Loves on a Thursday-Summer Lovin'

Summer, you had me at hello....

 Outdoor Movie Screen

1. Water Photograph  2. Blueberry Lemonaide  3.Yellow Floppy Hat

5.Flavored ice cubes  6. Beach Bag

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Are you a Pinner? Etsy stalker? Blog hopper? Always looking for pretty things? Have you found something lovely that you would like to share? I would love to see what you've found on your internet travels!!

Grab a button and link up your pretty finds!

Guidelines:

Please credit the original source when using other's projects and photographs.

Link up your blog post about your lovely finds/pins, not your homepage.

Leave your blog name in the title.
Link back with a button or text :)

Be friendly and have fun :)

Also linking up with Tatertots & Jello, Baxtron {Life} Pinning!, 52 Mantels

3 Things I Wish I Had Know About Blogging...

Gina over at Acute Designs has a weekly series called Handmade 101, she's got some great tips for small business owners and bloggers and today I am hanging out with her and her readers sharing 3 things that I wish I had known about blogging...you should come on over and say hi!

Some days...

Some days, like yesturday, are awful. Screaming, pull your hair out awful. Yell like a crazy mad woman, loud enough for all your neighbors to hear you and in fact, think that you are a crazy mad woman awful.

And then, out of blue this peaceful moment comes...

 Your laying in the grass, watching your 1 year old discover clovers...

...and you forget about the temper tantrums...the grouchy tears...

...you call over your 3 year old and you spend a few minutes looking and searching...

And in those precious few minutes... things are good. Happy.



 

This post was Sponsored by A Creative Cookie

Now accepting June Sponsors...

 Imprintalish is now accepting Sponsors for June.

If you have a blog or shop that you would like to promote, I'd love to help you!

I've just started using Passionfruit Ads and I love it, there is no html codes to worry about, emails trying to track down invoices or ads. So I now have more time to devote to you guys and making sure you are getting the extra exposure that you deserve :)

Head on over to check out my advertising page for more info.

DIY Birdie Mobile

A few weeks back, we were all anticipating the arrival of a new niece or nephew and I wanted to get something colorful and cute to decorate the nursery with. After browsing Etsy for several hours I came upon a few that I liked, but the prices were a bit out of my budget. So, I thought hey...why not make my own...{so ya, I kind of got the idea from one that I loved, so it's not totally original, but I love it anyway!}

This is what I made...

Basically, I used the cardboard from a diaper box and traced out my bird shapes. I then layed each piece of cardboard between a layer of felt and material {cut into bird shapes} and hand stitched around the edges with colorful embroidery thread. I used the same cardboard and materials to make wings. I attached the wing to the bird with buttons and hung the birds at varying heights from an embroidery hoop wrapped in ribbon...

Most mobiles are hung with the pretty parts facing the sides, but with this one, the mobile is facing down, making the birds pretty for baby, not mom and dad!

I hope sweet little Khloe loves it as much as I do!

Linking up here...

Live Laugh Rowe, Happy Hour Projects, Lolly Jane Boutique, Little Inspiration, Ginger Snap Crafts, 52 Mantels, The Artsy Girl Connection, The 36th Avenue, Live.Laugh. Rowe, Bear Rabbit Bear, I Gotta Create, It's Overflowing, Sweet Little Gals, Crayon Freckles

Book Review-Bloom by Kelle Hampton

I was so excited to get this package in the mail last week...

I'm also excited to be linking up to my very first Book Club Linky at From the Guest Room. I just happened to have ordered this at the perfect time and am happy to be able to squeak in! This is my very first book review that I've done here on this blog and I'm not sure if there is a technical side to reviews, but I am just going with what I thought and how it has affected me. Oh, and I will try not to write anything that may 'spoil' the book, just in case you haven't read it yet, but I will probably reference a few things!

I've been reading Kelle's blog, Enjoying the Small Things for a little over 3 years now. She is simply amazing, inside and out. If you are not familiar with her or her blog, I highly suggest that you head over, you will not regret it! She is my daily pick me up, my daily reminder that life is good, full and that there is always a rainbow after a storm.

Let's just say that Bloom did not disappoint. One thing that I love about Kelle is that her positive outlook on life oozes from every word she writes. Whether it is her brutal honesty and vulnerability that she shares when she writes about the birth of her youngest daughter, Nella (love that name!) who was born with down syndrome. Or the thankfulness that overcomes her later on. She simply has a heart of gold, and I would love to be able to say that I have a piece of that gentle and vibrant soul in me.

I barely made it past page two before I had to go grab a kleenex...before I knew it the whole box was gone and I was bawling hysterically. One thing you should know about me is that I can be a bit of an emotional wreck at the best of times. And me crying is not a pretty sight...but I digress...

I knew prior to buying the book , that it was basically a documentation of Nella's first year of life. But I had no idea how in depth it would be. It wasn't hard to place yourself exactly into every chapter and re live every moment. I tend to put myself into every character while reading a book or watching a movie. It made me think and wonder what I would have done if I ever was in a smiliar situation. Would I react the same way? Would I ever be honest enough with myself to say those harsh words aloud? To relive an experience that hurt, but also brought so much joy? Would I be as accepting?

One thing that struck me while reading this book is the sense of togetherness. The role that family and friends played since the very beginning of Nella's birth was incredible. The "Net' as Kelle called them. Oh my goodness I'm getting choked up again... It's truly happy to see loved ones gather around to support and give unconditionally and you can certainly see where Kelle gets her spirit and zest for life from.

There is nothing that I could write that could come close to how this book will affect you, how bone chilling real it is and how you will wish that Kelle was your neighbour so you could go skinny dipping in her pool, and your friend to hold your hand when things get tough. Along with gorgeous photos and documentation of heart to heart text messages and letters, Bloom is nothing short of what you would expect from a mother's love. Whether you have kids of your own, or are hoping for kids one day, this book will hit close to your heart and hopefully leave you with a sense of hope that good things do come in the littlest packages, even surprise ones.

This post was sponsored by Four Marrs and One Venus

Sponsor Spotlight-Mimi Baby Boutique

Describe a typical day at Mimi Baby Boutique...

I started this business as a way to support my little hobby. I find beading to be very relaxing so I make jewelry during nap time or after the kids are in bed.

If you could describe your work/shop in ONE word, what would it be? Why?

Feminine. Everything I make is intended to help women feel beautiful by adorning their bodies and homes in pieces that are delicate and pretty. I, myself, feel a little better about myself when I've got on just the right jewelry and I wanted to pass that feeling along.

Do you have any advice for someone just starting up their own creative business?
Don't give up! It's taken a long time for me to get the word out about my items. Lots of networking, freebies and just the right branding. We're still "up and coming" but I see progress every day. And never underestimate the power of helping someone out - they usually pay it back tenfold.

What's your favorite thing about being your own boss?

I set my own hours. I work only when I want to work (unless I have a huge order deadline) and I can still devote all my daytime hours to my kids.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Oh everywhere! I love trolling the craft stores for unique beads and charms. I check out what the women around me are wearing. And sometimes I just dig around in my craft supply boxes and think "hmm, what would happen if I combined these things here?"

Anything else you want to tell us...?
50% of the profits from my sales go toward charities that rotate quarterly. I love being able to use my hobby to help causes I believe strongly in. Also, 100% of profits from my Hunger bracelets go to charities dedicated to feeding children at risk for starvation.

For more info on Mimi Baby Boutique...

Shop  Facebook  Twitter

Loves on a Thursday-Purple & Orange

Tis' the season for shopping for flowers...while at the Garden Center this weekend I was so inspired by all the beautiful varieties and colors. I was going to go for my usual purple and pink combo but was suddenly captivated by this gorgeous coral/orange color and what do you know, it looks fabulous paired with purple!

So my containers have a new color scheme this year....

 Some more Purple and Orange Inspiration...

1. Uploaded by User  2. The Fibre Tree  3. Inspirations by Faith 

4.Maes Designs  5. A Creative Mint  6. Pizza Palette 

7. Stephanie Williams Photography  8. Uploaded by User  9. Camerons Jewelry Box

<a href="http://www.imprintalish.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Loves on a Thursday" src="http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l607/Alicia_Hummel-Kettlewell/lovethursdaybutton.jpg"/></a>

Are you a Pinner? Etsy stalker? Blog hopper? Always looking for pretty things? Have you found something lovely that you would like to share? I would love to see what you've found on your internet travels!!

Grab a button and link up your pretty finds!

Guidelines:

Please credit the original source when using other's projects and photographs.

Link up your blog post about your lovely finds/pins, not your homepage.

Leave your blog name in the title.
Link back with a button or text :)

Be friendly and have fun :)

Also linking up with Pinning!

May Sponsors {Giveaway}

I can not believe that May is almost over! Before it slips by I have to take a minute to direct your attention to my sidebar. That pretty little spot that says Sponsors, should actually say 'Amazing Roundup of Fabulous People' because my Sponsors this month have been so great to work with and also so patient with me when I forget to email them back! So yes, please go get your click on over there and pay them a visit, I am sure that one if not all of them will make it into your blog roll!

And, because they are so awesome, a few of them have contributed to this great giveaway package-perfect for the blogger or shop owner that wants to get a little extra exposure...

One lucky will reader will win...

Kate and her blog are the meaning behind genuine. She is such a sweet soul and so caring, plus her adorable fashion sense and beautiful photos win me over every time! From supporting different causes each month to giving out tips on blogging, she really is the best!

From The Guest Room Blog & Shop

Creative, honest & open are some of the words I would use to describe Beth at Through the Eyes of the Mrs. She just recently opened her shop on Etsy full of beautiful handmade accessories! I often feel as though I am in her shoes when reading her posts and her family is so darn cute!

Through the Eyes of the Mrs. Blog & Shop

Kristina has a beautiful blog full of family life, projects and yummy recipes. We've only just recently 'met', and I have had a wonderful time working with her, I'm sure you will too! She too, has just opened up her own shop full of organic creams for the whole family with yummy all natural ingredients!

From City Corporate to Suburb Mama Blog & Shop

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Eyes

I didn't even know before I had kids that it was possible to fall in love with someones eyes. Yes, in the past I may have dated a few guys that had great eyes, but never ones that I could stare into for days on end. Mike has great eyes... green one day and blue the next-so cool! But they have nothing on Westyn's eyes.  Even Grayson's eyes are striking, deep brown with flecks of gold and green. But Westyn's crystal blues just tug at my heart strings! I just find blue eyes so stunning, maybe because I have brown eyes?

Kate @ A Creative Cookie

Hi there Imprintalish readers! I'm Kate and I blog over at A Creative Cookie. I am thrilled to be here today!

A little bit about me... I love photography and graphic design! Strawberry ice cream is my favorite, and I love the colors yellow and mint!

Today I will be sharing a few ideas for wrapping gifts. If you are like me, you have lots of gifts to wrap for cousins, nephews, nieces, grandparents, parents... the list goes on and on!

Here are three fun ways to make your gift wrapping special!

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1. Stamping

step 1. wrap your box in solid-colored wrapping paper, or just keep the box plain.

step 2. for several colors (instead of ink pads), try coloring your stamp with washable marker (and wash off easily in between uses)!

step 3. Stamp away!

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2. Washi it!

step 1. use washi tape and create a criss-cross, striped, or diagonal pattern (find washi tape here)

step 2. stick on a bow!

Have you heard of Washi tape? I am fascinated by it - it has become so popular!

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3. Decorate the bag (as Cookie Monster or not!)

step 1. cut out two paper circle, one black half-circle, and one brown circle.

step 2. using a black marker, color in chocolate chips on the brown circle and pupils in the eyes

step 3. glue the pieces on!

You can find the full tutorial for the Cookie Monster Bag here.

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Thanks again for having me, Lish! It has been so fun!
I would love it if you'd come on over and say hi or visit me on Facebook!
xo, Kate

These are great ideas Kate!! I love me some great wrappin' ideas :) I've never used Washi tape before, but I see it everywhere!! I just may have to try it!!! Thanks so much for sharing with us today!