Valentines Day: DIY

Love is in the water... or air... or not... either way Valentines Day is quickly approaching, and for those of us who have significant others this can become a stressful gift giving event.

Although society paints us a picture that this special day is for the men to wine and dine the women we simply cannot leave the men out! They deserve some lovin' too! 

Being a full time college student and a full time engaged couple Chris and I are on a tight budget, like many couples, this doesn't mean that your gifts cannot be a smashing success!

Here are 6 DIY Valentine's Day gifts that will woo your man!

1) A homemade mug! 

All you need is a mug, an oven, and sharpies!
Set your oven to 350 degrees.
After you have designed the perfect mug bake it for 30 minuets and you're done!

2) A Jar Of Reasons Why...

For this lovely gift you will need a bag of suckers and a jar!
First you must decide what you want to give reasons for... (i.e. reasons why you're awesome)
Next write a reason for each sucker that you can fit into the jar.
Add some cute decorations and a touch of you!
And bam! You're done!

3)  A More Thought Provoking Gift

Giving a book to your man that you both can learn from is a unique and fun idea!
Choose a book that reflects your relationship and the stage in your relationship is in!

4) The Classic Coupon Book

You may find it cheesy but some guys love cheesy!
Make a coupon book geared just for your man and his needs!
DO NOT FORGET: To put an expiration date on each coupon. 

5) A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Pictures bring back so many memories and will always be timeless. Make a collage of memories that were captured then frame them for a lovely gift.
You can make a picture college and print it for a very reasonable cost on Walmart online.

6) Mix It Up

Last but not least, a mix CD!
Create the perfect playlist of songs that will bring a smile to his face. Add songs that you two laugh about, and cry about, songs that bring back memories and good times. Don't forget to add that song you played on repeat once you realized you loved him.

There you have it! Six DIY gift ideas for Valentine's Day! I hope these have inspired you to spoil your man a little extra on Valentine's Day!

If you needs some more hints or tips on making your man feel special you can check out my other blog post!

Have a happy Valentine's Day!

-Stephanie

Engaged and 20

Recently there has been a post circulating Facebook and the internet, when I was home over Christmas break my Mom found it and read a list of 23 things to do instead of getting engaged.

Before you quit reading this post because you're tired of talking about this subject...

Wait. 

What I gathered from reading this post was that after marriage your life becomes a bore. No more adventure, no more late night decisions, and no more excitement, as if getting married was a death sentence.

And I suppose to some it may feel like a death sentence.

And I also suppose because I'm engaged at 20 this may seem like a completely biased response.

I have a different idea though, what if once you get married you start a life long journey with your partner in crime, the other half to your mini gang, your best friend. 

Marriage isn't a death sentence, maybe I'm buying into the "fairytale" of married life, but that's a chance that's worth taking. I've over looked the infamous list of 23 things to do instead of getting engaged and to my surprise this is what I've discovered...    

 ✔ Things I've Done

✔  1. Get a passport.

✔ 2. Find your "thing."

    3. Make out with a stranger. (something I've never craved to do)

✔ 4. Adopt a pet.

✔ 5. Start a band.

✔ 6. Make a cake. Make a second cake. Have your cake and eat it too.

    7. Get a tattoo. It's more permanent than a marriage. (never found one I liked enough)

✔ 8. Explore a new religion.

    9. Start a small business. (unless you count wrapping present for my brothers)

✔ 10. Cut your hair.

     11. Date two people at once and see how long it takes to blow up in your face. (I'll pass)

✔ 12. Build something with your hands.

✔ 13. Accomplish a Pinterest project.

    14. Join the Peace Corps. (never really thought of joining before)

✔ 15. Disappoint your parents.

    16. Watch Girls, over and over again. (don't know what it is, I might like it though)

✔ 17. Eat a jar of Nutella in one sitting.

✔ 18. Make strangers feel uncomfortable in public places.

    19. Sign up for CrossFit. (I signed up for Fitness Pal does that work?)

✔ 20. Hangout naked in front of a window. (I was three, but it counts)

✔ 21. Write your feelings down in a blog.

✔ 22. Be selfish.

     23. Come with me to the Philippines for Chinese New Year. (I just haven't gotten the money?)

 After checking off the items I have completed within my 20 years of life there's only 8 items I have not done. Technically I have 3 more years to finish this list (but what kind of a challenge is that?)
Instead of waiting 3 more years I thought it would be fun to list 8 things I've done that were not listed.

✔ 1. Skinned a deer.

✔ 2. Jumped onto a moving car.

✔ 3. Worked with Convoy of Hope onsite.

✔ 4. Visited elderly adults who have Alzheimer's weekly.  

✔ 5. Visited 22 US States.

✔ 6. Read the Bible three times from cover to cover.

✔ 7. Stood on the Continental Divide.

✔ 8. Got engaged in Disney World.

 If you want to marry young and God has confirmed in your heart that your significant other is your missing puzzle piece then I see nothing wrong with it. If you're not married and you're 23 + that's OK too! I may only be 20 but I've done a lot within these 20 years, and I have even more to accomplish within the next 20 years, and the only difference will be I get to accomplish those things with my best friend.

In the end though, the way each person lives their life is up to them. Your life cannot be defined by another person's opinion or list.

 -Stephanie

DIY: Infinity Scarf

 It's -2 degrees out side folks, with a wind chill of who knows, and even for a northern girl like me that's cold!

Inspired by the cold and my love for scarfs I decided to try my hand at making my own infinity scarf!

My brother loves the Oklahoma Thunder (hence the fabric choice) but you can use any fleece your heart desires!

Step One

Cut out your fabric to the size and length you want your scarf to be.
The fabric I used was already blocked due to it's pattern.

Step Two

Fold both ends of your fabric together
Sew boh sides together, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Step Three

After stitching your first seem open it.
Zigzag stitch down the middle of your seam.
Once you've completed your zigzag stitch you've fished your infinity scarf! 

My machine settings were set to the following: 

There you have it in 3 simple steps you now have a brand new infinity scarf to keep your neck warm and brace yourself against that wind chill!

If you're having a blast with your sewing machine you might also enjoy learning how to make a pillow case in just a few easy steps! 

I hope you guys stay warm this winter!

-Stephanie

Modeling credit goes to: David, one of my lovely brothers.

You're such a "Hipster"...

What is a Hipster?

A person who wears, thick rimmed glasses, and listens to indie rock?

Why are people so offended when they are referred to as a Hipster?

Urban Dictionary defines a Hipster as:
a subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter...

I don't know where you live, or who your friends are but the school I go to is often classified as a hipster college. Other colleges even make memes about our school to make fun of how non "main-stream" we are.

What I just can't understand is why people are automatically offended when someone calls them a "hipster".

After pondering over this for a while I've come to a conclusion...

Being called a hipster is no different then being called girly, or nerdy or a punk. It's simply another way to classify people and try to place a label on someone's life. 

If you enjoy your life, the way you live, the way you act, then don't stop doing those things because someone tries to put a label over your head.


Be yourself darling because, frankly, everyone else is already taken.

-Stephanie

DIY: Pillow Case

Hello there!

Today I thought it would be fun to show you how to make a homemade pillow case in just 5 easy steps!

Now before you freak out and click off this blog wait! 

This is such an easy way to sew and I'm confident that anyone can do it, I promise.

You will need:
-Fabric measuring 33x19 1/2" (this can be whatever kind of fabric you want!)
-Sewing machine
-Scissors
-Pins


Step One:

Breathe you can do this!

Start by folding your fabric in half. You will use the folded side of your fabric as one side of your pillow case.

After you have folded your fabric snip your fabric down to 33" long and 19 1/2" wide.

Step Two:

After cutting out your pillowcase it's time to start pinning! And I don't mean on Pinterest...

Turn your fabric inside out.

Starting with the short side first, pin half an inch away from the edge of your fabric.

Once you have pinned the first side sew a straight seem along your pinned line.
(Don't forget to take the pins out as you go!)

Step Three:

You're getting there!

After you finished sewing up your first side of the pillow case repeat step two for the other long side.

You will be pinning the opposite side of your original fold. 

Step Four:

You're in the home stretch!

Once you have sewn up both sides all that should be left is the opening for your pillow.

Fold over 2" of fabric and pin a half inch line all along both sides of the pillow.

Once you are finished pinning, head back to your machine and sew it up!

Follow your pinned line all around the pillow case!

Step Five:

You did it! 

Now slip a pillow into that awesome pillowcase and enjoy! 

These pillowcases, as you now can see, are easy and fun! They also make great gifts for anyone and it's a fun craft for parties!

 I hope you enjoyed this DIY, leave a picture in the comments or a link to your own blog with the pillowcase you've made! 

-Stephanie

The Last First Day

This week I experienced my last first day of college before I graduate with my associates degree!

It's such an amazing feeling to know that on April 29th I'm going to receive my associates degree in leadership and arts! (Insert sequel here)

I have never known two years of my life to fly by so quickly!

It seems like just last week when I packed up all my stuff to move to school within five days. God certainly had a plan when he sent me off to college, I've learned so many lessons and made some incredible friendships. 

Cara and I the first week of college last year.

Cara and I on our last first day of college before we graduate in April.

There's this incredible feeling that bubbles up inside of me thinking of all the new doors and possibilities ahead of me.

Graduation, wedding plans, moving, there's so much running through my mind and I can't simply sort it all out, but it's all simply exciting!  

The Count Down
109 Days till graduation
183 Days till I marry my best friend

-Stephanie

Say Cheese

I love my family!

That's not me being sarcastic, I truly love my family.

Over Christmas break we celebrated Christmas day with my Mom's side of the family. After dinner my Mom decided it was time for a family picture considering everyone was in town.

The following is what we had to go through for one picture almost perfect family portrait.

My uncle Matt already prepared for his camera time

Everyone slowly joining Matt

Waiting... and waiting...

So close...

The little ones not realizing the importance of taking this photo

Natalie... taking a break from the family 

At last! 

As you can see it takes a lot to create such a beautiful family picture, and for the record we didn't even say cheese... we said Mickey! 

-Stephanie

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11539791/?claim=aaadszyefm5">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>