MLoueez

I have a winner!!!

2013-03-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

I have a winner! I had so much fun with this giveaway thank you everyone for entering. It was a little nerve wracking at first, but hopefully now that I have done it, I will do it again....soon! So reading the comments that everyone posted made me laugh and made me feel a little bad too. I am just as guilty as everyone else is when it comes to buying myself frivolous items. I wanted so badly to be able to give a necklace to everyone....so here is the deal. Anyone that entered in my contest can get the necklace in the giveaway for 40% off so basically for $23.70 + shipping($2.50). Just email me at mloueez@yahoo.com and make sure to give me the name you used to enter the contest and I will set up a custom listing on etsy just for you. You guys rock, thanks for supporting me! Oh and drum roll....the winner is .................. .......... Alison Mecom!!!!!

My First Giveaway Squeee!

2013-02-27T10:46:00.003-08:00

Doing my first giveaway!!!! I am raffling this great necklace that seems to have gotten really popular really fast. Makes a great gift and an even better Mother's Day Gift! Check it out in my etsy shop for further questions. I can can do up to 4 plates or as few as 1...totally up to you! https://www.etsy.com/listing/123920127/personalized-hand-stamped-discs-copper

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lapidary, Casting, Oh My!

2013-02-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

In a chaotic moment brought on by my lovely children, I decided to sign up for community outreach class offered by the local community college. They offered advanced jewelry and lapidary and casting....I figured since there is nothing advanced about my jewelry knowledge, I chose lapidary. I had zero expectations out of this class, more than anything it gave me some alone time from the kids. I never expected to be hooked after my first class! OMG, I had soooo much fun. The class is four hours long and once a week for six weeks. The class consisted mostly retired folks(I think 4 in total) and everyone signed up pretty much so they could use the equipment. They needed little teaching, so basically I had a personal teacher just helping me. After this one class I was ready to buy lapidary equipment! Ok, I have to recover from all the silver I have bought and not to mention the camera equipment. Oh and did I mention this class only cost $106? So worth it. Anyway I chose to start with polishing stones. I cut them in the shape I wanted and sanded and polished them. Maybe next week I will cast a pendant for one of these stones? Good thing I have a bunch of silver lying around! ;)

2013-02-19T21:52:00.002-08:00

I love this. So inspiring!

Side note...
I also love the part that he says it is all retch and no vomit! Hahaha!

My First Hoop Earrings Ever

2013-02-17T12:25:00.001-08:00

I am slowly, but surely expanding in my jewelry making. I can't believe it was almost a year ago that I was learning how to do the basics with beading. I am hoping to take my first lapidary class this Tuesday for a 6 week course. I can't wait and hoping that I can keep up. It has been 13 years since I have gone to school. Yikes! Anyway here are my first hoop earrings. They are copper with sterling silver wire wrapped with apatite beads. I am anxious to list these, but think I need to make a few more first. Need to work out a few bugs. :)

Did I mention I am Bi Polar?

2013-02-15T13:16:00.001-08:00

I think I mentioned that I pick up hobbies like a dog picks up ticks a while back. It is so true and the scary thing is that I don't even post half of my interests. I try to keep this blog hobby related, although posting about GMOs, essential oils, real food or energy healing really intrigues me, ok more than intrigues. I am mildly obsessed, but I try to keep it to myself. Go check out http://www.mommypotamus.com, if you are interested. She does a far better job than I would ever do.

Stay focused....I am trying! It is such a struggle, you have no idea. So Anyway, so you are probably wondering what this new super cool hobby is, right? It is really no new shocker and I can already hear the "Ugh, another one?" sigh, or "Not another one of those!" comments, but yes PHOTOGRAPHY. Ha ha! I have always loved my little Rebel camera. It is my best friend. I love, love, love editing pictures...heck I was a graphic designer in my former mom life. I did upgrade my lens on my camera so I could produce better pictures, but never wanted to invest a whole lot of money because honestly, I spend a lot on my hobbies. Ok, maybe more than a lot and right now I am in the midst of a jewelry making bonanza. So taking on something new that would require time and money just wasn't something that I felt I could do. The problem was that I love photography. Love it. So when my friend offered to sell me all her equipment for a great price, I couldn't turn away. Just look at that luscious 85mm. Makes my heart swell just looking at it. Like a moth to a flame and I jumped at the chance to own better equipment. If nothing else it will be great for photographing my jewelry and of course my kids. Anyway, there it is. So hopefully I will start posting pics on here and they might look like hell, but understand that I am learning! Oh and before you judge, this picture was taken with my iPhone...duh, my camera was a little pre-occupied! ;)

Ok, the truth is that I have this fabulous camera bag from J totes and a super cute strap from Thirty One and I needed to fill the bag. ;) It is all about accessories!

Do you "Like" Me?

2013-02-14T12:17:00.002-08:00

Thinking about revamping today, I think it is a spring thing to do and I can not wait for spring to get here. New logo, maybe? Anyway today I am working on my facebook page. Help a girl out and like my page! ;) https://www.facebook.com/MLoueez

'Tis the Season

2012-11-21T08:39:00.004-08:00

This is my favorite time of year and so excited to have a new product to sell in my etsy shop. Hand stamped ornaments! So fun and timeless! I make them out of copper and stainless steel. Best part is that I have gifts for my family and friends now!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MLoueeez?section_id=12108164

Strawberry shortcake, a skunk, and spiderman!

2012-11-02T08:16:00.001-07:00

It is that time of year again and it came and went so quickly I almost missed it. Every year I plan to do something coordinated and fun and every year ends up being a free for all. Maybe next year we will all dress as the cast from Star Wars. ;)

Graco Snugride Click Connect 40: Review

2012-10-22T21:03:00.002-07:00

Da Ta Da Da!!!! My first official review! I feel like I should have a parade or something. I feel like I need to do a post just to cover my excitement over doing a review. Yes, I am a dork. :) So without further ado or hysterics, I present my first review!

Last week, I was so excited to get an invitation to attend a Graco event to introduce the new Graco Snugride Click Connect 40 car seat and was given the opportunity to experience this amazing new product. I figured it would be a great excuse to spend some one on one time with my youngest who is often left out since he is so young. So off to Las Vegas, Calvin and I went to check this bad boy of a car seat out. I really didn't know what to expect. My very first car seat was a Graco and we wore it out pretty well with all three of our kids, I was stoked at the thought of giving this new car seat a try. I didn't have much as for expectations. To me most newborn car seats are the same. No joke, the entire time I sat there listening about the amazing features of this carseat, I kept thinking, "Dang, where was this car seat 5 years ago? ". I so wish I had something like this when my first was born. It is the only newborn to 2 year old car seat on the market that keeps your baby rear facing for two full years as the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends for all children. Putting Calvin in his big ol' bulky convertible carseat was awkward and didn't seem like it was meant to be rear facing. Not to mention his feet had no room! Now with the Graco Snugride Click Connect 40 and their nifty and innovative extender allows your child to grow with the seat and can easily adjust positions so that your child is comfortable and in the safest position possible. Best part is that it gives plenty of leg room for those growing tootsies and even has a kick plate so that your seat is protected from muddy feet! Other features is the Simply Safe Adjust harness system that lets parents adjust the harness and headrest with one hand vs having to rethread straps. It also has the Click Connect feature and is easy to lock into its base or stroller. Overall I am kind of shallow and easily dazzled by pretty colors and fun textures and gorgeous patterns and the moonstruck pattern was very nice, but the Mena...oooh la la. It made me want another girl...Ok, not really, but I was sad that Calvin wasn't a girl for about 2 seconds.

The down low, this car seat is awesome. It will save you money, oh oops I forgot to mention how this carseat will save you oodles of cash. Rewind, when I had my first son Jackson, I bought a Graco Travel System. At a year he was busting out of it. I went out and bought a convertible car seat that was supposed to last till he was like 18 or something. I believed it. Yeah, when he was three he looked ridiculous all perched up high in his convertible car seat(if you have ever bought one of these you know what I mean). I ditched his convertible and bought a booster/5 point harness industrial carseat that he actually can sit in comfortably till he is 18 and driving his own car or if he decides to go in the field of race car driving he is set too. With the Graco Snugride Quick Connect 40 you can comfortably and safely reduce the number of carseats that you need to buy. This seat is only sold at Baby’s R Us and retails for $219.99. Really can't beat that!

Me coveting the pretty pattern of the Mena and Calvin giving me the "Lord help me look!"

I want to personally thank Emily at Family and Life in Las Vegas for inviting me to this event, I am beyond thrilled with getting a chance to review a product! Also, much thanks to Graco #GracoSafety for allowing me an opportunity to try such a great product. I can honestly say, this product give me piece of mind on going on long trips.

I received a Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40 to inform and review. Opinions are my own.

The Graco SnugRide® Click Connect™ 40 – the first and only newborn to two-year infant car seat that actually grows with your baby from four pounds all the way up to 40 pounds. The car seat is designed for a parent on the go. The infant car seat can be easily removed from the base and used as a carrier when the infant is small, providing portability and convenience so you can easily move your infant in and out of the car without disturbing them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently made the recommendation to keep all children in rear-facing car seats until the age of 2. Graco set out to make this product so parents can keep infants rear facing longer while still keeping them comfortable.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Graco. The opinions and text are all mine.

2012-10-04T02:32:00.002-07:00

That Friday came and went in a flash of a second. I guess a common side effect of having kids, a busy life and the beginning of cold and flu season, but I did make my goal. I just failed to post it and to make a pretty picture of it. I did snap a picture with my phone. It isn't the best, but you get the point. I have to say this little home project was so much fun. I love what this small little project did for my house. I didn't think my kitchen was blah before, but now it just looks done. I am so happy with the results and wish I would have done this years ago. I can't wait to do the tile on my fireplace and my bathroom....turquoise 90's bathroom.....eeek! So as promised just a few weeks later.....my kitchen!

Everything, But The Kitchen Sink

2012-09-04T06:05:00.001-07:00

I have had many people tell me, that I pick up hobbies like a dog picks up ticks. One day I will be starting a new quilt and the next day I am making shampoo bars. I have soooo many interests that I can not hardly keep them straight. I am easily inspired by what others do and really have that "I can do that!" attitude. So I just have to give you this brief explanation as to why I am hobby-polar, so going forward. I love organization. I love lists, so when A Bowl Full Of Lemons came up with a 14 week challenge, I jumped at it. I love a good challenge and my drawers are in dire need of being reorganized. Actually my whole house does, but that is the genius behind the challenge. In 14 weeks my house should be organized. So here goes. I might suggest you take up the challenge too. http://www.abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/ Until then, here is my newly organized kitchen!!!

**Update** I wrote this little ditty yesterday morning thinking that I would clean and organize my kitchen from top to bottom so I could post beautiful pictures of my shiny kitchen. I left for the dollar store in the morning( my favorite place for buying organization stuff) and somehow ended up at Home Depot with a butt load of tiles and hardware. Luckily my husband is used to my chaotic ways and jumped right into putting them up. My favorite thing in the world is before and after home improvement pics so here you go.

I hope and pray that I will be posting pics of my fancy kitchen by Friday!

From Beading to Stamping

2012-08-26T22:13:00.002-07:00

It is like quicksand. I had a friend a while back tell me I should get into jewelry, I sluffed it off. I was busy painting and finding a job in graphic design. Now 9 months later from my initial stamped metal class and I have invested more money than I care to share. More time than I thought I had and absolutely love it. I feel like I am just skimming the surface with beading and stamping metal, but feel like the possibilities are so vast. Baptism bracelets are no longer enough, I need more. So I am exploring. Maybe ornaments, maybe bookmarks, maybe more jewelry. I don't know, but I love creating things. I just spent some more money tonight on patina and looking at buying a Vintaj Big Kick. I will definitely be showing off my new creations. Until then here is my meager bookmark. Can't wait to get my loot in the mail! Oh and thank the Lord the kids are in school. I have work to do!

The Days Are Long, But The Years Are Short

2012-08-09T23:11:00.001-07:00

A while back my friend and I were commiserating on how difficult our toddlers were. I think I was just starting to refer to Ainsley as the honey badger and she just painted her whole body with my mascara. She then said "The days are long and the years are short". A common phrase that I had heard in the past, but never fully realized. Now as a parent, I get it. I say this often now and has become my mantra. My son will be starting Kindergarten next Monday and I find myself saying where did the time go? Seems like I just came home from the hospital with him last year. Seems like it was just yesterday that he took his first steps and said his first words and the same goes with Ainsley. I catch myself getting years mixed up because they go by just that fast. Just to torture myself a little more, I decided to do a one year album for Calvin and I hear myself saying again, where did this year go? I often wonder what I did before I was pregnant. I was definitely a lot more relaxed and my house was definitely cleaner. I didn't have to share my make up or my food for that matter. To jump in the car to go to the store was quick and easy. Restaurants were a norm. I actually went shopping for myself ALL the time. My car was clean and smelled good. I showered alone and took a bath all alone. I actually watched adult TV and no not porn! Overall life was easy. Funny thing is that life before kids seems stale in comparison to my chaotic, smelly, messy life that I have right now. It is hard, but oh so rewarding. When Ainsley comes in the house with a fresh mud pie oozing through her fingers, dripping on my freshly vacuumed carpet, I scream of course. I then remind myself that the days are long, but the years are short and to embrace it and try not to miss a second, because in a heartbeat that mudpie will be her car keys and she will be driving off to college or to see her boyfriend in Tallahassee.

Baptism Bracelets

2012-07-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have been on a roll this month creating baptism bracelets. I have to say I absolutely love making these and get so much enjoyment knowing these little bracelets will be keepsakes. I have expanded in making birthstone necklaces, but nothing gives me greater satisfaction than these little tiny bracelets.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MLoueeez?section_id=11554210

Birthstone Necklaces

2012-07-08T12:20:00.004-07:00

It has been a rough week. A dear friend lost her baby, she was 35 weeks pregnant. Words can not describe how sad I am for them for their loss. Unfortunately I heard of two other tragic stories within the same week. Pregnancy is hard, child rearing is hard, but nothing prepares you for the emotions you have when you become a mom. That has been the hardest task, you empathize with other moms on a whole new level. You love on a whole new level and feel pain on a whole new level. I love the quote by Elizabeth Stone "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." Seeing her pain and the pain of her friends and family inspired me to do birthstone necklaces. Creating this necklace for her was cathartic. I am now working on my own mom necklace to wear. I even made a birthstone necklace for Ainsley. She loves it. I am loving stamped metal and so thankful for my mother-in-law for signing me up for a little three week class. It was just an introduction, but has opened so many doors and the possibilities are endless.

2012-05-22T22:59:00.003-07:00

I had a friend recently question me about doing some custom dresses for her girls. I have never made dresses before, but figured I might have a go at it. Three weeks later, maybe almost 4 and I have 4 adorable dresses. I am not sure if I think they are so stinkin adorable because of all the time I put into them or if they are just adorable because they are pillowcase dresses and are just naturally adorable to begin with. Anyway, I had a blast, learned a ton and ready to start another one. I am extremely happy to have them shipped off to their new happy home and get back to crafting or maybe sewing....So this was my month of May, learning the art of sewing.

Due to popular demand!

2012-05-10T13:13:00.003-07:00

I have had so many people interested in the baptism and christening bracelets that I made some more for my etsy shop. I love these and really, really wish I had started this when Ainsley was a baby. Calvin is not digging being my model, but someone has to do the job. ;) Anyway, over the next few weeks I will get some more up, but until then here is my latest!

If you haven't checked out my shop, you can find it here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MLoueeez

2012-04-25T08:18:00.005-07:00

Wordless Wednesday or more like my week in review! I have been busy!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MLoueeez

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mloueezdesign

WoWordless Wednesday!

Where Have I Been???? Busy!!!

2012-04-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

I am still here, I promise. Spring has hit and I have been working hard at getting my garden going. Seems like every year we end up expanding it. Some point it just take over the entire backyard. I have also started another little venture, http://www.etsy.com/shop/mloueezdesign. I am just dabbling in the idea of doing a little graphic design. I paid someone to do my banner and avatar, just to save time. I ended up spending just as much time getting it done right(had to redraw the business card because the file was low quality) and thought, heck, why am I not doing this. So here I am, giving a go at it. I am having a fun with it and have kind of missed designing, so I feel kind of like I am back in the proverbial saddle. Well not really, but just a little. I have also been uber busy with my hair clips. My desk is covered with them. Then because I didn't have enough on my plate, I decided to sign up as a Tupperware Consultant. That will have to be a blog entry on its own. Anyway I promise to not stay away for so long again.

Renaissance Festival....it still remains a mystery to me.

2012-03-19T14:55:00.001-07:00

Futless is what I am today. I love that word, my friend Heidi used that word awhile back and I adopted it as my own. Today I am futless, I want to craft, but I don't. I want to clean, but I don't. I want to cook dinner, but I don't. I want to start a new project, but I don't. So here I am all futless. I think a big part of it was that we just got back from an exhausting weekend at the Renaissance Festival. Word to the wise, if you don't get why people dress up in kilts and address people as m'lady....don't go. Save the money. I was surrounded by them and at one point I even felt that I needed to buy a wench outfit. Luckily I held back. A turkey leg, a sword fight, and a severe case of food poisoning later. We were home. Oh and another word to the wise. Don't eat concession stand fish. My mom learned that valuable lesson. On one positive note....the kids loved it. Since I am feeling futless and all, I will leave you with some of my favorite pics from the festival.

My new love....er, scratch that. My newest hobby....yes, really.

2012-03-06T22:28:00.000-08:00

I have always been fascinated with making jewelry, but scared to jump in. I think that being a semi awkward and clumsy person made me err on the side of self preservation. Probably a good thing. For years I have wanted to take a course and just learn the basics. Babies and setting new hobby goals just don't go hand in hand. So to my surprise, my mother in law signed me and my sister in law up for a metal hammering class. I then coaxed my mother into signing up. Hey, I needed the support. So there were the four of us.....hammering. Hammering like wild banshees. I so wish I had this moment caught on tape. The best part was that this was fun. Yes. We had more fun in those three classes than I have had in probably, oh say 6 months and 17 days. I truly became inspired. Several hundred dollars later, I am poor and still inspired. I love looking at all my new shiny baubles. I have made several sets of earrings, bracelets and my absolute favorite, baptism bracelets. So precious. So here I am introducing my newest hobby. I hope it stays awhile. My wallet has taken a beating.

Oh you know I had to show off some of my latest bangles. ;)

So I have to include the bracelet my mom made. Crocheted wire, does it get any better?

Finally my son gets something to model!! Ouchie Pouchy bags aka Boo Boo Bags

2012-03-01T21:59:00.001-08:00

My son finally has something to model and model he did. I directed him to look like he was hurt and in pain and he went with it. So introducing our Boo Boo Bags!!! They are such a must have, specially if you have kids. I particularly enjoy watching TV with one propped behind my neck. I am always cold so I really LOVE these. Anyway they are filled with flaxseed and scented with essential oil. I use flaxseed because it retains heat for much longer than other materials. They are small enough to fit in your pocket on cold days, but big enough to get the job done if you have sore muscles or an earache. Check out my etsy if your interested until then I give you my sweet little model. :)

All about my shabby chic headbands!

2012-02-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

The past month has exploded for me in headbands. I am loving them and so thankful I have a daughter who loves them too. If you haven't checked out my etsy shop, then you should head over there right now and pick up a few. http://www.etsy.com/your/listings They are so versatile and fun and I admit, a blast to make!

11 Random Things

2012-02-23T10:03:00.002-08:00

I was mentioned for another fun post called 11 Random Things. Kara over at http://everydayinstilettos.wordpress.com/ passed this along to me, and I loved reading the random things about her. Go over to her blog and read a bit about her.

So here are the rules:

Post these rules
Post 11 random things about yourself
Answer the questions set for you in their post.
Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them.

11 random things about me:

I love sweet pickles and a hot greasy grilled cheese.

My mouth is watering just thinking about my first random thing.

I love collecting lint out of the dryer.

I love the color pink, but I love turquoise more.

I could be a hoarder of fabric.

I can't bake to save my life

Any bad day is always salvageable by a good margarita.

I hated growing up in the desert, but now I couldn't live anywhere else.

I am always cold, hence the reason I couldn't live anywhere else.

Spring is my favorite season.

I love adventures.

11 questions from Kara

1. Have you ever been in a fight? A fight being that punches were thrown. No, I have always leaned more to the wimpy side.

2. What was the last thing you ate? Buffalo Chicken Salad from Chilis....it was divine!

3. What are 3 of your most loved possessions? (not including anything living) My most loved possession is definitely my camera, I love it! Then there is my Great Grandmothers quilt that my Grandmother gave me. The last one is a toughie, but I am thinking my bed. I have a select comfort bed and I don't know what I would do without it. I am number 68 ha ha ha!
4. What song always makes you happy when you hear it?

What is your biggest pet peeve? Too many to name this morning, but mostly being interrupted before you have had your first cup of coffee. Unfortunately for me it happens just about every morning.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy? Maid Service...
Do you have a tattoo? If yes, what/where, if no what would you get/where? No
What is your favorite time of day? Usually mornings.
When did you first see your significant other? I don't really know, but the first time I noticed him was at the community college I was going to at the time.
What is your biggest guilty pleasure? Cheesecake...
What is your favorite TV show? I think Dexter.

My 11 Questions:
What makes you smile?
What is your biggest regret?
Drink of Choice?
Your goal for 2012 and have you been successful thus far in keeping with it?
What is your favorite accessory, besides your wedding ring?
What is your dream job?
What is your favorite item that you have made?
Biggest pet peeve?
What is your signature dish?
What inspires you?
What is your favorite quote?

Now to pass this along…Please don’t feel pressured to participate, I thought it was fun, and would love to read your answers!

Amanda @http://mandalynandthestinkycheese.com/

Jamie @http://adashofdomestic.wordpress.com/

SRM @http://suburbanrebelmom.blogspot.com

Jeanine @http://www.minifarmproject.com/

Missie @http://www.straarupfamily.com/

Alexandra @http://ropcorn.com/

Courtney @http://www.asocalledrunner.com/

Jill @http://www.primalmomma.com/

Bethany @http://www.happyhomemaker.me/

Crissy @http://dearcrissy.com/home/

Melanie@http://noreallyyoucaneatit.blogspot.com/