Fairy Wand Suncatcher

Sometimes when I lay awake in bed at night, I think of various projects that I want to try. Well last night, I kept thinking about this particular craft, and I decided to give it a try. Not only was it a success, it turned out even more lovely than I expected. 
I've dubbed this project the Fairy Wand Suncatcher, and when you see the finished project, you'll understand why. Now, I'm going to give you the step by step on this, but since it's made using assorted odds and ends from my yard and craft box, I doubt any two would ever end up looking the same. But at least you'll get an idea. 
Here is the completed project. Not the best photo, but all I have is my phone, so it's the best I could do. 

To begin with, I went outside, behind my apartment, and found a couple of decent sized branches. There were plenty on the ground, so I didn't have to mutilate a tree for this. I looked for ones that had enough bulk to hold some weight without breaking, without being too big. I also paid attention to the shape, because I wanted my stick to have some character. 

Once you've selected some that you like, bring them inside and give them a quick cleaning. Check for bugs, loose bark, anything that might ruin the look. 

After deciding which one would work best for this project, I mixed together some white craft paint with water and quickly brushed on a whitewashing coat. Depending on the look you're going for, you could leave your branch natural, or paint it any number of colors. I wanted a birch type color for mine, so a light whitewashing did the trick perfectly. 

Whitewashed branch next to a natural branch. 

After the paint dried, I decided I wanted to give it a bit more pizzazz, so that it was extra eye catching and shimmery when displayed in the window. To do that, I gave the entire branch a good coating of spray adhesive (an all purpose glue would work as well) and then shook on some iridescent glitter. Not too much, just enough to give it a magical sparkle. To help keep the glitter from falling off, and to add some protection, I also gave my branch a good cover of clear coat spray. 

After allowing plenty of time for the clear coat to dry, I had to decide what I wanted to hang from my shimmery stick. After digging through my various craft odds and ends, I decided on some handblown glass leaves that I had rescued years before from a broken windchime. 

I've been in love with these beauties from the first moment I saw them, and this was the absolute perfect project for them. But if you don't have glass leaves, you can always string beads, crystals, flowers, or anything else you may have around your house. Or use a combination of items. This project is all about being creative and using what you have. 

I used some shimmery ribbon that I had leftover from a previous project to tie the leaves on, and I staggered their lengths to give it a pretty effect.
I finished it off by hot gluing a few small silk flowers onto the branch, and adding the string to hang it with. (I tied the string to each end, to allow it to hang more evenly.) A few suction cups stuck to the window, and viola! A beautiful Fairy Wand Suncatcher! 

Again, not the best photo, but you get the idea. This would also be a great project for a patio wall, or hung in a garden. I'll definitely be making more of these. I just love it! 

Needed for this project:

*large stick or small branch
*white paint
*spray adhesive or all purpose glue

*glitter

*clear coat spray (optional)
*ribbon or string

*assortment of items to hang

*a few small silk flowers (optional)

It's Official.... I'm Old

I knew it would happen someday. I just didn't expect it to come so suddenly. It seems like just yesterday, I was a fresh faced spring chicken. A wild eyed, free spirit, awaiting my next crazy adventure. But little by little, my youth has withered away. It started slowly. So slowly in fact, that I almost didn't notice. 
It began with small things. A desire to go to bed earlier. Followed by the inevitable predawn wake up. Then, I lost interest in certain events and social gatherings. Bars and clubs were just too loud, and I'd find myself checking my watch at parties, wondering when I could sneak out. As it progressed, I became annoyed with the younger generations. I'd watch them in public and think to myself "Was I ever that obnoxious?" At some point, I caught myself Google-ing the latest slang, and realized that I'd lost all touch with current trends and was completely fine with it. 
Each year, I'd find myself giving up something new, because I felt I was "too old" for it. Shorts, tight dresses, midriff baring swimsuits, the ability to text with one hand. And all these things seemed unnecessary to me. They were the trappings of the young. I didn't miss them at all. 
But recently, I've noticed more and more signs that I'm turning into an old lady. Here are a few:

I got a cat. Now, I realize that young people can also get cats, but I didn't just bring a cat home, I GOT A CAT. Within hours of having her, I started making my own cat toys, built beds for her, and gave her cutesy little baby nicknames that I can only say in a high pitched voice. I've taken WAY too many photos of her, and am convinced that she isn't just any cat, she is the prettiest cat ever born. Oh yeah, and did I mention that I talk to her? Yup. I tell her about my day, bounce blog ideas off of her (she thought this one wasn't my best work for the record) and demand she help me with projects around the house. I've also come to the conclusion that she is lonely, and can only be truly happy if we bring home more furry friends for her to play with. So I didn't just get a cat, I got the crazy cat lady starter kit. 
I can have real plants now. For years, I couldn't keep a plant alive longer than a month. I did everything you were supposed to do, and they'd still croak. I tried every kind. I even killed a cactus. So I gave up and accepted that silk flowers and greens were to be all I would ever have. Then, a couple years ago, I was given a couple houseplants as gifts, and lo and behold.... they are still alive. And thriving no less! I'm now officially the proud owner of five, yes I said FIVE lovely, living houseplants. And yesterday, I planted my first indoor herb garden, and I seriously cannot wait to have some fresh herbs to cook with. Which leads me to point number three...
I CAN actually cook. I'll be completely honest here, I'm still no gourmet chef, but I've grown well beyond my previous limitations of cereal and mac and cheese. Though those are still some of my favorite meals. I've learned not only how to properly follow a recipe, but also how to adapt it to fit my tastes. I've become much more comfortable in the kitchen, and have even created several of my own recipes that are quite delicious. 
I collect strange things. It's a well known fact that old ladies have odd collections. From assorted lace doilies to ceramic doll heads, old ladies have a tendency to hoard weird stuff. Turns out, I'm no exception. My growing collection of garden gnomes speaks for itself. I've also found the older I get, the harder time I have of throwing stuff away. I'm convinced I can repurpose just about anything into something useful. I do blame Pinterest for some of that though. 
I'm bringing brooches back. Now, I've always loved a nice brooch. Even in my younger days. But the older I get, the more I feel like no outfit is complete without that little pop of fun. I search thrift stores for the most unique ones, and even make many of my own. I've also discovered a fondness for scarves, and not just for fashion, but often because I'm always cold. 
I no longer want long hair. Growing up, I always had long hair. But the older I got, the shorter and shorter I've gone. For awhile, I would attempt to grow it back out from time to time, missing the days of swinging ponytails and windblown locks. Then I stopped missing it. I prefer the ease of short styles, and I save a fortune on hair products. Now, if it gets long enough to put into a ponytail, I feel miserable and count down until my next cut. 
I say "When I was your age" more often. I've caught myself doing this more and more, and I've realized that I've reached a point in life where I have seen quite a bit of change. From music and television, to technology and more. The generation gap has widened, and I'm no longer the "cool" twenty something I once was, nor do I want to be. 
I enjoy being at home. It's hard to believe there was a time when I couldn't wait to rush out the door. I'd come home from work, change my clothes, and head right back out. A night in felt like torture. Now, I look forward to relaxing in the comfort of my own home. Sometimes there's nothing better than a pants free day spent reading or watching movies with my hubs. I still enjoy going out, but I also appreciate coming home and not feeling like it's just a pit stop. 
I notice the little things more. When you're young, everything feels so much bigger and more important than it really is. You spend so much time thinking about things, you turn molehills into mountains. Youth has so much drama attached to it. The older you get, the more you learn to recognize what truly matters. You make peace with things you can't change, and you put your energy into things that make a difference. With age comes wisdom, and an understanding that life is more than just the things we can see and touch. The older you get, the more you've probably had to say goodbye to people you loved, which teaches you the true value of a moment. You seek out less quantity and more quality in those you surround yourself with. 

Of course I could go on. From grey hairs and crows feet, to stiff joints and the urge to yell "Get off my lawn!" I'm steadily creeping away from spry youthfulness and working my way towards middle age, and inevitably... ripe old age. But you know what? I really don't mind. 

Berry Best Reviews: Rumball & Wojtkowicz, PLC

From time to time, I like to do reviews on products or businesses that I'm a fan of. My official seal of approval, if you will. We all know that I'm brutally honest, so if I give my Berry Best stamp to something, you can count on it being quality. 

That being said, I'd like to share with you today a fantastic new law firm, located in my home state of Michigan. 

Rumball & Wojtkowicz, PLC

Rumball & Wojtkowicz, PLC is a multi-member law practice, consisting of Jayson W. Rumball and Jakob J. Wojtkowicz. We are focused on Estate Planning, Business Planning, Real Property, Contracts, Criminal Misdemeanors and Civil Litigation. We have a very diverse education and background in Business Transactions and Tax Law. 

While they might be a new location, these guys have plenty of experience behind them. In my interview, I asked them about that, and here's their responses. 

Jayson - Prior to opening up Rumball & Wojtkowicz, PLC I worked at a small firm in Lansing where I concentrated my practice on Real Property, Construction, Contracts and General Business Law. I worked at that firm as a law clerk and attorney for 4 years. Then I move to a mid-size law firm based in Southfield, where I concentrated my practice on Estate Planning, Succession Planning and Business Planning for 8 years.

Jayson Rumball

Jakob - Prior to opening up Rumball & Wojtkowicz, PLC I worked as a solo practitioner concentrated on Tax Law, Business Planning, Estate Planning and Civil Litigation.

Jakob Wojtkowicz

I also asked Jayson & Jakob what sets their firm apart from all the others out there, and I loved their response. 

"We are a young and energetic law firm dedicated to our clients' success in all facets of their business ventures and personal lives. We offer our clients the personal touch that they wont get at the larger firms. We care deeply about our clients on a personal level versus the transactional relationship the larger firms provide. Our clients have our cell phone numbers and can call us directly, and because of that, they always speak directly to us."

In a day and age of email interaction and mass call centers, personal service and direct contact are something that automatically put a company ahead in my opinion. 

So you're probably thinking "These guys sound great, but I don't need a law firm." and that's where you'd be wrong. Here's why...

"Estate Planning is very important to the average person because without an Estate Plan, you lose control over your estate after passing. Because, the Probate Court now dictates how and to whom your assets are distributed. Probate Court is an expensive and time consuming process - on average takes between 9 months and 3 years to complete and costs an average of 3-10% of the value of your probate estate.  A scary statistic is that 70% of Americans have no Estate Plan in place."

70%!!! Maybe you don't understand how serious this is. If (God forbid) something were to happen to you, do you really want your family to have to spend up to 3 years fighting the court system? I'm guessing your answer to that is no. Lucky for you, these awesome guys not only offer their outstanding services, but they also host seminars to help educate the public on these things. How great is that?! Here's a little information on those...

"We frequently present seminars on behalf of businesses and organizations, specifically discussing the need for estate and tax planning, proper business entity set up, and business liability protection. Our last Seminar was a joint seminar with a financial planner on financial/estate planning that was held at the Fountains Golf and Banquet in Clarkston on March 11th.  We are currently planning another seminar for early May."

It seems to me that attorneys and law firms often get a bad rap. So how do you know that you're getting the best service for your money with Rumball & Wojtkowicz, PLC?

"A good law firm starts with a fully informed attorney. In order to have a proper Estate Plan in place, the attorney must know what your assets are, the approximate value of the assets and whom the current beneficiaries are of those assets.  If your attorney isn't asking you these questions, they are doing you a disservice - how can an attorney plan to protect what it doesn't know you have.  

Also, be aware of the general practice/one-stop shop type of attorneys, that say they can do everything. ie: the jack of all trades and master of none. This is the reason we have chosen our specialties and stick to being very good at those specialties.  We do this in order to provide our clients with a personal and positive experience."

Now that I've gotten you all excited to hire the best law firm around, you're probably wondering how to get in touch with them. Well here's your answer!

"Our primary office is conveniently located just of the I75/Dort Hwy Exit at 3059 Tri-Park Dr., Grand Blanc, MI 48439. We also maintain a satellite office at 8491 S. State Rd., Goodrich, MI 48438. Our offices are open from 9am-5pm M-F, but we also offer evening and Saturday office hours by appointment."

Office: 810-694-0100

Fax: 810-694-0109

Jayson 248-249-2585

Jakob 248-459-1766

Or check them out online at http://www.rwlawplc.com/ or (click here) to like them on Facebook. 

LinkedIn:   www.linkedin.com/in/jaysonrumballesq

                www.linkedin.com/in/jakobwojtkowiczesq

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!! 
Jayson and Jakob are also offering my blog readers this great coupon! So don't miss out on this deal! Give them a call today! And don't forget to tell your friends and loved ones too. 

April Fools Day

Tis here.... the first of April. A day known as April Fools Day. A day people celebrate by pranking each other. A day filled with countless fake pregnancy announcements, lies about quitting jobs, moving to strange places, and posts about how you tortured your loved ones in new and colorful ways. 
I. Don't. Get. It. 
I never have. Growing up as the baby of 6, with 4 older brothers, I was on the receiving end of more of these "fun" activities than I care to remember. Plastic wrapped toilet seats, shaving cream sleep surprises, you were adopted stories and SO many more. Lucky for me though, my siblings didn't limit their pranks to only one day a year. But April first was like the Christmas of pranking for them. This meant that they would spend longer than 30 seconds thinking up ways to torment me, which led to even worse things than finding your favorite dolls hanging from your bedroom ceiling by nooses. 
I'll be honest, they were quite creative in their endeavors. My complete lack of shame as an adult being proof. I mean, there's only so many times one can be utterly mortified before you become numb to it. (So, thanks for that!)
I remember the excitement and joy they derived from these pranks. I figured I must be missing out on something, so I attempted a few of my own. Once, I used my superb makeup skills to give my one brother fake injuries, including a pretty believable black eye, and told my mom my other brother hit him. My mom didn't laugh, and neither did I, when she proceeded to ground me for a month.
So I gave up trying to prank, and just accepted my fate as the test monkey for all of my siblings' ridiculous shenanigans. 
Fast forward to adulthood, and now I have a hubs who finds endless humor in tomfoolery. 
He finds few things more amusing than sneaking up on me when I'm in vulnerable positions (cough...naked... cough) and scaring the bejeebus out of me. My only saving grace is that he never has any clue what day (month, year, etc.) it is, so April Fools Day has rarely been cause for additional trickery. There was that one time, with a rubber lizard, but that was such a sad attempt.... 
So what is it about this nonsense that is so appealing? Why is it fun to embarrass and deceive people? I'm clearly missing the genetic code that makes these things so entertaining. Why is it considered hilarious to lie about something like a pregnancy on April 1st, but absolutely unthinkable on April 2nd? Is it part of the Earth's gravitational pull on that one day a year? Like that day you can make an egg stand on end. And why do people continue to fall for such things? It's April 1st, you believe nothing you see or hear on this day. Everyone knows that. But year after year, we repeat this cycle.
Call me a stick in the mud, but I find the whole thing just plain stupid.
So while the rest of you wrap rubber bands around your sink sprayers, put mayo in your cream filled donuts, and try to convince people you really are moving to Mumbai, I'll just be over here rolling my eyes, and waiting for this dumb holiday to be over.