Luxe Stitch

A very good thrift week

2012-01-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

Four days off means plenty of time to hit my favorite spots for shopping. I hit them pretty hard. Today I did really well. My pictures tell all. I found this plaid duvet for 6.99 and the cream ruffle pillow for 3.99. My other thrifted pillows matched it perfectly. Grey, orange, and teal are exactly what I had in mind for new bedding colors, it couldn't have worked out better.

Last night, I decided the fabric sitting in the closet, taunting me, needed to find a purpose. After a very easy garland tutorial... I have this fun fabric garland already hung up above our entertainment center.

Another highlight in my weekend was this find (sadly not thrifted). I can't keep these shoes off my feet. Even with our chilly weather, these shoes are making me so excited for spring time flats. I am in love with them, the color, the leopard, the everything.

Sorry to gloat but it was a really good day and I have to share some of these amazing deals. Here are some of my other great finds from this weekend.

Metal grate lampshade 1.99 (I had the lamp already it was .99 from the dig)

On friday I found this Ann Taylor Loft Coat for only 12.99 at Savers. My friend and I had a 30% off frequent shopper card that saved us some extra cash. I still can't get over the nude color or the great neckline. The belled sleeve is something I will have to get used to.
Here's my stuff from today. It was kind of incredible to find so many new things for my wardrobe in such great condition. Each piece cost me 3.99. Total, I spent 36 dollars (some items I left out because they didn't photograph very well). I ended up with 6 tops and 3 cardigans. I find it really hard to shop for new stuff when I can find the same brands for 3.99. These kinds of deals have made me a bargain shopper. My loot today included JCrew, Mossimo, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Kimchi & Blue, Worthington, and Merona.

Looking back a NYE's of the past.

2012-01-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a safe and happy New Years! I am glad to see 2011 come to a close. Today at lunch, Brett and I talked about what our goals were for the new year. While I have never really taken New Years resolutions seriously, I was looking back on 2011 and I can see that I have room to make improvements in my life. Here's a short list of some of my personal goals and things I want to work on.

1. Drink more water, which means cokes you're out. This is a big one for me, but I am really going to try to stick to it. I have tried before but this time I'm in it for real.

2. Be content. Everyone that knows me well knows my love for thrifting. With that said, I can drag a lot of things home that we don't need. I want to continue to be aware of my purchasing and start SAVING.

3. Get moving. Either taking our bully on a walk or doing zumba a few times a week, I need to exercise more regularly. Brett and I are buying a Kinect for Xbox to get the dancing started.

4. Enjoy. I find my self stressed, frustrated, and overall unhappy at times when I should be enjoying those moments. I'm really going to work on this one.

5. Create. One of my biggest goals for 2012. My lack of online presence has been evident in this last year. My lack of motivation had squelched my creativity. I'm not really sure what I want to create, may it be a new business on etsy or to begin textile driven art again. I want to be a maker. A new sketch book from a dear friend will be filled by 2013.

Here are some of my favorite images from past new years eves...

*2011*

*2010*

*2009*

*2008*

*2007*

Home Updates!

2011-12-17T22:17:00.000-08:00

My secret Santa, the very lovely Heather McCalla made me this amazing wood panel transfer of a pyrex image. It could not be more perfect for our kitchen thats filled to the brim with pyrex. I need to get the house picked up before I fly out this week. Feeling under the weather I haven't been doing much lately. Tonight though, I finally worked on our entertainment center. My tape on the stripes leaked a little but I wanted a more rustic look and once sanded I think those imperfections will be fine. This was a fun project to update a 7 dollar thrift find and the extra storage is such a bonus. Last time I was in Texas my mom and I found these heavy color blocked curtains. They had been hanging out in the closet for months and when I finally hung them up I wish I had done so sooner. Better get to packing, I leave for HOME in 4 days. YAY!

Ready for the Holiday

2011-12-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today I finished picking up a few gifts and stuffing for my packages. The weather is getting colder I feel the snow coming. We are packing up boxes to mail our gifts back to Texas. I'm pretty excited about the presents for our nieces and nephews, lots of little goodies. Brett and I have been watching A Christmas Story tonight and wrapping things up with ribbons and bows (I plan on adding candy too)! It's a good night for enjoying hot chocolate and break and bake cookies, two of my weaknesses. Ava decided to join our Christmas movie watching and we got a couple of cute shots with her by our 4ft tree.

It looked just like christmas

2011-11-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

There is a lot that makes me feel nostalgic around holidays, Christmas decor especially. I got down my box of Christmas decorations and Brett put my faux 4ft tree together, all the while I was humming "its looks just like christmas, but it wasn't christmas at all" by Low which probably my all time favorite holiday song. Looking through my ornaments made me terribly home sick. Each ornament I pulled out made me think of my mom, where we bought it together, or if it was a family one that had been pasted down to me. I will see my family in less than a month! So back to the tree and decor: my grandmother always has the best tree you can see her's from last year here. Since my tree is a shorty I'm stacking it up on some suitcase and I need to get one more tomorrow to give it a bit more height. At the dig today I scored this Burberry trench coat and I decided to use part of the lining for a tree skirt (don't worry it was stained on the outside and a very strange shape, I may make a poncho out of the rest of the material and put it to good use, what a find for $1)! I'm pretty happy with the holiday decor so far its starting to feel festive in here. I want to add a B for Brett to the garland above the TV and I may cover the letter in more plaid fabric from the trench. I'm in a garland making mood so this garland might multiply to accompany the pinecone garland that my mom send. So glad I finally got into the mood to decorate. My favorite holiday item is the glitter Bambi I got a few years back, it stays out year round. Happy holidays!

Turkey Day Prep

2011-11-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

A growing collection

2011-11-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

My pyrex collection has grown quite a bit since we moved to Madison. You can see what it looked like last year here. Over the last few months I have had some amazing luck and picked up quite a few pieces. Recently I bought my first bread loaf dish, picked up lots of needed lids for my existing collection and finished out some sets of casserole dishes. I need to take some good pictures for myself so that I don't buy doubles when thrifting. Yes, I have done this and it makes me laugh when I get home and realize I already have it. Many of my friends are really into pyrex collection too so I am happy to share with them if I bring home a duplicate. I'm part of the PYREX LOVE group on Flickr and can't wait to load some pictures after Thanksgiving of all my pieces in action. I am also really excited about the Fireking plater I got for my holiday ham! I also picked up a bowl that matches for cranberry sauce... I am going to have to have a really big garage sale when I leave here.

As for this week, I gave my self a little hair cut and now have some choppy bangs. (bangs for the first time in quite awhile) I also found this awesome little wood thing at thrift and repurposed it for my necklaces, for .60cents and a little spray paint I was very happy with the out come.

Happy Thrifting Friends!

This week and next

2011-10-28T14:19:00.001-07:00

This week has felt like two weeks rolled into one, but I have had some fun adventures the last couple of days and have some good pics to share. I got two great burlap lampshades for the living room lamps, they feel very rustic and fall with their brown and tan plaid. On Wednesday afternoon a friend and I stopped by Bloom, this very cute bakery in Middleton that makes treats in small batches. I had a pumpkin rum cupcake with maple cream cheese frosting, yum. They even had cute teal ramekin cups for the water that came in a chilled re-useable glass soda bottle. Today I should be getting ready for a costume party but I was way too excited about a nail tutorial I saw over at cupcakes and cashmere and had to try it my self. The martha stewart glitter she suggests works perfect, I am so addicted I might have to buy the thirty dollar pack containing 12 colors. I know what Im getting my self for Christmas. Every time I look at those sparkly tips I smile.

A little bit of Fall

2011-10-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Fall is here in Madison, its crisp outside and pumpkins are popping up on everyones door steps. Meanwhile I am dreaming of our Thanksgiving menu and avoiding sewing slip covers I promised my self I would make already. Its fun to add a little fall decor to the house even if I don't have to much extra room for it. My mom♥ has sent me some really wonderful things in packages lately and you can see a few of these in our living room and kitchen table centerpieces. The fall Leaves B&B candle smells up the entire room without even being lit, a new little white owl tea light holder, giant acorn with walnut topper are all via mom, and of corse I had to add a little dear I had laying around, all of this setting on a woodgrain hexagon tray i picked up at savers for .99 cents! I think it really goes together nicely and gives a fun fall feel. In the kitchen I have a mini orange pyrex fridge dish with candy corn for snacking and a clear pedestal candle holder, along side my white faux pumpkin♥, all these little things sitting on a vintage printed napkin. Its fun to see all my thrifting treasures come together. I have never been a candy corn fan in the past but this year I think I might be a converted lover of the stuff. I cant stop eating it as I walk by the kitchen. eeep.

Wash and Fold

2011-10-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Finished the second pillowcase today. I am loving the way they turned out. 3 large loads of laundry later all our blankets are clean and now I need to get my self packed up for Texas! Whooh!

Dog PJS

2011-09-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

We got ava some doggie pjs at Target, they just might be the cutest thing ever.... I think this has been my happiest fall here in Madison, filled with brisk walks, blazers with scarves, doggies pjs and milky way midnights, my new favorite candy. More cute dog photos to come. I promise. xoxo

Wonder Fall Shopping

2011-09-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

I have pretty much sold my entire wardrobe to Rethreads in the last two months, not everything I had, just things that were too small, short or no longer reflected my current style. I really like having the option to clean out and make money off of my excess. A lot of items have left the closet, and new items for fall are needed, thus my shopping today using the cash I made from my coat closet clean-out. I went one last time to Rethreads (this is my third time this summer selling to them, I think I have made over 100 bucks from my old duds, yay). I sold a ton of old jackets and coats that were no longer working for me and were just taking up valuable closet space, this resulted in all the goodies you see above. These are my finds for fall from a mega successful shopping trip my friend and I went on. Mostly thrifted items, I got the faux tan jacket, Gold chain belt, and Knock off Chanel Bag all for 17.00 at Savers! We also stopped by Forever 21 and I got 3 tanks for layering and a pair of olive riding tights in a heavier knit fabric. The studded platforms were actually from rethreads, I got them as part of my trade for selling my stuff to them. Its was an amazing shopping day for me and my friend, she got some awesome things as well. We might just be ready for a very wonderfully dressed fall.

Kitchen Project

2011-08-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

Brett helped me get this peg board up today behind our stove! It was a little bit of work on his part and some spray painting and utensil placement on mine. I am really happy with how this turned out and once I get the kitchen cleaned up from our project I will post some better picture of the entire kitchen before and afters. I have been cleaning out through out the house and kitchen organization is my current project.

Madison

2011-08-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is a picture Brett and I took the weekend after we moved here last August. In a little over a week we will have lived in Madison for ONE whole year. It's finally starting to feel like home and there are things about living here I really enjoy. I have some established a good group of friends and found all the thrift stores, I am pretty happy about that.

In recent news, I have finally felt like crafting, cooking and making things again after my dry spell. For the last couple of months I haven't been very excited about much and being creative has been low on my list of priorities. I made some "YAY" banners for friends from an idea I got via Design Sponge, and sent some hand made cards to buddies back in Texas. I really like mailing packages it makes me still feel like I still live there and get to see everyone more that just a few times a year.

I am clearing out the etsy shop this month and weeding out some old items that are taking up space in our spare closet! Closet clean out seems to be my favorite things to do when I have free time, I think its strange myself, they just get so messy when they are filled to the brim. ah.

Another Year Older

2011-07-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Doesn't really feel like I am any older this year, I am sure it will set in soon enough. I had a really great visit seeing my friends and family this trip. Texas alway feels like home especially in the summer. I think I got the best haircut of my life while down there, which is a lot to say for me since I have a huge fear of haircut mishaps and have plenty of years avoiding a professional one. I did lots of thrifting with my mom while home, she really is the best thrifter I know. I also spent time with Hilary, my best vintage loving buddy, we got snow-cones and mexican food! While hunting for treasures I found this awesome melmac server with lid, in the picture you cant really tell its a pale turquoise color. ( i couldn't resist it since it matches my kitchen-aid)

I really enjoyed getting to see everyone but it went by so fast and then my birthday day was here and we were packing up to head back on our long drive. For my birthday I got some amazing plants from Brett in beautiful planters and my friend Sara bought me a tan Hobo wallet! All in all it was a really wonderful visit and Brett nor I wanted to leave.We spent 18 hours in the car with our tooting bulldog, but we really had a great vacation.

Packing

2011-07-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

I am headed to Texas on Friday for a week long vaca with my friends and family! My Birthday is on July 24th and I will be 27, hooray for getting older. I started packing today and this is what I have ready so far. I might not have room for clothes once I get done, haha. What can I say, I need a lot of jewelry to choose from. I am looking forward to Mexican food, thrifting and spending time with my family! I will get to see Brett's family in East Texas while home as well. So I will be taking a blogging break until July 27 but I will be back with a giveaway on the 1st and some new shop goodies! Stop back by then!

Friday!

2011-07-08T09:37:00.001-07:00

Design Sponge

Etsy

Happy Friday everyone, I am off today and on the hunt for a piece of furniture to re-do for Brett's studio. I want something that will be great for storage, have some nice lines/details and be practical for use in the future in a dual studio for us. I love this after photo of the wardrobe from design sponge! Painted chevron stripes are part of my plan for my next furniture make over and I will be very happy when I find the right piece to start on. Have a great friday friends.

Window Plants

2011-06-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a few house plants right? As I have said before succulents are my all time favorite, some say they can be difficult to kill, although my boyfriend seems to help them to their demise quite rapidly. These are my window seal lovelies, the way the light hits them in the late afternoon is just enough to make life better after a long day. I am on a mini vacation from work this 4th of July weekend, yay! A little crafting, food making and eating are in store. Have a great holiday ya'll!!!

Favorite Things

2011-06-27T18:49:00.001-07:00

I looked over at my pyrex collection today and realize it had multiplied. I guess while I was thrifting all these little lovelies just jumped into my cart and made their way onto my shelf. I try to make the rule of never buying a piece thats over $5 dollars, that helps keep the stacks slightly under control. I may have to open an antique booth when I leave WI since they keep piling up. I have to limit my thrift adventures to once a week to avoid collecting clutter. I love that my dancing tea cup dish towel-curtain is glowing behind the pyrex. My dear friend Callie made me this little treasure a few years ago.

I was indulgent the last few weeks and bought my self a new Voluspa Candle for the living room, they are so worth $18 and smell up the entire house. A large gold watch came home with me as well, as I have been coveting them for over a year now. Being on a pretty strict budget since August it was nice to buy my self a few treats! Is there any thing on your wish list you might have to splurge on this summer? I cant wait to share with you more fun things from my vacation!

Lemon Fresh

2011-06-27T18:33:00.001-07:00

I think my new summer drink is fresh squeezed lemon-aid, I got out all my ingredients to make a batch. Its pretty simple and taste so good with all the BBQ we cook around here. Next time I will get more lemons to make it even stronger, it takes a lot of juice. I used my favorite summer time tall glasses and my new pyrex pitcher. Pyrex makes any kitchen adventure better.

All you need to make your own is:

2 Cups of water to mix with the sugar

1 Cup of Sugar

2 Cups of lemon juice

1 pitcher of ice

Dissolve the water and sugar on the stove then add to ice, mix in the lemon juice and you are set! A little fresh mint would be good too.

Online Shoping

2011-06-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

Urban Outfitters

Bloomingdale's

Jeffery Campbell

I've been so distracted lately, I haven't had much time to attend to the shop or my blog. Hopefully I will get back on track soon and post the new goodies I have in store. I've been working on some fun racerback tank top alterations for my self and the shop. While thrifting I've been brainstorming vintage up-cycled jewelry ideas too and picked up some great pieces to make necklaces and bracelets. With all those things going on I'm also the hunt for a piece of furniture for restore and to fulfill my creative void. (Can you tell I am a little all over the place this week). My goal is to finish the tanks and start some jewelry before I start any furniture. Today Brett and I went and looked around for a possible piece, we had no luck but I will be keeping my eye out for a dresser or cabinet with mid century legs! I have paint swatches already picked out, thinking of doing chevron on the drawers like this one. So instead of being creative and finishing my tank tops, I am online shopping tonight. Let me show you my possible birthday outfit, July 24 is coming fast you know. I think I will be buying some of these things for my self as a early birthday gift. hehe. Have a great week everyone I will be back with more later and hopefully some pictures of the tanks finished! xoxo

Ava

2011-06-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ava, is our 3 year old, recently adopted bulldog. We have had her a little over two months. These are a few pics of her brett has sent me via text while I've been away at work. She has decided that my bed is actually her bed and she wiggles her way into the sheets anytime she can. I just can't resist her face even though she toots and then shyly walks away so everyone else can enjoy it. I'm sure more very cute AVA the bulldog photos are to come, we can't stop taking pictures of her. My favorite is the one where she looks like she is in time out (she wasn't she just likes that spot because its nice and cool). x0x0x

New Luxe

2011-06-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Listed some new clutches and tops! Head over to check them out! SHOP

The last few day have slipped by me and I didn't even realize I haven't posted!

This week I'm getting back into the swing of things with a DIY on up-cycling two old shirts to make something new, more luxe loves from my favorite etsy items, I have some awesome thrift finds to share from the weekend and some foodie ideas that will make you very hungry! Stop back by to check it out! Have a great week! xoxo

Sunday morning waffles

2011-06-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning brunch with my new waffle maker, a bowl of fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar! Our bull dog was begging for any bite she could get. I picked up this little gem yesterday at the local thrift store, for 5.99. I just couldn't resist its shinny chrome exterior and heart waffle pattern. My mom and I have been discussing waffle making for awhile now and when I saw it all I could think of were the heart waffles and yogurt she would make for us when I was younger. Hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend. My three days off my day job are coming to an end, time to do laundry, and prepare for a new week. xoxo

Grilling Adventures

2011-06-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

We suffered tirelessly through the longs months of snow, freezing temperatures and little to no outside activities, finally to be blessed with summer; I see now why people of the northern states enjoy the seasons to their fullest. As May turns into June my days of outdoor BBQ-ing have finally increased and I am finding every vegetable and meat I can blacken with my grill flames. For our Memorial Day menu we kept it simple with grilled wings, seasoned asparagus and a cold pasta salad. A few weekends before we also grilled some bacon wrapped jalapenos alongside our wings and asparagus. Brett is usually the grill master and I like to take care of the prep!

Easy Grilled Wings

One: Salt and Pepper Wings before grilling, pulling them out of the fridge about 15 min before they will hit the grill is a must.

Two:Prepare your sauce: I like to use 1 cup Franks Red Hot Original Wing Sauce, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, a squirt of lime juice, and a few shakes of tabasco. You want to mix about a cup and a half of sauce as you will be using this to baste your wings as you grill them.

Three:We like to cook the wings 10 min on each side giving the tops of the wings a coat of sauce from the very beginning, don't be shy with the sauce!

Flip and coat the cooked side, you want them to get a little blackened they are so much better this way! 10 more min on the second side. Re-coat the blackened areas with more sauce as this will make so yummy!

Enjoy and be sure to stock plenty of napkins they are quite messy.

For the Asparagus

I like to drizzle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing over my asparagus and spice them up with some crushed red pepper, the oil in the dressing makes the asparagus tender as they steam in the foil on the grill!

All this talk about food makes me want to grill right now. yum.

Plants on walls

2011-05-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

I adore succulents. They find their way onto my blog and into my home quite often. These walls of succulents will knock your socks off. Plants on walls is this amazing vertical hanging system that allows you to create living wall panels with your favorite plants. They now have come out with mini pocket platers that are ideal for my budget and balcony! Images belong to Plants on Walls

Winner!

2011-05-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

So.... the winner of my giveaway from over at Love Elycia is Carly!!!

I went over to her blog (Miss) Teacups and Bubble Baths to drop by and say hello, while there I was checking out her blog, I am now totally going to be an avid reader. I also was admiring her golden pom poms in her: A peek into our home post! Love seeing such cool furniture and fun decorating in a fellow bloggers nest. After more reading, her post took me to etsy to check out:

I have wanted to make some of these lovelies for so long but being a busy lady I have not had the time or energy to do so, after seeing Carly's set and the going price for these I think I will just be purchasing some and adding them to my decor. Here is a look at the set I have my eye on.

Here

All images belong to POM LOVE

DIY: Retro Inspired Hair Clip

2011-05-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Glue Gun, Scissors, Faux Flowers, Feathers, Metal Pre Made Clips, Ribbon

I like to use mums, orchids and other faux flower for mine!

Step 1 : Cut Ribbon to cover metal clip, this will get glued down first.

Be sure to put the glue only in areas that will not leak onto the back side of the clip.

Step 2: Cut the back of the faux flower so that it can be mounted to the clip,

Set this aside and move on to step 3.

Step 3: Glue down your feather first, leave about 1" for your flower mounting.

Then mount your flower in the 1" section thats left and press firmly to secure.

Step 4: Almost ready to wear, don't burn your fingers, hot glue is really hot!

Let her cool and your all set, try it with some victory curls!

♥

Black, White and A little Red all Over!

2011-05-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

A few new pieces coming to my shop have some fun black and white details.

I have a giveaway coming sometime today for everyone, check back!!!

SHOP

Dip one, Dip a few

2011-05-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

I had a long week and needed some self care yesterday and some sweets, good thing sometimes it comes in the form of chocolate dipped strawberries! I could eat them all myself. I took these little lovelies to a BBQ and they were gobbled up so I didn't have to eat them all.

To make my day a little sweeter my dear friend from TX sent me this little mum hair pin in a note and I decided too do a little upwards braid to wear to the BBQ. I need to get better with my braids I want to rock these babies all summer long. I am so thankful its getting warmer, I love the smell of summer.

♥If you want to make your day a little sweeter stop by my SHOP and pick your self something out! Use code SweetMay to get 15% off something special for your self till the end of May!

PYREX!

2011-05-16T20:48:00.001-07:00

So I have a little bit of a pyrex collection going, I mean I love the stuff. I've been an addict for about 4 years now. Mostly I collect the Butterfly Gold Pattern 1 &2 but I enjoy a few others as well including but not limited to: Blueprint, Bramble, and Spring Blossom. Not long ago I got the blue clear bottom bowl set for $6 at one of my thrift spots here in Madison, such a steal. A few of my piece are still in Texas, or with friends that I have cooked food for, and there is some Fire King mixed in too, but these are my lovelies! I often check out PYREX LOVE an awesome blog all about the patterns and other people who are as obsessed with pyrex as I am. I really want to get some fridge dishes and lids for some of my pieces, for when I take them to BBQ and such. Have a great week everyone! xoxo

Summer Loves

2011-05-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy the last few weeks, as it is getting warmer all I want to do is grill and be outside with our dog Ava. I have been neglecting Luxe a little and having too much shopping fun lately. Here are a few of my favorite spring items that I am obsessed with! Neutral lace cut sandals and this awesome structured vintage hand bag I snagged on etsy are my favorites right now. Gladiators are still in right? I hope so. I'm off to clean my house and will be working on some new things for June including sponsor spots and more giveaways!

All Floral Summer

2011-05-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

As the tulips are in full bloom all around me, Madison has officially entered Spring, I am getting really excited about my summer/spring dresses! Last year I fell in love with the Liberty of London Collection at Target, full of fun prints and florals. Floral has slowly creeped its way into my closet and it has been filling up my spring time wardrobe in the form of dresses, skirts and tops. I also have quite a few floral items in my shop too for you to check out!

Stop back by this week for a floral garland tutorial and some other DIY your self projects, and a awesome cross body purse giveaway!

Winner!

2011-05-07T08:58:00.001-07:00

Congradulations to Alyssa from The Lemon Tree! She is the winner of the Necklace in our Beautiful Elegant Giveaway we will be contacting you via email to get your shipping info! Have a wonderful weekend everyone and Happy Mothers Day. I will be doing a DIY post this week all about floral garland and more DIY post to come I am very excited about some of the craft projects and giveaways planned for May!

Thanks to everyone who entered and reposted!

DIY SUGAR SCRUB

2011-05-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I introduced you to my amazing friend Tammy and her sweet baby Althea. Today Tammy is taking over and guest posting for me with a great Mother's Day idea that is super easy and something you might enjoy for your self as well. I will let Tammy take over from here and tell you all about it!

DIY Easy homemade sugar scrub for thrifty mother's day gift idea

What you will need:

-Sugar (white, brown, raw, or a combination of any of these)

-Mixing oil (olive, avocado, jojoba, safflower, or sweet almond. I love the skin conditioning properties and sweet smell of almond oil the best)

-Essential oil of your choice (I love grapefruit for facial scrubs)

Begin by mixing the sugars together in a bowl and then gradually stir in the oil, distributing evenly until you are happy with the consistency. A general rule of thumb is approximately four tablespoons of oil per half a cup of sugar.

Finish by adding a few drops of essential oil and stir. You only need about 4 drops of oil per half a cup of sugar, just enough to provide wonderful, aromatic benefits to your scrub. Garnish with ribbon and sprigs of greenery. You can spray paint your greenery any color of your choosing - think funky neon colors for girlfriends and subdued, pretty colors for Mom and Grandma.

That's all there is to it! Enjoy, and don't forget to make enough for yourself!

To use: gently massage small amount on clean skin, rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the wonderful exfoliating properties of sugar and the nourishing, softening qualities of essential almond oil. Use at least 2x weekly.

I have added ribbon and garnish to my jars to make them cute and festive for the occasion!

Thanks Tammy for the great idea and for sharing it on my blog!

The Lovely Tammy

2011-05-04T18:20:00.001-07:00

I met Tammy in art school, we would sing together at our looms in delirious laughter weaving long hours into the night, in hopes of finishing endless projects, while some went well and others I cant speak for, we truly always had a lovely time. We have since graduated and moved away from our looms, left some creative adventures behind, and sadly moved regionally from each other, taking on different responsibilities, for Tammy motherhood and yet retaining and growing our creative friendship.

While in Texas for my last visit I had the chance to spend the day with Tammy and her new addition, daughter Althea, it was pre party set up for Althea's first birthday and we spent our warm afternoon doing all kinds of fun things. Throwing crepe paper, decorating the kitchen, the dogs and icing some wonderful homemade cupcakes. These times were some of the best moments of my visit, to be with my dear friend and see her in her environment, being a momma and making it fun and creative for her daughter. I thought about how my mom would make my birthdays special down to every detail. I know I have said this before but my mom means the world to me and I am so grateful for her everyday. I know Althea is going to feel this way when she is old enough to understand, Tammy is a fantastic Mom and invests her heart into her daughter. In honor of Mothers Day, to Moms who love us everyday and always, Thank you!

Luxe Stitch: Beautifully Elegant Giveaway! Ends Friday Ladies!

2011-05-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

DONT FORGET TO ENTER THIS LITTLE BEAUTY WILL BE OVER FRIDAY MAY 6TH check it out below!

Luxe Stitch: Beautifully Elegant Giveaway!: "As my giveaway on Peppermint Vintage's blog wraps up tonight, ( Go enter!!!) Over here we are starting up more fun freebies! One of my frien..."

Boy, Do I have amazing vintage for you!

2011-05-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to share with you a wealth of new items I will be listing in the next few days. A collection of belts that are simply amazing, some great dress and tops that a vintage lover would kill for! Check out my SHOP and see what is new if something is not up and you want it now let me know!

Nataly Kimball

2011-04-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Nataly Kimball from Beautifully Elegant is doing a giveaway here on Luxe Stitch that goes through Monday!

Here is an interview with her so you can get to know her more and see what she is all about!

We went to UNT together back in undergrad and this is what she is up to now!

Luxe:How long have you been making art and jewelry?

NataIy: I have been making jewelry for about 5 years now. I have been making art for about 10 years- I started my passion for art at a young age. I love being able to create anything I possibly want using my imagination. I love to create and design all kinds of art especially jewelry because it allows me to create things that I would actually wear.

Luxe: What other creative things do you do with your time?

Nataly: I am always looking for new ideas for jewelry so I do a lot of creative brainstorming in my free time. I also like to take photos of my friends and family.

Luxe:What is your favorite jewelry to wear and why?

Nataly:Necklaces are my favorite type of jewelry. I love to wear necklaces. They can add so much to an outfit- It also is a good way to add a pop of color if you don't really like to wear bright colors. I love to layer necklaces or just wear one small necklace. There is just no end to the possiblities with necklaces!

Luxe:Where does your inspiration come from?

Nataly:My inspiration comes from contemporary jewelry that I see everyday. I look around and see what people are wearing and I get my inspiration from what I see. I come up with new ideas all the time- I try them out and see where they take me.

Luxe:Apart from creative things- What do you do?

Nataly: I am always looking for a new, fun place to go out to eat with my boyfriend. I love trying new food and experiences. I also like to spend time outside, being with friends, with family, trying to cook for my boyfriend, being a sister, daughter and friend. I also work full time in customer serivce during the day for a small company called Hydrotex.

Be sure and enter the giveaway! (Seriously, get your self over there and enter hehe)

Fuzzy Friday

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fuzzy's Tacos here in Madison is a familiar eatery we know well from Texas, we ate at the ones back home all the time, almost once a week we would eat there here. I can't even tell you how excited and confused I was when I saw it being built near us since we now live in WI. It is mostly a Texas chain so we were thrilled to have it here. Starting today right with a shredded beef sandwich with garlic sauce!

Luxe Loves

2011-04-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a total art week around here. Making screen prints and dreaming of free time to do a little bit of embroidery of my own. I've been admiring these wall hangings from etsy and imagining them hanging all over my place.

Etsy is one of the best places to find prints, art and handmade things for you!

Sprig by Berandi

Coral Feather by Flame Lilly Photos

Green and Bear It by Hide the Good Scissors

Check out these awesome etsy sellers!

Winner!

2011-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Peppermint Vintage: Giveaway Winner!: "Congratulations to Tallulah for winning $25 worth of Luxe Stitch in our giveaway! Candace with Luxe Stitch will be contacting you soon. Th..."

Beautifully Elegant Giveaway!

2011-04-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

As my giveaway on Peppermint Vintage's blog wraps up tonight, (Go enter!!!) Over here we are starting up more fun freebies! One of my friends from UNT is here to give one of my readers a super cute necklace and do a QandA with Luxe about her creative inspiration later this week!

Giveaway runs April 25-May 6

Here is how to win:

1.Get one entry for visiting her shop and telling me what you like from her etsy

2.Get an additional entry for becoming a follower of her on facebook!

3.Get an extra entry for tweeting about this giveaway and be sure to tag @luxestitch in your tweet!

Bonus Entry for sharing this giveaway on facebook with your friends!

SHOP-FACEBOOK-TWITTER

Giveaway runs April 25-May 6

Remember to include your email address with your entry so I can let you know if you've won and let me know if you have done one or all three! Good Luck to everyone!

Thanks for supporting our giveaway and please share it with your friends!

If your not already a follower of luxe stitch become one, giveaways and discounts monthly

Whats in my bag?

2011-04-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

I often carry a big bag, without a lot in it, sometimes I throw my lunch in there for good measure, actually all the time. Currently rocking an Urban Expressions Studded Black Vegan Hobo Bag, my must haves a few but precious.

1. I always have my tri-fold floral liberty of london wallet (just got my Wisco Drivers License whoooh)

2.Im crazy about this coral Mac Cream Sheen Lip glass in Richer, Lusher its just right for spring time.

3.This colder weather has been rough on my little lips and I just got into the EOS lip balm, packaging gets me every time and its perfect little spear shape is irresistible.

4.And last but never least are my leopard print shades. Simple yet efficient.

My iphone is usually in my back pocket, so it's not part of my bag. Ava, wanted to be part of this picture, she decided she couldn't live without the EOS lip gloss either and was trying to eat it while I shot these photos.

Is there something in your purse that you cant live without?

Jelly Beans

2011-04-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

I never liked Jelly Beans until a few years ago. I still don't eat peeps at easter but when I see them they always remind me of my little brother. These jelly beans are in some of my thrift store finds! Happy Easter Everyone!

Too Cute

2011-04-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

For easter you might want to fill someones basket with these!

These lovely plushies from Arixy Stix

xoxo

Don't for get about free shipping at my shop on items under 15.00

Also enter the giveaway over at Peppermint Vintage for a $25 shop credit!

The little things

2011-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

What is the proper garnish for a bloody mary? Shall it be olives or a pickle, with or without a lemon? I sometimes I just want it all. This little bar near our house has these great bloodies with tons of dressings and homemade mary mix! Thirsty Thursday is making me very thirsty for a drink and a bike ride in much warmer weather. xoxo

What's your favorite specialty drink to order?

New Globe Light

2011-04-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am a little globe collecting crazy these days, design sponge has made me decorator nuts. So when I saw this retro fisher price light up globe in the window of the goodwill lets just say I was running straight to it hoping I didn't have to fight anyone to take it home. It took a bit of cleaning up and I had to figure out how to replace the bulb but its bright and beautiful again. I think it works well in my bedroom corner with my hand painted night stand. happy thrifting friends. xoxo

GIVEAWAY

2011-04-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

As promised lots of giveaways in April. Peppermint Vintage and Luxe Stitch are teaming up this month to give you all kinds of chances to win to wipe away those summertime blues. Please let it warm up for us in Madison soon, we may have snow this week, yikes!

Over at Peppermint Vintage's Blog you can enter to win $25 shop credit for my shop Luxe Stitch! Head over and check out PV blog, see Hillary's kitties and much more, then become a follower of her super cute blog and shop!

**Peppermint Vintage Blog to enter**

Our BBQ

2011-04-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

We had quite a spread on Saturday night. Pulled Pork BBQ, Fried Pickles and some lovely deserts via some very wonderful ladies. Don't these brownies just look too lovely to eat? The raspberry on top was simply delicious. Thanks ladies for bringing all the extra goodies and making our party complete. Parties like this make me wish we had a bigger place, but I am thankful that we could enjoy our friends company!

Spring Sale and free shipping!

2011-04-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies, want to get some vintage goodies super cheap?

I've got to make room for new stock and some new jewelry thats coming soon to my shop.

This dress and many others are only 15.00 in my shop!

There are tons of items in my $15.00 and under on Etsy and now you get free shipping too!To get free shipping become a follower of Luxe Stitch and use sale code: SHIP15 at check out. Limited Time offer April 17-23

SHOP

Owls everywhere

2011-04-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with our new dog this last week and might have neglected posting. But I am back, a little rested and I am having a BBQ tomorrow!!! I have been cleaning and reorganizing my owl collection and they all found their way above the oven. The white salt and pepper shakers were a recent gift from my bff Sara and the large cookie jar my mom and I found a few years ago at our favorite antique store. I will give BBQ details soon on how to make amazing pulled pork, spicy potato salad and fried pickles, all on my menu for the BBQ! Coming this week are new spring dresses on etsy, a giveaway from Luxe Stitch for you, and a few other goodies I have cooked up. What do you collect? I know many of us have some sweet owl collections, my house is over run. xoxo

Winner!

2011-04-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

And the winner of $50 Peppermint Vintage Giveaway is....

SiSi! Congratulations Lady, Peppermint Vintage will be contacting you via email soon!

More giveaways coming later on in the month!

xoxo Candace

the little things

2011-04-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday, I am off work, yayyyyyyyy and its the most beautiful day weather wise, we have had since last fall. The weather is perfect breezy but warm, got some errands done and we are enjoying some BBQ at Texs Tubs Restaurant. While eating we got a ice cold Goose Island Root Beer in a frosty mug. Sometimes the little things are everything. Have a great weekend everyone!!! What are you doing that is making your weekend special?

Did something little make your day?

15% off Luxe Stitch

2011-04-07T11:13:00.001-07:00

15% off all Luxe Purchases on Etsy

April 7-14

Etsy Code: SpringFever

I have taken many items to markdown under $15.00 so you can get a steal on vintage clothing and accessories go shop!

If you are not already a follower please add me to your readings and take a peek around.

xoxo

Also: Don't forget to enter the Peppermint Vintage Giveaway!

$50 shop credit hosted by Luxe

Running April 4-11

Succulents and Spring Time

2011-04-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Source

Source
Check out these amazing succulents from Succulent Design on etsy. These plants are so beautiful and some of my personal favorites for easy indoor greenery.
The weather feels amazing here as it's been warming up day by day so I am getting a bit of spring fever without the snow on the ground. I'm dreaming of planters and new house plants and making a small herb garden. I found these amazing succulents for purchase on etsy and might be adding some to our house plants this week.

These last pictures are of some of my own plants and green happening around the house, a little jade plant, ivy and a mini terrarium I am working to keep alive! I've been keeping my eye out for retro planters at the thrift stores to get some additional cactus and want to get some herbs going for cooking!

Peppermint Vintage Giveaway!

2011-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Peppermint Vintage wants you to look good for spring.

Win $50 Shop Credit to pick your self out some very cute vintage duds.

Here are some of the awesome items you could be taking home.

Giveaway Runs April 4-11, 2011

Hillary, the owner of PV is one of my long time friends. You can read more about her and all about how we met here and here!

How to Enter:

1.Get one entry for visiting her shop and telling me what you like!

2.Get an additional entry for becoming a follower of her blog

3.Get an extra entry for tweeting about Peppermint Vintage be sure to tag @peppermintvint in your tweet!

Remember to include your email address with your entry so I can let you know if you've won and let me know if you have done one or all three!

SHOP-BLOG-TWITTER

Thanks for supporting our giveaway!

Meet Ava

2011-04-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today Brett and I went to meet Ava. We will hopefully be adopting her this week as we finalize our application. She is a 4 year old english bulldog rescue, in good health with lots of love to give. We are so excited to have her and have a new addition to our family. We hope eyeballs will like her. xoxo

10% off and More

2011-03-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! NEW stuff in the shop and more coming this week check back!

Enjoy 10% off with code MooreaSeal until April

The giveaway ends tomorrow have you entered???

Go ahead SHOP then enter Win !!!

A Pitcher of Goodness

2011-03-29T13:48:00.001-07:00

Its been a very busy day around here, filing taxes, changing my plates over to WI, Dr. App making and more. All I can say is I really need a good margarita and I need one now. I recently had some very tasty ones in Chicago, as seen in my picture above. Luckily I have a great recipe to make them at home, and I will be making some tonight. This makes a strong pitcher full so you will need some friends to share it with.

Easy Texas Ritas

1 Can of Sprite

1 Can of frozen Lime-aid

1 Bottle of Corona (or any Mexican Beer)

8 oz of Tequila (You can use the empty lime-aid can to measure)

Ice

2 Limes

1 Large Glass Pitcher

First, Add Sprite, Frozen Lime-aid, and 1 bottled Corona

Then 8 oz of Tequila into Pitcher and Stir.

Add Ice and Juice from 1 Lime

Garnish Glasses with wedges from the other lime, and salt if desired.

You may adapt the recipe as needed adding more sprite, this version makes a strong batch! Enjoy, xoxo.

Luxe Loves

2011-03-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Want to win a Swim Suit?

2011-03-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Want to win a free vintage suit??? Warmer days are coming closer get your beach bag ready! I am part of a huge giveaway over at Moorea Seal, head over there and enter and show your love for luxe-stitch! There are all kinds of goodies for free!!! Check out all the suits in my shop!

Thank goodness for Moms

2011-03-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

I called my Mom today, hysterical about a recent haircut, sickness, the freezing sleeting we have been having, and anything else I could add to that list to cry about. She calmly said to me "Candace, I love you and it will not seem this bad when you are feeling better, take an nap, your body needs to rest, I will call you back when I can." She is right, i needed to sleep it all off. Sickness is never my best moment, I lose site of the big picture. I am so lucky to have such a sweet Mom who will listen to my woes and always lift me up, she knows what I grump I am while sick and is so understanding.

I'm hoping to shake this nasty bug that I've got, with hot tea, lots of sleep, and soup. As for my other problems aka: the very bad haircut... I will be fixing that my self when I can get out of bed and chop it to bits. bad bangs you must go. pictures to come.

Luxe Loves

2011-03-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

This weeks luxe loves is all about the home! Here are a few things I am coveting for my home.

Lotus Dutch Oven Cookware by Blue Flower Vintage

Modern Lucite Storage Unit by Modology

Serving Spoons by Ameelia Bedelia

xoxo

Back to Work

2011-03-21T09:34:00.001-07:00

I had a nice spring break, glad to be back and ready to start adding some new items to the shop! I'm part of a giveaway over at Mooreaseal that starts sometime this week! I will be adding a few new things to the shop tomorrow! Here is a sneak peak of what is to come! Have a great monday. x0x0

Winner!

2011-03-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

And the winner of our Button Up for a Cause Ring Giveaway is....

Brooke from Pretty Penny Mae! Congratulations Lady its a beauty!!!

More giveaways coming later on in the month! Have a wonderful weekend and I will be back after vacation!

xoxo Candace

Monty's Blue Plate Diner

2011-03-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

I fly home to Texas on Monday! Hooray! Until then I will be off enjoying the weekend off in Madison, getting packed for my trip and Brett's Mom will be flying in for a short visit. Today I cleaned our apt and did other non-exciting chores. But, for lunch Brett and I went and ate at Monty's Blue Plate Diner on Atwood. Oh man was this place worth the trip. Back home we have amazing brunch and lunch places and this place totally reminded me of a few of them. We kept re-reading the menu until the food came thinking about what we would order on our next visit. Will return again and must save a bit more room for the desert!

Luxe Loves

2011-03-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

Etsy has so many amazing things by artist, crafters, and vintage collectors. I'm starting a new post weekly called Luxe Loves which are my favorite finds of the week from some great etsy sellers! I am defantly buying a pair of these earring very very soon!

Here are the first round of favorite finds!

Rosaline Earrings by Juliesadorabowls get yours here

Pink Daisy Pyrex by Sassboxclassics get your here

Tragedy Print by Violet Bella Photography get your here

All images belong to each seller!

xoxo Candace

Luxe Dresses and Skirts

2011-03-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

Spring is coming fast, it's even warmed up here a little. Here is a peak of some new items I'm adding on etsy this week. I find my self buying a lot of floral prints and pink tones this week.

Pink Swiss Dot Dress and Floral up-cycled mini skirt both coming soon to luxe!

Luxe's First Giveaway!!!

2011-03-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

You can win this awesome vintage button ring with adjustable band!

Stacey, the creator of Button Up for a Cause has passion for vintage buttons, crafting and community.

Stacey's dedication to her cause is personal, losing her Aunt and Grandmother to battles with cancer, she has been inspired to make a difference utilizing her craft as her voice.

Using buttons from her late Aunt's collection and buttons she collects, Stacey creates beautiful rings and necklaces inspired by her cause.

50% off all her shops sales go to UW Carbone Cancer Center for Cancer research.

How to Enter:

Get one entry for visiting her shop and telling me what you like!

Leave a comment in this post telling me your fav.

Remember to include your email address with your comment so I can let you know if you've won!

Get an extra entry for tweeting about Button Up Cause be sure to tag @buttonupcause in your tweet!

This giveaway closes on March 9

SHOP-BLOG-TWITTER

edit: if you don't want to post your email publicly you can shoot me an email so I know you entered ;) www.candacelduncan{at}gmail{com}

Thanks for supporting Button Up For a Causes' giveaway!

Taco Tuesday

2011-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I will be in traveling home in two weeks! Ahhh, the endless TEX-MEX waiting for me. I can't wait to eat so many places I've longed for here since coming to Madison. My count down to TX has begun I just have to make it 14 more days. So excited for my trip home and for all the yummy food and thrifting.

Vintage Pillows

2011-02-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

Vintage Pillows are something I have been crazy over for awhile. I am constantly stuffing them into baskets in our living room, or filling the couch with extras just because I love having them around. Apparently eyeballs, our cat loves them too, as she was curious about them all stacked up on her favorite resting perch. These are a few of my favorites in olives and golds most of which are velvet or velour materials with pleating and sweet details. ♥

♥TIP: When buying any accent pillow from a thrift store or estate sale spray with lysol and place it inside of a sealed trash bag, leave it for a few days to kill any possible bugs or pest you don't want to join your home. Its also a good idea to unzip pillow covers on accent pillows to check out the condition of the inside, sometimes you can just toss the old pillow and use the cover with a new insert. I've never had problems with vintage pillows or linens but I have heard horror stories of vintage furniture filled with pest or bed bugs from friends. I am guilty of the smell test as well on many vintage items (weird, I know), somethings are really hard to get the musky odor out of, especially fabrics. Have you found any amazing pillows, quilts or furniture thrift recently?Luxe has an amazing floral quilt coming soon. Happy hunting for fun pillows of your own!

New Items on Etsy

2011-02-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

New Spring Stuff coming soon to Etsy! Hey friends, I've got tons of great vintage coming to etsy this week. Plenty of reconstructions coming soon as well I've got to get to sewing, strapless dresses and skirts for spring!!! I'm in love with Peach and Tangerine for spring time so check the new goods on ETSY and get 15% off through Feb with our Birthday code! xoxo

Message me on etsy if you want first dibs on anything thats not posted yet!

Jewelry Box

2011-02-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a jewelry box in years, yesterday at savers I found an amazing 3 drawer gold jewelry box with mustard colored lining. It's missing a knob but I plan on replacing them with something more interesting. I have kept most of my favorite jewels in glass candy jars and old serving trays for awhile now, so its nice to have a new way to organize things. The blue Fire King tray was a gift from my dear friend Ruth this last year, it's one of the easiest ways to have jewelry out and it still look organized. I recently lost one of my all time beloved rings so hopefully this box will help me keep everything in it's place!

Here are some other ideas for displaying your own jewelry by Luxe Stitch!
Click the link below to check out some of my past ideas.
DIY Jewelry Display Frame
Using candy jars and other trays for jewelry

Gardening Dreams

2011-02-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

Today it was the warmest weather Madison has seen since late October. It made my day. It was a bit rainy and overcast but I didn't mind. I just enjoyed the break from the brisk bitter cold. I am planning a trip to Texas in March, to see family, do some major thrifting for the shop, and to enjoy the warmer weather. All these thoughts of warmer days are making me wish for green- new growth, new plants, and picnics. These are some photos from last spring in my grandmother's garden, they are keeping me sane until all the snow melts. For now I will just have to enjoy my little house plants and wait for the white to clear off my lawn.

Up Cycled Headboard and Night Stand

2011-02-16T18:49:00.000-08:00

Before I left Texas I decided I needed different bedroom furniture, this happens to me more often than one would think. My grandmother and I found this headboard for $11 dollars at Thrift Store in Irving, Tx. I decided to go with a bright tangerine orange base and a khaki contrast for the drawers of the night stand. I get these furniture hoarding urges from my family, we are all way too into always having a project going. My dad is an amazing furniture up-cycler, he can always seems to turn trash into treasure, I mean this very literally. He recently brought home a dresser someone had put out for the trash and made it into something anyone would covet... completely perfect, He even took some early american doors and made my mom a headboard that is totally design sponge worthy. I wish I had half the talent he posses, I guess a little rubbed off, I just need more of his fine tuned skills. I tend to end up with more paint in my hair and on the floor than goes on the thing I'm painting. This project came out okay though, I am getting better I guess. I enjoy these pieces and the work I put into them everyday, a little more when the bed is made. Haha.

xoxo
Candace

Happy Valentines Ya'll

2011-02-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

It was a good v-day around my house, Brett got me a Marc Jacobs Owl Necklace! Sooooooooooo cute. Long chain with an orange enameled owl wow its tiny so its really hard to see in my snapshots. If that wasn't enough he had more, He was in a jewelry mood I guess because he also got me a hand cast apple necklace from another grad student. The two apples are these amazing little cast half eaten pendants that are hand painted on a silver chain! I can't wait to wear them. I got him a Roman Candle Pizza (YUM) and a jiggly mustache face! We picked up our pizza and a bottle of white wine and are just gonna enjoy our evening together!!! This picture of us is from my cousin's wedding and she emailed it to me today! I found this polaroid of us (in the second image) which was taken on our first valentines together, we BQQ'd with friends that night. Swoon, I miss those days. I got a set of those super cute paper dolls by Hollandsworth too, thanks again Jordan, your amazing.

What a great V-day hope your having a good one your self! Brett definitely made mine special! I'm off to make some break and bake cookies, milk get ready.

xoxoxo

New Items on Etsy

2011-02-13T16:02:00.001-08:00

Here's a few items just added to etsy! You can get them here! Have a great weekend friends!

Making Time for Creating

2011-02-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

Todays focus on my weekend off is handmade Valentines Cards for my friends back home and thank you cards for my recently purchased items for Luxe Stitch! I got all my supplies together after a trip to the dollar store, I enjoy the dollar store way to much... why is that so fun to me? Glue sticks, fun cut scissors, these amazing colored stacks of pre-cut card stock in 4x6 (from Hobby Lobby, so great for projects like this) and some vintage pattern sleeves to cut out the drawings. I always stock up on the pattern sleeves from the 60's and 70's because I love the simple fashion figure illustrations on them, plus the light weigh pattern paper is great to make paper flowers or to use as tissue for stuffing gift bags. I've made 10 cards for friends so far and finished all the cards for my Luxe Stitch purchase (those are already in the mail to hopefully happy customers), its still in the works but hopefully I can stay on task and get more done today. These cards will be belated V-day love to buddies, better late than no love at all.

This week I came across MontclairMade, a seller on etsy who makes some amazing repurposed items out of patterns/paper and such. You can see some beautifully crafted paper flowers made from vintage patterns here. I love the gift tags and heart garland that she has made as well, I want it all! So nicely crafted and the rick rack really finishes her tags off perfectly! Get your self some great V-day gifts at her shop!

These are some of her precious gift tags!
Image above belongs to Montclair Made

Love Elycia and New Luxe

2011-02-10T08:08:00.001-08:00

Love Elycia is hosting our Birthday Giveaway! I am so excited for our first year in business, and with it being Valentines its an extra sweet deal we have in store for you! Head over to her blog to enter! I will be adding new items to the site all morning so check back often. Its been a super busy week around here! Tons of new upcycled dresses, swim and a few accessories!

♥ Here are some sweet finds that are coming soon! 15% Birthday Code is now working!!!

I've got to get to making Brett something for V-Day ! I'm running out of time. Handmade card time going down tomorrow and shopping soon, What are you wishing for this V-day?

♥ Special thanks to Elycia for hosting this giveaway and supporting Luxe!

hi, i'm elycia! i am a crafty, vintage-loving, cat lady living in a basement in Southern Ontario with my fiance and our two cats. i love sushi, soy lattes, photography, being silly and blogging. Pop by my blog if you feel like hanging out!

Wish for Spring

2011-02-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

Spring is not coming very quickly to Madison, WI. I am however pretending that it is, today I had a frozen custard, wore a light weight blazer with no scarf or mittens and bought some spring essentials downtown. My wind kissed face and chest tell me a few more weeks of a heave puff coat are obviously in order for me. My mind is dreaming of strapless dresses and fun painted toenails in gladiator sandals, what can I say a girl can wish. The negative below wind chill has crushed dreams of all these things for now. A few wardrobe enhancements purchased today as I'm preparing for transition to spring. Nautical tops, bright colored canvas sneakers, micro floral print accessories, fitted skirts and fun tights (sadly it will still be cold here for most of spring) but these were all things on my want list. I wish I could have found more goodies but my shopping trip was kind of a bust. I do have grand plans to make some fun items with some floral fabrics from the dig. My stop at my favorite thrift did prove more profitable than the mall for a few pieces.

What's your favorite spring must haves this season?

Pictured Above: Bights Canvas kicks-Urban Outfitters, a navy striped tunic-Thrift, a pair of high waisted trousers in burnt orange- thrift. Jewel Necklaces- Forever 21

Giveaways and Discounts!

2011-02-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

Today is our birthday! Luxe Stitch has been a business for one whole year now. Sure we are starting off small but I'm happy to say that things are growing! We are doing our first giveaway ever hosted here on Love Elycia an amazing blog that also has our first ad ever! Go and check her out! Giveaway will be posted sometime this week, I will be sure to let everyone know. Cant wait!!!

Until then enjoy 15% off on Luxe's etsy using code KYLAROMA Thanks for all the amazing support friends!

Saved By the Bell

2011-02-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

Everyone remembers Kelly Kapowski and all her denim mini skirt glory. Lisa Turtle had some rad purple leather jackets going on too. Ruffles, polka dots, back cut outs, crazy prints and a little neon define 1980's fashion along with many other mixes and twists. Luxe has a few dresses and pieces that scream Kelly and Lisa we are adding this weekend and wanted to give you a sneak peak. If you love 80's fashion, big hair and party dresses, this collection titled Saved by the Bell is dedicated to you! Don't for get your purple nail polish and a pair of keds. Check out our etsy to see these dresses, Swim and more! Save 15% when you use our birthday code KYLAROMA!

Art Love

2011-02-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Art is the binder to the love of my life. Cheese balls, I know. My boyfriend Brett is such a talented artist, while printmaking is what he studies in his graduate program here in WI, his watercolors are what make me swoon every time. I get little special paintings from him as gifts and treats, never to be taken for-granted. Our home's wall are beginning to form a theme of Texas Pin UP Watercolors, which I don't mind at all. The best part about art love is the constant support and inspiration each of us brings to the table. I'm grateful to have such an amazing guy in my life, who pushes me to be creative, supports me to make art, and pursue my business. I might have to ask him if he will do a giveaway for my blog of one of his pieces I'm sure you will love his work at much as I do. Check it out here. We will see ♥

A Sweet Swoon

2011-02-01T20:16:00.001-08:00

*These images belong to Jordan Grace Owens

Paper Dolls by hollandsworth

I came across these sweet little paper dolls today while looking for a gift idea for someone special. Hollandsworth is a sweet little artist I'm so excited to have found. You can purchase these dolls here and check out all of her other presh goodies! You might also want to like her on Facebook and see if you cant win one of these cuties in her V-Day Giveaway, details are in the etsy listing for the dolls. Better get yours before I do. I'm in love with all of her stuff! The beard magnets will probably be making an appearance on my fridge!!!

A Very Lovely Lady

2011-02-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

A few years ago one of my dearest friends started Peppermint Vintage. Hillary, the shop owner and operator of this amazing shop from Ft.Worth Texas, wrapped me into her business shortly after it got up and running. I was in love with being a part of it. It wasn't my first endeavor selling stuff, in fifth grade I made friendship bracelets to try to make a buck, but this was the beginning of something special. I started buying and altering for her shop. We experienced trials in photography, freezing our buns off during photo shoots at our makeshift studio, we often ate Griffs then thrifts at a local greasy burger joint and had all kinds of thifting adventures to dangerous parts of town, where our mothers told us not to go. Years later, many states away, my dear friend and I are both still selling vintage! During a month of celebration for Luxe's birthday and a month dedicated to love, I have to tip my hat to a lady I very much adore. Peppermint vintage was the best business I have ever been a part of and I am happy to support. Be sure and stop by her shop and check it out!

Happy Love Month

2011-01-31T19:30:00.000-08:00

Luxe loves February! Our 1st Birthday is Feb 7th and to ring in our big day we are offering 15% off all month long on everything in our shop! SHOP! We will be giving away a celebration gift for our first year in business to one lucky gal! Details will be posted on our birthday! Stay tuned and have a very happy Love month my friends!!!

The etsy code for 15% is KYLAROMA Celebrate our Birthday! Buy your self something fun!

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xoxox
Luxe

New Vintage Spring Dresses

2011-01-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

Luxe is adding a lot of new pieces today and friday. Here is a sneak peak some of the goodies we have coming. More dresses and tops will be added friday and we have tons of vintage reconstructed dresses coming too.

New Things

2011-01-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

We have about 50 items to put up before our one year anniversary on Feb 7th! Be sure to keep checking Luxe Stitch on etsy for all our great spring dresses, tops, accessories and more. 2011 is going to be a banging year for us! We plan on getting our name out there in a big way with advertising, give-aways and much more. Add Luxe Stitch on twitter too so you can know about all the great things we have to offer. Some of our best friends will be doing giveaways here on this blog in the up coming months so stay tuned! The first image is our Birthday Giveaway the blog hosting it will be announced shortly! Thanks to all of our Friends who will help to make this year a big success. You will be seeing great things coming out of all our friends sites this year so take a moment and check out the links on the right side of this page, these are all artist, crafters, and friends who's talents and work I love and admire!

Easy Ottoman Cover

2011-01-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

I found this super easy tutorial on Designsponge for an ottoman slip cover. It was quite simple I finished in about an hour, and I finally got this little brown ottoman looking great with this old ikea fabric I had lurking in my stash. The pattern doesn't quite line up due to the small amount I was working with (less than 1 yard 1/2) but i don't mind and I am happy with the outcome. Still I think why has it taken me so long to complete this project that hardly took an hour: procrastination: who I hope will be absent from my life in 2011. My plan for today is to load more items to etsy, mostly cafe' shirts and some dresses. I also want to make some headbands for friends and go to this Fiber store here in Madison. I think I need a cold weather craft....(hahah i don't need any more hobbies) but i have a knitting loom and i want to make some chunky eternity scarves like I have seen on etsy for $80, so I will be attempting them. Happy Saturday Friends!

Out with old and Resolutions

2011-01-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

A quilt I added to etsy today. Enjoy.

I've been busy this last year, busy collection things i don't really need and even more distracted with rearranging them in closets that don't even have the room to hold them. So alight with some early spring cleaning and adding some much needed additions to the etsy shop, i have a few resolutions. And I am off to a very good start.

1. To try to keep my pyrex buying sprees to a minimum and not add too many pieces to the collection, its out of control as it is.
2. Finish some sewing projects that have been looming since before we moved, summer dresses, and alterations.
3. List items on etsy once a week!!! Or refrain from buying (thrifting) items I can not make my self list right away there's just no were to store it all.
4. Take walks 3 times a week, girl needs some exercise, for real.
5. This is the most important one: start painting again.

I have spent the later half of the day listing things in my shop, a recent sale rekindled my interest in working on it and I feel that if i could move some of this product out with a profit it would be better than just getting rid of my stock all together. I just needed a break from it for a while and I need to edit what I was holding on to and be in love with the items i was putting out there for sale.
As far as the last resolution its a must that i begin creating art again, for my self and for my sanity.

Holiday Home with My family

2011-01-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to be home for a week for the holidays. While in NRH, Tx I did massive amounts of thrifting, spent time with many close friends and had bellies full of mexican food. Thank goodness! I enjoyed the week and longed to stay but I returned home to Madison and have been making the best of our terribly chilly weather. Im looking forward to Wednesday this week which begins my next mini vacation of January. Hopefully I will be visiting Chicago, checking out some thrift spots there and eating some amazing pizza (we watch enough Dinners, Drive-Ins and Dives to make anyone hungry) I also plan on recovering an ottoman, doing a few alterations and finalizing the origination of the living room closet so i can begin a painting I have wanted to start for awhile now. Needless to say I have a lot of little things that will be going down on my stay-cation and some crafty things too so i can mail things to friends. I think making art is going to be my new years resolution, I have been so inspired by artist such as Confetti System and Ashley Meaders that i feel my etsy (or what is left of it) need to take a back seat to some new creative endeavors. Some New Years Revolutions to come next post and some pic of paintings too. Get your self ready, its about to happen. This week hardware store!

Paper Deer Bust

2010-12-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Holiday decor has been making me sad this year, being so far from home and all... so to distract my self today i have focused all my energies on crafting, organizing and design sponge internet-ing (my favorite avoidance activities.) While internet-ing I have be coveting the Sweater Animal bust of Rachel Deny and I love the examples of cardboard animals on Pop Delux but i wanted to make my own. Combining these two ideas I cut out a cardboard 3-D skeleton making the base for my Deer. There are DIY tutorials everywhere online and it was basically just making puzzle pieces and adjusting as i went. I am a messy crafter so i just let my pattern evolve as i went.. After much chopping and xacto knifing I was ready to cover my little critter in news paper. He is by no means perfect but he is the beginning to a slew of animal bust that my friends may be receiving for christmas... and the end of a great night of being creative and I am happy for that!

A lot of Thanks

2010-11-25T18:39:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a holiday I have always spend with my amazing family, its one of the only times my Dad's side all drives in from all over Texas to see each other. This year is the first that I was unable to attend since I will be flying home for Christmas and because retail owns my life. Being in Madison half way across the country many of the transplants in the UW Art Grad Program decided we would all celebrate this holiday with our "madison family."I have been googling recipes and ideas since the first night Jess, Heather and I planned the menu. The excitement has been building since then as we awaited our decadent menu. Jess made the Turkey and Dressing, Gravy, Creamed Spinach, Apple Pie, Baked Brie, and Mashed Potatoes. I made Honey Ham, Creamed Corn, Butter-Finger Cheesecake ball, Pumpkin cake, Spicy Chex Mix, and Hot Rolls. Heather pre-paired Green-been casserole, baked macaroni and prosciutto wrapped asparagus. It was an amazing feast, I really didn't know we had it in us, my favorite part was the spoon testing of potatoes as Jess was creaming and salting them and solidifying the gravy for her as she finished prepping the appetizers. We really brought it all together and it made being so far from family a little better. I am now counting down the days to my flight home to Texas, mexican food here I come!

Saturday

2010-10-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today i went to my favorite thrift spot in Madison the dig, and hit a few others as well. It was quite a jackpot of treasures i found while on this hunt today all totaling under $25! I returned with a mustard ottoman, two khaki small lamps, one amazing pillow, a texas tray, a polyester quilt, some thanksgiving place-mats, a melmac serving tray, A pyrex fridge dish w/out lid, a mesh bed canopy and a table cloth for a friend. All in all i would say it was a pretty darn good trip!

This little ditty

2010-10-02T22:14:00.001-07:00

A few pics of the kitchen, enjoy!

My mini Studio

2010-10-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Today i have been getting things done that have been driving me crazy for weeks. I finally unloaded all my Luxe-Stitch stock out of tubs and have it now nicely hanging and organized in my spare closet! Since the move i haven't sewn much since the living room closet was pilled high with tubs and junk, today that is not the case. Friends should be expecting packages (And a visit, seeing I will be in DFW next thursday) and Luxe will be getting a ton of items up that i finally unearthed. Here is a sneak peak into my now very organized work space! I ready to get down to business.

Vintage Bunting Pennants

2010-09-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my bedroom today and making buntings for friends and family! Super excited to be sending them off! Heres some pics of the bunts!

Farmers Market and The new Place

2010-09-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

This morning i baked Raspberry Honey Banana Bread with these strange tiny bananas that went too ripe from whole foods. I thought at first it these tiny bananas might have gotten too funky but the bread came out great. I will have to find someone to share it with! Yum! Im off today and have big plans on making a pennant for my kitchen and bedroom plus a few for friends, i also would like to get some new items up on etsy and clean the house. I need to get busy. But, many friends have asked and here is a few pics of the new place so you guys in Texas can see what's going on up here in the big WI! More pics to come i have to get the pennant done to be ready to photo the kitchen and bedroom! AHHHH. get busy already.

You call it home, and I'll find the thrift stores.

2010-09-01T16:31:00.001-07:00

Home is kind of a strange word right now, my new home has no a/c, lots of quirks and years of character but its growing on me. My old home i miss, oh how i miss it. But on great thing about my new home is all the THRIFTING. Yes, Madison WI has over 12 different thrifting locations for my thrifting addiction. And i found every last one of them, well not really but 8 out of 12 ain't bad. Seems like at everyone i went to i would talk to somebody who knew where another great spot was to check out. So today i got some great buys and really didn't spend all that much everyone knows i shouldn't be bringing anything home: $4.99 Modern Velvet Stripped Chair (for Bretts new place) A $7.00 mid-century side Table in great condition love it! , $1.50 Large Orange Glass Lamp couldn't resist and a few other treasures that Luxe Stitch will be working on to bring to new life for the site this friday! All in all its been a great thrifting day off!