A Diamond in the Stuff

Thrifty Thursday #32

2012-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I started to have a funny feeling in my throat. I immediately knew.....I had lost the battle against the cold that has been going around. I tried to hide but it found me. So I write to you from my sick bed. A little melodramatic? Ya I agree.

Moving on. I would never let a little sickness keep me from showing you guys my latest thrifty finds! Remember when I told you that I went to my first auction? Yes? Well check out what I came home with.....

Yep, I won that totally awesome cart! You may have seen reproduction carts like this through Restoration Hardware, but this is the real thing. I also spent a fraction of the cost as one of the reproductions. I am so excited to get this thing cleaned up and ready to be a totally super awesome coffee table. Anyone wanna call dibs now???

I also picked up a few random things while I did a little thrift store hopping.

I loved this picture frame....the picture not so much. Although my kids are in love with it! Adding it to my stack of picture frames looking for a purpose.

When I saw this massive key I knew it was mine. I picked it up to find out it is massively heavy. It was also a little more than I would normally spend on this sort of thing in a thrift store...but it was just so awesome! I mean, how often do you find a HUGE skeleton key?

That's all I have this week! What fun thrifty finds have you acquired lately???

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

Chicken Wire Screen Door

2012-02-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of the perks to living on a military base is there are always families coming and going. Well that's not the perk, it's actually one of the hardest things about military life. The PERK is that when these families are moving in and moving out they usually want to get rid of "stuff". Stuff they don't want to take with them from their old place or stuff that doesn't fit into the new place. A couple Mondays a month everyone throws their unwanted items on the curb for bulk trash pickup. I call it awesome free stuff day!

Several months ago on one of these awesome free stuff days, I picked up this screen door. I first showed it to you guys in a Thrifty Thursday post back in July. I had plans for it and over time my plans changed. Sometimes I think my procrastination is one of my many creative tools. At least that's the story I'm going with!

First, I removed the screen from the door and all of the old hinges. Then it was time to get paintin. I wanted to do multiple paint layers, so I started with black spray paint.

Before I painted the next color I applied some Vaseline to certain spots on the door. Did you have to read that twice? Do I sound officially nuts? I learned about this technique here. I wanted the door to look chippy and have an aged look so I decided to give this a try. You can kinda see some globs in the picture. After I applied the Vaseline, I spray painted over it with Heirloom White.

Once the paint was dry I used a paper towel to wipe off the Vaseline. It easily wiped right off, exposing the black paint underneath.

The Vaseline technique turned out just the way I was hoping. It was super simple and gave the door just the look I was going for. I attached chicken wire to the back of the door with a staple gun. I'm a big fan of chicken wire, something about it's fun geometric pattern embedded in this industrial material.

From screen door to mega sized memo board! Just think about all the awesome things that could be clipped to this chicken wire door; children's artwork, family pictures, heck even jewelry or hair accessories. I also think it would be kinda fabulous at a wedding, to hold seating assignment cards and such.

Love all the chippy goodness!!!

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

Did You Hear About {Google Friends Connect}?

2012-02-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

So most likely you have heard that Google Friends Connect is going away as of March 1st. Total bummer right??? Like we need ONE more thing to worry about. So if you follow blogs with GFC you will need to find a new way to follow along!

HOW will we continue to follow our beloved blogs??? Oh the horror!!!

No need to fear.....

A Diamond in the Stuff has several ways for you to still follow along!!!

You can follow along using the new and FREE Linky Followers!!! You can follow A Diamond in the Stuff by clicking the "Follow me" button in the Linky Followers box in my sidebar.

Follow through RSS

Like us on Facebook

Follow along on Twitter

You can also follow along by entering your email address into the "Follow by Email" box in the sidebar.

If you have any questions or need any help please email me at adiamondinthestuff at hotmail dot com

Thanks SO much to all of you who are a part of my bloggy world! I truly appreciate all of you!!!

Time to Shine {Party} No 58

2012-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday ended up being a VERY trying day for me. So I'm just going to get on with the party and use all your lovely link ups as free therapy! ; )

So bring on the awesomeness!!!

Here's the Do's and Dont's for the party:

DO grab my button so we can spread the word, you must link to participate!

DO NOT link to your blog, link only the specific post permalink!

DO share the comment love!

DO NOT link to your Etsy shop or online store!

DO follow along if you like!

If your link gets deleted, make sure you followed all the DO's and DONT's! If all else fails, contact me and please have fun!

Time to Shine {Features} No 57

2012-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ok so that weekend blew by WAY to fast! My hubby was pretty busy with work this weekend and his sleep schedule was all off. The kids are I were a bit off schedule too. I might actually be playing catch up this week from my weekend. HA!

So before this week flies by before we know it, lets take a moment and check out some features......

I absolutely love this bright and sunny sign from Johnny in a Dress.

I am totally jealous about this awesome drawered cabinet from Shabby French Cottage.

This table from Southern Charm is so sweet!

I know this post from Kammy's Korner is more about her window project....but I'm lovin her chalkboard paint recipe!

And the most viewed link was.....

Love these thrifty re-do's from Twigg Studios.

Thanks so much to ALL for linking up this week! I hope you'll all join me again tomorrow for the party!!! If you've been featured please feel free to grab a button!!!

Sponsor Spotlight {Hummingbird Cake Stationery}

2012-02-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce you to one of my fabulous sponsors.....

Chelsea from Hummingbird Cake Stationery is the creative mind behind all of her beautiful invitations and stationary.

She has invitations and thank you cards for every event in your life! If you don't see exactly what your looking for, Chelsea can make custom invitations that will match your event perfectly!

I seriously LOVE these pirate birthday party invitations.......

Not only does she design and make all of these invitations and cards, but she also makes these ADORABLE bottle cap magnetic necklaces!

You pick out a bottle cap necklace and all the magnets are interchangeable! And just like the invitations, you can customize the magnets too! There are TONS to choose from!

If you are looking for something to add a special touch to your event, consider customized invitations by Hummingbird Cake Stationery.

You can also find them over at Etsy and Facebook!!!

Guest Contributor {Twigg Studios}

2012-02-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

hi, im aimee from over at twigg studios, i was asked to guest post here at a diamond in the stuff, on the last friday of every month. (super honoured)

so i put together this easter themed project together especially for you.

easter is not that far away, and this is a cheap way to add some themed decor to your home

what you need

wallpaper paste

brown paper

shreader

coat hanger

faux eggs

glue gun

cling film

muffin tin

first you need to put the brown paper through the shreader

mix some wall paper paste, then add the shreaded paper into it and mix it in.

then cover the muffin tins with cling film upside down so you are using the bottom, then get a handful of the glue mixed paper and mould over the muffin tin ( be prepaired to get a bit messy, i put down a bin bag)

press them all on firmly, into a nest shape, like the photo below and then you must leave to dry

then remove them when they are slighty wet still, and add some more paper, then put them into the the muffin tin the right way around and then leave again to dry, i put mine next to the fan heater to help it dry

like this

once they are dry, get the glue gun and the faux eggs,( i got some spotted plastic ones for £1)

then get the coat hanger and bend into a circle shape as best as you can.

glue the eggs into the nests and arrange them around the coat hanger.

i cut small pieces of felt then i used them to help glue them to the hanger, i used the glue gun, and put glue on to the felt, then attached it to the nest on the hanger.

and its done, a cute nest wreath

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Wow Aimee!!! Thanks so much for that awesome tutorial!!! You've got my creative wheels already spinning!!!

Let Color Be Your Friend {My Colortopia}

2012-02-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do you crave color in your home but the thought of picking out the right color sends you into the fetal position in the corner?

I for one am a HUGE fan of paint. If I had it my way, every wall in my house would have some color on it. I love how paint can transform a piece of furniture or home decor so drastically. But first you have to find a place to start, which of course is the hardest part. Sometimes I let a piece of furniture or room "speak" to me. Sometimes a color or pattern inspires a whole room. Although, sometimes I'm in need of a change but completely lost on where to go.

So why not make it easier on yourself? My Colortopia is a new site by Glidden Paint and it's aimed at helping you find the right colors for your home. They take all the guess work out; providing you with inspiration, advice, and ideas. What could be better than that?

I took the quiz. Mostly because I was curious what it would tell me. Want to see my results?

Hummm??? Think they were secretly spying in my home as I was taking the test? Highly doubtful.

Pretty awesome right???

My Colortopia is seriously a fantastic idea!!! Take the My Life My Colors quiz and see what you get! It's super easy and it just may give you the nudge you need to get started on your new color adventure! And while your at it check out The Colortopia Blog.

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

I have been sponsored by Glidden brand paint to write this post but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Sheet Music Cloche

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am always finding glass cheese cloches on my thrifting adventures. However I'm not finding a ton of wooden bases, so I've got a pile of glass domes in my garage with no where to go. I've looked high and low, here and there for bases or items that would work as bases. No luck. I decided that getting creative was in order!

While aimlessly staring at my stash in the garage I gazed upon some metal tins that I got from the Dollar Tree back at Christmas time. I grabbed one of the lids and was pleasantly

surprised to learn that the glass cloche fit perfectly into the metal lid. I grabbed a metal candlestick I had lying around and decided I could put something together!

Oh and I also grabbed some sheet music and ripped it up. Why? Because everything is better with sheet music. Or glitter.

I used Mod Podge to decoupage the torn pieces of sheet music to the metal lid. I just randomly pieced all the sheet music together making sure to cover all the bits of the happy little snowman on the metal lid.

Once the entire lid was covered and dry, I glued the now black painted candlestick to the underside of the lid. The glass dome fits perfectly inside the music covered lid and it makes the perfect pedestal base for my lonely glass cloche.

Not only did it turn out perfectly but it was cheap too! Thrift store finds plus $1 treat tin lid = super cuteness!!! Wouldn't it make a great addition to Spring decor, I love that little birdy!!! So if you can't find that "thing" you've been looking for, don't be afraid to improvise!

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

Time to Shine {Party} No 57

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Life usually feels like it is swirling around us. Things happen and we react. We are usually just trying to just keep up and move forward. Then all of a sudden, your 6 year old declarers that she is ready to ditch her training wheels for two wheeled independence! Sigh. The world stands still and you realize just how fast the world is spinning and how precious this time is.

So let's take a minute and sit still while we check out what you guys have been up to this week......

Here's the Do's and Dont's for the party:

DO grab my button so we can spread the word, you must link to participate!

DO NOT link to your blog, link only the specific post permalink!

DO share the comment love!

DO NOT link to your Etsy shop or online store!

DO follow along if you like!

If your link gets deleted, make sure you followed all the DO's and DONT's! If all else fails, contact me and please have fun!

Time to Shine {Features} No 56

2012-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Well I hope it's a happy Monday for you! I've had a very VERY busy weekend and it's not even over yet! On Friday I got to get all dressed up and attended an awards ceremony for my husband. I know he doesn't like a big fuss made over him....but I am just SO proud of what a hard and dedicated worker he is. Here's a photo of me all dressed up.......

I went to a Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint demonstration on Saturday and picked up a couple fabulous pieces of furniture in addition to my first can of chalk paint! Eeeek can't wait to use it!!! On Sunday I attended my first auction. I can't wait to show you what I picked up!!!

But first lets see all the exciting features from last week........

Not only does this cake by Desire Empire look super yummy but it's super adorable too!

And because I picked that adorable English flag cake, I needed to represent with this super cute American flag pillow by Twigg Studios.

I can't explain my hatred of plain bar stools, so I'm loving these awesome ones by Lovely Etc.

I'm lovin this burlap wreath from Made In A Day.

This idea from Jillify It to recover the tops of her craft tables is a great idea! Mine badly need this!!!

and the most viewed link was.....

Julie from Knot All That I Seam made this no cost wire cutlery holder.

That you EVERYONE for linking up this week! You guys amaze me week after week. If you've been featured be sure to grab a button in my sidebar!!!

Guest Contributor {Live Laugh Rowe}

2012-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Kelly from live.laugh.rowe and I'm super excited to be a new contributor here at A Diamond in the Stuff. I'll be stopping by once a month to hang out with all of you! How exciting is that? Of course we can hang out a lot more if you decide to swing by and say hi in my little bloggy corner of the web. Thank you, Courtney, for having me. On to bigger and better things...

Did any of you sing that song when you were a child called "Down In My Heart?" Sometimes it's called "I've got the Joy." It was written by a Pastor named George Willis Cooke, I believe it was written in the 1800's. The lyrics go like this:

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart

Down in my heart to stay

And I'm so happy

So very happy

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart

And I'm so happy

So very happy

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart

To give you a little more perspective and if you have a quick minute, you could listen to how this cute little song goes {here}. Singing this song as a child brought me great {joy}. I still bounce to the beat at the ripe age of 37 when I sing it or hear it.

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life, we lose sight of what brings us joy -- or should bring us joy. We worry about all that is going on around us and find ourselves overwhelmed, flustered or just too busy to take some time to unwind, laugh or find that little slice of joy! I'd like to encourage you to take some time to find 'joy' in the little things. You saved $10 in coupons when buying groceries last week? Woot! You got an e-mail from a friend you haven't heard from in a while? Yee-haw. Let's challenge ourselves to find joy in the everyday things -- the little things, the silly things. I tend to keep things in perspective by saying, "The crisis of today is the joke of tomorrow." So, where will you find your joy today? Here's a printable for you to print, hang or share with a friend.

to save or print, click on the picture or {here}

Wishing you a day filled with joy unspeakable!

Subscribe to Live.Laugh.Rowe | Like on Facebook | Follow on Pinterest

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Thank you SO much Kelly for posting here today! I look forward to all your wonderful ideas!!!

Stop by and show Kelly some love and let her know how happy we are that she's sharing her lovely ideas with us!!!

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

Thrifty Thursday #31

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I really am trying to do some stash busting. Some "stuff" clearing. However there are times when you come across items that you can't pass up. Some are just the thing you've been looking for or the price is just too good to pass up. Eh what's a thrifty girl to do?

I love little wooden tables. Especially pedestal tables. I found this little table at one of my favorite thrifty stops. The table was a steal at just $6! Although, as you can see it needs a little love. Okay, a LOT of love! There is a fair amount of water damage, most likely from an over watered house plant. I'll have to come up with something to get this table looking fabulous.

I've been on the lookout for some teacups and saucers. It's amazing how, with the amount of thrift stores that I go to, I almost never find teacups and saucers. Are people holding on to them or are they a hot buy for thrifty buyers like myself? When I found these two sets I didn't hesitate! See that metal pan? I have another just like it and I've been wanting to make a goodie stand with them! I love when you find the missing piece to a thrifty puzzle!!!

So that's it for this week! Back to stash busting I go!!!

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

A Garden Party {Baby Shower}

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I hosted a garden baby shower for my sweet friend. We have known each other since we were kids and we have grown up together. I can't tell you how happy I am for her and how thrilled I was to be able to throw her this baby shower.

Her and her husband don't know the sex of the baby, so there was no traditional pink or blue happening at this party. Which is quite okay with me because being non-tradition is quite fitting for me when it comes to decorating and party throwing. It all started with the doily invitations that I made a few weeks ago.

I kept the color theme simple. I picked a deep purple, a very bright green, and crisp white. I love how all the colors came together. It's amazing how if you pick a good color scheme and stick with it, the whole thing comes together amazingly. The green and purple just pop of the white.

I mixed a lot of old and new items in the decor. Mixing more modern decorating elements like paper lanterns with vintage finds like old crates and serveware. I even rounded up a bunch of antique tablecloths to cover some of the tables that we used. Check out that crocheted tablecloth on the food table, isn't it amazing???

The shower was a brunch and we made a variety of breakfast and lunch items. I tried to mix up the serveware with varying heights, sizes, and colors. It just makes the whole line up look more appealing to the eye. Although, now that I mention it, it all looks pretty yummy right now!

Speaking of yummy.....check out the desserts!!! I have to admit though, I did not make these delicious looking pastries. We were living out of a hotel during our stay and there was no way we could make everything. So we decided to outsource the desserts. I am so glad we did because these desserts were. so. good.

I wanted to keep the table decorations clean and simple. I've been gathering different pitchers and teapots over the past several months. They made the perfect vases for my colorful bouquet centerpieces. I absolutely love having fresh flowers around. Especially bright beautiful ones. Aren't those colors just amazing?

I placed each pitcher on a large paper doily and surrounded the whole thing with doily covered votive candles. A little candlelight adds a lot of whimsy to a room with just a little effort. Adding the paper doily to the outside of the candle holder added a romantic element. Notice those little picture frames? I contacted the soon to be grandparents to locate baby pictures of mommy and daddy. They were a hit and it was so fun to see what they each looked liked as babies. I put the photos in small purple, green, and white picture frames that I found at Michael's.

I kept the color scheme going over to the drink table as well.

I decided to use mason jars for the drinking glasses and popped some purple & white striped straws to finish them off. I thought the mason jars went great with the garden theme and I have to admit, I'm a little obsessed with them too.

I found these stunning ornate purple picture frames to use as table signs. I just printed the different words out on some fun paper and popped it in the frames. I used them on the drink, gift, and dessert tables. Some smaller bouquets of flowers placed in larger mason jars were placed around the room in varying spots. Did I mention how much I love mason jars?

I also made a fun banner out of some fun coordinated purple, green, and white papers. I spelled out " BABY MAKES THREE" and draped it across some lattice work and burlap.

So now comes the time where I just post a bunch of random pictures that I took. In theory, to show you all the details of the party. In reality, it's because I have just way to many pictures and I want to share them all!

I'll leave things with a picture of the flowers that I loved so much! The shower was a lot of work but so worth it. There ended up being 43 ladies at the shower and they all showered mommy and baby with all kinds of fantastic gifts. I can't wait until the little bundle of joy arrives!!!

So what do you think??? How did I do???

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

Valentine's Subway Art

2012-02-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

I met a lovely lady at a show I did during the holidays. Her name is Chelsea and she is the creator over at Hummingbird Cake Stationery. Not only does she make awesome custom invitations but she made this awesome Valentine's Subway Art for my readers!!

Isn't that awesome! Stop by and let Chelsea know how much you appreciate this adorable printable!!! You can save this and print it as an 8x10!

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

I Dig You {Valentines}

2012-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

This morning I sent the kids off to school with these fun Valentines for their classmates. I found the idea over at the Fry Family Blog with printable and all!!! They were just TOO cute not to make! I bought a bunch of the red shovels on ebay for pretty cheap. I have to wonder if they have those listings for a bunch of Valentine colored shovels just for this purpose???

They were super easy to make and I'm sure all the kids will have lots of fun with them! The kids were thrilled as they carted off their treats to share with their friends!!!

I hope your having a fantastic Valentine's Day!

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

Time to Shine {Party} No 56

2012-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

Do you have any special plans for the day of LOVE??? Sadly we do not. My hubby's work is a little.....much right now. So we will try to celebrate sometime this weekend. That's okay with me though. Anytime we get to have a date night is good with me!

If your looking for any last minute ideas head over to see my features from last weeks Time to Shine!!!

Now on to this weeks ideas......time to link up what ya got!!!

Here's the Do's and Dont's for the party:

DO grab my button so we can spread the word, you must link to participate!

DO NOT link to your blog, link only the specific post permalink!

DO share the comment love!

DO NOT link to your Etsy shop or online store!

DO follow along if you like!

If your link gets deleted, make sure you followed all the DO's and DONT's! If all else fails, contact me and please have fun!

Time to Shine {Features} No 55

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

PHEW!!! What a weekend! I threw a baby shower for my oldest and dearest friend. She is the cutest pregnant lady ever and the shower went awesomely! I will post about it later this week and share all the fun photos!

Since tomorrow is VALENTINE'S DAY I thought I would feature the awesome V-Day inspired projects that were linked up last week! Enjoy all the red and pink goodness.......

Doesn't this 2 ingredient fudge from Lady With the Red Rocker look super yummy?

I love these Valentine's printables from Raising Oranges.

I think this "Dates that changed our lives" framed picture from Holy Craft would be a great Valentine's Day gift!

I love these pedestal mailboxes from A Bushel & A Peck.

This "love you more" sign from Cheltenham Road is so adorable!! Love it!!

And the most viewed link was.....

Angie from Burton Avenue made this funky door hanger.

Thank you ALL for linking up this week!!! If you've been featured please feel free to grab a button in my sidebar!!!

How Do I Look?

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well....not ME, but my blog??? As you can see....my blog as had a major face lift! I was wanting a new look and in bad need of some new gadgets! Please take a look around and let me know what you think! I think it better reflects ME now, or at least me RIGHT NOW.

A HUGE thank you to Sheila from Blog Designs by Sheila for being SO patient with me as I tried to figure out what I wanted! If you are in need of a blog makeover or anything of the sort, give Sheila a try you won't be sorry!

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Last night I headed down to Southern California to host a baby shower for my oldest friend! I am exhausted and so excited all at once!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!!!

Craftcation {Indie Business & DIY Conference}

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled when I received an email from Nicole Stevenson about an upcoming conference called Craftcation. I have yet to attend a crafting conference and I've been YEARNING to attend one. As I read along I noticed that the conference was being held in Ventura, Ca. That's only about a 2 hour drive from where I live.

As I looked through the schedule of all the planned events, classes, and panels I knew that this was something that I wanted to attend! It's a great combination of crafting how-to's and business classes. And it's in sunny Southern California!! What's not to love???

If you are interested at all in coming, there is a discounted early bird rate right now through February 15th! So register now!!! I just bought my tickets a couple days ago and booked my hotel room for the stay! I'm so excited!!!

You can find more information on the about page or ask questions over on Craftcation's facebook page. And if all that isn't good enough.....they are doing a ton of giveaways from all of their sponsors!

I hope that some of you will be able to attend! I would love to meet some of your in REAL life!!!

Decoupaged Book Page Desk

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

In my effort to do some stash busting around here I started grabbing furniture from my garage to work on. It's part of my idea that maybe come Spring cleaning time, my garage might actually resemble a real garage and not a storage unit. In the back of my mind I know it's probably never possible as I'm always bringing home new finds!

This little desk was a $3 garage sale find. It was so cheap because it was missing a drawer. Something that I could easily deal with. By "me" I mean, I easily asked my husband if he could use the saw and remove the wooden track left behind by the missing drawer. Other than that, it was just a sad little oak desk in need of a face lift!

The desk got a color change with some Heirloom White. There's not a whole lot that HW won't fix! I then decoupaged the top of the desk with some French history book pages. The book pages are beautifully aged and worn.

I used Mod Podge to adhear the book pages to the top of the desk and added another coat to the top. Once that was dry I gave the whole thing a few coast of Mod Podge clear acrylic spray.

I found the wood chair curbside. It was red and broken, but it was free. So I hauled it home and it sat around until I finally gave it a little tlc. I decided to paint it black to fit in with the black writing on the book pages. The scale of the chair was perfect for this desk.

What was once a dull little desk, now has plenty of personality!

My old vintage typewriter looks awesome propped on top of the decoupaged book page desk.

Linking up to these great link parties!!!

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Be sure to stop by Time to Shine this week and check out all the fantastic goodies linked up!

Time to Shine {Party} No 55

2012-02-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry the party is late this week! I totally crashed last night and I obviously needed it! Although, I went to sleep with a headache and still woke up with one! Kinda glad today is a rainy dreary day, I'm just going to take it easy today too! Sometimes your body just has to tell you to slooooow down!

So let's get this party finally started.....

Here's the Do's and Dont's for the party:

DO grab my button so we can spread the word, you must link to participate!

DO NOT link to your blog, link only the specific post permalink!

DO share the comment love!

DO NOT link to your Etsy shop or online store!

DO follow along if you like!

If your link gets deleted, make sure you followed all the DO's and DONT's! If all else fails, contact me and please have fun!

Time to Shine {Features} No 54

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to the people who have responded to my call for blog contributors!!! I am sifting through all of the emails while in the midst of working on some other techy issues (which completely numb my brain). If you haven't sent me an email yet and you are interested please do, I love looking through all of your fabulous blogs!

While we're talking about looking through fabulous blogs......lets check out these fantastic features from this weeks Time to Shine!!!

I'm a sucker for burlap and this Union Jack burlap pillow from Twigg Studios is adorable!

How adorable are these popcorn cupcakes from Live Laugh Rowe? Perfect for a fun movie night!!!

Love these Turquoise doors from Simply Salvaged Restoration!

I'm totally diggin this ribbon and pearl necklace from 413 Sparrow Lane.

And the most viewed link this week was..........

This DIY $1 glass apothecary jar from Knot All That I Seam.

Thank you to ALL for linking up! If you were featured please feel free to grab a button for your blog...

Looking For a Few Good Bloggers

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

In my effort to have a more balanced and calm life, I am looking for some contributors for the blog. I want to make sure that I am keeping new and fresh content of the blog, but I also need to make sure the other areas of my life are getting the attention they need. I also realize that there are areas that I just don't cover, or rarely do.

What I'm looking for.....

-4 blog contributors to post once a month on a scheduled day.

-Original content.

-Great tutorials & photos.

-I would like to have my contributors be strong in the areas where I lack, so I am especially looking for contributors that can post sewing projects & tutorials, free printables, cooking/baking ideas & tutorials, kid's crafts, and party ideas.

What's in it for you???

-You will be able to link back to your blog in each guest post, gaining page views and hopefully new followers.

- A Diamond in the Stuff has over 1700 followers and is growing by the day. Making it a great way to introduce your blog to a new audience.

-It's a great opportunity to grow your blog community and make new friends.

Interested in becoming a contributor???

- Email me at adiamondinthestuff at hotmail dot com

-Please include an short introduction about yourself and link to your blog.

-Also include the area or areas that you would like to blog about.

Looking forward to hearing from some awesome bloggers!!!

My Updated Valentine Mantel

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Last Valentine's day I created my first Valentine's Day Mantel. I was absolutely in love with it but I am learning that I get a bit restless when it comes to decorating. I struggle to leave well enough alone. So I decided to add just a couple changes to my Valentine's mantel this year.

I kept most of it the same and decided to just add a few more items to warm things up.

Under the white pitcher filled with pink flowers, I put a couple old worn books. I love the extra warmth and texture that they provide. Instead of those black iron candle stands, I used some ornate goldish ones. They are a lot more frilly and romantic!

Nothing earth shattering, just a little updating.

Linking up to these great link parties!!!