Sunday, December 9, 2012

Intentional

I was talking to my friend Danielle the other day about my 100 acts of kindness project.  She loves what I am doing, but we were talking about what "counts" and what doesn't.  We were trying to figure out what a "random" act of kindness was and couldn't really figure it out.  Does doing something nice for a friend count?  Or would it only count if it's someone I don't know?  What if I planned it out?  There were a lot of unanswered questions.

Please remember that the purpose of this project is for me and for the Lord.  I want to glorify Him by serving others.  Hebrews 13:16 speaks to this.  This project is not to make anyone think I am an awesome person or anything like that.  The reason I am posting it on here is to give others ideas on how to serve in small ways.  I found out about the project through blog posts like this, so I thought it may help someone else in the future.

Upon reflection, I've decided to change my project name.  The acts I am doing are not random at all, they are intentional.  I have created this project to intentionally serve people, not randomly do nice things.  Therefore, I'm changing the name to "100 intentional acts of kindness" to be completed whenever it happens.  No deadlines.  No stress.  Just serving.

Please pray that my intentions stay true to Him through this project and I never boast about what I am doing, but tell people with humility.  Also pray that I can tell others about Him in this process!

Thanks for all of your love and support!


Hot Chocolate

Date: December 7, 2012
Time: 5:15pm
Location: Carrier Library
Number: 6

Danielle and I were working on our Education finals in the library when we decided we needed to take a break and get something from Starbucks.  I didn't know if I actually wanted hot chocolate or not, but ordered it anyway and decided just to give it to someone that was studying.  I saw one of my sorority sisters working on something.  I decided that would be the perfect person to give it to.  I didn't know her very well.  There are 182 of us and getting to know that many people in a short three months is too hard.

I went up to her and let her know that I bought it for her.  She was confused as to why I would buy it for her, but I just explained what I was doing and she was happy to take it and thanked me.  She even posted a picture on Facebook.

Giving coffee has been my favorite act of kindness so far.  Everyone is so surprised when I ask to buy it for them or give it to them.  It is an awesome chance to talk about God, but I haven't taken it so far.  I guess for me it is a scary thing to do.  I'm afraid of rejection, but I need to get over it.  God put this project on my heart, so I need to glorify Him as much as possible through it.  Pray for courage that I can talk about Him when working for Him.

Here are some photos of the hot cocoa!

This is the one Paige took and posted on Facebook!



Housekeeping

Date: December 6, 2012
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Chappelear Hall
Number: 5

I have always made an effort to say, "Thank you" to the housekeepers at JMU.  They do a lot to keep our campus clean.  The ladies in my dorm are very sweet and always tell us to have a nice day.  I appreciate that!  It is nice knowing that they really do care about us as people as much as we care about them.  Unfortunately, they don't get a lot of credit.  As bad as it sounds, we sort of expect them to keep the bathrooms and hallways clean in the dorm.

I was working on a paper and somehow came up with the idea to write them a note.  You can see the note below, but I wanted to thank them for what they do and make sure they know they're appreciated. It was nice to know that all but one of the kisses I left was still there the next morning.  I love the honesty of JMU.  It may sound crazy, but when getting food most people leave their wallets at the table to save their seats.  That's just how it is here.

Anyway, here are some pictures to show you what I did!



Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Campbell's Soup

Date: December 5, 2012
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Chappelear Hall
Act Number: 4

Today I've been on a roll!  This is my third random act of kindness today.  I feel kind of strange calling them random since I'm actively trying to figure out different things I can do for others.  Regardless I am still working to bless others.

I was at Target getting presents for the Angel Tree (read more here), turned the corner, and saw that canned food was on sale for $0.75.  While I don't have a ton of money, I figured spending a few extra dollars to help out those less fortunate was worth it.  I grabbed four soups and headed for the checkout!

I knew my dorm was having a food drive, but had no idea what it was for.  I asked one of the RAs and she said she was taking it to Kroger to donate to their food drive.  I honestly don't know where the food is going to, but I would imagine it is going to those who need it, so I was happy to help.  Unfortunately there was not much food in the bin, but it was good to see that people were donating clothes as well!



Hebrews 13:16 

Angel Tree

Date: December 5, 2012
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: James Madison University
Act Number: 3

Today one of my sisters in Alpha Delta Pi posted a link to a Google Doc with a few families' needs listed for the Angel Tree project Phi Mu is participating in.  I guess they needed some help taking care of all of the families and asked us to join in on the giving!  I was happy to sign up to purchase toys for two little boys ages three and five.  I love boys this age, so I knew I'd love to help give them a Christmas they may not have otherwise.

The top picture is for the five year old and the one under for the three year old.  I hope they like their gifts!




Hebrews 13:16

Chai Latte

Date: December 5, 2012
Time: 2:15 pm
Location: Carrier Library
Act Number: 2

I knew I wanted to continue my random acts of kindness in the library today because everyone, and I mean everyone, is stressing about finals.  The Starbucks workers are making tons of drinks, the students are studying, and the librarians are working hard to make sure students are using the library to the fullest.

Of all of these people, I feel like the librarians are appreciated least.  I decided to bless her by buying her a drink from Starbucks.  Our conversation went something like this:

Librarian: How can I help you?
Me: Actually, I wanted to do something for you.  Can I buy you something from Starbucks?
Librarian: smiles What? Why?
Me: Well I just wanted to do something nice and let you know that you are appreciated.
Librarian: Okay, well I don't want you to have to wait in that long line.
Me: Oh that's okay, I was going to anyway.

She was shocked that someone was treating her.  She couldn't stop smiling, which meant I couldn't stop smiling.  I was nervous at first.  I didn't know what she would say and I didn't really know how to go about asking her what she wanted.  Luckily, she was very sweet and it all worked out.  She was even concerned for me to spend my time in the line, but I was planning on it before asking her for her order.

She gave me her order of a Chai Latte with nonfat milk and I went to get it for her.  When I dropped it off, I left a note along with it.  She was in the middle of a conversation, so I just handed it to her, smiled, and walked away.

It is such a great feeling knowing that you made someone happy!








Pretzels

Date: December 4, 2012
Time: 10:45 pm
Location: East Campus Library
Act Number: 1

Yesterday I completed my first random act of kindness!  I was in the library for an eternity working on a history paper and went to get a snack.  I had been thinking about what my first pay it forward act would be all day.  I had decided I would leave a note on the vending machine with $1.50, but realized I didn't actually have the cash to do that.  Instead, I bought a bag of pretzels with my dining dollars from the vending machine and left them somewhere for someone to enjoy!

I wrote on an index card and left it by a water fountain in ECL.  It really felt great getting to bless someone.  I have no idea who got the pretzels, but they were gone when I left around 11:45 pm, so I know someone got it.





Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Random Acts of Kindness

Today marks the beginning of my journey to bless 100 people through random acts of kindness and paying it forward.
From Google Images
I've been on Pinterest for the last half hour and am impressed with the work people have been doing to pay it forward in our country during this rough economic time.  I don't have much money as a college student, but there is still plenty I can do to pay it forward.  God has placed this on my heart, so I am going to obey his commands.

I am going to post on here every time I perform a random act of kindness.  These blog posts are NOT meant to be seen as boastful, but are to encourage all of you to join me on this journey.  It might take me a year to complete 100 random acts of kindness, but I am going to do it!


Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Stone Spring Elementary

This semester I have decided to take on volunteering at Stone Spring Elementary School on some Mondays, and every Wednesday and Thursday.  It is a blast and is so helpful for me to get to see a teacher in action, and actually teach a little myself.

Today has been a LONG day (to say the least).  I woke up (late) to be (late) to a presentation by 7:30.  This is so not like me.  If you know me, you know I like to be punctual.  I like sleep as well, but punctuality is my strong suit.  Well not this morning...  The presentation went great.  (I was there right before we were schedule to present.)

Later, my classes dragged on.  Luckily I got to have lunch with one of the girls in my small group, Abby.  Abby is amazing and I have so much to learn from her.  Val also passed by halfway through lunch, so we invited her to come enjoy the beautiful weather as we talked about my plans for Italy next semester.  (See jmuitalia.blogspot.com!)

I was exhausted after my math class which ends at 1:10 pm.  I know it was only 1:10 pm, but still.  Then I went to send my absentee ballot in!  I was so excited.  Voting in the presidential election for the first time.  Finally I changed and headed to Stone Spring for the end of the day.

Today was a short of catch up day for the kids.  Lots of them were doing math or science.  They have benchmark tests tomorrow, so they were getting ready for that as well.  To say the least I LOVE these kids.  I have only worked with them for 4 weeks, but I am getting to know them so well.  I was feeling a little overwhelmed working with 5 kids at once on different math problems (they all were on different sections of the packets).  It was frustrating when I couldn't figure out how to best explain something and when I had to go back and continually ask the teacher, Mrs. Elliott (she's awesome!) for guidance.  I know I'm not a teacher yet, but I like to think I kind of know what I'm doing.

I stayed with the stragglers while they worked on their math as other students were going on to the writing section of the day (the end of the day).  They were writing letters.  I was so surprised to get TWO letters from students.  This made my day, and made me feel like I was truly having an impact on them, which is my ultimate goal.

Here are the two letters from the little girls:
"Dear Ms. Boyd,
Thank you for coming in every Wednesday and Thursday to help me.  I enjoy you helping me.  I have really liked science this year especially when you came in to help me that one Monday.  I have had a lot of fun with you.  What grade do you want to teach?  What do you like to do when you're not at school?  I hope you like coming to our class.
Sincerely, XXX"
"Dear Mrs. Boyd,
How are you?  Thank you for helping us when we are in need.  I really think you are really nice sweet and kind.  I wish you were here every day cause you are really helpful to me and others.  I really am a good writer and I really admire your helpfulness.  I am happy to have a teacher like you.  I want to thank you really much for your support kindness helpfulness and happyness.  Thank you for every thing that you have done.  I am really happy thank you Mrs. Boyd!  Thank you very much and have a nice time in Stone Spring Elementary in our school.  Have a nice day and the rest of the year thank you!  You are a great help to others and me thank you.
Sincerely, XXX"

Seriously made me so happy.

Just though I'd share how excited I was to get those letters!  Any teachers out there?  Have you gotten letters from your students in the past?  What was your favorite?


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

ITALY!!!!

Hey everyone,

I am now doing double blog duty.  Not that I've been very good about updating this one anyway... (whoops)!

I am starting a blog about my study abroad adventures in Italy!  Feel free to check it out.  I am so excited to have this opportunity!

Godeve! (Enjoy!)

Ti amo, Italia

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Let hope rise and darkness tremble

This morning I was blessed to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to experience something amazing.  My small group decided to take a trip to Reddish Knob, a mountain top located just an hour west of JMU.  It is right on the boarder of Virginia and West Virginia.  Our purpose?  To praise Christ from the top of His creation during the sunrise.



I can't explain how uplifting and amazing this experience was.  Not only was the beauty of the mountains and sunrise overwhelming, but our voices lifting up His name was just as beautiful.  We drove up, enjoyed the scenery for a while, took tons of pictures, watched the sun rise, and praised Him.

Judy, a girl in my small group, organized worship and played guitar for us.  It was wonderful.  She has been given such a talent and is using it in the best way. One of the songs we sang was "With Everything" by Hillsong.  If you haven't heard this song, or even if you have, consider listening to it.  It is one of my favorites.


Laura, one of our small group leaders, read Psalm 23 (what an amazing promise!) and we headed back to JMU.  We had a few girls leading worship at 9 a.m. for a local church, East Side!  We have so many talented musicians in my small group.

Reflecting on this experience makes me feel so lucky to have an amazing group of girls to worship Him with.  Isaiah 42:10-12 sort of speaks to an experience like this one.

Isaiah 42:10-12:
10 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants.  11 Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the habitants of Sela sing for joy, let them shout from the top of the mountains.  12 Let them give glory to the Lord and declare his praise in the coastlands.

That is just want we did - we shouted our song from the top of the mountains!

I'm so glad I have such amazing sisters in Christ to share moments like these with.






The pictures don't do His beauty justice at all, but they are the best I could come up with.






Friday, August 31, 2012

First Week Back!

Oh how I have missed the beauty of James Madison University!  My summer was beyond amazing working at the YMCA with these cute kids!



I can say that it is good to be home, my second home that is.  This year I am living in the Village in a suite style dorm.  We have a common room and three rooms branching off of it.  Two girls live in each room.  Danielle & Kristen in A, Miranda & Elizabeth in C, and Hannah & I in B.  I LOVE THEM!  I could not have been blessed with a better group of girls.  Praying my feelings don't change.

Classes have begun!  This semester I am taking six courses, 18 credits.

  1. General Education World History to 1500
  2. Elementary Education Math (Part 2)
  3. General Education Science for Teachers - Physics & Chemistry
  4. Microeconomics 
  5. Foundations of American Education
  6. Sociology of Gender

I love it so far, but it is overwhelming.  Whoever said syllabus week was easy, didn't go to JMU.  Our professors apparently don't participate in the easy first week of classes that other colleges apparently do.

Thanks for stopping by!

What would you like to see posts about this semester?

Monday, February 27, 2012

Spring Break Plans

Oh my how excited I am for it to be spring break in a week.  I can make it to Friday, right?  This semester has flown by in some respects, but in others has been so slow.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE JMU, but at times, I can be more than ready to get back to the beach.  That's my true home.  It's weird to think that I don't even appreciate the beach as much when I am home than I do when I'm at JMU.  I guess it was just so convenient at home I never thought of it as being a luxury, but boy is it!  I have missed it so much while at JMU and can't wait to go visit the sea when I get home.


Needless to say, I'll be visiting the ocean when I come home.

I'll also be getting my nose pierced.  Finally.  I have said I'm going to do it for months now, maybe even a year... but the time has finally come.  Especially now that I've posted it on here.  Can't back down now.  It's something I've always wanted to do and was planning on it last weekend, but the prices in Harrisonburg are more expensive than those of VB, so I decided I should save a little money and wait a few weeks.  Don't freak out mom and dad, I just want a stud on the side of my nose.  Like this.


Finally, I plan on visiting my Jobie sisters, visiting Wellie and her pregnant belly and Mrs. Parsons, reading the Hunger Games, and going out with Randall!  I'm so excited to be home for a week.  Only problem is I have to pay for gas... I'm not a big fan of paying for gas.  I mean who is with the prices this high?  Donations to the "Sam is poor" fund are greatly appreciated! 

What are you planning to do over your spring break, or if you don't have one, what did you do when you were in college or high school? 

*All photos via Pinterest

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Valentine's Snowboarding

This weekend Randall came up to JMU to visit me.  We had such a blast together.  I know it's probably sad to say that six weeks is really hard for me not to see him face to face in person, but it really is.  I don't know how all those military wives and husbands do it.  I'm not even married to him and it kills me.  I bow down to you all!

It was so great seeing him and celebrating Valentine's Day a little late!  He knows how to treat a girl.  He got me some beautiful flowers and some AWESOME balloons.  No one knows how much I love balloons but Randall.  I feel like I get them for everyone to hint that I really want them.  I know, it's strange, who wants balloons?  This girl!



I made him some yummy brownie cupcakes, trust me they were awesome.  I had never made any before, but it was fun experimenting.  They turned out great except they stuck to the cupcake liners, so next time I know to spray them a little more.


After exchanging gifts, we went snowboarding.  It was so much fun.  Hard, but so fun.  I am so proud of myself for actually getting out there and trying something totally out of my comfort zone.  Don't get me wrong, I love the outdoors, but sports are not my thing.  Never have been.


I've gotta say though, I was pretty awesome.  I was better than Randall to begin with.  He was not too happy about that!  He eventually got way better than me, but I'm still holding the first part against him.  I was better to begin with!

Throughout the night we got better and better.  I was good at the balancing and he was good at the stopping.  If we put our skills together, we would probably both be awesome, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way.


We stayed on the training/bunny slopes for the majority of the time we were there (about 5 or 6 hours). After a while we decided we were going to ride the lift up to one of the easy slopes.  It wasn't so easy.  We both completely wiped out trying to get off of the lift to being with and could barely make it down the slope.  I had to get off my board about half way down and walk the rest.  I was so frustrated with myself, but after practicing some more we decided to give it another shot.


This time we decided to go down a slope that looked a little bit easier, but was still rated "easy" by Massanutten's standards.  It began with a really steep hill, and I made it all the way down without falling.  I was so proud.  We turned down to follow the rest of the slope.  It was about 8pm by now and it was getting really cold.  With few people heading down this slope, the snow had turned to ice in some places.

I was going down the slope and completely wiped out, bouncing down the slope on my butt.  I bursted out into tears after the ice/snow knocked the wind out of me and I felt like I could not feel my legs.  I screamed for Randall to take the snowboard off my feet and he helped me get to the side of the slope so I wasn't run over.  I feel it's a tad inappropriate to post a picture of the bruise that fell left on my behind, but take my word for it... it's pretty horrible.  I'm pretty positive if I didn't have such a big butt and all that cushioning, I would have broken my tail bone.  Oh and the scarf I stuffed in my pants to help cushion all my falls probably helped a little, too.

Still, it is painful to sit down.  Despite this, I can't wait to get back on a board sometime soon.  I was afraid Randall was going to be awesome and I was going to suck, but that really wasn't the case.  He was better than I was, but I'd have to say I can hold my own on a board.  Well until I hit ice, that doesn't really work for me...


For those of you that live near Massanutten or have an urge to hit the slopes, check out their hours & rates.  It's not a cheap trip to make, but they do have some specials, too.  You can check them out here. I definitely recommend trying snowboarding.  It's not easy by any means, but is for sure something I will always remember doing in college.

This weekend was so great with Randall.  He's the best boyfriend I could ever ask for.  I mean really though, flowers, balloons, and we got to go snowboarding together?  Sounds awesome to me.

I love you, Randall!

Have you ever been snowboarding or skiing?  This was my first time on the slopes at all!  What was your experience?  If you have any fun stories, I'd love to hear them!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Superbowl!!

I know what you're thinking... that was like two weeks ago.  Yeah, well I'm a little behind in my blogging, but I thought it would be fun to hit on a few commercials I thought were good.  Some remind me of people and some are just funny.

Here are my top five:

#5: Oikos Greek Yogurt "The Tease"
I liked this one because it reminded me of myself in a way.  No one is touching my food, I don't care how cute you are.  It was a surprising twist.


#4: Audi Vampires 
This is a funny Twilight twist.  I have enjoyed the Twilight saga, while most haven't, so I'm probably a loner on this one, but that's okay.  It was funny to me!


#3: M&Ms "I'm Sexy and I Know It"
This one reminded me of my boyfriend Randall.  He's a big fan of the "wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle yeahhh" part and I have to admit I cracked up when I saw this and texted him immediately.


#2: Doritos "Man's Best Friend"
How could anyone not like this one?  It's hilarious.  It's also pretty sweet that a JMU grad created it! 


#1: Cars.com Confident You
This one has to be my favorite solely for the reason that the "confidence" is attached to the guy by like a dancing arm.  I laughed big time when I saw this one!



So now that you know my favorite commercials, what was yours?  Any particular one that I missed?  I'd love for you to comment and weigh in!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Working Out Can Be Fun?!

My eyes have been opened to some FUN ways to workout.  I've never been the girl that hits the gym everyday (or even every week) until this year.  I have been afraid of the "freshman 15," and so far it hasn't caught up to me.  Let's keep it that way.

While on Pinterest today (I should get some kind of pay for as much as I mention Pinterest...), I saw that one of my friends pinned a picture of people covered in colored powder smiling.  What in the world?  THE COLOR RUN!  This awesome 5K (two words I never thought would been in the same sentence) is held all over the United States. 

The Color Run 
I'm so doing this.  I've never done a 5K, but running through colored cornstarch... that is so me.  I can't wait for September 22 in D.C.  It's going down.

Check the website out for more info: www.thecolorrun.com


Saturday, February 4, 2012

Cooking Adventures to Come...

I've never been a cooker.  I hated helping my mom cook dinner in the kitchen and I still don't enjoy it all that much.  While this may be true, it is getting to be that time - I need to learn to cook.  As unfortunate as this task seems, I have decided to make it as exciting as possible.  Who knows?  I may end up loving it!  Never know until you try.

Here are some of the recipes I've found that look good.  If I'm cooking, I need to at least cook something that I think I'll like.

You can find the links to the recipes original page by clicking on the caption of each photo.  I'm giving very simple cooking instructions for each dish, but if you want the full thing, click the caption.  I am also not including the ingredients, so clicking would be helpful.

Entrees: 
Chicken Noodle Casserole
I've heard casseroles aren't too difficult, and this one looks pretty tasty!  
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.  After they are cooked, cut them into small pieces.
Step 2: Cook egg noodles and drain.  Mix cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream in a large bowl.
Step 3: Add the egg noodles and chicken to the sauce mixture.  Stir together and place into a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish.
Step 4: Melt butter and stir in graham crackers.  Top the casserole with shredded Colby jack cheese and the buttery crackers.  
Step 5: Place into the oven and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
How delicious does this look?
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare pancake batter (see directions on their website).
Step 2: Mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Scoop it into a small baggie and set aside.  You don't want to too liquidy.
Step 3: Heat butter and cream cheese until melted.  Whisk together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Step 4: heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Scoop about 3/4 cup batter onto the skillet.  Snip the corner of the baggie of filling and squeeze a spiral of filling onto the top of the pancake.
Step 5: Spoon warmed glaze onto the top of each pancake.
Shells and Cheese
If you know me, you know I LOVE mac and cheese.  I could eat it all day every day.
Shells and Cheese
Step 1: Cook shells.
Step 2: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, salt, and peper.  Slowly add the milk and stir until it becomes thick.  Stir in the cheese until melted.
Step 3: Drain shells and add them to the cheese sauce.


Side Items:
Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
While I suppose this could be an entree, I feel like I would eat it as a side.
Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Bake potatoes.
Step 2: Heat butter, add broccoli and salt.  Cook this, about two minutes!
Step 3: Add garlic and water; cook until crisp.
Step 4: Transfer to a bowl and add lemon juice.
Step 5: Cut each potato in half, scoop out the flesh and put in a medium bowl.  Mash until smooth.
Step 6: Stir in cheddar cheese, broccoli, sour cream, half and half, butter, lemon zest, powdered mustard, and salt and pepper
Step 7: Spoon into the crisp potato shells.
Step 8: Broil until brown and crisp on top.

Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
I know I love the ones from Red Lobster, so I hope these turn out to be as good!
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
Step 1: Mix biscuit mix, cheese, and milk.
Step 2: Drop lumps of dough onto cookie sheets 1.5 inches apart.  Bake for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Melt butter and mix with oregano and garlic salt.
Step 4: When the timer goes off, brush the biscuits with the butter mixture.  Bake 5 minutes at 400F and another 5-6 minutes at 350F.


Desserts:
Chocolate Berries
This has to be the easiest and tastiest looking thing I've seen!
There's no page for this because it's so simple.
Step 1: Fill an ice tray with melted chocolate.
Step 2: Put berries in.
Step 3: Freeze.

Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Don't know if I'm up for this one quite yet.  It took the original person three days to make... But they look delicious.  The steps I have listed are obvious steps, but I'm not about to type out a 23 step recipe if you can just click the link below :) !  It really doesn't look that hard though.
Cookie Dough Cupcakes
Step 1: Make the cupcake batter.  Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the filling.  Roll the dough into balls approximately one-inch.
Step 3: After the cupcakes have cooled, cut a cone shaped portion out of the center of each cupcake and fill with the cookie dough ball.
Step 4: Make the frosting.

Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies
This is a Betty Crocker recipe so it has to be good.  Peanut butter and chocolate?  Yum!
Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Stir cookie mix, oil, water, and egg.
Step 2: Shape dough and place on cookie sheets.
Step 3: Bake!  Immediately press chocolate candy on top of each cookie.


Now I hope this has made everyone else as hungry as it has made me!  These are just 8 of the dishes I hope to make this year.  Who wants to have a cooking party?!





Friday, February 3, 2012

Beautiful Tattoos

Recently it seems like all of my friends are getting tattoos.  It's making me wonder how I would like one.  Mom & Dad, don't freak out.  I definitely can't get one until May if I decide to.  I'm in swimming and you can't be in the water for two weeks after you get it, so that won't work.  Don't start worrying until then.

These are all tattoos I've found via Pinterest.

Butterflies
I think this is probably one of the most beautiful pieces of art I've seen on someone's body.  I don't think I could ever sit through a tattoo for as long as I can imagine that took, but it is SO pretty.  I love the colors and detail as well as the placement. 


 Faith Jesus Fish
This is such a meaningful and pretty tattoo.  I really like how bold the fish is.  I know a few people that are planning to get a Jesus fish tattoo, but I think this looks better than just a fish.  It is more straightforward, I think.  Love it.


 Free Yourself
The feather breaking off into birds is so cute.  I love "free yourself."  This could be such a meaningful tattoo for many people.  The only thing I don't like about this tattoo is the handwriting font.


Placement
This is such a neat tattoo solely because of it's placement on her collarbone/shoulder.  I would never do this because I plan to be a teacher.  I feel that it could easily slip out and I don't want that.  For someone with a job that tattoos don't matter this is beautiful.  It looks so much nicer than just straight on your collar bone.  I love the wave in it.


Love Infinitely 
This is so beautiful and I considered this for a while.  I really like how the infinity symbol is intertwined in the heart.  It is just a little too bland for me, but it is pretty.


Never Settle
I think the quote is a nice quote, but not one I would put on my body forever.  It's something I would write on my dry erase board or mirror, but not on my body. The reason I like this though is because of the cursive font.  It is simple enough, but is also pretty.


Walk by Faith
This is a very cute tattoo.  I am considering this one for the future.  "Walk by faith, not by sight" is quoted from 2 Corinthians 5:7.  It is a scripture close to my heart.  As I do have many friends that are not Christians, I think this tattoo would offer me a great opportunity to share my faith with others.


My Future First Tattoo!
As of right now, this is the tattoo I want.  I think it is very cute and it means a lot to me.  First, it represents the love God has for me and the love I have for Him.  It is an infinite, undying love.  Also, it represents that without love I wouldn't have gotten to where I am today.  This includes the love of my family and friends.  Without that love, who knows where I would be. 

Placement
While I do think "let it be" is a nice sentiment, I don't think it's something I would put on my body forever.  Something big would have to happen for me to put that on me.  The reason I am including this in my blog is because this is where I want my love tattoo, on my rib cage.  I know this is going to hurt horribly, but I think it's a safe place for a tattoo.  It is hidden unless I'm in a bathing suit.  This is perfect for my future career as a teacher.

Any suggestions for me?  Where should I go to get it done (if I ultimately decide to)?  Any care tips I should know?