26 + THRIVING

I feel like this year is going to be the best one yet- let’s be honest I think I say that every year! I felt so special last weekend on my birthday, thanks to all of you.


I planned out the entire weekend with family and friends.

We went to such a beautiful spot for dinner 1889 Pizza Napoletana with family. You guys this restaurant is so trendy and delicious (of course I forgot to take pictures of the 7 pizza’s we ordered! I promise if you go here you will not be disappointed.

 

I am so blessed to be surrounded by great friends and family. I wish for nothing but good health and to be surrounded by even more love this year. Thank you all for making me feel so loved and thank you to those who helped me celebrate the entire weekend.

My hopes for my 26th year on this earth:

    • Great health
    • Volunteer.
    • Creating more friendships and meeting new people.
    • Focusing more on myself and things that make me happy.
    • Not letting fear get in the way of things that I have been wanting to do.
    • Read More.
    • Less screen time.
    • Attending more events to better myself as a creative and as a person.
    • Getting closer to god.
    • Taking more meaningful trips.
    • Documenting more day to day events.

 

Balloons- Pink Antler Studio

How do you celebrate you birthday?

How do you prefer to celebrate your birthday?
I heard after you turn 25, birthdays only go downhill from there? Well not for this girl. I am now 26 and thriving- feeling like the best is yet to come. I always find a reason to celebrate an occasion especially the day of my birth. You don’t get years back so why be down on your age? I understand that birthdays can be a touchy subject, depending who you’re talking to. Everyone has their own rhyme and reason.

I will be spending my birthday surrounded by friends and family this year- which is my favorite way to spend it. We typically go out to eat, have cake and celebrate!

I would love to hear from you, are you the type that celebrates or do you skip it? I’d love to know your favorite way to celebrate your birthday!

Affordable DIY SHUTTER Tutorial

 

For a while now I have been wanting to make our house a home. To make it complete on I have always pictured the front exterior a certain way. I have envisioned making DIY shutters for our home ever since we moved in two years ago.

I have been doing my research on these DIY shutters for a while now- almost discouraged because it seemed like a big task. It was actually a  breeze and with some help from the kind people at Home Depot, Andrew, and my dad we completed the task!

Andrew and I call Home Depot our second home because we are ALWAYS there- and to be honest I can’t say one bad thing about Home Depot they are always so helpful. Our favorite thing is that they are dog-friendly, Luther LOVES the workers there.

Let’s get to it!

What you will need:

  • Wood
  • Stain
  • Large width brush
  • Stain Cloths
  • Nail Gun
  • Drill
  • Galvanized screws (brown- depending on the color of stain) 
  • Ladder

Step 1: Measure your windows from top to bottom.

We prefer the wood to be flush- from top to bottom, but some people leave some room on the top and bottom of the windows when measuring. The average width is about 12 inches we went actually 15 inches due to the style I was trying to pull off. 

Step 2: Pick out your wood.

We chose to go with Cedarwood- it is durable and already treated. After talking with multiple workers their they suggested the cedar over the pine due to it being best for the exterior. * Note if you do get a wood that is not treated you will need to treat it properly so it can stand weather conditions. 

Step 3: Cut your wood- or have Home Depot cut it (that is what we did)

Step3: Stain Wood

Picking out stain was so stressful for me (big commitment) ha! We picked out a stain that complemented the exterior of our house color. We chose a brighter stain to make the wood pop. (Let stain sit and apply as needed to get to ideal color).

Step 4: Assemble Wood (After Stain Sits)

Line up 3 boards width and two across the top and bottom. This is where you use the nail gun. (As you will see I used the width of the boards to space out the wood to the desired width.)

 

Step 5: Nail to the House (You will need the galvanized screws and Drill and ladder)

* We chose the brown galvanized screws so they would blend with the wood and the great thing about getting galvanized screws is that they will not rust and run down on the wood making it look rusty.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

Get to know Mika Jade- Some things I love.

Hi friends, on social media things, can look one way or another and maybe sometimes you don’t know who I am and what I like…so I wanted to share with you some things I love!

Learn more about me and I would love to hear what we have in common!

Coming home to Luther and Andrew after a long day.
Going to the movies randomly.
Sushi dates.
Hearing my sweet niece and nephew say my name.
Writing random cards to my sweet friends.
Obsessed with Ranch.
Talking to my grandma on the way home from work.
Listening to my playlist while editing.
Going on walks.
Paddling boarding in Michigan early mornings on the crips lake.
Encouraging others to follow their dreams.
I love bright lipstick (I don’t wear it as often as I would like).
Traveling.
Meeting new people.
Shoes.

Cuddling up in bed and Luther snuggling up to Andrew and I.
Being a younger sister and learning from two older sisters.
Being an auntie.
Thai Food.
I love dermatology.
Grocery shopping on a weeknight.
Binge watching shows.
Curling my hair.
Bath bombs.
Pizza.
Chai Tea Latte.
Online shopping.
Collecting Stationary.
Date nights with my dad.
Re-organizing rooms.
Helping others with their future plans.
Going to church.
Sister Time.
Road trips.

Can you say you knew those things about me?  I hope you learned a little more about me. I would love to hear what we have in common, share below!

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