the city that never sleeps

I went to New York for the first time EVER. It was quite breathtaking. I had never witnessed buildings so tall, such a fast paced lifestyle, and such rude people ;-) just kidding! I love you NYC- you stole my heart!!

Imported from Detroit ;o)

Stopped to have lunch at Balthazar's! I couldn't figure out where to go for lunch, then I remembered coming across Natalie's blog- natthefatrat - and recalled that she posted quite a bit about things to do in nyc! I'm glad I came across her blog, she had suggested Balthazar's on a post. Good choice- yum!

I'm officially another sucker for NYC, can't wait to go back!


Xox, Tonka

Girls, sex, society

Just a little message to the younger girls out there:

If I could just say one thing to girls out there, I would tell them to stop obsessing over their weight, their bra size, how appealing their body appears.. Stop worrying about what the guys or a specific guy is going to think of the picture that you’ve taken with parts of your body exposed. There is NOTHING wrong with wanting to be fit and healthy- I am all for that as well. But girls, you are putting yourselves out there as if there is nothing more to you than your body type- as if you are mindless, heartless, and nothing more than an object. To be devoured by the minds and eyes of ANYONE and everyone across the web. Your body is not an item, it is not something to be used or viewed on display. You are more than that. You are more beautiful and more meaningful than anything your physical image will EVER have to offer. Respect yourselves; love yourselves. Because it is highly likely the men you are receiving attention from, are the men who will treat you exactly the way you present yourself- like nothing more than an object.

Xox, Tonka

DIY Birthday Card

So very simple, but pretty. I love the cardboard paper look, and the simplicity of the ribbon. The stamped letters give it the perfect touch!

Gift Wrap Ideas

A few weeks ago I had a REAL day to myself, so I spent it roaming the aisles of Michaels.. for literally 2 hours. I was so craft-happy. I bought stamps, stamps, and more stamps. Not to mention pretty colored ink pads for my stamps. Scrapbook paper, card stock paper, ribbons, lace, yay. 

Of all the things I had bought at Michael's.... There are still so many other things I have in mind!!

Wish List:

Brother VX1435 Mechanical Sewing Machine

Martha Stewart Heart Double Punch

These are great for making handmade cards. I want several of these! 

Fiskars 12-inch Personal Paper Trimmer

I absolutely hate cutting card stock/scrapbook paper with regular scissors, its terrible and it is NEVER straight. I can't wait to have one these!!

Tonka

DIY Painted Canvas

I had come across tons of DIY Canvas ideas on Pinterest for the longest time, and I so happened to be at Michael's strolling down each and every aisle.. and I ended up in the canvas aisle! I got super excited and decided to pick up a set of 2 and experiment!!!!

It's safe to say my first attempt at the canvas was a disaster..... BUT, the second attempt turned out great.

What you'll need:

• A canvas, any size!
• Newspaper
• Sticker letters (I bought mine at OfficeMax)
• Matte Mod Podge
• Acrylic Paint (I get mine at Walmart.. the brand is called Apple Barrel)
• Paint Brush
• Sponge Brush/Paint Brush for Mod Podge application
• A quote of your choice :-)

First you will need to cut up bits and pieces of newspaper- enough to cover the canvas. Then, generously brush the Mod Podge all over the canvas; as you are doing this, begin to place the newspaper and press down evenly. You will need to brush Mod Podge over the newspaper and that will seal the newspaper to the canvas! Allow to dry. It doesn't take more than an hour or two. Next, place the stickers on the canvas according to the quote that you desire, make sure they are pressed down nicely!! Begin to paint the entire canvas. Allow to dry for several hours. Lastly, peel off the sticker letters and your masterpiece is finished! Yay!

I didn't intend for the newspaper to crinkle up the way it did, nor did I want the paint to seep underneath the stickers. But I actually like the way it turned out, it doesn't look perfectly precise- it has character.

Tonka

New day, new year

Study hard, exercise hard, craft hard. 

I will improve my overall health and fitness. I will fulfill my never-ending cravings to craft and create. I will dress my very best, for myself. I will study, write, and learn my way into a 4.0 and scholarship that will lead me into a graduate program of English. I will make time to read and expand my ever-growing mind. I will smile a lot; I will be kind to everyone, every chance I get. I will care for the environment. I will continue to recycle and encourage my family to do the same. I will choose environmentally-friendly approaches in my everyday life. I will write. and write. and write some more. I will not allow the pressures of society, the media, peers, or family to alter my thoughts, my beliefs, my views, or goals. I will improve each and every aspect, inch, and corner of my life. When I get lost or confused, I will turn to God- He never fails me. The most significant thing I plan to accomplish is giving- I will give to those less fortunate. I will give my smile, my strength, my shoulder to anyone in need. I will give my advice. I will give my love. Ultimately, in all aspects of my life, I will look to God to lead me, and with Him I am confident that I will be my best, do my best, and give my best. 

Tonka

Sharpie Mug

IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!! Yes, it works. I am here to end all controversial discussion of the sharpie mug, because it does in fact work. Well... it worked for me. I assume that everyone has different results, because everyone buys different mugs from different places! I bought my coffee mug at Christmas Tree Shops.

What you need:

• Plain coffee mug (you can purchase at any craft store, target, dollar stores, etc)
• Fine tip sharpie marker (I went for the fine tip, because I lack any skill in the artistic department)
• Eyeliner pencil

To start,  practice the heck out of drawing your states. Or you can draw anything you desire, the possibilities are endless. I chose the long distance mug idea, but rather than drawing it on two mugs, I drew it on one. After I practiced drawing the states several times, I used an eyeliner pencil to redraw it onto the mug. Then I used a black sharpie to outline the eyeliner and I gently rubbed the eyeliner off with a damp piece of paper towel. Once your art is complete, preheat the oven to 350 and bake for 30 minutes. The mug takes 24 hours to dry. DO NOT PLACE MUG IN DISHWASHER. ever. EVER. Very gently hand wash the mug, and you will have no smudging issues. I made the mistake of baking the mug at 425 and it literally burned the red heart to an ugly burnt orange color, I was sad. But when I tried it at 350 degrees, it was perfect!

Voila! Love love love it.

Xoxo, Tonka Violet

Winter Wear

Cardigan: Forever 21 Shirt: Forever 21 Jeans: Hollister Boots: H&M

Bourgogne

Dress: H&M (similar: here) Tights: H&M Heels: Target

And Christ was born

Merry Christmas readers! Not quite sure that there are any of you at all, but I'm hoping that as I continue to blog, some of you will be inspired by my posts! I hope everyone had a blessed holiday- whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza!

 

^One of my favorite gifts from my sister hehe