diy: popping over with love card.

So I made this card for my boyfriend awhile ago (ahem...Valentine's day), but thought it was too adorable not to share. It was simple enough to make - just running to the craft shop for the right colors of paper and  cutting them so that I could glue them together to get the popcorn shape. I do have some tips that I have learned after making many cards that make your life a lot easier, for any of you that want to make cards.

1. Make a practice card on printer paper if you're making a card for the first time - it will let you practice and give you something to trace with. 

2. Pencil is your friend! It helps you avoid spelling errors and let's you decide what "font" to use, so to speak. 

3. Buy multiples of the same shade/pattern of paper. That way if you screw up, you have backup, and if not, you just have an excuse to make more cards.

Happy card-making!

valentine's day redux.

 I know this whole post is a little late, but Happy Valentine's Day! Much love to everyone! Now back to why this is so late. Early last week, my professor and art history academic adviser passed away suddenly, leaving the department a little shaken. On top of that, I got a stomach flu/bug thing which was just not fun. So, here I am, a week late on last week's amorous celebrations.

For me, Valentine's day is an excuse to make cards and eat candy in excess, considering I do both of those things on a regular basis. However, I think the message of Valentine's day, to love a little bit more than you might on a normal day, is something that can actually apply in the reality outside of candy hearts and cheesy cards. 

You don't need to go around telling everyone how much you love them and hugging them, because that would be creepy and might get you arrested, but you can appreciate those in your life. Walk to your coworkers' offices to say hello, or call up an old friend. It took me awhile to learn, but these little things will mean the most in the big picture.

Also, here are some exciting pictures from my Valentine's day:

Candy. What else?

Homemade Valentines for my coworkers. Pardon the dark photo.

Roses from my wonderful boyfriend.

my first valentine.

I am, and have always been, one of those freaks that gets super excited for Valentine's Day. I love roses, the colors, chocolate, and the romance. Even though I spent most of my life sans male counterpart, I still loved the whole day, mainly because my one true, and my first, valentine, my mom, never let me forget how loved I was. And shouldn't Valentine's Day just not be about your significant other, but for all those who love you day in and day out too?

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/251990541620055887/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So often we forget about our support systems, meaning those who stand beside you and believe in you. Yes, this is all very cheesy, but as I've become older, I've gotten wiser and learned that these people are oftentimes the ones who deserve the most love because they give the most. I tell my boyfriend ten times a day how much I care for him, but sometimes I forget my mother, my aunt, my grandparents, and all the other people without whose unconditional love my life would be really empty. So while you may be doing lots of fun things with your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife, remember to call someone who always loves you, no matter what stupid stuff you do, and tell them how important they are. Love you, mom!

five blogs i love.

One of the things I really love about all the blogs online is the promotion of other blogs and ideas. This has also resulted in some newfound obsessions of mine in the form of outfits I want to try, crafts I need to do, and recipes I can't wait to eat.

adorable Valentine's card from afancifultwist.typepad.com

5. Atlantic-Pacific: I'm not sure where I found this blog, but the outfits are adorable - and more importantly - doable. Many of the pieces are staples from J. Crew, Gap, or other places that are relatively affordable or easy to find. Not to say that some bags and such aren't extravagant, but the high-end mixed with the normal clothes gives a hint of luxury that is achievable and wearable in real life.

4. A Fanciful Twist: This blog was introduced to me by one of my colleagues, Kristen. Her sister, Vanessa runs it, and fills it with whimsical designs and musings. She also runs her own shop on Etsy where you can buy posters of her designs. Lately, I've been really loving her printable Valentine's Day cards (see above).

3. Cupcakes and Cashmere: Another blog with wonderful fashion tips and other how-tos. I discovered this one from Ebbe, who writes Champagne for Ducklings (see below). The Home Improvement section is a particular obsession because it gives simple and beautiful design tips.

2. Champagne for Ducklings:  This blog is run by a college classmate of mine, Ebbe. I'm slightly in love with her photography, which is lovely, moving, and just plain fun. The recipes, often French-inspired, are also really great and easy to make.

1. Big Girls, Small Kitchen: This one I've been following for years, and I've mentioned it before. It's become especially useful in the last year because you can sort by ingredients you can't eat, which in my case, is lots of stuff. Not only that, the recipes are easy, simple, and completely doable when you're in a constant time crunch.

Now, give me more! What are your favorite places to find fun things to wear/do/cook?

crazy love.

Somedays, you need that little bit of cheering up. In 24 hours, I had been diagnosed with patellar tendonitis and banned from setting foot near a trail, treadmill, or anything that would allow me to run; I had cried at several ASPCA commercials; and, my favorite bar food had made me deathly ill. However, that all changed when I got the link to "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison, with a message saying it reminded him of me. And, it made my week. Sometimes, it's the smallest things that make you the happiest and remind you of how lucky you are, patellar tendonitis and all.