Hey guys! So you probably have already seen Heather's "10 things" post below (if not, check it out!), but what you may not have seen is my guest post over on Heather's blog, The Things That Make Us Tick. You can read my post, Created by the Creator of Beauty, here.  I had a lot of fun writing about a issue so important to me and also getting a chance to contribute to one of my favorite blogs of the moment. Enjoy!

10 things: Heather Block Edition

Well ladies and gentleman, here it is, my first guest post! I decided that making "10 things" lists is so fun, that I want to extend the invitation to others. First up is Heather Block, a fellow first year "EDGEr" working with students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Clair. I have only known Heather for about 6 months, most of those spent in separate states, but in that short while I have been encouraged by her infectious passion for life and serving others. She runs her own super great blog, The Things That Make Us Tick, where she shares awesome music, DIY projects, things that inspire her, thoughts on faith, and much more. Definitely stop by and check it out, but first let's hear about the 10 things she is loving right now! - Caitlin

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Heather Block: 10 Things I Am Loving Right Now

1. Janda Stylish Script. I've totally been digging this font, and if you're into anything design-wise at all, I think you will too! It's just whimsical enough, but not too overboard on the cuteness factor. You can download it for free here.

2. Rend Collective Experiment. I got to see these guys in concert this last week. Accordions. Banjos. Trashcan drums. Irish accents. What more could you ask for in a band??? Check 'em out.

3. Once Upon a Time. So this is not a spoiler... I just want to say that this last week was mind-bending. If you do not currently watch Once Upon a Time, go to Netflix, type it in, and prepare to do nothing for the next couple days.

4. The book of John. I've been reading in the book of John lately, and people, this is really good stuff! There's just something about reading from the gospels- getting to see Jesus up-close and personal. Seeing his reactions, his words, his choices. He's a confusing guy sometimes... a lot of what he talks about is so backwards and opposite from our culture... but it's so good. He is so good.

5. Chevron pattern. Okay... it's like stripes, but even more fun! 'Nuf said. How could you not love this?

6. Personalities in Love by Donna Partow. Confession: I'm not actually in love (unless you count my relationship with the Creator of the universe... we're going on 18 years and pretty crazy about each other). BUT, this book is incredible! If you're interested in learning about personalities at all... I would highly recommend it. At the beginning there's a questionnaire so you can determine your personality type. It then goes through how each personality looks (strengths and weaknesses included) for both women and men, and then it goes through every possible combination for a couple (which would probably be more helpful if you were married, but interesting even if you aren't). Let's just say, it's definitely helped me in how I relate to others and helped me understand why we do the things we do.

7. Humans of New York. I discovered this guy last year and have been following him ever since... he lives in New York City and takes street portraits of people he finds interesting. Sometimes the photos make me cry, sometimes they make me laugh. Sometime they make me want to go out and buy the most ridiculous outfit. But mostly they just make me stand in awe of all the creativity and diversity in this world. Here's his facebook. Check it yo.

8. Smash Books. It's like scrapbooking, but for lazy people. Instead of me writing out a description, here's a video. See? Lazy.

9. George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine. How awesome is it that you can get a café-grade Panini right in the comfort of your own home? Seriously… I love this thing. Throw some bread, cheese, and meat on there, and presto!

10. Spoon rings. So about a month back I had a failed attempt at hand-making spoon rings. Maybe I'll revisit it. Maybe not. Maybe I'll go downtown and get one at the store. Either way, I love spoon rings. I love spoons. I love rings. I love the idea of reusing something to make jewelry.

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Connect with Heather!

The Things That Make Us Tick
Instagram user name: blockhl

Afternoon Snack: Magnolia Cupcakes

President's Day is the lamest holiday. No disrespect meant to the 43 leaders we have had in this country (Yes, I know Obama is 44th, but Grover Cleveland was counted twice.), but really, there is no good way to celebrate President's day. This country should really come up with some solid President's Day traditions. Apparently Alexandria, Virginia has been holding what they call a "Birthright Ball" since the Revolution, in honor of George Washington's birthday. People dress in costume and eat period-inspired food (whatever that means) and dance in an 18th century type of way...I could get into that. But, for the average American it is just another day without mail...and I love mail.

When 3 o'clock hit yesterday and I fully realized there would be no mail, I decided I needed to do something to cheer myself up. Cupcakes were obviously the answer. From scratch. Because that's the way Martha Stewart would do it.

I have crazy respect for Martha Stewart. I remember reading an article about her childhood when I was younger. Her family was poor, so she made her own paper. Yep...she wanted a journal, so she just whipped up some paper. I aspire to be just like her except with a little more cultural relevancy and no jail sentence.

Here she is holding a cat:

So anyways, I got online and searched for a good basic cupcake recipe. Normally I try to get crazy with the flavors (maple syrup and bacon anyone?), but I was feeling a classic vanilla cupcake today. A lo and behold, Allysa Torey from Magnolia Bakery decided to be my fairy godmother and posted her famous vanilla cupcake recipe on Food Network's website. Oh happy day! And here I am to share it with you...because it was wonderful. 

Also, let me speak to the Magnolia v. Crumbs debate real quick. Easy: both. Why should we have to choose between two simply wonderful things?? I do have to admit though, no one does red velvet like Crumbs.

That said, here is the magic:

Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cupcake

yields: 24 (I actually got about 32 cupcakes out of this recipe)

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (if you don't have this, you can google ways to make your own by adding salt and baking powder)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups sugar

4 eggs, at room temperature

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Line two muffin tins with cupcake liners.

In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter until smooth (medium setting on electric mixer.) Add sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but don't over beat. The batter will be on the fluffy side.

Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before icing.

Vanilla Buttercream Icing

This is SUPER sweet and will definitely make more icing than you need. Icing can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

6-8 cups confectioners' sugar (I used six.)

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place butter in mixing bowl and add 4 cups of sugar, milk, then vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the remaining sugar one cup at a time, beating smooth between additions. 

I also added some red and yellow food coloring to make the icing light pink. 

Because perfect vanilla cupcakes should have light pink icing. 

But you can make your icing whatever color you want. No judgements. 

How cute is this stand Sydney just got as a gift?

I'm pretty sure I have a new favorite President's Day tradition.

Enjoy!

10 things

It's been awhile, so here are 10 things I am loving right now.

1. Through the Deep, Dark Valley by the Oh Hellos.
My friend recommended I download this album available on Noisetrade and I cannot stop listening! I'm not really sure how to describe this album except for that it's beautiful. Just try it out ok?

2. Afterglow
This app has changed my life dramatically as an Instagramer. Because let's be real, the Istagram filters in general are not that great. I mean, Kelvin literally turns your photo yellow.  Afterglow lets you mess with brightness, contrast, exposure, etc. There are also a million subtle filters to choose from and it gives you the option to post your whole photo rather than crop it to a square. Well worth the 99 cents if you ask me.

3. Meet the Robinsons
You guys, this movie is so good. I already knew this, but my love for it was rekindled. We watched it after ministry dinner the other night and let me tell you, I laughed, I cried, I laughed until I cried. It's so good. Here's a little taste.

4. "Old Lady Movie Night" 
Anne T. Donahue, a writer for Hellogiggles, write the absolute best movie reviews and calls them "Old Lady Movie Night." They kill me. Currently my favorite go-to when I need to take a break from work.

5. Brit Buttons
A friend of a friend is currently a student at the International House of Prayer University along with her husband and runs this super cute etsy shop as a way to supplement their income. All earrings are handmade and are based off a part of scripture. I recently purchased this pair based of Psalm 42:1, a favorite of mine. Definitely check her shop out. Her earrings and homemade lip balm make really great gifts!

6. New Girl
Go Nick Miller! I feel like we're finally getting what we deserve as loyal viewers.

7. Trufaced by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, and John Lynch
"Trust God and others with who you really are." This book addresses the different masks we create because of unresolved sin in our lives and how they affect the way we operate. It addresses fear, denial, anger, shame, control, guilt...you know, the fun stuff. Not super well written, but filled with truth. Definitely worth the read.

8. Beyonce's documentary
Ok, so I haven't seen it yet, but I know I love it.

9. 40 letters
I was inspired by two of my good friend to write 40 letters (one for each day of lent) to 40 people who are currently important to me. I love getting a whole page to tell someone how awesome I think they are and how much they have impacted my life. I should have done this sooner.

10. Beta Love by Ra Ra Riot
Just try not to dance. I dare you.

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Happy Sunday!

forget who you think you are

A couple of years ago a friend gave me a mix cd. One of the last songs on the CD was called "Run to You" by The Rocket Summer. I remember really loving the song itself, but being thrown off by the singer's voice and so I told my friend that I wasn't really a fan and that was that. (Clarification: His voice is not bad at all, it just wasn't in my normal style of music.)

But, this friend was (is) a friend whose musical opinion I trust, and so one day while I was downloading some new music, I decided to try out The Rocket Summer album "Do You Feel." One listen through and I admitted that my first impression had been completely wrong. The Rocket Summer is so good you guys. SO GOOD.

The Rocket Summer is technically just Bryce Avery. And can I just tell you, this man is so full of joy. The first time I saw him live I cried. He was up on the stage singing and praying all at once...his love for Jesus was pouring out all over the place, but his music was so real. He does not play "worship" music. He sings about life, and because he love Jesus so much, his lyrics are often infused with the truth of the gospel.

Yesterday I was blessed enough to go to Chicago for the day with a few friends for the Heavy and Light tour. The tour was part of the To Write Love On Her Arms movement to erase the stigma that comes with essentially admitting that you are broken and need help, specifically those struggling with depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol addiction. I really love TWLOHA and totally support everything they stand for and the work that they do. If you would like to learn more about their story and vision click here.

Jon Foreman and Fiction Family were the main performers of the evening (don't even get me started), but right before they played, Bryce Avery graced the stage with one of the most wonderful acoustic sets I have ever heard.

One of the songs he played was a newer one called "Just For a Moment Forget Who You Are." If any song touched the people in the Chicago House of Blues that night, it was this one. I put the video here, but imagine a stripped down keyboard version that makes your heart want to break into a million little pieces. 

And sick of cliches about second chances, but it's time to live or time to fade

somewhere in this place there is hope

keep your eyes open where you roam

because you never know when your life's about to change

Just for a moment start to forget about the scar

and forget who you think you are

don't say another word

you were meant for greatness

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All the fear within your world, you can take it

And greatness isn't what you think

it's not being up on that screen

it's not convincing people you don't fall apart

it's just loving and serving and being who you are

because who you are is perfect

you were made in an image of greatness

"You were made in an image of greatness." What the heck...why do I forget about that? I was made in the image of God. When I am living out of wounds and lies that tell me that I am inadequate for the work God has given me. That people don't really love me. That I will never be as good as so and so. That if I could just fix that one little messy part of my heart then I would be set. Then I am living out of my own understanding without any recognition of who God is and what he has promised.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, 

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

There if anyone is Christ he is a new creation, the old has gone the new has come. 

2 Corinthians 5:17

...put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator...

Colossions 3:10

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises so that through the, you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world cause by evil desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4

God's word is FILLED with promises for his people. I'm just going to be honest and say that because of past scars, I lived with a fairly consistent belief that I am not good enough. Or even if I am, that someone else is better. I have formed so many lies about who I am and unfortunately some days I forget they are lies and I live like they are truths. The most important part of every day for me is reminding myself of who I am in Christ. God's truth is the best arsenal we have against the lies that try to paralyze us. 

I do not have it all together all the time. I fall apart. I think that we would all get on a little bit better if we just admitted that flat out. We recently talked about creating an environment of grace and truth on our campuses. The Chicago House of Blues last night was a very real example of an environment of grace. Grown men who are well-loved and super talented shared with the crowd that they too are broken. Many of them said that the songs they were singing came out of dark times in their lives. If we as leaders cannot admit that life is really hard and our "stuff" gets us down sometimes, then how do we think we'll ever be able to really share Christ's love? I have experienced SO MUCH of Christ's love through those really hard battles in my life. 

I struggle, but I know who I am in Christ. And I just want the students I meet with to know that too. And my roommates. And my friends. And my siblings. And the woman in front of me at the grocery store. And my crazy neighbors who are literally awake and active 24/7.  Even if they already share in a relationship with Christ, I want them to know how much they are loved! And I am starting to realize that the first step in this is being very real about where I am, how I've been wounded, and most importantly how He is healing or has healed me. 

Last night was more emotional for me than I would have imagined, but so so wonderful. In this world we often make people who battle deep depression and anxiety feel like they are too messed up. We put them on a different level of brokenness and treat them like fragile pieces of glass. 

Listen up. We are ALL broken. We ALL have operated out of a past wound at one point or another. We ALL need love. I am in no way belittling the battle of depression or anxiety, because I have stood by people I really care about as they go through the pain of depression and I have seen the healing that counseling can provide. I just want people to stop pretending that they don't need help. Myself included. Guys, we need help. It's ok. 

I am really encouraged by the idea of real community and fellowship with one another. My roommates and I have started meeting together for an hour Sunday mornings before church for a time of accountability, encouragement, and prayer. It is understood that you can share anything during that time. We only started this semester, so I am excited to see what becomes of this time and how it changes our relationships with each other. We have created an environment of grace and truth in our own home. 

This is long and a little rambling, so I apologize, I just feel motivated to love people more deeply and sacrificially than I have been...mostly because I have been reminded of who I really am.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain where Jesus, who went before us, has enter on our behalf.

 Hebrews 6:19

Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes form God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant –not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in god, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:16-19

living room diy part 2: pom-pom mobile, tissue paper puffs, and paper scrolls

Yesterday I had a lot of laundry to do, which meant it was a perfect day to watch movies and make things instead. I've been wanting to give our living room some love for awhile and after last week's banner and garland, I was inspired to get the job done.

Leftover yarn. The knitter's dilemma. It just accumulates everywhere. Never have I ever knitted something that took exactly (#) skeins. There is always something leftover. One of my favorite challenges is finding ways to make use of all the leftover yarn. Yesterday I grabbed some of the leftover whites and beiges I have laying around and I made this:

Pom-Pom Mobile

embroidery hoops...$1 each

yarn...leftover

twine...already had

So, this is really easy to do. I used different sized pom-pom makers that I bought a few years ago at Hobby Lobby, but there are lots of tutorials online on how to make your own pom-poms without a fancy tool. There was a point in my life where everyone I knew (exaggeration. more like 20 people) was asking me to knit them hats with tassels and pom-poms. The fancy tool was totally worth the investment.

Once you've made a bunch of pom-poms in varying size and color, tie them onto the interior ring of the embroidery hoop. Put the outer ring back on and tighten it. I just used regular craft twine to hang it, but you could get crazy with it if you want. 

I think it would be sweet to make a really huge brightly colored one. Someone else should make it and send me a picture!

And then I made these:

I did not make either of these up and therefore cannot take credit for them.

Tissue Paper Pouf

tissue paper...$1.99 per color

craft string...already had

And here is a tutorial you can use to make your own. It's easiest to make big poufs. If you make a smaller one, then use very few layers or you won't get the tissue to fluff. If you make a larger one, use more layers of tissue of it won't look ruffly enough. The tiny one here has 4 sheets, while for the larger ones I used 6.

Paper Scrolls

cardstock...$3

stapler

tape

Normally I have cardstock laying around as well, so this would have been free. This paper scroll garland comes straight out of the best store ever, Anthropologie. One of my dream jobs is to decorate Anthropologie stores. They are super beautiful and filled with the best DIY ideas ever. 

So in the store these scrolls were turned into a garland and hung in the window. If I ever have an area big enough for an entire paper scroll garland then I will be all over that, but for now I just made a few small ones to compliment my tissue poufs. 

Here is the tutorial that I loosely based my scrolls on. Honestly I kind of just looked at the picture and went for it...sometimes I'm just not into reading things. But if you look close, her scrolls look nicer than mine, so maybe you should just read the tutorial.

I also made a quick garland from some of the left over cardstock and some heart shaped doilies and hung it on the window. I'm pretty happy with how the wall turned out. The extra bits filled it out nicely.

Our living room is much cozier these days. Decorating has been a slow process at the Treehouse, but we're getting there! Next project to tackle: the kitchen.  

living room diy part 1: heart garland + love banner

Today I was a woman on a mission. Actually, it started last night. I actually voiced the words "I am a woman of action" to my friend.

It all started when I decided our plain living room wall was far too depressing for my taste. Or anyone's really. I could try describe the paint color, but I will just leave it at "undefined" because I cannot think of any friendly words to describe this particular shade of beige. It was definitely time for some paint chip glamour. But not actual paint since paint is expensive.

I drove to Lowe's and headed straight to the paint chip section, grabbing waaay more than is socially acceptable. Luckily, I have giant coat pockets and since paint chips are technically free, I shoved them all in my pocket. I was feeling pretty self-concious though and wanted to at least leave a quarter or something on the counter to relieve my guilt at taking so many free hand-outs. I didn't because that's unnecessary.

Instead I wandered the store for about 15 minutes trying to look like I was a shopper. It is SO HARD to look like a nonchalant shopper in Lowe's...no one just goes there to browse. I have problems.

Next I ventured to Walmart, which might actually be my least favorite place ever...besides a super dark aquarium or something. My main goal was to find cheap ice-cream for a ministry dinner that night, but I also walked out with the BEST glitter twine ever. Like I have said before, I am really into gold glitter these days.

I will not tell you how many hours I spent cutting tiny hearts out of the paint chips. Ok, six. The answer is six hours. But, I wanted the hand-cut look, so did I really have a choice? I tend to have extreme dedication when it comes to crafts.

But, the real madness ensues when today I decided I needed a smaller hole-punch if I was going to do this thing right. So, being fully aware of what I was signing up for, I got in my car and drove straight into a blizzard. The roads were absolutely terrible. I'm not even exaggerating a little bit. It was the kind of road condition where you just don't trust anyone.

After almost getting rear-ended twice I decided to turn off and take back roads so no other cars could "get me." Yeah, no, I didn't turn around and go home. I turned to the left and took BACK ROADS. And I remembering saying to myself "Hah! Now no one can get me."This is the point where I started questioning my own sanity, but I was also listening to the Local Natives , and all the percussion and strings were kind of making me feel like I was in a movie.

Long story short, it took me twice as long as normal to get to Hobby Lobby. I found the tiny hole-punch instantly and also picked up some other things for a banner I had in mind. Hobby Lobby can be a very dangerous place for me, but I was SO well behaved today.

I spent the rest of my day hole-punching, stringing hearts, and sewing...all while watching some of the best movies to make you wish Meg Ryan was your best friend, You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle. And My Best Friend's Wedding, but that's Julia Roberts and let's be real, she's kind of a psycho in that one.

So here is the "finished" product. I plan to add more, hence the "finished."

The garland is Valentine's inspired, but honestly we'll probably leave it up for awhile. It's darling in person. Tiny hearts are simply hard to resist. 

The banner comes from Song of Solomon 2:4 which includes the line "...his banner over me is love..." I love this line of Scripture. If the banner is His gospel, then I enter the "banquet house" with the message of His gospel, LOVE, over me. As Matthew Henry's commentary puts it, He displays His banner over my head "not as one he triumphed over, but as one he triumphed in. Christ is the captain of our salvation, and he enlists all his soldiers under the banner of love; in that they center;  that they must continually have an eye, and be animated by it."

heart garland: 

paint chips...free

glitter twine...$3

1/16 hole-punch: $4

You can use a heart-shaped punch to cut out all the stars. I chose to hand-cut them so that they wouldn't be uniform. I then punched two holes in the top and strung them on the twine. Super super simple.

banner:

burlap (pre-cut)...$6

muslin: $3 (from scrap bin...tons leftover)

small clothespins: already had. 

you can get them at most

 craft stores for a couple dollars

twine: already had

Also super simple. Cut the letters of your choice out of the muslim and stitch to the burlap with embroidery floss (other thread is too thin to hold tight.) Use whatever you want for the string and just clothespin the burlap to your "clothesline."

Sidenote: I am all about clotheslines as a decorative element. I have four in my home right now. Also, mini clothespins have become a staple in my supply drawer. Probably because I have so many clotheslines. 

Happy crafting!