Burlap crafts+ {Necklace Winner!!}

First- I found this AMAZING lady who sold me burlap sacks!

I have no idea what to do with them yet- but I'm super excited. So here is where I need some help- what sorts of crafts could I do with these? I'd love for comments with suggestions, link-ups, everything! I really would love ideas!

I'm pretty excited about these!

Now for the necklace winner!!

Oh my goodness- you all (or as the Oklahomans I spent the last 4 years with would say Ya'll) are so much fun! I had a FABULOUS response for the 300 follower etsy necklace giveaway!! And I CANT WAIT to announce the winner!!

let me also say- far too many of you wanted 300 dollar bills...boring! And I thought you were creative bloggers/blog readers??

The randomly selected (random.org) winner of my etsy necklace giveaways is.....

Brittany from Mote on A Boat

who said...

Brittany 81

I wish I had 300 days to devote to traveling!

Ah- a girl after my own heart!

Thanks to everyone who entered- that was more than I EVER expected!

I'm working hard to line up some more awesome giveaways soon!

Brittany- shoot me an email here!

Even if you didn't win! You can still purchase the necklace for under $10 in my etsy!

Feel free to link up your burlap crafts, or comment with suggestions! I'm completely open to ideas!

 

It's friday friday...

I know its over done- but this video still is hilarious to me

Finished yet another final- only two more to go!!

 I had a little surprise today after my final! I won a giveaway (I'll tell you all about it when I get it!!! You know how I love to take photos of myself wearing new things!)

Here is a hint....Its from this etsy store!

AND Ginger talked about me today on her fab friday post about my "FAMILY" photos I sent to her on WhoopdWhoop! Check it out!

I also got my new camera lens in the mail!

JUST KIDDING- its a MUG! how cool is that?!

I had been checking them out for a while, but they were SUPER expensive. Then a friend posted that she found one for $9! Amazing. Let me just say- AWESOME gift for any photographer! (or a great guy gift if you ask me! Right in time for...mothers day? Shoot.) Click here if you want one! Seriously- they look so awesome. I was afraid it would be super cheapy- and I mean, it is a plastic mug- but its SO COOL and looks pretty authentic to me!

Oh AND I'm working on lining up a new themed giveaway month- I'll give you some hints on what the theme will be shop owners that have to do with these hints:

-love cows (to eat them of course)

- there is not a place like this place

-The good life

more specifically:

-Its my "Home-aha"

Figure it out? If not- you'll just have to wait!

Dont forget- last night to enter the necklace giveaway! I'll pick a winner in the morning! And I have the ad space giveaway going on too!

Play it Cool

(if I had time to watch Westside Story right now- I would...and maybe even video myself dancing to "Cool")
Anyone else think their blog makes them look "cooler" than what they are?

You have no idea that before this picture was taken- I had only gotten out of bed twice in 5 hours of studying. Or that the 2 days before- I was wearing oversized tshirts and hadn't showered in a few days.
(some of you that know me are thinking- "no surprise there! I was wondering if she got "cooler" since she graduated or if she is still same ole no-makeup pony tail wearing Kitty!" ) 

Good thing that side of me only types- and doesn't take pictures!

Maybe I just destroyed my cred- or maybe you all are thinking "eh- never thought she was that cool"

But the gross- "havent gotten out of my room since 5pm because tomorrow's final is going to eat me" Kitty likes these pictures because it reminds me someday soon finals will all be over.
(Hang with me during finals- be expecting exciting and fun posts in LESS THAN A WEEK!)

Free Advertisement Space {Giveaway}

Thanks to everyone who linked up on the About Me page linkup! I LOVED reading all about everyone! Feel free to keep linking this week- and reading here!

We are nearing the end of the month- I'd love to give out 2 free advertisement spots for next month! Check out the right hand side to see where your ad would be seen!

Last month I had over 24,000 pageviews! Although I'm not as big as alot of blogs- it is still alot of little eyes viewing your advertisement!

If you have an etsy, a store, or even a blog that you want more pageviews of- comment on this post with the link to what you would like advertised! One entry per person!

Also- even if you dont win- I sell advertisement spots on my front page for just $5 a month! I also give my sponsors first choice of when they would like to guest post, or do a giveaway here to help promote their blogs/stores!

Even if you dont want to have an advertisement- dont forget- you can always email me here if you want to guest post or giveaway! It is an awesome way to get more eyes viewing your store or blog!

So leave a comment to be entered (include a link to what you would want advertised!)
Pst- it makes sense to be a follower when you sign up too, that way we can keep in contact :)

This will be open for a week! 

Two Down, Three to Go

Just finished my second final today- yay! Three more to go (boo!)

What do I have to show for it? A neck cramp from my 3 1/2 hour essay today, and 2 classes worth of books stacked up by my trash can (dont worry- I wont throw most away- I'll try to resell, its just to give me a sense of accomplishment)

I also got my new fish hotel in the mail!!! I'm going to get a fish!!!

I'm a sucker for anything "umbra" so of course I decided that since I like the hotel/bowl then I should probably  get a fish to go with it! Be looking out for my cool new fish (once I pick one out!)

Sorry not more exciting right now- I'm working on a new giveaway soon! So keep a look-out!

Oh and on that note- for you SUPER DEVOTED readers that really want to win my necklace giveaway- Go ahead and go back to the giveaway I have going on- and get another entry by posting a motivational comment to help me get through this next week of finals! (A simple "you can do it!" is just what I need!)

Click here to go to the post!

About Me-Link Up

A few days ago I edited my "About Me" page. Why?- Well because I read a friend's, and a few others...and I loved what I learned.

There is a blogger I went to school with- that after I read her about me- I couldn't believe I didn't know ANY of that. I had no idea how she ended up a Christian school, or what she had gone through.

And I couldn't believe I knew so little about somone I felt like I knew! Which brings me to all of you that I haven't met! I know so very little!

So what I would love for you to do- if you have an "about me" (or similar) page- link it up! If not- just tell me a little about yourself. I'm interested!

If you dont want to take the time to do that- I'm atleast curious where my readers are from! So check out my little survey off to the right - and tell me where you're from!

A few little clips from my own "About Me" page

"For this part of my life, my motto is from the Cheshire Cat-"if you dont know where you're going, any road will take you there"
That is how I ended up here at law school."

"My favorite place is an airport, alone."

"if you have a ring on, and I've met you- I've probably analyzed your rock. "

"I know that God has a plan for my life"

I am a..."Lactose Intolerant Ice Cream Eater"

So feel free to check out the rest of my little About Me page- but more importanlty- link up you own about me page! It will give you an excuse to update it :) Or simply leave a comment telling me a bit about yourself!





Sew Easy- Kitty Can Sew It- Coffee Cozy

Get it??  SEW easy?! I crack myself up. (sorry- all this studying makes me loopy!)

Well one test down- and 4 more to go until I'm done! I got a bit frustrated at this last one- so I decided I would go back to what I care about- crafts. I was making coffee cozies for a while last semester- and then stopped. I think I got a little burnt out. Well, fret no more- they have returned!

Care to learn? I'm not kidding when I say its easy!

Supplies:

A starbucks (or generic) sleeve for a pattern

fabric- if you want the inside different from the outside- then two different patterned fabric

Batting- I use some sorta of heat resistant batting from Hobby lobby. It is in the monster rolls- and every time I ask the lady which kind to use! Whoops! I suppose felt could work? But you dont want to burn your little fingers!

A button

Elastic- You could use a hair tye- but I purchased some skinny black elastic that has lasted me FOREVER. I also used it for my ruffle necklace way back when

And a needle/thread!

Alright- go ahead and open up your cozy, and cut the 3 layers (inside, middle outside) by cutting around the cozy- leave 1/2 inch ish all the way around so you can sew and flip and it wont be too small. As you can see- I only actually cut the middle piece to size- the others I just chop it off. You only need one to use as a pattern.

If you're using a sewing machine (smart move!) then you shouldn't need to do this step. The elastic needs extra stitches to make sure it doesn't slip out. So take ONE of your fabric pieces (I always use the inside) and your batting. Line them up. Then stitch your elastic (about 2-3 inches of elastic) with the two ends lined up with the ends of your fabric. Make sure the elastic is being stitched to your fabric side, not the batting side. If the fabric you are stitching to has a front and back side. Make sure it is RIGHT side UP!

Just a few different views on sewing on the elastic

Then place your second piece of fabric RIGHT side DOWN (so the two right sides are facing each other)

Sew all the way around- but leave a couple of inches near the bottom to flip.

Trim the extra- and flip!

Then sew up the rest like you would a pillow (just learned this stitch this year- I've taught myself how to sew- and this one my grandma had to teach me!)

Then put your button on!

Ta-dah! you've got yourself a nice little cozy!

And now back to studying for Civil Procedure. Bleck. All-time WORST class. Well, criminal law scares me more (I hate reading those cases about murder and rape) but Civil Procedure is super confusing.

*Dont forget to enter the necklace giveaway here*

Silhouette Project

About to walk into my property final, and of course I feel a blog post is necessary first! :)

Never thought I'd be posting a Silhouette project! Sadly, I still don't actually have a Silhouette- BUT I did win a giveaway for a silhouette car decal of a family!

Why does this matter? Well I entered not because I am a mom, who has a family van, to put the decal on (Not making fun of you out there that do this. But I think it would just confuse people if I had the family of 4 decals on my car)

Instead I entered for this little project!

I thought it was pretty cute! I took a frame, painted it white, and framed a piece of fabric. Then I used 2 of the decals on the front of the glass. I thought it made a cute little couple picture! Plus- I could change it out with an actual photo- and still have the decals on it for a fun decoration!

Just a little 5 minute craft since I havent been able to craft with finals!

Happy? Easter

Happy Easter from the study room in the law library where I have spent my entire afternoon



Lets hope my "Acing Property" books actually helps me Ace Property!



Finals start tomorrow- wish me luck :)

Earth Day Bag

Did you know you all are the best/worst readers ever?! I mean- you're all awesome, dont get me wrong, but the comments on my "forbidden love" dress were amazing. Almost all the comments were "you deserve it, buy it!" haha How can I say no to that?! I even got texts telling me to purchase the dress :) Even though you all knew I was trying not to buy clothes- you little devils.
Sadly- I did have to say no to the dress.(unlike my favorite wedding dress show!)  I loved it, but in the end, its just a dress and I'd love to be able to get through the year doing this! But THANK YOU for all of the kind words!

Now on to my new bag (which is pre-purchased. So no talking me in/out of this one!)

Tis the season to celebrate the earth! So allow me to show you how EXCITED I am for my new biking messenger bag!

Back in the fall, before school started, the school asked me to shell out over $400 for a parking permit. The option was $400 some for 9 months, or like $500 for year round. Obviously I went for the 9 month permit...because I was pretty sure I wouldn't stick around for the whole year after September (Surprise! boy was I wrong)

My permit expires in a month. So instead of buying a new one- I'm doing what I haven't done before- biking to school all summer! Well that is the plan! I decided it was time for me to invest in a bag. Well by invest- I mean buy a sweet looking used bag off ebay for $5 when they are selling for like $70 new.

Yep- thats me pretending to ride my invisible bike (getting the bike out for the picture was going to be MUCH too complicated for what I wanted to put into taking this photo) So here is my contribution to the earth (and my wallet).

Also-In real life- this bag is going to be full of textbooks!

New Campus+ {winner!}

Last week I had to venture onto my "new" campus. Now that I go to a big-time state school- I'm not used to the HUGE campuses! I've been on East campus (the campus no one knows exists unless perhaps you go to the Dairy Store) My campus is small (well bigger then my undegrad- but small for a state school) and is for grad students mostly, agriculture kids, denistry and teachers.

The business students are on the main campus (with the football stadium). So whenever I go- I feel like the little lost puppy wandering around the big city.

I did try to snap some quick shots on my phone without looking like I didn't belong with all the kids who walk there everyday! This summer I'll start taking classes here! Yipes! I'm pretty excited!










And now the winner of the Operation Petticoat Earring Giveaway!!!!

We have--

KLM 23

I really like the owl dangle earrings in the operation petticoat store! they're super cute, and I'm obsessed with owl stuff.

CONGRATS! I'll be emailing you shortly! Thanks everyone for entering- and thank you Operation Petticoat for the awesome giveaway!

Tonight, I fell in love

That's right- I fell in love. I feel like singing the hercules song

"If there's a prize for wrotten judgment- I guess I've already won that..."

(which by the way- totally my absolute favorite disney song)

I broke my number one rule. Dont try it on- if you can't buy it.

Tonight I ran over to Barnes and Nobles, and somehow stumbled into Banana Republic. I found the most perfect dress of all time. If it werent for the sales lady- who was amazing at talking me into trying it on....I wouldnt have even thought about it.

I seriously NEVER try something on if I can't buy it. I dont remember the last time I've ever done this. And this is why.

Ignore the tongue sticking out. And no- I don't normally photograph clothes- just when I'm texting it for a 2nd opinion

We have a $150 dress- on sale for $85. Which is an extra 40% off. And an additional 10% because the little tacked piece had broken from the front (a one stitch fix to close that right up) AND I had a $20 off reward from my gap credit card.

That made it about $25.

Also- it was a hat day- so ignore the hair as well

And I couldn't do it. I couldn't break my resolution to not purchase clothes. This picture does not do it justice. But it was the most gorgeous dress ever- a pale pink, with woven straps (that were thick and hid your undergarmet straps) fit PERFECT- not to mention it was a size smaller than I normally wear (so it makes you feel extra pretty!) .

I did put it on hold- I just couldn't walk away. A second thing I NEVER do. I never put anything on hold. If I can't bring myself to buy it then- I know I shouldn't buy it.

I just had to share my forbidden love with you all.

300 Followers {Necklace Giveaway}

{300} Yipppeeee

I'd love to thank EVERYONE for being such awesome followers :) I absolutely love that I hit 300 followers- especially during my finals stress time, where I have to really take joy in the little things!

To thank you all- I'd love to do a giveaway for one of my NEW necklaces in my etsy!

Yep- certainly a new favorite for me!

(or if you'd rather- you could chose one of my other necklaces from etsy!)

I'm going to try something a little new this time for entries! Ready for this??

As always- make sure you are a follower before entering! Easy little step- just click that "follow" button first!

Do as many of these entries as you would like!

- Make sure to comment in seperate posts for each you've done!

1. Tell me something you wish you had 300 of! (snickers bars, dollar bills, cats....anything!)

2. Link up ONE of your absolutely favorite crafts you've done! Then post a comment telling me which craft you linked! (if you'd rather post a giveaway of your own- thats fine too! Just lable it "giveaway")

3. Add my button anywhere on your blog

4. Blog/facebook/tweet about the giveaway! (one entry for each that you do! If you tweet dont forget to include @kittyvogt)

5. Purchase anything from my etsy with the code FOLLOWER for 15% off! (3 extra entries)

(thats a possible 9 entries total!!)

Thanks again to all of you for being so fantastic!!

The giveaway will be open for a week!

(today is also the last day for the earring giveaway on the right side of the blog- dont forget to enter!)

 

Wheatgrass Shots & Business Cards+Surprise!

Remember when I talked about my wheatgrass? Well it got really long...

...so I cut it....

....Juiced it and drank it!

And then washed it down with some cranberry juice.

What I learned was- it makes your house smell AWFUL. Like someone mowed the lawn into your face.

However it did make a great place to take a photo for these..... I got my new business cards in the mail!!!! HOW EXCITING!!

Want this card for yoursef? Click HERE for a custom made PDF just for you from our etsy- Only $7

Because I CANT WAIT to start sending them with my orders- the first person to comment on this- gets free shipping on my etsy! Just comment and I'll send you a code for it!

Bazinga

I have one, 30 minute joy in my entire week. Every Thursday at 7:00 my grandmother and I run (well I run- she carefully walks) downstairs, grab the remote and we watch The Big Bang Theory. Ah the joys of watching the socially awkward attempt to deal with everyday issues!

If you havent watched- give it a try. Hilarious!

Glass Magnets

This week I saw this great glass magnet tutorial over here at Two Girls Being Crafty - and I remembered doing these a while back in my freshman year of college, but theirs looked so cute that I decided to give it a try- (but with a few minor changes)

Instead I bought the little glass "gems" (as the dollar store calls it) They are about the size of a penny, are used for fishbowls and wedding centerpieces (seriously- I have no idea what else they are used for but the dollar store has an entire section for them)  and come in pack of a million. (actually they dont tell me how many are in there- but there are PLENTY)

I grabbed some scrapbooking paper- and a pen and started writing out words on the paper before mod podging them to the gems.

Fun right? Its hard to take pictures without the glare- but they look great!  I also thought it would make an AWESOME project for the fridge as a calendar (you know- 1 thru 31 and rearrange them for the months!) But I decided to wait on that one until  I have a bit more time.

Because I used smaller gems- they stay great with the sticky magnet strip I've had from a previous project (purchase it at any craft store- you wont even begin to use the entire roll!)

So the entire project cost me $1.07 (with tax) and I still have a million minus 12 gems left!

So there we have it! For the original tutorial from Two Girls Being Crafty- click here!

Also- feel free to keep linking on yesterdays link-up. Its open until tomorrow night- and I'd love to see more of your favorites from your own projects!!

{Link Up} Your favorites!

Since finals are coming up and I don't have as much time to craft- I wanted to try a link up! I'd LOVE to see all of your favorite crafts, tutorial, recipes, home makeovers- everything! I will have 4 WHOLE WEEKS of no classes coming up in May- and I want to have a whole list of all kinds of new things to try!

So here is where you come in! Link-Up a few of your favorite things you've done on your blog recently! Anything that you think I (and my other readers) would LOVE to try!

Simple as that! I'm looking forward to all your AWESOME projects! For every one of them I try- I'll make sure to post (and give you credit of course!)

Before & After

First time getting foils in my hair (I also learned "foil" really meant the same foil you use to wrap up your leftover turkey in...not just a slang term)

So I went from Sunday looking like this:

To last night like this:

And today like this:

Took this on my phone while running out the door to school, sorry!

Nothing drastic- but just enough to make it look nice and pretty for my friend's wedding in a few weeks! Also- no one warned me this process takes multiple hours!!! what?!

Sisters do as sisters should

So a little bit about me- I have one sister. We are 15 months apart and both just started graduate school this fall. We went to the same undegrad together (okay- I guess I technically "followed" her since I was two grades behind her) But we're pretty close! She works as an admission counselor AND is doing her masters in communications AND has a social life (more than I can say!). Impressive, yes.

This is alex

Even though I may sound super biased- she is super pretty. And thankfully she let me take a few photos of her this weekend to help with my portfolio.

She calls them her "quarter life crisis photos" since she will be turning 25 in May! Yipes!

Anyway, just wanted to say she is great. She is always supportive in everything I try (but is honest and tells me when I've missed the mark) She does my hair whenever I need to dress up, and makeup ( I don't know how to do either) Oh, and she tells me when I need to dye my hair before being in a wedding. I'm one of those people that never realizes things like that needs to be done. And she is smart. Even if she did break the head off my barbie when I was little- what older sister didnt do that?!

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Also- I had such AMAZING responses about the lightbult vase- I will put up a better tutorial once another burns out!

Go Green!

Women in my family love flowers and plants. However, I managed NOT to inherit the green thumb. Well I can't say I've tried much, the only thing I've tried to grow was a venus fly trap this year (which molded) and columbine flowers on the balcony of my apartment (which I was later informed was not the season, and also molded).
So when I decided to grow wheatgrass last week- I didn't have high hopes. Speaking of "high" check out how high my wheatgrass is!

You're probably thinking "you're excited to grow grass?!" Yes. I am. So don't rain on my parade!

When I first googled how to grow wheatgrass- the site told me about how a lady that had been growing plants all her life- tried wheatgrass and it took her months to get the hang of it. Therefore, I was less than inspired.

But thanks to this AWESOME blog post at Keep It Simple, Sister about wheatgrass centerpieces....I learned:

1. I didn't have to buy a tray to plant it in

2. I didn't have to buy soil

3. And it was SO EASY!

I purchased some seeds. Decided to uses the top of an old-school tupperware container that had ridges (so the water wouldn't sit and mold....like all the other times!) and just a few paper towels and I was good to go!

Oh, allow me to also mention. Don't set wet things on wood tables. Yes, I did ruin my grandmothers wood table because I didn't know coasters were not just for decoration. If there is a secret trick to fixing that- I would LOVE to know.

On the topic of green- did you see my newest etsy addition? My light bulb burnt out today- and I just HAD to try this!!

So fun right?! New favorite project!!!

Very easy- grab some pliers- and be VERY careful! Do it over a trashcan (outside....NOT over your bed. whoops) basically rip, smash, and dump the inards out- and you are good to go!
**due to popular request- full tutorial coming soon (next time a bulb burns out!) **