Calluses & Sonnes new addiction

Alright, I admit it. I am obsessed with pole dancing. I started three months ago with a friend because we wanted to see how hard it really was (both of us having been to a strip club before) and see if the benefits of the sport were as advertised. Mission accomplished. Pole dancing is hard! Really hard! I've got bruises on my bruises and calluses everywhere I'm only just starting level three. I haven't even gotten to the inverted, fun stuff yet. As far as a work out goes, it's not terrific but it's a good start. There's lots of strength work in your limbs (arms and legs) but until you get past the first couple of levels there's not much core work. Combine it with an extra class of general gym training which doubles as strength training for the upper levels and you've got a pretty easy routine which is lot's of fun.

The worst part has to be the calluses though, especially when they split in the middle of learning a new trick. One of mine between my third and forth fingers gave way practicing a combination spin this morning during open session and I had no way of dealing with the thing until I got home nearly an hour later. So, I found this wonderful little DIY to help make sure that emergencies, and having to wait to fix them, become a thing of the past.

Miss Emergency Rescue Kit

You can chop and change as many of the items as you like but this is what wound up in the pictured kit.

You'll need:

• bandaids *
• pain medication *
• nail file *
• clear fingernail polish
• little scissors
• mini toothbrush *
• emergency cash *
• tweezers *
• feminine needs
• hankie
• pen & small post its
• needle and thread
• hair tie *
• bobby pins *
• cough drops
• safety pins (aka risque cleavage rescue) *
• deodorant
• stain remover pen
• mirror
• breath mints
• dental floss
• lip balm
• specialty medicine (i.e. cold sore medicine) *
• spare earring backs *
• glasses repair kit *
• nail clippers *
• mini flashlight *
• extra house and car keys *
• chocolate (because who doesn’t need emergency chocolate from time to time * (Friendly tip, Tootsie Rolls don’t melt!)

If you know what is going into yours, here are the supplies you’ll need to wrangle up:

• wallet
• empty Tic Tac container
• thin cardboard (like from a gift box)
• regular cardboard
• felt
• thin elastic
• embroidery floss and needle
• spray adhesive
• fabric marking pen
• optional – spray paint

Step 1: If you want to change the exterior color of your wallet, go ahead and do that first. Mine started yellow and wound up silver! Use as many coats as necessary to get a nice, even finish. Allow to dry fully before moving on.

Remove the inside portions of your wallet. If you need assistance, shove a butter knife into a credit card slot for a bit of extra leverage. Trace one of the inserts on your felt plus your light and regular cardboard twice (one for each side). Trim the felt and light cardboard exactly as is, but trim the heavier cardboard a smidge (about an 1/8th of an inch) in from your traced line.

Step 2: Place both pieces of your felt face up in front of you. Gather your rescue products and put any small things together in your Tic Tac container. Situate your supplies on top of your felt pieces until you get as many as you can to fit.

If you have more items than room, you may have to cut out one or two of your less needed items. Don’t forget that the edges will slip underneath to hold the insert in – that space needs to be left clear in order for that to happen.  I kept a quarter inch all around clear, just to be safe.

If you want a pocket, cut out of your felt and place with your other items. I added a little strap onto my pocket to keep my emergency safety pin.

Step 3:  Use your fabric marking pen to trace the outline of each item as it lays on the felt.

Take your embroidery thread and begin stitching on your drawn outlines. I used 6 strands for very heavy lines, but the amount of floss you use is up to you. The more strands you use the thicker the lines, the less the finer.

Step 4:  Elastic is what will hold in the majority of your items. For longer things, like tweezers, it is a good idea to use two pieces – one near the top and one near the bottom.

While stitching your drawn lines, include your elastic as needed. This will save you from having to go back and stitch your elastic on later.

If you’re adding a pocket, sew that on now also. You can also add extra storage room by cutting a ponytail holder in half and tacking it down in the middle. You will be able to use that to tie in things like other ponytail holders!

Step 5:  Now it’s time to put your wallet back together. Place your heavier piece of cardboard in first. If it’s a bit too big, trim as necessary.

Spray your lighter weight cardboard liberally with spray adhesive. Allow to become tacky and then place your felt piece onto the glue to adhere. Use your hands to smooth out and remove any creases or air pockets. Allow a few minutes to fully dry.

Step 6: Place your inserts into the wallet. If they are side specific, make sure that you’re placing them correctly. Shove two of the sides directly under the metal rim. The other two you’ll need to use an implement, like a small flat screwdriver to help seat the felt piece fully.

Fill your rescue kit with all of your emergency goodies, snap it shut, toss it in your purse and call it a day! The next time you find a run in your hose,  a splinter in your finger, or any other little emergency decides to rear its ugly head, you’ll be fully prepared to take it on!