Day 49 - Hey friends. How are you doing today? Did anyone ask today how you were doing? Did anyone reach out today to say how is it going? How are you feeling? Is your day ok?

After the last 4 weeks of fighting a virus, there were a few moments when friends stopped their busy schedules and dropped off a helpful gift to sooth my achey self. Others called or texted to check-in. It was very gracious of them and I am indebted to their kindness. Their gifts and messages were thoughtful. Their thoughtfulness got me to thinking. What have I done lately to help others? What can I do in the future especially friends that are having a rough go?

These questions bring me to today's project. Create or gather supplies to make a few pre-made "DIY Take Care" gifts. These pots-of-care can be made ahead of time, and placed in a closet ready for when a friend needs a boost. These DIY gifts are easy, fast and so pretty. Who wouldn't want to soak in a warm, eucalyptus or lavender bath after a hard day? Yes, even you men!

Supplies Needed: 

{This post contains affiliate links}

• Epsom Bath Salts 
• Eucalyptus or Lavender Oil {affiliate}
•  Containers - Pink glass container found in the $1 bin at Target.  Find similar clear containers here {affiliate}
• Ribbon, twine or string {affiliate}
• A hand written note & soak directions - tag print out here

Directions: Add a few tablespoons of epsom salts to the container. Sprinkle with the selected oil and then keep alternating salts/oil till the top of the container. Add a special note and the soak directions on the inside of the bottle and seal with the lid. Add any decorative touches such as ribbon or twine. Done!

Ahhhh!

What do you think? Is this a gift you like to receive if you were feeling the blah blahs? 

Day 46 - Happy Monday! Who also hates Mondays? Meeeee! Who there right mind likes Mondays? They are so full of stress! Whew. Now that I have that off my chest, let's talk about what is great about Mondays. They can be full of intention.

Which brings me to the project for today. We are going create a drawing with intention. Here are the supplies you will need:

• 1 sheet or pad of paper. Use computer or drawing paper. 
• A timer of some sort. You can use your phone if it's handy.
• Pen, pencil, crayon or marker.
• Something to draw. Anything.

Now, you have all your supplies. Get comfortable with the paper and pen ready. Look at your object. Don't draw yet. Just look. Decide what part of your object you want to draw. 

Pick just one part of the object to draw. Start your timer & stare for 2 min. Look at the way the lines move, the texture and the light.

At the 8 min mark start to draw with intention. Follow the lines very closely. Just draw the outlines.

Keep drawing, adding detail and proceed with intention. So serious!

Keep Focused.

Done! Writing instruments down. What did you think? Was it hard to focus? How was drawing with intention?

Day 44 - Wow. Well, folks. Let me just start by saying that creating a perfect cup of french press coffee is WAY more complicated than it seems. So forgive me when I say, what was I thinking? There are the right beans, equipment, temp, coffee mug and ratios. The beans apparently need to be blessed by the coffee gods and a biscotti left at their feet as a token of devotion. Let me emphasize this is a true art form. Coffee alive!

The Beans.

Today's project is gather your supplies for tomorrow to create the perfect cup of joe. Here is a list of all the equipment you are going to need:

• 1 bag of whole bean coffee that suits your taste. 
• French Press. VonShef 6 Cup French Press. (affiliate link)
• Burr Grinder. Capresso 560. (affiliate link)
• Electric kettle or a stove top kettle. Cuisinart CPK-17 electric kettle. (affiliate link)
• Thermometer (optional)
• Long spoon

Step 1: Decide Ratio of Water & Coffee for French Press (Note that coffee beans are measured before grinding.) 

Step 2: Measure & Grind. Grind the beans on the course setting in the burr grinder. The grind should be rough and corse but even. Place grounds into the french press.

The Grounds Are In There...Somewhere.

Step 3: Heat the cold water to a 195 degrees.

Step 4: Set a timer for 4 minutes then add the water slowly over the grounds. 

Step 5: 10 seconds before the timer goes off, break the top layer of grounds and bloom with a spoon.

Step 6: Place the plunger on top and press down slowly. 

Step 8: Serve & drink immediately. 

There It Is The Perfect Cup! Hope My Valentine Likes It Because What A Pain In the Rear.

Whew. Maybe it would have been easier just to go out for coffee? 

Day 43 - Hey! It's Friday. Hooray! What is a better way to celebrate the weekend and kick off Valentine's festivities than to make a plan to serve donuts and a great pot of joe on Valentines Day?  Who would love to wake up on Valentine's Day to homemade, warm, sugary heart shaped donuts that only take 15 min to make? Me! Me! Me! Oh wait. I am suppose to be making them for my Valentine. I was hypnotized by the smell of frying dough.

Get Ready For Some Super Duper Donuts.

This idea blossomed from thinking about what my lover loves. He has two vices: donuts & coffee. That man has never met a cup of joe or a donut that he didn't want to marry. He's addicted to both. So in the pursuit of making him a happy Valentine, I have researched the best homemade donuts and instructions on how to make the best french press coffee. 

Today's project is to create a shopping list of things you will need to make the most amazing, warm, sugary donuts on Valentine's Day.  I'll also give you the recipe so you can look it over and drool over the photos. Tomorrow's post will be about the perfect cup of joe so stay tuned.

A Nice Bath Of Cinnamon & Sugar. I'm Going To Try Powdered Sugar Next Time.

Back to the donuts. Here is the shopping list & recipe:

Directions for 15 Minute Donuts (Adapted from Cooking Classy)

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp melted butter
• 2 cups canola oil, for frying
• Granulated sugar, cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, for coating
• small heart shaped cookie cutter

Preheat oil over medium heat in a 10 inch non-stick fry-pan (keeping an eye on it as it is heating). In a small mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk, buttermilk, sugar and melted butter. Using a fork stir in dry ingredients and mix just until combine (think of making biscuit dough, you just want to incorporate the ingredients). 

Once the oil has reached 350 degrees, remove your dough from the bowl and place on a gently floured work surface roll out your dough into a rectangle. (gently roll to keep the dough fluffy, think of rolling something really fragile. Again this is like a biscuit dough you don't want to overwork it). Using the heart shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible. Set the hearts on a plate and re-roll the dough to cut out more hearts. Is there any left over dough after the 2nd time of rolling? Discard.

Gently place dough hearts into oil and fry until golden brown on bottom then flip and cook reverse side until golden brown. Carefully remove with metal tongs or a fork and drain onto a paper towel lined plate. Roll in sugar. Repeat this process with remaining dough (you can fit about 8 heart donuts in the pan at once if you can work that fast. Note: these are best enjoyed the day they are made.

Gentle With This Dough. Not Too Much Mixing.

Gentle!

I Heart Donuts.

Making Swedish Chef Noises.

Taking A Nice Warm Bath.

Whew. Sweaty.

Ta Da! Done! Yum. 

What do you think? Will you create some warm, buttery donuts for your Valentine? Was it easy? Tomorrow we tackle the coffee!

Day 42 - Hey There. I'm back from resting after the universe's worst virus. When I was curled up, in bed, under a million covers, I was thinking about Valentine's day. The day filled with candy hearts and romantic gestures is a few days away and this got me to thinking about Valentine's cards. Which got me thinking about love letters. Love letters seem to be a dying breed like newspapers and mixed tapes. 

When was the last time you wrote a love letter? There is something so special about a love letter versus a card right? You know Napoleon Bonaparte wrote as many as 75,000 letters to his wife Josephine. Let's break apart one of his love letters to see if he covers off on the 5 main points of a love letter provided by LDR magazine:

Well, he's clearly very in love with Josephine. A little too smothering for me but the love letter is on point for a sappy note. That brings me to today's project. Write a love letter. Pick someone you love and send them some prose based on the above 5 points. The letter doesn't need to be for a lover, it can be for your kids, your dog or anything you love. I picked up this beautiful paper at Paper Source. It's Medioevalis Fine Italian Stationery and it was hard to find but it is perfect for love letters. 

Now, I'm going to work on my letters. How about you? Are you going to trade your Valentine's card for a love letter? Do you have enough information to make them swoon? 

Day 40 - Cough. Cough. Cough. Sniffle. Sniffle Sniffle. Oh hey. It's been 3 weeks battling a virus and today my body said enough is enough. Because of this, today's project is going to be short and sweet. 

Today, create surrender. Wave your white flag. Make this day about putting everything on hold that should be done and take care of yourself. Drink an extra glass of water, go for a short walk or eat vegetables. If you are sick, climb into bed and rest. That's it for today. There will be more tomorrow. Promise. 

Day 39 - Hi. After the Groundhog granted us an early spring, I thought it might be fun to go out and soak up some sunshine. Has anyone heard of SunPrint (affiliate link) paper? It's a super neato sun sensitive paper that creates outlines once it sits in the sunshine for a few minutes. It's a great lesson in thinking about and creating patterns. 

Hello Sunshine. Hello Neato Paper.

Today's project is to pick up some SunPrint (affiliate link) paper, a few objects and experiment. Try big objects and small objects. If you don't have time to pick up SunPrint (affiliate link) paper, take your LBNB and trace shadows of objects in the sunlight. The most important point about today's project is to get outside and soak up the sunshine. That's it for today! Oh, are we not all glad spring has sprung?

Found Objects.

The Sun Is Neato.

Day 38 - Hello Lovers. Alright. We have a few days to get our lips ready for smoochie woochie day or in other words Valentine's day. How do you get the the lips ready? What do we need to do to make sure they are very smoochable? I hear you saying right now, Andra, what does this have to do with creating?

Testing The Lip Stain. I Went Crazy. 

Well, creating extends to person style or self expression of the self. Which extends itself to expressing your love and hey who doesn't want express themselves with a very special kiss on Valentines Day? We all say, Me! Me! Me! 

Lip Tip. If You Wear Red Lip Stain, Line Your Lips First And Start With Lip Balm Which I Forgot to Photograph. You Are Welcome.

When it comes to personal style and Valentine's day, isn't a bold red lip classic and sexy? To prep for this post, I sampled over 10+ different lip stains across low to high brands. Revlon, E.L.F., Sephora, Benefit, L'oreal, NYX, Stila and Josie Marin were just a few sampled. I looked at reviews across retailers and consulted with make-up artists. I was looking for the right texture, moisture, longevity and color. I also kissed a few gentlemen. Hey, it was a tough job but someone had to do it. Insert flirty wink here.

The Perfect Red Lip Stain.

Anyway, there was one clear winner. Don't hate me when I tell you it as the YSL ROURGE PUR COUTURE VERNIS À LÈVRES POP WATER glossy stain 201 in Dewy Red.I'm telling you I am not a fancy pants girl. I prefer cheap lip balm but if I was going to be kissing my Valentine this YSL gloss stain couldn't be beat. It was moisturizing, long wearing and the color was perfect. 

Pucker Up Valentine.

Well, there you have it cupids. Now, go create your best Valentine's Day lips and get your kiss on! And for goodness sakes, please don't kiss and tell.

Day 38 - Super Fans! Are you ready for the Super Bowl? America's #1 day full of the best guacamole, beer and the most expensive, not to mention the most creative commercials of the whole year. The average cost of a Super Bowl commercial last year was 5 million dollars for 30 seconds of air time. That is a whopping $166,666 a second. Gulp.

This brings me to a question for you. If you wear a t-shirt today advertising your reason for watching the super bowl, what would it say? Today's project is to think up a phrase you would iron on your shirt. Write it down in your LBNB (affiliate link). If you have time between bites of hot wings and Budweiser, maybe sketch up how your shirt would look. Think of the color, the text and any images that would appear on the shirt. Here are some ideas:

How Much Can We Charge Per T-Shirt?

What do you think? You have a mouth full of nachos? Ok. I'll check in with you tomorrow. Happy Super Bowl folks!

Day 37 - Oooo. Hello. Hello. Hello. Happy Saturday. Now this week is done, perhaps we have a little time today to whip up something sparkly? Man do I love sparkles and things that are shiny. Maybe I am part raccoon because I could just stare at glitter for hours. Now, I know some of your are cringing. You are thinking who in there right mind would open a bottle of glitter. It's like opening Pandora's box. It gets everywhere and into everything. It is known as the she-devil of the crafting world. Sorry haters. I am starting a PR campaign. "Glitter: The Party Girl Of The Crafting World" because who doesn't need to party? 

The Party Girl.

The Best Dang Glitter.

Now that we have weirdly discussed glitter's role in modern society, let's get started on today's project. We will be creating a super festive Valentine's Day banner. Who wouldn't want this banner greeting them Valentine's Day morning? Besides, we just can't say the phrase "i love you?" enough right?  So let's get to work.

So Pretty.

The supply list is below and here are the steps:

1. Print this banner (printable here) to your color printer on 6 sheets of card stock.
2. Place a drop cloth or newsprint paper down on your work space.
3. Cut the flags with the scissors on the printed lines. You can use an exacto blade, cutting mat and ruler if you want the flags to be precise. Use caution when cutting.
4. Use the hole punch and punch one hole in the top left and right of each flag.
5. Open the glue and place a pea sized amount of glue on the paint brush. Pick one pink letter. Paint the pink part of the letters with the glue and spread evenly. Work quickly.
6. Sprinkle the Kunzite extra fine & tinsel glitter on the glue. Use LOTS of glitter. Let sit for 5 min and then gently tap off the excess glitter.
7.  Repeat with the other letters. Then move to the red hearts and repeat the process with the Carnelian & Garnet Glitters. 
8. Let dry.
9. Using your bakers twine, place the twine end into the front hole of the first heart and string around the back. String the twine out the front of the left hole. Now, repeat inserting the twine with the pink letters starting with the "u." Complete the letters and then string on the last heart.

Here are all the supplies you will need: 6 Sheets of Card Stock, Small Paint Brush, Scissors, Elmer's® Glue-All, Paper Punch, Bakers Twine, Martha Stewart Carnelian Red Extra Fine, Martha Stewart Kunzite Pink Extra Fine Glitter, Martha Stewart Garnet Red Tinsel Glitter and Martha Stewart Kunzite Tinsel Glitter (affiliate links). In other words, lots of glitter. 

The Finished Product. Now, Who Can Say Glitter Is A She-Devil?

Day 36 - Hey. Do you ever find yourself questioning if there is a right or wrong way of doing everything? At times we all have serious doubts if we are making the right decisions. For example, take today. It seemed like no matter what decision made today, it seemed wrong. It didn't fit. It was a day in between other days. The decisions being made were between other decisions. It was confusing. Nothing felt right. The day didn't seem concrete but fuzzy. Blurry.

Which brings me to todays project. Take a selfie. Study it. Your hair. Your face. The background. 

Oh Boy. It's The End Of The Day. Why Did I Decide To Take A Photo Now? Maybe I should get some sleep. Yikes.

Then take another selfie but as you take the photo, move all around so the photo is fuzzy.

This Is Kinda Neat. No Blurring Powder Needed. Perfect. 

Isn't it amazing how creating two similar photos can bring different reactions. For me the two photos brought up very black & white emotions. When I see the first photo, I cringe in judgement and doubt. I become hyper critical. When I see the second photo, the blurry option, it brings a sense of curiosity because it isn't concrete. Hum, it's interesting how this can project can create a new perspective. How about you? What did the blurred lines create for you?

Day 35 - Hey There! Oh gosh. Are you feeling the winter blues? The winter blues can be brutal. Trust me when I say I understand.

So Fresh & Pretty.

I use to live in the Midwest when the time between February and April can be bitter. The cold can blow strong for months. The thought of two MORE months of grey skies, frosty winds and stomping through dirty snow was just eye popping Apocalyptic. The grey and bitter would drive me to the grocery store where I would buy a bunch of fresh cut flowers. Seeing the flowers nestled warming on the kitchen table would brighten any dark frosty mood. 

Grocery Store Flowers. 

Okeedoke, well, with that long depressing story off my chest, let's get down to today's project. March right over in your snow boots or galoshes to the local florist, grocery store or Costco and pick up a few bunches of fresh cut flowers. Pick the bunches that are one kind of flower in bunch. For an example, one bunch of tulips and one bunch of spray roses. In other words, avoid the pre-arranged flowers. When you pick the flowers, think about colors, texture and height. How will they all work together? What vessel do you have at home to fit the arrangement?

Vase Options. 

Then go home, cut each stem and get creative. Here are two simple tips to insure a long lasting and beautiful bouquet:

1. Cut the stem at a 45 degree angle.
2. The tallest flowers in an arrangement must equal the vase's height plus 1 1/2 times the vase's height.

This is a great design lesson on mixing colors, texture and composition and did I mention so fun! When done, you will have a beautiful, joyful arrangement. Did I mention someone might be curiously jealous and ask "Hey, who sent you flowers?" Now that is Flower Power!

Flower Power.

Day 34 - Hey Cupids. Valentines Day is getting close. Is there a better way to show your Valentine your unbridled love than through music? Insert flirty wink here.

With music and Valentine's day on the brain, today's project is to create a super cool Valentine portable speaker from a few @Starbucks cups from your coffee run today. Remember the movie Say Anything (affiliate link) from 1989? If you haven't watched the movie, or it's been a decade, it's about dreamy teenage love at it's best. Oh, John Cusack. Sigh.

To get inspired on how romantic portable speakers can be, check out the sound on this video and watch Say Anything (affiliate link).

Sweet right?

Now let's get down to making today's project. If @Starbucks cups have been saved, then the hard part is done. Make note that any paper or plastic cup can be used. It doesn't need to be @Starbucks but the @Starbucks logo on the large plastic cups just happens to be the size of the paper towel roll which will be inserted into the cup. When you use the @Starbucks cups, cutting the correct size hole then becomes easier. Here are the other supplies needed for the speaker and the directions. Get ready to pump up the volume. Happy creating!

All The Supplies You Will Need To Make Your Valentine Say Anything: paper towel roll, tape, scissors,  sheet of decorative paper or printer paper, a smart phone, 2 disposable cups, a Sharpie® pen and sticker glitter hearts. 

Pump Up the Jam For Your Valentine.

Day 33 - Groundhogs listen up. It's time for spring so don't get any ideas about scurrying back into that cave. Hey, embrace your shadows and welcome in the daffodils. 

That brings be to todays project. We are going to embrace shadows by pulling out your LBNB and a pen. Set the notebook down and open the pages flat. In a place with strong light, pick a small object that is lying around. For some reason, I have a small red kangaroo figurine on my desk. Where do these things come from?

Now take the object and hold it over the page about one (1) inch away from the paper. Look at the object's shadow and trace it 10 times. In the spirit of Groundhog Day (affiliate link) the movie, repeat 10 more times until you feel it's right. Neato hu? Now, as Bill Murray stated in Groundhog Day (affiliate link) "Don't drive angry." or in case of this blog "Don't draw angry." Ha. Happy Groundhog Day!

Day 32 - Oh boy. Monday. It seems like Monday's around here have been a little rocky. Today, we had to stay inside most of the day due to another round of cooties. How can you be creative when you are trying to be Florence Nightingale and manage all other aspects of life?

Here is my solution. Bake something. Especially something with chocolate. What goes better with a dish of stress than a side of chocolate? Hello emotional eating! However, today's project isn't about chocolate. Sorry, I get side tracked when I think about the Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter cups just sitting in my freezer. See I did it again! So, sorry.

"Two Lovers"

Today's project is to present one meal or a dish in a new or different way. Do I hear someone saying with a furrowed brow "Oh, I don't cook or I don't have time to bake today. I'm going to sit this one out." If you eat you can do this project. All you need to do is arrange the food purchased or cooked in a new and unexpected way. Make your morning bowl of oatmeal into Darth Vader, sing the meatball song while you eat your spaghetti or create a modern dance while you eat your pudding. The goal here is to have fun and realize there is always time to create. 

As you can see below, I took inspiration from Jackson Pollock and created a "Choco Pollock." A still life about my one true love. Sorry hubby.

"Choco Pollack" or "Chocoholic"