Week in Review

How many new "Pins" did I add to my boards this week:   I added 78 pins and 4 more boards. If you are not following me on Pinterest you are missing out! Follow me!!

What you missed this week: It's the end of 2012 and essentially my last post for the year! And, what a year it's been. You can read my "2012 year in review" post here. 

Week in Photos: Follow me on Instagram if you are not a follower it's OK. Here's what I been up to...

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, I know I did. My daughter brought "Mocha" and as always he's a joy to have around. He even opened his own gifts. 

1. Yummy Quesadillas for lunch. 2. I wear my "J" for my friend Jenise battling breast cancer. 3. I was day dreaming at Lowe's. 4. Still dreaming, love that back splash. 5. Some crafty goodwill/habitat finds. 6. Taking a shopping break. 7. That time of year to start getting organized. 

A glimpse of the beautiful day's we have been having in the Carolina's. 

Go link up this week: This weeks linky parties:

Hometalk Social Hop - Go link up and if you are not on Hometalk, link up your blog. But, you should really check out Hometalk. I'm just sayin'!!

Featured Pinner Social Hop - - I'm also looking for Pinterest Pinners to feature every week. If you are on Pinterest and are interested in being featured come link up! Who knows you might meet some other great pinners and gain a few great ideas. 

A little bit about me:

1. I am an Aquarius. 

The Water Carrier

January 21 to February 19

Traditional
Aquarian Traits...

Friendly and humanitarian
Honest and loyal
Original and inventive
Independent and intellectual

On the dark side....

stubborn and diverse (Darn grudges I can hold)(Very diverse)
headstrong and impulsive (If I feel strong about something it's hard to change my mind)(Impulsive is soo true)
Unemotional and detached (I've had several tragedies that I don't get attached to things) 

Bad Bad Trait

Have a Blessed, Safe, Crazy & Happy New Year!

I will see you all Next year...

Hometalk Social Hop

Welcome to the "It's a Social Hop Like Crazy" Party. Each week it will be a different social hop: Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. I am throwing a party in hopes to help all of us gain new followers, we are in this together. And, if you have any suggestion just yell at me from across the room, it's what my friends do. "I do listen". 

This weeks social hop is a "HOMETALK" hop. And, if you are not on hometalk you are missing out. Get your butts over there and join the rest of us great people!!!

 

<center> <a href="http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/CrazyBeautifulLife/CrazyBeautifulLifeNewBlogHopButton2.png" alt="Social Hop Like Crazy" /></a></center>

Let's get this party started!!

A few things you should know BEFORE linking up:

PARTY RULES

This is a "SOCIAL HOP"

Every week we will link up to different social sites.

THIS WEEK LINK UP YOUR HOMETALK

If you don't have Hometalk it's ok you can still link up your blog, we play nice around here and let everyone participate.

PLEASE!!! Post "It's a Social Hop like Crazy Party" button  under your post or somewhere on your blog so that others can find the party and join in...

The more the merrier!

SO GRAB THAT BUTTON AND LET'S PARTY!!!

By entering your link you are giving me permission to use any part of your post giving you a spotlight.

Remember: This is a social hop so let's get social and play nice, if you gain new followers, please follow back and follow your HOST...That would be ME ;-) !!! 

1. LuAnn's Loose Threads	2. Kelly @ Eyes on the Source	3. Crazy Beautiful Life (host)	4. Nancy@Artsy Chicks Rule	5. Aloha Friday Blog Hop! (ALWAYS Follows back)
6. rebecca @gildedsunflower	7. Clever Chicks Blog Hop, come link up!	8. Rachel @ The Easley's	9. Setting for Four	10. Made From Pinterest
11. Vanessa / 7Jaded Creative	12. Worthing Court	13. Marsha@Every Little Birdie	14. Ciao Newport Beach	15. Dixie n Dottie
16. Sharon @ Lilikoi Joy	17. Vanessa Morgan	18. Avalon	19. Marty's Musings	20. We Three Crabs
21. The Thriftiness Miss	22. DesignedDecor	23. Beth @ Under A Pile of Scrap!	24. Wendi @ Classic Chic Home	25. Pitter and Glink
26. Miriam Illions	27. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage	28. At the Picket Fence	29. Dagmar @ Dagmar's momsense	30. Southern Hospitality
31. Thistlewood Farm	32. Elena @ `a casarella	33. Marci @ Stone Cottage	34. A Boy, A Girl, and the Marine Corps

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

2012 ~ What a year!

My 2012 got off to a very rocky start. I started having computer issues in January and after several trips to a geeky tech and days, weeks, and months without a computer I was losing all hope. My blog hadn't been touched in months. I thought I would need therapy!!

I was also having some personal issues in that time frame and throw in another move. Have I mentioned this was our 8th move in 7 yrs. My hubby is lucky I love him is all I have to say. Moving isn't over yet, pssttt....we are moving in June, AGAIN!!!! I'd like to think of it as our last but I have a feeling we may put off buying a house until next year after hubby gets his Master's degree.

ANYWAYS, enough of that. Long story short I had to break down and buy a new laptop in August. And, was so happy to see that many of my faithful readers welcomed me back. I love my bloggy community.

So, it's not a full year but this is what I was up to...If you missed them, then go check them out!

Memory boxes made out of gift boxes. You can see the whole tutorial on this post.

Making home journals and eliminating magazine clutter. You can read the easy tutorial on this post.

This is one of my favorite projects. It's a joy to look at everyday sitting at my desk. You can read the tutorial on this post to create your own vision board. 

{Wow does my desk look different now}

My best tutorial was my greeting card decor. You can read it on this post. So don't throw those Christmas cards away. 

Then there was this trashy little treasure. You can read the easy make-over on this post. 

This post will show you how to turn that $15 desk set into a real beauty for your home. 

My most popular post of 2012 was my mesh wreath tutorial, you can read it at this post. 

You can read about my Christmas Tree centerpiece at this post. And, my holiday candle tablescape at this post.

I hope that "2013" is going to be a great year for all of us (13 is my lucky number so I'm hoping this is my year). Next year I will have the best review of 2013 and I can't wait. I may have gotten off to a rough 2012 start but I ended pretty darn well. 

I have lots in the works for the New Year and I can't wait to share it!!! 

Happy New Year to all my bloggy friends.

Merry Christmas...

May the beauty and peace of the season stay in your heart all through the year. From our family to yours "Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year"!

Christmas Mini Tour

Since we have downsized I have been having a hard time getting in the mood to decorate for Christmas. It just seems the more I bring out of storage the more crowded my house feels. I'm not a fan of being crowded or living in clutter. But, it's what I have to deal with until we move, hopefully praying to happen in June.

So here's a piece of my Holiday home.

A few decor items...

I made a couple Holiday mesh wreathes. You can find the tutorial here. 

You can read all about my Tree Centerpiece here. 

And, the last thing I made this Holiday season was my Holiday Candle table decor. You can read about it here...

When it comes to Christmas I am very traditional and one of those traditions is an Angel on the tree. 

And, my beautiful manger set under the tree. The Willow Tree set was a gift from my husband and one of my favorite holiday decorations.

It's the first time in 8 yrs that we have not had a mantel so the stockings are hung on the cabinet with care. 

My new purchase this year was this wire snowman Christmas card holder from Pier 1 Imports. 

It's not much and not very exciting. But, I hope you enjoyed my little piece of Christmas in my home.

~Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS~

Pinterest Party

Welcome to the "It's a Social Hop Like Crazy" Party. Each week it will be a different social hop: Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. I am throwing a party in hopes to help all of us gain new followers, we are in this together. And, if you have any suggestion just yell at me from across the room, it's what my friends do. "I do listen". 

This weeks social hop is a "Pinterest" hop.

<center> <a href="http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/CrazyBeautifulLife/CrazyBeautifulLifeNewBlogHopButton2.png" alt="Social Hop Like Crazy" /></a></center>

Let's get this party started!!

A few things you should know BEFORE linking up:

PARTY RULES

This is a "SOCIAL HOP"

Every week we will link up to different social sites.

THIS WEEK LINK UP YOUR PINTEREST 

If you don't have Pinterest it's ok you can still link up your blog, we play nice around here and let everyone participate.

PLEASE!!! Post "It's a Social Hop like Crazy Party" button  under your post or somewhere on your blog so that others can find the party and join in...

The more the merrier!

SO GRAB THAT BUTTON AND LET'S PARTY!!!

By entering your link you are giving me permission to use any part of your post giving you a spotlight.

Remember: This is a social hop so let's get social and play nice, if you gain new followers, please follow back and follow your HOST...That would be ME ;-) !!! 

1. I Heart Pears	2. Sparkle and Shine Blog Hop	3. Jessie @ The Thriftiness Miss	4. Growing In Grace	5. What Jean Likes Pinterest
6. Aloha Friday Blog Hop! (ALWAYS Follows back)	7. erica@we three crabs	8. www.thebusybhive.blogspot.com	9. Crazy Beautiful Life (host)	10. Jane @ Finding Fabulous
11. DeDe@Designed Decor	12. Diana Rambles	13. tabitha vos	14. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule	15. Jill Hayes @ Party Fetti
16. Becky @ Crafty Garden Mama	17. Lilikoi Joy	18. Snack Cups and Smiles	19. Stacey @Gluedtomycrafts	20. Chani @ Pynk Krush
21. Holly Lefevre @ 504Main	22. Vanessa / 7Jaded Creative	23. Kathy, The Chicken Chick	24. Phylicia @ Hearts & Crafts	25. Brie Joy @ Breezy Pink Daisies
26. Terri @ A Creative Princess	27. JustSomeJane	28. Kelly @ Eyes on the Source	29. Gail@Purple Hues and Me	30. Terry @ Cherished Treasures
31. Wendi @ Classic Chic Home	32. Marcy @ Ms Miscellany Designs	33. Dixie n Dottie	34. Cinthya @ Eye Heart	35. Serendipity Refined
36. Rebecca @ GildedSunflower	37. Stardust - Decor & Style	38. Marsha @ Every Little Birdie	39. Embellishments by SLR	40. Julie @Natural and Free (and Fibro, Fit and Fab!)
41. Home Sweet Butter- Vanessa	42. Judy@In His Grip	43. Simply Summer	44. Shauna@ Momma Candy	45. Darcy Pattison
46. Karen @ Sew Many Ways	47. Made From Pinterest

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Free glasses

YEP! You read that right FREE!!!!

When I was contacted by Firmoo to try a pair of fashionable glasses for free, my first thoughts were "ya OK" (can you hear my sarcasm) But, hey I'll try anything for free. And, as a blogger all I had to do was write a review...which we know I don't do often so if I'm doing a review then you know it is worth it.

AND, seeing how I just had my eyes examined this was the perfect time. I needed new glasses. So, I headed on over to their website to check out what they had. And, me being the picky fashionista that I am I was afraid what I was getting myself into. I must say I was impressed with their selection. This was the first time I purchased glasses online but since they were free what did I have to lose...

nothing, right??

I saw these lil beauties and thought they were just too cute. They would be perfect on my little face.

I filled out all the information from my prescription and submitted it. It was that easy. Ten days later I had new glasses. 

(Only thing for my because I'm so tiny is they were a bit big but nothing my optometrist didn't fix in a snap)

If you do not wear prescription glasses that's OK too. You can order a pair just to be fashionable or even a pair of sunglasses. You can choose between: Computer glasses, Reading glasses, Retro, Vintage, Cat Eye, Clear, Fashion, Prescription Sports, Non- Prescription, and Polarized Sunglasses. So many choices.

They come nicely packaged and you get a nice case, a cleaning cloth and a very nice little bag to carry your glasses in. 

My new glasses are Anti-Scratch, Anti-Reflective. I am very pleased and I can see as clear as daylight.

If you are looking for a pair of glasses for FREE head on over to FIRMOO for your free pair of glasses (first time customers), all you have to do is pay for shipping. 

Not a bad deal at all, I know how much glasses cost...

This was JACKPOT!!!

If you have any questions you can visit the help center at:  http://www.firmoo.com/help.shtml

I just love my new glasses, stylish and affordable!

I'd say my online purchase of glasses was a success.

A heavy heart...

Instagram Social Hop

Welcome to the "It's a Social Hop Like Crazy" Party. Each week it will be a different social hop: Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. I am throwing a party in hopes to help all of us gain new followers, we are in this together. And, if you have any suggestion just yell at me from across the room, it's what my friends do. "I do listen". 

This weeks social hop is a "INSTAGRAM" hop.

<center> <a href="http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/CrazyBeautifulLife/CrazyBeautifulLifeNewBlogHopButton2.png" alt="Social Hop Like Crazy" /></a></center>

Let's get this party started!!

 

A few things you should know BEFORE linking up:

PARTY RULES

This is a "SOCIAL HOP"

Every week we will link up to different social sites.

THIS WEEK LINK UP YOUR INSTAGRAM 

If you don't have an Instagram it's ok you can still link up your blog, we play nice around here and let everyone participate.

PLEASE!!! Post "It's a Social Hop like Crazy Party" button  under your post or somewhere on your blog so that others can find the party and join in...

The more the merrier!

SO GRAB THAT BUTTON AND LET'S PARTY!!!

By entering your link you are giving me permission to use any part of your post giving you a spotlight.

Remember: This is a social hop so let's get social and play nice, if you gain new followers, please follow back and follow your HOST...That would be ME ;-) !!! 

1. Crazy Beautiful Life (host)	2. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule	3. Jenniffier @ Jenniffier's Sometimes Creative Life	4. Kathy @The Chicken Chick	5. Becky @craftygardenmama
6. My Beautiful, Crazy Life	7. Angie @Snack Cups and Smiles	8. Erica @ Walking in my Shoes	9. We Three Crabs	10. JustSomeJane
11. Rachel @ The Easley's	12. Brandy @ The Moody Fashionista	13. Jean @ whatjeanlikes	14. A Mrs. & A Mama	15. Dixie n Dottie
16. Claire @ Claire's Healthy Home

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Looking for "PINNERS"...

ARE YOU ON PINTEREST???

And, would you like to be a featured pinner then you are at the right place. 

Every week beginning in January, I will be featuring a "PINNER". The rules are going to be simple all you have to do is link up your pinterest page below or on my fb page here or send me your link in an e-mail here.

ONE RULE: YOU HAVE TO BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG AND MY PINTEREST!!

While you're here go visit other pinners and be their friend!!

1. Judy @ POFH	2. Nichole @ Pinkie for Pink	3. Crazy Beautiful Life (host)	4. Kristy @ Shona Skye Creations	5. Audra @ The Kurtz Corner
6. Chani @ Pynk Krush	7. JustSomeJane	8. Jenniffier's Sometimes Creative Life	9. Shelly@Shelly's Creations	10. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
11. Erica @ Walking in my Shoes	12. Rachel @ The Easley's	13. Vanessa Jade Smith / 7Jaded Creative	14. Valerie@Occasionally Crafty	15. Sharon @ Lilikoi Joy
16. Party Fetti	17. Sarah @ Alderberry Hill	18. Pink Polka Dot Creations	19. The Chicken Chick	20. DeDe@DesignedDecor
21. A Mrs. & A Mama	22. Erica @ We Three Crabs	23. Snack Cups and Smiles	24. Diana Rambles	25. Setting for Four
26. Phylicia @ Hearts & Crafts Boutique	27. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule	28. Tami Marie @ TTWFI	29. Glued To My Crafts	30. Tera Leigh @ Eccentric Leopard
31. Aloha Friday Blog Hop! (ALWAYS Follows back)	32. What Jean Likes (Pinterest)	33. andrea	34. Get Your Pretty On (Pinterest)	35. Vicki M. Taylor
36. A Boy, A Girl, and the Marine Corps	37. Jane @ Finding Fabulous	38. Mitzi Curi	39. Claire's Healthy Home	40. Rebecca @ GildedSunflower
41. Stardust - Decor & Style	42. Embellishments by SLR	43. Brie Joy @ Breezy Pink Daisies	44. Heather W	45. Judy@In His Grip - Burlap Table Cloth
46. Mona @ Craft Klatch	47. Shauna @ Momma Candy	48. www.thebusybhive.blogspot.com	49. Jessie @ The Thriftiness Miss	50. Pricilla J. Designs
51. Louise @ My May Sunshine	52. Tarah @ Real {Cheap} Housewives of Texas	53. Beth @ Under A Pile of Scrap!	54. LuAnn's Loose Threads	55. Bethany @ Pitter and Glink
56. Dagmar @ Dagmar's momsense	57. Debbie@Fabulously Smitten	58. Elena @ `a casarella	59. Shelia	60. Whole Soul Jewelry
61. SusieQTpies on Pinterest	62. Bowdabra on Pinterest- fun crafts, recipes, & more	63. Crystal & Co on Pinterest	64. Kelli	65. Nina ~ Billenina on Pinterest
66. Debbie @ Dewdrop Gardens	67. Lisa @ On Manor Drive	68. Becky @ Crafty Garden Mama	69. Melissa @ BeautyTribune	70. Danielle @ two red birthstones
71. Keti's Projects	72. Marilyn @ 4 You With Love	73. Amanda Cabe	74. Diana @ Project Inspire	75. Jen @ de Jong Dream House
76. Sincerely, Paula a.k.a. PaperCrushCrafts!	77. Natasha @ Serenity You	78. Confessions of an ADD Housewife	79. Bonnie @ The Pin Junkie	80. Diane@Giraffe-legs
81. Angie @ EasyLivingMom	82. Life We Live 4	83. The Weathered Door	84. Katherine @ Irish Italian Blessings	85. Brenna @ Life After Laundry
86. Christa @ CONTROLLING Craziness	87. Susan@ Organized31	88. priscillas	89. Lina@Fancy Frugal Life	90. Susan Waterman@ Creative Order
91. Emily @ Namely Original	92. TheStepfordWife	93. Missy @ Missy Inspired	94. Vel Criste - Buhay at Bahay	95. Sara @sneakyspoons
96. Jessica @ Blissful Keeper at Home	97. twelveOeight	98. Vanessa Morgan	99. Audrey @ Neverending Decorating	100. Susan@ Rustic ReDiscovered
101. Sarah @Creating_Sarah	102. Liz@The Fresh Plate	103. Marcie Peterson @ I Gotta Try That	104. Lelanie @ To Sew With Love	105. Enjoy Teaching English
106. Danielle @ Sew Much Crafting	107. Lisa @ akawest	108. Thrift Dee	109. Kirsten @ One Tough Mother	110. Sweet Little Bluebird
111. Maria @ Our Home Away From Home	112. The Kim Collective	113. Plucky's Second Thought - Jess	114. A Farm Wife's Journal	115. Paula @ Welcoming Spirit
116. Jona @ The Boho Willow	117. My Fashion Forward Blog	118. Diana @ NannyToMommy	119. Sewing for Utange	120. 2 Little Superheroes
121. My Beautiful, Crazy Life	122. Nap-Time Creations	123. Cinthya @ Eye Heart	124. Geneva@My Heart's Song	125. Shannon @ Sewing Barefoot
126. Marlys @ this and that	127. Tina @ zoo cutie printables	128. Pretty Vintage Things	129. Kathy@Petticoat Junktion	130. Sheetal
131. Samantha @ ElahTree

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Holiday Candle Decor

I really need to stop adding to my Holiday decor. I am living in the incredible shrinking house. This house is too small to add anything else to it. The best part...I haven't even pulled my Holiday decor out of storage. Ruh Roh!

I had a 50% off coupon to Michael's and you know how much I love craft coupons. Especially when I had some decor in mind. I wanted to decorate candles for my coffee table. I bought some candles (which by the way are cheaper at Wal-mart). And, I pulled out some of the Christmas craft supplies I already had.

I did pick up a few things along the way. Supplies are: Hot glue, candles, ribbon, string of beads, peppermint sticks, and some floral picks.

I took some peppermint sticks and hot glued them around the candle. 

Added some ribbon and a bow, it's just that easy!

For the next candle I hot glued a red string of beads with a silver string of beads all the way around the candle. 

I stuck a silver glittery candle ring around it and set it atop an upside down crystal votive candle holder. How festive is this???

If you just like simple you can take a piece of ribbon and wrap it around a candle and hot glue a berry pick.

These were so easy to do and they came out just adorable. I think these would even make a great gift.

Well, since that one went so well I decided to do one with a green ribbon. It's a good thing I'm a ribbon fanatic and have a whole butt load of Christmas ribbon. 

Just add a burgundy berry pick and you have another adorable candle.

As simple as that and you have a cute display of decorative candles.

I put two candles on votive candle holders that I turned upside down and I put ribbon around a couple smaller candles I had. I arranged them on my coffee table, curled some ribbon through the display and added some floral.

Here you have it...My coffee table Holiday Candle decor...

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"