Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Secret Balloon Message

Not too long ago I ran into a fun idea for what to send in packages through the mail. Since my boyfriend is in the military and will inevitably be deployed sometime, things like this really catch my eye. The idea is to write a "secret" message on a balloon to send in your package. Recently, my boyfriend was having a bit of a rough time, so I made him a "happy package" to help cheer him up. Inside my package, I included some balloons with secret messages! It was fun to do, and Rusty said he really enjoyed discovering the messages. Since it was a success and a fun idea too, I thought I'd share it my blog...

STEP 1:
To make these secret message balloons, all you need are balloons and a permanent marker.
(NOTE: You can use any color balloon you want, but I discovered that it is much better to use one of those dark purple or dark green balloons that look black when deflated. ...You'll see why in a minute.)

STEP 2:
Next blow up your balloon, but DON'T TIE IT OFF... Hold the end shut with your fingers and write a secret message! 

STEP 3:
Then, let go of the end and let the balloon deflate. The receiver will have to blow the balloon up to discover the secret message!
(NOTE: If you look closely at the balloon below you can see the writing... However, it's not very noticeable because, when deflated, this dark purple balloon looks black just like the writing. That's why I like to use the dark purple or dark green balloons. I tried writing on other colored balloons, and you can always see the writing VERY well when deflated... And if you can already see the message, then it's not a surprise!)

...AND TO FINISH IT OFF...
Make as many as you want! But before throwing your balloons into the package, tie them together with ribbon to make a balloon bouquet. Also be sure to make a cute tag that says something along the lines of "Blow these balloons up to reveal the secret messages!" (NOTE: As an easier alternative, use a plastic baggie instead of making a bouquet and tag. Just use your permanent marker to write the instructions on the front of the baggie and then throw the balloons inside. ...Viola! Easy as pie and done in seconds!)

Have fun with it and be creative! :)

Day 2: A Day In the Life

If I could trade places with anyone in the world, just for one day... I would definitely choose to trade places with my amazing boyfriend, Rusty

 

It may seem strange that I would not choose to trade lives with someone famous, wealthy, or someone with a lot of power. But quite honestly, I don't have much of a desire to trade lives with any of those people. It may also seem strange that I WOULD choose to trade with someone that I see on a regular basis, and know so much about already. However, to me, it makes perfect sense. There are actually many reasons that I would love the opportunity to trade places with my darling boyfriend. ...Let me explain...

The first reason I would love to trade places with Rusty is so that I could learn to better appreciate him. Rusty is an incredibly hard worker. He works 12 hour graveyard shifts every week, and picks up extra electrician jobs every so often. He also goes to school, and is working on a locksmith course right now. To top off his already overflowing load, he is also in the National Guard. He ALWAYS helps in ANY way he can when someone he loves is in need. He is constantly sacrificing time, money, sleep, and more for me and his family. To me, Rusty is superman! He truly is amazing. Obviously I KNOW the hard work he does... But I believe that if I could trade places with him, even just for a day, I could better UNDERSTAND and appreciate all of his hard work and sacrifices. 

The second reason I would choose to trade places with Rusty is so that I could see myself through his eyes. Rusty is constantly complimenting my beauty and character. He always builds me up, and reminds me of my self worth. He always sees the best in me no matter what. ...However, I don't have the best self esteem/ confidence and sometimes I find it hard to believe what he says and see it myself. If I could trade places with Rusty, I could see what he sees in me, both inside and out, without my own criticism. I would love to see myself through the eyes of someone who loves me so unconditionally.

The last, and very most important reason that I would trade places with Rusty is to learn how to better support and be there for him. Rusty deserves the very BEST, and that is what I try to give him... But I would always like to do better and give him more. Trading places with him for a day would help me to better understand his needs and what I can do to help. I would love the opportunity to learn first hand how to be a better support for him!

...And there you have it! ...Day 2 complete!...
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I know I'm already a week behind in my challenge... I should change that to "Week 2 complete!"! But I am still determined to finish my challenge, even if it does take longer than 30 days. Hey, I still think I'm making progress!!

Monday, March 28, 2011

The 30 Day Challenge

So, obviously I am super horrible at posting on my blog! That is why I have decided to make a 30 day blog challenge for myself. I've seen lots of bloggers do various challenges in all sorts of ways. Mine is a combination of one I found online and a few ideas of my own. For each day I have a certain topic that I would like to blog about.. So without further ado... May I present....

DAY 1: 
10 Random, Embarrassing, Ridiculous & Strange Little Things That Make Me, ME!


  1. I hate wet hair touching my face! It drives me absolutely CRAZY! 
  2. My feet have not grown since the 4th grade! ...Leaving me at a size 4ish- 5!
  3. The right side of my jaw pops out of place and locks up ALL the time! It's the absolute worst ever!! It even pops while I chew! (My sister won't sit next to me when we eat because of it!)
  4. I usually sleep on my side, and I have to have the EAR facing up covered by my hair or a blanket before I can fall asleep!
  5. I have a perfectly round chicken pock mark half-way up my left cheekbone. Everyone is always asking me what's on my face!
  6. I started to talk BEFORE I walked! And now, if you really get to know me... You can hardly get me to shut up!
  7. I love to make LISTS. When I'm stressed out I obsessively make 3 or 4 lists about the SAME thing!
  8. I talk to myself ALL the time! It freaks other people out sometimes... and occasionally, even ME!!
  9. I really hate admitting when I am wrong... I secretly think I know everything, but really, I'm FAR from it... SHH, don't tell!!
  10. I am ALWAYS behind on SOMETHING! Ahh.
....And thus concludes the 10 random, embarrassing, ridiculous & strange little things that make me, me! Hope you enjoyed!