Category Archives: favorite finds

where the wild things are

May 9, 2012 by ilene in favorite finds, inspiration, kids stuff, random goodies

Maurice Bernard Sendak – June 10, 1928 – May 8, 2012

Growing up my favorite book was Where the Wild Things Are. I still have my original copy, slightly beaten, read many times and loved tremendously. I felt like I was Max or at least his tag-along friend on a fantastic journey. I loved the drawings and imagined myself as their queen. Max could be my boyfriend and we’d all live happily ever after. I know much has been said about the psychology behind Sendak’s books and illustrations but as a happy go lucky kid, I just saw them as pure fun and fantasy. There was never really a dark side for me. It’s funny how kids can read something or watch something over and over again but that is exactly what I did as a child. I can’t imagine reading any of the books I read now over and over. There is something about being a child and finding the perfect book that just can’t be repeated as we get older. I guess with bills to pay, jobs to go to, people to take care of – a little bit of happy go luck gets lost. Thank you Mr. Sendak for Max and the Wild Things!

“We’ll eat you up, we love you so!”

A hilarious reading by Christopher Walken, just click image to see video

 

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iPhone photo apps

May 4, 2012 by ilene in favorite finds, random goodies

When I was in college I thought I would be getting a degree in photography. Along the way I learned that my real interest was graphic design, thanks to an astute photography teacher who noticed I always combined words with my photos. I don’t have as much time for photography anymore unless you count taking pictures of your kids at their birthdays and other gatherings or sports events. Today I decided to take pictures of little vignettes of things around my house using my iPhone. I love all of the photography apps for the iPhone. It allows me to be creative without a darkroom, does anyone work in a darkroom anymore?! I am just an amateur but my son has inherited my love of photography and he can create magic just with his iPhone!

Here are the apps on my phone and I’ve used some of them in the photo collages:

Pic Collage and Frametastic – used both of these making my collages. These are also great for doing blog posts with Pin Boards

ColorSplash – allows you to color just one part of the photo, perfect for flowers

OldPhotoPro – change images to sepia, antique looking, perfect for a western look

Vintage Cam – has several different filters to play with

TiltShiftGen – makes things look like tiny models, so awesome!

Hipstamtic – gives images a vintage-y feel with lots of filters

Some of these I have not tried yet but my daughter’s play around with them: PS Express, Instagram, Tiny Planets, ToonPaint, Color Canvas, Lo-Mob, MoreMono, MoreLomo, SlowShutter, SketchMe, 360, iMajiCam, INPoke

Of course you can get all of these apps through iTunes. What are your favorites? Any tips or tricks? I’d like to find a collage app with a little bit more flexibility, if anyone has one they love let me know.

 

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planting a veggie garden

April 20, 2012 by ilene in favorite finds, inspiration, random goodies

I love eating fresh fruits and veggies especially in the summer. Last year we decided to build our own vegetable garden. We built two 4′ x 8′ boxes. Each season we switch out what we grow and try new things. Not everything is a success and it is definitely trial by error, we are far from experts! Our most successful crops so far have been broccoli and cauliflower. We had tomatoes which only did okay. We also planted leeks, peppers, herbs and cucumbers. This year our selection includes tomatoes, cilantro, basil, lemon cucumbers, melons, squash, eggplant, lettuce and a few other herbs. Sometimes we want to kill our dogs or the squirrels that dig in the planters but overall it has been a really fun experience. Our kids love seeing what new veggie is growing and eating it fresh off the vine. This year I hope we have a bumper crop that lasts all through the summer. We often rely on Sunset Magazine to help with ideas, it is a great resource. What are you planting this year? Any favorites that we must try or special tips on getting the most from your garden?

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Blog Hop

April 6, 2012 by ilene in favorite finds, random goodies

Hopefully you’re enjoying our blog hop! What a great way to introduce you to the Expressionery.com blog. If you have not had a chance to enter yet, no worries you still have a few days left. Make sure to go to each blog and then follow the directions at the last hop for a chance to win some wonderful prizes!

Here is a list of the participating blogs in order of the hop:

  1. PSA Essentials
  2. Monica Lee
  3. Simon + Kabuki
  4. Sparky & Marie
  5. Dena Designs
  6. Expressionery

Good Luck!!

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Join our Blog Hop!

March 30, 2012 by ilene in favorite finds, random goodies
Who wants to win all of this??! Join our blog hop on April 4 and you could win the items below!

One lucky winner will receive 2 Peel & Stick stamp sets and PSA Stamper from PSA Essentials, 1 Fabric/Embroidery kit from Monica & Lee,  party supplies (cups, hats, party blowers, plastic table cloth, stickers, invitations, napkins and plates) from Simon + Kabuki , 2 scrapbooking pads of paper from Sparky & Marie,  CR Gibson Shopping list,  Expressionery note pad, 2 Sunrise greeting cards, and a sunrise magnetic note pad from Dena Designs and a stationery suite from Expressionery! Valued at over $230!

Here is a list of blogs in the hop:
Check our blog on April 4th for more information on how to enter for your chance to win!

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favorite etsy finds

March 23, 2012 by ilene in favorite finds, holiday fun, random goodies

Etsy is one of my favorite places to look for unique items. I love ordering birthday or Christmas gifts from Etsy, especially personalized gifts. You just need to make sure you order items with enough time for shipping. There are a lot of fun Easter items right now and if you order them in the next week I am sure they would get to you in time. Below are some of my faves in no particular order. What about you, what are your favorites?

Personalized Candy Eggs

Lucky Penny

Cupcake Hat

Playing Card Notebook

Typewriter Pillow

Terrarium

Vintage Figures

Twine

 

 

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fashion forward

March 14, 2012 by ilene in color inspiration, favorite finds, inspiration, random goodies

We are working on some new florals here at S+K. We are doing them in a wide range of colors. I am imagining them on fabric especially bedding. I just got my Johnnie Boden catalog in the mail yesterday and our floral patterns really remind me of the fun patterns and colors they use. If you are unfamiliar with Boden check out their website. They are an English company that started in 1991. They are always ahead of the curve with color and pattern and they also have a somewhat retro/vintage vibe. I’ve ordered from them in the past, bathing suits and tops. I love that the bathing suits are cute but not slutty! You can also put outfits together on their website and they have great accessories as well. Here’s a sneak peek of our new floral collection, Fleur Moderne.

I love the fit and patterns that Boden uses on their swimsuits. I need some boyfriend jeans I can roll up with flats and a cute top. I might even wear a dress, I know my hubby would like that!

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eye candy

March 7, 2012 by ilene in color inspiration, favorite finds, home style

I know you were expecting a picture of David Beckham! Hah! I wish. The eye candy I am referring to are the wonderful ways to use color. There are some great color trends this year and you can easily adapt them to your home decor, clothes and jewelry. I’ve already talked about Pantone’s new color Tangerine Tango but there are plenty of other trends that are sure to be a hit.

Blue Skies – The color blue is not going away. Chocolate and blue was a hit for a really long time in home decor. The latest combos have blues mixed with taupe, green, and greys. Giving the overall feel a softer more mature vibe. Great for master bedrooms. Blue is very soothing and these new pairings are super sophisticated.

Sunshine – When you need some energy and excitement what better color than yellow to brighten your day. Yellow can be used as a subtle wall color to brighten up a room or use it sparingly but boldly. I love yellow mixed with other strong colors like black or grey. Yellow is warm and nurturing and is bound to bring you good cheer.

Grass – The color green is a happy color. I love it when it is used as a pop of vibrant color in an otherwise monochromatic scheme. Green also has a very earthy feeling to it. Reminds us that nature is nearby. Even just adding green plants brings a room to life.

Sand – I think there is a theme here! I love all white or off-white. It is so crisp and comfy. It may be unpractical for a lot of areas in your house especially if you have kids or pets but a a beautiful overstuffed, slip-covered chair or all white master bedroom is to die for.

If you’ve come this far you deserve a prize. This was the hardest picture to choose, too many good ones! You can also check out these very funny clips that my daughters found for me from Ellen’s show.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4yDNWlvK6s and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In9XbjyCbnY

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