Women's Equality Day

Quick note- As I write this, I'm realizing this is my favorite collection ever. For Women's Equality Day. It couldn't be more appropriate. Sorry to burst in like that. And, GO!

Did you know Women's Equality Day is August 26? Good to know, right?! As super awesome, hand-making, stuff-selling, business-running, challenge-tackling, gangstress-as-can-be ladies, we have one thing in common- the desire to make stuff that makes people happy. Since we're ladyfolk, we can't really help but relate to other ladyfolk. 

We have stuff made for every kind of lady. Ones who like pink, and ones who don't. Ones who like to drive trucks in the mud, and ones who prefer delicate jewelry. Ones who like to wear bold accessories, and ones who prefer knick-knacks. I could sit here and list types of women all day, but who's got the patience for that? Not me.

Moving along- we figured we'd show you some all-around awesome stuff. In a couple weeks, we have another post that will go live on Women's Equality Day. It will have stories of awesome women and how they have impacted our sections of the world. Keep an eye out for that!

Now, if you've been with me long, you know how I feel about Weil'd Hair Accessories. I'm addicted. It's a little creepy. I'm big enough to admit that.

You see, she understands that girls like "boy" stuff too, like fantasy stories with dragons and crazy ice zombies and the most badass female protagonist (maybe?) in mainstream media today (arguably). Yeah, you know the one. So she saw these figures and (because she's a genius) thought "necklace pendants!!!" My friend and I benefited from this moment of pure craft clarity. She made these-

 -and although these belong to me and the aforementioned friend, she can make them for you too (or ones like it, or ones with other figures, or pretty much whatever you can imagine). And then you can be gloriously adorned, just like us. They can also be car rear view mirror hanger thingies, if that's how you roll. 

If you're ready to ascend to that level of awesomeness, I have a proposal for you YOU NEED THESE. 

Lucky Dog Access (whom I may start creeping on, too) got a literal, audible squeal of joy from me when I saw these. Like, come on. Look. 

Khaleesi and Jon Snow are 17 oz mugs, which is a great size, and I love the shape. These are handwash safe, and can be made for lefties or righties. You can also choose from a wide variety of colors for the lettering!

If these are your thing, you understand me right now. If not, I'm sorry, but you can drool over this next one...

Pelhauz. Words are tough for me with this shop. I don't know how to accurately convey the feel of this shop. Everything is simple, yet intricate. Classic and clean, but with a pop. I know that makes little sense, but it's true. You just have to click the link and look. You'll see.

She made this necklace just for this occasion, and it couldn't be more perfect. It's perfect for you, your mom, your aunt, sister, grandma, great grandma, cousin, second cousin, friend at work, mom friend... All ladies. It's gorgeous, simple, and the message is empowering. You couldn't ever ask more from a necklace. Just wait until you see the killer price!

This last one is last for one reason: Shabby Chic Soap Company left me in charge of picking the item from her shop for this list. ME! Well, this is what happens when I'm given to much power.

Shabby Chic Soap Co. rocks my socks. I use her soap all.the.time. It's not drying, not oily, overpoweringly fragrant (but I bet you could ask for that), or overpriced. Her variety is huge, the selection covers all ages and interests, and her customer service is absolutely fabulous. 

So, because I'm given a wild amount of power on this (and it's 2:26 am and I get a little loopy late at night/early in the morning), I'm going to throw a whole bunch of stuff at you. Scroll on through, friend.

Dr. Who soap!

You are Khaleesi.

For awesome ladies who shoot people.

Remember, I mentioned the mud?

Star Wars isn't a "guy" thing. It's a "cool movie" thing.

Because some of us are nerds who also love pretty stuff. 

Ummmm space bath bombs?! Yeah.

Not all girls are afraid of spiders. 

See? It was crazy. I really had to be choosy, too. For real. There's more.

Well, now you know. If you're a super cool lady, or you know a super cool lady, consider a gift on this list!

National Picnic Month

Picnics are weird, right? We forego all advancements in food, willingly. We give up tables, walls and doors to keep out bugs, utensils (mostly), and formally cooked meals. We opt for raw foods, eaten with our hands, on a blanket, on the ground. Strange, but fun. No one doesn't have a great picnic memory. I suppose that's why we have an entire month- August- dedicated to picnics!

Usually our first awesome picnic memories are as kids, with family or friends. Now that we're adults (or look like them, at least), we have the opportunity to organize and enjoy our own picnics with our families and friends. We get to ensure our kids have great picnic memories to look back on fondly. 

Part of what makes a great picnic is what you take along. The blanket, the basket, the food... But also the people, and the photos taken to cement those memories. Whether your picnic is a simple get-together or a birthday party, here are the things you need to have to make sure it is beautiful and unique!

As usual, Adore by Nat has wonderful paper crafts for the event. Between the summer barbecue cupcake toppers and the ladybug birthday banner, your picnic can be decorated uniquely and perfectly themed. These are both available in her online store, as well as many other great ideas!

To outfit the little ones at the picnic, I couldn't recommend anyone more highly than Sweet Pea Designs by Dee and her great prints! Her adorable dresses, aprons, and bow tie and suspender sets, are available in a wide range of sizes, so you can clothe them all in one, great place. Specifically, this ruffle peasant set is playful and photogenic for a day picnicking!

To accessorize those kiddos, you've got to visit Weil'd Hair and Accessories. She's always got great styles and colors (and stuff for mom, too!) in a wide range of themes. For a picnic, nothing could be sweeter than this watermelon necklace! The bubblegum beads are perfectly matched to the juicy watermelon pendant, making for great photo opportunities. 

If you're throwing a picnic, or attending one and would like to get a little gift for the picnic host, Pelhauz has two great options! Butterflies and dragonflies are arguably the prettiest bugs, so why not offer one to the hostess, or make sure your accessories are perfectly on theme? With many, many other options in her shop, you're sure to find something that fits your outfit, and the event, elegantly. 

Finally, for washing up before or after the picnic, to bring with you to use in park restrooms, or to give as party favors, Shabby Chic Soap Company has wonderful citrus soaps that look as delicious as they smell! Her soaps are always totally luxurious, and she also offers a super wide range of options. These would be a hit for any outdoor event, but nothing could be more appropriate than a picnic!

Now get out there and picnic! August is National Picnic Month, so enjoy it before school starts and the rain falls ;) 

Parent's Day

Being a parent can be a thankless and exhausting job. Kids are demanding, and little ones have virtually no respect for asking for something. Lately my four-year-old has just been walking up to me and shouting his needs. Not angrily, or particularly enthusiastically, but certainly very loudly. "MILK." "POP TARTS." I, of course, do not accept his request until it is spoken kindly, with the word "please" in there somewhere, at a normal volume. But still, rude.

So, Parent's Day is this rare unicorn of a holiday that is devoted to (arguably (meaning I have no proof)) the largest population of under-appreciated individuals. And as such, you, as a parent, should enjoy it. If you're reading this and you're not a parent, I can guarantee you know at least one person who is a parent, and something as simple as "Hey, Happy Parent's Day" will be appreciated. 

So, as this holiday is approaching (it's on July 26), and since I am a parent who feels for other parents, I've put together this list (with the help of my fantastic handmade buddies) to give you ideas for fun things to force your children to do with you on Parent's Day, simply for your own crafty happiness.

The owner of Adore by Nat got her promises in writing, you guys. That's where the rest of us have been going wrong. Her child is now bound to his statements. Genius. "Make coffee", you say? Why yes, you can come live with me. But we'll need a notary real quick.

The owner of Shabby Chic Soap Company also found a great way to celebrate the day. The kids get to play in paint and have all kinds of messy fun (which they, of course, must clean up), and she gets a great memento of her kids all cute and little, with little feet. She even wrote you out these detailed instructions for how to make your own! *See photo below for instructions*

Supplies:
Canvas (11x14 works great)
Acrylic Paint
Brush or Sponge
Sealer (paint or spray)
Stencils (optional)
Stamps (optional)
Paint pen or Sharpie (optional)
Newspaper (optional)

Instructions:
1) Make sure to protect your workspace since your little one will have paint on their feet. The easiest way to do this is lay out some newpaper on the floor where you plan on working.
2) Using your brush or sponge, cover one of your little one's hands in paint and help them create a handprint just left of the middle of the canvas.
3) Then cover your little one's feet with paint. To create the "V", lightly press one foot at a time, at an angle on the canvas to the right of the "O" handprint. *NOTE* If you are using a wrapped canvas, do NOT have your child stand on the canvas as it will not support them. It's best to lift the canvas and press it to the foot instead.
4) Next, you want to paint the "L" and "E" on the canvas. You can free hand this, or use stencils. Just note that if you are using stencils, you should wait for the handprint and footprints to be dry before placing the stencil on the canvas to ensure they do not smear.
5) You can finish up by outlining the letters, handprint/footprints or add the date with stamps or painting freehand. Then once all the paint has dried use a sealer to protect your work. We used a spray paint sealer with glitter for a little extra fun.

Our resident bubblegum necklace maker over at Weil'd Hair and Accessories put a fun spin on the day, interviewing her kids with fun questions. Over the years, keep the different interview questions and answers on paper. This way, you can look back and see how much your child has changed, and possibly find a mildly embarrassing (and wildly hilarious) blip to show their first crush/middle school friends/first date to a dance/whoever floats your boat.

From the interwebs, PBS has some great crafts for kids listed here, but my favorite are these recycled plastic bottle flowers. Now, obviously these will take supervision with the younger kids (the plastic edges might be sharp), you could still find yourself with a no-waste, no-death, custom bouquet of flowers you can keep forever.

I may be the only parent that would enjoy making this, but it's too cute not to include. From Parents.com, this little cardboard space ship would be super fun to make, and adorable to display! They're sized for peg dolls, which can be found custom made in many Etsy and Storenvy shops. Again, this will likely take some assistance, because spray paint and small, unsupervised children do not mix. 

From ActivityVillage.Co.Uk, there are a lot of cute ideas, but this clay frame definitely jumped out at me. It's a great gift for more holidays than Parent's Day. It would be great to work on with your kid, but if the child is old enough, they could totally make this without you! This tutorial even calls for air-hardening clay, so you don't even have to help them bake it!

I think you've got a good set of ideas, here. Go forth and conquering crafting with your kids! Enjoy it! You only get one Parent's Day per year- live it up. 

Eating Cheap- Crock Pot Chile Verde

Given, this is a little off topic. It’s a bit different from our normal crafty stuff, but it’s worth it.

I want to preface this recipe (quickly) by saying that I despise cooking. I hate it. There are few necessary things in life that I loathe more than dealing with preheating a stove or thawing hamburger. I. Hate. Cooking.

With that said, I love my Crock Pot. If you don’t have one, you should get one, because you can make everything from breakfast to dessert with them. I love to throw my ingredients in before I go to bed at night and turn it off in the morning. Instant dinner. Is there a better way to wake up than to dinner already done for that night? No. No there is not.

So this Chile Verde. It’s pretty yummy. Like, really yummy. And crazy easy, which is even better. I’ll sacrifice taste for simplicity most days of the week, but with this dish, there is no trade off.

Here are your ingredients:

1 lb. Chile Verde Pork (or a small pork roast. Whatevs.)

1 Jar Chile Verde Sauce

2-4 Limes (depending on your personal tastes)

¼-½ Mango (also, depending on your tastes)

If you want to, you can totally exclude the last two ingredients and just roll with a jar of sauce and a slab of pork. I won’t judge. I’ve been there.

Put the pork in the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the entire jar of sauce on top.

Cut your limes into ¼’s and your mangoes into small chunks, leaving the rind/skin intact.

Lay the fruits on top of the pork and sauce, rind/skin side up.

Let it cook (covered) for 8 hours on low (6 hours on high), then take the lid off and let it sit.

We’re simple around here. We like to put the pork in a tortilla with cheese, beans, sour cream, onions, and cilantro (provided we have some). It’s delicious, simple, and likely a change from your daily menu!

Arbor Day Gorgeousness

Arbor Daaaayyyyy!!! I live in an area with lots and lots and lots of trees. I chose this place mainly because of that fact. I have a tree tattooed on my arm. It's safe to say I love trees, so it's also safe to say I love Arbor Day. 

I'm going to bring you into my brain with me, and then we'll start this list. First, the obvious- trees are awesome because they keep us alive. They provide shade, fruit, and turn gorgeous colors in the fall. These are all things that are wonderful, but become mundane in our day to day lives. 

Less obviously, they're awesome because they're symbols of resilience, strength, age, and beauty. The oldest organisms in our world today are trees. They've been alive longer than anything else existing. They were undoubtedly paramount in the beginning of life. They sway through storms that rip apart houses and knock down power lines. They find sustenance in areas where few other life forms can. Trees are just awesome, you guys. For realsies.  

So, we pulled together some items that represent our mutual appreciation for trees. Ready? Cause I am. 

This is our "Hands on Favorite" topiary tree centerpiece. This one is $49.95, but price is negotiable pending on style and quantity ordered (bulk discounts available) 

Our centerpieces are perfect for any party or as a wedding centerpiece. We can make them in any shape, style or color to match your event. If you are using it for a business event you can attach your business cards (or we can leave that feature off totally). Think direct sales parties...like Mark Kay or large business company events. We make wedding centerpieces too as we love custom orders!!!

This item is Handmade with a 14.5 inch in height artificial boxwood tree in a 4 inch clay pot, pink, white, and black paper flowers, a black and white polka dot bow, and an optional business card holder pick.

Adore by Nat offers many paper crafts that represent the beauty of our tall, leafy friends! You can find them at the following links: 

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/adorebynat/6468636

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/adorebynat/4693655

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/adorebynat/4695757

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/adorebynat/3099404

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/adorebynat/7792311

Camille's Charms offers amazing jewelry in many different colors and styles. Today, she's showing off her breathtaking leaf earrings!

Groot Inspired soap bar. A soap Groot has been "aged" with Activated Charcoal and is resting on a sparkling galaxy of soap, more charcoal and cosmetic glitter. This soap is LIMITED EDITION and only a few more will be created so order yours before they are all gone!

Ent-Draught Lip Balm (Vanilla Coffee) inspired by the noble race of tree-folk from Lord of the Rings.

I don't know about you, but I love everything about autumn, especially the colors! This tiny top hat from Down with Plumes is a beautiful gold and red fabric with matching ribbons, fall colored leaves, a brass toned tree and a tiny brass toned fairy.

Please indicate at checkout if you would like hair pins (my first recommendation), elastic headband, plastic headband, hair comb or ribbon.

Get these items to celebrate your Arbor Day!!

Featured Crafter- Handmade Crafting by You

Hello there lovely! Welcome back to another installment of our Featured Crafter adventure.

Today, we're meeting Emilee from Handmade Crafting by You. This shop is a little different from what you'd normally see. Emilee offers finished items and kits to help you DIY yourself to fabulousness! 

 Handmade Crafting by You focuses on handwoven baskets, hand and back warmers, and cross stitch patterns. Emilee started making her baskets two years ago when she inherited her Great Grandfather's basket making supplies. She had watched him weave beautiful baskets as a child, but had never tried. Once she did, she found herself hooked on the art.

Emilee opened her handmade shop because hand weaving baskets isn't as prominent of an art as it once was. It's a shame to see beautiful creations go by the wayside because of mass production and deep discounts. Emilee noticed an empty spot in the market that coincided with what she loves to do, and that will help carry on her Great Grandfather's legacy for years to come.

Emilee weaves many styles of baskets, but the Cherokee Style baskets are her absolute favorite to make. Each basket comes out so unique and has it's own personality. Even made from the same materials and same colors, they never come out identical.

Emilee's main goal in running a handmade shop is breathing life into a dying art. People don't really think to weave their own baskets anymore. All it takes is a trip to WalMart or Pier One, and the basket fun is over. But by making your own or buying handmade, you get a basket with hours of love and talent put into it. A basket with a story.

Outside of crafting, Emilee loves horses. She spends every moment she can get out at farms and on ranches visiting with those big beautiful animals. As a weird fact, Emilee has never used an Eos lip balm until the night she answered her questions. This tells me that Emilee is random and I love her already, and that she has now firmly moved to the dark side of Eos lip balms. Did you know you can get hand jeweled ones? Well, you can.

You can visit Handmade Crafting by You on Etsy, Facebook, and on Instagram @Happy_Handmade_

Featured Crafter- Ky*Elle Kreations.

It's time again to meet with another wonderful crafter! Today, meet Elisa, owner of Ky*Elle Kreations.

Elisa makes all kinds of wonderful things in her shop... She has beautiful wreaths, burlap flags, burlap wine bags, and seasonal items like stockings and tree skirts. You can decorate your entire home in her shop. Seriously.

Ky*Elle Kreations has truly been in the making for most of Elisa's life. As a child, her mother crafted with her and helped her make clothing for her dolls from her old jeans and shirts. Her father taught her to draw and paint, and with every new skill conquered, Elisa just wanted to learn more.

Now, a proud Marine wife and mother of two, she has found her true passion, and through all the fear and trying times, Ky*Elle Kreations was born. 

Though she offers quite the variety in her shop, wreath making is where her heart is. No matter the event, theme or colors, she loves to make wreaths. As she so wonderfully put it- The only limitation is your own creativity. 

Her favorite thing about making wreaths is that she gets to help a family express themselves and give off a fantastic first impression. When you visit someone's home, you almost always see the front door first. What makes a better impression than an absolutely stunning, creative, and unique wreath on the door? Elisa gets to be a part of this for families all over the country, and that's so flattering to her.

Outside of crafting, Elisa loves to cook! She has food allergies, so eating at restaurants can be challenging, as can eating pre-packed foods from the grocery store. This forces her to be creative in another area of her life, which also helps her family be more healthy and have a great variety of meals!

Many people think Ky*Elle Kreations is a play off of Elisa's name, but it's actually a combination of her daughter's nicknames, Ky and Elle. There is no better inspiration in this world for creating beautiful things than the ones you love.

You can visit Ky*Elle Kreations on Facebook, Etsy, Instagram, Pinterest, and on Twitter @kyellekreations.