String Lanterns

Years ago, while working as a HR assistant temp in a call center, I saw the most amazing/easy/genius/cheap decoration being used for company parties. One of the managers was a fan of DIY and this was one of her creations (that I have since seen all over the place). It's a simple concept really. She used round balloons to make hers, but I was too lazy to look all over for round balloons (at the time I was living in a small town with barely more than a Walmart). I used regular balloons, and though she thought that using regular balloons made this decoration look too much like an egg, I felt that it turned out just fine with the right paint on it. I've hauled this decoration with me through two different moves and had countless compliments on them. I've also had a LOT of people ask me how to do it.

This is a very inexpensive project. The only things you really need are balloons (your choice as to to the balloon shape!), some sort-of recipe for paper mache glue (there are all kinds of recipes available online if you do a google search), and a thick string or yarn. And of course paint if you choose to customize the look a little bit (I painted these gold, then spray painted them with gold glitter. I then filled each of them with some brown and white vanilla-scented potpourri.). I recommend getting as creative as you can! Nothing is quite as freeing as coming up with something unique that you are creating for yourself and that is exactly what YOU want and are picturing in your mind!

Step 1: Blow up the balloon to the desired size and tie off.

Step 2: Mix up a batch of your paper mache glue.

Step 3: Dip your string/yarn in the glue until it is coated.

Step 4: Wrap the string/yarn around the balloon every which way until it has the look you want (you need to wrap it enough for it to have a strong framework).

Step 5: Let dry.

Step 6: Pop the balloon!

Step 7: Paint/decorate it to your heart's content! :)

Step 8: Hang or display where you want.

I'm a Hallo-weeny! (see what I did there?!)

Let me preface this by saying that I am, "The Terrible Costume Person", during Halloween. No, really. It doesn't get much worse. I don't plan ahead. I, generally, don't spend any money. I have absolutely no pride, in that I often make up random things and then try to put a name to them. So this year I was..."Glittery". Yes, "Glittery". I told you I was terrible! My costume involved a glittery gold wig and lots and lots of glitter spray. And let's face it, if Halloween isn't a time for the shameless use of glitter spray, I don't know what is! Nontheless, it was a spectacular Halloween, lame costume or not!

One Day Without Shoes!!

So, I may not be keeping up with this as well as I should be...but...A, for effort, right? RIGHT?! Eh. Not like anyone really reads these anyways!

For those of you hiding under a rock that DON'T know about TOMS Shoes, they are a shoe company that gives a pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair purchased. They're super comfy and steadily growing in popularity. And cuteness! But, to the point, TOMS Shoes has started a movement called "One Day Without Shoes". It's a day when we go barefoot to increase awareness about what not having shoes to wear does to children (For more information on that, check out Tomsshoes.com It's a great site to support!).

This movement all comes together on the 8th of April (yesterday). I was very excited about participating in this, particularly because I absolutely LOVE being barefoot! When barefoot isn't possible, I bring in the flip flops! So, having an excuse to not wear shoes and do something informative and rewarding is a combo that can't be beaten! I wasn't able to go the entire day without shoes because of a biology lab I have in the morning. When working with chemicals, for some reason, being barefoot is a bit...forbidden! But, as soon as the class was done I bared my feet! The city that I live in was even nice enough to sport some sun during this day as well, which is rare! I headed to the park to languish with my toes in the grass and write a bit. I lasted about an hour before, quite literally, getting cold feet. But, it was the most invigorating experience I've had since before the long winter and this rainy spring that is following it.

I'm sure TOMS Shoes will be encoring this movement again next year, and you should all join! On their site they list groups getting together in different cities (and towns...and wheat fields, in the middle of nowhere) to have barefoot "walks" ranging in length and setting. So check that out, too, or if you can't find one in your area, start one of your own! Entire schools, workplaces, etc. have done this, as well as celebrities such as Kristen Bell, Olivia Wilde, The Jonas Brothers, Brittany Snow, and lots others! Increasing awareness is a powerful feeling! And if that's not enough of a reason, then think of it as an excuse to not wear those heels for a day, under the pretense of a good cause!

P.S. Sorry you had to look at a picture of my feet! Probably should've warned you or something, eh?! :)