Upcycled Cork Trivet

Another cork project! A slab of wood from hobby lobby, hot glue, and corks!

Although I made it for a teapot, my parents still aren't sure what the counter tops are made out of in our new house, so they've asked me to use it for my hair straightener! (just incase I burn the unknown material our counters are made of) 

Perfect! Just another fun project for those left over corks!

My dad actually picked up a big bag of corks from one of my old neighbors (old as in previous....not like age...well....I guess it could be age too) so I have even more to keep crafting with! 

Reading

There are three things I love most about breaks from law school. 

#1 Traveling

#2 Reading (for fun)

#3 Crafting

Since I've already shared a lot of my travels and crafts....I wanted to share another aspect of my summer. READING!

What sorts of books do I read? Eh...it really depends! 

First, I'm one of those people that once I read a book...I usually end up reading an entire chunk of things from the same author. Trying new authors is a tough thing for me. 

I've been through through popular book phases..... just like the rest of the America. From Harry Potter, to the Hunger Games, Twilight to Lord of the Rings and you can't forget The Help. I've read every Jane Austen book, and put a pretty huge dent in all the other "classics". I went through a 3 year phase where I wouldn't read anything that wasn't considered a "classic". 

As of right now, I'm finishing the Janet Evanovich- Stephanie Plum series. 

Hysterical. 

My mom and sister have talked about them for years, and I couldn't bring myself to start reading them. I never wanted to read anything classified as "mystery"

Well much to my surprise, I tried my first mystery book over winter break- A John Grisham book- And loved it. I've read about 9 of his book since then. And have a stack of 6 on my shelf still to go through this summer. 

So I figured, my mom and sister talked me into the Hunger Games two years ago...so I should give another of their suggestions a chance. 

Back to my original thought-  if you're looking for a pretty funny series, try Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum are the good ones. She writes romance novels too...which I cannot vouch for) I'm one of those people that laughs outloud when I'm sitting at home alone reading, and I love the characters in this book. 

I also like to keep a book in my purse. One of my favorite authors of all time was Madeleine L'Engle (Author of A Wrinkle in Time). I am almost through with her book "A Circle of Quiet" which is really a nice read. Its alot of her thoughts about life. If you're religious, I believe it falls in the religion category, but its more a book of thoughts and I love that she talks about bits of her life while writing her more popular books. 

For someone who loved "A Wrinkle in Time", its like watching a commentary of a movie, you feel like you understand it all a little bit better. Its written alot like "Blue Like Jazz" (another popular spiritual book) incase you enjoy reading a book similar to that. 

Also, I'm 100% one of those snotty old farts that says I will never use an e-reader. I love the smell of books. I like used books the best, and I like to fold pages and write in them when I feel like it. As of last year, I always stick my book label in them, because I like thinking that someday someone will see it and wonder who I was. The same way I prefer to have a used book, with a stranger's book label in the cover, and their hand written notes on them. Also, the best part about a tangible book, is that it costs me a couple bucks at the used book store, and I can lay it on my shelf until I get to talking to someone about it, and I can hand it over in hopes they will like it as much as I do, write their own little thoughts and hand it off to someone else. 

So that is just another one of the aspects of Kitty I had yet to share! 

Please feel free to suggest any books that you love- I'm always open to hearing what other people enjoy 

Goodwill Shirt turned Skirt

Ever have one of those days where you THOUGHT you took a before picture...and didn't? Welcome to one of those days. 

I found this way cute shirt at goodwill, but of course....it wasn't the right size. I was going to make a pillow next, but didn't want to go get any stuffing. So I went with a skirt!

I sewed up the sides (so the arms would get sewn up) and the pulled it up! The neckline was perfect for my waist actually, so no alterations needed there. I wore it out to coffee with two of my wonderful friends, Sara and Lindsay, who both just joined me in the boomerang generation, and moved back home after college! Whoop whoop! 

2 Dollar "fake quilt"

Thanks again to my favorite store- Goodwill wearhouse! There I found this quilt top pre-sewn, and purchased it for about $1.50. Since I wasn't up for actual quilting (time...effort....things I just don't have right now) I purchased a blue sheet. Then I just sewed them together as a throw! 

Sewing...once again....not my strong suit! 

Dad walked in while I was working on it...thanks dad (this is what I look like when I get back from work. Utterly exhausted) 

But trying to fake not being tired 

Remember the photoshoot fr0m yesterday? Well you guessed it, that was the first day I used it!

For the sheet, I really just took the sheet, folded over the edges and sewed them. I'm not saying it was a great idea, but it was fast, and I got exactly what I wanted! 

Juno loved it too :) 

Baby K's 1st Bday

I was so excited to take Baby K's photos this weekend! 

I took his 6 month photos...6 months ago (for those of you that haven't had your coffee and can't do math right now)

To see more- check them out here 

Cork Card Holders

Have you seen these fun cork card holders? I've been seeing them used as wedding place card holders and table numbers. Special thanks to my friend, Katie who always provides me with great craft supplies- like wine corks! 

I found a serrated knife works best (or maybe it was just the sharpest one we had?) Just cut a slit, down it, depending on if you want it long ways you'll want to flatten part of the bottom so it stands! 

A wonderfully easy project! I love it as a business card holder, the perfect size! 

Burlap Messenger Bag

It started as a tshirt, burlap and a belt. And ended up as a messenger bag!

I've never sewed anything with a lining (like a zipper pouch or a purse) so this was really new to me. 

Sew the tshirt closed, for the lining of the bag 

Fold the burlap over, and sew up the edges, leaving a flap for the bag flap. 

Sewing the lining inside the bag. 

Using a belt as a strap. Seam rip the buckle off the belt. 

I sewed the belt on the outside. I liked the loop of seeing it

Drinking, Running, and Eating {More about Me}

Since summer started, I have been running around like crazy feeling like I can never get anything done. I got back from Portland (from my friend's wedding) this afternoon, and hit the ground running. I'm actually debating these next two days if I should really begin my second job as planned (I've been asked to come back to the Starbucks I worked out before law school) but I've realized it may all be just too much. With a clerkship, and a boyfriend out of state....I may need to re-prioritize what I do outside of the clerkship. (which is also why I had to temporarily discontinue Tute Tuesdays!!) 

While I am ranting, I wanted to share a few more of those random interesting facts about being me! 

I grew up in a weight watchers household, so my mind converts all food to "points". I try to be aware of what I'm eating, and my parents brought us up to be very aware of healthy foods. But I cannot look at a crispy creme donut without converting it to how many points it would be, and how many pretzels I could eat instead.

I don't dye my hair...often. I've highlighted it once in law school, and used to dye it off and on. I was a true blonde until my hair started getting dark in high school. Now the muted dirty blonde look is what I have. The good thing, my leg hair is still blonde....which means I shave MUCH less often than I should.

I don't drink (alcohol that is). I've actually never had alcohol. Yes, I am 24 so it is legal. No, I do not have any problem with anyone else drinking. I don't think it is unbiblical to drink, I just don't do it. I'm not opposed for others to drink, and I don't care either way if you do it around me. Most of my friends do, and I've been out with them, I really have no issue with it. I just decided its not for me. It is odd at times, being in a law school where every social event revolves around it. Teachers take us out for beer, your employer very well may take you to a bar after work or an interview, and the school brings it in for our social events, ("open bar" is the key phrase for getting people to attend). But other than the few awkward moments I've had, I'm sure it is the right decision for me!

I'll eat about anything...but I don't eat celery. I know it is healthy...I've tried to like it so many times. But no, I cannot eat the stuff unless it is cooked in a stew. I really do eat practically everything. Oh, except for gyros. I really think those are pretty awful.

If you're a parent, and looking for a good way to discipline your children...you're going to love this next one. When I got in trouble as a kid (which was QUITE often) my punishment was to run up and down the stairs. The worst part, up and down counted as 1 time. I received a punishment of 200 on multiple occasion, and of course, once argued my way up to 400 (I never did learn to keep my mouth shut). Surprisingly, I was still a chubby kid. However, I'm still not sure if treating your children that exercise is punishment is the best idea (yes mom and dad...I called you out on that) but my sister and I both exercise regularly a few times a week...so it couldn't have scared us that badly.

Burlap Footstool

This one isnt anything especially enlightening- except for its recovering a footstool into a fun burlap footstool!

It started as this ugly little thing ($1.50 at goodwill wearhouse!) 

And after a little of this....it turns out like this!

What can I say- I love it! And even though I picked up these burlap bags about a year ago now, I've still had plenty of crafts to use them for!