I have just put this together. I hope you enjoy it. Please share pictures of the finished product and let me if you have any questions. I think that adding a couple of these, one on each side, will make it look even more lovely. Happy stitching!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Free cross stitch pattern
Hello again everyone. I am on a roll today :)
I have just put this together. I hope you enjoy it. Please share pictures of the finished product and let me if you have any questions. I think that adding a couple of these, one on each side, will make it look even more lovely. Happy stitching!
I have just put this together. I hope you enjoy it. Please share pictures of the finished product and let me if you have any questions. I think that adding a couple of these, one on each side, will make it look even more lovely. Happy stitching!
Working for great causes this month
Hello everyone! I hope you had a great weekend!
I got to spend it with my husband's grandmother, a strong and all around great lady who turned 92. Her mind is super sharp and she is super independent: she lives all by herself. I hope I can be like her when I grow up.
I have recently joined the Etsy Angels team on Etsy, a group of artists who work together to support a different cause every month. It gives me such a sense of accomplishment and I feel fulfilled in so many ways to be a part of such a great group of people.
This month we are supporting ORVAL, an organization who provides assistance to pet parents who cannot afford to take their pets to the vet. This allows people who would otherwise take their pets to a shelter to keep them.ORVAL also provides good care to those pets who end up at the shelter.
Our goal is to have 135 sales this month, and so far we have had 95. If you would like to know more or to shop, please click here.
I also came across this on Facebook yesterday. What a humbling story. I am happy to say I will be sending some kits their way. If you would like to participate or help me with the kits, please leave a comment and I will be happy to share more information.
Have a great day!
I got to spend it with my husband's grandmother, a strong and all around great lady who turned 92. Her mind is super sharp and she is super independent: she lives all by herself. I hope I can be like her when I grow up.
I have recently joined the Etsy Angels team on Etsy, a group of artists who work together to support a different cause every month. It gives me such a sense of accomplishment and I feel fulfilled in so many ways to be a part of such a great group of people.
This month we are supporting ORVAL, an organization who provides assistance to pet parents who cannot afford to take their pets to the vet. This allows people who would otherwise take their pets to a shelter to keep them.ORVAL also provides good care to those pets who end up at the shelter.
Our goal is to have 135 sales this month, and so far we have had 95. If you would like to know more or to shop, please click here.
I also came across this on Facebook yesterday. What a humbling story. I am happy to say I will be sending some kits their way. If you would like to participate or help me with the kits, please leave a comment and I will be happy to share more information.
Have a great day!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Valentine's Day gift ideas
Time to go shopping again! I think these are sooooo cute! Check them out and don't forget: please support handmade if you can.
PS: Hubby, if you are reading this: hint hint nudge nudge ;)
Blessings everyone!
PS: Hubby, if you are reading this: hint hint nudge nudge ;)
Blessings everyone!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Trying something different
I am super excited! I bought an embroidery pattern from Mollie Johanson, over at Wild Olive. Can't wait to get started!!!
What should I turn these into??? I am also working on a cool Valentine's Day garland. I will post pics soon! What sort of projects are you currently working on?
XOXOs & blessings!
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| Picture source |
What should I turn these into??? I am also working on a cool Valentine's Day garland. I will post pics soon! What sort of projects are you currently working on?
XOXOs & blessings!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Hooray I have bought some more fabric!!!!
I am definitely addicted to fabric. I love that new fabric smell, its texture, the patterns and vivid colors. When I buy new fabric I tend to stare at the beautiful patterns every 5 minutes or so. Then I think about all the cute things I want to create with those beautiful fabrics.
I bought some scraps last week (I LOVE fabric scraps)..... And winter is my favorite season, but I sort of miss summer (and my banana tree for that matter, that has frozen to death), and these patterns remind me of a hot summer day, palm trees, the beach, a nice mojito.... So I turned these:
Into this:
I decided to expand my line and make some nice potholders, with insul-bright and batting for extra protection and insulation. Your fingers will thank you! If you know someone who likes to cook, or someone who doesn't and always ends up burning their fingers, this would be the perfect gift!
If you like what you see, be sure to visit my Etsy shop. 10% of all sales proceeds go to help ORVAL this month. For more information about the Etsy Angels and ORVAL, be sure to visit http://etsyangelsteam.blogspot.com.
Sweet dreams!
I bought some scraps last week (I LOVE fabric scraps)..... And winter is my favorite season, but I sort of miss summer (and my banana tree for that matter, that has frozen to death), and these patterns remind me of a hot summer day, palm trees, the beach, a nice mojito.... So I turned these:
I decided to expand my line and make some nice potholders, with insul-bright and batting for extra protection and insulation. Your fingers will thank you! If you know someone who likes to cook, or someone who doesn't and always ends up burning their fingers, this would be the perfect gift!
If you like what you see, be sure to visit my Etsy shop. 10% of all sales proceeds go to help ORVAL this month. For more information about the Etsy Angels and ORVAL, be sure to visit http://etsyangelsteam.blogspot.com.
Sweet dreams!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
We had a great time at my brother's wedding!
Hi everyone! My brother got married last Friday! It was a simple wedding, but everyone pitched in and it was magical to say the least.
I made some party favors: lavender scented candles in a cute mason jar. After many trials, they turned out perfect! I was so inspired and so determined, it was meant to be. Kudos to mom for helping me.
The pictures are not that great because it was 1am by the time we finished them and the lighting was not adequate. The silver tags say to love and to cherish! Sooo cute!
I also added a few touches to a plain guest book I found at Michaels:
They got married at City Hall in San Francisco. The architecture is so beautiful, all of us were in awe. Some wonderful friends offered to take pictures. I think these pictures turned out so nice!
We had lunch here. Amazing food and great service. Reasonable prices too.
Facebook fans: take advantage of the coupon I have just sent you. And remember, 10% of all sales proceeds this month go to support ORVAL (Ouachita River Valley Animal League) in Louisiana. For more information, please visit: http://etsyangelsteam.blogspot.com/
Off to bake strawberry cupcakes for hubby! Sunday is splurging day! Yay!
Have a lovely week! XOXOssss!!!!!!!
I made some party favors: lavender scented candles in a cute mason jar. After many trials, they turned out perfect! I was so inspired and so determined, it was meant to be. Kudos to mom for helping me.
The pictures are not that great because it was 1am by the time we finished them and the lighting was not adequate. The silver tags say to love and to cherish! Sooo cute!
I also added a few touches to a plain guest book I found at Michaels:
They got married at City Hall in San Francisco. The architecture is so beautiful, all of us were in awe. Some wonderful friends offered to take pictures. I think these pictures turned out so nice!
We had lunch here. Amazing food and great service. Reasonable prices too.
Facebook fans: take advantage of the coupon I have just sent you. And remember, 10% of all sales proceeds this month go to support ORVAL (Ouachita River Valley Animal League) in Louisiana. For more information, please visit: http://etsyangelsteam.blogspot.com/
Off to bake strawberry cupcakes for hubby! Sunday is splurging day! Yay!
Have a lovely week! XOXOssss!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Hard work pays off: the AFTER photos
We did it! Granted, we still need to do a bit more decorating, and I am still looking for a sewing table, but I am very pleased with how it all turned out.
Check out the before pics.
Here is the office - sorry hubby forgot to take before pics, but it was chaotic, believe me...
And here is my sewing/arts and crafts room (everything is neatly stored away). This room also serves as a guest bedroom, and Wii room.
Our motto throughout the process was to reuse what we already had, purge and donate what we did not need. I used to be a paper junkie, I printed everything out and filed it all away for at least 7-10 years. I have recently discovered Google Docs (it is free!!!), and oh my, I am in love with it. We must have gotten rid of at least 6-7 storage boxes. Everything is stored online. Done!
Let me not forget to share an important milestone: Ooh Leela has a fan on Facebook :) :) :) Thank you so much Kate (you rock)!
If you like what you see here, show me some love on Facebook (some deals and promotions will only be available to Ooh Leela's Facebook fans).
I hope you have an amazing week!!!
Check out the before pics.
Here is the office - sorry hubby forgot to take before pics, but it was chaotic, believe me...
And here is my sewing/arts and crafts room (everything is neatly stored away). This room also serves as a guest bedroom, and Wii room.
Our motto throughout the process was to reuse what we already had, purge and donate what we did not need. I used to be a paper junkie, I printed everything out and filed it all away for at least 7-10 years. I have recently discovered Google Docs (it is free!!!), and oh my, I am in love with it. We must have gotten rid of at least 6-7 storage boxes. Everything is stored online. Done!
Let me not forget to share an important milestone: Ooh Leela has a fan on Facebook :) :) :) Thank you so much Kate (you rock)!
If you like what you see here, show me some love on Facebook (some deals and promotions will only be available to Ooh Leela's Facebook fans).
I hope you have an amazing week!!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Food for thought: Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
Found this here.
Originally published in The Plain Dealer on Sunday, May 28, 2006
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
May your day be filled with blessings, joy, family and love! Ciao Bellas!
Originally published in The Plain Dealer on Sunday, May 28, 2006
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
May your day be filled with blessings, joy, family and love! Ciao Bellas!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Busy little bee! That's me! :)
Good day everyone! I am so very excited today! Today we get to organize my ex-office (my husband has finally taken over) and my brand-new craft space (aka guest room, aka wii room). When we moved into our home 2 years ago, my husband and I had an agreement: he got the garage (where he stores 2 beautiful old cars, a 65 GTO and a 56 Chevy Bel Air) and I got to convert our 3rd bedroom into an office.
It had always been a dream of mine to have my own office, since opening my own Accounting firm was one of my dreams. I got the office, but never did open an Accounting firm (I am happy working where I work).
Over the past 2 years I've rediscovered the beauty and pleasures of crafting and completely fell head over heels in love with it all over again. That being said, my husband (who works from home now, since the beginning of Dec) gets the office and I get my own craft room. We are working on organizing, re-purposing, recycling and redecorating both rooms (all on a budget of course). So far we have spent around $30.00 on some cute green and purple document boxes as well as shelving units.
Please see the "before" pictures - we moved everything out of the office and into the guest room, aka my craft space. I hope to get everything done today because I go back to work tomorrow. Pictures of the end result will be posted as soon as both rooms are complete.
I am looking for a sewing table, does anyone have any tips? I want something small, possibly with drawers or some sort of storage space. I have been dragging all of my supplies and equipment into our dining room, and that has worked well so far. But one of my goals this year is to grow Ooh Leela! and in order to do so, I will spend a lot more time crafting (YAY!), so I need to have my own little setup.
Have a great Monday everyone! Ciao Bellas!
It had always been a dream of mine to have my own office, since opening my own Accounting firm was one of my dreams. I got the office, but never did open an Accounting firm (I am happy working where I work).
Over the past 2 years I've rediscovered the beauty and pleasures of crafting and completely fell head over heels in love with it all over again. That being said, my husband (who works from home now, since the beginning of Dec) gets the office and I get my own craft room. We are working on organizing, re-purposing, recycling and redecorating both rooms (all on a budget of course). So far we have spent around $30.00 on some cute green and purple document boxes as well as shelving units.
Please see the "before" pictures - we moved everything out of the office and into the guest room, aka my craft space. I hope to get everything done today because I go back to work tomorrow. Pictures of the end result will be posted as soon as both rooms are complete.
 |
| Can you find the piggy? His name is Bacon :) |
I am looking for a sewing table, does anyone have any tips? I want something small, possibly with drawers or some sort of storage space. I have been dragging all of my supplies and equipment into our dining room, and that has worked well so far. But one of my goals this year is to grow Ooh Leela! and in order to do so, I will spend a lot more time crafting (YAY!), so I need to have my own little setup.
Have a great Monday everyone! Ciao Bellas!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
My first attempt at candle making
I chose to go with soy wax because it is a greener option and less complicated than gel. I ended up getting my supplies (soy wax, dye, wicks and scent) at my neighborhood Michaels, because I wanted to make a candle and I needed (read wanted) to make it today (I'm impatient like that). However, I will order my supplies online from now on because the prices at Michaels are a bit steep.
I already had a measuring cup, thermometer, pot and glass container, but if you don't, the dollar store is the way to go.
A few notes about my first experience:
- A little bit of dye goes a LONG way. I ended up getting red dye instead of the color I really wanted and the end result was a dark red color (which I did not care for at all, thus the lack of pictures showing the end result)
- Even though I chose lavender and I absolutely love the smell of lavender, I did not care for this brand of scents (Yaley). I am burning the candle as we speak and I can't smell anything despite being extra generous when I added the scent
- Need to use a dowel next time, to keep the wick in place
- I tried to whip the top layer, but I was not successful. I think it has to do with the fact that the wax was still too hot when I whipped it. I did some research after the fact and you are supposed to wait for the wax to cool down a bit, until it turns cloudy. I will try that next time as well.
This is my very first blog ever and I must admit (and you may have noticed) that I am new at this. I am having SO MUCH FUN! I am trying really hard to improve my storytelling skills as well as the content for the blog. If you have any suggestions, topics you would like to see in the upcoming weeks, constructive criticism or praise :), please do share. I would love to hear from you!
May you have a blessed Sunday!
Oh what a night! And Happy 2011!!!
Last night was so much fun! We had family and friends over. I made dinner (ham and pineapple, asparagus, scalloped potatoes, caesar salad, crescent rolls) but the bestest part was what we did afterwards: game night!
Mr. H., one of our friends, brought his game table and a roulette wheel. We spent many hours drinking, dancing and playing the roulette and black jack. Needless to say I went bankrupt in no time LOL!
Leela was not allowed to play, so she just chilled :)
So far 2011 has been amazing! I am also so excited to say that I am one of Wildolive's sponsors this month! We are working on a super cool project, something out of the ordinary, especially for crafters like us :) :) :) Stay tuned.
How was your New Year's Eve?
Mr. H., one of our friends, brought his game table and a roulette wheel. We spent many hours drinking, dancing and playing the roulette and black jack. Needless to say I went bankrupt in no time LOL!
Leela was not allowed to play, so she just chilled :)
So far 2011 has been amazing! I am also so excited to say that I am one of Wildolive's sponsors this month! We are working on a super cool project, something out of the ordinary, especially for crafters like us :) :) :) Stay tuned.
How was your New Year's Eve?
Friday, December 31, 2010
Adieu 2010 and "HELLO" 2011!
My philosophy up until now has always been that the best New Year's resolution is to have NO resolution. I find that I usually work harder when I am not under pressure. I work more efficiently if I set short term goals as I go along. So far this has worked really well: I have always been able to accomplish many small goals throughout the year, every year, as well as at least one major goal a year.
This year I am going to try something different. I have made a small list of the things I would like to improve on and even accomplish in 2011. For those of your who missed it, click here.
Some of my accomplishments in 2010:
Went to the gym on a regular basis at least twice a week
Changed my eating habits - I feel so much healthier now
Maintained my weight while increasing muscle and lowering my body fat percentage
Got my wisdom teeth removed
Got in touch with old friends
Became a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor
Joined the blogosphere and I am loving every minute of it!!!
Worked hard but still found time to craft
Saw Buddy Guy and BB King in August
Saw Shakira in October
Saw my nieces and nephew in July <3, <3, <3
Major goal: Started my own line of unique dish towels, kitchenware and trendy accessories: Ooh Leela!
I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. I am however looking forward to 2011 (my brother is getting married in January and I am going on a trip in March :) :) :) I am also working on a 2011 goal (as we speak) and trying to come up with something really cute for my brother's wedding (it is a surprise, pics will be posted after 01/07 - stay tuned).
For now, have a **WONDERFUL** New Year.
If you have some time, show me some love on Facebook, will ya? Xoxo's!
This year I am going to try something different. I have made a small list of the things I would like to improve on and even accomplish in 2011. For those of your who missed it, click here.
Some of my accomplishments in 2010:
Went to the gym on a regular basis at least twice a week
Changed my eating habits - I feel so much healthier now
Maintained my weight while increasing muscle and lowering my body fat percentage
Got my wisdom teeth removed
Got in touch with old friends
Became a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor
Joined the blogosphere and I am loving every minute of it!!!
Worked hard but still found time to craft
Saw Buddy Guy and BB King in August
Saw Shakira in October
Saw my nieces and nephew in July <3, <3, <3
Major goal: Started my own line of unique dish towels, kitchenware and trendy accessories: Ooh Leela!
I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. I am however looking forward to 2011 (my brother is getting married in January and I am going on a trip in March :) :) :) I am also working on a 2011 goal (as we speak) and trying to come up with something really cute for my brother's wedding (it is a surprise, pics will be posted after 01/07 - stay tuned).
For now, have a **WONDERFUL** New Year.
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| http://moriahjovan.com/mojo/happy-new-year-pass-the-bleach |
If you have some time, show me some love on Facebook, will ya? Xoxo's!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
New Year's resolution
Hello readers! I hope you had an amazing Christmas! We had a great family get together... There was so much food... I All of us ended up eating a bit too much as usual. My favorite dish was the pineapple upside down cake my Mom made! What about you? What did you have for Christmas?
2011 is just a few days away and I wanted to take a moment to write down my goals and resolutions for the new year:
1. Visit my family more often
2. Spend some quality time with my grandparents (they are getting old and I feel I have so much to learn from them)
3. Volunteer at a kids hospital or a convalescent home
4. Grow Ooh Leela! and make it a profitable business by the end of the year
5. Learn how to make candles and soap
6. Add gift cards to the shop
7. Offer gift of the month club membership options
8. Post more regularly
9. Travel (Italy, Greece and Spain are at the top of my list)
10. Read more books
11. Keep my self-criticism in check
I am sure I will continue adding to the list, but this will do for now.
Have a great eve!
2011 is just a few days away and I wanted to take a moment to write down my goals and resolutions for the new year:
1. Visit my family more often
2. Spend some quality time with my grandparents (they are getting old and I feel I have so much to learn from them)
3. Volunteer at a kids hospital or a convalescent home
4. Grow Ooh Leela! and make it a profitable business by the end of the year
5. Learn how to make candles and soap
6. Add gift cards to the shop
7. Offer gift of the month club membership options
8. Post more regularly
9. Travel (Italy, Greece and Spain are at the top of my list)
10. Read more books
11. Keep my self-criticism in check
I am sure I will continue adding to the list, but this will do for now.
Have a great eve!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Santa Claus is coming to town! Yay!
There is no time like Christmas time. It warms my heart and it makes me feel all cozy and fuzzy inside. Oh, and giddy too. I must say that yesterday was one of the best days I have had in a long time. I still got up early and went to the gym and got my behind kicked (it feels awesome though).
Then I went to Chipotle, bought Leela (my silky terrier aka little princess - thus the name Ooh Leela!) a beautiful Christmas sweater, and spent the afternoon making beautiful jars full of cappuccino and hot cocoa mix. I plan on giving these to my family members, but they turned out so cute that I think I have no choice but to post them on Etsy as well. This was one of the first times I played with paper and it was magical. I did not feel the need to eat or sleep (even though it was past midnight by the time I was done) and I dreamt of these jars all night long. I hope they bring as much happiness to the recipients as they did me.
May you have a blessed Christmas and don't forget to thank God for all the good people and things in your life. Sure, giving gifts is fun but it is not what Christmas is all about. May you get to spend it with your loved ones, and may your heart be filled with joy!
Here are some snaps of my latest project! Enjoy!
Then I went to Chipotle, bought Leela (my silky terrier aka little princess - thus the name Ooh Leela!) a beautiful Christmas sweater, and spent the afternoon making beautiful jars full of cappuccino and hot cocoa mix. I plan on giving these to my family members, but they turned out so cute that I think I have no choice but to post them on Etsy as well. This was one of the first times I played with paper and it was magical. I did not feel the need to eat or sleep (even though it was past midnight by the time I was done) and I dreamt of these jars all night long. I hope they bring as much happiness to the recipients as they did me.
May you have a blessed Christmas and don't forget to thank God for all the good people and things in your life. Sure, giving gifts is fun but it is not what Christmas is all about. May you get to spend it with your loved ones, and may your heart be filled with joy!
Here are some snaps of my latest project! Enjoy!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Last minute gift ideas
Whew! This has been one super busy month, on so many levels. Work has been super crazy, but I am happy to say that I am officially on vacation (or staycation if you will) until the 3rd of January! Hooray to that!
For those of you who have been following the blog, you know that I am always on a budget and looking for good and sensible deals.
Here is what I have come up with for people on my list (I think it is a well balanced mix of handmade and store bought things):
Luggage set from eBay (highly recommended, super fast shipping and the bags are absolutely awesome!)
Handmade luggage tags (a new item for my Etsy shop - coming soon)
A Sharper Image foot massage thingy I found at Costco
Beautiful gloves found at Target (they are on sale)
Jars of homemade cappuccino and hot chocolate mixes (a new item for my Etsy shop as well, pictures coming soon).
Handmade coffee sleeve (new item for the shop too - SO cute! pictures coming soon too)
What is on your Christmas list? Share all your handmade secrets! Xoxo's
For those of you who have been following the blog, you know that I am always on a budget and looking for good and sensible deals.
Here is what I have come up with for people on my list (I think it is a well balanced mix of handmade and store bought things):
Luggage set from eBay (highly recommended, super fast shipping and the bags are absolutely awesome!)
Handmade luggage tags (a new item for my Etsy shop - coming soon)
A Sharper Image foot massage thingy I found at Costco
Beautiful gloves found at Target (they are on sale)
Jars of homemade cappuccino and hot chocolate mixes (a new item for my Etsy shop as well, pictures coming soon).
Handmade coffee sleeve (new item for the shop too - SO cute! pictures coming soon too)
What is on your Christmas list? Share all your handmade secrets! Xoxo's
Monday, December 13, 2010
Speechless
Ok, so I must admit that sometimes I give in to self pity... Ever since hubby got laid off last week I have sort of felt a little sad, especially because it happened right before Christmas. The lesson I was reminded of today is that I need to focus on positive things, and remember that I am loved and healthy and there is no money or job in the world that can buy family, love or health.
My brother has been living with me for the past 8 years and he is moving to a different country early next year. To make a long story short, he got my name tattooed on his arm today! When he showed it to me, he said with tears in his eyes that no matter where he goes, he will take me with him... I guess everyone has a way of showing their feelings. I love you little bro and wish you all the best on this new journey. You have taught me a lot and I could not have done it without you.
My brother has been living with me for the past 8 years and he is moving to a different country early next year. To make a long story short, he got my name tattooed on his arm today! When he showed it to me, he said with tears in his eyes that no matter where he goes, he will take me with him... I guess everyone has a way of showing their feelings. I love you little bro and wish you all the best on this new journey. You have taught me a lot and I could not have done it without you.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
More DIY holiday decor ideas
This week was a bit rough around here. Hubby was laid off and I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted. Ouch! The good news is hubby is in really good spirits and we truly believe that when a door closes two more open. Funny enough, this happened a day before my surgery and I must admit that I have never been so pampered in my entire life. He makes a great male nurse and I am loving every minute of it.
I came across two beautiful and super easy holiday tutorials this week and I wanted to share them with you. I have not had a chance to try making these just yet, so let me know how it goes.
The first one is a Christmas wreath, by Tania Willis of whatchu talkin bout willis? Tania is an amazing scrapbooking artist as well as super mom.
Source: Tania's blog
For step by step directions, click here.
The other tutorial I came across this week was made by Monica Ewing from the Crafty Nest. Monica is a web designer and a crafter.
Source: Crafty Nest
Find the tutorial here.
Have an amazing weekend everyone!
I came across two beautiful and super easy holiday tutorials this week and I wanted to share them with you. I have not had a chance to try making these just yet, so let me know how it goes.
The first one is a Christmas wreath, by Tania Willis of whatchu talkin bout willis? Tania is an amazing scrapbooking artist as well as super mom.
For step by step directions, click here.
The other tutorial I came across this week was made by Monica Ewing from the Crafty Nest. Monica is a web designer and a crafter.
Find the tutorial here.
Have an amazing weekend everyone!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tutorial: holiday/winter DIY centerpiece
Hello Ooh Leela friends! I know it has been a while since I last "saw" you, but this past week was absolutely crazy! Work was extremely demanding and I have a huge to-do list: more tutorials and material for the blog, I have been working on some nice projects for Ooh Leela's Etsy shop, I need to increase traffic to the shop, holiday shopping, etc etc.
I read a few blogs on a daily basis and it seems that everyone is on the same boat as far as to-do lists go. If you have any survival tips, PLEASE share (can you read the desperation?).
I don't know about you, but hubby and I always end up overspending during the holidays. We were at Costco last week and hubby wanted to buy me some flowers (isn't he SO sweet?), but I had an idea I had wanted to try for a few years and since we had already spent way more than our budget allowed, I said no.
I put this centerpiece together the other day and he loved it! He thought it was the coolest thing ever! So did my mom and friends. And the best part? It did not cost us a thing! And it makes such a huge impact!
Tutorial: DIY holiday/winter centerpiece
Material list:
Red maple tree leaves or any red leaves you manage to find in your yard
Pine cones (smaller ones are better): this can also come from your backyard
1 tall vase
Tree branches: I got mine at Michael's a few years ago
Directions:
1. Clean your vase, and add the pine cones to the bottom (appr. 1/4 of the vase).
2. Arrange the red leaves nicely, so that the red part actually shows. Mixing smaller and bigger leaves works really well.
3. Play with the branches. See what works best.
4. I chose to display a couple of candles on both sides of the vase because I think they compliment the design quite nicely.
And because the leaves are red, you can leave this up until Christmas. The only thing I would change is the candles. Perhaps use red candles, or Santa/Frosty?
Next up: Christmas baskets, decor and chair covers. A MUST see.
I read a few blogs on a daily basis and it seems that everyone is on the same boat as far as to-do lists go. If you have any survival tips, PLEASE share (can you read the desperation?).
I don't know about you, but hubby and I always end up overspending during the holidays. We were at Costco last week and hubby wanted to buy me some flowers (isn't he SO sweet?), but I had an idea I had wanted to try for a few years and since we had already spent way more than our budget allowed, I said no.
I put this centerpiece together the other day and he loved it! He thought it was the coolest thing ever! So did my mom and friends. And the best part? It did not cost us a thing! And it makes such a huge impact!
Tutorial: DIY holiday/winter centerpiece
Material list:
Red maple tree leaves or any red leaves you manage to find in your yard
Pine cones (smaller ones are better): this can also come from your backyard
1 tall vase
Tree branches: I got mine at Michael's a few years ago
Directions:
1. Clean your vase, and add the pine cones to the bottom (appr. 1/4 of the vase).
2. Arrange the red leaves nicely, so that the red part actually shows. Mixing smaller and bigger leaves works really well.
3. Play with the branches. See what works best.
4. I chose to display a couple of candles on both sides of the vase because I think they compliment the design quite nicely.
And because the leaves are red, you can leave this up until Christmas. The only thing I would change is the candles. Perhaps use red candles, or Santa/Frosty?
Next up: Christmas baskets, decor and chair covers. A MUST see.
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