6/29/12

A Recipe for "Smiles"

How is it that July will be here on Sunday? This summer is going by more quickly than I anticipated! The girls had swim lessons the past two weeks and after some tears on the first few days (from Maisy) all went well. Afton loved every minute of it and Maisy is learning to follow in her foot-steps.

We've  also been finding ways to beat the 'hotter than hot' North Texas heat. Indoor tea parties, lots of Barbie-playing and making silly snacks. These apple smiles are from "Highlights" magazine. Both girls gobbled them down, a fun way to eat fruit! You could use peanut butter or cream cheese to hold the marshmallow teeth in place :)

I have been busy with blogging and working on my little business. The girls went down to Dallas Market with me and got to see the showroom. They were more excited about the bus ride from the parking garage to market than anything else! I love that my girls can be along for this journey.

If you follow me on facebook, you probably know that I am running a sale right now in my Etsy shop. I want to get a rid of few things to make room for some beautiful new items, so pop over and take a look.


Source: etsy.com via Samantha on Pinterest



Source: etsy.com via Samantha on Pinterest



Source: etsy.com via Samantha on Pinterest



The 4th of July headbands are almost all gone, but if you decide you need one, order now. I only have a handful left- but they can be shipped as soon as your order is placed. These patriotic colors are perfect for summer, the 4th of July, Labor Day, and anytime you feel like wearing some "R,W &B".


Source: etsy.com via Samantha on Pinterest



And in honor of July 4th, if you would like to make a purchase from "Samantha Conner Designs" I will offer free shipping (for continental US only) from now until Sunday at midnight. Just use coupon code: JULY4. Feel free to pass it along to anyone you know who loves a good headband :)


Have a great weekend my crafty friends! 


* Are you on Twitter? Look for me @craftytexasgirl
* Planning your July 4th party? Check out my post with lots of fun of "Red, White and Blue" ideas or browse my Summer Pinterest board

6/27/12

Trend Alert: Outdoor Artwork

When I was flipping through a few catalogs and searching the web the other day, I noticed something --- lots of  "Outdoor Artwork". These beautiful paintings are actually weather-proof, so you can hang them in your patio area.

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 Our backyards have become an extension of our homes, complete with rugs, chandeliers, throw pillows, curtains and now art work!









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Source: houzz.com via Samantha on Pinterest





We are bit less formal around here. SO I decided to let my girls create some "Outdoor Artwork" for the backyard.


 The girls painted some left-over beadboard with acrylic paints. No specific directions, just paint!
 After they dried, I sprayed them with a light coat of silver 'Glitter Blast' spray paint. Partially because we love glitter :) and also because I was hoping it would seal the paint. Then Jeff hung them low on the fence near the playhouse.


 I think they add a lot to this space. We have had several heavy rains and the paintings look as good as they did the day they were painted.

 What about you? Do you use your backyard as another living area? What do you think of the "Outdoor Artwork" trend?  


Linking up our Outdoor Artwork here: Home Stories A to Z , Tatertots and Jello, The 36th Avenue, Serenity Now, Under the Table and Dreaming,  Be Different, Act Normal

6/25/12

Cowgirl Up #21

Welcome to Week 21 of
Cowgirl Up! Link Party . . .
the party with a cowgirl can-do spirit!
1 Party, 4 Blogs


Howdy!  This is Amanda with The Ivy Cottage Blog!
So glad to have y'all here again!


Can you believe that it is OFFICIALLY summer?  Woo . . . hot.  Yes, stinkin hot here in Texas.  I totally have a tan already (after a week at the beach), but my craftiness is still keeping it cool in my craft studio thanks to the AC that the hubby installed for me.  If you haven't seen my craft studio, stop by and check it out.

With the heat foremost in my mind, I choose the features based on what makes me feel cooler and summery!  Enjoy!





Military Patriotic Photo Frames


If you were featured here, grab a Featured button. Be sure to like our Facebook pages, since we also post many other favorites there too. If you got featured on Facebook, then feel free to grab a featured button also.

Now about the party...
You link up on my blog and your link shows up on four blogs.
More exposure, less time.
We are looking for the latest and greatest projects, tutorials, ideas, crafts, recipes, decor, and inspiring stories. Anything that you are proud to show off.
Cowgirl Up! is the link party that saves you time and brings you inspiration. Doesn't get any easier than that!
What blogs will your link appear on? Check us out below!
Linsey with The Farmhouse Porch
Anita with Cedar Hill Ranch
Samantha with Crafty Texas Girls
The four of us are all Texas bloggers, but you don't have to be Texas, country, western, or own horses to participate in Cowgirl Up! You just need that "can-do", cowgirl spirit!
Cowgirl Up! Link Party Guidelines:
(Please read the guidelines before participating)
* When you link with Cowgirl Up!, your link will automatically show on four different blogs. Awesome!
* Please follow your host blog before linking up on GFC (and if you have a linkyfollow account, then please follow that way too.)
* You may link up decor, DIY, crafts, guest post, recipes, giveaways, sewing, inspiring stories, and anything that you feel related to the listed categories.
* You may link as many links as you want.
* Be sure to include the Cowgirl Up! Button or text link to Cowgirl Up in your linked post, (mine can be found on my sidebar.) Mandatory to be featured!!
* Be courteous and visit the two links before yours. Please LIKE your favorite links! Several projects will be featured each week!
* By linking up you are agreeing that we may use your photos to feature your project in a blog post, on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter with a link back to your blog of course.

Patriotic Inspiration-10 Great Ideas

Fourth of July is almost here. Which means lots of great red, white and blue. So I gathered a few ideas from our family celebrations to share with you. Maybe you will find some inspiration for your Independence Day Gathering.

Create a Patriotic Wreath


Stars & Stripes Wreath- made by my sister Becka! (Ribbon wrapped wreath plus cupcake wrappers!)

 USA Cake with Mini-Bunting- Layer red, white and blue cake batter inside the pan. 

 Patriotic Crunch- Melt white almond bark on wax paper and throw in some goodies (oreos, pretzles, m&ms). Let it cool and then break apart.

 Red, White and Blue Fruit Pizza- made by Becka. See the recipe here.

 Fourth of July Paper Lanterns

  Paint an American Flag

 "Born in the USA" A-Line Dress

 "Miss Independent" Twirl Skirt 

Red, White and Blue Headbands
 
Photo by K. Mullins Photography



 Can you tell I LOVE this holiday? What is your favorite way to celebrate the 4th of July?





Sharing my Patriotic Ideas here: Home Stories A to Z , Tatertots and Jello, The 36th Avenue, Serenity Now, Under the Table and Dreaming,  Be Different, Act Normal 

Don't forget to link up at Cowgirl Up tonight too! Party goes live, right here, at 9pm CST. 

6/22/12

A Few of my Favorite Things

Happy Friday! I thought today I would take a moment to highlight the businesses that make this blog possible. Seriously, my amazing sponsors support is what allows me to bring you so much crafty-goodness. So please pop over and pay them a visit. And don't forget to let them know that a 'crafty girl' sent you :)

Creative Juice- Looking for party inspiration? Creative Juice is the blog for ideas, photos, tips, tricks and tutorials to make your next event incredible. Mindy Starr, the owner of Creative Juice, has the most incredible ideas for making parties special and enjoyable. Recent posts on her blog include a great "DIY tutorial" for french  macarons. Yummy and beautiful! Find her on facebook or browse through her blog.

North Texas Kids- A fabulous online magazine for families. North Texas Kids is committed to bringing you the best parenting tips, resources, experts and information on events, parties, ideas, crafts and kids activities in the metroplex. Check out their great ideas for beating the heat this summer.

 Rubee Lane- The best spot for daily deals on boutique items. Simply sign up and you will be among the first to snatch up the cutest boutique gifts at deep discounts. Items range from unique kids clothes to washi tape, camera strap covers to hair accessories, chic cookies cutters and more! Stop by their facebook page or the website to get your name on the list.

Scentsy with Theresa Peel- Who doesn't love the smell of Scentsy?! Stop by Theresa's website or follow her on facebook for great discounts and the latest product releases. I love the new 'beachy' look of this Scentsy warmer. Perfect for these warm summer months.

"I Love That!"- This blog is my go-to site for 'good hair day' ideas, outfit inspiration, and great home decor tips. Jordin, the author of "I Love That", makes style look easy! Follow Jordin's journey in living a chic life while balancing motherhood, a busy toddler, and a budget. Jordin is a personal friend of mine, and the strength and grace she has shown while undergoing chemotherapy for a recent cancer diagnosis is truly inspiring. Stop by her blog or find her on facebook.


SouthlakeMoms.com- The premier site for busy moms . This website that is both informative and entertaining.  Each day you will find interesting articles by local contributors, links at your fingertips to information you need, plus AMAZING GIVEAWAYS that are exclusive only to SouthlakeMoms.com. This month, check out this chance to win a party at NRH2O.

Kelly's Kids by Holly Smith- The fall catalog preview is here! Take a moment to see what is coming up for the next season. Book your party now and earn clothing for your little ones. And make sure to follow along on facebook, Holly posts lots of 'steals on deals' that you won't want to miss. New for fall, purple zebra print!!


Kristie Mills Photography- Kristie Mills has been busy! Newborn, young children and family sessions are what Kristie does best. She has a way of preserving those unique moments in time you want to remember forever. Stop by her facebook page to see the beautiful images Kristie has been capturing and contact her now to book your session.


Interested in seeing your business here? Email me a craftytexasgirls.com for sponsor opportunities.
Have a great weekend!
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