Hardware store adventure

I did a post on my Grenada blog all about the stores here in Grenada where you can find crafting supplies.  
There is a fabric store, there is a tiny store where you can buy beads and jewelry makings, and then there is the hardware store.

The hardware store is home to a lot of gem's one might not normally find.... because you aren't looking with the right mindset.  Grenada has changed the way I look at everything!

I have been joking with my friends that Grenadians think that I am insane.  They see me coming and think what is this crazy white girl doing today.

Case in point:
I was wasting some time waiting on a bus at the hardware store last week.  I was roaming up and down every single aisle looking for inspiration in anything and everything.  In the back corner I stopped to examine the area where they cut keys.  Keys are a favorite thing of mine (what isn't right?) and so I was looking at them and an employee approached me and asked if I needed assistance... here is the convo:
How much is a key?  
Which key? - any key
You just want a key? - yes
A automobile key is $20EC -  yikes! do you have any mistake keys?  Keys you have cut and the person didn't buy?
You want a key that doesn't work? - sure
*pulls out a box of damaged keys* - yes! how much are those keys?
I have no idea... let me ask someone
*3rd person enters*
She wants a damaged key? - yes
Why? - I like to make things.  I think I could hang it on a necklace or put it on a picture
.....................
I guess you can have one. - for free?!
Yes...

And that is how the exchange went.  Two Grenadian men think I am crazy, but I got 2 free damaged automobile keys out of it! :)

They're about 3 inches long.  I haven't decided what to do with them yet, I think I'm going to paint them and hang them on a chain.  I'll be sure to let you know.

Have you gotten anything damaged from a store for free before?? Have you ever thought about asking for damaged keys?  It's worth a try!  This is something I will for sure be trying again!

Newlyweds Bliss: Where the honeymoon doesn't have to end.

I am so excited to be a part of an awesome new blog - Newlyweds Bliss.
I was approached by my blogging friend Emily from Scribbles from Emily to be a contributor to this blog and share some of my words of wisdom about the first few years of marriage.
Me?  Words of wisdom about marriage?  
I guess I do have some insight on the whole moving across the world thing.... and other women who never, ever see their husbands could probably relate to our hectic schedule... and in a few months unfortunately I'll know all about having a long distance marriage.
And if anyone needs some tips for thrifty, crafty, decorative living - I'm their girl.
The first 2 years of marriage for Lee and I has been a time of learning - about one another, about what really matters, and about our purpose in Christ.  Thankfully these lessons have only made us fall more in love and has made me truly appreciate him and the commitment we made... being married is the real deal.

What I love about this new blog is that it is 3 women with a heart for God, sharing personal experiences with the intention of uplifting other women and strengthening marriages... not gossiping, not just sharing craft ideas, and not boasting about our own perfect families.
We pick up where some other websites stop, after the official honeymoon.

My Dad has this saying he asks us {me and my 4 siblings} all the time before we hang up the phone... "still on the honeymoon?".  It used to make me uncomfortable when I was a teenager, Dad asking people about that?!  But then as I got older, even before marriage, I began to appreciate the fact that my parents and my siblings would respond with a "yes!" haha.  I learned that there is a whole lot more that goes into the "honeymoon" phase.

I thought it was so appropriate and funny when Emily chose the tagline
Newlyweds Bliss: Where the honeymoon doesn't have to end.

Because it doesn't.  Don't even let medical school get in the way.

go check out Newlyweds Bliss, today is the official launch! And there is a giveaway!

Color Wheel Necklaces

Among a million other things, I love the color wheel.
I had my first color theory lesson years ago and I just loved learning about the mixing of colors and different color schemes. 

I was feeling inspired by this necklace I saw on pinterest.

Source: dwell.com via Ashley on Pinterest

And so I made two. 
Because doesn't everyone need  two rainbow necklaces?

This one is made of buttons that I found here in Grenada.  I need to stock up on these awesome buttons before I leave!

These necklaces make me smile.

Saturday Afternoon Picnik

I have been so busy that I haven't had time to blog.  Good busy.  Fun busy.
I currently have 73 days left in Grenada and it has been my goal since day 77 to go to the beach every single day.  To soak in the scenery and revel in the joy of living here as much as I possibly can.
No more complaining about the grocery store, the heat, our apartment, the lack of clothing, the lack of.... everything.
There is no lack of beauty.

I took these pictures on Tuesday at sunset and did the 1960s effect on picnik.

What about you? Have you had a busy week?  A good busy or a blah busy?
Take a couple minutes to appreciate the beauty around you.  If you're in the north/midwest enjoy those gorgeous changing fall leaves.  I'm slightly jealous.

What I Wear Wednesday

Every few days I muster up the ambition to get dressed decently.  A lot of the time my main activity involves playing outside with little kids, going swimming, or doing housework.  Not exactly a fashion show.
I do have friends that I go places with occasionally and once a week I lead a small group Bible study in a super air conditioned room.  Yay for wearing jeans!

these shorts are Miley Cyrus and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

This butterfly comb and key necklace are some of my favorites and I got them at the Dollar Tree! And they have lasted about 5 years!
Take that Tiffany's.
*if my husband is reading this and wins the lottery I would however still love a Tiffany's key necklace.....