A Bushel and a Peck

New On My Nightstand

For Christmas I got two new books to add to the pile on my nightstand.

Aren't the covers alone just gorgeous!

Makes me want to get into my pajamas (oh, I am already wearing them..and I have been all day), make some tea, crank the heating blanket up and climb into bed.

If I am not reading my new books I will be working on an on-line art class I am taking from the super talented Misty Mawn.

I do not have a lot of extra time to take classes like this and I have been really looking forward to it.

Anyone else taking this class?

I have to admit that I am already behind on day two but I am ok with that!

What are you reading?  

Round Two

I couldn't help it!

I kept on thinking of all the other little things that I knew you guys would love that would be affordable for gift giving.

So, here is my second...and LAST...list of favorite things.  Promise.

Who am I kidding...I could have another one on Friday.

Without further ado...here is round two (a bit shorter..but just as sweet).

 1. I know I mentioned Mindy Gledhill last time but this time I am just putting music in general on the list.  I listen to all different kinds of music all day long.  A perfect gift to give someone would be a year subscription to Pandora.  Seriously, it is under $40!!!

2.  This is my FAVORITE....from Arbonne! I have been known to keep a broken compact full of bronzer in a Ziploc because I just couldn't throw it out.  If you get it I would highly recommend the huge brush they sell with it...makes all the difference.  Best bronzer I have ever used! 

3.  Misty Mawn is one of those artists that I just love their work.  Everything she puts out is incredible and soulful.  Her characters have depth and are almost haunting.

 4. Misty is will be offering an online art course in January!  I know this is something that is on MY Christmas list to myself:-)

5.  Brave Girl Camp is obviously something that means a lot to me.  I was privileged to be at the first camp over a year ago and have watched it grow so incredibly.  Everyone needs to make time to listen to their heart...and this is such an incredible place to make that time.  This camp is already almost (if not already) sold out for 2011.  If you think this could be something for you I highly recommend you signing up.  

6. Florabella Actions and Textures are such a fun way to play with your photos.  It is really easy and you could lose yourself for hours on the computer dressing up all those pretty pictures you are taking.

7.I love when something looks expensive but it is not.  My fake Frye boots from Target cost me $50 compared to many of my friends paying over $200 for the real thing.  The best part is that all of them thought the Target ones were real! Target can often have cute but uncomfortable shoes...I promise you these are comfy (even right away).  I have had mine for over a year and still wear them all of the time.

8. If I am not wearing jewelry I have made I am wearing jewelry made and designed by the amazing Lisa Souers.  I get stopped EVERYWHERE I go when I am wearing one of her pieces.  Keep checking her shop for updates and if you see something she has made that is no longer on her site...try contacting her to see if she is able to make another one!  

9.  I have to admit to you that I wasn't sure how much I would get out of Kelly Rae Robert's e-class that I took months ago.  I was so pleasantly surprised by what information was in the class that I hadn't thought about and even amazing resources that she freely gave. If you are starting out or even if you have been running a business for awhile I think her new e-book is packed full of helpful information!!!

10.  Whether you start with Photoshop Elements, Picnik or skip and go to full blown Photoshop....photo editing is so fun and will add so much to your photos , blog or shop.  Perfect gift for any photographer in your life (might want to stick to the PS Elements or Picnik for affordability).

11. I am such a visual learner.  I have never read my camera manual and I learn best hands on.  If you love great photography, wonderful tips and everyday advice about capturing your life, children, products on film I really think you will LOVE, LOVE this book.  This book is perfect for the amateur and professional photographer.

12.  Last but not least my favorite workout pants (thanks AJ for introducing them to me).  I swear I could live in these and sometimes I do and I just pretend that I worked out!!  Lululemon has the best workout clothes (a bit pricey...so I don't have many) but these will hold up.  Great quality and will last 10 times longer than something you pick up at Target.  They better for the price.  

That is it for now!!

I have loved sharing some of the little day to day things that I love.

I have such a wonderful surprise for you on Friday!!!!!

I am so excited and giddy over it!

If you have always wanted to go to Brave Girl Camp but life (and money) has gotten in the way...I have a surprise for you!!!!

Come back on Friday for a wonderful giveaway!!!!

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I almost forgot.

I am guest blogger over at Flea Market Style Blog this week.

I would love to hear your creative ideas!!!

 

Being Realistic

Have you ever watched Oprah's Favorite Things episode?

I am sure you have!

I remember when Jack was a baby and rushing home with one of my best friends (along with her baby) so we could watch it.

I have to say that 10 years ago the episodes were a little more affordable.

I hadn't watched one in years and this year I made sure I did.

I have to say that I wouldn't have wanted much on her list and the truth is....I couldn't afford it!

So, in the spirit of giving and a budget I give you Jeanne's Favorite Things...that's right...you can start screaming, crying, hugging your neighbor.......

 

1. I LOVE Anthro's tea towels. I do...and I give them as gifts A LOT!

2. These are my favorite all time running shoes.  I love that they have a drawstring lace and it tucks into the tongue...no tripping on MY shoestrings! I bought mine at REI.

3. This camera is just plain FUN!!  Yes, the film is pricey.  Obviously this isn't for everyday use...but everyone will love playing with it on Christmas. Who doesn't love to print out their photo right away!

4. I don't scrapbook but I use Melody Ross' Chip Art tools on tons of my art.  They are perfect for stamping into leather and even thin metals..and how can you resist the cute as can be tins they come in!!.  

5. I love pretty much everything in the Dick Blick catalog.  For any artist on your list a gift card from Blick will put a HUGE smile on their face...HUGE!!

6. I have so many artists that I admire.  Janet Hill is one of them.  I love the way her art looks so soft and feminine.  I have a few of her prints and they are truly gorgeous. Maybe someday I will be fast enough to snag one of her originals.

7. I am not even finished reading this book and I love it.  It is very inspiring and just reminds you that you can do so much to truly change how you see the world...and also clean out the things that are wasting your energy.

8. My friend Lissa gave this to me and I have since purchased several. Love the color (spun gold) and it even looks amazing over lipstick.  One of my purse staples.

9. I wish I could tell you that I have this amazing skin routine, that I buy really expensive makeup and people are always mistaking me for an 18 year old...BUT...when I have extra money for skincare this is my favorite product.

10.  The title alone is worth buying it!!  Really fun activities and inspring messages.  Perfect for any creative person on your list.  They will thank you later too:-)

11.  Another gift for the creative one in your life (maybe even you)!  Suzi Blu online art classes.  Many are at your own pace and videos that you download.  I love learning new techniques...and her prices are REALLY affordable which makes it too good to pass up.

12.  I don't care if they are out of style (are they out of style???.) I love my UGGS!!  I would like to add that I have NEVER paid what price comes up on their website.  I always find them on sale OR I buy in the children's section (oh yes I do) and get them CHEAP!  I think I paid $80 last time in the children't section at Nordstrom.  They are so warm and comfy and I even wear them around the house like slippers.  I don't know how many pairs I have had over the years but the fakes just don't cut it.  This is one of the things I believe you need the real deal.

13.  Another one of my favorite gifts to give are the gorgeous aprons from Anthro.  I just received this exact one as a gift because my good friend thought it looked like a dress I would wear (and she was so right..I had been eyeing it for awhile).  Don't worry people..I promise not to wear this apron as a dress..can you even imagine the horror!!!

14. I have different lens's that I use but this is a pretty reasonable lens (in the whole scheme of crazy lens prices).  This is wonderful for portraits and even product shots.  I use to have the 50 mm 1.8 and that is really cheap and still very fun to play with.

15. My favorite candle of all time.  I keep thinking I will find something better but I don't.  Maybe it just makes me think I am in Anthro with unlimited funds...for whatever the reason it will make your home smell wonderful.

16.  I love to give these tea/coffee cups.  I love them so much that next to my coffee pot is a whole rack of different cups from Anthro.  So affordable and such a pretty gift to give (and you know they will actually USE them).  I am giving these to my children's teachers at their enrichment school this year.  

I could go on on on but what I really wanted to do is show you some of things I use or enjoy everyday that are reasonably priced.  

I hope that maybe this list has inspired you to look at the things you love and use everything that may bless another this Christmas (that won't break the bank).

Sorry, I have to add ONE more thing.

I LOVE this CD.

I listen to it everyday..all day long!

If you want to smile you need to get it!!

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I wanted all of you to know that I just listed some new purses and camera bags in my shop.

These will be the LAST fabric items that I will be shipping before Christmas.

These are ready to ship.

I wrap each item in such a way that it is perfect for gift giving.

I can even ship it directly to the person you are buying for...just let me know at checkout.

I have also added a new print.

I will be adding more NEW items this week!!!