Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Key/Whatever Holder

What do you do with a piece of old wood?  Puts some hooks on it and hang your keys and what-have-yous...




Here's what you need:
Piece of wood
T-shirt stencil 
Acrylic paint (these were the two I had on hand)
Sponge paint brush
Hooks (el cheapo at the Walmart)


I'm betting you can go to a local hardware store and get some scraps of wood for next to nothing.  Luckily, my parents gave me this old piece of wood that already had some fabulous worn paint.  To get that look, just paint (spray paint, acrylic, house paint, whatever you have on hand), let dry then sand.  If you like a cleaner, less aged look, keep natural or keep fully painted.  


Place the stencil on the wood, sticky side down, duh.  (You can hardly see it in the pic, but it's the plastic, shiny thing). I chose to center it, but with these packaged stencils (which if I remember correctly, are less than $5), you can cut and create your own design.  Another idea...get letter stencils to spell a word or your last name.


These are the two colors I have in my craft stockpile and I like the look of them mixed together.  (Side note: I have an obsession a love of all things turquoise).  Also, I guessed at how much I needed...a little goes a long way.  You can be really creative here with color!


Begin sponging the paint on the stencil.  ***Don't put too much paint on the sponge as it will bleed under***


All done.  Let paint dry before taking off stencil.


Ta-da!  Now, see the corner designs?  I traced those and hand painted with a tiny paint brush.  This is *optional* 


I LOVE sand paper...partly because I love weathered and old looking stuff and partly because it can camouflage mistakes.  So, once the paint was all dry I sanded the whole thing before my husband screwed in the hooks.  The package I bought had 4 (see first picture).  But, when Trent was screwing them in, one bent and couldn't be used AND I like 3 better anyway.

Happy crafting!












Wednesday, January 11, 2012

2011...let's reminisce.

So, one of my favorite blogs Rage Against The Minivan, posted a recap to her 2011 that she got from another blog.  I liked LOVED the idea so I thought I'd do the same.  Trent and I actually went through the questions together and it was a great time.  It's so neat to talk about the past year and look back on the good and the bad.  I recommend this to everyone...kids, even.  



1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
talked LIVE on the radio, snowmobiled, sang on a record, watched Trent sing on a record, go to North Carolina, ride on a Harley in Tennessee, do the "tourist" thing in Nashville... what a year!


2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember mine from then...is that bad? I'm pretty sure one might have been to not bite my nails.  Well, I'm here to say that my nails are longer.  Score.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Lots of my friends jumped on board the nugget train.  


4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, praise the Lord.  But, our immediate family was affected by a terrible accident that resulted in death.  It was an extremely sad time, but we were able to be there for them.


5. What countries did you visit?
That's funny...maybe one day.  But, like I mentioned before, North Carolina was a first and it didn't disappoint.  Yes, I know that's not a country.


6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More money.  Not an obscene amount.  I just want a pair of silver sparkly Toms.


7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 6: our 1st anniversary.  There's something awesome about the first year!  
May 10: launching the Kickstarter campaign.  This, to date, has been the most draining experience for us.  We look back on it with humble gratefulness.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to a new city, getting a new Trent Monk record out, making new friends.


9. What was your biggest failure?
Stuffed cornbread, oatmeal cookies, and banana bread.  (Trent's the cook).


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
None.  Knock on wood!


11. What was the best thing you bought?
Wasn't a big buying year...BUT I love my leg warmers, gray boots, and Jeremiah 29:11 sign.  I think that's all I bought, too.


12. Where did most of your money go?
Road expenses: GAS.


13. What did you get really excited about?
a new record, seeing family, and going to the mountains for Christmas.


14. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Trent's "Dreamer" because he finished writing it in Nashville and recorded it shortly after we moved.  From now on, every time I hear that song, I will think of our 2011.


15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Definitely happier.
– thinner or fatter? I am the same.  Hallelujah and Amen.
– richer or poorer? Let's just say I am richer for having lived a fabulous 2011.  


16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
It was an extremely prayerful year for us, as it should be.  BUT, I wish I'd done more scripture reading and quiet time.


17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Okay, I'll say it... I wish I'd done less complaining.


18. How did you spend Christmas?
In Red River, NM with the Monks!  It. Was. Amazing.


19. What was your favorite TV program?
2011 was the year we got into Parenthood.  Such a brilliant show.  AND Dexter.  Also brilliant.  


20. What were your favorite books of the year?

I read a lot in 2011, which I'm proud of.  But, Redeeming Love is one of the most beautifully written books EVER.


21. What was your favorite music from this year?
NEEDTOBREATHE and The Civil Wars.  Honorable mention goes to Ben Rector.


22. What were your favorite films of the year?
The Help.


23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 31.  Not sure what we did, but I'm sure I had a glass of wine.


24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hmmm....I can honestly say I had a great 2011 and wouldn't change a thing.


25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Trying to be trendy in Nashville and realizing that I'm just not that trendy...and not hipster, either.


26. What kept you sane?
prayer, my man, wine.  


27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
If you honestly and earnestly try to find the GOOD in every situation, you will.  And that will ultimately and absolutely result in JOY.




How was your 2011?  And cheers to 2012!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Homemade Deodorant

Yes, you read that correctly.  Hello, my name is Shellie and I make my own deodorant.  I'll give you some time to laugh...


Now I never thought I'd go this far, but when I was researching homemade soaps and what not, I found out you can pretty much make homemade ANYTHING for way less money and way more natural.  I might even start making toothpaste and makeup.  Stay tuned...


The reason I started this (back in July 2011) was because the aluminum in antiperspirant FREAKS. ME. OUT.  I'll let you do your own research on that. There are several deodorants on the market without the stuff, but this is so much cheaper and you probably have the ingredients in your cabinet already.  And, my first batch lasted from July-December.  Do the math.


WARNING:  this will not keep you from sweating.  It will keep you from stinking.  (Btw, we're supposed to sweat.  Embrace it). 


You'll need:
5 Tbs. coconut oil (this will be your most $$ purchase, but the one I bought was only $5 at the Wal-Mart)
1/4 c. corn starch
1/4 c. baking soda




Add the coconut oil into a bowl.  (Note: you can start the whole mixing process in the container in which you intend to keep the deo).



Add the corn starch and baking soda.  See how easy this is?  



Now, start stirring.  It's that simple.  Kind of looks like cookie dough.  I wouldn't eat it, though.  

Ta-da!!!!!  I put mine in a baby food jar.  But, you can use whatever. 


Application: dip your fingers in it and rub it on your pits.  (For me, one nickel size amount is enough for both pits).



Some things to know:
- This can melt.  I wish I could give you a temperature, but I don't know that 
- If it does melt, put it in the fridge for a bit and it will harden up
- You can add some essential oil to make it smell nice
- If your mixture is too oily, add a bit more corn starch
- If it's too "gritty" add some more coconut oil 
- There will be an "adjustment" period.  (Meaning: you may be really sweaty at the beginning, but your body will adjust)
- Please know that I do keep stronger stuff on hand for those certain occasions where I don't want to have sweat stains 


Hope you try it and hope you like it!  







Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wenzel/Barlow/Self/Monk Christmas Video

Money is tight.  Especially during the holidays.  We all know that.  Luckily, we only buy for the (5) kids in my family.  This year, I wanted to put together a short little video for an inexpensive, yet meaningful Christmas present for the family.  Trent has mad skills when it comes to editing...I think it's that "artsy" part of the brain.  Anywho, he kindly agreed to the idea (thankfully because I don't know how to work iMovie).  I started getting some shots during Thanksgiving and then we just figured out what else/who else we needed.  We all watched it together and cried, because pictures and video put to music = automatic waterworks.  


My favorite parts are:  seeing my parents with 5 healthy grandkids, Griffin pronouncing Santa as "Panta," asking the kids what they are thankful for, Elliot singing Silent Night, Blake on his "bike" coming around the corner, Caleb playing basketball (he's getting so big), Noah being Noah and saying he's thankful for God...and a toy.


Music for the video:  NEEDTOBREATHE, White Fences and The Weepies, All That I Want...




Merry Christmas to you and your family!















Friday, December 16, 2011

Wine Cork Wreath



If you're like us, you save your wine corks.  We started saving like THREE YEARS ago, because I had plans to make a trivet or a cork board.  There are TONS of ideas on Pinterest, too.  I saw this wreath on the Today show and I heard angels sing.  (Not really, but I decided I wanted to make it).  If you don't partake of the wine, you can buy corks at craft stores or find some on ebay.  I love this idea because it can be for ALL seasons, just change the ribbon...that's my plan anyway.  Oh, and it was super cheap! Especially since I had the corks already.


You will need:
corks
hot glue -- $2.49
foam or straw wreath (this one is 12") -- $6.99
ribbon (Christmas clearance) -- $1.49



Begin by gluing corks on the inside of the wreath like so.  I will tell you that I didn't count the total corkage I used, but I know it was over 150.  Also, make sure you have a protective surface beneath the wreath (towel, newspaper, whatever) so you don't get hot glue on your carpet or table.


Continue the gluing process all the way around the foam:


For the final ring, I chose to glue the corks like this.  You can absolutely keep with the same pattern as the rest.  I liked the look of this and it took a few less corks.  I put the different colored ones on the bottom, although they would look cool on top as well.  I decided to not put any corks on the back, so that it would hang flat against the door.


For the final step, randomly glue corks on the top of the wreath.  This will cover the foam that is visible through the layers of cork.  This step can go on and on.  Get it how you like it and call it a day.


I just love it.  And so does Trent.  Nothing says "Welcome" like a wreath make with wine corks, right?


Merry Christmas!  


















Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

So...


Thanks to my friends Gaylene and Pinterest, I have started making my own dishwasher detergent.  It is super cheap and all natural and I thought I'd share with you.


You will need:
1 c. Borax
1 c. Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda) 
1/2 c. Kosher Salt
4 packets of lemonade (generic or name brand)




Mix ingredients together in a mixing bowl...




Put the mixture in a container and THAT'S IT! I used a pickle jar and painted the lid.  However, I recently acquired some FABULOUS mason jars and will be transferring the detergent.  It's pretty enough to keep out.



I use about 1 tablespoon per load.  You can also use white vinegar as a rinse agent as well.  There are several recipes that are all very similar.  Depending on your dishwasher (ours is super cheap-o), you might try different kinds.

Have fun, good luck, and CHEERS to being frugal.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Because a week in one place = lots of pictures.

Seriously, the people we meet...I have no words except they make me want to be a better person.  While in St. Marys, GA, we came back to the hotel and Maria, from Lighthouse FM, had stopped by and dropped these off:



We had been talking to her about our love of seashells and she gave us some of hers.  She included a note telling us where the best "shelling" was.  So sweet!


These are the Dawkins.  They live in the Clearwater Beach, FL area.  They are another family that has become our family.  


Trent had a lot of shows while in town, so these sweet ladies let us stay with them for 5 NIGHTS!  They feed us, spoil us, love us, and pray for us.  And we are thankful.

A welcome message, a goodie basket (the chocolate didn't last long), and Gracie...the cat that likes her stomach scratched.


@ SMILEY'S (part of Indian Rocks Baptist in Largo, FL) 






ROM -- Recreation Outreach Ministry.  Awards day, Closing Ceremonies, if you will.  Kids ages 5-14 plus parents and grandparents.  (Trent's singing, if you can't see...)




While in town, we helped with a local outreach.  This fine gentleman always handles the pickles. ALWAYS.  He wears a hat, as you can see, and we thought it was fabulous.  (This is when you read the hat).




The Beswethericks are another fantastic couple we have met while being on the road.  They are an amazing family with amazing hearts for God.  (And the pizza place they took us to was mouth-watering.  If you're ever in the area, go to Christino's).



We are beach bums at heart...get it?



I really like to do this with my towel.  Sometimes it backfires and I get sand all over me.  




I mean, we couldn't have planned this any better...a sailboat picture with a sunset.  I'm 31 and this was my first full sunset to witness.  < Gasp >



We are excited to be home, even if it is for a week.  Then we head to Arkansas and Texas.  I am READY to see family for the holidays!  Can you believe it's holiday season already?

Be Blessed.  Choose Joy.