My Ramblingz!

An Amazing Camera Giveaway by MCP Actions

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +0000

So excited to announce this contest. I know lots of mommies with a passion for photography who are just starting out with basic SLR's and a 50 mm lenses who would love love this camera and lens combo! It seriously is an amazing one. Click the link below to enter to get your chance to win and follow the instructions to enter multiple times! Good Luck guys!

http://www.punchtab.com/contest?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcpactions.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F01%2F19%2Fwin-canon-5dmkii-nikond700%2F&user_id=MjE2NjI3&raffle_id=MzIzMg%3D%3D

You also should check out the actions at MCP they rock. I use them daily in my editing workflow! And being a Michigan native I love that I am supporting a local business. Michigan small businesses have been hit hard so check out MCP Actions I promise you will not be disappointed she also has amazing tutorials on PS and PSE.

http://www.mcpactions.com/

I promise her actions and education are unmatched! Enjoy

Click Click .. Is this thing on

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:02:00 +0000

Okay so I haven’t used this blog in forever. I quit because I was trying to do to many things at once and it just was something I had to sacrifice. However now after years of praying I am finally a SAHM and full time photographer. I can not say thank you enough to my God for allowing me this opportunity though sadly I have been a little like an Israelite and have not been as appreciative of late as I should be. So I decided to revisit my blog and this time instead of it being a place for crafts and décor I have been inspired by several women and mommies to have it be a place that I chronicle our little life here and the things the Lord is doing. I have lots to share about how God has brought about a change in our lives in ministry but for today I am thankful for the simple things. Simple things like doing projects with my preschooler. Yesterday we fed the birds by making them treats on toast with peanut butter and birdseeds.

First we toasted the bread. Sadly Caleb learned that the metal on top gets very hot. It was just a little owie though

He loved smashing down the cookie cutter. Isn’t it funny how boys love to try and use their full strength in everything

He did not like this part he said “Mom it is too squishy . You do it”

Dipping in bird seed

We hung one next to the bird feeder

But Caleb wanted us to leave one on the deck for the squirrels too. It was gone in 5 minutes!

I am enjoying my time with him so so much. I will close with this link from the infamous Pinterest of course but it is so true in my life. This year my oldest of four boys turns 18 he will be an adult. Didn’t he just learn to walk and talk. My youngest will turn five and will start school. I am thankful that God allowed me time at home with him before he starts that new journey. My two middle boys will also reach milestones. One will turn sweet 16 and the other will finally be a real teenager and turn 13. I am in for a year that is for sure.

But for just now I will hold on to the thought expressed in this quote and enjoy the simple day to day with them all

http://pinterest.com/pin/187603140697288656/

Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:15:00 +0000

I don't like waiting and I am only stating it this way because (hate) is a bad word in our house. I freely admit that probably my biggest spiritual struggle is patience. I don't like unknowns, I don't like wondering, I don't playing the what if game. But I do almost all the time. You think I would have learned by now. God has brought me through many situations to test and teach me patience. Yet I still start wriggling when He has me in a season of waiting. My devotion this morning was about this very thing. About how Abram was talking with God and God said "Do not be Afraid Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward" Genesis 15:1-6. And Abram responded so like myself He didn't respond in thankfullness or in offering praise to God for speaking to HIm. He wasn't satisfied that God was His great reward instead he said "What can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus." In other words he responded to God by saying God what can you do for me, what about the descendants I am suppose to have some other guy is going to inherit my estate. He sounds worried. (Yay I am so glad the was another worrier back then" But then God made a promise and fulfilled it. Abram still was inpatient as I am he tried to work out God's promise in His way and muddled somethings up with Hagar. I do that too I try to see how I can fix it and I just thing well I know it's Gods will so I will just help things along. So often I end up with a bigger mess than where I started.

But it's the times when I get it right and wait and be still and listen that God amazes me. He resolves things in ways I don't even come close to understanding. Most often they work out better than I ever could have dreamed or wished for even though they did work out like I thought they should. God has such amazing wonderful plans for us but the waiting is so hard. I was challenged this morning to keep praying and seeking His face and just wait. So many people close to me now are in a season of waiting, waiting for transformation, waiting for God's promises to be fullfilled in their lives, waiting to see how God will help them go on through unbearable losses, personally I will share one of my sons is lost. He is happily :( denying his Faith and his God. But I know God's promises I will pray and wait. My pain is still there it hurts like crazy. But I have to trust that God will help my son find his path to Christ. There are many other ways in which my family is waiting on the Lord but I will close with a verse that offers me such encouragement and I hope it will give some to whomever may read this as well.

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"

Isaiah 30:18

I am so glad my Lord longs to be gracious to me and wants to show compassion to me. And also notice that last part those who wait on Him even when its excrutiating are blessed. Such encouragment. Am I going to succed at the waiting this time mmmm... maybe. I definately would still like to see all He has mapped out for me right now and that would be much easier right? But that is what is within my understanding not His. And His ways are so much greater than mine. Sooo I am as always going to work on this waiting thing and watch what God will do as a result!

Photo courtesy of Brendan Sceroler

Eye Spy Something Inspiring

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:25:00 +0000

Simply beautiful creative photos from around the Pinterest world!

Source: None via Amie on Pinterest

Source: designmom.com via Amie on Pinterest

Source: pixheaven.net via Amie on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Amie on Pinterest

Garage Sale Treasures from today :)

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:59:00 +0000

Had a fun day off checking out garage sales with the family. Got donuts for breakfast and headed out early. First stop was a sale for our church missionaries who are home from their international ministry this summer. I got the cutest purple chair for photoshoots ! We stopped at lots of sales our littlest had tons of fun finding “guys” for cheap and free! We had a ton of fun. The best part was when my husband and I jammed out to Bohemian Rhapsody complete with head banging. (16 year old sinks down in the back seat with embarrassment ). Sometimes family fun can be as silly and simple as morning treasure hunting and meeting new people along the way. Fun times Fun times!

Above is my super cute purple chair. I already know the cute little princess that I will use this with first!

Two cute books again to use for photoshoots. Love the baseball one for boys! And believe it or not the “Little People who Became Great” is an 80 year old book and it’s really good reading. It tells the stories of important people in childlike words I am actually gonna read it to Mr. Caleb

Vintage necklace 1.00 I am going to remove the little rectangle dangles and use them on another project and just leave the curved pieces! Super cute!

Vintage tablecloth and apron .25 each! Love Love the Apron!

The boys treasures a .25 knight for my Benny and 1.00 shield for my Caleb

And of course Mr. Caleb’s guys!

Find of the day a rocking horse for photo shoots 3.00! Yay Super fun day! We also scored a birdbath and some other things for the back yard to be featured later!

Happy Birthday America!

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:43:00 +0000

So I really want to start getting my blog going again, I really want to be comitted and share of the things in my heart from the creative, the family, the ministry, etc. Here’s hoping to staying on top of it.
We were so blessed to be able to enjoy a day at the lake at some friends of ours. I could not stop thinking the whole time just how thankful I was. We really needed the R and R and to just stop thinking for awhile and make memories with our kiddos.
We were missing one of my oldest whose in Texas for a month and we thought of him and spoke of him often during our day.
On another note the family that allowed us this night needs prayers. So if you could when you pray just mention to the Lord someone very special God knows their name that needs God’s healing touch and for God’s love and comfort to surround their family. We loved our day together but we really missed spending it with them too.

We had a wonderful day of waving Flags!

Swimming in the cool water.

Relaxed and just enjoyed being in each others company

Got to spend time with a feathered family

Almost has a sparkler accident

Cuddled on the boat and watched the sunset

And enjoyed the tradition of fireworks sparkling over the water.

All I can say is ahhhh……. Hope we can do it again soon and thank you Lord for a blessed day is a country were we are free to enjoy being together!

Weekly Random I Heart!

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Sharing this weeks loves from Pinterest and the Blogosphere! Click the links and check it out for tutorials etc.

Source: twogirlsbeingcrafty.blogspot.com via Amie on Pinterest

Source: madebylex.com via Amie on Pinterest

Source: iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com via Amie on Pinterest

Source: sceneofthegrime.blogspot.com via Amie on Pinterest

Creative Gardening!

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:26:00 +0000

I i no way have a green thumb but these ideas make me want to get planting! I have tons of old soup cans and bet I could find super cute old boots at the local Goodwill or Salvation Army. And the shoe hanger you can pick those up at your local dollar store for a buck along with muffin tins! I can't wait to try some of these ideas in my own yard!

Source: flickr.com via Amie on Pinterest

Source: athome.kimvallee.com via Amie on Pinterest

Source: lisaleonardonline.com via Amie on Pinterest

I love love this photographer

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:05:00 +0000

I just have to share this shoot from Kimbrley Chorney at Butterfly photography. She knocks my socks off everytime. Her stylized shoots are sooooo cute. I can't wait to start doing some shoots like this after my sick leave! Kimberly if somehow you read this know that you inspire me and are amazingly talented and creative! These are self portraits of her and her love. She writes about it beneath the beautiful pics!

Just for fun... love this man with all my heart! We don't go on fancy dates or get a chance to do a whole lot of traveling, but we manage to have fun just hanging out at home doing everyday life stuff. All these picture's were taken with the self-timer, I was laughing the whole time because I would press the timer on the camera, have eight seconds to run behind the sheet, my shoes were sinking in the ground, I was huffing and puffing, falling, I'm sure it looked like a comedy show or something. I think I will try this again at a different time of day, just to try to get the shadows better.

Easy Spring Decor

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Super Cute Spring Decor from Red Berry Barn

Beautiful Butterflies...: "

One of our family's favorite movies is

A Bug's Life.

I love that part where Hemlich the large caterpillar

becomes a beautiful butterfly...with his tiny little wings.

My son watched it over & over & over again,

back when it was on VHS. I think we went through

several tapes until we upgraded to a DVD.

This was super easy to make!

I used Canvas Corp Chunky Stretched Canvas &

Corkstock {it has an adhesive backing click here for more info}

that was cut out into butterflies

using the Accu-Cut die cutting machine.

Then I just added bling, stitching, sticker letters {fresh & happy}, punched

out bunnies {Martha Stewart punch} and etc to

make this a very spring-y project.

I love how anything that I hang on this old window looks perfect!

Have a wonderful day!

Linked to:

Craft-O-Maniac

The Girl Creative

Keeping it Simple
Making the World Cuter
Between Naps on the Porch
The DIY Showoff
Running with Glitter
Tatertots and Jello
Featured on:
Be Different, Act Normal

Cute old box re-furbish with burlap, ribbon, and wooden numbers !

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:26:00 +0000

Check out this super cute way to re - use oldboxes! at Diamond in the Ruff

Source: adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com via Amie on Pinterest

Easy Mothers Day Idea

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:05:00 +0000

Cute Mothers day gift idea at the link below:

easy mother's day vase {tutorial}:
"
We're sharing this quick and simple Mother's Day vase over at Make and Takes today. Wouldn't this be perfect for a Mother's Day brunch? I was even thinking a version of it would be cute centerpieces for a wedding reception, or a sweet Teacher's Appreciation week gift. I can't wait for the rain to stop so I can pick more wild flowers!

Mother's Day Mason Jar Vase Tutorial

Supplies:

Small glass canning jar

18″ of at least 24 gauge (or thicker) wire

18″ piece of ribbon

clear glass marbles (optional)

Stamped tag and hanging hardware (optional)

1. Fill your jar 1/3 full of glass marbles.

2. Cut a piece of crafting wire about 18″ long. Wrap it around the neck of the jar just below where you screw the ring on top. Twist the end around the longer piece to secure.

3. Create a handle with the remaining wire and loop it under the base on the opposite side. Twist to secure.

4. Hand stamp a tag: “just for you”, “thank you”, “Happy Mother’s day” etc. I used the 'Just Believe' stamp set, the Old Olive Classic stamp pad, and the antique brass Hodgepodge Hardware set, all from Stampin' Up! I hung it on the wire with a hardware piece and another small piece of wire.

5. Tie a ribbon in a bow around the neck of the jar. This ribbon is the Daffodil Delight 1 1/4' striped grosgrain from Stampin' Up!

6. Fill with your favorite wild flowers!

Happy Mother's Day!

Little Green Desk

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Cute Desk Makeover at the Speckled Dog

Little Green Desk: "

This was the first larger piece of furniture I bought after I began blogging last April. It's not THAT big, but it is bigger than the first piece of furniture I bought.

Anyway, it was a steal at $10 so I snapped it up. Not long after I bought it, I ran across this post by Myra over at My Blessed Life and fell in love with the color she used on her foyer desk. I know some people just scan blog posts and don't really read them so please note that this is NOT MY DESK.

photo courtesy of My Blessed Life

I found a similar color and got to it (last July). Yes, last July. I've no idea why I'm just now blogging about this, but better late than never, right?

She lives in my foyer, in a little nook where you can find my sconce wall. These photos were taken in my dining room which is right inside the front door. The nook where she stays is too awkward of a place for me to get good photos of her.

Linking to:

All Things Inspired @ All Things Heart & Home
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/2011/04/piece-of-work-wednesday-furniture-link_26.html
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/04/upkeep-and-wow-us-wednesdays-12.html
http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/creative-share-features-too_26.html
http://www.mybackyardeden.com/2011/04/make-it-yours-day-63.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mybackyardeden%2FSJvZ+%28My+Backyard+Eden%29
We Did It Weds @ Sew Much Ado
http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2011/04/70th-power-of-paint-party.html
http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2011/04/all-plate-hangers-giveaway.html
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2011/04/27/hookin-up-with-hoh-46/

Rubber Ducky Baby Shower

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Check out this super cute Baby Shower Theme at On To Baby

Rubber Ducky Baby Shower: "

After being inspired by a rubber ducky baby shower on Hostess with the Mostess, event planner and designer Angelica McDonnell of Little Posh Parties decided to use that cute theme for this shower, but with their own personal twist. The whole shower has such a fun, party, girly vibe — I wish I had been a guest! Ati Grinspun Photography captured all the beautiful photos. Guests had a fabulous tapas menu from Renaissance Catering with some delicious items, like Truffle Macaroni and Cheese Spoons and Chicken Skewers with a Mango Salsa, along with their choice of two signature cocktails: Splish Splash Sangria and Mango Margaritas. But our very favorite part is the bubble machine! Such a great way to make the theme come right to life. See more photos in the gallery with the link at the bottom of this post!

Event Design and Coordination: Angelica McDonnell of Little Posh Parties

Photography: Ati Grinspun Photography

Catering: Renaissance Catering

Cake and Desserts: Peridot Sweets

Rentals: RSVP Party Rentals

Bubble Machine: LTevention

Floral Design: Enchanted Florist

Canvas Prints: Liz Le from The Pottery Shop

Banner: Christine with Scrapbooking Stuff

Dessert and Beverage Signs: The Giving Madam

Mommy to be Advice Cards: Lori with Party Place

Diaper Cakes: Little Posh Parties

Painted Chevron Rug Reveal {tutorial}

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Another super amazing project from Tator Tots and Jello! What a sweet way to change up an affordable rug to match your style and the decor of your home! All content credit to http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com Painted Chevron Rug Reveal {tutorial}: "

I finally got some pictures of my newest project --

My Painted Chevron Rug!!

And.... I love it!!

I know, I know --

Everyone is obsessed with Chevron.

I jumped on the bandwagon and I think it's fun.

I love the bold, graphic lines and statement that it makes in a room!

{Ikea rug}

I painted the rug white and then used my favorite color these days -- Martha Stewart's Arrowroot.

The same color as my Pennant Pantry

My Beachy Laundryroom

My Board and Batten Bathroom ...

I just can't get enough of this color!!!

Shelley came over and we had a great time stenciling the big Chevron stripes on our rugs.

She printed off two big Chevron stripes.

We laid them on our rugs and painted in between both stripes.

I used my handy dandy ruler to make sure the spaces was right.

Between the two of us, we were able to stencil each of our rugs in about an hour.

And then we had a FAB new designer rug!!!!

{for more instructions, check out my first post on this project}

**And you could totally make your own stencil using either stencil plastic from your craft store or heavy paper. Just measure out your Chevron pattern and cut it out.

Now, one drawback to the painting technique is that the rug got a little bit crunchy.

So Shelley had a great idea -- sand it!!!

I got out one of my favorite DIY tools -- my mini electric sander...

and in about 5 minutes my rug went from hard and crunchy to soft and pliable.

Plus, I love the beachy texture that came through when I sanded it!!

Now my dilemma is --- where do I put my new rug???

It goes everywhere!!

My kitchen...

My Board and Batten Bathroom...

My entryway.....

My Beachy Laundry Room....

My Family Room.....

Hmmm, what do you think??

I can't decide.

But I DO know that for under $30 it was a GREAT deal on a rug with some Summery Personality!!!

Thanks Shelley for a fun day painting!!!

Check out Shelley's version of the rug -- so cute {squeeeeeeeal}

xoxo

Organizing the Medicine Cabinet

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:41:00 +0000

Another Organizing post as it's spring cleaning time! If you want the 411 on organization the Delightful Order Blog is your place to go! I found these types of baskets at the dollar tree for a buck each and I am tackling my medicine cabinets soon! All content credit to http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com Organizing the Medicine Cabinet: "

I'm not quite done my baby's room yet {still have a couple of finishing touches to complete before I post it.} I'll show you that room soon. While I finish that room, I'm going to share some more organizing with you. I've been busy spring cleaning and re-organizing my kitchen. First up was the medicine cabinet. Yes, I have my medicine cabinet in the kitchen, because for one: I have little kids, and I don't want them to be able to 'help themselves' {if you know what I mean} and for two: It makes most sense to me to have the medicine, bandaids, vitamins on the main level of my home.

The red baskets are from the Dollar Tree.

4 baskets for $4.00 {not bad, huh?}

labeled, of course :)

I laminated my labels

I also have a chart for my medicine cabinet too:

I have a hard time remembering what time I gave which medicine, to which kid, on which day. Therefore I write it all down, to track it. I've used this chart again and again, and it works really great for me. If my kiddos are sick for a few days and I call the doctors office and the nurse asks "how long has he been running a fever?" "when was the last time you gave him medicine?" "what and how much medication have you given him?" I refer to the chart & don't have to count on memory. {My memory is not great.} This medicine tracker is now available in my shop. {View it HERE.}

Another new item in my shop are the labels for the medicine cabinet.

Find the LABELS {HERE}

As always, you can find all my charts and labels at the My Shop Tab on the top of my blog.

While spring cleaning and reorganizing in the kitchen, I remove everything from the cabinets, wipe down the inside, and think 'how can I make this kitchen work better?' The end result: moving items from one cabinet to another. In a few posts, I'll show you the before and after photo's of most of my cabinet and drawer rearranging.

Here are the before and after photo's of my medicine cabinet:

much better, I say... much better!

Does your kitchen feel like it 'works good'? While cooking/baking, is it easy to find all the items needed? Are your cabinets and drawers out of order? Come along with me and let's take control of our kitchens. Plan a day to tackle the job. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised when you do. Not just that, but success in accomplishing one space, motivates one to continue on.

So what do ya say, will you join me in reclaiming our kitchens? Make sure and post your before and afters of the space you organize and COME BACK here on Thursdays and link your greatness to my Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Linky Party. Looking forward to seeing your posts!

* My medicine cabinet has since been moved, as I've learned some great advice from a pharmacist. See where I store my medication now. READ the updated POST HERE. *

Lampshade turned basket!

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:36:00 +0000

I can't wait to try this ! A guest poster at U Create made an adorable basket from a lamp shade and some chicken wire! Be sure to check out more at U create's blog! All content credit to http://www.u-createcrafts.com

I’m so excited to have Calli back on Ucreate!!

I’m sure you remember when she stopped by last year to share her amazing zig zag pillow…it was a huge hit!! I love the motto on Calli’s blog “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” by Theodore Roosevelt.

You’ll find delicious recipes, gorgeous quilts & patterns, crafts, and so much more on Make it Do! She also shares some favorite books once in awhile and Calli doesn’t know this, but she’s the reason I’m reading The Book Thief right now {which I am loving by the way and can’t put down!}…she has great taste! Just wait until you see how she made this fabulous basket!

Here’s Calli…

Hi, I'm Calli from Make it Do and I am so thrilled to be back here creating at Ucreate. I was walking down the aisle of my local hardware store the other day and spotted a roll of chicken wire. Somehow it made it into my cart despite not having any idea of what I could do with it. Maybe it was because chicken wire fits into the category of mason jars and clothespins for me. Practical and homey... with a timeless charm that I love. Just so my purchase wasn't made in vain, I set to looking for the perfect project. My first thought was to make a bird's nest lined with moss. But then I spotted a chicken wire basket in a decorating magazine and thought I could make a something like that .

First, I needed something to serve as a mold for my basket. After a scavenger hunt through my basement, I spotted an old lampshade. Taking a closer look, I realized it had a heavy wire frame under the fabric cover. Sorry for the pun, but Lightbulb! With its great flared shape, it would make a lovely basket. I just love giving old things new life.

After a little deconstruction with scissors pulling off the fabric, my frame was ready for chicken wire. I left the top fitter wire in place on the frame, since it would have needed a small saw or some other nonsense to remove it. Plus I could always use it as a lampshade someday. Right? A word to the wise: you will want to wear leather gloves and eye protection for this project. Chicken wire can be very sharp!

I laid the frame on it's side, on top of the chicken wire, to use as a guide and clipped around it using wire cutters. Using needle nose pliers (my husband will say they are actually duckbill pliers) I twisted the wire ends around the frame on the first side.

I repeated the process on the opposite side. Yes, I was reckless. I didn't wear my gloves... and have a few scrapes to show for it.

As I wrapped the wire, I made sure to pull the wires tautly.

For the final two sides (which were opposite each other on the frame) I used one long piece so that the chicken wire covered the bottom and both sides. Again I laid the frame right on top of the wire to use as the guide to cut my wire. Remember when cutting your wire, you can always take some off, but you can't put it back on. When in doubt, cut a little bigger. I ended up trimming off some of the wire as I wrapped the final side.

After I was done, I went around the entire basket with my pliers, carefully squeezing any loose or sharp ends. And the results... I just love projects that work like a charm. But it wasn't quite done yet.

So I picked out a can of spray paint. I almost went with a cornflower blue... but the versatility of antique white won out. Rusty brown or black would have been nice too.

I was right, antique white is perfect for spring.

The competition of how and where to use my new basket with will be likewise fierce. I love it filled with eggs for Easter.

It also looks fabulous with the topiary. It is even cute as a small waste basket in my guest bathroom. All in all this was a fun and inexpensive project that only took me a few hours to complete. So next time you run across an old lampshade, don't throw it away! Introduce it to some chicken wire and make it into something really lovely.

_______________________

Thank you Kari for inviting me to join you and your readers today. It's such an honor to be on Ucreate! Happy creating! Love, Calli

Guest Project -- Make a Kitchen Garden Wall!!

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:16:00 +0000

Super cute wall idea! from a Guest Poster at one of my favorite blogs! Check it out! All content credit to - http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com Guest Project -- Make a Kitchen Garden Wall!!: "

Hi friends!! I'm Michelle, from Ten June. I've got a big smile on my face today. Why? Well, first of all, I'm really excited to be stopping by over here at Tatertots and Jello today- Jen is one of the most creative gals around and she features so many amazing projects! Whenever I click over to Tatertots and Jello, I leave with at least four new bookmarks in my 'inspiration' folder!

I'm also all smiles because SPRING is finally here! Hell-ooo sunshine, flowers and Easter candy! In honor of spring's arrival, I thought I'd share a fun project that I just did in my breakfast room-- a garden wall! It's fresh, it's fun and it's eas-y! A few weekends ago, I saw a little contraption at Ikea that I just fell in love with.

It's a metal tin that hangs on the wall and can be used to hold anything- utensils, plants, pens, etc. I absolutely loved the concept as soon as I saw the tins and I knew I had to recreate this somewhere at my house. Luckily, my mom recently gave me a bag of our wedding decor that she found in her attic. Part of that loot included some metal tins that we had used to line the chairs at our wedding ceremony with hydrangea stems. Aw, sweet memories. My little love buckets!!

I decided to put my little love buckets back to good use.

With the help of a few picture hangers, my love buckets and the garden section at Home Depot, I've got myself a garden wall! I am sure that there are allll kinds of green thumb no-no's about putting plants on a wall like this, but I don't care. I'm a rebel like that! Each of these are house plants that cooperate well with the indoors. Also, my breakfast room gets a lot of light... hopefully they will survive!

I am absolutely loving the fun, fresh color it brings into my kitchen and breakfast area. It's the perfect way to bring spring indoors, but without the pollen which is currently all over my backyard! Ah, spring in the south.

In addition to a few basic house plants, I threw in a few of our favorite fresh herbs. That basil smells DE-LISH! Can't wait to fix up my favorite- caprese salad- with some!

Before the garden wall, I had some colorful plates hanging on the wall, but they never really looked like they fit just right. I'm not sure if it was the size or the plates themselves, but the love bucket garden wall works so much better! It really makes such a difference in the room.

While I was in the gardening section, I also found this adorable little succulent. I couldn't resist! He's sitting in a tiny little watering can on my kitchen windowsill :)

So that's my breakfast room/kitchen garden wall! And for the record, it's been a couple of weeks and my plants are still alive! Just call me Green Thumbs Michelle : )

Thanks so much for having me, Jen!

Thanks Michelle!

I love the idea of having an herb garden in my kitchen. Brillant!!

Easy Easter Garland

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:10:00 +0000

So cute and easy oh yeah ! and it's free! Again from the Amy Atlas Blog All content credit to http://blog.amyatlas.com Paint Chip Easter Garland

We’ve seen the creative use of paint and pantone chips for many fun projects over the last few years. It first started with David Stark’s genius idea of using 15,000 paint chips to blanket an entire venue for the American Patrons of Tate Artist’s Dinner {you can take a peek here}. More recently, we’ve seen pantone treats like these cookies and these cupcakes. We’ve even seen pantone chip magnets, dishes, and mugs lately. So we were tickled pink {and yellow, blue, purple} when we saw this fun use of paint chips for a DIY Easter egg garland by Steph of Modern Parents Messy Kids. Check out some cool pictures below and get the full diy here.

We think that this idea can extend to decorating Easter eggs. Who is up for the challenge? Send us pictures of your pantone Easter eggs to bloginquiries@amyatlas.com by next Tuesday, April 12th. The best entry will be featured here next week and will get a special Easter prize. Who’s in?

A night of yummy fun!

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:04:00 +0000

Another guest feature from the Amy Atlas Blog!! I am thinking this would be a super fun night for the young adult families at our church! All content credit to http://blog.amyatlas.com Fun Fondue Guest Feature: "

Sarah of Lil Hoot sent over this unique fun-tastic feature for fondue {and cow} lovers! Sarah’s husband Chris made fondue for their first Valentine’s Day and now their lucky friends are invited to an annual fondue party. Clearly, Sarah and Chris host this every February, but this theme can be for any fondue party throughout the year. I love the fun-do-mentals sign, the moo cones which held items to dip in the fondue maker, the moo-tensils, and the milkshake and dessert bar. Very clever, Sarah!

PS – We’re preparing for book shoot #2 so thanks for being patient while we get ready. It’s been hard to post this week, but we’ll get back into the swing of things. For those who have submitted, we’ll do our best to get your posts up soon!

An Orgranization Project to inspire you

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:49:00 +0000

I am dying to get my house organized the only problem is every time I even attempt it I just look at the mess all around and don't know where to begin. I sigh and sadly walk away leaving my mess behind . It's amazing ideas like this though that just might put me in the swing of things a little more. This is one of my fave blogs to read! For more of her amazingness check out her blog! All content credit to http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/ Project Organization 2011 -- Drawer organization in 15 minutes that won't slide around!!: "

I am not naturally a very organized person, but there have been so many wonderful projects floating around the blogworld lately that have really inspired me to try to get my home a little more orderly.

I’d love to share my latest project with you –

My $6 Makeup Drawer Makeover!!

My makeup drawer is always a mess. I am embarrassed to show you the before picture – it is terrible. Basically all of my makeup, lotions and toothpaste is shoved in a drawer. This drawer definitely needed a makeover!

I found these containers at my local Dollar Tree.

And last week I saw this post from Kusak’s Closet that inspired me to use velcro! I picked some up at Walmart -- $2.

So I cleaned out my drawer – finally!!

And then I put a few pieces of adhesive-backed velcro on the back of each of the Dollar Store containers.

That way when I slide the drawer in and out, the containers stay in place. Such a good idea!!

I divided the containers up according to – tooth care, lotions and creams, foundations and concealers, brushes and makeup applicators.

And I put a couple of stainless steel bowls with velcro on the bottom – one for lip glosses and another for tweezers and trimmers.

Ahhh. It feels so good!! I showed my husband and he said he has never seen my makeup drawer looking like that in all the time we’ve been married – HA!

This velcro trick would work great in any type of a drawer – from your office, to your kitchen to your craft room!

Happy Organizing!! PS -- check out Little Miss Momma for a fun Barn Owl Primitives giveaway to benefit single mothers' this Mother's Day!! PPS -- are you wondering where the GIVEAWAY Monday post is??? Just a hint -- I have a really extra cool giveaway scheduled for Wednesday this week instead. I like to mix things up around here - lol!!

xoxo

A guest post at the Amazing Amy Atlas Blog

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:40:00 +0000

Check out this "Eye Candy" from a guest poster at Amy Atlas Blog this morning. Soooo cute All photo and content credit to http://blog.amyatlas.com Pinwheel Guest Feature: "

Joanne of Oh Goodie Designs sent over this pinwheel party. I love when I start to receive pinwheel posts because it reminds me that spring is right around the corner. With a pretty pastel palette, this party is great inspiration for both spring and Easter entertaining. Joanne mixed different patterns like chevron, stripes, dots, and swirls for the party’s design. The soft color palette allows for these patterns to all work together beautifully. I love the cakepop cupcakes, the pinwheel cookies, and the pretty pinwheel printables. Guess what? You can come back this afternoon for the free pinwheel printable from Joanne!

Looking for more pinwheel inspiration? Click out here, here, and here post.

To all my sweet followers

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:38:00 +0000

Your probably where in the heck I have been and why am I not posting anymore. Well I have much to be thankful for. God has recently blessed me with a new oppurtunity at work to move in a position that allows more family time, more ministry time, and also time to build my photography career.

That being said some changes are coming I will be discontinuing this blog as of April 1, 2010. I will be developing a blog strictly that centers around my love for photography. I will email all my followers when the new blog is up and running. I appreciate everyone who has encouraged me and read my posts over the last year.

I will still be an avid blog reader and will still share my fave ideas on facebook with my pals there. I hope you'll become a follower of my new photo blog and that you will take this new journey with me.

Thank you again to all.

Fresh Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Saw this today and got tickeled and inquisitive. This is a modern day chicken coup. I saw this cute little hen house on design sponge. One of their writers actually keeps chickens. I would love to go all organic at home but seriously it's expensive. But this little diddy is sooo cute and you could keep just a couple hens and have fresh eggs. Of course in Michigan I am not sure how they would fare but anywhoo I just wanted to share this super cute approach to going au'natural when it comes to your eggs. Just buy and Eglu and some chickens. Check out more at their site http://www.omlet.us/

Amie

Not a Faithful Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (A.Akers) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:43:00 +0000

So I am confessing I am not a very good blogger. I get so wrapped up in reading all the wonderfullness out there in blog land I forget to take the time to post. I also wish I had all the time all of you lovely ladies have to project more and craft more but my bouncing boys take up the majority of any of my free time. So anyways the long and short is I appreciate all of you that follow this blog and I will continue to post when I can and definately when I want to share about other wonderful bloggers! In the meantime I have been focusing a lot of attention on building up my photography business.

It's official the hubster let me get a new Digital SLR. ( Thank you ) ( Oh and sorry again that I can be a pain sometimes ) So I developed a new website with all the bells an whistles and now I just need subjects. So WARNING if I know you it is highly likely that you will soon be asked to be photographed. :-)

Anywhoo here's the new site.

http://www.aakersimagery.com/

Happy Blogging All

Amie