5K Turkey Run

 I am so proud of myself today! I ran a 5K race in 36 minutes and 10 seconds. This was my first race and though I didn’t practice as much as I wanted to, I think I did great. Running might be my new thing. Now, I can mark off running in a race on my list of “29 Before 30.”

DIY Pin-back Cupcake Toppers

This is the easiest cupcake topper tutorial ever!

Supplies: Pin-backs that match your occasion, tape, toothpicks, and of course cupcakes! 1. Grad a toothpick and tape it behind a pin-back button. 2. Now, insert topper into cupcake. The cool thing about using pin-backs as toppers is that your guests get two treats – the cupcake and a pin!

Dog Party

In September, I threw Belle her first (seven in dog years) birthday party.

It was suppose to be at the park but it was very windy that day and it was moved to my house instead. I made custom birthday invitations for her party. Click here to see the invitations.

Things I made to make her party a memorable one:

Balloons, hats, napkins, and plates that said, “Bitch Party” or “My Bitches,”

Dog trivia on Belle,

Peanut butter dog cupcakes,

Doggie goody bags for guests to take back to their dogs,

 Pin-back cupcake toppers,

 Mini Polaroid with photo holder for prizes,

Custom dog keychain party favors,

 And thank you cards with Belle’s signature (her paw print).

Belle and her guests had a great time. Belle even showed them the tricks she knows how to do. She got lots of toys and couldn’t decide which one to play with. She would pick one up then drop it to get another one. She looked extremely happy that I’m tempted to throw her another one.

I’ll be doing a DIY for doggie goody bags, pin-back cupcake toppers, and custom dog keychain souvenirs soon.

Have you ever thrown a party for your pet?

Pocket Pillow Project Complete

I always come up with these great creative ideas but I never have time to sit down and execute them. Well, I’ve had this idea for a pillow with pockets on the back made out of my old jeans and I finally got it done! I went over to my buddy’s Christi’s house from book club and she helped me make a pillow for my dad’s birthday, since I haven’t sewn in a very long time.

To make the pillow, I purchased a pillow form, fabric with printed tools on eBay, Velcro, my old denim jeans, and an iron on “Made with love by” tag. I got fabric with tools on it because my dad is a tool man, he can fix and make anything, and if he doesn’t know how to do it he teaches himself. I attached Velcro to the pillow in case it gets dirty, making it easy to remove from the pillow form to wash. I used the bottom legs of my jeans to make the pockets. I embroidered “tu guera” on the “Made with love by” tag, which means your white girl in Spanish. I drew a remote control using the back of a box and tucked it in the skinny pocket so he knows he can keep it there. No more, “Where is the remote control?” My hubby shipped my dad’s gift two days ago. I can’t wait to hear how much he loves his gift!

I had a blast making this pillow that I’m going to make a firefighter themed one for my hubby and a Day of the Dead one for myself for Christmas. When I read at night I can put my book in the big pocket and my cell in the little pocket instead of the floor, before I go to sleep.

Book Review: “A Stolen Life” by Jaycee Dugard

I just finished reading “A Stolen Life” by Jaycee Dugard. The book is a true story, a memoir, of Jaycee Dugard, who was taken at age eleven in 1991 and was raped, manipulated, and bore two children of her abductor. After eighteen years she was reunited with her family in 2009. I give the book three stars. It’s a difficult read in the beginning as Jaycee goes into detail on how her abductor, Phillip Garrido, rapes her. Obviously, we know that Jaycee returns home and that’s what motivated me to continue reading, waiting for the moment when she is finally free. Though, I felt she rushed describing the part when she was free from her abductors and I had to read that section twice. I did get upset with Jaycee as I read the book because I saw many opportunities when she could have escaped, but then again I had to remember that she was young when she was taken and manipulated by a sick man. This book left me feeling grateful for the freedom I have in my life. I will always think of Jaycee Dugard when I see a pinecone.

Day of the Dead Etsy Items Must Have

There are thousands Day of the Dead items on Etsy many that I absolutely love; here are a few of my favorites.

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Happy Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead also known as Dia de los Muertos in Spanish is a very significant holiday for me. I didn’t learn about this holiday from my mother who is from Guadalajara, Mexico, where they do celebrate Day of the Dead. I learn about it in college from my Latino History class and my Printmaking teacher, Joe Moran, who sadly passed away this year.

Day of the Dead is a celebration for the dead. It’s celebrating the life of our past loved ones and being happy that we had the pleasure to have them in our life. Every year I put up a Day of the Dead altar. Most of my decorations came from Guadalajara, Mexico. My mom bought them for me when she visited her hometown a few years ago. Putting up my altar is an emotional process for me. It reminds me of how much I miss my uncle, grandparents, and other important people that have influenced my life and reminds me of the memories we shared together. And, yes I do lots of crying. They’re tears of sadness and joy.

Happy Day of the Dead! Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

Who’s in your thoughts today on this special day?