Finding Bliss in Gerber Daisies

Lets make a deal. 

I promise to write about Blissdom but for now I want to only talk about sunshine and flowers. For you see, Blissdom was not as blissful for me.  The reason I blog is for friendships, to feel connected and to keep my sanity. My expectations of Blissdom were about meeting friends, hugging necks, swapping stories and strengthening bonds.  I walked away sad and frustrated.  

The day I stop answering comments and don't enjoy my blog is the day I quit blogging.

So actually my friends, I just made two deals with you!

Now for the flowers...

Ahhhhh, my favorite flower :)

~XOXO~

My Home My Style

I actually could have done without the cheesy models on the cover!

I love receiving "Premier Issues". I love Decor Magazine & Books. My name is Beachbrights and I am a Decor Book-Aholic.

I signed up to receive this complimentary issue of My Home My Style. I am a big fan of Work Bench Magazine (you can read my Going Green Spotlight) which is published under the same group, August Home. I love a magazine that gives you great ideas, basic instructions and is simple to follow. I guess you could say I am a sucker for an easy DIY project.

There are not a lot of bells & whistles in this magazine. The illustrations are helpful, materials list are resourceful and there are no advertisements. I can't figure this last one out but I like it!

Here are a couple of the projects that got my attention:

Cute "fold away" table. 

I love projects that make life easier!

Here is an example of how the instructions are laid out. This is for turning a door into a desk. I did this project here (without the tutorial).

This is an inexpensive project ($20 or less). I love how they used PVC pipe to create this wine bottle holder. Brilliant!

Again, a project that is practical and makes life easier. This is a very DOABLE project for all skill levels.

As you can see there is really something for everyone and every budget. The magazine has 63 pages without advertisements.

XOXO-

Ps. August Home, you really need to get on the social media bandwagon. Use your Twitter Account, Facebook Page and DIY-Decor Bloggers like me!  No need to sell me, I love you already and use your products. I make a great partnerships :)

My Valentine Idea via other Smart Women

I totally stole this Valentine's Day idea from LA*T*DA (via KatherineMariePhotography).  My plan is to make 20 of these for Max's Valentine party at school.

Here's what you need:
Sugar Cones (I bought from Kroger)
Cotton Candy (Dollar Store, 1 bag = 5 cones)
Cone Shaped Baggies (Hobby Lobby)
Ribbon
Card

Of course, these would not be Max's Valentines without some Star Wars gift cards.  You can download these cute Lego ones from Living Locurto.

What are you doing for Valentine School Gifts?

XOXO

Inspirational Dressing

XOXO-

Valentine Idea, Resin Jewelry & Sprinkles!

Yes, I had trouble with the title. So much to share!

This was my first attempt at making resin jewelry. I was surprised at how easy it was and how cute it turned out.  I plan on giving these to Max's special Valentine friends (i.e. girlfriends, teachers etc.).

Here's the scoop:

1. Buy this ebook.  I followed the instructions exactly but screwed up my first batch on the steps that suggest adding glitter to the back. It was a "hot mess" but then again I am craft challenged. So, I made another batch and just left off the last couple of finishing steps. No big deal. I am happy with the finished product.

2. I bought everything I needed from Hobby Lobby. The resin, molds and bales are with the candle making and tiles. The sprinkles are with the birthday/cake stuff. The ball chains are with the jewelry beads etc.

3.  Allow lots of time for drying and setting.

4. After you have allowed them to "set". Then you can add rings or bales (for necklaces).

5. Enjoy! These would be really cute with photographs, letter beads, stickers...really the sky is the limit. Be sure to watch the video links & tutorials at the bottom of this post. They will help you to understand resin and give you some more ideas.

Here's my work:

This one is mine :)

Good Luck!! If you decide to make your own, please post pictures to my Facebook Page!

HELPFUL LINKS:
Skinner Studio: How to embed paper into resin
If you want to buy them & not make them: Little Cupcakes Co.
Two Kitties and a Video - Really GREAT
Little Birdie Secrets
John W. Golden Part 1 Video

XOXO-

Getting Ready for Blissdom 2010 - Look for me!

I've been on the web today reading about the do's & dont's (how do u write this word?) of a conference and how to stand out.  So far I have more check marks in the don't category. So, you will need to look for me...


1. Look for me, my business cards are uninspiring. They are not odd shaped and do not contain bright colors. Blah.

2. Look for me, I don't have an elevator pitch. Hell, I can't remember to brush my teeth most days. I sure as hell do not know what my blog is about.

3. Look for me, I am terrible with names. Really terrible. Ask people I have known for decades, I still can't remember their names.

4. Look for me, I don't play the accordion. I am too shy to demand that kind of spotlight, stand-out attention.

5. Look for me, I will be the one with the grey hair roots. My next dye job is not until the Monday after the conference...because that's how I plan.

6. Look for me, I will be the one trying to dress up black yoga pants because nothing else fits and I refuse to walk into a Lane Bryant.

7. Look for me, I will be the one limping. Yesterday, I slipped on ice (in front of the Dollar Store, no less). When I fell, I hit my head which triggered a killer migraine. Then later that night, my Beagle knocked over a lamp. In my rush to check out the commotion, I stepped on the broken lightbulb. Barefoot.  Yes, people I can not make this stuff up.

So, what's a blogger to do?

Wish me luck!

A Perfect Fit

A Perfect Fit
Author: Lynne Garner
Publisher: David & Charles
2009
ISBN-13: 978-0-7153-35-17-8
128 pages, Color Photos & Illustrations

My Review:  This book is about creating personalized patterns for a limitless wardrobe. The book is divided into 5 chapters:
1. Getting Started: this includes measuring your body, supplies needed, calculating fabric and sewing techniques.
2. Draping Using Basic Blocks: this includes principles, bodice, fitted sleeves and the basic skirt.
3. Making your Paper Blocks: this includes pattern making, darts, dress block, loose sleeve block and trouser block.
4. Creating your Wardrobe: this includes tops, sleeves, skirts, trousers and dresses.
5. Extra Elements: this includes pockets, facings, necklines, waistbands, cuffs and collars.

I love the illustrations and pictures in this book. The instructions are laid out clean and precise with helpful pictures.  However, I think I need the pattern making book that comes before this one. I found myself re-reading, getting confused and having trouble understanding the instructions. I must note that I am a "simple seamstress". I currently sew with McCalls easy patterns. So, if you have sewing experience and want more creativity in designing your wardrobe, then this book is for you.

4 out of 5 stars.

From the Publisher: Using quick, easy-to-understand techniques this book brings the traditional couturier's method of creating bespoke garment patterns into the world of the home sewer. Unless you are one of the standard sizes dictated by garment pattern manufacturers (and very, very few women are), you will need to adapt a shop-bought pattern to make it fit you. Draping calico on your body following Lynne Garner's detailed step-by-step instructions results in a pattern block that is shaped to your body and works well in fabric. Learn how to then adapt your basic bodice, sleeve and skirt blocks to create a literally limitless number of gorgeous tops, trousers, skirts and dresses, all of which fit you to perfection. All you need to start your own Perfect Fit wardrobe is some calico, pins and a sewing buddy to help you out (you can return the favor so you both have bespoke pattern blocks).

Links:
www.rucraft.co.uk
Amazon
Amazon UK
Video Review


XOXO-
*Thank you Marie for this opportunity to review*