Hubs and I visited one of our favorite resorts this weekend, the Montelucia. If you get a chance, I would highly recommend it. We stayed for one night- a mini stay-cation of sorts. It was a perfect way to spend my Mother’s Day. Little man loves the water… this was the first exploration for pool day and it was a hit. Looks like I will be looking into swimming lessons soon.
Hope you had a lovely weekend.
{via Instagram}
I am in love with this image above. My friend saw it on Instagram and sent it to me… lovely Stephanie- Thank you. It’s the little things that can make a difference and affect the people around you. I am so lucky to have friends and family that are so supportive. It is so important to surround yourself with people who inspire, uplift, and motivate you.
I began blogging mainly for me. I thought it would be a cool way to document moments in my life and honestly as I’ve aged, I was feeling as though I had lost my creative outlet. Since I’ve started Crew & Lu, I feel invigorated. I want to try new things, even if they don’t result in what I envisioned. Most importantly I want to become a DO-er, no more putting things off or making excuses. It’s time to make it happen. I have big plans for the future of Crew & Lu. And I hope you all take a ride with me and experience my journey in developing my brand. I can guarantee funny stories, insight, and fun!
I want to create a movement to help inspire people much like myself who need to revive their thirst for life. It’s titled, “The little things” and it’s simple…UPLIFT others.
The Little Things MOVEMENT
*FIRST TASK, reach out to 1 person by the end of the week and do something simple to help bring a smile to their face. It can be as easy as a phone call, text them a joke, send them a funny pic, buy them a coffee, anything that will make their day. I promise you will feel gratification by their response. This may seem insignificant, but these little gestures can sometimes mean the most! So I encourage you to participate with me!
*SECOND TASK, this will be fun I promise. Pick one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but for some reason you haven’t and DO IT! Like a new hairstyle, a new fitness class, a DIY project, ANYTHING. This task will help develop time for yourself and bring your creativity out! If you want to make this more fun, take a pic and post it on Instagram and make sure you hashtag #LittleThingsMovement. It will be so much fun to see everyones adventures.
Click here to follow me on Instagram
I would love to hear all of your stories and hope you revive your creativity. This will be epic!
French Macaroons- the Queen of all desserts, in my eyes. They are so dainty and divine. I have always wanted to make these, so to embrace “The Little Things” second task -I took on the challenge. I followed the Martha Stewart recipe and they turned out quite lovely. I felt so accomplished and proud of the petite treats. They made the perfect delivery to my gal pals.
You can do it 🙂
I hope everyone is having a FaBuLoUs Friday! Testing this blog party post out, hopefully you like it too and want to share!
Here are the details:
Join the link party by choosing one of your blog posts from this week and introduce it in my comments sections. Also remember to share the link to it! It can be any post you’d like to share- whether its funny, a DIY, personal, fashion, anything of your choosing!
I got this fabulous idea by a fellow blogger, Atlantamomofthree. She is so sweet and has amazing thoughts on motherhood and life in general. Valerie has also been so helpful to me as I’m growing by blogging skills.
Share a post on my comment feed, and then hop on over to her thread and share on hers too! Just click the image below to get on the blog party at Atlantamomofthree!
Can’t wait to read all of your posts!!!
How rad are these chalkboard photo props? They are so extremely easy to make and a great way to add FUN to any party! Personally, I’d do a impromptu photo shoot with them any time. Follow these simple steps below to start personalizing your photos!
What you’ll need:
{Cardboard poster, this is thicker than poster board and I found it in the same isle as the poster board}
{Chalkboard paint}
{Wood dowels}
{Gorilla tape or Duct tape}
The first couple of steps are simple! Sketch the shape you want your comic bubble to look like on the back of the cardboard poster. I wanted my bubbles to be a little bit bigger so I was able to fit two on mine. I think it would be cute to make slightly smaller ones for kids and honestly there are so many shapes you could do! Then cut them out with scissors.
After my shapes were cut out, I rolled chalkboard paint with a small sponge roller (to get a more even finish). I painted three coats, giving dry time between the coats. I’m sure two coats would do but I wanted to make sure the whole surface was even and durable.
Once dried, I attached round wood dowels on the backside of the comic bubbles with Gorilla tape. And voila! Have a ball with awesome photos and endless captions!
This is my dog Bucket! My hubs and I always narrate what’s going on in his head.
I’m pretty positive this is on his mind daily! Hee-hee
Happy diy!
Have you heard about the The Shine Project? I met Ashley, the founder and creator of The Shine Project at a blogging event a few months back and we instantly clicked. She truly is the sweetest, motivated, fashionable gal that you just want to be around. Ashley discovered the lack of programs for inner city youth and launched a non-profit scholarship program to improve the lives of at-risk teens through service, education, and family involvement. This program teaches inner city students leadership skills to help them achieve their goals and succeed. The money raised goes to these students to attend college and give back to society.
{I’ll be attending this event on Saturday, April 20th. COME join me!}
The Shine Project 2013 Benefit
Sponsored by: San Tan Ford and Frances
Date: April 20th from 6-9 PM
Where: Phoenix Fashion Week’s new Fashion Hub!
A girls night out and women only pay $60 a ticket to come get their hair, nails, makeup and brows done all in the name of charity. Fun salons from around Phoenix like Saskia salon, are just some of the vendors coming to do services.
Music, food, raffles and silent auction will be there as well!
If you can not attend, please consider purchasing a ticket to donate to one of The Shine Project’s students so they can have a fun night out. 100% of the money raised will go to scholarships.
For more event info and to purchase tickets go to: www.shineproject.eventbrite.com and for any questions or to donate items contact Lindsay at theshineproject@gmail.com.
If you wanna wear change, check out her Threads line. Cutest bracelets and better yet- proceeds go towards The Shine Project Scholarship fund.
Check our her THREADS shop by clicking HERE.
{Me sporting my THREADS}
Since it’s really just my hubs and I, it’s not often we cook big meals. And when we do, we’ll have leftovers for days. I’ve been thinking of ways to make our meals healthier, cater to our busy schedules, and attract our different tastes. Lance is a meat and potatoes kind of guy and I’m more organic and have been cutting back on my meat intake. Since we are both on the go during the day I wanted to create something light, tasty, and will hold up well if not eaten right away.
Arugula with Israeli Couscous salad:
Ingredients (makes 2-4 servings):
{I followed directions on the Couscous package and tossed it with the arugula, diced bell peppers, diced avocado, and grape tomatoes. I juiced 1 lemon and whisked in the olive oil, also adding in salt and pepper to taste. I added a splash of balsamic vinegar and a dash of honey to the dressing. I tossed the salad and vinaigrette together and voila! Yummy goodness! I love this simple dressing, gives just enough flavor and coats the arugula well. I went with arugula as it doesn’t wilt quickly and it has a lemon/peppery taste}
This is perfect to pack for lunch or for a light dinner. You could also have the option to add some protein. Either some kidney beans to give it a buttery taste or sliced grilled chicken.
1. Such great hair ideas for on the go. (thebeautydepartment.com)
2. As a new blogger, I’m always learning new things. I’m thinking about signing up for a web class to further my blog. (nicolesclasses.com)
3. This site has so many items for crafting. (mjtrim.com)
4. I love bargains and this site brings all the cute things you adore in one place. They hold deals daily! (brickyard buffalo.com)
5. I would love to turn this modern shed to a my future office space in my backyard. How cool is this? (kangaroomsystems.com)
6. Trying to eat heathier gets so boring sometimes. So any recipes to revamp a salad gets a thumbs up by me. (cupcakesandcashmere.com)
7. I love all things pretty. And I am definitely eye’ing this gorgeous necklace. Obsessed with all their jewelry. (www.etsy.com/shop/LoveObsessed)
Celebrating Crew’s first Holidays are so fun. Even though he probably doesn’t know what’s going on, I love making a big deal out of them! I had so much fun putting together his Easter basket. Obviously he’s not into candy yet…so I (Easter bunny mama) filled it with all sorts of goodies that he could use everyday. I added the chalkboard to the tin bucket and I’m glad I can reuse it in his room. I put a few t-shirts in his basket as he’s growing like a weed and can always use more clothes! Those little shoes are actually all plastic! They are i play shoes and I thought they would be perfect for when we start heading to splash pads. They can get wet and are so light weight. Crew loves pounding on things and what would be better than this little piano. I just hope my ears can withstand it. But who knows, maybe he’ll be a little mozart, ha! I added a new Mickey Mouse book with sounds and also new paci’s. He loves his food, normally I make organic food for him but once in awhile when I’m in a pinch I turn to Plum Organics baby food. I like their wide range of flavors! I couldn’t wait to see him dig into this basket!
{Crew loved banging on this piano}
FAB FINDS! Don’t you just love it when you find something amazing!!!!! I’ve been trying to design my formal dining area. It’s the first thing you see when you walk through my front door. I am going for industrial chic with a twist look. Honestly, I love so many looks I don’t know what direction to turn to. I definitely don’t want it to be too stuffy and I want the overall look to be functional and of course make you go “ooohhhh ahhhh”. I came across this tufted bench at Marshall’s- sometimes you can find such awesome pieces there! And…. I even got it for 15% off! I kindly spoke with the manager on duty to see if there was anything they could do as it had some marks on the fabric (mostly marks I could easily clean). Hey, it never hurts to ask and this in this case it came out in my favor. I picture this bench to be used as seating around a farm like table. I would have two chairs at the end of the table and two chairs or a bench on the opposite side of the tufted bench. I’m excited to pull it all together. Once I get further in the design process, I’ll post before and afters!
{Had to post a pic with little man on it}
I also snatched up this fun mini green house. I imagine it’s perfect home will be on the dining room table with some white pots and succulents. And the best part…wait for it…wait for it… it was only $12.99 at Marshall’s! I’ll take it! Gotta love bargain finds.
Hubs and I got a chance to get away for a bit this weekend…and the weather was gorge! Got to pull out my floppy floppy (hat that is).
We rarely get pics with the two of us together. Either he’s behind the camera or I am. If we do pull off a pic together, it’s usually an iphone one. Love technology.
Hope everyone had a fabulous Easter Weekend!
Gold and glitter = LOVE! Does anybody love sparkles as much as I do? This is super easy and dresses up any paperwork into a beauty. If you have to look at piles of paper for work, why not make it pretty! These glitter clothespin clips are perfect for a craft party I’m planning and will be lovely accompanying the invitations.
Tools you’ll need
{any soft tip brush}
{glitter-any size and color of your choice, I chose gold because I have an obsession}
{mini clothespins, I used ones that are a little over 1 and 1/2 inches. You can find similar here}
{mod podge}
With your brush paint a layer of Modge Podge onto the clothespins. While it’s wet, sprinkle the glitter generously over the clothespins. Let dry for about 30 min to an hour.
Carefully tap each clothespin to remove the excess glitter.
Paint one more layer on top of the clothespins and glitter to set the glitter into place.
And voila! Glitter goodness for any occasion.
“Some girls are just born with glitter in their veins”. -Paris Hilton
{Yes, I did just quote Paris Hilton- I know what you’re thinking. Ha!}
Everyone has bright ideas and wonderful insight. It just depends if they want to share it with the world. I was always nervous about documenting certain aspects of my life nor did I think anyone was going to find me interesting. But since I have started, I have enjoyed it so much. Not only has it been challenging but quite a learning experience. I like giving myself the opportunity to be surrounded by creative, motivated, and the loveliest of people. I have already made some new budding friendships as well as strengthened some.
I am so thrilled and giddy to show you my new business cards and stationary. It was important for me to have CREW & LU as a recognizable brand not only to establish creditability but to achieve the overall look I was going for. I knew I wanted clean lines with a touch of whimsy. I turned to my good friend Julie, with Champagne Press to help me with my branding. From the instant I started to collaborate and share my ideas, Julie ran with them (I should say danced with them) and made them even better! If you ever need any lovely stationary, cards, invites, and now branding; Champagne Press will help make your ideas come to life. I hope you enjoy everything as much as I love them.
{CREW & LU stationary}
{CREW & LU mini cards}
“All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose”. – Brian Tracy
Crew & LU 