Crafty Saturday #64

I've been storing up lots of awesome craft/DIY projects on Pinterest to share with you (and to try for myself). To see just some of the crafts I like, follow me on Pinterest (pinterest.com/mlynn)

Fruit Coasters, via Design is Yay!

Rhinestone Bracelet, via Hello Natural

Sand Candle, via Taste of Home

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50 Books in 2015: 11-15

So I'm behind on posting my book reviews, since I am already through 25 books, but they are on the way! Here's numbers 11-15.

 

1. Three Bird Summer, by Sara St. Antoine

average GoodReads rating: 3.92/5 - my rating: 4/5

my review: This was a cute middle-grade book about a summer of adventure at a lonely summer cabin between two unexpected friends, Adam and Alice. The storyline took me by surprise, and would be a thrill for children to enjoy.  

 2. Some Kind of Fairy Tale, by Graham Joyce

average GoodReads rating: 3.56/5 - my rating: 4/5

my review: A women mysteriously reappears after being missing for twenty years, convinced that she was away in a 'fairyland' of sorts. This story is captivating and leaves you guessing throughout the story (and afterwards!). 

 

 3. Hell-Bent: Obsession, Pain, and the Search for Something Like Transcendence in Competitive Yoga, by Benjamin Lorr

average GoodReads rating: 3.96/5 - my rating: 4/5

my review: This book was an interesting look at a side of yoga that vastly differs from the peaceful 'om' yoga such as Vinyasa, that many people think of when it comes to yoga. Exploring the controversial Bikram and his following, this book proves just how far people will go to turn just about everything into a sport.

 4. The Forks Over Knives Plan: How to Transition to the Life-Saving, Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet, by Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman

average GoodReads rating: 4.08/5 - my rating: 4/5
my review: This book takes the valuable lessons learned in the Forks Over Knives documentary and expands on the importance and how-to's of following a plant-based diet. The only information I found questionable was the lack of healthy fats in the lifestyle plan. It also includes recipes, many of which I cannot wait to try out.

5. Organic Manifesto: How Organic Farming Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe, by Maria Rodale
average GoodReads rating: 3.92/5 - my rating: 4/5
my review: Maria Rodale, of the renowned Rodale Institute, shows us in this book just how essential it is to eat organic whenever possible for a variety of resons, including for our health and the health of the planet that we so desperately need to work to mend. This book read a bit slow for me, but as an environmental professional, I already knew a lot of this information (but rereading it doesn't hurt!).



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15 in 2015 Halfway Point!

1. Read 50 books - I am exactly halfway through with this. I have read 25 books so far this year. Follow my progress on GoodReads (goodreads.com/wildflowerchild)
2. Bike everywhere - I have only biked a bit so far this year. I really need to start biking to work. The hills in my area can be a pain, but that's no excuse
3. Take advantage of YMCA membership - I've been doing pretty well with this one. Before I got sick last month, I was going to the Y at least once a week. Time for me to get back at that 
4. Get back on pointe - Success! I am finally back on pointe, now I just have to keep practicing, so I can become better than I was before
5. Start a home yoga practice - Other than some infrequent stretching, I'm pretty sure I've only done yoga at home once or twice
6. Pick clarinet back up - I have literally done this once.... 
7. Meditate more often - Just in the past few weeks, I have been spending more time at my alter. I've really been enjoying it so far, and I excited to keep it going
8. Journal more often - Meh. I could be doing a lot better with this
9. Create more - Can't say I've done much in regards to this either. I need to get better in touch with my creative side
10. Write letters - I haven't done this either. I do have a few friends I want to become pen pals with. I should just do it already. There's no real reason why I haven't
11. Keep life simple - I went into the year not knowing how I planned to keep life simple, and I honestly still don't know, but it's definitely something I think I would benefit from. I will be moving by September, so I hope to get rid of a lot of my possessions, which will help me 'simplify'
12. Keep my space more clean/organized - I definitely have not gotten anywhere with this. I'm going to make this my goal when moving into my new place!
13. Become more productive in the AM - I've found that if I make appointments in the morning, I will get out of bed earlier, but I still struggle to wake up before 9 AM. 
14. Grow blog - Clearly this has not happened since I have been posting irregularly. (How many times will I say that I'm getting back on track before I actually do?)
15. Start saving money - While I am still making a very small amount of money, I have been able to put a little bit in my savings account since the beginning of the year. It's small, but it's still progress.

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