Friday, February 3, 2012

I'm Moving!

Photobucket

Well, this blog is moving and this is officially the last post here (sniff sniff). On Monday, you'll be able to find me at my shiny new blog, See Vanessa Craft. It's up and running now if you want to take a peek. I can't wait to hear what you think! All of my archives were magically (and painstakingly) transferred over there by my fabulous web designer, so I'll just pick up where I left off. Bear with me as I navigate wordpress, get everything neatly categorized (not excited about this task) and while we work out the kinks.

I'm hoping that your feeds will automatically be redirected on Monday, but in case it doesn't work (please, please, please work) do me a favor and update your feeds to http://feeds.feedburner.com/seevanessacraft so you can join me over at my new blog! I'd be so sad to lose you in the move, so go update those feeds now (pretty please)! Did you do it yet? See you there! Thank you for being such awesome readers!!!

You can also find me at:

Thursday, February 2, 2012

{Do Something Crafty} #25


Happy Friday! I have some big changes in store for this little blog of mine that I'll hopefully get to share with you next week. "Like" me over at my new facebook page to get the first scoop! Eeek, I can't wait! Anyway, back to Do Something Crafty Friday! There were so many creative projects linked up last week, like an awesome playhouse felt fireplace and yummy lasagna cups. I just adored Uncommon's Valentine pillow. It looks pretty simple to do and oh so cute!


"Do Something Crafty" rules:
  • Crafty blog post links only please. Links to shops, giveaways and products will be deleted.
  • Link directly to your crafty post, not just your blog.
  • Link up recipes, organization tips, interior decorating, tutorials...anything crafty!
  • Please link to The Crafty Nest somewhere on your post or grab a "Do Something Crafty Friday" button.
Featured On The Crafty Nest








Tuesday, January 31, 2012

{DIY Tutorial} Valentine's Doily Bunting

Doily Bunting

Doilies remind me of my childhood summers spent at my great grandmother's house. I still remember exactly what her house smelled like, a mix between a floral fragrance and moth balls. I remember her collection of dainty nick-knacks sitting on delicate hand crocheted doilies, like snapshots in my memory. Making this doily bunting brought back memories of her, even if my doilies are the store bought paper ones. Maybe someday I'll learn how to make the real ones, but in the meantime this will do. I think it matches my felt ruffle wreath perfectly. Happy Valentine's Day!

Materials

Paper Doilies
Hemp or String
Red Felt w/Sticky Backing
Scissors
Glue

Dollie Bunting 1

Directions
Step 1: Fold paper doilies in half, making sure the ends match up.

Dollie Bunting 2

Step 2: Measure your doorway (or wherever you plan on hanging the bunting) and cut a string a few feet longer than your measurement, allowing hanging room. Glue the piece of string, sandwiched in between the dollies. Continue gluing doilies on the string until you've reached your desired length.

Dollie Bunting 3
Dollie Bunting 4

Step 3: Cut hearts out of the felt or many craft stores sell felt heart stickers ready to go. Stick the felt to the middle of the halved doilies on the string.

Dollie Bunting 5
Dollie Bunting 6

Step 4: Hang your Valentine's Day Doily Bunting above your doorway. I used clear 3M hooks for hanging.

Dollie Bunting 9

If you follow this tutorial, add a picture to The Crafty Nest Flickr Group!

Pin It


Brought to you by:

The Crafty Nest

Linking up at:
Tip  Junkie handmade projectsTodays Creative Blog
NightOwlCraftingThirty Hand Made DaysJoin  us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up     party!


Monday, January 30, 2012

{Review & Giveaway} Lucy Activewear Perfect Core Pant

Giveaway Banner New

Y'all (my old Texan ways are coming back to me) already know that I've lost 20lbs since I started Buff Mama Monday back in August. What you don't know is what I wore while breaking a sweat to lose those pounds. Lucy Activewear sent me a pair of their perfect core pants all the way back in August. I live in these pants and I should probably buy another pair so I don't have to do laundry as often as I do just so I can wear these pants.

These babies suck you in and slim you out, fabulous for someone who is a little self conscious about her body (ahem, me). These pants fit almost like leggings above the knee and I can see why the website recommends ordering a size larger. I wasn't totally comfortable sporting these in the gym until I started losing weight (and losing the large derriere). But in the pants defense, I was in between sizes when I received these and opted for the smaller size. I now wear them out all the time and I'm absolutely comfortable in them.

Another huge plus about these pants? They come in tall, hallelujah! I'm 5'10 and I have a difficult time finding tall pants. I've ordered tall yoga pants online before (because stores rarely carry tall in store) and when I get them they aren't tall enough or they shrink after a couple washes, totally annoying! The pants from Lucy are actually TALL with room to spare and they don't shrink (I've tested this out a million times already). These pants also come in short and regular.

Besides super awesome tall pants, Lucy sells activewear tops, bras, hoodies and more. The price is a bit more than I'm used to spending on workout gear, but after reviewing these pants I would be willing to shell out the cash for more. These clothes are made to last and withstand wear and tear. I bought another pair of cheap yoga pants the same time I received the Lucy pants and the other pants are pretty much ready to be upcycled. The Lucy pants look brand new. I'm starting a mama bootcamp in February and I might just have to treat myself to a cute new workout top before it starts.

Lucy Yoga Pants ReviewLink

Buy It:
Visit Lucy to purchase these products. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:
Lucy is giving away a pair of their Perfect Core Pants to 1 winner. This giveaway is open to US residents. This is a Rafflecopter giveaway, you must open up the post for the widget to appear. The first entry is mandatory, the rest are extra ways to enter. Remember to leave an email address and good luck!

{Buff Mama Monday} Meet My Friend Bob

Buff Mama Monday Banner 2 copy

I have a new workout buddy, his name is Bob and he's shiny, orange and has 3 wheels. We sorta have a love/hate relationship at the moment. You see, before Bob existed in my life, I put in some major miles on the treadmill at the gym. I considered myself a runner (ok, more like a jogger) and actually enjoyed it and was losing weight because of it. And then, after months of talking about how awesome it would be to have a jogging stroller (because who doesn't need another stroller taking up space in their hallway), Bob appeared on my doorstep in all his glory (a very generous Christmas gift from my parents).

I gave it a test ride around my house and it was lightweight and easy to maneuver. I was already canceling my gym membership in my mind. The next morning, I got Logan bundled up and we headed out the door with my new BFF Bob in tow. This was going to be the best workout ever! I started my way toward the trails around our house and Logan was a happy camper, making quacking sounds at every animal we passed (because everything is a duck to my 18 month old).

And then I realized that me and the outdoors don't exactly get along. I love nature, I really do, I just prefer looking at it from indoors. I live in the middle of the desert and it never, ever, rarely rains and you know what happened next? RAIN. Lots of it, out of nowhere, pouring down on us. So I turn towards home and run faster. Except I can't, because who knew that pushing an extra 25lbs of toddler while running up a hill would be so difficult? Oh and did I mention that I tripped over a giant rock and almost toppled over to my death (ok, it was more like a tiny pebble and I don't really think I could have died). Stuff like this never happens on treadmills.

What seemed like a marathon later, we finally made it home. We were drenched and I could ring out a bucket full of water from my shirt. I checked the pedometer and I only ran 1/2 a measly mile?! Why didn't anyone tell me that even though I could run 2 miles on a treadmill that I would only be able to run 1/2 mile on pavement? I'm glad I didn't sign up for that 5k just yet. So yes, Bob and I have a love/hate relationship and I now check the weather report before leaving the house for a run (even though it is sunny here 99.9% of the time).

Besides trying to figure out how to jog outdoors, I actually did really well this week. I'm officially at the 20lb weight loss mark!!! Finally!!! After 3 weeks of my weight fluctuating, I'm finally past the hump. My clothes are feeling loser and I'm actually not dreading shopping as much as I used to. I have more energy to keep up with active toddler and I don't even require coffee in my system to do it anymore. I'm proud of myself for sticking with this and for being a healthy example for my son.

My initial goal when I started this was 30lbs, so I still have 10 more pounds to go and then I'll re-evaluate from there. Really, my main goal was to make a permanent healthy lifestyle change and I'm doing it. Some days are harder then others, but I just hop right back on the treadmill after a bad day. I really can't thank Nutrisystem enough, they have taught me how to eat healthy and I couldn't have done it without them. Here's to losing the last 10lbs...

Lucy Yoga Pants Review
Wanna win a pair of these super awesome lucy yoga pants that I have on?
Check back later today for a giveaway! My fellow tall mamas will love them!


Any jogging stroller tips for me?

The fine print: Nutrisystem is providing their food and program to me for free, as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. These opinions expressed are my own opinions and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. Want to join me on the Nutrisystem program? Call 1-888-853-4689 or sign up online.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

{Do Something Crafty} #24


I can't wait to see what you've been crafting up all week! There were so many awesome Valentine's Day projects linked up last week, my craft to-do list has now tripled. I especially loved The Life of a Cheap Chickadee's Valentine mantel. I'm swooning over the vintage card bunting, so pretty! I'm seriously jealous over all of these mantel decor posts I've seen lately. Here in Arizona it's rare to have a fireplace because there really isn't a need for one (think 115 degree summers and 70 degree winters), but my next house WILL have a fireplace mantel for me to decorate (even if it's in the middle of the desert).


"Do Something Crafty" rules:
  • Crafty blog post links only please. Links to shops, giveaways and products will be deleted.
  • Link directly to your crafty post, not just your blog.
  • Link up recipes, organization tips, interior decorating, tutorials...anything crafty!
  • Please link to The Crafty Nest somewhere on your post or grab a "Do Something Crafty Friday" button.
Featured On The Crafty Nest







8 Creative Valentine's Day Crafts

So many amazing Valentine's Day crafts were linked up last Friday, I just had to share some of my favorites. Get out your glue guns, these crafts are sure to inspire. I'd love to see what you've been crafting up all week, stop by tomorrow and participate in Do Something Crafty Friday!

1. Valentine's Day Garland: A Pumpkin and A Princess is quickly becoming one of my fave craft blogs, this dollie garland she crafted up is so pretty! I actually made something really similiar to hang over my front door, I'll be posting about it soon.


2. Nutella Filled Heart Pancakes: I mentioned on Facebook that I had never tried Nutella before and apparently I've been deprived, so I'm planning on making these pancakes for Valentine's Day. Calories don't count on Valentine's Day, right?


3. Paperclip & String Valentine's Day Earrings: You heard me correctly, these earrings are made out of paperclips and string. I'm going to have to put these on my craft to-do list.


4. Valentine Twig Arrows: These would be perfect for the kiddos to help you make. Take them on a nature walk and have them pick out the perfect twigs for their cupid arrows. Love this idea!


5. Wired for Love: I have some extra wire sitting in my craft room right now that I'm going to have to turn into some Valentine's Day art.


6. Valentine Gumball Necklace: How stinkin' cute are these gumball necklace Valentines?! I wish I had an excuse to make these!


7. Sweet Heart Cupcakes: Aren't these the prettiest cupcakes you've ever seen? I just adore them! Oh and I love the pink and white paper straws too.


8. Friendship Bracelet Valentine: Do kids even know what friendship bracelets are anymore? Well, they totally should and I love this idea!