Pinterest Project #1: Earring Holder

Some friends/co-workers and I decided that we are going to have a monthly Pinterest Craft Party. We pin all of these great ideas that we would love to do/have, but don't do anything with them. Hopefully this will keep us motivated to keep making pinterest projects. We had our first monthly party last night and I made an earring holder. 

Supplies:

Unfinished photo frame - size is up to you depending on your needs (mine had a wooden back that I just removed)

Wire Mesh

Stapler

Ribbon or frame hanger

Acrylic Paint - optional

Paintbrushes - optional

Steps: 

1. Paint the unfinished photo to the desired color

2. Cut the wire mesh down to size

3. Inlay the wire mesh (not directly onto the back of the frame, but down on the lip of where the frame back would have layed)

4. Using a regular stapler, staple the wire mesh in various places. I stapled mine in each corner, middle, and 2 other places on each side. (My unfinished frame had the metal frame back holders that I just also pushed down over the wire mesh to help hold it into place)

5. Hammer the frame hanger on to the frame from where you are going to hang it. (If you choose to hang it with ribbon you could also attach this at this point)

6. Hang on the wall and begin hanging your earrings!

My finished project:

52 Week Home Organization Challenge Update

As you may have noticed I haven't been doing (or posting) the 52 week home organization challenge. The reason is the challenges that have come up are ones I didn't find necessary for me. I skipped:
Week 3: Organize your pantry, spices & food storage because I feel mine is already up to my standards
Week 4: Organize refrigerator & freezer. I don't have enough food in them to even organize :(
Week 6: Create a home recycling center. I don't have the space or a recycling service
Week 7: Organize coupons. I don't use coupons.
Week 8: Healthy Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping. While I wouldn't say my process is healthy, I already have a process in place, which is: 

• Make a list of recipes I want to cook BEFORE I go grocery shopping so that I make sure to buy the ingredients. 
• When I get back from grocery shopping I make a list of every single meal I can make with the ingredients I've bought. 
• Then, each Sunday I make a menu for the upcoming week so that I know if/when anything needs to be thawed out and what we're eating each day.

This brings us up to date because a new challenge will be emailed on Monday, the 27th. I did, however, skip Week 5's challenge of Organize Recipes and Cookbooks, which I may battle this weekend because it is something I've needed to do. I haven't been motivated, though, because the following weeks I haven't needed to do so Week 5 has fallen to the side.

Here's a sneak peek into the upcoming year's challenges & whether you can expect a post from me:

Week 9: Addresses/Contact Information - No

Week 10: Mail - No

Week 11: Bill paying - No

Week 12: Receipts/Tax Documents - No

Week 13: Filing System - Possibly

Week 14: Magazines and Newspapers - No

Week 15: Email and internet passwords, manuals, and warranties - Possibly (I already have a list of all my computer passwords)

Week 16: Home Office - Possibly

Week 17: Cleaning Supplies - Possibly

Week 18: Bathroom - I already did this last week, actually & don't have pictures to show. I cleaned out underneath the master bathroom cabinet & organized as I put everything back in

Week 19: Medicine Cabinet - No

Week 20: Entryway/Mud Room - N/A

Week 21: Living/Family Room - No

Week 22: Dining and/or Breakfast Room - N/A

Week 23: Laundry Room - Possibly

Week 24: Laundry Baskets/Hampers - No

Week 25: Purses/Briefcases - No

Week 26: Books - Probably

Week 27: CDs and DVDs - No

Week 28: Photos - No

Week 29: Crafts - N/A

Week 30: Vehicles - Possibly

Week 31: Pets - Possibly

Week 32: Yard - Possibly

Week 33: Basement - N/A

Week 34: Attic - N/A

Week 25: Garage - Yes

Week 26: Homework area/launching pad - N/A

Week 37: Linen Closet - Yes

Week 38: Master Bedroom Closet - Yes

Week 39: Seasonal clothing switch -  Yes

Week 40: Master Bedroom - Possibly

Week 41: Jewelry/accessories - I actually am already in the process of this now using Pinterest (which I'll post later). I made an earring holder last night and plan to do the same for my necklaces & bracelets

Week 42: Shoes - Yes

Week 43: Makeup/cosmetics - I already did this last weekend while I was cleaning out the bathroom and got rid of a ton of makeup and cosmetics that I hadn't used in years!

Week 44: Organizing kids closet space - N/A

Week 45: Kids Bedroom(s) - N/A

Week 46: Toys & Games - N/A

Week 47: Create personal home inventory - possibly

Week 48: Storage for china, glassware, & crystal - N/A

Week 49: Storing silvery properly - N/A

Week 50: Christmas decoration storage & organization - Yes!

Week 51: Organize wrapping paper & gift bags - Yes!

Week 52: Keep a family calendar - Possibly

52 Week Home Organization Challenge - Week 2

52 Weeks To An Organized Home: Join The Weekly Challenges

This week our challenge was to organize our kitchen cabinets and drawers. Every single cabinet of mine had random some thrown into it and really no set purpose for each, but my drawers are in fairly good, organized condition. So, I set out this afternoon to reorganize my kitchen cabinets and am thrilled with the results!

Before: a mix of glasses, measuring cups and casserole dishes, etc.

After: all of our drinking glasses - everyday, plastic, for work, and wine!



Before: a mix of plastic cups, everyday china, some cutting boards & salad bowl

After: a place for all of our tupperware!

Before: everyday dishes & a dutch oven

After: everyday dishes & china

Before: baking supplies and a random assortment of cooking utensils

After: all random cooking utensils

Before: champagne glasses, random cooking utensils & the dogs meds & cleaning supplies

After: everyday china

Before: tupperware & spices

After: spices & baking supplies

Before: casserole dishes, crockpot (somewhat hidden), our Forman cooker & 1 random large tupperware bowl

After: casserole dishes only!

Before: under the sink cleaning supplies

After: cleaning supplies & dog supplies

Before: china, measuring/mixing bowls, double boiler, wine glasses & pot lids

After: measuring & mixing bowls, crockpot & Forman cooker

Before: pots & pans

After: pots, pans, their lids, double boiler & dutch oven

If you've also chosen to participate, good luck with your challenge!

Next week - organizing the kitchen pantry & food storage :)

52 Week Home Organization Challenge - Week 1

As one of my New Years resolutions I'm taking part in the 52 weeks to an organized home challenge. (See link at the bottom of this post to join). I always feel so much better after I've gone through, cleaned out, and organized things, but I just never take the time to do it unless the mood strikes me, which is rare!

This first week was Kitchen Organization: Countertops and Sinks. Kenny & I have small kitchen so this one was very easily accomplished while cooking a very quick 15 minute meal. I forgot to take before pictures this time, but for the following weeks I will so you can see the difference.

Even in just a small space I felt so much better after I was done.

Here are the after pictures:

This space had a large coffee pot that was only used if my Mom was in town so it went into a cabinet to rest until her next visit. The entire countertop was line with things before.

This area didn't undergo a huge transformation really. I just moved two things of Christmas candy into the pantry. But, this area does usually end up our "drop station" after we walk into the door so the real test will be not to use it for that anymore!

This area didn't undergo a huge transformation either, but there were two more canisters that hold the flour and sugar and I moved those into the cabinet with the baking supplies because they're rarely used.

Take on the challenge because it will be very rewarding!

52 Weeks To An Organized Home: Join The Weekly Challenges

Christmas Tradition

It's not Christmas around my house or my Mom's unless this delicious treat is being made: what we like to call Turtles. Unlike those you can buy in the store, ours don't include caramel. Here's a step by step recipe:

Ingredients:
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
12 oz. butterscotch morsels
4 oz. (approx.) finely chopped pecans
3 oz. (approx.) chow mein noodles


(Please ignore the melted chocolate around the edge; I had already made one batch before taking pictures)
1. Prepare your double boiler by bringing water in the bottom pot to a low boil and then turn down to keep warm

2. Pour your chocolate and butterscotch morsels into a double boiler 

 

3. Mix the morsels together and continue stirring until melted

4. You want your morsels to melt until they look like this

5. Then add in your pecans and chow mein noodles

 6. Give them a good stir so everything is mixed well and looks lumpy like this

7. Then, using a teaspoon, pour onto an aluminum foil lined cookie sheet. The mixture will make about 3 dozen

8. Once you have them all poured onto the cookie sheet, place in the freezer to quick freeze for about 20-30 minutes. Then, you're DONE so you can enjoy the yummy rich chocolate dessert!

Life in the Fast Lane

I thought I would update everyone on what's been going on and why I haven't been keeping up with my personal blog and why I probably won't have a lot of time to.

Most of you know that as a part time job I work for a local Savannah wedding planner who is the owner of Anne Hagin Events. I assist her in coordinating the rehearsals and the day of all of the weddings that she books. We just worked a HUGE wedding this past weekend and have two more this month. Also, right now she has 8 weddings booked in 2012! I also manage all of her social media accounts (Facebook & her blog The Sophisticated Bride). I will soon be starting a Twitter account for her, as well. Then, when necessary I update the website with new information, if possible.

Recently she has had people contacting her on how great her Facebook, website, and blog look, which makes me feel great because I am honestly learning as I go since I haven't ever managed anyone's social media before. So, through the work for Anne I have begun doing the social media for Catering by Trish (Trish McLeod) and the assocation of Savannah Wedding Professionals. This is the one I am most proud of because it is an association to which people are voted into & pay dues to be a member of so it is somewhat of an elite group of local wedding vendors and their president came to me to request that I do their social media work. After tonight's SWP meeting, I've also had requests from one or two other vendors to possibly start doing the same type of work for them, too! (Ok, so maybe I'm bragging a bit, but I'm just surprised that people are coming to me for this type of work)

All this in addition to working full time at SCAD and being a graduate student. So, all this to say I'm becoming a lot busier down here in Savannah than I have been and finally feel in my element. Before starting to Auburn I was involved in lots of activities and clubs, which slowly dwindled down to not being involved in anything. I'm realizing again how much I thrive on having to balance and juggle a lot of different things because I feel I manage my time better. Although, I have to say, dinner isn't getting cooked as regularly as it used to and housework is falling to the side.

Until next time!

Leavin' my roots

So, I think I've made the decision to say buh-bye to my brunette roots and become a "blonde" again. Not too blonde, though; just a golden/honey blonde. Here's a pic of me with that my hair that color from about 3 years ago and I'm diggin' that look and may return to it...

Wedding Work

I thought I'd share the work I've been doing with Anne Hagin Events, a wedding planning/consulting company here in Savannah. I've been working with Anne as her Lead Assistant since last November, so about 10 months. Since then, she's launched the website and we've had 3 weddings. We've launched the Facebook page. I've enjoyed working on it a lot by making a couple of posts a week! Coming up I'll be starting a blog for the company and we have 7 weddings on the books between now & next June. Check out the pages & help to spread the word because we'd love to have more!

Here are pictures of the posts I've made to the Facebook page the past several weeks:

I also posted style boards I created prior to working with Anne, which I've posted on my blog before for ya'll here and here :)

And, here's a sneak peek of a couple of style boards I'll be posting to Anne Hagin Events in the next two week or so!

Until next time!

Happy 2nd Birthday + 6 days!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to TAYLOR TIDINGS!

My blog is officially 2 years old + 6 days. I didn't think I'd keep it up, but I have. Even if it has been on an inconsistent basis, at least I'm still posting occasionally!

It's been a good day - wonderful weather, Auburn football, homework, and about to go out to eat with the hubs & to the mall to do some shopping!

Hopefully we'll have some of the same tomorrow - Uncle Bubba's is hosting a free low country boil dinner for those who hold a Loyalty Card. Well, guess who holds a Loyalty Card? WE DO!! So, we'll definitely be heading across the street for some good ole low country food!

HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Has it really been that long?

I cannot believe that I haven't posted in over 5 months! Let's recap what has been going on with some pictures:
April -
Visited PTC for Easter

And, attended South University's Spring Banquet

May-
My birthday & Kenny had a break before his pharmacy summer rotations started, so he visited PTC some.

June-
Day trip to HHI
Disney with family! (Mom was there, but wouldn't get in the picture!)

Kenny worked a rotation at Chatham CARES, the Chatham County Aids Clinic and enjoyed being out of school!

July-
3rd Annual Manland Boomfest BBQ for the 4th of July. We had 70+ people attend this year!

Anne-Marie & Russell spent their summer family vacay on Tybee so we got to have a MUCH overdue visit!

We semi-celebrated 2 years of marriage (I say semi because the real celebration was just last week)

And, Kenny worked at his 2nd summer rotation with Walgreens.

August-

Kenny's birthday

Kenny's summer break began before classes on Sept. 12

Visit to PTC & a party for our friend Ty to celebrate his first teaching job!

I had my wisdom teeth pulled so Mom came for a visit!

September-

CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS!!!

Then, back to work & classes for Kenny & me :(

Artist Statement

I am taking an online Business & Professional Writing class for my masters in Arts Administration. Our assignment due tonight was to submit our artist/designer/administrator statement, personal statement, and resume. It's no secret that once Kenny & I are finally done with school in two years that I want to leave the world of financial aid to work in/on events. So, I thought I would share my artist statement that I created for class. This is something I could see myself editing and elaborating on to incorporate into my company's website one day.

Art has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My earliest and fondest memory is sitting at my grandfather’s kitchen table drawing for countless hours. His patience with my childish skills allowed me to build an artistic foundation that still lives within me today. Growing up, I not only took art class every year in school until graduation, but also participated in visual and performance art classes and camps throughout this time, as well.

Today, my creativity has flourished into a passion for all things involved in event design. My goal in all projects I undertake is to evoke that sense of warmth, love, and patience that my grandfather showed me so many years ago. Events, to me, are, first, patiently listening to a client’s vision and, then, utilizing my skills and experience to make that vision come to life. Events are a means of celebration, whether it is celebrating a non-profit organization’s success, to raise funds and awareness, or celebrating the union of two in love at their wedding, among countless others. It is important while portraying the client’s vision to also infuse entertainment through movement and conversation pieces, as well as through all sensory outlets of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell in order to promote the celebration for which all are gathered for.

I will bring just as much sensitivity and passion to your event as you do, as I know how important each event is to their host or hostess. I look forward to bringing your event to life!

The Price of Vacation

I had a great trip to Carrollton and Chattanooga over the past 4 days. It's nice to be in the comfort of home, though.

I arrived in Carrollton Wednesday evening just in time for dinner. My Carrollton Momma, Audrey, & I went out to eat and watched American Idol. We enjoyed a good dinner with more Idol on Thursday night, too.

Thursday I was able to visit with every person I've been missing from UWG. I spent almost 7 hours visiting and catching up with old friends and it was so wonderful! In a way it was like going home because Carrollton was my first job and has a sentimental place and always will. I miss everyone there, but have been lucky enough to find a fun group of girls at SCAD, too!

Can't wait for these wonderful ladies from the Grad School to plan a trip to Savannah for a girls weekend!

In Chattanooga, I was able to have lunch with my sister & niece, which was nice to catch up after my neice's wedding in October! I also got to have a long overdue reunion with a good friend from high school, Emily (Edmonson) Swanson. Mom & I had lunch with her & her mom. I can honestly say I haven't laughed that hard in years. It was so great to catch up and visit with them over lunch for a couple of hours!!

But, being gone for 4 days has its consequences, especially when it overflows into a weekend. Weekends are my time to pick up, organize, clean, and do laundry. I almost feel overwhelmed coming home because I need to dust, sweep/vaccuum, organize things, and do countless loads of laundry. Not to mention my school starts tomorrow with 2-4 assignments due each week, the first being day after tomorrow.

Oh well, it's worth it because it's rare I get to have a trip on my own and visit with friends!

4 Month Hiatus

I can't believe that it's been 4 months since I last posted. To be honest, though, not much has been going on.

November 2010:
We went to Peachtree City for Thanksgiving and had some family pictures made:

December 2010:
Mom came down to Savannah for Christmas and spent 4 days with us!

Kenny & I tried to ring in the New Year downtown with the fireworks over the river, but the fog was too thick so we came on home and watched the Times Square celebration on T.V.

February 2011:
We enjoyed a Valentine's celebration to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and dinner at Uncle Bubba's

Got to make a long-awaited trip home to Peachtree City

And, went out to celebrate Charlie's birthday at the Crab Shack

Which brings us up to date to March 2011:

Winter quarter came to a close for Kenny & I so I took a week off from work to spend time with him. He took a golf trip with his college boys the end of the week while my old roomie Jess, from Auburn, came into town for Savannah's St. Patty's day celebration w/ her Cornell friends. 

Tomorrow afternoon I'm off to Carrollton for 2 nights to visit UWG friends & then onto Chattanooga to see family and reunite with an old H.S. friend-woohoo!!

More posts to come on my trip and more blogs to come for those who have missed me :)