Jewelry Hanger

When I order my wood hangers in bulk (to do my etsy bridal hangers) I get a few "ugly" ones in the bunch. Ones that have a few flaws, or aren't straight...and I wanted something fun to do with them. After googling a bit- I found this jewelry hanger!

Love this idea! I had screw eyelets left over from my cork keychains, and decided it would be perfect! Completely free craft! First, I wanted the screws to be a hook, not a circle.

You can buy them open, but I didn't want to...I just bent them open with pliers. However, right after bending them open, I found some in my toolbox (that's right...I keep a small toolbox in my room. Thanks to my dad!) So you can really use either. The ones on the left are the original, that I opened up...and the other is one that comes already pulled open.

Anyway, back to the actual project. I found that in order to screw them in by hand, there needed to be a small hole first. I hammered in a small nail where I wanted the hooks.

 Then just screwed them in!

My Camera

I've had a few people ask me what camera I shoot with. I am proof that it doesn't matter how "new" or great your camera is....its all about composition. I have a Canon Rebel XT which I purchased my sophomore year of college (4 years ago). It was my first and only SLR camera, and my BIG purchase before my sister and I took a trip to London together. Up until a few months ago, I used the lens that came with the camera. The 18- 55mm lens (which is what I use for most of my blog posts). The camera body and lens cost me around $400 because they had a great deal since it was an old model.

For portraits, I now us a 1.8 50mm lens which I bought off craigslist for $80. This lens makes ALL the difference. Seriously. I would have bought a better lens, if I felt I could afford it and it would pay off. If you can afford a 1.4 then get it. Really.
 In the next couple of weeks I may be making an even BIGGER purchase...but right now can't bring myself to justify buying a 70-300mm lens, when I don't make much money off my photography services. That is a whole 'nother story.

For beginners, its a great camera (yes, I still count myself as a beginner) the key is knowing HOW to use it....not how fancy your camera is.

Slowcooker Apple Crisp

After visiting the apple orchard this weekend- I was inspired to try a crockpot apple crisp recipe.

Prep time was about 5 minutes (because I halved the recipe, peeling the apples didn't take that long for just 4 apples) And it cooked for about 4 hours on high.

I looked at a number of recipes- and came up with a mix of about 4. I decided on this:
4 peeled and sliced apples
1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 cup dry oatmeal
Like I mentioned- this is a small recipe. Great for about 6 servings.

Then I just turned it on and waited!
Yum Yum Yum!!

Cupcake Kit Winner!

Wow- I must say....the cupcake kit giveaway may have had the MOST entries out of any giveaway I've done here!! Glad it was such a hit (I'll probably do another soon!) And to announce the winner!!! random.org picked #45

Anne 45

This is sooo cute! I would maybe have to pass the liners along to my dad, who is a fabulous cupcake baker, and hope that they come back to me filled with delicious treats :)

Congrats Anne! And thanks to everyone who entered!!! Hopefully I'll have a fun new giveaway coming up soon!

Sophie's Senior Photos

My little cousin Sophie is a Senior this year! We went around lincoln to take a few photos for her invitations! Of course she is gorgeous :)

Be looking out for more fun zebra print DIY for her graduation party this Spring!

TOMS Repair

Anyone else have a pair of toms that are showing more wear than you would like?

 Well I had a couple of soon-to-be holes in mine and wanted to make sure the would be around for years to come. I went with these thick canvas iron on patches.

I found the pack for about $5 on amazon (They are at the craft stores too....but I buy alot on amazon since shopping is not high on my list of things to do. And did you know when you have a student email you get free shipping on alot of items!? just a tip!)

Here are a few of my holes. But the one I was really worried about was on the inside, where my big toe had worn through one layer on the inside. I went with shoving a dish cloth in the inside and ironed over that.

 A few days later- its staying great! Even if it isn't a permanent fix, I'm hoping it keeps the holes from getting any bigger!!

Its Fall!!!

What a great fall weekend! Saturday morning was the pumpkin patch/apple orchard with the family!

Obviously we had alot of fun!

 

The afternoon I spent with one my best friends- Brittney! Its the first time we had spent time together since her wedding this summer in Tennessee.

And I cant forget about the Needtobreathe concert I won tickets to friday night!!

Its been a great first weekend of fall!!

Easiest Wrap Bracelet EVER

I saw this great wrap bracelet tutorial on Pinterest, and could NOT believe how easy it was! I didnt want to deal with beads and junk. That is why I LOVED this. The trick- its a ball chain!! Can you believe it! Her tutorial is alot better than mine, but here is the basic gist!

I picked up leather cord at michaels, along with the ball chain for under $5. I used blue thread, doubles to work for the string part. I just forgot to pick that up at the store! Then simply added a button for the clasp.

Its very simple! Just double up the leather cord and tie a loop at the end.

Start wrapping the thread around each of the ball chains.

Tie it off, then add a button!

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ready for another Kitty easy recipe? We all know how I don't cook or bake :)

 I've seen a few bloggers try this....and this one doesn't even need words....ready to go?

So easy right?! I'm bringing them to a friend's house for a BBQ this afternoon. I thought presenting them with the extra oreos would be quite fitting!

Calling All Guest Bloggers

Looking for guest bloggers to line up a few tutorials next month!!

 Here's how it works:

1. Type up a tutorial on how to make something (cook, bake, photograph, craft, sew...you get the idea) include a little ditty about yourself, (a great way to promote your own blog and/or shop!)

It does not have to be something you haven't posted! I LOVE posting your favorite tutorials, or a tutorial you've received alot of comments on already- its a great way to show not only your readers something you've done, but share it with a whole new set of eyes by posting it here!

So if this sounds interesting to you- shoot me an email here with the idea of what you want a tutorial about (or a link if you've already posted it before) and we can start talking about a time to post it!

Mo Java Cafe

I've been trying to get out and experience Lincoln more than I have this past year. I've started with University Place-this great little strip of stores, all cute, unique and precious! Little "hole in the wall" style places, which make the best discoveries. (Remember PJ's Baby Cakes from last week? They are also located here!) Well Mo Java Cafe was high on my list, after Brook (a fellow blogger) a previous "Lincoln-ite" highly suggested for me to check it out last week. (more proof that I do read EVERY comment, and always love suggestions!) 

Anyway, I love it.

I'm currently drinking a fabulous cup of coffee, which they roast themselves. Evidence class has never been so calming.

I also met a few nice old men outside, who were determined I used to work there. How fun! I love coffee shop regulars. So here is my tribute to Mo Java- a new potential study venue for those long days!