The ArtsyGirl Connection

Edit Me Week #10 ~Photo Editing / Linking~

2012-03-07T05:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Mid Week Friends!!

Hope you are having a beautiful week so far.

I am happily participating in

'Edit Me Week #10'
Hope you enjoy my edited photo here today!

How beautiful is this magnificent horse?!?

Photo provided by Little Adventures ~Amy!

*My Edited Version*

Original Photo Submitted By Amy!

.................................................
WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR
FAVORITE THINGS EVER..?
Snap...Capture... Share...Link & Join us...

FINAGLE A FOTO
{Favorite Things Challenge}
Happening NOW... Would LOVE to see your shots..
......................................
Thanks SO much for stopping in today.. Wishing you an amazing morning..

Mason Jar Lanterns... Revisiting.. Seasonal Inspirations

2012-03-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

Top of the morning to you friends..
Who else has the worst spring fever ever..?
I DO.. I DO!!!
I have been revising some of my spring/summer projects from last year as I craft up some
fun new ones to share with you.. Lots in the works.. Hope you stay tuned.. These mason
jar lanterns (I still have them just waiting to go out on the deck) are one of my
FAVORITE things I have crafted up ever... I loved the simplicity, yet very stylish
chic look, and totally enjoy having them out especially for dinner during the
spring summer months. Gives our table an added extra pretty touch!
Spring / Summer Patio Decor
Beach Themed Mason Jar
....Lantern Tutorial!!

I was happily featured for
them at ItsSoVeryCheri
.....................................................
I LOVE summer nights by the fire pit out back or simply just having dinner
outside with the family on the patio. I thought of a way to bring my favorite
summer getaway "THE BEACH" to the mix and decided to create these
romantic summer evening mason jar beach theme lanterns. They
are so dreamy and turned out perfect!

I even realized, maybe when not on the deck outside or hanging in the tree in the back
yard, these actually make for great accent decor in and around the house..

Hope you enjoy my tutorial... Lets Jump in...

Artsy Items Needed
Mason Jars (any size of your choice)
Spray Paint (I used Krylon Make It Stone Textured Paint)
Flowers
Craft Starfish
Wire
Wire Cutter
Glue gun w/ glue of course ;))
(Please excuse the red rope, I meant to use
it but didn't like the look in the end)

Ready...?
To begin, I simply spray painted my jars with the spray paint I purchased. I wanted the jars
to look stained with sand so this paint is actually absolutely perfect to give you that
wet stained sand look. I coated the jars twice very lightly to get the look as
pictured. One time was actually enough, so use your own discretion to
get the look you want for the jars.

Once the jars where dried, I took some gold wire and wrapped it around the
openings a few times around. I cut the wire and weaved the end a few
times around until securely in place.

I then made a handle for the jars to hang. To do so, I simply measured the wire
across leaving enough room to cross over. I looped and weaved it around both sides
to securely & tightly hold the jar up. (Lift it up afterwards close to a
tabletop to ensure that it'll hold up steadfast when you hang it up later)

Once the loops for hanging where securely in place, I wanted to spruce up the jars
and make them look more beach like. I decided to add on some off white
coral flowers and some craft starfish to the jars.

To do so, I simply found an angle and glued the flowers
and starfish to the jars. Tadaaaaaa...All Done!!!

These jar lanterns where so simple and fun to craft up. They can be used as
lanterns for your patio, or even simple and pretty decor for around your home.

I really hope you enjoyed my tutorial & find a moment
to add a lil jazz of fun to your warm mid-summer nights ahead..

THANKS SO VERY MUCH AGAIN FOR BEING HERE..
Stay Artsy....

Implementing Little Changes...

2012-03-05T18:30:00.001-08:00

Ohhhhhh!!

See, what I see..???

*~ ITSY BITSY C H A N G E S AROUND ~*

H o p e you are all having an a m a z i n g week so far!

As you might have noticed, I am renovating a teeny bit around here this week!

Please bare with me.. It's time for spring cleaning!!

Your Thoughts..?

Would LOVE to know your thoughts and feedback's..

It's been a while, and with my OCD, creating a header I LOVE has been challenging!

Overall, I will be implementing resourceful tools to make YOUR lovely visits here

much more pleasant, rewarding and FUN.. Hope you can bare with me!!

*Wishing you ALL an amazing Monday!*

Finagle A Foto #3 Favorite Things....

2012-03-04T07:34:00.003-08:00

Top of the morning to you lovely friends stopping in today.

Hope your Sunday has been a fun filled day thus far.

* It's Week #3 of Finagle A Foto *

Today's theme is Favorite Things Provided

By Challenge Winner Melanie Via Happy Jax!

..................................

One of my favorite things to do is.... Get lost in a cold glass of

milk and some chocolate chip cookies! YUM!!!

...............

That's of course when I'm not totally loving playing dress up and watching my

curious little Sia discover the world around her each day... Lots Of FUN!

What's YOUR Favorite Thing To Do..?

Care To Shoot And Link..?

Please join us in linking your favorite things in shots for the challenge theme

this week.. Can't wait to see what you have in store!

FUN FOTO TIPS (Source)

Each time you spot a subject, snap a shot and then move in closer for a better shot.

Having your subject almost fill the frame helps your viewer understand and appreciate

your photo. Also, details are often more interesting than an overall view. Keep moving in

closer until you are sure the photo will successfully represent your subject.

..........................................

READY TO SHOW OFF YOUR SHOTS...? PLEASE DO!! :)

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*The Rules Are As Simple As Can Be....*

*YOU MUST HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS POSSIBLE WITH YOUR LENS*

1. Please be a follower HERE and of my Co-Hosts *Kirsten & Melanie*

Feel free to show off shots that lead to your perfected photo of choice!

{Lets us know to follow YOU too so we stay connected!!!}

2. MUST be your OWN shot, please do not finagle other's work.

3. Please Link Back To Your ORIGINAL Actual Photo Post.

4. Please display Finagle A Foto button on your post.

5. Help Us Pick A Winner VIA LIKING YOUR FAV'S

6. Winner gets to help us choose the challenge themes..!!

7. Visit around and check out creative versions of the focal point of the week!

*NEW CHALLENGES WILL START EVERY SUNDAY*

LET'S SNAP SNAP AWAY....

Finagle A Foto #2 Winner

2012-03-03T04:50:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely friends stopping in today..

It's officially the third week of Finagle A Foto and we are VERY excited

to introduce you the lovely and amazingly talented Melanie Via Happy Jax...
Why You May Ask..?

Well, because she ROCKS and even more so because she is joining us as a co-host
to make our challenges just THAT much better.. Please join me in welcoming
HAPPY JAX~ HEART & CREATOR ~ MELANIE!!
Brief Re-Introduction To The Hosts Of Finagle A Foto
Marilyn Via The ArtsyGirl Connection
The Foreign And Domestic ~Kirsten
Happy Jax ~ Malanie
Hope you can join us along our journey to many fun discoveries with our lenses..
..............................

FINAGLE A FOTO #2

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
.....& the winner is
MARTIN via PhotoLifeSite
** Congratulations Martin.. **

What a fantastic and delish photo :))..I seriously want to try this..
Thanks for linking.. Really hope you are back again this week!
Please snag a button and show off..

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...........................
*~Next Challenge Theme~*
From the lovely winner last week, Melanie Via Happy Jax's focus is
..... FAVORITE THINGS ....
Excited to see all your amazing shots tomorrow.. Please stop in and link away...
Until then... Snap Snap Away!!!! Wishing you a perfect weekend!
~STAY ARTSY~

Beat The Winter The Blues.... Slight Changes...

2012-03-03T04:44:00.001-08:00

Good day lovely friends..

Hope everyone is having an amazing weekend so far.

This weekend's "Beating The Winter Blues" will be cancelled due to some

fun changes happening surrounding the linky party.. Please bare with Jane and myself

as we configure out things to freshen up the linky for the best party we can invite

you to join in on.. Next weekend will be FUN, different and fitting for the seasons..

SPRING SATURDAY'S WILL PREMIERE!!!!!!!!!

Starting next weekend, please join us for fun spring inspired projects to kick off

your crafty seasonal creativity.. Can't wait to see all your fun links and featured creations!

Soooo much in store.. Please stay tune and bare with us!

Wishing YOU all an amazing weekend..

~Stay Artsy~

Spring Flings...Revisiting & Sneak Peaks

2012-03-02T06:20:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends stopping in today..

I have a serious case of SPRING & Nesting! It snowed for one of the

first times this winter (So Bizarre!) but it really snowed and stuck! Not complaining BUT

I was starting to get used to the idea of SPRING in February! Hehee. That's what the weather

has been like around these parts most of winter.. To keep my mood within the spring

forecast and start working on spring projects, I am revisiting some of my past spring posts and

sharing a sneak peak of some fun spring projects coming up that I am happily participating in!

What are YOU crafting up for Spring..?

Spring / Easter Napkin Rings

I LOVE Napkin Rings....I made these awesome napkin rings last year and still use

them around the house. They are fun, very springy and easy to get done. Total love
affair with buttons and petals.. Have a glimpse at my fun tutorial below..

1 2 3 Fun & Easy Steps!!!

How easy..? I LOVE spring projects and really look forward to spring cleaning around

our home soon. Absolutely one of the best times.. Great weather, LOTS OF

BEAUTIFUL flowers and fresh air.. MMMMMMMMM!!!!

............................................................

SNEAK PEAK: {Fun Projects}

~Coming This S P R I N G !!~

*Springing Into Spring*

I am excited to join in on a fun project coming soon, hosted by the lovely

Jane via Adventures In Dinner... It's based upon spring with so many fun lineup

of exciting projects and features.. The will be some garden projects, some amazing

spring on a budget tips to jazz up your wardrobe, home makeovers and SO much

more.. I can't wait till it kicks off.. Stick around and spring into spring with us!

....................................

Crafters {Stash} Swap

I am also very happy and can't wait to share in Crafters {Stash} Swap hosted by the lovely

Danielle from Blissful and Domestic coming soon sometime next week! Have a lot of scraps

from projects and need to revamp and restock your craft stash..? Join us and get matched

with the perfect person to swap a stash with, and reorganize your craft space!

I AM BEYOND thrilled and can't wait for this project to launch SOON!!!

.....................................................

DO YOU HAVE ANY PROJECTS COMING UP FOR SPRING..?

Please let me know as it's my favorite time of the year and I would LOVE to

totally indulge in your creativity and take on some crafting with YOU!!!
SHARE YOUR SPRING FUN HERE!!!
Simply comment and leave a link to your upcoming spring
projects and I will stop in and have a looksey / share with my friends!
.................................
Wishing you an amazing Friday and a perfect start to your weekend!
~STAY ARTSY~

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #23 ~Linky Party Day~

2012-02-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

Great day to ya friends...It's another beautiful

*Pin'Inspirational Thursday Linky Party Day*
Join me on Pinterest and lets stay inspired through creativity!!!

..............

Thanks to YOU ALL for linking last week!
**So Many Amazing Links**
*T O P F I V E {5}!*
*All Featured On My Pinterest Boards!!*
1.2.3..Adorable ..Via 52 Mantels!
Birthday Timeline! Pin'It!

Fly Fly Fly cAuUte! Via Southern Lovely!
Air Plane Parrtaay! Pin'It!

I h.e.a.r.t this--->Rainbow Cake!
Via Alderberry Hill! Pin'It!

The Cutest ~ DIY Birthday Pennant
Via ReMadeSimple! Pin'It!

Oh'SoOo Dreamy!!Via Little Green Bow!
Valentines Tent! Pin'It!

More Features That I loved And Pinned!!!
1. Sure Can Craft 2. Ode To Inspiration 3The Simply Living . 4. Moments With The Montanos

READY TO LINK YOUR CREATIVE PIN'INSPIRATIONS??

**Teeny Rules To Please Observe**

1) link your great projects - AS MANY AS YOU WANT!!

2) follow myself and wonderful CO-HOST-host Jane

3) grab a button from myself and Jane!

4) link to an exact post and not your general blog url!

5) link up photography, recipes and crafts ~ No giveaways/businesses.

6) have a fab time exploring great ideas, leave

lots of comments and meet someone new...

7) tell a friend so they can join on in and be pin'inspired with us!

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY TO P A R T Y!

Dear Diary.... Personal Trainer Fiasco

2012-02-29T07:26:00.001-08:00

Good morning lovely friends stopping in today..

How many of you have so far kept your resolutions faithfully pertaining to

the ridiculous task that is eating to live and working out to look ungodly like

Jillian Michaels..? Really though, who wants to look this good?

I’m really almost 100% positive she’s in a bubble set to

photoshop her every move!! “I’m watching you Jillian!!”

"I Can See through that grin..." LOL!

..........................................

Anyway, I read this HILARIOUS article that made my cheeks hurt from laughing

and seriously thought it’ll be fun to share with all of you out there, who think you

are alone in HATING your trainer’s and gym routines no matter how many devilish

hot guys are prancing around all week long… “Hunks get boring if you have to

work to sneak a peak!”. Why can’t everything in life be free..?

............................

I wish upon anyone looking at me to be hypnotized by Tony Robbins as

in “Shallow Hal” and stay mesmerized forever.. Heeheehe!!!

Dear Diary.....A Woman's Week At The Gym!

This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.

..........................

Dear Diary,

For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years

ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and

made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a

26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started!

The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

________________________________

MONDAY:

Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it

when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a

Greek god -- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines... I enjoyed watching the

skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class

after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already

aching from holding it in the whole time he was around.

This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!

_____________________________

TUESDAY:

I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie

on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My

legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding

smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.

____________________________

WEDNESDAY:

The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving

my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was

OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club

members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when

he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster.

Why would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete

by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape

and enjoy life. He said some other crap too.

_______________________________

THURSDAY:

Butt hole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin,

cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour

late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes.

He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking,

I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny witch to find me.

Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.

___________________________

FRIDAY:

I hate that jackass Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other

human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic,

little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move

without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.

Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps!

And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the darn

barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition

teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer,

like the drama coach or the choir director?

________________________________

SATURDAY:

Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering

why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the

machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV

remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

________________________________

SUNDAY:

I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD

that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift

for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had

wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

.................................................

I laughed SOOO hard reading this that my cheeks really hurt! I can SOO relate!

It's SO rewarding to go to the gym and feel great, but I HAVE to admit the process of

getting there can be really draining and somewhat like THIS when you have a trainer

and those very rather in shape girls all around you.. I just wanna SCREAM!!!

LOL.. Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.. It's hard enough to

hit the gym, why not hit it with humour.. Now everytime I see a trainer,

I'm going to burst out laughing and be dying to ask the person training

how much they hate their trainer after the pretty spell wears off!!

*Wishing you a super fun Wednesday!*

STAY ARTSY!!!

Fancy Facials With Cooking Goodies..Birch Box Bash

2012-02-28T13:26:00.004-08:00

Great Day To Ya Friends...

What's In Your Birch Box..?

Today, I am participating in *Birch Box Bash* and will be sharing fun facial tips

and tricks, for easy and quick face cleansing /moisturizing using household kitchen ingredients..

Wanna join in..? Head on over to

Vintage Gwen and Feeding My Temple Blogs and share.
..................................

Quick & Easy Facial Scrub Recipe

Pin It

Lemon, Sea-Salt & Olive Oil Scrub!

One of my favorite homemade recipes for a quick, fresh and well worth it facial on

any given day within my home consists of “Sea Salt, Olive oil
& Lemon Juice"ALL found right inside my kitchen…

The Lovely Facial Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil
Olive oil is going to nourish the skin, leaving it incredibly soft.

1/2 tsp sea salt

Sea Salt when applied softly to wet facial surface helps with

the removal of dead cells and improves micro-circulation as well.

Half Squeezed Lemon Juice Optional

Lemon juice is great for bacterial removal, removes

excess oil, and a great complexion enhancer

{Increase quantity and store in a cool area for use within the week}
.............................
For use, simply wet your face with warm water (rinse any make-up prior to washing),
apply scrub and gently scrub your face and leave on for about 15minutes. Rinse off
with warm water thoroughly. Finish up by splashing on some cold water and dry.
All Done.. Fresh, Clean, SOFT and Beautiful moist face!!!

................................

Quoting The Cleansing Bible!

The correct way to cleanse and freshen up your face each day is to start with some warm
water to help open your pores and allow easy access to removal of bacterial that
could cause skin problems, pimples, and the likes. After washing thoroughly with
warm water, and your daily additional cleanse agents, always splash / rinse your
face with cold water to close in the end. This assists with closing off your
pores throughout the day to prevent extra oil and bacteria from entry.
.....................

One Great Facial Must Have ~ Retinoids (such as Retin-A)
Removes the top layer of dead skin cells, generates collagen in skin..

I use ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream…
.................

Hope you enjoyed my fun and easy facial scrub recipe here today. There are TONS
of easy homemade recipes you can find online using ingredients right from your kitchen!
I'm sure you have a favorite or two.. If so, please share them with me.. I LOVE brown
sugar scrubs as well.. So tasty ----oops, YES I tend to dip a finger in there and taste
the magic.. lol.. Please stop in if you have some fun tips and share them in the bash!
Go HERE & LINK AWAY

Thanks SO much for stopping in today..

~STAY ARTSY~

Sinful Revelations...{Blueberry Sauce...}

2012-02-26T14:47:00.002-08:00

Hello there...

Are you a saucy type of gal..? I am!

I LOVE sauce on pracitcally almost anything...Especially

Fruit Sauces! My Favorites...Yummmmm!!

*Homemade Blueberry Sauce!*

Pin It

....................................

Today, I made some blueberry sauce for breakfast with some French toast,

and made A LOT to last us all week long <--This means, I will be cheating quite

a bit on my diet around here.. *Shrug*.. Really worth this goodie!!! It's really easy

and a great way to add some extra sweet madness to deserts around the home!

Ready To Conjure Up Your Own..?

You'll need these ingredients to get started...

5 Cups Fresh Blueberries

4 Cups Water

2 Tablespoon Honey

3 Tablespoon Fresh Squeezed Lemon (Juice only)

2 Cup sugar

.........................

To begin, pour sugar and water in saucepan on low heat.. Stir and allow sugar to melt,

allowing it to simmer for a few minutes. Add in your blueberries and lemon juice. Bring

to boil and simmer for about 10minutes. Add in your honey, stir and simmer some more.

I allowed my sauce to simmer on low heat until it was at the thickness level I like.

.................

You can do so or store your blueberry sauce and allow to sit and thicken a bit as

well. Remove from heat, allow to cool and serve warm or cool over your

favorite breakfast, ice cream or simple sinful delight...

..................

YUMMY!!! I made enough to store in a jar for the week!

This is really to DIE for! It's great on french toast, crepes and especially ICE CREAM..

I served mine over vanilla and blueberry Cabernet! The Cabernet added a nice

extra flavor to the mixture.. SUPER DELICIOUS!!! I KID YA NOT!!!

Hope you get to create this goodie and enjoy it sometime..

Thanks SO much for stopping in today.. Wishing you all an amazing start to your week!

Linking

Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Beat The Winter Blues

~Stay Artsy~

FINAGLE A FOTO #2 {Sugar...Spice....Everything Nice!!!}

2012-02-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hello friends.. It's officially week two of Finagle A Foto
with another cool fun focal point to shoot and capture!!!

Are you ready..? Here's the theme of the week ...

Sugar & Spice......& Everything Nice!

I thought it'll be cool to shoot/feature a brown sugar mold cake, some paprika

for spice/cinnamom & these wire candles that totally made me happy...

They Made up for my "everything nice".. : )) One of my favorite

things I've shot all week.. ...Amazing sweet scents all around..

...............................
This challenge theme / focus is really one of my favorites.. I can't wait to see all
the amazing perspective everyone has.. It's going to be a fun challenge!!
Ready To Show Off Your Shot..? Please Link Away Below!! ;))

*The Rules Are As Simple As Can Be....*

*YOU MUST HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS POSSIBLE WITH YOUR LENS*

Feel free to show off shots that lead to your perfected photo of choice!

1. Please be a follower HERE and my Co-Host *The Foreign Domestic*

{Lets us know to follow YOU too so we stay connected!!!}

2. MUST be your OWN shot, please do not finagle other's work.

3. Please Link Back To Your ORIGINAL Actual Photo Post.

4. Please display Finagle A Foto button on your post.

5. Help Us Pick A Winner VIA LIKING YOUR FAV'S

6. Winner gets to help us choose the challenge themes..!!

7. Visit around and check out creative versions of the focal point of the week!

*NEW CHALLENGES WILL START EVERY SUNDAY*

LET'S SNAP SNAP AWAY....

Finagle A Foto Challenge #1 WINNERS

2012-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends stopping in today, I am very thankful to all

the wonderful blogs that participated in Finagle A Foto #1 challenge last

week. It was a great success and featured SO many amazing shots! If you missed

out on the beautiful links featured, please stop in and recap here!

Top Two &WINNER ~ B&W Texture Shots!

Per YOUR "Likes" the winner of
B&W Texture Shot is

M E L A N I E Via Happy Jax

Ahhh...

that smile.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<~Most adorable lil darling!!!

...........................

The runner up is Martin Via Photo Life Site!

I heart NYC ~ Very lovely and beautiful shot!!!

............................

Please stop in and say hello to these lovely photographer's..

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL WHO LINKED UP!!!!

Are you ready for next week's challenge..? The theme is

SUGAR & SPICE {& EVERYTHING NICE!!!!}

Go crazy with your focus and link up your best shots that relate to anything

within the sentence above.. Submit the shot you love the most to enter into

this week's focal point... I can't wait to see what you all come up with!!!

LINKY OPENS TOMORROW TILL FRIDAY!

JOIN US ~ Hope to SEE your shot in the mix!

Wishing you an amazing evening...
~Stay Artsy~

Sweet Sponsors ~ Rachel Via Family Ever Ever!!

2012-02-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

Hello friends stopping in today.. Have you had a chance to look at my updated

lovely sponsor list lately..? I am thrilled to have some fun new blogger's featured
these last few weeks and will be introducing you to one today!

I am happy to present and share my newest sponsored blog Family Ever After
with the lovely Rachel. She's such a wonderful lady with a great heart and a
wonderful inspiring blog that is totally relatable and radiates creative outlets in
every aspect. I hope you enjoy getting to know her and can stop in and say
hello sometime.. Without further due, please join me in welcoming my
newest sponsor and bloggy friend Rachel...
...................................
Sponsor Guest "Family Ever After"
Hello! I am Rachel, and I am super excited to be blog swapping with
the awesome Artsy Girl Connection today!

My blog, Family Ever After, is my excuse for "continuing education." I was a
Family and Consumer Science Education in major in college, and I enjoy converting
my every day living into a life of its own on the blog. Basically it's a big mish mash of
sewing, crafting, food, family, travel, gardening, clogging, pictures,
my thoughts, and a link party on Friday night.

A bit more about me:

My husband I and grew up in South Dakota, and we have 2 daughters and 1
son (ages 6, 4, and 2). My family is everything to me! I'm very passionate
about letting my kids "help" me do projects, and if it
wasn't that way, I'm sure my blog wouldn't exist!

Here are a few of my favorite projects/things I've done:

Dressing up as Cinderella for my daughter's summer party.

Sewing a full coverage nursing shawl for my sister. (Tutorial here).

Making French Dinner Crepes.

Designing and sewing a few Halloween
costumes for my daughters--a rollie pollie.

Annie.

The Corpse Bride.

Making bows for my girls.

Decorating!

Traveling.

Christmas Tree Advent.

Hosting Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties.

And taking pictures of it all!

The last thing I want to share is that I'm
having a sewing competition on my blog!!!

It's a spin off the show "Survivor" and is going to be loads of fun!

Anyone is welcome to enter (and you don't need to have a blog).

Just click this logo on my blog to see the thread of posts so far.

Auditions are being held until end of February!

And they live... Family Ever After!

See you there!
......................................
Isn't she so creative and crafty..? I just adore her! Please stop in and visit Rachel at
her beautiful blog sometime.. I promise, she's TOTALLY worth chiming in to and
getting inspired.. I am joining in her sewing competition to help sharpen my skills a bit..
Join me.. Lets Sew Together With Rach!!! Hurry, Feb is almost over!!!
........................
Thanks SO much Rachel for sharing here today, and welcome officially as a
lovely sponsor here via The ArtsyGirl Connection. I look forward to SO much fun
inspired blog creativity and fun with you.. Wishing you ALL an amazing weekend!!
~Stay Artsy~

Beat The Winter The Blues.... Linking To Warmth...

2012-02-24T18:33:00.002-08:00

How are you beating the winter blues...?
Did you miss all the fuzzy love linked up last week??
If so, no fret, hang in today and be inspired!!!
..................................

Last week, I was happy to see some really incredibly awesome links
that totally WOW'D me!!! Wanna see..? I'm totally sharing with you!!!
FUN FAV FEATURES FROM LAST WEEK!!
Cozy up with Kim's amazingly beautiful burlap sconce
via Made In A Day!! How cute and creative..?

Create A FUN and Activity packed Summer Bucket List With Kelly Via

Little Wonder's Day's! I have SO much to stuff into my list!! Woohoo!!

............................

Join myself and the lovely Jane today in finding unique and creative

way's to beat the winter blues...What have you got to link..?

SHARE ALONG WITH US...

To join in:

1) Add your specific blog post and and not just your general blog URL

2) Visit at least two other people who join and leave them a nice comment

3) Be a follower of The ArtsyGil Connection & 'Adventures in Dinner'

4) Grab a button so that more people will share next week

5. Link YOUR blues away...
Lets Party!!!

Call Me.Some Time.For Something New. Lets Have A Drink & Do Dishes!

2012-02-24T16:09:00.001-08:00

Hello friends stopping in today.. Hope everyone is having a great start to their

weekend.. I am continuing in February Photo A Day Via FatMumSlim!

Here we go.. Hope you enjoy my shots... : ))

..............................

"PHONE"

Bought this phone at a yard sale last year! I just

love it.. It actually still works!

SOMETHING NEW

I still adore my Christmas present as if it where yesterday!!! My old car was
incompatible with the road.. It just hated to function!! SMH!!!

"TIME"
Daddy's Watch!

"DRINK"
Blueberry Martini! Yum!

"Something I HATE To Do"

..............Simply Stated --THE DISHES!!!

......................................

That's All For Today.. Until Next Time.....SNAP SNAP AWAY!!!

...................................
Please stop in tomorrow for the winner / newest photo challenge for FINAGLE A FOTO!!!
Hope you can link up and snap away with us!! SO MUCH FUN!!!
Photo Focus Clue ---Sugar.... Spice...... Hmmmmmmmm!!!!!
Wishing you a perfect weekend ahead....
~ STAY ARTSY~

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #22 ~Linky Party Day~

2012-02-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hello friends.. Happy Thursday to you all.. Hope things are swell.

I am yet again Pin Inspired.. ARE Y O U.?!!

Hope so, as it's Pin'Inspirational Thursday and

you get to snag some inspiration, link up your own,

create, share and show off your BEST with smiles!!

*Special Thanks TO ALL Who linked Last week*

List Of Fun Favorite/Most Viewed Links
...................................................
Hoo Loves You..? "I DO-I DO!" *SO PRETTY!*
Via The Seven Year Cottage ~Pin It!

Look At The Den <--- YES PLEASE DO as I H.e.a.r.t it!!

Via Dixie Delights ~ How chic..? Pin It!

This is SUPER creative! ~ Log Moss Gardens! Pin It!

A Martha Special Via Janel at Hating Martha!

Via the ALWAYS amazing Nifty Thrifty Things..

Cozy Up To Some AMAZING Homemade Chai! Pin It!

Yes Please~>Buttermilk Cupcakes W/ Cherry Frosting

Shared Via A Spicy Perspective!Pin It~
Thanks for sharing Natasha!

.........................................
How AMAZING are these FANTASTIC features..?
Thank YOU all for linking! Hope you are inspired!!
Welcome again tonight ~ please feel free to P A R TY!
PLEASE LINK AWAY ~"Create, Share & ROCK ON!"

**Teeny Rules To Please Observe**

1) link your great projects - AS MANY AS YOU WANT!!

2) follow myself and wonderful CO-HOST-host Jane

3) grab a button from myself and Jane!

4) link to an exact post and not your general blog url!

5) link up photography, recipes and crafts ~ No giveaways/businesses.

6) have a fab time exploring great ideas, leave

lots of comments and meet someone new...

7) tell a friend so they can join on in and be pin'inspired with us!

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY TO NOW P A R T Y......

..............................

Glimpse Of Life.... & Edit Me ~ Photo Linking...

2012-02-22T11:03:00.001-08:00

Good afternoon friends.. Hope everyone is well.. I have been very under

the radar lately and I want to apologize if I haven't been over to say hello,

indulge in your creativity and just be ME... So many happenings...

.........................

'Thyroid Surgical Procedure'

...Any Experiences Out There..?

Recently, I was told I needed to have my thyroid nodules removed due to various issues

it has been causing me, from shortness of breath, choking sensation and swelling. For lack

of better words -- I AM REALLY REALLY FREAKING OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

......................................

Although I didn't want to share this, I figured I should as to get feedback from

people who have had the same experience as I HAVE A MILLION QUESTIONS...

I am a rather private person, but sharing this and getting your opinions on my questions

if you have had the same experience will mean SO much to me as the more I read, the

less confidence I am in having this procedure comfortably for myself.. HELP!!

Any advice / more insight to this procedure would be SINCERELY appreciated!!!

Has anyone had thyroid problems and had to result to surgery..?

What was your experience per your surgery..?

How have you healed..? Can you recommend anything to avoid serious scaring.?

How did you choose a Doctor right and comfortable for you..?

How are you coping now after surgery..? How long did healing

take for you / readjustment to normal levels of hormones..? Any regrets..?

Please let me know your story if you share this, or know someone close who does.

I am BEYOND petrified but would really love to hear from other's who have

already been through this and can shed some light as to what to expect..

THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE.

.........................................

EDIT ME WEEK #8

How DARLING is our subject for edit today..?

Bree via His Honey & Her Mommy !!!!! I LOVE IT!!

* My Version / Edit *

Original Photo

.......................

Linking Here

PS: This week's challenge coming up SUNDAY for FINAGLE A FOTO

is " Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice {You get to capture as much within this

sentence as possible!! How fun!!!?!} Get your camera's and FOCUS...

Link up this Sunday with us!!!

Thanks SO much for stopping in today..

Wishing you all a HAPPY week..

~Stay Artsy~

Happy...In My Closet ....Blue...& Heart! {Photo Linking}

2012-02-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Continuing In FatMumSlim's Feb Photo A Day Challenge...
Here are my shots.. As ALWAYS, I apologize for the delay.. I take my shots
during the week, but finding time to edit is always a challenge..ESPECIALLY with
my OCD about photography.. Hope you enjoy the few I have today..
PS: join in my own photo series happening HERE

February Photo A Day Challenge

"Makes You Happy"

Collecting Old Photography..
~ I Collected these from the Molly-Brown House In Denver CO~

"Inside Your Closet"

My Nana's Jews...

"Something B L U E"

*Blueberries..YuMmY!*

"Heart"

.....I h.e.a.r.t. Candy!

...........................

Until Next Time.. Snap'Snap'Away...

.....................

Don't forget to link up and show off your

photography via my new series Finagle A Foto!!

Thanks For Stopping in...

*Happy Sunday*

~Stay Artsy~

FINAGLE A FOTO #1 {Black & White Texture Shots}

2012-02-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely friends stopping in today.. Hope your weekend is swell.

Grab your camera's and show me your shots today as we kick off

F I N A G L E A F O T O #1

{Focus Shot ~ Black & White Texture}
This is a shot of dirt in the back yard. I was out playing with the kids
and loved the piles of sticks still around in the dirt..

........................

Today's focal point is Texture (Black & White Photography). Shooting texture surfaces

are a lot of fun. It's always great to see it displayed via an item, surface or through added

overlay to a photo. Angles can add SO much life to texture shots. Want to read more

to help in finagling the BEST shot you can achieve possibly..? SEE HERE!!!

..................................

I am VERY excited to see all the wonderful photography to be shared and the amazing

increase in photo knowledge /use of camera /focus over time!!! GOOD LUCK!

*The Rules Are As Simple As Can Be....*

*YOU MUST HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS POSSIBLE WITH YOUR LENS*

Feel free to show off shots that lead to your perfected photo of choice!

1. Please be a follower HERE and my Co-Host *The Foreign Domestic*
{Lets us know to follow YOU too so we stay connected!!!}
2. MUST be your OWN shot, please do not finagle other's work.

3. Please Link Back To Your ORIGINAL Actual Photo Post.

4. Please display Finagle A Foto button on your post.

5. Help Us Pick A Winner VIA LIKING YOUR FAV'S

6. Winner gets to help us choose the challenge themes..!!

7. Visit around and check out creative versions of the focal point of the week!
*NEW CHALLENGES WILL START EVERY SUNDAY*

.........................

THAT'S IT!!!! ARE YOU READY..???
**Don't Forget To LINK Your Blog For A Free Review HERE**
SNAP YOUR HEARTS AWAY!!!

...........................
Thanks SO much for stopping in and joining us today...

Sponsor Love... ~The Turquuoise Piano~

2012-02-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hello friends..Hope you are all having an amazing start to your LONG weekend!

I H E A R T ❤MY SPONSORS!!!

I LOVE ALL my sponsors and want to say SPECIAL THANKS

to ALL of them for being here and always keeping me INSPIRED!!!!!

...........................

I am VERY excited to introduce you to one of my

newest sponsor's here KELLI via The Turquoise Piano! She's a creative force of

nature and has the cutest, inspirational and amazing craft blog! She will be sharing a

bit about herself today and some of her wonderful and favorite crafts.. Hope you

enjoy Kelli here today and can stop in sometime and indulge or say hello..

PLEASE WELCOME THE LOVELY & ARTSY KELLI!

Sponsor Love ~ The Turquoise Piano

................................

Hello everyone at The ArtsyGirl Connection! I am so excited to be sponsoring and

posting on Marilyn's very inspirational blog. I've been a follower

for a long time and I can't wait to get to know you all!

My name is Kelli. I have a two year old daughter who wears me out every day and a

husband who is still my best friend. My little bloggy is called The Turquoise Piano, named

after none other than the piano I painted turquoise. Today I'm going to share some

of my favorite projects with you. I try to do everything as a tutorial, so come on

over if you see something you like and want to know how it's done!

......................

I love Anthropologie so I try to copy lots of their stuff.

This one is a lamp shade I made with burlap and a thrift store lamp.

My first big upholstery project was this settee that I found at a garage sale for $20!

This one is also an Anthropologie vase knock-off (seriously, LOVE the store).
Can you believe that the flower was made with plastic spoons!?

I am also a home stager and I LOVE decorating and redecorating my own house.
This is my daughter's room. Many of the things in it are DIY'd.

Last, but not least, I wanted to show you this simple frame that I use each season as a wreath.
This one was my Christmas and New Year wreath.

I can't wait to meet all of you so come over to The Turquoise Piano
and say hello! And thanks, Marilyn, for having me! Muuuuaaahhhh!

...........................................
THANKS SO MUCH FOR JOINING US KELLI!
Hope you all get a chance to stop in, say hello and BE INSPIRED!!!!!!
Wishing you all an amazing LONG weekend..
~Stay Artsy~

Beat The Winter The Blues.... By CRAFTING!!!

2012-02-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

Good morning lovely friends.. Happy Saturday.. Its been

a weird winter on this end with far from any snow. NOT that I am complaining

but does this mean summer will be here in MARCH..? HA! THAT will be NICE!

I am co-hosting alongside Jane Via Adventures In Dinner Today!

How are you beating the winter blues where

ever you are..? ME, I'm crafting for SUMMER!

Collecting idea's, pinning away and trying to stay sane till I can grab my beach chair

and hit snooze in the fun somewhere by the beach!!! Here are some great crafts

to help you prepare for the summer along the way.. Craft your blues away!

.......................

From the The long Thread ~ Kids Crafts For Summer!

A Long LIST of FUN and creative crafts to help

prepare YOU and your lovely family for summer months!

....................................

I absolutely LOVE all the fun ideas! Join in and lets craft the blues AWAY...

*Beating The Winter Blues ~Linky Party!*

To join in:

1) Add your specific blog post and and not just your general blog URL

2) Visit at least two other people who join and leave them a nice comment

3) Be a follower of The ArtsyGil Connection & 'Adventures in Dinner'

4) Grab a button so that more people will share next week

5. Link YOUR blues away...
Lets Party!!!

Healthy Quick Lunch Alternatives! ~ Salad In A Jar!

2012-02-17T06:41:00.000-08:00

Good day lovely friends stopping in this morning.. T G I F ~Whew!

What's In YOUR Lunch Box TODAY..?

Lunch from home? Or hefty overpriced

cafeteria lunches around your office..?

If you are like me, you find yourself really pissed for paying $10 for a far from 1/2

star cafeteria prepared meal that you could have easily whipped up from home for

half that price! I always try to grab something from home but I really swear

ALL my clocks at home are set to work against me no matter how early I

start my day! {Joke was on THEM this week} as I managed to prepare

a lunch every evening before bed, to ensure I could grab it and

run out no matter how late I was running! HA!

.....................................

Quick, Healthy, & Simple Lunch

Alternatives ARE the WAY To Go!

Simple & Delish ~ Salad In A Jar!

Pin It

................................................

*Dressing Up Your Jar In Layers*

I LOVE Balsamic Vinaigrette, so I made some using

3Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil,

I Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar

1 tablespoon water, 2tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon sea salt & 1/4 tablespoon pepper!

Blend/Mix all these ingredients together. Shake well and BAM

(totally di the Emerald Voice! lol) ~ enough for likely two salads to go

depending on how much dressing you like on your salad!

............................

Your dressing is the first layer of your jar...This way it's not mixed with

everything allowing for everything to remain above and crisp till lunch!

Next, layer your jar with some

Red / Green Pepper slices ; Some Cherry Tomatoes

Some Cauliflower Slices ; Some Shredded Chicken

Some corn ~ I bought a mixed can but you can use fresh corn!

Your greens of choice and lastly a little bit of feta on top!

.............................

You can throw whatever you like into the jar and arrange it in order of what you will

like closest to the dressing (I wanted my peppers to be soaked in dressing is why

I have it far underneath to marinate!). Place in fridge the night before work in a

tight lid container of choice to remain sealed and ready for you to quickly snag

for your lunch box on your way out! How easy, healthy & VERY FUN!?

..................................

LUNCH TIME ~ SHAKE IT UP WELL & HAVE A HEALTHY,

QUICK & $$$$ FRIENDLY LUNCH OPTION WITH SMILES!

I H.E.A.R.T the lovely colors all around the jar! So prettttty!

Do you have quick and fun recipes to GO to beat the lunch rush and safe a pretty

penny? SHARE THEM WITH ME PWEASSSSSSE!!! I'd love to know

WHAT'S IN YOUR LUNCH BOX TODAY!!!

.....................................
Thanks SO much for stopping in today.. Wishing you
an amazing start to your weekend.. I have a kick a*#$ 80's party to attend
tonight.. Can't wait to show you how I traveled back into my era! HA!
~Stay Artsy~

Finagle A Photo ~Starting This Sunday~

2012-02-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Good day friends stopping in this afternoon!

I am VERY excited to introduce you all to a BRAND NEW

FUN Photography Challenge premiering this Sunday!!!
F I N A G L E A F O T O
"Photography Helps YOU See"
A weekly photo challenge hosted and brought to you by Kirsten
via Foreign Domestic and Myself (The ArtsyGirl Connection!)

Interactive Photo Challenges.

YOU the winners of each week will pick

a theme for focal point for chellenge shoot.

Fun & Adventurous Scavenger Hunts

Cool Editing Tricks/Tips

Foto Recipes/Tools For Better Photography Focus
...................

Brush off your lenses and gear up.

Join us this Sunday for our first challenge focus

~ BLACK & WHITE {Texture}!!!~

.................................

My Personal Insight On Texture Shots

"I've found that great texture shots can be made from angles

parralel to the texture surface. Lower aperture for crisp

image is always a great key to beautiful texture shots!"

Want some tips for great texture shots..?

scoot on over and check out these awesome TIPS!

.........................................

Hope you can join in this SUNDAY..

SO much in store...

SNAP AWAY WITH US!!

SEE you Soon...

Blog Loving ~* A Better Blogging Review Series #1 ~*

2012-02-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

Good morning lovely friends stopping in this morning..

Hope you are having an amazing start to your day.

*Blog Loving ~ A Better Blogging Series*

Join in for a free blog review / a chance

to help review a blog!!!Your reader's

insights are key to successful blogging!

.............................................

Ever wanted to know what your reader’s thought of your blog..? I DO, who doesn’t…? ..

Although we get awesome, creative cute comments and inspirations to tweak things to

meet periodic creative goals, at times I often wonder, what else do YOU think..?

What would you say I needed to improve upon or change..?

What would you like to see more of, or recommend

to improve upon YOUR visits here..???
...............
Well, I figured NOW is a great time with the new year in full swing to

BE IN THE KNOW and simply COME OUT AND ASK YOU!!!!

What's Your Take On It..?

.....................................................

I am co-hosting this awesome series 'Blog Loving' with some lovely ladies

who will all be joining in to assist with feedback's, successful blog tips on engaging

your reader's, tips on maintaining a healthy and effective blog schedule and a great

chance to get your reader's personal perspective in helping you mold the best blog

space you can for your content, and who it's reaching creatively and as

effectively as possible! Want to join in.? Hop along...

Yesterday's focus was STATS, in case you missed it, HERE is the LINK!

** The Lovely Blogs Hosting **

The ArtsyGirl Connection

Life In The Thrifty Lane

Blissful And Domestic
The Gingerbread Blog
Chez Mukweto
Team Pancakes.

* * *
How The Series Works

1. Enter in your blog to join into the series by responding, leaving your

blog name and displaying the Blog Loving button per your own blog.

2. All blogs entering will be assigned 1 random blog to creatively review

and a free blog review in return as well from an anonymous source.

(We will email you the blog info, you review and email back your assessments of
what you loved the most,what you think could be improved upon, and what you
didn’t like upon your visitor could be changed from a reader’s perspective)

3.. As an incentive to YOUR own reader's to take advantage of the series, we ask that

you freely by choice if you see it fit, blog about it and link back with ONE (or two)
blogging recommendations you would LOVE to see more of, OR not (this also
adds to engaging your reader's. By posting, your reader's can join in the series,
and leave you their feedback on your thoughts pertaining to your blog and
give you their own recommendations!). The List will stay open

for entry for 6days and only one entry per blog is required.

(List Closes After #60 to ensure everyone gets a great review timely)
4. You wouldn’t be given any info as to who critiqued your blog. Everything will

remain anonymous and private. Your email will only contain what was said
pertaining to the reviewers respective and private insights. We ask that
you keep your reviews private as to what blog you do review.

5. To help us all gain awareness and take notes as to what our blog communities

perspective on things are as a whole, each of us will post a variety of great
tips received from assorted anonymous reviews that could help us
all maintain the best creative content, reader friendly, easily
assessable info and functional blog space we can.

*Helpful Hints To Help With Blog Critique*

Upon arrival at a blog, how does the layout suit a reader? Is it easily

User friendly and assessable? , can you navigate and find content

you will like to read more about easily..?

Are there any bandwidth issues causing you to wait long to view the blog?

Is the font easily readable? Are the colors too bright or not?

Is content,posts, photo’s etc engaging..?

(A photo can say a million things in just one view, I know personally that I

am engaged immediately upon seeing a fascinating or great image

within a post to happily dig in and read more about it)

.............................................

That’s it… How exciting..! I really look forward to learning and picking up

great blogging tips and more from ALL of us together…

{Please be sure your email address is listed on your blog for contact)
Hope you can join in....I am VERY excited to learn new bloggy tips,
insights and SO much more! Wishing YOU all an amazing day!

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #21 ~Linky Party Day~

2012-02-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

Pin'Inspired Lately..?

Hope so, it's Thursday and my FAVORITE pinterest party is H E R E!!!

Pin' Inspirational Thursdays ~ Linky Party Day
where YOU are allowed to create, share and HAPPILY S H O W O F F!!

*PS:
Be Sure To Join In Blog Loving Series Today!!

FREE BLOG REVIEWS

Sign up HERE to join in on the fun!
..................
If you missed all of last week's inspirational links and features, catch up
now and snag some inspirational creative features shared!!! Here are your
favorites and most visited from last week's Pin' Inspired series..
You Totally Pin' Inspired Me
~ Last Week's Top Links~
Via I Can Find The Time ~ I A D O R E This creative
Fabric Silhouette Nursery Wall Art ~ Pin It Here!

Via These Wing Loft ~ Pin'It HERE~
The most adorably CUTE ~ Candy Love Letters

LOVE this Cheesecake! Yum!

Via De-Gulle-Aarde Pin It Here!

Another AMAZING Cheesecake Via Hungry Happenings

LOVE LOVE these "conversation hearts" ~Pin It Here!

Aren't these ALL simply amazing..? LOVE all the features from last week. So amazing!
THANKS SO MUCH TO ALL WHO LINKED UP!!!
Ready To Show Off Today..? Link AWAY!!!

**Teeny Rules To Please Observe**

1) link your great projects

2) follow myself and co-host JaneArtsy

3) grab a button from myself and Jane

4) link to an exact post and not your general blog url

5) link up photography, recipes and crafts ~ No giveaways/businesses

6) have a fab time exploring other people's great ideas, leave lots of

comments and meet someone new

7) tell a friend so they can join on in

Lets PARTY!

Blog Loving 101 ~ KNOW YOUR STATS!

2012-02-15T05:36:00.000-08:00

Good morning lovely friends stopping in today. Hope everyone is enjoying their

special day dedicated to love and appreciation for our close friends and family!

Anything special YOU'VE got planned..? I am really not a big V'Day fan, never

been but I did get my little ones some special valentines treat for the day!

..............................

*Spreading Some INFORMATIVE Love*

I wanted to take a moment to share some fun tips and bits of blog user friendly

information with you that I’ve discovered overtime to help us all enhance our

blogs, to create and advertise the BEST creative blog brands we have to offer!

Coming THIS Thursday

Blog Loving ~ A Better Blogging Series!

I will be hosting a Blog Loving Series (A Reader’s Perspective) starting this Thursday

alongside 5 other lovely and experienced fun blogs if anyone is interested in joining!!!

It’ll feature FREE BLOG CRITIQUING activities from anonymous reader’s of yours

to share their insights on your creative spaces and help you enhance your reader’s

overall experience during their visit to your blog! You can sign up HERE for now

but the series / post will be officially open and public this Thursday!!.

.........................................................

Before I jump in, please note that these are all my observations in terms of MY

BLOG and what knowledge I have developed over time. I would LOVE to hear

your perspective to enhance anything, pick up a new “Know How”and any

information YOU have to offer as well, so PLEASE feel free to share..

“We are ALL in this together as Jane will say!”

………………………………………………….

*B l o g Loving *

Knowing Y O U R STATS

Have you ever wandered WHERE and HOW you gain or get traffic to your blog..?

Worry NO more!. Today, you can check your blog statistics by simply heading

over to your “Design Tab” of your blog and clicking on the second tab next to

design “STATS” . Stats is an incredibly amazing featured tab that allows you to

view and track your traffic sources from all time to even TODAY pertaining to

where and when reader’s gravitated from to your blog and their interests!

* * *

Determine Your STATS

~ Social Media & Networking ~

What can you determine from knowing your stats..?

A GREAT overview of how your blog is performing in terms of *Traffic Source* .

Which posts where a HIT? Which Topics seem to interest your reader’s more..?

Are you gaining more visits from social networking..? Which ones..?

How can you improve upon your social networking

with your reader’s, friends and for your brand..?
……………….

Social networking channels are great tools to use to promote your creative

showcase on your blog. YOU are YOUR BEST promoter! By applying to
social networks and doing some actual networking with friends, you can GAIN so
much back in return! Pinterest, twitter,facebook and social media tools of the likes
plug into Google, allowing your blog great hits in terms of search bars all around
the GLOBE! By commercializing your brand through networking, you can gain
further access to reader’s and interested parties all around the world you
would NEVER think of reaching!!!
................
Tweet Tweet Tweeeeet!Retweet!

Tweet YOUR STUFF! Promote YOUR creative posts Via twitter
(You’ll be surprised HOW FAR A RE TWEET can travel!)
To encourage your bloggy friends to lend a hand with promotional assistance and
spreading the word on things you’ve created, HELP them out by retweeting posts
you find interesting as well. (One hand washes the other and iinformation can
SPREAD like wild fire via twitter between #hashtags and Retweets!)
REAP REWARDS from Your social media…
* Facebook Interactions*

Your facebook page should not just be a source of collecting “Likes”, use it as a

tool to interact with some of your reader’s that spend more of their social networking
time via facebook rather than blogs. (I am guilty of not using my facebook page a lot,
BUT when I do, it’s nice to see how many people respond!) Check your interaction
stats on facebook or subscribe for monthly feedback's on how your page
is used by your subscribers to stay informed on those stats!
*Pin Away For Day’s*

I'm On PINTEREST! Are YOU..?
We spend a LOT of time pinning away other’s creative niche and idea’s for hours on

pinterest, why not do the same for YOUR crafts, recipes and more..? It’s VERY effective
to ADD your own board to pinterest to feature YOUR sole creativity dedicated and
LINKED BACK to your blog. Repin’s can travel VERY far and it’ll surprise you how
many pin’s can derive from ONE repin across the web! Always check your pinterest
stats, see who is repining and what they are repining of yours. I heart pinterest and
so does the world, why not show yourselves a little love??? ADD a “Pin’It” button
to your posts, and always POST your final products to your personal blog board
on pinterest (this avenue will serve as advertisement to people who might NOT be
reader’s of yours but seeking idea’s pertaining to something YOU created!)
* Content Safetey / Advertisement *

Did you know that you can use your stats to find and pick up links that have hosted

your work that you do not necessarily know about..? It’s sometimes aggravating to
know that a post was used, suggested and the likes without your knowledge, but in
this day and age, it’s hard to keep track of ALL your information no matter how hard
you try. It’s great to stumble across an honest few, who link back, mention or direct
their reader’s to where an idea derived from and mention your source. Using stats, you
can pick up on those links and be able to visit the many blog’s that took a moment to
mention YOU as their source for inspiration, but didn’t have time to let you know..
...................
Go on, browse around and see where and who displayed or mention your
beautiful features! This feature in Stats is one great one to frequently check out
and pay those blogs a visit to say thank you, read another person’s perspective
of your shared idea and see what other reader’s not familiar to you think about
your creativity and features! Knowing your stats is a GREAT resourceful tool to
getting to knowing the true value of your blog and your features! Scroll over
whenever you can, and enjoy knowing how far you’ve traveled and cater to
the needs of the most interesting topics and posts of your readers.
Show YOURSELF a little love that pays off effectively!
DO YOU KNOW YOUR STATS!?! GO CHECK!
...........................
Hope I helped a bit in knowing a little more about your blog and collecting
data on statistics pertaining to how your blog is doing. Please feel free
to share your own insights and idea's that you've learned and stumbled
upon. Would LOVE to hear your point of view and tips.
...........................
SIGN UP FOR A FREE BLOG CRITIQUE SESSION
FROM AN ANONYMOUS READER *HERE*
This months session will be public and open to apply for
tomorrow, but don't wait, enter today and get signed up..
Wishing YOU all an amazing midweek!
~Stay Artsy~

Front Door & Self Portrait & Edit Me...~{Feb Photo Challenge!}~

2012-02-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Good day friends...Continuing in my FatMumSlim's

February photo challenge with today's focus as

"Front Door" & "Self Portrait"

...........................

Front Door

When One Door Closes, Try Your Hardest To Pull The Next One OPEN!

Self Portrait

"Despair..?" ...........Hmmmm..
{Had to re-edit a photo I took not too long ago}

.......................................
My Version Of The Edit Me Photo Of The Day

Photo Before My Edit Above

.......................
Linking With

~Thanks For Stopping In Today~

~Stay Artsy~

Happy Valentines Day From Our Crafty Lil Hearts To YOURS!!

2012-02-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

Top of the morning to Y O U ALL & a

SPECIAL HAPPY VALENTINES DAY ❦

...............................................................................

I would like to take a moment to thank ALL the blogger's that joined in

and featured a Valentine craft, recipe and love story during my special

Crafty Lil hearts Series. Hope you all enjoyed, where inspired and

made some new friends along the course of day's. I sincerely appreciate all the

time dedicated into making the series a splendid one and succesful. Please

take a moment to stop in and catch up on anything you missed here.

❤SPECIAL THANK YOU TO❤

**Crafty Lil Hearts Bloggers**

~ Here's a recap of ALL the wonderful features ~

.........................................................................

Janel Via Hating Martha ~ Featured "Poor Man's Beef Wellington" ~YUM!

Trish Via Sweetology ~ Featured A Cupcake Struck By Cupid's Arrow ~ So Darling!

Cynthia Via Mr. & Mrs. Pancakes ~ A BEAUTIFUL Love Story!

Tricia & Bonnie Via Uncommon Designs Online ~A lovely Chevron Heart Plaque

Maysem Via Ode To Inspiration ~ WONDERFUL Love Notes In Paris

Myric Via Petites Passions ~ The Sweetest Tags "Coloring Valentines"

Emily Via 52 Mantels ~ Sweet Sentiments Valentines Frame

Melanie Via Keeping Up With The Cantelmo's ~ An inspiring Love Story!

Ashley Via Cherished Bliss ~ The cutest DIY Valentines Cards

April Via The Gingerbread Blog ~ A Few Valentine AMAZING Crafts

Daniella Via Anchor's and Away ~ A lovely Valentine Printable to LOVE!

Mally Via Sincerely Mally ~Hot and STYLISH Valentine FASHION 101

Danielle Via Blissful & Domestic ~ A Unique and awesome LOVE story!

.........................................
Hope you enjoyed these lovely ladies here this month!!!!!
SINCERE THANKS for sharing and being featured here.. What an amazing series!
Can't wait for you to see more of what you lovely ladies have in store all year
round. Link up and visit! Totally amazing blogs!!!! Stay tuned.. Love is in the air
all around here..Wishing you an incredibly amazing day....

From Our Crafty Lil Hearts To Yours...
* HAPPY VALENTINES DAY*

Crafty Lil Hearts Feat The Amazing ~ "Blissful & Domestic" & A Love Link Party!

2012-02-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

Good morning lovely friends stopping in today.. Hope everyone had an amazing weekend!

Today marks the last day of my Crafty Lil Hearts Series and although I'm rather sad it's
coming to a close, I am really excited to get to introduce you to my last guest sharing

a LOVE story here today. You might already know her, but if so, here's a bit more
about her and her beautiful family. Before I turn things over, please be sure to LINK
up ALL your Valentine projects below and share in the Love Linky Party
as we countdown to Valentines Day tomorrow. SO MUCH LOVE IN THE AIR!
Please welcome the amazingly creative and beautiful spirit behind the blog

"Blissful and Domestic" ~ Danielle.

Hi lovelies! I am Danielle and I am visiting from Blissful and Domestic.
I am so excited to be here today. I get to take a break from blogging about
My Homemade Year and I get to gush about the greatest guy ever!
Yep that's right I get to talk about the hubbs. M asked me to
write a little post about my love story.

I was seriously tickled pink!
A whole post gushing about that man I love so much....
Sign me up!

So I know you probably don't want a whole post about how awesome
and gorgeous my Hubby is....

Really he is when he's not making pirate faces

See I told ya!
I will spare you from those lovey dovey details, but I will brighten
your day with a few funnies from our early history together.

So I met my hubby 6months after I graduated high school.

Yep I was 18 and he was 22.
He had just come home from a two year mission in New Zealand.
Incase you haven't figured it out yet we are Mormon.
We were set up on a blind date.

See the red head in this picture?
Well she wanted to date the cutie next to her, but Chuck wouldn't
go on a date unless his friend had one to....

that's where I came into the picture.

He called me up one night asking me out.....
I had never met him, but I was definitely liking him through the phone lines.

He's always been good at making me laugh
We decided to go bowling and he would pick me up.

if I remember right..
He described himself as being way over 6 foot and quite a buff guy,

In walks Chuck and this man who is definitely not 6 ft.
not even close, but he was buff
This basically set the tone for our relationship.
I never know what to expect, which is probably why I love that man so much.
When he first met my parents, my husband had quite a conversation with my mother.

She was fishing for information.

She knew I was head over heels for this man
She needed to know what kind of future he would provide.
Here is how their convo went......
Mom: Jason what are you wanting to do with your life?
You know what kind of job do you want to have?
Jason: I want to be a song writer
cue me looking quite stunned at the man sitting next to me
he didn't even play a guitar or anything.......no music background
Oh and never had he once mentioned this dream as a song writer
Mom: Oh that's interesting. Have you written anything?
Jason: Nope, but I am thinking of starting
cue me busting out laughing, while my Mom has this confused look on her face.
Looking back now I am sure she was thinking "really this is the man she wants to marry"

And yes that is exactly it.
I knew pretty soon into the relationship that he was the man
I wanted to laugh with forever.

6 months later we were engaged and 6 months after that we were married.

1 year later we had a sweet baby boy

We've been married 9 years
We have moved about 8 times
Driven through 7 states together
served 5 years in the army
(well he did...I was the support)
2 deployments
had 2 kids together
and have seriously had a blast!

through all the late night giggling
(I giggle he laughs)
Netflix marathons
Sing out loud to Tobey Keith in the Car ride alongs

It has been THE BEST.

I am so blessed to be married to my best friend.
I can't imagine life being any sweeter, than when I am with him
Sorry had to gush a bit
Thank you M for letting me share a bit about myself and the hubbs.
I would love to get to know you all better.
Come and say hi.
I have a fun Valentine's Day Linky Party going on

and hop on over to find out more about how The hubbs and I are
having a Homemade Year!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Follow me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Browse my Pinterest
Follow me with BlogLovin Send Me an E-mail Link up at My Party
...................................................
Isn't she darling..? I LOVE your story Danielle, SO beautiful and filled with fun
and laughter! You two are SUCH a cute couple and I wish you MANY more
amazingly HAPPY years to come.. Thanks SO much for sharing here today!
It's always such a pleasure and an honor to have you. Happy V'day To YOU!
..............................
VALENTINES LINKY PARTY❤
Thanks SO much for stopping in everyone, hope you enjoyed Danielle's
beautiful story here today and can stop in and say hello and indulge in her
amazing BLOG sometime..Before you leave, please join me in showcasing a
BEAUTIFUL selection of all your Valentine crafts and SO much more here
today! Spread and share some love while linking away
and staying inspired.. Wishing you all a HAPPY WEEK!
~Stay Artsy~

Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

I Love Fashion ~ Crafty Lil Hearts Featuring ~The Fashionable MALLY~

2012-02-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies, what's on your agenda for fashion this Valentine..?

Any fun dates arranged..? I am VERY excited to introduce you to

this amazing and INSPIRING fashionista MALLY sharing a few fun looks

to WOW your special somebody with V'day just day's away!!! Mally is serious

FASHION Icon in my world, I love to stop in and pick up on fun trends and looks

all year round. I LOVE that she has NO boundaries and mixes up SO much I wouldn't

necessarily think to do on my own. Having a closet malfunction any day..? Head over

and REVAMP your look with things you already have and stay stylish!!

..........................................................

Crafty Lil Hearts ~ Fashion Inspirations

Introducing The Stylish & Fashionablee Sweet MALLY

Via .Sincerely Mally.

Want the look..?

Pistachio Blazer - Thrifted/DIY

Romper - Stitches

Purse - Thrifted

Bracelet - My Bff

Ring - Express

Earrings - Ardene

*A Bit About Mally*

Mally is a Fashion lover from Bermuda. Currently pursuing a Masters

Degree in Public Administration but prefer to be styling people all day :) My style is

simple with an occasional pop of pizazz! My inspiration for VDAY will always be

pinks and reds but I wanted to stray away from the little black dress look!

The look with the pink skirt is just a representation of my personality!

VDAY is supposed to be a fun day and that outfit is just that.

............................

The second look is a bit more dressed up and just my remixxed version of 'love day' :)

Keep It Playful, Chic and FUN~!

....................................

Want to keep in touch and style with me any day..? Stop

in and check out my lovely blog *Sincerely Mally*. Would LOVE your opinions,

style tips and so much more you have to share. Loved stopping in today and hope

my styles help enhance your V'day idea's to WOW your special someone!

*Happy Fashionably Stylish Valentines *

.Sincerely. Mally.

....................................

Isn't she WONDERFUL ??? I Adore the pink look. I am usually not a pink

fanatic but would TOTALLY rock that out for Valentines day.. LOVE! Hope

you enjoyed Mally here today and can hop over and join her in SO many

more fashion adventures. Thanks SO much for joining in today Mally.

Sincerely appreciate it.. Wishing you all a Happy Sunday..

~Stay Artsy~

Pinterest Inspirations.. ~Valentines I DIG~

2012-02-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

I am TOTALLY ecstatic to see all the amazing valentine crafts, photo inspirations and

SO much more all around the blog world. It's been so lovely and amazing! I had

a minute today to splurge a bit and goof off on pinterest and some blogs I LOVE!

Here are my findings... V'Day Inspirations I DIG!

...................................................

LOVE THESE COOKIES!! Screams LOVE!!

Via Cake Journal ~ Valentines Heart Cookies

Lisa Kisch ~ Valentine Rice Krispies Treats

*Super Yummy* How adorable is this recipe..?

LOVE this table setting.. SO Lovely..

Via Gypsy Purple Home~Tumblr

& one of my FAV'S....

Via Whipperberry ~ Crayon Hearts

.........................

What have you pinned today..? Join me on my boards HERE!

Happy Valentines ~ Celebrate LOVE!

Crafty Lil Hearts..{Featuring The AWESOME Daneilla~Anchors Away}

2012-02-11T05:07:00.000-08:00

Happy weekend friends. I am continuing in my Crafty Lil Hearts
series today with a fun feature from an amazing bloggy friend I adore. *Daneilla*
She is a great person to get to know and truly terrific at heart. I adore her humour, her
easy going personality and her wonderful blog via Anchors Away...

I admire Daniella not only because she is a military mom but she is creative, features
SO many inspiring posts from crafts, to real life touching and amazing stories totally
relatable to anyone. Please stop in sometime and join in on the fun. YOU are missing
out if you aren't a friend yet.. Please welcome Daniella here today~
...................................
Crafty Lil Hearts
Daniella Via Anchors Away
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Hey all! I'm Daneilia from Anchors Away. I'm so excited that my bloggy bff Marilyn

asked me to come guest post on her amazingly crafty site. She is seriously

a sweetheart and I can't wait to add to her hearty goodness.

......................................

Just a short little intro about me. I'm a California girl born and bred. I'm married to

my teenage sweetheart and we have our little sweet pea L who is in the fun toddler stage.

I have my bachelor's degree and very excited to go for my Master's hopefully by the end

of the year. I'm a new soldier for the US Army waiting to go to basic training. Goodness,

I think I'll leave it at that. If you want to know more come visit my blog and/or

shoot me an email. My life's journey is interesting and amazing.

Definitely keeps me on my feet :)

Here are a few things I've done:

Today, I'm sharing with you all a Love printable. It's a branch off of KEEP

CALM AND CARRY ON. But I did this in the name of Love. So in the midst of

all the things you may go through at home or wherever. You can look at the

printable and remind yourself to KEEP CALM AND LOVE ON. Love soothes

the soul and its what keeps me going in everyday life; thanks to my

husband and my daughter and the good Lord.

Without further ado here is what the printable looks like:

Download the Printable here.

The actual size is 8x10.5

Hope you lovely people have a lovely Valentine's Day :)
...........................
SO adorable.. I LOVE it.. I am certainly featuring this lovely printable
in our Valentine hallway this year.. I downloaded one yesterday..

THANKS so much for sharing.. I sincerely am honored and adore you for
stopping in today! Please stop in and catch up with Daniella via her
wonderful blog, on twitter and facebook. Hope you enjoyed and can
use this printable this Valentine.. Thanks SO much for stopping in
today.. Wishing you ALL a wonderful weekend..
~STAY ARTSY~

Beating The Winter Blues.... {Co-Hosting Via Adventures In Dinner}

2012-02-11T04:22:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends stopping in today.. It's another fun

Saturday with creative idea's to Beat the Winter Blues...I am

co-hosting with Jane again and would LOVE for you to join in the fun!

*Beating The Winter Blues ~Linky Party!*

Today, I am guest co-hosting an awesome new linky party with my lovely
friend Jane from Adventures In Dinner. She's such a wonderful person at
heart, a GREAT mom and one of the B E S T cook's I know!

Need to beat the winter blue's..?
We all do, I'm headed over to see what she's got happening in her terrific space
today. Join in and lets party with Jane today and every Saturday in
Beat The Winter Blues Saturday- A Linky Party

To join in:

1) Add your specific blog post and and not just your general blog URL

2) Visit at least two other people who join and leave them a nice comment

3) Be a follower of 'Adventures in Dinner'

4) Grab a button so that more people will share next week

...............................

We're all in this together.
Lets Link Away..
**Wishing you a HAPPY weekend**
~STAY ARTSY~

Linky Tool's ~ Follower's Fest... Hop Along & Spread The Word..

2012-02-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, happy Friday.. I am very excited to host a lovely

linky party dedicated to "Linky Followers Tool"..

It'll remain open till next friday and available for you to link

your blog, follow other's and build up your linky follower's tool!

.................................

**If you aren't aware, GFC tool will become limited to blog's that are

not google based such as wordpress and the likes as of MARCH 1st!**

Google + will be taking it's place and integrating google blogger account/reader/

together seamlessly!. Although very similar to GFC, your follower's list featured

on GFC will be gone! To protect yourself and your reader's/ follower's, you are

advised to pick up social connections such as G+ and Linky Followers Tools

and make them available to your reader's and friends NOW before the deadline

comes along.. In efforts to raise awareness on this matter and encourage us all

to help our reader's and friends build up their network, linky parties as such are

being featured all around to spread the word.. This party is for networking

purposes only. It's worth it to join, follow your friends and build up on

these newer social tools as a form of better blogging connections...

...........................................

IT'S SIMPLE FUN & WORTH MINGLING AROUND!

THE LOVELY FUN RULES

(THIS IS A BLOG HOP) FEEL FREE TO POST

AND HAVE YOUR FRIENDS LINK ALONG!

THE FURTHER IT GOES, THE BETTER!

1. Link up your blog itself (no specific posts required)

2. Follow the HOST and mandatory 5 blogs ahead of you,

IF you have the time, please DO follow as many as possible..

3.Please take the time within the week or so to follow the blogs

that have taken the time to follow YOUR blog as well.

4. Spread the word and build up your already lovely bloggy community!

...........................................

HAPPY FRIDAY... Lets NETWORK!!!!

div>

Photo Challenges... ~Edit Me / FatMumSlim ~ SUN!~

2012-02-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends.. Continuing in Edit Me

and February Photo Challenge *Sun*

...........................................

My Edited Version Of Selena from

Stoneyville and Selena Stoney 's Photo

*The Original Photo Before My Edit Above*

Linking Via

FatMumSlim #9 SUN
...There's nothing more relaxing than watching the sun set...

..........................................
Wanna join in..? Catch up... I'll be back to share Front Door & Self Portrait!

Happily Linking Here

Linking Up Here:

Edit Me Challenge

And Then She {Snapped}

A Stylish Little Lady

Wordless Wednesdays

Wordless Wednesday

Project Alicia

Wild & Wonderful Wednesday

Wednesday, Unspoken, Unwritten

Wordless Wednesday Kent Weakley

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Crafty Lil Hearts... {Featuring the lovely April Via Gingerbread Blog}

2012-02-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends stopping in today, it's finally FRIDAY<~Yaaaaye!

Any fun weekend plans..? I'm hoping to get out with my friends and celebrate my

birthday a bit, cheers to some fun and mommy time out.. Today marks day 9th

of Crafty Lil Hearts.. I've been enjoying all the fun in the series and have SO many

fun idea's of Valentine crafts and SO much more.. Hope you are finding inspiration

and enjoying as you follow along.. Today, I am loving the opportunity to introduce

you to the lovely April from the GingerBread Blog! April is also a lovely

sponsor here and I adore all her fun creativity featured on her blog. She will be

sharing some of her favorite Valentine crafts with us.. Hope you can take a moment

to get to know April and visit her sometime. SO much FUN and Inspiration!!!
Crafty Lil Hearts Featuring

April Via Gingerbread Blog!

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Hello! My name is April and I blog over at Gingerbread. I'm so excited that Marilyn
invited me to share a few of my Valentines Day crafts here today! I have to admit
that Valentines Day is one of my favorite holidays, even as a girl I loved making
heart paper valentines and taping little candies to them. I love being able to tell those
around them how much they mean to me. It also gives me an opportunity to
cover my house with all things pink and red. Ha!Here are a few
of my favorite Valentine creations:

Pipe Cleaner Trees
These little mini trees are my favorite decoration in the house right
now. Its like having a little pink and red forest at your fingertips!

Swoon!

You will need:

* Pipe cleaners

* Wine cork {cut in half}

* Scissors

1. You will need to cut some of your pipe cleaners in half and some in fourths.

2. Take one of your half size pipe cleaners and make a loop at the top,
this will make your heart on the top of your tree.

3. Take your pipe cleaners that are cut in fourths {the smallest ones} and
start wrapping them around your looped pipe cleaner, this will be the "trunk"
of your tree. Repeat this with your pieces until half of your tree is full.

4. Then take your half sizes and start wrapping those around the trunk.

5. Poke a hole in your wine cork and stick the bottom of the trunk into the trunk.

6. Bend the top loop of your tree into a heart.

Heart Pipe Cleaner Glasses
My boys thought I was super goofy after we made these glasses
and I wore them around the house. Don't they know me already?

These are super easy and fun!

1. Make two hearts

2. Connect hearts with small piece of pipe cleaner

3. Cut a long piece of pipe cleaner in half and make two ear pieces

{or whatever the real name for them is} ha!

Can you tell that I have some serious love for pipe cleaners? They
are just so fun and easy for little ones to create with. Loves.

I hope Valentines Day is sweet for all of you friends!

April

xoxo

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Awww, how cute are those glasses.? I ADORE them.. Looks SO much fun and something
my kiddies will LOVE!! Thanks SO much for sharing April.. I sincerely appreciate these
fun and festive Valentine tutorial's... I am LOVING your Key to my heart Necklace
featured today.. SO pretty and darling.. Stop in and have a looksey everyone..!
Hope you enjoyed my lovely guest April here today! Thanks SO much for
stopping in.. Don't forget to link up and join Follower's Fest TODAY
to celebrate and Linky Tool's and add some friends to your list!!
Wishing YOU all a lovely start to your weekend!
~Stay Artsy~

Blog Loving ~ Better Blogging Series #1

2012-02-10T05:37:00.000-08:00

Hello there, thanks SO much for joining in on the series,

it opens up tomorrow but please feel free to go ahead and sign up! This

list is the official list that will be posted alongside the official post tomorrow!

Coming THIS Thursday

Blog Loving ~ A Better Blogging Series!

* ONE ENTRY PER BLOG IS REQUIRED *

To ensure that everyone has a fair chance to enter and great blog

review, we ask that you enter only ONE blog you write/own.

THE LIST WILL CLOSE AFTER #60!!

1. YOU GET AN ANNONMOUS BLOG REVIEW BY AN ASSIGNED READER

2. YOU IN TURN GET TO REVIEW A BLOG ANONYMOUSLY!

To read and find out more, please stop in tomorrow when the series opens..

* THANKS SO MUCH FOR JOINING IN *
.......................

Photo Challenge & Linking... {Fat Mum Slim/Edit Me}

2012-02-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely friends stopping in today.. I'm VERY late at posting but nonetheless

I am excited to share my photo's as part of the FatMumSlim February photo a

day challenge.. I'm SO bad at editing once I shoot so it takes some time to

get it all in per day. I apologize but better late then never... Here WE go!~

10. A.M

....Usually TEA Time~!

DINNER

Chicken Finger's & Ketchup

Sia's FAV!~

BUTTONS

I really LOVE buttons.. I have lots and lots

of them.. These two are few of my FAV!

.............................

Till Next Time... SNAP SNAP AWAY~!

~Stay Artsy~

The ArtsyGirl Connection

Edit Me Week #10 *~Photo Editing / Linking~*

Mason Jar Lanterns... Revisiting.. *Seasonal Inspirations*

Implementing Little Changes...

Finagle A Foto #3 *Favorite Things....*

Finagle A Foto #2 *Winner*

Beat The Winter The Blues.... Slight Changes...

Spring Flings...*Revisiting & Sneak Peaks*

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #23 ~*Linky Party Day~*

Dear Diary.... *Personal Trainer Fiasco*

Fancy Facials With Cooking Goodies..*Birch Box Bash*

Sinful Revelations...{Blueberry Sauce...}

FINAGLE A FOTO #2 {Sugar...Spice....Everything Nice!!!}

Finagle A Foto Challenge #1 ***WINNERS***

Sweet Sponsors ~ Rachel Via *Family Ever Ever*!!

Beat The Winter The Blues.... Linking To Warmth...

Call Me.Some Time.For Something New. Lets Have A Drink & Do Dishes!

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #22 ~*Linky Party Day~*

Glimpse Of Life.... & Edit Me ~ Photo Linking...

Happy...In My Closet ....Blue...& Heart! {Photo Linking}

FINAGLE A FOTO #1 {Black & White *Texture Shots*}

Sponsor Love... ~*The Turquuoise Piano~*

Beat The Winter The Blues.... By CRAFTING!!!

Healthy Quick Lunch Alternatives! ~ Salad In A Jar!

Finagle A Photo ~*Starting This Sunday*~

Blog Loving ~* A Better Blogging Review Series #1 ~*

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #21 ~*Linky Party Day~*

Blog Loving 101 ~ KNOW YOUR STATS!

Front Door & Self Portrait & Edit Me...*~{Feb Photo Challenge!}~*

Happy Valentines Day From Our Crafty Lil Hearts To YOURS!!

Crafty Lil Hearts Feat The Amazing ~ "Blissful & Domestic" & A Love Link Party!

I Love Fashion ~ Crafty Lil Hearts Featuring *~The Fashionable MALLY*~

Pinterest Inspirations.. ~*Valentines I DIG*~

Crafty Lil Hearts..{Featuring The AWESOME Daneilla~Anchors Away}

Beating The Winter Blues.... {Co-Hosting Via Adventures In Dinner}

Linky Tool's ~ Follower's Fest... Hop Along & Spread The Word..

Photo Challenges... ~*Edit Me / FatMumSlim ~ SUN!*~

Crafty Lil Hearts... {*Featuring the lovely April Via Gingerbread Blog*}

Blog Loving ~ Better Blogging Series #1

Photo Challenge & Linking... {Fat Mum Slim/Edit Me}

Edit Me Week #10 ~Photo Editing / Linking~

Mason Jar Lanterns... Revisiting.. Seasonal Inspirations

Finagle A Foto #3 Favorite Things....

Finagle A Foto #2 Winner

Spring Flings...Revisiting & Sneak Peaks

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #23 ~Linky Party Day~

Dear Diary.... Personal Trainer Fiasco

Fancy Facials With Cooking Goodies..Birch Box Bash

Finagle A Foto Challenge #1 WINNERS

Sweet Sponsors ~ Rachel Via Family Ever Ever!!

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #22 ~Linky Party Day~

FINAGLE A FOTO #1 {Black & White Texture Shots}

Sponsor Love... ~The Turquuoise Piano~

Finagle A Photo ~Starting This Sunday~

Pin'Inspirational Thursday #21 ~Linky Party Day~

Front Door & Self Portrait & Edit Me...~{Feb Photo Challenge!}~

I Love Fashion ~ Crafty Lil Hearts Featuring ~The Fashionable MALLY~

Pinterest Inspirations.. ~Valentines I DIG~

Photo Challenges... ~Edit Me / FatMumSlim ~ SUN!~

Crafty Lil Hearts... {Featuring the lovely April Via Gingerbread Blog}