Spice Jars

I hate the mismatched look of a ton of spices, but can't afford a bunch of jars to transplant them to right now. Plus, some would be too big, or too small for some spices. THis is a great way to get a uniform look for free thanks to Craft Leftovers, who made these templates, you can go to her blog and print 'em off. I think I will take a slightly simpler rout and just tape white paper around mine with the info (no illustrations for me). Yay for cheap practical design solutions!
(found via The Kitchn)

Non-working fireplace

We just signed the contract for our new rental. The most disappointing part of the meeting was finding out that the fireplace isn't working (or if it is we aren't allowed to use it because of insurance). I was utterly gutted to hear that. No weenie and marshmallow roasts in the living room. So I've been looking for ideas for the fireplace.

There's always the candle idea. Couldn't find a good picture of one. Seems kinda boring to me.

I love art objects being displayed inside. Especially coral. Look at that 3rd picture! The red coral looks just like fire!

Picture 4 shows crystal. I don't like this one, but it could be done better and work out very nicely.

Picture 5 is a log rapped up in lights. I love this one, but it seems a little Christmasy.

Picture 6 is my absolute favorite. I love the neatly stacked up logs. I have wanted a fireplace just to have the stacked up logs next to it in my dream home. I could just do so in my non-working fireplace now. This is a cool modern/rustic solution I've been ripping out of magazines for a few years now.






Images from: 1- mabelle, 2- gogoabigail, 3-4 domino mag, 5-6 Apartment Therapy,

Runners Itch

I get itchy in my fatty areas when I run once in a while, and it's always perplexed me. My dad told me once that it was my body creating new veins/arteries. I felt it today again, so I thought I would google it and I am SHOCKED at the amount of responses that have no clue. Most blame it on sweat, work out clothes, detergent, or even allergies. Allergic to exercise? Luckily there is some valid information out there and I think everyone should know that my dad was right. It basically just means you've been too dang lazy for too dang long, so keep working out regularly and it will go away. This jogger had a good description:

It usually occurs during exercise performed after a long period of inactivity. The itching is not on the skin, it’s inside the actual limbs. There are millions of tiny capillaries and arteries inside our muscles which expand rapidly due to the demand for more blood that is brought on by exercise. When fit, these capillaries remain open allowing maximum blood passage, but when unfit and inactive they tend to collapse, allowing only minimal blood passage (which is sufficient for a sedentary person however). The rapid expansion of these vessels causes adjacent nerves to send impulses back to the brain which are interpreted as an itch. That’s why after a few sessions the sensation tends to go away. Just another indication of increasing fitness levels.

Small Kitchen

We are moving into an old house in Provo soon, and I'm sooooo excited. It's really a house made into 5 apartments, very old, very small, but we have lots of storage for how small it is. The room I know I'm going to struggle with storage the most in is the KITCHEN though. I found these cute open storage ideas for small kitchens on apartment therapy today. Check it.

Nursery's

These are some of my favorite nursery pictures I've found online recently. I'm so excited to move into our new apartment so I can decorate!

Update

WOW, it's been a while (Halloween? That feels like a century ago.)

Blogs are for fun, (at least this one) so I'm not feeling guilty. Plus I've been writing in my journal often. And man, have I had a lot to write about!

Here's what I've been up to:

1. My first craft show! The Beehive Bazaar is one of the best craft fairs in Utah, and I'm happy I got to be a part of it this year. I did very well for myself too! I made planners, notebooks, and vinyl record bowls. Next time I hope to add my magnets and magnet boards. I'm slacking on the Etsy store though (see side bar) Pictures coming soon.
2. Thanksgiving. I made the sweet potatoes using a recipe from Williams-Sonoma, (which I cannot find on their website to link to), that is absolutely divine. I liked it better than the pumpkin pie! I'll add it to Our Family's Favorites, along with others, soon!
3. Christmas in Idaho. We to to go to Idaho to see my family for Christmas. It was the best Christmas I've had since I was a kid because we were ALL there. I felt like I got to know my family better (especially my sister-in-laws) and we just had a great time. We went sledding at the sand dunes for Christmas Eve, then had dinner at Kevin and Mandie's. (She makes the best egg drop soup....silky ribbons of eggs, HOW!?!) And then Kevin narrated the nativity as we all played parts (including his kids) just like when we were kids. Then Christmas was at Mom and Dad's. I miss them all already.
4. I'm pregnant! Starting my 10th week now. This is probably the biggest reason I've stopped blogging. Too busy sleeping, reading, journal writing and looking at cute nurseries online (in future posts to come) I'm probably due August 10th-12th. No Visit to the Dr. yet though. More news after January 29th.
5. ABS Diet. Jake started the abs diet, and I thought it would be good and healthy for me as well. We've been exercising regularly and cooking more often. I like my food better ON this diet than I did OFF. Probably has to do with making a conscious effort to prepare a meal. I recently had the best chicken I've ever had in my life (again, I'll add this to Our Family's Favorites very soon)
6. Looking for an apartment. And the good new is we may have found the one! It's only a block from Muse Music Cafe too! Cheaper than our last 1 bedroom apartment, and larger with 2 bedrooms. Hopefully it works out.