Best Parts of Fall

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, second to Christmas. I just told someone this week, that if we wrapped Christmas into the fall season I would just be the happiest person alive. Last year, I made a list of my favorite things about Fall, and loved the post so I decided to try it again! (That has got to be a run-on sentence. So sorry!)

Without further ado, my Fall favorites:

1. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. I have a coupon for any Starbucks drink that expires on September 4th. The day just happens to be the day that PSLs come back.

I swear, I could be the biggest spokesperson for this drink if Starbucks ever chose to pay me. ;)

2. Scarves, scarves, scarves! I've got all kinds of them in my scarf drawer, and I cannot wait to break them out!

I'd be happy with any of these!

3. Apple Cider and spiced donuts. Mmmm. :)

4. Waiting up for The Great Pumpkin.

5. Pumpkin pie! Is it sad most of these have to do with food?

And my same question as last year, what's your favorite part of fall?

Surviving the "Hurricane"

So I'm really not as scared about Isaac as I was a few days ago. In all honesty, it's actually getting a little fun. It's not going to be as bad as it could've been, and at its worst we'll just be out of power for a few days. We've gotten to play outside in crazy high winds, and literally sideways rain! Check out my pictures here!

Sideways rain!

A few fallen branches

The poor duckies are still out!

Coming inside after taking pictures safely under the porch.

Boyfriend sleeping after working all through the night. Keeping our water on. :)

While we watch Christmas movies. :)

21st Birthday and the Giveaway Winner!

Hello all! It's my 21st birthday, and in case you didn't see in my last post, I'm riding out Isaac this week! It's certainly not as bad as it will be in New Orleans, but they are expecting a lot of downed trees and some small flooding. So far all we've seen is some strong wind, but we're expecting to lose power for Lord knows how long. That's the scariest part in 100 degree weather! 

PS Here's the cute duckies in my complex trying to swim against the wind and currents.

Anyways, catching up on my 21 before 21 list, I wasn't able to finish! There was 11 things I didn't finish, but I'm still planning on finishing soon. :)

The saddest thing I have to admit is that I didn't learn any sign language! I did learn the word "hurricane" though by watching the news. 1/20, not bad.

Now just a few thoughts of being 21. I am old. I know that's not true, but its so crazy. I feel like it was just last year, I was graduating high school! Now I'm more than halfway through college, and planning things way in the future. It's nuts! 

Secondly, I am not planning on anything crazy like most people when they turn 21. I just don't see the allure of partying or gambling like some people. I might gamble just once though with my grandparents. It's a healthy hobby they occasionally enjoy, and I think it'd just be fun to go with them because I can! And maybe buy a lotto ticket every now and then. Who doesn't dream about winning the lottery? ;)

Thirdly, I am not at all where I thought I'd be in my life right now. I'm not saying that I haven't enjoyed every second of it, but it's crazy. I'm living in a different state, I took over a year off school, I'm living with my parents again (yay free rent!), I'm in the middle of a hurricane. It's just so different than I pictured it.

I hope all of you are having a safe and dry week, especially all my gulf coast friends. Please be safe, and for those not in the area, please pray for everyone down here!

"Hurricane" Isaac

Guys, it's pathetic how scared I'm getting for this storm. I'm way inland and it probably won't affect me more than a little rain, but just look at this picture:

My home is definitely within the 2 area, and I know this is all projected, but man is it scary. To be safe, we've made ourselves an emergency kit if we get stuck at home, but I will certainly be evacuating if it's suggested. The parish next to us has already gotten the suggestion, but it's not mandatory like the New Orleans parishes already are. The thing that scares me the most is that if this thing hits, my boyfriend and his family will be out working in the storm getting people's water back on. They sure do work hard for their money!

Please, please, please be praying for my family and loved ones, and just the entire gulf coast right now. We could certainly use it!

Catching Up!

Wow, I have seriously been missing in action! I didn't follow a single post that I put in my blog planner except for the giveaway! And I'm sad to say that my birthday is Tuesday, and I still have thirteen things left on my 21 before 21 list! Now that you're caught up on my past couple of links, let me tell you about my week!

First of all, Wednesday I got stuck in a huge traffic jam. There was an accident on the interstate, which had to be shut down. Since our city is almost completely dependent on the interstate, every one panicked, and it literally took me 3 hours to get to work. Thankfully the drive home was only about an hour, but it's usually 10 minutes! It was crazy!

Reppin' my UNCC bumper sticker!

And I have to share the picture from our news site of how they fixed it, because it's so crazy! The accident was a car that flipped over, a gas truck slamming on its brakes, and then a beer truck crashing into the gasoline truck. Therefore spilling gallons and gallons of gas onto the road. So they decided to have a nice little controlled burn:

Yep, it looks like a bomb went off. Boyfriend was evacuated of his apartment less than a mile away!

Then earlier this week, I got the great opportunity to get Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for free! I've been on Illustrator nonstop this week (hence the new header, and soon to be design). I've been able to help another girl with her blog. It's still a work in progress, but we've gotten some really cute things done so far! Please go check her out! She's one of the sweetest people I've ever met, and it turns out, we only live like 20 minutes from each other. Such a small, small world!

Then I got the sweetest email from Erin at Sweetness Itself! I hope you follow her because she's stinking great. She's one of the most amazing women I've had the chance of getting to know, and I aspire to be like her. Go check out her blog, and seriously stay awhile. Click all the links and really get to know her!

And most excitedly, my grandparents are in town!! They drove 18 hours to get here, but they'll be staying the whole weekend! And this weekend is going to be stinkin' awesome. We've got my sister's baby shower and my birthday party. I cannot wait for both! Hopefully I'll find some time to post some pictures in the next few days, because it's going to be legen-wait for it and I hope you're not lactose intolerant because the second half of that word is- dary! Legendary! Yeah guys, I really just got that lame on you.

Fabulous Giveaway!

Eek! I'm going to be 21 in one week. It feels so crazy to just keep growing up! Anyways, you might've seen some things going on the blog regarding my 21st birthday, but I have something even more exciting for you today! I'm so thankful for the great friends through blogging, and what they have to offer you! If anything, I strongly suggest taking the entries just to follow these great ladies! This giveaway is great for anyone trying to grow their blog, because it is only ad space! 

Brook from Cutesy Bootsie is giving away a Feature Spot for one month!

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

Cassie from Live.Laugh.L0ve is offering a large ad space on her blog for one month!

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Bloglovin

Paige from Artsy Anthropology is offering a medium ad space for one month!

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

Lauren from Pink on the Cheek is giving away a medium ad space for one month!

Blog // Facebook // Twitter

Elle from Elle Sees is offering an unknown ad size for one month! Kind of a communication fail on my part. Haha I'll update once I know. :)

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest

Kara from Mine for the Making is giving away a small ad space!

PS Isn't her family the cutest?!

Blog // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

Caroline from Sew Caroline is offering small ad space for one month!

Blog // Shop (Brand new shop, and it's totally awesome!) // Twitter // Facebook

And one last special prize from yours truly! Pick any item from my shop to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fabric Flowers!

Do you guys know how accomplishing it feels to cross things off a "bucket list"? I've decided that as I go through my 21 before 21 list, I'll cross them off in the original post.

Anyways, my goal for today was to learn how to make fabric flowers. Let me just tell you, they are way harder than they look, but I was on a pressed time limit! Here's my inspiration:

Original Tutorial

To save a little time, I used hot glue instead of looking through all my crafts for fabric glue. (Meaning I haven't organized my craft supplies yet!) Anyways, here's what I came up with:

And I was able to add them to an old decoration in my room for a little more cuteness:

I'm thinking about buying some white fabric, or finding it in all my crafts, to add some more! I'm definitely addicted already. I was even thinking of making headbands, but that might just be crazy. Let me get through my 21 first. ;)

Have yall tried fabric flowers yet or have any fun tutorials to help me learn? Leave me a link. I'd love to check it out!

Free Printables!

Like I promised in my 21 before 21 list (still going strong!), I've got five free prints for yall today. I don't make prints very often, so I wanted to share just a few with you today. And I'm definitely still linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday on this! I used My Memories Suite to make each one. Go check them out, because I seriously love their software! (Not an ad or promo in any way, they just rock my socks off.)

1 Down, 20 to Go!

Alright guys, remember my 21 before 21 list from Saturday? I've made 21 goals to finish before my 21st birthday this week. My first goal was to make some crafty wall art since I'm finally redecorating my room to grey and yellow. Here's what I've come up with so far.

This first one was very easy. I just painted the hoops and put in the grey chevron fabric. The smaller hoop has a little folder section so I can save important papers in it. That's also why it looks a little baggy.

This one was also crazy easy too! I found it on Pinterest. I'm not the best at tutorials (or taking pictures, for that matter) so I'm just going to attach the link.

Tutorial

I'm still in the slow progress of finishing my 21 list. Wish me luck and come back as I cross off more items from my list.

21 Before 21

Guys, I turn 21 in 17 days. How scary is that! Not that I'm planning anything huge, but it might be fun to do a little bit of gambling just because I can. We've all heard of 30 before 30, and all those fun goal lists, right? Well, I've decided to come up with 21 somewhat reasonable goals to attempt before I turn 21. Some of them will be Pinterest goals, some will be cleaning goals, others will be for my sister's baby shower. There's really no rhyme or reason to it. In these next 15 days I'm probably going to be dedicating my blog to these ideas, with maybe a linkup here and there. I'm full on "Taking Back My Blog!"

1. Make some crafty wall art.

I've already done this one and it looks so cool! Tutorial soon!

Source: creativecarmella.blogspot.com via Kara on Pinterest

2. Use the rest of my Shine cards!

3. Drink 3 liters of water everyday. I am soo bad about drinking water!

4. Organize all of my craft supplies. Hopefully I won't fail on this.

5. Please do something with the random decorative light bulbs you bought. You're such a clutter butt!

Source: collegelifediy.com via Kara on Pinterest

6. Strengthen old friendships. Give all your NC friends a call, write them a letter, send them a text, something.

7. Please dye your hair. Your roots are begging for it.

8. Make 5 new prints to offer for free! Including a sweet one like this!

Source: etsy.com via Kara on Pinterest

9. Learn all the lyrics to one Jesus Culture CD. Thank goodness for Rdio!

10. This is so easy! 2 bookshelves with a piece of wood over it. Would totally help with number 4.

Source: savearecipe.blogspot.ca via Kara on Pinterest

11. Learn 20 new words in sign language. That's right, I'm trying to teach myself, and I expect to fail miserably.

12. Really, really learn to sew. Make the Christmas skirt you want!

13. Sell at least one item in your shop!

14. Embroider a lampshade!

15. Make your own Iced Coffee and drink it out of a cute mason jar.

Source: cravingcomfort.blogspot.com via Kara on Pinterest

16. Workout at least 3 times a week. Stay healthy!

17. Link up with The Pleated Poppy for WIWW. You know you want to.

18. I have everything I need for this! It's just a matter of getting to it!

Source: etsy.com via Kara on Pinterest

19. Start writing a children's book? That's kinda scary, but I'm so ready!

20. Finish and print your weekly blog planner to see if you love it!

21. Learn to make fabric flowers already! What in the world are you waiting for?

Source: littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com via Kara on Pinterest

Ten on Ten

In a matter of "Taking Back My Blog" (see here), I'm trying to give my followers some real content about me lately. I feel my High Five posts don't usually do that, so this week I'm taking part in a new link up that will hopefully give yall a little more information about myself. I totally encourage you to take part in it too! It's over at Amy's cute blog. :)

1. All time favorite band?  fun. I've started hating them a little bit lately because their newest album has some serious anti-God lyrics, but I can definitely still jam to them any day of the week.

2. Do you subscribe to any magazine? If so, what?  Well I have a Nook, so it makes my magazine subscriptions way easier. Right now I subscribe to Martha Stewart Weddings, Cosmo and I'm looking into getting the HGTV magazine too.

3. What state do you live in?  Louisiana.

4. Fashion: How do you feel about brown and black together?  I've never done it, but I don't think it's the worst thing that can happen.

5. What blog do you absolutely love reading?  Oh there's quite a few! My very favorites are in my sidebar.

6. What is the best movie you have seen lately?  Brave was awesome! Is that embarrassing for me to admit? Probably. It was just the cutest thing ever though!

7. Have you ever been on a cruise?  Yes, yes yes! I've only been on one years and years ago, but I cannot stinking wait to take another one. It was so fun!

8. Are you an early bird or a night owl?  I totally prefer being an early bird. I wake up nice and early, make myself a cup of coffee, and read about all of you cuties.

9. Have you ever had a bad date? Describe.  None that I can think of off the top of my head. This Valentine's Day was pretty hectic though. Check out this post on it!

10. What is your favorite quote?  I have a lot of favorite quotes now, thanks to Pinterest. I'm not saying this one is my favorite, but look at how stinking cute it is. I can already imagine it in my kitchen!

Nifty Gifties

I love giving gifts. I try my hardest to pick out a great gift that shows I put a bit of thought into it. I just think it's so rewarding to see the looks on their faces. So when my boyfriend got called out to work in the rain for a few hours, I thought he deserved something a little special. I ran to Target and picked up a few small things for about $15.

And I made the cute label with My Memories Suite.

I was able to move around some things, use some tissue paper I had lying around, and came up with this idea:

Then I forgot about a fun Batman mug I ordered for him on eBay, so I was able to surprise him with this cutie. I love Snoopy, and might have a coloring book I was able to cut around.

It was an all around cute week for presents! What's some of your favorite gifts you've ever given?

Tickle Me Tuesdays!

We've all met Sarah from Yes, Teacher Crafts, right? She hosts this great linkup every Tuesday, and it's the highlight of my blogger week!

My brain does the funniest thing sometimes, where I somehow get a song stuck in my head. That song is then stuck in my head for up to a month's time. This month's song is "I Love You a Bushel and a Peck." Never heard it? Shame on you! But just in case, here's a video. And to make it fun, I chose the one set to cats!

Since this song has been in my head pretty much 24/7, here's some cute, cute things I found on Etsy to match!

Source

Source

Source

Well I'm off to go embroider this saying on the last bit of fabric I have left! Speaking of, I hope most of you saw my HUGE shop update this week. I'm offering 15% off until August 28th (my birthday!) with the code SNUG15. Thanks for stopping by today!

The Shabby Apple

I think we can all admit that the blogging world has shed a little light on some pretty amazing things. One of the fantastic websites I didn't even know existed until a few months ago came to me in a post very similar to what I'm writing now. That's right, I'm talking about a Shabby Apple post. 

You all know what I mean, right? Well, now that I have a job, I decided its finally time to stop messing around and get myself a Shabby Apple dress. Here's just a few of the options that I've looked at. Any opinions?

Toe the Line

The Mad Hatter

Seven Seas in Seersucker

I'd love to hear your opinion on which one I should get, or send me links to your favorites! I'd love more options. :)