Mini Thimble Flower Pots

Hey guys! I feel like I have been slacking on my crafts lately. I have been subbing pretty much full time and then working out after that, so I don't get home until 6 most nights. After dinner, job searching, etc. I just don't have the energy to craft some nights. I need to start a relaxing hobby that I can do while lounging, like embroidery or crocheting.

However, I want to give the people what they want! This is something I made over the summer and it has been one of my favorite things to make to date and I can't believe I haven't blogged this craft yet. I originally saw it made as a necklace, but I didn't like it as a necklace so I made it into a mini decoration. (You may notice some drill holes, just ignore those!) I didn't take step-by-step pictures, but it's VERY easy.

Here's what you need:

This was a very inexpensive project. The thimbles came from Hobby Lobby for $2 for 3, embroidery floss is <$1, and the pins were $2 for a box (as you will see I used only about 15)

Steps:

1. Pick the colors you want in each thimble. I used a variety but I think it would also be cute if you did one color per thimble.
2. Fill thimble 3/4 of the way full with hot glue (Be carful! That little thimble will get HOT!)
3. Arrange your flowers how you would like them. You will need to hold them in place for a few seconds while the glue dries.
4. Cut about 1-2 inches of embroidery floss, depending on how much grass you want.
5. Top off the thimble with another layer of hot glue. Be careful not to get the glue on the pins.
6. Quickly put the embroidery floss in the thimble before the glue dries. It may help to use another pin to push down the floss in between the flowers. Keep messing with it until you get your desired look.

I think these little flower pots are cute little details in any room! I love them. I keep mine in my bathroom on my vanity.

When I was taking pictures of these guys in my bathroom and editing them, I chuckled to myself at just how many crafts are on one single vanity.

If you're a new visitor (WELCOME!!!!) here are the links for you to explore :)

Burlap Jewelry Display
Fabric Button Earrings
Mason Jar Inspiration (as many of you know, I'm collecting vintage mason jars for guests to drink out of at our wedding. Until them, I'm putting them to use!)

Trashy TV

I will shamefully admit that when I watch TV, it's trashy TV. I can't help it. I blame my parents. I don't like watching sitcoms or drama series (except Lost. I loved Lost). I like good ol' hot mess, that-car-crash-you-can't-help-but-watch, ridiculous, train wreck, "who are these people?" TV. Here are some shows that I have been glued to as of late. Please, don't judge.

Jersey Shore: I can't get enough of these guidos and guidettes. I have a crush on Pauly D and I think he is hilarious. I can't stop watching this train wreck, one GTL at a time.

The Real Housewives Series: My mom got me started on the Real Housewives series and I must say Beverly Hills is one of my favorites. These ladies are ridiculously rich and ridiculously frivolous. They are like high school girls but with millions of dollars and grown up problems. Great entertainment.

Kourtney and Kim Take New York: I enjoy watching the antics of the Kardashians. I realize it's ridiculous they are famous but they are very entertaining. I love Kourtney and Scott. They remind me of Kevin and I with their banter. I will also note, I think it's to Kim's benefit that the demise of her marriage is filmed. It makes everyone realize how big of an idiot her ex-husband is.

Tabatha's Salon Takeover: I would say this is the most tame of all the TV shows I'm listing. My mom used to own a salon, so I think that makes me love this show even more. She's a straight shooter and a real tough woman who deals with some really incompetent business owners. I love it.

Teen Mom: Last but certainly not least, I love Teen Mom. It's incredibly sad to watch sometimes, as the children on this show have some crazy mothers. Jenelle never ceases to amaze me, Chelsea needs to get over her baby daddy, and the other two I actually feel bad for. Entertaining none the less.

These are the shows I am enjoying currently. You probably think less of me now. I'm ok with that.

Do you have any trashy tv you feel guilty watching?

Is This Cali? No, It's Iowa.

Yes, you're reading that right. It was 65 degrees today! On January 30th. In good ol' Iowa. Today I galavanted about without a coat, ran outside, and even grilled up some hotdogs! I think I will be in for a rude awakening when it's still blustery and blizzarding in April, but for now I will enjoy this beautiful weather while it's here.

Are you having unseasonable weather where you're at?

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Remember 12 days ago when I changed my blog design in honor of reaching 5,000 page views? Well, today I reached 6,000 page views! Thank you thank you all for your support in my blogging adventures and taking time out of your day to read my silly little blog. It is much appreciated. January yielded the highest traffic since November (which, if you recall, was then I posted our engagement story). Start Acting My Age reached nearly 2,000 page views in January! The new year helped motivate me to  make a greater effort to post quality posts with lots of crafts and wedding ideas, as that is what I have found is the most popular topic with my readers. I will continue to up the ante here and crank out some awesome stuff. Check back later this week for some exciting news on the blog front!

Here is a graphic from Blogger Stats at the growth rate of my blog. I started my blog in June 2011 and have been so thrilled to watch my readership steadily increasing. I have big plans for February!

(Looks like I slacked in December...I blame Christmas) 

Dramatic Chipmunk

I think this has been around for awhile but I just discovered it and I also discovered Kevin does the most fantastic impersonation of this ever.

Here's a little humor to get you through your monday.

Messy Side Bun

I workout every night, therefore take a shower every night because boy am I sweeeaaaatttyyyyy! Stick with me, the point of this isn't about how much I sweat.

Because I take a shower at night, I don't see the point in showering again in the morning. However, now that my hair is pretty long it always looks cracked out of its mind in the morning. So, I have been rocking the messy side bun pretty much everyday. (The good thing about subbing is nobody realizes you are rocking the same hair-do day after day).

I found this picture on Pinterest and I thought it was very pretty and I liked the description that accompanied it, and it looks similar to what I create in the mornings. I thought I'd share it with you in case you have cracked out morning hair as well.

Disclaimer: For those of you who don't know me personally, this is not me. I'm waaay prettier ;) ;)

Here's what you do (partially my directions and partially from the pin on Pinterest)

1. Tease hair all over. Emphasis on teasing the hair on the side of your head and at the crown. Note: I usually tease the body of my hair as well because my hair is very thin. This makes for a fuller bun.
2. Secure hair with an elastic in a mid to low side pony a couple of inches behind your ear. We suggest putting the pony on the opposite side of your head as your part.
3. Create a messy bun by spreading all the hair in the pony out evenly from the center of the ponytail. (I realize that sounds confusing but I don't know how else to word it). You can opt to leave some front pieces of bangs out to make for a more flowy look.
4. Give it a spritz of hair spray and let dry for a few seconds.
5. Pull the hair in your pony up to make another bun and secure with an elastic. MAKE SURE you have long ends sticking out. This will be kind of a baby bun.
6. Now you get creative. Take the ends that are sticking out of the bun and begin bobby pinning them in different areas around the base of your bun, near the elastic. Play with it to get your desired look.
7. Hair spray the crap out of it.
8. Curl the (optional) loose ends you left out. I usually pin mine back loosely to keep them out of my way while I'm teaching.
9. Spray some more.
10. Enjoy your extra 20 minutes of sleep by rocking this beautiful hairdo.

{{If you know the source of this photo, let me know! The link on Pinterest doesn't lead anywhere and I want to give credit where credit is due.}}


And here is my take on the messy side bun after a full day of teaching and headed out on a date with my boy.

And here's the great part about having a brooch bouquet for your wedding: you can wear the brooches until then. I got this one from my BFF Tonia. What a lady.

{{Dress: Heritage 1981 and you can also find it at Forever 21. I got it on sale for $13! I wore it with purple tights and grey boots. I am in love with the outfit and it might be my new favorite. I tried to get Kevin to take my picture to make an outfit post out of it but he said that was stupid. He doesn't understand blogging. Maybe I'll have to awkwardly do it my self with photo booth and hope nobody sees me. I feel so awkward taking pictures of myself.}}


Hope you guys have a great weekend! I'm headed to boot camp this morning (Saturday morning workouts are quickly becoming my favorite thing) and my grandparents are in town so I am looking forward to having lunch with them. What are you guys up to?

Pastel Hair Dying

SWOON! I want to do this sooooo badly! I have a secret desire deep inside me to dye my hair a crazy color, but in my profession that would never fly. The kids would go crazy over it and I wouldn't look like a respectable teacher. Well, I think I've found a fantastic alternative. Chalking your hair!

I found this on The Beauty Department blog. I read this blog daily and I love it. You may recognize Lauren Conrad, she is one of the authors of the website. They have such cool ideas and awesome tips and tricks. This one is my favorite by far.

All you have to do is twist your hair and rub the pastel. Voila! Instant hair dye that looks amazing. I want to do it so badly. The pastel's they recommend are $4 a piece (see them here). If I bought 3 that would equal the amount of money I'd spend on a box of dye. And I could use it over and over again. I'm trying to convince myself it's worth the money. Have I convinced you? Please tell me I should splurge and buy a couple! I WANT IT!

How cool??!!

Seriously I can't stop looking at these pictures. Ahhh I love it!

Update: I bought them! I bought the blue and purple for now. Shipping was a little steep ($7 for 2 $4 pastels) so just stuck with two. My mom insisted and Kevin actually likes it, so alas, I'll eagerly be checking my mail daily.

Crescent Pepperoni Roll Ups

I was at the grocery store tonight and walked passed a packet of pepperoni and had an epiphany of what I would make for supper. I have seen these floating around Pinterest and I thought they looked easy enough for this domestically challenged fiancé.

You need a package of crescent rolls, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. I have also seen versions where you cut a piece of string cheese and half. I opted out of that version, I feel like the cheese would be too chunky when it's done. I also added basil. Ever since living in Italy I have been adding basil to everything I cook. The Italians always put one basal leaf on every pizza. It has a soft spot in my heart :) Aaaaanyway, here's what you do.

1. Preheat the oven to 375.

2. Spread the crescent rolls out on your greased cookie sheet.

3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on the crescent roll.

4. Add some pepperonis. I used 4-5 per roll, but think I could have added 1 or 2 more to fill it out.

5. Sprinkle on that delicious basil.

6. Roll up the crescent roll and try to keep the cheese and pepperoni tucked in side.

7. Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes.

8. Enjoy!

Let me tell you these were ridiculously delicious. I have been trying to step up my domestic goddess game as of late. Kevin is well into his busy season as a CPA and works from about 7am to 9pm and doesn't get home until after 9 most nights. I am not one to dote on my significant other (he can fend for himself) but I know he appreciates it when I have some supper ready for him when he gets home. It also encourages me to eat more than a bowl of cereal for supper. I might have to mix these little guys into the rotation.

Diabadass

Today is my "little" sister's 10-year anniversary of having Type 1 Diabetes (Ok, so she's not "little", she's 15. I still consider her my "little" sister). I would like to start by posting my parents' Facebook statuses:

Mom:

"Today I'd like to acknowledge our daughter, Macey Jann Spensley, and her 10 year "diaversary"! She's put up with counting every carb she's eaten in those 3,650 days, over 20,0000 finger pokes, almost 800 insulin pump site changes, 4000 insulin injections before getting her pump, over 20 miles walking in the JDRF annual Walks. But in those 10 years I've never witnessed a tear, meltdown or major complaint from her about being diabetic. Her favorite time of the year is because of diabetes. Camp Hertko Hollow has introduced her to a huge family of "Diabadasses"!! They're the best support team I could ask for her to have!! Love you girls, guys and counselors!!! Here's to a cure being found and no more diaversaries!!!!! Love ya Macey!!"

Dad:

Ten years ago today Macey was diagnosed withe Juvenile Diabetes. She is an amazing daughter! I've never met anyone as positive or as tough as she is. She is my hero!


I remember the day Macey was diagnosed with Diabetes very vividly. My brothers and I came home from school and dad called and had us all get on speakerphone and told us the news. She was 5. I didn't understand what Diabetes was then, but our family knows a lot about what it is now. I want to be clear (because this always bothers me)--she has Type 1 Diabetes--caused by your pancreas failing to produce insulin to break down the sugars in the blood. She does not have Type 2 Diabetes--often caused by obesity. There is nothing anyone could have done to prevent this from happening to her.

As noted in my parents' statuses, Macey deals with a lot on a daily basis but never complains or feels sorry for herself. She has always had a positive attitude and took her diabetes in stride.

The best thing that has come from her diabetes is the friends she has made because of it. Every summer, she attends Camp Hertko Hollow, a summer camp for children and teens with diabetes. They have a full staff of doctors and nurses, and many of the counselors also have diabetes. Everyone there knows what Macey goes through on a daily basis, and they are a great support team for each other. I have went with my mom to pick Macey up a few times, and there are always tears from nearly every camper. Here are some posts from the Hertko Hollow Facebook page:

That awkward moment when you think of the last day of camp from the previous year, and wanna cry because you miss it so much ♥


Diabetes: It's what we have, not who we are.


I would love nothing more to be sitting in a cabin w/ my bestfriends talking & laughing & being camp-happy. I miss camp so freaking bad....


My Blood Sugars Are High, I'm Spilling Keytones, And I Can't Sleep Because I'm Checking Every Hour. I Wish I Had Hertko Staff To Take Care Of Me..♥


‎2011 was a hard year for me. I had Ketoacidosis twice! The first time, it wasn't to bad, but the second time, I was knocking on deaths door... I got tired of being a diabetic and just stopped taking care of it, without my parents knowing... No body understood what was happening to me, so I was lost. That was in Novmeber, since then, I have gotten back to myself, and I know that diabetes isnt going to stop me from living, it isnt going to take over me!! I know, that one day there WILL be a cure, whether it is in my lifetime or not, there will be one. I had a pump, but when I got sick, the doctors took it away, so Im on shots again.. :/ They said I could earn it back, so thats my goal! Nothing is going to stop me now! Ijust cant wait for camp, Imissed it in 2011... It broke my heart! I cried!! There was a flood warning, so my family and I were worried, but not to worry! Im going for sure this year!! Teen Week 2012!!! Woo hoooo!


Diabetes is pronounced dia-bea-teez & not die-ah-beat-us because we refuse to let it beat us ♥

I could keep going, but I won't. Macey met her best friends at camp, and they refer to themselves as "Diabadasses." 

There is no cure for diabetes, but research and advancements are being made everyday. JDRF is a great cause to support.

Just wanted to dedicate this post today to my brave little sister. You're an inspiration to me with your positive attitude and strength. 

Love you, sister!

Hanging Paper Hearts

I have a very easy craft for you today that ANYONE can do. Valentine's Day is coming up and I thought it was time I get a few decorations up. Alas--hanging paper hearts!

Here's what you need:

This project only cost me $3-- $1 for the book from Goodwill (as much as I would like to say "Embers of the Heart" was already in my collection, I got it from Goodwill) and $2 for the thread. I already had the scissors and needle on hand.

 Cut out your hearts. I cut mine in different sizes for a varied look.

Cut a long piece of thread. I did some arms length wide, and some a little longer and some a little shorter.

Poke your needle through the heart. I always aimed for a little higher than halfway down. Pull the thread all the way through so the first heart is at the very end.

Secure with clear tape. I ONLY did this for the first heart at the bottom of the string.

Put your next heart on. I left about 1 inch between every heart.

 To get the hearts to stay in place, poke one hole and then make a loop and poke a second hole through the heart. This will help the heart to stay in place and not slide down.

Keep going...

Leave about 4 inches at the end of the strand. I taped the last heart just like I did the first heart.

Make more strands! Lay your strands out as you make them so they don't get tangled. I would say it took 3-5 minutes to string one strand.

Tape each strand to the bottom of the top blind. When the blinds are closed facing down OR when the blinds are open, you won't notice the tape.

Ta da!

I am pretty darn happy with how this turned out. It probably took about 30 minutes total after cutting the hearts out. I think when Valentine's Day is over I may move it to our bedroom where love and hearts is always appropriate!

On the personal front, I've been getting too many sub jobs and can't keep up with all the crafts I have planned! Ok, I'm kidding. I'm thrilled to be working everyday. I'm just bursting with creative energy this week. Need.To.Make.Things.

I also have to share this. I got a random package in the mail today. I was so excited because I love getting packages. Well, it's from "CDS-Global" in Des Moines which is some random company. I can't figure it out. Never heard of them or gave them any information. But my name and address are on the label. Anyway, they sent me a random bag that looks like half purse, half lunch box. There was no note or anything. The label on the package said "Please enjoy your FREE GIFT from Conde Nast Publications." I don't know who that is either. I wish it was a cute purse lunchbox. Anyone need a non-cute purse lunchbox?? I have one for sale!!


Mystery solved! Mom got me a subscription to Brides magazine and I guess it came with a bag. Still, however, for sale! :)

Psst... don't forget to click on the Facebook icon above and "Like" Start Acting My Age on Facebook to receive updates when...I update. :)

Etsy Feature: craftEs

I am beefing up my blog and entering the world of guest posts, product reviews, and shop features. My first victim guest feature is my friend Ellie! I went to college with Ellie at UNI. We were both Elementary Education majors! She currently lives in the Twin Cities where she is a substitute teacher. She owns a shop on Etsy called CraftEs where she [currently] sells some pretty awesome handmade jewelry.

[Click the pictures to links to her shop]

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Ellie Woodward and my Etsy shop is craftEs. I started craftEs a little less than a year ago as a way to sell my surplus of crafted goods. I tend to find a project I love to make, and make things in bulk. Usually I don't create specifically for the shop, but instead I create simply to get the creative "bug" out of me. I don't have a use for ten necklaces, or eight pairs of similar earrings, so I take them to the shop in hopes that somebody else will be able to enjoy them!

What is your favorite thing to craft?

My favorite thing to craft definitely depends on my mood! For a few months it was anything using my new sewing machine skills, then anything made of felt, and now beaded jewelry. I used to make beaded jewelry a LOT as a kid, so it's good to be back in familiar territory. but who knows, maybe next month it'll be something different!

What inspires you to craft?

I am most inspired by current trends. I like to make things that I see in stores and online. Often times I wonder, "Can I make that myself?" I especially like to make things that I would wear myself. :)

What is your favorite piece in your shop?

I actually have two favorite pieces in the shop. The first is the multi-colored memory wire bracelet, and the second is the multi-colored four-strand bracelet. They are similar pieces, and I love the alternating sizes of the see beads, and the randomness of the colors. You can wear them with anything--jeans or a special occasion!

Thanks for sharing your talents with us, Ellie! I can definitely relate to getting that "creative" bug out, as well as finding inspiration in things you see in stores that you know you can make yourself! I think my favorite piece is the multi-colored 4-strand bracelet. Ellie is a talented woman! I have seen some fabulous clutches and headbands she makes as well. Go check out craftEs and support a starving teacher! :)

{Side note: In explaining to Kevin what "Etsy" is, he was wondering why I don't sell all the things I make. I selfishly like to hoard all my crafts and display them all over the house. He thinks we're going to run out of room. Guess we'll need a bigger place!}

If you aren't familiar with Etsy, it's a website where thousands of vendors sell handmade goods.

Swirl Marble Nails

I found this video on My Girl Thursday's blog and I wanted to share it. I haven't tried this and I don't know that I'm digging the extra long black and white swirl nails, but it's a very cool technique that I might try if it was a little subtler looking.

What do you think?

Cinnamon Snails

Hey guys! Hope you had a great weekend. What did you do? Anything exciting? We had our monthly card club this weekend and it was a lot of fun as usual. When we left I was thinking once a month isn't enough! I wanted to share quickly what I made to share. I got the recipe from Sada Lewis. I thought they looked delicious (and easy for this domestically challenged lady). They were a hit! Give 'em a try.

Peas and Carrots

I found this tattoo today and fell in LOVE with it. How perfect?! For those of you who are new here, see our engagement story to learn the story behind "peas and carrots."

Now, I would never get a tattoo of peas and carrots, but I am thinking I could use this as inspiration for a logo for our wedding. I love this logo that is a theme throughout the wedding from a woodsy wedding, found on green wedding shoes. I have been trying to think up a cute logo for our own wedding that might pop up in the small details. This might be a winner.

{via}

I did some searching of other cute peas and carrots things and found these cute necklaces on Etsy.

{via}

My BFF Tonia drew me this picture for Christmas of Kevin and I. You probably don't understand any of it other than the peas and carrots thing, so I would like to explain a few of the elements so you get just how awesome this really is.

The carrot is Kevin singing karaoke to me. He's singing "Hands Down" by Dashboard Confessional, which is kind of "our song." It's my favorite song to hear him sing. He also has a beard, because I prefer it. I am the pea pod, wearing a Brand New t-shirt because I simply love them. I'm also holding an Italy bag because I spent a summer there, and... I love it. I love this picture a great deal. Am I missing anything, Ta?

Finally, I guess I assume everyone has seen Forest Gump because it might be one of my favorite movies (it's a tie between that and A League of their Own). If you haven't seen it, or if you have seen it, here is a clip about Forest and Jenny and peas and carrots.

"We go together like peas and carrots..."