Making a pit a home

I moved into a messy, somewhat scary apartment this month.

When I moved in, the previous tenant had left behind not only a bunch of random furniture and junk, but also left an enormous mess. Kathy and I spent most of my first day here cleaning their filth. Normally I wouldn't be so uppity about it, bit I didn't realize people could be so dirty! We scrubbed and scrubbed most of the day...

When I spoke to my landlord, (who couldn't be nicer!) I told him that even the walls were disgusting and would need repainted. I think he was a little embarrassed, but he told me to more or less do what I want, and to save the receipts. Of course, my brain started racing and ideas started pouring out.

Finally, this weekend, I started the task of overhauling my place.

I started in the living room and went bold.
(Once my cabinet is up here for my TV, a.k.a. my computer, I'll have a better picture of my accent wall.)
I also really love the gray! I'm really happy with the colors I chose, although this blue is something to get used to. I think it will be less like staring into the ocean once I decorate it a little more.

I also took on the kitchen. Just clean white in there, but anyone that knows me, knows I'm a fan of vinyl wall decals! I think it turned out pretty cute!

All in all it was a busy weekend. It feels really good to have accomplished so much. Doing it all on my own no less. (Ralph's lack of thumbs rendered him useless.)

Its funny how a few coats of paint can take a scary place that looked like a meth kitchen and make it look like a home.

My next step(s) is to do the bathroom, (that's gonna be a TON of work) and the room off of the living room. I'm excited for that one; its gonna be my crafting space!

Stay tuned!

(I don't know why the photos are out of order, but cut me some slack. Its 2am and I'm posting from my phone. Haha)

Newness

Its the day before Christmas Eve and I'm siting in a somewhat empty room thinking about all the changes and challenges I've faced this last year and how so many things are so different than last Christmas.

Last year I was preparing for a holiday with the in laws and excited to see everyone. I was working at the radio station and feeling so good about things.

This year um preparing for a winter move, and working through the holiday. Even with the stress and chaos, I can't help but think that its strange that although my circumstances have changed so drastically, I still feel good about things.

Anyone that knows me at all knows I'm not a huge fan of change. It scares me to be honest. So with all if the changes I've gone through in he last few months since spring, it sort of shocks me that I haven't combusted.

1) Marriage ending.  Although this is sad, and I struggled in the beginning, I can honestly say its made me stronger and I've learned a lot about myself through it. I'm also very lucky to say that Jeremy and I still get along well, and his Mother and I, as well as Grandma and others, will always remain close. Somethings just aren't what we planned for I suppose.

2) Moving (a few times). I detest moving. Packing and unpacking, the having to buy the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and other miscellaneous supplies stresses me out. But I lived with my best friend and enjoyed one of the single greatest summers of my life. I can't thank Lacy enough for being the person she is. Wine nights with spaghetti and the Xfactor or Investigate Discovery sort of defined our home lives. That and the crazy randomness that always seemed to find us here on East Terry will be some of my best memories. But this Christmas finds us packing our lives and moving to separate homes. New beginnings for both of us.

3) Work. Work has been one of the most rewarding and frustrating parts of my life this year. Lacy and I were able to demonstrate that calm under pressure and working your ass off pays of. In September she took over as manager, and I as trainer. She and I went from reps on the phone to running the center together in just a few months.

I'm so proud of what I have accomplished and overcome. Even though its a bittersweet ending  to so many things, 2012 made me better and stronger in so many ways. (Even if it still kicked my ass some too.)

So for 2013 I look forward to a new place, more projects, and getting back to blogging.

Merry Christmas everyone, and have a blessed new year.

I am still alive...

I am fully aware that I have been absent for months. I'm very very sorry...
So much has changed for me I don't even know where to begin, so I suppose I will start at the beginning.

Firstly, although I have no immediate plans to rename my blog, I no longer live on Drake. Jeremy and I have separated and I moved out a while ago. (Right around the time of my last posting in fact.) As sad as it makes me, we are just two young people that grew apart and want(ed) different things. Jeremy will always be a friend to me, and hold a place in my heart. Same can be said for the rest of his family. I would have never survived initially if it wasn't for them. I will love them forever.

I am now living with my friend Lacy and feel like I'm right where I belong. You will be hearing more about her and her 6 year old Tazech as time goes I'm sure!

I am also down almost 50 pounds! I have never felt better, or looked better if it's not too conceited to say!

I am making great progress at my job as well! I am looking into even more changes there...stay tuned!

I am back and ready to take on the world folks!! I look forward to more projects to share as well as stories and featuring more people!

To all that have helped Jeremy and I during this rough time, I know I speak for both of us when I say thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU. Whether you were a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on, mange tusen taak!!! (Many thousand thanks)

Heeeeeey!

So I have been absent recently.
The first reason was that I got a new job. (YAY!) I took a position at MTI (Midwest TeleSales International) as a call center representative. I am much happier there than I was at the radio station. Although I fund myself missing some of the people that I worked with (Afton) I like having a job that I dont have to take home with me.
Once I had finally gotten good and settled in my new position I got sick. A couple weeks ago I went to the ER with severe stomach pains and vomiting. (Not fun) After being examined by a doctor I was sent home with a bladder infection. I didn't really buy it but then again I'm not the one with an MD either so I filled the prescriptions and went home.
Saturday (the next day) I still had an awful stomachache but thought I just needed to let the medicine to work. Wrong. Sunday I woke up with a migraine from hell and still stomachache and vomiting.
Jeremy took me back to the ER and they finally figured out it was my appendix and had to have surgery to have it removed.
So since then I have been on the mend for the last couple weeks.
I haven't exactly felt up to doing many projects, but today I was invited to participate in a craft show at Honey Creek Resort on the 22nd! I was so surprised to be asked (someone had seen my blog and got the word out!) and I am excited to have a table! You all will have to come see me there!
I will post more info as soon as I get it and more projects too!
Also, to everyone who sent cards, notes and other well wishes during my recovery, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

A little bit of a few things...

Okay, so I have been a bad blogger lately. I admit it. I haven't posted much, and I haven't even done a project in WAY too long...I am not quite sure what to do with myself!

However, I am on the mend from my illness last week, and it is so nice to say that I am feeling SO much better!

In my last post I mentioned that I might be getting something new to post about, and so I am excited to share my newest ink with you!

Pin It

It is on the inside of my right wrist and a little gnarly looking since I took the photo the day after I got it. It is a white ink tattoo which means that once it is all healed up and the scab is gone it is going to look more like a scar than a tattoo. It's gonna be very faint which is the whole reason I wanted it in white...It will be easy to conceal if I need to and just delicate enough...The little heart is right where my hometown (Spring Grove) is. I just love it! I got it done by Jessica at Hold Fast Tattoos in Ottumwa. She did a great job; I love my newest ink! 

(I have a total of 6 now!)

I also celebrated Valentine's Day with Jeremy of course!

He was amazing to send me some flowers at work:

I just love stuff like this! 

The timing couldn't have been better too...

Yesterday I really needed a pick-me-up because I had to quit my job on short notice. 

(That is a WHOLE different post though...there is nothing wrong or anything, just don't want to get into it really...and NO. I am most certainly NOT pregnant either.) 

 I was feeling really bad about it, and then these showed up and kind of turned my day around!

Plus later on, I got a call that I won a 22 piece stainless steel cookware set from Bradley Hall here in Centerville! I have NEVER won anything, so you can imagine that I was VERY excited!

I had a VERY good Valentine's Day! I got flowers, won a prize, and made my husband a steak dinner, and wrapped it all up with a movie. 

I hope you enjoyed your holiday too!

I DO have a certain project in mind that I am hoping to get up on here some time this week (hopefully) with a garage sale find! So keep your eyes open for that!

I am excited to let you all in on some of the changes that are in store for me as they come as well! 

STAY TUNED! :)

Just a break...

Hello lovelies...I have been less than consistent on here as of late, and it bums me out.
This whole week I have been sick with a sinus infection and a case of tonsillitis. Not really my idea of a good week, but I have been trying to get well. I have missed a bunch of work (boo) and have spent almost the entire week in bed. On the upside (?) , I have watched almost 5 seasons of Dexter. Okay that's not really too much of an upside, but I have to try and see the silver lining right? One thing I can say for sure, is that I have gotten some real quality time with Ralph and Boof. They are good company to keep when you don't feel well...
I see the doctor again tomorrow to see if we can't get it all figured out. Then hopefully I will be getting a new something to share with you...
Until then my dears,
Xoxo

Drumroll Please!

I know you have all been anxious to know who won the first give away by The Hobbyist on Drake!

I shall not make you wait any longer!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kimberlee has won a set of 2 redneck wineglasses in honor of my Ralph's 4th Birthday!

This was her entry:
"My favorite hobby is estate, rummage sales, and flea markets. Buying what others see as junk and repurposing it."

Thank you to all that entered! It was fun reading the responses! 

Look for more giveaways from The Hobbyist on Drake!

My deepest apology:

I feel as if I haven't been as active with my projects as of late...Actually I know I haven't and this is why:

I have been completely engrossed in these books. However, I am on the last one, and should be back to my normal busy self by Monday. 

However, Jeremy seems to like that I am lost in these books, and is excited at the idea of me starting another book series...

I don't know if I will be up for that though. These books are so intense! After hearing everyone else rave about them, I borrowed them from my friend Scott, and haven't been able to put them down. 

I know I will be wrecked when they are over, like I always am when I finish a series, but there is some major silver lining...

The movie comes out this March! I couldn't be more excited!

The Big Bang Theory:

So this past weekend I got a new haircut! I was so excited to go in and get it done because it seems like it has been forever and a day since I have done something really new.
As most ladies know, trying something new with your hair can be quite nerve wracking!
"How is it going to look?!" "Is my husband/boyfriend/sig. other going to like it?!" "What if I hate it?!"
All questions we ask ourselves before going under the sheers and the trusted hands of our hairdressers.
Once that first swoop of the razor, or crisp stroke of the scissors hits, you get that little punch in the gut of "Holy S*#t! What have I done?!".
But as she continues cutting and shaping, (hopefully) you begin to calm down a little, and are just excited to see the end result.
Once the dryer fires up you have a better idea of what you're in for. After enduring the heat and the pulling and the combing - finally it stops. You sit in silence while the finishing touches are applied before the dramatic spin of that trusty salon chair.
Without a choice, you stare into the looking glass and find a new (hopefully) improved you staring back.
That's what I did on Saturday, and this is what I had looking back at me:

So what do you think?! I love it! So different! I haven't had bangs in YEARS, so it was a welcome change! Jeremy's aunt Luanne did a fantastic job. So happy to have a new look that is SO different than what I have had recently!
Just thought I would share this since I didn't really have any projects that I did over the weekend. I was WAY too into NFL playoffs and The Hunger Games. (You absolutely MUST read these books if you haven't yet, btw!)
XOXO

Time for a Giveaway!

My beloved Ralph is turning 4 on the 31st of January, and so I thought that I would celebrate with a giveaway!

I have a set of two redneck wineglasses up for grabs! Here are the rules/instructions:

1. Share this link: http://drakehobbyist.blogspot.com/ in your facebook status.
2. Click here and comment on my wall and tell me what your favorite craft is. You can post a photo, or just type it out. Whatever you wanna do!

That's it! Its so simple! Then on Tuesday the 31st, I will pick a winner!

Winner will be picked at random, and will take home a set of those adorable redneck wineglasses! 

Good Luck everyone!

A Little Bit Country...

One of my favorite things that I have seen in the last couple years is something called "Redneck wine glasses".
When Jeremy and I were planning our wedding, I looked at these at a few different places, and never saw them for a price I was willing to pay. $20 was the cheapest I had seen these. Not cheap enough for this lady!
So I finally took it upon myself to make my own, and let me tell you: they couldn't be more simple!
My first try was a little "iffy"...I read somewhere to use hot glue? Sorry Sally. NOT an awesome outcome. But then my friend Allison told me to try epoxy. Allison was right! SO much better looking! So here we are!

Pin It

Keep in mind, you do not need to indeed be a "redneck" to LOVE these! The would be adorable for a rustic wedding, or any kind of cute primitive decor! Find them in the Hobby Shop, and in my Etsty store!

Braaaaaaiiiiiins!!!

So sitting here on my lunch break (since I don't get the holiday off.) I am reflecting on the great weekend that I had. (I hope you did too of course!)
I was so excited for Saturday, because I got to go to someplace that I have been DYING to try!

So there is this place in Des Moines called ZOMBIE BURGER + DRINK LAB. It is awesome-sauce. Click here to look at their boss website. (You'll be glad you did.)

Now, by looking at my blog it might look as though I nice lady like myself wouldn't be totally digging the undead. If this is indeed the conclusion that you have reached, then prepare to have your mind blown - zombies are kind of my fave! So you can imagine my excitement upon learning such a place existed! So after bugging Jeremy for what seemed like forever about making a voyage to Des Moines to try this place, his co-worker (and our friend of course) Jane wanted to celebrate her birthday there. (Her birthday is today by the way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE!)

So with everything in place, we made the trip up there. The fact that they are so popular, coupled with the other fact that there were 10 people in our party, we had kind of a long wait. An hour and a half or so actually. BUT that was totally fine because we plopped ourselves at the bar, watched the Saints lose (YAY!) and took in the decor.

It was VERY cool. Most of the artwork had kind of a graphic novel sort of feel to it, and it kind of reminded me of The Walking Dead books. I was expecting a little more "cheese" if you will as far as the interior of the place goes. I was happily surprised! They didn't go all out gore, or costumes or anything like that. It was more "realistic" I guess you could say....I don't quite know how to explain it, but it was kind of artsy, kind of industrial, and a lot awesome.


The menus were also a kind of work of art. The do a spin on a newspaper as if there has already been an outbreak, or infestation. I thought it was a genius idea! So fun! I happen to love stuff like that. They didn't over-do anything, it wasn't an in your face THIS IS A ZOMBIE THEME!!!! It was very much a take it or leave it type thing, and I like to think they got it just right.

Now, to the food. Oh my Lord, the food! First off, let me just say that there are very few "normal" choices on the menu. (The section of the menu that reads "Gourmet Bashed Burgers" is kind of indicative.)

Jeremy and I made the most of things by ordering two different burgers, splitting them in half, and swapping with each other. So I got to enjoy 1/2 of  "The Walking Ched" which was a special grind patty with bacon, cheddar cheese, caramelized and raw onion, and mayo in between a breaded and deep fried macaroni and cheese "bun". Then I also got 1/2 of Jeremy's "They're coming to get you Barbara!" which was a special grind patty, American cheese, caramelized onion, bacon, and zombie sauce with two grilled cheese sandwiches as a bun. Long story short, it was DELICIOUS! Oh my gosh, SO good! Of course with my sweet tooth, I also had with my dinner one of their amazeballs shakes. I had the "zombie bride wedding cake" shake which was vanilla ice cream and yellow cake mix, but I also had it spiked with some cake flavored vodka. YUM! My friend Allison had the "peanut butter banana" shake, which was also delicious.

So now that I have a new favorite place to eat, I HIGHLY recommend that you try it next time you're in Des Moines. Or heck, you should probably even take a special trip up there (or down there depending on your location) just to experience it!

Some more pinterest...

So all of my late nights spent on pinterest have given me a never-ending list of projects! I thought this would be a good random Sunday adventure, and I was so right! Some scrapbook paper, picture frame, a scissors, a plan, and some patience, and you're in business! Then once you get it in the frame, you can write on it like a dry erase board! So clever, and so easy! This was my first try doing this particular project, and I know I have plenty of room to improve (measuring!), but I still think its adorable!

Pin It

Thank God for pinterest for constantly adding to my to do list!

Just real quick...

Happy Friday the 13th!
Today I didn't undertake anything too big, but its another pinterest idea...
I had seen a big frame with string and clothes pins to gold photos and LOVED it so here we are!
Also I am writing this post from my phone! I am trying something new....we will see how I like it....

Pin It

Enjoy the weekend kids! I am hoping to make a stop and a big hobby store and I have some dinner plans that will surely make it to the blog too! Have fun!

Cheers!

Hello lovelies!
I am on my lunch break, and thought I would share my newest creation with you!
Again, I originally found this idea on Pinterest, so I made it, and I really love it!

Pin It

Chalkboard Wine Glasses!

So when you have a party and everyone is drinking the same thing, you will know which glass belongs to which drinker! YAY! These are available in my Etsy store, as well as in my Hobby Shop!

How easily my day can be made...

So this is just something quick, that I had to share.
If you're on pinterest, (Click here to follow me!) you have probably seen the Ryan Gossling feminist pictures. I must tell you that I really LOVE these! I think they are hilarious!
Well today my co-worker Afton sent me this one on facebook.....I literally lol'ed! I think he really means this, and he is talking to me. ;)
But really, how fitting is this?!

My Monday has been made. Officially.

A Pinterest Project...

Happy Weekend everyone!
We made it through the work week, and here we are on another weekend!
I was so excited that I woke up, ran to the store, and started crafting nice and early! I have seen a trillion of these on pinterest, and have been dying to make one of my own, so today was the day! I was doing the mason jar shelf!
They are so simple and ADORABLE! Here is my finished product:

Pin It

The only thing that is misleading on here, is the stars...they aren't actually attached to the shelf. They are bouquet picks in the jar. Pictured to the right is a closer look at the jar and the color of the shelf. I used one of my favorite crafting products; the crackle paint to achieve this look. I normally don't really get into the teals and such colors for the home, but I thought I would give it a shot this time, and I am so glad that I did! I think these colors are so great! Just a pop of color, and almost a Spring feel - I just love it! The shelf as a unit is pretty versatile! Jeremy and I were talking about how you can use it for "supplies", or flower vases, and his favorite, plant a little herb garden in the jars! I am so excited about this project in particular because it was more assembly and a little bit of building and measuring than just using Sally and winging it. (Not that I don't still love her of course!)

I love these so much, that I am going to start taking orders for them! I can do pretty much any color, size and number of jars. Price will obviously depend on how many jars, how long etc. but one this size will run just $20! Click my 'contact' tab to e-mail me, or leave me a comment if you're interested! I will also negotiate shipping if need be!

Ralph was jealous and thought that he should be included in this post as well....he says "Order one of these from my Mom! She is awesome, and these are awesome, and you'll be awesome too!"

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Just something simple and quick...

Hello my lovelies!
Today after work I was wanting to blow off some steam with a quickie project...I had these frames lying around, and thought that I could make a pair.... Here is what I ended up with:

Pin It

I love it! VERY simple, but super cute if you ask me. The tin stars add a lot to them, and they are very small and LIGHT...yay for those of us who have plaster walls! The frames are for a 4" X 6" photo, so again - they're not real large - but as a pair, adorable!

Welcome 2012!

Happy New Year, Lovelies!
I am so excited to get started with the new year, and what a start did I have to this one!
I won my fantasy league (Something that I am very proud of, as I am the only female in the league with my husband and a bunch of our friends) Girl Power!
I also won a new apron from Cheryl's Sewing! Not bad for the first day of the year I would think!

I also kicked the year off with a new project too. I haven't done anything in a while, and I got some AWESOME-SAUCE stuff for Christmas, so I thought that I should get to work.
One of my favorite things was supplies to make mason jar soap containers. This is how my first one turned out:

Pin It

I think that it turned out pretty good! I think that these are so adorable, and I have wanted one for such a long time, but I REFUSE to spend what I have seen them priced at! So in true hobbyist fashion, I made my own! I used burlap on this one. Frustrated that the only fabric that I have currently is Christmas-y, Jeremy made the suggestion that I could just paint a strip of burlap. DUH! How did I not think of that?!
So I took his advise, and did just that.

Here is a closer look:

 

What do you think? I think it turned out pretty well for my first shot! I am excited to do more of these, and will likely be selling some as well! 

I'm still here!

Hello Lovelies!
It has been faaaaaar too long since I have posted, but I have been busy with the holidays! I hope you have a fantastical Christmas, and that your New Year is awesome-sauce too!
My Christmas was so amazing! I got so many treasures I can't even list them all! However, I DID get a whole TON of crafting supplies from Jeremy, so after the New Year calms down a little bit, I have every intention of getting back at it!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I have NOT fallen off of the face of the Earth, and I wanted to share a photo that I didn't get over Thanksgiving..........If you remember in the Flannel-y Tradtions post, I wasn't able to photograph the majesty of a big family all in flannels. So......here you go.....Brady style......you're welcome. ;)

 

From Top to Bottom:

Grandma & Grandpa Bratz, Brad & Chrissy, Conner, Joe & Angie, Kathy & Phil, Jeremy & Me, Luanne & Larry, Sawyer, Gunner, Ian, Larissa & Adam with Baby Danika

Sadly, we are missing Lacy & Tyler, Anthony & Crystal with Neveah...They weren't able to be there for the photo.