Tutorial- {DIY} Yarn Wreath and Felt Flowers

Hey Everyone!
Finally after what feels like a thousand computer problems, I am back! My computer has been such a pain but, I have been keeping myself very busy lately. Of course, all the normal things have kept me occupied, but I have also added a few new things to my life's "to do" list. I will of course touch on all those in future posts, but for now I want to show you my newest DIY project... Yarn wreaths! They are fun, easy, super cute, and easy on the wallet. Those are all pluses for me when it comes to a do it yourself craft. The best part about these wreaths is, the sky is the limit. Once you figure out how to make them, you can pick so many different ways to create them. I decorate my wreaths with felt flowers ( which are also very easy to make). I hope that you all love these as much as I do, and I also hope this tutorial helps unleash your inner DIY diva!
Good Luck and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

First here is a list of things you will need to make your wreath:
Straw wreath (I use an 18 inch)
Glue gun or fabric glue
1-2 bundles of yarn
Felt (I buy mine in the pre-cut squares)
Straight pins to attach your flowers
*Any other decorations you want to use

To start your wreath you want to pick a spot and tie a knot with your yarn on the back side of your wreath. Use your thumb and pointer finger to hold the yarn in place, and start wrapping your yarn tightly around the wreath.

Once you get the hang of it... Repeat, Repeat, Repeat! It will be a little time consuming but it will look amazing once you are done. As you can see I chose to use two different types of yarn. All you would need to do is measure, tie off,  and restart where you want to. And remember this does not need to be perfect. I think little imperfections make this wreath look very pretty and homemade.

I also wanted to show you how I handle my yarn. I wrap extra yarn around the middle and keep my bundle as neat as I can while I wrap the wreath. When my middle section runs out, I pull more out and re-wrap the middle. I tried other ways but this way just feels more comfortable in my hand.

When you are done wrapping all your yarn, make sure to pull your yarn tight and tie it off on the back side of your wreath. If you feel like it is not tight enough, you can add a little glue to reinforce the yarn.

Once you are finished, you can begin the decorating process! (I left two sections of color bigger then all the rest. I like those sections to be a little bigger so all the colors look even after decorating.)

Now... Time for making flowers (my favorite part)!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I use pre-cut felt squares (from Michael's) for most of my flowers. For now, I am going to show you the most common felt flower. I think it looks most like a rose and they are my favorite flower for my wreaths. First of course, decide which color you want and cut a circle out of your felt square (this does NOT have to be perfect).

Next, you'll want to continue cutting the circle in a spiral pattern until you have a long strip ready to be rolled into a flower.

Now, pick the skinny end of your long strip of felt and start to roll it with your fingers. You may want to use a little glue to hold the ends together.

Once you get to the end of your felt and your pretty flower is finished, glue the end of the strip to the bottom of the flower. It will help the flower look finished and hold the flower in place.

Now you will have lots of flowers for your yarn wreath!! I like to use the straight pins to hold the flowers in place, and they double as the middle of the flower as well.

Now you are all done! Yes, this wreath can take a while when you are first learning how to make it, but I think it is well worth it!

* Here is my finished product (which was made for my littler sister, and was UT inspired)!

And here are a couple other wreaths and flowers that I have made...

I really hope you found this post helpful and I also hope it inspires you to want to make more DIY crafts! Happy Crafting everyone!:)

Until Next time,

XOXO

A couple shout outs...

I am making a continuous effort to become more green. Slowly but surely, I feel like I am making some major changes to help my wallet and the enviroment. For starters, my husband and I finally sold my old SUV and bought a much more fuel-efficent nissan altima, which I am so thrilled about! I also have completely switched us over to all natural cleaning and laundry supplies. I did some research and found out that chemicals from both of those were some of the most harmful for a household... So I definitely made that change. I recently came across another etsy shop that helped support my going-green change. It is Stagnant Gypsy. It is owned by two women named Tif and Jen, and all their stuff is awesome. I especially love the all knitted section! That is where I found my reusable knitted dryer sheets.

 I just soak them in all natural fabric softner and throw them in with my wet clothes! I love them! They have different color options and you can special order diferent quanities if you would like. I orederd six of them, which were only six dollars. It was easy on the wallet and I can reuse these for months. I would say buying from their shop was a very smart choice. Their shop is currently on vacation until May 1st, but you can still contact them for questions about their products. I hope you all will stop by this shop and look around!
Here is all their contact information:
 http://twitter.com/StagnantGypsy
http://www.facebook.com/StagnantGypsyShop
http://www.etsy.com/people/StagnantGypsy
blog at http://stagnantgypsy.wordpress.com/

I also wanted to share on here a pair of earrings that I am very proud of! In an earlier post I talked about my love for Posh Patina. It is a shop on Etsy that is owned by an incredibly sweet woman named Kate. About a month back, I requested a special order for a pair of black filigree earrings with a cream rose. After multiple other customers requested them as well, Kate has now added them to her store's inventory and are currently for sale on her etsy website. She has named them after their designer... ME! They are the Jenn earrings! I am so excited for these earrings!!!! They are big and pretty and super light-weight. The best part is... they are only nine dollars.

If you are interested in these or her other products, please visit her shop!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71459912/the-jenn-earrings
Thanks again Kate!

Happy Shopping!!
Until Next Time, XOXO

One for the crock pot...

I have already admitted that I love to cook, but sometimes there just is not enough time in one day! With my crazy hours as a personal nanny and Adam's full days with his work, it gets hard to have dinner ready for us to eat together. I have found that on those crazy busy days, the crock pot is my best friend. The crock pot really saves me so much time and it makes the cooking process so easy, and fast. One major reason that I love to use it is because it really does not require a lot of skill or extra effort to make your food take good. I find that every time I use my crock pot it turns out really tasty! Basically, add whatever you want and forget about it until the timer goes off. Simple things like that, really make me happy. I wanted to share a recipe that I love and it is one of my go-to recipes. It is my pork loin and veggie recipe. I normally always use a pork loin, but today I saw pork loin country style ribs. They looked amazing, so I decided to get them. They are cut really think and are already trimmed. That means no waste to have to throw away and they can go straight to the crock pot! Whenever I can save time in the kitchen, I am all about it! (I also want to point out that this recipe can be changed to your liking. I use vegetables that I know Adam loves, but it can be switched out for just about anything. My base recipe includes onions, purple passion potatoes, carrots, and brussels sprouts. But, do not feel like you have to use just those. Take away or add the vegetables that you will like best.) This recipe has been cooking today in my apartment... and it smells so wonderful in here! The good thing is, I was able to leave and do all my errands and completely forget about my crock pot. I find this recipe especially good because the pork is amazing in the crock pot. I normally like to serve my pork with sauce or cook it in a sauce base. But, in the crock pot that is not necessary! This recipe makes the pork and veggies really shine on their own, and as a combination! This is another recipe that you can not go wrong with!
Happy Cooking Y'all!

Crock pot pork loin and veggies
ingredients:
1-2 pounds pork loin(or pork loin ribs)
1 pound of purple passion potatoes- cut in halves
2 cups carrots-peeled and chopped
1 cup thickly chopped onions
1 pound brussels sprouts- cut in halves
2 tbsp water
1 tsp white vinegar
salt/pepper to taste
spices to taste

Directions:
First, wash all of your veggies. The potatoes may need a good scrub. You will need to peel and thickly cut your carrots and onions. Next half your potatoes and brussels sprouts. Be careful of the purple potatoes... They are very very purple and it can definitly cause a mess with light clothing or white counter tops.(Don't forget to cut the little ends off of your brussels sprouts).

Next, I like to take all my veggies and toss them in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil. This way all the veggies are coated equally. Now just throw all those veggies in the bottom of the crock pot.

Then take your pork loin or loin ribs and lay them on top of all the vegetables. Then pour your water and vinegar on top. Here is where you can have a lot of fun with your recipe. You can add whatever spices you want. I use alot of parsely, celery seed, basil, rosemary, salt, and pepper with mine. You could add every spice you have, or none at all. It really is all up to you. Either way this will turn out wonderful! After you add all your ingredients, set your crock pot to high and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Enjoy!

*this recipe goes really well served with rice.
Until next time, XOXO



Let's talk earrings...

I used to think that shopping was just not for me. I can clearly remember my Mom and sisters dragging me through the mall, and I was miserable. They could shop for hours and hours, just looking at each and every shop. You would find me in the corner pouting and anxiously awaiting for the shopping extravaganza to end. As I got older I realized it wasn't so much the shopping, but more the surroundings. I do go shopping, but I am not big on malls and the crowd when I go shopping. I like to get in, and get out. All my shopping visits are short and sweet, and I usually know exactly what I want before I get there. This probably explains why I am a huge fan of online shopping. I really like being able to take my time, and look at lots of different products from my computer. This is how I came across my favorite online shop. As I said in my first post, I love earrings. I love them even more when they are cute and low priced. When I am shopping online for them, I look for a couple different things: Quality products, excellent customer service, and reasonable prices. When I find a store that offers me all those, I become a loyal customer quickly. In this case, I did just that. I found Posh Patina on Etsy. I do most of my jewelry shopping on Etsy...I like the handmade look, and I love to support shops that make their own products. This store is owned by Kate Vrazel, and I love buying from her shop. She hand makes all of her pieces and nothing is over ten dollars. All of her stuff is either brass or metal filigree, and she hand paints all of her pieces as well.  Although she offers lots of earrings, she also makes rings and necklaces(which are also all under ten dollars). Not only is all her stuff reasonably priced, it is by far the cutest jewelry that I have found. Kate is always a pleasure to work with, and she welcomes custom orders. I have often asked her to design a pair for me, and she has had no problem doing that. I honestly can not say enough about the earrings that I buy from Kate. My favorite earrings come from Posh Patina and I get compliments every time that I wear them. If you are in the market for some new earrings, this should be your first stop!

Here is Posh Patina's facebook and Etsy link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoshPatina?ref=pr_shop_more
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Posh-Patina/168859393136311
Happy Shopping!
Until Next time, XOXO

It's time to cook, Y'all!

Being from the south has most definitely effected my style of cooking. As a child, I had many Italian meals but I also had my fair share of southern foods. And, it is true... Everything is better in the south! I really love to cook. I just adore being in a full house with my family, sharing a good meal. I feel like cooking always brings people together. I was blessed with wonderful grandmothers who were extraordinary cooks. I remember them letting me in the kitchen, and taking me under their wings. I like to think that I took a little from both of them, and my Momma... and that is where my love for cooking was born! Adam is a huge fan of my food(well, a husband has to be) and he is the appointed taste-tester for all my recipes. I think that is a job that he can handle well. I have quite a few recipes in my kitchen  and I really want to be able to pass those along to others. My original plan was to post my first recipe on Sunday, but I was so excited about my new blog, that I could not wait. All the recipes that I plan to post are going to be meals or foods that I have already made. That way, I can give tips and advice, and help you through the recipes.
This week, I picked brussels sprouts!

I know, I know... I probably got some mixed reactions, because I always do. But, trust me, these are amazing! They are one of my absolute favorites, and this recipes is probably used once a week for Adam and I. The recipe is delicious and simple. Prep takes no time at all, and cooking time is short as well. They are the perfect southern brussels sprouts. And, they go with so many meals. I like to pair them with meatloaf and potatoes. Adam likes them with his barbecue. Seriously... you can not go wrong with these!

southern brussels sprouts

here's what you are going to need:

1-2 pounds of fresh brussels sprouts

2 tbsp EVOO

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tbsp water

salt/pepper to taste

instructions:

First, give your brussels sprouts a good wash. Cut the ends off, and then cut all of them in half (if they seem extra large, you may want to quarter them).

Add your EVOO and butter to a large skillet(make sure you pick one that has a lid) and let the butter melt, and EVOO get hot. That will probably take a minute or two. Next, drop your brussels sprouts in the skillet. They should sizzle as soon as they hit the butter and EVOO mix. If they do not, increase your heat until they do. Add your minced garlic(I usually add salt and pepper here too) and let them cook for about four to five minutes. After five minutes, add the water and vinegar. Stir to coat all the brussels sprouts. Cover and let them simmer for ten minutes... stirring often. The brussels sprouts will sear and get a dark brown when they are done (I like mine pretty dark). Right before you take them out of the skillet to serve, sprinkle a little salt.

*I usually buy a little over a pound of fresh brussels sprouts at a time... and it is enough to serve about four people. I am hoping that you all will give this recipe a try! You will not be disappointed!

Good Luck and Happy Cooking!

Until next time, XOXO



An early birthday gift

Birthdays have always been a big deal in my house growing up. I remember my Mom always had a piece of cake or cupcake on the table before I went to school, with a candle in it, may I add. And she would sing me happy birthday before the sun had even come up. I think that is why I have always loved birthdays! No matter what else is going on, we always found time to celebrate the family birthdays together. As I am getting older, the celebrating isn't really as big, but we still do celebrate. Birthday gifts were a big deal too! We always got something that we needed or wanted. And now that I am not a little kid getting toys and dolls, I try to make what I ask for, really count. I usually try to keep an eye out for something that I am needing or wanting, as it gets closer to my birthday. This year I found something that I fell in love with. My birthday is not until April 10th, but as soon as I found (what I thought to be) the perfect gift, I put a call into my parents. It probably did seem a little odd that I was putting a request in so early, but I had a reason for that. I found an incredible one-of-a-kind earring holder, that is made when you place your order. I found it on Etsy and knew that it was perfect for me!

Thanks to my Dad and his wife, I am now the proud new owner of this gorgeous earring holder. We placed the order early because building and shipping runs somewhere from two to four weeks. Lucky for me... I recieved it early! I found this beauty from Bluebirdheaven. This shop makes repurposed printer drawers to display all your jewelry. I talked to a woman named Jessica, who was just wonderful to work with. Each peice can be customed made just for you. It is just fabulous!The drawer is very sturdy, and all the hooks feel very strong. Not to mention, it has enough room for all my earrings! I had mine made just for earrings, but you can have her make all different sized boxes. I love how pretty all her stuff is...It holds my jewelry but looks like wall art ! I wanted to pass this along because it has become one of my favorite things, and I really enjoyed buying from her. If this is something that you think you might want... This is definitely the shop you should use!
Here is both her facebook page link, and Etsy link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bluebirdheaven/141350459225601?ref=ts
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluebirdheaven
Happy Shopping:)
Until next time, XOXO

Hello World!... Jenn Here!

I HAVE FINALLY STARTED A BLOG!
I have been wanting to start my own blog for a long time now, but just could  not find the perfect time to get it started. So, I decided now was the perfect time. My name is Jennifer McCullough, but I go by Jenn. I am twenty five years old and I have been married for a little over thirteen months. My husband's name is Adam, and I do not think that I could of found a better man to grow old with. He is amazing and I fall more in love with him every day. I feel blessed to have him in my life. Adam and I have a dog, named Mimzy, who is more like our child... and she TOTALLY rocks! As you can tell by my blog name, you will hear much more about our life and Mimzy as I continue to post on here.
I have decided to start my blog for many reasons. First, I have two sisters who live out of town(along with other family), and I thought this could be a great way to catch them up on life in the McCullough household. I also love love love to recommend things to my family and friends. So, what better way to do that, then on my blog? I really enjoy sharing the things that I love with other people. Besides my family and friends, there are a hand full of things that take up a good amount of my time. I really want to be able to share my love for those things on here! Dogs, cooking, reading, shoes, and earrings are pretty much my favorite things! Good news... I have done lots of research on them! If I have not done research, I have either bought a lot of them or invested good amounts of my own time for all of them. That makes me so excited to talk about them with you. Once I get the blog ball rolling , I plan on posting a monthly book that I am reading and a weekly recipe... In hopes that you will want to follow along with me. On top of all that, I want to share more about me with you. I am also a daughter, sister, aunt, and a friend to some pretty amazing people... so I am sure that I will be finding other topics that are close to my heart as well. I also can not forget that I have married a man who is crazy about any and every sport. So, I am sure that a sport's topic will probably find it's way on to my blog, at some point. All and all... I am super pumped to share my life with you and I hope you are excited about getting closer to me, and all the things that I love!
Until next time, XOXO