I just love hearing about new businesses created by people who think a little more out-of-the-box and this morning I discovered just one of those type of companies! YEA!
Many of us are addicted to sites like Groupon that allow us to pre-buy goods and services at a great discount. With deals like the one I scored last week (two movie tickets and a large popcorn for only $10.) What's not to love?!! Well, now there is a daily deal site for handmade goods called Quite Unique! How cool is that?! Getting great deals and supporting our fellow crafters at the same time!
Here is just one example of a previous deal....
A charming necklace to benefit Japan Disaster Relief. A unique handmade item with 100% of profits going to Japan...even cooler!!!
enjoy shopping and helping others at the same time.
-dw.
When it comes to chocolate I have some serious weaknesses. One of my favorite chocolate indulgences are Brownies! Who doesn't love a perfectly baked, warm-from-the-oven, fudgy piece of heaven?!
After trying a brownie baked in my dear friend's new brownie pan - the kind that makes each brownie look as if it was baked individually - I was hooked! I have all too much experience with ragged-edged brownies that taste wonderful but look a bit scrappy by the time I get them cut and on to a serving plate. I need what this type of pan can offer...."individual" brownies that look as fabulous as they taste.
Well, as luck would have it, I was perusing Kohl's the other day (gift card burning in my wallet) when I spotted The Perfect Brownie PanKit nestled low on a clearance shelf. I wasn't sure this was the same pan as my friend had used, but the concept seemed to be the same. For only $9.99 I was willing to take a chance and try it out.
Using a box mix (the only way to go in my opinion), I decided to put the pan to the test. It was so easy and the results were amazing! I LOVE having the brownies cut and ready to serve without the crumbly mess that used to be seemingly unavoidable. The nonstick pan didn't require a grease/flour prep like my glass pan and the clean up was effortless!
I give this pan a giant thumps UP!
If you want to find the clearance deal at Kohl's....act quickly! I noticed it was already removed from their website. There are other online sellers if you can't find it at your Kohl's; the best deal being found at perfectbrownietv.com for the price of $19.95 for two pans (one for you, one for a gift) plus $8.95 shipping and handling.
enjoy the chocolatey goodness of fresh-baked brownies!
The average woman spends 8 years shopping during her lifetime.
Most people when asked would say they prefer to save money while shopping, but admittedly most don't take the time to save as much as they could. For me, and countless others, discount shopping is like a sport. There are skills you need to have in order to be considered an MVP level player. In this game there are definite winners and, unfortunately, some paid-to-much losers.
Here are some tips to help make you a discount shopping MVP (Money Valuing Purchaser) this holiday season.....
1. Start gift shopping early. Pay attention throughout the year to things people like and wish for, then when you you see that item go on sale, or receive a fabulous store coupon, you can get in there and scoop it up even if the event is weeks or months away. By allowing yourself a longer time span to shop, you increase your odds of finding the deep discounts that a small window of time seldom provides.
2. Seek out and USE retailer coupons. Grocery stores aren't the only place accepting coupons these days, many retailers are using coupons to entice us into department stores as well. For example, the *much-loved* $10 off a $10 purchase coupon that I seem to get from JC Penney at least once a year. Anyone that can do basic math knows that equals FREE stuff! Retailers issue these coupons to get us into the shopping centers (usually during slower shopping seasons). They're betting if we come in to use the coupon (and you wouldn't believe how many people don't) we will spend much more than the small, token $10 promotional amount and they will be win. With me, however, it is a bet they usually lose. Because I begin my gift shopping early I am able to apply the "free money" toward a $10-12 gift item I've been watching for. I love crossing off an item on my list and placing a $2 or $3 paid amount next to it. I get the joy of giving more without spoiling my holiday budget!
If you have not been receiving these types of promotions, start paying attention when shopping in the stores you frequent, odds are they have a little sign by the register that tells you how to sign up for coupon mailings or texts. I prefer the text option (it's important to have unlimited texting on your phone plan) because I am rarely ever in a store without my phone, therefore, I always have the coupon with me (and the sign by the register serves as a great reminder to use it! )
3. Take advantage of online and socia media promotions. It seems more and more everything we need is simply a "click" away on the internet...including coupons and savings opportunities! Social Media sources like Facebook have become amazing sales drivers. Manufacturers reach customers directly with their business "pages." By going to a company's page and clicking the "Like" button you are accepting future sales announcements and coupons streaming into your status updates page. Today, for example, if you go to Fisher Price Toys' page and hit "Like" you will see a link to save 20% off an entire online order with them. Other retailers offer printable coupons for in-store purchases as well as from their websites.
Not a fan of social media? Don't have an account? You don't have to miss out. Retailers (and sometimes even shopping malls as well) are happy to send the same information to you via your e-mail account. Simply sign up for e-mail promotions in their store or on their website and you will begin receiving coupons right away, usually beginning with a large, incentive discount as a "thank you" for signing up. Don't skip filling in your birthday when prompted, often little "gift savings" are sent when your big day rolls around! My favorite part about receiving email coupons is that they wait in your inbox until you need them (no clutter to control). Simply enter the company name in your account's search bar when you're ready and the email they sent will pop up.....no scrolling and scrolling trying to recall what day it was sent. Just print and go!
Another great resource on the computer is being able to get sale notifications in advance. By signing up at sites like BlackFridayAds.com you will be sent periodic updates on what will be on sale the day after Thanksgiving. By getting this valuable information ahead of time you can have your Day-After shopping strategies all mapped out long before the turkey is ever thawed....let alone eaten!
4. Don't be afraid of discount retailers and thrift stores. Before heading to the mall, I always try and hit my favorite discount retailers first. Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross and Tuesday Morning all offer great, name brand labels at a heavily discounted price. Gone are the days of these stores offering only out-of-date, damaged, or factory seconds merchandise, more often it is simply a case of overstock or larger volume purchasing. For example, I recently purchased a Nike baseball hat for only $8 at TJ Maxx when the cheapest comparable hat found in or around the mall was $20!
At the mere mention of thrift store gift shopping many begin to shutter. But did you know that Goodwill receives donations from Target stores? Brand new, in-the-box items that that didn't manage to get sold on the clearance rack. (Note: these items are not returnable at Target stores. Barcodes are black marked to prevent such fraud.) Thrift shopping is not the same today as it was in years past; stores are cleaner, items are more organized, and more and more retailers are donating new, unused items that they don't have space to clearance out themselves.
5. Watch for Bounce Back Promotions. Many retailers offer Store Bucks or gift cards when you purchase a certain dollar amount or specific items. Plan in advance to only buy the minimum amount necessary the first trip and returning another day to get the balance of your items using the promotional dollars. Last year I saved a ton shopping for my two daughters on separate days...one's outfit was purchased on the gift card promotion day and the other's on a return visit using the bonus gift card I had earned. Taking advantage of store sales also in place, I saved a bundle overall! Stores offer these savings counting on the fact that shoppers, just wanting to get finished, will buy everything that first day. Pay close attention to the promotion's small print - some gift cards are not redeemable until after January 1...these are not as great of a deal, unless you get cash in your stocking on Christmas morning!
Other types of bounce back promotions are printed on your initial sales receipt in the form of coupons or survey discounts. Always ask to have your receipt handed to you rather than placed in the bag and take a moment to read it before stuffing it in to your pocket or purse. Free future spending money may just be included!
Enjoy the adventures of saving MORE money this holiday season. -dw.
When asked what holiday is my favorite, my response usually surprises people. It's Thanksgiving. While I completely LOVE Christmas, I find myself the most excited each year when Thanksgiving is on the horizon. I love the smells, foods and gratitude of the season. I love leaves and gourds and candles decorating my entire home. I love the calmness of the day even with the chaos in the kitchen. I love the turkey dinner. I love the dining room table filled to the brim with family and friends. I simply love everything about it!
Thanksgiving has not been tainted by over-commercialism. The only ads we see seem to highlight happy families gathered around a large dining table, ready to carve into a bit-too-perfect-looking turkey. I can deal with that. My turkey may not arrive at the table as the centerpiece, but it tastes awesome!
With Thanksgiving also comes the excitement of Christmas shopping...the Day-After Sales and now even the Weeks-Before Sales. I like that too. I'm an organized person by nature and that helps me to manage through the shopping season with ease. I write a list, check the ads, and watch for sales. I love the thrill of the hunt for that perfect gift at just the right price. That is my fall sport. Guys have football, I have gift shopping. I find by starting before Thanksgiving I can get great buys, avoid sold-out dilemmas, and beat the crowds. What more can one ask for?!
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? Get out your notepad, make those lists, and get started. It will ignite the holiday spirit within you too!
If you like Lucky Charms cereal and are a movie buff, like myself, you are in for a BIG treat!
While shopping at Target yesterday I spotted Lucky Charms cereal on sale. We were out at home, so naturally I reached for a box. After noticing the promotion on the box, I grabbed three more! (It's okay, the expiration date isn't until 9/2011!)
General Mills is giving away a FREE movie ticket with the purchase of two (specially marked) boxes of Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix, and Reese's Puffs cereals. Target's price was $2.50 per box, so total cost of 2 boxes of cereal and 1 movie ticket (valued up to $12) = $5.00! You don't have to be a math whiz to know THIS is a GREAT DEAL! enjoy the movie! -dw.
Have you heard of Swap Parties? I hadn't, until watching The Nate Berkus Show last week. It is a fabulous, fun way of clearing out the stuff in your life you no longer want while shopping for new stuff at the same time...all without spending a dime!
Gather your friends together and have each bring an item (or two) that they love but no longer need/want. (You'd most likely want to declare a value range to keep things equitable.) When guests arrive, they simply trade in their treasures for "play" money; each guest receiving the same amount. Once everyone has had time to mingle and view the items, the fun begins. Open the bidding (auction style) and "sell" each item off. In the end, everyone leaves the party with their newly "purchased" treasure. How fun is that?!
To add even more fun to the party, pick a theme for the evening. My favorite idea showcased was the "Ex Swap." Each guest brings an item given to them by their ex-spouse! Is there a better way to get rid of jewelry you no longer want while being able to "buy" new pieces with fresh, fun memories attached to them?
I say, let the party begin!!!!
enjoy the fun ways you can purge your unwanted things!
-dw.
It's not very often the scrapbooking industry can leave me with my jaw hanging open, but Teresa Collins did just that yesterday when she announced her newest product!
The Teresa Collins Stampmaker Machine!
We will be able to create stamps in the comfort of our own studios! How cool is that?!
There are lots of great bargains to be found out there this holiday weekend, and there is no better deal than FREE, right?! But hurry and check them out...some expire TONIGHT!
Walgreen's is repeating their FREE 8x10 collage print deal (Coupon code: VDAY), as well as offering a Friends and Family coupon for 15-20% savings! Expires: Friday, 2/12
For my collage, I selected pictures from an event I attended last summer and will cut them apart and add them into my scrapbook - because nobody said we have to LEAVE them in collage form! It's a great way to print out a bunch of pictures...all for FREE!
And for those of you who love Bebe...or believe you can never have too many tote bags...Bebe is offering a FREE tote bag to all their Facebook fans. Once you sign up to be a fan, go to Wall Photos and click on the tote picture and print it out! Expires: Monday, 2/15
enjoy some great bargain shopping this weekend! -d.
In the Tool category a few things caught my interest...
The i-Top tool isn't new, but Imaginisce has added some new things to "top!" Now you can top magnets (perfect for those adorable magnetic perpetual calendars), brads, buttons and badges.
And how many times have you poked your finger trying to set a brad? We Are Memory Keepers introduced the tool that will end that problem! I haven't tried it yet but am anxious to add it to my toolbox!
Fiskars introduced a new personal trimmer with a patented triple blade and rail system that interlock for straighter, more precise cuts. (Fingers crossed that we finally can get perfect cuts from a personal size trimmer!) I love my large Fiskars trimmer but have not had as much luck finding a travel-sized version that I feel as good about. Maybe this time....
In the oranizational category, only a couple items have caught my attention...
Simply Renee's new Clip It Up floor model. For those with little table or counter space (or just too much stuff - LOL) this is a fabulous solution! This model, retailing for $230, stands 6' tall and has three 15" arms (extra arms can be purchased separately as well). They work great for organizing quilt squares as well as scrapbook supplies and with the ability to adjust the distance between the arms it allows you to customize it to whatever you want it to hold!
This next new product has me re-thinking how I store my ribbon! Best (the people that bring you those fabulous drawer systems) has introduced not only a fabulous ribbon storage system (the containers fit neatly and compactly into drawers), but also a ribbon spooler! One of the reasons I quit storing my ribbon in neat little rolls was because I was spending WAY too much time rolling it! Now using a similiar concept as DMC thread users have been using for years, Best gives us a large enough version for ribbon! I love it!
Watch for my favorite paper lines released at CHA in Part 3 of What's New in Scrapbooking!
As I've mentioned before, I am not a fan of the sugary-cute and whimsical that is so popular in the papercrafting world right now. That's not to say I never do layouts with bright colors or a touch of whimsy, it is just not my go-to style of choice. I am usually more drawn to the romantic and shabby-chic looks. I can't get enough of muted, distressed prints filled with swirls, crowns, and a hint of edginess. And lets not forget my long-time obsession with all that is damask!
So, with that in mind....I bring you *MY* top picks from the 2010 Winter CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Show held last month. I am happy to report that I managed to find enough top picks to put a major dent in any scrapbooker's budget!
I'll begin with one of my all-time favorites.....7gypsies! They never disappoint me. I am bursting with excitement over their newest display offering: Letterblock Printer's Trays!!!!! In brown and yes, surely just for me, black too! I cannot wait to get my hands on this baby! Quite some time ago after seeing Ali Edwards' wonderful display piece she created using an antique tray (right), I decided I just had to make one. However, first I had to find a tray; not such an easy (or affordable) acquisition in my area. But now, thanks to 7gypsies, my search is over! They also released a great ephemera line called Ancienne (below), a paper line I loved, titled Avignon, and much, much more.
Since I started this review with one of my favorite companies, I'll follow it up with another favorite, Tim Holtz. This year he has partnered with Sizzix to produce Alterations, "Tim's take on die cuts" and embossing. Coming in April, Texture Fades: texture plates in which the design fades out in places to create a more altered look. These plates will be deep enough to add texture to Tim's Grungeboard as many other things! Also an entire line of dies designed by Tim. Everything from file tabs for your mini albums to creative, album-cover edges! I love how this man's brain works! And last but not least, a new Alterations machine by Sizzix...coming in July. Not to mention additions to his Idea-ology line and incredible new stamp designs for Stamper's Anonymous. These lines alone can cripple a crafting budget they are are so wonderful!
And now for a line a bit more on the romantic side....Shabby Green Door released a collection called On the Wings of a Dream. Stamps, papers and embellishments all sure to supply hours of inspiration. While I hadn't heard of this coming before, I became a quick fan! My last pick for this posting (more picks tomorrow in Part 2) is a company that I grow to love more and more each year. They have taken the chipboard and mini-album markets by storm and, as always, their newest additions make me want to drop everything and create! Maya Road has added some adorable chipboard theme sets: sewing, baking and whimsical banners (see, I told you I like some occasional whimsy!) along with theirusual, incredibly wonderful chipboard mini-albums in shapes we all love...my favorites: the birdcage, baby onsie, and dress form! They have also released an awesome line of baubles to trim out our favorite altered projects as well as the most innovative product I've seen from this year's show so far... Liquid Resist! Many of us have used templates and masks as a means to create designs with glimmer sprays, but this is the first I've seen a product that you "draw" on and simply peel off!
enjoy the bounty of new products heading our way! -d.
While visiting the Wilton site, to discover the awesome cupcake decorating I can do with my new 1M star tip, I found something very unexpected....an incredible sounding party recipe. Chicken Italiano appetizers! Don't they look incredible?! What do chicken appetizers have to do with a baking website? It was a Wilton blog entry on "other uses for muffin tins."
I can't wait to try these out! I'll be sure and report back on how they turn out.
Shopping Note: After much searching, and a lot of misdirection by the staff, I located the wonton wrappers in the frozen section at our local Asian market.
enjoy the little things that make big differences!
Did you know there are many different varieties of garlic? I didn't. Until I read about a guy named Pete Rasmussen (Sandhill Farms: Eden, Utah) that grows and sells over 30 different types to customers like Whole Foods. I also learned (at gourmetgarlicgardens.com) that many of our current varieties were not available here in the US until a little over twenty years ago. Many were grown in a military protected area of the Soviet Union and we were not allowed in to purchase them, that is until the Soviet Union was disintegrating in 1989. Once the ban was lifted, purchasers "went from village to village along old silk Road buying garlic from local markets and naming the cultivars after the town or village where they were purchased." Want to learn more about garlic or just want to enjoy fabulous foods drenched in it? Check out the Annual Northwest Garlic Festival in Long Beach, WA June 19-20, 2010.
Necessity really is the mother of invention. Ever wish you had the perfect something to hold your camera so you could be in the picture? Don't want to spend a lot on a bulky tripod? Here's the solution...Dynomighty's Bottle Cap Tripod. Simply screw the tripod adapter onto your water or soda bottle (who doesn't usually have one of these around?) and attach your camera. Viola! Instant camera holder! It even pivots 15 degrees in any direction. What a cool idea! People's ingenuity and creativity never cease to amaze me!
A sad note...Heidi Grace is closing her adorable little shop, Clever, in Ruston, WA. But for a wonderful reason; she is pregnant with her third child. Congrats to her and her family! If you hadn't had a chance to check her latest creations at her shop, you can still get in on the 50% off clearance sale (select Thursdays and Fridays in February) as well as continue shopping online. Best of luck and continued success to Heidi...I know she will do more great things! Her scrapbook line is currently being produced by Colorbok.
Funniest thing I read today:
"If Al Gore invented the internet, I invented spell check." ~ Dan Quayle
*Of course, I cannot verify Dan Quayle really made this quote, but I felt the chuckle was worth sharing either way.
I've always loved cupcakes! There is just something so cute about them. An individually decorated mini-cake that you get all to yourself? What's NOT to love?!
I couldn't wait to make some cupcakes this week and test out my new 1m star tip. Wow...what an incredible difference a tip can make! I love the look of the giant swirl on top. So yummy looking and so fun to do! Some people even questioned if they were store-bought! (The ultimate compliment!)
If you love cupcakes too, you might have to have this cool, new product....a collapsible cupcake carrier!
Being an organizer, I struggle with the standard cupcake carriers when I help people re-organize their kitchens. They are big and bulky and used only once in a while, but for many, an item they just can't live without. So here is a fantastic storage solution...a silicone version by Progressive International, that collapses to half of it's in-use size. I first saw this incredible idea on surlatable.com, but found it at asseenontvguys.com even cheaper....only $25.95! It's amazing what collapsible, silicone products can do for our biggest storage dilemmas!
I found another fun product while perusing the As Seen On TV Guys' website...a giant cupcake cake pan. I posted about a similar product last year by Wilton, but this silicone version is a great alternative at only $19.95! This is one cupcake you'll have to share!
One last product I have to share with you is one that I am eagerly waiting to try out...the food decorating pen by Cuisipro. For only $10 it is the perfect companion tool for any cake or cupcake decorator. You simply pull back on the plunger to fill and squeeze to decorate. It has two tips (one for thin lines and one for thick), is dishwasher safe, and is easy enough for a child to use. I have a feeling I may need to own more than one! I'll report back after I try it myself, but the reviews I've read all gave it very high marks.
enjoy the great new products that make our life easier! -d.
Forbes announced a new list of companies in dire financial struggles and while reading through it my heart sank. Eastman Kodak, Applebees, and US Airways were just a few of the companies named. While the appearance of US Airways name on the list was of little surprise to me (I still recall the horrible service we received back in 2007), I was very sad to see the other two there.
The digital photography craze has been difficult on a lot of companies close to my heart, but the camera industry probably most of all. It has been costly for them to make the transition from film to digital. And while I too have switched completely to digital photography, the past five digital cameras I've purchased have all been Kodak. What can I say, I'm sentimental that way.
As for Applebees financial struggles, I was a little more shocked. Their restaurants (at least in my area) always seem to be pretty busy. They say the financial shortfall is due in part to their slashed prices to draw customers in (it has worked on me). I can completely sympathize with that, but their idea to turn things around has me baffled. They now say they are looking at remodeling their restaurants in hopes of boosting patronage. How is that going to make me want to eat there? ...Enjoy their food more? ...Make dining out fit into my budget more often? The logic is completely lost on me. I do not decide where I want to eat by asking myself or my friends, "Who has the nicest looking restaurant?" That seems so absurd. I get the old adage, It takes money to make money, but in a time of financial struggle, heading to Pottery Barn to redecorate my office doesn't seem like the solution to getting more work!
But hey, that's just my opinion! Other restaurants seem to be trying more creative solutions during these hard economic times. USA Today reported Burger King will try to increase sales in South Beach...by adding BEER to their menu at their Whopper Bars! They will make the addition in mid-February and may expand into other areas such as Vegas after that. Now the catch phrase is likely to become, "Would you like beer with that?"
enjoy the companies you love, and support them; don't assume they will always be there. -d.
I have always been a fan of saving money. I learned early on if I was able to acquire that one coveted item at a deep discount, there would be money left over for other items on my wish list as well! After all, more is better, right?!
I diligently shop with coupons to stretch my food budget, I peruse TX Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross incessantly to stretch my clothing budget, and I constantly frequent thrift stores and dollar stores to stretch my decorating budget. And the truth is...nobody can ever tell the difference!
My mantra has always been: Why pay more if I don't HAVE to?!
Today I thought I would share a few quick decorating ideas using items that have been re-purposed, re-designed, or purchased at a re-ally incredible price!!
* Give a quick facelift to unused wall decor.
This piece (purchased years ago at Marshall's for $5) never really fit just right at this house, so it was in a box in the storage room. When I needed a little something to liven up the hearth for Valentine's Day, I grabbed an extra photo of my girls, cropped it to size, and using removable adhesive, covered the original Eiffel Tower picture, and placed it on an easel.
* Think beyond an items intended use.
I have always loved plate holders, although ironically, I have never had a desire to display plates. I found this one at a thrift store for under $2. It was already black and matched my decor perfectly. So I had to buy it! This past Christmas I decided it would make the perfect holder for my holiday cards.After the holiday was over, I removed the cards and replaced them with pictures (from an old Paris calendar) mounted on black cardstock.Now my "postcard" holder makes a beautiful addition to my Parisian-themed room.
* Decoration pieces can be used for more than one holiday.
I purchased these jumbo, black heart ornaments a couple of years ago at IKEA after Christmas for next to nothing (I think it was $1 for a set of 3) and this year decided they needed more pizazz. I broke out my silver metallic Sharpie marker and went to work. I used them on my Christmas tree and was happy with the way they turned out.
After Christmas, however, I couldn't see putting them away. I decided instead to place them in the top tier of the fruit stand with some red hearts (Dollar Tree) and now I have the perfect Valentine's Day decoration. Since my home decor all centers around black furniture and appliances, it was just right.
enjoy the ways you can give new life to old items around your home. -d.
Some time ago as I prepared for an upcoming trip, I bought a word game book called, Banana-Grams. If you know me, you know I LOVE word games. Scrabble, Bookworm, crosswords, anything with words and I'm in! So when I saw the book, I had to have it. I gave it a glance but really never got into it. I'll be honest, I didn't really get it. It was more than merely unscrambling words, it was banana boats, banana splits, banana shakes....etc. (That translates adding/changing letters to create new words, connecting words (like crosswords), turning one word into another word through a chain of letter changes....etc. The banana references were completely lost on me. I left it in my carry on bag and almost forgot about it. Then a friend starting mentioning a game by the same name. Odd, as she as referring to a table game played with tiles. Now, I was really confused. Then one day while waiting for a prescraiption at Walgreens, I noticed an end rack full of bananas. Well, not real bananas, but rather cloth bags in the shape and color of bananas. I stopped and caught a glimpse of the name on the side of the bag. BananaGrams. Price = $14.99. It seemed a bit much to pay for something I truly had no real knowledge of (and there was no help on the outer packaging to aid in figuring it out). But, I decided if it was a word game, surely I would enjoy it.
It was the best $15 investment I've made in ages!!!!
I LOVE it!
Two players (you can play with more, we just haven't yet) draw 21 tiles a piece. You then start creating words, connecting them to each other (like crosswords). Each time a player uses up all their letters each player draws another tile. First player to use all of their letters after the last tile is drawn from the bag WINS! It is like playing Scrabble without a board and zero wait time between turns! It is quick moving, easy to play, and very compact. If you haven't gotten in on the craze, I strongly suggest you try it! But I'm warning you....it's rather addicting!
And what about the book? It makes a LOT more sense to me now. I found it was more fun after playing the "real" game. So back in my travel bag it goes. Since the game version isn't ideal for airplanes....the book will make a nice travel edition!
I once saw a cute little phrase posted at a craft bazaar and it has always stayed with me.... "Of course you could make it yourself, but will you?!"
I often hear those words in my head as I gather inspiration from retail stores, decor catalogs, and websites. And truth be told, my collection of ideas FAR surpasses my list of completed copy-cat projects, but I find comfort in the belief that many will someday reach completion!
I get a LOT of decor catalogs delivered to me. I receive a TON of advertising e-mails. I do this so I can constantly be inspired. Many of my decorating successes are due largely to the creative sparks set off by advertisers. Among my favorite sources.....Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Ballard Designs. I saw this adorable Valentine pillow from Ballard Designs (the one with the number 2 applique) and immediately thought, "I could make that!"
A pretty bold statement given that I am not a sewer! So, for myself and all the other sewing challenged artists out there, I also found this fabulous blog showing easy-to-follow instructions for making pillows!
enjoy the process of making it yourself! -d.
I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. ~Author Unknown
While I was in Las Vegas we made a trip to the outlet center and one of the stores we shopped in was Dress Barn. While waiting in line I couldn't help but notice their new, very cool marketing campaign. Very clean visually, and very inspiring. I remember thinking that it seemed rather "scrapbooky" and by that I mean that the elements would go nicely into a scrapbook layout. I took a mental note that I should check out their website upon returning home. Well, time slipped by and I completely forgot about Dress Barn and their inspiring ads....until today. I was catching up on a friend's blog and read a inspirational piece that was taken from a Dress Barn ad. Here is that piece:
Let yourself do something for others today. Let yourself laugh. Let yourself make funny faces. Let yourself eat too much chocolate. Let yourself meet someone smarter than you. Let yourself be. Let yourself entertain new possibilities. Let yourself listen more. Let yourselfdiscovera new friend. Let yourself whet new appetites. Let yourself open up. Let yourself think young. Let yourself pass it along. Let yourself be dramatic. Let yourself experiment. Let yourself twirl. Let yourself cook up something new. Let yourself spill the sprinkles. Let yourself help others. Let yourself be stirred. Let yourself shine. enjoy the endless possiblities you can allow yourself! -d.
With the economy in the shape it is, it isn't exactly the best time for most of us to be out shopping, but I just had to share info about a couple of my absolute favorite, annual sales... Yep, it's THAT time again...IKEA's It Only Happens Twice a Year SALE!!!! Sale. IKEA. Enough said. Every year I look forward to University Village's sidewalk sale. I love the outdoor, open air shopping and the bargains I find are always amazing! Having Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Fireworks, Crate and Barrel, and Impress all in one place is already a great thing, but having clearance tables in front of each store is an even bigger bonus! And lastly, I don't make it to Paper Zone all that frequently, since I live only a few blocks from one of the best scrapbook stores in our entire state, but their 15% Everything Sale does usually make it worth a trip!
Many of us are addicted to sites like Groupon that allow us to pre-buy goods and services at a great discount. With deals like the one I scored last week (two movie tickets and a large popcorn for only $10.) What's not to love?!! Well, now there is a daily deal site for handmade goods called Quite Unique! How cool is that?! Getting great deals and supporting our fellow crafters at the same time! 
In the oranizational category, only a couple items have caught my attention...
Yep, it's THAT time again...
Every year I look forward to 
And lastly, I don't make it to 