New Year with a New Attitude

Today is the last day of 2012, in case you didn't know. I actually have to work tonight, but at least I get off work before midnight. I haven't had much time to reflect on the year and all that jazz, BUT with the coming of a new year, comes resolutions. It seems that the majority of people make resolutions just because and have no real intention of actually accomplishing them. There are also people that don't partake in the New Year's resolutions because "why do you need a new year in order to make a change in your life." Here's my philosophy on the whole subject... Yes, people can make a change at any point in life BUT sometimes it helps to start with the beginning of a new year. It just gives that fresh start feeling. I have been like most, in the sense that I make resolutions every year. They are not well thought out and I don't usually accomplish them. This year I decided to put a little thought into it.

New Year's Resolutions

WRITE EVERY DAY THIS YEAR

I want to try to write something every single day this year; just some little insight into how I am feeling for that day or what I have done. Just something. I've written a great deal throughout the years and find it very insightful or interesting to see how I was at that point in my life, and also how other people were... like how our relationship was and how it's changed, etc.

WRITE 1 THING I'M THANKFUL FOR EVERY DAY

I want to write down 1 thing that I am thankful for every day this year. I got the idea because of Thanksgiving. During the month of November, a lot of people post what they are thankful for. So I thought, why not have a whole year of thankfuls? If nothing else, it will give me at least 1 positive thing for that day to reflect upon. Hopefully it will also help me be more grateful for the life I live and not take it for granted.

SAVE AT LEAST $1 A DAY

Obviously, it can be hard to save money, especially in this day and age. I want to make a goal of saving at least $1 a day. It may seem like a very small amount, but there are some days when I stretch my money thin. So I figure, if I save $1 each day then that would give me $365 at the end of the year at the bare minimum. Of course, if I can afford to save more than $1 then I definitely will. $365 is way more than I've had any other year, by the end anyways. Americans seem to buy into consumerism and living with debt. Money also seems to be a huge issue and stress with many people. I am choosing to not be that person. I want to live debt free and actually have a savings. 

You may be thinking... that's it. That's your resolutions? And to answer your question... yes. Hopefully these things will help me to have a better attitude and outlook when things get crappy AND hopefully I'll be able to start saving money. They are definitely possible to accomplish and helpful. Be safe.

Hopefully you put a little thought into your resolutions, and if nothing else, strive to be a better person. Hope you have a very Happy New Year! 

I can't believe 2012 is about to come to an end. As every other year, it has been a year of ups and downs with many lessons. I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for me. To a better year and actually accomplishing my new year's resolutions for once.

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." - Brad Paisley

No Sew Fleece Blanket

Tis the time of the year for gift giving. Like most, I was unsure of what to get my boyfriend for Christmas. He had mentioned something about a blanket among the things he had suggested. I told him that I had no idea how to do one and told him to continue with suggestions. However, I thought the blanket idea was a great one. I looked around on the Internet and came upon ideas on Pinterest. I found a post that was really helpful in making the blanket on Wifessionals. 

This is a great project to do because you don't need a sewing machine and it doesn't take much time. 

Step 1:  Buy your fabric

I bought 2 pieces of fleece fabric online at Joann Fabric & Craft Stores. Most of the fabric I looked at was on sale, which is great because it can definitely get pricey. I bought 3 yards of each piece, camo and orange. (He loves hunting and orange is his favorite color.)

Step 2:  Layer your fabric

Make sure to have you soft sides facing outward. First, lay down the piece that will be used as the back. Then, lay down the other piece on top of it (again soft sides facing outward). Cut off any ugly edges or excess fabric and make sure both pieces are even. 

Step 3:  Cut out 5" x 5" squares at each corner

This step is important because it determines the length for the ties. You don't want them to be too short/long.

Step 4:  Cut 1" (width) strips around the entire blanket

The thicker your strips are, the harder it is to tie them together. I didn't have much room to work with... so many of my strips were different widths and didn't match up exactly with the 5" length. It definitely made the tying process a bit harder and not as neat.

Step 5:  Tie your 'flat' knots

Don't just tie a normal knot. Take a look at the 'knot tutorial' picture on the Wifessionals post because its really explanatory and I didn't take any pictures of this part. Once you look at the picture, its really easy to do. It makes the knots flatter and they look nice.

Step 6:  Wash your blanket & enjoy

I washed my blanket afterwards and it turned out great. The final look was a bit more rounded since not all of my cuts were equal. Not too bad for my first attempt at a no sew blanket, if I do say so myself.

My boyfriend loved his blanket. He already wants another one just to have. Haha.

I also made him honey cookies again. I used the same recipe as last year. You can find it here. The only differences to the recipe this year is that I used a mixer, which made a huge difference (for the better), and I drizzled honey on the tops right out of the oven. Personally, I thought they were much better than last year. Definitely check out the honey bee cookies recipe.

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas! I know I did.

Which way is up?

Interesting little tip I just learned. It seems like common sense but I would have never thought to do it.
If you ever find yourself buried in an avalanche and not sure which way is up, just spit. See which way the spit runs and then dig in the opposite direction. Ya know... because of gravity and all. Most people in that situation, sadly, tend to dig downward because they become so distraught and don't know which direction is which.
I personally found that very interesting and possibly lifesaving.
Another one... if you're in water and have the same direction problem, blow bubbles and swim up with them.  :-)