504 Main by Holly Lefevre: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Where's Holly?

Hey all!

I have been busy decoupaging and painting and creating "make and takes" for DecoArt at the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show in Los Angeles.

So...This is a case of..."You think you are going to have more time that you actually do!" I was expecting to come to the hotel after the conference and chill out catch up on Tickled Pink...begin posting my 6 latest Projects...maybe, not so much...I may be just a little tired at the end of the day, just maybe.

The show has been busy, I have been busy, and there have been so many wonderful products I have seen, and I have met some great people ...I have so much to tell and share...but alas, at this point, I have taken zero photos! And what fun is a post without photos!?

Tomorrow I will be soaking it all up again and gathering some more scoop!

And, in case you are wondering, my family can survive without me {gasp!}. The nerve! Thy even manages to complete a big ole book report - and hubby had to break out some of the scrapbooking tools! I really needed a photo of that!

Thanks for hanging in there!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 38...Part 1...Just the Linky

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...

a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...

whatever makes your blog fabulous!

That is what Tickled Pink is all about!

{and it does not have to be PINK}

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So, yeah...this is just the linky...I have been WAY OVER THE TOP BUSY {as so many of us are on a daily basis} getting ready to head out of town - all- by - myself! You all know, there is so much to do when you are leaving the kids and you are the one who typically manages it all!

OK, enough...I plan on getting up the highlights over the weekend...

and hopefully, one day, maybe back on track!

I also apologize for not getting back to people yet...

I TRULY APPRECIATE your comments and emails. THANK YOU!

AND ONE MORE THING!

Soon, very soon, this blog will look a lot different...so stay tuned!
{Can you tell I am excited!}

Want to be Tickled Pink? Don't be shy!

Nominate a product/person/idea/recipe/your own blog to be featured, simply email me!

It is cool to nominate yourself! I am only one person and blogland is ginormous...I would love your input...I know there are amazing finds out there that I have not seen!

PINK RULES

1. Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? You post does not have to be PINK!!

2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, NOT YOUR MAIN URL****

3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}. You can grab a button over there on the sidebar!

4. I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.

5. Visit the 3 links above you.

6. *It would be great if you were a follower or subscriber {*wink*}

7. By linking here you are providing permission to feature your post {along with a link to your blog/post}. Additionally, photos appearing here are copyrighted and property of the respective blogs featured.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Quickie Announcement!

I am getting ready to head to L.A. for the Craft and Hobby Association Show (CHA) and have underestimated how much I actually do around this house! My MIL is coming to help my hubby and Joe and Jules promise to be good (and they will be) but man oh man - I have a lot of stuff in my head that no one else around here knows...so I am busy getting this house in order so that all is well when I return.

That said...here come the announcements!

I am a Guest Star at Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom today. Just Suzy and Tom Selleck and I. I wore my special Tom Selleck button all day in honor of the occasion and if I disappear, Tom and I have gone out for coffee! See ya!

Also...

I will do Tickled Pink like I did last week...the linky will go up at the usual time late Thursday night, but the spotlights will be posted over the weekend.

And just a little more....

Some crafts and DIY will be popping up...I have been busy finishing up about 7 new projects!

And...

I will be blogging about all the fun at the CHA!

And...
I am getting a whole new look here...so watch out...it is FABULOUS!

See ya later! I am packing and hanging with the kids and giving them lots of extra hugs...instead of blogging! Could this be the beginning of a more balance blog/life...nah!

Monday, January 24, 2011

The DIY Club: Life and Home Winter 2011 eZine is HERE!

We have been working hard at The DIY Club to get our latest ezine up and happening...and it is up NOW! So go on and take a peek...there is great stuff in there!

I am also working on the next issue, due out Mid March...

do you have something DIY-ish to share?

A great piece of information?

A tip? A recipe?

Bring it on!

Click to launch the full edition in a new window

Self Publishing with YUDU

While you are at it...go take a peek at the January Top Ten..and then get thinking for February! Come on people there are FABULOUS prizes oh yeah and new rules for entering!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 37...Part 2...Highlights and Link Up

WOW! 111 links already...you guys are on fire in January!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...

a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...

whatever makes your blog fabulous!

That is what Tickled Pink is all about!

{and it does not have to be PINK}

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First thanks for bearing with me this weekend.
Finally the spotlights are here!

I am Tickled Pink because

I went shopping for 3 hours all alone and I had my eyebrows done at the Benefit Brow Bar and oh man it feels good!

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The Cub Scout Pinewood derby was today and Joe and hubby worked very hard on his car and they did well, and just to see his little smile makes me world all good!

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I am considering some changes for Tickled Pink. I consider this to be my creative fix for the week, but in my (continued) effort to simplify and prioritize I need to establish some guidelines as Tickled Pink grows...or Tickled Pink may no longer exist...and I would be sad (not that there are not enough linky in blogworld or anything). I'll figure it out and let you all know.

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Also, next Friday may be crazy...I will probably put the linky up on Friday and the highlight on the weekend...because I am HEADING TO L.A. by myself!

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And now...Tickled Pink!

Click {HERE} for a featured button!

Fun take on a heart wreath from What Allie's Making Now?

Sheer winter perfection from Moore Minutes!

Seriously awesome table transformation at Gracie Green Home!

P.S. Flamingo Toes...we love you!

Homemade baby goodies from Little Eme

TaraDara's beautiful dining room chairs.

Have I ever mentioned I have 1,000,000 magazines...Now Eye SPY DIY shows me what to do with them!

Familiar update on cupcakes to oh so chic from Fudge Ripple (this lady is amazing!)

Squealing delight with Stuff and Nonsense's finds!

Atelier Caroline's beautiful choker

You have to see what Cleverly Inspired did with $81!

Cupcakes Poppers from Crazy Domestic!

Creative repurposeing organizing at Condo Blues

Sesame Noodles from It's a Keeper

Girl in Air makes an Alphabet Wall

Unexpected Valentines from Protodoom

Pretty dub's has some pretty fabric flowers.

Describe Happy hits the nail on the head here

Saving Money and Living Life has some colorful bean dip!

Seal glass jewelry from Dobermans-by-the-Sea

Homemade Naan at The Misadventure of Mrs. B

Creative Passages great coat save and redo

Want to be Tickled Pink? Don't be shy!

Nominate a product/person/idea/recipe/your own blog to be featured, simply email me!

It is cool to nominate yourself! I am only one person and blogland is ginormous...I would love your input...I know there are amazing finds out there that I have not seen!

PINK RULES

1. Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? You post does not have to be PINK!!

2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, NOT YOUR MAIN URL****

3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}. GRAB a button on the sidebar over there!

4. I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.

5. Visit the 3 links above you.

6. *It would be great if you were a follower or subscriber {*wink*}

Friday, January 21, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 37...Part 1...The Link

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...

a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...

whatever makes your blog fabulous!

That is what Tickled Pink is all about!

{and it does not have to be PINK}
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Too Much

Well, so just yesterday I had a post called Too Much? Well, that was about the kids and families schedules...but guess what? Today, rather this week, I have too much! So...I am posting the tickled pink linky right NOW! I have only made it through maybe half the link ups form last week...and just cannot imagine racing through all of your awesome ideas just to get it up tonight...So, I will post the highlights (and linky) again Friday p.m. Yes, I will be torturing you by making you come visit me again if you want to see the highlights...sorry!

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Do you LIKE My Facebook Page?

Do I ask too much of you all? Don't answer that...I have decided to pay attention to the 504 Main Facebook Page...will you pretty please go like me over there (click on the link of on the "F" on the right. If you have a page, leave me a comment...I will "like" you too!

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Before I go...

A HUGE, BIG thank yo to Design It Chic!

If you have not been over there you must go. I was having a little bloggy trouble and knew just where to go...all is well and I have peace of mind. Design It Chic is an amazing resource as well...TONS of tutorials to help us make our blogs better!

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DIY CLUB

DIY Club eZine coming early next week! Watch out good stuff is happening - new rules, fab new bloggers ave joined the team.
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Next Week

Not sure what will happen with tickled pink next week. I wil be busy getting the house, the frig, the b'day party presents, the sporting equipment, the guest bedroom and the schedules in order for my trip to the Craft and Hobby Assoc. Show in L.A.

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Catch ya tomorrow night for highlights!

Want to be Tickled Pink? Don't be shy!

Nominate a product/person/idea/recipe/your own blog to be featured, simply email me!

It is cool to nominate yourself! I am only one person and blogland is ginormous...I would love your input...I know there are amazing finds out there that I have not seen!

PINK RULES

Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? You post does not have to be PINK!!
PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}. GRAB a button on the sidebar over there!
I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
Visit the 3 links above you.
*It would be great if you were a follower or subscriber {*wink*}
By linking here you are providing permission to feature your post {along with a link to your blog/post}. Additionally, photos appearing here are copyrighted and property of the respective blogs featured.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Writers Workshop: Too Much?

I am always perplexed, mystified, and baffled at how we, as a family, fit so many things into our daily lives. I think about this often. I think about the activities my kiddos are in and then I think about what I did as a kid. I was able to entertain myself...I drew and drew and designed and crafted...I played one sport and did my school work. I did not have my days planned.

Joe's schedule alone keeps me on my toes: a rotation of soccer, basketball and baseball, Cub Scouts, after school classes...I cannot even tell you how happy I am to say karate is "no more" in this house. Then there is regular school work, homework, and special projects. Trying to find the time to fit in "down time" is down right difficult. I have many days when I just want to say, "Pick one thing...one activity. That is it." Then on the other hand I want them to be able to experience all they can, but is it too much?

He has asked for music lessons, but really? When? I know some of this anxiety, this pressure to fit it all in comes from me...I really wanted to take acting classes and piano lessons and a few other things when I was younger and did not. Did I miss my calling? I do not want him to miss his. I want him to experience all there is to offer in this world, but not overwhelm him at the same time.

Yesterday was a reminder (I need those every know and then) about how much fun we can have if we are all just together doing simple things at home. Of course the kids helped me sort, sand, and paint things...hey...no judging...a little diying is good for everyone! Then we made dinner together and settled down for bed. I wish for more days like this...but alas most afternoons are filled with (self-imposed) back-and-forths to a sport or activity or an errand related to a future activity.

I typically manage all of this craziness in my head, but now, as I prepare to take off next week - by myself - and leave the kids at home with hubby and my mother in law, I have to write it down and it all comes to a head: birthday parties, baseball tryouts, basketball games (x 2 Jules plays too)...as I make a schedule I am reminded again of the complexities of our schedules...and I am reminded that I am their example.

Ultimately how do I expect my kiddos to just be when I have trouble just being - they see me blogging, crafting, running around with them, writing book proposals, making dinner, cleaning the house (sometimes), putting them to bed...they know I go to bed at 2 am. So do I think they are over scheduled?...Yes. Am I over scheduled?...Yes. We have made these decisions , but have we gone too far? Not far enough? Where does it all stop?

I need to reteach myself in order to teach them. I need to break the cycle of constant business. I need to be able to let the kids be...just be. To play with each other to dance around the living room to Camp Rock or Taylor Swift. I need to be able to join in with them...these times will pass too quickly...they already have. I need to be able to walk away from the computer and lay on the grass and look at clouds...to walk slowly on the sand instead of carrying Jules because her little legs cannot take such big steps.

So, now I ask you...are your kids over-scheduled? Do you have a plan for this? Do you have rules for activities? I am not in over my head yet...but that is because Jules is only 3 1/2!

P.S. Now, I hesitated to write this, mainly because most of this is my own doing. I am not blind to that. So, please be kind in the comments (pretty please).

From Writer's Workshop...Prompt #3: It has been said that kids these days are pushed into too many extra-curricular activities and are not given the freedom to play and be bored and to use their imaginations. Is this true?

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Let's Eat! Parmesan Pull Apart Loaf

About 1001 years ago when I did not cook, I had dinner at a family friends house and she made this bread. I LOVED it! I asked for the recipe (even though did not cook), and when she gave it to me I almost fainted...it took up the front and back of a recipe card...how was I supposed to make that? (I just used the sarcasm font, in case you are wondering.)

Soon, I actually tried it...it was a hit. Every time I make it I am asked for the recipe...and guess what it doesn't seem hard anymore.

Um, yes, my photo is L-A-M-E...but trust me, the bread is NOT!

My father in law was in town for the weekend and we had more family over and I decided to make this...and then realized...Wholly Cow...this is something I have not blogged about...so here ya go...

(Oh yeah...this is not on the Cinch plan!)

Oh, one more thing...this bread has an official title...so I will give you the real recipe and then share my variation.

Prosciutto Parmesan Pull Apart Loaf

(Prosciutto optional)

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. Prosciutto (edited 1/19....never blog too late at night...you forget things)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (or more depending on your taste) chopped fresh basil
1 Loaf of French or Italian Bread (I use the inexpensive bread the grocery store bakes daily...usually right by the check out lanes)

NOTES:

*More often than not I make this bread without Prosciutto...and sometimes without the Parmesan...I just use the Basil)

*You may use dried basil, but start with about 1 1/2 Tablespoons and adjust to you liking.

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Combine butter, chopped basil, prosciutto, and Parmesan in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. With a bread knife (or serrated knife), cut the bread - BUT NOT ALL THE WAY THROUGH - on the diagonal. Try for 12 slices.

4. Spread half the mixture into the 12+/- slices.

5. Turn/Twist the loaf around and make another set of diagonal cuts - again NOT ALL THE WAY THROUGH - criss-crossing the first cuts.

6. Spread the remaining mixture in these slices
7. Place loaf on a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap the foil halfway up the sides of the bread.
8. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You will be able to see the crust turn golden and the melted butter.
9. Remove from oven, place on a pretty platter and serve...guests just reach in and PULL IT APART!

This is a crowd-pleaser! Thanks to the ladies at preschool for helping me eat this loaf!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 36

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...

a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...

whatever makes your blog fabulous!

That is what Tickled Pink is all about!

{and it does not have to be PINK}

*************************

I am Tickled Pink because...

I am beyond tickled pink...beyond excited...I will trekking to L.A. without any children (although I will miss them about 2 seconds after I leave) to work with DecoArt at the Craft and Hobby Association Show. I am giddy! I do love my DecoArt products and through my DIY Club hi-jinks, and DecoArt I get to be a part of this show. I will actually be demoing a make-n-take of a mixed media project (designed by someone else). This is an amazing opportunity and I am so excited!

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Do you LIKE My Facebook Page?

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Need a nudge getting organized (I do!) Visit Domestically-Speaking for some tips!

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And now...Tickled Pink!

Click {HERE} for a featured button!

I missed my buddy AJ at Simple Sweet Inspirations and she is back at it...this post I might be one of those moms...but at least I am aware. I just thought it was brilliant and eye opening. Go read it.
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Super Mario Bros. Star - my son would love this, from Little Eme

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King Cake tradition with Rook No. 17 (and not just because my Jules found the baby this year)

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Baking with kiddos and pretty sugar cookies from Flexible Dreams

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Paint chip art from Christine and Co.

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Pretty stained glass effect from Suzy's Artsy-Craftsy Sitcom

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Organizing the magazine stash at Random Thoughts of a Supermom

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Love pots from My Lips Will Glorify You

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The Elephant's Trunk dresses up some candles

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Upcycled containers for organizing at Yesterday on Tuesday

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Dessert Quesadillas from Inside Bru-Crew Life

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I want this tool! Thanks for showing it to me My Repurposed Life!

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Cool technique for embossing wood at Frou Fru Gal

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Displaying family photos at Shine Your Light

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Red Couch Recipes does it again...with donut snowmen!

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Sweet little Octopus outfit from Flamingo Toes

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Cool way to make apothecary jars from A Diamond in the Stuff

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Magnetic solution for spices from Hallelujahs by Holly

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Sweet Nothings began with soup and cornbread and then made me smile with some fab quotes.

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Life is a Party has some adorable felt food

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Cat on a Limb dressed up an old hutch and turned it into a play kitchen

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So, here the broken record part of the post...still trying to figure out a system for visiting you all. I did visit every link. If you linked up more than 1 project, I tried to comment on at least one. If you commented on the post, you got a comment back no matter what. I'll get this all figured out!

You all rock!
I'll have another small giveaway next week!

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Want to be Tickled Pink? Don't be shy!

Nominate a product/person/idea/recipe/your own blog to be featured, simply email me!

It is cool to nominate yourself! I am only one person and blogland is ginormous...I would love your input...I know there are amazing finds out there that I have not seen!

PINK RULES

Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? You post does not have to be PINK!!
PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}. GRAB a button on the sidebar over there!
I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
Visit the 3 links above you.
*It would be great if you were a follower or subscriber {*wink*}
By linking here you are providing permission to feature your post {along with a link to your blog/post}. Additionally, photos appearing here are copyrighted and property of the respective blogs featured.