April 25, 2010

Sappy, Cheesy, Perma Grin-Inducing, Love Songs

Relationships take work. Communication, trust, faith, and all that other good stuff. When a relationship is going well it feels easy, right, custom-built for you. When a relationship is going right, you kind of want to sing about it. So I bring you the super cheesy love songs that make you belt out a tune when you're heart is so full of happy it might burst. Click here or any of the songs below to listen.


  1. As I Lay Me Down (1995) - Sophie B Hawkins




  2. Accidentally in Love - Counting Crows




  3. This Kiss - Faith Hill




  4. Love Story - Taylor Swift




  5. Love Will Keep Us Together - Captain & Tennille




  6. Don't Go Breakin My Heart - Elton John & Kiki Dee




  7. (They Long To Be) Close To You - Carpenters




  8. Baby I Love Your Way - Big Mountain




  9. Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead




  10. The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson




  11. You Make Me Feel So Good - Book of Love




  12. The Way You Love Me - Faith Hill




  13. Head Over Heels - Go-Go's




  14. My Life Would Suck Without You (Main ... - Kelly Clarkson




  15. Cant Fight the Moonlight - LeAnn Rimes




  16. Breathless - The Corrs




  17. Rest Of Our Lives - Mike Ness




  18. You're The One That I Want - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John




  19. I Will Follow Him - Little Peggy March




  20. I Hear A Symphony - The Supremes




  21. Say a Little Prayer for You - Aretha Franklin




  22. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye




  23. You're the First, the Last, My Everyt... - Barry White




  24. Whenever, Wherever (Album Version) - Shakira




  25. Sealed With A Kiss - The Eyeliners




  26. Everytime We Touch - Cascada




  27. Out of the Blue - Debbie Gibson




  28. truly madly deeply (album version) - Savage Garden




  29. Breakfast at Tiffany's - Deep Blue Something




  30. I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany




  31. Head Over Feet - Alanis Morisette




  32. Thank You - Dido




  33. Summer Nights - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John



April 22, 2010

The Crafty Cupcake Celebrates Earth Day

While a lot of people celebrate Earth Day by cleaning parks, planting trees, and other awesome outdoor activities we were faced with thunderstorms today. So I figured crafting with recycled materials would be a good way to celebrate indoors. I have been working on three projects and I would love to share them with you.


The first is a yoga mat bag made of from old Cargo pants. I came across this pattern at Vegetarian Frugal Housewife. I fell in love with the bag because it was simple yet features a pocket perfect for keys, phone, and a debit card or cash. While I didn't have any pants at home that fit the bill I found these pants at the thrift store. With the addition of a simple piece of pink webbing I have an awesome new Yoga Mat Bag and it took 40 minutes to make.



The next project was inspired by an awesome pair of leg warmers I saw last weekend at a yoga class. I may eventually knit a pair but for these I cut the sleeves from a sweater, made a casing for elastic using some interlock fabric, and added two inch elastic. The sleeve cuffs made the perfect bottom and they fit well. They will be great for early more yoga practice when it's still cold.




The next projects come from pieces of bike chain. My awesome bike tech asked if I wanted my old chain when I had some work done. I said "Yeah, I would love to make jewelry from it." He then looked at the chain and said "How about I do you one better. I will give you my leftover chain pieces and recycle this." Deal. So I have been making jewelry from the links and pieces. It takes a few special tools but I think it's worth it. So far I have made about six pairs of earring and a bracelet. I have a necklace in the works as well.



This has been an amazing way for me to recycle, be creative, and walk aways with some fun and unique items. The next time you're ready to throw something out or donate it, stop and think what it's second life might be.

April 12, 2010

No Expectations


As I delved further into my yoga practice I recognized the need to let go of my expectations. Once upon a time I  dwelled upon what wasn't going right in my life rather than what is. I spent a lot of  time trying to figure out where I went wrong, what I did wrong, what I didn't do, and why things seemed so hard.

Then about a year and a half ago I realized I haven't done anything wrong. This is my path. As I open myself up to receive the lessons designed for me it seems life is not so hard. I just have to listen and be aware. I let go of my expectations, let go of the destination and have begun to enjoy the journey.  Through this process I have gained faith, empathy, and love. Being open to a path I hadn't thought of, planned on or expected as brought me an amazing bliss.

In the last week my father became very ill, the type of condition that if not caught could have been fatal. I have to say this is the scariest thing that I have been through as an adult. I was forced once again to realize that things can change in a heartbeat. The life you know is not guaranteed to last.  As trite as it may be I will take this opportunity to ask that you all enjoy your journey, love each day. You never know when your path will change and the best way to be ready is by not expecting the destination but cherishing the journey.