How to Help Someone Who Won't Be Helped

We all have that person, right? That person in our lives who begs for help, but at the first sign of total honesty runs in the opposite direction. How do you help someone who won't be helped?

You can't.

You can love them and give them advice all day long, but if it's not what they want to hear they won't listen.

Whether it's the girl chasing after a boy who is completely wrong for her, or it's your best guy friend pursuing a potentially disastrous life path. Whatever the situation the response is always the same...

They say: "Please help me I'm lost."  

Translation: Please only tell me things I want to hear. If you're going to be completely honest about how bad this is for me, I won't listen.

Sometimes I just want to scream WHY!? WHY DO YOU KEEP ASKING FOR HELP IF YOU WON'T TAKE IT! (Then slap them back into making right choices.)

I understand that everyone becomes the person their mistakes make them into. I just wish I could hand out "Go Back" cards. Playing cards that would allow people to see their mistakes and go back and fix them after.

Until the day those cards exist I will continue to love, listen, and provide advice to those who need me. I will also be mentally screaming, and visualizing shaking them all into submission.

How do you help someone who won't be helped? I'm sure we could all use some advice on this. any and all advice welcome!

The Cure for Everything

Painting should be the next Olympic sport. No really. I've spent two consecutive weekends painting and updating my "soon to be" kitchen. I'm exhausted, I can't lift my arm above my waist, and I clearly do not have the stamina to be a professional painter. All that aside I'm getting more and more excited everyday for this next part of my life. It's a tad overwhelming, but totally worth it.

Now that I'm home and achy all over it's time to pull out my cure-all remedy. I'm talking a hot cup of wonderfully spicy vanilla tea, and it's time I share this life changing recipe with everyone.

The Perfect Cup of Tea

Pick your favorite mug and fill it almost to the top with water. Then dump the water into a pot and set the stove on high to boil. While the water is heating add two peppercorns or if you're using a grinder, three twists of the grinder. If you're like me and you view life as The Spicier the Better three full twists...maybe four is best. Next find the best smelling cinnamon stick you can get your hands on and add it to the pot. Take out a teaspoon and measure out 1/4 Ginger and 1/4 Nutmeg into the water.

Let this amazing smelling concoction boil for five minutes. Once the torturous time has passed turn off the oven and add two bags of your favorite tea. Mine is Twinning's Earl Grey. While you're at it (to sweeten the pot...literally) add three teaspoons of brown sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla.

Once you've let the sugar and sweetness co-exist with your life changing tea for five additionally excruciating minutes, get your cup ready. Add your desired amount of milk to the bottom of the cup, and pour your tea over a strainer into the cup. Once you've fished your well used cinnamon stick from the pot add it to your cup to double as a stirring implement and aroma therapy. Now...very carefully, sit down and relax. The last part is very important.

Enjoy!

This recipe is borrowed and modified from the amazing Estée from essiebutton.com. You can see her Vanilla Chai Latte recipe here. Her recipe and tea are absolutely fantastic!

If you enjoyed this you will love my Tea Cup post. You can see it here!

 

DIY Upcycled Book Purse

I recently stumbled upon this gloriously easy DIY that turns beautiful old books into fashionable useful clutches. One look at the tutorial and I was sold.

You can see the tutorial here at abeautifulmess.com.

The instructions are super easy to follow and the results are stunning.

Here are some pictures from my attempt. If you'd like to see how I did it just keep scrolling, scrolling....scrolling.

If you need more detailed instructions please check out the link above.

What you will need:

• Old Hard Back Book
• 1 yard of fabric or two one dollar bundles of fabric from Walmart
• Marker
• Scissors
• Hot Glue Gun
• Purse/clothing snap
• Iron/Flat iron
• Needle and Thread

 

Step 1: 

Find an old hard back book. I tried to find a book title that was relevant to my life. As a traveler and thrift store discoverer I was happy to find this book for four dollars at a local used book store. Hint: The thicker the book, the wider your purse will open.

Step 2: 

Cut out book pages. I know it's painful, but the result is worth it.

Step 3:

Cut fabric to about one inch bigger than the book, and set it to the side.  Then line the inside of the book by hot gluing a thin layer just shy of the edges. Cut out side panels and hot glue them to the ends of the book.
This step is given in much more detail here.

Step 4:

Create a snap for your purse. They can be sewn or hot glued on to the first set of lining. Be creative with this step. the crazier the clasp the better.

I found my snaps at Walmart in the fabric section.

Step 5:

Fold lining set aside to be approximately the size of the book. Hot glue the final layer in. This step can be extremely tricky if your folded edges are not ironed flat. Being the non-ironer I am, I used a flat iron and ran it along the folded edges to create a crisp line.

Step 6:

Enjoy your cute new clutch!

9 Ways to See Free London

1. Natural History Museum

With free admission and enough interactive, interesting, and awe inspiring exhibits to fill up several days, this is number one on my list.

Exhibits here range from animatronic dinosaurs, hands on training on how to pack for a discovery adventure, and life-size whales hanging from the ceiling.

2. Evensong at Westminster Abbey

Free to see! Just be early enough to get a seat. This is a beautiful service complete with full boy's choir and short service. The programs from the service make perfect souvenirs. 

Check the schedule Here.

3. West End Live

Full-on Broadway experience without the ticket price. This festival spans an entire weekend from Saturday morning to Sunday evening. Every 25 minutes a new act from the famous West End comes on the Trafalgar Square stage to show their stuff. Shows range from Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Matilda, Stomp, and much, much more.

At this event there are free bathrooms, many booths to spend time in between sets, and ice cream!

4. Local Festivals

Check out the internet before your trip. Often times there are many local festivals in the area. The Rent Festival was a rare find and a joy to see.

Here is a picture from the London Bus Appreciation Festival we quite literally stumbled upon one day while walking the streets.

5. London Guide App

Free app that will save your life! As long as you are in the London area this app can give you GPS directions without using data or internet. It will also give you step by step underground directions, as well as lists of what attractions are closest to you at any moment.

Rare find, this one.

6. Hyde Park

350 acres of some of the most beautiful grounds in London. Conveniently located just across the street from the Royal Albert Hall. This park holds the Princess Diana Memorial fountain that is perfect for people watching and splashing around on a hot day. The pond in front of Kensington Palace is a quaint romantic spot. Perfect for adults as well as adults with children. There is a wonderful children's park located near the Kensington Palace area.

7. British Museum

Another free must see. Great place to spend a day. There are plenty of shops and eateries near by as well as a nice air conditioned, HUGE museum.

8. St. Pancras Station

One of the oldest and most beautiful stations in London. This place is beautiful and functional as a busy underground station. If you are a Harry Potter fan you will find Platform 9 and three quarters here.

9. Walk the Streets

This is self explanatory. You can't say you've seen real local London until you've taken a day to just explore the streets. You never know what you will find.

Half Twist Halo Tutorial

I get asked a lot, "How did you do that to your hair?" No one believes me when I tell them it took only two minutes. So I made a video to prove it to everyone.

This hair style is easy for traveling because you can lay on it and the messier the better! It's also great for formal events because you can polish it off with hair spray. 

Disclaimer: I am in no way a professional hair dresser. Most days I can barely get my own hair to behave. This one is easy and takes only three things to complete the look. I hope you like it and, if you have the hair to pull it off, try it.

If you do pull it off on your own, send me pictures! I want to see your beautiful hair! *non creepy*

DIY Travel Magnets

I did it again....another Pinterest Win and this one is even easier than the last.

If you're like me you have a ton of currency left over from your last trip. If not, maybe you have a really boss coin collection that you've been wanting to show off. Keeping them locked in a box or sitting in a drawer won't do them justice. Here is a VERY easy DIY magnet project I found on Pinterest. It takes less than five minutes and half as many supplies.


If you want to learn how I made these ridiculously easy and very chic magnets...just keep scrolling, scrolling, scrolling.

What you will need:

• Coins (of your choosing)
• Magnetic buttons - Found in the craft aisle of Walmart or basically any craft store.
• Craft glue *optional*

Step 1:

Find small round magnets that are approximately the size of your coins or smaller. These magnets can have an adhesive back on them already (like the ones below) or you can glue the magnets to the back of your coins. Then choose the coins you would like to turn into magnets.

Step 2:

Attach magnets to one side of the coin in the center. For mine I did one on the back of a coin and one on the front of a coin, as I had two of each.

Step 3:

That's it! Find the perfect place to show off your new awesome magnets!

I hope you found this to be and easy an fun DIY project. If you make some of your own I'd love to see pictures!

Easy DIY Color Pop Painting

Can I just say....I had a Pinterest Win! A lot of times we browse Pinterest, see all of the beautiful DIY crafts, and think to ourselves "I can do that!" No, unfortunately you probably can't do that. BUT! You can do this. It is in fact, pretty simple to do and takes less than a day (including drying time.)

I call this my Color Pop Painting, because in all reality that's pretty much all I use it for.

If you're interested in learning how I made this....just keep scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. 

What you will need...

• A canvas that is the size of your choice. I think the one I used was 16" by 20".
• Paint brushes, nothing fancy just something to get the paint on the canvas.
• Acrylic paint, at least three colors. In my painting I mixed my colors together to make more than three.
• Masking tape or Painter's tape. These can be any size since they can be cut to the size you want, but I used two different widths.

Step 1:

Using your different colors, paint broad strokes covering the canvas. It doesn't have to be perfect. The more uneven the better. Try to avoid having the same colors touch, other than that...go crazy. Don't forget to paint the edges!

Step 2:

Once the colors have finished drying, tape a reoccurring pattern over the top. The spaces between tapes will depend on how thick you want your pattern to be.

Step 3:

Once you have finished taping, use a color that you haven't used yet to paint over the un-taped places. This can be a lighter or darker color. If you are worried about this paint getting under the tape, then to make sure your tape has a better seal give your painting a day to dry before taping. I was in a hurry so I taped after a few hours. 

Step 4:

Once that layer of paint has dried (the fun begins) remove your tapes. Enjoy the masterpiece that you just created in only a few easy steps!

Tada...this is my finished piece in it's new home. See why it's called a Color Pop now?

Do you have any easy DIY projects that you know can be done? I'd love to hear about them.

Food Hacks

     Hello.

          My name is MeHaley, and I can't cook.

There, now that I've got that off my chest let me tell you about some easy food hacks I've picked up over the years. A lot of the time I can only afford the basic necessities like Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Eggo Waffles. So I've picked up a few ways to make normal food better in a hurry. Very minimal cooking is involved, if any. You only need a stove top for one and a microwave for the rest.

1. Sausage and Jelly Biscuit

Don't judge it until you've tried it. All you need is a sausage biscuit...from pretty much any fast food chain restaurant. Luckily they've been around as long as dirt so they are pretty dang cheap on most menus. Don't get me wrong. I love me a regular sausage biscuit, but sometimes they just need more. (Cue the Jelly) All you have to do is spread the jelly on your biscuit like you would a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, put the sausage back on and TADA! Sausage and Jelly Biscuit. (I'm pretty sure the is actually a southern staple, so I claim no rights to this invention.)

2. Warm Poptarts

I shouldn't even have to explain this one, but just in case.... Take your favorite Poptart, REMOVE the foil wrapping it comes in, and place in the microwave. Microwave between 15 and 30 seconds. It makes a world of difference. If you're feeling adventurous, try the toaster.

3. Chocolate Coffee

If you can't even bring yourself to attempt that "free" aka TERRIBLE coffee at work, the hospital, banks, or anywhere. Here's a tip I learned from a friend of mine who works in the ER. Almost 98% of the time where there is free coffee, there are free packets of Hot Chocolate. Mix those bad boys together!!! TADA! Free mocha! Okay, in all honesty it's not the most fabulous drink you've ever had but it's way beyond better than the free black coffee you were about to choke down.

(Just pretend you're drinking this.)

4. Pizza and Ranch

Also a no brainer. Have you tried dipping your pizza in ranch dressing? Next time throw out the garlic sauce and don't touch anything resembling Ketchup (gross.) Go for the Ranch. Not only does it make your vegetables tasty but it makes EVERYTHING tasty! I'm looking at you Scotland. You seriously should jump on this American Bandwagon.

5. Rice and Bell Peppers

DISCLAIMER: You need a stove for this one. Just the top though.

This one saved me when I moved away from home. This was all I knew how to cook and therefore, what I lived on.

You will need; a cup of instant rice, one green (or color of your choice) bell pepper, a pot of any kind, and a knife...for the pepper. 

First, cover the bottom of the pot with less than half an inch of water. Put the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil. While the water is heating up cut up the pepper into small pieces, and put in the pot. All you are doing is steaming the pepper slices so only cook until there is no more water in the pot. Should be less than five minutes. While the pepper is steaming, microwave your instant rice. Once everything is done cooking mix them together. It's healthy, its fast, and Holy cow is it cheap!

(My last attempt at cooking.)

6. Cauliflower and Cheese

Sticking with the vegetable theme. This is pretty easy and a good way to tempt yourself into eating cauliflower. Cheese just makes everything taste better.

All you have to do is wash the cauliflower, break off the amount you want to eat. Put what you've just violently ripped off the head of the cauliflower into a bowl and cover with your favorite cheese. Place in the microwave and heat for between three and four minutes. I know it seems like over-kill but cauliflower takes forever to soften up! Goodness Cauliflower!!! Why can't you just be like an overly dramatic teen and fall to pieces!?!?! I kid....sort of.

Like I said EASY PEASY. If I can make these, you can too. I hope you try at least one of them today, and PLEASE tell me some of your favorite food hacks. These are pretty much the extent of my meals so I'm about to starve to death over here.....jk....but really.

Be Cheap, WILL Travel

I'm cheap. No seriously, I am a cheap person. I won't spend more than four dollars on a shirt, and I've actually considered charging my parents every time I drive them somewhere. Obviously I have more respect for my elders than to do that, but my cheapness is still pretty severe.

It's a running joke that I will probably end up killing myself saving for a trip. I once refused to pay for a prescription that I needed because I was in the middle of setting a budget for a vacation. I'm hardcore like that...or stupid. To each his own.

Here are some ways to save money for trips.

• Buy second hand clothes. Go to a Goodwill or Good Samaritans and browse the racks. When I went to the UK all my clothes were brand new and under $5. I promise if you take the time to go through the clothes you will find really good quality stuff for CHEAP.
• Another reason for second hand clothes is that if you run out of room in your suitcase when it's time to come back home throw them away, or donate them. You then have plenty of space for souvenirs. They were only $5 max, get rid of them and feel no remorse. Avoiding extra luggage fees is a breeze this way.
• Buy clothes you can wear a million ways. Even if they are more than $5, average out how many ways you can wear that piece of clothing and it will be worth it. For example I bought a dress you could wear many different ways. I wore it as a day dress, a shirt, an evening dress...etc.
• Pack everything into one carry on bag. That way you can avoid luggage fees at ALL costs. If the bag becomes too big or heavy it instantly becomes your one free check bag.

Here are some ways to save money on your trip.

• You know that free breakfast from the hotel? Turn it into a free lunch! Make sure you pack Ziploc bags so you can shove croissants in your bag for later. (This one saved me in Italy.)
• Buy maps as souvenirs. Not only can you use them to get around, but they are a great way to showcase the places you went. Then give them as a gift when you get home. If you want more information on how to get everything out of a map you can. Look at my post on Top 10 Things I Can't Travel Without. 
• Go to local delis to buy food during the day. Stay away from restaurants except for dinner. Food is cheaper at non touristy food markets. Don't skimp on fancy dinners though. You're going for the experience, make the most of it. Just use the money you've saved from the cheaper meals.
• If you're in Europe take the trains. You can see everything you wanted to see for a fraction of a tour price. There are always tons of lovely people to help you figure out where you're going. Some of them are even paid to help you.

There are so many ways to help build your savings for a trip or vacation. Do you have any travel tested money savers? I'd love to hear them.

Pat Downs, Bright Socks, and Cheeky TSA: How to Get Through Airport Security

If you fly, you know what the single most terrifying and reassuring part of getting on a plane is. Airport Security. We've all been there. In fact, I've had my fair share of pat downs. In this post I'm going to give you some of my Airport Security tips and tricks, and also one of my more interesting encounters with this special task force.

If you've traveled by plane recently you know there are a few options to get through security successfully.

Option 1: (You're more likely to win the lottery than complete Option 1.) Make it through the security check point with all of your belongings still in tact without having to submit to a search.
Don't wear any metal, nothing even resembling metal. (I once wore a plastic hair clip to avoid the metal rule, and was subject to a search of my head because it looked too much like a weapon in the scan.)
Be calm, at all times.
Have all of your liquids ready in an "approved" Ziploc bag as soon as you enter the check point.
Have shoes that are easily put on and taken off.
Just don't even attempt jewelry.

Option 2: (More likely than Option 1, and my most used option.) Make it through the security check point with most of your belongings still in tact, after having to submit to a pat down, and in the process of finding your missing shoe.
The way I achieve this option is by;
Forgetting to take my shoes off.
Searching for my liquids while taking my shoes off, therefore causing yet another back up.
Staying calm until they've taken my shoes.
Wearing minimal jewelry, and heaven forbid an underwire bra.
Just generally breathing.

Option 3: (Least likely option.) TSA wrestles you to the ground while confiscating your bags, and carries you away without so much as a glance from a fellow patron of the long security check point lines.
Honestly, I've never tried this option. I value my passport too much for this.
Just stay calm and for the love of all things Holy DO NOT say the word "bomb."

Cheeky Airport Security

This "adventure" took place while trying to fly out of Heathrow. Luckily everyone spoke English. While standing in line I had all of my liquids out,  along with all of my electronics and I was devoid of any jewelry or jacket. I was ready to go through. At some point I had noticed that most everyone else was going through without taking their shoes off, so I went for it. My mother was ahead of me and got through just fine, along with my aunt who escaped without any extra attention. At first I had a problem getting my suitcase into the bin to send through the scanners. Then I COULDN'T find my Kindle to send through with my bag. I was suddenly holding up the line, and beginning to panic. 

Once everything was finally put in place I walked up to the medal detector and got "nodded" through. (They nodded at me to walk through because talking is just too much effort.) Then I heard it....the dreaded dinging of the metal detector. They give me the once over and decide it's the shoes, my converse that I travel religiously with. I quickly divest myself of my shoes.

Upon taking off my shoes I realized that I had put on neon pink socks that morning. Both a female and male Security agents screamed that I was blinding them. I then put my shoes into the bin the security guy had offered me. I had to stand there and watch as he took my shoes away. Then the same Security woman asked if I had anything sharp on me. My response, "Not that I'm aware of." She said, "Oh, we've got a cheeky one." then she started the pat down.

I eventually got through security back to my bag that was left on the conveyor belt blocking other bags from getting through. Keep in mind I'm still without shoes. I got all my things back into my bag, my coat back on and still my shoes were nowhere in sight. I stood there for what felt like centuries searching other people's bins for my shoes. When they finally arrived, I took no time snatching them off the line and putting them on.

When I was finally ready to leave the security area I looked up and saw a man asking if he could go through his bag before Security did. They said no and very calmly escorted him away. It appeared as though he chose a more civil version of Option 3. Right then I was very happy that I chose Option 2. Even though it can get very bothersome at times it will NEVER be as bad as Option 3.

Moral of the story: Security is tedious and stressful, but every time they stop someone who intends to hurt airport goers I forgive them completely.