The Nutshell Principles

The Nutshell Principles

So what are the principles that changed my life, repeatedly?

If you read the brief stories above, you already know:

1. Start very small.
2. Do only one change at a time.
3. Be present and enjoy the activity (don’t focus on results).
4. Be grateful for every step you take.

In programming, this is called an algorithm. It’s a series of steps that you can apply to make any change, no matter what your situation.

It works. This is the Zen Habits method, the Change Your Life App, in four lines. I hope it helps.

Crocheted Spring Bunting

It sure doesn't look like Spring around here.....

So I've been kinda starting to think about spring decor, and I've been looking at different ideas on what to make to bring spring to north Idaho, if only inside.
One of my new favorite books is Cute & Easy Crochet by Nicki Trench...

I found this book at JoAnn's around Christmastime and loved all the different projects it had to offer, my 50% off a book also helped me along with the decision to by it. So the book came home with me, along with some yummy, new yarn.

The other day I finally settled on a new project out of the book. I don't know about you, but I have the worst time making up my mind on the next thing I want to make. I usually only have one project going at a time, and actually asked my friends on Ravelry about what they do to pick a new project. Most of them said they have at least 3 projects going at a time, and I'm thinking I might start doing that. Sometimes working on just one project at a time gets very boring.

So, I decided to make the cute & easy bunting in cute and easy crochet ;)

It was a longer process then I usually do. I'm such an instant gratification girl, I have a hard time with being patient!

I used Hobby Lobby's I love this cotton. I made 7 bunting flags total, 4 in the multi colored and 3 in purple.

They worked out perfect, using the opposing color for the edging.
In the book she has you crochet them together, but instead I used a pretty purple ribbon I found at the dollar store to attach them.

So check out the book Cute and Easy Crochet at Amazon.com. Lots of fun projects that I'm sure you will like. I am already making plans for more, and even thou it's totally out of my element, I think I will start 3 different projects to work on, YIKES!

Get a little exercise!

I just found out today that Shaun T's Rockin' Body is on sale for $19.99! That is such a good deal for a total exercise program. Shaun is also the creator of Insanity, Hip Hop Abs and Asylum. So go check it out, I am getting mine so I can start getting fit for spring/summer ;) Click HERE and look for the button down the page on the right.

Crochet & Potatoes

It's been quite blustery in North Idaho lately, Rain, snow, wind, cold, you know the drill. So I've been doing a lot of cooking, cleaning & crocheting.

I decided to do a striped scarf, using this color scheme I found on pinterest.

I'm really loving all the color samples on pinterest, it really is inspiring to make things beautiful.

Besides color schemes on pinterest, I've been loving the new recipe ideas that I'm finding. The new recipes have also inspired me to make different things that I've been wanting to try, like this Scalloped potato recipe....

Microwave scalloped potatoes

1 1/2 pounds Idaho russet potatoes, sliced
Salt & Pepper to taste
6 Tbsps Butter
1 Cup Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
1 Cup Chicken Broth

Arrange 1/2 of the potatoes in an 8x8 inch glass dish, overlapping potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and dot with 3 Tbsps butter, sprinkle with 1/2 of the cheese. Arrange rest of potatoes, season, and dot with rest of butter, reserve other 1/2 of cheese. Pour broth over top and microwave for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Sprinkle with rest of cheese and broil for 2 to 3 minutes on high broil or until golden brown.

They turned out so yummy, there wasn't any leftovers :)

Don't forget about my Scrapbook Software giveaway! Read my post above for all the details.

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My Memories Giveaway

I love giveaways! My memories has asked me to review and play with their new digital scrapbooking software! They are also giving me a free copy to give to one of my awesome blog readers.
Here is what I created with one of their many layouts....

These are of my son the freeskier. The template made it so simple to make, and you can make more than just scrapbook pages with it such as photo books, cards, videos, you name it! I've seen people make subway art and sweet printables.

So, here is how the contest works. Enter by commenting on how you would use my memories scrapbook software, and be creative with your ideas. Get extra entries by sharing my blog on facebook or pinning this page on pinterest, if you share on facebook or pinterest please let me know that you did this with a comment below. I will announce a winner in a week, so get crackin' with those posts & pins!

Remember this is a $39.97 value, and an incredible software. I will for sure be starting to digital scrapbooking more now that I've found this software.

Felted Sweater Heart Garland

It's FINALLY snowing here in North Idaho, and all I want to do is sit by the (fake) fire and craft. So today was the perfect day to find something to make. With Valentines day coming up, and not having any decorations up, it got me thinking. I could go out in the blustery snow storm, and to the shed, to get the valentines decor. But why do that when I had a nice, warm bunch of felted goodies in my craft room that I can create something fabulously cozy with.

I really love using things that I thought were ruined.


My hubby likes to help me switch the laundry over, and sometimes, something wool finds it's way into the dryer ;)
I love him so much that I never say a word, I just put it in my repurpose pile to make into something cute & cozy.

I was originally thinking I wanted to make a pillow out of this sweater, the moose on the front and the stripes on the back. But if there is one thing I totally hate, it's sewing. I hate my sewing machine with a passion, my 16 year old son uses it to make longer shirts and sweatshirts for skiing, but that's about all it's used for.  So today while looking at this sweater I decided to use it to make a heart garland.

After 2 episodes of happy days all the hearts are cut out. Yes I still love Fonzie!

I didn't mind hand sewing the hearts together, hand sewing I like more than my stupid machine ;)
While watching the 3rd episode of "Fonzie loves Pinkie" I had everything sewn together and my groovy new garland all done :)

I am so happy with how it turned out I really want to find more sweaters in Valentines colors to create more cozy heart goodness for other parts of the house.

Until next time.....Hugs to my cozy friends!
Juls
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