It is amazing what a little bit of fresh air can do for you when you are stuck inside all day studying for exams, writing assignments and essays. I never make a major decision without going outside to clear my head and breath in some of that gorgeous mountain air we are so lucky to have. I also wanted to include this song that I have been loving and listening to non-stop. Hope you get some inspiration from this and enjoy the music! If you are feeling overwhelmed from anything in life just remember to breathe! xx
Now that it’s finally reading week, I’ve had time to indulge in activities other than studying! After my last midterm on Friday, I travelled back home and haven’t cracked open a textbook since. I was rummaging in the back of my closet and found a pair of old, slightly grubby shoes from Wal-Mart so I decided to spice them up a bit! My family just booked our tickets for Hawaii in the spring so I’ve been in the Tropical mood of late. : ) I put on some Jack Johnson and doodled away. This craft was easy and relaxing and I love how they turned out! I was tempted to stick with the black and white but ended up adding some colour anyway. Just imagine long boarding with these, jean shorts, a baggy tank and a topknot! If only I knew how to long board!
I used to be scared of nail art but forced myself to give it a try after seeing so many adorable patterns; everything from zig-zags and polkadots to pretty bows and hearts. I don’t know why I was so afraid because it is SO easy to create hearts, all you need is a toothpick!
1. Begin by painting your nails whatever colours you fancy; I chose pink, naturally.
2. Make a dot, then another dot so they are side by side.
3. Drag the center of the dots downwards, this will create your heart shape!
4. You can leave it plain or go for full on sparkle, I just added a few bits while the nail polish was drying.
Finished! Add as many hearts as you like, use as many colours as you like! Happy Valentines day!
Scones are good on any occasion, since valentines day is coming up I thought it would be necessary take them to a whole new level by making chocolate-chocolate chip scones. If you really want to go full on you can even get a heart shaped cookie cutter and go with the “heart” theme. Anyone will appreciate them and they are especially enjoyable with a coffee beverage! Here are the instructions below:
-2.5 cups of all purpose flower
-1 tbsp and one teaspoon baking powder
-3/4 cup of cocoa powder
-1/2 cup of sugar
-1/2 teaspoon of salt
-2 tbsp melted butter
-2 cups of whipping cream
-2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, baking powder, cocoa, sugar and salt together. Then add whipping cream until ingredients are moist. Empty dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading until the dough becomes soft (2 mins). Break the dough into 3 balls, flatten the balls so they are 7 inch circles. Cut the circles into four triangles. Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!
We have been a little quiet on here lately, that is because both Adri and I have been SO busy studying for midterms. Through all the cramming and stress one thing that helps me to relax and take a little break from all the anxiety is Chai Tea. This is the BEST Chai Tea I have ever had and it is so easy to make:
1. Add cardamom pods(I used 7), chopped fresh ginger (2 tbsp) and cloves (about six) and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and add in black tea (I used three tea bags), raw honey (two or three tablespoons) and milk (quarter of a cup)
3.Simmer for five minutes and cool for five minutes and enjoy!
I used to faithfully journal everyday when I was little. It lasted years as my stack of fully-filled notebooks can testify. It was a way to remember the little things in life that made me happy, to let my imagination run wild, plan out the future, and deal with anything troubling. Fairly recently, I have heard how journaling can be hugely beneficial in dealing with stress and anxiety. Writing out emotions is a way of “venting,” or, releasing what is on your mind. This method of dealing with problems is extremely therapeutic and calming. People who journal regularly are said to be happier, more confidant and have a greater purpose in life; I whole-heartedly agree. Journaling is also a way to document your life, preserve memories, dream, question, and inspire. I absolutely love looking through my diaries; it’s like taking a trip in a time machine and listening to the heart of my younger self…remembering the precious, as well as the tough times. One of my resolutions this year is to write a daily journal and I encourage you to do the same! So far it’s been my favourite part of the day to curl up in a blanket with my journal and tea, reflecting and collecting my thoughts.
I am quite jealous of my cousin, Rebecca’s long bob. She chopped her hair for a new look this semester and it makes me want to do the same! The side swoop and loose curls is only one of many styles you could do with this cut!
In the midst of essay writing and endless readings, I find it difficult to keep up with the rest of my life. Lately I’ve been hitting the snooze button on my alarm countless times before I get out of bed and end up scrambling to get ready…I literally run to school! The days when I drag myself out of bed early usually end up being the best. I have a decent amount of time to enjoy breakfast, pack my lunch and fix myself up nicely. : )
I am so excited to share with you this DIY leather clutch that Adri and I made. I love anything crafty; crocheting, card making, sparkles and glue, I didn’t realize just how much fun leather-crafting can be. Everything from creating your design, punching holes, hand-stitching, the entire process is fantastic and its a rewarding one. I made this video to show you the main steps, but here are some tips that simply can’t be shown on camera:
1. Find a local leather shop like http://www.tandyleatherfactory.ca/ You will need these tools:
needles
awl
pricking wheel (not necessary but spaces stitching nicely)
ruler
exacto knife or rotary cutting tool
leather
waxed thread
2. Plan your design, we went for a simple envelope design with stitching up either side. Our measurements were 25 cm width by (30 cm + 13cm length) +13 is for the fold over!
3. Make your measurements on the leather and carefully cut along your lines using the ruler as a straight edge.
4. Next apply contact cement along both sides you will be stitching. This helps keep the holes aligned while stitching.
5. Using the pricking wheel trace along each side, marking the path your stitch will follow.
6. Measure out about 3 1/2 times the distance needed to stitch.
7. Thread the needle as shown in video. Basically you pull the thread through the eye of the needle and then split the thread with the needle pulling it all the way down the shaft of the needle.
8.The hand stitch is basically a figure eight motion each needle goes through each hole. You always want to begin the stitch from the same side. Once you get to the end make sure to double back two holes. This diagram is really helpful!
9. You may need a little extra arm strength to hammer in the fastener, so make sure to ask for help! (or just use a screw on one like on our brown clutch)
10. When drilling your hole the second time around increase the drill bit size so it is able to fit over the fastener (this is also why we created the slits)
Good Luck! xx
Note** If you need anymore tips or advice make sure to leave them in the comments section and we will try our best to answer them! Also, if you do visit a leather shop, some may have kits with all the tools you need to start leather-work!
Just when we thought the weather was heading for the “Springy” direction, good old Canada changed her mind. That’s okay though, fresh snow and nippier weather help to cover up the melting mess of slush and mud and redecorate the trees in sparkling white garbs. We no longer have to puddle-hop and avoid the spray of vehicles speeding by. There will be a time for Spring, but that time is not yet here!
