My Latest Obsession: Washi Tape!

I was bouncing around Etsy last month and I came across a BNR treasury in which people were discussing the uses for Washi tape. I had never heard of it before. I was intrigued. Someone said they used it for packing orders... I pack a lot of orders and I love making my packaging look beautiful. So I hopped over to Washi Wishes and began to explore the wonderful world of Washi!

 Washi Tape Holder

 Choose Your Colors 30 Ft Washi Tape

 White Distressed Washi Tape Organizer

 

30 ft Washi Tape

I bought two roles, and as soon as I got them in the mail I immediately bought two more. And then, like any good internet addict, I popped over to Pinterest and found a whole world of DIYs involving washi tape! Oh my goodness, I can't wait to try them all!!

washi tape bunting

washi tape vases

washi tape gift tags

washi tape on your walls

washi tape keyboard

 

Washi Tape Flowers

Washi Tape clock

For those of you who don't already know, Washi tape is like masking tape that has been magically transformed into beautiful colors and patterns. It is called Washi because it has some connection with Japanese stuff.
How's that for an explanation?

Anyways, I wish I had discovered Washi sooner! Have you ever tried Washi tape? What are your favorite uses for it?

My Philosophy

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Our thoughts will become our destiny? That is kind of a scary concept. That the little things that run through our head everyday will someday control how our life turns out. But I can really relate to this quote. One of the main things I focus on in my life is positive thinking. It is something that is essential for people who are struggling with depression and anxiety. Because everything starts with your state of mind. While I can't always control what kind of mood I am in when I wake up, I can control what I think about, and how I look at things.

And sometimes those negative thoughts creep into my mind and refuse to leave, in which case I turn on some music and sing at the top of my lungs, or take a hot shower (and sing at the top of lungs) or dance around the room with Lila (and we sing at the top of our lungs). Another thing that works is chocolate. And ice cream. The point is, when you can't keep your thoughts positive, don't give in to the negative. Use distraction to keep yourself from falling into the pit of negativity.

And thoughts really do become your actions. And actions really do become your habits. And whether you like it or not, your habits are your values. You may want to deny this notion to your dying breath (I know some people who would), but the things you do on a regular basis represent who you are. Simply saying that you do or believe something does not make it one of your values. Your values are comprised of the things you actually do and believe on a daily basis. Which suggests that many people may not be entirely aware of what their true values are.

(original image location unknown)

Goodbye February, Hello March!

I thought I would take moment to say a quick goodbye to February, and offer a warm welcome to March!
February was a big month for me, full of lots of changes. These are some big events that happened in February:

- Lila Rae started walking! She is now officially a toddler. At 15 months old, she certainly took her time, but I was totally fine with that.
- I got a job! This is the first full-time job I have ever had, and it is certainly exhausting. But I love the work, and I think it will be a good fit.
- I turned 26! Not really a big deal, but it happened this month!
- I made a bunch of new friends! Through my new job and through my church, I have been meeting a lot of new people. It is a bit overwhelming to be super social after being practically a hermit for a year, but it is a wonderful thing and I am thankful for it!
- I changed my blog name! I finally got a new template for my blog, and picked a new name which I feel is more fitting. My blog will probably always be undergoing changes, but I finally have it set up in a way that I like for the time being!

What was your favorite part of February? What are you looking forward to in March?

Wardrobe Art: Purple Dress(es)!

Please forgive me for the lack of full-body shots. I am still living with my parents and the house is very small... and cluttered...there is not a great place to get a full head-to-toe shot! So I just broke my outfit down into pieces.

On Liz: 

Dress - garage sale

Cardigan - Target

Belt - Thrifted

Broach - Isabel's Vintage

Tights - Target

Shoes - Rampage

On Lila:

Dress - Thrifted

Blouse -Gifted

Jeans - Hand-me-down

A note on the tights - I was thrilled to find these tights at Target for $5. Unfortunately I snagged them within 5 minutes of putting them on, by accidentally kneeling on the Velcro diaper pad :( I was slightly disappointed in how easily they snagged, but it was mostly my fault.
Other than that, I love this outfit and can't wait to wear this dress again!
I was also thrilled that this cute blouse and dress match so perfectly on Lila! I love dressing her as much as I love dressing myself!

 Have a great day!

Happy Friday and Happy March! I am very excited to be launching my new blog design this month! I hope you all enjoy the new look and feel of it.
This week has been absolutely exhausting. I feel like I haven't had a weekend in two weeks (because I had to work last weekend) so I am really looking forward to this weekend!

This coat fits all my requirements for a perfect spring coat; eye-catching color, a classic design with unique feminine details.

via: Romwe

The perfect pair of classy rain boots to go with the perfect spring coat!

 via: Evedon

I simply adore this dress, and it would be perfect to kick off your spring wardrobe. This would look adorable with about 5 different colors of tights, or bare legs! It would also work with a belt or a cardigan. I would totally go all matchy-matchy if I had this dress :)

via: romwe  

I made this snazzy banner a few days ago! I honestly just had these gold glittery circles laying around and when I saw this photo I realized I had to make one! 

 via: stephlovesben
 

Shabby Chic, clean white, lace, beautiful draping and a bit of country rustic... everything I love!

via: beach cottage does prairie chic

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend!!

Coming Soon...

HI! This blog is currently under construction and is scheduled to be up and running by March 1st! Hold tight, and expect great things when we return!

Etsy Anniversary

It was brought to my attention that tomorrow is my "Etsy Anniversary!" My Etsy shop has been open for one whole year! It doesn't seem like its been that long, but then again it doesn't seem like my baby is over a year old either! I was thinking about what I could do to celebrate, and it hit me! From today until Friday, I will be giving out a free gift with every purchase! The gift will be a set of six mini valentine-themed cards! I just came up with this idea about 5 minutes ago, so I have yet to make a sample of the cards, but I guarantee they will be cute!! If you visit my shop and want to make a purchase, write "Happy Anniversary!" in notes to seller and I will include your gift! Do you do anything exciting for you Etsy Anniversaries?
Also, If you are planning on making your own valentine's this year, I have tons of card-making supplies in my shop!

Mini Heart Shaped Cards

Felt Heart Shaped Stickers

Pink Gift Tags

Mini Hearts

Heart Outlines

Glitter Heart Die Cuts

AND SO MUCH MORE!!!! 

Remember - now until Friday enter "Happy Anniversary" in NOTES TO SELLER an receive a free gift!