Soul Inspiration

Summer in Alaska

2012-09-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Summertime in AK- Take 1

My summer in Alaska was definitely one to remember. I met so many new amazing friends that I will never forget. I built so many lasting relationships that will lead to visiting each other, keeping in touch and hopefully seeing each other in following summers for long legs of sleeping in the train cars of HAP!

The summer began with pent up anxiety of going to an entirely new state on my own without knowing anyone. Not knowing where I would be living. Not sure how I would get around. Not knowing the area. Not sure if I would even like the job. Never seeing snow or even know the definition of "cold" weather and just the nerves of the new impending experience.

I have to say it started off with a great start. I began my journey in the Orlando airport where I saw a group of semi familiar faces thanks to facebook. This is where I met my eight soon to be Cheesecake Factory roommates... There was

That guy that lives in the living room and has an extreme but great personality: James

The one who had her own room and is a sarcastic wiseass <--- (still jealous lol): Jaimie

The overly obsessed with her bob and blow dryer but sweetest girl ever: Enjoli

The fun loving Hippie Brazilian: Maria

The blonde Bombshell who is so nice and has really trendy black sunglasses: Totski

The one who rides the mini bike and has great luck: Ryan

The one who is funny and lives in the other living room: Paul

Then the one from Vegas who is loud (like me) and boy crazy: Amanda

This is how most of our days began... there are actually 8 of us in this tiny car. We grew to know each other quite well :) <3

After meeting the roomies it was time to explore and hit the train world of working:)

There were two Moose that were just chillin outside our apartment :)

Climbing a mountain and seeing snow for the first time.

Our first training run had beautiful sights such as hurricane gulch before and drinking at the bar.

Salmon bake.. a bar in Denali that had awesome margaritas and a basement with live blues and jazz music.

Next was Ultimate Frisbee where we played every week at Valley of the Moon.

and where you would find me every weekend if I wasn't working... at the street market.

Next thing ya know.. I rented a car and I drove Amanda and I to Whittier for a Glacier Cruise.

Where I bought a super trendy captains hat.

Saw beautiful scenery.

Kissed a glacier.

and stayed on board the ship :)

Then it was time to party until 2am and get up for work at 4am for my first official NB Ship Day!

James <3

Mackey and Dale <3

Oh it was free message night <3

Shots<3 Jon and Dale

Alaska is where I met Amanda, which we found out we both live in Orlando aka new BFF's

Birthday gatherings which followed by the bar!

Camping in Portage with Dale <3

The drive to Portage to camp!

Camping with Dale and having this view... Can't beat it!!!

Anchorage Museum with Christy and James

Followed by some DragQueen Bingo. Priceless!

All the roommates plus the new addition Steven and Phil. This is Steven's van and the before picture... We all decided it needed a revamp.. so out came the spray paint!

The after project of the pimp van!

Our first bbq... (James)

Playing water balloons in our yard.. we had to have a beer in the other hand while tossing the water balloon. (aka bad hangover at work the next day)

This is literally our yard... walk out the door and this is our view and we watch baseball games all night long. This is the midnight baseball game after our bbq... oh and a rainbow.

The next hungover workday. This is the view I see everyday. This was a ship day and stay over night in Healy.

My work Husband (James) I miss him and his corny jokes. <3

Days in Healy lead to bonfires,drinking, and singing while Jon plays guitar... This is at 1am..

Summer Solstice Concert at Mooses Tooth... Michael Franti!! Amazing!!!

Double fisting for Michael Franti!

Dale and I at the concert!

Amanda and I for night at Crossroads (the local bar everyone is at all the time.)

My office.

View from the office... Mt. McKinley Largest mountain 20,320ft ( look closely , it looks like a cloud this is about 150 miles away.)

More views.

This is Alaska take one.. I will post another blog with my excursions and the rest of my adventure. I took over 4,000 pictures.. I was known as the paparazzi on the train :) Stay tuned!

Also remember if you have not donated to my run for Charlie please do so..

Here is the link :Run for Charlie <---- Click me! Thank you

Charlie

2012-08-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Charlie

All I can say is this summer has been the best of times and the worst. I recently just got back from Alaska which was the most amazing and positive experience of my life to date. Until I got the call outside the Deathstar in Healy from Jonathan when he told me Charlie had past away. All I remember is screaming and not being able to breathe all at the same time. The hardest part was when Marie called me from Charlie's phone and his name came up on my screen "Charlie". Knowing that I would not be able to talk to him about everything, laugh with him, hear his corny jokes, get the daily theatre gossip, or just be in his company anymore is surreal.

So I changed my flight and hopped on a plane to head home early, there was no way I would miss his memorial for the world. I then helped Marie set up for the memorial. I went ahead and got a 20x30 picture of Charlie made up to go on the podium that the speakers were going to be speaking at for his memorial. I went and picked the picture up and just ran errands with Charlie for the next day an a half... I know it is silly but it made me feel a little better knowing that I had a piece of him with me. Even if it was just a blown up picture of his big head. hehe

It was nice spending time with Marie, she is such a strong woman, I can't even imagine. At Charlie's memorial it really brought our big theatre family together and it was so comforting and warm. We shared many laughs and stories about Charlie. I know he heard us as an angel I just wish he were there standing in the back of the theatre under the EXIT sign so we could have made it a roast. I know that he really would have enjoyed it and probably would have gotten on stage to talk about himself if he could.

The speeches were beautiful and all inspiring it was so touching to hear how many lives Charlie has touched and how many lives he and Marie have changed at the theatre. I couldn't stop crying because I miss my best friend and I still haven't come to the realization that he is gone. I had know for a couple weeks that I was going to be singing and speaking and since the moment Marie asked me I started praying to Charlie and God that I they would give me the strength to have the words and song to get through that tough day. I reached the podium and had to just stand their in silence for a moment that felt like years... I have been on that stage hundreds of times and never could I have imagined it would be under these horrible circumstance. It makes me so angry as I sit here and tears come to my eyes. How such a great and amazing,inspiring and truly great person could be robbed of so many years.

I finished my speech and song and the first thing I thought was Charlie would be so proud of me because I made it through in one piece. Charlie was my mentor,boss,fellow actor/Winkie, confidant, best friend but most of all my family. I am not taking his loss very well but I am continuing to pray everyday for the strength that he gave me on August 12th to cascade me everyday.

I recently signed up for my first Half Marathon. It is the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon. It takes place November 10th and the run is raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society which is why I chose this particular race. I am running for Charlie. Most people did not know but Charlie was diagnosed with Leukemia last October, so this run is for him. I am raising money for the cause, so I would greatly appreciate it if people could donate, even if it is just five dollars.

All you have to do to donate is to click on RUN FOR CHARLIE <---- click :)

Scroll to the bottom and enter the donation amount and click enter.

Then make sure you enter all your information and your name so that you show up on the web page that you donated for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in my Run for Charlie.

" A heart isn't measured by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others."

Wizard of OZ

I love you Charlie, here is to you. Forever in my heart. xoxox

Day twenty eight.

2012-05-16T20:13:00.001-07:00

Day twenty eight.

Orientation.

So in retrospect today would actually be thirty something since I missed the passed week and a half without Internet. Well the today finally came.. when Santa (aka the Internet installation) man came and gave us the greatest gift. Internet.

Well in the past week I have had orientation for my new job with HAP ( Holland America and Princess Cruise line) Very exciting stuff... also have been going out and meeting a bunch of new people.

I actually have this entire week off so I have been exploring downtown and running a lot since I have the time...before I get beaten with the stick called work :)

Sexy and I know it.

This guy is amazing and puts a whole twist on LMFAO.. listen while you browse.

The past orientation week.

Begin each day my amping it up at 5:45am so you have enough fuel until 11pm at night when the sun slowly begins to set.

Learn these Sexy cocktail drinks for work!

Move into our new apartment.

This is the view outside of our patio door.

Shoveling the snow from the yard ;)

we just had to throw some dollar bills down.

Find a roommate! CHECK!

Find our ride!!

We fit three bikes in the rental car, plus three of us in the car.. us girls know how to pack.

My girl Ol' Bessy Huffy!

All moved in and settled.. Family dinner!

Roaming around town on our bikes and this is what we see....

This is a moose down the street from our apartment outside of a school eating grass!

This is the park where we play ultimate Frisbee at.. so gorgeous.

Then our first run on the train. :)

This is Hurricane Gulch.. a huge valley with a river running through it that the train stops above for the guests to have a picture opt.

After the train ride we stayed at the Lodge..

a five star hotel owned by Holland America this is the view.

After we arrived at the Lodge our company took us to see an interactive dinner theatre show.

Where in the picture below I am tasting Salmon for the first time.

After the show we went out to a bar called Salmon Bake where they had a live band underground that played awesome Blues. It was great!

Also look at the man behind me with the extremely long and amazing mustache.

This is a picture of leaving the bar at 12am and the lodge right in front of me and the sun still isn't down.

The next morning we got up at 6am for breakfast and took tours of the Lodges owned by Princess and then had a 6hr bus ride back to Anchorage. Here are some of the views from the bus.

After our first run...

I have off for a week so yesterday the girls and I went downtown and took some fun pictures.

Kiss the grizzly!

This totem means wisdom and strength..

Bare butted Moose shirt!

What Pocahontas?!

The bumper sticker I am going to get for LUCY! (my car)

Hey, Hey!

Rocking the red hat ;)

Thanks for reading :)

Day twenty seven.

2012-05-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

Day twenty seven.

One step at a time.

Conquer each mountain at a time by putting one foot in front of the other.

Mountain.

So we decided to explore some after lunch. We don't have hiking boots and it was snowy so I was slipping everywhere but it was an awesome experience.

Time to invest in some awesome hiking boots...

On ground level.

These are the stairs to start the hike aka the starting hike through snow. Slippery!

Starting the trek.

Higher...

Beautiful! no words.

I sat down to rest as I was walking up and it started snowing about thirty seconds after I took this picture. My first time seeing snow fall and it was beautiful.

The top of the mountain. Snowing and all <3

This is on the slippery hike down the mountain a woman was hiking up with her 3 dogs and her cat in her backpack... What?! lol

Thanks for following <3

Day twenty six.

2012-05-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Day twenty six.

Friends.

Make friends along the way, you never know who you will meet. I am on an awesome adventure and have met the most amazing and welcoming people in Alaska and I have only been here 3 days. Bring it on summer 2012!!!!

Agenda.

So yesterday began with looking at some apartments... and I am happy to say the Orlando group found a place and so did I. :)

We then decided to venture into the five story mall downtown cause we had a half hour to kill before we met our group and this is where I witnessed my first "Hot dog on a stick" I didn't get one but I was so excited because I always see these places in movies but never have actually witnessed one until now.

Then I grabbed a protein whole fruit smoothie called runners shot and was beyond impressed because they had boba. One of my obsessions.

After a little time we met up with our group for lunch at the sleeping lady where we ate downtown with a beautiful view of the mountains....

It is like hops (for all the Floridians out there with the tanks to brew their own beer inside)

I got the Greek Hummus platter if was amazing.

After the Sleeping Lady we wondered around downtown.. where cinco de mayo began...

First drink.

After my first drink it led me here to the Slippery Salmon for a couple Margaritas!

After a couple of Margaritas it brought me to my first Roller Derby at the Alaska Convention Center.

I ended up with this sweet hat that this nice woman gave me that I got so many compliments on.

A bra collection.

After Roller Derby we ended up at the Crossroads where the night began.

5 minutes at crossroads and I was married.

With free drinks bought by a man at the bar for our table to celebrate the happy couple!

Which led to this!

The people in Alaska are so sweet <3

Thanks for following.

Day twenty five.

2012-05-05T01:40:00.000-07:00

Day twenty five.

Persistence.

Persistence is key. We have been running around downtown Alaska the past day and a half looking for an apartment and haven't found anything yet... Everything will work out as long as we keep trucking along :)

Sunshine.

The story behind this song is that when we got off the airplane in Anchorage,AK and jumped on the shuttle to the hotel this was the first song that we heard on the radio. How fitting and ironic "Bright Sunshiny Day" we are from the sunshine state and it's sunny 24/7 in Alaska!

AAA:the hunt.

(Anchorage Alaska Apartment)

The hunt.

This is how my day began... view from the plane of the mountains..

Then we took a ride down to the railway to see where we will be working

We then ventured to downtown Anchorage which is pretty drab and started our apartment search.

Then somehow ended up at a state park and I saw snow for the first time and tossed some snow balls <3

After tossing some snow balls it was about 8pm in this picture and we decided to go find some food.

That is when we ended up at Moose Tooth which is like Mellow Mushrooms for all the Floridians out there... enjoyed some pizza and a Raspberry Wheat beer.

Yummy <3

After our beer and pizza all seven of us squeezed into the car to wind down for the night or day.. .

(it is so confusing when the sun doesn't set)

Thanks for following... <3

Day twenty four.

2012-05-04T10:37:00.001-07:00

Day twenty four.

Neglect.

I have not been on my blog in about 6 days,

I am neglecting you.

This week has been crazy with moving my apartment,packing for AK, visiting friends, finishing finals and my fifteen hour flight to Alaska.

Needless to say I am now in Alaska it is beautiful and I have already met some great people.

My phone is not connecting to the Internet so I have no personal pictures to post as of now until I figure out what to do.

Song.

Obsessed, take a listen while you browse.

Alaska.

Here is a bit of what I am seeing.

These mountains are everywhere... as we drive they are always in our view...

So beautiful <3

This is about the extent of how dark it got last night.. It ended up getting dusk around 10pm and the sun rose again at 3am. Today it is 36 degrees with a chance of snow!

( I have never seen snow so this is awesome!)

Today the agenda is apartment hunting and going to the railway to see where we are going to be working!

Day twenty three.

2012-04-28T14:13:00.001-07:00

Day twenty three.

Get away.

Sometimes it is nice to just get away. Even if it is for the night. Get a cheap hotel, a bottle of wine and some great friends and just relax :)

Sweet.

Enjoy this song while you browse my profile. I absolutely love Gabe Bondoc's voice and original songs <3

Summer.

My Alaska summer compared to your Florida summer.

Everyone in Florida will be at the beach with this gorgeous view.

While I am in Alaska with this gorgeous view.

Animal sight seeings in the Ocean of Florida will be dolphins.

While in Alaska Ocean sight seeing will consists of whales.

Floridians will watch as beautiful Armadillos cross the road and did wholes in your yard.

While I am in Alaska watching Moose crossing the road!

You will be riding in style.. in the Tye dye hippie van.

While I am traveling via Double Decker glass train!

Floridians are surfing.

As I am hiking and canoeing.

I also will be rocking my fun shades for 24hrs. 7 day a week sunshine!! <3

Thanks for reading... come back tomorrow <3

Day twenty two.

2012-04-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

Day twenty two.

Unfriend.

Whether it is on facebook or in person. Leave the negative people behind and do a sweep of who really matters. Believe me you will feel better, I know I do.

Update.

I ended up getting a 98.4 % on my 14 chapter, 110 question Managerial Accounting exam. Studying for 16 hours paid off!

Song Inspiration.

I am in love with Adele especially her album 19. Take a listen to this song while you browse.

Pins.

Today I was so busy moving, driving to visit family and officially packed my bags for Alaska that I didn't really get to concentrate on the blog. (neglecting you today :/) I am going to post some pins that I like that are vintage and some DIY's.

I loved this living room because of the pop of neon yellow they used in the throw pillows. Vintage flare but a bit of dare.

I enjoy recycling and using wood crates, here this person painted them and used the crates to store their shoes. Yes please!

This backboard is super simple you can take come old wood or a pallet and just paint whatever word or phrase that you would like above your head at night.

I really love this simple vintage dining area.

This ladder is used as greenery in the house or patio. At the same time you can use an old ladder inside the house and place flower vases and books as a unique piece of decor.

Cost efficient and cute. These are plates put up on the wall creating a unique wall arrangement.

These vases are so cute when put in picture frames and then placed on top of chicken wire. So fun!

Thank you for reading <3

Day twenty one.

2012-04-26T21:10:00.002-07:00

Day twenty one.

Absorb yourself.

So these past two days I have spent twelves hours in the library studying for Managerial Accounting and I just took the final and I am happy to say I am almost positive I got an "A". I can really say that taking the exam was fun because I knew the information so well!

Song.

I am obsessed with this song and her voice.

Listen while you look at my blog :)

My obsessions.

These are some things that I am obsessed with.

Black and white movies I am in love with... there is nothing like a kick back.. Plus me and my grandma are obsessed and it's something we do together.

Boba tea... Yummy... these tapioca balls are a great meal while being to yummy at the same time... I go out of my way in Tampa just to get a boba tea at my favorite tea shop Kalesia.

I also love Daisies... they are a simple flower just like me and provide happiness <3

I am obsessed with dresses. If I could wear a dress everyday of my life I would. If I had my choice women would only wear dresses. They are so fetch!

Eye make-up is an essential for me and other than being on Broadway my other dream job would be doing make-up for famous people. <3

When I straighten my hair.. the usual style will most likely have some braid intertwined. Why not it's appeasing to the eyes :)

One of my favorite desserts is Key lime pie... I like it tangy not sweet and frozen <3

I am obsessed with my long curly hair. I have the best of both worlds! I love being different with my unique locks <3 I see it as a blessing!

I grew up watching Lucy with my grandma and she is one of my idols. I even named my car after her. Because I LOVE LUCY!

Manhattan is close to my heart and I will move back there one day. The hussel and bussel of people is so energizing.

Shirley Temple = Love

I have everyone one of her movies when she was young... Her drink is even great!

I love myself a great pair or Sperry's. Even better a guy you can wear them for fashion and not there intended use (aka boating) haha.

I don't have any tattoos but I love this tattoo it kind of made my heart flutter and I don't know why.

Maybe one day I can get one with my other half and we will be like infinity <3

Now you know a little bit more about me :)

Day twenty.

2012-04-25T21:59:00.001-07:00

Day twenty.

So my first class is officially done and I got an A... Yeah Lodging and Operations. Hard work,dedication, and stress have paid off this far. I am on a roll.

Bedroom.

So since Michelle and I found our gorgeous apartment today that we will be moving into in August... I am of course pinteresting to find ideas... this is what I am thinking for my room maybe.

As far as the picture below... I am just digging this blue accent color on the back wall in my room. Followed by white and black accents with some rustic inspiration involvement.

The picture below is what I want to do for my bed. Instead of a box springs I want to put my bed on pallets..this will make my bed close to the ground and more like a urban flat feel.I am going to paint the pallets white before I use them though.

I already have some vintage black and white photographs that I will incorporate around my room and bathroom. Aw well as black and white picture frames.

This is where some of the rustic comes into play.... get an old wood picture frame and will paint it white or black and add some Polaroid with close pints and hemp.

This is another great use of old mirrors from thirfting/garage sales that I may not use but would be great to incorporate maybe in my bathroom or some place in our apartment.

This is something that I am absolutely going to do just try to find some suitcases in my color scheme and stake them up and use as a night stand.

This is a great conversation piece,recycles and is cost efficient. Take your old books and use them as shelves! Wonderful.. so excited for this!

I have a set of old windows exactly like this that I am either going to put above my bed as a headboard/decorative piece or lay around for some rustic decor.

That is what I have so far, thanks for stopping by and viewing.. if you have any interesting ideas/DIY/links/ or something you think I would like please post a comment <3

Day nineteen.

2012-04-24T17:24:00.001-07:00

Day nineteen.

Just think about tomorrow.

Although yesterday was stressful I just closed my eyes and remembered tomorrow I will be one step closer to moving and Alaska! I am finished with two classes and only two more to go. Had a study sesh with my bestie until midnight then ran to Walmart and was able to get about thirty huge boxes so we can pack all our stuff for the big move to our new Orlando apartment and slowly feeling the stress melt away. Tonight we booked a hotel in Orlando (we live in Orlando but sometimes you just need a get away) and are going to drink, study and be loud!! I love exams week <3

Light it up.

Well since I am on this DIY recycle interior designing kick. I decided to do one on lighting fixtures and re-using light bulbs as accents in your house. I was so excited when I actually found my hair chalking tutorial on pinterest.

(small things make me smile.)

Alright this lighting fixture below is really quite simple to make all you have to do is:
1. Blow up a balloon
2. Soak some string/hemp in glue
3. Wrap the balloon with the string/hemp
4.Let dry for a couple of days
5.Pop balloon and attach your light bulb/fixture

The basket lighting is also very easy to do.

1. Find a basket you are fond of

2. Cut a hole

3. Attache to lighting fixture

The picture below is a light bulb that has been hollowed out and then some dirt and a plant seed was put in and it makes a cute conversation plant piece.

This is a light bulb that has been made as another lighting fixture, an oil lamp. This DIY also involves hollowing out the light bulb. After that step is completes add some oil used in lamps and the appropriate rope and you are all set.

I love this light bulb idea to hang and use them as vases. They as so cute but the light bulbs need to be hollowed out before you can use them as a vase.

This is a unique door knob that requires the light bulb to be made into concrete.

Follow this tutorial if you interest.

Tea cups as lighting fixtures... how cute! This I am guessing on but I am thinking that you need to buy some epoxy glue that can handle heat and glue the tea cup and the plate together after you have already managed to cute a hole into the bottom and then slip the bulb in and hang.

How clever a use for umbrellas as lighting fixtures? So cute and sheik.

Last but not least this is a great wedding or party lighting idea... All you have to do:

1. Wine glasses

2. Insert votive candles into wine glasses

3. Apply mini lamp shades over the wine glasses and votives for a mini lamp at each table

Thank you for reading and following. Please be sure to comment. Also if you could please do the poll on the right hand side of DIY's you would like to see me do in the future.

Day eighteen.

2012-04-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Day eighteen.

Breathe.

Sometimes you just need to stop and breathe. I am so stressed and feel like I am on the verge of tears so on the way back to my apartment from studying at the book store I stopped into HOME Goods. (love that store) what a great pick me up. Still stressed and I feel like this crazy, whirlwind, cool weather we are having in Orlando are my emotions. So I just need to stop and breathe because in a week and a half I am going to be engulfed with gorgeous mountains, people, and inspiration!

Your pallet.

So my new favorite thing that I am obsessed with is DIY home interior made from pallets... I feel like there is this urban and rustic vibe which I dig. Here are some of the great ideas I dug up. Please comment or post some links on this page of any neat ideas you found on pinterest or that you found on your own.

Below are a couple pictures of pallets that are used as backboards for your bed. You can paint the pallets whatever color you like to match the decor or for a color pop.

Bed on pallets instead of using a box spring. I like the way they painted the pallet before they putt the mattress on top! (I will be doing this DIY come September in my new apartment, so stay tuned!)

Below are few pictures that are pallets used underneath cushions to make a couch. You can also attach wheels to your pallets so that your couch is movable. (Another DIY I will be doing in my own apartment come September you) You can also paint the pallets before use so that they match your decor.

Use your pallet to decorate your balcony add your greenery and watch it grow.

I Love this idea!

Below are a couple picture that shows you can use pallets even in your kitchen.

The first picture shows that you can make your own kitchen island from pallets with a little paint, nails, and a screw driver.

The second picture shows that you can hang a pallet from the wall and use it to hang your pots and pans so that it does not take up valuable cabinet space.

This picture uses pallets to create a bar/storage area.

The few pictures below use pallets to make indoor and outdoor tables. (Another DIY I will be using in my apartment) They also painted them so if fits with the decor.

Using pallets as wall decor, tear out some wood and insert some pictures and possessions and you have a beautiful wall display.

The last couple pictures are really neat and cost efficient if you are thinking of creating a moving room. Use your pallets and just add one more to each level creating a movie theatre effect. Add some nice cushions and throw pillows and you are set.

Thank you for reading, if you have any ideas for home interior or links you would like to share comment below I would love for some interaction on my blog <3

Day seventeen.

2012-04-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Day seventeen.

Dictate your future.

Dictate your own future don't let someone choose it for you. Stand tall and focus on your dreams life it to short to let someone take that dream away from you.

Scarves,hats, bracelets OH MY.

So looking through this summers fashion and it looks to me that the in things this season are crop tops, lots of bracelets, scarves during summers, your favorite pair of sunglasses and hats! This may just be the best summer yet <3

Dress your outfit up with bangles and bracelets galore.

Crop top and bracelets!

Hat, glasses, bracelets! Love.

Hat, see through crop top, bracelet and some colored shorts for some extra spice.

My absolute favorite. Summer dress, scarf, hat, sunglasses, messy bun, and heels!

A cute scarf and some ankle boots is all ya' need!

Great sunglasses, bracelets and she looks like a star!

Thanks for reading... please leave comments and take the poll on the right side of the page of DIY you would like to see me do in the future.

Day sixteen.

2012-04-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Day sixteen.

Decompress.

I am in overload mode and about ready to explode over with anxiety, anticipation and excitement. I have so much to do. So to solve this problem of not knowing what to accomplish first, just make a list staring the most important things that can not wait. This puts your thoughts in order so you are ready to knock em' out!

Moving on.

So since I am in the process of moving to a new apartment that will most likely be unfurnished here are some ideas that are cost effective and neat that I am looking to do.

This was a great idea, taking half of a suitcase and putting a pillow in it and making it into a dog or cat bed for all you animal lovers out there.

This one is my absolute favorite.. taking old flats and putting throw and seat pillows on top to make a urban Flat couch. (no pun intended lol)

Putting crates on the wall as cubbies and a work area that you can use for all different scenarios.

This is a great one for us girls who have a lot of jewelry. Just get a piece of wood find some old door knobs and attach them to the wall and you have a necklace hanger!

Forget your windows this shutter is used for mail!

Have old luggage or are thrifting for something neat? Pick up this old suitcase and pack your bathroom items to bring home and hang on your wall as a medicine cabinet!

Another luggage idea... buy a few and stack to create a conversation nightstand.

This last piece will look create with your Urban flat couch.. grab some flat pain and even wheels to make you new coffee table mobile.

Day fifteen.

2012-04-20T11:16:00.001-07:00

Day fifteen.

Time to buckle down.

It is about time to buckle down and stop procratinating. I am pretty good about procrastinating but I am trying to keep it under control between studying for exams, moving my apartment, getting my apartment and things settled in Alaska. I have a feeling I will be in overload in about ten minutes, so kicking into overdrive.

Four- twenty.

Yeah, today is four twenty I think it is the day that most people do drugs illegally. EWWW! I have to say that the things I am addicted to are coffee and chocolate <3

( please be smart drink responsibly)

Drink on.

Since I am in studying overdrive I haven't had much time to do any DIY project but I have been scoring some awesome DIY ideas on pinterest. I am in a thinking about being done with finals and send off to Alaska mood so I posted some fun drink ideas you can do yourself to have a party. Just click on the cyber links to get the tutorial :)

The picture above are shot glasses made of ice, do not let them intimidate you they are super easy to make and make your drink chilled at the same time.

This is something my family and I have done in the past multiple times. Throw some ice and your drinks into a canoe and let your guests have free rein.

Dress up your classy affair with some card on your wine glasses.. You can also use this as a game later on in the night or even a raffle.

Drink like a fish. All you need to do is get a large fish bowl, add some alcoholic beverages and get some friends together. This one is fun!! You can even connect the straws to make one giant straw and drink from across the room :)

Make your alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks glow. Kids love this one. Just plug in a black light and get some tonic water and your are good to go.

Add some summer flair to your Sprite or Sangria by making fruit ice cubes... just pour some juice and fruit into the ice tray, freeze, and serve.

This is a wonderful idea for fall, that I just had to post it now so that I wouldn't forget. You can even do this with a watermelon for summer so put your work to the test. All you have to do is carve out the pumpkin/melon add ice and drinks and you have a personal conversation piece to place on the table.

This was a super cute idea for summer to take a wheel barrel and throw your drinks in there. This is great for kids as well to do their lemonade stand. :)

Thanks for reading and make sure to do my poll on the right hand side of DIY you would like to see me do.

Day fourteen.

2012-04-19T16:22:00.001-07:00

Day fourteen.

Make good decisions.

Make sure you make the right decisions for yourself. This past year I have had to make hard and painful decisions for myself. Although I may have been the one making the decisions it doesn't mean it didn't hurt me none the less. Over the past two weeks I have been so happy and am relizing I made these decisions for a reason and I was protecting myself and future in the long run.

ALWAYS GO WITH YOUR GUT! YOUR HEART WILL EVENTUALLY HEAL!

My hard decisions led me to this awesome girl!

My best friend!

(By the way if you enjoy these awesome mustache glasses check them out here at Claires)

Quote of the day.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
― Marilyn Monroe

DIY home interior.

These are some awesome DIY ideas that I found off of pinterest. (follow me)

The picture above is a hanging lamp made by blowing up a large balloon and glueing down string all around the balloon and waiting for the string and glue to dry. Then after a couple of days pop the balloon and you will have a hollow center. Place over your light bulb and there you go.

(take proper protection to ensure the string is not close enough to the bulb and that everything is safe.)

This is a cable spool that was made into a book shelf/ coffee tabel what a great and vintage looking piece. Slap some wheels and paint on this large spool and your are good to go.

The picture above is great to dress up your outdoor area while being cost efficient and recycling. Just piece together some cement blocks, add some pillows and decorative items and use the holes as cubbies to hold your blankets, bug spray, or whatever your heart desires.

This is a cute addiction to your couch/living room. It feels very bright and summery adding energy into the room. Just get some material from your local fabric store and hang it over your couch of even bed as a canopy and then add some extra spice with some decorative pillows and fresh flowers.

This is a urban and vintage look that is simple to achieve for the new apartment owner or even for a college dorm room. Get some long draping curtains, a throw run and a fun lamp and you are good to go.

This is a great DIY tabel and conversation piece when friends and family come over. Take an old door (if sanding is needed make sure to smooth the door out), paint the door in the color of your choice, add some legs, let your new tabel dry. Bring into the house and enjoy your new unique conversation piece.

If you or your man are into the outdoors this is a fun project to do. This can dress up your backyard and is a nice extension to your house. Your own tree house to enjoy with your family with some decor and color.

Thank you for reading and following. Please pass along and make sure you take my poll on the right side of the page of DIY you would like to see me do in the future <3

Day thirteen.

2012-04-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Day thirteen.

Learn from your mistakes.

So we make a mistake... no use sulking. Pick up, move on, and learn from what you have done. You are now wiser.

Final.

My days no consist of packing and studying in the library. Wish me luck on exams :)

Hair tutorial.

So today's DIY is a tutorial on how to make a braid in your hair a headband. I actually did this tutorial while in the library studying so forgive the background :)

Step one: Take a chunk of hair underneath your top layer so that you can not see where the braid starts and being to braid.

Step two: Braid the chunk of hair grabbed.

Step three: When you have finished the braid drape it across your forehead or in your hair as a hairband or headband.

Step four: Bobby pin under some of your hair on the opposite side of your head so that the bobby pins and the end of the braid is not visible.

Step five: Finished product.

Thank you for reading.. remember to take the poll on the right hand side of DIY you would like to see me do.

Day twelve.

2012-04-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

Day twelve.

Date night.

Go out with your girlfriends or your other half. Hang loose and go see a movie or plan a fun game of putt putt golf and proceed to a nice glass of wine.

If you like red,bubbly, fruity wine I suggest a nice glass of Rosa Regale.

Helpful tip.

Five ways to naturally whiten your teeth.

This will save money and you are recycling at the same time.

Tip one: Use lemon juice mixed with baking soda and apply directly on teeth, lemons are acidic.

(I don't highly recommend this one just because if can also ruin your teeth.)

Second tip: You can take the peel of an orange and rub it on your teeth. Make sure you use the lighter side to rub on your teeth.

Third tip: Use Apple Cider Vinegar to whiten teeth. Mix with Baking soda to make a paste if you would like.

(Using it so often can cause sensitivity to the vinegar. This also helps people with Acid Reflex disease.)

Fourth tip: Rub strawberries on your teeth to polish them or make a paste by adding baking soda.

( If you do this a few times a week in just a month you can see a difference.)

Fifth tip: Eating hard fruits and vegetables will help to rub your teeth clean cause them to become whiter.

Thanks for reading and make sure you take my poll on the right hand side of my blog on DIY you would like to see me do.

Day eleven.

2012-04-16T23:11:00.005-07:00

Day eleven.

Keep your cool.

It is important to keep your cool. Some people may get a rise out of you or say something inappropriate just to get you upset but it is important to be the bigger person and

kill them with kindness.

Song of the day.

Found this on youtube it is pretty amazing how this group works together; plus I am just obsessed with this song.

Somebody I used to know.

Greek Easter.

Had a great time with family yesterday at
Greek Easter. For a recap of the day before I get to the DIY and our easter egg competition and who won. Click here.

Spring time DIY.

Decided to do alittle project with my little brother. We had an old wheel barrel sitting around so I decided that we should plant some seeds in there and watch them grow this spring.

What you will need:

1.) Wheel barrel (or pot)

2.) Bag of soil

3.) Seeds

4.) Watering Can

(click here for DIY watering can)

First: make sure you have whatever you want to plant your seeds in ex. pot/wheel barrel

Second: Have your new soil on hand so that your seeds will be well nourished

Third: Pour the soil into the wheel barrel and dig holes to plant your seeds

(make sure you look on the back of your seed packages to see if they are indoor/outdoor plants and if they need sun or a shaded area.)

Fourth: Water your newly planted seeds and watch them grow over time.

Thanks for reading I hope you had a wonderful Monday!

Day ten.

2012-04-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

Day ten.

Make-over.

Make over your facebook page,blog, or even take a big step and start with yourself. It doesn't always happen over night but one step at a time is always good.

My transformation.

Sorry everyone today is a bit of a make-over on my page day so that my DIY/tutorials to come won't look so cluttered on my page so I am clearing it up. If you have any advice or even know how to make a cute profile/layout and are willing to help me please comment and let me know. Please just hang in there with me today as I am all mixed up!

Easter time for the Greeks.

Today is Greek Easter. I am so excited, my mom got me a cute new bunny to take to Alaska with me so I don't loose my favorite one. May be childish but it reminds me of home :)

I am so excited to eat some Greek food and enjoy Easter with my family. For all my fellow Greeks out there I hope you have a wonderful Easter and I wish you luck in the Easter egg battle!

Here is how to follow our Greek Egg Fighting tradition so if anyone would like to try it on Easter next year it is a fun game.

It takes two to crack eggs properly.

First, you and your partner must chose your eggs. you want an egg that seems as though it would hold up to a good beating.

Hold your egg in your fist as though your fist were an egg cup.

You will want to chose which side you want facing up first.

Tops will smash tops and bottoms will smash bottoms.

All actions are done vertically.

Next, decide who will try to smash the other's egg first.

One person has to say, "Kristos Anesti" (Christ has risen)... The other replies, "Alithos Anesti" (Indeed He has risen).

It is very important to attack your partners egg head on, otherwise it is considered cheating.

If you have succeeded in cracking your partner's without cracking your own,you get the next

hit. (If you started tops, bottoms are next).

If no one's egg has cracked, your partner gets a try.

The winner is the one with the least damage.

The top winner is the one who's egg has withstood it all. Unless of course you are really wanting to eat your egg, because you can't crack it on your own unless it's the very last egg left!.

Remember to have fun.

I also can't wait to take a bit of my favorite Greek sweet Bread;Tsoureki.

I hope everyone has a great Sunday and stay tuned tomorrow for a new DIY! Also give me some feedback on my page and what to do to make it better.

Day nine.

2012-04-14T10:48:00.002-07:00

Day nine.

Do something fun for the weekend.

Go out with family or yourself and do something fun. Go to the park and swing on the swings, have a picnic, go see a movie, or get a manicure or pedicure. Take a break and relax and smile.

Spring inspired crafting.

Tomorrow I am planting some Spring flowers with my brother and figured I should do a DIY for a watering can, so if you don't have one and don't need to run out and buy one we can just recycle a milk/juice jug and save the planet.

What you will need:

1.) Milk/Juice/Water jug

2.) A nail

3.) Hammer

4.) Plants to water

First: Take your Jug and rinse it out.... with water and soap so that it is clean inside.

Second: Put the cap on your milk jug and place the nail in the desired location of your first hole and hammer down. ( I suggest 5 holes I did too many and the water poured out a bit too fast.)

Third: Fill jug with water.

Fourth: Water your flowers and feel great about recycling and saving money.

Thanks for reading, tomorrow we are planting new flowers for spring. Please pass the blog along and don't forget to take the poll on the left hand side of the page for what DIY tutorials you would like to see me do :)

Day eight.

2012-04-13T20:22:00.003-07:00

Day eight.

Pay at least three people a day a compliment.

You should compliment at least three people a day. We all know we love when someone compliments us on our hair, make-up,or clothing so why not pass it along and compliment someone else and improve their day? Give it a try it will may you feel happy as well.

Exciting day for me.

I was super productive from 3am to 5am last night getting my CPR and Defibrillator license which carried over into getting my Food serving certificate in the mail. Sometimes I love getting mail when it isn't bills, today it consumed of my certificate,ear muffs, and my Alaska book of fun things to do. From now on my nights will consist of homework, blog, searching through my Alaska book and highlighting things to do in Alaska.

Tonight went to relay for life and walked the track to donate money for Cancer. I love it, feels good doing something positive and for a cause.

This was the cute hairstyle I did today. I put in a headband and then made a braid and bobby pinned it to the back of my hair.

Just a picture to show my DIY ombre hair (meaning my hair on top is darker and then the color fades out) I am in love with it <3

Insight.

So since I am away from my normal DIY stuff at the moment. I am going to post some stuff that baby powder is good for. I know Baby Powder is a random thing to pick but I actually needed to use it today for something other than its normal use (baby rash) and decided I know a couple things it is used for as a life saver. So here it goes.

First: Baby Powder is great if you have greasy hair (this is what I had to use it for today,since my hair is naturally curly and I straightened it I have a habit of touching my hair which makes it oilier.

1.) Just part your hair as you normally would

2.) Pour baby powder in hand

3.) Apply generously to sections that are greasy. ( you do not want to put to much powder to create your hair white, just enough to soak up the oil)

4.) Ruffle your hair and add anywhere else you want and it will look just like new.

Second: Baby powder is a fix if there is grease or oil on your favorite shirt or pants. Oil is always is a pain to get out if you can even manage to get it out of your clothing at all. All you need to do is :

1.) Lay your clothing on a flat surface where it can sit for a day or two

2.) Apply baby powder to the area that is the issue

3.) Let sit one to two days

4.) Wipe off and the powder should soak the grease/oil right up

Third: Baby Powder for a quick pet grooming pick me up. Here is how to do it :

1.) Take he powder and put on your pet

2.) Let is sit for a couple minutes

3.) Brush through your pets hair

4.) Your pet will smell great and look better

Fourth: Baby Powder keeps your playing cards clean and sticky free. Your cards get sticky sometimes cause things spill on them and what not. If this happens here is how to clean them.

1.) Take the cards and put them in a little Ziploc bag

2.) Add a bit of baby powder

3.) Shake the bag

4.) Clean smooth cards

Fourth: Baby Powder to get your rubber gloves on. It always stinks when you can't get your gloves on so all you have to do is:

1.) Put some baby powder on your hands so there is a light dust

2.) Your gloves should slip right on

Hope some of these things are a little helpful and maybe come to use down the line. Please follow and come back tomorrow.

Day seven.

2012-04-12T20:18:00.006-07:00

Day seven.

Stay positive.

Positivity is key. I know when I have days like to today where I dwell on certain things I need to remember to stay strong,things happen for a reason, and better things are to come! I always try to remember how lucky and thankful that I am healthy and that there are worse people off than me.. so stop mopping and "what doesn't kill you makes you strong." (insert Kelly Clarkson singing voice here) :)

The test.

So today I woke up and studied managerial accounting with the girls. Thank goodness for my best friends being in class with me other wise I would crack up. Took the test and feel really well and immediately hopped in the car to head to good o' NPR! Something about seeing the sign "Welcome to Pasco County" makes me smile every time I drive home.

Summer hair.

So since today I was studying all day I am going to post some DIY summer hair looks/trends that are in style that you can do yourself before you leave the house!

First picture: If you have long hair with layers this is perfect. The long hair messy braid that you can dress up at night with or wear down with at the beach.

Second picture: We have the messy fishtail for any length of hear. This is actually super simple to do even though it looks intimidating. I am going to attach a youtube link for you of a girl giving a tutorial of how to do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctkXA4V0zTg

Third picture: Another beachy dress up or down hair style. Just make sure you have your bobby pins in hand to pin back the front strands of hair.

Fourth picture: Literally throw your hair up in a messy bun, add a hair band or accessory and hit the town.

Fifth picture: This I thought was great and creative because it incorporated picture one with picture four. A braid thrown into a messy bun. Give it a try!

Sixth picture: I have to admit with some people this is a bit touch and go. This is one of my favorite looks this summer. I feel like it is very urban and vintage so I love the head band look!

Hope you all enjoyed and remember to pass along and take the poll on the left hand side for what DIY you would like to see me do :) Stay positive <3

Day six.

2012-04-11T16:07:00.003-07:00

Day six.

Rest.

Rest or in my case study and wish I were resting. Sometimes we are always on the go that we forget to just step back rest and maybe catch a 15 minute nap. Just 15 minutes can make you feel more energized.

My restful day.

So last night I ombred my hair ( DIY to come) and was up most of the night... So this morning woke up early and went straight to the library to study.. pulling an all nighter tonight for my Managerial Accounting class... womp womp no rest for me, I wish I had my 15 minutes for a cat nap. Here is a preview of my ombre hair... hard to tell but it fades out at the bottom from my normal color!

Creative inspiration.

So the other day I did some crayon art. A super great idea that you can do with kids or just to dress up your wall. First you will need:

1.) A blank canvas ( you can get two from walmart for about $5)

2.) Crayons ( depends how many you need with how big your canvas is.. you can get the cheap crayons for $.48 or splurge and get crayola for about $1 a box )

3.) Newspaper ( so you can lay down under your canvas so when the wax melts it doesn't go everywhere)

4.) Hot glue gun and glue sticks

5.) Blow dryer

First step: Get your blank canvas

Second Step: Line up your crayons the way you want and then hot glue gun them to your canvas. Make sure you keep the wrapper on the crayon. You can get creative with this as well you don't have to do them in a straight line. ( ex. you can zig zag if you want.)

Third Step: After your crayons are glued down. Start blow drying the crayons. ( I learned from trying it is better to point the blow dryer towards the center of the crayons so that the color melts straight down and does not splatter everywhere.) Make sure you set down your newspaper under your canvas so the crayon wax doesn't drip all over the floor :)

Fourth step: Finished!

Here are the way mine came out I did a couple different things.

These two are the same way as the tutorial above.

This one is a little different. I took the blank white canvas and drew an umbrella with pencil then painted the rest of the canvas black. After instead of gluing down white crayons I just held one single white crayon in my hand and as it melted let it drip down the canvas so it looks like rain ( it looks much better in person) then to add a little more I bought a pearly paint and added short lines down the canvas so it looks like rain and also pinging off the umbrella ( hard to see in picture), but it came out really great!

Thanks for reading. I hope everyone has a wonderful day and remember to take my poll on the left hand side if you haven't yet :)