DIY Scarf/Jewelry Holder

Oh my...what a week! That's all I have to say about that. *sigh*

This is a project that I did awhile back, but wanted to share it with you because I love it so much. I like to think that it's something original. I have never seen anything like it, so I am just gunna go ahead and assume I thought of it :)

What you will need:

-2 by 6 board. [The one I opted for in this project came from the hay-mound in my parents barn. Cool, I know...it's about 3 foot long and shaped a little weird, which I like]
-Mason Jars [I have a bunch on hand from my wedding and from the canning that I keep saying that I will do]
-Super Glue [The stuff I used in this is called Goop. Worked like a charm]
-Wall hooks

Talk about a bad picture. It was windy this day and I apparently used my Christmas wreath to hold the newspaper down. But, this is the shape of the board I used. Then, stain the board your favorite shade. I chose Walnut.

After the board is dry from the stain, measure out evenly where you want the mason jars placed. Apply super glue to bottom of mason jars. This super glue takes a long time to dry, so if you mess up your placement of the mason jars, you will be able to move them a little. In fact, the glue says you need to wait 24 hours to fully dry. But, it will be worth it.

Notice my messy desk. Level, tape measure, pen, white out (?). I let it sit and dry for at least 24 hours! I know it seems like a long time, but the glue really does take that long to set. 

Then, (I didn't take pictures of this) but I put wall hooks on the back...those $1 ones from Wal-Mart. Then I found the perfect place for it on my wall in my bedroom.

I  put my necklaces inside the mason jars. I don't put my really nice jewlery in here, just knockoff, cheap, plastic stuff. I have small hands, so it works for me. And, it's different.

If you are up for trying new stuff, this is it. It is a practical way to organize all my beloved scarves and store my jewelry. Whatever you do, make it yours!

-Be Kind to One Another-

Constant Reminders

It's the weekend! Yay!

If you have been paying attention to the blog lately, the design has changed about a billion times. This is for a couple of reasons: 1) I just cannot decide what I want. 2) I am putting off the other stuff I really should be doing. My goal is to leave the design the way it is for awhile and stop messing with it. Let's see how I do. I plan on having another post for you this weekend, but that is only if I get my homework and research done.

Anyway, I don't know about you, but my stress level has hit an all-time high this week. Between job applications, school, attempting a regular workout schedule, and substitute teaching (my only income at the moment) I have been feeling like a crazy woman. I had myself so stressed that I suffered (and I mean suffered) from a migraine yesterday afternoon. It was awful. I get them once every couple months due to tension, stress, and dehydration. Therefore, because of all of this, I was in a less than good mood!

I often wonder if people who read my posts about making your life meaningful think it is all cliche. But, I am willing to guess that if many of you were being honest, you would admit that you sometimes need to come back down to earth. That is what I am doing here. I want you to use this to remind YOURSELF about what is important YOU. Like this week, it is what I desparately needed.

I started to notice that I naturally put up reminders about what is important in life. For instance, in the way I decorate my home. This morning, while drinking my beloved coffee, I was walking around my house and saw all of the reminders. These are important to me, and obviously, I use them to remind me to come back down to earth. So, here you go:

This is probably my favorite. It is in my livingroom and one of the first things you see when you walk in. And, it's very true.

Another favorite, and in my livingroom. I found it at Gordman's. Gordman's is a gold mine by the way. Also, my counseling professor would appreciate this.

This is vinyl wall art, a wedding gift from Buffy Clark. Her business is called "Print This" and she has some amazing stuff. Let me know if you want more info on her business. Also, a reminder of what is important in life.

It is beautiful when we make it beautiful. This was a gem I found at Goodwill. Simple, but true. And I love it.

I love the demask design on this, but the message is neat too. I am still not 100% sure if my interpretation of this is what it was meant to be, but that's OK. It is important to me because there were times in my life where I felt like a 'nobody'. However, its imporant because now, I am OK with it and have an optimistic outlook on who I am as a person. Insightful, huh?

Just love this.

The next couple are some that are fun, and remind me not to take my self TOO seriously :)

This is a message that my grandma may not like, but I like it because it reminds me that even though I am an 'adult' its OK to have some fun once in awhile. Responsible fun that is. :)

 For that moment when you really should just 'shut-up'. (This was a gift from Adam..LOL..seriously)

So, just another little thing I do to remind myself about importance and meaning in life. If you like these sayings or pieces of art check Gordman's, thrift stores, or use the sayings and make it a DIY project. Either way quotes can be motivating and inspirational.

Have a good weekend...I'll be doing homework for the rest of mine :(

-Be Kind to One Another-

Currently

I am lacking some creativity this week, so I thought I would do a post that I recently read on Start Acting My Age. Although Allie and I have a lot in common, I will try not to make this similar to hers. ;) I didn't post anything about our weekend because we did nothing too excting. I have been goin to my little brothers track meets when I am not in class. I love a good track meet.

Dad, Jessie, Mom, me, and Adam at Monticello meet. Photo taken by Dianna Rucker.



Justin running at Loras College



So, currently, I am:

Working on-- Job applications and revising my resume. It seems like all I have been doing! Like I have said before, I am a counselor in training. However, I hold a Conditional License and can get a job at any time. I am applying for jobs for next school year. My Master's Degree will be in K-12 School Counseling from UNI. I am excited to start working. Since I am still in classes I still have homework, reading, research, and planning that I am working on.

Loving-- Baking. I got a new mixer for my birthday that I am overly obsessed with. So, this weekend I baked cookies, bars, banana bread, and even my grandma's homemade wheat bread. Oh my goodness was it delicious! I think Adam's co-workers (who benefit from my baking addication) are just as happy about my new mixer as I am! I am also excited/scared to start my Half Marathon training.I am not in great shape, but I hope things slow down a bit so I have time for this. It was so fun last year.

Thinking About--Next school year. If I do not find a job, then I have to go for an un-paid internship. Which of course is not ideal, but a great experience nonetheless. I also spend time thinking about what I can do to make this blog better. My goal is to make it a "Feel Good" blog where there is something meaningful in every post.

Listening To-- Here's the thing. I am nervous to say this because I am afraid I will be critisized by other humans for saying this... but I am really not a music person. I like to listen to music while running or driving. That's about it. I am not passionate about one particular type of music and do not get real excited about concerts. What is wrong with me!? I enjoy silence, I guess. When I am working around the house, I like to have the TV on in the background.

Eating-- As of this moment I am eating yogurt-covered raisins. I have been very cautious about food lately. I have been reading the book "The Unhealthy Truth", which explains a lot of things that are wrong with our foods these days. It has freaked me out a bit. It is one thing to KNOW that what you are eating might not be good for you and you can eat it in moderation. But when consumers have no clue about what is going into their food is a whole different ball game. Sometimes it feels like a strictly organic diet is the safest route to go...but I just don't think it has to be that way. I am no expert, I don't always follow the "healthy" rules, and may not know the whole story, but I think I will stick to beef and veggies from my dads farm. (I think that's all I should say, I could go on for hours.)

Wishing--The weather would start getting warmer for good. I want to be able to do things outside. I can't get motivated on a treadmill and my dog desparately needs to be walked. I also need to mow the lawn and plant flowers...C'mon!

Feeling--Happy. Even though I often find myself stressed over what is going to happen in the next few months, I know that Adam is supportive of my career. He has worked so hard in order for me to work on my Master's Degree and puts his own dreams on hold; and never complains. I can't wait to return the favor. I may not have a lot of money or nice things, but I am very happy with my life. I have an awesome family, friends that I can always count on and can always guarentee a laugh with, and a loving husband. Is there anything more I could ask for in life?

"It takes but one positive thought when given a chace to survive and thrive to overpower and entire army of negative thoughts."-Robert H. Schuller

-Be Kind to One Another-



Lowfat Banana Bread

Lowfat banana bread... hmmm...my guess is that you are reading this recipe for one of two reasons: 1) You like the lowfat option or 2) you are groaning at another lowfat option. Either way, I assure you, this will NOT disappoint!

Like I have said in other posts, I believe that we need to indulge sometimes! However, when you start to realize that you are letting yourself a little too much, it might be time to think of a healthier version. And by healthier version, I do not mean skimping out on taste. Because quite frankly, when you deprive yourself, you end up OVER indulging in something worse for you. So, this recipe is one I found online a while ago, but I believe I have altered the recipe to make it even better for you. When I have this around, I eat it morning, noon, and night. Yes, I am bragging.

It is one of my absolute, all-time, favorite recipes. I make this at least twice a month. Adam always says he will eat it, but usually I end up eating the entire loaf over the course of about a week. (And I wonder why I've put on a few pounds;))

Anyway, here is what you will need:

-3 or 4 very ripe bananas (*I often do not eat bananas fast enough. When they get brown I put them in my freezer for this recipe)
-1 1/2 cups flour (*I choose to use whole wheat flour, and it works just fine in this recipe)
-3/4 cup white sugar (*The original recipe calls for a whole cup, but I cut out some to save calories because the bread still tastes great without it.)
-1/4 cup milled flaxseed (*flaxseed is very good for your digestive health! Therefore I sneak some in with the sugar. You can't taste it I promise)
-2 tablespoons butter, softened
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-3 tablespoons egg whites (*this equals about one egg...I just use egg whites to cut out the fat)
-2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (*applesauce is the master of replacing oil...and in my opinion, yummier)
-Cinnamon (*Cinnamon is heart healthy! It has a lot of health benefits and, its yummy. So use as much as you want, I am very generous with it!)

Step 1: In my case, the first steps is to unthaw the bananas. When you freeze them, then unthaw them, they are VERY mushy and almost watery. However, the mushier/watery they are means the bread will be more moist! If you do not freeze your bananas, mash them in a bowl.

Step 2: 

Combine all ingredients into bowl.

Step 3: Mix well.

Step 4:

Grease loaf pan. (*Picture in case you did not know how to do this;))

Step 5: Pour contents into loaf pan.

Step 5: (Please excuse my dirty oven. I would greatly appreciate a tutorial on how to clean it!)

Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. It will be golden brown on top. I usually use the ol' toothpick trick to make sure it is done. (*Stick a toothpick in the middle of the loaf until it comes out clean)

Step 6:

Let cool.

Step 7:

ENJOY! Looks delicious right!? It is!

This makes a quick but nutritious and delicious breakfast! I often eat mine in the car when I am running late. Which is most of the time. Let me know what you think! 

-Be Kind to One Another-

Running Goal

Most people know that exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. I have recently been interested in the Blue Zones Project that has come to Iowa as of late. Take a look at the link and see what it is about. I like their ideas behind exercise. They give very simple and practical advice about getting natural exercise. For example, the research shows that you do not have to be a marathon runner; but simple things like taking the stairs and interntionally parking further away can improve your overall health. (This, of course, combine with a healthy diet!).

I try to use this in my own life. However, running has always been very important to me. I ran cross country and track in high school and developed close bonds with my teammates. I think it was the combination between many endorphins flowing and sooo much time running together! Therefore, I have always wanted to keep running in my life. Last year, my older sister and I ran a half marathon in September. I beat my goal time by almost 10 minutes! My time was 1 hr. 50 mins. I decided last summer that I would make it my goal to run 2 half marathons every summer. This will help keep me heart healthy. So, I am attempting to keep this promise to myself.

This is me running a 5K last summer (where I P.R.'d by the way :))

 

Right now, I am not in the best shape. Being under stress makes me VERY talented in making excuses as to why I cannot get a workout in. But most half marathon workout plans are approx. 10 weeks, which means I should start any time now. The training plans that I have used in the past were from Runner's World but you now have to pay for them. Which is very disappointing! But, I found the following FREE plans from Shape Magazine.

If you are interested in running I reccommend that you start very slow. Maybe search for 5k training first. My goal is to begin this program at the end of April. Until then, I will be working my way back up to 15 miles per week approximately. It will be quite a journey but here, on my blog, I am posting my goals! Feel free to ask me how I am doing. So here starts this new running goal. Running, running, running....you should too!

-Be Kind to One Another-

Red Picnic Table

I am not ashamed to admit that I am an incredibly sentimental person. I believe in the importance of remembering what is truly important to you. For me, it is spending time with friends and family. Are there days where I convince myself that only getting lost in a Jersey Shore Marathon will make me happy? Yes. Then, I convince myself that eating Doritos while watching Jersey Shore is perfectly acceptable and will make me happy. The result of this is actually feeling terrible; and it is usually starts by being stressed. So why can’t we get ourselves to go for a walk or a run when we are stressed instead of wondering what the Kardashian’s have been up to? Well, I don’t have an answer for that.

Like I have said before I am no expert, but in my humble opinion it all comes down to self-discipline. We know that going for a walk or doing something we love will actually make us happier than wasting time on Facebook.  It takes a conscious decision. I also believe it takes a conscious decision to spend time on something that has true sentimental value, and something that will bring you back to a time in your life when you felt free. For many, this is childhood.

In my own personal attempt to use my time more wisely, I began working on something that had sentimental value to my husband. When he mowed the lawn for the first time this year, he said “you should do something crafty with that picnic table in the front yard, because it looks terrible”. So I thought hard about it and couldn’t think of anything. Then, I remembered Adam talking about his Grandma and Grandpa Johnson in North Dakota who had a red picnic table when he was a kid.

Adam’s Grandma and Grandpa owned a grocery store in their small North Dakota town. It was called ‘Johnson’s Red Owl’. It was owned and operated by the Johnson family and the Red Owl logo has a lot of sentimental value if you ask any member of the Johnson clan.

Anyway, the main color scheme in the grocery store centered on the bright red color you see in the owl above. Therefore, according to Adam, the color red became very prominent in the family. For instance the deck and picnic table at his grandparents house were also painted red.

Therefore, I wanted to re-create this memory for Adam because, quite frankly, he is a North Dakota boy at heart; and he really misses being close to his family. So I took the old beat up picnic table, and set out to make it look better! You might think that a tutorial is not needed to paint a picnic table, but I will admit that I looked up "How to Paint a Picnic Table" and it was helpul. So if there is anyone out there who is like me, this is for you.

Here is what I used:

-Paintbrushes. Duh. I had to buy new ones and went for a variety of sizes.

-Paint. I opted for this Apple Red Color. Bright! Make sure whatever color you use, that you buy paint suitable for outdoors! This is Indoor/Outdoor and worked just fine.

-Sandpaper. In my case, this was a very old picnic table and needed to be sanded...badly!

Here is what the table looked like before the painting started (ew):

So, the first step is to make sure that you WASH the table. This is very important because of all of the dirt and dust that is all over this baby! (I know, I know, you really needed a picture to demonstrate this right?)

Notice: Here is Mudge reluctantly following directions and staying on the porch!

Then, LET THE TABLE AIR DRY!

Next, sand the table. This was time consuming because I wanted it done right, and I still think it could have been better. (And, I forgot to take a picture AFTER this step.)

Then, start painting. I went to look for a screwdriver to open the paint can and this is what Adam's workbench looked like. Helpful. ;)

Start painting from the top and work your way down. Use different size brushes to get in between the boards on the top. At this point, I was freaking out about how bright red the color was. A little bright for my taste. But, it ended up being very close to what Adam remembers.

Also, make sure you paint underneath the table and underneath the seats. This particular table has a metal frame, and I chose not to paint that. But if you chose to, go from the top, down.

After you have the entire table painted with the first coat, let air dry. It will most likely need a second, and maybe third. I settled with two, but could definately do another coat at any time. I am very happy with how it turned out, and I actually think it looks kind of cool next to our little house. Red may not be your color and may not be the trendiest, but it has such a fun, sentimental meaning that I just love it. And so does Adam.

I like the bright color. It looks even better with the bright blue sky and green grass. What do you think?

Remember, sometimes it takes just one small thing to take you back to a happy place. Take time to remember those sentimental things in your life.

-Be Kind to One Another-

Butterfinger Banana Pudding

Sometimes, we need a little indulgence in our lives.

This is my mom's recipe...and it is what I made and brought to Easter Dinner yesterday. Preparing something for others to share makes you feel good! This one is a favorite in my family, and oh so easy!

The calorie count may not be low, but if you use Light Cool Whip and a small portion you'll be fine. (Don't go eating the whole thing!)

Here is what you need:

1- Big Box Banana Cream Pudding
1- 8 oz tub Cool Whip

(Note: I have a large, 16 oz tub here because Wal-Mart was out of the 8 oz. Also, you decide if you want regular or light!)

1- 12 pack mini Butterfingers
3 large bananas


Follow instructions on pudding box. Make sure you refridgerate to let pudding set!

Add whipped cream after pudding is set.

Mix pudding and Cool Whip until completely blended.

Slice bananas and crush Butterfingers. I used the end of the handle of a knife to crush the Butterfingers. I also buy the 12 pack of Butterfingers because one or 2 ususally go missing in the process :/  

(Note: You will not be adding bananas until right before you serve the dessert, so if it needs to sit in your fridge for awhile, wait to slice the bananas.)

Add crushed Butterfinger candies.

Mix well. Then, RIGHT BEFORE you serve the dessert add the sliced bananas and mix well.

(Note: The bananas will brown and turn mushy if you add them too early!)

This is the sad part: I forgot to take a picture of the final product :(  But, I'm sure you can imagine a delightful mix of creamy pudding, bananas and chopped candy peices. Heaven. Make some time to make a yummy dessert (like this one!) for your friends or family this week. Enjoy!

-Be Kind to One Another-

A "Happy" Weekend

Happy Easter! I hope you had the chance to spend the day with loved ones. Sometimes, our lives get so busy that we forget to spend QUALITY time with friends and family. In some people's lives, this concept is lost. So take time and spend it with the people you loved.

 I have been having problems with blogger and was not able to post for a few days. I also sprained my back moving a picnic table this week, so I haven’t been in the best mood. However, I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter! I know I did! Today was actually my birthday and Easter all in one! The big 2-4. My mom had Easter at her house and my extended family was all there to celebrate. It could not have been a better day. Even though my back still hurts and I ate entirely too much Easter candy, I am in a much better mood and thought I would give you the low down our weekend.

Friday night Adam took me out to eat at Stone City. But my back was really, really sore which made it uncomfortable. Oh well, a nice fresh Blue Moon makes everything better.

Saturday morning I slept in (as much as Shadow and Mudge would let me). I was under orders to ice my back this weekend... so I had myself a chick flick movie morning while working on some crafty stuff!

Then, I saw that my amazing cherry tree had bloomed. I cannot even explain how happy this makes me. I walked out to take pictures of the tree while drinking coffee (What am I…old!?)

Then, Saturday afternoon, Adam and I went to Cedar Rapids to do a little shopping, had coffee, and spent some quality time together! He bought me these cute tank tops and nail polish. What a man.

Saturday night I hung out with a few of the best. Paige, Andrea, and Starks came over and hung out for a while before we went out.

Paige, Me, Andrea: College friends, roommates, and partners in crime.

I have to include this picture because of how humorous it is to me. While in college, we always staged ‘awkward family photos’. I am not sure any more explanation is needed. There is always a lot of laughter.

And then came today! Easter AND my birthday! How fun! But honestly, the best part about the whole thing was that I spent time with my amazing family. I am so incredibly blessed to have these people in my life. We have great role models and we love each other so much. Here are some pictures of the fun.

 Part of the Dirks clan. This was after Cody jumped off of the roof. :)

There is never a shortage of desserts!

There was a lot of Dirks cousins!

Can you tell we are related?

***********************************************************************************
The best part about today was not the physical gifts...but the time with family! However, my kind friends and family sent me some great ones. THANK YOU! Even though I am 24 now, I love getting gifts. And cards!

My little brother made this for me in pottery. When I saw that he signed up for pottery I told him to make me a vase. He responded like a typical teenage boy with the roll of his eyes. Then he asked me what color I wanted. (Pink, of course), and he waited to give it to me for my birthday. What an awesome kid.

My little sister Terri got me this adorable tank top. She knows what I like!

The Spring picture frame and the ceramic bird in this picture are a gift from my lovely cousin Nikki. I babysit Nikki’s kids every week and I just love her (and them!) so much. It is absolutely beautiful and I can’t stop looking at it!

And, last but not least, is probably one of my favorite gifts of all time. Adam and my parents got me a KitchenAid mixer. I LOOOOOOOOVE IT! (Look forward to recipes that include using this baby this week!)

Regardless of how many gifts I received I truly am so blessed to have such amazing friends and family. A big smile on my face tonight as I blog and reflect on how awesome life can be.

-Be Kind to One Another-