Leksi Designs...This Handmade Life

....And the second winner is

2011-10-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Congrats heartnsoulcooking! You won the coupon offer of $25.00 off $100 or more, $50 off $150.00 or more and a gift item(s) totalling the full purchase price. Go on over to www.unwrapsexy.com and contact them via the contact page for your prize!

...And the winner is

2011-10-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations lusizova! You won the $25.00 guft certificate to www.unwrapsexy.com! Go buy something cute and let us know what you got!

Win lingerie from Unwrapsexy.com! Newly extended!

2011-09-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Unwrapsexy.com Grand Opening Giveaway!

Ends 9/30/11 at Midnight!

Go check out www.unwrapsexy.com! I designed this website myself!

About Unwrapsexy.com

Hi there! I am the creator of Unwrapsexy.com. While searching for companies to broaden my existing wedding and party planning business, I noticed there were many toy companies, but very little lingerie..and with sizes of "one sizes fit those with no curves. All those 21st century exotic toys are fun...and you will get gifts, those that purchase with us, as well....but all those toys that pack a powerful orgasmic punch leave what from the afterglow?

So, the idea of unwrapsexy.com was born! We all know that part of being "sexy" is in your mind? The minds of both partners? There is very little out there currently outside a handful of select stores that carry sizes that fit a select few....and then...it's not "sexy on all"! I wanted to carry lingerie that fit a broad range of sizes because sexy and beautiful come in many different packages..., and although we all dream of looking like a Victoria's Secret Model…the reality is that 95% of us are not! That doesn't mean that YOU are not sexy!! So, we carry sizes from xs to 3x. We want to have something that everyone can feel beautiful in.

Our concept of having an in home lingerie themed party to fit your function will fit your lingerie trousseau/hope chest needs for a bridal shower because ordering is done in private, no embarrassment of everyone knowing your size, and you have your rep to help you select pieces that FIT what you are looking for. It's an easy way to get your lingerie armoire filled to your desire~!

Our goal is to promote a happy couple playing together so they stay together....less divorced parties!! However if all else fails and the divorce is prevalent…we will be there to pick up the pieces...and help you play with your new found love...until you are the Right COUPLE THAT PLAYS TOGETHER AND STAYS TOGETHER! Go ahead...UNWRAP SEXY!

WIN IT!!

Betsy at Unwrapsexy.com is graciously giving one winner a $25.00 gift certificate! A second winner will receive an awesome discount offer of a $25.00 gift certificate on purchase of $100.00 or more not including ship, and 50.00 on purchase of $150.00 or more not including ship, plus they get free gift for full dollar amount with purchase. Follow the directions below to enter!

MANDATORY

1.) Comment Below and be sure to leave me your email address. 1 Comment, 1 Entry

Extra Entries

1.) Like Unwrap Sexy on Facebook! 1 Comment, 1 Entry

2.) Purchase from www.unwrapsexy.com. 3 Comments, 3 Entries

3.) Follow Unwrap Sexy on Twitter. 1Comment, 1 Entry.

4.) Create a blog post promoting this giveaway! Post a link to your blog post. 3 Entries, 3 Comments.

5.) Facebook post about this giveaway. 2 Entries, 2 Posts.

6.) Tweet this Giveaway. 1 Entry, 1 Post.

Win $300 worth of goodies from Unwrapsexy.com!!!

2011-09-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have been authroized to up the amount! Unwrapsexy is serious folks! They are now giving away a cute corset bag filled with a costume of choice, lingerie, and other goodies. It totals $300 in value!!!

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS TO ENTER:

1. Refer as many friends as possible to "Like"their facebook page. You have to "Like" them as well.

2. Message their names and email addresses to them on facebook so they can confirm their "Likes". Emails will remain private.
3. The person who has the most people referred to follow through on their "like" wins!!!

ENDS 10/7/11!!!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE CURRENT CONTEST GOING ON IN THE POST BELOW! ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS COMMENT TO ENTER.

Necklace Giveaway - ENDS TODAY!

2011-02-28T08:18:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to enter my Necklace Giveaway! It ends today at midnight!

http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/leksidesigns-happy-birthday-to-me.html

Firedaughter Clothing GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

Hey blogger peeps! I know I haven't been posting as much as usual, but time is very limited for me right now. I have had some major life changes occurring. I am just about finishe with my master...took the test last week and PASSED! Woot Woot! That is such a relief. My jewelry business has tken off with flying colors and a BIG suprise is coming your way. I have dove head first into clothing design! I am in LOVE with my new designs, but you can't see until I get my modeling sessions complete....STAY TUNED! You won't want to miss this. I have a some fresh pinup style designs coming your way, some awesome tops, and best of all some totally unique corsets!

I was so excited about this giveaway, that I wanted to post it a little early. Samya is such a cool chic! She is a runner like me and has some awesome style. Who says you have to look dump to work out? Check out her "Run Baby Run" shirts! She can do custom creations as well.

Firedaughter Clothing

About Firedaughter Clothing

I'm Samya, and I make tees for women who are far too fabulous to wear tees! I make what I like...I am an avid runner and without exception all of my tees are formulated in my head on my runs...everything you'll find here comes straight from my heart to your strong, beautiful body!

Some of My (Brooke's) Personal Fav's:

Off the Shoulder Sweathershirt $38.00

Do Unto Others Burnout $30.00

Francis Chan Burnout Hoodie $60.00

Burnout Boyfriend Cutoff Sweatshirt $40.00

BUY ONE NOW AND GET 10 ADDITIONAL ENTRIES!!!

Go check out all of her designs at:
http://www.firedaughterclothing.com/

WIN IT:

WIN a $30.00 Gift Certificate to her store!

Here's how to win:

Mandatory Entry: You MUST follow me publicly on Google Connect and visit Firedaughter Clothing on Etsy. Please comment here with your favorite listing. 3 entries

Bonus Entries:

1. Like Firedaughter Clothing on Facebook!!!- 3 Entries (3 posts)

2. Follow me on Twitter- 1 entry (1 post)

3. Buy from Firedaughter Clothing - 10 Entries (10 Posts)

4. Retweet this giveaway daily - 1 daily (1 Post)

8. Write a blog post linking back to this giveaway - 7 entries (7 Posts)

Contest ends March 31! Good Luck!

New Site Up and Running!

2011-01-28T08:39:00.001-08:00

Well, I did it again. I am not a person that sticks with any design for long, sooooo I HAVE yet another NEW website!!! Whoot Whoot! Go check it out at www.leksidesigns.com! I designed and created this myself and offer web design services as well. This website is extra special because you can shop directly from it instead of going to my etsy. My etsy store will remain up and running too at http://leksidesigns.etsy.com. Let me know what you think!

LeksiDesigns Happy Birthday to Me Handstamped Necklace Giveaway!

2011-01-23T20:15:00.000-08:00

My birthday is almost here (February 6th)! Yay! I want to celebrate with all of my bloggy friends so I am giving away one of my handstamped necklaces! Only this time...YOU PICK which one you want!!! That's right! You get any necklace from my shop!!! WAHOO!

Go check out all of your choices at http://www.leksidesigns.etsy.com/!

WIN IT!

One of my lucky bloggers will win any handstamped necklace from LeksiDesigns!

TO ENTER:

MANDATORY

1. Follow this blog! Post a comment here stating your favorite item from Leksi Designs. (1 entry)

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Follow Leksi Designs on Twitter! (1 entry, 1 comment)

2. Tweet this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment) (This can be done once a day!)
3. Blog this giveaway! (3 entries, 3 comments) (Leave me the link to check)

4. Purchase from Leksi Designs! (10 entries, 10 comments)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment)

This contest ends at midnight on February 28th at Midnight!

I Love You to the Moon - Coupon Code!!!

2011-01-21T07:44:00.001-08:00

I have to say that all of this snow is giving me some productive time to come up with some new designs! I wanted to show off my newest creation. Check it out and get your ordered! I am offering my blogger friends a 20% discount!!! Use code: Leksi20 at checkout. This coupon is good for ANY of my items!

I Love You to The Moon

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66406989/i-love-you-to-the-moon-handstamped

Trendy Tries for 2011

2011-01-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Looking for trends to try for 2011? There are a few that are going to be in this year. I would consider myself a person that is always trying new fashion trends and products. I love trying new hairstyles, colors, accessories, and clothing ideas. Basically, if it is different...I WANT IT! I found a collection of new trends to try for 2011. Go ahead ladies....be a little trendy and give these a try. Sendme pics or let me know how it goes. I would LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Braids:

We all remember those braids from when we were kids. Give them a try now...only with a twist. Do a messy braid updo or try a sideswept braid.

Honeysuckle:

Did you know that every year has a fashion color. 2010 was turquise, and 2011 is honeysuckle. This reddish pink tone is a bright color with a warm hue. Try it as a handbag, shoes, or even a beautiful dress.

Bring Back the 70's:

70's sytle clothing is back in for 2011. No need to go overboard with it though. Simple colors, flowy material, and jeans are a good start.

Put a Lid on it:

I gotta love my HATS! Hats are majorly in for 2011, so rock your style! I love this one so much, that I included a picture of myself in this style! Check it out and send me yours!

I got my Dell!

2011-01-12T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hello bloggers! Thank goodness it was a snow day today because my new Dell Inspiron Duo came via Federal Express this morning. I am sooo excited this is finally in my hands! It was released for purchase at the end of November and I ordered it on Monday. It's a gift to myself for my birthday and completing my masters! I am taking the final cumulative course now and since there is a 200 page stragetic plan due in 8 weeks, I decided to go ahead and get me gift. Yay!

If you haven't seen this new little smart piece of technology yet, check it out. I have played on this all day and LOVE it! It is much like an iphone, ipad, kindle reader, and dvd player all in one!

Pillow Pets Deal Today Only

2011-01-06T18:22:00.001-08:00

My daughter is a pillow pet freak! However, at $20 a pet we have to just get one every now and then. This is a super awesome deal I found amd would make great gifts for birthday parties too! Check it out at: http://www.graveyardmall.com/products/Soft-Snuggly-18-Inch-Pet-Pillows-%252d-Set-of-6.html

Soft Snuggly 18 Inch Pet Pillows - Set of 6

Compare at:

~~$119.94~~

Your Price:

$33.99(You save $85.95)

SKU:

soft-snuggly-pet-pillows-6

Product Description

Soft and snuggly, these pillows fold up and double as adorable little pets using a velcro closure that has a soft cloth cover to protect your sleeping shilds face from getting scratched.

All 6 at one great low price!

Includes: Panda, Puppy, Bumble Bee, Lady Bug, Unicorn & Dolphin
Original copyright protected styles
Meets ASTN & EN71 Safety Requirements
18" x 18" x 3" pillows
Velcro close has soft cloth cover to protect childs face from scratches
Ages 3+ (not for children under 3)
Machine washable

Please note these pillows are the 18" size. don't compare them to the smaller ones.

Packaging: Each unit comes with it's own retail hang tag with upc

HOT: 6 Bottles of Seventh Generation Dish Liquid just $10.68 Shipped!

2011-01-06T16:10:00.001-08:00

Link: http://dealectiblemommies.com/2011/01/hot-6-bottles-of-seventh-generation-dish-liquid-just-10-68-shipped.html

Amazon has a 6-pack of Seventh Generation Dish Liquid, 25-Ounce Bottles for just $10.68 (reg. $25) w/Free 2-Day Shipping when you checkout using Subscribe & Save (located on the right hand sidebar). S&S can be canceled at anytime, after your order ships, from the "My Account" tab). Th

--
sent via Shareaholic-Publishers

Sent from my iPhone

Another WINNER!!!

2010-12-22T13:22:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Damla for winning the Camera Necklace from Vector Cloud! Merry Christmas!

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2010-12-22T13:19:00.001-08:00

Congratulation to Anja M. for winning the Sex and the City Cuff Giveaway! I know you will LOVE it! Thank you everyone for entering and have a Merry Christmas!

It's Been A While...

2010-11-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hello my missed bloggers! I have been absent for a while, but promise to be back very soon. I have some winners to announce this weekend and will be posting another totally awesome giveaway for you soon! A very good friend of mine and myself are doing a craft fair in a couple of weeks!!! BUSY BUSY! I posted a few of her things. They make great stocking stuffers and are SOOOOOO cute with Christmas outfits or just every day! My daughter LOVES them! Clip them in your hair, on a purse, on a hat, or even on the side of a long necklace. Go check them out! She is very reasonably priced too!

Little Diva's Fancy Hair Accessories

for Little Ladies

Go on over at check out Little Diva's! She has free shipping in the United States!

Camera Photo Necklace GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

I just love looking around Etsy for unique things. One day I came across this great artist who does the most unique laser work ever! She graciously offered an awesome chunky camera necklace for a giveaway to one of my beautiful bloggers! This item was a front page Etsy Feature as well!

About the artist:

My Name is Amelia and I live in Queens, New York. I am a product designer who thoroughly cherish my independence as an “indie” designer and a new mother. When I am not busy creating, I love hanging out with my family and friends, going out for a picnic, taking my baby and dog to the park, or barbecuing in the backyard with the neighbors.

My Etsy store, Vectorcloud focuses on laser cut/engraved products which range from jewelry to home decors. People have described my products style as being unique, retro, or urban pop. I started this endeavor late last year after working at an NFP helping kids in the Bronx to create variety of projects using a laser cutter. The experience really inspired me and opened up new perspectives on what I can do with my skills.The Retro clocks have always been my favorite, but the Polly dress up doll is so much fun to make.

Besides designing and making my own products, I also do custom work and service. So if you like my work, but can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, I would love to work with you. Email me at vectorcloud [!at] gmail.com or convo me on http://www.vectorcloud.etsy.com/.

Check out her sites:

http://www.vectorcloud.etsy.com/

www.facebook.com/pages/VectorCloud/123243391470

www.flickr.com/photos/vectorcloud/

WIN IT!

One of my lucky bloggers will win this beautiful camera necklace!

TO ENTER:

MANDATORY

1. Follow this blog! Post a comment here statign your favorite item from VECTOR CLOUD. (1 entry)

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Follow Leksi Designs on Twitter! (1 entry, 1 comment)

2. Tweet this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment) (This can be done once a day!)

3. Blog this giveaway! (3 entries, 3 comments) (Leave me the link to check)

This contest ends at midnight on October 31st!

Sex and the City Cosmopolitan Girl Cuff by Hip Couture Diva GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-09-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't wait to open this giveaway up for all of my bloggy friends! I WANT ONE SOOO BAD!!!! 

COSMOPOLITIAN GIRL....HOT PINK ULTRA SEXY!!!!

Grab your best Girlfriends and put on your SEXIEST....Manolos,Mini's,grab a Martini and finish it off with this CUFF Diva Couture Cuff Bracelet....

Inspired by the new movie "Sex in the City 2"....

Rock your inner Diva!

Chunky, Funky, Fabulous Couture CUFF...Colorful,sophisticated a perfect accessorie to complete any Diva's ensemble♥

ROCK it Girl!

ABOUT THE WONDERFUL DESIGNER:

My name is Michelle Enriquez a married SAHM in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have a Hubby who supports all my crazy ideas! 3 kids...2 boys and a girl. My Girl Selena a.k.a. Cha Cha....has been my funnest inspiration for making all things girly!

I love Creating, and I never am afraid of trying new things. I love Trendy and Fashionable accessories. I am a magazine junkie! Love looking at pictures and imaging being a famous designer:)...LOVE Project Runway and all the Real Housewives Reality Shows!

I Love the Beach...Sunny days...Mexican Food!

I have 2 Doggies...Lucy and my newest addition Baby:) she's so sweet. Fluffy Bichons...sooo loveable.

I started my Etsy shop with Diva Mommy Designs 2008....dedicated to making Baby accessories. As new creations began to interest me I decided to open my other etsy shop...Hip Couture Diva dedicated for Trendy women. I have had really great success with this little shop online and in my hometown.

I am now creating all things Diva-like for Little Gals to Women.

Cha Cha Couture by diva mommy designs was inspired by name and personality by my daughter. She loves frills,shoes,etc etc etc :)

My favorite items are my CUFF Diva Bracelets...each is unique and has it's own personality...no two are ever alike. I never prethink my designs...I sit and just start building the piece into a wearable art.

BUY IT:

http://www.divamommydesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.hipcouturediva.etsy.com/

WIN IT:

WIN HER BEAUTIFUL Sex and the City Cosmopolitan Girl Cuff!

TO ENTER:

MANDATORY: Follow my blog and complete #1!!

1. Comment here with your email address and which item you like best from Hip Couture Diva!

EXTRA ENTRY OPTIONS (OPTIONAL)

Follow me on Twitter (1 entry, 1 comment)

Blog about this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment...leave me the link)

Tweet this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment)(This can be done daily for extra entries...1 per day)

Facebook this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment)(This can be done daily for extra entries...1 per day)

Buy something from Hip Couture Diva (10 extra entires, 10 comments)

THAT'S ALL! Good luck! This giveaway ends at midnight on October 10th!!

Now Accepting Sponsors!

2010-09-21T08:46:00.001-07:00

Blogmania went so well for both the blogs and their sponsors! Thanks again to everyone who participated! My sponsors received over 730 entries!!! That is great! The next event scheduled is the Holiday Gift Giving Event!!! Right now there are more blogs participating in the hop than Blogmania! This is going to be a huge event. All blogs will be offering cash and gift certificates from sponsoring shops. It starts December 1st!!!

I have a few sponsors already that I will be promoting starting November 1. If you are interested, please email me at leksidesigns(@)gmail dot com!! You won't want to miss out on good exposure for your store!

Gym Funnies!

2010-09-20T12:42:00.001-07:00

As you all may already know, I am a gym fanatic. Working out is something I truly enjoy and it is a great stress reliever. My workout location has changed a bit and visiting a larger gym sometimes makes me realize the funny things people do...especially newcomers. So...if you are a gym newbie, are planning to be soon, or just don't pay attention to proper gym etiquette pay attention to this list of DON'T's.

1. DON'T bring your McDonalds, pizza hut, or any other food into the gym! I have actually witnessed this on several occasions. There I am running my rear off(hopefully literally) and here comes a car full of large women toting in the big mac meals. I for one LOVE a good Big Mac, but not while I am working out!!! That is the last thing I need for motivation unless you have it tied to a string and make me chase it around the gym.

2. DON'T wear your spandex pants and underwear. Most women don't realize this, but if you look in the seat area of proper gym clothing there is built in underwear. This is for a reason. The "no panty line" rule goes for the gym as well!

3. DON'T utilize a machine if you are not working out on it. Again, see this all the time. Someone sitting on a machine reading a book or chatting on their cell phone. This is fine if you are utilizing your 60 seconds between sets, but not for a half hour. Ug....drives me nuts!

4. DON'T talk to anyone while in the middle of their set. Imagine this....big bodybuilder man has 400 pounds on his shoulder, red faced, and making huge grunting noises. Don't walk up to him and ask anything during this time. Common sense should tell you to walk in the opposite direction. I know I am not a bodybuilder by any means, but here I am in the middle of my crunches and someone walks up to me and asks me how to workout their core. Huh?

5. DON'T wear your snow boots, slippers, cowboy boots, hunting boots, or flip flops on the machines. Yep, I have seen this one too. Someone walks in with their boots on, packed with mud and steps on the treadmill. Nice!

6. DON'T stand behind me and stare at my backside while I am working out. I am flattered and all, but it seriously ruins my mojo when you are gawking. Take a pic with your cell phone and move on!

7. DON'T wear spandex if you can't get away with it. I am going to touch a little more on #2. I see women come in all the time with their little gym top and spandex shorts/pants. It is VERY rare a person looks good in spandex. VERY RARE! Unless you are one of the trainers...don't do it! I don't want to know exactly what you look like naked, and especially while you are flopping your stuff around on the treadmill.

8. DON'T stink up the place! A gym naturally smells enough as it is. Wear deodorant, wash your gym clothes, and please control your flatulence problem.

9. DON'T take a smoke break. There is just something that doesn't quite sit well with me when you are pausing your workout to go smoke a cig. Huh? Gym and cigs don't really go together and you stink up the place when you come back in.

10. DON'T use the gym as a social gathering place. I see people come in there that have been there ALL day and they aren't working out at all. They chit chat, shower, shave, chit chat some more, then maybe do a few sets, then have to shower again. GO HOME! I don't go to the gym to socialize. I will say "hello". That's fine, but once I plug my ipod earphone into my ears. They stay there unless you are on fire and screaming at me to help.

Well, that's all for now. Oh....I have a ton more...believe me! I didn't even touch on the track!

Leksi Designs Mother's Necklace GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-09-20T07:14:00.001-07:00

Win a Mother's Necklace of your choice!

Choose any necklace from my shop up to a $35.00 value!

Go check out this giveaway! It ends on 9/30!

http://happytogetherish.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway.html

BLOGMANIA WINNERS & MORE EXCITING NEWS!!!

2010-09-17T12:52:00.001-07:00

I had a blast during Blogmania! I never expected so many lovely new followers and 704 comments!!! WOW! You guys are awesome! Here are my winners!

Giveaway #1: $450.00 Boutique Graphics Giveaway

WINNER: Leslie with Live, Laugh, Love with Leslie Blog

Giveaway #2: Photography Package

WINNER: Sarah with Sarah's Blog of Fun

Giveaway #3: TWEET TWEET Fall Accessories Package

WINNER: Jennifer with Sweeptight

All winners have been notified via email. Thank you so much for entering and please watch my blog over the next couple of weeks. I am posting another great giveaway and talking more about my beautiful sponsors!

EXCITING NEWS AND OPPORTUNITY!

Now on to some more exciting news!!! I am a participating blog in the HOLIDAY GIFT GIVEAWAY HOP!!! This will be a HUGE event as well! There are over 130 blog participating so far and wel will all be offer cold hard cash and gift cards!!! Perfect for CHRISTMAS!!!! Stay tuned!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR MY BLOG, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT leksidesigns(@)gmail dot com. I WILL BE PROMOTING MY SPONSORS THE WHOLE MONTH OF NOVEMBER PRIOR TO THE HOP!!! SHOULD BE LOTS OF TRAFFIC!!!

BLOG #75 BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY! TWEET TWEET

2010-09-14T23:01:00.001-07:00

THEME: EVERYTHING "TWEET TWEET"!!!

Follow all of the blogs via the BLOGMANIA LINKY!!

GIVEAWAY #1 GOLD SPONSOR!

WIN A $450.00 Boutique Graphics LOGO DESIGN!!! (INT!!!)

Take a look at Boutique Graphics: http://thecustomboutique.com/! She has some amazing designs that anyone would LOVE to have! WIN IT HERE!!!

HERE ARE SOME SAMES OF HER WORK:

____________________________________
GIVEAWAY #2 PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE!

Win 2 (8x10's) and 1 (5x15) (US/Canada)

8x10 Chickapug Print from Kelly D Brown Photography

8x10 Two Birds at the Beach Print from
Metro Line 6 Photography

5x15 Journey Print from The Foto Fairy

WIN ALL 3!!!
___________________________________________

GIVEAWAY # 3! TWEET TWEET ACCESSORIES FOR FALL! (US/Canada)

1. Sparkling Lemonade Bulk Body Powder with Birdy Powder Puff from Bonny n Clyde.

2. Fall Birdie Wallet from Jolly Little Purse.

3. Birdie Personal Organizer from Cafet Boulet.

4. Handblown Robins Egg Nest Focal Bead from Jelveh Designs (Plus $15.00 Gift Certificate).

5. $25.00 Gift Certificate to Buds and Blooms.

ENTRY IS EASY!!!

HOW TO ENTER:

MANDATORY: Follow my blog and complete #1!!

1. Comment here with your email address!

EXTRA ENTRY OPTIONS (OPTIONAL)

Check out my Blog Sponsor Page and follow thier blogs, twitter, etc...(1 entry, 1 comment for each)

Follow me on Twitter (1 entry, 1 comment)

Blog about this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment...leave me the link)

Tweet this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment)

Facebook this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment)

Buy something from Boutique Graphics (10 extra entires, 10 comments)

This Giveaway closes at midnight on 9/16/10!! ENTER NOW!

Check out #76 on the list next: http://www.letsjustgiveitaway.com/

GET READY! BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY STARTS TONIGHT!

2010-09-14T06:58:00.001-07:00

Get ready bloggers! Blogmania starts tonight and goes through tomorrow at midnight! Schedule it in and enter all of the wonderful (AND TOTALLY HIGH DOLLAR) giveaways! They will be super easy to enter and you can hop from one blog to the next.

Imagine winning everything you need for Christmas! That would be awesome! Bookmark my blog and start here! My post will go up at midnight! WAHOO!!!

CONGRATULATIONS BLOGFEST WINNER!

2010-09-13T06:45:00.001-07:00

BLOGFEST WAS A BLAST! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ENTERING. I HAD 311 ENTRIES....WOW!

Congratulations to Salad for Breakfast! You have won my $20.00 Gift Certification to www.leksidesigns.etsy.com! Go check out my shop and pick your item you would like to use it on! There is some great stuff in there for Christmas!

Pay attention to my blog this week. Blogfest was a huge and successful event and I have another HUGE event this week. Blogmania starts at 12:00 a.m. on the 15th and goes through midnight on the 16th. I will be giving away $725.00 worth of items during those two days! I do have an early entry option for my Gold sponsor. Check it out and get an extra early entry: http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogmania-45000-giveaway-gold-sponsor.html

BLOGFEST!

2010-09-10T04:17:00.000-07:00

BLOGFEST 2010 is officially under way! We get wonderful opportunities to bloghop all over the blogger world and enter wonderful giveaways! WAHOO!

Thanks for stopping by my blog on your tour of blogs. Blogfest is being run by A Journey of Books, so be sure to stop by there for information on all the blogs participating. Also if you track your blog hopping progress on A Journey of Books you will be entered in their massive giveaway!Track here: http://ajourneyofbooks.com/blogfest/

See below for my giveaway today!

The next blog on your tour is Blog-de-Suck. So wander on over there and see what great things are in store for you.

MY BLOGFEST GIVEAWAY!

TO ENTER: COMMENT BELOW AND LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow my blog! Leave a comment!

2. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment!

3. Blog about my blogfest blog post! Leave a comment!

The giveaway is open until Sunday at midnight! Get entered!

Blogmania Giveaway Sneek Peak! Check it out!

2010-09-08T07:29:00.001-07:00

Hey Bloggers! I am giving you an official sneak peak of all of my beautiful Blogmania Sponsors! I will not be adding pictures ecause I want you to visit their lovely shops to check out the item yourself. Please heart them or comment here about you thoughts! They were all gracious enough to donate an item to my blog for you to try to WIN on 9/15 & 16! SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!!!

Boutique Graphics- http://www.thecustomboutique.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=CustomBusinessLogoDesign Custom Logo Design

Metro Line 6 Photography - http://www.etsy.com/listing/49459071/two-birds-at-the-beach-8x10-photography

Bonny n Clyde - http://www.etsy.com/listing/52301685/black-bird-powder-puff-applicator-black, http://www.etsy.com/listing/50547550/pure-spearmint-all-natural-absorbent

Jolly Little Purse - http://www.etsy.com/listing/40045530/jolly-little-purse-garden-inspiration

Kelly D Brown Photography - http://www.etsy.com/listing/50171840/chickapug-or-pugadee-8x10-print

The Foto Fairy - http://www.etsy.com/listing/49332016/journey

Jelveh Designs - http://www.etsy.com/listing/53573260/lampwork-glass-focal-bead-robins-egg?ga_search_query=bird&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5103875 (plus $15.00 gift certificate)

Cafe Boulet - http://www.etsy.com/listing/54010141/personal-organizer-coupon-caddy-new-for

Buds and Blooms - http://www.etsy.com/shop/CorrineONeill ($25.00 Gift Certificate)

These are some great prizes guys! You will not want to miss entering my Giveaways! You can also get additional entries in my $450.00 Boutique Graphics Giveaway before the event! Check it out and tell your friends!

http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogmania-45000-giveaway-gold-sponsor.html

FREE PRODUCT! AXE...CLEAN YOUR BALLS! (Adult Content)

2010-09-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

My husband and I rolled on the floor laughing at this commercial this afternoon! Check it out!

Call 1-877-3AXE-BALL for your FREE MALE BALL CLEANER! We just called and even the operator is hilarious.

ENJOY!

Frustration...but Letting Go!

2010-09-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

Church was an amazing blessing this morning. Having FAITH is one of the hardest things to accomplish (for me anyway). Trusting that we are following what God has planned is not easy. I feel we overlook signs and refuse to fall when commanded. I am a BIG believer in signs. I think God hands us signs everyday. Some we see, some we don't see, and some we don't want to see.

Has there ever been someone in your life that has done something so incredibly wrong to you that you just can't let go of it? Have you ever known someone that was completely blinded and had their head in the sand? Maybe this person has wrong information, maybe they are only getting one sentence of an incredibly long story, or maybe they are just simply ignorant to what is right and what is wrong. I learned today that God doesn't want us to hang on to things like this. It is not up to us to to to make someone see what they cannot. It is not up to us to try and "FIX" someones' wrongs. God will take care of that in the end....he ALWAYS does. We need to walk with him, beside him, and put our faith and trust in ONLY him. Everyone else will just let you down.

On this day I pray for strength, forgiveness, and the ability to let myself fall...to let myself follow what God has in store for me.

I am going to move subjects a little. On the way home from church this morning I heard an amazing song. I have always liked this artist, but her songs have never really hit me like it did today. Christina Perri has an amazing voice. Her stories are amazing and her blog is great too. She has had a life filled with music and has had to deal with a lot of heartbreak. Her brother plays guitar for Shinedown also!

Here are a couple of her beautiful songs. I, of course, have my favorites, but LOVE them all. Check her out and join her site at http://www.christinaperri.com/! She will be HUGE!

Jar of Hearts

i know i can't take one more step towards you

cause all that’s waiting is regret

don't you know i'm not your ghost anymore

you lost the love i loved the most

i learned to live, half alive

and now you want me one more time

who do you think you are?

runnin' 'round leaving scars

collecting a jar of hearts

tearing love apart

you're gonna catch a cold

from the ice inside your soul

don't come back for me

who do you think you are?

i hear you're asking all around

if i am anywhere to be found

but i have grown too strong

to ever fall back in your arms

ive learned to live, half alive

and now you want me one more time

who do you think you are?

runnin' 'round leaving scars

collecting a jar of hearts

and tearing love apart

you're gonna catch a cold

from the ice inside your soul

don't come back for me

who do you think you are?

it took so long just to feel alright

remember how to put back the light in my eyes

i wish i had missed the first time that we kissed

cause you broke all your promises

and now you're back

you don't get to get me back

who do you think you are?

running around leaving scars

collecting a jar of hearts

and tearing love apart

you're gonna catch a cold

from the ice inside your soul

so don't come back for me

dont come back at all

who do you think you are?

Crying

You

Break Free

Black Bird

Blogmania $450.00 GIVEAWAY GOLD Sponsor! EARLY ENTRY!

2010-09-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

Gold Sponsor

I am pleased to announce Maggie from Boutique Graphics:

http://thecustomboutique.com/

"My name is Maggie and I'm a WAHM to three awesome kids. Ian is 9, Sophie is 5, and Emalie is 5 months, and they are the joys of my life!

I started doing graphic and web design in 1999 and I absolutely love it... I can be creative while helping other small businesses.

I take my job as a web designer, graphic designer and product photographer very seriously. Therefore, I maintain memberships with several professional organizations, support movements and causes related to my field, and continually broaden my knowledge base with seminars and new courses.

As a professional, I feel it is important to be a part of the community relating to my industry, and to support causes that make a difference to that community."

Here are a few of the service Boutique Graphics offers:

Boutique Website Design

Blog Design

Product Photography

Twitter Page and Graphics Design

Flash Website Design

Custom Logo Design

Hand-Drawn Illustrations

Print Marketing Design

Home Page Collage Design

Web Banner Portfolio

Portfolio:

Here are just a few samples of my favorite things that she has done!

Boutique Graphics Sponsored Item!

WIN IT!!!

$450.00

Custom Boutique Logo Design!!!

Here are a couple of past logos that Maggie has created:

Early Entries!!! I am opening this early entry feature for my gold sponsor: Boutique Graphics!

Win a $450.00 completely custom and personalized Boutique Logo Design!

HOW TO ENTER:

MANDATORY: Follow my blog and complete #1!!

1. Visit Boutique Graphics...take some time and have a look around! Comment here on the favorite thing you noticed from her website.

3. Blog about this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment...leave me the link)

4. Tweet this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment)

5. Facebook this giveaway! (1 entry, 1 comment)

6. Buy something from Boutique Graphics (10 extra entires, 10 comments)

THIS IS JUST AN EARLY ENTRY OPTION SO STAY TUNED FOR BLOGMANIA ON SEPTEMBER 15 & 16 FOR THE MAIN GIVEAWAY AND $300.00 MORE IN PRIZES!

This early entry is good until 9/14! Get entered now!

Together on the Front Porch

2010-09-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

It has been a wonderful few days and...ahh...it feels good to feel a little good again. Life gets you so down sometimes, that you forget about the good things. We had a wonderful Anniversary (and still have a great date to look forward to this weekend!)...yay! I am so excited to get out with the hubby alone. It has been a long time. He got me an iphone4 for our anniversay (which I LOVE) and some new workout clothes. Yes! He went and bought me clothes! I was SHOCKED! I got him a Green Egg Smoker Grill (which he has been wanting for a couple of years now). They are just so darn expensive, you have to save those purchases for something really special...lol.

Eventhough the iphone is super amazing, the best gifts are always the words that are written and spoken on those days.

Many anniversaries from now, when we have been together for a very long time, I wonder what it will be like. Will we share extra blankets to keep warm? Count the stars from our front porch rockers? Dream older, wiser dreams, or be contented with the memories we've made?

Of course, I can't predict the future, but I'll tell you what I do know - if we use extra blankets, I'll still need to hold you close. If we sit in our rockers, mine will be right next to yours. And no matter how old or wise we become, I'll still want the feel of your gently hand in mine...

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I look forward to whatever the future may hold - as long as my future holds you.

Happy Anniversary.

Love, Your Husband

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend! Stay safe and have loads of fun! Send out Summer in Style!!! We will be gearing up for a huge four wheeler weekend next weekend! Unfortunatley, I ALWAYS have midterms on labor day weekend...who plans that? It's crazy! I only have 3 classes left though....MASTERS...here I come! I can see the light!

CLARE BARE UNDERWEAR GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2010-09-02T04:42:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS DEANNA!

You won my awesome Clare Bare Underwear GIVEAWAY!

Everyone! Please check out Clare Bare ! She has got some great new fall items! Check out one of my newest favs!

Don't forget! There are $725.00 worth of GIVEAWAYS coming in a couple of weeks! Keep your eyes open for early entry opportunities like this $450.00 Boutique Graphics GIVEAWAY!

http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogmania-45000-giveaway-gold-sponsor.html

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2010-09-01T12:51:00.001-07:00

Congratulations "The Freebie Junkie"!

You just won my Jolly Little Purse Giveaway!

I would like to take to the time to thank Olga from Jolly Little Purse! Check out her shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/JollyLittlePurse

She has some great iphone and blackberry bags....think Christmas!

Also, Olga is one of my Blogmania Sponsors! She will be giving away another bag on my blog on September 15 & 16! Stay tuned for that!

Another year...

2010-08-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

A Poem for ME

"Through the toughest times in my life, you stood by me undeterred

Even when you were in distress, nothing of your own for you mattered

Through it all you stood strong, you stood for me and you held me close

You mended me, changed me, motivated me and saved me from life’s blows

I yell, I scream, I complain and I hurt you many times still, it’s almost now habitual

But you have mastered to calm the winds and settle the seas without any ritual

Your love has triumphed o’er and captured the fortress of doubts, my weakness

And now I can see love shining through your eyes with a glow of happiness

Your patience, your endurance, your true love broke all the barriers of time and age

I am lifted and blessed to finally understand that love prevails, so hear my message."

Another Anniversary is upon us. Each year that goes by, we learn more and more about each other. I must say, that I never knew what unconditional love really was until now. This is a kind of love that does not just happen in a short amount of time. This kind of love is almost indescribable. It is a love that is there regardless of what life brings.

On this anniversary, we are taking a vow to throw out those life regrets, mistakes, and hardships. All of those horrid circumstances that are weighting our family down are being thrown out with the garbage (where they belong). This is a year for change and renewal. This is a year for peace, happiness, and unconditional love.

GIVEAWAYS ENDING! GET ENTERED NOW!

2010-08-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello my beatutiful bloggers! Happy Monday! I wanted to send a quick reminder out that my two August giveaways will be ending tomorrow!

GET ENTERED NOW!

Jolly Little Purse

Clare Bare Lingerie

I will not be posting a Septemeber Giveaway because of BLOGMANIA! I hope you are all getting super excited! I am giving away over $725.00 worth of items! WAHOO!

I have an early entry option open for my Gold Sponser. Check that out too and get entered to win a $450.00 Boutique Graphics Item!

Boutique Graphics GIVEAWAY

COFFEE TALK: FREE GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this LOW ENTRY GIVEAWAY! She is one of my Blogmania Sponsors as well!

COFFEE TALK: FREE GIVEAWAY!: "In celebration of making 200 sales on Etsy, I have decided to give away one of my personal planners! This planner is absolutely my favorite..."

LeksiDesigns is now PR Friendly!

2010-08-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Product Reviews / Giveaways

Leksi Designs loves to feature crafters, artists, and any other product out there on the market. If you are interested in doing a review article and giveaway event, please contact me at leksidesigns@gmail.com!

Product Reveiws and Giveaways are FREE of charge!
You must provide me a full size product or item that you are wanting to have reviewed.
You will get to read my review prior to it being posted live.
The review/giveaway will be advertised by me on facebook, twitter, http://www.leksidesigns.com/, and this blog.

Giveaway Only

Leksi Designs will be pleased to do a standard Giveaway only listing. I usually run them for 3-4 weeks. During that time you will be advertised by me on facebook, twitter, www.leksidesigns.com , and this blog.

I have gotten big enough that I am needed to screen what items I give away. I do have a wait list, so to increase your chances and to speed up the process you might want to do the Review/Giveaway Route. Please feel free to ask for more information! Email me at leksidesigns@gmail.com!

Ad Space

My Ad Space is on the top of my front page! They are large ads!

194x200 in size

If you need help creating your ad, I will be happy to do one for you for a small fee of $15.00. You will have rights to this ad and be able to utilize it in other places as well.

I rent my spaces out monthly (30 days from date of purchase) for a fee of $10.00 a month.

Payment is accepted in the form of Paypal only. It must be sent to leksidesigns@gmail.com.

Please let me know if there are any further questions or concerns!

I am already creating the first ad, so get your order in now! September will be my busiest site traffic month because of BLOGMANIA!!

Adore By Nat: Handstamped Necklace Giveaway

2010-08-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Nat has featured me on her blog! Check it out and win a necklace...by me!!! ;~)

Adore By Nat: Handstamped Necklace Giveaway: "Leksi Designs is giving a way a beautiful Handstamped Personalized Hammered Circle necklace. 'This is truly a cute necklace. It is a sterl..."

Saturday Recipe! Grilled Potato Salad

2010-08-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome Potato Salad Recipe from Down Home with the Neely's! I have had this before and it is hands down...the best potato salad EVER! I don't even like potato salad and I can make a meal out of this.

We are grilling with family and friends today, so this will be on our table! Have a great weekend everyone and don't forget to stay tuned for my Blogmania Giveaway! I have over $725.00 worth right now! WAHOO!!

Blogmania Sponsors! $725.00 Giveaway!

2010-08-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been such a great week. I would LOVE to thank all of my confirmed sponsors for Blogmania! You guys rock and I was selective on who I asked and who I accepted, so these sponsors are truly unique and have super great products.

GOLD Sponsor:

Boutique Graphics (MAJOR HIGH DOLLAR SPONSOR!)

Super Silver Sponsors:
The Wingless Bird

Silver Sponsors:

Metroline 6 Photography

Bonny N Clyde

Jolly Little Purse

Kelly D Brown Photography

Jelveh Designs

The Foto Fairy

Buds and Blooms

I have several others I am still conversing with on their giveaway items, so I will add those to the list later in the week! So far, the grand total of my Blogmania Giveaway is.............drumroll please...........

$725.00!!!

(sponsors still rolling in)

I will be adding an early entry addition this weekend so stay tuned to earn extra entries before September 15 & 16!

If you are interested in sponsoring, please let me know as soon as possible! This is a great opportunity to get your shop name out there to tens of thousands of people!

Clare Bare Underwear! GIVEAWAY (Adult Content - 18+ only please!)

2010-08-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite giveaways! Clare from Clare Bare Lingerie is an awesome designer. She has been featured in magazines, on runways, and just got back from the Naked Without Us Fashion Event in Nashville! Clare is going to be BIG. She is know as the Anti-Victoria Secret and I LOVE that. We all need underwear, right? Why not make it cute and sexy? Clare offers comfortable and super sexy solutions for women.

Clare says: "My main goal is to make people feel good about themselves. I make garments that accentuate the body, rather than cover it up, push it up, or transform it into something that it never could be. I don't believe in clothing that is created to solve a problem- the flaw doesn't exist until you design something for it. I feel that this is one reason why people are so unsatisfied with their bodies. You can buy a garment that will temporarily make you look "better" while you're wearing it, but when you take it off you're even more dissappointed than you were in the first place because you realize that it's not the real you. My lingerie is constructed to frame your body, fit comfortably, and make you feel naturally beautiful as you should."

My favorite design of hers (I will sooo own this very soon)!

Clare Bare is a Brooklyn based artist and designer specializing in eco-friendly lingerie made from bamboo jersey and vintage fabric. All of her pieces are made by hand in limited edition runs, and are structured to flatter your body in a natural way without the use of constrictive hardware.

During her years at Parsons, Clare collected and drew inspiration from vintage textiles that eventually piled so high that there was no more space to work. Soon after, "Clare Bare" was conceived out of the need to give her piles of fabric a purpose, and to make good use out of a clever name. Today it is an ever growing business fueled by passion and created for passionate consumers.

BUT IT!

Clare Bare Lingerie

Clare has graciously offered the cutest pair of her amazing Pastel Stripe Bloomers! I am soo jealous of whoever wins these!

WIN IT!

TO ENTER:

Mandatory Entry….Follow my Blog and go to Clare Bare Lingerie and tell me which one you like the best!

Extra Entries

Follow Clare Bare's Blog (3 entries, 3 separate comments)

Blog about this leaving a link to this giveaway as well as a link to Clare Bare Lingerie (3 entries, 3 separate comments)

Heart (favorite) Clare Bare Lingerie (3 Entries, leave 3 comments)

Follow LeksiDesigns on Twitter ( 3 Entries, Leave 3 comments)

Add your giveaway to my GIVEAWAY LINKY! (3 Entries, leave 3 comments)

Add my button to your blog! (3 Entries, leave 3 comments)

Good Luck EVERYONE! I will check all entries. GIVEAWAY ENDS on August 31st at midnight!

Awesome Weekend!

2010-08-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Rock n Roll Circus was amazing! We spent the day Saturday with friends at a local bar and then headed to the circus for good music and of course...more drinks! I just want to say that, being raised in the 80's was awesome! I am a big music freak so I really enjoyed the 80's cover band. If you have never heard of them...LOOK THEM UP! Machine Gun Symphony is one of the greatest and most entertaining cover bands I have ever heard. I attached a video of them...TAKE A LOOK! I also added a few pics from Budweiser, MONSTER, and METROMIX...YES! WE WOUND UP ON THEIR WEBSITE...LOL.

MACHINE GUN SYMPHONY (ALIVE)

MACHINE GUN SYMPHONY | MySpace Music Videos

PS...Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAYS!!!

Rock n Roll Circus Weekend!

2010-08-13T11:38:00.001-07:00

This weekend is the Rock n Roll Circus! WAHOO! I, of course, will be there with bells on! What is this Rock n Roll Circus I am speaking of? TAG Magazine says it best, "the Rock N' Roll Circus rolls through town and lands at Summers at the River, (2142 N Sports Complex Lane, Nixa, MO). This will mark the first of the planned-to-be annual event, and it's guaranteed to be a Grand Opening with a rock lineup featuring the rock-a-billy tasting of The Honky Tonk Renovators into two of Nashville's hottest rocksters StackMagic and Brenn.

If that hasn't pulled you in and earned a spot on your social calendar, the back half of the day will explode with the first ever reuniting of legendary Johnny Q Public right into Springfield's favorite 80′s metal tribute band, Machine Gun Symphony. What is a circus without the freaks???? Rock N Roll Circus, is not just a name! The Marvelous Wonders of Mr. Pimm and the Circus of Sin, will treat your eyes and child-like minds to the wonders of a grown-up circus featuring: Fire Breathing, stilt walking, juggling, dark clowns and mimes, belly dancing, and a very naughty ring leader in the "littlest" of packages."

This event is sponsored by BUDWEISER & MONSTER, so you know it will be good! If any of my fellow bloggers are in the area, don't miss the Rockin good time!

See more at http://rocknrollcircus.net/!!!

BLOGMANIA BABY!

2010-08-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

This is my official announcement! I am a participating blog in BLOGMANIA! YAY!

What does that mean? That means that I am giving away a TON of prizes on September 15&16 during the Blogmania event!!! I have been working my little fingers to the bone securing some truly amazing sponsors for this event. I am still gathering sponsors, but have collected some completely AWESOME prizes to give away during those two days. I will start revealing my sponsors and my theme NEXT WEEK!

What is Blogmania? It's open to anyone! As a participant, you will have an incredible opportunity to blog hop to as many of the 175 participating blogs (like MINE!) as you want and enter their amazing giveaways. Each blog involved has a minimum of $100 in prizes. Something for EVERYONE! (Several blogs will have international giveaways as well). So far the combined prize total is over $17,000!!

Bookmark my site for this event! You will not want to miss it and entering the giveaways are SUPER EASY!

Bonny n Clyde Giveaway Winner!

2010-08-10T06:56:00.001-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I am sorry it took me so long to get this posted. It has been an extremely busy few days. I am so pleased to announce the winner of the body powder set from Bonny n Clyde.

Congratulations Ruth! I hope you enjoy and please confirm with me in the next few days!

If you haven't done so, please go check out Bonny n Clyde! They have tons of body scents and body candy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BonnynClyde

Fun, Friends, & Food! Oh...and a little something I learned!

2010-08-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...the three F's! Nothing beats spending a weekend with the girls! It has just been a rough couple of weeks. No, it has been a terrible couple of weeks! I am putting all of that aside though and hanging out with the girls this weekend! We are packing up and headed to St. Louis. Of course, I can't tell you everything that we are doing, but you can bet that shopping will be invovled!

On another note...I have been reading a lot lately. Well, I always read a lot since I am completing my Masters, but I have actually been reading books that are a little more interesting. Anyhow, I have learned a lot this past week. Here is just a little "Life Lesson" I put together.

Follow Your Heart? We hear that a lot these days, but what does it really mean and is it what we should be doing? Our hearts are so sensitive and can be very decieving. Our heart follows what feels right to it at that particular moment in time. People lose their life savings on a hand of poker, quit a dream job for a vacation destination, take up a life of substance abuse, and many other unspeakable things on a whim. Therefore, playing the game of "follow your heart" is such a dangerous game to play. God does have a big hand in how our heart feels and operates (if we walk with him), but make no mistake; the devil does too. Things can be going great, your heart is full of love and kindness and the it gets a "whiff" of something else. This "whiff" is stinking up the place, but that darn devil is making you think it smells great.

The bible says, "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered". People lose so much when following their hearts. Therefore, we need to be concentrating on leading our hearts. We can lead our hearts to what is right and what God has set forth for us. Everything else is just the work of the devil.

Proverbs 23:17 "Do not let your heart envy sinners."
Proverbs 23:13 "Direct your heart in the way."

How do we lead our hearts? This is a battle that is forever fought. Our hearts naturally follow what we make investments in. So, we must concentrate on making investments into what is right and what is holy. Spend more time with your families, eat healthier, talk to God more, and continually make investments into the good. Your heart will naturally follow. But, please do this before it is too late. Sometimes, investments can't be made into something that is already gone.

I hope I made you think a little! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND and don't forget to enter my giveaways!

200 Follower Giveaway! Adult Content (18+ only please!)

2010-08-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Yay! In celebration of meeting 200 followers I have something extra...super special for all of you! It is such an honor to have taken off so fast on blogger and I value each and every one of my followers! You guys are great! I'm going to just jump right in! This featured seller has offered a gracious giveaway for me! Her shop really just describes me perfectly! He He!

Let's welcome Rachel of Bonny N Clyde!!!

Tell me a little about yourself: I'm married and a mom to two wonderful teenage boys and 3 cuddly fur babies. I was born and raised in Canada and recently moved to Colorado in 2008. I have my honors diploma in Interior Decorating and enjoy gardening, photography, casinos and taking caribbean cruise vacations to name a few. My ultimate fuel is being creative; whether it's with my mind, hands or both... I've always had the hunger to create. My earliest recollection as a little girl was hand sewing a little stuffed felt heart ornament for our humble Christmas Tree.

What is your favorite piece or product to make and why? This is indeed a tough question to answer, I love putting them all together, but....yes there's always a but. I'd have to say the Edible Body Candy is the best. I think it's has to do with the final outcome of the product, not too mention they just taste yummy! I know this Body Candy will be used lovingly by couples who wish to spend a special intimate evening together. Not enough personal time is spent with each other in todays 'gotta run' society. So this is a very rewarding product to me from start to finish.

How did you start your Etsy shop? I just love to smell pretty and I've had so many challenges over the years finding the ideal fragrance that was right for me. I enjoy a fresh, clean Oriental scent and that was like trying to find gold in a cereal box; just wasn't happening. I started doing some research online on fragrances and decided to dive into making some myself and experiment . Ohhh yes I dove exceptionally deep, my husband couldn't believe the numerous supply deliveries arriving at our door. Yep, when I do something it's all or nothing. All this 'playing' mad scientist became addictively fun and had my mind racing in so many directions of what posibilities I could create . I was mentally hijacked with options...perfumes, colognes, powders, oils...oh my !

Sure enough I did that and more. Our products walk the lines of personal care, sensuality, erotica and intimacy for couples. No need to blush ;) My husband and I have been involved as business owners most of our adult lives through many ventures, but this one consumes our full heart and soul.

The 'mass produced' marketplace and imports seriously lack personal effort or care. This is what nudged us into expanding beyond our own personal curiosities and offer products to others to be proud of! That brought us to selling through many off and on-line venues, including our wonderful Etsy store. We both play a strong role in the success of our business and make a phenomenal husband & wife team. We put a lot of thought into our ingredients; giving special attention to scents and flavors being at their premium. Blending and experimenting with all the fragrances, absolutes, essential oils and flavors ... then adding the 'secret spark' finishes is what fuels me. My husband does a lot behind the scenes with marketing, testing and designing. He's also full of wonderful ideas and I count on him immensely for his off center creativity.

Even our logo was his idea and has a reason behind it, but I'll leave it up to you as too it's interpretation. BonnynClyde LLC also know as BnC is still a young, growing company that blossomed in 2008 offering fun, premium body products for both men & women. We're a small business, but very personal. This is what's makes us as successful as we are. Here's to many more creative years ahead.

MY REVIEW!

I won't just blow smoke here people. Her scents are amazing! My personal favorite is the Sparkling Lemonade. It has a clean and fresh smell and almost makes your tastebuds tingle! I have purchased the powder, perfume, and the Edible Body Candy!!! I love the Edible Body Candy too. It tastes so yummy. I have the Chocolat Orgasm. How can you go wrong with a name like that?!?!

GIVEAWAY!!!

The winner will receive a body powder set. This includes a covered glass dish, handmade powder puff and scented body powder of their choice. The color of the powder puff will be random. It's a lovely set to add to anyones decor or you can pass it on as a wonderful gift. (powder puff may not be as shown).

Buy It!

You can go to HERE to make a purchase from Bonny n Clyde!

Win It!

ONE of my lucky readers will win the complete powder set!

Mandatory Entry….Follow my Blog and go to Bonny n Clyde and tell me what scent of powder you would choose if you were the winner.

Extra Entries

Purchase an item from Bonny n Clyde (5 entries, 5 separate comments)

Blog about this leaving a link to this giveaway as well as a link to Bonny n Clyde (3 entries, 3 separate comments)

Heart (favorite) Bonny n Clyde's etsy shop (3 Entries, leave 3 comments)

Follow LeksiDesigns on Twitter ( 3 Entries, Leave 3 Comments)

Follow Bonny n Clyde on Blogger: http://juicysap.blogspot.com/ ( 3 Entries, Leave 3 Comments)

I will check all entries. GIVEAWAY ENDS on August 6th at midnight!

THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

August Featured Etsy Seller GIVEAWAY!!! Win a Purse!

2010-08-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! This summer is flying by. I am already starting to think about Christmas. During some of my Christmas shopping, I found the cutest little purses I have ever seen! Almost everyone has an iphone, ipod, or some sort of little gadget these days. Olga Carmody from Jolly Little Purse makes the cutest little bags to put those gadgets in!

Olga sent me the giveaway purse, which I will forward on to the winner! It is sooo cute. They are extremely well made and packaged. The inside is even detailed and has the cutest tag! Here is Olga's interview:

1) Tell me a little about yourself?

Hi, my name is Olga Carmody and I am the person behind http://www.jollylittlepurse.etsy.com/. There I create little purses which I love and find it difficult to part with them, when they are sold.

My career has nothing to do with arts and crafts. Actually it is as far as you can get from it: I have a BA in English and work part time as an English/Russian/Ukrainian medical interpreter.

Ever since childhood everything handmade fascinated me. My grandmother who still lives in the Carpathian mountains of Ukraine taught me how to use the sewing machine, paint Easter eggs, collect uuseful herbs and mushrooms in the forest and much more.

I remember my sister and I making little clay cups and plates and feeding farm animals and running barefeet all summer long...

2) How did you start your Etsy shop?

One day my husband was looking at everything I made for kids and the house ( from baby clothes and floor rugs to lamp shades and embroidered pictures) and suggested Etsy.

I loved it enstantameously !!Iloved the huge creative pot which Etsy is. I love the community aspect of it. How great it is to get up in the morning and get a pleasant note from my dear customer who just received her Jolly Little Purse in a special extra cute package! My customers give me a great pleasure. I didn't expect it to be so rewarding to have a shop on Etsy.

3) What is your favorite piece or product to make and why?

Favorite? I had a lot of them in my creative life. At first the idea is born in my head, it sits there for some time and then when the time is right I start to create and get totally involved into the process. My husband complains sometime that I am not there with him when I sew. I love fabric ( to the point that I can get almost sick from the excitement of being in a good fabric shop).

4) List your websites.

My other shop on Etsy is http://www.olgacarmody.etsy.com/.

Buy It!

You can go to HERE to make a purchase from Jolly Little Purse!

Win It!

ONE of my lucky readers will win A JOLLY LITTLE PURSE!

Mandatory Entry….Follow my Blog and go to Jolly Little Purse and tell me whick one you like the best!

Extra Entries

Purchase an item from Jolly Little Purse (5 entries, 5 separate comments)

Blog about this leaving a link to this giveaway as well as a link to Jolly Little Purse (3 entries, 3 separate comments)

Heart (favorite) Jolly Little Purse (3 Entries, leave 3 comments)

Follow LeksiDesigns on Twitter ( 3 Entries, Leave 3 Comments)

Add your giveaway to my GIVEAWAY LINKY! (3 Entries, leave 3 comments)

I will check all entries. GIVEAWAY ENDS on August 31st at midnight!

GOOD LUCK!

And the WINNER IS...

2010-08-03T08:42:00.001-07:00

he winner of the HAUTE CONFECTIONS ICICLE DOLL IS #12!

Tiff's Pixie Dust

Congratulations and enjoy your personalized doll!

I would like to thank Linda at Haute Confections! She has a wonderful shop and some great dresses and summer items. Go check her out and tell her I said hello!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HauteConfections

Also, please get entered into my 200+ follower giveaway! It ends Friday at Midnight!

http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/07/200-follower-giveaway-adult-content-18.html

My August featured seller and giveaway will be revealed very soon! Stay tuned!

Featured on "This Mama Rocks"!

2010-07-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! This mama Rocks has chosen to feature me this week! Check it out!

http://thismamablogrocks.blogspot.com/

Also, Etsy came out with a new way to search the Treasury to see if you are featured!!! YAY! I have been wanting to know if other etsians have picked any of my products for their treasuries. I HAVE BEEN! Check them out:

A Peaceful Calm

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bd0b29bef816d91c8eb40be/a-peaceful-calm?index=0

Hammered

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/c485ea1d1196cf4bc1787e00/hammered?index=1

Color Feature of the Week: TEAL

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4be78fe3d0198eef892aab68/color-feature-of-the-week-teal?index=2

Can I Quote You?

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bfac082023d6d919ade2b95/can-i-quote-you?index=3

It feels so great to know that others like you designs! If you would like to search Etsy Treaury for your designs, simple type in your user name in the search box! Here is the link!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/

New Giveaway Listing Service

2010-07-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I have been doing a TON of updates lately. Also, I have just posted my Giveaways on The Giveaway Scout!

Giveaway Scout is a 100% free Giveaway search engine. They publish your giveaways on twitter, in their newsletters, on facebook, and they offer a free widget which will include your giveaway and others on a rotating basis. Check them out!

http://www.giveawayscout.com/

Oh...don't forget to enter my giveaways! They are ending soon!

FOLLOW ME FRIDAY SOCIAL PARADE

2010-07-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I am participating in the Friday's "Follow Me" Social Parade. Please follow my blog and leave a comment here so I can follow you back!

Also, check out my current giveaways at: http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-featured-etsy-seller-snowdon.html

http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/07/200-follower-giveaway-adult-content-18.html

Have a great weekend and I am really looking forward to seeing some great blogs!!!

Some Great Giveaways to Check Out!

2010-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have heard of Emmy's Boos and Rawrs. If not, you definitely need to go check her out. She does some amazing reviews and always has some really awesome giveaways going on! Here is what she has got going on now!

Wild Texas Wear Giveaway (7/23) ONLY 23 ENTRIES and 2 Winners!

Jenny's Treasures Giftcard Giveaway (7/25)

Smart & Sexy Giveaway (7/30)

Simple Green Giveaway (7/30)

Head Organics Giveaway (8/4)

Blog Awards!

2010-07-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

What a suprise! I received two wonderful blog awards this weekend! It made my day to come home and see this wonderful suprise!

This first award came from Ruth of Underneath His Wrapping! Ruth is such a sweetie. Her blog is always so positive an deasy to read. Go check it out if you get a chance. You will love her! She awarded my blog with the Sunshine Award!

The rule of receiving this award states that the receiver is to pass it along to 12 other blogs...whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world. It is easy to pick out 12 blogs who inspire me and other blogggers, but definitely hard to leave it at just 12. But, here are my 12 for today...

Cleverly Inked

A Cuppy Cake Life

A Daily Scoop of Chaos

Belly Charms

Call Me Laura Jane

Clare Bare Underwear

Emmy's Boos and Rawrs

Hello, Palomina

Juicy Bits

Kate & Oli

Personalized Sketches & Sentiments

Katrinshine

Congratulations! I hope you pass this sunshine award on to other blogs that ispire you as much as you have inspired me!!

Blog Award!

2010-07-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

My second Blog award come from an absolutely sweet and wonderful person! She has a great family and her son play beautiful music. Go check out Ruth at Personalized Sketches & Sentiments! She graciously awarded my blog with the Beautiful Blogger Award! Yay! My trophy case is filling up!

As a requirement I have to list 8 things about me. & pass this on to 8 beautiful bloggers.

1. My best friend right now is probably the track. When I run, my emotions come out. I feel like the track knows more about me than anyone else.

2. I love the smell of lemon cleaning solutions, tires, and new shoes. When I was pregnant I made my husband not wear his new shoes for 6 months because I wanted to smell them...lol. I LOVED PAYLESS AND THE TIRE SECTION OF WAL-MART!!! ;~)

3. I hate it when people don't look me in the eye. If you can't give me the respect of looking me in the eye when you are telling me something important, I won't listen.

4. My biggest fear used to be spiders. I say used to be because this year I can smash them with no problem. Weird huh? I used to go as far as hyperventilate when I saw one, now...nothing. I think I have realized that there is bigger things in life to fear.

5. I know more about my enemies than anything else in life. Yes, I am finishing up with my MBA and carry a pretty good GPA, but when it comes to my enemies I study even harder...I ace that subject. Just like with the spiders, I can tell you just about anything you want to know about them.

6. I have a great sense of humor and love to be carefree if you get to know me. However, I am really shy around new people.

7. I don't like to judge a book by its cover, because I have had that happen to me and it sucks. But, I do get a sense of how people are usually within the first 10 minutes of meeting them. I think it is pretty good intuition because I have never been wrong, but always give myself a chance to be wrong.

8. One of my favorite things to do is snuggle with my family on the couch and watch a good movie.

Now my 8 Beautiful Bloggers!

Truth Be Told

The Answer Is Cholcolate

The Socialites Closet

Congratulations and I hope you find time to pass this on to more Beautiful Bloggers just like yourself!

Need your Creative Crafting Minds!

2010-07-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

It has been such a great day! First, I reach my follower goal today! I have over 200 and that is awesome! I promise I am going to do something extra special, but you will all have to wait until this weekend....so stay tuned!

Next, I came home to a wonderful suprise! My lovely husband spent all day making me a jewelry craft table. He is such a sweetie! He even thought to make a storage section for it. WOW! Now I get to decide how I want to decorate/paint it!!!! This is where you all come in. I NEED IDEAS! Is there some unique ideas out there for me...maybe some painting techniques or embellishments??? I thought about crackle painting it as well, but wanted to check out my options. Let me know what you all think!

Blog Bash 2010

2010-07-12T08:16:00.001-07:00

I am officially participating in this year Blog Bash 2010!!! Yay! I have been looking forward to this event for a good month now! Part of the blog bash is getting the chance to win wonderful prizes, meet new friends and getting to know them, and telling other Blog Bash Bloggers about myself. Well, here I go!

1.) Why do you blog?

I started blogging after I opened my etsy shop (http://leksidesigns.etsy.com or www.leksidesigns.com). It was a way to get to know other estians and promote my business. After a little while, it became a very interesting hobby! I met a lot of fun people and love chatting with them.

2.) What do you blog about?

I mostly blog about other estians and crafters. I blog about unique finds and giveaways! Lately, I have been mixing in a little about myself and music!

3.) What do you find to be the biggest reward you get from blogging?

This one is super easy! I love my blogger friends. The support I get through rough times, the funny stories, the encouraging emails...THE ARE ALL WORTH THE WORK OF BLOGGING!

4.) How long have you been blogging?

Not long...I started a few months ago and it has taken off! I am getting better and better each month. Everyone is so helpful and encouraging!

5.) Let's hear the story behind your blog title! :)

LeksiDesigns...This Handmade Life came about from my etsy shop, of course.

I think that's all! I am sooo looking forward to meeting all of the other Blog Bashers out there!

Exciting NEWS!!!

2010-07-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

I have been keeping this Hush Hush for almost a year now, but it is FINALLY TIME TO REVEAL!!! I have my own website for Leksi Designs! I have been working and working at this design for a very long time and I am darn proud of it! Right now, the online store portion is just linked to my Etsy store, but soon there will be an even bigger suprise in that section!!! Add this new site to your favorites bar because you will not want to miss what I am announcing very soon!!!

www.leksidesigns.com

CHECK IT OUT NOW! The graphics alone are worth seeing!

Friday Social Parade!

2010-07-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I am participating in the Friday's "Follow Me" Social Parade. Please follow my blog and leave a comment here so I can follow you back! Also check out my new website at http://www.leksidesigns.com/!!

Also, check out my current giveaway at: http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/07/july-featured-etsy-seller-giveaway.html

Have a great weekend and I am really looking forward to seeing some great blogs!!!

MUSIC

2010-07-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

2010 Mommy Blog Challenge + Some
I am sooo into music and always have been. I grew up in a family where most of the members were in bands. My godmother was a singer and I grew up on stage with her. I have pics of me with the microphone at her band rehearsals...lol

Yep...that's me on stage. I always wanted to be a singer, but the was never graced with the voice for it (thanks mom and dad!!!). Anyhow, later in life my stepdad played the drums (he was in a band too) and my uncle played the guitar. I am not talking about playing like in a church band or something. These boys rocked out to Van Halen, ACDC, Santana, etc. They played ALL of their songs and still can! My house was always the loudest house on the block (but the cooloest too) ;~)!!!

I always have a song that is special to me during certain times of my life. Sometimes I am sad, therefore I am listening to sad songs. This week I am a little feisty. I have been running at the track every night in this HORID humid weather, but this song keeps me going! It is #1 on my MIXPOD at the top left of the screen right now. It is a little harder rock, but truly motivating. It is truly defining me this week and I mean every word of these lyrics. There is this annoying little knat in my life...someone GIVE ME A FLYSWATTER!!! Here are the lyrics:

Headstrong by TRAPT

Circling your, circling your, circling your head

Contemplating everything you ever said

Now I see the truth I got a doubt

A different motive in your eyes

And now I'm out, see you later

I see your fantasy

You want to make it a reality paved in gold

See inside, inside of our heads, yeah

Well, now that's over

I see your motives inside

Decisions to hide

Back off, I'll take you on

Headstrong to take on anyone

I know that you are wrong

Headstrong, we're headstrong

Back off, I'll take you on

Headstrong to take on anyone

I know that you are wrong

And this is not where you belong

I can't give everything away

I won't give everything away

Conclusions manifest, your first impression's

Got to be your very best

I see you're full of shit and that's alright

That's how you play, I guess you get through

Every night, well, now that's over

I see your fantasy

You want to make it a reality paved in gold

See inside, inside of our heads, yeah

Well, now that's over

I see your motives inside

Decisions to hide

Back off, I'll take you on

Headstrong to take on anyone

I know that you are wrong

Headstrong, we're headstrong

Back off, I'll take you on

Headstrong to take on anyone

I know that you are wrong

And this is not where you belong

Where you belong?

(I can't give everything away)

This is not where you belong

(I won't give everything away)

I know, I know all about, I know, I know all about

Your motives inside and your decision to hide

Back off, I'll take you on

Headstrong to take on anyone

I know that you are wrong

Headstrong, we're headstrong

Back off, I'll take you on

Headstrong to take on anyone

I know that you are wrong

And this is not where you belong

Where you belong?

This is not were you belong

(I can't give everything away)

This is not were you belong

(I won't give everything away)

This is not were you belong

Admirer Monday!

2010-07-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is my first Admirer Monday! Yay!

Question of the Week: How did you spend your 4Th of July?

I had a wonderful Fourth of July despite the many illnesses and surgeries we had the past couple of weeks. We had an amazing neighborhood fireworks show right on the water. It was great! Everyone drove their vehicles down and we all sat on the tailgate. After that, we went and watched the UFC fights. Again, it was awesome (although Brock won instead of Shane). Yesterday was my stepdads birthday. Both him and my mom came to visit and we grilled and had a great time! We watched fireworks again lastnight too!

Thank you TROOPS!!

2010-07-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

On this Fourth of July I am grilling with the family, watching fireworks, laughing, swimming, and lounging. I would like to say a BIG "Thank You" to all of the Troops out there that are fighting for us to keep the all of the freedoms we have! I attached a video that always makes me think of the many families without a spouse at home, without a brother or sister at home, a father or mother at home, and the many friends we all have overseas that I know "Want to go Home".

RING IN THE 4th!!!

2010-07-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY BLOGGERS!!!

I wanted to do something SUPER SPECIAL for all of my great blog followers...I just love you all! So, I thought I would RING IN THE 4TH right! I will be giving away my SUPER SPECIAL SPARROW RING!!!

How do you get it? Well...it is super simple. Just enter my July Featured Etsy seller giveaway and you will be entered to win the ring as well! I will announce the winner at midnight on Wednesday, July 7th!!!

Just enter my giveaway at this link: http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/07/july-featured-etsy-seller-giveaway.html and leave me a comment here!

July Featured Etsy Seller - GIVEAWAY!!

2010-07-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Oh Yeah!! We are on to July! This is one I am truly excited about. Her shop is super amazing and she has some really great summer items!

INTRODUCING LINDA FROM HAUTE CONFECTIONS!!!

My creative side started with the love of music. I learned to play guitar...I was the girl in college who played endlessly in the dorm bathroom because the acoustics were so good.I would knock on someone's door so they could hear the song I just wrote.I'm sure I drove everyone crazy. I have always had an artistic interest of some sort. Being creative is just something that's hard to hold in.

My name, HauteConfections,(aka Linda) came about as a result of creating upscale children's clothing. One day I made a comment about an outfit looking so cute you could eat it. I think things that appeal to our senses are like beautiful desserts or confections.

I started selling on ebay about four years ago. When I discovered ETSY (www.etsy.com), I knew that was where I belonged. I changed from children's clothing to vintage upcycled slip dresses, then experimented with statement necklaces and zippers as jewelry and as clothing. I love the unique and will take a stab at just about anything that speaks to me. You never know what I might be doing next! I would love to be able to do some type of avant garde clothing in the future but I'm not sure if there's a broader audience for it.

I love the creative process. When someone looks at my shop they might see a slip dress, but to me I see something that I spent hours arranging and rearranging and rethinking before it was completed. I start most projects not knowing what I want the end result to be. It sort of tells me what it wants to be as I go along.

My favorite pieces in the shop right now are the laminated handbags and the slip dresses. Wow are those fun! I love adding text to the things I make, clothing especially. It gives you identity and a certain uniqueness.

Although my college degree is in Psychology I have made a full time career in Advertising. I live in a small town (Spinach Capital of the World) with my firefighter husband and my beloved cat Eli. My passions in life are speaking to people about the devastation of drunk driving ( my brother was a police officer killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver) and breast cancer (my sis). Of course I love my shop and really appreciate all the artisans who sell there. I am really blown away at some of the items that are found there.

I invite everyone to look around in my shop at www.hauteconfections.etsy.com ! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me. Thanks for taking the time to look. I appreciate it!

Linda at Haute Confections has graciously offered one of her super unique and fun ICICLE DOLLS for the giveaway this month!!! It is 'icicle' shaped and softly stuffed. It has pink Chenille sprinkled with iridescents, aqua mesh, animal print as well as chocolate and aqua feathers. She will add a short line of text to the back if the winner prefers ex: Happy Birthday, I love You, Get Well....)$30.00 value!!!

HOW TO ENTER:

In order to enter, you must follow these simple rules.

Rules:

1. Follow this blog.

2. Enter the Featured Etsy Sellers Store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HauteConfections

3. Choose your top three items

4. Comment on those items HERE!

5. Make sure your email is in the comment so we can contact you should you win!

I will choose the winner via random number generator!

It is that simple!! GOOD LUCK!!

June's GIVEAWAY WINNER!

2010-07-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to KADY L. of "Take a Mom's Word for It"!!! She won my June's Featured Etsy Seller Giveaway!

I would like to say thank you to Snowdon for sponsoring the giveaway! If you haven't done so, please check out her shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/Snowdon. She has some really great stuff and the Lotus Flower is Super "in" right now!!!

Need Prayers

2010-06-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I know there are several events going on I am supposed to be participating in right now. Please forgive me. My brother was in a serious car accident lastnight. He is a Highway Patrolman and was responding to a shots fired call. We have been at the hospital and are waiting on tests to come back. A lot is going on in my family right now. We have several major illnesses, surgeries, and accidents. It has been a rough week for everyone. Please say a few prayers if you get a chance. I will hopefully be back online in a few days.

In the meantime...please check out my giveaway and get entered for that. It ends 6/30!

http://leksidesigns.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-featured-etsy-seller-snowdon.html

Paying It Forward

2010-06-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well....this is my first blogger award! Thank you so much "The Answer is Chocolate"!!!!

The conditions of the award stipulate that I need to share 7 things about myself and them pass the award on to 15 other bloggers. I must say that this is truly hard for me to do since I do not really like to share anything about myself. However, in good spirit here we go....

1. My husband and I met when I was 14 years old. We were childhood sweethearts

2. I am addicted to working out. EVERY night I am either at the gym, the track, or the park doing my workout thing! LOVE IT!

3. I LOVE CANDY! My husband jokes that I don't drink and I don't smoke, but I sure do eat the heck out of RUNTS! That was always my gift from him a long time ago when we were broke and couldn't afford anything else (those gifts are always the most memorable).

4. I love reality TV...I know....ug. I just can't help it!!!

5. I truly understand the statement, "God only gives you what you can handle. Sometimes I think he trusts me too much."

6. I am a Christian! I am not one of those people who say they are Christian and then get sloppy drunk, smoke, sleep with every man/woman in town, lie, cheat, steal, etc... It's not up to me to judge, but don't sit there and confess how religious you are when your actions don't show it. Hypocrisy: the act of persistently professing beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities, or standards that are inconsistent with one's actions. Hypocrisy is thus a kind of lie.

7. It is my goal to be underestimated. I believe this gives you an advantage in most situations.

Whew....that was hard. I will be awarding the 15 blogs throughout the week!

The guidelines for accepting this award are...

Thank the person/people who gave it to you.

Tell 7 things yourself.

Pass the award on to 15 bloggers, whom you have recently discovered, and think are fantastic.

The 15 bloggers recieving this award are:

1. http://jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com/
2. http://three-seventeen.blogspot.com/
3. http://www.mamaslittlechick.com/
4. http://coutureunraveled.blogspot.com/
5. http://dearednablog.blogspot.com/
6. http://studiohaus.blogspot.com/
7. http://cleverbetty.blogspot.com/
8. http://heavenlysavings.blogspot.com/
9. http://cleverlyinked.com/
10. http://autumnraincreations.blogspot.com/
11. http://bedbuggs.blogspot.com/
12. http://charmbraceletdiva.blogspot.com/
13. http://www.boosandrawrs.com/
14. http://heroesinheaven.blogspot.com/
15. http://punkrockmomma.com/

Congratulations

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there. This day is always a bitter sweet one for me. I miss you Dad.

I lost my daddy in 2000. He passed away suddenly, without warning. The most valuable lesson I learned from that is that you never know when someone might go. NEVER let things go unsaid and NEVER leave someone without telling them you love them if you do. Every time you part....it could be the last time you see them. Here are a few songs that remind me of him.

PUT ON YOUR BIKINIS!

2010-06-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

My next unique find is an AWESOME Clothing designer. I LOVE her bikinis. I personally think that if we have to work our rears off (literally) at the gym every day and watch what we eat, why not go out in your bikinis and be proud. Something about me....I have to be different. I will not buy something everyone has and I will not make something everyone makes. I am always on the lookout for the newest thing and the most unique thing. I was browsing through Etsy the other day looking for a new bikini and I found My Sugar Doll. Shay is an awesome designer. I got in touch with her and did an interview. Check out her shop!

My name is Shay I'm 28 years old, happly married expecting my first baby and have two puppy dogs that I adore. I started sewing when I was a senior in highschool and got hooked! I went to school for fashion design and fell in love working with knits. In 2002 I started selling my designs (much skimpier back then!) to stripclubs in So.Cal and Las Vegas. Besides fashion design I enjoy spending time with family, music, riding roller coasters, thrifting, going to the beach, and currently decorating my house to look fabulous high end on a shoe string budget!

I got started on Etsy after all the years I sold at clubs and had so many customers telling me I should sell online. For a short time I sold on my myspace blog then a gal I knew told me about Etsy. I thought it was great because it was like having your own website without all the fuss.

It's so hard to decide what my favorite piece is because it changes all the time! I would say it's the Cat's Meow Bikini (currently sold out but will be back in stock soon!) I love that bikini because it really reprsents who I am as a designer. It's a mix-up-mash of pin-up punk and girly lolita. I love the fabric print and the bow belt!!

What is SugarDoll's Design Philosophy?

SugarDoll is the all compassing persona of Shay...yes that's my name hey!! It's all the things conservative parents warn you about. Girls who like piercings, tattoos and manic panic colored hues. A girly girl who grew up wearing frilly frocks complete with clear lipgloss and a tomboy who loves extreme sports, baggy pants and metal rock. A love for mixing bold colors and prints, mixed in with alittle glam and glitz. A mix up mash of pin-up, harajuku, lolita and punk. The fashionably loud and pround, stands out in a crowd and yet I know not everyone gets it. I listen to music waves as I work, this is wear I get most of my quirk. Inspirations include: Marilyn Monroe always my muse, Bettie Page she's all the rage and all the starlets of the 1940's and 50's age. I basically sum it up as "Sweet and Alittle Punky" but all in all I'd say my design philosophy is very spunky.

So come check out all the goodies! XO

Visit My Sugar Doll at:

http://www.mysugardoll.etsy.com/

Myspace.com/MySugarDoll

http://www.twitter.com/sugardollbikini

Unique Find...Autumn Rain Creations

2010-06-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Each month I will be doing a couple of random unique finds. I find these wonderful sellers while browsing through shops and visiting other blogs. Simply put, their products must move me in some way in order for me to feature them. This weekend I came across Autumn Rain Creations. I have a deep interest in photography. I don't necessarily like to take the pictures myself, but LOVE to look at unique photos. You will be seeing a lot more of this interest of mine in my slideshows. Anyway...here is Autumn Rain Creations' interview...enjoy!

My name is April. I live, love, and create in the Pacific Northwest. I am wife to 1 and mama to 7, my most busy wonderful large family. I started Autumn Rain Creations a few years ago but have really come into it this year. I always have to be making something whether it's jewelry or taking that one photo shot.

My favorite time of year is Autumn and having my family naturally opened my eyes to the beauty around me and in nature. If I had to pick a favorite item in my shop it would be my "Family Is Love" Sand photo. Kind of a snap shot of the most important thing in my life.

Check out all of her websites!

http://www.autumnraincreations.etsy.com/

http://www.autumnraincreations.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/autumnraincreations

http://www.twitter.com/autumnraincr

HAVIN' SOME POOL TIME!!!

2010-06-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Kidlet is off to waterpark with friends and my husband and I are off to lounge by the pool for the rest of the day! Yay! We hardly ever get quality time together, so we are both looking forward to this evening. I had to get my ipod updated with my new favorite songs before we could go and I noticed Need To Breath has their new video of "Something Beautiful" posted on their website! I have a few of their songs posted in "My Favorite Music" page at the top...but check out their blog and website at http://www.needtobreathe.net/ to see their new video! It is AWESOME!!! OFF TO TO THE POOL NOW! CHOW!

New FUN SUMMER RINGS!!!

2010-06-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

I just posted some new FUN summer rings! The top trend this summer is to throw on a bug chunky fun ring! Here are mine! Check them out at in my shop!

http://www.leksidesigns.etsy.com/

Oh...The Joys of Parenting

2010-06-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

I know that I, as a parent, live for those funny times. Kids say and do the darndest things! I remember several years ago we moved to our first "newer" home. My daughter had just turned 2 and had just started spitting out somewhat whole sentences. this home had a dishwasher, which I wasn't used to. I ran out of dishwashing detergent one day and decided to use regular Dawn liquid in the dishwasher. If you have ever done this before, you know what happens! If you have considered doing this....DON'T!!! Anyway, the foams start sputtering out of the dishwasher and quickly begin to fill the whole kitchen. I do not realize this until my cute little baby girl goes tottling around the corner. She is dressed in her cute little pink outfit with her ponytail on top of her head. I hear her sweet little baby voice say, "What the HELL!". LOL! Oh...my. My 24 month old just cursed!!! Needless to say, after I finished laughing until I cried and called my husband to repeat the horrible comment, I did instruct her that "HELL" is a bad word and we do not say that. Oh...and I spent several hours cleaning up bubbles!!!

I found a video of other KIDDO FUNNIES...enjoy! Happy Friday!

JUNE Featured Etsy Seller: SNOWDON GIVEAWAY

2010-06-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Visit her Etsy store at : http://www.etsy.com/shop/Snowdon

For the GIVEAWAY:

Cotton Lotus Yoga Bag

HOW TO ENTER:

In order to enter, you must follow these simple rules.
Rules:
1. Follow this blog.

2. Enter the Featured Etsy Sellers Store

3. Choose your top three items

4. Comment on those items HERE!
5. Make sure your email is in the comment so we can contact you should you win!

I will throw all names in a hat on the last day of the month and draw!

It is that simple!!

About SNOWDON

Tell me a little bit about yourself:

I live in leafy Cheshire in the North West of England, in a little stone cottage with my husband and our semi adopted cat! That is where all the crafting happens. Our kitchen is regularly used as a screenprinting workshop on the weekends. During the day I'm a graphic designer for a University in nearby Manchester, but my heart lies in crafting, I'm working towards doing that full time eventually.

Why did you start making handmade items?

I've been a graphic designer for more years than I dare to count, and it's become a very computer oriented industry. That's fine for commercial jobs that need to be turned around quickly but a few years ago I began to feel frustrated that I just wasn't using my hands any more. I used to love illustration and hand lettering, but colleagues and clients often want the quickest solution which usually involves using clip art illustrations and stock photography.

So after taking some time out to travel, and feeling at a bit of a crossroads, I decided to go back to school part time. Over the space of 3 years I squeezed in a Bachelor of Arts design and illustration course around my full time job and happily graduated with a first class degree. Those 3 years really reconnected me with my love of illustration and printmaking and the pure joy of creating something with my own hands.

Last Christmas I was offered a stall at a craft fair, it was all a bit last minute but I managed to frantically print up and get together a small selection of my bags, tee shirts and cards. The day went really well, and I was so happy that people loved my products enough to spend their hard earned money on them, so the very next morning I opened my Etsy shop, and the rest, as they say is history!

So although I'm still working as a graphic designer for the moment, I use most of my spare time designing and making things for my ever growing range of products, and working towards the day when I'm able to give up the day job and live the full time crafting dream!

What is your favorite item to make and why?

Well, I must admit I'm a bit of a crafting butterfly! My favorite item to make is always the latest thing that I've discovered I can do! For instance, my mum recently gave me her old sewing machine, and once I got the hang of it I was amazed to realise I could make my own cushion covers and print onto them with my own designs, so at the minute it's sewing and printing. However I've just got a new badge and fridge magnet maker so I've a feeling that could be the next big favorite!

VISIT HER SITES!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Snowdon

http://www.snowdondesignandcraft.com/

http://www.folksy.com/shops/Snowdon

And the Winner is...

2010-05-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

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