Sunday, December 21, 2014

DermaWand: My Beautiful New Best Friend (product review)

I participates in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for DermaWand. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

For the last few years there has been so much going on in my life that taking care of me, including my skin was put on the back-burner. I was just too tapped out, too exhausted. Well, that has caught up to me BIG time. I am in my early 40's and if I don't do something now, I do not know what else is going to happen to my face. I am always on the lookout for a new skin care regimen or product or device...and after hearing about the DermaWand...I finally had a chance to try it!


DermaWand: My Beautiful New Best Friend (product review) #sponsored #MyDermaWand #MC

I see how my skin has lost that glow, how my eyes are a little puffy, how my skin tone is uneven and my pores look like craters, how the wrinkles around my mouth are starting to become more and more visible...and {GASP!} - my neck is getting saggy! I will also absolutely admit I am totally vain...so while - later in this post you will see me without makeup and may think "that's not too bad," I see every imperfection (that magnifying mirror I purchased did not help the situation!).

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

How to Make Home Decor Using Christmas Ornaments

In 1,000,000 years I would have never believed that I would have any deer, or rather stag heads in my home. Now of course this are glittery and fake, but nonetheless, this was not a home decor path I thought I would go down...but heck I live in Texas Hill Country now and there are deer everywhere and it is practically a decorating essential (like the Texas Star). Now if you are like me, you realize Christmas is just around the corner but you are not done decorating and just need a few more things...well, this projects could not be SIMPLER!!!! I promise.

How to Make Home Decor Using Christmas Ornaments

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Holiday Decorating and Creating A Best Dressed Home

Tracking Pixel
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kmart
After a few years of minimal Christmas decorating, my daughter asked me, "Can we please have Christmas this year?" At first I was a little speechless, but then I realized she had a point. She loves the decorations and over the last couple of years we have been traveling and trying to sell our home, and other than the tree and stockings, I had not really decorated. Well, this year we are settled into our new home, and I am looking to add some sparkle and style to this years decor. With the help of the Kmart Holiday Collection, I have found quite a few things that will make me happy and hopefully fulfill my daughters wishes too!




Monday, December 8, 2014

Graham Cracker Houses and Snowy Peanut Butter (No-Bake) Cookies

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.
All opinions are mine alone. #PBandG #CollectiveBias


When my son was 4, I began a holiday tradition - making graham cracker houses! Every year we enjoy making these creations because we always find new ways to work magic with our graham crackers! The one struggle we had was finding the right "glue"...but this year, I heard a GENIUS idea...and knew we had to try it. Are you ready...this is good..."Use Peanut Butter to construct your graham cracker house!" After all these years of struggling with regular icing...my problems have been solved - and I am never looking back! Now it is time to share our of our favorite traditions and Family Holiday ideas with our new friends in Texas.
Graham Cracker Houses and Snowy Peanut Butter (No-Bake) Cookies #shop #PBandG #CollectiveBias


In all these years, the only other "problem" we ever had was what to do with our leftover graham crackers (other than devour them)...so this year, inspired by my son's idea, I also came up with a tasty recipe that uses some of those extra graham crackers and peanut butter. Oh yes...it is also a No-Bake cookie!

Graham Cracker Houses and Snowy Peanut Butter (No-Bake) Cookies #shop #PBandG #CollectiveBias

Sunday, November 30, 2014

DIY! Simple Fabric Angels (No Sew!)

In spite of my ability to complicate everything, I LOVE simple crafts. In fact, these are so simple that the kids can make them too! I also LOVE that you can use what you have - doilies, ribbon, fabric, denim - whatever suits your own personal style (and is in your craft stash) works so well for these cuties! So, let me introduce you to my little angels.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece

We are having a very simple Thanksgiving this year...just the four of us,
but I still like to create a special table...
and then let my kids add their own special touch.
Well, I had this idea for Halloween and never quite finished posting it...
but I did manage to tweak that idea for this holiday!
This centerpiece is my contribution to this years #Thanksgiving Table!
Create a Simple #Thanksgiving Centepriece using beans as inspiration by 504 Main

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Create Your Own Designer Pillows (Paint-a-Pillow GIVEAWAY)

Pillows are the best way to dress up or change up a space!
If you are like me, I can never find exactly what I want...
but now I can make my own DIY Designer Pillows (and you can too)!
I recently had the opportunity to try the NEW Paint-a-Pillow kit,
and had so much fun making some new pillows for my home!
Create Your Own Designer Pillows (Paint-a-Pillow GVEAWAY)

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Easy (and Quick) Halloween Decorating with Paper: IKEA Paper Shop Giveaway

 A few weeks ago, I picked up these paper honeycomb Visionar decorations at the IKEA Paper Shop blogger event. I am the BIGGEST procrastinator when it comes to decorating, and I knew these beauties would be a subtle but fun way to decorate my front porch. And guess what???? It was so quick and easy all you other procrastinators or those who are looking to add a little fun to their Halloween decor have time to do this before Friday!
Easy (and Quick) Halloween Decorating with Paper: IKEA Paper Shop Giveaway

Thursday, October 23, 2014

My Favorite Moving Tip: Just Add Tape!

It has been a few months since we moved from California to Austin...
and I finally have unpacked all but 3 boxes in the garage - whew!
(that is no small feat!)
We were lucky that we were able to hire professional movers...
but we have used professional movers before, so I knew that this did not necessarily
ensure everything would end where it was supposed to or stay organized.
I did some packing myself and got a few boxes from a friend - this where I learned this MOVING TIP for keeping all those (and there were A LOT) of boxes organized.
It has proven to be my sanity saver!
My Favorite Moving Tip: Just Add Tape!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

How To Stain or Dye Concrete Floors: The Results!

The other day I walked you through how to prep your concrete floors for staining or dyeing. Today (ta-da!) I am going to show you how I applied the dye and the wet look sealer. I will admit...quite a few times during this process I thought I was crazy! But, now that I am done...I LOVE these floors.They have depth, texture, warmth...and are durable!
How to Dye or Stain Concrete Floors by 504 Main

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

How to Stain or Dye Concrete Floors: Part One, The Preparation

In my old house, I pretty much touched every single surface - sometimes for fun, sometimes out of necessity. Well now we have moved to Texas and our house is brand new...but, of course I cannot leave anything alone! I am lucky enough to have a craft studio in my new home - one "problem"...it had carpet. I am so MESSY. I figured I was either never going to craft for fear of spilling or I was going to make such a mess that my husband might flip his lid.
How to Dye Concrete: Part One, The Preparation by 504 Main

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Paper Crafting: Follow Your Heart Card

Paper crafting - making cards, marbling paper...and making paper - is one of the first types of crafts I remember doing as an "adult."  When I start "playing" with my Evolution Die Cutter I get so excited...the possibilities are endless...and sometimes that sends me off on a tangent...and sometimes I never know where i will end up.

Bear with me on the tutorial. I had one (or ten) things in mind and then my hands took me some place else and this sweet little card was created. Can't you imagine this on a small block of wood or a canvas too? I kind of am in love with the colors and the arrows...and the hearts...and the polka dots!
Paper Crafting: Follow Your Heart Card by 504 Main

Monday, September 29, 2014

The BIG Move: California to Texas!

Every morning I wake up and still can hardly believe that I live in Austin,Texas!
I was a born California girl, and I suppose I always will be...
but for the last few months I have been attempting to settle in to my new home in Texas.


I do admit that I may have cried the first morning (and on many other occasions) when I actually had to tell the barista my order at the local coffee shop. "At home," my coffee was practically waiting for me every day at my favorite coffee shop. Yes, I know it is ridiculous, but I think that is what made it all sink in...all the way to the ground. 

new-house-austin-Texas

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Vegetable and Potato Empanadas | Campbell's Labels for Education #Labels4Edu #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

For months my family was living and eating on the fly. As we packed up our California home, there was little time to experiment with new recipes - much less cook old ones - but now that we are settled into our new home, everyone is practically begging for something new and exciting for breakfast, lunch, snacks...and especially dinner! Well it was a necessity to come up with some new creations that would satisfy my hungry kids hunger and taste buds!

Vegetable and Potato Empanadas and Campbell's Labels for Education #labels4edu #cbias

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Simply Rustic Embossed Metal Heart Art

I love hearts all year long (why confine them to February!?). I also love experimenting with my Evolution Die Cutter and combining it with cuttable metal sheets and embossing folders was a fun way to add a twist to a simple, rustic pallet. I adore the contrast of the shiny metal against the rough dark stained wood, and that touch of embossing makes it even extra special!


Monday, June 30, 2014

Pretty Paper Pinwheel Centerpieces

The last few months of my life have been insane,
and to add to that insanity I threw my daughter a birthday party right before we moved.
Last month I posted about the A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E
mini sugar cookie favor boxes I crafted...and finally (better late than never, right?)
I am showing you a simple but oh so pretty paper pinwheel centerpiece I made for the party as well. I used the same Chalkboard Paper Pack as I did for the favors...because it has to coordinate, right!?
Pretty Paper Pinwheels by 504 Main

Friday, May 30, 2014

Sugar Cookie Favor Boxes

I have been trapped under, beside, and on top of boxes...
but that aside, this month has been full of celebrations.
Most recently we threw my daughter a small birthday party
before we took off from California to Texas.
In general I like to keep my party favors useful or edible,
so for this soiree I used the Mini Pizza Boxes from Lifestyle Crafts to package
"everyones" favorite butterfly sugar cookies from the local bakery.

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main

These sweet favors were so simple and made such a great presentation.
Here is how to make them.

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main

Supplies


sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main

Embellishment



Make it!

  • Cut the paper in half. I used the Chalkboard Paper Pack  because I LOVE the look and style but it is also 2-sided so you get a decorative inside and outside.
  • Place the mini pizza box die on the Genius platform.

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main


  • Place the paper on top; top with the cutting mat.

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main


  • Run the pizza box die through the Evolution.
  • When cut, bend at perforated lines.

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main


  • I used the Sticky Thumb Adhesive to keep the box secure. Just add it to the back and front of the box bottom, and the front of the lid.

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main

You can be done here...but let's embellish!

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main


  • Cut one Rosette on the Evolution out of a coordinating paper. (you should be able to cut 2 rosettes from each piece of 6 x 12 paper)

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main


  • Bend the rosette at the perforations; use Sticky Thumb Adhesive to adhere the ends together
  • Glue (with hot glue) the rosette to the top of the pizza box.
  • Add a button or embellishment to the center.

NOW...

  • I also cut small squares, that fit right in side the boxes, in wax paper to set the cookies on.
  • Fill the sweet boxes with some sweets and you have an adorable and oh so yummy party favors!

sugar cookie favor boxes from 504 main

I LOVE my Evolution (and the dies work with many other manual die cutters).
Use the code 504MAIN to grab a discount on your order!



What is your favorite favor from a party?
Signature
This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

disclosure: I am an affiliate of Lifestyle crafts. Supplies and/or compensation were provided for this project.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

DIY Letterpress Table Numbers (Lifestyle Crafts)

There are so many celebration happening in my life right NOW.
Milestone birthdays, births, bat mitzvahs, promotions, new jobs, new homes.
And, well I love celebrating these joys with my friends,
and I love to decorate and create sweet little details for them too.
DIY Letterpress Table Numbers by 504 Main

Monday, April 28, 2014

Honeyed Peach Crisp (Only 4 Ingredients!)

We L-O-V-E dessert in this house.
Because of that I am always trying to come up with new ideas for simple
and somewhat-healthy options to satisfy our sweet tooth in a "good way."
Two big favorites in this house is my berry "cobbler" and the apple crisp (in a mug) 
and today I share with you the latest fruit creations...
Honeyed Peach Crisp!
(and there are only 4 ingredients!) 

Honeyed Peach Crisp by 504 Main

Friday, April 25, 2014

Hittin' the Road: Route 66 Tote Bag Tutorial

I may have mentioned 1 or 100 times that I am moving to Texas.
I am busy packing my house...but I am also busy planning road trip and diving into all things Texas. When I received the Heat Transfer Material from Silhouette I knew I wanted to make something that paid homage to my home state of California but also celebrate my new adventure in Texas. After perusing the Silhouette Store, I found these graphics for Texas  and California (for only 99cents!) and I knew what I was doing...
Travel Tote Bags that celebrate Route 66 and The Great American Road Trip!
plain toate are dressed up with cute heat transfers
   

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Happy Homemade: Book Review

I love fashion. And so does my daughter.
I used to sew all the time, and have been enjoying it again recently.
My daughter wants to sew too (we are slowly working on it).
She has recently started to ask me to make her clothes.
I look forward to getting settled in our new home so I can get a jump start on this.
For now we are both enjoying the Happy Homemade book by Yoshiko Tsukiori,
and my little girlie is quite busy selecting which pieces I "must" make her. 
Happy Homemade book review

I received three books, 2 of which focus on children...but of course, the ladies (mainly me) cannot be left out! Sew Chic: 20 Simple Everyday Designs by Yoshiko Tsukiori is a collection of 20 patterns for easy to make fashionable pieces. There is an easy relaxed elegance to all of these pieces. I can see the tops, pants, and dresses working into any stylish ladies wardrobe.
Happy Homemade book review

In the back of the book is an envelope with the patterns. Although I have not used the patterns yet, I do have a background in patternmaking and the patterns in the book seem simple to use and straightforward.

These books are so easy to follow along, and are comprehensive in their information. But, I love the eye candy too -  each book begins with a series of beautifully style photographs showcasing the garments. So chic!

Happy Homemade book review

Happy Homemade book review

The book focuses on some Basic Techniques, including basic tools, sewing tips, and how to make a paper pattern and place it. 

Happy Homemade book review

Each garment has a very detailed and comprehensive diagram for sewing the garment together.
Happy Homemade book review

With the tools and tips provided in this book, making a few of these garments should be a snap...even for a beginner!

As I mentioned I also received a couple of other books.
I love that this book includes not only girls clothing but boys styles too.
Happy Homemade book review

How darn cute is this pullover Parka? Or the Boy's shirt?
Happy Homemade book review

My daughter was smitten with Girls Style Book
Dresses, blouses, pants - all of them are so cute. I bet we make them all!
Happy Homemade book review
Happy Homemade book review

We are also getting ready to move from a fairly cool coastal climate to Texas and I think many of these items will be perfect for those warm (HOT!) summer days as well as transition into the other seasons!

Happy Homemade book review
 Do you sew?
Signature
This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre
 
disclosure: Copies of these titles were provided to me for review. Other compensation may be involved. All opinions are mine own.