jessicaNdesigns

The Spring Fling Gift Guide Is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:44:00 +0000

I am so incredibly excited to announce the SPRING FLING GIFT GUIDE! Last Year's Handmade Holiday Gift Guide was such a huge success, that I decided to bring on Spring & Summer Gift Guides! Why not Shop Handmade all year long?!

Interested in having your shop featured in my Spring Fling Gift Guide?

HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
♥ Inclusion in The Spring Fling Gift Guide costs $50
♥ The Gift Guide will run for 90 days {March 20th - June 20th}
♥ Your shop Logo/Ad Button (250x175) will be included
♥ A short description of your shop & what we can expect to find there
♥ A link to 3 of your favorite items from your shop
♥ Link to your shop where people can get their shop on!
♥ All of this is featured on a dedicated GIFT GUIDE page within my blog.

TO ENSURE MAXIMUM EXPOSURE FOR YOUR SHOP:
♥ I will be tweeting, blogging & facebooking about the Gift Guide throughout the run.
♥ I will also be Pinning items from your shop on my Pinterest Boards! :)
♥ Throughout the Run of the Gift Guide, I will link to the Gift Guide & your shop on facebook

Here is an example of how your feature in the Spring Fling Gift Guide would look:

jessicaNdesigns -Hand Stamped Vintage Silverware & Unique & Meaningful Jewelry

Gifts range from $9.00 - $80.00

Jessica's Favorites: I do me too forks // You + Me Ring // Coffee Spoons

♥ Get your Shop On: jessicaNdesigns

♥ I am accepting a limited number of shops & spots are on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in being featured in the Spring Fling Gift Guide, fill out this form. Entry deadline is March 12th.

♥ GOOD NEWS for those who were in last year's Handmade Holiday Gift Guide...if you wish to be included in the Spring Fling Gift Guide, you will receive 10% off!

♥ REFER a Friend & save $10! If you refer a friend & they sign up and pay to be in the guide, I will give you $10 off (via paypal refund, up to 2 referral discounts per person)
Be sure to tell them to let me know you sent them! {there is a spot on the form to state who referred you}

Add the Spring Fling button to your blog & spread the word!

As if that's not enough fun...GUESS WHAT?!

I'm Giving Away ONE FREE SPOT in the Gift Guide!!

Want to win a Spot? Here is how:

(each task = 1 entry, you can do as many as you want, 5 possible entries total.)

Blog about the Spring Fling Gift Guide & include a link to this post & the Spring Fling Banner
Share a link to this Post on Facebook
Add the Spring Fling Button (above) to your Blog
Tweet a link to this Post
Pin the Spring Fling Gift Guide Banner (top of the post) with a link to this post

UPDATE: If you sign up for the Gift Guide, then happen to WIN the FREE Spot, I will refund the $50!

BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT for each thing you do!

I will pick a winner (via Random.org) The contest is open until the Entry deadline of March 12th. Winner will be announced on March 13th.

REMEMBER: If you are interested in being a part of the Spring Fling Gift Guide, Fill out THIS FORM before the deadline of March 12th. Spots are first come first served!

Sponsor Spotlight & Giveaway with Dani of Good Natured

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:40:00 +0000

I am happy to introduce one of my long time sponsors, Dani of Good Natured by Dani! She is so sweet, talented & really a great person! Let's get to know more about Dani:

In 3 words I am: Dorky, Resourceful, Happy

3 of my favorite things: scary movies, wine, my husband....especially together

Favorite Vacation: It's hard to pick, but so far it's been my 3 week trip to Italy with my husband.

My Hometown: A little town in Arkansas

My guilty pleasure: Doughnuts

I feel naked without: my wedding ring

Coffee or Tea: Both

My Worst Habit: I worry about things too much, like a lot. Totally a habit I wish I could break.

I would love to learn: Printmaking--anyone have a good resource for this?

Favorite Handmade items I have bought: I love my adorable stamped vintage spreaders from Jessica's shop, all the wonderful soaps and lip balms from Orange Thyme on Etsy, and a super-cute embroidered necklace from Merriweather Council on Etsy.

A typical day: During my day job at the zoo, I take animals to schools and daycares, teach zoo camps/classes, and supervise teen volunteers. During my weekend, I'm busy fulfilling orders, creating new felt critters, playing with my pets and enjoying the outdoors.

Favorite thing in my shop: I love making the wool critters, especially this one.

3 tools in my studio I can't live without: 6-needle Felting Tool (it's so sharp it could be a weapon!), hot glue gun, and a vintage shoe rack that holds my many bags of colorful wool.

FIND DANI:

Shop // Facebook

Wanna Win $30 to spend in Dani's adorable shop?

{must be a jessicaNdesigns blog follower, but that does not count as an entry}

Visit her shop & leave a comment on how you would spend your $30

Want extra entries?

Be a fan of Good Natured by Dani & leave her a comment that I sent you!
Pin your favorite item from her shop on Pinterest & leave a link to your pin.
Tweet, Facebook or Blog about the giveaway & include a link to this post!

Winner will be chosen by random.org and must email me within 48 hours to claim their prize. Winner will be announced on my blog 3/1/12.

Help Save A Small Business!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:33:00 +0000

I am sharing this with you today because:

1. I adore Emmy & her planners & products.

2. I have a Much Ado About You planner & want more so I would hate to see her go out of business.

3. I love helping out small businesses when I can!

4. I know what I would feel like if my business was in this position so I want to do what I can to help Emmy!

So, if you are in need of a planner or calender or know someone who is...check out Emmy's Presale!!

Sponsor Spotlight & Giveaway with Gina of Acute Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:38:00 +0000

I am delighted to "know" Gina of Acute Designs! She is so sweet, talented & inspiring! I follow her blog & adore her shop! And today, we get to learn more about her! Take it away Gina!

In 3 words I am: quiet, sarcastic, practical

3 of my favorite things: reality tv {specifically any Housewives series}, pizza, my laptop

3 of my favorite Blogs: Just three?? I read so many all day long + love so many more than just three :).

Favorite Vacation: My honeymoon in Nice, France

My Hometown: I don't really have one....so I will pick Cincinnati, Oh because it's where I went to college and where I hope to "settle down" one day.

My guilty pleasure: food, food, food

I feel naked without: my phone

Coffee or Tea: coffee but it has to have sweet creamer in it - caramel or vanilla.

Most people would not know: That I am painfully honest, never lie, and HATE when someone lies to me.

My Worst Habit: nail biting - but I have been a semi-successful quitter for two weeks...and I am becoming obsessed with nail polish in the process

I would love to learn: to sew//make my own clothes.

Favorite handmade item I bought: either a print drawing of my dogs or my R necklace from Noon Designs {http://noondesignshop.com/}

Advice to other handmade business owners: Be kind, support the handmade community, it isn't easy...if you want this to be your career then don't treat it like a hobby, price your items to reflect their true value, and don't copy!

A typical day: wake at 6am - walk dogs and workout {some days}, blog//email//other computer related things until about 11am, package any orders, eat lunch, go to pot office {if need be} or finish more orders/blog projects, walk dogs again {they are very spoiled}, more blog/computer stuff, dinner, then the evening is filled with either working on orders or projects or reading blogs.

I stay inspired by: blogs, movies, magazines

3 things that have helped my business: hard work, networking with others in the handmade/blogging community, and the ability to take constructive criticism

Favorite thing in my shop: this headband - so pretty + I looooove gold! OR this headband/sash - I have a lace obsession :)

FIND GINA:

Blog // Shop // Facebook // Twitter

Wanna Win $20 to spend in Gina's adorable shop?

{must be a jessicaNdesigns blog follower, but that does not count as an entry}

Visit her shop & leave a comment on how you would spend your $20

Want extra entries?

Be a fan of Acute Designs & leave her a comment that I sent you!
Pin your favorite item from her shop on Pinterest & leave a link to your pin.
Tweet, Facebook or Blog about the giveaway & include a link to this post!

Winner will be chosen by random.org and must email me within 48 hours to claim their prize. Winner will be announced on my blog 2/25/12.

Happy Birthday To Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:51:00 +0000

My Birthday Faces:

Whoop! It's my birthday! / Wait, I'm 30. / OMG I am 30... / Oh well Let's party!

First of all, I can NOT believe I am 30...I am kind of embarrassed to admit it. But what can you do...whine & complain, be depressed for a bit, day dream about the old days, wish you were younger, do something crazy. OR you can appreciate the days you are given, be happy about where you are in life, feel blessed you have reached this milestone, hope & pray for many more amazing years.

Sure, while I may remain a little dumb founded that I am in fact out of my 20s, I have decided to embrace this milestone age. I have decided to give Thanks to the Lord for even being here, for the life he has blessed me with, for the years he has given me! My best friend (who also turns 30 next month) texted me a quote yesterday & it really hit home:

"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many." ~Author Unknown

That is so true! And to be honest, I have all I have ever wanted. A husband who I love with all my heart, 3 beautiful children, my own successful business, a family that I treasure, amazing friends that I adore & the life I always dreamed of! I would say that is pretty darn good for 30!

Let's CELEBRATE with a SALE!

TODAY ONLY get 20% off ANYTHING in the shop with code: ITSMYBDAY

Also, be sure to check back next week for a BIG CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY! I am planning a "My favorite things" giveaway & I can't wait!

Happy Birthday to me!

Sponsor Spotlight & Giveaway with Bip and Bop

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:45:00 +0000

I truly appreciate my sponsors! And I love featuring them & their handmade businesses! Today. we get to find out more about Nicole, the owner of Bip & Bop! PLUS, she is giving away a $30 credit to her adorable shop!

3 of my favorite things: My husband and twin daughters, Brooklyn and Isabella, 14 months
3 of my favorite Blogs: The Pink Peonies, Little Miss Momma, Bluebird Kisses
Favorite Vacation: Our trip to Sayulita, Mexico for our destination wedding in 2008. A week long vacation with 55 of our closest friends and family. Dream come true!
My guilty pleasure: Reese's Peanut Butter cups...and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills! Shhh...don't tell!
Coffee or Tea: Skinny Vanilla Latte, all the way. The folks at the Starbucks know me, and my baby girls by name.
My Worst Habit: leaving every light in the house on
I would love to learn: to knit or crochet
I stay inspired by: goling to the fabric store. Way too often. And spending way too much money.
A typical day: In a nutshell: cook, feed, clean, naptime (hooray!), repeatx2, dance party, bath time, bed time, and craft time!

FIND NICOLE:

Shop // Facebook

Wanna Win $30 to spend in Nicole's adorable shop?

{must be a jessicaNdesigns blog follower, but that does not count as an entry}

Visit her shop & leave a comment on how you would spend your $30

Want extra entries?

Be a fan of Bip & Bop on Facebook & leave her a comment that I sent you!
Pin your favorite item from her shop on Pinterest & leave a link to your pin.
Tweet, Facebook or Blog about the giveaway & include a link to this post!

Winner will be chosen by random.org and must email me within 48 hours to claim their prize. Winner will be announced on my blog 2/25/12.

GOOD LUCK!

Night Out.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:27:00 +0000

Tomorrow me and the hubby are heading to Columbus, to meet our friends for a MUCH needed, adults only getaway. We are going to check out the Short North arts district, have dinner at The Black Olive & have some fun at a dueling piano bar. Did I mention the hubby and I are going to enjoy a night away in a hotel? BLISS I tell you.

I am sure there will be pictures to follow! Plus those cute little shoes are coming along AND I got these beauties to wear to dinner...oh the fun we will have.

What are you up to this weekend?

Monday Mash Up: Love me in Aqua

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:09:00 +0000

Frame // Love Stamp // Today will be Awesome

Tumblers // Dress // Chalk Board

I like your face // Coffee table // Card

Dear Brooks,
Yes, Valentine's Day is tomorrow, but I will accept any of these gifts late...
love,
your wife

More Monday Mash Ups Here.

P.S. The winner of the Sponsor Spotlight Giveaway is:

FWoodward said...I follow @aftr_laura on twitter!

CONGRATS! Email me to claim your prize!

Tutorial: How to add a custom favicon to your blog.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed that some web sites have their own little icon (or favicon) next to their website name?

For example, Etsy has the E, Gmail has the envelope, blogger has the B, Facebook has the f, Picnik has their little cloud logo, Twitter has their bird logo...etc. etc.

Until recently, mine had the boring Blogger "B" next to it.. I had changed it once to match an OLD blog design and it was a serious HEADACHE. There was a lot of google searching, looking up what ICO means and how to even save one to my computer... a lot of hair pulling and hours messing around with it.

THEN I LEARNED blogger added an EASY way to add your own favicon without the google searching and hair pulling! WHO KNEW?! VIOLA! Instant custom favicon!

I am going to show you how to EASILY add your own custom favicon to your blogger blog & as a result, help to further develop your BRAND.

The first thing I did was open picnik ( I CAN NOT believe picnik will soon no longer exist...but that is another topic all together..) and upload the picture I wanted to use for my favicon:

It was way to big, so following the favicon guidelines I googled, I re-sized it to 32x32 pixels:

so teeny

Then you go to your blogger dashboard, and click on DESIGN.

Then up at the top left, there is a box that says "FAVICON" click on the edit beside that box.

Then the little pop up box appears and you can upload your teeny 32x32 pixel picture!

And you have yourself a CUTE custom favicon!

Hope this was helpful! If you decide to try, leave a link to your blog, I would love to come see!

Happy Friday!

In The Studio with Meag of Heart & Soul Pieces.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:19:00 +0000

Last month I debuted my "In The Studio" monthly blog series with a studio tour from Casey Wiegand.

♥ In the Studio is meant to be a fun way to meet some amazing designers & artists, get to know more about their work and what inspires them, take a tour of their studio & learn some fun "out of the studio" tid bits about them! ♥

Today I am excited to introduce you to Meag of Heart & Soul Pieces. PLUS she has a special treat for us...a VIDEO TOUR of her studio! HOW FUN! Take it away Meag:

Hello again JessicaNdesign readers!

I'm Meag! Remember me?! I did a little DIY post before and I am back answering some questions and taking you on a little tour inside my studio! I have some photos and my FIRST vlog!

Enjoy! xo

My First Ever Vlog!

1. What is created in your studio?

I create handmade vintage inspired jewelry and accessories for my indie biz Heart & Soul Pieces.

I am also a craftaholic so I am always working on DIY's and personal projects as well!

2. Work us through a normal day.

Well unfortunately my indie biz isn't my only job. I don't have a lot of time to work on things right now so I sneak them in on my days off! Those days, I usually wake up early and get right to work and before I know it it's 7:00pm and where did the day go?! I usually accomplish A LOT in a day as I focus on it for hours on end!

3. What inspires you?

SO many different things: nature, fashion, friends and of course the holy grail: Pinterest.

4. Favorite thing you create.

I have a couple of favorite pieces I have made. As most of my pieces are one of a kind or limited edition it's definitely hard to part with them sometimes. Some of my absolute favourites include THIS bracelet and THIS necklace.

5. Do you have an in home studio? Or is your studio space away from home?

My studio is in my two bedroom apartment in Montreal. It's quant and cozy and I love it. I just wish there was a little more natural light. I have to take all my pictures outside (in the winter it's the worst!) because the sun doesn't come through the window very well. When we move into our next place big windows will definitely be on my request list :)

6. How do you balance your work and your family life?

Luckily for me I don't have children, for now :) I don't think I would be able to handle a job, an indie biz AND some little munchkins. How do you crazy mamas do it?! :)

7. Any tips for success that have really helped you out?

Read, read, read, read. Oh and read! The more knowledge you can take in on your craft/biz the better. I am always taking courses, reading blogs and photo tutorials. You can never have enough knowledge.

If you are interested in a great course check out THIS one.

8. Biggest mistake with you made with your business.

Not starting sooner. I pushed it off for so long because I didn't think I was "ready" but really you learn as you go and its ever evolving.

9. Best part of owning your own business?

I LOVE seeing my jewelry on happy customers. Nothing is better.

10. Worst?

That I can't spend more time on it. But I am working on that ;) Slowly but surely. Check out one of my biz dreams HERE.

11. Favourite part of your studio.

My desk. My dad gave it to me. Its wide and perfect and wonderful.

12. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Having my jewelry displayed in a store back in my home town North Bay, ON. It felt like I actually accomplished something :)

13. Secret dream for your business?

You can read all about it HERE. :) ahhhhh dreams! But I'd also like to one day have a "bricks and mortar" shop and teach classes and what not :)

14. What kind of music is on your studio playlist?

Some of my favourites include: Ingrid Michaelson, Eliza Doolittle, She & Him and my Canadian lover Michael Buble.

Outside the Studio:

Coffee or Tea: Tea! Wanna do a tea swap?! Email me!

Vintage or New: Vintage all the way!

Text or Call: Text. Calls take too long ;)

DVD or Theatre: ooo tough one. I like cuddle dates on the couch but also popcorn at the movies :)

Book or Movie: If I've read the book I'll hate the movie. But if I haven't read the book I'll love the movie.

Flats or Heels: Heels.

Stay in or Go out: Winter - stay in. Summer - go out.

Hugs or Kisses: Hugs. 20 second hug a day. Try it.

Lip gloss or Lip stick: Stick. Don't like sticky gloss.

Silver or Gold: Rose Gold.

Comedy or Drama: I like both!

Cook or Take out: I LOVE to cook!

Jewelry or Gadgets: oooo can't pick. love little knick knacks!

I hope you enjoyed my little tour of my studio! Come stop by my blog and say "HI"! I'd love to get to know you! XO

Blog Shop Pinterest Twitter Facebook

I hoped you enjoyed being In The Studio with Meag! You can read last month's In the Studio post with Casey Wiegand here. Stay tuned for Next Month's In The Studio tour! :)

Guest Post by Kelly of Eat Yourself Skinny...YUM!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:38:00 +0000

I stumbled upon Kelly's AMAZING blog, Eat Yourself Skinny, about a month ago...I think she started following me on Twitter, so I decided to check her out! SO happy I did! She had me at "Eat" & "Skinny!"

Her blog is adorable & her recipes make me want to actually COOK SOMETHING besides frozen food for once!

I am so excited Kelly agreed to guest post today...& I am so ready to try the recipes she shares with us today...Get ready to EAT YOURSELF SKINNY:

Hello there lovely readers of Jessica N Designs! I’m Kelly from Eat Yourself Skinny and I’m so excited to be guest posting for Miss Jessica today!

Ok so I must admit I have quite the obsession with fun crafty blogs who have their own shops and make incredible homemade items. Maybe it’s because I’m nowhere near that talented so I pretty much live vicariously through them. Well Jessica’s blog is seriously one of my favorites! I’m absolutely in LOVE with her I Do, Me Too forks and spoons and literally already have them in my Etsy favorites for when my boyfriend {finally} decides to propose. Well you can imagine my shock and utter surprise when she asked me to guest post for her! I mean what on Earth could I share that would even remotely compare to the gorgeousness that IS her blog?

Well I happen to cook y’all.

And I cook A LOT.

I may not be the most talented person when it comes to working with a hot glue gun or a sewing kit (oh lord that is a scary thought), but my passion lies in my little suburban kitchen and I love turning yummy fattening recipes into healthy guilt-free meals that still taste delicious! So since I figured sharing one recipe with you would be totally boring, I’m sharing with you a full course meal you can make for your friends or for your next party {preferably both would be encouraged} complete with alcoholic beverages of course!

Appetizer - Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

This is one of my favorite appetizers to share whenever I have friends over. It’s healthy, simple to whip together and makes an amazing leftover salad the next day!

Cocktails - Skinny Beer-garitas

I of course can’t give you an appetizer without a fun cocktail to go with it! These beer-garitas are a serious staple at all our cookouts during the summer and they taste sinfully delicious. So I came up with a skinny version that I know you’ll love, they just require you to make your own homemade limeade and choose your favorite light beer and tequila. Easy peasy!

Salad - Candied Balsamic Tomatoes and Mozzarella Salad

Ok so if you didn’t think the bruschetta was enough tomato and basil for your liking, you have to try this salad. At less than 200 calories for a whole cup of this recipe, you can happily indulge without the worry of ruining your diet!

Main Course - Three-Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups

So to go along with the bruschetta and the yummy caprese salad, I thought I’d stick with the Italian theme and share with you these lasagna roll-ups. {Ok I know what you’re thinking, no beer-garitas aren’t exactly Italian in nature, but c’mon, they’re just too good not to share!} The great thing about these little roll-ups are that they can be made ahead of time, placed in a casserole dish and frozen until ready to pop in the oven! They’re perfect for any weeknight when you get home from work late or you know, just don’t feel like cooking {which can be me 80% of the time during the week!}

__________________________________

Servings: 10

Serving Size: 2 roll-ups

Calories: 385

Fat: 14 g

Carbs: 43 g

Fiber: 1 g

Protein: 24 g

Old Points: 8.9 pts

Points+: 10 pts

__________________________________

Here’s what you need:

1/2 package (16 oz) curly lasagna noodles (about 10 noodles)

2 cans (14 oz each) stewed tomatoes

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 container (15 oz) part-skim ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cups (6 oz) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

3 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. coarsley ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

2 tsp. olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1 small zucchini, diced

1 small tomato, diced

1 Tbsp capers, drained and chopped

Prepare lasagna noodles according to package. Drain and rinse with cold running water. Return noodles to sauce pot with cold water to cover. Meanwhile, in a 3-quart glass or ceramic baking dish, combine stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce, breaking up tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Prepare filling: In a large bowl, mix all cheeses, pepper and 3 tablespoons chopped basil.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Drain lasagna noodles on clean kitchen towels. Spread rounded 1/4 cup filling on each lasagna noodle and roll up jelly-roll fashion. Slice each noodle crosswise in half. Arrange lasagna rolls, cut side down, in sauce in baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until hot.

Meanwhile, prepare topping: In a nonstick 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, cook until tender and browned. Stir in zucchini, cook until tender. Stir in diced tomato, capers and remaining 1 tablespoon basil, heat through. To serve, place sauce and lasagna rolls on plate and spoon topping over the rolls. Enjoy!

Dessert - Skinny Chocolate Chip Cookies

You didn’t think I would forget dessert did you?? Sure these cookies are filled with chunks of delicious chocolate and taste just as sinful as the next cookie, but in reality they are only 30 calories and about 1 gram of fat per cookie! Weight Watchers fans, that’s only one point each! These little cookies satisfy that must-have-chocolate-this-very-instant-or-I’ll-go-mad craving without packing on all the extra calories.

Thank you again Jessica for inviting me to share some of my favorite recipes on your fabulous blog today! If you’re interested in more skinny recipes or just looking to make a new friend {yay!}, feel free to stop by my blog any time and say hi!

XOXO

FIND KELLY:

Blog : Facebook : Twitter

Thank you so much for coming over today Kelly!!! Your recipes are so YUMMY looking....can't wait to get started Eating myself Skinny! ;)

Go say Hi to Kelly, follow her AMAZING blog & tell her I sent ya!

Monday Mash Up: Pink Valentine.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:25:00 +0000

Monday Already?! Today I decided to create a Valentine Treasury!

I am feeling romantic...watching sappy love stories,

eating chocolates, a little wine wine & a night stroll sounds dreamy!

Check out the whole treasury here.

Feel free to click, comment & share! :)

Friday Freebie & a Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:24:00 +0000

I love Shabby Blogs, back in the day when I first started blogging I used their amazing freebies to design and decorate my blog!

They still have the cutest freebies! Like this adorable Gnome in a Jar!

I used the cute gnome in a jar to announce the winner of the Sunshine Stitch Giveaway! {Congrats Katy!}

Email me & I will get you in touch with Alysha!

HAPPY FRIDAY! I'm looking forward to getting together with friends for fondue & the Super Bowl! You have any fun plans?

DIY Indoor Succulent Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:48:00 +0000

I have had my eye on these succulents for a while now...in fact, I have included them in several posts in the past. They were sitting there in my Etsy Favs just staring at me screaming "buy me, buy me!" So, since they were begging me, I finally decided to go for it. I called it an early Birthday present to myself! ;)

I got my succulents from Heather of Succulents Galore. I AM SO GLAD I DID. Not only did she answer all 1,328 of my questions, she was extremely helpful and SUPER NICE! {Thanks Heather}

Under Heather's instruction, I bought the Miracle Grow Cactus potting soil for my new plants!

I gathered my beautiful succulents.
Filled the bottom of my tin with a little sand because the plants like porous soil & don't like soggy roots!
Mixed the sand with my soil
Planted my little lovelies in the muffin tin.

I was going to plant them all in muffin tins, but decided to mix it up a little! I had got this wooden box a while back and decided it made the perfect home for some succulents on my kitchen table!

I also found these CUTE little vintage cups on Etsy for $8 for 4 and HAD to have them! I sit these in my studio beside my laptop...they make me smile every time I see them!

Some things I love about my succulents:

They don't require constant watering.

I ALWAYS forget to water my plants. These are perfect! They store water in their leaves so they don't need constant watering!

They remind me of my Grandma Helen, she had these in pots outside. You know, the kind with holes in the side & the succulents hang out all over the pot? SO neat!
They are cute...I love cute things!
The leaves (or cuttings) will re root themselves!

SO cool! I had a few leaves fall off, so I stuck them in a pot of soil & am hoping they re root & grow me another little succulent!

Do you have succulents? What are your favorite kinds?

Linking up at whipperberry

Show your Valentine how much you love them...

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:23:00 +0000

I have been adding a ton of new stuff to the shop lately! Creating new things is one of my favorite things about my business....the excitement is like a drug to me! {NERD ALERT: bonus points to anyone who knows where I pulled the "is like a drug to me" line from!}

Back to topic...I have added so many cute things for Valentine's Day! PLUS there is still time to get your order in & get your swag for V-Day! Annnnnnnnnd there is a LIMITED TIME discount code in my Etsy shop! ;)

Coffee Spoons Available here & here

So many new coffee spoons!

It is always so interesting to me when a certain item in the shop really takes off.

The "love you more" spoons have been selling like hot cakes!

I was also so happy to see that my "i <3 u" spoon made it to the FRONT PAGE of Etsy last night!

AND my You & Me Personalized Ring is being seen on the FRONT PAGE of the Etsy Valentine's Day Page! It has been a good week! :)

I also just added the most adorable little girls necklace! I can not stop staring at the shear cuteness. The Pretty Little Bow Necklace is available here for your little Valentines!

I made a "For your Valentine" Section in the shop for easy link referring to your sweetie! You're Welcome! ;)

Oh, and the cute new banner at the top of this post...courtesy of my girl Leonora, whose cute little undie pillows are featured on the Valentine's Day page with me! LOVE HER & the new banner!

January Sponsor Welcome & Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:22:00 +0000

I am so excited to introduce you to 2 new sponsors, Courtney & Laura! They are both so sweet & very talented! Learn more about them below & see the great prizes they are offering up for a giveaway today!

Hi! I'm Courtney. I am the mama to three beautiful kids! 1 baby boy - Elijah and 2 little girls- Maddy and Bella! I thank God for the gift He has given me to create and use my imagination through my jewelry creations.

I design what I like to wear. I love mixing old with new in anything that I design and try to create timeless classic pieces that can be worn day to day or out for a fun night. A lot of the time my pieces are a little bit of vintage, a little bit of modern, a little bit of classic..all rolled into one.

No two pieces are exactly the same..they all have their own personality. I use only the highest quality materials- sterling silver, 14k gf, semi precious stones, feathers, vermeil, leather of different types & one of a kind vintage pieces.You can always feel confindent that you are buying a quality piece with out paying a fortune!

Courtney @ Maddynbella:

Shop : Twitter : Facebook

Courtney is giving away this pretty Ornate Gold Diamond Necklace.

Also get 15% off ANYTHING in her shop with code: MADDYNBELLA15

Hi there! I'm Laura and I'm along for the ride. No really, I am.

Along For the Ride isn't just the name of my handmade shop and my blog, but it's how I see my walk with the Lord. I am along for the ride He has planned for me, and what a glorious ride it is!

During the day (and lots of times at night) I spend my time running a residence hall on a college campus. My husband and I live in the hall and our neighbors are 400 loud, silly, messy, wonderful college students. We have a kitty baby named Jupiter that shares our little apartment.

When I'm not working in the hall, I spend my time with a glue gun in hand, making lovely things for my shop. My motto is "keep is simple" and I try to make simple accessories that aren't too dramatic or fussy, but add just a pretty touch of whimsy to an already beautiful you.

"Keep it simple" is my motto for my life as well and I blog a lot about the simple, little, imperfect things that make life sweet.

Laura @ along for the ride

blog | shop | facebook | twitter

Want to win the necklace from Maddynbella & the shop credit from Along for the Ride?

Here is how to enter:

(must be a jessicandesigns blog follower, but that does not count as an entry)

You can do ALL or just one of these.

The more you do, the better your chance of winning.

Leave a comment for each thing you do:

Add each shop to your Etsy Favorites (links above) 1 entry for each shop added.
Follow Laura on Twitter (link above)
Follow Courtney on Twitter (link above)
Become a Fan of each shop's facebook page (links above) 1 entry for each like.
PIN your favorite item from each shop on Pinterest. (1 entry for each pin, 2 possible entries)

GOOD LUCK! Winner takes both prizes, winner will be chosen on 2/7/12 using random.org

Monday Mash Up: Chocolate Lace

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:32:00 +0000

It's no secret around here that I love lace...is it?
And it's funny...I am not really a lace and frills kind of girl...
My lace has to be tasteful lace...pretty lace...girly but not too frilly lace.
Not poufy 80s prom dress lace.
Not baby Christening dress lace.
Not Ugly grandma lace curtain lace.
Not Ugly Bridesmaid dress you would rather burn than be caught dead wearing ever again, lace.
Pretty lace. Like these:

Vintage Carrier : Lace e-Reader case : Caramels

Leg warmers : Lace Ring : Lace jotter

Wallet : SUPER RAD Mug : Lace Clutch

I know they are not all lace...some I just liked...

What is something you like that kind of surprises you?

I'm Stuck on Cutetape.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:29:00 +0000

I have talked before about my love for Washi Tape! I actually posted on facebook the other day about how I went a little crazy buying it from my favorite store, Cute Tape! (They also have a store on Etsy called Pretty Tape & I have bought from both of their shops!)

Washi Tape is one of my weaknesses...you know, the kind of thing you CAN NOT resist when you see it, even if you don't need it? The kind of thing you buy in every color and design because it is just too cute to resist. The kind of thing that you don't know exactly what you are going to use it for, but you buy it anyway...

Yes, Washi Tape is one of those things for me...want to see the latest pretty tapes I could not resist & had to buy?

Peach Polka Dots? YES PLEASE!

Purple Lace Tape...Where have you BEEN all my life?

(pssst...I also bought it in teal)

Could not resist the pink hearts for Valentine's Day!

Here are just a couple things I do with my Cute Tape:

I decorate these kraft cut outs to make a cute little note card! I include them in certain packages & give them with gifts! Super easy and cute way to make a pretty little note or thank you card!

I also decorate all my boxes with cutetape for every order! I think it is such a pretty addition to my stamp. It really is a great way to dress up a plain old box!

The best part is that I can change it up all the time! I get bored with the same old very easily, so it is fun to buy new tapes to decorate with! I especially love doing seasonal ones...like pretty red & greens for Christmas & that cute heart one for Valentines Day! SO many possibilities! Next on my list are some of their cute lace stamps...right up my alley!

Know what else rocks? Cutetape is having a GIVEAWAY for $100 shop credit! WHAAAAAA?! Do you KNOW how much cute tape I could buy with that...I get chills at the thought...

Anyway, this post is my entry! They will be picking the top 3 posts for the final round where you can vote on the winner!

If I won this giveaway, I would obviously continue using my Cutetape for my packaging...but I would also love to try some of these fun projects:

So for now, my fingers will remain crossed!

InstaFriday

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

I get wild hairs up my you know where & decide to move the living room around sometimes...our living room is a long rectangle so it is insanely difficult to get it just right...but it is pretty good right now!

LOOK HUN: I fixed my hair, so I had to document the moment!

Been SO busy lately! Such a blessing! Even though it is stressful trying to run the house & my business, I am so grateful that God has blessed me with my successful business!

Dear Taffy, I have loved you since I was a child.

It was a Just Lovely Things & Aviator kind of day. Rocking the look on the way to church Sunday!

Got a pretty package in the mail from the swap week I participated in! CAN NOT WAIT to share all the lovely swag I got!

New Shoes... unfortunately they are not as comfortable as I hoped. But still like them!!

AWESOME score at the antique store! Old wash board that is now gracing my kitchen wall!

We all have our drink of choice around here!!

Sponsor Spotlight & Giveaway: Alysha of The Sunshine Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

I am so happy to have gotten to know Alysha, the creative mind behind The Sunshine Stitch. She is so sweet & talented and I am happy to have her as a bloggy friend & sponsor! I actually have mug cozies & coasters that she made me! I LOVE them!!

Anyway, lets get to know more about Alysha, shall we?

In 3 words I am: romantic. driven. tired.
I can’t live without: my boys. my coffee. my bible.
This is how I like to Relax: feet up, coffee brewed, crochet hooks in hand.
My favorite Tv Shows: No cable tv here but i have a slight addiction to netflix.
My favorite materials to work with are: merino & alpaca wool yarns. LOVE.
My Hometown: Kent, Washington. {I sure miss the rain sometimes. }
My favorite room in my house is: the kitchen. food is made. messes happen. lessons taught.
My guilty pleasure is: iced venti soy chai tea lattes. I could have one everyday. {Maybe i do. ;) }
I feel naked without: the diaper bag. I feel like a natural disaster might happen any minute & i will run out of diapers. seriously. its a fear.
I fear: see above.
This is what makes me smile: squeals from babies when daddy comes home.
My Worst Habit: biting my lower lip. It drives me CRAZY but i cant stop
I want to learn to: knit. Its beautiful.

My advice to other Etsy Sellers: {leave etsy} ha. just kidding. But seriously. the fees? killin me man.
My typical day is: coffee. devotional. coffee. playtime with the boys {1 & almost 3}. naps/crochet/house work/coffee. hubs home. more playtime. dinner. cuddle hubs/crochet/coffee{decaf}
I stay inspired by: my pinboards. www.pinterest.com/sunshinestitch =)
3 tools in my studio I can't live without: yarn. {duh} twine. {LOVE wrapping pretties} coffee. {That was a given right}

Alysha is sweet enough to give all of you a 15% discount with code JESSNDESIGNS

Love to win a $20 Shop Credit to The Sunshine Stitch?

Here is what you need to do to enter:

{You have to be a follower of my blog to enter, but it does not count as an entry}

Mandatory Entry:

Visit The Sunshine Stitch, come back and tell me your favorite item.

Extra Entries if you wish to do them:

Become a fan of The Sunshine Stitch on Facebook.
Share a link to this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter.
Follow Alysha's Blog The Tar Pit.
Pin your favorite item from The Sunshine Stitch on Pinterest. (leave a link to your pin)

Winner will be chosen using Random.org & will be announced on 2/1/12.

Monday Mash Up: i love you

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:39:00 +0000

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! These things make my heart go pitter patter...what has been making your heart go pitter patter lately?

7 Pretty Things Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:34:00 +0000

photo sources: 1//2//3//4//5//6//7

I am linking up with some great bloggers for 7 pretty things Sunday! So exciting! I am always on the hunt for pretty things...take a look at my Monday Mash Ups full of pretty things every Monday!

My inspiration today were those beautiful succulents. I have been wanting to plant some as a centerpiece on my table & have some smaller planters in my studio since this summer. I think it will be my birthday gift to myself to do it next month!

I had such a refreshing day yesterday, I went thrifting with my great friend Hannah, had lunch, went for coffee and then we met our hubby's for dinner! So nice to get out & enjoy some time together with no kids! We really needed that! I told her at the end of our day that I feel totally refreshed for the week now!

Friday Freebie: Adorable Valentine from Wonder Forest

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:03:00 +0000

It has been a while since I have done a Friday Freebie...Shame on me. This absolutely adorable {and FREE} printable from my friend Dana of Wonder Forest got me out of my funk! I can't wait to print and send some...too cute to pass up.

Want one? Head over to Dana's Blog & get the free download! Also check out her & Heather of Just Lovely Things 14 Days of Love series! I am loving the things they are sharing!

Inspiration Workshop: Dream Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:49:00 +0000

I am so excited Gussy has brought back the inspiration workshop series after a long break! It is always fun to share inspiration & dream about pretty things!

Which is what I am doing today, dreaming about a pretty, organized, relaxing oasis of a bedroom. Preferably minus the crib that is STILL in our bedroom due to lack of space for Lucy to have her own room. *Sigh*

Anyway, here are some bedrooms that have been on my Pinterest "A place to lay my head" board for a while now...

I am a huge fan of the simple bed frame with unique, re-purposed head board! I LOVE old things...and scouring for the perfect pieces to incorporate in my home is so much fun! It is like a high when you find that perfect piece!

Like the gorgeous old doors used in this bedroom, the beautiful shutters used in this one & the amazing old mantle used in this bedroom.

And LOOK at how they used old doors for the bed frame...pure deliciousness.

I am actually in the process on convincing the hubby that our bedroom NEEDS repainted...it is an uphill battle. But I am going thrifting with my friend Hannah on Saturday, so here's to hoping I can score some amazing finds like these...our bedroom is in dire need of a makeover!

Come follow along on Pinterest...let's get inspired together!

Blog & Shop Tips: A Round Up.

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica @ jessicaNdesigns) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:55:00 +0000

I love learning new things, especially things that help my business & helpful tips on blogging! I found several helpful posts this week around the blog world & thought I would share!

Heather of Just Lovely Things shared an incredibly easy & helpful tutorial on how to make a business link banner for your facebook page! It is just another way to brand yourself & make it easy for your followers, especially someone who just comes across your page, to find you! That way they don't have to search around, or worse, give up finding out how to reach you! Here is what mine looks like:

At the top of the page, below my name, you see the cute little buttons that say Tweets, Pins, Shop, Email, Blog. When you click on them they'll take you to a link where you can find each respective thing. :) I designed them to match my blog, another way to keep your "brand" consistent! Want to make some for your page? Head over & follow Heather's EASY tutorial!

Julie Ann Art shared a very helpful & easy tutorial on how to add a "Pin it" button to the bottom of ALL your posts! {You can see mine at the bottom of this post!}

Pinterest is an EXTREMELY useful tool for many reasons. Why don't I name some:

You can keep track of all the pretty things you wish you had.
Keep track of all the fashionable outfits you would wear if you ever got out of sweats.
You can keep track of all the DIY projects you wish you had time to do.
You can browse for hours and feel like you can have the most beautiful house, most organized studio & the most Delicious dinners!

But in all seriousness:
Pinterest is a really great marketing tool!
People can pin your blog posts, generating traffic and hopefully new followers. People can pin your DIY Projects resulting in the same things. AND Etsy now added a Pin it button to all listings so people can pin your products too! SO many people come to my shop from Pinterest!

Speaking of using Pinterest as a marketing tool, Megan of Designing an MBA has a great video about promoting your products on Pinterest!

I also read this post after Gussy shared the link. It is an extremely helpful post with 50 ideas for what to write about when you have writers block. I actually bookmarked it, as writers block frequents my mind every now and then!

Let's Review:

Learn how to create a facebook business banner over on Heather's Blog.
Learn how to add a pin it button to the end of your posts over at Julie Ann Art.
Learn how to promote your products on Pinterest over at Designing an MBA.
Find 50 ideas to write about when you have writers block at Centsational Girl.

I hope some of this helps you and your blog or shop! I would love to continue "Blog & Shop Tips Round Up" posts whenever I can!

Have anything you would like to learn how to do? Leave it in the comments, I will see what I can find!