ashmae is all the rage these days

If you've ever read a blog (especially one associated with Provo) then you've probably heard of ashmae. She has a shop on Etsy with gorgeous watercolors, everything from personalized portraits to animals, to LDS temples.

Naturally, I fell in love with this one:

A trick up my sleeve

I don't know how to sew. Kev has a sewing machine that he knows how to use, but I am so lazy I doubt I'll learn any time soon.

But that's okay, because I found this no-sew bunting (made with felt) online and I can whip some up lickity-split for Aspen's birthday!

I'll probably go ahead and purchase felt from the same Etsy shop as Lindsay did because I can order just the colors I want.

How cool is this going to be?

Postcards as invites

How refreshing would it be to use postcards as party invites? I found the idea online while pulling together ideas for Aspen's first birthday (I know, it's still 4 months away).

I love these downloads, which can be purchased from Etsy and used as many times as you'd like (for personal use).

Two of my favorite things

French inspiration and hippos. Two of the best things ever.

I think this has sparked plans for Aspen's first birthday.

Vactionland

The Maine state tree is an evergreen, so this is yet another trinket that makes me think of home.

My favorite part of this charm is definitely the star. It's the finishing touch this little tree needed.

Isn't it sweet?

Fifty nifty U-nited States!

AlterDesigns knows that it's possible to have love for more than one state. This is especially useful for me because I feel I have two "home" states. I was born and raised in Maine, but have spent just as much time living in Utah as well.


This Etsy shop offers TWO state charms on one necklace for only $23. You can pick silver or gold to further personalize your choices. If I had one of these necklaces, I'd have one of the most squiggly states juxtaposed against one of the most square states.

Monhegan Island artwork

The last time I visited Maine was in August 2009. It was a beautiful week; the first of the summer that was without torrential downpours every day.

My parents and I ferried out to Monhegan Island where it did, in fact, rain buckets on us. About 12 people live on the island year round (okay, maybe more like 60) and it's such a charming little island with local artisans flourishing.

I was so happy to come upon this Etsy shop that features lots of land and sea scapes- many including the Maine coast. It makes me wish I hadn't given up so quickly on painting when I was a teenager.

On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again

I'm going home to Maine in April (wish me luck, I'm flying solo with an 8 month old!) so I'm kind of on an east coast kick right now.

This, believe it or not, is a photo album made from a Maine license plate. Awesome! Kev has dozens of collected plates in the garage, and I bet we could easily make something similar. Check out the other designs in Lauren's Etsy shop.

Due back in 3 weeks

As a lover of books (I just went to the library again today!) I think this would be the perfect notebook for me to keep in my purse. The cover is an upcycled library card! Inside are blank pages, just waiting for me to jot down a recipe, a wishlist, or a happy thought about my daughter.

Visit Crab Apple Designs for more.

East Coast represent!

There is absolutely no reason for me to buy whoopie pies. I know how to make both chocolate and banana varieties.

However, I'm lazy. And these "Whippie Pies" from Whipped Bake Shop in Philly look too good to be true. I love that you can get variety packs or the more traditional chocolate whoopie. They also have lots of Valentine-themed treats, and if you order now I bet you can get them in time for the big day.

Okay, now wipe the drool off your face.

Discounts for the month of love

Because I love all ya'll and appreciate you so very much, I'd like to share this coupon with you for my Etsy shop. When you check out, use the promo code LIVSFAVS for 10% off your entire order.

Get yourself or your lovie a little somethin' something' for Valentine's Day and save 10%!

Thanks for reading, and hang tight because next week we'll be having another wonderful giveaway from a generous vendor based in Provo, Utah.

Free Valentine art

Our Humble A{Bowe}d shared these free Valentine's Day downloads that you simply must add to your home. I love, love, love. I'm going to dig up some spare card stock in the Pink House and print these off. It's definitely time to switch up some of the art on my walls, and this is a great free way of doing so!

There are a few downloads you can choose from (or choose all!) so stop by Our Humble A{bowe}d and get hooked up!

Crafts for a map

This Etsy listing gave me a great idea for the maps I've collected for other projects. In the past, I've cut out places on maps and framed them so Kev and I could look at tokens of the trips we've taken.


I like the idea of not only cutting maps and repurposing them, but cutting them in various shapes. Placing these in a pattern on a wall would be a great way to show off your favorite places and bring lots of color to a room.

Sex and the City inspired jewelry

Now that I've finally seen the movie (thanks KSL for showing an edited version!) I can appreciate this necklace even more.

I don't even want to take my measurements to see if this would fit.

How cute would this be with a little yellow or green cardigan?

A petite Christmas

I was going to be a big scrooge and keep all the Christmas stuff packed up this year because our front room is so full of everything (it's our computer room, our TV room, our hangout room etc...).

But then I realized that I can't do that to Aspen. It's her first Christmas and she deserves to have a Christmas tree and to see ornaments and all that jazz.

I'm not in the market for more decorations, but I still like looking. This trio of trees doesn't take up a lot of space and they would be a great addition to winter/Holiday decor in any home, especially one that's small like mine.

BOGO

Now through December 15, 2010 all items in my Etsy shop are on sale Buy One, Get One (BOGO) 50% off.

Items range from rings, to picture frames to necklaces of all varieties.

Simply put the items you wish to purchase in your cart and purchase; I'll refund 50% of the second item's purchase price via paypal prior to shipping your item(s).

Order before December 15 to guarantee arrival by Christmas!

How amazing is this necklace?!

There are real teeny tiny words on that little piece of paper. I adore the details!

Minted in 2010

I'm having this bracelet custom-made to read "LOVE" instead of "LUCK." I already know I'm lucky to have my little Penny-baby. Kelly even suggested making it with a penny minted in Penny's birth year. Wouldn't that be special?

Visit Kelly Annie's Etsy shop if you'd like to see what other new items she's recently listed. I'm so glad she can make me a little charm to remind me of my daughter. I hope to have it long enough that Penny becomes aware of it and what it means to me.

Go find a giveaway!

Mary is kicking off the grand-opening of her Etsy shop with a giveaway for readers!

You can enter to win a print from her shop just by spreading the word about the giveaway. I'm having a hard time choosing my favorite, but the image above is definitely one of them.

Visit Mary's blog for giveaway details; good luck!

Image copyright Mary Oveson