Hanging Hearts: Origami Therapy

Valentine's Day is...tomorrow?! I am thankful and so blessed with love in my life. I am even moreso thankful that I don't feel the need to buy, buy, buy to show my love or appreciation for that special someone...but instead, make, make, make or do, do, do. Regardless, if you're still frantically trying to pull a gift idea for a valentine out of places where the 'sun don't shine,' don't fret; by using just paper, ribbon and a bit of hot glue, you'll be unstoppable!

Origami heart decor (original, I know). Although not a new concept, they are new to me. For those of you experienced in origami, you'll know that it actually is quite therapeutic. I started playing around with different origami shapes and figured that V-Day was right around the corner, so WHY NOT do hearts?!

This video isn't the greatest quality, but it's a simple method to follow. Start with notebook paper, or computer paper, until you get the hang of it. For my decor/valentines, I found cardstock to be a better fit; of course, it's not easy to work with, but definitely more sturdy (use a metal ruler or top of a candle for creases). I especially like the outcome of pairing a bold color with neutral, vintage/curvelinear patterns.

What you need:

• Assorted Cardstock (standard letter size, 8.5 x 11)
• Ribbon, twine, string (wide enough to hold glue)..
• Hot Glue Gun/Gluesticks

Fold origami hearts. Arrange into segments (3 or 5 together on a strand of ribbon work well), the more colors/patterns mixed, the more fun! Cut ribbon to desired length (it helps to lay out hearts first). Gun a dime-sized bit of glue in the center of the heart, hover it over the ribbon and catch the seeping glue on either sides of the backside with a square cut-out of cardstock. This will also help the hearts from pulling way from the ribbon, once you hang them. Surprise your valentine with something unique this year, or hang. Anywhere.

A Review: Aladdin Senja Desktop Mug

Usually I'm not one to dissect something as trivial as a desktop mug, but I figured that this product is just that fabulous and no, I'm not getting paid to do this! In all seriousness, or as serious as one can be regarding this matter, I have honestly been on the lookout for a coffee mug for quite a while now. Since a trip to Caribou became part of my daily routine (sometimes double-daily) I have been searching for something that just simply, made sense; For one, I am sincerely trying to reduce my footprint and this is such a simple way in which I can do that: I figure that using the mug will cease personal consumption of around 300 paper cups and paper sleeves, or more, per year.
Also, Caribou discounts 50 cents for each time one utilizes his or her own mug, which totals about $200 a year in savings. Reduce, reuse, RECYCLE. The mug is double-wall constructed, stainless steel (meaning rust-proof, odorless, tasteless) has a nonslip bottom, sturdy (welded) handle with a nice grip, BPA free, seal-tight cover that caters to both lefties and righties and did I mention the lagoon-esque color?! LOVE. My coffee, tea, hot cocoa, stays HOT for at least an hour and perfectly warm for around two. But, for how many of us does it actually take more than an hour to finish that 16 oz. coffee at 8:00AM? ....that's what I thought. Target. $15. Enough said.
For more information about Aladdin's products, visit http://www.aladdin-pmi.com/

Minne-HAHA Falls.

Lost in the serenity of winter wonderland.
If only for the afternoon.

Pumpkin Carving 101:

It's best to remember Pythagorean's Theorem and stick to the triangle.

Goldilocks and The Damn Bear

HAPPY BELATED HALLOWEEN!!

Quite fitting, if I do say so myself.

reasons to have a baby #928, 929...940..

Minnetonka Moccasin Infant.

Stereo Heart.

The other night, JJB and I were feeling a little antsy and decided to take a stroll down to Minnehaha Falls. This destination is one we frequent, often...it's a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city - it also reminds me a great deal of home. On this little adventure, we tried something a little different. Instead of the usual conversing back and forth, we decided to try ipods and ear buds for a bit. Turns out, it was simply fabulous.
One might assume that listening to personal music devices would detract from the togetherness of the situation. On the contrary, I discovered that this was a marvelous idea - JJB's might I add. Initially, I was a little taken aback by it. I then realized that effective communicaion does not merely involve spoken words. We were so much more in tune with eachother: holding hands and making eye contact, for starters, increased ten-fold. As our auditory perceptions were distracted, our other senses rose to a similar (much higher than usual) level. For all you non-believers, giive it a try!
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Crazy Life: Lovely Life

Although, at times, it's dreadfully chaotic, I couldn't be happier with where I'm at on this life journey. The end of September will mark my 1 year anniversary of college graduation, pretty crazy, huh? Time flies, but it feels as though I have been out for MUCH longer. I am now your typical coffee-drinkin, rush-hour-sittin, 8 to 5-er. Well, not quite. Those attributes easily define PARTS of me...but I would say that I am enjoying every minute and learning lots! I have been at KLLA for a month now...that's even crazier, as it seems like just yesterday when I started. You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun. I couldn't ask for a better job as well as ladies/role models to work with. Please forgive the lack of blogs: I am simply preoccupied and I'm OK with that (no one should have time to be blogging all day, every day, anyway). I'll be on another week-long hiatus, because JJB and I are leaving FRIDAY for Seattle/Canada! I am so thrilled that we were able to make this happen - I feel as though it's going to be epic! As always, pictures to come. In the meantime, enjoy a few pictures of JJB and I out lightning scouting (twas a pretty great show).

Until next time, eh? (If, for some unfortunate reason, I end up developing a Canadian accent while on this trip, I may purposely throw myself over a mountainside. Just sayin'). :)

Kelsey Street South

Yes, it does exist!
And I had driven by it at least 1,000+ times before I noticed it; odd. In good old Delano, MN, one can find none other than my street ;] - - ok, ok, I know it's not MY street, but I cannot find a back-story on it anywhere, so I'll just assume; either way, it's pretty amazing!

I also came upon a lovely place called, Kelseyville, CA a while back (check it out: here). Roadtrip, anyone?

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Caution: So cute it'll make you sick.

Don't say you weren't warned!

I love her. I want her. JJB?

Royal Blues?

Prince William Beats Kate in a Friendly Dragon Boat Race read the number one, most read title for the week, on People.com. Really? I’m not sure about you, but I find myself getting bored with this couple. As lovely and dashing as they are, do we, as normal beings, really believe that we can relate to them?

The media is fabulous at projecting that fairytale image on a screen, which is blanketed over the world, for our viewing pleasure. For many of us, their public tale brings hope. Hope that maybe someday our Prince William, errrr Charming will sweep us away from our reality. For the others that indulge in the predictable romance, it’s hard to put a finger on what exactly it is about William and Kate that makes one as giddy as a child unwrapping that boxed-up pup on Christmas morning. I feel as though my expressed boredom is explained through my personal relationship attributes and the comparison between the two. They’re rich; we’re poor(er). They’re royalty, we’re plain folk. They live in a mansion; we just moved into a two bedroom and think it’s pretty damn spacious. They take lavish trips all over the world, we take camping trips. Ok, ok, like morning fog, my confusion is beginning to clear. Both tabloids and royalty can be seen as escapes from reality. And, whether you’re booing or drooling over the duo, magazines will not be going out of business any time soon, so you (and, mostly, I) better get used to it.

What can be done in the meantime is a little relationship renovation: royal-style. Fellas, treat your women to fresh cut flowers, a lush bubble bath with some champagne and strawberries, with music playing and lighting to set the mood (SO old school, but for good reason; works like a charm). Ladies, buy your men a round of golf or give him the go ahead to just be manly with friends for the day (for most males, the less materialistic, the better). On the other hand, a nice hand or neck massage with hot oils or rock therapy could do the trick. Something that could be done together: make a luscious red velvet cake, or your local grocer’s best version: and, voila! Inexpensive treating here and there can make the dull, dreamy. You’re worth it. He’s worth it. Who knows, you may even outshine ‘Big Willie’ and ‘Side-Hat-McGee,’ errr Middleton. A personal vow: whenever a Will and Kate headline flashes before my eyes, I will treat my man or myself, of course, to some cheap, yet oh-so-satisfying, luxury. I’d like to think of it as a win-win for us all.
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Can Cold Water Clean Dishes?

My mom never ceases to surprise me with the random literature she sends me. Today, it was this: Got to love her.

This is for all the germ conscious folks that worry about using cold water to clean. John went to visit his 90 year old grandfather in a very secluded, rural area of Saskatchewan. After spending a great evening chatting the night away,
the next morning John’s grandfather prepared breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast. However, John noticed a film like substance on his plate, and questioned his grandfather asking, ‘Are these plates clean?’ His grandfather replied, ‘They’re as clean as cold water can get em.' Just you go ahead and finish your meal, Sonny!’

For lunch the old man made hamburgers. Again, John was concerned about the plates, as his appeared to have tiny specks around the edge that looked like dried egg and asked, ‘Are you sure these plates are clean?’ Without looking up the old man said, ‘I told you before, Sonny, those dishes are as clean as cold water can get them. Now don’t you fret, I don’t want to hear another word about it!’

Later that afternoon, John was on his way to a nearby town and as he was leaving, his grandfather’s dog started to growl, and wouldn’t let him pass. John yelled and said, ‘Grandfather, your dog won’t let me get to my car.'Without diverting his attention from the football game he was watching on TV, the old man shouted!
‘Coldwater, go lay down now, yah hear me!’

Meet Coldwater!

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Obsessively Organized

Does a trait like this even exist?
And, if so, would one consider it to be a positive quality in a human being? Evidently so. As I was typically browsing through some classifieds on Craigslist, I came across this job ad (pictured below).

At first, I did a double take, and after I realized its seriousness, had to laugh. Thank you, Craigslist.

A Woman Should be Two Things:

Fearless and Fabulous: with the ability to say, "I don't give a f***, every once and a while."
I am so grateful to be blessed with such beautiful, independent and wise women that have been a dominant part of my life - hmmm, maybe that's why I'm such a stubborn feminist (and I wouldn't have it any other way). I have already introduced you to one of my grandmas - and here's the other, she goes by the name "Grandma Gritz." At a youthful 63 years old, she doesn't hesitate a bit when asked if she wants to try her arm in a harmless game of beer pong! WATCH OUT, GRANDMA'S COMIN' TO PLAY!

What to say...

When you have nothing else to say.

Have you ever found yourself - fingers to keyboard, and a blinking cursor dancing around in the empty status update text box, just mocking you? A day when you just cannot, for the life of you, think of a single damn thing on your mind that may appeal to your ever-so interested facebook flock? We all know it's uber fun to get all of those likes. If you find yourself having a bad case of the locked lips, or fingers, for that matter, check out this website. Now, I can't guarantee your online popularity will rise dramatically or your friend requests will increase by 30%, but hey, it's entertaining nonetheless. Happy status generating!
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