the 2012 list

welcome to 2012 !!!  i have noticed that a popular post for this time of year is the one about what you hope to accomplish in 2012.  i had trouble thinking about what i wanted out of the next 365 days, so i came up with this list,  the titles are generic so feel free to use this method to generate some ideas for your 2012 post, but i would appreciate some link love if you will.  i have filled in this one with my goals and hopefully i will be updating throughout next year to let you know i have accomplished them by writing a post about them!  yay, i'm excited!  i'm not sure if you are motivated but this new start has really motivated me!!

{1} something to learn

{via here}

i want to learn how to sew!  i want a sewing machine and i want to learn how to make more things!!  i have already took it upon myself to learn how to knit and crochet, but lets face it there are limits there and if you know me at all i don't like having limits {no matter how hard i try there will always be "limits" but it has never hurt me to be well rounded  :)  }.  i should get a sewing machine soon or should be able to use my mom's old singer for awhile until i get money to buy my own.  but i can't wait to start learning how to sew!!!  wish me luck!

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{2} something to do more of

{taken by jessica from jessica chronicled}

i want to write more music in 2012.  2011 was a musically rich year.  i accomplished so much and grew as an artist and in my faith in my calling to music ministry.  however towards the end of 2011, between college life, two jobs, and family i had very very little time to write and record.  so in 2012 i want to write more music.  music that fully reflects who i am and who i am in Christ! my goal is to fully complete and record 12 songs.  that's a song per month.  that's doable isn't it?

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{3} something to improve

{take a look}

hmmmm.  there are so many things i want to improve but i guess i want to improve my etsy shop the most!  as stated in previous posts, i operate an etsy shop called -the feathered owl-.  improvements that need to be made include: the addition of a handmade section to my shop, updated listings, a new banner, & a better defined shop objective!!  i can't wait to start on these improvements and i hope that more sales will follow these changes!!!

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{4} something to spend more time on

{via me}

as i have previously stated.  i am a Christian.  in this day and age that encompasses A LOT.  that said, i  don't want to become a Christian that talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk.  here looking back at 2011 there were many times that i was so on fire for God that no one could bring me down or put me out.  i'm not so confident at this point.  i haven't been in the Word as much as i want to be, and to be quite frank i feel like a fake.  i know that's harsh but i want to be true to myself and be very truthful with you.   in 2012 i want my relationship with God back and the only way to do that is to spend more time with Him.  i want to read in the Word everyday.  this may mean ready a couple of scriptures during the day.  it may mean a devotional sometimes.  or it could mean looking up some of my favorite scriptures.  i want to write them down in my log and i want to get back the fire that i once had with God!  amen to that!!

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{5} something to experience

{via here}

i want to go to a drive-in & watch a movie!!! i've never ever been to one but i have always wanted to go!!  i would REALLY enjoy to go to the drive-in on a date but if that doesn't happen i would enjoy going with a group of friends! i have always wanted to stay out late and watch a movie from the back of a pick-up truck.  buttery popcorn, warm blankets, bean chairs, starlight, and movies!!  i know i'm probably building this up way to much but it sounds awesome to me and i want to check that experience off my to do list!

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{6} somewhere to go

{via martha stewart}

okay.  in 2012 i want to plan a road trip. & then actually take the said road trip with a group of friends.  taking time for plenty of pictures along the way! i don't care where we go but i want to just go... it could be for spring break, it could be during the summer, i don't really care.  i have set some ground rules though.  1) we have to stay over night for at least one night.  2) we have to travel by car.  3) it can't be too costly!

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{7} something to re-purpose

{via pinterest then here}

these upcycled hangers are too cute!! in 2012 i want to re-purpose something, like these hangers.  or perhaps a vintage trunk into a nightstand or something.  i haven't decided on the project but it's going to happen.  it seems like i always have major projects that take place in my life that require the help of my father.  during my senior year of high school, it was decorations for the high school dance.  during 2011 it was re-purposing a window with shutters and a primitive boat seat as the headboard and footboard for my new bedroom {respectively & i never did a post on that, so that will come soon}.  yay!! join me and re-purpose something this year!!!

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{8} something to make additions to

{via here}

i want to make additions to my closet.  jessica used a similar goal in her try in 2012 post that she posted earlier this year.  although i've seen her clothes in person and think she is just an excellent fashionista!!  anyways, my closet could use some help!!  i have shirts in my closet from when i was in middle school.  if i could clean that out {i get REALLY attached to stuff-- it's annoying}, i could make room for new!!!  i have recently started to find my "style" but there is simply no room to accommodate for it.  between a walk in closet at my apartment and a very good size one at my family's house, there's no room {i even have a rack in their basement-- it's embarrassing}!

step 1: clean out closet {i may use some of jessica's helpful hints}

&

step 2: is to make stylish & affordable additions to my closet to complete my look!


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{9} something i want to act on

{via pinterest i don't know who the credit should go to but if you know, let me know}

GET IN SHAPE!  i know this is WAY cliche but i can't even express to you how much i need to become more healthy.  i can feel my metabolism slowing down and i need to get in better exercising and eating habits.  just simple things like choosing the low-fat ranch instead of the original recipe or the wheat bun instead of the regular white bun, or lets hop on the elliptical while watching tv!  it's the little things really.  i don't have a "goal weight" but my goal is to make my body healthier from the inside out!!

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{10} something to inspire others

{saying via here; artwork via me}

i want to do something that inspires others.  i hope it's through this blog.  i want to express and inspire through DIY projects, song lyrics, fashion, photography, and other things i post on this blog.  so i guess the goal is to post with the thought of inspiring.  i want to reach people and this means becoming a more an intricate part of the blogging community.  and while i've got your attention: i LOVE you guys.  you fellow bloggers.  you people that i find common interests with.  you are so receptive and kind!  and i want to give back instead of taking all the time!!  i want to inspire you as you have inspired me!!  so critique me give me advice throughout the year so i can serve you better!!

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{11} something to do before i am twenty

{via pinterest via here}

well i turn 20 at the end of March.  so within the first 3 months of the new year i hope to completely re-organize and find space for everything!! i know that this is vague but currently i'm living in two places: my apartment in lexington and my home in frankfort.  my things are scattered every-which-way!! i want to clean out my closets {as said in number 8} and make room for all of my craftiness!  i want a "studio" that can hold my yarn, hopefully a sewing machine, camera & accessories, guitar, and my microphone/recording station.  this will definitely be a challenge to do before i'm twenty but it HAS to be done!!  and this short time-frame may motivate me to get the project started!!

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{12} something to start & finish

{check out my other post about my project here}

in 2012 i want to start more crochet and yarn projects!  however, i want to finish the ones that i have already started.  after i posted about my granny squares, i started another blanket that is, i'm not going to say less time consuming, but requires less yarn switching.  in 2012 i want to finish those projects.  but i also want to start a blanket for my grandfather {shhh don't tell him lol}, and i want to take some time to start to crochet a sweater!!

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so there is my list: i know it's lengthy but i will be posting a more concise and to the point list for the update page.  like i said before feel free to use these general titles to help you plan for your 2012!!! and if you can relate to any of these comment then we can be accountability partners!! with that said:

happy new year everyone!!!

from me to you,

mackenzie

geek-ish

 

i'm geek-ish.  i'm geek-ish because i have geek tendencies however i do not go all out.  i grew up watching star wars and star trek and i know the difference but can't tell you every single little detail.  i love super heros but don't read the comic books {my favorite is batman from dc comics; however i am more impressed across the board with marvel's super hero characters}.  i wear sneakers and graphic t's and i enjoy large framed glasses!  i have obsessions with different tv series!  i have recently fallen in love with the big bang theory.  but i've never seen lord of the rings {i'm ashamed and for what's it's worth i've always wanted to watch them!!}.  i'm here to say "geek is chic and it's here to stay!!"  so, for your viewing pleasure, here is one of my favorite sweaters {thanks mom!} modeled with my favorite pair of skinnies, a button up, and my grey converses!

 

{marvel sweatshirt: forever 21; button-up: found in closet from many years ago; skinnies: express; shoes: journey's}

 

 unleash your inner geek!!!  and let me see!  link below in the comments section!!

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oh and by the way: glasses are sassy!!  i thought i could use these glasses as a style bust in this post!!  you know: the two birds in one stone thingy!  if you haven't heard my friends kaite and jessica are doing a style buster series and these are my glasses {i just have to get up the nerve to wear them in front of more than my fellow bloggers!!!}  so join the busters and link up and don't forget to check out the rest of their posts and all of their style busts on their blogs!!

don't forget

not to long ago my friend kacie and i heard a sermon by louie giglio entitled "the 12 words of christmas" by louie giglio.  it blew me away.  i don't really know why but i guess it was the way he explained it.  he put christmas into perspective for me.  it's not about presents or even being with your family.  those things are the REALLY GREAT features of celebrating christmas but we really need to focus on the 12 words of christmas instead of the 12 days of christmas.

louie explained in much detail about how much of a gift Jesus was.  He came at the most inopportune time: tax day & when there was no place for his mother to properly give birth to Him.  however it was Holy and perfect!  God works in mysterious and wondrous ways!!  "A Savior has been born to you and He is Christ the Lord!"  a savior has been given to us!!!  He would live for 33 years just to die for me, so that you & i could receive the gift of eternal life!  it's amazing to think that on one night, one baby could change everything!!

i had a very blessed christmas this year filled with surprises, time spent with family and wonderful gifts {thanks mom & dad}, but i'm overjoyed when i think about the gift of Jesus!!

i hope every single one of your christmas's was absolutely wonderful!! mine was!! but let's not forget who's birthday it was today and who came to live and die just for us!  He gave us the ultimate gift!!

mackenzie

DIY: the headphone crochet cozy

so i saw this picture on pinterest of some yarn wrapped around the chord of some headphones & thought, "that doesn't look hard!"  during finals week i needed to relax and i felt like crocheting but wanted to do something different.  so i tried to find a way to wrap my headphones in some colorful yarn.  i thought this would be a simple thing to make a tutorial about so i snapped some pics in the process and here is what i came up with!

 

so i'm using a a medium weight yarn and size 4 mm crochet hook.  if you'd like a less bulky look you can always use a lighter weight yarn and a smaller crochet that coordinates with that specific yarn; however it will take you longer, but if you really would like that look better it would be worth it!!  i think that some crochet basics would be helpful as that i do not get into the technicalities of the single crochet and how exactly to hold your yarn.

{1st}  you need to start your  project like any other crochet project: with a slip knot!!  i make mine by making a circle with my yarn pushing the end of the yarn to the back of the circle.  i then pull the yarn to through the hole leaving the tail end to get caught in the knot after i tighten it.

 

 

{2nd}  place the end of the headphone chord through the slip knot.  you will be working from right to left so leave the part you want wrapped in the yarn to the left of your slip knot. 

 

{3rd}  make sure to pull the knot snugs once the chord is in place.  you want to also make sure that you tuck the tail end that was left after you tightened your slip knot under your crochet stitches so you will get a seamless finished look.  after you have your hands situated go ahead and crochet!  as you hold the chord in your left hand, bring the hook towards you and then under the chord to grab your skein yarn from the other side.  bring the skein yarn under the chord and pull through the loops on your hook.  this is where previous crochet knowledge comes in handy.  i didn't get to take pictures of the crochet process because it was hard to handle the camera and the hook and the yarn and the chord.  but if you know some crochet basics then you should be able to catch on fairly quickly.

{notice how i'm holding the yarn, chord, hook, and how the tail end of the slip knot is tucked.}

{4th}  continue to crochet until you get to the headphone chord split.  

{5th}  now it's time to tie off and hide your ending knot.  so when you get to your last crochet stitch go ahead and cut your skein yarn at least two or three inches from the last stitch.  then take your hook and pull straight up, bringing the end of your yarn through your last stitch.  wrap the end of the yarn around the last stitch around the chord {it may be easier to pull the end through with a smaller crochet hook or the one you had been using}.  do not pull snugs yet, because the loose circle creates a loop.  wrap the end yarn through this loop twice, and then pull snugs.

{6th}  work the end of your yarn through the last few stitches with your crochet hook, hiding the end of your yarn under the stitches.  essentially you are hiding the yarn in the same way you started the work except this time it's backwards!

 

 {7th}  your done!! after you tuck and finish, admire your work.  you have just completed your crocheted headphone cozy!!!

words of caution: it's awkward at first to get a handle on everything, so don't get discouraged!! you can do it!!  and the yarn tends to twist as you go along.  i embraced the the twist and ended up twisting the yarn myself at the end of the project.  you could however force it to be a straight line i guess.  it's really up to you!!  

so this is my first tutorial.  have fun!! and let me know if you have problems understanding me or need more elaboration!! comment below if you think this was helpful, need more help, or if you just think this is a nifty idea!  i want to hear your thoughts!!!

mackenzie

furnish me vintage: {christmas}

for this christmas season i have had so much fun embracing vintage christmas decor for my home decorations!!  vintage decor is easy to incorporate with your new decor!  i think that's why i love it so much.  it's like history through decorations!  i wish they had a college class on that {haha}, but they don't so i make my own compilation of history with my decorations!

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okay i know they are little disturbing but the santa's on this string of lights are SO cute!  i found these guys on my antiquing outing to shelbyville with my mom and grandmother that i mentioned in my antiquing addicts post.  i snagged them for $15 in one of my favorite antique stores!  i think that they are so different and they just scream, "look at me, i'm vintage!!!"  santa's are one of my favorites because they bring back magical memories of when i was a little girl trying to sneek a peak at santa when he was delivering my gifts.  i think santa's are interesting because no one depicts him the same way, because no one has ever seen him.  each santa is different!!

okay, this may just be my favorite christmas decoration EVER!  okay i'm not really sure, but i do know that this is my favorite woodland creature christmas decoration!!  i found this doe in a shop that i adore called Street Scene in lexington, ky.  this deer is not only as cute as a button but i almost died when i found out that she spins around while playing rudolph the red nosed reindeer.  i want you to picture me in the store almost passing out at the sound of rudolph the red nosed reindeer!  {that didn't really happen, but i did almost cry lol}  anyways, i love love love love this little deer and she will be put out every christmas from here on out!!!  she was worth every bit of $12!!

last but not least, if you are going to have a vintage christmas, you need to invest in an aluminum tree!!  i know that traditionally speaking these are not the popular option, & i am all for the traditional evergreen.  however, aluminums were popular in the seventies and even if it is not your main christmas tree they are still fun to play with.  they come in all different colors, sizes, and you can get them pre-lit these days.  i think they are so pretty because of the way the light bounces off of them.  i'm still perfecting my aluminum tree.  i'm trying to find a balance between my vintage ornaments and my current ornaments.  it's suffering right now because i had a whole hour to spend decorating it this year and i didn't really have time to tailor the ornaments to tree.  but one day it will be amazing i'm sure!!

so is your christmas going to be a vintage one?  post photo links below and tell me how you decorate!!!

mackenzie