Well Hey!

It's about to be Thanksgiving time and I decided to post this cute, DIY project to create for you friends, children, or loved ones to show them how thankful you are for them! This idea surfaced from a Pinterest finding but I have provided my own twist to it, so below are my steps on how to make Tukey hands for Thanksgiving.

Before that, I would like to address the history of Thanksgiving in short and simple terms from christiananswers.net:

The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination? The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty.

This is very important in America's history. We built this country on freedom and "One Nation Under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all." 

Now onto making these Turkeys!:

• Step 1: Gather Materials: box of clear gloves, two bags of pre-popped pocorn (or 1 large bag) of popcorn, regular size bag of colorful goldfish, jute or ribbon, and a marker (permanent).
• Step 2: Grab one glove at a time and tip over to fill, fingers facing the floor. 
• Step 3: Fill first with goldfish to the ends of the fingers. They should be filled just enough to reach the palm section of the glove. Then fill the rest of the glove with popcorn.
• Step 4: Tie the open end of the glove with ribbon or jute(what I used). 
• Step 5: Last, draw a turkey face on the thumb of the glove. This is optional and you can also do glue googly eyes and red paper along with a orange triangle for a beak if you would like to add to the Tukey's look.

The last picture are special bags that I made for those I specifically wanted to write a card to and tell them how thankful I am. Their popcorn was made, and I would also highly recommend you to put in a plastic bag and then put in the brown paper bag, due to the butter! If you need the printable I can make another if I don't already have the original saved.

Happy Thanksgiving! Share with someone how Thankful you are for them!

With love and hope, XOXO

Mildred

Well Hey!

Happy Halloween! I hope it was SPOOOOOK-tacular! I had a Monster Bash photo shoot with my sister's doggies. The boy, a Boston Terrier and the girl a Shitztu. Names? Zeus and Hera:) So below are the pictures that were captured of these monsters!

Are they not the cutest?! I couldn't leave my little critters out so here are my pets: Lily the Yorkie and Chip the Guinea Pig! Here are their Halloween pictures as well!

Thanks for checking me out! Follow me for more blogs and tell me what you think!

With hope and love,
Aerial M.

8 Blessing Bags for $12!

Today I am sharing my newest experience with making Blessing Bags. Blessing Bags are prepackaged and prepared bags that you can keep in your vehicle in case you see a homeless person in need. It is a great concept since you are giving people something to eat and drink instead of money, that most of us aren't so trusting to give away. I cannot imagine the experience of being homeless and only hope the best for those who truly need help and love.

Below are pictures of the process but watch the video if you would like to get the walk through of how to put a bag together yourself!

After some research, most Blessing Bags cost $3 for an individual bag BUT I found a way to package bags and spend $12 for 8 Bags! That cuts the cost in half ($1.50) so you are able to make double! You can put whatever you like in a bag; more or less, just whatever you feel in your heart to give.

First of all here are all the supplies you will need:

• Scissors (to open DT supplies below)
• Marker
• Stapler or Duct Tape

Now make a trip to a Dollar Tree Store and grab the rest:

• 50 ct Brown Paper Bags
• 8 individual pk Tissues
• 6 pk Cheese Toast/Peanut Butter Crackers
• (2) 4 pk Salted Peanuts
• 10 ct Duplex Creme Cookies
• 10 ct Vanilla Creme Cookies
• 8 pk Oatmeal Creme Pies
• 50 ct Plackers
• (2) 6 ct Water Bottles or Juice
• 8 pk individual Mini Pretzels 

Watch my Video for all the details, information, and tips for Blessing Bags!

Thanks to my mom for supporting me and buying supplies so I could make more bags! I hope this may help you if you do not know what to do or where to start to help someone else. I do this because I enjoy serving others and giving all the glory to my Savior Jesus Christ.

With much hope and love,
Aerial

#aerial #blessingbags #homeless #howto #diy

Easy DIY T-Shirt Transformation

Well Hey!

I decided to share my DIY T-Shirt Projects! I have gotten some inspiration from Pinterest lately and thought I should try it for myself. The results were great! Here's how:

1. Pick out any T-Shirt that you are okay with cutting up and grab some scissors!

2. Next, cut off the sleeves and collar of the shirt, including the seams. Take the bottom of the shirt and go about 4 inches up. Cut both the front and back of the shirt in half and stop in the middle leaving about 4 inches. Go ahead and cut off the back of the shirt and then cut a triangle with the left piece in the middle. Cut all the way up the middle of the triangle(this will be what you tie when you put on your shirt).

3. Now try it on and tie your two pieces at the bottom of your shirt. It depends on how short you cut your shirt for what to wear with it. I decided on a high waist-ed skirt.

Well that's it! Very simple! You can turn a Plain T into something more! Oh and did I mention it took me less than 5 minutes? I have a new easy T-Shirt project coming up so stay tuned!

W/ hope and love,

Aerial

My ALS Ice Bucket Challenge - Original Song by Aerial Melvin

Well Hello!

I am writing about something very special today. The whole media has been over taken with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I think it is a wonderful thing for people to be involved and donate for such a wonderful cause! However, I hope people know what ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) can do to someone and how horrible of a disease it is.

For those who don't know, ALS in simple terms attacks the muscles in your body where you lose mobility in your limbs, become paralyzed and eventually it leads to death. Every case is different, some progress slower or more quickly than others. It is such a sad, sad thing to see and it truly touched my heart when I saw the second part of Anthony Carbajal's ALS Challenge Video. I made this song after I watched him helping his mother and him saying how scared he was. My heart goes out to you Anthony, your mother and your grandmother.

Here is his video and story here(he does use a couple words that are sensitive to young audiences).
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/als-patient-anthony-carbajal-does-ice-bucket-challenge-talks-disease-2014218


I hope this song is a little more special than ice being poured over my head. (Not that I disagree with it).

Raise awareness in whatever way you can! Challenge yourself to learn more about this disease and donate at least $10 to the foundation for research to find a cure. The link below is where you can help!
https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/Donation2;jsessionid=39450595F434D8BFA27A70D6A09925A8.app295b?df_id=27420&27420.donation=form1


With much hope and love,
Aerial Melvin

Give Children a Chance.. or at Least a Smile

Well Hey!

Today I am writing with some encouragement and inspiration that has been on my mind lately. Ever since I can remember I have been blessed with a compassionate heart towards children. I am a carer and nurturer and have always had motherly instincts. Though, yes, I am a woman, these qualities do not come naturally to everyone. Which is not a bad thing. I am a nanny, babysitter, children's voice teacher and hope to one day open my own day care. With that being said I would like to share my knowledge and experience I have with regards to what we call little bundles of joy.

First of all, let me tell you that I am so fascinated with the child's mind design. They are creative and have no limits when it comes to dreaming. Everything they see is big and new and colorful. They do not feel embarrassment or care what they wear. This wonderful gift remains until innocence is taken away, such as realizing the Easter Bunny does not hide their Easter eggs or the teasing at school begins. However, that wonder and joy is planted inside of all of us and we should strive to have the qualities an innocent child does.

Now, I strongly believe that you should have a forgiving and patient heart towards children. If I see children, well behaved, well dressed or not I always try to smile. You never know when they need a kind gesture. Don't stereotype children into thinking they are all bad just because you have seen or heard about tantrums, crying, screaming or worse. Even though all of those behaviors are bad, they are all forgotten when that same child comes up to you and gives you a hug, tells you they are sorry or gives you snuggles. For those who haven't seen the warm side of children, the side that I naturally see, I am sorry but you are not looking hard enough.

Do not say that you do not like children. I refuse to believe that is true. You might as well say you do not like yourself or people because we were all children and we all are not perfect. And I guarantee you if you do not like an innocent child to come up to you and ask for a hug or grab your hand or smile at you then you are missing the big picture of life. You may not like when children act up or make mistakes but oh how hypocritical it is when you are human too.

All I am trying to say is show a little love and compassion towards children because you still have that inner child inside of you. Not all people are good with kids and that's okay. I am not a parent yet, and whether I have a child of my own or am a mother to someone else's child I will still believe the same thing. Children are gifts and we should all be thankful for them.

My inspiration came from yesterday when I was roller skating and though I am not very good, these children asked if I would take their hand to skate with them. Children open up their hearts to the ones who have open arms. It's the little things in life that give you the greatest moments.

With hope and love,

Aerial

#aerialandtheboys

Florida Caverns State Park - Travel

Well Hey!

I am blogging today about a little adventure my mom, myself and my little cousins explored last weekend! We went to Florida Caverns State Park located in Marianna FL. Being a resident there for almost my whole life, I have never really fully appreciated how great it is! The Park's fee's are as follows:

        

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Admission Fee:

$5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Camping Fee:

$20.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity. Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a social security disability award certificate or a 100 percent disability award certificate from the Federal Government are permitted to receive a 50 percent discount on current base campsite fees.

Youth or Adult Group Camping Fees: 

(Per person) Youth  $1.00, Adult(s) or chaperone(s)  $5.00

Cave Tour Fees:

$8.00 per person, age 13 and older.

$5.00 per child, 3 to 12. (Free, 2 and younger.)

$4.00 per person, organized groups of 25 or more with prepaid reservations.

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If you are going for the day like we did I would advise preparing 30 minutes to an hour of extra time to check out the upstairs exhibit and gift shop. The upstairs exhibit also had a live snake that we got to touch(Don't worry it's safe!) and also a turtle that we could hold. Theses showings are only at certain times so be sure to call and see what times that you should come to check them out! It adds a lot more to the experience for sure! Besides that, the upstairs exhibit has a theatre room and a museum library of artifacts, history, and replicas.
Downstairs is the ticket purchase area and gift shop. T-shirts are there along with neat rocks, arrowheads, or creepy-crawlies(It's okay they are fake!) that you can find. The kids LOVE it!

When we went on the Caverns Tour we had the most amazing tour guide Adam DeWitt. He is also known to have given a personal tour of the caverns to the famous Vanilla Ice! If he is there I definitely recommend him as your tour guide. He is so awesome and hilarious! But I am positive the other tour guides are just wonderful as well!

Be sure to read the pamphelts in the gift shop, watch the theatre film in the upstairs exhibit or listen to your tour guide because they will all mention another cave tour that takes ten minutes to get to and it is a neat walk through cave that you can explore for some extra adventure! There are also trails that you are welcome to explore if you are up for that!

Go visit the park area(There are signs that direct you) for the little ones to get out some energy on the swings and jungle gym. Canoe Rentals can be made and the park has many other activities to offer such as horseback riding, boating, and golfing. However, these are at the expense of your usage. The park does not offer rentals for these. You can find the information you need at the Park's Main Page below!

http://www.floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns/

With much hope and love,

Aerial

#aerialandtheboys

#floridacaverns

#floridacavernsstatepark

Band Photoshoot - Aerial and the Boys

Well Hey! Here it is!

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I finally was able to edit all the pictures that we officially have now, thanks to my sister for taking them for us! Here is our complete band Aerial and the Boys!

Here are a couple shots from our Photoshoot! I give you (from the first picture starting left to right): Austin Lee {Pianist, Guitarist, Percussionist, AnythingInstrumentist}, Aerial Melvin {ME!:) Singer/Songwriter, occasional guitarist}, Drew Melvin {My Hubby! Guitarist}, and Stephen Whitfield {Percussionist}.

Well that's about it! I love my boys and they are such great guys and really support me and I can't thank them enough for that. Stay tuned for more on Aerial and the Boys! But in the meantime you can find us on:
Instagram: @aerialandtheboys3
And FaceBook and ReverbNation!
And more! Or just google us.. that might be easier.... :)!

With hope and love, XOXO
Aerial Melvin
#aerialandtheboys 

A Traveler's Guide to San Antonio Texas

Well Hey!

Today I will be sharing a travel experience that me and my husband just had for our one year(of marriage) anniversary! We decided on San Antonio Texas, supposedly a romantic vacation. All of these suggestions are walking distance from the famous Riverwalk that San Antonio is known for. Also prices and estimations are included if you are on a budget! I will tell you all the tips and advice I can give from where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.

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Pictured from left to right: Horse carriage rides($50), The Alamo(FREE), and The Villita(Historic Village)

1. Where to stay:

First of all, We stayed at the Red Roof Inn that was close to the Riverwalk, which was the main attraction why we wanted to visit San Antonio. The Hotel was an overall average rating. It is a couple blocks from the Riverwalk so you have to walk a little ways. Hotels like the Mariott were right on the Riverwalk if you're okay with upping your price. The Red Roof itself worked beautifully for me and my hubby because it was only a place to sleep at night since we spent our days exploring. However, here are some pro's and con's:
Pro's: Walking distance from alot of attractions, To-Go Breakfast(FREE), Pool, microwave and mini fridge, very great price to stay! Con's: No counter space in bathrooms, more like a hospital bathroom with no tub, not the cleanest.

2. What to do:

It can get overwhelming all the things that you can do! In the Hotel we stayed they had many pamphlets and guides to attractions that had coupons as well. There is also a information place close to the mall, Riverwalk, and Alamo that gives FREE maps and the same pamphlets, etc. We decided to choose what we were doing day by day. However, I would strongly urge you before you do anything, is go to the Riverwalk and take the River Barge Ride. They cost $8 a adult person and are 35 minutes with a tour guide and everything. These rides are romantic at night but also very informational day or night. You will be able to see restaurants, attractions and sites that you can visit after your tour.

Next a great place to visit is the Tower of the Americas(coupon in pamphlets). You get to go 750 feet above ground level and see San Antonio in a whole new way. A neat indoor ride, complete with moving seats gives you an informational, fun look at the city as well. The tickets are $11 a person.

Another great thing to do and see is the San Fernando Cathedral. It is the oldest operating cathedral in the USA and boy is it breathtaking! FREE Admission and Donations welcome. This is a little walking distance from the Riverwalk and the Alamo.

Even further distance would be the actual Market in the Historic Downtown of San Antonio. It is a ways from the Riverwalk and Alamo and a little further than the Cathedral but totally worth the walk! Or taxi ride is you prefer. You experience the culture and can find some great things to take back home with you. Not to mention right on the corner of the Market place is the new Latino Art Gallery that is FREE Admission and totally neat! You could leave a message on the wall and record a video of you're experience, not to mention the awesome art.

Where to eat:

We ate so much great food but really found some golden gems on our journey. We wanted to try local places or popular choices from locals as well.  The Rainforest Cafe' is an experience all in itself. You feel you are in a jungle and the ceiling and walls are covered in moss and plants and all complete with mechanical animals that come on every 10 minutes. There are more Rainforest Cafe's in different places so if you haven't yet it is a must try!

Some good choices for lunch would be Jerry's Hot Dogs. It was the neatest little place and you will never experience a hot dog so good! And then the La Villita Cafe' is simply in the La Villita(Village) that can be accessed from the Riverwalk or by passing from the road way. It has neat shops and places as well as a theater where cultural shows are performed and danced in the evenings.

Last but not least Maria Mia is a great place for Mexican, Lucciano was by far our favorite right in the mall alongside the Riverwalk, that is Italian. If you want fancy or just pizza go here its ahhhhhmzing! And then the Lone Star we loved as well. It served a mean hamburger and is locally owned and operated so the food was delicious!!!

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We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to San Antonio and are already wanting to revisit. It can get overwhelming of all the choices of restraunts, attractions, etc. but whatever you do will be amazing and fun! We also went to Six Flags Fiesta Texas which is a 30 minute drive from the hotel we were at. Let me tell you, totally worth it. I don't think I've had so much fun in one day! Consider going if you are in the neighborhood you won't regret it!

With hope and love,
Aerial Melvin
#aerialandtheboys

How To Take Portraits Selfie Style

I am a photographer and I typically create candid photo shoots. Recently I had been asked to practice modeling photography to do model head shots and photo shoots. Unfortunately I was bored and also didn't have any models around to help me practice so I decided to do everything myself! Fun right? Yeah I'm lame.

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So first I put on my makeup. I'm no makeup artist but I have had my fair share of practice on myself and my sister so I applied bold colors on my eyes and lips. I went for the cat look on the tips of my eyes and applied dark purple eye shadow close to my eye liner and edge of my eyes to give it a richer look. Always apply a light color of eye shadow closer to your nose for it make your eyes look bigger. Here is an example of my makeup in color:


To set up my "studio" (2nd bedroom) I have a mustard yellow wall that was available to work with along with natural light through the only window in the room! I then set up my camera on the camera stand, set the setting to the 10 second countdown, and adjusted my lens to a vacant spot. The natural light was coming in without casting any shadows on my face so I used my reflector only once. Here are the photos to give you an idea of what I was working with:
                                                                                                                                                                 

After I was ready to start shooting I just checked every photo I did in case I looked totally ridiculous and then kept doing different poses, knowing I would edit them anyways. The good thing about the 10 second warning is that my lens was able to auto focus when I would have to back up or do close up shots. Here are the results:

Of course these photo were pretty rough before I started editing the crap out of them but I think they turned out pretty good for being the photographer and the model at the same time! I saved myself some money and trouble having to get a model! Yay me! If you have any questions I may not have answered just ask I don't mind:)

.................................................................................<3<3<3..................................................................

With much hope and love,
Aerial Melvin
#aerialandtheboys

DIY (Cheap) Photo Booth and How to Host a Awesome Party!

 Well Hey!

So in the past 3 months I have helped host two Lingerie Party's at my wonderful and fun mom's house along with my crazy sister! We have a good time and can get a little wild BUT we keep God in the center of our hearts and try to honor Him through a fun night. Marriage is a wonderful thing and should be celebrated!

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Pictured 1st Photo(from left to right): Mom, Me, Future Bride and my sister.
Pictured 2nd Photo(from left to right): Top Row - Friend, Future Bride, Me; Bottom - my Sister and Previous Future Bride in 1st Photo.

How to make a DIY Photo Booth:

We set up the Photo Booth in a bedroom and draped a black bed sheet from Walmart over a window's curtain rod. Both pictures have the same black sheet. We changed up the drapery to make each party different. You can create each draperies on your own from paper and string or buy kits at Hobby Lobby.

As far as ideas for photo props you can find cheap fun or DIY gadgets and goodies to use. For the first shower(2nd Photo Pictured) we had the signs that say different things and include mustaches, bow ties, lips made of plastic that you can find at a Hobby Lobby store or DIY with straws and cut out things like glasses, a pirate eye, and mouths. We also had boas leftover from my bachelorette party from the last year. 

For the next Party(1st Photo Pictured) we used the same props but added in some wigs that my sister and I had collected over the years from halloween costumes. You can ask people if they have any fun hats for a substitute if you don't have any wigs on hand.

Just remember to have fun with a Photo Booth and change things up! You don't have to have certain things a certain way to have a great time. Have the music jammin' and keep the giggles going and the photos will turn out great!

.......................................................................<3<3<3<3<3<3................................................................

With much hope and love,

Aerial Melvin

#aerialandtheboys