I’m finally getting around to announcing the winner of the Black & Decker Steam Mop giveaway!

The winner is Julie from No Money Mama! Congratulations Julie and many thanks to Black and Decker for sponsoring this giveaway!

Black & Decker Steam Mop Winner! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Over the last few weeks, I’ve received some emails asking, “Kimba! Whatever happened to your laundry room redo? You were in the process of reworking the room, but we haven’t heard anything lately.”

**Chirp***Chirp**

To be honest with you, with the end of the school year and a ridiculously busy June (WHEN will youth baseball season END???), we just didn’t have the time to finish up the projects we had in process. But last week, we finally took a huge step forward in our quest to have a functional laundry room.

From the very beginning, my goal was to finally have a laundry room that functions well. If it’s pretty, that’s great. But function is my first priority. The first step was to install the stackable washer/dryer combo. Then we painted the room a fabulous aqua color. Then we added the laundry tub that wouldn’t have fit unless the washer and dryer were stacked.

Here’s what it looked like when we started. I’m so embarrassed.

Side-by-side washer and dryer. Single shelf with a hanging bar. No organization. No practical storage.

And here’s what it looks like now now with some functional storage that we built ourselves!

This is my favorite part. Storage and hanging space!

We built the shelving tower out of MDF. It was super easy, but we didn’t take good pictures of the process. If you’re interested in building something similar, check out Ana White’s plans for a Cubby Bench. That’s basically what we did without the wheels and the extra trim on the front. Super easy.

Our tower is actually in 2 sections because the top couldn’t go all the way against the back wall since we have plumbing and electrical outlets back there.

The hanging rod (from Lowes) is just enough space to hang 1 (maybe 2) loads of laundry. And that’s enough. It forces me to actually put the laundry away rather than leaving it in the laundry room.

The little shelf above the rod is also from Lowes. The shelf was pre-finished. You just cut it to length and used L-brackets to hang it.

The baskets came from Wal-Mart and they hide all my extra laundry supplies. The bottom one is exclusively for orphaned socks. I’m not so naive to think that I’m going to carefully put away my everyday supplies, so they their own shelf. I am so excited to finally have some proper storage and a functional laundry room.

This was a pretty thrifty project. I think we spent somewhere around $90 for everything, including the baskets.

Next up? Some kind of surface for folding clothes. I’m picturing a fold-away table, but I’m not sure yet.

This post is part of a series sponsored by Electrolux as part of Homebuzz. I received an Electrolux washer and dryer in exchange for my participation. The opinions stated in this post are my own. The fiant piles of laundry are also my own.

Making It Function: The Laundry Room Redo Continues is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Once upon a time, there was a sad little laundry room that just didn’t work. It did the laundry alright, but it just didn’t function well. There wasn’t proper storage. There wasn’t a sink for soaking stained clothes and there wasn’t a place to fold the clothes.

But that’s all a-changin’ since I’ve already made a little progress on the Laundry Room Remodel.

Before any of the structural changes, I needed to paint the room. As soon as I saw my Red Hot Red Electrolux washer and dryer, I knew I wanted to paint the room aqua. I love aqua and red together. But it’s not a color combo that I would normally use in my home. The colors in my house are fairly muted and calm, but I wanted do something bright and fun in the laundry room.

After trying out several shades of aqua and turquoise, I finally settled on Valspar’s Aqua Glow. It’s a true aqua and it’s bright. (It’s also nearly impossible to photograph in this room, so don’t trust your monitor.) I nearly had a cow when I first started putting it on the walls. But I had confidence prayed my head off that it would be beautiful and I kept on painting.

Some of the other colors that I considered were Lagoon by Martha Stewart…Melissa from The Inspired Room is using it in her kid’s bathroom and it’s gorg. I also tried Valspar’s Woodlawn Charm that Edie from Life in Grace used on her old kitchen cabinets. Also gorg, but it didn’t work in this tiny room with zero natural light.

Do you have that “gasp” moment when you open up a new can of paint? I did.

What are the plans for this room?

Function first. Then beauty. Hopefully both.

Do my drawing skills knock your socks off?

Our first step will be to add a laundry tub or sink of some sort. It makes me crazy having to soak clothes and clean paint brushes in either the kitchen sink or the bathtub. Now that the washer and dryer are stacked, we have room to put in the sink.

Then we’ll add some sort of storage tower in the space between the sink and the washer/dryer. I’m picturing open shelving to hold extra detergent and such. And some baskets for things like orphaned socks. I’m also hoping to get shelving the whole way across the top for even more storage.

Then there’s this funny spot in front of the washer and dryer. I’d like to build a simple cabinet that can hold a couple of laundry baskets. (Although 2 baskets will hardly contain Mt. Washmore.) The top of that cabinet will be a surface for folding laundry. Above the laundry station will be a hanging rod.

So that’s where we are today.

Some of you have asked what I think of the machines so far. One word. Love. I did 10 loads of laundry the day they arrived. For real. I washed every bit of fabric in this house. I never could have done that with my old machines that took nearly 80 minutes just to WASH!

This post is part of a series sponsored by Electrolux as part of Homebuzz. I received an Electrolux appliance in exchange for my participation. The opinions stated in this post are my own.

First It Scared Me, But Now I Love It. The Laundry Room Paint and Plans. is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

A couple of months ago, an email popped up in my inbox that made me squeal. Loudly. My kids thought I’d lost it.

I’ve calmed down a bit and I’m now a part of the Electrolux Test Drive Program. The amazing folks at HomeBuzz (a part of the FoodBuzz Community) gave me the invitation and I couldn’t say YES fast enough!

As a part of this program, they sent me a brand new Electrolux Washer and Dryer. Can you believe that? I know! Me neither.

If you follow me on Facebook, then you know that the machines are already here and that I nearly peed my pants when they arrived. Luckily, my Electrolux washer can wash a small load in only 15 minutes!

What does it say when the washer and dryer are the sexiest things in my house (besides my husband, of course)?

I’ve never shown you my laundry room before, but trust me when I say it’s a disaster. My washer and dryer were on their last legs and the room just doesn’t function.

We didn’t put in a laundry tub when we built this house. HUGE mistake. So there’s nowhere to soak stained clothes and wash out paint brushes. I’ve dreamt of having one, but it could only fit if we had a stackable washer/dryer. And now we do!

So over the next couple of months, I’m going to share the process of remodeling our laundry room into something functional and beautiful. More on that next week.

Tell me. How does your laundry room function?

This post is part of a series sponsored by Electrolux as part of Homebuzz. I received an Electrolux appliance in exchange for my participation. The opinions stated in this post are my own.

Laundry Room Redo: I Heart Electrolux! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I adore Alison and Missy from How Does She, so I’m really excited to tell you about their newest venture called Makia Creations (pronouced Make-ee-ah). There’s an awesome giveaway at the end of this post and EVERYONE can get an incredible discount so read on, my friends.

Makia Creations was started to help women who are passionate about crafting. So many of us want to host crafting groups or parties in our homes, but we don’t have the time to run around collecting all the supplies…or, in my case, the brain-power to design the project and work through everything that we’ll need.

That’s where Makia Creations comes in. They provide the ideas, simple step-by-step instructions and quality materials in ready-to-make kits. Since they’ve already done the design and prep work, all you have to do is focus on having fun with your friends! You’ll have all of the crafting fun without any of the hard stuff.

The available projects change every month, so there’s always something new! The kits are all high-quality and budget-friendly. Check out some of the kits that are available now:

A Few of My Favorite Things Frame Kit

Fancy Flowers Kit

Love Board Kit

Magnet Board Kit

Fun, right? Well, there are several ways to become a part of a Makia Creations craft group. You can:

1. Use Makia Creations to craft on your own.
2. Get your girlfriends together and host a craft group.
3. Become a Craft Group Leader.

Now, here’s the part where I tell you about the giveaway and the AWESOME discount if you act fast.

First, one lucky winner will receive a $75 gift certificate to Makia Creations! That should be enough to host your own party!

Second, you can ALL receive WHOLESALE pricing on any order that you place by midnight tonight (1/25/11)! Yes! Wholesale pricing! Depending on the item that’s between and 20% and a 40% discount.

Just enter the code “place” in the promo code field and the wholesale price will show up. AND there is free shipping on any order of $150 or more. AND you get a FREE kraft kit if you order 10 or more kits.

To enter the giveaway you can:

1. Leave a comment here and let us know what you think about Makia Creations (and/or)
2. Become a fan of Makia Creations on facebook

Leave a comment for each thing you do and 1 winner will be chosen by random drawing on Friday, 1/28!

Making Creative Simple with Makia Creations: A Giveaway! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Nativity Candle Trio

I wasn’t planning to post today, but when a great email showed up in my inbox, I had to share it with you!

Our friends at Dayspring have rolled their Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales into one SUPER SALE until November 30th!

If you click on this link: Save 30% at the DaySpring online store with the biggest coupon of the year you can use the code SUPER30 to save 30% on your entire order! And to make the deal even sweeter, there is FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more!

That code is good on sale items too, so there are some fabulous deals to be found! I’m thinking Christmas gifts!

Here are a few of my faves:

Philippians 4:8 Silver Engraved Tray on sale for $14.99 ($10.50 with the coupon!) Wouldn’t this make a beautiful gift?

Glory and Peace Nativity on sale for $30 ($21 with the coupon!)

Words of Christmas Ornament on sale for $7.99 ($5.60 with the coupon!)…It would be great for all the Sunday School teachers. My mom gave me one last year and I love it!

Peace on Earth Tile Set on sale for $41.25 ($28.89 with coupon!)

My Hope is in Him Dog Tag Necklace $15 ($10.50 with coupon!) I love these for the teens/tweens in my life!

Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links, if you click them and make a purchase, ASPTL receives a small percent of your sale.

Quick! Dayspring Sale! Christmas Gift Alert! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I have been having a ball playing around with my new Silhouette! Seriously. This little machine is incredible and I’m amazed by all the things that you can do with it. Like any new tool, it takes some time to figure out everything that it can do and I always prefer to just jump in and start doing.

I showed you the very first project that I made earlier in the week. This birthday artwork took about 15 minutes from start to finish. Love it! Don’t forget to click over to my giveaway post so that you can enter to win a Silhouette of your own!

Last week, I showed you a multitude of undone projects and my new Silhouette was the motivation that I needed to finally do something with the old transom window that’s been hanging out in my garage.

I’ve been wanting to hang the window in my laundry room and when I found this adorable laundry line artwork in the Silhouette Online Store, I was smitten! You can download artwork from their site for only 99 cents (less with a subscription!).

Once you get your artwork sized for your project, the Silhouette machine does the rest. You feed through a piece of vinyl and the machine does all the cutting.

Then you just peel away the excess parts. And you have your vinyl decal.

You can use transfer paper to make it super easy to put your decal exactly where you want it.

Once the decal is positioned correctly, you use a straight edge of some kind to adhere it to your surface.

Then peel back the transfer paper. Any little bubbles can be easily removed by just smooshing them out with a straight edge.

And that’s it! I still have to hang this in my laundry room, but I couldn’t wait to show you how it came out!

Don’t forget to check out my giveaway post so that you can enter to win a Silhouette of your own!

Project Finished! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

This giveaway is closed. Winner announced here.

Hey friends! It’s time for a Friday giveaway! What better way to start the weekend, right?

Have you had a chance to check out my newest sponsor, Knitty Bitties? Don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t your grandma’s knitting shop. Knitty Bitties if full of the most adorable hand sewn pouches, wallets, bags and camera strap covers. My girl knows how to work fabulous fabrics and a ruffle.

There is so much cuteness to love!

Ruffled pouches for holding cosmetics, cell phones, electronics or money! I adore this blue and red combo. So sassy!

Ruffled list takers that hold a small pad and pencil. I’m a chronic list maker and I’d love something this adorable to hold my tablet!

And for you more tech-savvy gals, she makes super fun Kindle covers! First I want a Kindle…and then a Knitty Bitties Kindle cover!

And there are lots of other goodies like camera strap covers, mini snap wallets and baby gift sets. I’m totally smitten!

Want to win a $40 gift certificate to Knitty Bitties? There are 3 ways to enter.

1. Leave a comment here saying something brilliant like “I LOVE KNITTY BITTIES!!!”

2. Visit Knitty Bitties on Etsy and take a look around. Then come back here and leave a comment telling us something you LOVE from the shop.

3. You can tweet, facebook, blog or whatever about this giveaway. Then come back and comment again.

One winner chosen by Random.org. Giveaway open until Monday, August 2nd at 10pm EST.

Knitty Bitties ~ A Giveaway is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

This giveaway is closed. Winner announced here.

Rustic Cross Necklace

How’s about we celebrate the 4th of July weekend with a giveaway from The Vintage Pearl? Erin from The Vintage Pearl is a long-time sponsor of ASPTL and I’ll bet that you already know and love her gorgeous hand-stamped jewelry.

But Erin, the talented owner and designer, has introduced some beautiful new pieces that I’m thrilled to show you!

Mama’s Nest Necklace

How many eggs are in your nest? This adorable necklace can hold up to 7.

All Around My Faith Necklace

I’m a sucker for anything personalized with my kid’s names and I adore the All Around My Faith necklace.

Angel Wing Necklace

One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl!

How to win

Everyone has 3 chances to win. Do one or all 3!

1. Comment on this post and tell us which piece from The Vintage Pearl is your fave.
2. Follow @thevintagepearl and @KimbaASPTL and tweet about this giveaway. Make sure you come back and leave another comment about your tweet.
3. Join A Soft Place to Land by clicking  “Join this site” with Google Friend Connect. Then my posts will show up in your Blogger Dashboard. Leave a separate comment letting me know you joined up!

One winner will be chosen using Random.org.

The Vintage Pearl ~ A Giveaway! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Congratulations to a bunch of recent giveaway winners!!!!

12″x12″ Personalized Artwork from Modern Bird Studios – Thelma (no blog, but the “twils” email). I emailed you.

$40 gift certificate to Burlap+Blue – Barbara @ Hodge:Podge -Don’t forget!!! You can receive 15% off ANYTHING at Burlap+Blue by using the code KIMBA15 through May.

$35 gift certificate to The Pleated Poppy – Clean Mama

10″x10″ custom print from Geezees Custom Canvas Artwork – Vicky (no blog but the “sgris” email). I emailed you.

Lots of Winners!!!! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

This giveaway is now closed. Winner announced here.

This custom canvas artwork would make an amazing wedding gift, don’t you think? A touching photo of the new Mr. And Mrs. with a phrase, verse or story that’s meaningful to them. It’s a meaningful gift that will preserve a beautiful memory for a lifetime.

Today, we have a fantastic giveaway from a wonderful shop that is filled with incredible personalized artwork that is TOTALLY unique. Geezees Canvas Art will take your photo and words and turn them into a piece of artwork to treasure forever. Stephanie started Geezees in 2009 to create personalize artwork for all stages of life…wedding, family, new baby, anniversaries, best friends… You name it, Stephanie has done it.

Father’s Day is coming up. How sweet is this Daddy word collage. If we had this at our house, it would say things like Snuggle Monster, Flying Babies, Spider Tamer and Strongman. Yes, I live at the circus.

My dear hubby received this piece of man-cave artwork for his birthday. Courtesy of Geezees Canvas Art, of course. It’s going to be perfect in his man-cave/sports den.

The possibilities are endless for this canvas artwork. It can be whatever you want it to be.

How about a way to preserve memories from a treasured vacation or honeymoon?

Or to celebrate a special relationship between brothers or sisters. I have a beach photo of my boys that would look incredible on a canvas print.

So what’s in this for you? How about a chance to win a 10″x10″ canvas print of your choice? You can work with Stephanie at Geezees to design something this is exactly what you want! So go take a look around at Geezees and see what you love.

How can you win? Easy! There are 3 ways…do 1 or all of them!
1. Leave a comment on this post telling us what you might love on a canvas. A photo? A verse? What’s your pleasure?
2. Follow Geezees on Twitter.
3. Fan Geezees on Facebook.

Leave a comment for each thing you do and you’re entered to win!

Geezees Custom Canvas Artwork Giveaway! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

This giveaway is now closed. Winner announced here.

I am a total sucker for unique artwork. And when that artwork is uniquely personal, then I’m a total goner. The husband/wife team at Modern Bird Studios combine technology, traditional painting techniques and x-ray superpowers to create the most incredibly awesome modern artwork. Seriously, you have to check it out.

Gregg and Megan Deal are the dynamic duo behind Modern Bird Studios. Gregg began MBS very recently in an attempt to banish the evil “Starving Artist” syndrome and use his God-given talents to provide for his family. Their artwork is created around his love for urban art and their desire to make modern art more accessible. Have y’all ever noticed how crazy-expensive and impersonal most modern art is?

I honestly have no idea how he does it, but the results are incredible! I sent them these two pictures of my two favorite kiddos.

And they sent me back two pieces of artwork that touched my heart and made me cry. See? Total sucker.

The painting is created on solid wood…oak composite to be exact. The pieces do not need framing and come ready to hang on the wall. Which is what I did within minutes of opening the box.

Side view

Back side (the painting’s. not mine.)

The process is so easy. You pick the photos you want to use. Then you pick the colors from their color chart and the size of your finished piece. They have sizes ranging from a smaller 6″x12″ piece to a ginormous 46″x46″ painting.

Megan handled all of the logistical parts and she is absolutely delightful. And helpful. I wasn’t sure which color combination I wanted and she made a suggestion which is perfect.

Check out Modern Bird Studios to start creating your own custom piece.

I know you’re all waiting for this next part…How can you win one of these glorious masterpieces? Here’s the dealio…

What you can win:
- A 12″ x 12″ personalized piece (valued at $215)

How to enter:
-Leave a comment on this post saying something like “Modern Bird Studios is awesome like chocolate and new shoes.”

Extra entries (leave a comment for each that you do):
-Follow Modern Bird Studios on Twitter. They’re good Tweeters.
-Become a fan of Modern Bird Studios on Facebook.

The Fine Print:
-Giveaway will be open until Friday, May 7th.
-One winner will be chosen at random.
-No previous winners are eligible.
-US (lower 48) entries only.

Modern Bird Studios Giveaway! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

When the folks at MirrorMate asked me if I would like to try out their custom-made mirror frames in my home, it felt like destiny. I had already been browsing their website for weeks dreaming of transforming our vast-expanses of builder-grade bathroom mirrors.

I’ve been planning to update our bathroom mirrors since the day we moved into this house, but I just haven’t gotten around to it. MirrorMate came to my rescue!

The whole process couldn’t have been easier. A big, long box arrived on my doorstep with the color and style of frame that I chose from the MirrorMate website. You can request samples before ordering so you know exactly what you’re getting. Each piece of the frame was wrapped in bubble wrap and there was a small baggie of supplies that you need to assemble the frame.

Assembly is super easy. You start by gluing the frame together.

And then you use a mallet or hammer to pound in the little corner connector pieces.

Then you flip the whole thing over and clean up any glue that smooshed through to the front.

Now you wait. For an hour. The longest hour ever. I wanted to hang my frame!

Then you install the frame directly on top of your exiting mirror using these little placement corners to help with positioning.

Peel off the backing from the sticky strips that are already on the back of the frame.

Give it a good push against the mirror and you’re done! For real! DONE! In less than 2 hours and that included an hour for the glue to dry!

I am so in love with my MirrorMate frame. It has totally transformed the look of this bathroom. The style that I chose was the Acadia in White because it worked so beautifully with the white cabinets we have. But MirrorMate has a huge selection of styles and colors to choose from.

I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of the MirrorMate frames and ease of installation. In less than 2 hours, I got a totally custom look for my bathroom. LOVE IT!

And to make it even better, MirrorMate is offering my readers 15% off any frame through December 2010. Just use the code HOUSE when you check out to receive your discount. Everyone who has seen my new bathroom mirror in person wants one for themselves.

What’s that? You want to see another picture? Can do!

Disclosure: MirrorMate provided this product to me at no charge for the purposes of this review.

How I Love Thee MirrorMate is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering! Winner announced here.

I am thrilled to host a giveaway from Erin at The Vintage Pearl. Erin started The Vintage Pearl in 2007 as a creative outlet while she was staying at home and raising her kiddos. To say that her business has taken off would be a major understatement.

Come Fly With Me

Each piece is like a little work of art all wrapped up in love. Who wouldn’t treasure a beautiful piece of jewelry stamped with the names of the people they love most?

Layered Mother of Pearl Necklace

The Layered Mother of Pearl necklace is my personal favorite because Erin made one for me. But mine is a little different. The outer circle says “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart” and the inner circle says “Lean not on your own understanding”.

Circle Chain Bracelet

Do you realize that Mother’s Day is going to be here in just 6 weeks? I do believe it’s time to start dropping some major hints to your man…or to think about something for your own mom. What Grandma wouldn’t love a beautiful necklace or bracelet with her grand babies names on it?

Would you like to win a $50 gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl? Yeah? I thought so.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post saying something like “I love The Vintage Pearl!” That’s it!

If you want a second entry, visit The Vintage Pearl and leave another comment with your favorite piece of jewelry.

Good luck!

The Vintage Pearl Giveaway! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

The winners of the fantastic giveaway from My Design Guide are:

5 winners from the commenters:
Kim Wynn
Amanda
Linda K
Laura
Camie

None of you have blogs, but I have emailed you all.

5 winners from the linker-uppers:
Rebekah @ All Thingz Related
Sherral @ Craft for Sanity
Richella @ Imparting Grace
Jessica @ This Blessed Life
Candace @ Crafty Sisters

All 10 of you will receive a $50 gift certificate to My Design Guide. Congratulations!!!!

1 Grand Prize Winner! You will receive a complete room makeover!
Beckie @ infarrantly creative

Congratulations to all of the winners! If you didn’t win, make sure you check out My Design Guide for online design consultations.

DIY Day Winners!!! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I have another HUGE thank you for some more sponsors of ASPTL.

You can find all sorts of custom stamps and stationery at Purple Lemon Designs. I have a stamp from Purple Lemon Designs that I use for my etsy shop and I love it! There are also personalized address stamps and wedding stamps that would make fantastic shower gifts!

Purple Lemon Designs is offering a 10% discount to ASPTL readers through 2/28 (that’s Sunday!). Just enter the code KIMBA into the comments when you check out and you’ll receive a refund for the discount.

YouCanMakeThis.com has hundreds and hundreds of downloadable patterns and How-to ebooks written by over 200 different designers. Their patterns and ebooks provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for making fun projects in a variety of DIY categories.

Take a look around YouCanMakeThis.com and try your hand a new project. There are even some great freebies over there!

Juli Koroly of An Eye for Art creates beautiful oil portrait sketches in 6″x6″ or 6″x8″ sizes that are easy to incorporate into your home. Wouldn’t you love to see your babies captured in a beautiful oil painting?

She is generously offering all of my readers 20% off any order AND free shipping! You can either order through her Etsy shop and use the code KIMBA, or you can email Juli directly at msboo42 {at} sbcglobal {dot} net. This would make a fantastic Mother’s or Father’s Day gift for someone you love!

Did you know that tickets for The Relevant Conference are going on sale on Monday at midnight? And the first 50 tickets are at a special early-bird rate.

I’ll be there! Will you?

Sponsor Shout-Out ~ Part 2 is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Today I want to say a HUGE thank you to the sponsors on ASPTL. These sponsors allow me to keep writing about all things house and home and I am so grateful for their support. And I would be so grateful if you would pay them a visit.

Crafty Girls Workshop was created by two lovely ladies, Regina and Anna, who love to sew and quilt. Their gorgeous etsy shop is full of designer fabrics, pattersn and kits.

There’s always something new in the Crafty Girls Workshop, so if you adore yummy fabrics as much as I do, check them out.

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Chelle Anderson makes beautiful hand-painted, completely custom signs for your home. Whether it’s your family name, a child’s name or a special quote, each sign is truly yours since you have a hand in designing it. And her site is full of pictures of her awesome work that you can use as inspiration!

Click here to visit Chelle Anderson and see her tremendous talent!

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Patty Henning of Fabulous Finishes is a Regional Director for Caromal Colors. Caromal Colors is a wonderful line of decorative finishing products for crafty do-it-yourself type of folks. That’s you! I used Caromal Colors a while back when I refinished a goodwill dresser and I loved it!

If you want to place an order with Caromal Colors, makes sure you use the code PattyH in the coupon code field so that you get a discount off the shipping and Patty gets credit for the sale. Thanks!

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At Reinvented, Kimm shares her love of creating a beautiful, welcoming home without spending a ton of money. My kind of girl! She loves to makeover a great thrift store find and she’ll show you how to do it too!

And don’t forget! Every Tuesday, Kimm hosts Trash to Treasure Tuesday…the perfect spot to share your latest trash to treasure makeover.

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Sponsor Shout-Out ~ Part 1 is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Kathleen of Fireflies and Family.

I am super picky about artwork for my home. Most of my artwork is pretty, but not very personal. There are a few photographs, but not a whole lot that shows you what and who I really love.

When I discovered Juli Koroly of An Eye for Art, I realized how much I would love to have a small piece of artwork that captures the beautiful faces of my children. I’m not one to hang a huge portrait of my children above the fireplace…just not my style. Juli creates beautiful oil portrait sketches in 6″x6″ or 6″x8″ sizes that are easy to incorporate into your home.

She can do single custom portraits or entire family. Are these portraits beautiful or what?

Besides being crazy-talented, Juli really puts her heart into her work. She prefers to have multiple photographs of the subject so that she can get a better idea of their features. And she also loves to talk with her clients by phone to get an understanding of the person she is painting and what she should try and capture in the painting.

I hope Juli doesn’t mind that I tell you that some of her most touching work has been done for the families of fallen servicemen and women. She doesn’t charge for this as she views it as a gift to those families for their ultimate sacrifice. This is her own, very personal, very special way of showing support for our troops. In Juli’s own words, “I have found that people hesitate to ask for a “free” portrait so I must depend on others to make the connection for me.”

She is also very involved as an advocate for children in the foster care system and has used her tremendous talent to depict those children with dignity and love.

For years, Juli has worked solely by word-of-mouth and referrals, but she recently opened her etsy shop called An Eye for Art. You can click over there to see different portrait options. Wouldn’t you love to see your babies captured in a beautiful oil painting? I know any Grandma would surely love it…time to think Mother’s Day!

Here’s the part that will knock your socks off! Juli is offering a single custom portrait as a giveaway to my readers! That’s a $100 value! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me if you would keep this for yourself or give it as a gift.

What are you waiting for??? Leave a comment!

Personal Artwork: A Giveaway! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

It is with a broken heart that I’m telling you about the closing of a favorite online shop, Feather Your Nest. It’s owner, Gina, is a blogging friend and has been a sponsor of ASPTL.

Last week, Gina experienced the sudden and unexpected loss of her dear husband, Michael. He suffered a heart attack at only 39 years old. Gina and Michael have 2 young children. Gina has decided that she needs to close her Arkansas store and her online shop in order to provide a more dependable income for her family.

She is discounting everything in her online shop, Feather Your Nest, by 25% in order to clear out her inventory as quickly as possible. Individual prices are not marked off, the total discount comes off at check out.

As much as I would love to see Gina be able to provide for her family through her beautiful shops, for now, this is her decision. And this is the only way I can think of to help. Gina does not know that the blogging community is working together to help her. Thank you in advance for any purchases that you can make to help in this devastating situation.

If you would like to leave a note or prayer for Gina, you can visit her blog.

Help for Gina at Feather Your Nest is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Holy Jingle Bells! There were over 300(!!!) posts linked up to DIY Day this week! Y’all are crazy! A couple of quick things before I share my faves…

Did you miss my unplanned Sunday night post about a cheap Christmas gift idea? If so, check it out. Amazon is having a killer sale on some popular magazine titles. $5.00 for a 1 year subscription! These prices are only good through tomorrow, so be quick!

I’m probably annoying the crud out of you by talking about my eBook again. But I guess it’s my blog to wreck up if I want to. If you’ve been thinking about downloading a copy, then now is the time! Christmas is creeping up so quickly this year.

If you want to see more details about the projects inside, then check out this post.

Now, back to the Linky Love. I hardly knew where to begin this week, but here are a few of my faves from DIY Day and from around the world-wide interweb.

Shutter Ornament Frame @ Jentility

Macaroni Tree @ Lucky Star Lane (This project made me feel so nostalgic)

Fun Paper Ornaments @ Mandi Shandi (These are so adorable! And they couldn’t be easier!)

Pom Pom Wreath @ The Pleasures of Homemaking (Such a cute project and Manuela gives a great tutorial!)

Nativity Glass Hurricanes @ Sweet Tea and Spray Paint (I am so making these. Next year. I’m done making stuff this year.)

Before & After: The Entryway @ Pure Home Style (It may not be a Christmas project but this makeover made me squeal!)

Dollar Store {Holiday} Decorating @ Tidy Mom (You don’t have spend a ton to make some fun holiday decorations!)

Chalkboard Playhouse @ Invited Inn (I was already in love with the under-the-stairs playhouse at Invited Inn. With the chalkboard entry, I am officially obsessed.)

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Many, many thanks to Leen the Graphics Queen for providing such a fantastic prize for this weeks DIY Day. The winner is…Jennifer from Hope Studios! Disclosure: I know Jen in real life, but I swear she won fair-and-square. Random.org does not play favorites. Congratulations!

Remember, if you make a purchase from Leen the Graphics Queen, use the code ASPTL when you check out and you’ll receive a refund for 10% of your purchase price!

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The winner of the Oilcloth Apron and Gloveables from Feather Your Nest is…Gail from The Middle Sister. Congratulations! Shoot me an email and we’ll get you set up.

Linky Love is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

This giveaway is now closed.

Today we have a fantastic giveaway from one of my favorite online shops, Feather Your Nest. I love the fun, vintage-inspired style and the unique gifts at Feather Your Nest. PLUS, it’s run by a real-live gal named Gina who began Feather Your Nest as a real-live store in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I adore real-live people. Now she’s expanded to an online shop and it’s definitely worth a visit.

Yes, there’s going to be a giveaway, but just look at some of the adorable things you can find at Feather Your Nest!

I love these French Cardboard Valises (I’m pretty sure valise is fancy-talk for suitcase). I could use about 47 of them to store craft supplies. And they come in a rainbow of fabulous colors.

Stop. The. World. These Bunny Slippers are for grown-up ladies! They would be a perfect match for my fluffy pink robe.

She also has a wonderful selection of Vintage Inspired Kitchen Decor like these Square Canisters. My kitchen counter needs these canisters.

So what can you win???

One lucky winner will receive a set that will make you the hottest mama in the kitchen…An Oilcloth Kitchen Apron AND a set of Gloveables, the adorable kitchen/bathroom/gardening gloves. They both come in a huge array of colors and patterns! You could keep the set all to yourself or give it as a gift! I’ll be sure to send you my address so you can mail it to me.

Do you want to win? Just leave a comment on this post saying something like “I LOVE FEATHER YOUR NEST!” and you’re entered to win.

Want to enter again? Hop on over to Feather Your Nest and look around. Then come back and leave another comment telling me something that you love from her shop.

(This giveaway is a sponsored post from Feather Your Nest.)

It’s Time to Feather Your Nest! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

There’s no denying that Christmas is coming. Soon. Very Soon. So I wanted to share a few more pictures and projects from my new eBook, A Very Kimba Christmas.

I had the idea to write this eBook way back in August, so I’ve been thinking about Christmas projects since late summer. I decided to try my hand at an eBook because a regular post on my blog doesn’t give me enough space for tons of pictures and detailed explanations.

This book has 5 super detailed tutorials on 75 pages and over 180 photographs. It’s the next best thing to sitting at my kitchen table and doing these projects with me. Seriously, I think I even tell you when to take potty breaks. It’s that detailed. You non-crafty types are going to love it!

After you read this eBook, you’ll be able to make this gorgeous No-Sew Snowflake Pillow Cover. I provide the snowflake templates so you can print them out from your computer and use them as a pattern. The best part about this project (in my opinion) is that you can use the techniques to create beautiful, handmade pillow covers for every holiday and season.

I even show you how to cut a square of fabric the Kimba Way (not perfect but good enough). If you’ve ever tried to cut a large square of fabric without an L-square and a cutting mat, you know it can be hard.

Last Christmas, I sold quite a few of these Rustic Burlap Table Runners from my blog and from my etsy shop. This year, I’m giving you all the details so you can make one (or 20) yourself! You can use the printable “Noel” template to make one exactly like mine or you can get even more creative and come up with your own design. You can make them for every holiday! I’ve given a few as gifts and they’re always a HUGE hit.

I also give you my all-time favorite tip for cutting burlap in a straight line.

You’ll also be able to make the Biggest, Fluffiest, Most Beautiful (didn’t-pay-Pottery-Barn-$100-for-it) Wreath ever. You’re also going to love the Rustic Jute Christmas Trees and the gorgeous Moss Wreath Trio.

And since I can’t resist getting personal with you, I also share some stories about Christmas at my home. Things like my Christmas morning breakfast casserole recipe, how we keep Christmas day sane and what we do with all those Christmas cards.

Every word in this eBook was written by me (hence the grammatical errors and run-on sentences) and every picture was taken by my own camera. The book was beautifully designed by my friend, Tim Layton (of Remodeling Guy).

A million thank-yous to all of you who have already downloaded A Very Kimba Christmas. I am so appreciative of your support. From your comments and emails, it sounds like people really like it! This book was definitely a labor of love and I honestly can’t believe that I managed to finish it.

Click this button to download A Very Kimba Christmas for only $8.00.

The Christmas eBook ~ Part Deux is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

I am thrilled to announce the release of A Very Kimba Christmas!

In my new ebook, you’ll find over 180 photos and 72 pages of detailed, step-by-step instructions for 5 new Christmas projects for your home and gift giving. This ebook is the next best thing to sitting at my kitchen table and doing these projects together. Of course, I couldn’t resist sharing some of my own Christmas stories, traditions and even my Christmas morning breakfast recipe.

Each of these no-sew projects includes a detailed supply list and any templates that you’ll need. Every single step is carefully explained and photographed. Even if you’re a new crafter, you’ll be able to make these projects with your very own hands.

My purpose is to spark your imagination. You can either do these projects exactly as I’ve explained, or you can change them and make them your own. They don’t even need to be Christmas projects!

With this book, you’ll be able to make a rustic Burlap Noel Table Runner, a beautiful No-Sew Snowflake Pillow Cover, the biggest, most fabulous Christmas Ornament Wreath ever and more! It’s only $8, so grab it quick!

Thank you for supporting A Soft Place to Land.

Would you help me spread the word about A Very Kimba Christmas? Grab this adorable little button!

<center><a href="http://asoftplace.net/a-very-kimba-christmas-ebook/" target=”_blank”><img src="http://asoftplace.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/125sq2.jpg" ></a></center>
Writing and photography by Kimba of A Soft Place to Land
Cover design, artwork and production by Tim Layton of Tim Layton Designs

A Very Kimba Christmas ~ The Ebook is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

How fun is this fireplace all decked out with Sticviews? The deer, the Happy Holidays sign and the family pictures are all done with Sticviews!

Sticviews are personalized prints that can be stuck anywhere and they come off clean. No residue! And you can reuse them. The best part is that you can use Sticviews images to create something unique OR you can use your own photos or images!

Their laptop skins are perfect for a family photo and they start at only $10. (I’m thinking Christmas gift!)

One lucky winner is going to receive $50 to spend on anything on the Sticviews website. What would you do with $50 from Sticviews? You could get a car stic with your company logo, or some simulated stained glass or wrought iron for your windows or even a life size wall portrait of your kiddo!

How do you enter? Easy. There are 3 ways to win…

1. Visit the Sticviews website and then leave me a comment telling me how you might use a Sticview.
2. Sign up for their e-mail newsletter either on Facebook or on their blog. You get 25% off your next order if you sign up!
3. Become a Sticviews Facebook fan.

You do NOT have to have a blog to win! Just leave a separate comment for each thing that you do. This contest will be open until Friday, 11/20 when I will announce the winner. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by Sticviews.com.

How Would You Use $50 From Sticviews? is a post from: A Soft Place to Land

Kelly from Purple Lemon Designs has designed a set of awesome stationery items and address stamps just for the readers of A Soft Place to Land! I am so full of myself today.

Psssst. There’s a giveaway at the end of this post.

Kelly is a really talented designer and her printable stationery is pure brilliance. This Celebration Wreath design will be customized with your family’s name.

Then you’ll receive an electronic file that you can use to print as much as you want from your own printer. Each set includes folded cards, flat cards, note paper, enclosure cards/gift tags and an A-2 envelope template. The best part? It’s only $10!!!!

The Message printable stationery is only $5.00! Seriously! $5.00, people!

I have used her printable stationery before and it couldn’t be easier. It comes with step by step instructions for printing, cutting and assembling. So easy even this Cave Kimba can do it.

And if you’re looking for some professionally printed stationery, Kelly has designed these Swirly Fun Flat Note Cards. Wouldn’t these make a fantastic Christmas gift? Of course, yours wouldn’t say Kimba. Unless that’s your name. Which it probably isn’t.

And yes, my friends, it is time to start thinking about your Christmas cards. Especially if you want something beautifully customized like these Red and Green Goodness Christmas Cards.

I have one of Purple Lemon Designs’ Customized Address Stamps that I use for my business. I love it! And I’m totally wild for this Celebration Wreath Address Stamp! Your Christmas cards will thank you.

And this Ornamental Stamp is perfect for everyday use. I think it would make a fantastic Christmas gift for those newlyweds or someone who recently moved…or anyone with an address.

Stamps ordered from Purple Lemon Designs will be customized with your information and your choice of fonts.

Kelly has set up a special page on her site just for readers of ASPTL. Click here to shop these exclusive designs. They will be available at these prices for a limited time.

If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, you can also browse Purple Lemon Designs Etsy shop for a huge selection of custom stamps and stationery.

Would you like to win a Celebration Wreath Address Stamp from Purple Lemon Designs? I thought you might! Leave a comment here telling us your favorite item from Purple Lemon Designs ASPTL Collection. I giggle every time I write that!

And if you tweet about this new collection, then come back and leave another comment and you’ll be entered again!

This post is sponsored by Purple Lemon Designs.

Purple Lemon Designs For You! is a post from: A Soft Place to Land