Friday Favorites – Week 336 – DIY Paint Stick Flower Basket

Posted on 1 September, 2016 by admin

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Jerri at Simply Sweet Home – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Christine at Light and Savvy – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Jen at Creatively Homemade – Twitter | G+ | Pin

Dawn at LeroyLime – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Maisy at Becoming Alice – FB | G+ | Pin

Sheree at Stage Presents – Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst

Lisa at Condo Blues – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small Things – Pin

Penny at Penny’s Passion – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas Sky – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

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Getting & Keeping My Creative Juices Flowing

Posted on 24 August, 2016 by admin

Getting and Keeping My Creative Juices Flowing

I am the first to say that I think everyone’s creative process is different. But, there are some basic elements that are pretty universal. Here are my go to’s to get it cranking…

Atmosphere….

For me, this is the biggest component. In fact, I dare say that all of the other things that I will list are going to fall into this category.

A Clean and Organized Space is A Must for Me. Why? Because I am easily, easily distracted. A Messy Space for me means that I must clean it up. Oh and organize it, before I can start on whatever task is at hand. This is why it really is better for me to keep my space clean or nothing is getting done. It’s a Cluster… You know the rest.
Coffee, Coffee, Coffee and More Coffee. I do love coffee and it tends to focus me. But, I am trying my best to cut down. So I try to keep it under 2 cups a day and most days I succeed. Of course with fall coming, I tend to consume much more.
A Plan. I know here I go, list, list list. I love a list, but I may love a plan more. Having a plan in place the night before means that I have a measurable task list. I have finally accepted that I don’t have but so much time in every day and week. So making more manageable daily and weekly goals is paramount to my success. {Enter My Planner Addiction]
Music. IS E-V-E-R-Y-THANG? It makes the most mundane task seems less mundane, by making it a desk dance party. And, for the more thought provoking work or things that I need to focus my attention I choose more soothing types of music. If you were to go through my iTunes playlist, I think you would be surprised to find everything from Classical to Heavy Metal.
Checks and Balances Almost as important as a plan is having a way to make sure that the plan is working. For me, with blogging and our Etsy Store, this is strictly a numbers game. It is about making sure that what we put out in terms of an advertising and marketing budget is worth it and still allows us to garner a profit. This is also part of the reason that our store is ever changing as the market is ever changing.
Time for Mindless Browsing. Now, I don’t think it’s mindless browsing, but if you were to saunter by my desk, you may think so. But, my favorite way to move pass being blocked and spark some creativity ranges from Pinterest and Instagram, to ZGallerie and Pier 1 Catalogs. And, I can’t forget my favorite magazines, Real Simple and Domino Magazine.

How do you get your creative juices flowing? I’d love to hear what your tips are for getting productive and staying that way.

“THE BEST PREPARATION FOR TOMORROW IS DOING YOUR BEST TODAY.” H. JACKSON BROWN JR.

Friday Favorites – Week 334 – Sorbet Rose Cocktail

Posted on 18 August, 2016 by admin

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Christine at Light and Savvy – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Jen at Creatively Homemade – Twitter | G+ | Pin

Dawn at LeroyLime – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Maisy at Becoming Alice – FB | G+ | Pin

Sheree at Stage Presents – Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst

Lisa at Condo Blues – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small Things – Pin

Penny at Penny’s Passion – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas Sky – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party!

Sheree from Stage Presents chose

Sorbet Rose Cocktail from If You Give A Blonde a Kitchen

Now that we have a whole week of school under our belts, and I have settled firmly back into my role of being Mommy Taxi Driver. Mommy and her friends need some special treats too. So my pick for this week’s Friday favorite is this Tasty Sorbet Rose Cocktail shared by If You Give A Blonde A Kitchen.

If you are looking to add a refreshing new cocktail to your list of favorites, I am sure you will find this week’s choice as refreshing as as we did. When you try it and like it, be sure to go by and check out If You Give A Blonde A Kitchen , for other amazing treats.

Oatmeal Add Ins

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home chose

29 Oatmeal Add-Ins from The Gracious Wife

Amy at A Day of Small Things AND Jen at Creatively Homemade chose

Funfetti Cake Batter Popsicles from Unusually Lovely

Kelly at Under a Texas Sky chose

Chicken and Fruit Salad from Miz Helen’s Country Cottage

Shrimp 'n Shells Salad

Penny at Penny’s Passion chose

Shrimp and Pasta Salad from from Nancy on the Home Prudent

Lisa at Condo Blues chose

DIY Exotic Sunroom Back Porch Makeover from Sew Can Do

Friday Favorites

Christine at Light and Savvy chose

Milk Can Table from Artsy VaVa

Dawn at LeroyLime chose

DIY Burlap Aisle Runner from The Country Chic Cottage

Thanks so much for partying with us this week! Please add your links below.

All family friendly posts are welcome, including recipes, crafts, decor, household tips, and more!

And please support your fellow party goers by visiting other posts linked up to the party!

On Your First Day of Middle School

Posted on 10 August, 2016 by admin

The house is eerily quiet after a summer full of laughter and yelling. And, as I put the last load of laundry in the dryer, and sit down to relax before bed, so many thoughts flood into my head. You finished your first day of Middle School. Around this time last night, your Dad and I sat and debated all the things that could go wrong and how we would handle it, if it did. We were both nervous for you and dare I say shook. As we sat there with the tv off for almost 40 minutes just staring out into space. It seemed unreal that our little timid girl was turning into this tween right in front of our eyes. On our way home from dropping you off and speaking with your counselor, your Dad told me that he wrote you a note. I grimaced a little, after all Dad is often known for his boyish ways (less frills and curls and more blunt and direct). But, when I got home and read the letter. tears literally filled my eyes. (I thought about posting the note, but some things should be between a girl and her Dad.) Now, I know that this doesn’t surprise you because over the years Mom has turn into MUSH. Long gone are my hard exterior and Sky High Walls, blame your Dad for that.

But, I am in tears for many reasons. There is nothing like knowing that your child is loved. I know you are saying he is my Dad and he is supposed to love me. Which of course is true, but it’s the way that he loves you that chokes me up. It is knowing that we were all, you, me and Dad sitting on pins and needles for the last two weeks coming up to the New School Year. It is the little secret conversations that I would catch a second or two of when walking by, over the summer. The way he thought of how to prepare you as best he could for what comes next. Or the pride that I saw in his eyes when you walked across the stage at your Elementary School Graduation in May. And, it is my own understanding that there really is nothing like a Daddy’s love for a little girl.

So as I brace myself for the Middle School Years and the changes that I know you will make and the person who you will become. I remember something that I thought of when you were just a wee little girl. I hoped that you would always be able to feel the love that surrounds you. And, that means when we don’t see eye to eye, or when discipline feels more like punishment and my caring seems more like “stalkery”. And, all these years later as you embark on yet another part of your journey, I hope this still. You are one of my greatest accomplishments and you are loved, supported and wished well in more ways than you will ever know.

Photo Source: Buzz Feed Partner

Quick and Easy Steps to Making Your Own Candles

Posted on 31 July, 2016 by admin

Quick and Easy Steps to Making Your Own Candles

I enjoy DIY projects. But, I should explain I do not enjoy projects that have too many moving parts or require too much work on my part. So, if you ever see me share a project or a recipe, you can be sure of two things. It will be quick and it will be easy. Today’s DIY is no different. I will confess this isn’t the first time that I have made my own candles. But, it literally was back in 2008. And, back then I was making them as gifts, so I rarely enjoyed them myself.

Fast forward to this summer, as I was making my summer bucket list. I tried to come up with projects that I thought the kids would be excited to be a part of. Now, I know you are probably thinking kids and hot wax, but I promise I did that part all myself. So, let’s get started.

Moving Parts aka Things You Need.

Moving Parts

Glassware of Some Type
Microwaveable Soy Wax
Candle Wicks with Metal Base
Plastic Mold Sealer (to secure Metal Base)
Straw or Pencil
Fragrance
About 10-15 minutes

I used Mason Jars, because… well I love Mason Jars. The Microwaveable Soy Wax was Quick and Easy. The directions on the packaging shown in the first picture. Indicates that it will take up to a minute to melt. It took me about 3 minutes to get it all the melted. I have a Microwave that I don’t use to cook in so I used that for this project. I am mentioning this because, of course you probably don’t want tomorrow’s left overs smelling like wax. But I am sure if you give it a good wipe down right after you would be fine. Candle Wicks, this is one of those things where you will have choices galore. This go around I used the Soy Wicks with the tabs. But, if I was to do it again, I would do the braided wicks, because I like the way that they burn better. And, I would probably go for the simple white wicks just for a cleaner look. I used a small piece of the Plastic Mold Sealers to secure the Metal Base of the Wicks. This is not something you have to do but, I feel better knowing that when I start pouring the wick will stay in place. My favorite part and the reason I made the candles in the first place is the fragrance. But, I am going to warn you fragrance is NOT CHEAP. And, if you want a noticeable scent. You may want to pour between 3-4 bottles of 1 oz Liquid Candle Fragrances into the melted wax and stir well, for even distribution.

OK, so that explains all the things you will need EXCEPT for the Pencil or the Straw. Now the first time I did this, I bought longer wicks, so I simply attached the Metal Base and tied the remaining wick around a pencil centered on top of the jar to keep it centered. This time the wicks I purchased were shorter was shorter, so hubby “jimmy- rigged” it. My Mommy would always tell me necessity is the Mother of Invention, and she would be right. He came up with the idea to puncture a hole in a straw and thread the wick through it and then center it on top of the jar. I was skeptical, but he was right.. hes good with these things.

Making Candles

So there you have it, go forth…and make some great smelling candles. Not to mention how impressed all your friends and family will be. I find that these candles are always a most welcome Hostess Gift. With the holidays coming up, it’s something to consider. Slap a Personalized Sticker on here or dress it up with a ribbon or two. Don’t say I never told you anything (smile).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

Decorate Your Planner with these FREE “Boss Lady” Planner Stickers

Posted on 25 June, 2016 by admin

Free Boss Lady Planner Stickers found on stage-presents.com

As you all know, I am still a “newbie” to creating my own planner stickers. If you are a planner enthusiast like myself, chances are you have spent your fair share of “coin” on Planner Stickers. And, I am OK with that because they were worth every penny. But, in addition to that I have also found a lot of great Free Printables all over Pinterest. I am always looking for an opportunity to try my hand at new things. So here are my “Boss Lady” Planner Stickers. Jazz your planner pages up with these super cute stickers. I have tried them out on my Horizontal Erin Condren Life Planner™ and they fit. Check my personal Planner Pretties board on Pinterest for more “freebies”. For a Peek Inside My Planner and too see my first attempt at planner stickers check them out here.

Free Boss Lady Planner Stickers found on stage-presents.com

I know that a lot of people are using the Cricut and the Silhouette to cut their stickers. I have not progressed that far as yet. But, I do own a Cricut, so its definitely on my Summer To Master List. I am still using the Avery White Full-Sheet Labels for InkJet Printers. They come in a Pack of 25 Sheets. And, the Avery Label Number is 8165. So go ahead Download – Print – Cut and Stick. I would love to see how you end up using them in your own planners. So if you do, take a picture and tag #thestagepresentsblog on Instagram. Free Boss Lady Planner Stickers found on stage-presents.com

I hope that you enjoy these, I enjoyed making them. Happy Planning!!

Prepping for College and Dorm Life PART 1

Posted on 3 June, 2016 by admin

Prepping for College and Dorm Life

IS COLLEGE YOUR NEXT STOP?

Graduation Season is coming to an end. I still can’t believe how quickly the 2015-2016 School Year went? It’s the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. So it seemed like the perfect time to start Our Getting Ready for College and Dorm Life Series.

Back to school shopping has always been a big part of prepping for the new year. Only this year in addition to school supplies and clothing, if you are off to college, your list is gonna be a bit bulkier. So rather than wait, let’s get started.

Dorm Rooms tend to be a considerably smaller space than you are used to working with. Even if you had your own room, chances are that you didn’t have to confine everything you owned into one tiny area. So now, not only are you sharing a room but your square footage has greatly diminished.

If I could offer a teeny bit of advice, if at all possible coordinate and commiserate with your room mate. It’s no use wasting valuable real estate by having duplicates of the same item. Unless of course, you are a germ-a-phobe and you already know that sharing just isn’t gong to work for you. And, if that is the case, I am not sure that the dorm experience is one that you are going to enjoy.

One of the things that I missed the most when I went off to college were the comforts of home, and Mom’s home cooking. So although you probably won’t be whipping up any gourmet meals in your room, having options makes all the difference. After all there will be days when you don’t make it to the cafeteria in time or you just want a late night snack.

Here’s our list of Small Kitchen Appliance Must Haves for Your Dorm Room.

Photo Sources: Bed Bath & Beyond

Keurig® 2.0 K250 Coffee Brewing System
Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener
Koolatron BC-46SS 1.7 cu. ft. Kool Compressor Compact Refrigerator
Hamilton Beach® 6-Slice Toaster Oven
Oster® 1.1-Cubic Foot Digital Microwave Oven

Stay Tuned for Next Weeks “Must Haves”.

“PREPARATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS.”

What your Favorite Color says about you?

Posted on 17 May, 2016 by admin

For as long as I can remember, Blue and Green have always been my favorite colors, and I suppose by default turquoise. I recently decorated my office space and a girlfriend of mine brought it to my attention that once again these were the dominant colors. It got me to thinking about what it was that made me gravitate to these colors. So, I looked it up. ** I know surprise, surprise.

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You - stage-presents.com

I have always found these colors soothing and centering. So, I was not surprised to find that these colors were associated with words like refreshing, calming, serenity, tranquility, emotional balance and even good luck. The words that gave me another perspective were sophisticated, energy, wisdom, wholeness, creativity, spiritual grounding, friendship, love, joy, patience, intuition and loyalty. If I could cloak myself in words or characteristics these would be the words that I would want. It also explains why I get the most done in my office. Clearly, it’s a centered spot for me, where I can block out the outside world and exist in my truest form and create.

Colors have long been heralded as the building blocks in successfully marketing and branding companies, simply because certain colors trigger emotions. As you can see from this Color Emotion Guide (below)

Photo Credit: The Logo Company

Just like a certain song will bring you back to a certain time in your life happy or bad. There are certain colors that we identify with. Interested in knowing what your favorite colors mean? Check out this article by Very Well.com on how color impacts, moods, feelings and behavior.

When we started Our Etsy Shop, we ONLY sold pillows. [Old news – we have a lot more to offer now.] In order to help our customers decide which pillows would work well in their living spaces we created color stories. You can check them out here.

What is your favorite color? Do you surround yourself with it? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.

Who gets the chair? Live with Kelly and ….

Posted on 5 May, 2016 by admin

Who Get's The Chair? Live with Kelly??

LIVE WITH KELLY….

Even though I am pretty sure that Gelman isn’t gonna check with me to figure out who is on the docket to replace Michael Strahan, I’ve got opinions. After all, I should have a say on who I invite into my personal space every morning. Right??

Hubby works from home everyday. So, as much as he would rather be watching ESPN, I managed to suck him into my Michael and Kelly obsession. Now, I am pretty sure that Strahan had something to do with it. (After all he does have NFL affiliations). That being said, we both are pretty clear on who we don’t want to see and who we think would be a good match.

DO LIST:

Todd Chrisley

Skip Bayless

Dennis Leary

David Ducovny

John Stamos

Cameron Mathison

Tia Mowry

Bettie White

Bette Middler

Tina Fey

Jimmy fallon

Peyton Manning

Melissa McCarthy

Clinton Kelly

DON’T LIST:

Anderson Cooper

Andy Cohen

George Stephanopoulos

Kobe Bryant

Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Cedric the Entertainer

David Schwimmer

Matthew Perry

Erin Andrews

Neil Patrick Harris

Howie Mandel

Matthew McConaughey

Josh Groban

Who would you like to see on Live with Kelly? Share your response here or Post a Picture on Instagram with the hashtag #whogetsthechair.

Stage Presents

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IS COLLEGE YOUR NEXT STOP?

“PREPARATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS.”

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LIVE WITH KELLY….

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