Thursday, December 20, 2012

Interpretation Art by my daughter Jade

My daughter Jade is also a very talented artist.  When she showed me her latest doodling, I was inspired.  Of course, I asked her if I could share it with my blogging friends.

 
 
I have always loved the way Jade will interpret her love of music in either, dance, voice, pictures, or words.  This is a verse from the song Superman by IM5, her favorite band.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Make a Candle Special

Thanks Vanessa and Laura, (www.lmicheleh.com) for your comment on my last post about Christmas candles.  I'm so happy you liked them.  Please let me know if you make any yourselves.  I would love to see them.

Here is another really simple way to add some jazz to a candle.  It's so easy. I think it is a great idea and looks nice.

While I was at the dollar store the other day,  I picked up some wall art.  They have a great selection and I love applying words to my walls.

This time, I cut out the words and applied them to a candle.  After Christmas, I can take them off and perhaps apply some different words for Valentines.

Easy, right? 






Sunday, December 9, 2012

Decorate Your Own Christmas Candle

It has been a while since I've done a creativity rocks project.  The thing is, I like to create things that I want or need.  Not just for the sake of it.  If I need earrings, a necklace, something.  Then, I will figure out how to get or make it.  That's just me.  Who needs all the clutter?

My house is really low key with Christmas decorations.  I keep it this way as not to overwhelm.  Still, I do like the smaller trinket and especially one that is personally made and makes me smile when I see it.

Here's what I made:  It's easy and inexpensive and it's FUN!

Dollar Store - 2 Candle Holders
                       1 White Out
                       1 Pkg. of Markers
                       2 Candles

It's pretty much self-explantory from here on.  Just have fun and be creative.

Because Creativity Does Rock - and it makes you feel good.





Monday, November 26, 2012

My Etsy Store Is Now Open

Life's been busy.  I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VirginiaJBailey

According to the news today, online sales are up 20% over last year, and that's not including the numbers for CyberMonday.

What better reason to get my online Etsy store open.  Actually, it has been open for a while but I haven't really had much time to work on it.  With the holidays ahead, I thought it would be a great idea to add some new items.

Here's a quick peek:
                                                          Iris

 
Roxy

 
Fiona
 
 
Layla

 
Thanks for stopping by.
 
As always, I love and appreciate your comments.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Tired of bad mascara?

Have you been searching for a really great mascara?  Me too.

Over the years, I imagine I've tried over a 100 different mascara's.

Estee Lauder, Lancome, Jane Iredale, Mary Kay, Avon, Revlon, Max Factor, Maybelline.  You know, the list goes on and on. 

Well guess what? I have found what I believe to be the best mascara I have ever tried.  Yes, I know.  I'm thrilled. 

Here are some of the problems I've had with other mascara's. 
Lumpy
Dry
Flaky
Racoon Eyes
Losing lashes
Stiff ugly coated lashes
Lashes that feel like I have a layer of tar on them

Yuck - then there's the other problems.
Itchy eyes
Blurry eyes
Smelly mascara

Okay, enough said.  I think you can see my problems.  I'm so happy to share with you the mascara that does not one of these things to me.

"Almay One Coat - lengthening Mascara creates
visibly longer lashes. This lash-extending formula sweeps lashes to extra lengths in one quick, clump-free application. Nourishing mascara formula is infused with aloe and vitamin B5 to help keep lashes conditioned and silky. Extra gentle, non irritating formula."
 
For me, this Almay mascara does not irritate my eyes at all.
Which is really great, as it was so bad lately that I had to give up mascara.
I don't like giving up my mascara.
 
With Almay my mascara goes on easily.  It lengthens and thickens, while still maintaining natural looking lashes.
There is no smearing, flaking, or racoon eyes.  My mascara stays on all day.
It's really unbelievable!
 
It's inexpensive, natural and doesn't irritate my eyes.  A win win.
 
If you are on a search for a great mascara, I recommend
Almay One Coat Lengthening Mascara for Sensitive Eyes.
 
I found mine at Walgreens.  Or buy it here:
 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Fall Camping



A couple months ago my daughter and I joined the rest of my extended family for a weekend camp out.  My brother's significant other lives on this big beautiful farm where they've created a perfect family campground. It was so relaxing and we turned our weekend into a crafting extravaganza.  Here are some photos.

Home Sweet Home
 
The food Area
 
Sitting around the fire
 

Walk through the woods.

Quiet, there's a bear.

The outhouse


Family dogs enjoy the camping too.

Mosaics not quite done.
 



 
Some handmade bracelets
 


Sunday, September 2, 2012

Have You Heard of Jockey Person to Person?

I recently learned of this clothing company.  You've heard of the Jockey underwear, right?  Well, Jockey Person to Person is part of that company.  It is sold through consultants who come to your home either for a party or a one on one shopping experience in the comfort of your own home.

I met Gail Schmidt here in Minnesota who has been with Jockey Person to Person for three years.
Gail introduced me to this clothing line and when she said it was comfort clothing, well let's just say I was interested.  As of my nature lately, I jumped in and said.  Let me host a party.

That party took place this past Wednesday night.  Okay, I'll admit it.  The morning of the party I thought to myself what have I gone and done now?  As if I don't already have enough things on my plate.  (I went camping with my daughter on the weekend, got myself out of a new part-time job - whew! That was close, and released my novel "Do Over" on Amazon. 

Fortunately for me, my sister Val came over that afternoon and helped me spruce up my house for
my party guests.  (I'm telling you, have a party as it forces you to get those things that you never have time to do, done.) Thanks Val.

Anyways back on topic:  Jockey to Jockey.  Gail the clothing consultant was really great.  Knowledgeable about the clothing, the styles that look best on your body type.  How to make the most outfits out of the fewest pieces.  It was great!

Plus, as the hostess I bought some really nice, quality clothing at a discounted price.  Here's what I'm getting.


Active Reversible Tank with a Active Skort.
 
(Black) Modern Bootleg Pant

(Black) Modern Capri
 
High Collar Zip Jacket (Black)
 
Zip Front Cardigan (Sapphire)
 
(Magenta) Cardigan
 
Dolman Sweater (in Black for my Daughter)
 
And, this cute LBD (mine is in black.)
 
Plus, a Hoodie Zipper Jacket in Blue.  I wasn't
able to find a picture of it as it was from the past season spring line.
 
10 Pieces of clothing + my hostess discount.  I bought all these
clothes for under $24.00 dollars each.
 
What a great deal.  I can't wait.
If you want to check them out for yourself here's
my consultant Gail's website:
 
Or, find a consultant near you and have a party!
 


Friday, August 31, 2012

My Book "Do Over" is Available on Amazon - Yippee!

Follow Me on Pinterest


 
 
I chose to self-publish my book on Amazon and make it available as
a Kindle novel.  In a few months I may have it also available in print form.
 
This has been a very exciting experience and I feel very fortunate to be alive
in a time when a writer can get their words out into the world so easily.
 
Working with Amazon was very simple.  The hardest thing for
me to figure out was how to get my formatting to work correctly. 
I thank you in advance for
your support on helping me accomplish one of my life long dreams.
 
If you would like to learn more about self publishing. I recommend taking the wonderful webinar by
Denise Wakeman called, From Blog to Kindle.
 
You really do have the power to make your dreams come true.
 
Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage,  just literally
twenty seconds of just embarrasing bravery and I promise you, something great will
come of it.
 
Matt Damon's words in the movie "We Bought a Zoo."
 
Thanks everyone.
 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Motivational Art #14 Live Well


Wendy's Look Book - I love her youtube videos.

One of the coolest video I've seen in a while is this one done by Wendy at www.wendyslookbook.com.

I love checking in with her to see all the new styles and her outfit idea's.  Wendy knows her fashion.
Go to her website to see more great videos.

Here's the cool video - so helpful and fun to watch.  Enjoy.  Oh, and thanks Wendy.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Congo Bars - A New Favorite.

 
I admit it.
 
I'm a sucker for a really good chocolate chip cookie.
 
So, when I saw this photo from
I couldn't resist the urge to
make some for myself.
 
Here's the recipe which is very easy to make.
I added all the ingredients into a bowl and mixed.
Then, I added the chocolate chips and nuts.
 
Congo Bars Recipe:
(Recipe adapted from Bakerella)

2 3/4 c. all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. butter, softened
2 c. brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 package milk chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Set aside. Combine butter and sugar using a mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time to sugar mixture, mixing on low in between each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour and mix until combined. Stir in chips and then nuts (optional).

Coat a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray and spread batter evenly into dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
 
 
They are DELICIOUS!  A great bar to take on
a picnic or to a family gathering.