christabaca

Never Alone

2011-12-09T21:15:00.005-06:00

To every lonely heart,

Your heart may ache tonight.

You may feel alone.

Lost. Hurt. Broken.

Like no one cares or no one sees you.

I hope to remind you of this one thing tonight; you are not alone.

He is with you.

Much closer than you think.

Emmanuel.

Meaning, "God with us."

He sees you today.

You are not forgotten.

Last January I had the chance to visit an orphanage in Haiti full of children who were rescued child slaves. I told those sweet children about the darkest day of my life...when I wept and no one heard. I told them about how I thought that I was nothing...not even worthy to keep living.

Before I left that day I hugged one of the girls and I just felt my heart whisper, "Don't let go until she does." That sweet, lonely child hugged me and would not let go. We embraced for twenty minutes or so. I stroked her hair and rocked her and told her she was lovely and beautiful and wonderful. I don't know about you; but I have never been so lonely that I willingly hugged a stranger for twenty minutes. Friend, perhaps we don't know what true loneliness is.

Months later, I stood on a boat in Cambodia on the Mekong River. On the boat with me were seventy-five women who made their living selling their bodies for sex. That night I told them my story. They wept. Even though our lives are so different, that night we found a common ground. The heart can be a lonely place, it longs to feel a sense of belonging...of being wanted, needed, and most of all loved.

Today, you may find your heart ring hollow... Empty. Lonely. Hurting.

Dear one, you are not alone.

God came to earth and that's what Christmas is all about.

Open your heart to Him.

He is with you.

Freebie! Home sweet home printable

2011-05-25T12:18:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I have made anything free- and it's about time! Drum roll please.... Check out the "Home sweet home" printable! If you print it off I would LOVE to see how you used it! Feel free to repost... it is a great joy as an artist to see people spread the love!

Click here for the download!

DIY: make antique book decorations

2011-05-24T13:00:00.005-05:00

This is my latest obsession: deconstructed antique books. I made these for my home office redo.

Here is a video tutorial (my first!) on how you make these little beauties!

Untitled from christa Baca on Vimeo.

I would love to see if you make these! Don't forget our book discussion starts tomorrow if you want to join in the conversation.

Book Discussion

2011-05-23T10:38:00.004-05:00

Hey readers! Want to join in with me and a few friends for a book discussion? The book is "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and It's All Small Stuff." By Dr. Richard Carlson. The chapters are very short (just a few hundred words) Here is a sample:

Each day we will read a chapter and we can all comment on our thoughts. I am hosting the book discussion on my Facebook page. Here is the link to my facebook page. We start wednesday... I would love for you to join in on the discussion!

The art of being happy

2011-05-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

You may not have it all. Chances are you don't. However, compared to the rest of the world you have it awesome. A few weeks ago I spent a very cold night outdoors. The non-profit I started hosts an event called Orphan for a Night where we raise funds for the most destitute of orphans- the abandoned and homeless. The whole theme for the evening is to spend one night in their reality- but the honest truth was most of us were headed home to get some "good sleep" in our beds. Yet, for many around the world this is the reality that they face... Check out Global Rich list and you can see where you live compared to most of the world. Most likely- you are blessed beyond measure.

I know blogging is all about beautiful things and finding sources of inspiration- but in our quest to find things that are beautiful let us not ungratefully overlook our own life- which is indeed beautiful.

Everyday Greg comes home from work and Zion and I throw a party. We run up to the door, cheer, shout and yell. Greg rests from the day for a few minutes and I put dinner on the table. After dinner we all play. It is true beauty and one of the most joyous moments of my day. Comment below and tell me something "ordinary" in your life that you can extract happiness from... sharing it will inspire others to see happiness in their ordinary.

fish braid

2011-05-20T22:15:00.002-05:00

Image

I have been loving the fish braid. Free people has a great tutorial on this:

Here is how to make the rainbow one!

Chalk Obsession

2011-05-20T22:03:00.005-05:00

So my husband Greg laughs at me. I admit it. I am obsessed. I love chalk paint. This is my latest creation:I spray painted a 1970's framed print. Yup, spray painted the whole thing! I like the thick molding on this frame and I thought it would be fun to be able to add cute dashes and chalk all around it.

You are a classy Lady

2011-05-20T22:00:00.003-05:00

Image: We Heart It

It was Coco Chanel who said, "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." I am often reminded of this when I come in contact with ladies who seem to be lacking in the fundamental elements of class. I asked several of my girlfriends what it means to be a classy lady and the words they used over and over were: "graceful, poised, kind, beautiful, able to handle tough situations with kindness."

I think as women we can all use a little more classiness- after all, isn't that what being fabulous is all about?

Happy travels

2011-05-20T21:58:00.003-05:00

Image: We Heart It

No matter where you go in life, this is the quote that puts the journey in perspective. Travel along my dears, but don't forget that it is the days that add into weeks, the weeks to months, and the months to years. How we live each day matters.

Little Happiness in a Jar

2011-05-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

Snagged this tiny little pot, threw some moss on it and whitewashed it with a little craft paint. I used a toothpick to make the flag and hand wrote "Happy" with sharpies fine tip marker. The glass bell finishes the look. Easy to make and super cheap!

Bird Ring

2011-05-19T21:19:00.002-05:00

A little hot glue, a trip to the wedding section at Hobby Lobby and voila! My latest creation- the bird ring!

So, anyone who's been pregnant before knows that (even after a year) if you start to gain a little weight, your stomach looks like a california raisin all over again! In order to motivate myself to get walking Zion and I have been strapping on the baby backpack and hiking our way to various nearby stores. My favorite is Hobby Lobby which is about a three mile walk. Zion loved the bird and (call me snow white) I loved the idea of a bird perched on my hand!

What I am wearing

2011-05-09T07:06:00.005-05:00

I LOVE that everything old is new again. This look I made was inspired by the old "Swatch watch" layering. It's kind of a new take on an old idea. I picked up these watches for a few bucks at an antique shop and wrapped them with a watch that has a stretchy band that I picked up for $10 at Walmart.

My boys

2011-05-09T06:58:00.003-05:00

Who would have thought that being a mom would bring me so much joy? My sweet Zion is the light of my life and Greg and I have enjoyed being able to show him the world. He has such an amazing passion for life already, such determination and so much creative talent. I love you Zion, thanks for making me a momma and to my dear husband Greg, thank you for eight amazing years. (We celebrate our marriage anniversary today)

My darling Greg, you have made all my dreams come true; the greatest of all which was loving and being loved by you.

Nostalgic "Milk" glasses from starbucks frappichino jars

2011-05-05T13:50:00.003-05:00

I was wanting to pick up some of those old time milk glasses for my Saturday Family Brunches. I was scouring the thrift stores and antique shops and then inspiration struck me like a bolt of caffeine! The perfect "milk" jar was sitting in my fridge. I peeled the label off, used some goo gone to get the residue off, added a plastic striped straw and voila! Breakfast is served!

Don't forget about Mom!

2011-05-04T16:36:00.000-05:00

Mothers day is just around the corner and I wanted to remind you about a make a special card I designed for you to give your momma. On her special day lets take a moment to make her feel like a million bucks. Take a moment and reflect on all of the little things that she has done to make your life what it is today.

I have been blessed to have mom's on both sides of my family who love and believe in me. (My mom and my mother-in-law.) I am so grateful for their love and influence in my life. I know that our mom's always hold a special place in our heart; so tell me about yours. What makes her the one-of-a-kind gem that she is?

Click here for your card!
{Feel free to repost and share the love!}

Coffee Cup Chronicles

2011-04-27T12:13:00.002-05:00

Are you one of those lucky people who has friends scattered around the globe? It's easier than ever to stay in contact with these special people but when my dear friends are across the globe I find it hard to keep that creative connection with them.

I have a few friends who I swap constant inspiration with who are getting ready to make big changes in their life geographically. I recently invited them over for bunch and we started a creative way to keep in touch and we call it "The Coffee Cup Chronicles".

Photo Credit By KTO

I gave each of my friends a coffee cup and it was with the agreement that they would take a picture of themselves once a week with their cup, no matter where they are in the world and load it to our facebook page and tag one another in it.

Now- I am giving away these two beautiful coffee cups to the 30th lucky reader who comments below. You and your friend can join in the fun and think of each other over a cup of tea or java! You can comment as many times as you want!

Contest ends today at 2:00 CST

DIY Earring Holder

2011-04-22T21:39:00.004-05:00

Behold, the vintage shutter. A.K.A.-- earring holder.

Picked this beauty up for about $3 at a local antique dealer. I knew exactly what to do with it when I bought it- earring holder. I kept it as-is with it's well worn scrapes and bruises, that is of course the beauty of buying antique. Although, I made one modification- I hot glued one of the shutters so that it wouldn't flip down when I hung my heavy earrings on it.

This is one of those five min projects that you can do to add a little spruce to your earring displays. You could also replace the knob or hot glue a vintage cameo or button over the current knob.

My previous "earring organization" was a couple of cardboard jewelry boxes. But sweet earrings like this shouldn't be thrown in a cardboard box! They deserve the royal treatment.

Definitely a fun project to do over the weekend. Your earrings have been waiting for this kind of treatment!

Cookies and Milk

2011-04-22T21:30:00.002-05:00

I told Greg I would make him cookies and milk and I thought I would make it extra special. It's the little details that make the difference!

Saint Pattys Day Scavenger Hunt

2011-03-17T08:41:00.001-05:00

If you know me, then you know that I LOVE traditions. What child didn't beg their parents to chase the rainbow to find the leprechaun and his elusive pot of gold? For those who never found it, I have made a scavenger hunt print off that you can use for your Saint Patricks day traditions.

Tie a string to this printable and trail it around the house. At the end - have of the pot of gold- a present, some chocolate covered golf coins etc.

Click here to download your printable!

I leave you with an Irish Blessing:

May you always have walls for the winds,

a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,

laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,

and all your heart might desire.

Drawers as decor

2011-03-10T14:43:00.003-06:00

Two of the girls at the non-profit my husband and I founded made these adorable drawers into some amazing decor! They picked up knobs from anthro and purchased the drawers for $2 each. Add some chalk paint and a little pizazz and voila! Something amazing happens!

Baby food jars as tealights

2011-03-05T20:03:00.003-06:00

I started saving my baby food jars and have been using them as tea light holders.

Bubble baubles

2011-03-01T23:53:00.003-06:00

My dear friend Lindsey who works at our non profit gointernational.tv had this cute bubble vase sitting on her desk today.

You can get a table top vase like hers for a couple of bucks at Walmart and she picked up the bubbles at the dollar tree. I'm thinking I need to make one like this for home. My little Zion would love it!!

It's been a while since I've blogged, I know. Life has been busy! I Would love to hear from my faithful readers of any of you are still out there! Take a quick sec and say hello!

Xoxo
Cb

Zions Room

2010-07-23T11:32:00.020-05:00

My son Zion just celebrated five months the other day and I figured it was high time to post some room pics! I kind of made my own theme up (surprise, surprise) which I like to call "Parisian Carnival". I wanted to make a nursery that was bright and cozy- something that we could fill with many happy memories. My Dad came down from Massachusetts and helped me get all the wood working done. Here are some of the before pictures- and here is how they did the wood working.

I looked everywhere for the "perfect" chair. I had a few criteria for choosing the chair. I wanted it to be comfy and a rocker- and of course stylish and cheap too! I had my heart set on a Pottery Barn chair- but with shipping it would be close to $1,500 which was WAY out of my budget. That was more like what I was hoping to spend doing Zions entire room. We found this chair at a local shop called Peek a Boo. I really wanted a white chair and I know everyone thought I was CRAZY for getting one. The chair that I bought has this amazing fabric and on the first day I had it in the room I got rust in the bottom of the chair. I wiped it with a damp cloth and it came right off! Amazing!

My next challenge was bedding. How does anyone afford custom bedding? The fabrics I was looking at started at around $650 USD. That was for the "cheap" ones too! There was just NO way that I could afford that in my budget, nor could I justify spending that much either. So instead I got creative.

For Zions bed skirt we found this adorable striped fabric from a store called Calicos. For his bumper I purchased a $30 Carters brand from Babies R Us. Then I found this see-through ribbon fabric from Jo Annes. I brought all of this to my amazing seamstress Vi-Vi and she put all my plans together. I had her line the carters bumper with my ribbon fabric and she tailored the skirt for me.

To finish off the look I made tissue paper flags that I hung from the bed. The flags will be short lived I'm sure. I know that I will have to remove them once Zion starts really moving around.

For Zions closet I wanted things to be functional and cute. We used the closet maid storage cubes to create different sections in his closet.

For Zions furniture I found this beautiful dresser at my local salvation army. It was in tip top shape. I was completely inspired by Holly from "In the Fun Lane" and decided to paint over it with a fresh coat of paint. So, I hired my buddy Dodge o spray over the whole thing and also the gilded mirror that is above the dresser. The room is very tiny so I opted to double the dresser as a changing table too.

I had found this gilded frame seen below while antiquing one day and took it home despite it's giant chip in the corner. With a little paint and some "chalk paint" it found a new home in little Z's room.

This $5 chandelier has been so many different colors. When I bought it, it was a light grey. I had it sprayed a shiny black and now it is a lovely white. We made tiny little tissue paper flags on string and bought the ornate piece to mount it to the ceiling.

My Mom and I scoured the globe looking for the perfect shelf that would be secure enough to put in a baby room and we found the perfect one at Pottery Barn. The shelf anchors to the wall and it super secure. The "Z" I bought at a craft store- it's actually made of paper. I used silver foil paint to give it the look like the galvanized ones I loved at Anthro.

It was so much fun to be able to decorate this room for my son. I loved just dreaming about what my little boy would be like. Now, knowing him, his room suits him so well and he loves being in it. As his mom, it was my great joy to be able to create it for him.

To read more about Zion check out his blog at Zionbaca.com

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T21:31:00.001-05:00

Our son Zion Baca

Valentines day present

2010-02-08T09:41:00.005-06:00

Since we know that our little son is about to make his first appearance in just a few short days, Greg and I decided to celebrate Valentines day a little early, just to be on the safe side. For this holiday I decided to make him a little book called "fav". Inside it is a collection of some of our favorite memories together thus far in our life. The entire project was less than $5 to make, which is about the same price as a card and a lot more personal! Check out the final piece:

Italy Pics

2010-02-01T08:02:00.003-06:00

It's been a few months now, but I forgot to post pics of our Italy trip here. Here are a few of our favorite pics from our trip to Italy. Greg and I wanted to have one last adventure, just the two of us before we welcomed our little son into the world. It was such a wonderful time together... memories that I am sure we will hold in our hearts forever.

DIY: Bakers twine

2010-01-28T19:17:00.003-06:00

I love bakers twine- but it's price tag is kind of pricey. This tutorial from My favorite color is shiny, comes at the perfect time as Valentines day is just around the corner... Click here for instructions on how to make your own bakers twine.

New Years Letter 2010

2009-12-30T16:17:00.005-06:00

Since the year 2001 I have written a letter to myself every New Years to be read the following year. It is a wonderful, quaint tradition in which I am magically surprised about how "right on" I was the previous year about the direction I felt my life was heading. I always like to start my letters by saying, "What wonders this new year will hold, if only you knew then what you know now..." It's kind of like a time capsule of sorts- peering into the future and describing what we see there. Some of my friends have adopted this tradition and it has been a moving experience for them. One said, "It was one of the most crazy, life changing, amazing things I have ever done. When I read the letter to myself, I couldn't help but cry. I had done everything that I had hoped."

I like to close each letter to myself with ten wishes that I hope for the coming year. It may be things like; I wish I would become a more peaceful person or I wish that I would look back on this year and be pleased. These are not so much "goals" (I do write those up every year) but more attributes that I hope when I look back on the passing of a year that I would have amassed into my character.

This is a wonderful tradition to incorporate in your New Years traditions, and to help spur you on I have designed some fab stationary you can print off to begin your own New Years Letter. I made two different versions this year as I always have requests from the gents to not make things girly. Here is what they both look like:

Click Here to download and enjoy!

I would love to hear from some of you who did this last year and see what your thoughts were when you read your letter!

Really great book!

2009-12-30T12:05:00.002-06:00

Ever feel super cluttered? I am in the "nesting" stage right now of pregnancy so I am just clearing out all the clutter in my life. I ran into this book the other day and it is a like a breath of fresh air! The author has a great workbook that you can download for free on throwoutfiftythings.com. I do recommend getting the book though, it has some insightful info that will inspire you.

An excerpt from the book:

THE RULES OF DISENGAGEMENT:

#1. If it—the thing, the belief or conviction, the memory, the job, even the person—weighs you down, clogs you up, or just plain makes you feel bad about yourself, throw it out, give it away, sell it, let it go, move on.

#2. If it (see above!) just sits there, taking up room and contributing nothing positive to your life, throw it out, give it away, sell it, let it go, move on. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Throwing out what’s negative helps you rediscover what’s positive.

#3. Don’t make the decision—whether to toss or keep it—a hard one. If you have to weigh the pros and cons for too long or agonize about the right thing to do, throw it out.

#4. Don’t be afraid. This is your life we’re talking about. The only one you’ve got for sure. You don’t have the time, energy or room for physical or psychic waste.

Here's a link to the book:

Lony online mag

2009-12-14T07:44:00.006-06:00

Ready for a fun read? Check out Lony magazine, it's a free online magazine. It's only their second edition, but it has a lot of really cute things in it. On a side note, I am dying to know what font they used in this photo shown above. Lot's of other cute things inside the mag... take a gander here to read.

I don't know about you; but I think online magazines are where everything is headed. Do you have any favorite online reads?

FREEBIE: ITUNES christmas music sampler

2009-12-12T09:26:00.002-06:00

It's free just this week, so download quickly friends! Itunes is offering a free Christmas music sampler. From Weezer to Amy Grant, this is the perfect music to get you in the holiday spirit and complete some of those Christmas projects you've been meaning to do! Get to downloading here.

Too easy!!

2009-12-04T07:57:00.003-06:00

This looks super yummy and only takes about ten minutes of prep time! You won't believe it but this is made from ice cream sandwiches!

It think it's time for a party... I may try making this with a little raspberry sauce in between layers. (I am allergic to raspberries but I know my husband would LOVE it!) Get the recipe from Real Simple here

So, where have I been?

2009-12-04T07:51:00.002-06:00

(Greg and I last week in Italy 7 months pregnant)

So, my last blog took place in June... I went on a trip and I never came back! Actually, what happened is I went to Panama and found out that I was pregnant! For some reason I just couldn't blog. It wasn't that I couldn't find inspiration or things to blog about, it was just that I was so BUSY and so TIRED and then so NAUSEOUS and then so BUSY! So now, I find myself 29 weeks pregnant and not having blogged in quite a while.

So, when I started my blog I wanted it to be a place where I could catalog inspiration and showcase creativity and projects that I enjoyed doing in my own life. So, even though it may not be a consistent as before I think I would like to start blogging about my creativity again.

The week has gotten away with me

2009-06-15T08:31:00.004-05:00

Ahhhhh!! I have so many things to post! I made a cute downloadable party favor for you- I just haven't had ANY time to post! Blogging is a fun hobby of mine, and I try to be faithful to post regularly- there are just a few days a year that no matter HOW HARD I try- with the business, the non-profit, the humanitarian projects, the internship and the laundry-- there is NO free time. I know excuses, excuses. Wasn't it Ben Frankin who said, "He who is good at making excuses is seldom good at anything else?"

The nice thing is that the other things that I am involved in are very rewarding and I enjoy it very much. I'll try to squeeze in a few posts before I leave to Panama, otherwise you may not hear from me until July. However, you can follow what I and my group are doing in Panama here.

{Photo via here}

One quick thing, and then off to my whirlwind day. I love this little closet office. I once had an office in my closet when I was 13. I had a picture hanging in it and one day my best friend knocked it over and it split my leg open. I begged my family not to take me to the emergency room. I still have a nasty scar on my knee from it.

Have a fab day.

Just booked tickets to...

2009-06-09T07:57:00.002-05:00

Rome!

DIY: Drink Umbrellas

2009-06-05T08:48:00.003-05:00

I was doing my regular blog perusing through my google reader and came across this lovely tutorial posted by jackaroo love (Fun blog, you gotta check it out!) She posted this lovely tutorial from Martha. Click here to read all the "how to's" of this project!

Ah, Martha. How you inspire us! If only we all had time to do all your lovely ideas! By the way, has everyone read her book, The Martha Rules? If you are in business for yourself, or you would like to be- it is an absolute MUST READ!! I picked up a copy on my way to Europe and I couldn't put it down. Here is a link to the book, and I totally suggest snagging one if you haven't read it already!

'Stache Bash: downloadable party and tutorial

2009-06-05T08:43:00.003-05:00

For some reason at our office we have a "beard thing" going. Boys and their beards make me smile, and so will this party:

You can see the rest of the post here and check out tutorials on how to make your own ribbons and even a downloadable mustache scoring card. Thanks again to the lovely Twig and Thistle. They do their part to make the world a more fun and lovely place!

More Grey Interiors

2009-06-05T08:34:00.004-05:00

Been really drawn to interiors with grey colors in them lately. I'm typically not a grey person, my husband doesn't really like it either- but it's fun to look!

Check out the website of designer Heather Bullard here.

{Seen via Tha Hotness}

What about you guys? What decor colors are you drawn to this season?

Freebie: downloadable wedding favor

2009-06-04T06:05:00.000-05:00

Just saw this amazing goodness on style me pretty!

Grey interiors

2009-06-03T21:11:00.000-05:00

{Seen Via Apartment Therapy}

Freebie Cards...for EVERY occasion

2009-06-03T21:06:00.001-05:00

So, do you need a card? Well, look no more. This is your source for every kind of free card! Check out the Stationary Store and start downloading and printing!

Great Hair Tutorial

2009-06-02T08:12:00.002-05:00

Check out this awesome hair tutorial from Cupcakes and Cashmere. In it, writer Emily shows you how to get awesome loose beachy waves in your hair. Here is her "how to's" below:

Freebie: downloadable wedding favor

2009-06-01T07:40:00.002-05:00

Saw this beautiful box from Twig and Thistle on Style Me Pretty. Isn't it lovely? Then again everything that comes from Twig and Thistle always is.

Download yours for free here.

Lovely way to start your Monday

2009-06-01T06:19:00.001-05:00

Ahhhhh... brew some coffee and enjoy. It is wonderful to be alive and to be able to experience such fabulous things such as music like this:

{Seen on the lovely li-la-lo}

Freebie: Lists to help you meet your healthy lifestyle goals!

2009-05-30T23:33:00.010-05:00

I don't know about you, but this time of year I always get motivated to get into shape. Perhaps it is the impending thought of the public appearance my thighs are about to make in my swimsuit- but something about this time of year makes it easier to kick my butt and get moving. So... with that said, I have a present for you!

I made a new list for you called "Health Goals". I created it to help us all get in shape and make good healthy choices. I firmly believe that making small movement in the direction of your goals will add up in BIG ways when done over time! The front of the lists help you tackle the hard stuff: working out, eating those fruits and veggies and saying no to bad things and YES to good things!

The back of the list will let you at a glance see everything that you have eaten that week.

Let's do it guys! Let's get in the best shape of our lives! Who's with me? I will start by declaring to you all what my fitness and food goals are for the week.

Workout Goal: 6 times a week, at least 20 minutes a day. It doesn't have to be all in one work out. (Meaning I can lift weights for 10 minutes in the morning and walk for ten minutes at night after work.) The key is that it just needs to happen sometime.

Eating Goal: Say, "NO" to frappachinos! They are my weakness guys! That frozen delectable treat...I can't seem to help myself. So, I am only going to say "Yes" twice a week this week.

I hope that these lists will jump start you into getting healthier. At the front of my post I was talking about swimsuits- and even though I was joking around about looking good in one (and I know that we all want to!) I really want to encourage you to get healthy for reasons other than superficial ones. Be healthy because this is the one life you have been given. Be healthy so you can run and play with your grandkids. Be healthy because life is short and we should make the most of it.

What about you all? What are your fitness goals? Download your lists here and comment and tell us all what your goals for the week are!

Wow, this is inspiring

2009-05-30T10:05:00.002-05:00

Please watch this-- it will inspire you beyond words.

Sawadee Kha!

2009-05-29T00:00:00.010-05:00

I thought it would be fun to post some photos of this bathroom I saw at the Marriott resort when I was in Thailand in 2008.

I love the exotic elephants, the rocks in the sink, and the yellow glow from the lighting. The one part of this bathroom that I wish you could experience is the lemon grass oil that they had burning. It was so aromatically ammmmmmazing.

{That's me!}

Don't you love to travel and experience the different sights and sounds of other cultures? When Greg and I were staying in Thailand we had the chance to cross off one of our Top 100 and get side by side massages at a resort.

They had vats of rose petals that they washed our feet in, cozy robes and little orchids that they placed in turquoise bowls under our massage table.

If you ever get the opportunity to go to Thailand, make sure you check out the Marriott. Bye-khona-kha! (That's bye-bye In Thai.)

Decor tools from Pottery Barn

2009-05-28T06:49:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite decor catalogs is Pottery Barn. I love perusing it's pages. Did you know that on their website they have all kinds of decorating tips? Everything from picture hanging layouts that you can follow to how to set a proper table. Check out this link to see the hundreds of practical tools you utilize now.

Leaves on the walls

2009-05-27T09:39:00.000-05:00

Have you seen these walls? These leaves are super trendy and oh-so-cute. Check out the rest of the post here on Apartment Therapy.

Some pretty things to look at

2009-05-27T07:23:00.006-05:00

Today seems more like a Monday to me than a Wednesday. I am oh-so-busy today! There is so much to be done for our upcoming Panama trip. This time of year is one of my busiest. I had to take some medicine because I have been fighting some major allergies, so I definitely feel better but allergy meds always make me feel soooo sleepy. I wouldn't mind relaxing in this renovated factory in Melbourne. Doesn't this look so relaxing?

A few more shots of the lovely renovation:

The rest of this post is gratuitous eye candy. Pretty rooms like this make me smile! Lovely bathrooms seen via Brabourne Farm:

Aren't these cute little birds nests?

{Via Decor8's Etsy Take five Tuesday}

Well, my dearlings, I hope that you all have the most lovely of days today! Comment and let me know what your plans are for this wonderful Wednesday that seems more like a Monday to me!

Freebie: Lovely labels

2009-05-27T07:10:00.000-05:00

Some lovely labels from Just something I made. Click here for the download.

It's true!

2009-05-26T06:35:00.001-05:00

{Photo seen via Mika 78 photo from Blow at life}

It's true, I used to be a coke addict. (Relax, Coca- cola, folks.) I drank nothing BUT coke for almost 20+ years. The result? Many days spent feeling sick, tired, sinus infections and skin rashes. It is only now, at age 31 that I am beginning to see a new me emerge. I have been Coca-cola free for almost six years now. It is a wonderful feeling. I would challenge all of you to shake off addictions of any kind and pursue a healthy lifestyle- not so you can be super skinny, but so you can live a long life and enjoy it to the best of your health. Although, people who cut out sugary sweets like soda and candy usually lose an average of 15 pounds. (Nice!)

So what about you? What choices have you made that have improved your overall health? Was it hard? How did you do it? Comment and let us all know!

6 year anniversary present

2009-05-26T06:15:00.000-05:00

This is the gift I made my husband for our six year anniversary. It is a card I hand made and in it I put six words (one for each year) which have a very special meaning to us.

Sisal vase wrap

2009-05-25T14:57:00.001-05:00

My dear sweet husband brought me home three roses last week and I am a stickler for trying to make his gifts last {Read this post if you haven't already}. So, I decided to place a few of the ferns that we usually throw out into some old vintage bottles that I had laying around. Then I spotted a sisal wrapped vase in one of my favorite catalogs and decided to try to make my own. Here are the directions friends on how to make your own sisal wrapped vase.

First: the supplies. Sisal, scissors, and scotch tape.

Next, wrap the sisal one time around the vase and knot. You will need to leave one end with about 6-8 inches of sisal. Tape to hold it into place.

Pull the loose end down to the bottom of the vase and tape.

Continue to wrap the sisal around the vase.

Once you have wrapped the sisal around the middle of the vase and it is the desired thickness that you like, tie the end to the bottom piece of sisal that you taped.

Voila! A lovely table arrangement for you to enjoy! Simple and lovely.

P.S. The flowers that Greg gave me which inspired the post!

Indoor branches

2009-05-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

Love this photo with indoor branches.

{Photo above and below via desire to inspire}

I am a big fan of indoor branches and I have a few placed inside my own home. I found this one while driving. It was just sitting forlornly in a parking lot. I whipped around the corner and popped it in my trunk. {Placed inside my home office}

I snagged these bittersweet branches while driving to work one day. They were growing over a fence. I grabbed a set of clippers and a trash bag and made some lovely thanksgiving decorations with them. Bittersweet will dry and hold their color for about two years. {Photo taken in my living room}

Below is my favorite branch find of all times. We had a big ice storm a few years back and the result was thousands of fallen trees. I grabbed this one in a pile on 91st and Garnette. I just drove over to the side of the road and started rummaging through this pile of branches. I can't explain it, but it was almost like the branch was calling me. (Now I sound a tad bit crazy!) It was the perfect addition to the living room.

Here we come!

2009-05-22T21:24:00.000-05:00

{via I Can Read}

Photo Wall

2009-05-21T08:07:00.000-05:00

Really like the contrast of the grey wall with the white photo frames.

{Seen via alkemie}

DIY Shoes

2009-05-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I spotted this tutorial first on leblahg and these do it yourself petals look so easy to make it got me thinking about making embellishments for shirts, floret pins, and hair pieces. Head on over to the tutorial to get the how to's. Take a minute to look around; it's really cute over there!

Swing time

2009-05-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

What a cute swing from hen and hammock .

Summer time

2009-05-20T08:17:00.000-05:00

Love these breezy curtains that I saw on brabourne farm. (BTW- this is one of my new favorite blogs. You gotta check it out!) These breezy curtains just make this the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fragrant winds of spring!

Fabulous Freebie!

2009-05-20T06:34:00.000-05:00

Check out this lovely download from A Print A Day! Get your free label, note book page and sticker here.

{Seen via One Pretty Thing}

Lovely Laundry

2009-05-19T08:29:00.000-05:00

{Photo's via Apartment Therapy}

Paper Castles

2009-05-19T07:33:00.000-05:00

I would like to live in a tiny castle made of paper.

Check out more wonderful works by Peter Callesen

Party anyone?

2009-05-19T06:47:00.000-05:00

Got a party coming up? Well, here is a fab party invite from Heirloom Paperie. You can download this sweet card for free here.

Reach for the moon

2009-05-18T10:27:00.000-05:00

"Reach for the moon, even if you fail you'll land among the stars..."

Keep dreaming because anything is possible.

{Image via Lennebelle}

Eye Candy

2009-05-18T07:31:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but I had the most wonderful weekend. I felt like I spent the entire time outdoors, which was lovely. (Picnicking, reading in the grass, walking the lake, meandering through the country daydreaming about what it would be like to live there.) To pile blessings atop another- I don't even have to head into the office today! We are preparing for a large trip to Panama which we leave for in less than a month, so we decided to pause all of our office work for one day and float the river with all of our interns. It will be a blast.

Love these light infused looks and just had to share some Monday morning eye candy:

{Seen Via Desire to Inspire}

Check out these tea cups from Mika 78

{ photo: shopscad }

Have a lovely Monday, get lots of work done with a smile on your face! Oh, and comment here and tell me what ya did this weekend!

An apple card freebie!

2009-05-18T06:20:00.000-05:00

You can snag this apple card for free from Creature Comforts. Click here to get your free printable card.

Like this Entryway

2009-05-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

{Via House of Turquoise}

Rompers

2009-05-16T10:18:00.000-05:00

So friends, what do you think about rompers?

Love to hear your thoughts on this fashion trend. I kind of think that they are cute but I never wear shorts cause my legs are so long- shorts can tend to look a little trashy on me. Does anybody have a romper? Would you wear them in public? Talk to me creative readers.

Cold Play Free Album Download

2009-05-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

So good I had to share! You can download the new live album here FOR FREE!!!!!! Get it while you can!

Date Night!

2009-05-15T13:44:00.001-05:00

Anybody who has ever had to plan a date knows that they're not easy to plan. So here's the challenge. Print off one of my date invites and plan a date for your special someone. Tonight I am taking Greg on date and I am going to try to make it cost less than $25. It should be a challenge, but I love any opportunity to get creative!! I will comment on my post later this weekend to let you know what we did. So who's with me? Who will rise to the challenge and plan one amazing and awesome date? Comment and let us know what you did!

Click here to get your date invite that I made for you!

Spring time hair

2009-05-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

Love these spring time hair styles that I saw over at Lillies and Grapes! It was total hair inspiration for me.

The side braid has been making a comeback in the recent months; in fact the last time I saw a look like this I was in grade school. I liked it then and I love it now.

I have been twisting my bangs up and to the side lately and securing them with bobby pins or small clips. I started growing my bangs out a few months ago to make it easier. If you don't have long bangs you can achieve this look with some really strong hair spray. I recommend getting a bottle of got2b for your bang up-do's. The spray will make your hair solid like the coif of an 1980's rock star but without that "wet look". You could ride a roller coaster and your hair would still be in tact; and it's perfect to secure hair that's shorter. Here's my bang twist at a recent photo shoot we did.

The below style combines the messy bun and the side braid.

One trick to getting the messy bun style to really work for you is to make sure that your hair is not freshly washed. Uber clean hair will make it impossible to style. Check out the full post from Lillies and Grapes to read the how you can get these great looks.

Thank you note freebie

2009-05-15T06:03:00.000-05:00

Check out this freebie thank you note from Heirloom papers.

Download here!

What a cute idea!!!

2009-05-15T05:43:00.000-05:00

I love this idea from Oh Hello Friend! Graphic artist Danni Hong made this card which led to an online scavenger hunt for her sweetie. She posted notes, photos and videos online. Creative huh? Get the scoop on how she did it here.

Tranquil Greenery

2009-05-14T06:22:00.000-05:00

Clear glass bottles with a touch of greenery. Simply lovely.

{Seen via Desire to Inspire}

{Seen via Cannelle-vanille}

This makes me want to move

2009-05-14T06:07:00.000-05:00

Saw this on Oh So beautiful Paper made by For Print Only.

Maybe I can send something like this out if they ever get our new offices finished!!

White slide box

2009-05-13T08:16:00.000-05:00

Thought this little box was sweet. It's ready to personalize!

Check out Nice Package's other items here.

Reading

2009-05-13T08:07:00.000-05:00

One of the best vacations I ever had as a single girl was with my good friend Crystal. We both love books, so we brought a stack of our favorites for the other to read, chilled on the most comfy couches and beach loungers and we did nothing at all but read. It was indulgent and fabulous.

I have been in such a reading mode lately. I love when books enrapture me to the point where they beckon me to fall into their pages. Of course you have to find an incredibly written work to do that. Finding time to read is one of my favorite indulgences. Be sure to fill out the new poll on the right side bar and let us all know what your favorite indulgence is.

Summer is closing in on me and I need to get my summer reading list together. So tell me, creative readers! What are your favorite books of all time?

Cute as a...

2009-05-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

Button cookie?

Saw these first on my new friend from Lillies and Grapes. They are so sweet, just like the rest of her blog. Get the recipe here!

Love this closet

2009-05-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

Can someone please come over and organize the top shelf of my closet like this? I love the clips on the baskets!

{Seen via Apartment Therapy}

This made me chuckle.

2009-05-12T06:25:00.000-05:00

I love sarcasm and I thought this was kind of funny.

{Seen via Passive aggressive notes}

Make your own fortune cookies!

2009-05-11T08:17:00.001-05:00

Great post from Inchmark Journal on how to make your own fortune cookies by hand.

Click here for the how to's.

Momz

2009-05-10T22:14:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of my Mom. It was taken just a few months before she met my dad. When I was a little girl I could remember thinking that she looked like an angel in this picture.

My mom is the best. She gave me my first box of crayons, taught me how to read, and swung me for hours on the swing. She taught me that beauty was on the inside; that books were magical, and that the world needs people who care. If you have had the pleasure of meeting her, you know that she would rather answer you with a song than with plain words and that she is really listening to you when she tilts her head to the side.

We like to call her "Ma" and believe it or not, there is actually a mocking bird that lives in a nearby tree in Massachusetts that mimics the sound of all of us kids calling for her. It's true; come over for a cookout in her big backyard and you will hear him call, "Ma! Ma!" Mom is a bird lover to the core, and the birds love her as well. When she wakes, she feeds the birds that live in her backyard; they all perch on the railing of the porch till she rises and then they flutter with excitement upon her rising. As children; she would help us set out clippings of brightly colored yarn for the birds to wind into their nests in spring.

Mom doesn't just care for birds. She has dedicated her life to serving people. There are hundreds of folks who could tell you dozens of stories of things that she has said that has inspired them, helped them, or given them hope. She is wonderful at that.

I sure do love her, and today I think of her and all the other wonderful mothers out there. Happy Mothers Day to all you beautiful moms!! Always remember that being a mom is the most important job on Earth; and your life makes all the difference.

6 years of love!

2009-05-09T06:40:00.000-05:00

Today I celebrate being married to the most wonderful guy I know. We've been married for six years now and together for seven years and I can honestly say that each day it gets better and better! Every year we make an anniversary video chronicling that year of marriage. Check it out!

We are out and about celebrating and enjoying each other this weekend. When we get back I will have to show you some snapshots of a present that I made for him. (I really like the way it turned out!!) Enjoy your weekend everyone!!!

Quiet Please!

2009-05-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Twig and Thistle has made this sweet download for mothers day. Snag one for your momma today. Click here to download.

Freebie lists- for the over achiever!

2009-05-08T08:49:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody! Check out my latest creation available for download here and here on Le Blahg! Snag yours and take some time to peruse around the site. It's full of witty writing, helpful tips, and style galore! While you're at it; show your support and leave a comment and tell Le Blahg you are a faithful Baca Creative reader! Much love to you all!

Posted: 5/23/09

Check out the lists in action on Ivy from Bulgaria's blog.

We have a winner folks!

2009-05-08T06:36:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the latest giveaway! We used random.org to choose a winner this time. Our lucky winner is Ashlee, whose winning comment was:

"My favorite 'little thing' is praying with my kids before bedtime...i LOVE to hear whats on their hearts and how hilariously honest they are with God:)"

Thanks to everyone for playing! Just a reminder, if you haven't gotten a card for your Mom yet for Mothers day you can download your free one from me here!

I FOUND IT!

2009-05-07T18:29:00.001-05:00

Have you ever seen something on line and no matter how hard you looked for it you couldn't find it? Well, I recently found this long hunted for post by Martha Stewart.

I love these Pom- pom flowers. They make me want to throw a party for a friend just so that I can make them! Here is the how to.

Fantastic

2009-05-07T06:05:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love a vintage fan? I purchased this fan (shown below) and suitcases in a little town close to our house called Jenks. The center of this town is lined with antique shops; made for hours of perusing. Here are two shots from a recent photo shoot that we did for our internship program.

{Photo by Katie O'Toole}

Contact me if you would like Katie to take some photos of you!

Below are some other fan inspiration from a personal fav design sponge.

Natural table

2009-05-06T07:33:00.000-05:00

I love natural fibers and textures incorporated into my decor. I have thickly woven baskets and jute rugs tucked away in every corner of my house. There is something so "earthy" about this type of decor element. Had to share this table setting from 100 Layer Cake.

Spring, where are you?

2009-05-06T07:19:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about Tulsa is the month of May. It is so hot from June through October; but May is the month where all the flowers bloom and the weather is completely amazing. Right now; it is raining. It has been for the past several weeks. Everything is totally green and gorgeous, but I sure wish that the weather would brighten up a bit! I sure would love to see the sun! Take a sec and fill out the springtime survey to the right of the page. It asks;" what is your favorite thing about spring?"

Here are a few little birdie cupcakes in honor of the season that I knew you would enjoy! Aren't they so cute?

Birdy Cupcakes from Martha Stewart

Seen Via Party Perfect. How to's and other fun baby shower ideas from Sansom family

Starbees!

2009-05-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of starbucks. Because the hubby and I are trying to nix bad habits such as spending discretionary money frivolously; we have been trimming and slimming back on our Starbucks habit. However, I recently discovered that for half the calories and now half the price you can order a grande iced coffee for $1.95.

Greg and I are also horrible about cooking at home. (We NEVER do it.) I'm a really good cook too! But after an 8-10+ hour workday the last thing on my mind is cooking and doing dishes. (Even though ideally I would love to do it.) As a result, we are always trying to figure out ways to cut corners in eating out. Recently we discovered the $5 foot longs at Subway and they are a-mazing! No dishes, not too heavy on the calories, and best of all CHEAP! Greg and I split one for lunch and one for dinner Monday- Friday. They have such a variety to choose from, so far we haven't gotten tired of it! (Not to sound like Jared, but can I just say that the jeans are fitting a little less tight too?)

What about you guys? How are you trimming and slimming your budgets during these economic times? One thing I do love about the challenge of economic uncertainty is that I find myself being more creative, more resourceful, and thankfully; less wasteful. There is something so freeing about shaking off the shackles of excess in your life. Comment and share your tips on how you are scrimping and saving!

Love this!

2009-05-05T08:02:00.000-05:00

Been liking the idea of a soft lavender that is almost white.

{Photo via Desire to Inspire}

DIY Curtains

2009-05-05T07:55:00.000-05:00

These curtains are quite lovely. Click here for the how to's. {Seen Via Room Service}

Card freebie!

2009-05-04T08:04:00.000-05:00

Card from Modish website. Design by E.M. Papers

Download your free card here!

Secret Message

2009-05-04T07:57:00.000-05:00

Yes, I was one of those kids with a decoder ring. I used to write secret messages with milk. In fact, I once spent an entire summer looking for a secret passageway in my house. (It's a funny story. You should read it if you get chance.)

Perhaps that is why I find these envelopes so charming!

GIVEAWAY!!!! The little details!

2009-05-01T10:30:00.000-05:00

"It's the little details that make all the difference."

Here is this weeks giveaway; a mini notebook, inspired from our last trip to France. To win, simply comment on this post. Let us know what "little things" you try to incorporate into life that make the difference. It could be a note that you tuck into your husbands lunch, a special game that you play with your little ones, or a unique connection that you have with a friend.

We will be randomly selecting a winner; we ask that you please only comment once.

CONTEST WINNER!

2009-05-01T05:25:00.000-05:00

The top 100 contest winner goes to D$ in honor of mothers day. Here are his sweet words:

"Hmm, top 100. I would probably have to say that one of the top things I want to do is build a house for my mother. This is kind of a necessity for me. The plan is this- to buy some land in relative proximity to me- close enough for babysitting and all :), and sit her down with an architect, construction company, interior designer, horticulturist/landscaper, whomever else with one rule: tell them exactly what you want- no limits. What she'll get is the house of her dreams, and what I'll get is the opportunity for my mother to get something she absolutely deserves for all the sacrifices she's made for my family." D$

Thanks to everyone who entered; I loved hearing all of your hopes and aspirations. What an amazing group of readers that you are and that I am blessed to know.

Free Mothers Day Card!

2009-04-30T21:59:00.000-05:00

Mothers day is just around the corner and I wanted to make a special card for you to give your momma. On her special day lets take a moment to make her feel like a million bucks. Take a moment and reflect on all of the little things that she has done to make your life what it is today.

Click here for your card!
{Feel free to repost and share the love!}

A beautiful love

2009-04-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

I had to post a link to this story.

"Katie Kirkpatrick, 21, held off cancer to celebrate the happiest day of her life. Breathing was difficult now; she had to use oxygen. The pain in her back was so intense it broke through the morphine. Her organs were shutting down but it would not stop her from marrying Nick Godwin, 23, who had been in love with Katie since 11th grade. Five days later, Katie died."

These photos may make you cry, so before you click, grab your kleenex.

Seen Via Cup of Jo