Cayenne Paper - the blog

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint - Flow Blue

2013-07-05T09:14:00.000-04:00

It's official - I've finally tried Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint! I've been wanting to post this for a while now since I painted a couple of pieces in different colors. First things, first... like Miss Mustard Seed says, milk paint is NOT for the Type A personality that has a specific "plan" in mind such as "I will paint this chair blue and it will be evenly blue and perfect". Both of my pieces have their own unique personality because they responded very differently to the milk paint.

First up is a small table I've had in my "fru fru" room (the sitting room in the front of my house where I hang all my pretty flea market china finds and girly things). The room is light blue already and I hemmed and hawed about what color I wanted to use on this little table in there. It's dark cherry and I got years ago at an auction for $20. Its finish was uneven and I wanted to give it a makeover. Here she is all finished (because naturally I forgot to take a "before" photo-- just imagine dark cherry, okay?).

I was at Luckett's one afternoon and looked at the Milk Paint finishes in person. I still couldn't commit to a whole box! Luckily for me, Miss Mustard Seed had some adorable "trial sized Mason jelly jars" (which sold me just on the packaging since I have a love affair with Mason jars already). I grabbed 1 of Flow Blue, 1 of Ironstone, and 1 of Boxwood and headed out the door with a few other finds.

Ok, so I read the tutorials on MMS's website and saw that a shiny finish on a piece will cause a lot of chipping. Man was she not kidding! I didn't really consider the finish on my table shiny, but I have now learned that if you don't want a lot of chipping/flaking, then add the Milk Paint Bonding Agent in varying quantities to allow it to adhere a little better. I didn't do this and after I painted it Flow Blue, the entire.piece.chipped.off.in.flakes. I mean it- it ALL fell off just by me looking at it!

But it didn't get me down. Especially because MMS was so helpful, she added a link on her tutorials page called How to Paint Over a Finish That's Too Chippy. Um, yeah, that's me! I simply ordered the Bonding Agent, and only added a little to a new mix of paint so it would still chip. It still chipped more than I'd like and I'm wondering if I want to try again. But for now, I like it just how it is. It has crackles in some places, chips in others, and looks like I left it out in the rain for 10 years or so. You have to add a wax or the hemp oil to the finish to allow it to cure and stop any additional flaking. I had some leftover dark wax on hand since I'm never prepared for things and ideally I didn't want to add more darkness to the table, but I still like how it turned out. Next time I'm going to try MMS furniture wax since MMS says that her brand is specifically made for milk paint finishes.

Here are your steps:
1. Mix your paint with water-- remember, you want consistency of batter for pancakes, not drop biscuits!
2. Add Milk Paint Bonding Agent (little bit for more chipping, a lot for less chipping).
3. Paint the surface (2 coats for darker surfaces and paint).
4. Use a light sanding block or even a putty knife to gently chip away as you like.
5. Vacuum all dust away and then coat with antiquing wax or hemp oil.
6. After wax/oil is dry, give a light sand to buff and shine.

Overall, I love the spontaneous "surprise" you get with the Milk Paint. It enables each and every piece to have its own unique personality. It does take some trial and error (as you can see here), but I'm ready to try again! Coming up next - using Boxwood on an adorable little secretary I got at Luckett's!

Megan and Dan

2012-04-22T14:17:00.006-04:00

I'm so excited to be able to work on a dear friend's wedding invitations! Megan and Dan are such a sweet couple and it's refreshing to see young people in love. They are about to graduate (in a few weeks) from college and are headed to graduate school after the wedding. The setting couldn't be more beautiful- on the grounds of an old farm out in the countryside. I hear there are beautiful huge Magnolia trees and that reminds me of my upbringing in Louisiana. Megan is the ultimate DIY'er as she's always making beautiful creations out of things you'd find around the house. I mean it- she did some gorgeous flowers out of toilet paper holders!!

Anyway, back to the invitations... the couple picked a beautiful color combination from Envelopments. It's a shimmery green with shimmery diamond cardstocks combined with a black floral pocket. It's simply gorgeous. I usually publish finished projects, but wanted to give you an idea based on the Envelopments sample for another couple. Don't you just love it?

Polka Dot, Crabs, and Lollipops

2012-02-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

My aunt, Janey, came up with the name "Cayenne Paper" since I was called "Cayenne Katie" as a child. I'm not sure why, but they say it's because I had a spicy hot temper! ;) Since then, I have had many compliments on my business name because it's one you're sure not to forget. But I do have people occasionally calling it Cayenne Pepper, so at least they're on the right track!

Ever notice the names of some of the Etsy and other online boutiques out there? I have found so many other small online boutiques out there and am happy to see these kind of opportunities for SAHM (stay-at-home-moms) and WAHM (work-at-home-moms). In fact, my web-hosting service is called Merchant Moms, a company for mommas with their own boutiques and companies. I've met many other mommas here and my business has really grown because of it.

I've also run into some really cute stores since I opened mine online in 2003. I've come to notice a trend in their business names. I tend to see lots of "polka dots", "crabs", "ladybugs", "preppy", and "lollipops". Have you noticed this, too? I wonder if they have a story behind their names or if they just sounded cute?

Latest Projects

2012-02-12T10:21:00.002-05:00

Spring is almost here- hip, hip, hooray! Although we have had a mild winter this year in Virginia, it's always refreshing to see the first blooms of spring- daffodils, crocus, and forsythia to name a few. Usually winter is a slower time (except for Christmas) for Cayenne Paper, but not this year!

Here are some of my latest projects...

"Emily Periwinkle" by Whitney English - invitations, reception cards, reply cards, and note cards for Olivia's Bat Mitzvah. Although it looks light blue here, it is really a beautiful shade of periwinkle (hence the name). We did the text in the same periwinkle color, making it elegant yet still youthful for a young girl.

Pink toile invitations (and at a great price- on closeout) for a baby shower. We used the font "Cute Cursive" to make it sweet and perfect for a baby girl on the way!

An order of blue toile note cards for Gwen:

See the pattern here-- toile and damask! These are my 2 favorite designs, so it was a nice treat for me to work on these when cooped up in the winter months. My next project is to design and create my brother and his adorable fiancee's wedding invitations for September in New Orleans. Ooh, the possibilities!

Buy One Get One FREE til Jan. 31st!

2012-01-12T13:18:00.001-05:00

Now until January 31st- order one set of Embossed Graphics brand stationery and get one matching set FREE!!

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Order any stationery from the Embossed Graphics brand and receive a matching set FREE!

No special code necessary!
Simply order the amount you want and we'll send you a matching one free!
But hurry because this offer lasts only until Jan. 31st!

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Copyright © 2012 Cayenne Paper, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are one of our customers or opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Cayenne Paper 43434 Oxen Lane South Riding, VA 20152 Add us to your address book
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HUGE Invitation Sale! 50-80% OFF

2012-01-02T07:04:00.000-05:00

We need to make room for hundreds of new products, so shop our Inventory Reduction Sale with 50-80% off select invitations until supplies last!

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Copyright © 2012 Cayenne Paper, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are one of our customers or opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Cayenne Paper 43434 Oxen Lane South Riding, VA 20152 Add us to your address book
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I Love Me a Good Yard Sale!

2011-08-16T01:48:00.001-04:00

Doesn't everyone love a good yard sale? Well, maybe not EVERYONE since I think it takes a special person to want to get up at the crack of dawn with plenty of cash in hand and scour out the best deals on furniture, books, clothing, and whatever else! I do love a good yard sale, especially when our neighborhood hosts the community-wide sale twice a year. This reminds me that I need to call to book a space at the fall one which is coming up soon! I don't look forward to selling... so much work pricing, sorting, and then haggling with people who want to pay 10 cents for something rather than 25 cents. That part is not so fun.

Well, I found out about a cool site where you can sell things for free online! It's called Yardsellr and so far I'm loving it. They have "blocks" which are basically categories of items. Once you sign up for a free account, every time you log in to the site, you earn "photons" which end up being cash for you to use to purchase on the site. You can also earn these photons by making comments on items and referring friends. You set up your account to be linked to your Facebook and/or Twitter accounts as well. That way, you can share items you "love" and those you are trying to sell on your news feed/profile. It's a neat idea, so I've already listed a few things. No sales yet, but just by browsing, commenting, and logging in, I've earned enough to buy a used Vera Bradley bag. Can't wait for it to arrive!

Take a look at Yardsellr today and happy shopping/selling!

Here's one of my listing (click on the photo or link below):

Set/10 Custom Made Gatefold Paisley Invitations with Ribbon

I Found My Thrill...on Blueberry Hill

2011-07-28T15:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Libby and Drew decided they wanted to make a "special treat". I was going for cupcakes from a cake mix since I wasn't all that in the mood for baking. But we discovered 1 major problem - we were out of eggs! And since it was blazing hot and there was no way I was venturing out to the store, I decided to get out a cookbook to find some sort of yummy treat that didn't require eggs.

This was no easy task, I tell you, because almost everything had eggs in it. Until I stumbled across this beauty listed in my cookbook from the Jr. League of Alexandria, VA (purchased at Goodwill a few weeks ago for $1). It's called Blueberry Batter Cake. Y'all, it was DELISH to say the least. I must admit that the directions had me skeptical b/c I was pouring boiling water on the batter and stuff. Ok, huh?? But can I tell you that it was part cake, part cobbler, and lots of yummy blueberries. YUM. I think it would be the perfect dinner party or potluck dish or even as a house-warming gift to a new neighbor. Not that I know this from experience or anything, but it's scrumptious served warm, but also yummy straight out the fridge the next ~~morning~~ day.!

Just take a look...

Thank you, Mrs. Stephen Schaffer, wherever you may be!

I know, I know-- yesterday was about lemons and today is about blueberries. I'm just trying to hold onto summer as it is fading away!

And now for some blueberry inspiration from Cayenne Paper:

P.S. DO NOT let your little ones eat blueberries in these 2 outfits (at least if you want them to stay white)! :)

Up-Cycling at its BEST

2011-07-27T17:37:00.000-04:00

Today, I read a post from a cool DIY blogger, The Nester, about the amazing displays at Anthropologie stores. I have only been into 1 location - in Reston Town Center here in VA - and wondered if this amazing feature was unique to this location. But I found out that each location has these kind of designs. Take a look at Kara Paslay's (designer from the Tulsa store) design using post-it notes!"UH-MAZ-ING," said the paper nerd over here. "Um, hello, Office Depot? Yes, do you have about 200 cases of post-it notes in stock? What's that.. no, it doesn't matter what color because we're going to DYE THEM WITH RIT." Ok, so I thought I was pretty crafty, but to have the mind of a ~~genius~~ designer is really something special!


Just in case you forgot... those are POST IT'S y'all!

Want to see more? Take a look at Plenty of Colour to see other really neat designs. Here are some of my favorites:

All Dressed Up and No Place to Go

Are those business envelopes?

See Cork City!

Ooh-la-la

Are those MARSHMALLOWS? I wonder how many they ate while making this one!

Proof that you should encourage your kids to keep making paper chains!

Beautiful

Lemonade Stand Contest

2011-07-26T08:50:00.002-04:00

My niece, Ella, and nephews, Joseph and Jude Patrick, live in Atlanta where it's nice and HOT in the summer. Actually, sort of like it has been here in Virginia which is basically Dante's inner circle! This year, their neighborhood, which is on the historical register and in a wonderful community, set up the 1st annual Lemonade Stand Contest. Kids on the street set up their own lemonade stands and then took orders. Patrons voted on each one under 3 criteria:
1. taste
2. creativity
3. overall experience

Then a winner was named. I'm not sure what prizes were given out, but I'm sure it wasn't just a bowl of lemons! But they made money from sales, too, so I guess that was good incentive.

Take a look at the photos they sent me. Ella, Joseph, and Jude Patrick are the ones wearing yellow t-shirts. Love how they decorated those, too! This is right up my alley!

Are you inspired to start your own lemonade stand? I AM! Take a look at some inspiration I found on Pinterest (my new addiction, BTW).

And, of course, some Cayenne Paper products to match:

Summer Lovin'

2011-07-24T20:24:00.000-04:00

Before we know it, summer will be over. Boooo hoooooo. I cringe every day that I check the mail or head to the store because everyone has their school supplies out and families are shopping for them now, too. In Virginia, we don't go back to school until after Labor Day, but it's creeping up on us. My nephews and niece live in Atlanta and they go back in mid August. Worse than that are my friends who teach in Louisiana (where I'm from originally) since the teachers go back to work on August 2nd! That's my birthday, so I wouldn't be too happy starting work again on that day.

To keep me in the spirit of the fun and sun at the pool or on the beach, I wanted to show you these invitations, stationery, and other gifts.

Plus, our monogrammed beach towels are big sellers.

I'm loving our new monogrammed aluminum water bottles from Tickle Bellies. So cute and in so many different styles. Definitely a big seller this summer!

Same goes with our monogrammed vinyl insulted tumblers. I gave these to the kids' preschool teachers at the end of last year and they LOVED them.

It made a great gift since I tucked them into one of our cute cooler bags and coordinated them with matching monograms. These coolers are perfect since you can use them as a lunch bag or carry them to the pool. Just enough room to hold your Ipod, sunscreen, and favorite book.

Love for Luckett's

2011-07-08T15:12:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I had a couple hours to spare, so I decided to drive to the top of my county (about 30 miles) to Old Luckett's Store in Leesburg. Miss Mustard Seed is how I found out about this wonderful place since she sells some of her fabulous furniture there. The trip was easy - just a straight shot up Hwy. 15 til you hit the village of Lucketts. What a pretty drive through rolling hills of wineries, stables, and farms. I cannot believe all of this is just outside Washington D.C. and the northern Virginia ~~hassle~~ hussle of traffic and millions of people!

When I pulled into the parking lot, I knew I was in for the time of my life. There were great little finds EVERYWHERE- in the parking lot, on the porch, everywhere you looked there was STUFF. I didn't have nearly enough time to see everything. Plus there are a few other stores nearby that I want to check out. Just have to find another time when I have no children with me because every single nook and cranny is filled with breakables and other lovely things. Hmmm... Vacation Bible School IS next week, you know... now that's an idea!

Recognize this feed sack chair from Miss Mustard Seed?

Speaking of old feed sacks... they are SO popular right now. I saw them made into all kinds of things - chairs, pillows, curtains, and even footstools.

Another beauty from Mrs. Mustard Seed. I found out that even though her photos look great on her blog and on other blogs, they don't do them justice at all. The Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Clear Wax really does give the pieces such richness and depth. Too bad I only had my cell phone's camera with me, though, because I've destroyed this beauty with such a terrible photo!

I stood in this room just staring at the beautiful ceiling treatment. It was so pretty in person- just layers of fabric used like bunting - reminded me of a bustled wedding gown. So neat and the furniture in there was beautiful, too.

I had about 3 minutes to look in Beekeeper's Cottage, the shop next door to Luckett's, and thought this room was so pretty with its ivories, pinks, and blues. Look at the mosaic wall in the back, too.

Have you been lucky enough to visit Luckett's yet? Or is there another shop like this in your hometown? Please do tell!

Chalk Paint Buffet Makeover

2011-06-27T10:20:00.012-04:00

I did it! I finally finished painting, distressing, and waxing that boring brown buffet in my family room. I love how it turned out. It was a learning process but I really loved using Annie Sloan's Old White Chalk Paint and Soft Clear Wax.

Before:

AFTER:

Here's what I did:
1. cleaned it off with a very slightly wet rag
2. applied 1 coat of chalk paint in Old White and THEN took off hardware (yes, I'm lazy)
3. sanded a few drips I missed when it was dry
4. 2nd coat of Old White chalk paint
5. applied the Soft Clear Wax with an old brush (following the grain)
6. when dry, I sanded really well in areas to distress - used medium and coarse sandpaper by hand, then medium via my husband's Mouse Sander (awesome)
7. vacuumed off dust (not all that much since I did the wax 1st)
8. used an old brush to lightly dab on some Minwax Dark Paste Finishing Wax (more in sanded areas and crevices/edges) and immediately wiped off with a clean rag
9. added some more Old White chalk paint in places that I thought were too dark/brown
10. waxed again with clear wax
11. buffed when dry (1 day later)
12. spray painted pulls in Krylon Brushed Metallic in Oil Rubbed Bronze (2 light coats) and put back on when dry

Okay, when I type them out, it does seem like a tedious and long process. But I must admit that it was fun to do because it was great seeing the transformation each step of the way. The chalk paint goes on so smooth and even though I had to use more to cover up the dark brown wood, it really went far. I only used 1/2 quart for 2 coats of this entire thing (plus a little more for touch ups here and there). It is really worth the price of the paint ($34.95) because you can paint it on ANYTHING without sanding or priming. You can even apply it to varnished furniture or on top of the wax coat I applied (in case I want to paint it later). It's really a great product.

Now, I want to investigate some other colors, but which ones? They are all so scrumptious, but I want to try the Provence next. How about you? Have I inspired you for some furniture makeovers this summer? :)

Summer with Sarah

2011-06-24T01:08:00.001-04:00

Today I jumped for joy as I checked the mail and found the best present ever... the latest copies of both Southern Living and Country Living! If you're like me, you wait and wait until the kids are finally asleep, the dishes are done, and the house is getting quiet. That's the perfect time to curl up on the couch and have some "me time". Ahhhh...

The cover of Country Living got me in a summer kind of mood as it featured beautiful shades of red, white, and blue in a nautical theme. I wanted to live there and still do! Wouldn't you know after reading that this is the work of my favorite designer, Sarah Richardson. They featured her summer cottage and I don't think I would change one single thing in any of these rooms. Well, maybe I would just put me and my family in it!

Isn't it just scrumptious?

Master Bedroom

Living Room

Kids' Nook

Guest Room 1

Guest Room 2

Bathroom

The Lounge

Dining Room

Kitchen

Habitat ReStore

2011-06-17T14:54:00.000-04:00

I have hit the jackpot, my friends! I just saw the sign for the Habitat for Humanity's ReStore that opened in my area and nearly got in a wreck swerving to turn in time! I walked in and am just in awe of what they have and for such ~~CHEAP~~ good prices.

Just take a look:

I have been wanting to make some cafe curtains for my kitchen and was so close to making these cute napkins ones from Flower Patch Farmgirl, but then again- shutters for $5.00 each?

Yeah, and they have oops and leftover paints for $1/quart or $3/gallon. I wanted to buy this can just because of the vintage value. I have never seen a Duron paint can with this label, have you?

Feeding My Addiction

2011-06-14T00:34:00.001-04:00

I had such fun this weekend since I stopped by G Street Fabrics after work on Friday just for fun. I'm thinking of new window treatments for the kitchen and naturally I told the sales person to direct me straight to the toile books. Do you think it's odd that I find joy checking out wallpaper and fabric swatch books to look at them over and over while curled up on my couch? My 4-year-old Libby was having fun picking out ~~every single~~ her favorite fabric, too. She's definitely my daughter! I'm not sure what's better- doing that or reading my new Southern Living, Country Living, House Beautiful, or Garden & Gun magazines when they arrive in the mail. But I love my neighbor, Andi, because she surprises me by leaving her copies of "People" and "Us Weekly" in my mailbox after she's finished reading them.

You Can Do It, We Can Help

2011-06-12T17:54:00.000-04:00

I love listening to the prayers that Libby and Drew (my 4-year-old twins) come up for grace before dinner every night. Tonight, it was Drew's turn:

Thank you, God for this world and everything in it,
Thank you for the birds that fly and sing,
Thank you for the flowers, the trees, the grass,
Thank you for our house, the stores, Home Depot, and Miss Brenda's (their babysitter).
Amen.

SUMMER is Here!

2011-06-11T09:46:00.003-04:00

I only have a few more days of teaching left before it's summer time! This is the time when I get jealous of my family and friends in the deep south of Atlanta and New Orleans because they have been out since before Memorial Day. But, when we don't go back til the end of August while they are back in much earlier, then I don't feel too bad.

Do you love BBQ's or cookouts? I certainly do and can't think of a cuter way to celebrate summer than with these precious monogrammed coozies (can coolers), party tubs, and beach towels. Perfect for a trip to the pool or a trip to the beach! And as always, monogramming is FREE! You can't beat that!

Monogrammed Coozies, Beach Towels, Party Tubs

I'm at the linky party on Remodelaholic with this post!

I Feel That Itch Coming On AGAIN...

2011-06-10T21:50:00.001-04:00

For those that know me personally, you know that I am always up to some new "I saw it on a blog so I know I can do it, too" or "I have no idea how to do this at all, but will just wing it as I go" idea. This usually involves painting rooms or furniture or even reupholstering a chair!

School is almost out for the summer here which means that itch is coming on again. My new project involves a fabulous new find that is all over blogland... Chalk Paint! Have you heard of it? If not, you must check out Miss Mustard Seed, or Shauna at Perfectly Imperfect .

I've got a few pieces of big, dark brown furniture that need make-overs. Still trying to decide the color, though. Decisions, decisions...

New Love

2011-06-06T23:09:00.003-04:00

I love Sephora... for many reasons, including Philosophy and Bare Minerals. But one of my favorite things is the free samples you get with each order. I often pick things I've never heard of and probably forget to even try them. But I have run out of my usual perfume, Vera, and thought I'd order some perfume samples this time. I chose Stella by Stella McCartney and love it. I wear it all the time and it's not overpowering or "heavy" even though it's a floral scent. Perfect for me!

As I went to Sephora's site today to get a photo of Stella, I read the 1st page of customer reviews. I saw this one and wondered why I wasn't born with the same sense of smell. Then again, I can never taste all the flavors that are mentioned during wine tastings, either. I just describe them as "good" or "not good"!

arose in CT
Stella: A memory, a hazy dream, a song in the distance- 05.30.11
There is something so pure and honest about "Stella", it feels so different and unusual compared to any other fragrance I'm ever smelled. The dusky, inky berries and velvety rose, evokes a fascinating combination of dew and dryness, like water on paper (the last love letter). There's this timelessness and agelessness, even, of the rose; it rotates between a lemony-fresh rosebud covered in morning dew, to a dusky, vuluptuously over-ripe bloom at the end of a hot day, finally being cooled in the night air. The amber lends a subtle, retro quality that brings to mind jazz records playing the breeze, hot summer nights lingering over books and thoughts. But mostly, "Stella" is a story - a story about women. Young girls and older girls; mother and daughters; grandmothers and great-grandmothers, ancestors you never met. It's feminine, but not gender conscious (it could, even, be an androgynous, unisex scent, such is it's subtle modernity) and the kind of scent that ties generations together; I could see this on a jet-set urbanite in 2011 or imagine it wafting from a women's boudoir on the prairie, circa 1885. It's simply timeless and very distinctive and it will inspire you to remember, to linger and reflect on life. Again: Oily-rich, aged rose soaked in water, crunchy greens (with tiny hint of metallic dust) with a dash of soapy, creamy petals (peony?), a grape-berry hint of deep rose and a dusky, skin-scent amber, one that settles into something akin to solar musk. Overall, it smells very sheer but with a gravity to it, like clean, aged linens; refined but also very natural and laid-back. A great scent.

I love Stella... the perfume and the cuter-than-a-bug's-ear Stella that I hope to meet in person one day. I think she and my daughter would be best friends!

Stella Bella

Blog Love

2011-06-06T03:17:00.004-04:00

I was talking to someone recently about decorating on the cheap and thrifting and mentioned how I got ideas on the blogs I read daily. She looked at me puzzled and I wondered ~~what planet she was from~~ how she could not have been informed about the wonderful world of DIY blogs! I thought I'd share a few of them that I follow regularly to share some love and let others know about them, too...

Going to the Chapel

2011-06-05T18:20:00.001-04:00

I'm back and am so sorry that I've neglected my blog here for so long. I have no excuse except that life is just ~~crazy~~ busy being as my header says... a wife, mother of twins, teacher, and business owner. My dream is have enough hours in the day and energy to balance all of these things and still have enough left for a fun dinner party every once in a while!

I got a little burst of energy this week because I just found out that my little brother got engaged! I'm so happy for him and his bride-to-be and can't wait for all the activities to begin. All that has been set so far is the time of year - fall, 2012 and the color scheme - eggplant purple. We could do so much with that, but here are some things that come to mind...

You're Invited to My Linky Party!

2010-09-12T01:38:00.002-04:00

Hey, y'all! I'm getting excited about fall since our weather in Virginia has been gorgeous the past few days. So, I've decided to host a little par-tay here on the Cayenne blog. I'm sort of new to these sort of "linky parties" myself, but have seen them on other blogs and think they're a great way to share ideas. I'm sharing my Halloween mantel garland I made last year.

I want to know what cute fall crafts/projects you've been doing lately. Take a photo and post it here. Here's how it works...

Instructions:
~ Find the red link below and click where it says "Click Here to Enter"
~ Give your project/craft a name
~ Make sure you link to your specific Halloween project post - not to your blog home page
~ Choose a picture you want for your thumbnail and follow the steps. It's pretty easy!
~ It is always nice to link back to my party in your post so others can join in the fun!
~ Oh, and comments on others' projects are always a plus, too!

(Here's a button if you 'd like to use one):

Hannah Claire

2010-09-06T22:38:00.001-04:00

I cannot believe that sweet little Hannah Claire is turning TEN soon. When my close friend, Shannon, who also happens to be Hannah's mama, asked me to make her party invitations, I jumped at the chance. She told me it was a party at a cooking school and that they had bought spatulas to go with the invitations somehow. She was going to hand-deliver each invitation to the guests in gift bags. I was excited since I wasn't limited by envelope sizes!

I had a lot of fun with my Cricut machine to make the tags and scalloped circles. The stickers are from Jolee's collection. I came up with the recipe card wording and only wished I had some lined index cards to make them more authentic! But they still came out really cute. The cardstock is from Bazill and I love how the subtle texture in them really adds to the invitation. Plus the cute coordinating ribbon is so cute. I love how each one is different with varying spatula sizes, ribbons, and colors. It's like every one is truly unique!

Happy Birthday, Hannah! It seems like only yesterday that you peeked down from the top of the stairs to see what we adults were up to in your living room at night. You were only a toddler and now you're a decade old! May you always be as sweet as you are, even when you are a teenager someday! ;)

New Favorites

2010-07-23T22:56:00.001-04:00

Lucky for me, I needed new facial cleanser the week before last. While on vacation in Atlanta to see my sister and her family, I used some of hers since I forgot mine at home. It was a different kind than I use and I loved how it made my skin feel- so refreshed. It is the Tourmaline facial cleanser from Aveda.

When I got back home, I just had to venture out to the mall to buy some. With the kids in tow (via stroller, which is always the way to go), we headed there on perhaps the hottest day of the summer. I haven't been to an Aveda store since before I had children. I used tons of their hair and skin products. But then... I had kids and my budget greatly decreased. Now I use products available from Costco in bulk! ;)

The sales woman was really sweet and as always, offered me a cup of their delicious Comforting Tea when I arrived. I got my cleanser and she recommended some of their Green Tea moisturizer. One hundred bucks later, I was told that I could get either a candle or tea bags/loose tea for free because of their rewards program. Of course, I got the tea- 2 boxes! Needless to say, it's my new love. I've only made iced tea so far and let's just say thank goodness it's all organic and caffeine-free or else I'd be climbing the walls!

If you haven't tried it, you've got to stop by your local Aveda store and check it out for yourself!