Six Easy Ways to Live a Sustainable Summer

Its a journey I accidentally started and a journey I'm loving.  What journey am I talking about?  I'm talking about my accidental journey to being more mindful with what I use daily in an attempt to lead a more authentic life.  At the beginning of the year I decided to go cruelty free with my make up and that lead me down a spiral of trying to be more green with my living.  In this post I share how I've cut my reliance on paper towels & disinfectant wipes and now I want to share with you a couple of ways I plan to be more green this Summer.

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First off I want to say that it is all a journey.  I don't plan to live zero waste (yet I totally applaud those who do!).  I just want to be more conscious of what I do.  The fact that several cities have now banned the plastic straw and even more cities have banned the plastic bag has really pushed me to be the change I want to see.  But it isn't about being that girl who doesn't use bags and has her own straw its about genuine effort towards making yourself (and thus the world) a better place.  The easiest place to make change is in your own home right?  Then you can hope that your actions inspire others.

With that said, here are 6 ways to be more sustainable this summer: 

Reusable Aluminum Straws

I don't know about you but Summer often means a lot of drive-thrus and nights out.  I plan to refuse straws this summer as much as I can.  In addition to filling my reusable cup or water bottle for road trips, I plan to snatch up a pack of these to bring with me on summer vacation.  A lot of these reusable straws seem to be compatible with standard tumblers so you're not going to lose out on drinking from your favorite cup! 

Pack your own Travel Snacks

We all stop at the gas station or jump in the line at the airport for a quick travel snack, right?  Why not pack your own snacks?  I've got two reasons here - the first being sustainability and the second being its going to save you money!  Gas station and airport snacks can cost an arm & a leg so throwing some snacks in your bag prior to take off will mean you're saving your moolah.

You can bring snacks on a plane, no problem.  You might want to invest in these clear, reusable & resealable bags if you're bringing that sandwich in your carry on but for road trips (or a jaunt out on the boat) consider these super nifty beeswax wraps.  I am totally going to try to make some of these beeswax wraps in the future - Zach got some beeswax from a local beekeeper and we've been dying to try any & all projects with it!

Reusable One Cup Coffee Pods

This is something I've been doing for a while now when it comes to travel - using a reusable coffee pod for the Keurig.  Everyone I know has one so when I travel home I make sure to bring my k-cup and my coffee filters.  There is so much waste when it comes to these single use pods. I mean the whole body of that pod is plastic and you just toss it in the trash!  This is the brand I use and I can find them at Meijer or online from Amazon.  I also need to start using these at work instead of relying on the k-cups.

Compostable Cutlery 

We're all going to have a BBQ or two to go to this summer and there will be disposable cutlery galore.  I implore you this summer to invest in compostable cutlery & plates.  I purchased some for a small gathering but you can totally grab a giant box from Amazon.  This set is just under $30 for 100 forks, 100 spoons, & 100 knives.  Seriously, I think that is affordable!  Don't forget the plates & the cups, too.

Avoid Fast Fashion

Will that beach hat or cover up last through a few seasons of wear? Is it on trend enough for just one summer or classic enough for a couple?  This summer, avoid fast fashion like those dollar store flip flops or super trendy sun hat & opt for things that will last you a few summers.  Amazon has these amazing, natural rubber flip flops that look (and apparently feel) like your standard summer wear.  I know that LuLaRoe is technically a fast fashion brand but I've used the Lindsay kimono & Sara cardigan at the lake multiple seasons.  This means I'm getting both fall & summer use out of these guys!

Reusable Bags

Summer means outdoor markets and downtown shopping for a lot of us!  Heck even if you're just going to the mall consider bringing a reusable bag or two.  I like the ones that can fold up and fit right back into a smaller pouch so you can throw them into your purse.  Use them for groceries or for your handmade market finds.  Plus if you're going to the beach these guys can act as your wet bag form when you change from your swim suit.  The nylon often dries quickly so you can fold it right back up after you hang your suit to dry.

Like I mentioned above, for me this journey isn't about being perfect.  This journey is about realizing our impact & taking what we do seriously.  We can be mindful of our actions and make a conscious choice to change it.  These are just six ways to be more sustainable for the summer but I'm sure these guys can last you all year!

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My green journey started with my introduction to essential oils.  These guys are a great natural & sustainable way to help you with emotional & physical wellness (and there are a ton that are perfect for the summer!)  If you'd like to know more about the natural power of essential oils - use them in your cleaning routine, for your skin care, to boost immunity, etc - enter your email above to get a FREE copy of my ebook Getting Started with Essential Oils.

How will you live sustainably this summer?  What actions are you already taking?

xoxo, Moe

The Ultimate Top 10 Essential Oils for Travel

Travel has become much more common in my life lately.  I've caught a lot of planes over the last few years - some to other countries but most were planes home.  I've also taken a ton of road trips and short weekend getaways.  Most of those trips, though, were with out my trusty essential oils!  It wasn't until about a year & a half ago that I started to use essential oils and now I can't imagine a lot of daily things with out these guys!

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Essential oils can offer a natural emotional & physical support system for us.  For the most part I like to focus on the way essential oils affect my emotional wellness but when I travel I also need some physical wellness support.  We're coming in contact with a lot of germs, we eat things that might not sit well with us, and we're under stress especially if we're on a tight travel schedule - and there are essential oils to counteract all the emotional stuff that goes a long with these physical things!  Here are my top 10 essential oils for travel

doTERRA Balance

The Balance blend is a proprietary blend of spruce, ho wood, frankincense, blue tansy, blue chamomile flower, & osmanthus.  Known as the Grounding Blend, Balance truly does bring me back to balance.  This is one of the first oils I started to work with before joining doTERRA and it brings me into a meditative head space.  I think Zach picked this up at a health food store near us and I started to use it in my daily meditation practice.  Since scent is such a powerful connector to emotion, now when I inhale the scent of this oil I am immediately reminded of calm.

I use this oil in a travel diffuser but I also will just add a drop or two to my hands, rub them together, and inhale.  A few drops on your pillow with some lavender is a great way to drift into a calm sleep.

doTERRA On Guard

This blend is great to help boost your immunity while traveling since we're running into a lot of new to us germs & we're under a lot of travel stress.  I'm pretty sure half the reason we get sick sometimes is that we're just plain exhausted - so we need both physical & emotional support during travel to stay on top!  So I need to grab some of the On Guard sanitizing mist but right now I travel with both the On Guard beadlets (included in the Family Essentials + Beadlets enrollment kit!) and the On Guard touch roller.  

I'll use the beadlets as a daily boost while I'm traveling but I'll also apply the touch roller to my chest if I'm feeling a little tickle coming on.  This oil is a proprietary blend of Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils so it's going to open your airways and it can help with a sore throat.  Now that it is summer time though, I'm thinking of just throwing a 5 ml bottle in my travel kit - since this blend contains a citrus oil I need to be careful not to apply it and then go in the sun.  Citrus oils are photoreactive and can cause serious burns if treated skin is exposed to UV rays.

Purify

Known as the Purification blend, this blend is great for year round travel.  Firstly, I use this guy to clear out yucky smells.  You can diffuse it to purify the air - like if where you're staying has a musky smell - or you can use this to get rid of odors on clothes.  I usually mix a spray bottle of water, Lavender, & Purify and spray on clothes as a fabric refresher.

Secondly, this guy is great - again with Lavender - to sooth irritations from bug bites!  It does have lemon & lime peel in it though so be sure be careful about sun exposure, might be best to apply this at night after a day of outdoor fun.

Lavender

This is an oil I use for both emotional & physical support.  So Lavender can calm anxious feelings which I totally get before a flight.  Its not that I feel like something horrible is going to happen I just feel stressed about finding my seat, making sure my stuff fits in the over head bin, what if I'm in the wrong seat, what if I have to get back up, what if someone is in my seat....... I just get myself psyched out and that's not good for the nerves.

I travel with the touch roller of Lavender nearly everywhere (I use it on the daily) because of the ease of application.  The prediluted touch rollers make using oils on the go super easy.

Melaleuca

The use of this one is many, many fold!  Firstly, I use this guy in my skin care.  I'll put a few drops in my toner, moisturizer, or even make up remover to sooth my skin.  It has cleansing properties so it's great to use to fight blemishes.  Skin care is the main reason I pack this guy each time I travel.

Secondly, it is also good to treat minor skin irritations - bug bites & small scratches.  This makes it a great replacement for the photoreactive elements of the Purify blend.  Add Melaleuca and Lavender together to sooth and calm any bug bite and treat those small scratches you may get from hiking or having fun in the sun.  

Thirdly, this essential oil is also great to purify the air and remove the stink from clothes.  I don't like how minty this oil smells sometimes, though, so I often choose Purify for this.

Citrus Bliss

This is my happy oil!  Citrus Bliss is the Invigorating blend - meaning its going to boost your mood and just give you the confidence to get going.  If ever I feel a bit down or I want to just get the heck up and actually go, I diffuse this plus a little bit of Peppermint.  Citrus bliss is a blend of all the happy citrus oils so it turns my mood around real quick.  

Past Tense

I use this oil on the daily as well.  Past Tense is in a roller bottle as well, however it isn't diluted with fractionated coconut oil like the Touch rollers are.  I don't separate mine into another roller bottle and dilute because I'm #lazy but you may want to do this especially since there are oils like Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Cilantro in this blend.  These 'hot' oils may cause skin sensitivity so they should be diluted especially on skin that is delicate - children or elderly.  So do as I say and not as I do...

But I use this oil to relieve tension in my head, neck, and shoulders. The cooling sensation also makes it great for hot days.  PastTense is a blend of Wintergreen, Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense, Cilantro, Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Basil, and Rosemary so it's a good blend for all around wellness!

Peppermint

If ever I want to add pep to a diffuser blend I add a drop of Peppermint.  This oil just brightens any blend you add it to.  Need to get up & go? Citrus + Peppermint.  Need to relieve the stress of a long day? Floral + Peppermint.  Want to relieve tense muscles?  Tree/wood oil + Peppermint.  Digestive issues?  Herb oils + Peppermint.  Is it hot outside and you're hot too? Peppermint.

It's just an all around great oil to have in your arsenal.  Peppermint is one of the top THREE essential oils - along with lavender & lemon - that everyone needs to have!

DigestZen

Remember when I said that I get super nervous before a flight?  Well often that manifests as a tummy that is not very happy!  So I use a blend of Lavender and Digestzen to sooth my nervous stomach.  The Lavender helps me emotionally & the Digestzen helps me physically since a lot of the upset is all in my head!

When I eat something that may or may not sit well - like when we travel places with amazing food but I'm unsure my stomach will agree - I apply Digestzen topically to my stomach.  This blend contains Ginger which is a good way to combat nausea.  The other oils - Anise, Peppermint, Caraway Seed, Coriander Seed, Tarragon, and Fennel aid in digestion.

In a pinch, like if you don't have Lavender, the scent of Digestzen can be calming as well...it's not a great scent but the chemical properties of this blend can promote relaxation.

Frankincense

Last but not least I use Frankincense.  The oils is an amazing oil!  If I need an uplift - Frank.  If I need some emotional support - Frank.  If I'm gonna put on my face moisturizer - Frank.  I have been packing the 5 or 15ml bottles that I have but I'm thinking of adding in the Touch roller for ease of application.

This oil can help with skin irritations, muscle soreness, sleep, and so much more.  It is such a versatile oil!

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Travel is an important & necessary part of my life and I plan to keep on keeping on so it's great to have a support system to bring with me.  When I travel by car, I usually just pack all of these guys together but when I'm flying I sort out the oils I may need while I'm at the terminal or on the plane - Lavender, Digestzen, On Guard, Peppermint or PastTense - and put those in a small plastic bag to comply with the TSA requirements.  The rest I'll pack in a make up bag in my checked luggage.  (ps I always check a bag because I don't want to have to lug it all around in the terminal! That relieves some stress for me!)

Want to learn more about essential oils?  Check out my Top 10 Essential Oils video here & find more oily posts on the blog here.

Ready to get started on your journey with essential oils? Click here to learn how to place your order.

What are your top oils for travel?

xoxo, Moe

3 Ways to Prepare for a Last Minute Trip

If there is one thing that Zach & I are good at it is spontaneous and last minute trips.  Whether it is a weekend getaway or a last minute day trip, Zach and I love to pack it all up and head out.  This past weekend we went up to Michigan to camp by the pond at his parents' house.  It was a qauzi spontaneous trip because while we'd talked about going, it wasn't really cemented until later in the week.  I love throwing out all the plans and just doing something new, here are 3 tips to help you stay organized when it comes to a last minute getaway.

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Permanently Packed Toiletries Bag
This has come in handy for a lot of trips, not just spontaneous ones.  A permanently packed toiletries bag that is ready to be grabbed up at any moment saves you one extra step in packing.  I use a pretty compact clean train case style bag (like this one) and stuff it with other little compact bags to keep things separated.  I make sure that I have all the necessities and after a few trips I've boiled it down to exactly what I need.  The little bags I use are small cosmetic bags, ipsy bags, & bags I've gotten other beauty samples in.  They fit perfectly and create a little file system so I know that all hair care is this silver bag, all shower stuff is in this green mesh bag, toothpaste is here, etc.  Having this packed and ready to grab in such a compact way is a time saver.

Know What You Need
Gone are the days where I pack a What If outfit.  No I will probably not have dinner with the queen so I don't need that fancy cocktail dress for 2 nights away.  I try to make a plan of what we'll do and pack accordingly.  Since most of our trips are weekend getaways I try to stick to just one duffel bag.  I always bring a sweater, a 'nice top', two bottoms (shorts or pants, etc), walking shoes, a t-shirt (or two), underthings, & PJs.  You never know what might happen but you can 100% guarantee you won't meet the queen so there is no need for the extra fluff.  Try trimming the fat on your packing for a few trips and see what you can totally live with out.

Trim Down the Gadgets
We are a very hobby & gadget oriented family.  So any time there may be down time you gotta make sure you have something to pass the time.  I love bringing something to work on if there is that time because it is a little bit of home.  But I've learned I totally will not be finishing that crocheted blanket a long with a design project, with a side of some other DIY.  While some free time maybe unexpected - torrential down pour and your stuck at the hotel - it doesn't mean you will have oodles of time in the less than 72 hours you may be gone to do all these things.  Narrow down what you will actually be able to do in that free time - bring the iPad to blog instead of the laptop, or bring just the small project your working on not the whole thing.  This has helped me throw together a fun bag a lot quicker that running around trying to cram a bit of all of my hobbies in.

Spontaneous weekend trips are fun and even if you go only a few hours away keeping these things in mind will help you get on the trip a lot faster.  You'll spend less time packing and more time away on your mini adventure.

Do you have any last minute packing tips?  Are you a fan of spontaneous trips?

xoxo, Moe

Multi Purpose Make Up // Simplify for Travel, Dorm Life, Etc

My make up collection has grown by leaps & bounds over the past few months.  I've even branched into brands other than drug store brands!  Gasp!  Spending $30 on a foundation is now in my vocabulary - though I restrained myself on my last Ulta trip & just bought a little kit from Benefit to try out a few things (honestly this is the best way to go!)  But sometimes it gets overwhelming when you're thinking about packing or traveling with your make up.  I totally want to pack everything - and I did for the last trip I went on - but sometimes (most of the time) it's not necessary.  So here are some basics for packing/traveling/moving/etc:

multipurpose make up by fivesixteenthsblog featuring revlon face makeup

BB Cream + Full Coverage Foundation - Pack these because they'll do double duty!  That's the theme around here!  On days you don't need a lot of coverage, your BB Cream is perfect (I use the one by Rimmel).  If you need a bit more coverage, use the full coverage foundation as a concealer.  If you do need a heavy cover day you have your full coverage foundation on hand.

Elf Golden Bronzer - This bronzer does tripple duty as a bronzer, as an eyeshadow quad, and as a highlight.  This particular shade (find it here) is great for an all over bronze look - to accent the tan you're getting in the tropics right? - by swirling all the colors together with a bigger brush.  It creates a great eye look since it's sectioned into 4 colors.  It also has a lighter shade included that is perfect as a highlight!

Blush & Bronzer Duos - The Elf Golden Bronzer isn't great for a contour but if you have these handy guys you'll have no need to pack anything extra.  The bronzer side is a great contour & the blush side is a great blush (duh).  I use the Elf duo in St. Lucia but you can also find duos like this from other brands - especially Nars.

Favorite Mascara - Pack your favorite mascara not only to separate your lashes but to act as a liner too.  Pack your liner brush & forget the chunky pots of gel eyeliner - use your mascara instead.  Just dab a bit out of the top or off the wand itself on your liner brush.

Essential brushes - This is where the over packing can happen & I might just let it.  Since all of these products can do double duty you might need double the brushes for the precise application you're looking for.  But pack what you need - powder brush, beauty blender, eye brushes, etc.  Discover which of your brushes can play a dual role & stick with them.  

So thats what I have in my collection that plays double duty when I travel.  These guys are awesome, simple go-to products if you want a no fuss quick look too!

What do you pack when you travel?  Are you even concerned with your face on vacation?

xoxo, Moe

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Following Blogs on the Road Using Google Reader

I've been traveling with Zach lately while he goes on calls for work.  We've gone through Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, & it's been pretty fun to travel around seeing states I've never seen.  The best part is I carve my way through all the Starbucks locations in the Northern part of the Mid West.  Fun? You bet!

But the hardest thing is keeping up with the blogs I love & following new ones.  Ever since I started blogging I have used Blogger's interface & Google Friend Connect to keep tabs on my favorite blogs & bloggers.  But there is a feature I only realized existed a little bit ago.  So don't hate me if you already know this: You can add blogs to your Blogger reading list by clicking Add on your dashboard & pasting the URL.  Did you know that? I'm tardy to the party.  But how does this help me follow on the road? Adding these blogs to your Blogger reading list imports them into your Google Reader, which you probably already know, & it's Google Reader that I use to read my favorite blogs on the road.

Another thing you may not know about me is that sometimes I'm not very good with change & when I get used to something I don't change it.  So my choice to follow blogs has always been through GFC & when Google took it off of non-Blogger hosted blogs I sought other routes like Twitter, Blog Lovin', & Hello Cotton but I never check the right places regularly so finding out you could add a blog url to your reader through your Blogger dashboard blew my mind.  I know others like to have other following preferences, but Google Reader is mine!  So to cut to the chase, here's what I do to follow blogs while on the road:

You're now following that blog even though they aren't on Blogger or don't have GFC.  This blew my mind & I apologize if you already knew that!  To open Google Reader on the go I use an app on my phone called G-Whizz!  It's $2.99 in the app store but I love it!  Here's what it does for me:

The G-Whizz! app also puts News, Docs/Drive, Calender, etc at my fingertips to check other things on the go.  I haven't even begun to use it to it's full potential because I just use it for blog stuff & nothing fancy.  I don't like checking my email on it (weird I know).

But as we're sewing up that dotted line across a few states I can navigate with Zach's phone in one hand & read my blogs from my phone in my other hand.  Multi. Tasking.

How do you follow blogs? Do you use multiple avenues, Blogger, Twitter? I'd love to know!

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Number One Reason Why I Love Travel Time

I've got the best view:

I have to say that the best part about traveling with Zach is that I get to see cool cities, beautiful country sides, & the leaves change all over the midwest.  Seeing the jagged city edges fade into the patchwork fields of the countryside is a unique experience.  My favorite trip so far was the 2 or 3 days we drove through 5 states: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, & Wisconsin.  Stopping a long the way in the cities for work & finding country road antique malls to pick up items for our various collections is the life man, I tell you.

Here are the other benefits, coming in a close second & third

 We get to know each other better  - It's true that as you progress in a relationship you talk more but communicate less.  We are constantly on our phones at diners or in bed in hotels but I've decided to start looking up conversation starters so we can learn more about each other.  This past week we talked about Art & about politics.  I'm liking this spending time together thing.

 I get to be inspired  - I guess this goes a long with the view thing, but we get to see loads & loads of beautiful architecture.  As we walk or drive through cities I'm capturing the mix of old & new architecture on my phone.  Seeing different textures, colors, styles, etc is great.  I think this is a great time in my life (our life) to see different cities.  From Milwaukee, to Madison, to Chicago, it's all been beautiful.

I feel like I am living a one of a kind life & it makes me so happy.  I am so grateful & thankful to be able to have this experience & to be able to share this life with someone pretty awesome.  I am not sure what I'd do with out him.

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Sum Up Sunday // Renegade Recap & Other Things

Wow, this week has gone by fast.  Zach & I have driven like a bazillion miles this week & it has been the most fun week+ of my life.  Let's start at the beginning.

Last week I drove with Zach to Chicago while he went on a call for work.  I sat on a park bench enjoying the lovely Chicago weather & then we headed to the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry where we saw some super cool stuff: Foucault's Pendulum, freshly hatched baby chicks, frogs that were genetically modified to have a green glow in their eyes by mixing jellyfish DNA with froggy DNA (you could even seen it in their eyes at the tadpole stage!), a bunch of planes, a future exhibit with vertical planting, a household robot named romeo, & clothes that give you a hug, super cool old firefighting equipment, an interactive periodic table where you could make elements, cool light bulbs a shirt that rolls it's sleeves up when it's warm outside, and a whole bunch more.  Seriously...if you're ever in Chicago...go there.  

We woke up early on Saturday to go to the beach.  It was so stormy & cloudy but beautiful.  It was unbelievably other worldly.  We were the only ones on the beach with the crashing waves & the sun breaking through the clouds.  We saw it raining in the distance under a weird orange glow.  It was amazing.  I edited this picture through a double exposure app called Duomatic to enhance the other worldly-ness of the whole experience.  It was cool..I think I love Lake Michigan.

Then on Saturday it was time for Renegade! Of course I didn't take any pictures but I did meet the lovely Susannah.  She was a doll (and very popular!).  Zach & I walked around the whole thing & it took way longer than I thought.  It was so inspiring to see a lot of different artists & makers that were on top of their game.  

I am used to smaller fairs with grandmas that make tea cozy's but this, this was so much more! Even though there were a lot of makers there, there were a lot of different, unique makers there.  It just further makes me realize that you have to have your own style to stand out.  I loved how each booth looked like a little boutique & the aesthetic was expressed through out every inch.  Well thought out displays with unique items...it was amazing.  Now that I am closer to Chicago this year...perhaps this is a good goal for me??  Oh man, could you imagine?

The next week I headed back to Chicago with Zach on a call again.  Then we drove through Illinois to stay in Quincy.  On Wednesday we headed through Iowa & into Wisconsin.  We stayed in Madison where we ate the most delicious dinner at the Wonder Bar & I stayed all day in a Starbucks!  

Then on Friday we headed to Milwaukee & back on to Michigan.  In 4 days we drove through 4 states & saw a lot along the way.  It was full of city, then sooo flat! Iowa looks like a patchwork blanket, Wisconsin has a lot of hills & roads cut through rock.  Madison has a lot of interesting people & a Starbucks that is busy from dawn til dusk.  It's been the best week of my life! I wish I could travel with Zach all the time!

Then...on Saturday...my phone took a nose dive into the concrete.  She now has a cracked screen & an insurance claim on hold because that mess is expensive! Insurance is added onto the bill each month but it says it's still gonna cost $169 to replace it! What in the heck!?!?!

If you'd like to help me travel with Zach all the time, I just revamped my blog design services page. So if you're in the mood for a redesign send me a message.  I am going to readjust my prices here soon to account for all the awesome things I'll be offering in a custom blog design, so make sure you snatch up the prices before they're gone!

You can also check out some new prints & posters in my Society6 shop!

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Sum Up Sunday #62

This week I spent visiting my aunt while she was in Indiana for work.  When I got back in town Zach suggested we take a little camping trip down by the pond.  Zach set up a little campfire, I helped set up the tent, we cooked some bratwurst, & enjoyed the stars.  I had a rough time sleeping on the ground but this is what we woke up to:

Then we decided to head to the zoo.  I love the zoo, it's one of my favorite placed to go.  The John Ball Zoo had a lot of different habitats than the Norfolk Zoo.  They had an Aquarium! Oh, and a lot of reptiles!  Reptiles & amphibians are my favorite to learn about.  I never get tired of walking through the habitats in the Norfolk zoo & we used to go a lot: for school, with family, etc.  I still love it!  At the John Ball Zoo, I saw a Rattle Snake for the first time. Oh, and those really pretty yet poisonous frogs, too!  I feel like a child, I love the zoo so much!

The also released Monarch Butterflies on the hour.  We didn't stay to see them but there sure were a lot of them flying around.  They were very pretty.

Overall it was a good relaxing week.  Now to get cracking on more things like the ebook, shop, etc.  Can't wait to get this all squared away.  Oh, and it seems the house is coming a long quite nicely.  Can't wait for that too!!

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Make it Monday // Pixelated Print DIY

Hooray!! It's my first Monday in Michigan!!  If you missed it you can check my Sum Up Sunday post from yesterday.  I've rounded up all the sweet tea there is in Michigan & am finally comfortable to say that I've made it.  Zach & I have moved into the little apartment above the garage.  Its been a long while  of packing & unpacking....but we did it.

Last Monday I shared with you a Vacation Poster DIY & today I want to share with you another photo print DIY using one of the photos from last week:

This is the photo I used as the example in using Pixlr-o-matic.  This photo is my favorite!  I took it right before I knew exactly how big Lake Michigan is!  I wanted to use it in other way so I started playing around in Picasa & came up with this:

This pixelated look is super cool! To do this, run your photo through Pixlr-o-matic if you want different colors (that's what I did) or use the image as it is.  For this example I'll use the image as it is.
Open up your image in Picasa & apply the pixel feature, sliding the bar named Pixel Size all the way to the right.

Then, if you wish, add text.  The fonts I used were Anchor Yard Regular & Bebas Neue.  Anchor Yard Regular has cute little anchors for the number characters so I chose to throw one in there.

Another pretty cool piece of art that we can hang in our house from our vacation!

We are going to be in this Michigan Pit Stop for a little while until our house is available.  So far its been nice.  Perhaps this evening I'll go for a dip in the pond & a walk down the dirt road.  Honestly, Michigan is a lot like Virginia.  They both are very, very pretty.

Enjoy your Monday!

If you'd like to check out some other Travel DIYs peep here.

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Make it Monday // DIY Vacation Poster

Guess what....there are only like 4 days left until I load alllll of my stuff in to a Uhaul & drive up to Michigan.  Can you believe it? I thought this day would NEVER come :)

While packing I found a few intagram prints from postalpix or our Michigan trip.  More specifically of our trip to Lake Michigan.  I was thinking about ways to use them in our new home & what more I could maybe do with them & this collage idea came to my mind.

Today I want to share with you how to make a cool poster style picture using Pixlr-o-matic, Picasa, & Picmonkey.  I've found that Picmonkey is a great go-to, cheap & fast if you will, photo editor.  All in all, you'll need 9 vacation pictures.  I used some pictures I took with my DSLR & some pictures I took with my iPhone.  If you need some good tips to remember when using your iPhone, check out some iPhonography posts.  Sometimes its the only camera you have with you, so make sure your pictures count!

You can add a bit aging or different colors to your photos with a great online resource, app on your phone, or even download it to your desktop: Pixlr-o-matic.  I have the desktop version & the app on my phone its a pretty cool appl & I played a lot with it on our Michigan trip!

Once you've gathered your 9 photos you can start.  This is my favorit photo of my bunch because it is the moment that I came upon Lake Michigan...right before I realized it was huge! I love this photo because I captured my own surprise:

Open it in Picasa & crop it square.  You don't have to do it square but doing so will allow you to make the image into circles when you edit it in Picmonkey.

Open Pixlr-o-matic either on your desktop or on the website.  I first found this really cool retro photo editor for my iPhone.  It has tons of filters & effects to make your photos super vintage.  I love the filters because it colors the photos nicely.  Some are better than others.  You'll need about 9 different colored photos in all but play around with some choices...it won't hurt!

Here are some of my favorites: Aladdin, Anne, Bob, Greg, Harry, Josh, Julia, Soloman, Tom, Sana, Kevin, & Sun.  You may have to click the more option to add the rest of the filters to your set.  Just choose filters you think are really super awesome & apply them.

Next, go to picmonkey & chose the collage option. Upload your photos & fill them into a square collage template:

Adjust the spacing to 0 & change the corners to 100% round.  Then save the image.  You can use Picasa to add text.  Add a quote or something that reminds you of your trip.

I chose You're never too far from home because I feel that this picture represents a lot about Zach & I: He's never too far from home because we will be close to Lake Michigan, the lake he's known the best while living in Michigan, & I'm never too far from home because I love the water & couldn't imagine living in a place with out it.  (If we moved to like Arizona...I'd just be so sad all the time!)  So both of us know that there is a little part of home involved in that lake.  I plan on matting & framing this for our new home!

So there you have it! You can use a different picture for each square if you'd like but I like the repetition.  I'd love to make more of these from each year OR maybe even make a big one from 9 years of going to the lake...thats a lot of years!

Well, I am off to pack more things.  Wish me luck!

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