Way Too Long

It's been way too long since I've posted on here. Let me recap the last few months:

- I moved to Tampa.
- I started two new jobs.
- I applied to three OT Master's programs.
- I spent my birthday at Islands of Adventure.
- I spent Thanksgiving with my family in Central Florida.
- I spent Christmas with my family in Pennsylvania.
- I will officially be an aunt to a beautiful niece in 3 weeks or less.

Quite an interesting few months! I love my job(s) and I am enjoying being back in Tampa, although I am anxiously awaiting my "fate" school-wise. I haven't decided how I want to handle this blog: will it be more of a personal blog or more of a crafts blog? I guess that's why I went with "Nic Knacks"...I suppose it could be both, right?

Since there's always a craft going on around here and I'm also incredibly excited about her arrival, I thought I'd show off my latest creation for my upcoming niece, Grace:

My mom bought this Jungle Jill crib set from Kohl's (don't you just LOVE Kohl's?) and we thought pulling out the giraffe print from it would be fun. I love how they came out and the best part is that it was SO EASY! I worked on them during episodes of Grey's Anatomy (I'm working on Season 6 and moving along quickly!). All you need is some blank canvases, your favorite fabric, a staple gun, wooden letters,Modge Podge, and some pretty paint. Honestly the whole thing couldn't have taken longer than a few hours of work and about $20 - works for me! :)

I can't believe 2013 is over. It has been quite a year for me...way more lows than highs. But I have to say, it started horrible and ended on a pretty good note. I am looking forward to seeing what - and where - 2014 brings me. Happy New Year!

Updating CJ's Room

Hello!

I have returned from my trip to Pennsylvania. My baby brother is now a high school graduate. Incredible! The five days I was there flew by. Aside from eating out, Six Flags, shopping, family time, and staying up way too late, we managed to get CJ's new "college" room done. He was so surprised! It was definitely a team effort and totally worth it.

I traveled up to PA with all the crafts I had put together for his room. I'll admit, I forgot to take pictures of everything. But I did get some pictures!

Painted "E S U" letters for his college. 

We put them up on the wall with command strips and they looked great!

It's amazing what you can do with a blank canvas and some paint.

Making this made me want to make more! Anyone need some letter canvases?!

Check out my Etsy shop! https://www.etsy.com/listing/153669749/hand-painted-wooden-canvas-letter

Another canvas I worked on. I'm really happy how it came out.

(Although honestly, it was kind of time consuming/a pain!).

Overall I'm really happy with how everything turned out! Now I'm back in Florida and back to reality. Why do vacations always go by so fast? :( Can't wait to go back again!

The 3 Momma's of My Life

Mommy and Me, September 1987

I am extremely lucky. I was blessed with an amazing mom, a wonderful stepmom, and a fantastic grandma. Some people don't even get one of those and I got THREE! How lucky am I?

My mom and I share an incredible bond. I get my compassion, giving heart, and zest for life from her. She has not had it easy and instead of allowing it to affect how she parented us, she was (and is!) an AMAZING mom! She can do it all and I am constantly amazed at her. My brothers and I are so lucky to call her ours.

My stepmom came into my life when I was 5 years ago and has played a hand in raising me ever since. I get my mad organization/cleaning skills, sarcastic humor, and thirst to explore and adventure from her. Often times, stepmom's are believed to be or portrayed as "evil" - not mine. I am thankful for her every day.

My grandma and I are amazingly close. Despite living only 5 hours apart, we write letters to each other. I cherish her letters. My grandma was dealt some not so great cards in her life, but she charged them and moved forward. She raised 4 children and has been a part of all her grandchildren/great-grandchildren's lives. She is kind, loves God, hilarious, and loves her family. She is the glue that holds us together.

This Mother's Day, I am reminded of the strong, beautiful women around me and how much they light up my life.