Here's to you, 2015

As the year quickly draws closer to its end, I see posts on every kind of social media of everyone reflecting on what life has tossed them, blessings and curses, over the past 364 days. What troubles me most, however, is the lack of balance seen between the good and the bad. This year, more than any other, I have seen more "glad it's over" and "worst year ever" posts than those that represent the beauty in our daily lives. As I look back on what the year has given me, I also can't help but be drawn to the trials laid before me, the things I've had to overcome. But, why? Granted, I know some days are better than others, but is a gloomy, rainy day an excuse to stay inside when the sun comes out?

2015 has definitely been one for the books. From the massacres in France and earthquakes in Nepal, to the horrible events right in our own backyard, and even personal losses and life-turbulence we all face, it seems it's getting harder and harder to move forward. But as a fresh set of calander pages approach, the necessity to recognize opportunity for growth increases. The world we live in is exposed and raw and young: desperate to be grown but confused about its identity. And sadly, this confusion can cause us to focus on our trials, and blind us from our blessings. Ironically, though these are the things that shape us into who we are. 

Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. 

Psalm 7:37

And He will. If I've learned anything this year, it's that in the darkest nights, the stars shine the brightest. Which is why I'm making a resolution for myself to trust more in God and worry less about what life is throwing at me. I'm staying greatful for my blessings and trying to live more humbly through my troubles. And I challenge others to do the same. 

And now, here's a list of things I'm greatful for in 2015.

My God: for giving me something to stand on and believe in

My family: as always, they've given me more love and support than I know what to do with

My friends: for making life that much more tolerable

My jobs: for giving me the opportunity to gain responsibility and understand the world

          Change: I've never been a big fan of change, but this year has offered its fair hand of new people, places, and experiences that have shaped me more than they know 

                       My losses: one closed door opens another, and 2015 has shown me what's behind door number 2 might be just what you've been praying for

     My boyfriend: for being the most selfless, giving man I know, and inspiring and pushing me to be the best I can be 

And of course, my dogs: for providing me with their tail-wagging, slobber-filled, tennis ball hidden in my sock drawer, unconditional love. 

Safe celebrations and best wishes for everyone in the New Year! 

2016, here we come!

Holiday Heat Pads

Merry Christmas, everyone! It's been way too long since I've posted on here, but hopefully this upcoming year I can keep up! Maybe I'll put it on my New Years resolution.... Along with the other thousand things I hope to keep up with!

Anyways, even though the holiday season has technically come to a close, it's not too soon to start thinking about next year; after all, I'm sure I not the only one who stocked up on wrapping paper and half-priced Christmas decorations afternoon (I ❤️ Post-Holiday sales!) So from my DIY idea box to yours, here's a couple gifts I made this holiday season that mine and Anthony's families loved, all while helping us not break the bank!

Rice Heating Pad

For this first gift, I suggest using a sewing machine. If you don't have a sewing machine, be sure to have plenty of time! I tried to sew one by hand after I broke my last needle and about lost my mind; its a very time consuming process. But if you have plenty of time (and pacience), more power to ya! 

You're going to start off with some kitchen towels. I picked mine out from Gabes and Walmart. I personally found it easier to sew the towels I got from Gabes. Try finding ones that have cool designs but aren't very stiff and thick.  

Next, you're going to fold the towel in half- hamburger (pictured) OR hotdog style. You want to do this step to make the towel look "inside out". 

Pin the top where one end meets the other shut. You're NOT going to sew this yet. First, you're going to do the side hems. If you have a smaller sewing machine like I do, I suggest hemming the towel where it is the thinnest. I had a hard time keeping my thread from breaking where the edges of the towels are folded over for their own hem. 

Once both sides are done, take the pins out of the top and turn the towel right side out you should have something like a pouch with an open top. 

QUICK TIP

When sewing the outside, I would use the same color bobbin as your main thread. There will be a couple points where you flip the project over for easier sewing.

If you folded the towel hamburger style (like the above picture) you're going to end up with eight pockets for rice. I found that when you fold the rice pad hot dog style, they look better with six pockets but that's up to your discretion. 

 When sewing the pockets, start from the closed bottom end- its easier to go over the thick part at the top if you start underneath of it instead of right on it.  I also suggest putting the top clothes so that the fabric lays down evenly.

Once you have all your pockets sewn,  take a funnel and fill four of the pockets with regular white rice. If you're doing a longways pad with 6 pockets, I suggest doing two at a time. As you fill each pocket, take a second between pours to shake the rice down into the bottom of the pouch, then continue to add rice until the pouch is full about 1 1/2- 2 inches from the top of the opening (less than that for the other style).

Now sew the tops of the four pockets you filled shut and repeat for the next four. And you're done! 

When gifting them, maybe include a little bit of instruction that mentions microwave times (I do 5 min. MAX in my 700 watt microwave), don't get it wet, and don't feed it after midnight if whoever you're gifting to has a good sense of humor and classic movie knowledge!

Now, this next gift takes a lot less time but still holds a high rank in functionality. It's a different kind of heating pad. 

Now, for this all you need is a reusable napkin from Dollar Tree, flat glass stones, and a hot glue gun.

First, glue the napkin folded in half to itself. This way, the fabric provides more support to the weight of the rocks and prevents fraying if you were to cut the napkin in half. 

Then, all you have to do is glue on the rocks. These make great gifts for people who make casserole dish type dinners, and the fold up nicely for storage!

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and best wishes for a great New Year! 

Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying.

Romans 12:12