Purse-aholic

Versatile Hobo Handbag
$27.80

Another cute handbag at a great price! This week's is from Forever21.
Very versatile!

Recipe Share {Pasta with Eggplant}

Pasta with Eggplant
by The Pioneer Woman

This looks just yummy. And healthy! I think I will give it a try.

Personalizing Your Posts

Here's another tip for you avid bloggers out there. This one is fairly simple, but a lot of bloggers aren't aware of it. You can change "posted by" (seen at the bottom of each post) to whatever you want with these quick, easy steps. Personalize your blog and make it unique!

How to change "posted by" at the bottom of each post:



Be sure you are signed in to blogger. From the dashboard, select "layout." This will automatically take you to the "Page Elements" tab. You will see a large box that says "Blog Posts." Select "edit" in the bottom corner of this box. This will open a pop-up window for configuring blog posts. You will see a box that says "Posted by" your name. You can then change this to whatever you'd like. Be sure to hit "save" at the bottom, and you're all done!

P.S. I'd love to hear if this little tutorial was helpful to you. Thanks!

Old Salem Visit

I had an awesome day out with my hubby today. We went to Old Salem, a Moravian Community founded in 1766, now nestled in Winston-Salem. Salem merged with Winston in 1913, hence the name. Now, you can go there to shop, visit the museums, watch various craftsmen at work, or stop by the authentic bakery (home of the Moravian Cookie). We ate at the tavern (originally built in 1775). Luckily, it's only 20 minutes away, so we can visit often.

Here are a few photos I took today:

Toss your name in the hat!

Only a couple hours left to enter the giveaway at the b-line! Get your entry in by 11:59 tonight (EDT). I'm amazed at the number of entries so far. I'm going to have a lot of reading to do - so many great book recommendations.
Good luck!

Weather Girl Shop Giveaway

I keep on coming across great giveaways (I love twitter),
so I had to share this one too.
Aimee, from Weather Girl Shop, is offering a free print of your choice - all you have to do is enter the giveaway over on Kristin's Blog (Sweeter Than Me).
Read all about it here.
Below, are some of my favorite's from Aimee's shop.

Moon Bird Waiting

In This Boat Together

Finding A Mentor

Worth Quoting

Life is uncharted territory. It reveals its story one moment at a time.
~Leo Buscaglia

Tag! You're it...

I've been tagged! And for the very first time. Great timing too - I have the house all to myself. Thanks Amy! Here goes...

What's your current obsession?
My camera! We just bought a Nikon D60, so of course I am obsessed with taking pictures! Also, trying to figure out all the bells and whistles.


What's your weirdest obsession?
Cleaning! I must vacuum every day. I've always been a neat freak.

What are you wearing today?
Intending to exercise with the Wii Fit, I put on workout pants, a t-shirt, and sneakers. Maybe I'll go for a walk...

Why is today special?
I'm alive. And the sun is shining.

What would you like to learn to do?
Two things I'm really bad at: surfing and skiing. I need lessons!

What's for dinner today?
Maybe I'll just have a piece of this:


What's the last thing you bought?
I'm about to buy these. Aren't they gorgeous! And vintage!

Vintage Lotus Bowls

What are you listening to right now?
Lately? A lot of country music. Especially by these good lookin' guys:

Dierks and Keith

"And the sun is shinin'. This road keeps windin'. Through the prettiest country from Georgia to Tennessee. And I got the one I love beside me, my troubles behind me. I'm alive and I'm free, who wouldn't wanna be me..."
Keith Urban, Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me

What's your favorite weather?
Fall. I love when summer is just fading into fall, the days are a little cooler and there's a gentle breeze in the air. I call it "fair weather", because that's when the fair comes to town here in NC.

What's your most challenging goal right now?
Getting and staying healthy! (Maybe I shouldn't eat that pie I mentioned above.)

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
I just "met" her recently, and I think she is a lovely person. She's so sweet and helpful. And a chemistry professor. How cool is that!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Nestled at the bottom of the Sedona Mountains with this view out my back door:


Here's a picture of me (right) at the Grand Canyon about 7 years ago. I LOVE Arizona.
Favorite vacation spot?
Did I mention that I like Arizona? Anywhere that there's a beach. I haven't been to Paris yet, but once I do, I'm sure that will be my favorite. =)

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
This apartment seems to get smaller everyday, so a set of keys to a new house would be awesome!

What would you like to get rid of?
My stepkids. Just kidding!!!
I would have to say our van. Even though we've only had it a couple years, I'd like to trade it in for something a little smaller and more fuel efficient. Like the Saturn Outlook:


If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Could I go back in time? If so, I'd go back to early 2006 and savor every single moment I had with Aydan even more.

Which language do you want to learn?
French! So when I do get to Paris, I'll be able to communicate! Plus, I think it's a beautiful language.

What super power would you like to possess?
The ability to make wishes come true. Like Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeannie.


What's your favorite thing about the city you live in?
It's small but it's not. One minute you're in the "city", drive a mile and you feel you're in the country. Everything's convenient. I know it like the back of my hand.

What's your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
Anything that fits me well. I love my baby doll tops and have my eye on this one from Old Navy.


What's your dream job?
To be a labor and delivery nurse or midwife and share in the joy of bringing new life into the world.

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on?
Probably books! The current contest at the b-line has added tons to my gotta read list.

Do you admire anyone's style?
Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba, Angelina Jolie

Describe your personal style.
I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, but I like to compliment my outfit with cute accessories - jewelry, shoes, or handbags. Dress up a cute pair of jeans, and I don't think you can go wrong.

Who's movie premiere would you want tickets to?
It's a toss up between Johnny Depp, Clive Owen, and Hugh Jackman...swoon!

Who's closet would you want to raid?
Eva Longoria-Parker (love her style too), or any of the celebs named above.

What are you most proud of?
Right now? My husband. We've come so far and got through so much together. I couldn't have done it without him. We continue to grow each day, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I know that there is lots in store for us.

Now the rules of this tag:

1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.

2. Tag 7 other people you would like to learn more about.

Here's mine: Rowena (Red Ruby Rose), Leanna (Leanna Jackson), Genevieve (Genevieve Gail), Mia (Mia Beads), Deah (Carpe Diem), Betty (Betriska), Kristen (Sweeter Than Me)

Weekend Whimsy - Vintage

This week's collection is totally vintage. Enjoy!

• Metallic Rose Blouse by Allen Company Inc
• Milk Glass Vase by Maisy's Market
• Vintage Lotus Bowls by greatfindz
• Eelskin Purse by Allen Company Inc
• Golden Lattice Bangle by Mise le meas

Weekend Style - Catch Their Eye

These sandals + that dress + this vintage ring + this gorgeous bag = one awesome outfit

This little dress caught my eye the other day and these accessories I found today are the perfect match...

• This bag was inspired by the shape of tulips! Hence the name, tulip by morelle
• I love the bold colors and intricate details in this Anacaona Aztec Chiffon Dress
• Flat shoes for me (I'm 5'9), so these Blowfish "La Villa" gladiator sandals from RUCHE are perfect
• Complete with this retro red waffle button ring (vintage) by Mom O Matic

Etsy Day

Today is the first official Etsy Day! Stop by and support handmade!

Red Ruby Rose Giveaway

Rowena of Red Ruby Rose is having her first giveaway ever! You could win one of her magnificent, "swoonworthy" clutch bags. I own the luxury silk peacock clutch (pictured bottom left) - such outstanding craftsmanship!
Stop by her new blog for your chance to win!

Purse-aholic

I am a self declared "Purse-aholic."
So since I can't afford every one that I see and love, I'll be posting a new one here each week to share with all my fellow handbag lovers.
♥♥♥

I just discovered the online boutique, Ruche today. They have some great handbags among other items for women. This week's featured purse is called the Cubist Braided Tote, and is a pretty good price at $38.99.
I may just have to make this one mine.

giveaway at the b-line

Amy, the lovely lady behind the b-line, is having an April Giveaway over on her blog. One of my Mystic Flight Necklaces is up for grabs! Get your entry in by April 27.
Have a great day!

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!
I couldn't resist a collection of
upcycled, recycled, repurposed
goods from Etsy. Enjoy!

(clockwise)

Eco Bangle Bracelet Set - made from crafting leftovers -
by So She Sews
Mini Pink Garden recycled magnetic locket set - made from a recycled steel auto part - by Polarity
Purple Fans Flower Trio recycled felt applique pillow - made from 100% recycled felt from plastic water bottles - by Alexandra Ferguson (Etsy's current featured seller)
Bottletop necklace - made from recycled bottles -
by Minty Fresh Fusions
Sugary-Bright recycled notebook - pages made from rescued paper - by momerath

I want one!

If I ever get a dog, it will be one of these. Beautiful!

Great Pyrenees

New Items

Madame Butterfly

Tink

Summer's Romance

Cute Videos

I'm laughing my butt off at these two videos:

Kitty vs Evil Printer

Turntable Kitty

Worth Quoting

Life is full of beauty. Notice it.
Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces.
Smell the rain, and feel the wind.
Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.

~Ashley Smith

More

a few others that I love

buds

i heart u

weathered

trust

Weekend Project

I gave a boring antique nightstand this crackle finish a couple weekends ago. It was originally a very dark stained wood. I painted it antique white a while back to go with my bedroom decor. I love the Shabby Chic look, so I thought this would fit in well. I chose a shade of blue called kaleidoscope for the undercoat and heirloom lace for the topcoat. The crackle medium is colorless.

Supplies
furniture that you would like to crackle paint
drop cloth
two synthetic paintbrushes
crackle medium
*paint for undercoat
paint for topcoat

*paint should be interior latex with a flat or eggshell finish

Instructions
• The first step in this process is to prepare your piece for paint. You should sand it smooth if needed, but make sure that it is clean, dry, and dust-free before starting.
(as seen in picture #1 - thank you, Alvyn, for modeling the dresser)

• Protect the area you will be painting in with a drop cloth. Tape off any areas you don't want painted with masking or painter's tape.
(paints and crackle medium shown in picture #2)

• Apply the undercoat paint color according to the paint can directions.
Remember! This is the color that will show through!
Allow to dry four hours.
(see picture #3)

• Apply the crackling medium. It's important to distribute it evenly. If I were painting a larger surface, I would use a roller. It will crackle in the direction you apply the medium, so try to keep it uniform - if that's the look you're going for.
(see picture #4)

• Allow to dry at least one hour. This is the drying time the manufacturer suggests, but I recommend letting it dry overnight. You have up to five days to apply the topcoat.

• Apply the top coat. It's important to not paint over an area again and again. Try to apply your paint in one, even stroke. Excessive pressure can cause the crackle medium to roll up, so be careful - it's tricky.

• Remove any tape while it's still wet,
so it doesn't pull the paint off with it.
Allow your piece to dry thoroughly before use.
Voila!
(see picture #5 and 6)

Sharing

I've taken a ton of photos the last couple days. So many to choose from, but I picked a few of my faves to post here.
See more on my flickr page!

Weekend Whimsy - Spa Retreat

Treat yourself with a homemade getaway. Here are some of my top picks to have you relaxed and refreshed in no time.
Have a great weekend!

• Give yourself a gentle scrub with these crocheted 100% cotton spa cloths by JN Originals (available in various colors) - $14
• Create your own aromatherapy with a soy candle by Cottage Garden Therapi (you choose the scent) - $15.50
• Treat your skin with this Rose Honey Facial Masque with goat milk and honey by Faerie Made Soaps - $10
• Pamper your feet with these sweet Princess Sheba Slippers made of cotton and silk by sanbro - $25
• Cleanse your body with this lovely Demeter's Reunion Soap which is Faerie Made Soap's, "vision of Mother Earth's reunion with her child." Almost too pretty to use! - $6

I'm watching the "tea parties" on the news, tweaking the blog, and uploading pics from my romp in our town's new botanical garden. (Pics posted tomorrow) Just got Photoshop and have NO IDEA how to use it. Yet. About to watch the rest of "Seven Pounds" with my hubby. What are you doing?

Happy Easter

And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.
~St. Augustine

Weekend Whimsy - Easter

Happy Good Friday everyone! Here is a collection of items inspired by Easter. Have a blessed weekend!

Sky Blue Lace Headband by Garlands of Grace - $10.99
Rabbit Print by e.soule - $70
Andie Earrings by the b-line - $19
Shy Print by Amber Alexander - $18
Porcelain Egg Votive Soy Candles by Revisions - $12.95