Tutorial Tuesdsay: How to Be Alone

I have been MIA, but I will be back here and there. This is a quick post, and you've probably already seen this video because it's gone viral, but I'm going to share it anyway and also another one by the same person!

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7X7sZzSXYs&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpunQZ4cUyI&feature=related

What I Want Wednesday: Craft Room Edition

Hi Everybody! Kam here from Campfire Chic. Lauren asked me to be a guest blogger and I’m really excited she let me do one of her What I Want Wednesday features! It’s the middle of the week, and I don’t know about you, but I’m in the need of a little motivation/inspiration to get me to the weekend!

I want to focus on craft spaces today! I love looking at images of creative spaces and imagining what I would do in my own room. So, today I’m bringing you five things I found on Etsy that I would love to have in my space in the future.





    •    Keep Calm and Craft On
    •    Overdue Book Calendar
    •    Vintage Fan
    •    Braided Rug
    •    Bunting



Thanks, Lauren, for letting me take over for the day :)

<3 Kam

No Regularly Scheduled Posts This Week

Due to starting my new job this week and finishing up stuff from my old one, there will be no regularly scheduled posts this week. I will keep you updated!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Follow/Feature Friday: Campfire Chic

Through Justine, who started secret pals...

I met Kam from Campfire Chic!

She's awesome!

We've been emailing, tweeting, and snail mailing (on my end)! And our conversations

are never dull! We have a lot in common and she's just the sweetest!

For my first ever: FOLLOW/FEATURE FRIDAY I thought I would give some love to

KAM!

I interviewd Kam via email this past week and here is what she had to say:

1. What's with the name?:

My boyfriend and I spent a long weekend in Sequoia National Park after I graduated in May. I was worrying about money, not having a job lined up like others in my cohort (it was a graduate program), but also feeling really inspired to craft thanks to the beautiful surroundings. One night we were sitting around the campfire enjoying some hot chocolate and it hit us: why not open an Etsy store focused on the outdoors? We began brainstorming shop names, products, and marketing campaigns. The following week, Campfire Chic was created. I wanted a name that would remind me of where we were when the idea came about, and I love alliteration-hence the Chic! I opened the shop with a handful of journals I made using wooden postcards I purchased at the Visitor Center in Sequoia, some ribbon purchased at a local scrapbook store, and some big ideas.

 From Campfire Chic

2. How did you get into embroidery/cross stitch?:

I have been scrapbooking regularly for the past six years, but last fall I found myself in a rut and in need of trying a new craft. I found Andwabisabi's Etsy shop and I was hooked! She offers a free pattern if you sign up for her newsletter, so I made sure I could complete a pattern before spending money on more...Her patterns are sooo cute, it's hard not to buy multiples when you get to her shop! I started creating my own patterns the same week I opened Campfire Chic. It's a lot of fun!  As for embroidery, I'm still learning! I am taking Wild Olive's The Embroidery Project: Going Beyond Fabric and Floss class and was inspired early in the course to try my hand at creating my own patterns. I currently have only word patterns in my shop, but my goal is to have a few more up as soon as possible.

3. Apples or Bananas?

Apples! Especially those Granny Smith apples, they're so tart and tasty. I used to love bananas when I was younger, but I can't stand them now. It sounds picky/high maintenance of me, but I even ask for "no banana" in my smoothies. I guess it could be worse!

4. What other things are you passionate about?

It may be unrelated to crafting/blogging, but I am passionate about working with college students, especially student leaders. Working on a college campus allows me to interact with amazing individuals and express my creativity. College students are amazing beings with big ideas and a huge capacity to get things done. In other news, I'm passionate about the environment, letting my family and friends know I treasure them, and tacos. Yes, tacos. We go way back.
 

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, your blog, your etsy shop?

I was just asked this last week, but in a totally different context! Well, in five years I will be 29 years old. I hope to be working on a college campus while balancing the work I want to put into my blog and shop. I don't need to be the next blog star, but I want to still be inspired to post regularly and create something new every day. If Etsy is still around *fingers crossed* I would love to be a part of a team by then and possibly showing at craft shows...maybe even Renegade one day! I also see myself about a bazillion pounds heavier if I don't regulate my relationship with tacos. Just sayin'

6. Any new things coming in your etsy shop?

I'm working on some more embroidery patterns! I also have a few ideas in my notebook about items for geocachers. It's a small market on Etsy right now, but I love it so much and I have noticed several other bloggers do it too! I hope it's a hit ;) Also on my hope-you-can-pull-this-off list: jewelry (charm bracelets, earrings, necklaces), soy candles, picnic blankets, and other things to be used outdoors. I'm excited!

7. What is your dream job?

Hmmm, I'm not sure about specifics, but I would love to be able to have a job that allows me time to do things I love and challenge me to try new things that I may find I love, too! I just completed a journal page for Janel's Journaling for a Cause course about what (as a child) I wanted to be when I grew up and I listed hairdresser, marine biologist, teacher, clothing designer, and medical examiner (I'm twisted, I know). Based on this list, I think my dream job would be in one of the "helping" professions. Maybe a taco truck diver? Taco taster? Taco photographer?

Doesn't she sound awesome?? Check out her Etsy Shop and her Blog!

I've been so glad I've gotten to know her!

I'm not doing a giveaway per se, but for the first person to make a comment, will receive a pdf file of one of her embroidery/cross stitch patterns!

Please, these are for personal use only!

Thanks Kam for letting me feature you!

Oh and check out secret pals!

Thoughtful Thursdays: Blog Wars

I'm Switzerland... I wanted to be France, but they're a bit one sided!

-Me, yesterday on Twitter

Winner

Winner of the lipclick:

Lennon's Leading Lady!
Congrats!!

What I Want Wednesdays: The Expensive Edition

I'm a pretty content person, but there are a few things that I would enjoy!

1. Home Ec Class

It has already started, but, I have until Sunday to make up my mind. But for me it's a huge commitment because the price is $60. That's without supplies, so of course you can see my reservation.

2. New pair of TOMS

Recently TOMS seem to have become a negative thing. I ask the question: How?

Seriously, you buy a pair of shoes, they give a pair to a kid in need. How is that a negative thing?

I honestly think they are like the cutest things, and so comfortable, but, that's just me!

! don't know what pair I want yet, also, the internet won't let me go on TOMS.com :(

I also need a black pair for work!

3. Kindle Covers

I could go the amazon.com route. 

They have a Moleskine cover I like.

But, Etsy has some super cute ones.

I've also found some good tutes (tutorials).

Decisions, decisions.

4. Instax Camera

I've had a love for camera's since I was a child. I was always upset I wasn't allowed to play with my mother's polaroid. 

Any in the instax family will do! I just want one really bad!

5. HTC EVO

Enough said, click the link. I am up for a new phone next month. I should start saving my little pennies so this little beauty can be mine!

6. A Digital SLR

I don't even know what type I should get!! I need some help, but, since I've taken a couple classes in college, I've been itching for my own!

7. Bike

If you've been reading my blog, you found out I bought a bike, and then had to take it back because, well I bought it at Walmart! First mistake. Again, I don't know the first thing about Bikes, so any help would be much appreciated!

This is a wimpy list without pictures. But, I blame this on the coffee shop I'm at! Ugh!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

BTDUBS, what are you wishing for?

Lauren

Tutorial Tuesdays: Whoopie Pies

I feel bad for getting this out so late, but the internet at home hasn't been working. So, I trucked down to a local coffee shop for some craft/blogging/internet/God Time!

Last night, I made the best whoopie pies ever!

Actually, I don't know if they were or not, because I've never made them before.

Here's a step-by-step with pictures. Sorry, I was working quickly, so the pics aren't the best!

Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pie

from Bakerella

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk

Step #1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Step #2: Line baking sheets with parchment paper (this was great because there really was no sticking!)

Step #3: In a bowl, sift together, flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

Step #4: In another bowl, beat butter, shortening and sugar with a mixer on low until just combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for about 3 minutes.

Step #5: Add egg and vanilla and beat for two more minutes.

Step #6: Add half of the flour mixture and half of the mild and beat on low until incorporated. 

Repeat with remaining flour and milk and beat until combined.

Step #7: Using a tablespoon, drop batter on baking sheet two inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes each or until pies spring back when pressed gently. (that was the coolest part)

The batter was so yummy!

Step #8: Remove from oven and cool for about five minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

1 TBS of batter should make about 48 two-inch cakes or 24 pies.

2 TBS of batter should make about 30 four-inch cakes or 15 pies.

Mine made about 41 cakes.

Salty Peanut Butter Filling
from Bakerella
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Step #1: Beat peanut butter and butter on low until creamy using a mixer.

Step #2: Add sugar and salt and beat on low to incorporate. Increase speed to medium and beat for about four minutes until the filling is light and fluffy.

Step # 3: Spread filling on flat side on one cooled cake. Top it with a second cake and press gently.

Messy, but oh so good!

With a little help from mr. diet dr. pepper and the movie "Barefoot in the Park", it made for a wonderful evening!

Have a wonderful Tuesday! Let me know if you make the whoopie pies and let me know what you think!!

Lauren

Makeup Mondays: The Lipclick (Giveaway Closed)

Hey y'all!

Sorry, I've been watching Friday Night Lights (the television show) all weekend!

Well, it's time to start the new launching of my blog. 

I'm not exactly sure what it will turn into, but, I'm excited. 

Recently, I read some harsh words by a few bloggers who I liked, but, they seemed so judgmental because bloggers were a certain way, but, they complained that there wasn't enough originality.

Ok, negativity gone, positivity here!

It's time for Makeup Mondays!

Featuring: The LIPCLICK

What is the LIPCLICK?

Full Color Lipstick

It comes in 8 Shades:

Baby Luv

Bare Hug

Cha Cha

Coral Fixation

Malt

Ruffle

Sweetie Pie

Whiney

Full, even coverage lipstick with lightweight feel

Innovative magnetic metal case "clicks" shut every time

Infused with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect against environment pollutants

Provides luminous shine

Leaves lips looking smooth and feeling soft and moisturized

Doesn't bleed or transfer to teeth

and one of my favorite feature Cooly minty flavor

I'm giving away the "coral fixation" lipclick valued at $10!

This isn't even available until the 13th of August.

So, if you would like to win this very nice lipstick all you have to do for each entry

1) Be my follower and comment

2) Make a purchase on my mark. site and leave a comment

use this promotion code "WELCOME" to get free shipping! No minimum purchase necessary.

3) Follow me on twitter and leave a comment

4) Tweet about it and leave me a comment

You have until August 11th, Wednesday!

Thanks everyone!

Next week - awesome eyeliner!

Also, get ready for some whoopie tomorrow... PIE!

P.S. If you have any questions about mark. makeup, or if you would like to request a magalogue or if you would like to be on my mailing list email me at lmwilliams2009(at)gmail(dot)com

Sorry about Being MIA Part 2/Blog Giveaway Winner

For part 1 click here

I've received some super sweet things in the mail over the past week!
My mark. products I've ordered!

Hello Owl stickers from hellocupcake's etsy shop!

Sent one to new pen pal, here's the cute card she sent me!

I bought these cute little cards on clearance from Red Velvet Art!

And also received this post card from a post crosser!

I love postcrossing.com!

She's from Germany!

I also received a letter from my Happy Mail partner. I need to send her a letter as well

That's all for now, but you'll get updates like this besides the features!

That and updates on the different things I am involved with:

Here is the winner of the giveaway!
 My little sister helped me pick out the winner from the entries in a hat!!

Congrats campfire chic!

She won the earrings!

This Weeks To Do List:

1) Straighten and clean room

2) Journal - Catch up!!!! So far behind

3) Finish my letters:

-secret pal

-Happy Mail

-Blogger Birthday

-Postcrossing

4) Create a budget

5) Laundry

6) Read 1/5 of the book for supersecretliterature

7) Work on Tuesday's tutorial

8) Write out September Goals

9) Plan this weeks blogs

10) Return bike :(

11) Plan this week's schedule

12) Work on business plan for mark.

13) Plan next weeks blog

14) Plan next week's schedule

Adios Amigos! Going to clean up and read!

Oh, and giveaway tomorrow!