2014 Handmade with Love Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Stage Presents is currently compiling a 2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide for Seasonal Shoppers.  If you would like to have your product featured on our list please email me at shereethomas@stage-presents.com, with the subject Holiday Gift Guide Submissions.  Each submission should contain your company name, product, product value, and who the product is most suitable for (see Gift Guide Groupings- listed below), as well as any photos that you would like to feature with your submission.  Photo Quality is very important, since we aren’t able to view your physical product.  We need to be able to discern the quality from the pictures.

The 2014 gift guide has a minimum product value of $20.00 for inclusion.  The gift guide will be published in early November and be promoted regularly until Christmas Day.  An actual start date will be provided to you once, we have accepted your submissions.  Items that are selected for The Gift Guide will be promoted on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!!  You will be required to post the link on your pages as well, as to insure that everyone included gets their products Cross Promoted.  As you know, most Holiday Gift Guides, require you to submit your actual product and or pay to enter.  Well, THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT!!  The purpose of this Holiday Gift Guide is to help fellow businesses promote their quality products during the Holiday Season!!  

Gift Guide Groupings:

  • For Her
  • For Him
  • For Couples
  • For Infants and Toddlers
  • For Teens
  • For The Home
  • For Pets
  • For Foodies
  • For the Fitness Buffs

There will be four selections from each Grouping.  When submitting a product for Children please Indicate the Age Group that your item is geared towards.

** Please note that this is a Family Friendly Gift Guide, so keep that in mind when submitting your products.

Feel Free to Contact me with any questions that you may have.

Best of Luck, and I look forward to working with you!!

smallbusiness

Halloween Round Up 2014

Ready for some Ghoulish Awesomeness!! 18 Days Until Halloween!!

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There are so many amazing Free Printables and Party Favors this time of year. Here are some of the ones that I have found (that are actually free).  I hate those not really FREE LINKS.  These Links will take you directly to the source.

Countdown Calendar with Candy Corn Pieces courtesy of Yellow Bliss RoadHalloween Countdown free printable title

Halloween Lollipop Holders/Gift Tags and Gift Wrap courtesy of Living Locurto

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3-D Halloween Bat Banner courtesy of the celebration shoppe

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Trick or Treat Party Boxes courtesy of Bird’s Party Blog

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I saved the best for LAST!! I admit that this is the first year that I have heard of the Boo’d Phenomenon.  But, I thought it was truly adorable.  Here’s how it works.  You and your kids pack up a bucket, or bag with lots of Great Halloween Treats, and Leave it on your Neighbor’s Door Step, unbeknownst to them. Now, originally I think you were supposed to ring the door bell and run, but that’s not such a popular thing to do these days.  So, I say, use your discretion, lol.  Along with the treats, you provide them with some quick directions and an explanation and it’s up to them to keep the FUN going!!

Boo’d Banner and Boo’d Game courtesy of Classy Clutter

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My oldest (18), was a really big fan of Halloween, probably a lot longer than he should have been, lol.  The little ones, not soo much, they still find it scary, but I thought this is something cute, I could do with them.  At least, it would make Halloween a little less grueling.  But, I am not sure how hubby is going to feel about that.  The bottom line is that all these Holidays are just about making fun memories and spending time with your family.  So get out there and enjoy them, while they still let you!! (smile)

Trend Alert – Over-sized Letters and a Quick DIY!!

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For as far back as when my youngest daughter, (now 4) was born, I think I have been obsessed with typography and lettering and the custom/personalized feel  that it brings to Home Decor.  Over the last couple of years, I think that I have become enamored with over-sized letters specifically.  And… so the hunt began.  Of course I would see them EVERYWHERE.  But, the catch is always the same, either they don’t have the letters that I am looking for, I can’t find the size I need, or the price is astronomical. (Or at least as far as this Momma is concerned)

So… I was at my 2nd Favorite Fabric Store….. you guessed it,  Joann’s Fabric on a totally unrelated quest, when I ran smack dab into these HUGE Cardboard Letters, which of course were going to come home with me.

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Admittedly, I had no idea what was next, because as much as I was stalking all the Over-sized Letter pins  on Pinterest.  My intention was to buy them and not to turn it into a DIY Project.  Naturally, you would think the next step would have been to look up directions.  But, NOPE.   I decided to go home and see what I already had in my Craft Closet (also known, as the JUNK CLOSET).  SCORE!!

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I sprayed the letters with Krylon Short Cuts Hobby Craft Paint.  And, to be honest, I loved that look and could have just left it at that.  It had a leathery rustic look.  But, since the A was actually an addition to my dh’s office decor.  It had to tie into the Chalkboard Walls, that are soon to come.

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What do you think?? I like it Brown.

I know that there should be a picture of the final step with the Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Chalk Board Paint.  But, I had to download all my pics from my iPhone to make room for the iOS 8 upgrade.

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Here is the completed project!! As you can see it hasn’t made it to its intended home yet, because Hubby’s Office is still a work in progress.  All in all, the whole project probably cost me no more than $7.00.

Who can be mad at that??  Have you decorated any spaces in your home with Lettering?  What was your favorite project?  I’d love to hear about it!!

 

 

Jumping Head First into Fall – Our Fall Home Tour

Fall Tour 2014 Hero Image

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons.  After particularly hot summers here in Georgia, when the seasons start to change, I feel the need to bring as much warmth in doors as possible, enter my Fall Décor.

I feel that the Entry to Your Home Sets the Tone for the Entire House.  So, I normally start with my Front Door and Work My way All the Back to the Kitchen.  But, this year, I was literally chomping at the bit, to pull out the Fall Decorations.  So I started indoors, that way the neighbors wouldn’t  know how crazy I am , lol.  I had also promised my hubby, I would wait at least until September 1st, to start decorating for Fall, and that is literally how long I waited.

I started with the hardest part, the Fall Tablescape.  To me, that is the make or break it point.  All other décor  gets married to this room.  I was pretty sure that I could use most of the items that I purchased last year, but still create a different look than last years.

Here is a glimpse of last year’s décor.

2013 Fall Centerpiece

 

2013 Fall Tablescape

Fast Forward to this Year:

2014 Fall Tablescape found on www.stage-presents.com

 

2014 Fall Tablesetting found on www.stage-presents.com

 

Side Buffet - Decorating for Fall - www.stage-presents.com

 

The Burnt Orange Bird Cages were something that my hubby picked up last year, when we were trying to figure out how to style the Side Buffet and the Mantle.  Luckily, they were already the perfect color, the only thing I added to them, were some fall leaves to line the cage.  I had a rather large ceramic pumpkin, and I simply put inside my glass cake plate, and added a few fall leaves and floral accents.  Then I decorated the table with other ceramic pumpkins and gourds.  Next,  I set the table with Fall Leaf place mats I bought last year from Bed Bath & Beyond,  in brown and gold.    I used Pier 1  pear and pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from last year and large fall leaves I purchased from Joann’s Fabrics, to make the table settings pop.  And, the scripted napkins were also something that I bought last year.  So I recycled pretty much everything while creating a new and I think a better look than last year.

Next Up, was my Foyer.  It gets a facelift on a constant basis.  I change up the Art Work and Décor based on Season Changes, Birthdays, and Holidays..  After all it’s the first thing you see when you come through my front door.

Past Foyer Looks:

Fall 2013 Foyer Decor

 

Christmas 2013 - Foyer Decor

 

This Year’s Look:

Fall 2014 - Foyer Decor

My Formal Dining Room flows directly into My Formal Living Room.  I didn’t do much in this room, but change out the centerpiece, just to give the whole space a uniform look.

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Fall 2014 – Living Room Centerpiece found on www.stage-presents.com

Then, I carried the decorations over into the Kitchen by adding these Chalkboard Candles to the Window Sill in the Kitchen.

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Fall 2014 Kitchen Window Display

Last Up, was the Front Door Area.  Here are some pics from the last two years.

2013 Fall Door

2012 Fall Door

And, finally this year!!

2014 Fall Door

Thanks for joining us on Our Fall Home Tour.  As always it’s a joy to decorate my home for my family, and to share it, with you.

The Greatness From Whence we Came — A Tribute to Black History Month

During the month of February(Black History Month), I have been sharing Black History Facts on our Facebook Page.  And, I was amazed at how much I didn’t know, almost every person that I shared, I either didn’t know about before, or knew nothing of the scope of their contribution to society.

The Greatness from Whence We Came - A Tribute to Black History Month

The whole experience left me in awe of the “greatness from whence we came”.  The ability to overcome and conquer the circumstances under which we were forced to live and the injustices that we had to endure created DIAMONDS.  “When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” – Peter Marshall

Our contributions to this country are immeasurable and continuous. These quotes by many of the “GREATS”, give a glimpse into the struggle and those who fought to not be defined by it.

If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything . . . that smacks of discrimination or slander. – Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) “Certain Unalienable Rights”
It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others. . . . One ever feels his twoness,—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warrings ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder. -W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) The Souls of Black Folk (1903)
I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. . . . Even in the helter-skelter skirmish that is my life, I have seen that the world is to the strong regardless of a little pigmentation more or less. No, I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife. – Zora Neale Hurston (1901-1960) “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” (1928)
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. – Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) Up From Slavery (1901)

I am both proud and humbled.

Valentine’s Day Across The Web!!

I literally wish I could do all of the amazing crafts and Valentine’s Day ideas that I have found across the web, but that would be virtually impossible.   So….. instead, I will share some of my favorite links.

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas from around the Web (Links Below)

There’s only a day left, but these are easy enough that you can work on them today, if needs be. I finished early this year, but it looks like the kid’s wont get to celebrate with their friends this year, due to the weather.

Do you have a little “foodie”, in your family?  If so this Free Valentine’s Day Printable Lunch Box Notes, will be perfect for you.

Got Construction Paper, and some Hand Eye Coordination, this Super Easy “Bee Mine” Valentine’s Day Craft is Super Cute!!

I know a lot of folks think Valentine’s Day is for the ladies, but I think our little men would beg to differ.  Check out this amazing Lego Valentine’s Day Boxes  made over @ The Blackberry Vine.  In 2012, she did this Lego Darth Vader Valentine Box.

I shared this on Facebook, last week sometime. But, I think it bears repeating. You can use things you already have at home to set a Festive Table for Valentine’s Day!! Ambiance, Ambiance, Ambiance.

Set up An Easy Valentine's Day Tablescape with things you have at home.

I used Scrap Fabric, Scrapbook Paper, A Valentine’s Snow Globe, and my Dinnerware and Silverware to create a Festive Table-setting.

Easy Tablesetting for Valentine's Day (with things you have at home)

Hope you all have the Happiest of Valentine’s Days, with the ones you love.  Be it your significant other or the whole family!!

Valentine's Day Quote Photo Source: Pinterest

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour

I got this idea of a Home Tour from seeing so many other amazing Holiday Spaces featured across several blogs.  And, let’s face it, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour

For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been my favorite holiday.  Being surrounded by family, the sights and smells, they have all played a part in memories that I hold dear to my heart.

It’s one of the reasons why I literally throw myself every year into “Decking The Halls”,  for my family, the way my mom did for my sister and I.  And the way her Mom did for her.

This is our second year having two trees.  The Family Room/Foyer Tree has all the ornaments that the kids have made through the years, our keepsake ornaments, and the traditional Christmas Colors.  It is the first thing you see when you walk through the front door of our home.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - The Front Foyer and Hallway

This hallway takes you into our Family Room, where we decorated our fireplace/mantel with our Luxe Stockings and DIY Scripted Glitter Letters.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - The Mantel

Our Formal Living Room and Dining Room flow into each other and house our 8 ft.  Douglas Fir.  This year we went with the accent color of purple and I had a ball “marrying” the two rooms.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour- Teal Purple and Silver Color Scheme

Needless to say, at this time of year, I am in my element.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - Dobbie Our Christmas Elf Sighting

So from Our Stage Presents Family to yours, Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!!  I hope you enjoyed our home, as much as we enjoyed sharing it!!

DIY Scripted Glitter Letters

Looking for an Alternative to Monogrammed Stockings? Last year we bought some Luxe Stockings, which I am still very much in love with.  We wanted to personalize them, but without actually having to alter the stockings.  So we settled on Scripted Glitter Letters instead.

DIY Scripted Glitter Letters

This was very simple to do.  I purchased the Scripted Wooden Letters, from Hobby Lobby (my favorite store according to my 4 year old).

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I guess you could sand the letters if you wanted to, but we opted for a more rustic look, so  just went ahead and painted them.  Once the paint dried then we applied the glitter spray.  Both items pictured below:

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And, there you have it the completed project!!

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According to my dh, my projects always turn into his, so I should add that.. we did throw in some”Hubby Elbow Grease”!!  To see more of how we decorated our home for the Holidays check out Our 2013 and 2014 Christmas Home Tours.

Black Friday Do’s, Don’ts, FYIs, and You Better Nots.

Black Friday, better known as “Black and Blue Friday” in some parts of the country, is fast approaching. Deals and steals galore, right? Not in all instances. There are some deals to be found but unless you are a die hard Black Friday shopper, your time would be better spent digesting the Thanksgiving dinner you just ingested.
Black Friday Dp's Don'ts, FYIS and You Better Nots
1.  Shop at stores that allow you to wait in line inside such as Walmart.
2.  Compare regular prices to Black Friday prices. I have seen instances where the Black Friday price is only $5 cheaper. Is driving around town, in the cold really worth it?
3.  Stock up on clothing. There are many more stores that have deals on clothing than toys and electronics. Believe it or not, this is a good time to buy Christmas PJ’s.
4.  Leave purses and other unnecessary objects at home. There are thieves that target Black Friday shoppers.  Be aware of your surroundings.
5.  Place purchases in the trunk, and out of view. Smash and Grabs are prevalent around this time of year.  Not something you want to come back to.
6.  Don’t go Black Friday shopping at all. You have a month until Christmas and there will be many more sales and similar deals.
7.  Go early. Some stores give out tickets for items such as TVs and computers before the sale actually starts. When the tickets go, the items are done.
8.  Don’t get your hopes up. Most stores don’t follow the rules set forth in their advertisements. Their job is to make money, not to accommodate you.Black Friday Do's and Don'ts
written by my darling husband (dh) – Anwar Thomas
**For more information on this year(2015 Black Friday Sales), follow this link.**(Updated Yearly)

My Sister’s Baby Shower : A Labor of Love!!

It’s no secret that I love entertaining (a trait, I know I got from my Mommy).  This party was no different, except that it was EXTRA SPECIAL because it was for my “not so little baby sister”.

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They say your sister is your very first friend, and in my case my very best friend.  So, I was over the moon knowing that soon we would be able to share the joys of motherhood, and to learn I was gonna be an Auntie to her twin girls.  Making this party and this day extra special was all that I could think about for months.

I eventually decided that I would go with a Noah’s Ark theme because she was having twins.  But, I couldn’t help but include some of my favorite colors and threw in some polka dots and chevron prints too.

Here Is A Glimpse Into My Sister’s Pink and Green Noah’s Ark Twin Baby Shower.

My Sister's Pink and Green Noah's Ark Baby Shower for Twins

My Sister's Pink and Green Noah's Ark Baby Shower for Twins

My Sister's Pink and Green Noah's Ark Baby Shower for Twins

Favorite Features:

  • Pink and Green Chevron Table Runners and Cupcake Stands
  • The Mommy Cake – Small Round Cake with White Icing and Pink Piping by Publix
  • Edible Baby Building Block Cake Toppers and Noah’s Ark Animal Cake Toppers (Fondant) – Like Butter Etsy Shop
  • Pink and Green Polka Dot Napkins shaped to look like Napkin Flower Displays
  • Baby Animals 3D Favor Boxes – Beaucoup
  • Personalized Twins Labels – Big Dot of Happiness
  • Onesie Wish Board – Handmade by Stage Presents
  • Welcome Chalkboard – Handmade by Stage Presents
  • Library Books in place of Greeting Cards for the Twin’s Nursery

Credits:

– Styling: Sheree Thomas of Stage Presents
– Photography: Anwar Thomas Photography
– Venue: The Hindsman Estate
– Invitations: Anwar Thomas Photography
– Desserts: Publix