Why have I just found out about this great resource??
They have all sorts of wonderful and helpful tips in regards to blogging and also a place where you can find other similar blogs and also list yours for free. Head over and check em out!!
Taylor Swift Inspired Curls
Our days for the beach may be ending but these curls will be great for those colder months as well!!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Spring Modpodge Art Project
I decided to try something new this weekend and I am so excited how it turned out.
I
love quotes
so much, as you may have noticed from Inspiration Quote Sunday, so I am excited I found a way that I am going to display them through art.
With spring
just around the corner I gravitated towards these pretty spring colors. These are the canvases before the quotes. I haven't decided which ones I would like to use yet, but these will be going into my etsy collection.
Which by the way I almost sold out my whole
(tiny)
store this weekend, so I was a crafting fool yesterday!!
Here is one of my first pieces...
Here is what you need:
- Blank Canvas
- Scrapbook Paper
- Modpodge Glue
- Paint brush
- Scissors
What you do:
- Draw your design on the back of the paper
- Cut out design
- Glue the pieces down
- Cover the top with glue as well
To see where I am partying this week click HERE!
Be sure to join in the fun!!
Meet Aprile from The Steady Hand...
Today I would like to introduce you all to one of my wonderful advertisers
Aprile from The Steady Hand.
She does some amazing work.
Here she is to share a little more about her and what she does...
I found that becoming a mother I wanted and needed to better myself. I wanted to give my daughter everything I never had and more. So out of that obsession I learned to crochet and sew reading from books, taking a couple classes and a lot of trial and error. I started with just making her hats and blankets before she was born to sewing her outfits as she started to learn to walk. I feel so lucky to be able to watch her grow and learn. She is my inspiration. Everything is so new to her that she puts everything she has into learning or figuring something out. I put that into my crochet and sewing. I try to make every piece just that perfect or that much better. I challenge myself to make sure that I am always learning something new too.
All my products are made by me in my craft room where no one else is allowed to go…although my daughter manages to sneak in here every now and then to wrap herself with some yarn. Being a thrifty mom as well, I buy most of my supplies on sale and/or with coupons that way I can pass my savings to other mom’s looking for affordable items. All the items I make are made with a lot of time, patience and love. If something does not come out the way I like it, I do it again and again until I am satisfied. So you can be sure whatever you buy from me is a high quality handcrafted item.
I make many different items from hats and scarves to toddler outfits and slippers. I like to constantly try new patterns and yarns always finding ways to better my craft.
You can find me blogging about my crafts and my life here: http://thesteadyhand1.blogspot.com/
My website where all my items are sold, everything is ready to ship now! http://thesteadyhand.com
Other links you can find me:
My Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/The-Steady-Hand/167766376570186
Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/amazey
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/armazey
Mama Made USA: http://www.mamamadeusa.com/c_136/The-Steady-Hand.htm
Sunday, February 27, 2011
and the WINNERS ARE....
Drum roll everyone.....
Thank you all for your wonderful nominations and votes for your most beloved blogs....
and without further ado here are your winners in no particular order.....
For MOST HELPFUL BLOG goes to....
AARON at AARON OUTWARD
Please give a virtual ROA (that's round of applause, like LOL but with your hands you know;) for Aaron as he gives his acceptance speech!
Wow, what a wonderful surprise!
First off, I want to thank Ashley at EisyMorgan for putting this all together. The amount of work she put in to host such a fun and wonderful event is amazing. I think she deserves a Bloscar for all her work. Second, I wanted to congratulate the other nominees, I’m Lovin’ It and A Girl’s Right to Shoes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both your blogs and both of you deserve this award. I also wanted to congratulate all the other winners and nominees from the other categories. Your blogs were all so amazing, I don’t know how anyone was able to vote.
I want to give a huge thank you to Sunny from Idyll Toast for nominating me. It was so unexpected and humbling to be recognized and nominated for an award like this by a peer. Thank you to everyone that took the time to vote for me. It is so flattering that you enjoyed my blog enough to take the time out of your day and go vote for me. Next, I wanted to thank every one of my readers. Having a readership base like you makes writing so easy. Finally, I want to give a big thank you to Amy and Dora for putting up with me and my blog for this past year. I know it always isn’t easy fighting for my attention when I am writing JThe music is coming on to wrap this up so I better hurry. I am so flattered, thankful, and honoured to receive this award. I will display it with pride!
First off, I want to thank Ashley at EisyMorgan for putting this all together. The amount of work she put in to host such a fun and wonderful event is amazing. I think she deserves a Bloscar for all her work. Second, I wanted to congratulate the other nominees, I’m Lovin’ It and A Girl’s Right to Shoes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both your blogs and both of you deserve this award. I also wanted to congratulate all the other winners and nominees from the other categories. Your blogs were all so amazing, I don’t know how anyone was able to vote.
I want to give a huge thank you to Sunny from Idyll Toast for nominating me. It was so unexpected and humbling to be recognized and nominated for an award like this by a peer. Thank you to everyone that took the time to vote for me. It is so flattering that you enjoyed my blog enough to take the time out of your day and go vote for me. Next, I wanted to thank every one of my readers. Having a readership base like you makes writing so easy. Finally, I want to give a big thank you to Amy and Dora for putting up with me and my blog for this past year. I know it always isn’t easy fighting for my attention when I am writing JThe music is coming on to wrap this up so I better hurry. I am so flattered, thankful, and honoured to receive this award. I will display it with pride!
For MOST THOUGHT PROVOKING blog
the BLOSCAR goes to...
KATIE from LOVE IS EVERYWHERE
{we caught her with our paprazi cameras before the show}
(ROA)
“Thank you! Merci! Grazie! Mahalo! If you could only see me and the excitement that has taken over, it would show how truly appreciative I am for the award for having the Most Thought Provoking Blog.
When I was nominated by the adorable Liesl I felt so grateful. And then for people to vote for Love is Everywhere, ah, I want to give Teddy Bear Hugs to all of you! Just knowing that what I write means something to others and makes a difference is one of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for.
Without any hesitation, I put all of my love into Love is Everywhere. There is beauty within all of us and in every direction we look. Since I began writing I have worked hard at showing that to others. In return you have all opened my eyes as well. Thank you for seeing that, for all of your support. Thank you for being inspirational to me, most of all thank you for being you and such genuine friends.
I’m sending hugs and kisses to all of my fellow blog friends and from the bottom of my heart… Thank you for this extraordinary Bloscar!
When I was nominated by the adorable Liesl I felt so grateful. And then for people to vote for Love is Everywhere, ah, I want to give Teddy Bear Hugs to all of you! Just knowing that what I write means something to others and makes a difference is one of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for.
Without any hesitation, I put all of my love into Love is Everywhere. There is beauty within all of us and in every direction we look. Since I began writing I have worked hard at showing that to others. In return you have all opened my eyes as well. Thank you for seeing that, for all of your support. Thank you for being inspirational to me, most of all thank you for being you and such genuine friends.
I’m sending hugs and kisses to all of my fellow blog friends and from the bottom of my heart… Thank you for this extraordinary Bloscar!
For the MOST SUPPORTIVE BLOG the
BLOSCAR goes to...
{Excited faces, ROA}
Aubrie at Who' Your Editor
Aubrie is shooting/writing her first bloggy movie on location so was unabe to receive her award in person but she sends this live via email:
I am so grateful for the nomination from Shah and very thankful to all who voted for me. It was a wonderful surprise this week and made me feel so special and lucky!
I am so grateful for the nomination from Shah and very thankful to all who voted for me. It was a wonderful surprise this week and made me feel so special and lucky!
Congrats Aubrie!!
and finally
for the MOST CREATIVE BLOG
the BLOSCAR goes to
Liesl at Fabulous Fashions for Sensible Style!
{woots and ROA}
"WOW! I am beyond excited to be winning a Bloscar!!! Eeek! I honestly never thought I would win an award, and could not be happier to be winning such a fun and fabulous one for "Most Creative!" I have always loved creating and designing in any form since I was a little girl and so it makes this all the more meaningful to win for something I simply love doing! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me and to Ashley for such a lovely award! I am all smiles tonight! :) :) :)"
Make sure you check out and follow these amazing bloggers who will soon don the first ever BLOSCAR on their blog!
Congrats to all the winners and nominees alike. I have had a blast getting to know you and your blogs better...many of you I did not know before this. You all are now my BFFL (Bloggy Friends For Life ) ha..I
am all about these acronyms!
am all about these acronyms!
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT AND DRIVE SAFE!
{or go to bed early as the case may be}
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Last two wonderful nominees, AubireAnne & Camilla!!!
Meet
AubrieAnne from Who'sYour Editor?
What is your blog all about?
My blog is about anything and everything that I love (or love to talk/complain about). Usually, that means writing, books, and movies. I like to start discussion questions, build funny lists, discover random facts, and share creative ideas.
How long have you been blogging?
How long have you been blogging?
About four months now. I’m quite the youngling still! But I’ve loved every second of it!
What is your favorite part about blogging?
What is your favorite part about blogging?
The new people that I get to meet and discuss my passions with. The things you love are always more fun when shared with someone else. Through blogging, I have met so many wonderful people who share my interests, join in on conversations, or just love to talk. It’s great!
And what everyone wants to know what will you be wearing to the Bloscars?;)
And what everyone wants to know what will you be wearing to the Bloscars?;)
I’d love to say a fabulous dress, maybe in red, black, or green. But, when I really think about it, it’ll probably be a comfy pair of jeans and one of my favorite zip-up hoodies :)
Thanks AubrieAnne and GOOD LUCK!!
&
Last but NOT LEAST
meet
Camilla from
What is your blog all about?
My blog is mostly about my time here in London. I write about the places I’ve been, recommendations and simply showing my own experiences. I also write quite a lot about travel as this is one of my biggest hobbies. I went on an around-the-world trip last summer and I learned and experienced so much and I want to share that. But I also write about my thoughts on certain matters and I write about books as I am a huge bookworm. And hopefully the people who are reading this are learning something new about London or the world.
How long have you been blogging?
I haven’t been blogging that long actually. Since mid September 2010.
What is your favorite part about blogging?
That is so much. Well, as a journalist student I like that I can write about anything I want and that my blog is my space to say exactly what I want without anyone telling me it’s wrong. Another thing I love about blogging is that I love connecting with people all over the world. To be able to support and encourage people and to receive that back is an extraordinary feeling as the blogging world is a fabulous community. I have also come to find that my blog is sort of my journal where I am writing about my life and it will be nice to look back years from now and see what I was doing. Blogging is also a challenge and I spend a lot of time on many of my posts, and when I manage to write a post that I am happy with and other people comment and like it then I feel like I have accomplished something. You are actually creating new friendships through blogging and I think that is amazing. And I get to use my camera a lot, which I love. I am learning so much about photo as I’m using it and I’m carrying it around all the time.
And what everyone wants to know what will you be wearing to the Bloscars?;)
I bought this amazing dress when I was in New Zealand this summer. It is black and sparkly, goes down to my knees, with a silver buckle on the front and kind of open back. And I would have to style up the dress with my Manolo Blahnik shoes, which I never thought I could afford.
Thanks and GOOD LUCK CAMILLA!!
I hope you have all had a great time getting to know our awesome BLOSCAR nominees
I will be announcing the winners tonight at 8:00 pm!
Good Luck to all the nominees and
you all have wonderful blogs!
Check out this Nominee!!
Meet
Lucy from Lucille in the Sky
What is your blog all about?
Lucille in the Sky is all about living for your highest self. Using stories, poetry, photography and love, my blog inspires others to surrender to the divine source, to recognize that only in letting go of our expectations can our lives take their true course, the course of our highest self for our greatest good.
My blog is a place people come to for positivity. A sacrament to the simple things in life. A reminder to people to let go, to love, and to look for beauty everywhere.
How long?
I have been blogging since the end of 2008. I posted intermittently until Spring 2010 when I became a "true" blogger. I was also a new mom and itching to make my mark on the world (I still am). I'd already set up the blog and it proved to be the perfect platform to have my voice heard, to make new friends, and to publish all of the thoughts swirling in my head and keeping me up at night.
Favorite part?
Connecting with others and learning from others.
What will you be wearing to the Bloscars?
A strapless little black dress, a lacy gray cardigan, silver kitten-heel pumps, and my black diamond peace sign necklace.
Thanks Lucy and GOOD LUCK!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Meet another Nominee!!
What is your blog all about?
When my blog began a year ago it was designed to document my battle with leukemia and act as a central location to keep everyone up to date on my progress. As time progressed, I found that my journey fighting cancer was teaching me so many invaluable lessons about myself and life.
Recently I came to the realization that most of us don't get the opportunity to learn these lessons until we are personally faced with a life altering event. It made me think, why should only those of us who have gone through such events be privy to these wonderful lessons and reflections. So I shifted the main focus of the blog to speak about the wonderful things cancer teaches about living better lives. Now I write daily about the insights, reflections, and inspirations I have gained along the way.
How long have you been blogging?
I have been blogging now for a year. Over that time I can’t believe the amount I had to learn about becoming a better blogger, it seems there is always something to learn each day.
What is your favourite part about blogging?
I think I have three things that I would consider my favourite part of blogging. First, I have recently started interacting with others in the blogging community and am really loving reading their posts and networking with them.
What is your favourite part about blogging?
I think I have three things that I would consider my favourite part of blogging. First, I have recently started interacting with others in the blogging community and am really loving reading their posts and networking with them.
Second, I am passionate about the topics I write about, so I really enjoy the personal reflection my writing brings with it.
The third thing would probably be my favourite thing about the blog. I find no greater joy than when I have written a post that really resonates with my readers and they truly love reading it. There is nothing better than that J
and what everyone wants to know what will you be wearing to the Bloscars?;)
-a Gucci housecoat paired with a Christian Lacroix t-shirt and Burberry Plaid Pyjama Pants topped off with a pair of velvet Loboutin house slippers :~)
Thanks Aaron and GOOD LUCK!!!
Handwritten for you...Vote for me Por Favor!!
Hey all, it's a shot in the dark as I am 60 + votes behind ...
but I would be so grateful if you would go over and vote on the
For the Love of Blogs poll for
EisyMorgan as
Blog of the Month!
{it's in the right hand column as a poll!}
Also I am a
FINALIST
in Saturday Morning's
Best of February!!
Click the button below to vote for my
"Wedding Hair Tutorial"
Spread the word if you feel extra blog lovey dovey...
Thank you MUCHO!!
I saw this handwritten note
idea and had to join in...
here is how:
In your own handwriting answer the following questions...
Take a picture & Post!
1. What's your name / blogger name?
2. What's your blog's URL?
4. Favorite quote?
5. Your favorite song?
6. Your favorite band?
7. Anything else you want to say?
8. Tag 3 ladies to participate.
Hey guys guess what????
It's FRIDAY!!
Woop woop...enjoy your weekends!!
Another awesome nominee!!
Meet another amazing Nominee....
Sunny from Idyll Toast
What is your blog all about?
Idyll Toast is my anything goes blog. I write another blog about coming to terms with the infidelity and sudden passing of my husband. While the process of writing that blog has been cathartic, the content can get heavy, not only for me, but for readers as well. I created Idyll Toast as the comedy to "Sunny Sings The Blues'" tragedy. They may appear to be very different blogs, but actually they are just two sides of the same coin. That coin being my life.How long have you been blogging?
I started Sunny Sings The Blues on 10/16/10, but Idyll Toast is still a baby. That blog is less than a month old.
What is your favorite part about blogging?
For me, blogging is an opportunity to share my thoughts about life as I experience it, in a way that is genuine and honest. Ever since my husband died, I have found it really difficult to keep up appearances in the day to day. Particularly with regard to my career, since I deal with so much ugliness, I have since found it harder and harder to refrain from speaking my mind. It seems that people often miss out on the good things in life because they are so concerned with what others think, or with what they do not have, or with what is wrong in their lives. These days, I see thinking like that to be a huge waste of time, especially since I feel I missed out on many worthwhile moments with my husband because I was too busy sweating the small stuff. Life is unpredictable and it can be over in the blink of an eye. I for one want to make the most of it while I can. For me, that means living in the now, by simply being myself - even if I end up revealing to the world what a geek I truly am. Blogging is a way for me to open up and connect with others. Plus, it not only helps me heal from my loss as learn to live with my new normal, but from what people tell me, my words have also helped readers deal with their own trials, while also nudging them to make the most of their time while they are here. And to me, if I can be myself while helping others make their lives better, even if it's by giving them something as small as a chuckle, then it gives meaning to my loss and purpose to my life. Blogging is just one more outlet I have to help me get the most out of my life.
And what everyone wants to know what will you be wearing to the Bloscars?
I have no idea! Oh my gosh...I have nothing to wear! And my hair is a mess.
Thanks Sunny and GOOD LUCK!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Another Nominee!!
Our next featured Nominee is.....
Katie at Love is Everywhere
What is your blog all about? ‘Love is Everywhere’ is truly what it’s about. I love the simple things in life and making a difference. I began writing with the hope of reaching out to others and helping people to see how much positivity there is around them. It starts with us though. Once you begin to see everything as beauty, life will seem much brighter. You’ll feel happier and that’s love. I express Love through my writing and photography.
How long have you been blogging? I always had journals growing up as a child as most girls always did. Various journals unfinished. I actually began blogging back in High School and then I stopped. I started again perhaps 6 years ago and then I stopped again. Notice a pattern? Last Fall after having enough of seeing all the negativity as I changed channel to channel I had to do something. There’s a lot of ideas in my head as to making a difference, starting Love Movement.. and that’s when I created Love is Everywhere.
What is your favorite part about blogging? I would have to say my absolute favorite thing about blogging is the community and support. I have met the most amazing people here. Every day we are learning from one another.
I am immediately checking up on everyone to see how their days are or sending words of encouragement. I receive the same support from them as well. It’s a fabulous and quite loving family here.
and what everyone wants to know what will you be wearing to the Bloscars?;) I will be wearing a cute black dress I bought on clearance one day at Mandees (Love cheap&cute finds), grey boots, hair all dolled up and oh, a ravishing circle scarf!
Thank You Katie and GOOD LUCK!!!
Blogging Tips & Tricks #1
How and where to get FREE photo manipulation software
One of the things you will use the most once you start blogging is some sort of photo manipulation software. Some of you are blessed to have things like Photoshop or Lightroom, but for those of us who are not yet to that level, or haven't saved enough funds yet, there are several great FREE programs WE can use!
I will cover four that I know of and have used to some degree.
Here are a few I know of and their links:
- With this program you can edit photos, videos or vlogs, make collages, etc. A lot of people us this program for all their blogging purposes. I have it, but I haven't taken much time to navigate through all it's options but from what I have seen, it is a great resource. You can host all your images on it as well.
To get Picasa just click on the link above and download it to your desktop. If I remember correctly it immediately starts uploading all your pics to it so that you can work with all of them on the program.
{I have never used this one to make a header or anything for my blog, so I can't tell you too much about this one.}
This is another great and free option. You can create an account for free and even upgrade for a small fee, where you will have even more options.
Have you seen the cute pictures with the rounded corners?
Have you seen the cute pictures with the rounded corners?
Like this..
These rounded edges are something you can create in Picnik.
Here is a quick tutorial on how to get rounded edges...
- Upload your photo
- Go to the CREATE tab
-Go to FRAMES tab
-Go to ROUNDED EDGES
-Choose the size
-Save & Share
It's that easy. You can figure all the other features really easily as well. From lightening or darkening your photos, adding stickers, or changing the visual effects, it is very user friendly!
You can also make a header in Picnik, but I will be covering that in a future tutorial as well as how I made mine.
Go play and see what your options are! I highly suggest this program if you are just starting out with your pictures. It is pretty clear cut and their aren't so many options that it is overwhelming.
Go play and see what your options are! I highly suggest this program if you are just starting out with your pictures. It is pretty clear cut and their aren't so many options that it is overwhelming.
The one I like and use the most is
You can download this for FREE to your computer and use it for all kinds of things. It is similar to Photoshop and has tons of tools, all of which I am still learning to use. But once you know how to do the main things it is pretty easy and VERY helpful!
Here is the basic outlay
With this program I do all my photo manipulation. It has so many tools. I am loving the brushes for designing, the options for making buttons (I will show you all about these in an upcoming tutorial) and editing my photos.
If you guys would like a more in depth tutorial on GIMP (at least my knowledge of it) please let me know in the comments.Also most of you most likely have a photo host by this point, but if you don't you will need one to make buttons or add certain HTML images to your page. I use
If you don't know, Photobucket is is a site where you upload your photos and then can get HTML codes or direct links to your them. You then are able to place them around your blog, mostly in your sidebar. You can also edit your photos in this, re-size as well as make collages. You might be able to even make a header there, although, I have never tried that. I only really use it to host my photos. Most people, in my estimation, are familiar with photobucket or some kind of photo hosting site, but if you are not I can also go into this in more detail.
(again let me know in the comments).
So these are a few things to get you started!!
Next week I will cover:
How and where to get FREE fonts for your blog or software
Meet Our Nominees!!!
With the the top nominees in and now being voted on
I want you all to get to know these ladies and gentlemen that the fine Academy have chosen as wonderful blogs! I will high-lite briefly each participant throughout the day so if you are not familiar with them you can get to know them better and check out their blogs and vote HERE!
In the order I received the interviews I will post them...
Meet Liesl
from
What is your blog all about?
Mostly my blog gives readers and followers tips, websites and looks that offer affordable fashions and styles. From time to time I do a "Look of the Day" post, which has been one of the most popular and always show a complete breakdown for the prices on each item in the look and where they were purchased.
I also post looks that I create using Polyvore so that my readers are able to see affordable outfit ideas from which they can then purchase items they like online, if they choose, since items in my Look of the Day posts aren't necessarily available anymore.
Over time, my blog has transitioned into posts about some of my affordable, creative DIY ideas and projects that I refer to as the "Get Crafty" section along with some healthy and super simple recipes. From time to time, I also post adventures in my life along with what I call a "Picture Show." Since I document just about everything I do I thought it would be fun for me to be able to look back on too, and these have been very popular even if they don't have much to do with fashion.
Finally, since recently getting engaged, I have jumped on the "Wedding Wednesday" bandwagon, which has been really fun and hopefully offers readers and followers some inspiration for their weddings too!
How long have you been blogging?
I opened my Fabulous Fashions 4 Sensible Style blog on Blogger back in 2009, but did not start blogging seriously and frequently on it until 2010. It has now become a true passion of mine and I try to post a new blog at least every other day!
What is your favorite part about blogging?
I would have to say that I just love all the wonderful people, like you, whom I have met since I began blogging full time and seeing all the lovely blogs out there in blogland! I am inspired each and everyday by a blog or post I come across, and it always has a way of bringing a genuine smile to my face! :)
What will you be wearing to the Bloscars?
Ahhh! I love this question!!! I believe I shall be sporting the long, bronze sequin Escada evening gown that I rented for $120 from a local LA gown shop, in order to keep with the affordable fashions that I love so much! I wore the gown previously to the 35th Annual Vision Awards in Beverly Hills and think it is just perfect for your Bloscars event!
Oh and I shall pair it with my gold Steve Madden heels from Off Broadway Shoes for $39.99 and my gold clutch from a little chinatown boutique for $12.99, which will bring my red carpet look total to $172.98! :)
Thank you Leisl and Good Luck!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Kim Kardashian Inspired Red Carpet Hair
In honor of the BLOSCARS we had to have "fancy up-do"
for the hair tutorial this week.
This is what inspired it...
Mine didn't turn out just like this, but you can easily make yours do much better!
Same basic principles.
This is mine..
My best Kimmy K face, ummm, NOPE..just look mad...
On to the video...so hey...friends...any requests for hair that you
would like me to do or TRY to do?
Leave me some suggestions, even if you care less about
ever doing your own hair that way!
ha ha
Don't forget tomorrow is the beginning of the
BLOGGING TUTORIAL series.
**And go VOTE really quick for a blog right below this post for a BLOSCAR!!**
