Be Inspired - Candle Light

Words to Inspire

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”
W. Clement Stone

Idea to Inspire

Candles add a wonderful warm light to any room. Light some candles in your space today.

Photos to Inspire

I love when even simple things can be inspiring. These wonderful photos are from Pinterest.

Source: emmaclairesblog.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Source: farm1.static.flickr.com via Sheila on Pinterest

Source: wallpaperslot.com via Crystal on Pinterest

Source: aubergedusoleil.com via Liisa on Pinterest

Check This Out - Share your Holiday Promotion

This is a monthly post where you can share 3 things about yourself, your business, or any promotions you are running. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our businesses.

Suggested ideas:
-business goals or goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting or doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that you would like to share
-new items you have added to your shop
-a sale that you are having
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea - ask for help

All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who leave comments.

Let me know if you have any suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Motivation Monday

                               Source: amazon.com via Valerie on Pinterest

Organized Quick Tip - Holiday Shopping

Pam wrote this post last year for the holidays. It's full of such great info we are sharing it with you again.

The holiday shopping season is upon us. Are you excited about shopping or are you dreading every moment?

Even if you don’t like shopping, going to the mall or a department store does not have to be the worse part of your day. Here's a few organization tips to make your next shopping trip a little less dreadful.

1.Start with a list of gift ideas – be specific and write them down (not just in your head), it will help you not deviate from your plan

2.Create a budget – research gift items on line, print coupons, and write a price range next to the gift item

3.Look online for the mall/store directory – viewing the maps and knowing where the stores/departments are located will help you determine where to park, what door to enter/exit through, and where to get a snack :). Even though you are there to shop for others, buy yourself a treat (I like caramel corn)

4.Dress comfortably – especially shoes (if you are shopping with someone else make sure they have on comfortable shoe as well)

5.When you arrive, park in a well lit area, lock your car, and consult the in-store directory and posted signs to confirm the location of where you shop (pull out your list and make note of location next to gift item)

Take a deep breath, get a snack, don't forget to pick up something for yourself, and have fun!

If you are indecisive, a procrastinator, or hate shopping all together:

•Do all of the above and go to the mall/store 90 minutes before it closes and in the middle of the week, there will be fewer shoppers - be patient! If you shop late stores will be a little messier and retail staff may be a little crabbier (being calm makes thing a little more manageable)

•Have a hands free experience – carry a small purse with essentials or use an over the should bag so you don’t have to juggle multiple things in your hands

•Listen to your favorite music with a MP3 player or iPod

Want stress free shopping? Shop online.  Visit Etsy or Artfire.com for a wonderful collection of handmade and vintage gift ideas.  Don't forget to check each shop for shipping deadlines to ensure you receive your gifts before the holidays.

As much as I like to lollygag and window shop there are times when I need to be efficient and being prepared with an organized plan is always very helpful.

Do you enjoy shopping and the crowds or do you dread hitting the mall?

Inspiring Gift Wrap - Week 1

Every year my daughter and I make the wrapping paper we use for all the gifts.

One year we stamped leaves with silver and gold ink on brown paper, it was very elegant and we had a lot of fun. Another year we used white paper and splattered paint on it, we even used newspaper and added a watercolor wash.

All these ideas were easy and fun. I have been researching ideas for this year and come across lots of good ideas. So over the next 3 weeks I will share with you some of the cool ideas I have found so you can create your own DIY gift wrap.

This is one of my favorites, the color is amazing. I have an old road atlas, I may be doing this on some of our packages this year.

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Valerie on Pinterest

I love the idea of putting pictures of the recipient on the packages. You could use brown paper or even newspaper and add black and white photos.

Source: Uploaded by user via Valerie on Pinterest

Anytime I can use paint chips I'm in. I love how simple this is, yet it makes a unique package.

Source: flickr.com via Valerie on Pinterest

Check back next week for three more inspiring ideas.

What's your favorite way to package your gifts for the holiday?

Be Inspired - Winter White

Words to Inspire

“Remember today, for it is the beginning of always. Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all your dreams can hold. Think truly to the future and make those dreams come true.”

Idea to Inspire

Some people don't think of white as a color, but it can be the perfect accent to finish off a piece of art.

Photos to Inspire

Amazing finds of inspiration in winter white from Pintrest.

Source: theberry.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: moonlightrainbow.tumblr.com via Monica on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Vicki on Pinterest

Source: aprilandmaystudio.blogspot.com via Monika on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Emily on Pinterest

Artist to Know - Zac Freeman

Today's artist takes recycling / upcycling to the next level.

Zac Freeman

Using stuff we toss away or throw in the kitchen junk drawer like buttons, old remote controls, pen caps, paper clips, Altoid tins, Legos, wire, and plastic bits, become the materials this artist uses to create his amazing one of a kind works of art.

Beginning in 1999, Zac began collecting junk, found objects, and general trash which he then glued to wooden substrate to form an image of faces of men and women.

His art works are made on a large scale (the pieces average about 28" by 35") and when viewed close up look like a bunch of junk that is put together with a hot glue gun, but when viewed from afar his pieces are impressive, compelling and beautiful portraits.

In the artist's own words:
"I was interested in communicating through visual representation in apparent 2-dimensional space and through the actual objects used for the medium in 3-dimensional space. It is very important to me that I incorporate the actual objects into the art as opposed to a picture or rendition of it because it better expresses the intention of the artwork. I feel the junk is more powerful being present. It is an actual thing to be reckoned with that existed in this time and place and carries energy in and of itself."

See more of his work on his website Zac Freeman Art.

Motivation Monday

                 Source: michele-byyourside.blogspot.com via Valerie on Pinterest