T u e s d a y T u n e s : T e n n i s

Tennis is one of my favorite bands to listen to in the warmer months. Their songs just seem to have a sunny, beachy feel. Considering the unseasonably warm temps we had today - No coat necessary at the end of January...in Indiana...uhh what? - this song seems to fit with the day! 

O n T h e M e n d

I haven't been feeling well lately (to put it mildly), but thanks to my awesome parents, several doctor visits, and lots of meds I am finally improving! I also received these beautiful flowers from the lovely people at St. Joe's School. Hopefully things only get better from here!

F o o d i e : H o m e m a d e C u p c a k e

Nothing too fancy about the recipe I used to make these: just a typical chocolate cupcake with a cream cheese frosting. This was really the first time I tried to get creative with decorating and they turned out deliciously, but were quite time-consuming! (especially when figuring in that I live a mere 5 minute walk from a cupcake bakery).

A d v i c e T o L i v e B y

About 2 years ago, I had a mid college crisis. At the time, I wasn't happy with what I was studying and the direction those studies would point me.  I had several chats with my ever supportive parents about changing my major and one evening my dad handed me these words of wisdom which he had written down on a post-it note. Not only did those words inspire this painting, they inspired me to make a decision for myself and my future that has given me a great sense of purpose and hope for the future. Now I am studying a subject I love, which has provided me with countless rewarding experiences and self-confidence,  I will be graduating in a few months and I am applying to graduate schools to continue my studies. Here's to the next step!

T u e s d a y T u n e s : S u f j a n S t e v e n s

Sufjan Stevens!

C r a f t B r e a k : S a l t S c r u b

Here is a quick and easy homemade gift.  I made about a dozen jars of this salt scrub to give as little gifts at Christmas, but it would be great to give all year round.  I used this "recipe".  For my first batch I chose grape seed oil and for the second batch I used safflower oil.  Not sure which one I liked better. The pros of grape seed oil is that it is a tad more viscous, but it also has a stronger smell than safflower oil.  The essential oils and scents I used are easy to find at stores that sell soap making products, like Hobby Lobby.  To really finish off the gift attach a small spoon that can be used to scoop out the scrub.  I enjoy using salt scrub on my hands in the winter because it exfoliates and moisturizes so well.

W e e k l y G e e k y : W e l d i n g

My Dad finally convinced me to try welding - not sure if it's really something I have a knack for, but it was fun to try!

F o o d i e : B l a c k F o r e s t C h e r r y C a k e

Mmmm my mom's famous Black Forest Cherry Cake. I usually get to indulge in one on my birthday, but as a ridiculously severe case of Strep kept me off solids for the week surrounding my birthday, I sadly missed out this year.  Mom promised to make me one the next time I get a chance to come home from school. 

Cant. Wait. 

Nom nom nom....

W e e k l y G e e k y : L E D T h i n g

I really have no idea what this thing is called, but it was my first ever soldering project!

The rotation of the color in the LED can actually be altered by holding your hand above the "thing."

Made this shortly after getting my geek on with my dad at "Maker Faire"in Detroit, MI in 2010. 

C r a f t B r e a k : M i c r o T a x i d e r m y

Competed another project inspired by the lovely book Microcrafts. Meet my little taxidermy bear "stuffed" with polymer clay. I also gave him some festive tiny balloons, featured in the book as well.

T u e s d a y T u n e s : B e i r u t

Mmm, Beirut.... Somehow their beautiful music always improves my mood.  A longtime favorite of mine. I would love to see them perform live someday.

W h a t I ' m R e a d i n g

I promised myself that this year I would do some more reading on my own - meaning read something besides textbooks and academic journal articles.  Here is what I have on my immediate list:

1. Post Modernism - By Christopher Butler

2. The Stranger  - By Albert Camus

3. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life - By Erving Goffman

4. Me Talk Pretty One Day - By David Sedaris

You may notice that two of my choices are Sociology related... despite how much time I devote to my Sociology studies I still love reading about different theories and Sociologists....so yes, I am a Sociology nerd. Hopefully the goal to read these is completed in a decent amount of time. I better get started before my final semester of undergrad completely takes over my free time (and my sanity).

C r a f t B r e a k : F e l t F l o we r s

Super simple to make felt flowers.  Freehand or find some simple flower designs and cut out of felt.  Sew a button to the center (I used mismatched vintage buttons) and glue flower to a bamboo skewer.  Add some green ribbon to the skewer for leaves.  Fill a flowerpot with floral foam and cover foam with preserved moss. Arrange flowers and enjoy. Best thing is they stay fresh year round!

T u e s d a y T u n e s : T h e H e a d a n d t h e H e a r t

Another recent favorite. This is "Cats and Dogs" by The Head and the Heart. Enjoy!

N e w Y e a r 's T o D o L i s t

I'll admit I'm not the best at making and keeping resolutions for the new year so instead I though I would make a list of things I would like to accomplish this year and not call them resolutions. So here goes....

2012 To Do List

1. Start and maintain a blog

2.  Make healthy changes to my diet and cook more

3.  Graduate from college (one semester to go!)

4. Start Graduate school

5.  Go to Germany to see my family

6.  Read more books that I enjoy (not just text books)

7.  Develop my personal style

8.  Give a presentation on my research

9.  Find more time to be creative

10.  Try to de-stress and enjoy the little things

Heres to 2012 being a lovely year!

T u e s d a y T u n e s : F l o r e n c e a n d t h e M a c h i n e

Quite difficult to pick just one Florence and the Machine song to post here. This one is "No Light, No Light" off of her new album 'Ceremonials'.  Florence Welch and her music will always be one of my all time favorites.  Can't get enough!

W e e k l y G e e k y : L E D C h r i s t m a s T r e e

 

                     

 

                     

                             
                  


Put together this little kit over the Christmas weekend (little late in posting). Nice little project to brush up on my soldering skills!