Back again in the same week! (I told y'all I'd get better at this...)

Ok, so I just HAVE to put up my most recent favorite project. Every year, I get at least 5 graduation invitations in the mail. I know there are tons of people out there who must feel as plagued by gift ideas as I have been. Not only do you want to get them something college-bound related or thoughtful, but you also don't want to break the bank! Of course, there is always the money-holder card that most graduates will appreciate, but unless I can stuff each one with an impressive amount of cash... they are less than special and almost always forgotten after the generic thank you card is sent in return.

This year my mother gave out sets of towels and washcloths. They were very cute all rolled up and tied with sparkly ribbons. But each set cost about $20! I can't hand out ten of those gifts and pay rent so...

I made up pairs of "Shower Shoes" to give to each graduate! I wanted the gift to go well with my family's gift of towels, and what college bound student doesn't need the safe-guard shower shoes for those scummy communal showers? Check them out...

On the card it reads...

"Tip toe to college

And take these shower shoes...

'Cause I still want to protect you

And your tootsies too!"

How adorable is that? And it only cost about $2.75/graduate!

First, let me apologize for not updating this blog more often... I always seem to have a really great blogging streak and then POOF! Life happens. Well, faithful readers, you're in luck because I have some great projects that will all be here soon!

If you have read about me in the Behind the Blog section, you must know that I am very passionate about life long learning and helping others. Well opportunity has come knocking at my door (also a reason I have not been faithful about my blogging) and I am now the Elizabeth Kearney Women's Leadership Institute intern through the Mankato YWCA. After becoming involved with the Girls on the Run program, I wanted to stay involved with the non-profit in anyway, shape or form possible. Through the internship I am able to help our Executive Director with program development and other responsibilities regarding the 10 month leadership development program.

This summer I am also acting as a Student Adviser at Minnesota State University, Mankato through the Office of First Year Experience and New Student and Family Programs. I had my first training session today and can't wait to get my hands dirty! I have a strong passion for higher education administration, and orientation programs in specific. I was always the "new kid" in school due to my father's numerous work transfers. I want to help accomodate and welcome new students to campus and give them the resources they need to succeed!

Of couse I am still a Personal Care Assistant for two families in the Mankato area and loving it! I am constantly picking up extra hours to fund my summer fun! I hope to continue my year of travel (well now I guess it is turning into multiple years of travel...) when my friend Lic moves to Tennessee this August. We'll see how broke I am by that point in time...

Other than my part time work and internship hours, I spend my time with my loving boyfriend who has returned home for the summer, lying on the beaches of the 10,000 lakes, and soaking up as much sun as possible! Also, my younger sister is graduating from high school and I have been unofficially hired as the event planner by my mother. (Expect a CRAZY garage transformation, cute graduation gift ideas, and lots of painting and home renovation projects ahead!)

Well, until next time...

Renew.Reuse.Recycle

As always, when the sun comes out...I start to paint! I had to re-finish a rocking chair for a friend, and here it is the process...

First, let me just say how OBSESSED I am with purple right now. All shades. Lilac, lavendar, amethyst...purple purple purple! So I was thrilled when my buyer wanted a funky vintage rocking chair.



Before

After!

 

I had extra paint and some cute knobs...so I renewed this vintage mailbox! Hangs on a wall... $25!

Ch-Irish!

My next destination in my year of travel was Chicago! It just happened to be St. Patrick's Day/Weekend, and we were surrounded by a sea (er...river) of green.

Traveling with me to Chicago were some of my dear friends, and we had a total blast! We stayed at the Swissotel hotel, right on the river. We hit up the main tourist-y attractions, but the streets were lined with St. Patty's partiers, making it hard to get nearly anywhere!

Here are some recaps of the weekend...

My St. Patty's Day Outfit!

Deep Dish!

Marilyn Tribute

The Sea of Green

The Dyed Green River! Crazy to see...

Well hello there!

Someday I will have a lion outside of my home, just like this one at the Art Institute of Chicago

Me and my beau in front of Lake Michigan. He was less than thrilled by all my picture taking...

Bean

Bye chi-town :(

Can't wait to see what crazy adventure I will go on next? Stay tuned...

My Year of Travel

Between the 2011 and 2012 academic year, I have planned several amazing trips to see several amazing people...let the blogging around the country begin!

First Stop: The East Coast!



In Times Square Waiting for the Lion King to Start!



My 24th birthday (and Golden Birthday) was on Thanksgiving--so we celebrated at the Macy's Parade!

Me on the Boston Harbor

Boston!

Destination 2: Sundance Film Festival!!!

Sara Ramos of Parenthood just chillin'! Love her!

My besties at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City, UT!

Remember me?! Joshua Jackson in the house! (ran into him several times, and just wanted to start the quack!)

Katie holding up our Sundance guides

Jackie and myself getting reading to head to Park City, UT

Film Fest Commotion

We headed up to the Sundance Resort where it all began...

The Sundance Lodge in all its glory :)



Tabernacle Square! Hello Mormon country!





Valentines Day--Not Just for Couples!

I LOVE VALENTINES DAY! Even when I have been single on Valentines day, I have always enjoyed having a day to show everyone how much they are loved! Of course there are the nay-sayers who put me down each year and call it "Singles Awareness Day" or something of the like... but I say, GET OVER IT! They too will be Valentines of someone special soon enough, and until then, share the love!

This Valentines day, I decided to focus my energy on showing some love to my friends and family. And since my wonderful boyfriend is 8+ hours away, it was the perfect time to celebrate everyone who is close to me! I made up little gift packages for my friends, sent my far away friend in Utah a nice dress, and sent my boyfriend a manila envelope full of sweet treats!

And let's not forget the super-girly inspired fashion! I anticipate wearing pink dresses, floral prints, red high heels and lots of lipstick and ruche every sweethearts day. Having an excuse to dress like a little girl in curls and pearls is always a good thing!

Ah....pinterest (con't)

Ok so last time I was discussing my pinterest projects...but like always, holidays come, I get busy and everything else falls to the backburner!

A few projects I did complete...

Re-Vamped my chalkboard!

Successfully mastered the inside-out giant braid. Love.

Decorated my teeny-tiny tree :)

Made about 1,000 pieces of white chocolate peppermint bark! (a family fav)



Well this is it for now... I realized pictures are where it's at because, they are worth a thousand words, right?! See... still doing things for the write reason. Love to all!

Coming soon to my blog...

Valentine's Day! (Not just for couples)

Cate's Closet--my million outfit or outfoes.

Sundance Film Festival '12: Been there, Done that... (celeb pics included ;)

More HAIR and BEAUTY!