everything you need to make fun last minute valentines. How did you spend your snow days? Did you make anything? I'd love to know!

Sheila

Weekend Inspiration: Valentine's Day!

I shamelessly love Valentine's Day. Yeah I know all the arguments: blah blah commercialism, blah blah single, blah blah shouldn't need an excuse for chocolate. STEP OFF ME. I love it anyway. Why? Because making people feel loved is something I feel like we should all be doing all the time anyway regardless of relationship status or day of the year. Usually my love is expressed in the form of food, more specifically sugar. I promise I will reach beyond the norm and find other ideas for this Valentine's themed weekend inspiration.

Make your own Conversation Candy hearts. You know, so they can say things that make sense instead of sounding like a creepy middle schooler wrote them.

Glitter sidewalk chalk! If you don't want this, I don't understand you.

I made these mini heart pies last year for the people in my office. They were so much fun to make and everyone loved them.

Knitted Heart Valentines. Because we knitters have so much love to give.

This pretty paper heart garland could easily be up all year round.

  

Who knew homemade crayons could make such a beautiful Valentine gift? As a (pseudo) adult, I would be thrilled to get this from anyone.

We're all a little more lovable when we're caffeinated.

A sweet, healthy touch to any Valentine's cocktail, heart shaped ice cubes made with pomegranate seeds.

What are your plans for Valentine's Day? A big trend seems to be staying in this year. As a shameless homebody I fully support this idea. Whatever you do, and whomever you choose to spend it with, I hope it's a day full of love (and sugar).

Sheila