String Art DIY

My mystery project is done!

I posted this on Saturday on IG 

showing a sneak into my newest project. 

With the holiday weekend 

I didn't finish it until today.  

Painted a piece of wood this wonderful 

yellow shade. 

I tried to print out a diagram 

to follow but it was way to small.

See.

I used ribbon to shape the 

wheels, I guess I should tell you it is 

a bicycle. 

The wheels had to have an inner 

and outer ring. 

I hoped they would be the same size.

But, I'm not the gifted :)

I added the string.

And this is the end result!

I love it!

The yellow and purple are perfect 

for my room.

By -J

Summer DIY

Summer is here, I can feel it!

My summer is usually laid back, 

spending time at the beach and 

working dance camps. 

But now I have a job that doesn't take off

for summer and I'm balancing 

even more on my plate. 

And the one summer class I'm taking 

started today. 

Summer isn't as fun when you are 

an adult. 

Anyway I started a new project on Saturday. 

A display for a fundraiser I organized 

and I wanted to share it with you. 

I found a fundraiser idea 

that you make envelopes labeled with $ amounts

and allow people to simply choose to donate. 

This is for my church youth group, 

so we made some envelopes. 

(unfold an envelope, trace onto a piece of 

scrapbook paper and cut out. 

Follow the same envelope folds and use either glue 

or double sided sticky tape to secure.)

I started with a small pallet that I had at my house. 

My brother cut it for me, 

my family seems to think I can't

use power tools.

Then I spray painted it. 

Which I don't have a picture of. 

I used a box and covered it in brown paper 

to put the envelopes in. 

It was extremely hard to cover it. 

I taped the two shorter ends in 

so the envelopes would fit in. 

I left a slot on the other two ends 

so the envelopes would slide in 

without opening it. 

Notice my Christmas tree ribbon goes in two directions?

Yeah, my brain doesn't see that kind of stuff until the end. 

 The final product. 

I used twine and small clothes pins 

to hold the envelopes in place. 

The display looked so nice. 

We are raising money for 

Operation Christmas Child

which will be used to pack shoe boxes of Christmas 

presents to children in impoverished nations. 

I liked it. 

By -J 

Movie Night Part 1

This is a 3 part series. 

I am planning a movie night 

to watch Jurassic Park with some friends, 

in preparation for Jurassic World with Chris Pratt. 

Anyway I was going to project it and 

have it outside in my yard but the weather was 

going to be terrible and rainy 

so I moved it inside and cancel borrowing 

a projector and screen. 

Now the weather is going to be beautiful 

and my projector person is on vacation. 

This is why I don't plan things. 

Anyway so I invited some friends and its all set.

 Well most of it. I have to work until 2pm 

go home and clean then go to the store and get 

drinks and brownies. 

And set up the movie in my living room. 

I'm really excited because I really wanted 

to have a movie night!

I bought all three Jurassic Movies 

so I'l screen them over the next couple weeks

before number 4 comes out! 

A lot of exclamations because I am so excited!!!

But here is a little funny story. 

I posted on IG that I was playing Settlers of Catan 

with my siblings 

Well I was mowing the lawn last night, 

and my brother came out and said 

"we need you to play settlers tonight"

and I explained having to clean for the movie night. 

He came back and said 

" I'll finish mowing and then you can play"

He didn't understand that mowing was just 

the tip of the iceberg. 

He is 15 and a royal pain. 

Happy Long Weekend!

By -J

Injured

Yeah I tend to injury myself a lot. 

Mostly bruises that I have no idea where 

they come from. 

But my sister is a gardener and recently hurt herself, 

and because I am a know-it-all/ pursuer of knowledge. 

I gave her treatment advice. 

RICE 

Rest, Ice,  Compression, Elevation. 

Rest is always good, but ice brings down swelling, 

alternate 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. 

Compression, I don't know why it works 

but I think it just holds everything in place, 

it also reminds you to not move it. 

(turns out it also helps with swelling)

Elevation, keep it above your heart to keep 

the blood from flowing and 

it keeps swelling down. 

Now for bruising. 

My family uses arnica or traumeel. 

Do not put it on an open wound. 

it reduces swelling, bruising and pain. 

And it is a natural and organic product. 

Pulled muscles can be alleviated with stretching 

and massage. Invest in massage, trust me. 

For injuries to bones or tendons talk to a Doctor. 

But a visit to the chiropractor can be beneficial also. 

Always talk to a doctor before self diagnosing or 

taking prescribed medication. 

And don't go near WebMD.  

You can do it! 

By -J 

Look at my blog charm from Origami Owl!

In Case of Emergency

I recently called emergency services for a car accident, 

(everyone was fine)

and I realized how much information 

they want. 

So I figured I should share what you need to know. 

In any event or accident you need to know, 

location, injuries, who is involved, 

and you need to be calm. 

Trust me.

In a car accident 

you need to know a location, 

how many people are involved, 

if anyone is bleeding or unconscious. 

It will also help if you don't move anyone

or try to provide any medical help unless

professionally trained.  

If someone passes out or is unconscious. 

It is helpful to know if they take any 

medications. 

Also save your emergency contacts in your 

phone as ICE and then the name. 

(In Case of Emergency) 

it can help emergency services locate family sooner. 

With the rise in violent attacks at schools 

it can be helpful to remember a few things. 

Stay calm, either stay where you are, 

or move quickly away. 

Do not try and engage the attacker. 

Call emergency services immediately. 

It never hurts to be first aid or CPR 

certified and many local groups like the YMCA,  

Red Cross, and community centers offer it. 

Look into it. 

Best of Luck !

By -J 

On a lighter note.

I dropped the expensive butter all over the floor...

and my feet. 

Changes

I was recently talking to my older sister

and we stumbled onto me having grown up

in the last year. 

A little background into my family, 

as I have mentioned I have a big one.

5 sisters (all older) and 5 brothers (4 older)

Yes, I am the baby girl :)

Now because I am the baby and my sisters 

were pretty grown by the time I was born, 

I'm kinda looked upon as their baby. 

Kind of hard to grow out of that image. 

Anyway in the last year I felt like I had 

taken some major steps in growing up 

and getting ready for college. 

I've had various jobs since I was about 14

Babysitting, dog sitting, cleaning, 

demonstrator for the younger kids in dance. 

But I started a receptionist job last September, 

which may sound weird, but really suits me. 

It allows me to do school during slow 

periods and work part time.

I also worked hard to finish up some 

classes that I had slacked on. 

(Math and I are not friends)

I felt that I had grown,

 and hoped that others could see that too. 

Whether or not you live in a big family, 

you will always have people measure you 

against others.

Something my mom really gave us 

was time to complete things. 

She understood that while we may not learn at 

the speed of others or accomplish things 

at the rate our siblings did, we were allowed 

to make certain choices. 

Some of my siblings seem to forget 

that we are not miniature thems.

And we will not make the same choices. 

It is that time in life where you drift away from 

childhood friends, 

and gravitate to the next season of life.

Big families have a stereotype of being close. 

Well I'm drifting, which is okay because 

I will never sever the ties, 

but I do need to make my own choices. 

I've seen the results and I believe I can 

make a path, even with screw ups, 

that is my own. 

So, what did we learn. 

1. Stereotypes are reasonable,

 but go ahead and brake the mold.  

2. You will have to grow up and make decisions,

but work with your support system now to prepare for

 the times on your own. 

3. You are never to old to spend time with family.

4. People will compare you and tell you 

what they think you should do, 

Nod your head and then do whatever you were going to do. 

(I'm only slightly kidding, advice is always good)

5. family can be the best and worst, 

choose to remember the best and shrug off the worst.

6. Growing up is hard, and you will have to say goodbye to 

dear friends, but there will be more and maybe

you needed them for only so long. 

7. work hard, in school, at work, wherever.

8.be honest, it can be hard but trust me

it is so much better. 

9. a job is a job, be thankful you have one.

10. schedule time to relax or be alone.

I recently have taken time to do things alone. 

I took myself out to a movie and shopping. 

Lunch and browsing downtown on Monday afternoon. 

Learn who you are when you are alone. 

By -J 

Best of Luck! 

And congrats to the grads!

So I Tried To Ombre My Hair

Stop Laughing. 

Its not that funny. 

But I will walk you through my process. 

First I was on Pinterest. 

I know its extremely easy to get sucked into 

the DIY that is all over Pinterest but I honestly 

thought I could do it. 

Okay Pinspiration 

Doesn't look to hard. 

Darker roots and lightly blend to 

light blonde at the bottom. 

My starting color

I knew I would have to darken the roots

so I got some dark blonde/ light brown 

and some light blonde dye 

These are my colors

I get strange when I wear gloves. 

Dark color in. 

Now is a good time to get things done.

 Eyebrows here I come

Can you tell which one I did?

If you find your eyebrows have gotten a little to 

bushy, use a comb and scissors to trim them down.   

Okay the dark color is in. 

Now I followed Ombre Hair at home

But the steps were hard to understand and follow.

Pictures are so much easier. 

Blonde on the middle to bottom getting thicker 

and leaving it on for 35minutes.

I'm extremely confused 

and hoping I don't kill my hair. 

This color leaves purple behind. 

I'd like to take a moment and shoutout 

my littlest fan.....

You were brave and helpful at keeping the

 fumes down so I didn't pass out.

 I love you. 

I made a mess of my sink. 

Did I mention the purple. 

Now I washed it out and this is what happened!!!!!!

Nothing...........

It was one strange color from my roots 

to my split ends. 

I am really disappointed. 

So I decided since I was going to a party 

to put in some temporary colors. 

I had blue and pink and purple, 

and my mom had just bought me some off brand red. 

Well the red stained my skin and 

now I have red stained skin under my bangs, 

and I am searching for a salon to 

Ombre my hair. 

Wish me Luck 

By -J 

This is not to encourage anyone not 

to try ombre at home. 

Give it a try, it just didn't work for me. 

Video of the Week

When I started By -J I had a little segment at 

the bottom of the page for

"of the week" 

Video, joke, dog. 

Things like that. I dropped it because 

you had to scroll through every post to find it. 

Let's be real, even I don't have time for that.

Anyway my country radio station 

posted a music video today 

from one of my favorite artist Brad Paisley 

and I wanted to share it with you. 

Brad Paisley "Crushin It"

It is really awesome and funny. 

I know a lot of people don't like country music, 

but I do. I also love superheros and 

this video combines them. 

By turning famous country stars into 

superheros that try and destroy 

the evil robot cans of beer.

Enjoy.

Also I know it is the end of the school year, 

and you are really stressed out, 

and you might not like country music, 

but take a few minutes to watch your 

favorite artist or celebrity. 

Then get back to studying. 

Good Luck!

By -J

Me at Brad Paisley Beat this Winter tour. 

Busy Bee

It is the time of year when everything 

seems to be happening. 

Students are ready to finish the semester, 

teachers plan recitals, parties, tests, and much more. 

I personally think we should divide all of 

these events up over the months but it tends to 

fall to just a few weeks. 

And then summer. 

I love summer! It is my favorite time, 

especially when I get to go to the beach. 

But now I have a job that doesn't take summer off.

So I have to put in for actual vacation days. 

It's strange getting old. 

And I'm taking an online class this summer 

so I won't be completely school free. 

But I'm still excited. 

I was going to talk about something completely different, 

its been on my mind for days. 

Remember the post about dreams

and how I figured I have sleep problems because 

I don't confront people in reality. 

Well I stumbled onto a situation that 

I felt had wronged me. 

After venting to my very best friend,

I decided not to confront that person. 

1. Because I knew that they simply would brush it off.

2. It would serve no purpose ruining a night 

just so I would feel better. 

I also figured that if they did it on purpose, 

I would only give them satisfaction over my reaction. 

So I'm trying to let it go, 

even though they did the wrong thing, 

I'm the only one who is hurt. 

Now that I understand my sleep problem

I'm better at addressing why I'm not sleeping. 

But that doesn't solve the problem. 

It's something I'm working on :)

Anyway I'm planing a trip to Texas with sister 

so here are some fun beach/summer pictures. 

Baseball-The American pastime.

My family loves the mountains so summer for me would 

include mountains. 

Disney- We live close and go to a Christian concert night 

but this year we are going to Texas instead. 

I've been para sailing twice now

and I love it!

I would love to go again. 

4th of July is huge for my family 

so I made this last year. 

So I covered like five topics. 

I hope you have a great end of the semester 

and start your summer planing soon!

By -J

Dreaming

I have had some crazy dreams lately. 

Which have lead to not the best sleep,

which lead to napping, 

which lead to not sleeping at night. 

Do you see the irony of it all?

I tend to have a lot of tension in my dreams, 

I haven't had a happy dream

in a long time. 

Which made me wonder, 

What factors affect our dreaming?

My mom always told us we couldn't have 

ice cream late at night because it would 

give us nightmares. 

I think it was more the sugar keeping us awake.

But I did some looking into dreaming.

REM sleep is approximately a 90min period where

 your brain is more active and the perfect time for 

"story-like" dreaming.

When your REM sleep is closer to the

 time you wake up, you are more likely to remember 

more details. People who are sleep deprived 

tend to have a larger amount of REM sleep, 

giving them more vivid dreaming time.

(You see where this is going right?)

For years people have debated whether 

dreams have meanings. 

Several successful people have accredited 

 ideas and inventions to dreams. 

This can be explained to the point of,  

when we see a problem and feel stress over it 

or it is constantly on the mind we take it 

into our "dreams". Often resolving the problem 

simply to find deep sleep. 

Kelly Sullivan Walden, a certified dream coach 

divides dreams into eight categories.

Processing, Venting (nightmares), integration, 

breakdown/breakthrough, recurring, precognitive, 

prophetic, and wish fulfillment. 

The most common being recurring and venting.

(this is my struggle)

Some dreams that fall under the 

processing category have been used to solve 

emotional and physical problems. 

Lending insight into deeper troubles or psychological issues. 

Owen Flanagan a professor at Duke University says 

"Bizarreness will increase....

 the more you have on your mind"

(That isn't giving me a lot of hope

of resolving this )

This is where we dabble in crazy ideas. 

Can your dreams be "interpreted"?

Most everyone has had the dream of 

your teeth falling out. 

This has been linked to a fear of aging or death.

How about the one where you are falling?

This can lend to the loss of confidence or

 threat to security. 

(I had a dream I was wearing really high heels, 

and fell over in them, literally my body jumped 

like I was really falling. What does that mean?)

But most dreams are personal, 

reflecting underlying thoughts or feelings. 

(oh dear this is getting personal)

Symbols, objects, or images can signal 

a connection to reality,  

Serving as a metaphor to the conscious state of mind.

But you also have to know the parallel into your own life, 

the sighting of a lion would mean different things 

to a circus performer and a child whose favorite 

toy is a lion. By examining each element in the dream

and looking for parallels to reality or the subconscious

you can decipher a meaning. 

It may also be beneficial to consult a peer, 

we may not always see objectively

when it concerns our personal lives. 

Recurring dreams can continue for days, 

weeks, months, or even years. 

This is the most important kind of dream. 

This is most likely your unconscious mind trying 

to tell you something. 

If these dreams are a result from a traumatic 

experience, the experts recommend 

help from a therapist.    

So your dreams can be explained. 

For the most part. 

It doesn't take a genius to tell you 

that stress can induce crazy dreams. 

But my dreams tend to bring conflict,

or situations where no one acts normally, 

or I feel I should have spoken up 

in reality and my dreams become the place to 

honestly speak with someone. 

I don't like any of these options. 

But if you want to increase your REM

 (crazy dream time) here are some tips:

Get sleeping-more sleep increases REM time.

Keep a journal-Record the dreams when you wake, it will help you remember more details. 

Suggestions- Contemplate what you want to dream about 

before sleeping. 

Limit stimulates- like sugar or caffeine. 

Best of dreams 

By -J

Its finals time so don't freak out

 about the dreaming.