Book Review

I just finished reading Kisses from Katie, by Katie Davis and I LOVED it! It is amazing, honest, thought-provoking and eye-opening! I can guarentee you that when you read Kisses from Katie, you will find it hard to put down and you will be asking yourself if, in Katie's own words, "I want to give my life away, to serve the Lord with each breath!" whether that is serving on a mission field in Africa, or loving your little siblings at home! I don't have my life even close to figured out, but I do know that Kisses from Katie has shown me that it's not what my plans are that matters...it's God's perfect one! Of course, I already knew that, but it helps to put it into perspective when an "ordinary" girl, who is living a "normal" life, is willing to give up everything that is familer and comfortable, to go where God has called her and do what He has planned for her! Because God hasn't called us to live a comfortable, familer, life, He's called us to live a life that his filled with His Holy Spirit and love, and to spread that love to others! That is what I want!

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Basketball Hair Ribbon Tutorial

Maggie (almost 8) is playing on the UPWARD basketball league this year, so I thought it'd be fun to create some basketball hair ribbons for her and her team mates! Here's what I came up with! 

 OK, so first you need three different colors/designs of ribbon and a hair elastic (no metal parts). Here are the measurements:

One 16" strip of 7/8" grosgrain ribbon (light blue)

One 14 1/2" strip of 3/8" patterned ribbon (basketballs)

Two 16" strips of narrow grosgrain ribbon (dark blue) 

 Cut the ends of the light blue ribbon into points

 Then, lay out the ribbon as shown, with one narrow dark blue ribbon on each side of the basketballs ribbon.

Pinch the center of the ribbon and slide the hair elastic on and towards the middle.

 Tie the ribbon in a simple knot around the hair elastic, arranging the ribbon so that it faces up. Tie it again to make sure that it is secure. You could also glue a little decal or button on the knot.

 Carefully!!! Seal the ends of the ribbon with the flame from a lighter so that it doesn't fray.

 Voila! This is what it should look like!

If you have any questions about this tutorial, just leave me a comment and I'll try to help!

Fancy French Braids Updo!

This is a beautiful hairstyle for any special occasion! You can dress it up as I did, or you could "dress it down" for a more casual look! If you have any questions about this hairstyle, just leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

The finished look!

Ok, so first you brush the hair so that it is completely smooth, and part it on the side (you could part it in the middle but I like it on the side) and bring the part all the way down to the base of the neck. Also dampen it slightly with a spray bottle so that you can control the fly-aways!

Take all of the hair on one side of the part and pull it back into an elastic to keep it out of the way. Beginning at the forehead, french braid all the way back to the neck, keeping the braids on top of the head, not along the side (you could probably do it along the side, but I did the top).

When you have taken all of the hair from the head, continue braiding all the way down and fasten off with a small elastic. Repeat on the other side.

Cross the left section under the right braid and bring it around next to the french braid on the head.

Gently push the elastic and the hair at the end of the braid under one of the "bumps" on the braid and bobby pin it tightly to the head with one or two bobby pins.

Cross the right braid over, tuck the end under, and bobby pin in place.

This is what it should look like!

Embellish with a large flower or sparkly jewels!

A back view of the Fancy French Braids Updo!

Hannah and I!

Hi! It's been a really long time since I've posted anything but I just had to post this picture of me and my cousin! It was taken at another cousin's wedding and I just love it!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I know Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I just couldn't resist posting this recipe for these cute little turkey cupcakes! Go to:http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/turkey-cupcakes/e0455083-540d-49a0-97ef-79b2948e1a68 for the recipe! My didn't turn out exactly like hers because I didn't put the eyes on, but I think they're just as cute!!

Operation Christmas Child

This week is National Collection Week! Pack a shoe box full of toys, school and art supplies, etc. for boys and girls in poverty stricken countries! This is a great way to get ready for the Christmas season and is something that little kids love to help with!

To find out more about Operation Christmas Child go to: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ

Matthew 25: 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ~NIV~

Book review

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott

This is a great book! It's about a timid, orphan girl who lives on "the aunt-hill", with her multiple aunts, 7 boy cousins, and her uncle Alec! It's a sweet story about how the boy cousins end up rubbing off on Rose and in turn, she rubs off on them. Find out what happens when Rose faithfully nurses one of her cousins, when the whole group goes on a camping trip and more! Sorry, the picture is from Amazon hence the words on top! :)