Friday, November 7, 2014

Fist Bump for Friday!

Reading: This week I found an awesome magazine about coffee! I read a little of it and put it back on the stand. I am slightly obsessed with its cuteness so I'm going back to buy it!! 

 
Dreaming: Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday out of the entire year. I found this wreath on Pinterest and can't get it out of my mind! I'm going to have to make one. I've also been thinking about painting some pine cones for garland!!  


Thinking: I LOVE this haircut! I have been really thinking about getting a good hair trim. I've even scheduled an appointment for next week! We'll see if I really do it or not!! Eek! 
Cooking: Mr. Hubs and I made some homemade marshmallows this week for a friends get-together night. We are so excited about how they turned out! And they were super easy! I found the recipe on Yummly. 

Fist Bump! 
Have a happy Weenend!! 

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Whoa, Its November!


Ralph and the Great Pumpkin! 
How in the world is it November already??? This year has flown by so fast. I have missed blogging so much, although I have enjoyed my break spending some much needed time learning how to be a wife, homemaker, and balancing life. I haven't come close to perfecting any of that but I live in the grace of God and the love of my sweet husband.

I will post soon about our whimsical wedding! It was really the most perfect day!






So, in other news, we had a freezing weekend here on the East Coast. Im talking record chills for this time of year! But never fear Soup Season is HERE!! I found this delicious recipe on the Yummly app (which I must say is the best app) for Pilgrim Stew!
The recipe was provided by Wholehearted Eats .










I have been hard at work finding an awesome coffee cozy pattern that I love! I use one of these cuties everyday but I love experimenting with new patterns. Right now I am super in love with the pocket on the pink cozy! Let me know what you think? And for those who are interested I sell them HERE on my shop.  







I hope ya'll have a wonderful week!! 

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Shop Opening!

The Modest Trunk store is now open! 



I can not even explain how excited I am to finally open this store! It has been my dream for so long but like most things school, life, wedding, etc. just got in the way. I am currently making lots of spring colored goodies to go on the store in March!

Let me know what you think, and I am more than willing to accept as much advice as I can get!

Blessings!

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Woven Together | Beginner Resources

We live in a world of mass resources and sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to find a teaching book that will work for you. So let me show you some books that I have tried and liked.

 1. I Taught Myself to Crochet
This was the first crocheting book I ever bought. I love this book because it comes with six hooks, darning needles, and some small goodies that I normally wouldn't bother buying but that are really good to have. This book also has some wonderful easy projects and most importantly it teaches you how to read patterns. 

2. How to Crochet
For all you reading learners, this is your book. Although this book lacks bright colored pictures and fun diagrams, it has simple easy to follow guides that will make your learning a success!
Get it here! 



3. I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting! DVD
I love love love this program. The book, DVD, and starter kit can all be sold separately but I would strongly suggest getting them all in the one kit! This program is easy to follow and great for working on techniques, and proper stitch structures. I highly recommend this one!
Get it here!

 4. Crocheting School; A Complete Course
I am a visual and hands-on learner and this book has been so useful for my learning styles. I love the beautiful pictures of yarn and the easy to follow patterns. This book is simply inspirational visually. Plus, who wouldn't want to learn to make that beautiful shell pattern on the front of the book??
Get it here!

5. How to Knit; A Complete Guide for Absolute Beginners
What an awesome title? I would highly recommend this book for the absolute beginner, and younger learners! The pictures are bright and the projects are fun and easy to follow! 

Get it here!

 6. Kids Knitting
Don't under estimate the ability of kids learning to knit! My little 11 year old brother loves to knit. He tried crocheting but knitting is his favorite. I can tell it has helped his fine motor skills, patience, and diligence in finishing a project to completion. I would also recommend it for kids who are managing some behavioral challenges! Knitting is a great brain stimulator!
Get it here!



7. Mason Dixon Knitting 
This book is probably my personal all time favorite knitting book. I have used the projects from the book for years now! The patterns are clear and have wonderful pictures. This is a great book.
Get it here!

8. Martha Stewart Loom Knitting
Honestly I have not tried this yet but it is on my bucket list of things to learn. The book seems to be clear and easy to follow. I plan is to try it soon! Let me know if you have tried it and how you feel about it. I love learning new yarn crafts! 
Get it here! 

Let me know what you think of these books and if you have used them before. What are some of your favorite yarn craft books? How did you learn, and what type of learning styles works best for you? 
Happy yarning and I hope you are all staying warm in this winter wonder weather! 










Monday, January 27, 2014

Modest Monday

The Art of the Tank-Top! 
I know that teenagers and young adults today love tank-tops. I am a super fan of them! They help cover any unwanted cleavage and when bending over they can make sure your moon doesn’t appear! 

My favorite tank-top I have found is from Target. They have Mossimo tanks in great neutral colors. The tanks stay up in front and are long enough in the back for me! 
Find Tank HERE
Colors: White, Black, Grey! (my personal favorite)

The trick is to buy a large size that way it will be long enough.
If you aren’t a fan of shelf bra tank-tops, Walmart has a selection of single layered tanks. 

I wear a tank-top everyday just for personal comfort and coverage. I would suggest wearing a tank with button up shirts, sheer tops, short tops, comfy sweaters, sweater dreses, and even low cut sun-dresses. There are plenty of tanks that have lacy tops and bottoms on them to make them appropriate with every kind of outfit. In the summer I think a spaghetti strap tank looks super cute with a chunky strap tank! Also a tank always looks adorable under summer sun dresses, if you have the right style to match the dress! If all else fails go for neutral colors! Remember if the tank comes with a shelf bra you still need to wear a real bra (straps or no straps)! Staying modest in the summer is a must, but being confidence in who you are is always the best accessory! 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Woven Together | Beginning

Crocheting and Knitting

Crocheting has been apart of my life since I was 13 years old. It is sometimes hard for me to think of how I began. I love to crochet with a passion and I must admit knitting is not my greatest thrill although I do enjoy it. Im going back to think of what questions I had? What materials I questioned using? Where and how to find good deals on buying yarn? So I am hoping to give you the tools I used for learning how to crochet and knit. 

1. The differences between crocheting and knitting. 
- Crocheting uses one hook, and knitting requires two pointed needles. Hooks and knitting needles come in all different lengths and colors. 

2. What size hook or needles should I start with?
- For crocheting I would recommend a medium sized hook. Hooks are sized by letters and millimeters. So a size I / 5.50mm would be a good starting hook. 
Knitting needles are measured mostly by number. I used size 10 needles for my first knitting project and I felt good about my results. 
- On the yarn packaging there will be a chart for suggested hook and needle size.

3. What type of yarn to use? 
- When teaching how to crochet or knit I always, always recommend using a bright light color. This helps see the stitches better. I would also suggest a worsted weight yarn. Worsted weight is easy to hold, easy to see, and easy to work with. It doesn't tangle too bad and keeps its shape. Worsted is also one of the cheapest yarns you can buy, so your purse will be glad. 

4. How to get started?
- If you do not have a teacher or someone who can show you the ropes, there are many online resources you can use to learn how to crochet or knit. 

5. Search Youtube for many many many helpful videos on knitting and crocheting! 

If you have any questions, please fill free to comment! I hope this has been helpful. Let me know what you think? 


Blessings! 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Connemara Baked Custard

This weekend while I was catching up on some crocheting projects I decided to make some of these Connemara Baked Custards. They are perfect on cold and rainy afternoon! 




Baked Custard 
Beat with rotary beater:
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1/2 teaspoon salt
21 ounces milk (the richer the better, perferaly goat's milk) I have also used coconut milk and they turned out wonderful! 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Put a small amount of brown sugar in 4-5 oven proof custard cups or baking dish, pour in custard, sprinkle with nutmeg. Set the dishes or dish in a 2 1/2 in deep pan and pour cold water around them. Bake for 1:15 to 1:30 hours. Remove from water and cool. 

The recipe was adapted from the North Carolina Plantations and Historic Homes Cookbook. This particular version was giving by the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Happy Baking! 




Saturday, January 18, 2014

My Favorite Mid Evening Show

This is the pilot episode of the Mid Evening show. 

I hope you enjoy it! 

These guys are hilarious,

PS. Im engaged to that Tony guy ;) 



Sunday, January 5, 2014

Kevin's top 15 playlist of 2013

1. Eastern Leaves-Moving Mountains, (Ft. Into It. Over It.)
2. The Night Comes-Eisley
3. (Tie) ...And Then You Moved Away and Defeating Verbs-Lions 
4. Who We Are-Switchfoot
5. Traveler's Insurance-Their/They're/There
6. Cat Fantastic-TTNG
7. Everlasting Songs-Rising Fawn
8. Two of a Crime-Perma
9. Blues to Black-Owen 
10. Obsessive Compulsive Distraction-Into It. Over It.
11. Anytime-Anthony Green 
12. Hate To See Your Heart Break-Paramore
13. Sleeping By Myself-Pearl Jam
14. Nothing to Lose-Merriment  
15. Temple-Kings of Leon 

My brother is super duper awesome and he listens to some pretty cool music. I like to think he keeps me hip. So I hope you hear and enjoy this music. And I hope it inspires your winter to be bright and delightful! 

Five Free Father/Daughter Date Ideas For the Winter!

Moms, Dads, Do you ever think about taking your children on dates? Well if you have, GREAT, but if you haven't let me introduce you to the idea a minute. Children naturally long for their parents attention. I know I did, and they are eager to please. I know the concept of "Dating your child" might be a bit foreign, but once you start I don't think you will ever want to stop. A man dates a woman by listening and getting to know her, showing her stability, and developing trust all while panning for her heart and character.  I am a strong believer that parents should do this same thing with their children. Daughters need to know their daddy's are cherishing who they are, and son's need to know that they are respected by their mothers. Fathers and daughters, mothers and sons have unique relationships because a daughter will normally marry a man who resembles her father and a son will look for a woman who is similar to his mother. The responsibility of giving sons and daughters high expectations falls on the parents. 
In saying all this I listed below my top favorite free(ish) dates for fathers and daughters this winter season! 








Friday, January 3, 2014

Family Conversations :Travel

Family Conversation Print-out
I am so excited to introduce this idea to you all! I know in families it is growing increasingly difficult to create meaningful conversations. I have created this 10 question templet to help initiate conversation between parents and children. I used these questions with my family and it began an interesting and fun discussion. I hope these help you and your family during this winter season.

Blessings!