Announcing!

If you are following this blog, then you may have noticed that I was absent for about a month. I had a good reason!  :)

I apologize for the gap in activity and am glad to be feeling better. I just did not have the energy or stamina to do more than breath. Ha! So, now that I am a little farther along, I am returning to normal. Well, hopefully anyway!  I am working on a few projects and starting next week, you should start to see new posts and crafts. Watch for my post next week: DIY knock off Anthropologie drapes! Hope all is well out there!

Happy Pinning!

Love of Photography!

Today I would like to highlight one of my favorite all time hobbies...Photography! I LOVE LOVE LOVE photography! Saved up for a year for a good DSLR camera. But more importantly, I would like to highlight Holly Clouse and all  her photography savvy! 

You can visit her site and blog http://www.hollyclousephotography.com/ 

Our new Family portrait 2013! By Holly Clouse Photography!

I just love how the colors and the golden spring light came together! Holly did a wonderful job! Heart!

I interviewed Holly and she has some great tips and tricks for family sessions,etc:

1) Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into photography. Why do you love it?

Hi! I'm Holly, the owner and photographer of Holly Clouse Photography. I've been married to Nathan for almost 7 years, and we have two kiddos, Landon is almost 6 and Emmalia just turned 4. I home-school both kids, and in my spare time, we're flipping a house! I've always loved photography, and really started getting into it when Nathan & I were newlyweds, and when I was pregnant with Landon. Once he was born, that love really poured forth, since I had a little guy to capture! 

I love photography for so many reasons, but one of the huge one's is the look on a client's face when they see their images. I wish I could take an image at that moment as well, when they see the memories and love that their family shows, or when they see how beautiful they are. It is truly priceless.

2) How did you decided to do it professionally?

There are two sides to this question. The first was out of absolute love and joy for my art. I just adore what I do, and I wanted a career that I would just adore forever, and I do! The second was out of the need for a job where I could choose my own hours and have flexibility. Those two things meshed amazingly well, and with wonderful timing for me.

3) What tips and tricks would you give families for a good session?

Pick a time when the kiddos are happy! Before naptime or after, you know them best. A professional on-location photographer will have times they like best as we are light manipulator's, but should be willing to work with your family and the timing they need as well, and create lovely portraits. Also, something Amanda and her hubby where awesome at, leave some room for the photographer to get to know your kids! Unfamiliar person's with a huge camera can be quite daunting to some kiddo's. Alot of times I put the camera down, and just play for a few minutes, until they feel comfortable with me. We always end up with some happy images that way!

4) What outfit suggestions and tips? 

Color! Colors are so pretty in pictures, though a little girl in a white dress in a field of flowers will always make me swoon. :) Too many patterns can be a little crazy, so add designs and color pop's with accessories. For more, check out my page on it: http://www.hollyclousephotography.com/designing-your-session-style-guide/ or check out the amazing images of Amanda's family, she pulled it off to a "t"!

5) How to handle tough kids? (wink wink)

Besides, as I mentioned above, giving them some room, I can usually get laughs when I start dancing, telling stories, asking for silly faces in pictures, or pretending I don't want to photograph them anymore. It's amazing how willing kiddos are to get in front of a camera when they think you don't want them in front of it! It does really depend on the child though, and working with their unique personality.

6) Tell us a bit about your blog. 

I started my blog five years ago, and have never been able to stop blogging since. It started out as a family blog, evolved into showcasing portfolio sessions, and now is full blown to coincide with my business. I show off client and family images, discuss details on making amazing sessions, VIP specials, and blog every Tuesday about 10 things from the week before-probably my most read posts!

7) Maybe some small tips for moms just catching moments at home?

You don't have to be a professional to capture lovely moments. So many mom's think that's the next step to photographing their kids, and try to start or run a business, forgetting you don't need to do all that to capture fun moments. It's not just about the camera either, it's about capturing the every day, and the memories. Follow your kids around. Take pictures of them watching movies, eating, being silly, the little things you forget about sometimes. The moment's become SO precious, a mishmash of memories in a scrapbook someday to look back on, your most treasured gifts. Don't forget to hand over the camera to someone else, and make your own memories too! 

8) Anything else you want to add. :)

You can contact me at holly@hollyclousephotography.com, and find me at www.hollyclousephotography.com. I love making new friends!  Thank you for having me, Amanda!

Holly

Spokane Portrait Photographer

-Thank you for your time Holly! I love the photos and can't wait to hang them up! 

Again, you can visit her website at http://www.hollyclousephotography.com/

Here are a few more photos from our session!

Holly did a wonderful job and I am not sorry I didn't wait for Fall(my favorite time). Ha! The session turned out so fun!  Thanks again Holly!

Book your outdoor photo session with your local photographer! If you have your own camera, step out into the sun and shoot away! Enjoy the rest of spring and the upcoming summer season full of color and light!

Happy Pinning!

I'm back!

Hello world! I apologize for my absence the last few weeks. I have been on a bit of a sabbatical if you will, but I have returned and in full force.  On a side note, I'd like to say thank you to all 300,000+ visitors to my blog! I am thinking a giveaway next month would be a nice way to show my appreciation! Stay tuned! ...Now onto my post....

Simple Mother's Day gift ideas!

Mother's Day is in less than 30 days. Ah! I feel like that snuck up on me! Better get on that. In our house, the general rule of thumb is to stay simple, and for fun, we always try to make the gifts homemade with the kids. Here are a few fun ideas we tried last year. Me and my fellow Mom's enjoyed!

Idea #1! Mother's Day Pull Tab Cans!

These were so fun to do! Candy filled goodies. And they were super duper easy!

What you'll need:
1) Several pop top cans.
2) candy
3) tissue paper
4) ribbon
5) patterned paper
6) Glue gun

How to:

Step 1) Buy a few cans of peaches or mandarin oranges(anything sweet really). The pop top kind. They are about .68 cents each.  I used smaller ones. You're gonna clean them out and don't want the smell of say asparagus or beans left behind. :)

2) Using a can opener, open the bottom. NOT the pop top!!

3) Clean out the cans well and dry.
4) With the bottom open, fill with candy of your choice and then add a small amount of tissue paper on top of the candy.( This paper will actually be on the bottom when flipped back right-side up.)
5) Using a glue gun, seal the bottom closed. That tissue paper is protecting the candy from the heat!
6) When the glue has dried and cooled, flip back right-side up.
7) Take the labels off.
8) Cut and glue your choice of pretty paper in place of the label.
9) Add the embellishments like ribbon and the cute print out.

10) Give to that special Mom!

Visit the original Pin here for the cute printables!

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/04/tin-can-treats-for-mothers-day/

Idea #2! A bouquet full of family faces!

I took this photo a little prematurely. I filled the base with paper grass and tied a ribbon around the base and then added a little gift tag with a poem on it.

What you need:
1) Pail, can, or flower pot.
2) Craft sticks
3) colored paper
4) photos
5) Paper grass
6) Ribbon
7) Glue
8) Scissors
9) half circle round foam insert(at Michaels!)

What to do:
1) Cut crafts sticks to all different lengths.
2) Place the half circle foam insert into the can or pot. I actually glued it down with hot glue because I was shipping.
3) Cut out flowers and faces.
4) Glue faces to flowers.
5) Glue flowers to craft sticks.
6) Stick the craft sticks into the foam randomly and by height. Arranging how you want.
7) Place the paper grass over the foam and around the sticks.
8) Embellish with the ribbon and tags.
9) Give to the special mom!

So easy, but its cute and thoughtful for that Mom or Grandma!

Here is the original Pin:

Unfortunately, the link was disabled due to spam! But you get the idea. If you see the real link somewhere, please share it with me!

Lots of fun ideas on Pinterest for showing Mom's they are appreciated! Get your craftiness on and say a big Happy Mother's Day to the Moms in your life!

Happy Pinning!

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches!

My husband LOVES French Dip sandwiches, and whenever we eat out at a pub or diner, that's what he orders. I stumbled upon this recipe on Pinterest by The Six Sisters' Stuff(Love this blog!) and knew I had to try it. Let me just say, this was absolutely beyond simple, and we all snarfed, yes snarfed, down these sandwiches and licked our lips in afterthought(I may or may not still be thinking about them!). Even my 7 year old had two and she's a light eater. Seriously, stop what your doing and make these asap!

The original Pin:

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/05/easy-french-dip-sandwiches.html

*This photo belongs to Six Sisters' Stuff. I did not manage a pretty photo because we were so focused on devouring!  :)

I served our sandwiches with waffle cut sweet potato fries and it was so good! This recipe is 3 ingredients in the crock pot and no effort at all. Just shred and serve!

Ingredients:

2-3lb Roast (I used a chuck roast)

2 cans Beef Consomme (14oz. You find this by the soups. I used Campbells)
Hoagie Buns 

What to do:

1) Place the roast in the crock pot. Pour the Beef Consomme over the roast. Cook on low 8-11 hours or on high 5-7hrs. (Mine was nice and tender in 5.)

2) When beef is cooked, take it out and shred. Place the shredded meat back in the juice. I let mine sit in there for about 10 minutes to soak up the last of the juices it could. 

3) Serve the beef on buns and with a side of fries or slaw. Use the remaining juice to dip the sandwiches. And heed my warning, one will not be enough! These are delicious! 

I cannot say enough about this recipe! Who doesn't love an easy day of cooking?! Visit the Six Sisters's Stuff at www.sixsistersstuff.com and check out more of their wonderful recipes and ideas! 

Enjoy! (Seriously, make these now!)

Happy Pinning!

Featuring Pinstrosity!

This past week was Spring Break, and at the end of the week, me and my kids headed to Montana to visit my niece for her birthday. We had a great time, but our trip ended in a sort of crazy adventure that involved a broken down car, a ride with a complete stranger, a lot of laughing and whining too, a crazy old man who screamed at us and flipped us off at a motel in this CREEPY little town(think backwoods Montana!) and a rescue by my husband just in the nick of time. Made it back home safe and sound, but phew, that little detour wore me out! I did not have time to edit and write my usual post, so instead I opted to highlight another blog that is sure to put a smile on your face!

Pinstrosity!( http://pinstrosity.blogspot.com ) It is this fabulous blog about attempted Pins, and it ain't pretty! But that's the whole purpose and why I love it so! (Secretly, I hope to have a major fail so I can be on there! Ha!) The writing is witty and fun, and the attributed photos will put a smile on your face. Note: you are laughing with them, not at them. They are posting with a sense of humor! I love it!

Here is a fun example! The Original Pin...cute bunny rolls!


The Pinstrosity! Um....bunny..er, cat rolls?


I admit that I was going to make these with Easter dinner, but didn't have time. It did cross my mind how they'd turn out. I have no doubt I'd have ended up the "cat lady" so to speak. Ha! The brilliant part of this blog is that they analyze their attempts to see where they went wrong and how it might have gone differently. And not every attempt is a fail. Either way they are a fun read! Visit Pinstrosity and have your day brightened!

Happy Pinning!

DIY Entertainment Console(from a dresser!)

Next to Pinterest and blog stalking, I LOVE Craigslist! I think I have mentioned before that we just moved. I sold several pieces of furniture on there and one of them was our entertainment center. Made a little money off the stuff we didn't need(or want to lift. ha!)! No, really, Cha Ching!

For a while now, I have had a plan to find a dresser and fix it up real cute to go in the living room and hold all our DVD's and Wii games. Moving was the perfect excuse! As soon as we moved, I went on the hunt. I found myself an awesome deal(where else? Craigslist!) and now have another great piece of furniture. Without further ado... my new entertainment console!

The original Pin that was my color scheme inspiration! Love the dark with lighter, high-end look. I also love the argyle detail, but my dresser wasn't really the right shape. Sigh*

http://diycozyhome.com/diy-desk-makeover-instructions/

I think Craigslist is a great place to find all sorts of goods! Kinda like one big awesome garage sale from the comfort of your couch. There's that saying, "one man's garbage is another man's treasure." Its not that its actual garbage, but like this dresser, it is no longer serving its purpose. It was originally used in a little girls room with matching mirror and headboard, but alas she grew. The dresser caught my attention when I saw it. Its got this ridge of detail under the top drawers and I just new that a coat of new paint and some distressing could make it sing a new tune! I almost painted it yellow or mint, but I saw the color of the desk on Pinterest and LOVED it! I almost bought a similar dresser at an antiques store, but it was twice the price, and I thought, "I could do that myself." So I did of course. :)

Here's what to do!

Supplies:
1) Primer! If you want your piece to last and not have to sand, use a primer. I used Bullseye 123 from Walmart. Its approx $8 for a quart. Shouldn't need more than that for two coats on a project this size.
2) Your choice of paint. I used Better Homes and Garden's colors Mink Brown for the top and drawer knobs, and Early Blossom for the body, both in Semi Gloss. I however, used Colorplace paint because its cheaper. I only purchased a quart of each($10ea) and had plenty left over.
3) I used a roller and brush to coat all the pieces.(already had these!)
4) Sandpaper or block if you want to distress.
5) Top coat if you desire extra protection. Minwax Polycrylic is my favorite. It is water based and is the only one I know of that dries crystal clear. About $8-10 a quart.

How to:
1) Take all the knobs and pulls off and take the drawers out.

2) Wipe down all the surfaces and let them dry so the primer will adhere.
3) Coat the entire dresser top, sides, and drawer fronts with the primer. Let dry sufficiently in between coats. I did two.

4) When the primer is dry, paint desired color. Again, I used two different colors, so I did the darker top first and the areas I wanted to distress. It looked a bit messy at this point with dark brown paint smudged all over edges and areas. When that was dry, I painted the lighter body and over those brown areas(they show up later!). I did 3 coats of each. (I forgot to stop and photograph this step!)
5) Paint drawer knobs and allow them to dry. Don't attach til everything is dry! Or you can upgrade to new knobs from your local hardware store for some extra fun!

6) When all the pieces have dried, sand desired area for a distressed look. This is where I lightly sanded away the whiter color to reveal the darker color I had painted underneath in areas on the drawers, edges, and that detail below the top drawers. (Hopefully I explained this well!)

7)  Wipe clean any paint dust.
8)  Top coat if desired!
9)  Re-attach all the hardware.

Total cost of this project: $35 for the dresser, $20 for the paint, and $8 for the primer= just under $70! Can't beat that even at Walmart. Ha!

There is something about a furniture make-over that is so fun to do!  Don't be afraid... Do it!

Happy Pinning!