An early 2013 goal recap

I know, I know. I have been horrible about updating lately. Mostly it's because I haven't had much I wanted to write about and am debating on whether I want to move blog servers...we'll see.

Anyway, another year is swiftly coming to a close. Remember when I listed my goals? Well I'm going to go ahead and mark them off (or admit defeat now) as I will probably be going to a different blog server and this may be my "good bye"!  Who knows?

2013 Goals:
-Make our lifestyle greener: After an adventure in making both my own face wash and laundry detergent along with reading a few blogs about making greener and healthier food changes I really think we can do it. By making our diets cleaner, our cleaning products both eco friendly and chemical free, and just making good decisions regarding our everyday living I think both D and I can do it! COMPLETE! We've still got a LONG way to go but we've adjusted some of our eating and living habits that I feel good about. YAY! 
-Bust my ass at my new job: I've got a new job which is to be incredibly fast paced and high stress. I hope to not only manage but work through any issues I have and come out a champion by years end! COMPLETE! I've learned SO much and am very thankful for all that I've been fortunate to have and experience with a really great team.
  -(Attempt to) travel: Because of said new job, I'm not sure how/when I'll be able to do any traveling besides small weekend excursions. If, after 6 months, things are going well and I can request time (and we have the funds), D and I will find somewhere to go and enjoy a new slice of the world. IF we get to, here are a few places I'd like to visit if possible: New Haven, CT (to visit Shelley which in turn could lead to a quick visit to NYC), Gatlinburg, TN, Chicago, IL, and/or Redlands, CA. I still want to see the Biltmore Mansion and Graceland but those may be a lot more "doable" since they can be quick weekend getaways. COMPLETE! Though we didn't go everywhere listed above we did go to: Gatlinburg for Valentine's Day weekend, Hawaii (again!) for my best friend's wedding, I went to CT (and NYC for the day) to visit my other best friend, D went to FL to visit his family, and within the next week we'll be going to FL again for family Christmas! Travel = success 
-Purchase at least 1 work appropriate piece per paycheck starting with my first check in February (this includes accessories). I was so fortunate to be given some funds for graduation and they REALLY helped me start gathering more work appropriate (and professional) pieces. I'll count this as a kind of...I didn't do it for every check but I did gather a lot of pieces throughout the year and feel pretty good about them. 
-(Really) learn French: Although I had more time without a job, I didn't find the proper motivation to go further than part 1 of my French Rosetta Stone. So 2013, I will! FAIL. I literally was SO into and then stopped at the EXACT same place I did last time! Here's to hoping 2014 will kick my ass into gear with this! 
-Attempt at least 2 vegetarian or vegan days per week. After attempting a meatless month I'd really like to progress into that. I think January will be tough since I've got to wait until the very end of the month for my first check but after that...bring it ON! I'll mark this as a kind of...While I don't know if every week I did this, I noticed I was eating a lot less meat in general this year and I feel better about it. 
-WRITE MORE! I find such solace and relaxation in writing and I want to do a LOT more of it this year. Whether it's poetry, fiction, journaling, or research I just want to delve in and really do it. I was so gung-ho for a bit and then I got writers block...again. I can't say I technically wrote more because in graduate school I wrote a ton. I wrote more via journaling and a bit in a "book" but I don't think I'd mark this off the list quite yet. 
-Save more money: With this new job I plan on putting more in my savings account than I had previously. If I keep it up and don't mess with it I can really rack up some funds for a big purchase later in life! With this also comes the start of paying off student loans. While it's intimidating to me, I know we can manage it and really start chipping away at it, slowly and steadily. Well, we did save more money...but then we ended up spending a lot of it on car repairs, vet visits, etc...so I'll mark this as a kind of? 
-Make a list of stuff I want for the home: If we decide to stay in our apartment for the next few years (which we may do), I want to add new things to it. Since it has been quiet some time since I updated about our home, I figured I might as well get the other stuff I want to really show you what it's become over the past few years =] FAIL-I didn't even attempt this 
-Craft more: My goal is to make at least one craft a month. This does not include making the greener stuff (unless I come up with something truly unique). I'm excited! I was doing really well until about mid-year and then I stopped...so not COMPLETE but not a total failure. 

Ya know what else I did this year?
-I lost 32 pounds through changing how I eat and a bit of exercise
-I read 41 books, most of which were GREAT.
-I was accepted to adjunct a class in a topic I adore this coming Spring
-I turned 26
-I was a matron of honor at my best friend's wedding
-I tried a lot of new foods for the first time
-I MADE A BABY. You read that right: I'm going to be a parent next year!!!! I won't lie-this has been the most exhilarating thing to happen this year.

If I get a new blog, I think it will be consumed with discussions and my thoughts/musings on parenting. I'll let you know if I move!

It's about to be that time of year...

The holiday season yes but the 

SEASON 

OF 

FOOD.

Basically the worst time of year for someone on a diet.

Now I'll admit it: I am SUPER pumped for the Halloween candy, the desserts, the turkeys, the pies, the pumpkin spice lattes, the cranberries, the drinks!  But I have lost 32 pounds since March and these next 3 months are going to be VERY trying and tempting for me.

However, I'm looking forward to it because for this to truly be a lifestyle change for me (like I want it to be) the holidays are the PERFECT test!

Don't get it twisted.

I WILL be partaking in all of the delicious goodies I mentioned above along with many, many others.  B.U.T...I will be doing so in moderation, still counting calories and holding myself accountable to what I'm taking in and making myself stay focused and motivated.

If I can make it through birthdays, office outings, holidays (others that aren't quite as focused on food) and other celebrations then I can do this, right?

In exactly 2 weeks I will be in Hawaii helping my best friend get married!  I think that will be the jump start to all of the holiday food that I'm weary of (read: super stoked to eat but weary of re-gaining what I've lost).

Ya know what though?  If I gain some weight back...I will loose it again.  I am excited about the weight I've lost and anticipate pitfalls, bad days (or even weeks) but my mentality has changed for the good and I love feeling better!  I look better, sure.  But for real...I feel so much better!

My depression and anxiety hardly flair up.  My back doesn't usually hurt (unless I go awhile without working out).  I get excited about clothes shopping.  I get excited seeing my clothes get looser.  I sleep better.  I have less headaches and dragging feelings.  I feel more me than I have in years.

So BRING IT ON 2013 HOLIDAY SEASON!  I will enjoy you and everything you have to offer!

(in moderation of course)

Love yourself first and the rest will follow

I find it so incredibly interesting how much emphasis we as a society put on developing and sustaining relationships with others.  While I'm not bashing that at all, I think we often overlook the NEED to develop and nurture the relationships we have with ourselves.

I have learned a lot about myself over my 26 years.  I'm still growing, changing, and nurturing the relationship I have with myself.  While I'm not blaming anyone for not doing this, I will pose this question:  how can we have sustaining, deep, established relationships with others if we're still struggling to do so with ourselves?  How can I be the best friend, partner, daughter, sister, student, co-worker, etc. if I'm not the best of myself?  This year in particular (for some reason) has been really enlightening to me and has helped me be really introspective with myself about my goals, my dreams, my traits to work on, my traits to take pride in, me.  I know I have a long way to go but I am becoming more and more pleased with the me I am today.

I'm not going into everything I've learned about myself but here are a few things:
1. I am fairly well rounded.  I love classical music and dirty jokes.  I can speak & read basic French and know how to change the oil in my car.  I have 2 degrees in the arts but appreciate and enjoy science and the technical.  I work hard and know when to take it easy.  I have an array of random skills that may or may not ever come in handy.  I don't mind doing manual labor nor do I mind giving presentations in front of academics.  I want to be a ballerina and go help solve world hunger.  I am horrible at math but do really well with equations.  I am a geek and a nerd.  Both my mind and heart are open.  I sometimes feel glamorous. I love to say "yes" but am fine with saying "no" if I feel compromised.
2. My stubbornness, while sometimes a hindrance, is more often a great key to my success.  My stubbornness can often be seen by others as determination.
3. I believe I am kind.  I strive to be so everyday (though every minute I may not be) and hope this is the #1 trait others think of when they think of me.
4. I believe I am average.  I don't say this to get compliments but I find myself to be absolutely ordinary.  I think the reason I don't get offended by this is because I also try to be humble (with the exception of writing an entire blog about myself of course, lol).  As a society we applaud mediocrity but expect perfection while also shaming those that don't make it.  What a dizzying contradiction! I am fine with my averageness, knowing that behind it I am working really hard.
5. I also strive to work really hard in everything I do.  If I know something is my job, I can promise you that I will work 110% on making sure I do it to the best of my ability.  So long as I am not being compromised, I will work hard for your request, for myself, and for the sake of working hard.
6. I am sensitive.  I've come to accept that.  While some may think it's pathetic or weak, I find it to be a tough thing!  I feel so much, most of it grand, and I've become comfortable with that instead of being embarrassed or shamed by it.
7. I am childish.  Sometimes I throw a good ol' fashioned tantrum.  I can be spiteful and unyielding over the smallest matters...I'm not proud of this but I think it's silly for me to ignore some traits I'm not so proud of.  This is something I'm working on but something that may also stick around for a bit...because change takes time.
8. I am odd.  Maybe not in the classic sense but amongst the average group of people I am odd.  Sometimes I get self-conscious of it and sometimes I don't.  I'm finding more and more that I am a person to celebrate (if only by myself) than someone who should ever feel ashamed of the things they love and who they are.  I've soaked up my oddness and have decided to celebrate it! YOU SHOULD TOO.  YOU are a person to celebrate!!  After all, if you're surrounded by the people that make you happiest, they already love you-oddness and all.
9. I really want to be a parent.  I think we have been engrained to "want" to be parents but I find that there aren't always real reasons behind the why.  Why do I want to be a parent?  I want to educate.  I want to watch someone grow.  I want to help another person see the world and experience things.  I want to know that something I did made an impact on at least 1 person in the world.  I want to see what my offspring would look like.  I want to know what it will do with its life.
10. Sometimes I get scared...and that's okay.  Sure, we all get scared or nervous about different things in life.  I think admitting I'm scared of something is a great step in working to overcome that fear.  Being scared is terrifying, nerve-wracking, unsettling.  But to experience the good we've got to experience the bad, the ugly, the uncomfortable, the unknown.  I'm working on overcoming the things I'm scared of and I've often found that after it's all said and done...there was really nothing to be afraid of anyway!

So there you have it.  Some developments I've made with myself.  I want to be the best of me so that I can be the best for everyone.  I'm working on letting go of feeling ashamed, embarrassed, an odd-ball, lonely and replacing these things with celebration, excitement, uniqueness, loved.

I am me and I find that to be quite enough.

Today is a day that tests my patience...

Today has not been a good one when it comes to my mentality regarding my body.

I feel fat.  Sloppy.  Chunky.  Clumsy.  The same.


But I know I'm not.  I've lost 26 pounds since March 5th.

26 POUNDS.

Do you know what weighs approximately 26 pounds?

-A 2 year old

-A small dog

-5 bags of sugar

-3 1 gallon jugs of water

-A party gummy bear

-40 10 oz cans of soup

While this most certainly isn't the biggest weight loss many of you may have seen, It's my biggest weight loss.  And I'm usually SO proud but the past 2-3 days I've felt so...blah.  I've been working out more (although I know I need to really amp it up) but I've felt so weak...I know it takes time and will-power...and I've been holding out since March but today my patience was tested.

And I hated it.

It's not like I have an ideal body type I'd like to look like or even a specific weight I'd like to get to (my goal was 150 from 171.8 and I currently weight 146...so that's awesome!)  I plan on making this a lifestyle change.  I feel SO much better without 40 10 oz cans tied to me (figuratively, of course.)  I'm sleeping better, eating better, trying harder, moving more, have decreased anxiety and just overall feel great most of the time.  I'm fitting into clothes I haven't worn in years!  I guess it's just the ebb and flow of life, emotions, moods, and such these past few days.  I also know that the body often plateaus after a while unless something drastically changes.  My eating habits have been mostly maintained so I'm pretty sure I just need to move more and amp it up when I do.  I know I'm getting stronger and I know I'm getting leaner...it's just not all happening NOW and I think my patience is pissed.

But why?  Again, I have no time frame, no set goal weight and date (per say.)  I'd like to get to around 140 and stay at around 140.  That's the tip of my BMI and also works well with my frame.  So why the hurry?  If it's really to be a life style change I guess I need to just shut up and realize it takes TIME and WORK and PERSISTENCY.  I mean hell: it took time to gain that additional 26 pounds so for me to loose that weight and rework my body should definitely take time too.

I'm just impatient!

Ah, well.  They say anything worth doing is worth doing right (and is usually really hard.)  So I need to quit my bitching and just enjoy the ability to be 26 pounds lighter and to keep fine tuning and learning about my body, especially since it's the only one I've got!

May Craft Time...just kidding! June Craft Time Instead

So, I had all of the materials and the idea to make my craft in May...but I just plum didn't have the time!  However, I did make them in June and am happy with how they turned out.  I think I'll be making something similar (maybe cloth napkins instead of dishtowels) again for a Christmas gift.  Unfortunately,  I totally spaced on taking pictures so all I've got is the finished product.  Just use your lovely imagination and think about the steps :)

Stamped Tea Towels

What You'll Need:
-2 or more tea towels (also known as flour sack towels)
-assorted stamps
-assorted stamp ink
-an iron
-small paint roller (optional)

Step-by-Step:
1. Iron your cloth to make smooth.
2. Place assorted paints on a pallet or paper plate for easy use.
3. I improvised a bit with stamps-I didn't like the stamps I had on hand so I used some items around the house that were circular so I could make dots.  I used different sizes too.  However, if you do have stamps make sure they are coated well and evenly (this is where the small pain roller can come in) before you apply them to your towel in whatever pattern you're wanting.
4. Stamp away!  Do whatever pattern you feel like, if any pattern at all.  Make sure the stamp (or object) is placed firmly down and hold for a few seconds before slowly removing.
5. Let dry.  I waited a solid day but you can check the paint off-and-on to make sure it's dry.
6. Once dry, iron again.  This should ensure the stamps will stay.  If you plan on giving them to someone as a gift, make sure you let them know they need to be HAND WASHED AND DRIED.  If they are for you...just remember that.

And that is it!  I think these are SO adorable and pretty inexpensive!  I'm thinking of making some with Christmas tree patterns for Christmas and maybe some colorful stripes for a friends birthday gift.

(Spoiler alert:  I didn't make a craft in July either!)

Your thoughts spelled out in ABC's...

Over "On the Road to DeMask Us", I saw a very simple blog that really got me thinking.  Go check out her blog and read about the ABCs...then come back and check mine out!

Always ask questions.
Be aware that your priorities aren't always the same as others.
Control the need to complain.
Dive head first into something you love, regardless of your fear.
Evolve your habits so that they work best for what YOU need/want.
Fight for what you believe in.
Give generously.
Have an open mind regarding ALL topics, even if you don't agree.
Issues always work themselves out
Jokes can heal most wounds.
Know that you are never, ever alone.
Listen to others.
Make time to say "I Love You" even when you're angry.
No matter what, love with every ounce of yourself.
Organize you thoughts before speaking.
Put others first.
Quit worrying about what's to come and instead focus on the now.
Relax and enjoy the journey.
Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Take advantage of the time you have and what you can do with it.
Understand you have more than you need and that those needs are enough.
Vindictiveness solves nothing; act kind instead.
Wake up happy, glad to be living for one more day.
Xanadu is what you make it.
Your attitude affects more than you think.
the Zenith of a friendship all depends on how much you want it.

Do YOU have a list of ABC's you think others could benefit from?

When the universe talks, you should listen

This week has been interesting....It has been full of inconveniences, emptying of my wallet where I'd rather not have, month end at work, health scares, and having hardly any time to spend with my boo.

Now this may sound like complaining.  I'm not.  These are just the facts.

Yet, instead of being super bummed out or sad or very frustrated (like I normally get when these kind of days/weeks go down) I have felt humbled.

Has this week been frustrating, anxiety filled, sad, lonely? Yes, but everything has worked out.  I mean, everything always works out but this time it all worked out within the day the issue was happening.

And that never happens to me.

It's off-putting to say the least.

But I'm glad.

The universe was speaking to me this week, I think.  It said "Listen...we're gonna throw some inconveniences and such your way this week...but understand that I've got your back and you just need to recognize that."

And I did.

For example:  I woke up yesterday with a flat tire. BOO.  I waited on roadside assistance to put on my spare so I could get a new tire.  Turns out, I needed 2 new tires.  BOO.  Because of said tire incident I was 2.5 hours late to work and $260 poorer. BOO.  Yesterday was month end (which means end of deadlines) and month end (meaning rent was due.) BOO.

But here's what the universe did for me to make up for this irksome event (and believe me: this is one of many events like this that have happened this week.)  It said "Hey, since you booked 2 trips yesterday (paying $620) I'm gonna flatten your tire.  Not fun...but since you got 3 paychecks instead of 2 this month AND your bills are all paid I'm gonna go ahead and take care of that car problem.  Silly Jordan, you need to be safe on the road!  Good thing you booked the trips AND got new tires, right?  Sorry (not sorry) about you wanting to spend that money willy-nilly."

Weird, right?

They say timing is everything and I think I'm just starting to believe it.  This 3rd paycheck I had planned on getting some new summer clothes, helping D with his trip in 2 weeks, etceteras.  The universe had other plans instead BUT...I guess I can't blame it when it's just looking out for my safety, right?  It's nice to be humbled every now and again.

Now go outside and look up.  Enjoy the vastness that you're a part of because I know I will.

Happy Saturday!

100 things to be HAPPY about

I had a rough night.  I've had anxiety flair up like crazy this week and it seemed to almost spill over last night.  Thankfully, after some tears, lots of reassurance from my boo, and some sleep I am feeling a bit better.  Der was really helping me put different things in perspective so in honor of him I'm listing (in no particular order) 100 things to be happy about (at least according to me.)

1. The Bee Gees
2. Click-clacking keyboards
3. Literacy
4. Soft baby skin
5. The smell of puppies
6. Mugs almost too hot to hold
7. Turning book pages
8. Finding money in pockets
9. Taking your time in the rain
10. A good base line in music
11. Secrets told in a whisper
12. Uncontained giggles
13. The crinkle of opening a letter
14. A stout margarita
15. Campfires
16. Fire engine red lipstick
17. Colorful paperclips
18. An A+
19. Putting on your costume in first dress
20. Good lookin cleavage
21. Palm trees
22. Finding sand in your shoes months later
23. Chocolaters
24. Budding flowers
25. Sweat pants
26. Making funny faces
27. Tears being wiped away
28. Writing that first sentence
29. Sloshing in rain puddles barefoot
30. The queen bee
31. Trying to pick your favorite Disney princess
32. Ruffles
33. The feeling of silk on you booty
34. Nature's conversations
35. Banana pudding
36. The Doors
37. Walks
38. Rustic mail keys
39. Homemade milkshakes
40. The color green
41. Paris
42. Phone calls from Dad
43. Roller coasters
44. Hot queso dip
45. Accordion melodies
46. Harps
47. Children's swim floaties
48. The relaxed pace of whales
49. The smell of a library
50. Fresh strawberries sprinkled with white sugar
51. Sex
52. Paid time off
53. Planning the future
54. The first day of school
55. The first day of rehearsal
56. Star gazing
57. Southern steam
58. Baby bumps
59. Flirty text messages
60. Coming home to candlelight
61. A fresh coat of paint
62. Repairing something that was broken
63. Gnarled, elderly hands
64. Oodles of facial wrinkles
65. Whipped cream
66. The smell of on-the-line laundry
67. Overwhelming flowers
68. Ice cream cake
69. Breaking a good sweat
70. Braids
71. Getting a paycheck
72. Volunteering
73. Smoky eye liner
74. Intelligent women
75. Glasses
76. A great manicure
77. Iron gates
78. An unintentional smile
79. Holding on to memories
80. Forgetting yourself in a play
81. Dr. Spencer Reid
82. Tequila shots and scrunched noses from the salt
83. Hugs from animals
84. Over sized sweaters
85. The flinch of a tattoo starting
86. Girls night
87. Camping
88. Fred & George Weasley
89. The sunset
90. Getting knocked down by waves
91. The mushy feeling of a grape
92. Driving with the windows down and the music turned up loud
93. A good slow dance
94. Saying "I do"
95. Holding hands with your mom
96. Seeking advice from your best friend(s)
97. The ballet
98. Overalls
99. Grandfather clocks
100. Navigating your path


Ahhhhhhhhhh, now THAT feels better.  Sometimes when things start dragging you down it's nice to really LOOK, LISTEN, TOUCH, TASTE, SMELL life instead of just carrying it around or ignoring it completely.

What are some things that make YOU happy?

May is here!

This year, I have a feeling May will be pretty spectacular and my favorite month.  Why you may ask?

Because...

-The weather is GORGEOUS
-My birthday is tomorrow & I'm celebrating
-of Cinco de Mayo (and my favorite drink...margaritas!)
-I'll get 4.5 days of visiting my old home with my best friend, her hubby, and visiting my family
- We will be celebrating 3 years of marriage to Boo
-The pool opens up
-Everything is in bloom
-Mentalities are more optimistic
-I get PTO from work for Memorial Day
-Wearing shorts will happen more
-I get to prep for summer
-I'll be booking trips to Hawaii and Connecticut
-of bare feet
-of long dog walks
-I'll be prepping for research
-I WILL write on the porch
-Lots of laughter is sure to come my way
-Tons of pictures will be taken

What's not to love?!?!

What do you have planned this month?

April Craft Time

My best friend is coming into town (after being gone almost 2 YEARS) soon!  That being said, this month's craft (found on Pinterest) is for her to celebrate her engagement/marriage to a WONDERFUL guy!  They like to relax with a glass of wine every now and then so I made some painted wine glass for them.  As always, this is quick, easy, and cheap!

Hand Painted "Dot" Glasses

What You'll Need:
-Some glasses (you can do tumblers, champagne flutes, shot glasses, etc. and how every many you want!)
-Assorted acrylic paints
-Q-tips OR small paint brushes
-Newspaper OR a plastic grocery bag
-Plates OR paint palette
-An oven
-Clear nail polish (optional)

Step-by-Step:
1. Wipe down glasses with a paper towel.  If you wet it, make sure the glasses are nice and dry before painting.
2. Set up work space.  Since you're dealing with paints make sure to wear not-so-nice clothes or a smock to cover up in case of spills.  Spread out your plastic bag or newspaper over your work space.

3. Select paints and place smallish amounts on plates/palette.  Make sure there is enough space between them.

4. Dip Q-tips/paint brush ends in paint.  Stipple onto glasses in whatever pattern you want.  Notice below that I placed my hand inside the glass.  This helped me turn them for easier (and smear free) application as well as prevented getting any paint that was on my hands onto the glasses.

5.  Once decorated, place glasses in the oven WITHOUT TURNING IT ON.
6.  Once securely in the oven, turn on to 325 degrees.  Let them "bake" for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes, turn oven off with glasses still in the oven to cool.  I'd say let them stay cooling for at least 1 hour.

(Please excuse my oven...it's on my Spring Cleaning list next weekend...)

7. OPTIONAL: Because these will be hand washable and are a gift, I also applied a clear coat of nail polish to my dots as an extra safety precaution to further assist in keeping the paint on the glass.
8. If you're making these for yourself, pop a bottle of your favorite beverage and drink out of your awesome glasses!  If they're a gift, wrap them up and be prepared to see a smiling face when opened.

(My finished products, pre gift wrapped)

I am VERY happy with how they turned out!  I'm sure I'll be making more of these in the future =]

Happy crafting!

Recycling-Part I: Knowing Your Products

     As I stated in my 101 blog, part I will be about getting to know your products.  This includes what you buy, what it comes in, and how it impacts your daily living and (more importantly) the earth.  Sometimes I'm astounded by how small and intricate some things (like plastic or cardboard) are involved in products.  Now that doesn't mean you have to get down into the inner workings of everything you touch (although it doesn't hurt I'm sure...) but it should really let you see just how much of this stuff we use all of the time and how it gets tossed away...NEVER to leave the earth again.  It gets tossed in a landfill, tossed out the car window, tossed out in space (is that really a thing?!).  Tossed, tossed, tossed!

Okay so, what products should be recycled you ask?  Here is a quick list to get you started:

Aerosol cans containing no propellant or material

Aluminum: Cans and clean foil

Beverage and food containers: Clean glass, steel, and tin

Mixed paper: White writing paper and stationery Tablet paper and tablet cardboard White and colored copy paper Computer paper (green and blue bar) Colored triplicate forms Sticky notes Paper wrappers Magazines Newspaper Blueprint paper All envelopes Junk mail Telephone books Paperback books Manila folders Boxboard (e.g., cracker or cereal boxes) Corrugated cardboard

Plastic bottles or containers with a #1-7 recycling symbol on the bottom (rigid plastic only, not plastic film)

Molded Styrofoam packaging

(source)

     There are other products like batteries, paint, toner cartridges, and more that can still be recycled although the methods are a bit different due to the chemicals involved.  Check with your local centers to see what their practices are and what they do/do not take (more about that in part II.)

     When I read this list here are just a few of the (thousands of) products that come to mind here in our household:

-junk mail

-shampoo and/or body wash bottles (look on the bottom to find the number)

-soda cans (or in our case now-V8 cans)

-milk jugs

-pasta sauce jars

-printer paper (thesis drafts anyone?!)

-bug spray canisters (or hairspray)

-cereal boxes (boxboard)

-make-up containers (foundation-glass/plastic, eye pallets-plastic)

-mail packages (corrugated cardboard)

     In our house I've noticed that we have a LOT of cardboard...like a ton.  It comes on everything!  Due to this, we've tried to get products that have less of it BUT aren't willing to trade it for packaging that is going to be trash.  It's a hit or miss sometimes but worth the time to look for alternatives.

You should not recycle the following (amongst others):

-plastic film (think DVD packaging)

-Styrofoam

-trash

-tissue/paper towels

-plastic bags (think grocery bags)

-tires

-medical products

-diapers

Although these products cannot be recycled, some can be replaced or revamped.  For example: a lot of food considered trash can be composted as mulch for a garden.  Or you can make/buy some cloth grocery bags to skip getting plastic ones altogether.  You can often donate tires to car junk yards (if they're in decent shape) as well as other car parts for scrap metal.  Again, check with your local center about what is/is not acceptable to recycle there.

     I ask you, dear reader, to spend 1 month noting what products you buy, what they come in, and what you can recycle from it.  It's a bit time consuming to start but WORTH IT.  You notice just how much we waste on a lot of temporary products.  I can promise you'll be astounded!  I'd suggest if you're just starting out to take inventory of what you notice you're throwing away the most.  Like I stated, I had no idea just how much cardboard we were tossing away until I really started to pay attention.  Now I can't turn it off and am SO glad we're recycling a lot more of it now!

So lovelies, do some research.  Take part in recycling, not as a movement but as a lifestyle change.  It's a pretty painless process and has SO many benefits.  I promise it will be worth it!

March Craft Time

I know I'm a little late in posting but I had to wait to get the pictures from my sister.  I hadn't planned on blogging about this because it's not technically a craft BUT since I inspired my sister to switch detergents and helped make it, I figured why not!

We did the math:  they (my sis and BIL) do about 2-3 loads of laundry a week (which equals to roughly 156 loads of laundry a year!)  We calculated that they spend on average between $100-$120 a year on laundry detergent, depending on the brand...which isn't bad but after making this they will walk away with about an $80 yearly savings AND a greener alternative!  You're using MUCH less product and this has no dyes, nothing unnatural (unless you add the crystals and Oxyclean) and you're saving a bunch of moola.  Talk about a great incentive!  I made a batch of this a while back in early Fall of 2012 and I still have a full box to go...mine should last well into this coming fall and I only spent about $17! Since I have sensitive skin this is great for me and it cleans really well.  It is super fast to make, easy to store, smells delicious and will keep your wallet slim.  If you're not convinced now then you should probably quit reading ;)

(I was not given any incentives to endorse any of the products pictured below)

Homemade Laundry Detergent

What You'll Need:
-1 box of Borax
-1 4 lb box of Baking Soda
-1 box of Washing Soda
-2 to 3 bars of Zote or Fels-Naptha soap
-1 large container (or multiple small containers) to store it in
-Cheese grater (large grates) or food processor
-(optional) Oxyclean
-(optional) scent crystals

**Please remember that this is a dry detergent and needs to be stored in a dry location.**

Step-by-Step:
1. Gather all of your ingredients.  It's best to do this where clean up is easy since most of the products are powder.  My sister bought a great tin bucket to put this product in but you can use whatever you want.

2. The longest part is in grating the soap.  I used a cheese grater but you can also use a food processor to get it in tiny pieces.  You can use 1-3 bars per batch.  We used 3 here.

3. You'll start adding the ingredients SLOWLY box by box.  The order doesn't matter because you'll be mixing it all together anyway.

4.  Once all products are combined, stir/mix well.  The soap and crystals often fall to the bottom so make sure you shake/scoop well when you're using it in your loads.  You only have to use about 1 heaping tbsp per load...how AWESOME is that?!  You can use more but the great part is that you don't have to.  The smell is great and it's so quick and easy!

The finished product!

I hope you enjoy this green/money saving "craft" from March.  If you make a batch PLEASE leave me comments to let me know any adjustments you made, good/bad turnouts, etc.

Recycling 101 (An Introduction)

     I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that recycle(s/d).  My mom married my (ex) stepdad when I was only 5 so from 5-12 I was exposed to and taught a lot about recycling.  In that house we recycled:

Cans (soda and beer)

Glass (bottles)

Cardboard (from cereal boxes, etc.)

Mixed paper (letters, mail, etc.)

Plastic (milk jugs, soda bottles, etc.)

Magazines and Newspapers

     My stepdad made this neat spot in our pantry where it all went.  We had 6 LARGE tupperware bins placed on a homemade shelf and we just stuck the appropriate product in the correct bin.  Easy!  Although they divorced, his habits rolled over and my mom, my sister, and myself still practice recycling.  I'm super glad about that!
     As silly as it may sound, I also remember Nickelodeon having a large impact on my views towards recycling, water conservation, and animal care.  Back in the 1990s I remember a lot of television, books, and discussions regarding being earth conscious and "green" (although I don't remember it being such a movement until the mid 2000s).  I'm so glad for this!
     Both of these things have had a huge impact on my daily living and practices.  I am glad that I have also rubbed off on Derrick and that he is fine with these practices as well because frankly, I don't want to budge on it.

If you're a newbie to recycling, may I suggest a few things first?

1) Get to know your products (part I).  Know: what you buy, what it comes in, and how it impacts your daily living and (more importantly) the earth.

2) Take note (for about a month) of how often you're throwing "trash" away and what you're actually throwing out...you'd be ASTOUNDED to see how very wasteful we are (as a nation and as individuals)!

3) Look for your local recycle centers/pickups for your town.  Recycling has become a lot less stressful with the green movements that really came about in the 2000s.  There is curbside pickup (just like your trash), centers for drop off, and some centers for cash exchange (namely cans and metals).

4) Understand where to recycle what (part II) and why it's important.

5) Once you're feeling comfortable...EDUCATE! Teach your friends, family, children, co-workers basic recycling practices that can really make a huge impact.

     This means that in working towards my yearly goal of going green(er) and continuing and expanding the patterns we've developed in our habits, I will be setting up our own little recycle depot in our hall closet.  I'm super excited about it!  I've got to relearn some of my products and disposal practices and teach Derrick about them but I think it's totally worth it.  So check back for part I where I will be discussing what products are and are not right for recycling.  In part II, I'll be discussing what should be recycled where and the actual impact recycling has on your home, your community, and your world!  Part III will be how to upcycle-recycling things in your home to become newer/different things without having to take them to a center, look at labels, etc.

Are you ready to greenify your living practices?!  Because I promise:  once you get in the habit of recycling it becomes easy-peasy and you'll really notice a difference!

February Craft Time

Alright so, this month's craft I made and completely forgot to take progress pictures!  *Hangs head in shame*  I can still give you the tutorial and show pictures of the finished product so that's at least something.  This too is a quick and practical gift/project like last month's craft.  I chose this craft to make as a gift for a friend's birthday and I honestly think EVERYONE could use one of these!

Sleep Mask

What You'll Need:
-fabric in a shade(s)/pattern(s) of your liking
-coordinating fabric for trim (trim is optional...I had a hard time with it so I chose to opt-out of doing it the second time since I'm not graceful with curves and a sewing machine yet)
-a block of felt (I got a precut square from WalMart for 38 cents and it was about 12"x12"-it was enough for 2 masks)
-a piece of paper and pen (to create your mask template)
-fabric scissors
-coordinating thread
-1/4" elastic (I got about 3' worth for 97 cents at WalMart)
-sewing machine OR needle and thread for hand sewing
-bows/buttons/etc. for adornments (optional)

Step-by-Step
1. Draw a template for the mask with pen and paper.  You can make it as plain or intricate as you want but remember: the more intricate the more complicated sewing it may take.  I am a basic sewer so the easier, the better.   (I already had a sleep mask so I used it as my template but it's a basic half-mask shape that you can do free hand).
2. Cut the template out from the paper and shape it up a bit.
3. Using the template, cut a mask from the felt.  The felt will be your inside.
4. Using the template, cut a mask from your fabric.  You will need 2 of these so you can have a front and back.  You can use different fabrics or the same.  I chose the same.
5. Measure your head and cut your elastic accordingly.  Note: you'll want to cut it a bit smaller than you measured so it will have give and actually hold while your sleeping.
6.  Sew!  You can hand sew or machine sew.  You're literally sewing the pieces together.  Front-Felt-Back.  During this step you can also sew the elastic in on both sides (of the back).  Here, make sure to back stitch to really secure those bands.  I used the basic foot allowance on the machine.
7. OPTIONAL: Sew on the trim.  (I didn't do trim however, if I make more of these in the future I'll be hand sewing the trim since I made a hot mess using the machine, lol!)  Make sure your allowance for trim covers both the front AND the back stitches you made when sewing the three pieces together.
8. OPTIONAL: adorne with bows, ribbons, beads, etc.  This is a great way to make your mask more unique and fun.

Here is my finished product!

Front

Back

Beadwork

Beadwork

You can also check this site to see other adornments and trim she used on her homemade masks.  They're so cute!


Happy crafting, friends!  I hope you enjoy this quick and cute mask as much as I did!

I don't want to leave!

RIGHT NOW...I am watching big, fat snowflakes fall ever-so-quietly onto te patio in the cabin we rented in Gatlinburg.  It's BEAUTIFUL (and was so unexpected!)  We haven't been to Gatlinburg since our quick trip in 2011 so we are very excited to be back, this time with a couple of our friends!  I'll blog more about the trip later but I wanted to take a minute to document how awesome it is right now.

It's snowing so softly outside, the fireplace is going, I'm curled up with a mimosa and book just taking it all in.  P.A.R.A.D.I.S.E.

The view this morning

Snow falling last night

Another view this morning

Shot Confidence

Do you ever have a bought where you just feel lackluster and down-and-out about yourself?

For about the past week my confidence has been SHOT.  Now let me be clear:  it's not like I have this huge ego or anything.  I try to be humble yet subtly confident in my actions, behavior, appearance, etc. Yet these past few days I ain't feelin' it!

I've been feeling slothly, fat, zitty, immature, plain, stupid, lazy, behind-in-life, and childish.

While I know in my heart-of-hearts that I am not (most) of these things (at least all of the time) I just can't shake it off!  I don't really know what brought it on.  Maybe it's the unsightly acne I usually and luckily live without.  Maybe it's the after holiday bloat that lingers.  Maybe it's feeling a bit lost in starting research and writing.  Maybe it's conflicting feelings about life decisions and movements.

What to do?

*I am not looking for a pity party but merely using my blog as an outlet for venting, advice, and a place to record my thoughts.*

Maybe it's my upcoming period and this week is my PMS time...if that's the case I should probably stock up on tissues and chocolate now.

January Craft Time

Alright, my first craft of the new year!  I perused my Pinterest account looking for something easy and quick to make since I started my new job and don't have as much time (yet) during the evenings.  I found a few things but then saw an infinity scarf that my aunt made.  I LOVE the whole scarf trend and love to do basic sewing so I figured this would be it!

For a quicker look at how to make an infinity scarf, check out this video detailing this step-by-step.

The Infinity Scarf

What You'll Need:
-fabric in color/pattern of your liking
-matching thread
-scissors
-pins
-sewing needle
-sewing machine (optional)

*Note: for the fabric, I'd suggest getting it cut at the fabric store so you don't have to do any trimming and measuring.  I'd get 24-32 inches (a little less than a yard) per scarf. Remember: the more fabric you have the longer and bulkier the actual scarf will be.  Also, the heavier the fabric, the chunkier/bulkier the layers.  If you're looking for something Spring-y or Summer-y then I'd suggest a light jersey knit or gauzy cotton.  For Fall or Winter a good sturdy cotton or even (if you're feeling bold) wool.

I chose a cotton fabric in a nice pastel stripe to use for Spring.  It can also go with neutrals since it's a tad bit sturdier than a gauze.

Step-by-Step
1. Iron fabric.
2. Take fabric and fold long ways, face to face (or pretty side to pretty side).

3. Measure 4 inches from each side and pin.  Continue pinning length.

4 inches

Pinning

4. Sew length (you can use whatever seam allowance you like. I just used the foot pedal on my sewing machine).  Make sure you back-stitch the ends to keep them secure.
5. Turn inside out (here the seam should be inside).

(Yes I know it's uneven...but since it's to be worn and looped, I doubt anyone would notice)

6. Take both ends (the 4 inch non-sewed ends) and pin the forks seam to seam.

Fork

Seam-to-seam (pretty side to pretty side)

7. (This is where it gets weird) Next, you'll take the ends and pin face-to-face (pretty side to pretty side) and sew.  In doing so, you'll make this almost circle.  You'll leave the actual fork part unsewn (for now).  **NOTE:  The fabric bulks a bit here so make sure you're JUST sewing the edges and not any other material. Start from one corner and arch to the other.  Again, make sure to back-stitch each end to keep them secure.

See how the pins make this kind of circle?

Note that the bulk of the fabric is pulled away from the circle so that I can sew the edges.

8. Once sewn, you'll flip the edges inside and all that's left is this little pocket (fork) to hand sew and then you're DONE!

Pocket to hand sew

It's just a big ol' loop of fabric!

One loop, no wrap.

Two loops, one wrap.

After maybe 20-30 minutes you now have your very own infinity scarf!

So that's it!  I made two from a yard of this fabric so I could gauge the length and bulkiness I wanted.  I love them!

Happy crafting!

My First Week at the New Job

My 4 month respite of being unemployed and scared of future job opportunities is FINALLY over!  Yesterday ended my first week at my new job!  It feels incredibly amazing, I can't even lie.

How am I feeling you may ask?  Overwhelmed, elated, nervous, excited, challenged, humbled, and flattered.

I don't have much Excel experience and yet they hired me...knowing this and knowing how much Excel is used for my position.  I have no working knowledge of sales or insurance and yet they hired me...knowing this and knowing how much this is needed for my position.  They have high expectations.  So do I.

I am so thrilled about this!  I have come into an office at the beginning of a new year where I can learn so much and have time to do it.  Our office is getting a pretty large re-vamping from what I understand so I'm glad I'll get to be a part of that.

One week down.

SUCCESS!

Wasteful Practices

I have a bad habit of wasting things.  Time, money, perfume, food, etc.

Now I need to clarify. I don't waste these things in the typical manner.  I instead cling to them, refusing to (usually) use them how they're meant to be used.

Let me give you examples:

Time-I try to micromanage my time every day.  This means I try to fit in as much as possible in any given day so that I feel both accomplished and caught up.  Some of you may be wondering how this is wasting time...well I've come to realize that when doing this day after day after day I am cramming so much into my days to get things done that I'm not always enjoying what I'm doing.  While yes, I am managing my time by making sure a lot is getting done so that I can enjoy time LATER...sometimes later doesn't come for quite a while.

Money-I have always been a money pincher, saver, miser almost.  I grew up without much of it and saw the struggles my family had and (in retrospect) the sacrifices they made in order to ensure we had food on the table and clothes on our back.  I am forever grateful for this because I've learned to manage my bills really well and budget accordingly for the things we both need and want.  BUT...I have a habit of seeing any money that comes to our family as a bill. Seriously.  I recently graduated and when I first got some money I thought "I need to stick this in my savings for my student loans".  This isn't a bad idea by any means but I also realized that this was free money that was given as a gift for my accomplishments and should be used how I wanted to.
**Please note that I would NOT have spent money willy-nilly if we legitimately needed it for bills or savings.  Thankfully we're in decent shape.**

Perfumes/body washes/lotions-I love these things and the ones I find really amazing I hardly ever use.  I usually use them on special occasions and then they gather dust until another special occasion comes up.  Because of this, I have like 10 bottles of perfume/body sprays, 5 big lotions all about 1/4 empty, and oodles of body washes.  How silly!  Interestingly, my family also passed on the habit of using things to the last drop (so we don't waste the other way) but when Christmas and birthdays roll around I tend to get a load of these things (one reason why I rack up so much)!  When I really sit and think about it I can totally see consumerism and the Western (read: American) tendency to hoard and have multiple things just for the sake of having them, of having "choices".  Some of you may wonder why this is an issue.  Let me explain: most perfumes, for example, have alcohol in them.  This means that after a certain amount of time the mixed scents (artificial or natural) will wear off and most of the scent smells like decayed and diluted rubbing alcohol.  So you spend $50 on a perfume you use maybe 4 times a year and after about 2 years you are really just spraying yourself with an alcohol and chemical base!  No thank you.  Lotions and body washes are a bit different but after time they too change scents and consistency.

Unfortunately, many of us live in a culture that does things in excess. Wastes times, money, food, energy, goods in another bad way: by disposing of things when we're done with them instead of recycling, reanalyzing, and reworking.  I am glad I'm not a waster along these lines but waste is still waste!

So what have I taken from this introspection?  I need to actually USE! Use my time (and enjoy having it), use my money for some pleasure AS WELL as for savings and bills, use the body washes and such on a daily basis instead of for a special occasion, light the fancy candles, wear the fancy clothes, and ENJOY it all...because everyday is special!

I urge you to reassess your habits and see if you're wasting things in either of these ways.  It can save you time, money, and energy not to mention add happiness, balance, and possible good smells!  =]

2013-Another year to enjoy!

Another year means another chance at change, excitement, and adventure!  It's the start of something very different for me so I am anxious (in a good way) to get it started!

So what do we have planned for 2013?  Check it out!

-Make our lifestyle greener: After an adventure in making both my own face wash and laundry detergent along with reading a few blogs about making greener and healthier food changes I really think we can do it. By making our diets cleaner, our cleaning products both eco friendly and chemical free, and just making good decisions regarding our everyday living I think both D and I can do it!

-Bust my ass at my new job: I've got a new job which is to be incredibly fast paced and high stress.  I hope to not only manage but work through any issues I have and come out a champion by years end!

-(Attempt to) travel: Because of said new job, I'm not sure how/when I'll be able to do any traveling besides small weekend excursions.  If, after 6 months, things are going well and I can request time (and we have the funds), D and I will find somewhere to go and enjoy a new slice of the world.  IF we get to, here are a few places I'd like to visit if possible: New Haven, CT (to visit Shelley which in turn could lead to a quick visit to NYC), Gatlinburg, TN, Chicago, IL, and/or Redlands, CA.  I still want to see the Biltmore Mansion and Graceland but those may be a lot more "doable" since they can be quick weekend getaways.

-Purchase at least 1 work appropriate piece per paycheck starting with my first check in February (this includes accessories).  I was so fortunate to be given some funds for graduation and they REALLY helped me start gathering more work appropriate (and professional) pieces.

-(Really) learn French: Although I had more time without a job, I didn't find the proper motivation to go further than part 1 of my French Rosetta Stone.  So 2013, I will!

-Attempt at least 2 vegetarian or vegan days per week.  After attempting a meatless month I'd really like to progress into that.  I think January will be tough since I've got to wait until the very end of the month for my first check but after that...bring it ON!

-WRITE MORE! I find such solace and relaxation in writing and I want to do a LOT more of it this year.  Whether it's poetry, fiction, journaling, or research I just want to delve in and really do it.

-Save more money: With this new job I plan on putting more in my savings account than I had previously.  If I keep it up and don't mess with it I can really rack up some funds for a big purchase later in life!  With this also comes the start of paying off student loans.  While it's intimidating to me, I know we can manage it and really start chipping away at it, slowly and steadily.

-Make a list of stuff I want for the home: If we decide to stay in our apartment for the next few years (which we may do), I want to add new things to it.  Since it has been quiet some time since I updated about our home, I figured I might as well get the other stuff I want to really show you what it's become over the past few years =]

-Craft more:  My goal is to make at least one craft a month.  This does not include making the greener stuff (unless I come up with something truly unique).  I'm excited!

This is all I can think of right now and WOW-what a list!  I hope to blog about my do-it-yourself stuff and update you all on the progress to these goals throughout the year.

Cheers and HAPPY 2013!