vol.25

food art!

Oh my goodness! I seen these pictures over at cutefoodforkids.com and I am SOO impressed with the creativity. I feel like such a lazy mommy! I definitely couldnt keep up with this on a regular basis, but how much fun would it be to plan a super cute lunch like this to take on a picnick this summer!?

I'm dreaming of a nice long saturday drive in the motorhome, cute lunches in tow. We'll spend all day outside doing absolutely nothing important, and the kids can fall asleep in the motorhome on the drive home. :) First though, we need to finish the renovations.  Some flooring would be a good start don''t you think. ;)

p.s. Thanks SO much for the super sweet comments you left yesterday on my birch trees! I finished adding a bit of detail to the trees, and I'm super happy with how closely the whole project resembles my original vision... I was scared it would look childish but in the end it definitely sets the tone for the woodsy feel I was hoping to acheive in the motorhome, and guess what? It has inspired a whole new collection of naturistic (that IS a word right?) art. :) I don't have a ton of wall space in the motorhome, but you can bet I'm going to utilize what I have! :) I'm going to tape little polartoids (you know my art in a fake polaroid form?)  throughout the motorhome (we've nicknamed him sharky by the way) so it has inspired a new collection and I'm pretty stoked about sharing it with you guys. Soon though, I have just a couple more pieces I want to finish first! ;)

p.s.s. That just may be the longest p.s. message I've ever left! :)

Yet another motorhome progress post...

I apologize if you are sick of seeing pictures of the motorhome! :) It seems to be all I've seen the last week or so and I'm excited to say things are looking a little different... although these pictures keep coming to you a couple days after the actual progress, but I still thought I would share. :)

 

Finally starting to look a little brighter out there! In this picture you can see the new slip covers, that I LOVE. :)

They definitely make my walls look a little more blue than gray, but I guess I'm okay with that! :)

The above picture is an example of what I wish the walls looked like ALL the time! :) They definitely hold chameleon powers, and change they're color at the drop of a hat. :)

The upper kitchen cabinet has been painted...

Although it doesnt look so in this picture... the cabinet is white and under the cabinet is a lighter gray color.

I also painted the inside of the closet and Jaydon took down the sagging shelf. MUCH brighter in there now... and do you want to see what I did yesterday? I've been SO excited to share...

The birch trees are up!!! My mom watched my girls for me yesterday, and I had some uninterrupted painting time. :) They really came together pretty quick. I think it took me just little over a  half hour to do each side, and I used one color of gray. I do plan to go back in with a really fine brush and add a hint of shadow and detail in areas with a slightly darker gray, I dont want the walls to steal the show... so I'm going to not go overboard with the detailing. I think though that I want just a hint more detail. :)

I'll share a slightly more in depth post on JUST the birch tree painting, after I get it all finished up! :) One really good thing about birch trees, is that they are completely natural, nothing is perfect so they are virtually impossible to mess up. :) I think I might like them just a little bit more then the 198.00 wallpaper I drew inspiration from.

My fabric should be coming in this week... I hope! I went with these fabrics:

ABSOLUTELY LOVE them.... the one on the gray reminded me of tree bark from a birch tree. I didnt order any samples so hopefully I still love it when it comes in. :) I have so many different patterns in the throw pillows ( I ordered more I havent posted yet!) that I thought it would be a good idea to use the fabric on the left in our bedroom space with the birch trees. A little less overpowering that way. :)

I found pillows to match the fabric from Festive Home Decor Remember I ordered pillows from her in the past, and I was super happy with the quality and customer service. :) I definitely need to do another pillow round up post, because I do have more!

I hope everyone is having a great week! We had a nice Easter, the weather was even nice! A little chilly, but NO rain. :) What has everyone been up to?

You can see all other motorhome related posts here.

Motorhome Progress for April Part 2

Hello everyone! I can't believe it has been almost a week since I've blogged! It has felt really weird, but I do have a good excuse. Jaydon had a few days off work this week and we've been working out in the motorhome. We've actually done quite a bit even since these pictures were taken, we started painting and that has made such a big difference. The motorhome has instantly felt bigger. I was a little dissapointed in my paint colors though... I went with timber gray from Behr (the darker color in the bedroom area, and the lighter shade (all the other walls in the motorhome) was madison mist also from behr. The both came out way more blue then I would like, (they were labeled a blue toned neutral I should have known better) I'm still considering purchasing a quart of another gray to at least do the bedroom area:

If any other color would work with the palette/theme I am going for it would be blue... i'm just SO tired of blue. Our bedroom is a light blue, my previous kitchen was a light blue... and I'm just sick of blue! :) I was starting to get a little used to the color (it definitely looks more blue in certain lighting) when my slip covers came in. I absolutely LOVE them... but the color is actually gray. Like the color I wanted to use... which is great, but they REALLY make my walls look blue. :) I'll try to snap some pictures of the covers today.

Jaydon took down the old vent hood (it was extremely noisy and suuper gross) and we found a stainless steel replacement online for 60.00 including shipping. :) The cabinet had been sagging as a result of the previous hood:

so he brought in his jack and put a few screws in to tighten things back up again. The old beam he brought in (let me show you that picture again)

... really inspired me! The natural weathered gray look from the wood would be absolutely perfect on the table top. I'm not sure exactly how it will all come together, but I'm hoping we can work it in somehow. 

Jaydon tore up all the carpet (except for what is in the cockpit area) and I think we've decided on a laminate floor that we both love... I've added a few more coats of white spray paint to the cabinet doors, and now I just need to start and finish painting all the cabinet frames white. I'm really excited about doing that because I will finally be covering up the last of the dark brown paneling.

I also ordered fabric for the curtains, and I'm really really anxious to see the curtains add a little texture and coziness to the finished product. :) I need to finish up a new collage design board with the final elements.

It feels nice to finally have some progress going on out there! Jaydon also installed one of the lights in the bedroom area:

   I LOVE them, and it is a nice improvement from the previous lights.

Progress is such a good thing. :) Well, I'm planning to have a lazy day today before the Easter holiday tomorrow... and I hope everyone has a nice Sunday! :)

Meet the newest addition to our family!

This is our new mustang! Well, it is used... but new to us. :) I don't want to bore you guys with all the details since I know the magority of you probably couldnt care less about our automobiles... ;)

We actually JUST purchased the car yesterday!! It should be fun this Summer to have another convertible. I used to own a 91 Mustang Gt that I spent some money modifying. :)

Those pictures were taken the day I sold the car... SAD SAD day... BUT selling the car helped us come up with the down payment on our house, AND also helped me buy my first digital SLR, AND my first wide format printer that kinda started my hobby turned business, so it was necessary. It feels nice to be in a position to replace the car (to an extent) the girls are older now (no more rear facing car seats) and I think they are really going to enjoy taking the top down this summer. We also still have the Avalanche so this will probably be a weekend driver and driven when Jaydon and I do date nights. :) Which we really dont do often enough... ;) We drove the car and I took some pictures tonight...

The mustang has about 110,000 miles and we bought it below Kelly Blue Books estimated value for 6,500. I think we got a really good deal. :)

 
Funny thing (well NOW its kinda funny) I've ALREADY been pulled over in the car, and not because I was speeding either! This mustang is a 6 speed, and I have never really learned how to drive a manual... so tonight Jaydon was instructing me (with a LOT of patience I might add) I drove around out in the middle of nowhere and was finally feeling brave enough to drive in town (although I avoided the 4 way stops and ANY traffic whatsoverer) Anyhow I passed a cop who decided to pull me over, "I'm like Jaydon what do I do? How do I stop!?" I'm panicking and super nervous...  I finally turn down a side road and come to a stop (jaydon was panicked I was going to curb check the wheels so that added to the stress) The poor guy walked up to the car and I rolled down my window and seriously couldnt talk, I was on the verge of breaking into a full blown cry. The officer says "How are you doing this evening?" Jaydon was kind enough to speak for me, "She's a little stressed, she's learning how to drive a stick" The guys says "oh...well it  looks like you were doing a good job" really sympatheticly and explained that the cops in the area where checking the tint level on alot of the cars and are trying to crack down on those too dark. He checked our windows and sure enough... they are apparently 4 shades too dark. He asked for our registration and proof of insurance, and we told hime we had just bought the car last night and didn't have any of that just yet. I had even left the title at home in my purse with the bill of sale (I had grabbed my camera bag instead)  He was REALLY nice and went to check our drivers' licenses' came back and said everything was fine but that we needed to lighten the tint or we would be pulled over again. So um yeah... I let Jaydon drive after that because I was shaking too bad! :)

Funny story now, not so much then... ;) I'm curious... how long did it take you before you felt comfortable driving a stick? Any funny/horror stories? Actually... maybe I dont want to  hear the horror stories, unless it helps me avoid the same in the future! ;)

THREE new prints + etsy shop sale!

Hello everyone! :) It is late, so I'm going to go ahead and keep this somewhat brief. Basically, I decided on a whim this evening to run a mothers day sale in my etsy shop... and in addition to the sale I added THREE new prints this evening! Remember how I mentioned that I had been doing quite a bit of work for my licensing portfolio? Well these are a few of those images. :)

"and they lived"

"whatever you are be a good one"

"A good Garden" coordinates well with "Bloom Where You Are Planted"

Can you tell I am really into the earthy organic super textural art at the moment? :) I hope you like them!!

The sale expires THIS saturday! Use coupon code 35PERCENTOFF in my etsy shop for 35% off your order! :)

Have a good night! :) Tomorrow... I am planning to buy paint for the motorhome! HOORAY!

Motorhome Progress new video tour!

 Hello!! I thought it was time I gave you guys an update on the motorhome. I also took some video of the inside so you have more of a "feel" for the space!

 

Since the video... the microwave is GONE... and ALL the doors and drawer faces have been removed and sanded. :) I also ordered the slip covers and they should arrive in just a couple days. ;) SUUUPER excited about that! I measured for curtains today and I think I finally decided on the fabric I'm using! I'll share SOON. I'm really starting to feel inspired and motivated to just get some stuff done out there. It is a good feeling, and I'm just so excited to start making some family memories in this beast. :)

New album and blog post templates released!

These were SOO much work, and seemed to take me forever to complete. :) I had to take a break for awhile... my heart wasnt in them, because when that happens... nothing looks perfect to me! :) When I get a dose of inspiration everything just seemed to work, and I started enjoying the process... I need to keep reminding myself NOT to push the process. :)

Anyhow, this new collection is titled Vintage Blush and I have 10 spreads 12x12 (designed to WHCC's standards) in size, and designed as an album template, the set also includes 3 low resolution blog post templates. You can find it available here in the Eye Candy digital shop.

You can customize the color on each template:

The image below shows a close up of the included blog post templates....

 I had a few photographers want to purchase the blog templates, but they were not currently offering albums to they're clients. So, I finished formatting another 5 templates for blog posts, and added them with the 3 you see above to make this set sold separately:

I started a poll on facebook and it seemed that 900 pixels wide was the preferred choice by most photographers, so that is what size the 8 templates are being offered at. :) 

The templates also work well for marketing info you want to post online! :)

I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. :) I illustrated each vintage photograph, and included photo corners, on they're own layer for further customization.

There is also a 25% off discount code you can use ( VINTAGEBLUSH) but It expires 4/18th and is only valid in the digital shop. :)

Well, I'm going to sign off! I've been getting some work down on the motorhome, I ordered the slip covers, and I even took a video tour to share with you  guys. I will post tomorrow!!

a quote for your week chap 62

 
hello!! :) I'm trying something new with the quotes, they'll be appearing on strips of tape for awhile... just because I need a change! :) How is your monday? Mine is going just great! Jaydon got home early today because it was too windy to do whatever they were doing today, he is "promising" to paint my fireplace white for me later this evening. SOOO incredibly excited about that. Seriously.... you dont remember seeing a picture of my fireplace? Hah! Well, that is with good reason.. I really HATE how it looks right now:

part cherry and part oak. blah... its like mixing brussel sprouts with celery... two things I don't like... they end up making a combination I cant stand. :) We bought the oak fireplace when we first moved in 5/6 years ago with the intentions on doing something different with the stain. I wanted to go white for a nice clean moden lacquer look... jaydon didnt like my white idea, we ended up compromising on the cherry color. Only, after doing a few of the detail pieces on the fireplace... he decided he actually liked it like that and left it! It has been 3 years and I am SO ready for my nice shiny white fireplace! :)

I'll definitely have to give you an update with pictures! Cross your fingers that he actually follows through now! I might just have to tell him that I made it official by blogging it... and that you are soo terribly excited to see the finished product. That would maybe light a fire under him you think? ;)

Honestly, I would do it myself, but he used to have his own painting company, and he is terribly picky, and I can't say I want to stare at brush strokes either... he'll do a much better job! :)

Does it feel like spring yet? It does here... just barely. :)

p.s. I'll have a more official post a little later but I released new album and blog templates in the digital shop... and there just might be a 25% off code ( VINTAGEBLUSH) :)

Every Cloud- A new print!

Hey there! I hope you are having a beautiful Sunday! I'm just dropping in SUUUPER quick to share a new print. I actually listed this in my etsy shop on Friday, but completely forgot to blog it! My licensing agent is telling me she needs new work! She's had bunches of interest lately, but more often then not the image is already licensed! A good problem to have, and I think I just may be putting my foot in the greeting card market door... more to come on that later! :)

But at any rate, I've finished quite a few new pieces, (that my agent should be uploading soon) but I don't always feel like listing the new work in my shop... so if you ever see anything in my portfolio and you would like to purchase it from my etsy shop, let me know and I'll set up a custom listing. :) There are also quite a few retired older prints available for viewing there. I'm trying to add 25 NEW images to my portfolio before the big surtex show May 15th!

p.s. I'm working on releasing a new album and Blog post template set in my digital shop... should be all finished up tomorrow!! :)

mrs. olive green

I absolutely ADORE this photograph offered for sale in aplacefortwiggs' etsy shop! :) You can find the print here, and you can jump on over to her blog to read the story behind the picture!

Anyhow, I thought you guys would appreciate the photo as much as I did, and I had to share. :) In other news... I think I can honestly say that Journey is potty trained now! It was a bumpy road for a couple days... but she made a complete 360 turn one morning, and it has been smooooth sailing ever since! :)

Spring break has been going well, I've been seeing quite a bit of this:

(the back of my eyelids) as I sleep in each morning. :) I cant say I have been the most productive, but we've had a lazy stay in sort of Spring break. The Spring weather had turned COLD and extremely windy, I've also had a case of the sniffles, so we've been staying in and doing the potty training thing. It has worked out pretty good because Trin is Journey's #1 cheerleader! :) I bought the music playing potty chair from Wal-Mart, and I would TOTALLY recommend it to anyone. She looks forward to music every time. :)

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!? Do you have plans for the weekend? Any Spring vacations planned?