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Black and White Valentine’s Day

February 5, 2014

I’ve been leaning towards a black and white color palette for quite a while now.  You’ve seen it in Denali’s Hunger Games party, black decor I’ve shared, my Halloween decor this year and even my Christmas decor. 
So, why not Valentine’s Day as well?  We can celebrate the day of love with out being over-the-top girly and pink.  And like my Wooden Bead Heart and Cross Stitch Wall Heart, I don’t think these items need to be Valentine’s Day specific.  You can enjoy them all you long.  
1. Heart Canvas Wall Art
2. Vase
3. Black Heart Sucker
4. Salt and Pepper Card
5. Geometric Banner
6. A Little Thing Called Love Print
7. Crocheted Heart
Have I taken my black and white kick too far?  Is this color combination just too dreary for Valentine’s Day? Or does it translate as modern and sophisticated. I’m not trying to be goth, if you’re worried. I’d love to know your thoughts.  

Design / DIY

Wooden Bead Heart

February 4, 2014

Yes, I really do think all things pink and red this time of year are pretty. But, I’m trying to go for a more muted, understated statement with my Valentine’s Day decor this year. There’s lots of hearts, but I’m sticking with a mostly neutral palette. Like my cross stitched wall heart, I’d like to think that this little wooden bead heart, isn’t just for Valentine’s Day. I think it really is great all year long.
I used simply round wood beads in two sizes and one random geometric bead (left over from these necklaces and these curtain pulls).  I took a piece of 20 gauge floral wire and bent it in half, to make the bottom point of the heart.  Then I curved the ends to make the rounded tops to the heart.  Alternating the sizes of the beads and threaded them on. I left less then a inch extra wire at either end and using pliers, bent the wire around the back to hold the beads in place. (as shown below)
I tied a piece of baker’s twine (I have lots) to the heart and hung it over my botanical print.  It’s simple and clean, exactly what I’m loving right now.  

I hope you’ve been entering all the 14 Days of LOVE giveaways.  Each giveaway runs for just 3 days, so you have to act fast. If you haven’t already, be sure to “like” the facebook page, so you don’t miss any of them. And you can see the full list of the giveaways here.

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February Monthly Memory Verse

February 3, 2014

It’s February, and it’s time for a new memory verse printable. Last month, I shared that I’m making a whole new set this year.  You can still download 2012’s set. But I’m going for a cleaner, hopefully more modern look for 2014. 
Love really is what it’s all about. I never regret loving. Love never makes me feel bad about myself or others. Love really does make everything better. Jesus knew what he was talking about when he made LOVE the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38).
Sometimes love doesn’t come easily, especially when you have been hurt. But, if you can truly love, you will find healing, forgiveness and peace. I speak from experience. Hatred is an ugly thing and it brings turmoil to your life. Love brings rest and peace.   

Download your copy HERE.
If you printed any of the Monthly Memory Verses or just think it’s a fun idea, please be a friend and “like” my facebook page, share this link with others, “Pin” it, or just leave me a comment.  

This is intended for personal use only.  

(Note: The text at the bottom of the image may print, but it is not within the 8 X10 measurement.  When you print, do not scale the image)

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14 Days of LOVE Giveaway – Win $100 to The Land of Nod

February 1, 2014

It’s HERE!!! I’ve been so excited for this HUGE giveaway. 14 Days of LOVE starts now. Everyday, from now till Valentine’s Day, there will be one fabulous giveaway from some of my favorite bloggers!

WHY are we doing this?  We’re hosting this giveaway to show our faithful readers a little love for Valentine’s Day. We know our blogs would be nothing without readers who share, pin, and comment on our posts. Thanks for your support, we really  do love you guys.

This first giveaway is a GOOD one! $100’s to The Land of Nod. Man, I could have fun spending that. I think you already know, but I love this company. I love their products, their creativity and the people that work there.

Shelf // Pillow // Garland
Blanket // Rug
Valentine Cards // Pillow // Sheets

There’s lots to love at The Land of Nod. Infuse a little love into you home decor this time of year with some of their fun hearts.

So, if you haven’t already, be sure to “like” The 14 Days of LOVE Facebook page. You are not going to want to miss any of these amazing giveaways, and here’s what the next 14 days look like.

Feb. 1 Oleander and Palm – $100 Land of Nod ecard

Feb. 2  Design Improvised – $100 Hayneedle ecard
Feb. 3 Sarah Hearts – $150 Wayfair giftcard
Feb. 4 Bunny and Dolly – Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag and Baby Book
Feb. 5 Poppy Haus – $100 gift certificate to Kidecals
Feb. 7 Lulu the Baker – Umba Products
Feb. 8 The Flair Exchange – $100 Tiny Prints giftcard 
Feb. 9 Melissa Creates – $100 prize package from Sassy Steals
Feb. 10 Frock Files – Eat Boutique a $185 value
Feb. 11 Hello Lidy – $100 West Elm giftcard
Feb. 12 Living on Love – $75 Minted giftcard
Feb. 13 Jade and Fern – $50 Home Depot Gift Card and a Handmade Valentine
Feb. 14 Squirrelly Minds – Omiyage gift box valued at $100

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is going to run for the next three days, so act fast!  The giveaway will end on February 3rd at midnight PST.  I’ve given you 7 different ways to enter to win.  

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Thrifting Thursday – Copper and Brass Vase

January 31, 2014

Well, it’s really been a while since I hit a Thrift Store.  I guess Sweden was the last time.  With the holidays and then my trip to Salt Lake City, life has been really busy and kind of overwhelming.  But, really there is something so therapeutic about sifting through peoples “junk” and possibly finding a treasure for just pennies.

Olivia and I had to run to the hardware store and it’s right near my favorite Salvation Army, so we ran in and did a quick scan of the place.  And I came across this simple, slim copper and brass vase.  I loved the shape and the mixture of metals.  It cost me $2 and some change, not bad at all.  Our poppies are blooming and I knew the long slender stems of these happy flowers would look great in my new vase.

Have you been thrifting lately? Any good finds?  Actually, I kind of lied, I have been to the Thrift Store, but just to drop of clothing and household items that we really didn’t need. I’ve been on a purging binge lately. I feels good to get rid of things.  But, this little guy doesn’t take up much space and it’s brassy finish called my name. I want to join Design Sponge 30 Day Minimalist Challenge. If I give away a bunch of stuff, can I still thrift for fabulous treasures?

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Free Printable Valentine’s Day Cards

January 29, 2014

I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of over the licensed character valentines that you buy at the store. This year, my kiddos are going to give out something a little more modern and clean.  I put together 4 printable valentines that I want to share with you as well. Last night my husband saw me on the laptop and wondered why I was still working so late. But, the thing is, I wasn’t working, I was having so much fun putting these cards together. 
So, print away friends!!! Print as many as you’d like and share them with your friends.  

And yes, the Geometric Heart is back, I told you I can’t quit it.  I added a little black to give it an edgier, more dramatic feel.

Click HERE for the free download. The downloards print 2 cards to a page.  I printed them on good quality card stock and then trimmed them to size.  These are simple little cards that need no envelope.  But, if you want to keep your message secret, a little washi tape on a corner will do the trick!

So, I obviously went a little crazy with the pics. Sometimes it takes me a long time to edit down my images to just a few. So, for the sake of saving time, I’m posting a TONE of images. And if you like these cards, you might also like my free Valentine’s Day bunting and decorations as well.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Are you excited about the BIG 14 days of LOVE Giveaway that is about to happen?  Be sure to “like” the facebook page so you don’t miss out on any of the fabulous giveaways.

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Three Red Head Bloggers You Should Know

January 27, 2014

Well, I feel like I’m still recovering from my week in Salt Lake City.  What a jam packed week of meeting new and old blog friends, connecting with potential sponsors and going to fabulous parties.  I am so grateful to Collectively for giving me this opportunity to attend Alt Summit again this year.  
Last year I shared with you some bloggers that I thought you should know.  This year I’ve found 3 fabulous Red Heads you should know.  These talented woman all have very different styles of blogging, but I’m enjoying all three thoroughly and learning new things from them.  And because I spent a few days with them, I can tell you that they are as beautiful and lovely in person as they appear on their blogs.  
Quinn Cooper Style
Be sure to check out her how-to’s and beauty tips.

Bonnie of A Golden Afternoon
I love her recipes and canning especially.

Emily of A Flecked Fox
You’ll love her amazing hair tutorials.

The best part of Alt is connecting face to face with your online friends.  This year I’ll working really hard to connect and collaborate with other bloggers.  February 1st is going to be the start of a fun new collaboration I’ve been working on.  Get ready for an amazing giveaway called 14 day of LOVE!  Be sure to “like” the facebook page so you don’t miss any of the giveaways.  

Food & Drink

Three Easy Game Day Dips

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and Rubbermaid and Sharpie, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #RubbermaidSharpie http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO


It’s that time of year, Football!!!! I’ll be honest, I do not understand or even watch football, but I do love football food.  I love a good excuse to make yummy appetizers and host parties.  So, this year for the big game day, I’m serving 3 make-ahead dips.  Make these three dips in minutes and then store them in Rubbermaid containers till you’re ready to party.  

I love dishes, pottery and unique serving pieces, but sometimes they aren’t the easiest to store and transport food in. Rubbermaid makes a huge variety of practical food storage pieces. But, to give these containers a more table top appearance, I decided to add some simple patterns with black Sharpies (both available at Target).  You know, I love geometric shapes and tribal patterns, so ta-da, that’s what I drew. The airtight lids keep the distinct flavors locked in, but pop them off and you’re ready to serve right from these custom decorated pieces. 

So here’s 3 dips to please everyone’s tastes.  One sweet, one spicy and one creamy.  

Caramel Apple Dip
1 8oz. package cream cheese
1 cup brown sugar
1 tub of caramel dip (from the produce section)
4 Skor or Heath candy bars (crushed)

With mixer, blend together the cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.  Spread the mixture into the bottom of the dish.  Top with the caramel dip and then sprinkle with candy bars.  Keep refrigerated until you are ready to serve.

Serve with pretzels and sliced apples.

This recipe will fill two of these Rubbermaid containers.  This is a rich treat.  So serve one now and one later in the week.  

A former student’s mom gave me this recipe, and I kind of regret ever trying it, because it’s SOOOO good.  You’ll want to eat the whole thing yourself.  (Thanks Stephanie for the yummy dip recipe.)

Mango Salsa
2 ripe mangoes chopped
1-3 tbsp. of jalapenos finely chopped (depending how spicy you like things)
1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
1/4 cup red onion chopped juice of one lime
1/2 tsp. salt a couple dashes of hot sauce

Mix all the ingredients in bowl and store in an airtight container in the fridge.  It’s best if it has time to marinade for a couple hours.  Serve with white corn chips.  

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
1 can cannelloni bean (white kidney beans)
2 bulbs of garlic
2 tbsp. olive oil (plus more for roasting the garlic)
1/2 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
juice of 1/2 a lemon
coarse salt and pepper to taste

To start, you are going to roast the garlic.  Cut off the tops of the bulbs of garlic, just to expose the flesh of the garlic.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Then wrap the garlic in parchment paper and then foil.  Bake in a 350F oven for about 45 mins or until the garlic is tender and aromatic.  Let the garlic cool for a few minutes and then squeeze out the garlic cloves.

In a food processor, place the drained beans and all the remaining ingredients.  Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.  Place in container and serve cold, room temp or warm in the oven for a few minutes.  Serve with pita chips or a simple baguette sliced then.

Like you or I need an excuse to head to Target, but from now till February 8th, you can text COUPONS to TARGET on your cell phone to get $1 off both Rubbermaid food storage and a Sharpie 4 pack or larger.

DIY / etc.

DIY Baker’s Twine Business Cards

January 23, 2014

Well, here’s my business cards for Alt Summit 2014.  There is pressure to have something unique and and memorable.  So, I decided to attach my name to something that crafty folks would actually keep and use.  Baker’s twine comes is a rainbow of colors.  I found these little spools at my local craft store.

I designed a simple 2″ logo for the front and added my name and site to the back and then printed them on sticker paper.  Then using a 2″ punch, I cut out all my stickers and attached them to the little spools of twine.  Totally simple, right?