Tag Archives: DIY

Stampin’ Up: Stitched Shapes Framelits Set Review

Stampin’ Up – Stitched Shapes Framelit Dies and Stamp Set Review + Giveaway

stitched-framelits-oopI love when we can break the rules and break from the everyday norm. There are few times as adults that we can break the rules but when we do they are generally small things such as taking a work ditch day.

When companies do this it is for marketing purpose and it is more promotion than avoidance of adulting. Many times companies release their product in a yearly catalog or look-book, This gives a central place where the product are listed and featured.

On November 1st, Stitched Shapes Framelit Set will be available outside the yearly catalog and will continue to be available beyond November. As an added bonus this is being added to the regular product line. 

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US Organic Beeswax Giveaway

US Organic Beeswax Giveaway

beeswax-pelletsOften times there are moments that I will see a creature in nature and be in absolute awe and when I see Bees, I have this moment.

Sometimes I wonder if their is nothing that these miracles workers can’t do. They work in in a hive mentality, with the goal of keeping the queen safe. The was is produced on the side of a bees abdomen and is only produced when their is nectar flow. To product the was the bees get together to increase their temperature and thus wax is produced (amazing huh!?).

When I was approached about giving a bag of US Organic’s Organic Beeswax Yellow Pastilles, I was curious to learn more about this natural wax.

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I Modify IKEA Review

I Modify IKEA: Furnishings from Everyone’s Favorite Store, Customize for Your Home – 50 Fun & Creative Decorating Projects Review and Giveaway

i-modify-ikeaWhen I was young I gave very little consideration to my dressers, bath mats, books shelves and all other storage items. As I have gotten older I have noticed that many times I find the items I am looking for but many times it is not the right color or there is a minor thing that could be changed for the piece to be perfect.

Often times this fact is driven home to me when I go to my local IKEA and I see the rows and stacks of boxes. I see those boxes, and dream of all the possibilities inside. From the colors, to the adding of elements – each piece really can be personalized.

When I received the book I Modify IKEA: Furnishings from Everyone’s Favorite Store, Customized for Your Home by Charlotte Rivers and Elysse Major for review it was clear that I was not the only person in the world that also sees this world of possibilities.

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Paper Pumpkin October 2016 Kit Review

Paper Pumpkin – Season of Gratitude – October 2016 Kit Review and Giveaway

october-2016-season-of-gratitude-kitIt is hard to imagine that we are starting to enter the holiday season. I have officially seen my first holiday commercial complete with music!

What is often overlooked is in our march towards this time of year, it is also important to remember to show gratitude. When I think of this coming time of year, I always reflect on what I am thankful for and the people I appreciate the most.

When I received the October 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit “Season of Gratitude” I knew I had received the cards I wanted that would show all the people I care about some gratitude.

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Stress Relieving Cats – Celebration Edition Adult Coloring Book Review

Stress Relieving Cats: Celebration Edition Adult Coloring Book Review + Giveaway

stress-relieving-cats-celebration-editionThere is no secret, I love cats. I love that each feline you meet has a different personality and a different temperament.

The best example of this is the differences between Maggee and Murfee. When new people enter the house, Maggee wants to meet the human entering her environment. Murfee on the other hand generally holds back, makes sure the person is approved by us and then proceeds to say hello. What makes me curious is that these are two animals that have grown up in the same environment and have been exposed to the same experiences.

Much like humans these balls of fur are shaped by the decisions, experiences and knowledge they have. When I received the Stress Relieving Cats Adult Coloring Book’s Celebration Edition by Blue Star Premier I knew that this would be the perfect coloring book to show all of my cats personality traits! Continue reading

Stampin’ Up: Stitched with Cheer Project Kit Review

Stampin’ Up – Stitched with Cheer – Project Kit Review + Giveaway

stitched-with-cheer-notecardsOne of my favorite times of the year is when I start to receive holiday cards. I love to hear from people that I lose touch with throughout the year, and seeing the happy photos.

When I was young I was in charge of the yearly holidays cards and I would look forward to it. Each year I would look forward to choosing the perfect cards for the recipient. I loved verifying addresses and updating my “master list” spreadsheet. I credit this yearly ritual to giving me the handwriting ability I have today. Now that I am older and have a home and “furmily” of my own I tend to do our own holiday cards.

Instead of purchasing cards I tend to make them by hand. I begin my search early in the season and many times I purchase the supplies throughout the year. This year my card making will be made easier since receiving the Stitched with Cheer Project Kit by Stampin’ Up which is a 18 card kit and the perfect way to show my appreciation for friends and family.

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Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Paisley Patterns Review

Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Paisley Patterns Review + Giveaway

stress-relieving-paisley-patternsI am a child of the 70’s – the mid 70’s. What this means is that I was dressed in what is arguable the ugliest fabric patterns. When I began school it was the dawn of the 1980’s and it was still not the best patterns. By the late 80’s the fabrics became more palatable to the eyes. Now that we are in the zero teens the fabrics are circling back to those patterns of the 70’s. The one constant in all times and all patterns are paisleys.

Paisleys are timeless almost because they are a reflection of the times and the popular colors. Paisleys are of a Persian origin and are made of droplet-shaped motif. It is named for a town in Scotland where the paisley fabric originates from. Oddly enough Paisley became identified with psychedelic style due to a resurgence in the pattern’s mainstream popularity leading up the mid and late 1960s.

When I received a copy of Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Paisley Patterns by Blue Star Coloring I was transported to a different time.

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The Hippie Hobby Box – DIY Melt & Pour Soap Review

The Hippie Hobby Box: DIY Melt & Pour Soap Review + Giveaway

finished-soapEach month I have the opportunity to review a couple different boxes, and of those the ones that make allow me to create something are among my favorite.

Soap making has always been on my craft “to-do” list, but the idea of using lye has always been a bit overwhelming to me. While I often have the chance to make candles, the art of soap making has been a little out of my sights.

When I received the newest The Hippie Hobby Box I was excited to see that this boxes craft was soap making. What I noticed was this was a simple easy way to make the soap I have been fearful of making otherwise. Each month the spirit of DIY and up-cycling are fused into one monthly do-it-yourself project with this monthly kit.

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Stress Relieving Animal Designs – Celebration Edition Adult Coloring Book Review

Stress Relieving Animal Designs: Celebration Edition Adult Coloring Book Review and Giveaway

stress-relieving-animal-designs-celebration-editionThere are few things as majestic as the animals at the zoo as the lions, tigers and bears (oh my!).

Since I live in the same town as two notable zoo and animal parks I grew up seeing these majestic creatures not only on my television but as as gust. I have always loved zoo’s and love the care that it is taken into taking care of these animals.

When I saw Stress Relieving Animal Designs: Celebration Edition Adult Coloring Book by Blue Star Premier I remembered and thought of all those animals I share my town with.  Continue reading

Exotic Animal Designs Adult Coloring Book Review

Exotic Animal Designs: A Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book Review and Giveaway

exotic-animals-designs-adult-coloring-bookWhen Jason and I were kids we were surrounded by nothing but open land for as far as the eye could see.

There are stories of Jason bringing home buckets full of baby rattlesnakes. Apparently one afternoon Jason ventured into the wide open land we had and went snake hunting (he even had special pants for this endeavor). While he was hunting snakes he also came upon the all two common alligator lizard and blue belly lizards.

When I received a copy of Exotic Animal Designs: A Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book by Blue Star Coloring I asked Jason to tell me the tales of his hours of snake hunting. Continue reading