Thanksgiving Prayer

I'm usually not very good at coming up with prayers, especially for holidays, but this one just came to me, and I decided to share it with all of you. Many members of my family do not practice religion, and therefore do not pray at holidays, but this year my goal is to at least change one person's mind. Opening myself up to the Lord is one of the most fulfilling things I've done in my life. If you are a Christian, or religious, please feel free to pin this, share it on Facebook, whatever, and let's spread the joy during the holidays this year =]

PS: Sorry I haven't been posting much lately, I promise I'm working on a ton of new projects that I will be able to share with you very soon!

Until next time,







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20-Minute DIY: Happy Fall Pumpkin

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I've been super busy with work and getting my daughter ready to start preschool! (She is sooo excited about it, her first day was actually last week)

As you may or may not know, we live in an apartment, so we are sort of limited as to what we can do to spruce up our outdoor space (I think my landlord would pitch a fit if I painted my front door or something like that). But nevertheless, I do like to do a little something to make the outside of my house look as cheerful as the inside. And this particular project happens to be easy, fast, cheap, and adorable!

 Happy Fall Pumpkin!

What you need:

• A Pumpkin (you could do several in different sizes and with different messages/pictures-the possibilities are endless!)
• Paint or a Paint Marker (I used a paint marker for more precision, if you have a steady hand, traditional acrylic paints and paintbrush would work great)
• Ribbon/Bow of some kind. (I made my bow using this tutorial - you just have to play with the dimensions until you get the right size)
• A design of some kind (I used a stencil for the leaves and free-handed the lettering, but you can do what ever you feel comfortable with)

Here's my plain ol' pumpkin in the beginning

Step 1: Wash your pumpkin (sometimes they come with dirt and grime on them from the pumpkin patch), and decide which side you want your design to appear on (mine had some nicks in it, so I chose to make the better-looking side the front).

Step 2: Transfer your design to the pumpkin in pencil first, in case you make a mistake. Then, start to go over the pencil with your paint/paint marker.

Here it is with the lettering. Doesn't it look like it needs something extra?

Step 3: Fill out the design with some embellishments.

Leaves and a little swirl add just the right touch!

Step 4: Add your bow/ribbon/other decoration.

Top view. Gotta have a little sparkle! 

(Yes, my bow is attached with a hair elastic, don't judge)

Step 5: Place outside your front door and admire your handiwork!

Can you believe those leaves? That's just from the last 24 hours. It's impossible to keep up with it.

This pumpkin should last a few weeks, and is a great way to transition from Halloween into Thanksgiving. (Really, if I could get away with it, I would decorate with pumpkins year-round, but that's just me.)

If you try this project, be sure to post your pics in the comments!

Until next time,

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Happy November!

I thought I would give you all a laugh today, because I sure needed one. My boyfriend always participates in "No-Shave November" and I presented the idea of females also taking part. Obviously, he was against it, but I sent him this pic anyway. =]

[image credit]
I added the text

My boyfriend was not amused.

Happy No Shave November ladies!

Until next time,

Fall Project: Thankful Garland!

It's officially November! Is everyone as excited as I am? I'm already starting to count down to my favorite holiday of the year: Thanksgiving! So, naturally, I decided to do a little fun art project with my daughter to try and teach her a little about the meaning of Thanksgiving.

A Thankful Garland!

First, I printed out one of the fall coloring pages I mentioned in an earlier post, and had her help me color it. While we were coloring, I talked to her about what it means to be thankful for something. Then, we made a list of the things we are thankful for and I wrote them in sharpie on each shape. (We had pumpkins, leaves, corn cobs, and acorns) Then, we cut out the shapes, I made a cute little banner-shaped WordArt on the computer, and we attached everything to a piece of yarn (with paper clips) and hung it on the wall! It looks very cute next to my dining room table, and I plan on revisiting the concept with her throughout the month leading up to Thanksgiving.

All in all, the project took about an hour to complete, and I got to teach my 4 year old about one of my favorite (and in my mind, one of the most important) holidays of the year. Win-win! =]

I have a few more fall-themed projects in the works, so stay tuned!
Until next time,

       (and Lea!)

Update: I almost forgot! I got the idea for this awesome craft from Carina Gardner, through a pin on Pinterest. I adapted it to fit my own needs but I need to credit her with the idea nonetheless! [And I'm usually so good about that too! Where is my brain today?]

Also: make sure you enter this great giveaway co-hosted by my friend Angel of Sew Crafty Angel!

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy night tonight!

Gloomy Weather? [FREE indoor activities for your kids]

I don't know about you, but it has been downright cold and rainy here today. Therefore, my outdoor plans with my little one have been postponed. Luckily, I found some great activities to keep her occupied that I would like to share with you!

Crayola has literally hundreds of completely FREE coloring pages to print out for your kids, and it even has a little fall-themed section! It gives you a great opportunity to bond and interact with the little ones while the weather is not-so-friendly.

Also, check out these adorable 3D haunted houses from Mr. Printables!

Some other free activities I found:

• For little girls: A free Disney Princess printable activity kit from Target
• More Halloween-themed coloring activities from DLTK
• Some kid-friendly free online games on The Kidz Page (probably better for age 4-7)

Do you have any rainy-day fall activities that you like to do with your kids? Share in the comments!

Until next time,







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Last Minute Halloween Costume: Porcelain Doll Makeup Tutorial

Halloween is almost here! If you're like me, you wait until the week before Halloween to figure out what your costume is going to be. I usually do something that matches what my daughter is wearing, and this year we decided she is going to be a porcelain doll. I thought that was cool and original, and a little personal because my mom has collected antique dolls for as long as I can remember.

For those of you (ladies) who still have no idea what you are going to do for a costume (or you just got invited to a costume party at the last minute), the porcelain doll is both easy and relatively cheap. With about $5 worth of face paint, a dress out of your closet, stockings, and heels, you have a simple and unique last-minute costume.

[Bad lighting, I know]

 

Here's a run-down of how I accomplished this look (simple and cute, no?)

 

I picked up the cream makeup and the face paint crayons for $1.50 each. I already had the makeup brush and makeup sponges. If you don't want to use the crayon face paint (or can't find it), an ordinary face paint kit will work, and you may want to add a smaller makeup brush for details (like the freckles). I also used my own ordinary black mascara, but if you want a more dramatic look and have the extra cash, false lashes would be a plus.
[Note: Make sure you read the warnings on the makeup packaging. For instance, the makeup crayons pictured above advise that you don't use the red or orange on or around the eyes, or the blue on or around the mouth. Safety first!]

Step One: Apply a thin layer of the white makeup all over the face and neck using a makeup sponge. Blend so it looks even.

[Do I look a little ghostly?]

 

Step Two: If your eyebrows are thick like mine, you will probably need to use a brow brush and go over them again with the white makeup. I also used the brush to fill in the lips (you want them as white as possible when you go on to step five).

 

Step Three: Mix a small amount of the white makeup and red makeup directly on the makeup sponge and apply along the cheekbones. Blend. Using a brown or black, draw a few scattered dots on the apples of the cheeks for the freckles. If you are using the makeup crayons, you may want to sharpen it first (you can tell I didn't, because the freckles are huge).

[I kinda like it, It's got a little bit of a cartoony vibe]

 

Step Four: Using the blue, line the entire top eyelid, and extend the outline slightly above the crease on the outer edges (as shown below). Fill in completely. Apply your false lashes and/or mascara, and eyeliner if desired.

Step Five: Using the red, draw a heart shape on the middle of your lips, using your natural lipline as a guide. I don't have much of a heart shape to my lips, so I extended it out a bit at the top. Fill in with a lip brush or your fingertip (this will help it last longer).

[very cute and doll like, no?]

Finish the look with a thin layer of translucent powder, so all your hard work stays put and Voila!

Do you have any other great last-minute costume ideas? Share them in the comments!

Until next time,

 

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Fall is in the Air!

Hello to all of my new followers!

I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but I will say it again: I LOVE FALL! It's finally starting to get a little chilly outside, which is definitely making me want to curl up with a good book and relax till spring comes again. But, I also find that fall is a great time to focus on a lot of indoor activities (especially since this winter is supposed to be pretty harsh for us here in the Midwest). That being said, here in the next few weeks I will be focusing a lot more on my decorating and craft projects, so expect a lot more in the way of tutorials, and as it gets closer to Thanksgiving, I will definitely be flooding my page with all of the new recipes and ideas I find!

I hope you all stick around with me and see what's new in the coming weeks!

Until next time,

Another Wedding Crash Course: Dresses

One of the most daunting tasks related to wedding planning is finding the perfect dress. Your wedding dress is the one outfit that you will be most-photographed in (and all in one day!), so what do you do when you have no idea what type or style of dress you want? Where to begin?

Well, I'm going to share some tips from the experts, as well as give a little run-down of the different options available, as well as tips to save money and stay stress-free! So, hopefully instead of being a dreaded outing, you can relax and have as much fun as possible finding the dress that is uniquely you.

If you are like me and know next-to-nothing about planning a wedding, I recommend you read (and bookmark!) the Simple Wedding Checklist on about.com. According to that list, you don't even need to think about your dress until approximately 8 months before your wedding date. By then, you will have a good grasp of what your theme, colors, and general atmosphere of your ceremony will be. This knowledge is essential to narrowing down your choice of dress. The location of the wedding will also determine factors such as train length, fabric, etc. I find it useful to have a general idea of the styles of dresses you are interested in before you hit the stores. Pinterest, the web, and bridal magazines are a great place to start. Clip and/or print pictures to put in your wedding book, and even take them with you to show your dress consultant so he/she can help you find the perfect dress.

That being said, I'm going to share a list of do's and don'ts for dress shopping from blogger Raquel Kelly via The Huffington Post.

• DO take your time. If you are rushed, you may not make the best decision. And you will definitely save money if you take the time to shop around for the best price.
• DON'T just stand there! When trying on dresses, make sure you move around, sit, walk, even dance! You will be spending quite a bit of time in it, so make sure it's comfortable.
• DON'T bring your entire entourage. At least not the first go-around. When you have too many opinions bouncing around the room all at once, your own creative vision may get lost. Bring one or two close women (for example, your mother and your maid of honor) to the first shopping trip. Once you have your selection narrowed down to a few dresses, that would be the time to include the rest of the entourage (and DON'T forget to get your fiancé's opinion too!).

[source]

A more modern and cost-effective method of dress shopping is to do it primarily online. There are many discount dress websites that can get you a great dress on a tight budget, and they make the dress to order and fit it to your custom measurements. The only problem with this, is if the dress is not exactly what you expected when it arrives, you may have to go through a lengthy process to change/return/re-order, so if you choose to go this route, you may want to allow extra time just in case!

Below is a short list of some of the top discount dress websites:

• www.dreamy-dress.com
• www.lynnbridal.com
• www.weddingdressbee.com
• www.light-in-the-box.com/weddingdress

Also, if you happen to have a seamstress in the family (or are one yourself), it may be cost-effective to make your own dress. This also gives you a chance to add a more personal touch to your big day. McCall's has a great selection of wedding dress patterns, and it is a good place to start.

Now, there are entire blogs dedicated to the subject of wedding dresses, and I'm going through the process for the first time myself, so if anyone has any other tips or advice for me (and the other readers), please feel free to leave them in the comment section!

Until next time,

My Top 5 Favorite Halloween Pins - 2013

Halloween is fast approaching! I can't lie- fall is my absolute FAVORITE season, and Halloween especially gives me a great reason to break out the craft supplies and deck out the house from top to bottom. We all know how much I love Pinterest, so as I've been searching for my latest fall inspiration, I thought I would share my top 5 Halloween-themed pins with you!

Let's start with my absolute favorite pumpkin-related DIY:

[source]

 

Cover pumpkins with patterned nylons- gives a classy, unique look without carving! And they last longer when not carved- extra plus!



Now, my favorite DIY kid costume:

[source]

 

Cotton candy! Just a simple t-shirt, poster board (to make the cone), pillow fill, spray paint, and elastic. Low cost, versatile (could be done in any color - for a boy or girl), and super easy! Need a last minute costume idea? Here ya go!

While we are on the subject of costumes, here's my favorite DIY adult costume:

[source]

 

Voodoo doll - once again, very versatile, and creepy without being over-the-top. Looks simple enough, dowels, foam balls, an old shirt, a felt heart, and a wig. Would definitely get people talking at a Halloween party!

Out of ALL of the numerous wreath tutorials on Pinterest, this one definitely takes the cake for me:

[source]

 

Love the skull, the tulle, the colors...everything! It's creepy and cute without being over-the-top. (Who says you have to do everything orange and black?) Not to mention, The36thAvenue happens to be one of my favorite blogs of all time. I think she was one of the first people I started following on Pinterest.

 

And last but not least:

[source]

 

Cutest way to makeover your porch/outdoor space this fall: attach some of these DIY spooky eyes to your existing outdoor bench.

 

Now that I've gone over all of my boards with a fine-toothed comb to bring you this post, I'd better get going and start putting some of these ideas into motion. I hope you do the same!

 

Happy Halloween!!

 

Until next time,

Jess

My Beautiful Midwest Life


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Dreaming of a DIY Wedding - Part 2

[If you haven't seen Part 1 of this post, you can find it by clicking here]

As I stated in the last post, there is an endless realm of possibilities for a DIY wedding. Making some (or all) of the elements of your big day by hand can add the ultimate personal touch and ensure that you have the unique, memorable day that you've always dreamed of. Here, I will go into more detail about some of the ways that you can stretch your dollar by doing-it-yourself.

Invitations: If you have a good printer, fancy paper, and some design experience, designing and printing your own invitations can save you hundreds of dollars. This is one way I am really saving on my wedding, and it also gives me the peace of mind knowing that no one else's invitations look the same as mine. (I will show you how they turn out in a later post.)

Catering: If you are having a smaller, more intimate ceremony/reception, think about serving your guests a nice, home cooked meal (cooked by your mother or your groom's mother) rather than having the extra expense of hiring a catering company. Some couples even opt for having a potluck reception - definitely less traditional, but it's also a way to get your guests more involved in your big day (not to mention a money-saver)!

[source]

 

Favors: Giving your guests something homemade as a wedding favor oftentimes has a lot more meaning. It really lets your guests know that you appreciate their love and support, rather than just giving them a store-bought trinket solely for tradition's sake.

 

Hair and Makeup: With all of the different online tutorials available out there, you can achieve the look you are going for without having the added expense of going to a professional. My look for my wedding is going to be pretty natural and laid-back (I don't really wear makeup on a day-to-day basis), so it doesn't make much sense to me to shell out hundreds of dollars for a one-day-only makeover when I can spend that piece of my budget elsewhere.

 

With all that being said, don't try to do EVERYTHING yourself - you will drive yourself crazy! Delegate, delegate, delegate. That's what your wedding party is for - the more people you have willing to help, the more projects you will be able to take on leading up to the big day. Here are a few do's and don'ts:

 

• If you have friends or relatives that specialize in a particular area, see if they will offer their services in lieu of a wedding gift (it could turn out to be priceless).
• Ask for advice- but take it with a grain of salt. Sometimes, your married friends and family can refer you to good quality vendors and help you get the best deal possible, but sometimes they can be too pushy/overbearing and that is definitely not good for your stress level.
• Shop local. Small businesses are more likely to give you more personal service and a much better deal. I'm going with a local florist in my area for all of my wedding flowers- they give the best advice and the best price, and they can tell you what will be in season during the time of your wedding to save you money.
• You will probably still have to hire vendors for a couple things (like a photographer - one thing that is definitely worth the investment) - so shop around!

Remember, the point is to have a nearly stress-free planning process, stay within your budget, and when the big day comes.... ENJOY IT!

 

Until next time,

Jess

My Beautiful Midwest Life 

Dreaming of a DIY Wedding - Part 1

In this tough economy, the DIY (Do-it-yourself) movement is gaining a lot of momentum. This even applies to weddings! And if you're on a tight budget, like I am, doing a lot of things yourself (rather than having to hire a professional) can save you A LOT on your bottom line, and you will still end up with the dream wedding you always imagined. Lucky for us, there is a wide variety of info and inspiration available on the internet. To give myself a jumpstart on envisioning my dream DIY wedding, I checked out good ol' Pinterest.

If you don't use Pinterest, you can also do a Google Image search, but oftentimes Pinterest can lead you not only to the images, but to the how-to on those DIY projects. Here's just a sample of some DIY wedding decorations :

Baby's breath aisle décor - easy, elegant, and affordable.
[source]

Pretty paper wrapped around tin cans = fun and affordable centerpieces. Add some wildflowers to add to the look. This picture was actually taken from a baby shower, but this would also look cute wrapped in your wedding colors for a rustic or outdoor wedding.
[source]

Mason jar tealight holders - could be used in many ways as cheap and pretty décor. I'm definitely using something like this for my country/rustic themed wedding, but it really can add to the romantic atmosphere of any wedding, no matter the setting or theme. They are versatile and cost next to nothing- what more could you ask for?
[source]

Rope wrapped around a dollar store vase with flowers - an easy DIY and versatile. You could incorporate this for a beach theme, country/rustic, or pretty much any kind of outdoor reception. This was one of the first things I pinned when thinking about my own wedding reception.
[source]

Cute and simple - will definitely fit well into my country/rustic theme when painted in my wedding colors. Much better than solo cups!
[source unknown]

Wine glass centerpieces - simple yet very classy. I've seen several versions of this, it is very simple and easily adaptable - can change out the candles, flowers, or glassware for endless combinations, and it will definitely be a conversation-starter for your guests.
[source]

 





There are SO many more ideas out there, it would be impossible to list them all, but I hope I got some creative wheels turning with that little sneak-preview. Part 2 of this post will detail more money-saving DIY tips that I have compiled in my wedding research, and some that I have discovered on my own through trial-and-error and based on the advice of friends.

Until next time,
Jess
My Beautiful Midwest Life