tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21424683392991030572024-03-04T22:01:10.735-08:00Leyton SmilesLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-61486474342011768252012-01-18T20:12:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:12:51.052-08:00One year later... And Photography!?!Well, almost a year later, and I'm finally posting again! Last year was a whirlwind, and suddenly it's January again! :) More to come on that... Anyway, this post is specific to my latest adventure, a photography course! My primary goal was to improve my ability to take meaningful pictures of my kids (and find a way to soak in and remember every moment!), but I also hope to apply what I'm learning to my Etsy photos. Because let's face it, as hard as I try, my pictures are not the best! <br />
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My wonderful husband bought me my first dslr camera for Christmas - a Rebel T3! I was so excited, and immediately signed up for <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/">Ashley Ann's</a> photography course. I've been a long time reader of her blog, and really admire her talent! I realize I'll never be at THAT level, but I hope to soak in some of her secrets from the course! ;) For our first homework assignment, we were to practice the elements of composition and story-telling. I'm still only in automatic mode, but already I see changes in the photos I took. I have no doubt, there is still far more wrong with these than there is right, but I'm just excited to be able to "see" them differently! I see the problems, and I can even pick out a few good things... I didn't crop any of these, but just posted as is...<br />
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The lighting in my house is not the best... Dark walls make natural light photos hard, but I do love this one! Toy cars driving over all living room furniture is a daily occurrence!<br />
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Not the best look on B's face, but I like the arching lines of climbing toy in this one...<br />
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</div> Off into the woods. Trying to follow the rule of thirds...<br />
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All kinds of problems with mergers in the next two, but I like the angle of the shots. However, something about where I cropped B bothers me... Not sure if I should have included more or less of him?<br />
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Again, not the best look on B's face, but like the framing. Not sure if the framing should have been centered (like a narrowing bridge)?<br />
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Just another fun one. I liked the movement of this one, and the idea that you can see where he's going...<br />
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Still working on the rule of thirds...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwJBwnkCuG3kw8fuPT010p9d4nxIfzecNIgkU-t6b2Lou25yD0K5IX7GQ-SCT5L_6WabdJyO9eaEBFp8vZezM-6hcgQjIzeU61z575hmqkWW7McLcv6dUgqbYACyqmhzSZu8YgPUpgEY/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwJBwnkCuG3kw8fuPT010p9d4nxIfzecNIgkU-t6b2Lou25yD0K5IX7GQ-SCT5L_6WabdJyO9eaEBFp8vZezM-6hcgQjIzeU61z575hmqkWW7McLcv6dUgqbYACyqmhzSZu8YgPUpgEY/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-78677651203492215772011-02-25T13:26:00.000-08:002011-02-25T13:26:29.263-08:0099 Sales on the WallIt's a milestone for LeytonSmiles - <em>ALMOST</em>! Currently at 99 sales, and I'm offering something fun for my 100th sale - free shipping! I'll refund my <span style="color: red;"><strong>100th sale</strong></span> the price of shipping paid. So hurry on in and buy that item you've had your eye on - free shipping could be yours! ;)<br />
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Happy weekend everyone!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-21488730150538818842011-02-11T11:55:00.000-08:002011-02-11T11:55:29.959-08:00Comfort FoodAs the roads continue to clear (we made it to Starbucks this morning - and that's HUGE in my book), I continue Bakefest 2011. :) Today's menu - Banana bread! I had a handful of very ripe bananas, which my kids absolutely won't touch if they even have a spot of brown on them, so I thought this would be a great way to use them up. This recipe came from my friend Katie, but I believe it's actually a Martha Stewart recipe. Definitely a keeper! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf7ZRhGTrA-y0dkgrBB8XpwWHxuB6VNEzIUrjXLDT8yBeVytVYDeeC0j-lsApefe5_PrRsEEFFImoGbJGr31ShUhH3ibduEH73t74aaFiHjFFS4eYdJNNtoL9HtLnTzWAUYCAYwEQMa8/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf7ZRhGTrA-y0dkgrBB8XpwWHxuB6VNEzIUrjXLDT8yBeVytVYDeeC0j-lsApefe5_PrRsEEFFImoGbJGr31ShUhH3ibduEH73t74aaFiHjFFS4eYdJNNtoL9HtLnTzWAUYCAYwEQMa8/s320/IMG_6163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc6600;">Banana Bread (makes 1 loaf)</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #cc6600;"><em>1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for pan<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas </em>(which is about 3 bananas)<br />
<em>1/2 cup sour cream<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans </em></span><span style="color: #cc6600;">(optional)</span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #cc6600;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc6600;">In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, sour cream, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts, and pour into prepared pan.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc6600;">Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let rest in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.</span></em><br />
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A few notes from my experience with this recipe - I've made it twice now, and both times I reduced the cooking time to an hour. I also lightly covered it (just "tented") with foil about halfway through so the top wouldn't get too dark. Last, I leave out the nuts, but that's just a personal preference. :) Enjoy!<em><span style="color: #cc6600;"><br />
</span></em>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-72147888849602919372011-02-09T11:53:00.000-08:002011-02-09T11:53:18.615-08:00Pineapple Yumminess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_Qj-vEQCeXl5bCBLJN_L1NHSAWti6Sy-5O4C9d-0XOK5bXJA9nXsYpW7CNpAlGvmkIDmf_Ch22jXg-s3O6qM3unSQXjoIjomGX00DPiuNKZyTepB6jvdHyVpmbRLtTC1lDzU28QXotQ/s1600/IMG_6156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The one benefit to our current blizzard situation: With all this snow, I've had plenty of time to cook! For a SuperBowl party we attended, I made this Pineapple Cake, and it was a hit! I can't take credit for the recipe - it came from a friend's Mom, and oh my. It's wonderful. I could eat the whole thing myself if left alone with it for too long...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_Qj-vEQCeXl5bCBLJN_L1NHSAWti6Sy-5O4C9d-0XOK5bXJA9nXsYpW7CNpAlGvmkIDmf_Ch22jXg-s3O6qM3unSQXjoIjomGX00DPiuNKZyTepB6jvdHyVpmbRLtTC1lDzU28QXotQ/s1600/IMG_6156.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_Qj-vEQCeXl5bCBLJN_L1NHSAWti6Sy-5O4C9d-0XOK5bXJA9nXsYpW7CNpAlGvmkIDmf_Ch22jXg-s3O6qM3unSQXjoIjomGX00DPiuNKZyTepB6jvdHyVpmbRLtTC1lDzU28QXotQ/s320/IMG_6156.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
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<b>Pineapple Cake</b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">White or yellow cake mix - add regular ingredients as indicated on box<br />
Add small can of crushed pineapple (with liquid)<br />
1 cup pecans (I used 1/2 cup because we aren't huge pecan people)<br />
1/2 cup coconut (toasted in oven)<br />
Bake as indicated on box; (mine took a few extra minutes).</span><br />
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<b>Frosting</b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Make <span class="ecxyshortcuts" id="ecxlw_1284002589_0" style="cursor: pointer;">cream cheese frosting</span> using 4 oz cream cheese, 1 stick of butter, 1 tsp vanilla<br />
and mix with 1 box (1 pound) <span class="ecxyshortcuts" id="ecxlw_1284002589_1" style="cursor: pointer;">powdered sugar</span>. Add a few teaspoons milk<br />
if needed for spreading consistency. Optional: Sprinkle (toasted or not) coconut and <span class="ecxyshortcuts" id="ecxlw_1284002589_2" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; cursor: pointer;">toasted pecans</span> on top</span>.<br />
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Enjoy! If you make it, I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-37844659856528512952011-02-04T08:41:00.000-08:002011-02-04T08:41:54.455-08:00It's -6 degrees. How about some ice cream?!?Snow ice cream that is... ;) Currently, this is the view outside my front door... I was a little afraid to even open the door - I didn't exactly want to be run over by a drift, fun as that sounds. We are all getting a bit stir-crazy as this is day four of my car not leaving the garage... Oklahoma is just not equipped to handle 16 inches of snow at once, and we are expecting a few more today. I'm considering fashioning my own version of a snow plow to the front of my Honda and venturing out - call it a <strike>omg-I-am-losing-my-mind</strike> 'mental health' mission. Ok, not really. But only because I have nothing that would actually work as a snow plow. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bH_PS69f79uW0TEzJRQYDv0G1lWo4PEBR3b7n_xKrk3A-gOYe-A2691wXI4OjRiPoT8ndabodQIym8Hbi5YmngyCFDD8hktQaqgz6IwmQsttANu7sNvxecvwD4RPASv_k5Riigc9NNo/s1600/IMG_6128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bH_PS69f79uW0TEzJRQYDv0G1lWo4PEBR3b7n_xKrk3A-gOYe-A2691wXI4OjRiPoT8ndabodQIym8Hbi5YmngyCFDD8hktQaqgz6IwmQsttANu7sNvxecvwD4RPASv_k5Riigc9NNo/s320/IMG_6128.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I remember making this when I was little with a friend, but of course that recipe is long gone. Here's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/snow-ice-cream-recipe/index.html">one</a> my family will be trying today, courtesy of Paula Dean and the food network. And don't worry, we'll avoid the snow with tracks in it - not exactly sure what creature made those, and I don't think I want to know...<br />
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You need:<br />
8 cups of snow or shaved ice<br />
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
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Place snow or shaved ice into a large bowl. Pour condensed milk over and add vanilla. Mix to combine. Serve immediately.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-78691184873095211472011-01-20T13:52:00.000-08:002011-01-20T13:52:40.079-08:00Germ FestProbably my least favorite part of parenting is when my kids are ill. It truly is terrible - no matter what's wrong. You agonize over how to make them feel better, and feel incredibly helpless because you can't fix it by just snapping your fingers. I really. really. really. hate. it. <br />
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Leyton, the namesake for my Etsy <a href="http://www.leytonsmiles.etsy.com/">shop</a>, is sick. And I mean really sick. Big Brother Britton had the flu AND croup this past weekend (even with a flu shot), and apparently Leyton has picked up the croup piece of that fun little duo. 4 days later, 2 visits to the doctor, steroids, and we are NOT much better. Oh my goodness how long is this going to hang on?!? I realize it's January - and they are going to get sick at some point. But I'm over it at this point. I'm really for healthy Leyton again! Poor baby.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-16121919199100636392011-01-05T11:26:00.000-08:002011-01-05T18:36:56.272-08:00A little fun for your WednesdayI admit, I'm not really a romance reader. And let's face it, these days with two small children I'm lucky if I get to read anything more than the daily reports they bring home from school and their bedtime stories. However, I do try to catch up on my favorite blogs on lunch occasionally, and <a href="http://www.anymommyoutthere.com/">this</a> is one I'm addicted to. She's not only absolutely hysterical, but very real. She's honest, intelligent, and makes me realize we all deal with similar things as moms to little ones. <br />
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She's now drafted a romance novel, "Union Pacific," and is publishing one chapter a week (on Fridays) <a href="http://summerconnollyromance.com/">here</a>. Let me just say, it's FABULOUS. A quick, fun read, and now I'm hooked. Seriously, check it out.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-34087082809420302742011-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:002011-01-03T05:00:04.838-08:00...And Something For Her!As promised, a peek at my newest (and current favorite) item! After making the necktie burp cloths for the boys, I knew I needed something for the little girls! I'm currently a huge fan of ruffles (putting them on anything and everything), and thought it would be fun to add some to a burpie! These are very simple ruffles - just made from jersey knit fabric... So no hems, just a shabby ruffle! Love it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bEe2QUEQXm8rILgKFbAqGa_WTviJico_S6sNSdmMfEAt2_R4eVCvO_rwuzeSLDwXK-Gq19MxuRPQNrcnxK89K82mMzEdJMJwPPFsphZQA1Fpvmsn-hYFYghF7rwatvVfYSOHUoeGXgU/s1600/IMG_5945.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557809074861630258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bEe2QUEQXm8rILgKFbAqGa_WTviJico_S6sNSdmMfEAt2_R4eVCvO_rwuzeSLDwXK-Gq19MxuRPQNrcnxK89K82mMzEdJMJwPPFsphZQA1Fpvmsn-hYFYghF7rwatvVfYSOHUoeGXgU/s400/IMG_5945.JPG" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-43127017914268531402011-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:002011-01-02T05:00:04.269-08:00Something for Him...You may have noticed there are a few new items in my shop recently... One of which is specifically for the little man in your life! I've really enjoyed making the necktie burp cloths, but I can't take all the credit... I was talking to my friend Jill (of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellalulu">bellalulu</a>) about all the super cute neck tie onesies you see on Etsy - LOVE these! She said something like, "it's too bad you can't put those on a burp cloth or something" and the neck tie burp cloth was born! Thanks Jill for the inspiration! And look for more necktie items coming soon!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssH2CCwF-98MrMpXMDzhsPXaFbFEh9ma_ipU-YPQX4iLSthOTwNfmT1Sm-GdnbXLgAquIYKYo6Sg1THiW7gnrpucOLk_cWYZ17WJJS4bRfM1lKRFmcABbkWek-ErywC6AYJ4orblKzGU/s1600/IMG_5751.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557410147195845074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssH2CCwF-98MrMpXMDzhsPXaFbFEh9ma_ipU-YPQX4iLSthOTwNfmT1Sm-GdnbXLgAquIYKYo6Sg1THiW7gnrpucOLk_cWYZ17WJJS4bRfM1lKRFmcABbkWek-ErywC6AYJ4orblKzGU/s400/IMG_5751.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>(and stayed tuned for a post tomorrow just for the girls!)</strong></span></em>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-77650327945436861752010-12-18T13:35:00.000-08:002010-12-18T13:45:05.796-08:00Just BecauseI'm the first to admit, we have some wonderful friends. Each year for Christmas I want to do something for them, and to be honest, most years I don't get to it. This year I was bound and determined to do SOMETHING. A few weeks ago, when we had our first hard freeze, my Mom pulled the last of her tomatoes from the vine to keep them from dying in the cold. Most of them were very green, but all ripened up nicely - leaving us with hundreds of tomatoes - literally... My husband is of Hispanic background, and makes a mean salsa. Seriously - the best. We've had friends come over to have him teach them how to make it. :) So we decided to put all those tomatoes to good use and make homemade salsa for our friends - something pretty unique, low cost, but meaningful. I dressed up the mason jars a bit with some twine , fun clip magnets, and homemade cards (if you read my <a href="http://leytonsmilesblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/teacher-gifts-oh-my.html">teacher gift post</a> - these cards and magnets will look very familiar :) ). Here's the final result - I think they turned out great! Can't wait to hear what our friends think of them (and hope they don't read this!).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JU5L84wHvYVO3HB6F0P_m2bObg3EK31SQ87tzKicepg1R4bGH3OMQINRHqxn8Jkv8fhV5Uafs2WqdbWtzx1pBMoRJUobiMxFs_XXPoxEa9fuS4Bhxu8B_fmfSsKyJr9AvxMRcUAJHlo/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552140898552349106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JU5L84wHvYVO3HB6F0P_m2bObg3EK31SQ87tzKicepg1R4bGH3OMQINRHqxn8Jkv8fhV5Uafs2WqdbWtzx1pBMoRJUobiMxFs_XXPoxEa9fuS4Bhxu8B_fmfSsKyJr9AvxMRcUAJHlo/s400/IMG_5787.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCfCekDf3T9WCJvr9D_GG0ktKaRIKyAkA6WewWLa2bJi-EuxRPm__xAaT9IbBzHvd0BXJQiC7XFrF9fvLlDgxDIzvqtT3tYPJk5M_QlaBkBJmDNFiUXgjjtEyPFFU5eYblCjgh8aH2sA/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552140906648907074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCfCekDf3T9WCJvr9D_GG0ktKaRIKyAkA6WewWLa2bJi-EuxRPm__xAaT9IbBzHvd0BXJQiC7XFrF9fvLlDgxDIzvqtT3tYPJk5M_QlaBkBJmDNFiUXgjjtEyPFFU5eYblCjgh8aH2sA/s400/IMG_5789.JPG" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-44935688978123923612010-12-12T14:19:00.000-08:002010-12-13T09:38:51.419-08:00A DIY: Teacher Gifts (Oh my)It seems like these always sneak up on me, even though I KNOW I have to do gifts for Christmas and the end of the year... But with two boys, at two different schools this year, that means a LOT of gifts. Ugh. My fear is always that I give them something they hate, or won't use, so I try to give them something practical, while making it fun at the same time... No small feat, and I have no doubt there have been years where I failed miserably. This year, I decided gift cards would be the best way to go, but I wanted to add something to them... I love the idea of these fun clip magnets (see Ashley Ann's blog <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2009/05/06/clothes-pin-magnets-diy-project/">here</a> for a darling DIY she did on them), and decided I could use these to hold their gift cards, and add a little something else to the gift. Super easy, fun, and hopefully a little different.<br /><br />I started with plain wooden clothespins and adhesive scrapbook paper. If you don't have adhesive, you can just modge podge the paper onto the clips - This just saved me a step. I measured the size of the clip and cut a bunch of little strips, then attached them to each clip using the adhesive strip.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWLJNJbr69ATwWH3_Oxx9ZtkgAnap_6FDxAIGJRMCmiBwWQEGH4N8Sa86j5CtmfOgIh7zaKQKS_EtgRY-n2BTStvgPjlqX9yLQN9tvbzXlV8e0VV7AKd-ja8dyGxZKOgyM-hmCklFEYw/s1600/IMG_5739.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549943688111934242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWLJNJbr69ATwWH3_Oxx9ZtkgAnap_6FDxAIGJRMCmiBwWQEGH4N8Sa86j5CtmfOgIh7zaKQKS_EtgRY-n2BTStvgPjlqX9yLQN9tvbzXlV8e0VV7AKd-ja8dyGxZKOgyM-hmCklFEYw/s400/IMG_5739.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GF1p9Ix2-JBpl1wA-3gZZORkf_EusNCdI0PUUGfVyTF7ZvMcq0tE1hOw2BtTklGVLbm5taWij_kMeS28FwsLDZu5Yv-qSROKxK_MPCSXaQrkhfNMnozLljoxMFgox5u-AsXptRG1C9c/s1600/IMG_5740.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549943691919695202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GF1p9Ix2-JBpl1wA-3gZZORkf_EusNCdI0PUUGfVyTF7ZvMcq0tE1hOw2BtTklGVLbm5taWij_kMeS28FwsLDZu5Yv-qSROKxK_MPCSXaQrkhfNMnozLljoxMFgox5u-AsXptRG1C9c/s400/IMG_5740.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Next, I applied a thin layer of modge podge over the top of each clip to just secure the paper and finish them a bit.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFGt4JMu9l6oDONpaQw7ducbSej6VEQdNNF1ocZPWW4vlfdx1RmjbWVtdLPnbDEO17ZkeIjykPZ2ZWvQp__FmKhhlU_WdHfqS8lhqUHvAfRylVydu_RAvamxfT-VR86imIFBYDJf2fWo/s1600/IMG_5741.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549943700475046386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFGt4JMu9l6oDONpaQw7ducbSej6VEQdNNF1ocZPWW4vlfdx1RmjbWVtdLPnbDEO17ZkeIjykPZ2ZWvQp__FmKhhlU_WdHfqS8lhqUHvAfRylVydu_RAvamxfT-VR86imIFBYDJf2fWo/s400/IMG_5741.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I applied magnets to the back of each clip using a strong adhesive (note: I tried the adhesive magnets, and trust me, they don't work. :) The adhesive just wasn't strong enough, and I ended up have to glue them anyway).<br /><br />I added some fun scrapbook paper, distressed the edges with ink and added a "Merry Christmas" stamp to each and voila! Add the gift card and you are good to go, or just give as is.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07-kQTmUQ54CMHeHfcLczaEhQ5LtFDn_IgAlbyKzXNinXCzjOai_f5D_MY50bbzJCWcq8IUU7U0uedZtZxW4xkyfdc-Usiqh_LXfYcbX9Ir0JHoMKa6AlhR_K9MuRTwb-iOs9yVAp7ic/s1600/IMG_5745.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549943707447779298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07-kQTmUQ54CMHeHfcLczaEhQ5LtFDn_IgAlbyKzXNinXCzjOai_f5D_MY50bbzJCWcq8IUU7U0uedZtZxW4xkyfdc-Usiqh_LXfYcbX9Ir0JHoMKa6AlhR_K9MuRTwb-iOs9yVAp7ic/s400/IMG_5745.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVl_BgPa3I43YTtMN9vJtOs7jBhXJfSt3-_TAvFMBD29sZR3VnxehYaiW4Q-eLV06iapvnMs0rJycxVz9N6N_e4fwYhd95LtKcBYJvrbk7dPr79WNe0k7Sf9ID608461QF9cFu_MrpZE/s1600/IMG_5748.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 355px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549943717012125186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVl_BgPa3I43YTtMN9vJtOs7jBhXJfSt3-_TAvFMBD29sZR3VnxehYaiW4Q-eLV06iapvnMs0rJycxVz9N6N_e4fwYhd95LtKcBYJvrbk7dPr79WNe0k7Sf9ID608461QF9cFu_MrpZE/s400/IMG_5748.JPG" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-43468661279356793392010-12-10T10:01:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:20:28.386-08:00Christmas Card Frame - A DIY from Poofy Boutique!Yesterday I was so thrilled to be a "guest" of Kelsey's <a href="http://poofycheeks.blogspot.com/">Poofy Boutique</a> blog - she has a super fun blog full of crafty ideas, and a great <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoofyCheeks?ref=top_trail">Etsy shop</a> to go along with it. Today I've asked Kelsey if I could share one of her Christmas crafts on my blog... She is posting one a day and I LOVE all the ideas she's come up with so far! (It was hard to choose just one!)<br /><br />Her 'how-to' on a Christmas Card frame was just the motivation I needed (yep, my Christmas cards I've received are currently in a stack - I'll be making this frame this weekend to display them!). Here is her DIY:<br /><br /><em>Remember my craft room redo? Well I no longer have the craft room. We let one of Mike’s friends stay with us for a few months after he lost his job, and after he moved out we decided to give both of the boys their own rooms. So, all of the blue furniture – matches NOTHING.<br /></em><br /><br /><em>I took the blue magnetic frame from the craft room and gave it a coat of spray paint. </em><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8ozwzUliAmol2G4VqX00eBf_0ywZTYXBGDRtgpmh0Z44gtzRP5HMmhGMb6KW7sBLNr2Q9xpysmueV4R1DSLUzRVEwGt0WtzVFlI-o77Azc2VldwlENHRjLmeAVDlZhf9J7fyckhUj8E/s1600/paint.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549118807373103858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8ozwzUliAmol2G4VqX00eBf_0ywZTYXBGDRtgpmh0Z44gtzRP5HMmhGMb6KW7sBLNr2Q9xpysmueV4R1DSLUzRVEwGt0WtzVFlI-o77Azc2VldwlENHRjLmeAVDlZhf9J7fyckhUj8E/s400/paint.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>I tied some butchers twine in a zig-zag around the frame.</em> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu1lgQ0TG4OpEvIZjc4bb6KfuvCxRpGxGOHkaf-nqMaq_1FDytzkx8f8uj-UGeaisIiRxKlLPjzVli5vPYSTgmAzD9ZQBJHojax9ymHITSfH1Y9au4_biIsIxDhXv_7zKwsyfetLvSwk/s1600/string.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549118802255380434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu1lgQ0TG4OpEvIZjc4bb6KfuvCxRpGxGOHkaf-nqMaq_1FDytzkx8f8uj-UGeaisIiRxKlLPjzVli5vPYSTgmAzD9ZQBJHojax9ymHITSfH1Y9au4_biIsIxDhXv_7zKwsyfetLvSwk/s400/string.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>and now it is ready for Christmas cards!</em></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWXKGBsWy9-K9Pr9Nnh_dBmlsuB8q-ND071z2cMzajpOMcCOzSWfptUPyF6lINOeN8ehZCuX00w0-V-_i9qsqi2b0mlXZwsw5q_KWCivjsQgdw6jJZAi-ouDeK2ooDL9k__OM7Y5eCMI/s1600/frame.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549118796393009474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWXKGBsWy9-K9Pr9Nnh_dBmlsuB8q-ND071z2cMzajpOMcCOzSWfptUPyF6lINOeN8ehZCuX00w0-V-_i9qsqi2b0mlXZwsw5q_KWCivjsQgdw6jJZAi-ouDeK2ooDL9k__OM7Y5eCMI/s400/frame.jpg" border="0" /></a> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><div>And here's just a few of my favorite items from her shop - she has something for EVERYONE on your list!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEOLtDIXs2wLkK3qG9G6q-xncJ6UtASnxhiztbIT4MTA5uE_ANzXuw3CF1EYvAM6LlmAXS9ZElXB3vIVJCC-Aee22aMAZWP3yZFiXSeriW5e8nHJ4CmuVFrJtjIP9xNMjJO_DNxPNTMs/s1600/coal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549117653792742114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEOLtDIXs2wLkK3qG9G6q-xncJ6UtASnxhiztbIT4MTA5uE_ANzXuw3CF1EYvAM6LlmAXS9ZElXB3vIVJCC-Aee22aMAZWP3yZFiXSeriW5e8nHJ4CmuVFrJtjIP9xNMjJO_DNxPNTMs/s400/coal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbNbtdNDAaP4NrNUYADSgSH99WmnAwn26Hfdcr_OQJx7wzZo9szvQXNkrMb85T8ZyaboHIqLJGCKuW6WdV9LspuNqP0olLUPDwb_GHwOqB3bHYzajDo-FrVXnW2Zhp5d47As0g0QJ7DM/s1600/coasters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549117653109659490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbNbtdNDAaP4NrNUYADSgSH99WmnAwn26Hfdcr_OQJx7wzZo9szvQXNkrMb85T8ZyaboHIqLJGCKuW6WdV9LspuNqP0olLUPDwb_GHwOqB3bHYzajDo-FrVXnW2Zhp5d47As0g0QJ7DM/s400/coasters.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiS6EkHkgGI6pcn5SOw9tHcyKHmM9JG5muvnkuskt4opIkguYgCznMZEWvEVXteM7x7vafOuS_0xuxAxYfD44EGfscuF7ozOwX9Y53fOGpUE6KYeEIVsh3wXvTwMfhj_dhel1Zh3b5QO0/s1600/princess+necklace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549117641281124498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiS6EkHkgGI6pcn5SOw9tHcyKHmM9JG5muvnkuskt4opIkguYgCznMZEWvEVXteM7x7vafOuS_0xuxAxYfD44EGfscuF7ozOwX9Y53fOGpUE6KYeEIVsh3wXvTwMfhj_dhel1Zh3b5QO0/s400/princess+necklace.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-71656615012020550732010-12-09T10:36:00.000-08:002010-12-09T10:55:37.294-08:00A DIY Feature - PoofyCheeks!Today I'm featured on a fabulous blog I love reading! Not only does Kelsey do giveaways from time to time (she has a super cute Etsy store, more on that tomorrow), but she's also really good about posting fun crafts that are easy to do and great ways to add to your home decor. I was so honored when she asked if she could post my tutorial on Shabby Christmas Letters! So head on over and check it out! And be sure to read some of her other crafty ideas for Christmas - she's posting one a day! I'll be back tomorrow with more from Kelsey and the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoofyCheeks">Poofy Boutique</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://poofycheeks.blogspot.com/2010/12/shabby-christmas-letters-from-leyton.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 52px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548756970022401570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQggLYdfVdCpI88G1w5K_vuAR_mwHrdGYvlDQVhhW0mbgtDfursBX8rPF86Zq5WjiYlGKyxOLfJr1flpnsLEgzIDJrDg6CtSYBPzYttiuuav0cLZd2BXmzEexHqjamW6d0-eODZTQJhY/s400/PoofyCheeks.jpg" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-16182280378682294192010-12-06T11:04:00.000-08:002010-12-06T11:50:49.640-08:00A Christmas MantleOur mantle has been a work in progress for years. I've never been quite happy with it - and each year I play with it a bit more trying to get it just the way I want... This year, I think I'm finally there, or at least close.<br /><br />Last year, I got the crazy idea that I needed a vintage sled as my mantle centerpiece. I love antiques, and my house is an eclectic mix of fun antiques and new pieces, but I'm not one that just has the "eye" for vintage. However, one of my good friends who is the owner of a very popular Etsy Vintage Shop is an expert (see her fantastic shop - BellaLulu - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellalulu">here</a>). Last year, she let me tag along to a market with her on the hunt for a sled. I got lucky and we found one at almost the first area we went in. It truly is exactly what I had pictured in my head, and I love the look of it! You might wonder why the stockings are on the hearth and not hanging like they should from the mantle... Well, that would be for the safety of my sweet 2 1/2 year old little man (Leyton), who thinks things that hang are for pulling on. :) Until he's a bit older, we'll keep them down low so he can't knock himself out with a heavy stocking hanger falling on his head. :) And while the stockings are not super fancy or trendy, they are VERY close to my heart. My mom has made one for each member of my family, and I love them! They will forever be a part of my decor.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem4z5GXg6u1DSsAOwyY1eHNMytsp9yOyPiTeLdEJXsRLnNc-8h-VbH2OMGmmQ7dztvG4tEhzFEaTkV0CoA9fBeIso0t7V9cSZLXsTgb5h8jdutbahjAeJVnjgQJIl5t092scn7GVclYg/s1600/IMG_5715.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547656637274372466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem4z5GXg6u1DSsAOwyY1eHNMytsp9yOyPiTeLdEJXsRLnNc-8h-VbH2OMGmmQ7dztvG4tEhzFEaTkV0CoA9fBeIso0t7V9cSZLXsTgb5h8jdutbahjAeJVnjgQJIl5t092scn7GVclYg/s400/IMG_5715.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RlLOyx49WdOw4Gupz9CB1b3SWDsV0I2MKm82unxlC5R9_4Nz57hp1cFp28FwXvNExRdOVTGa298-JnYl6eySxjCls-wrEc8fNZuqNhW4ZbWboUEn6M3K-uD_0UOmeA3xm0XQoe73VqA/s1600/IMG_5716.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547656630648533634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RlLOyx49WdOw4Gupz9CB1b3SWDsV0I2MKm82unxlC5R9_4Nz57hp1cFp28FwXvNExRdOVTGa298-JnYl6eySxjCls-wrEc8fNZuqNhW4ZbWboUEn6M3K-uD_0UOmeA3xm0XQoe73VqA/s400/IMG_5716.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I added some cheap pine garland that I brightened up with some sparkly tinsel from Hobby Lobby (50% off of course!) and a few other pieces. One of my favorite Christmas decorating ideas is one I use in multiple places around my house (including on the far right of the mantle). I love the look of brightly colored glass ornaments in different vases, bowls, etc. It's an easy way to add color to any room without much cost or effort.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUIJsQrwRyabwPpP7RXw8HoX_PBIyTpdo1EnCou-jAZTwyfkJwCEjrpjArlWSjckY8VirWJMVCesYe4O4CKrpzam8I-FVq8-XQa008zMH7rWfss_y9138MYeuT3lJhml7bpjzAvrBW3A/s1600/IMG_5720.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547656627132859282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUIJsQrwRyabwPpP7RXw8HoX_PBIyTpdo1EnCou-jAZTwyfkJwCEjrpjArlWSjckY8VirWJMVCesYe4O4CKrpzam8I-FVq8-XQa008zMH7rWfss_y9138MYeuT3lJhml7bpjzAvrBW3A/s400/IMG_5720.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rnQTXGbuRBOJlEDVG0LlW1-MJJyKzTNLzHeiLpjkR3sdtCGeuIgCFdQZsf772CWWrFdQQsXZzKJDZ5AFs3yVWhuZppYs1emHP8KytrU97ecv1isSY9dqRXVoGGs7GBxN4y0_iHQdYeA/s1600/IMG_5718.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547656623661372914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rnQTXGbuRBOJlEDVG0LlW1-MJJyKzTNLzHeiLpjkR3sdtCGeuIgCFdQZsf772CWWrFdQQsXZzKJDZ5AFs3yVWhuZppYs1emHP8KytrU97ecv1isSY9dqRXVoGGs7GBxN4y0_iHQdYeA/s400/IMG_5718.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>So what does your Holiday Mantle look like? I'd love to see it(and share for you on my blog)! :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ8z41awIyCK2mhOvTAY0bff04tnizVfuN6xHeYMBkFZR7XqC3tRcP30yLj3gOv_F6Q3iRth56IYipw2S-hcn03VP9Q530JUZvtNDLlLUO0mIZmI42iIKgaeJnwg0E5KtfohtqBp4DVA/s1600/IMG_5719.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547656122225225250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ8z41awIyCK2mhOvTAY0bff04tnizVfuN6xHeYMBkFZR7XqC3tRcP30yLj3gOv_F6Q3iRth56IYipw2S-hcn03VP9Q530JUZvtNDLlLUO0mIZmI42iIKgaeJnwg0E5KtfohtqBp4DVA/s400/IMG_5719.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-23410831244510386272010-12-03T07:00:00.000-08:002010-12-03T07:00:00.577-08:00Shabby Christmas Letters - On the cheap! A DIY!A few weeks back, I saw some darling letters spelling out "JOY" for Christmas Decor. I saw them from far away, so I didn't get to inspect them closely for details on making them, but I decided to wing it. I started out buying chipboard letters at our local Arts & Crafts store. I also bought different Christmas scrapbook paper (each piece big enough to trace a letter on), and a tiny tube of silver glitter, and that was it (just because I'm a sucker for all things shiny at Christmas). You'll also need modge podge, or something similar, which I already had.<br /><br />I started tracing each letter on the paper and cutting them out. I then used modge podge to glue the cutouts to the letters. Be careful here to use a VERY thin layer of glue, or the paper will bubble. Mine bubbled a bit, but I have them up high and no one will ever notice. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MbCvRoj5ywyI5avIJtmom2gGoHeTeUs-Iqr129oIOsLbBQCUxdk-SvcqPrd26WOqHF1Qho__5VR71e88rvqjnqHPAIlKw_GsU8R54nx8MQEJg15_D8jlNlW4HalH0fwf3RbjwYy6BqM/s1600/IMG_5656.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546314447117478482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MbCvRoj5ywyI5avIJtmom2gGoHeTeUs-Iqr129oIOsLbBQCUxdk-SvcqPrd26WOqHF1Qho__5VR71e88rvqjnqHPAIlKw_GsU8R54nx8MQEJg15_D8jlNlW4HalH0fwf3RbjwYy6BqM/s400/IMG_5656.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div>The modge podge dries very quickly, so as soon as it was dry, I used scrapbook ink (I used brown) to distress all of the edges. You can do this as heavy as you like - I went heavy since I wanted to be see it from far away.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wXUpW3agsi9nPDmjhyzEzWZ3O_0GkrbVihMGNK_NgUh3KFI58rhEPXpWGbJ73E2PDzxMhyb9UALZxA_ORr9UZN9sh_MCF5BfGF7vHakNx9mmuKi8fTtwenT83tWrLhoCiiFI9Q0hQlg/s1600/IMG_5658.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546314448856778978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wXUpW3agsi9nPDmjhyzEzWZ3O_0GkrbVihMGNK_NgUh3KFI58rhEPXpWGbJ73E2PDzxMhyb9UALZxA_ORr9UZN9sh_MCF5BfGF7vHakNx9mmuKi8fTtwenT83tWrLhoCiiFI9Q0hQlg/s400/IMG_5658.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Once the ink dried (again, super quick), I modge podged over the top of the letters to seal it and give it a nice finish. Yeah, I know. Bubbles. Pretend you don't see them. :) </div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh1VV2vo0We2JjJgsB-nNS1tmqRooDbNSIBv0QM32YnKeEa4YgOQzgFOQe6WNWMW1tk13l4EbV-zSsHhS-2NaVtk-WygureW0E8U-ZZ-qqgNqk_JyeTvOGvwb2lhDTYnguSc48dgtJY0/s1600/IMG_5660.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546314458285671330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh1VV2vo0We2JjJgsB-nNS1tmqRooDbNSIBv0QM32YnKeEa4YgOQzgFOQe6WNWMW1tk13l4EbV-zSsHhS-2NaVtk-WygureW0E8U-ZZ-qqgNqk_JyeTvOGvwb2lhDTYnguSc48dgtJY0/s400/IMG_5660.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxq05Ec52LBWe_pz39YJmEapLz4JACseGOaAXi1GMtSoaxu9EW_gWrBIo2mzC29hEGrCxL5hxrcq1n9pVxU6wvtityvAB2ggqt7dfOEOfYv7K3-Q2LRQmOmXh725ekS8Jz0yhQ5Bh6Dw/s1600/IMG_5659.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546314454407772802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxq05Ec52LBWe_pz39YJmEapLz4JACseGOaAXi1GMtSoaxu9EW_gWrBIo2mzC29hEGrCxL5hxrcq1n9pVxU6wvtityvAB2ggqt7dfOEOfYv7K3-Q2LRQmOmXh725ekS8Jz0yhQ5Bh6Dw/s400/IMG_5659.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last, I painted a little more modge podge on each of the letter edges and dipped them in the glitter. You really can't see much of this where they are displayed, but it gives them a finished look and a little extra sparkle. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>Total cost - </div><div>Letters - $4 for 4</div><div>Scrapbook paper - $2.50 for 4 sheets</div><div><u>Glitter - $1.50</u></div><div>$8 total</div><br /><div></div><div>And the finished product - I love it!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPhHLUv884W37nn4cwnngp0GoxwrKl8VWnJYeT_8in-aqmQt8YqgKNsNMT9ptQsj-c58zSgV14rjp28RywMzaVYzD0JZBXGXuokIPB7TJFfm1ezjTA1mKC_8R1W1T0GM6hHE6UO3Rhvg/s1600/IMG_5709.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546314805595031650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPhHLUv884W37nn4cwnngp0GoxwrKl8VWnJYeT_8in-aqmQt8YqgKNsNMT9ptQsj-c58zSgV14rjp28RywMzaVYzD0JZBXGXuokIPB7TJFfm1ezjTA1mKC_8R1W1T0GM6hHE6UO3Rhvg/s400/IMG_5709.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nM1RaZXW3y4yy0CGlXVS9iGg2GlsF5n6nc8R8CIOURchJb_Uj1xbSl1znDatBiC2Wn-Ek-TN2jnWt66Mvlybu__6KhPFGNdYpFTCkC97ePmdAvavlWTqTlzCvIj7-e4Ih925_aOvk7k/s1600/IMG_5710.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546314811328049634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nM1RaZXW3y4yy0CGlXVS9iGg2GlsF5n6nc8R8CIOURchJb_Uj1xbSl1znDatBiC2Wn-Ek-TN2jnWt66Mvlybu__6KhPFGNdYpFTCkC97ePmdAvavlWTqTlzCvIj7-e4Ih925_aOvk7k/s400/IMG_5710.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-35575255648496292372010-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:002010-11-30T07:00:06.624-08:0022 months later... ONE finished room!We moved into our dream house 22 months ago. And in those 22 months, I've been completely and totally overwhelmed on how to decorate it, and where to start. I'm one of those people that won't just throw stuff up on the walls for the sake of having it there - I have to <em>love </em>it. Which makes my husband nuts. So I had us completely unpacked within a month, but just no decor, or very little. So....I decided to start with a bathroom. It's the bathroom for our guest bedroom and is hardly ever used, but I felt like it was a great starting place for me for a few reasons: first, it was a completely blank slate. It didn't even have a shower curtain yet. Second, since it's for the guest room, it doesn't have to fit the color scheme of two little boy rooms, the master bedroom, etc. No pressure.<br /><br />So about 6 months ago I bought this great shower curtain at Target completely on a whim. I just loved the color (kind of a seafoam green/blue) and the fun waffle texture. This was my splurge at about $28. I hung it, and there it sat for 6 months. :) When I finally had a plan, I came back. We didn't make huge changes, but the few we made I think made a good impact.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLTOi-PP8Hxc6a36y-N-xNeEXmF-WV7WPW7imD4r8q0Ouwn_jzv6RQlMibzym7SdCy3vdSZXU33TNmzexCu7VWWq0VE8Z1HEAho0nJrE_UzzkQHsGbQAhoYyPezk-3Y5NxccTb9RiY4o/s1600/IMG_5619.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545205430260246514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLTOi-PP8Hxc6a36y-N-xNeEXmF-WV7WPW7imD4r8q0Ouwn_jzv6RQlMibzym7SdCy3vdSZXU33TNmzexCu7VWWq0VE8Z1HEAho0nJrE_UzzkQHsGbQAhoYyPezk-3Y5NxccTb9RiY4o/s400/IMG_5619.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcptMesgY7diQ3bJEpkBweKcXaAwGcTAXzbb0E8dDw6we9oFWibzJ299Qy0CmQy_R-trq4KVOa_qnB951ATB1tAW_ia_d5LVHHTi1KWHqYWr_WS5uEttcjUAgI4pOxZNcV_md9bv8QEo/s1600/IMG_5618.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545205424392912162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcptMesgY7diQ3bJEpkBweKcXaAwGcTAXzbb0E8dDw6we9oFWibzJ299Qy0CmQy_R-trq4KVOa_qnB951ATB1tAW_ia_d5LVHHTi1KWHqYWr_WS5uEttcjUAgI4pOxZNcV_md9bv8QEo/s400/IMG_5618.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I needed a towel rack. I love our antique bronze doorknobs and handles in our home, but I realized quickly a matching towel rack was expensive. And boring. And then I came across this fun idea to build your own on one of my favorite blogs - <a href="http://houseofsmiths.blogspot.com/2010/03/chic-bathroom-wall-treatment.html">House of Smiths</a>. She used molding to create super cute boxes and filled them with Vinyl (which she sells in her super cute shop). LOVE IT! But, in my world, I don't make and sell vinyl, and I was trying to do this on the cheap (remember this is room #1 - the list of rooms to decorate is loooong). I love beadboard, and had the great idea to fill the blank space with that instead. Enlist one handy husband, and VOILA! A shabby, home-made towel rack for about $30!<br /><br />BEFORE:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7bJ5ZNvgnPR1ul6uw_QceEsjMKyOVlSiXkVMrclQBYNUEya1ZAUEXGYQn4fxjPz2K0qMItWN2VI6d05Brm7Uao-WVToO7wkuryUbYqiFQx9gzwhnTY0azSMF-CjB6d4wpo3FZaLVU64/s1600/IMG_5617.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545205419155775778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7bJ5ZNvgnPR1ul6uw_QceEsjMKyOVlSiXkVMrclQBYNUEya1ZAUEXGYQn4fxjPz2K0qMItWN2VI6d05Brm7Uao-WVToO7wkuryUbYqiFQx9gzwhnTY0azSMF-CjB6d4wpo3FZaLVU64/s400/IMG_5617.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />AFTER:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IF9quJaRPrr2OAbLPb1N_goJQwJocdfexjZlgzmBSXFT3nBaHV24vq_VN4ZTznzb5hr12W00HU6bJsmRO8fpqOkBs7juKSkrTlxCHRSDGATrR0pmHXfvUZ591MncYMhyphenhyphenofEqHkAv528/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545206499213607106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IF9quJaRPrr2OAbLPb1N_goJQwJocdfexjZlgzmBSXFT3nBaHV24vq_VN4ZTznzb5hr12W00HU6bJsmRO8fpqOkBs7juKSkrTlxCHRSDGATrR0pmHXfvUZ591MncYMhyphenhyphenofEqHkAv528/s400/IMG_5685.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I tried to stick to 3 colors - the Seafoam green/blue from the shower curtain, Chocolate Brown, and White. All my towels were bought on clearance at Target for about $7 a set. (a bargain in my book) I wanted a more custom look to my towels, so I added some grosgrain ribbon to the white ones (another great idea from House of Smiths - see her post <a href="http://houseofsmiths.blogspot.com/2010/03/ribbon-towels.html">here</a>)</div><br /><div></div><div>For the pictures above the towels, I reused old frames. I hated the plain white mats, so instead I used fun fabric and mounted the pictures straight on to really make them pop. (Cost = nothing! Scraps of fabric and repurposed frames)</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEIvBEQMRLNt2z5toqYILRtE1M0SZR2jBMV1Fdakb9UP158wXCk5r0OoKlBMOoPHZycMCgE-a3Atq3F0TnSKO305lQB7NLIu6xt4mCwRR04k5EoYVBbMZ_DXJMRjS85L3fUdMq60_pn4/s1600/IMG_5687.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545206508408606306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEIvBEQMRLNt2z5toqYILRtE1M0SZR2jBMV1Fdakb9UP158wXCk5r0OoKlBMOoPHZycMCgE-a3Atq3F0TnSKO305lQB7NLIu6xt4mCwRR04k5EoYVBbMZ_DXJMRjS85L3fUdMq60_pn4/s400/IMG_5687.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>For the decor on the counter - this is always were I struggle, however I love how this turned out. I used extra hand towels, a fun new Hurricane vase I received at a Church Christmas Gathering a few weeks back, and reused a wooden box we received a gift in. I filled the vase with Cinnamon sticks (clearance at Target - $5). The candle sticks are CHEAP. Yes, they are super cute and look really fancy, and they are actually wood, but cheap. Also a gift. Add fun oversized layered candles from Z-Gallerie about 10 years ago, and there you have it! I also added a rug and I think I bought it on sale - about $13. It's not a bathroom rug - for some reason those are way more expensive, but it is the braided chenille, so just as soft. I've just realized it's in none of the pictures! Oh well, you'll just have to trust me, it's cute.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeZJ0ZPg0ll23Tu4ZMDb2ArXfW24lb5X9hQJXXciw9EPL42D6FNH6rn0izpXKUZ2Bp1PFYkt2XhZdsMWJy6EfTDwUpbcgnnr0vNr2rLcWfiWiJaF6WmteIeuVBdDRyN7VCNF28_9UQTg/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545206316511714210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeZJ0ZPg0ll23Tu4ZMDb2ArXfW24lb5X9hQJXXciw9EPL42D6FNH6rn0izpXKUZ2Bp1PFYkt2XhZdsMWJy6EfTDwUpbcgnnr0vNr2rLcWfiWiJaF6WmteIeuVBdDRyN7VCNF28_9UQTg/s400/IMG_5688.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I had really hoped to use more sewing in this room, but it just wasn't necessary! Oh well, I'm sure there's plenty in my future for the rest of the house. ;)</div></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-10271048316500404262010-11-16T09:14:00.000-08:002010-11-16T09:25:06.200-08:00A Feature!In the Spring, I joined the EtsyKids team, and it's been a ton of fun! Recently, I've participated in the EKTT (EtsyKids Treasury Team) and have really enjoyed making treasuries featuring some of my talented teammates. One of my treasuries, "A Slice of Pumpkin Pie," has been featured on the EKTT blog! What fun! Come on by and take a look at some of the other great features on this blog <a href="http://etsykidstreasuryteam.blogspot.com/2010/11/leyton-smiles-passes-pumpkin-pie.html">here</a>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCXoI9roVIHiBgFHuOBVtwZcE4I-fL_tTv4BrOaFbFZdtJL0yrHq-uSmUAVQBtZp_YCYBH9sZUDKNoDCgc7mAKPXrx72Y_Wfwg9-m15L__1Y565Rs7Q-4jtyYcgBMonYBE3p2KBQIZkw/s1600/treasury.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 115px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540199724699472962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCXoI9roVIHiBgFHuOBVtwZcE4I-fL_tTv4BrOaFbFZdtJL0yrHq-uSmUAVQBtZp_YCYBH9sZUDKNoDCgc7mAKPXrx72Y_Wfwg9-m15L__1Y565Rs7Q-4jtyYcgBMonYBE3p2KBQIZkw/s400/treasury.jpg" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-18322547800709632082010-07-22T08:20:00.000-07:002010-07-22T08:25:21.375-07:00Vote, Vote, Vote!I love entering contests. Not sure what it is about it because I never win, but I enjoy the competition of it I guess. :) This month I entered the design challenge with the Etsy Kids team I'm a part of. If you have a second, stop by and check out the great items out there by some very talented Etsy sellers... The theme this month is "dainty damask," and everything is just cute, cute! :)<br /><br />Vote <a href="http://etsykids.blogspot.com/2010/07/etsykids-design-challenge-its-time-to.html">here</a>! And here's the entry for Leyton Smiles - damask is one of my current fav styles - I only wish I had a little girl to use it on! :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5NWgMoYSTbl1kIdKnUe6mGJANIW4g79yX2cG_QP9tsQ1A2RxisJlcjVZyJyTpojyBeprjbCQBXhmXJlddYy6oj0lSpuhDKuJCSn5Aj3ztZnQliNooONHD-1uJ25gVb010WJPB6mFxk0/s1600/il_fullxfull_127599506.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496751707594030562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5NWgMoYSTbl1kIdKnUe6mGJANIW4g79yX2cG_QP9tsQ1A2RxisJlcjVZyJyTpojyBeprjbCQBXhmXJlddYy6oj0lSpuhDKuJCSn5Aj3ztZnQliNooONHD-1uJ25gVb010WJPB6mFxk0/s400/il_fullxfull_127599506.jpg" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-20229943496993975562010-07-19T13:46:00.000-07:002010-07-19T13:52:14.781-07:00A Sneak Peek!Several new items coming to Leyton Smiles this week, including several new fabrics and several old favorites! A new item each day this week... Here's a preview of today's item - HELLO Alexander Henry! (stay tuned)! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLnEfryR5SxgalM-uXGMp9ZvAiNQEznHBYiOgQO4isXiD3inqAGGiHAf5RbAU2Djd3VdZdBMZiuga141aABYHqRnnZz5Q_RfEEz-qfMf_vo2a7I6LJAXY0tYJGGVw6eUdbPel_gtNNpA/s1600/IMG_5213.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLnEfryR5SxgalM-uXGMp9ZvAiNQEznHBYiOgQO4isXiD3inqAGGiHAf5RbAU2Djd3VdZdBMZiuga141aABYHqRnnZz5Q_RfEEz-qfMf_vo2a7I6LJAXY0tYJGGVw6eUdbPel_gtNNpA/s400/IMG_5213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495722429011422610" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-48002542728692974022010-07-02T15:32:00.000-07:002010-07-02T15:46:26.063-07:00A Big Boy room (and Hello Again!)Wow - has it really been almost 3 months since I posted?!? Goodness, maybe I'm worse at this blogging thing than I thought... ;) Things have been busy, busy around here! School ending, beginning of Summer, lots and lots of fun with the kiddos, and a few projects around the house! Whew! I'm worn out and it's just barely July!<br /><br />One big project that's eating ALL my extra time is my oldest son's room. We moved into a new house about a year ago. And since then, I've never been happy with his room. I love the room itself, but the furniture just didn't look the same in this room - it was just too small, too plain, and just overall not right. And since I'm always on the hunt for a good project (because I like running around crazy apparently), I decided we had our work cut out for us! We are really doing a full on redo of the room... Painting (because he wants BLUE), new bedding (of which I'm too cheap to buy all of, so I'm making a good chunk of it), curtains, new built-ins, and even a new bed! Well, really, the bed isn't new. It's actually a wonderful antique that I've inherited and had restored several years back. I LOVE this bed, and I think it's going to be great in this room! So here's some of the before pics... When it's done, I'll post the after shots. Note - I totally forgot to take pics before we put the new bed in there. So that's the new bed, but most everything else is either being changed in some fashion, painted, or removed from the room entirely! Loosely, he's chosen a shark/ocean theme. Nothing on the bedding, but I'll tie it in with a few fun accents! Stay tuned - we've promised to have it finished before school starts - which is Aug 12th around here, so I better get moving!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv0mXHc-VgrcqJbsQ8JIqOl5Q79CAKLPUJ9xMsVnF7WDgVtp-C-13DpYFObjLhcuDjSTuruZA5ASsYpN7Bo8fZtOdzaYUOYbczmBy4Up7ZQDHxkGuUVZBfe-iE6GGKA2ejYjoLvtcGiQ/s1600/IMG_5079.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489443157567649778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv0mXHc-VgrcqJbsQ8JIqOl5Q79CAKLPUJ9xMsVnF7WDgVtp-C-13DpYFObjLhcuDjSTuruZA5ASsYpN7Bo8fZtOdzaYUOYbczmBy4Up7ZQDHxkGuUVZBfe-iE6GGKA2ejYjoLvtcGiQ/s400/IMG_5079.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsSid7IKxIFtGDFaS8XXRt1Ug_mReyBumSFv6K6N4N4tECU6MUTzceIAK_6-1K7zz9WwKlFnHZMB9xlksqj-y5fCkEPT1DYLWHf-z9Ha_ujXcoo0kpL2UwTa3pfO33G3sQU21Dq2hLmM/s1600/IMG_5078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489443149563210738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsSid7IKxIFtGDFaS8XXRt1Ug_mReyBumSFv6K6N4N4tECU6MUTzceIAK_6-1K7zz9WwKlFnHZMB9xlksqj-y5fCkEPT1DYLWHf-z9Ha_ujXcoo0kpL2UwTa3pfO33G3sQU21Dq2hLmM/s400/IMG_5078.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x9ZYNhIxieOxl-e6aL14u9-mcfeRwxbdXS7Xup99XogJ2WAKCJ2V4EPazy5tBN0SGGFgYQIxxrliM99VSNos6mdOmAiXVUyn7zmTSqv3VdHdEwMMLZ8bSZa34zp6ajbjXq0x8KieDqg/s1600/IMG_5077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489443143760229570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5x9ZYNhIxieOxl-e6aL14u9-mcfeRwxbdXS7Xup99XogJ2WAKCJ2V4EPazy5tBN0SGGFgYQIxxrliM99VSNos6mdOmAiXVUyn7zmTSqv3VdHdEwMMLZ8bSZa34zp6ajbjXq0x8KieDqg/s400/IMG_5077.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-52934953090608121812010-04-13T13:17:00.001-07:002010-04-13T13:23:26.741-07:00Tuesday Happys!Would you look at that! I'm actually posting Tuesday Happys on a Tuesday? Get out of town.<br /><br /><br />Hope everyone's week is off to a <strong><em><span style="color:#ffcc00;">sunny</span></em></strong> start! I'm looking forward to adding a few new items to the shop this week as I'm almost caught up on giveway items. If you didn't win one this time, no worries - I'll be participating in a few more soon! I just need a little break to work on a few new items for my shop. As much as I love giveaways (it's always nice to hear feedback), it tends to eat up my time and I don't get to make as many fun, creative things for Leyton Smiles as I'd like!<br /><br /><br />Also, keep your eyes out for another post later this week... I've had a few people ask me to share my story behind starting Leyton Smiles (it's nothing earth-shattering, so don't get your hopes up). :) Happy Tuesday everyone!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YGBeatLPY0VAaiLB8JMgQ6JZkjUmumYxr16M4aaRUEXjzEVAZV2MiN6WB_GBlHUd-XglUbEebFEN0xJDjFkm75sZG2k1w10foHpmZ9yZVAnns6gE71uKF6Y_v5kCm9E4BsZhPzwELaU/s1600/4-13+happys.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459719987214881058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YGBeatLPY0VAaiLB8JMgQ6JZkjUmumYxr16M4aaRUEXjzEVAZV2MiN6WB_GBlHUd-XglUbEebFEN0xJDjFkm75sZG2k1w10foHpmZ9yZVAnns6gE71uKF6Y_v5kCm9E4BsZhPzwELaU/s400/4-13+happys.png" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-49692782238602958362010-04-08T11:50:00.000-07:002010-04-08T11:54:12.345-07:00I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!Sorry for the major delay in posts! Life just happens and time gets away from me. In the last two weeks, both my kiddos have had a nasty virus that seemed to hang around for days, and my youngest turned 2, so we had a big bash to celebrate! I've still been completing custom orders, but haven't had a ton of time to just sit down and come up with fun items on my own. Anyway, back to regularly scheduled programming... HAPPYS! Can you find the theme? :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9SANlrcwvhXUD6h-QujXZrYf4CRlIGKaXP5WAidbN2CmUZRGKZiSBQQMzZYEp394ucKH8Uae1IPCY5rY-8nd_gokGn32AVn4kXZnoQpFUP_P4INdnium0KhGggdZzpic5rbrGzYfcTw/s1600/4-7+happys.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457841662851245730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9SANlrcwvhXUD6h-QujXZrYf4CRlIGKaXP5WAidbN2CmUZRGKZiSBQQMzZYEp394ucKH8Uae1IPCY5rY-8nd_gokGn32AVn4kXZnoQpFUP_P4INdnium0KhGggdZzpic5rbrGzYfcTw/s400/4-7+happys.png" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-30901456649428672182010-03-25T18:18:00.001-07:002010-03-25T18:28:19.992-07:00Lucky Me!I know, behind again. My kids have been sick since last FRIDAY. Seriously. Can I get a break please? :) I think we are all on the mend now and both little guys are off to school tomorrow - for the first time this week! Good thing - my youngest little man turns 2 tomorrow and I have a birthday party to get ready for on Saturday! Nothing like the last minute... :)<br /><br /><br />Oh, on another note, I WON something last week! That NEVER happens to me! I rarely enter giveaways anymore because I never win. seriously. never. win. So anyway, I did, and I still can't believe I won! It's the cutest basket, from the cutest Etsy Seller (put together with a bunch of little goodies from various sellers), full of prizes! YEA! Check out Kelsey's adorable shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoofyCheeks">Poofy Cheeks</a> and her super fun blog <a href="http://poofycheeks.blogspot.com/">here</a>. Here's a pic of the Easter Basket (photo by Kelsey, Poofy Cheeks):<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85l5SpUfzvawkcASpPLxWUWtC4mMSWcw72AolOgMwFI2sVA9d_-x4LI044E_n4b4Nwv4koDAC9Ge5CoePiydj1PnvvyXlWaEXEE6wkExe5YYMJyYst_HbBiws3yzk53pgrfBunbBu4BU/s1600/easter+basket"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452747721598714658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85l5SpUfzvawkcASpPLxWUWtC4mMSWcw72AolOgMwFI2sVA9d_-x4LI044E_n4b4Nwv4koDAC9Ge5CoePiydj1PnvvyXlWaEXEE6wkExe5YYMJyYst_HbBiws3yzk53pgrfBunbBu4BU/s400/easter+basket" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-75320280161365688912010-03-16T09:48:00.000-07:002010-03-16T09:55:22.716-07:00Tuesday Happys!<div>In the last few weeks, I've discovered teams on Etsy. What a great way to interact with others in your category (or interest, region, whatever - there are teams for EVERYTHING), get and offer support, and meet other sellers! Recently, I joined the Etsy Kids team, which is full of very talented people, specializing in the Children's category. Today's happys are some of the fun new things I've discovered made by other Etsy Kids team members. Enjoy, and thanks Etsy Kids for a warm welcome to the team! :)</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hD6yK5Dc0diOYP7GvXzlk5KaDCIyxrSkh8S812ykDjIHZfnxmSQny4CkpoR9Mh3G-Ole4atYxj0PVtf3GY5scOGsVSdJSJ1E1Mzr-feQcnEStYgVPFYzoW4as2n70TcFTNaWgwuAwAA/s1600-h/happys+3-16.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 190px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449276180766293618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hD6yK5Dc0diOYP7GvXzlk5KaDCIyxrSkh8S812ykDjIHZfnxmSQny4CkpoR9Mh3G-Ole4atYxj0PVtf3GY5scOGsVSdJSJ1E1Mzr-feQcnEStYgVPFYzoW4as2n70TcFTNaWgwuAwAA/s400/happys+3-16.png" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142468339299103057.post-39620246242666195712010-03-15T09:41:00.000-07:002010-03-15T09:46:18.424-07:00Minky Fabric = LoveyFabric has overtaken my house. I have a real problem - I just love to buy it! My husband is concerned it's going to land me on Hoarders someday (kidding of course), but seriously - I have TOO MUCH fabric, and it's therefore in multiple storage boxes in multiple areas of my house! So my youngest, who is *almost* two (sniff,sniff) is very attached to his loveys. He calls them "double" - no idea where that came from, but we just go with it. ;) Anyway, all of his "doubles" are made with minky, and so anytime he finds ANY of my minky fabric, he runs off with it... I'm forever finding minky scraps all over the house, and he's forever increasing his stash of loveys.<br /><br />Guess that means I should find a better hidden storage solution. :)Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618956308801022693noreply@blogger.com0