Uplifting Quotes for Lent

Every year for Lent, I think of something to give up. In the past, I've given up chocolate, shopping, eating out (coffee is out of the question) and I usually don't to a stellar job. This year I decided I wanted to DO something. I want to spread joy and make it as easy on you to do something positive during lent. Each day I will send out an uplifting bible quote straight to your inbox. It will be short, sweet, and to the point with no personal side commentary. Let each quote inspire you to do good. 

*this form has closed, check back next year!*

Great Falls National Park and Riverbend State Park Hike

Date: February 2017
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Weather: 45 degrees Fahrenheit, partly cloudy and rainy
Photos were taken on my Samsung Galaxy S7
Shoes and raincoat: Merrell; Waterproof joggers: Athleta

Guided dirt trails make this hike easy and enjoyable. Because we went on a rainy day, we experienced a fairly empty trail. The path follows the Potomac River until it intercepts the falls in Great Falls National Park. It is free to park at Riverbend but it is approximately a one-mile walk to Great Falls (you can park at Great Falls but will have to pay park fees). There are three overlooks and my photos of the falls were taken at overlook number one. The man-made dam is located in Riverbend. On warm days, sometimes you can watch experienced kayakers maneuver the smaller falls. There is a more challenging Billy Goat trail on the Maryland side of the falls.

Ugly Dress Christmas Gift

This year I had the great idea to gift my mom an ugly mother-of-the-bride dress just to see what happens. Rae helped me out and discreetly video recorded her opening the gift. Her reaction says it all... I'm sure she won't be wearing it to my wedding! Enjoy!

A Very Merry DIY Christmas: Dog Biscuit+Ball Jar

The temperatures here are dropping and we are just a few weeks away from Christmas! If you're anything like my family, it can be hard to buy for everyone. But, if you know any dog lovers, anything you get for their beloved pups will be a welcomed gift. This is a quick and simple glass jar stuffed with goodies and toys. Fill it with items from around the house, small bones, treats, balls, clothing... whatever your heart desires. I used a paint pen in white with a small rounded tip to write the quote. I used fonts "Cheddar Jack" and "DK Yellow Sun" as guidance. 

Memory Foam Dog Bed for Crate

These dogs keep us busy and need a cozy spot to rest! We recently got a new memory foam mattress topper so decided to recycle the old one into new dog beds for their crates.

I used plywood, no rip utility fabric, fleece, memory foam, and a staple gun for this project.

 Measure the crate and cut the board, foam, and fabric to fit.

 Staple down the no rip fabric tightly to the board. This will hold the foam to the board.

 I cut a fleece blanket in half to cover two boards for both crates and stapled that down to finish it off. I didn't bother making the underside pretty because no one will see it (besides you, haha). 

She loves it already!

If you don't quite trust your dog in the crate if they aren't potty trained you could use waterproof fabric underneath and make the fleece similar to a pillowcase slip so it could be washed.