summer bucket list

 Being a lover of lists, it only makes sense to welcome summer with a bucket list.

(Yes, it's still Spring, but I'm boycotting this season for making me so sick.)

Can't wait to get this summer started and start checking things off!

What's on your summer to-do list?

mini messages

Dear Spring in Tennessee,

When I said I loved you, I lied. That was pre-allergy attack. Now, as I've been sneezing enough to break my back, I kind of hate you. The flowers and warmer weather are nice, but you're dead to me.

Dear Father,

I'm so, so, so excited for your visit next week! We are long overdue for a daddy-daughter date!

Dear Mother, 

Please don't get too jealous while Dad gets to spend a week with your favorite child. We will miss you so big, I know it! I promise, all we'll talk about is how much we love you and how beautiful you are and how miserable the visit is without you.

Dear Vicks Sinex Nasal Decongestant,

Um, you're awesome.

Dear Husband,

Thanks for willingly moving to the couch during this sickness. And for buying me the special kleenex that doesn't hurt my nose.

Dear Storm,

I love rain, thunder, and lightening. But, I hate damages. Let's make a deal. You bring all the storm like qualities, without the storm consequences. Deal? Deal.

currently...

reading// the book of James. Preparing for our newest "Axios" study. Man, this book is in your face. I love it.

eating// a strict, lean meat-veggies-and fruit diet. (With a few reasonably proportioned cheat meals.)

watching// the endless DVR'd shows. New Girl, Mindy Project, Once, Giuliana and Bill, etc.

listening to// Us, Jillian Edwards, The Inlaws, Johnnyswim, and The Honey Trees.

cooking// barbecue pulled pork for a dinner party tonight (see, cheat meal.)

thinking// Husband needs to wake up so we can go ride bikes (and by bikes, I mean our tandem.)

wearing// my staple uniform of leggings, an oversized sweater and hair in a top knot.

waiting// for the next step (metaphorically speaking.)

hoping// to be back in the classroom next year.

wishing// my nose would stop. running. Also, that this itchy throat and watery eye thing is just my body playing a joke on me, because I refuse to be sick again.

joy filled friday

1 Easter Sundays with family 2 whoever invented the DVR 3 the "h a p p i e s" board on my pinterest 

4 cursive handwriting 5 boyfriend fit jeans 6 floor to ceiling built-ins 7 handmade dolls 8 slouchy sweaters 9 ukeleles 10 the fact that overalls are coming back in style

Happy weekend, y'all!

DIY: hand painted mug

Step 1: Grab a ceramic mug. This particular one was left at my house after a visit from some friends (thanks, guys!) But, you can get some from any dollar store/Wal-Mart/Grandma's cabinet.

Step 2: A lot of websites claim Sharpies will do the trick. I've used both and ceramic paint pens have lasted through many dish washings. Sharpies can scratch easily and eventually wash off completely. I bought this pen at Wal-Mart for $3 and some change. (They have different color choices, but during the heating process, the colors fade slightly.)

Step 3: Draw/write your little heart out! I was inspired by this pin on Pinterest. It perfectly blends the nerd/gangster in me. If you're nervous about your artistic skills, don't worry! Mess ups can be washed off with a sponge (before baking.) I personally, love the imperfect handwriting/pictures. Learn to love your art!

Step 4: Place the mug in the center of your oven before heating it up. Because it's ceramic, you have to be careful switching from cold to hot too quickly. Unless you want cracked ceramic, (that's a whole other DIY.)

Step 5: Set the oven to 425 degrees (with the mug already inside.) Once it heats up, set the timer for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Leave in oven to cool completely (I usually crack the oven door open.) Run through the dish washer once and you're all set!

Tips: Practice writing on paper before you write on the mug.

For best results, use a ceramic paint pen.

Be careful with the paint pens, they can squirt out too much paint if you press down too hard.

Mug will be hot, hot, hot. Use an oven mit. (Duh, Lauren.)