Spring Bucket List 2023

 Anyone else super excited about springtime?  Here's my bucket list for the season...

Things I Want To Do This January

1. Listen to 1 {or more} Revive Our Hearts podcasts daily.  These are around 25 minutes of solid Biblical teaching, wisdom, & hope designed for women by women.  These bless my soul & there are tons you can listen to for free or download for free on reviveourhearts.com.  You can also search lots of topics to find the podcast that speaks most to you in your current season.  I think my January 1st one will be this followed by this.

2. Read 1 book {at least}.

3. Clean + declutter our apartment.  It needs it.  Desperately.

4. Take a 15 minute walk daily {either outside, at a store/mall, or on the treadmill at our apartment's community gym}.

5. Journal more.  At least once a week.

These are the things I want to accomplish this January.  Some of them, like listening to Revive Our Hearts, reading, walking, journaling, etc. I may just want to carry through to other months or even the whole year, but this is my start.  There are also things I've been doing that I want to continue in 2020 {& do better with more intentionality}, like reading my Bible daily, drinking lots of water {#pregnancylife}, & others.  I can't wait to see how God works in this year & in my heart.

What are some of your goals for this new decade?

My Favorite {2 Ingredient!} Pumpkin Muffins

Easy recipes are pretty much the only recipes I do.  And this one is definitely that with only 2 ingredients!  I've made this tasty {& pretty healthy} fall treat with both chocolate cake mix & spice cake mix, & it's yummy either way!  If you like more chocolate-y flavors, than I suggest trying a chocolate or devil's food cake mix.  However, this go around I'm using a spice cake mix.  I found the pumpkin flavors come through even more when you use this mix as opposed to a chocolate one.

Here's what you need: a spice cake mix {or chocolate if you like} + a 15 oz. can of pure pumpkin {note: NOT pumpkin pie filling}.  That's legitimately it.

Preheat the oven to 325° F.  Add muffin liners to your muffin tin or simply spray your bare muffin tin well with a non-stick baking spray.  Add the cake mix powder & the pure canned pumpkin together in a large bowl & stir well {until you don't see any more cake mix powder}.  Scoop the mixture into your muffin tin & bake for about 20 minutes.  Insert a toothpick into the middle of some of your muffins to see if it comes out clean - if it does they should be done!

I hope you enjoy these easy-peasy pumpkin muffins with your family this season!

P.S.: The pumpkin makes them so moist!    

Autumn Bucket List // 2019

☑ Meander through a corn maze. // 10/27 {Rock Ranch}

☑ Visit a pumpkin patch. // 10/5

☑ Decorate the house for the season. // 9/19 {pretty much all of September off & on again}

☑ Take a scenic drive to see the fall colors.

☐ Go hiking &/or camping.

☑ Dress up on October 31st. // 10/31 {We were Yoshi {me} + Mario {Dan}.}

☑ Make our birthdays special. {My husband & I both have fall b-days.}

☑ Bake something pumpkin-y. // 11/23 {Click here for the easy 2 ingredient recipe!}

☑ Go to a fall festival/fair. // 10/31 {we volunteered at our church's fall festival}

☑ Shop some fall yard sales. // 9/28/19 {+ several other dates}

☐ Light a fall scented candle.

☑ Go star gazing. // 9/21/19

☑ Make crock pot soup. // 11/2 {vegetable chicken noodle}

☑ Build a blanket fort, add some twinkle lights, put in a movie, cuddle up, & have a date-night-in.  // 9/6/19

☑ Go out for a donut date & try their seasonal treats. {I'm thinking apple cider & pumpkin flavors!}  // 9/8/19 + 9/30/19

☑ Put a fall wreath/sign on the front door. // 11/23 {better late than never}

☑ DIY some fall decor. // 11/3 {We went to a free watercolor pumpkin class at our public library!}

☐ Continue our tradition of making a "thankfulness tree." {Click here to see just how easy it is!}

☐ Try my hand at making candles.

☐ Take some fall photos.

☑ Go for a walk & collect some colorful fallen leaves.

☑ Have friends/family over. // 11/23

☐ Watch some nostalgic Charlie Brown specials.

☑ Browse through an antique store or two. // 9/28/19

☐ Add some Mellowcreme pumpkins as a festive touch to fall desserts. {I know they are so sugary, but I just love 'em!}

☐ Enjoy the {slightly where I am} cooler temps & eat outside.

What's on your autumn bucket list?

How to Clean Your Wedding Rings {At Home!}

What You Need:
▲ a soft bristle tooth brush {this can be an old one that you've disinfected with boiling water}
▲ liquid dish soap {the jeweler where Dan bought one of my rings said Dawn is the best brand for this}
▲ warm to hot water
▲ a mug or bowl to let your rings soak in

What You Do:
Add about 1-4 drops of liquid dish soap into your mug or bowl, then add your warm to hot water {you don't need much}, + your rings.  Let your rings soak for a few minutes {anywhere from 10 minutes on - the dirtier the more time you want to add} & then remove.  With your soft bristle tooth brush, gently scrub the little nooks & crannies of your ring{s}.  Lastly, rinse your rings in your mug or bowl using clean warm water {or put them back on your finger + rinse off in the sink}.

P.S.: As it's summertime, here's a bonus tip... Don't wear your rings in the swimming pool or at the beach.  Both chlorine & sand aren't good for your bling!

Dollar Store Upcycle // Slogan Straw Hat

 

Have you seen those hats popping up all over the place?  The straw kind with slogans & cutesy sayings all over the brim?  Did you know you can DIY your own for only a couple bucks?!

Here's how...

I found all the materials for this upcycle at my local Dollar Tree {straw hat - it already came with the black ribbon tied around it, black sequin ribbon, & tacky glue}!  Figure out what your slogan is going to be first.  Here's some ideas:

• do not disturb
• hello sunshine
• out of office
• beach vibes
• aloha
• bonjour
• peachy keen

Next, take your sequin ribbon & practice spelling out your phrase.  Beware of overly scrolly script - you don't want your hat to be hard to read, or, even worse, misread.  Also, try out the placement of your slogan on your hat.  Once you're happy with it, go ahead & start gluing it down.  I used Aleene's Original Tacky Glue {from the Dollar Tree} & it worked like a charm.  I tried both hot glue & super glue previously & got poor results.  The tacky glue is pretty easy & forgiving if a readjustment is needed, it dries clear, & has a strong hold.  Let your hat dry until all the glue is clear {this could take a couple hours}.  Once dried find a sunny spot to put on that fancy + wordy hat!  I love how this easy DIY takes a simple summer staple {the beloved floppy hat} & turns it into a real statement!

What would your hat say?

P.S.: Thanks Dan for taking the perfect hat shots! 
P.P.S.: You are the best husband this girl could ask for!

Try This: Frame a Tea Towel

Have you noticed there are some adorable kitchen towels out there lately?  This one + this one are 2 of my current faves you can pick up at Target for less than $4!  Since my recent search for thrifty wall art {see here}, I've been continuing the hunt for lovely & unexpected {cheap} things worthy of a frame near you.  Today, it's the underrated tea towel's turn...

All you really need for this one is the tea towel of your choice {make sure it's thin cotton or linen, but not terry cloth - too bulky} + a frame.  If you want to iron your tea towel first, I say go for it, but I totally skipped this step, as I found stretching the towel over the frame's cardboard insert & placing in the frame was enough to get out any major wrinkles/creases + I sorta like the imperfect look.  I did have to trim mine down to cut down on the bulk in the back, but after I did that it fit perfectly into my frame.  Extra Tip: Use a little tape to secure your tea towel to the back of your frame's cardboard insert.  Extra Extra Tip: Does your frame only have a flimsy paper insert?  Cut a piece of cardboard {think cereal boxes or other cardboard you may have lying around} to size so you'll have something sturdier to stretch your tea towel over.  I think these make for the perfect kitchen art, but with the variety of tea towel designs you could easily find one suitable for every room in your home!

Things To Do Before You & Your Husband Get Pregnant

1. Start taking prenatal vitamins!  A month or 2 ago I asked my doctor if it was okay to go ahead & start taking prenatal vitamins since my husband & I were about to start trying to conceive.  She answered with a resounding "yes," & said ideally you should start taking them at least 3 months prior to trying.  These gummy ones are my go-to & can be found at pretty much any pharmacy/Target/Walmart.

2. Figure out your cycle {as best you can}.  Let's face it, not every girl has the standard 28-day-never-late cycle {kudos if you do}.  So, start charting your period/symptoms with a handy app.  I've tried a couple different versions {& there are plenty out there}, but the one I currently use & am happy with is Flo.  It lets me enter lots of info + gives me ovulation prediction dates + will change into super handy pregnancy mode once a baby is conceived!  If your cycle is more unpredictable, don't let trying to figure it out add more stress to your life.  Try a friendly app like Flo, &, well, go with the flow.  Ovulation prediction kits are super helpful, too, & let you see if your app prediction dates are accurate + when to get on with the baby making! 😉

3. Make sure you have a good OB/GYN you are comfortable with + give them a call/schedule a visit if you have any concerns.  Do this, even if you feel like your concerns may be silly - it's worth your peace of mind!

4. Work on your finances.  If you are in debt {like us + the majority of Americans {so sad}}, work hard with your spouse to be paying things off like crazy, because once that positive pregnancy test happens you'll need to most likely put a hold on putting all your extra cash towards debt + start paying closer to the minimum due to save up for baby + mama care.

5. De-stress your life.  Stress can wreak havoc on trying to conceive, so pray, spend time with God, walk, try yoga, watch your favorite funny movie... whatever de-stressing looks like for you.  And note, this is not a one time learning, but a continual learning of how to relax + trust God's care + perfect timing for your life.  Give yourself some grace, too, 'cause none of us is perfect, sister.

6. Organize your home.  If there's one thing I don't like to imagine, it's being so very pregnant + trying to clean/find things in a cluttered home.  I don't want to go there.  Again, this isn't going to be perfect, but find a few ways to clean/organize your space {on your budget} now & get those habits into place.  It will be worth it for your sanity/calm in the future.  I've recently gotten hooked on this thrifty organizing channel on YouTube {this girl is so awesome + a mom}!  {Apparently I've made it to the point in my life where watching organizing videos is a hobby... Oh, dear.}

7. Have fun + travel + have adventures with your spouse, because most likely this season of just you & him will not last forever {or even very long in the grand scheme of things}.  Savor it + make the most of it.  Once a baby comes, you will never have this time again when you aren't anyone's parents!  Make it sweet & memorable.

8. Pray for your future babies!  I remember the season of countless prayers I prayed for my husband before I even knew if he existed.  It was a sweet yet difficult time, & the prayers to my perfect loving heavenly Father brought me right where I needed to be - before Him seeking His heart + sharing all of mine.  Now's the time for you & your husband to do the same for your future kiddos.  Bring the desires of your heart to the Savior, Jesus, & don't forget to ask Him to bless, protect, & grow those sweet future blessings into righteous men & women that belong to Him.

Dollar Store Upcycle // Easy Wall Art {Made from a Gift Bag!}

I was recently on the hunt for a cheap bit of wall art for our patio space.  While browsing Dollar Tree I happened upon an adorable gift bag & I thought to myself, "I think this is it!"  I snagged a simple 11X14 frame before I left the store, so the total cost for this project was just $2!

Simply cut one side of the gift bag out, trimming to fit your frame, & place inside!  It's really that easy.

❤

Looking for more cheap art?  Think about elevating these items to frame-worthy status... greeting cards, silk scarves, vintage postcards, wrapping or wall paper samples, sheet music, pressed flowers/leaves, fabric... The possibilities are limitless!

Ways We Save $!

• Nix cable, magazine/box subscriptions, etc.  We even got rid of Netflix recently, 'cause we just didn't need it.
• Eat in!  This doesn't mean we never go out - in fact it's one of Dan's favorite things to do - but eating out is typically way more expensive than eating in.  So, more often than not, I make dinner for us at home. {Bonus: It can be a whole lot healthier that way, too!}
• Gather all your unwanted/don't-need-stuff & have a yard sale.  We did this recently, & even though we didn't have any big ticket items, we ended up earning a little over $150!
• Sell stuff on eBay.  If it's likely to earn much more on eBay than at a yard sale, we put it online + pray for a bidding war to break out! 😉
• Shop smarter with the free Flipp app that lets you check multiple stores' weekly ads + view coupons, etc.
• Check out books, DVDs, & CDs at the local library instead of buying.
• Sign-up for Ebates & earn $ back on purchases from lots of stores you're likely already shopping at!  It feels a little like getting paid for shopping, 'cause it basically kinda is.

My Current {6 Product} Skin Care Routine

My skin has always been kinda so-so.  I wish I could say I left pimples back in high school {along with my Lisa Frank stationary}, but they still make their presence known every now & then {especially during that time of the month} + around the chin area mostly.  Now that I'm in my early 30s even more changes are happening in the skin department.  Here's my skin care routine that I'm pretty darn happy with currently...

Step 1: Cleanse

AM & PM // Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Facial Cleanser - This is nothing fancy whatsoever, but it gets the job done for me + it's less than $5 on Amazon!  Even though salicylic acid is thought to be the standard in fighting breakouts, I tend to find my skin does a whole lot better when it's not present in my facial cleanser, which is another reason I love this Clean & Clear option.  I also always use a little soft silicone face scrubber to wash my face nowadays {it seems to get my face cleaner than just using my fingertips}.

PM // Philosophy Purity Made Simple Micellar Cleansing Water - I use this nightly as a toner + eye makeup remover & it works fantastically.  I just swipe it over my face + eyelid area with a cotton ball.

Twice Weekly // Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Exfoliating Clay Mask - The buzz on this product has been enormously great, so I visited my local Ulta & purchased the travel-sized option.  I've used it a total of twice, so far, & I don't feel any negativity towards it, but I also feel like I need more data on it to give my solid opinion.  So, so far, so good, but I'll review more in depth in the coming weeks after I've conducted more research. 😉

Step 2: Moisturize

AM // Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief - This makes my skin feel so soft + is perfect for the drier winter season.  I find a little goes a long way.

AM // No7 Beautiful Skin Oil Free Skin Protector - Because I use a retinol product at night {which can make skin more susceptible to the sun's harmful rays}, I like a bit of extra protection during the day.  This lightweight sunscreen with vitamin E fits the bill nicely.

PM // Body Merry Retinol Surge Moisturizer - I love the ingredients in this one {green tea, plant derived hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, E, + B5} + it's a great overall value via Amazon. It's only been about a month since I started using this one, but so far I have nothing but good to say.  It can be used both day & night, but I tend to stick to pretty much the PM, because my skin tends to be on the sensitive side & I haven't used retinol formulas much.  More in depth review to come after I've used it a bit longer.

Dollar Store Upcycle // String Art

Upcycling dollar store finds is one of my favorite things.  I snagged this string art {see below} the other day at my local Dollar Tree, & while it's nice, it's not really me.  So, I'm going to work some easy-peasy upcycling magic to make it more my style.  Here's how...  

Step 1: Get rid of the string + add some fresh paint.  You will likely need several coats to cover. {Extra tip: Don't forget to paint the edges (if that's important to you)!  I forgot to paint them & had mixed my own gray paint color & used it all up, & wasn't about to try & match it up again, so I ended up putting a simple washi tape on the edges (which works, too).}

Step 2: Add some new string. {Extra tip: Add a drop or 2 of hot glue to secure the ends.}

Step 3 {Optional}: Personalize it further with some embellishments, letter stickers/stamps or a painted phrase, or keep it minimalist - it's up to you!  At 1st, I was sure I was going to add a phrase like "Dan + Laura" or write "love" across the bottom in scrolly script, but now I'm thinking of just keeping it simple & sweet & leaving it as is.  Any thoughts?

My Top Favorite Beautyish Products for Winter

Johnson's Baby Oil {Aloe Vera + Vitamin E} - Don't let the name fool ya, this body oil isn't just for babies.  I lather this stuff on my legs after I shave 'em + shower & it really & truly locks in the moisture. {Extra tip: Apply the oil while your skin is still damp from the shower/bath & then pull on a pair of leggings or tights {or even skinny jeans} to help keep the moisture in + make your legs feel silkier even longer!}

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash {Cinnamon Spice} - I'll be the 1st to admit I am not the best at applying {& reapplying} lotion as much as is necessary in the winter months where dry skin is rampant.  Thankfully, this ultra hydrating body wash from Olay literally lives my skin feeling like I've just soaked up some rich {but not sticky} body lotion after I step out of the shower.  Yep, it's a game changer, you guys.

Bath & Body Works PocketBac Sanitizer - Keep those icky cold & flu germs at bay with a handy pocket-sized hand sanitizer.  The added bonus is these smell great!

Lip Smacker Lip Balm - I know it sounds crazy that this tween staple would make the list, but it actually is my go-to lip moisturizer.  I've tried loads of other brands & varieties, & I just always come back to the old Bonne Bell Lip Smacker.  It works best for me + the flavors are fun.  I think the key to most any lip moisturizer is application, application, application - you gotta reapply it several times each day {I make sure to put it on before bed, too}.

Getting Into Bible Journaling

I know you've likely seen it popping up all over the place for awhile now...  Bible journaling, the art of decorating in your Bible with paint, pencils, embellishments... - there's really no wrong way to do it!  I just wonder, when did Bible journaling become a thing?  Because, if you're anything like me {+ have worked in both a public & elementary school library 😉}, you kinda have to unlearn what you've already learned about books {i.e.: You shouldn't write in them!  Let alone in the Holy God-breathed Word!}.  But, once that's done, you're pretty much ready!

Anywho, I asked Dan for a journaling Bible this past Christmas & I unwrapped this little treasure underneath the tree last month...

Now, I'm getting into it in my own little way!  I've found after the 1st attempt of actually drawing in my Bible that it is totally nerve-wracking for me + something I'm probably going to avoid {the fear of messing up (which I actually did the 1st time, but miraculously fixed with some strategically placed stickers + washi tape) is too great for my ticker}.  I think I'll stick to drawing/writing on separate embellishments & then adding them in.

{The one above in Song of Songs is my current favorite. ❤}

My go-to supplies so far seem to revolve around cutout embellishments, gold staples, ribbon, & stickers + this is where to find the NIV Bible I use.

This is becoming a new way to creatively get into God's Word & hide scripture in my heart.  While it doesn't replace my actual Bible reading time {still gotta have that (most of all)}, it is a beautiful creative thing & I'm kinda giddy over it!

DIY Vacation Memory Jar

What You Need:

▲ a jar + lid

▲ small tokens from your trip that will fit in the jar

▲ a smallish favorite photo from your trip

▲ a decorative tag {or make your own} + twine or ribbon + Sharpie

Anybody else not really wanting to remember an amazing trip by bringing home a pack of picture playing cards or a collectible spoon?

Creating a memory jar lets you put a personal touch on things + showcase your actual memories/trip highlights + it's not from an overpriced gift shop.  Win-win!  While this makes for a perfect sand & rock holder for beach/camping trips, you can also fill your jar with various tickets, foreign currency, & small souvenirs from most any place you care to venture.  You can be all minimalist or maximalist on these - you get to decide.  I'm thinking several of these jars showcasing different trips would look great as a collection displayed on a shelf or mantle.  Hmmm, I think I may just sense a travel tradition starting here in our house...

Happy crafting {& traveling}!

Make Your Own Summer Bucket Lists {+ FREE Printables}

So yesterday I shared my summer bucket list, & I thought just maybe you'd like to make your own {+ have something cute to write it on}!  I love to make summer plans - & even though {for better or worse} plans don't always come through the way we like {Proverbs 16:9} - it's fun {not to mention helpful} to have some ideas of things you want to do.  The big question is, what would you like to do the summer of 2017?

Free Printables:

Click on the list(s) you'd like & then right click & save to your computer {or copy & paste it where you'd like}.  Print 'em out, fill in your lists, & make this summer count!

These printables are free for personal use only.  Link with love.  Thanks!

Jeremiah 29:11

He's got great plans for you this season!

Make a Bucket List for Your City!

Perhaps you've lived in your city your whole lifelong, or maybe it's a more recent move, or somewhere in between - either way, you should totally make a bucket list for that special place you call home!  Here's 5 reasons why...

1. It may take a while to cross off climb to the top of Machu Picchu, but it's way easier {at least in theory} to cross off visit my city's Burger Barn & devour the #8 special.

2. It helps you uncover undiscovered gems in your city.  Never been to your city's public gardens, art museum, baseball field, or gotten your picture taken with the giant cow?  You are missing out on amazingness, my friend.

3. It can help you connect {or reconnect} to your unique community.

4. Some of the things you put on your list you've likely already done.  Instant success!  Cha-ching!

5. It will be fun, & yes, this is a legitimate reason.

So, go make one now!

In all sincerity, after leaving my beloved hometown/state for the hometown/state of my husband, this is truly helping me connect to my new place on the map!

P.S.: Find my bucket list here!