Be Kind

Here we go! Positive thought of the week!


Going through my twitter I came across this article on Daily Cup of Yoga . The article opens with a quote from Aldous Huxley who was a famous author of novels, articles and Hollywood screenplays. He was asked at a lecture he was giving, "what is the most effective technique for transforming their life?" After all his years of research his answer was, "just be a little kinder."

I love that! The article goes on to say there are 3 ways that kindness changes your health and your own growth as a person.

1) Kindness Heals - being a positive person is healthy! When you are angry and hold grudges, you are putting a lot of effort into that festering feeling. You let those dark feelings build up and they continue to hold you down. When you learn to forgive and let go, your body also lets go of tension. Have you ever been angry at your boss for something and every day you came into work your stomach or head hurt immediately? Nothing those days went right? Everything you heard irritated you? Your stomach will eventually make you more than sick, maybe you'll end up with an ulcer. Stop letting things get to you. Once you learn to let things go your body will relax as well. Remember that everyone is human just like you.

2) Successful People are Kind - the article mentions that success isn't always about money. Success is different for different people. But those who have gone though miserable times and overcame them want to share that wealth of positivity and victory. The only example I can think of right now is an alcoholic who lost everything and through years of work staying sober, keeping a job, building relationships they lost, and having pride in what they of gained now see others who are struggling and want reach out to coach and be that person's sponsor. You can be a sponsor to someone. It's called being a mentor. Finding those who want to be where you are. Maybe you're financially sound or you've lost weight. That is success, Congratulations! There are those around you who are not where you are, they are struggling. Help those who need you in their life and see the greatness that will spread around you.

3)  Kindness Brings Meaning to Our Lives - it's true! By changing your every daily attitude, you'll be healthier. Mind and body. Then with your mind clear, you make decisions that are thought out and move you forward. Then you reach a mile stone in your life that shows you, you can do anything you set your mind to! After reaching one goal, your on to the next and someone near you is struggling and you take them along for the ride. They learn from you and your mistakes, your challenges, and your victories. They reach a goal of theirs and they help someone who is around them. You may never be on television for your great deeds, but you will continue to grow as a person. And in turn you will see those around you grow. Those who don't always get along will see you different. They might not like you, but they will respect your drive, passion, and positive thinking.

So the positive thought for this week is to be nice to others, which will end up being a healthy choice that is pretty good to yourself. Don't let dark thoughts fester and keep you back from your potential. Be nice to those who you don't think deserve it as well as those who desperately need it. Once you start change your actions, those around you will see the difference and things will start to happen you never imagined.  

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Have a Sweeter Day Than Yesterday

Comfort Zones

Okay! It's time for another positive thought provoking blog from yours truly :)  

So I am not perfect. Hope ya'll know that. But I love to learn and I love to read about inspirational stories that kick me in the butt. Sometimes, just like everyone else, I let life get to me and I just have to look find that silver lining.

While recently talking to a friend who is having it rough, they mentioned struggling in making friends. I am in the same boat! When I moved here to Maine, I left my high school pals and my Ohio family behind. My husband and I moved up here for his work. So very often I feel very much alone. Also I work from home. My jobs requires a lot of emailing and answering the phone. So I also don't get out much. A little hard to make friends when you're at home 24/7. So one day I got fed up and where did I go to look for friends, craigslist of course. 

Really I was looking for some sort of craft show or event going on. So I was looking for maybe classes or knitting group that meets up every so often. While going through first events and then, artists and activities I happened to click on gigs for funzies. There I found a title for Background Extras Needed. And I thought I've always wanted to get into acting and I can stand in the background pretending to drink coffee! 

So I emailed a lil about myself and asked what they required of an extra. At the last minute I requested they email me something of their previous work so I had an idea of what I was getting into. They sent me the address and a youtube link that showed me their past work. I was super excited when y husband researched the address. The location was a sound studio in Portland, ME only 10 minutes away. Read Media Soundstage  I was so excited that is was a real studio and the youtube videos were professional looking. But I was also super nervous. I had never done anything like this before. No idea what to expect. But I just kept thinking if I didn't do it, then I would never know.

So Sunday morning happens. I am supposed to be a guest in a wedding and I'm not supposed to any flashy patterns or green, because they will be using a green screen while filming. All dressed up and on our way their I was super scared I wasn't going to make any friends and it was going to be awkward. We get there and I'm directed to a room that says Extras. My husband walks in with me to make sure I'm not going to be murdered and then he is off to work.

A picture of the actual room we filmed the wedding in. 

So from 9 AM to about 2 PM I was in a room with several others all dressed up for a wedding. The director, main cast, and camera crew didn't need us until almost 10 AM. So me and a group of strangers talked and ate donuts. Then we were asked to go into a room set on a white stage with a group of white chairs. We were instructed on what to do and then we heard the director shouted, "Quiet on set!" and a short pause and then "Action." It was amazing. The wedding wasn't what I thought it was going to be but the actors were great, the director was funny. And top of donuts we were given pizza. And the best part! I made friends! The bad part, my new friends live in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We got each other's information and one of my new found friends actually gave me a ride. 

So back to my friend and to anyone trying to find friends or just something to do, craigslist is not the answer! lol It might have some answers I suppose and it did somewhat work for me, but just tap into yourself and figure out your passion and hobbies. When you figure out what you're passionate about or even just curious about, GO FOR IT! Try it out. Look up classes, look up events, try something new. Nothing great ever came from sitting at home and waiting for life to come to you. Finding a friend usually takes time, but having something in common or seeing each other at the same events definitely helps. So I guess my advice to my dear friend and anyone out there reading this, get out of your comfort zone.

Thanks for reading!

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Have a Sweeter Day Than Yesterday!

Crochet Wire Necklace Tutorial

My bestie is getting married! Super excited for her, however, I won't be able to make the wedding. So my gift for her is a necklace to wear for her wedding as well as necklaces for her bridesmaids. I'm super excited to make them for her but it would have been nice to be there.   

Below are the steps I took to make the brides necklace. First thing you definitely need to know how to do is crochet a chain stitch, click here for a video tutorial. Also I will pride a list of supplies.  

1) Start by stringing the beads directly onto the spool of wire.
2) Before starting leave a really long tail, I left about 6 inches.
3) Begin your necklace by chaining several times. This will be the back of your necklace. 

4) To add the beads, move the bead up to the, yarn over the wire over your hook, then pull through just like a normal chain stitch. You can add the beads anyway you like. The necklace will be beautifully unique. 

5) When you are finished with the beads & coming to the end chain several times.
6) Remember to leave a decent length tail before cutting.
7) Make as many stands as you want. I usually make 3 strands. 

8) Gather all strands at the end and twist.
9) Braid or twist the strands all the way to the ends.
10) Use your wire tails to add the clasps or length. 

Supplies:

• 24 or 22 gauge wire  
• Beads   
• Needle nose pliers 
• Wire cutters 
• Metal crochet hook (plastic will end up getting ruined from wire

I hope this necklace inspires you to be creative with your gift making. Because the best gifts are those that are made with love. It's just fine to buy someone something. But for that person to know you took the time to create something just for them? Don't know about you but that sounds pretty meaningful to me. 

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Have a Sweeter Day 

Than 

Yesterday

Baby Blanket (free pattern)

So excited! I'm finally done with my baby blanket. I have a small addiction to pinterest. And while feeding my slight addiction, I found a blanket that had a super cute stitch I just had to try. Usually I have trouble reading patterns online but this one was pretty simple and super easy. So of course I was super excited. It's probably my favorite stitch right now. It's really simple once you get past the foundation it's a piece of cake. The finished product is a beautiful textured  look.

Now I didn't really plan to make a blanket. I originally just wanted to try the stitch out, but once I realized how crazy easy it was I couldn't help it. And of course I didn't have any one to make a blanket for, I just wanted to make something! Oh the woes of a avid crocheter.

The finished product:

I love this stitch. I can't say it enough. If you would like to try it out, it's a free pattern located on Sea Trail Grandmas Blog. Now if you notice, my blanket doesn't look like the one on the blog. I didn't follow the pattern, I just went with the stitch. My blanket is not only a rectangle but the border is also completely different. I wanted the border to be more boyish, because of the colors I chose to use. 

If you are not a pro crochet here are some things you'll need to know before you start this stitch. I have attached a couple of youtube videos that are feel are real easy to follow. 

• Chain  (tutorial)
• Slip Knot (tutorial)
• Double Crochet (tutorial)

Some other things I did differently:

• The yarn that I used was Bernat Sport Weight Solids   
• The size crochet hook I used was F or 3.75 mm  

If anyone has any questions, let me know. I am more than happy to help. :)

As always thanks for reading 

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Have a Sweeter Day Than Yesterday!