canvas and cocktails

If I didn't know any better, I would think my mom is living a double life...her second life being the woman we all know as Martha Stewart (minus the whole fraud and prison thing). In other words, my mom is literally the most talented and creative Susie-homemaker I have ever known. She cooks and bakes to-die-for meals and goodies, she has mastered the art of tiling floors and back splashes, she can transform something from old to new with a quick refinishing or reupholstering, AND she can pretty much sew or knit an entire wardrobe at the drop of a hat.
All that being said, it probably comes as no surprise that, during my visit home, my mom had prepared for a canvas and cocktail day. She found a craft on Pinterest that not only looked fun but also pretty simple. She purchased all of the following supplies:

Cocktails!

Canvas(es)

Spray paint

An assortment of lace/doilies

Masking tape

Newspaper/Paper bags

FIRST: Prepare your cocktail. My family is really into wine, so we decided to have this delicious Sauvignon Blanc rather than a traditional "cocktail".

SECOND: Set up your space. We decided to do this craft in the garage due to our use of spray paint. We put down newspaper and paper bags to protect the garage floor. Begin with a blank canvas.

THIRD: Decide where you are going to place your lace/doilies. Once you have decided on placement, tape everything down as best you can. For example: I began by wrapping lace around the top section of my canvas and securing it with tape on the back side. Then, I placed my doilie and wrapped the excess around the canvas edges and secured it with tape. (The lace and doilie are discolored because they had previously been used.)

FOURTH: Keeping the can about 10-12 inches from the surface, spray paint one coat using a swift left to right motion. Be sure to spray the edges of the canvas as well, and let dry.

FIFTH: Repeat step four.

SIXTH: When the canvas has dried, remove the lace and doilies. The finished product should look something like this...

the strange things girls do...and i'm not entirely sure why.

A while back I wrote a post that poked fun at a few of the things guys should avoid (at all costs) if they are going to have any luck in snagging the girl of their dreams. (If you need a refresher course, that post can be found here!) In all honesty, I was pretty shocked when I found out just how much traffic that post generated. The shock was mostly due to the fact that the "deal breaker" post was so different from what I'm generally comfortable writing. But, it's popularity got me thinking that I should spread the love around a bit. So, I decided it was necessary to be fair to the guys and shift the focus to my girls. The overall idea of this post is exactly the same as it was in the "deal breaker" post: to poke fun. However, the topic of discussion has been altered a bit, as I can't really speak for the male gender about what is or is not seen as a dating deal breaker when out on the prowl for a lady friend.

All that being said, this post is going to focus on the seriously strange things females tend to do... for no apparent reason. Now, I'm not saying that every last girl on the face of this Earth participates in these strange rituals, but unfortunately, a good amount us do. I am a firm believer that most of these things should be avoided at all costs (just like the deal breakers for guys). But, if I'm going to be honest, I'll have to admit... I've done a thing or two on this list and I'm not proud of it. Let's get this show on the road.


Repeat the following phrase for each point: I'm not entirely sure why, but girls tend to...

1. Insist on going to the bathroom in pairs...or groups. This will forever be a mystery to me. It's like, "Don't mind me, I'll just stand here awkwardly while you do your thing."

Lindsay is playing the part of "awkward bystander"

2. Contort their bodies into painfully awkward positions for photographs. I'm not sure what this craze is all about, but I'd bet that 1,000 years from now, researchers are going to believe we collectively suffered from severe spinal issues.

3. Put a full face of make up on just to go to the gym or the pool. It's going to sweat off of your face anyway, so why take the time?

This meme says it all

             **continuing with the whole make up thing...

4. Put on so much bronzer and foundation that it literally looks as if you could scrape it off with a spoon.

5. Choose to wear heels they cannot walk in. If you are wearing a pair of pumps that make you look like a baby deer trying to walk for the first time, just do us all a favor and take them off.

Oh, Bambi...

6. Fake bake or spray tan until they are orange. You know what, accidents happen. But, if you are consistently orange time after time, that's no longer an accident.

Excuse me, Xtina...but, you're orange

7. Sport obnoxiously long/ unnatural looking extensions; either in their hair or on their eyelashes. Please, just refrain. No one thinks that looks natural.

8. Idealize hopelessly romantic movies and then wonder why life isn't like it is in the movies. News flash, ladies: Allie and Noah don't actually exist...

The Notebook: providing young girls with false hope since 2004.

9. Fill their closets with a hundred different shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts, and then only wear five things because everything else is "ugly" or "doesn't look good on." We all do it, and we all need to come to terms with the fact that we all do it.

There's obviously nothing to wear in here

10. Add extra letters to words in order to create some sort of desired emphasis. This is most often done via text or on social media networks. For example, "I can't believe she said thatttt."


After the "deal breaker" post, I learned that I should probably include a disclaimer for posts of this nature, so here it is: I AM BY NO MEANS TRYING TO CAUSE MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL PAIN/SUFFERING. IF YOU HAVE DONE OR PRESENTLY DO ANY OF THE THINGS LISTED IN THIS POST OR IN THE "DEAL BREAKER" POST, PLEASE DO NOT TAKE OFFENSE AS THIS IS PURELY FOR GIGGLES.

independence day

The Fourth of July is just around the corner and I am more prepared than ever to participate in the celebration of our nation's independence. I mean, we are lucky enough to live in the greatest country in the world, WHY WOULDN'T WE CELEBRATE? With parades, barbeques, and fireworks galore, it's pretty difficult to sit back and watch everyone else have fun without being tempted to join in...right?!

BUT, it's important to keep in mind that the Fourth is not ONLY about fun and games. The Fourth of July was made a national holiday to commemorate our independence from Great Britain. Without this independence we may not necessarily be known as the "land of the free and the home of the brave." So, while you're out enjoying this glorious day, remember to take a minute to recognize how lucky we are to call the U.S. our home, and be thankful for those who have served in our military to keep our home independent, free, and safe.

All right, enough of the lecturing. One of my favorite parts about celebrating the Fourth is sporting that red, white, and blue! Don't get me wrong, I wear most of my patriotic pieces all throughout the year, but it is on this day that I can wear them all at the same time and look fairly normal. This is what I've got planned...

As of now, my friends and I plan to spend most of the day either at the res or the creek, both of which are water oriented, so a swim suit is a must! I got both of these pieces at Target - the bottoms were even on clearance for $6.00! Obviously, the two weren't initially meant to go together, BUT I loved the color and texture combination. The top is just an average navy and white striped bandeau and the bottoms incorporate a red crocheted fabric. Red? Check! White? Check! Blue? Check!

Eventually the day will transition to night and I'll be in need of some actual clothing. I bought this top at Forever 21 for around $20! The shorts are from American Eagle and cost a bit more, probably about $40. Not only does the outfit incorporate the red, white, and blue, but it also has stars and stripes!

Last, but most certainly not least...you'll need something to hold all of your things. Sunglasses, credit cards, cash, ID, chapstick, and the list goes on. Usually this "something" would be a purse, but on a hot and sunny day full of action and activities, the last thing you want to do is lug a purse around. Have no fear, the fanny pack is here; complete with the American flag! I found this little gem on amazon.com for just $13.

If you are looking to put together a special Fourth of July outfit, I would definitely suggest checking out Forever 21 - they generally have an uber patriotic section, as well as places like Target and Old Navy for inexpensive red, white, and blue finds. I hope you all have a great time celebrating on the Fourth!

a bit of a pick-me-up

I've been told by some friends on several different occasions that I am someone they consider to be genuinely happy a majority of the time. The more I have thought about it, the more I realize that this seems to be a pretty accurate statement. I really do like to be happy, I mean, who doesn't? I've found that when I am happy and upbeat, I can make those around me feel just a bit better as well. To be honest, I really appreciate my friends telling me this, because I consider it to be a desirable quality for someone to have!

But, like any normal human being, I have my less than happy-go-lucky days where something just doesn't feel right. It's on those kinds of days that a little pick-me-up is just what I need to get me feeling like myself again. So, if you're having one of those days today, here are a few things that I've found make me smile or feel happy. Hopefully they can brighten your day aswell, even if it's just for a moment. Enjoy!



So much truth in this quote!



Summer + barefoot + balloons = happiness



Such a precious idea. Even something as simple as this could really brighten someone's day!



If this adorable kitten doesn't make you happy...

I believe that happiness comes from loving yourself first.

 I hope you all have a great day (and rest of the weekend) filled with smiles and happiness!

guilty pleasures

I've recently become aware of a number of things, people, or activities that I would consider my own guilty pleasures. Now, I'm not necessarily ashamed of them or feel guilty that I enjoy them, BUT I feel like others would expect me to! Here's why...

1. TABLOID MAGAZINES - I've been scoffed at numerous times for my obsession with tabloids and celebrity culture. But, you know what? I love indulging in a People, Star, or OK magazine every now and then...or every other day.

2. ELABORATE COFFEE DRINKS - I understand they are expensive, I mean $6.00 for a coffee is a bit absurd. I admit it. But they are delicious. And who cares if I splurge every now and then for a wondrous skinny caramel macchiato from Starbucks?

3. RERUNS - My parents and siblings are always making fun of me for watching the same episodes over and over. But let's be honest, every episode of That 70s Show and Friends is a good one.

4. HANDBAGS, HANDBAGS, HANDBAGS! - It's not an obsession or an addiction, it's more of a hobby. I say you can never have too many, but I've been told the opposite more than once.

5. MUSIC FROM THE 2000s - I don't care what you say, music from the early 2000s was and still is the best music of all time.

These are just a handful of my own guilty pleasures...what are yours?

if you could pick one person...

I have absolutely no idea what made me think of this post idea, but I'm really excited to write it and hopefully get some interesting feedback! To start things off, we all know what "ice breakers" are, right? You know, those painfully awkward questions that, for some unknown reason, are deemed necessary in unfamiliar social situations? Well, I absolutely dread the "ice breaker" question for many reasons, I think they are pointless. But, I came across an "ice breaker" a while back that I found somewhat interesting. So interesting in fact, that I actually put time and effort into a response via this post! The question went something like this: "If you were given the opportunity to have dinner with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?" After thinking for a moment or two, this is who I came up with....

ADUREY HEPBURN

I adore everything I have ever seen, read, or heard concerning Audrey Hepburn. From what I've learned, she seems to have been a true class act in every sense of the phrase. Although she has passed, Audrey Hepburn continues to be a wonderful role model for women across the world.

Fashion

Before I had truly known anything about who Audrey Hepburn was, I was already obsessed with her sense of style. She is and most likely always will be one of Hollywood's greatest fashion icons. In fact, she was included within the International Best Dressed List in 1961! Here's a little peek at some of her most memorable fashion moments...

CAREER
Not only was Audrey Hepburn an incredibly fashionable woman, but she was also an incredibly talented woman. She is one of very few actresses to win an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, AND Academy Award. For those who are unaware, an Emmy is an award given in recognition of superiority or excellence in the television industry, a Tony for the theater industry, a Grammy for the music industry, and an Academy award for the movie industry. My favorite film of Hepburn's is Breakfast at Tiffany's, but I also adore her performance in the movie musical My Fair Lady. Audrey Hepburn has also starred in Sabrina, Roman Holiday, War and Peace, and Wait Until Dark. The simple fact that Hepburn won such a variety of prestigious awards attests to her incredible talent not only in television and film, but also in theater and music. She could sing and act, and even dance a bit - talk about a true triple threat!

HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
On top of being incredibly gorgeous and unbelieveably talented, Audrey Hepburn was a sincere, compassionate, and giving individual. After acheiving great success, acting, music, and the like ended up taking a back seat to her work with children. In the late 1980s, Hepburn became an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. As an ambassador, Audrey Hepburn traveled to over 20 different countries and repeatedly witnessed the struggle to survive that plagued millions of innocent children. In turn, she reported these happenings to government leaders and the international media in an effort to bring to attention the life threatening issues that were (and still are) affecting children all around the world. Hepburn's incredible humanitarian efforts were recognized in 1992 when she was granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In true Audrey Hepburn fashion, she continued her work with UNICEF until she ultimately lost her battle with cancer on January 20th, 1993. [All information mentioned in regards to Hepburn's mission work was found at Audrey Hepburn Memorial Fund and UNICEF]

Audrey Hepburn's sense of style, outstanding career, and incredible humanitarian efforts are just a few reasons why I would absolutely love to have dinner with her if I was given the opportunity. I can only assume I would go wild with questions, hoping to get a glimpse into the life of a woman who I believe to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating individuals to have not only been succesful in Hollywood, but to also remember her roots, to stay grounded, and give back to those in need.

I'll leave you all with a few of my favorite quotes from Audrey Hepburn herself...

"People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anyone."

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

"The best thing to hold on to in life is each other."

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life - be happy - that's all that matters."

There is my answer! WHO WOULD YOU CHOSE?

crafting catch up - pt. two

All right, part two! This craft has the same concept as the craft in part one, so there is not as much detail in the step-by-step process. BUT, if you're interested in doing it, you can loosely follow the directions in the previous post! For now, i'll fill you in on the basics.

In a few short months, I am packing up and moving into the great city of Boulder to be closer to friends and campus. It's been a long time coming, and I could not be more excited for this change in my life! However, I am going to be living in a smaller space than I have become used to...which means I'm going to have to use what space I have as effectively as possible! From what I've learned, being a great space-saver requires some pretty impressive organizational skills as well as plenty of storage. I'm pretty confident that I've got the organizational skills down pat, but I'm still working on finding the necessary storage. I already have a handful of wicker baskets in a variety of shapes and sizes that can be placed on the floor, the dresser, the night stand and other areas of the room, however, adorable wicker baskets can't solve all of my problems. So, in the interest of saving money, I realized that the simple, plastic three drawer Target cart that has been tucked in the back of my closet could easily be up-cycled into a cute and fun storage piece!

Here is what you'll need:

Plastic storage cart - about $15.00 at Target

Scrapbooking paper

Mod Podge

Paper cutter

Foam paint brush

Popsicle stick

Since I had had my cart for a while, I began by wiping down the drawers so the surface that I would be mod poding was clean and smooth.

Next, I picked out my paper and set up all of the supplies I used from the last craft.

Then, I took each drawer out and cut the scrapbook paper to size. I decided I was only going to mod podge the FRONT of each drawer. So, I cut three pieces of patterned paper to the size of the face of the drawer. Next, I simply painted mod podge straight onto the face of the drawer, placed the paper on top, and smoothed out any bumps and bubbles with the popsicle stick. This is what it should look like...

I thought the cart looked good, but it was missing a LITTLE something. So, I took the left over scraps of paper and cut two pieces from each (the scraps should be about four inches wide and the height of the drawer). From this point, I painted a layer of mod podge directly onto the scraps of paper and placed a piece on both the left and right side of each drawer and wrapped it around to the back. Finally, I painted a layer of mod podge OVER everything that was covered in scrapbook paper. And the final product....

Having spruced the cart up a little bit makes it less of an eye sore in the grand scheme of the room. Now, not only is the storage space functional, but it is shabby chic as well, and will look pretty cute with one of my white wicker baskets on top!