Spring's Sprung

Well, FINALLY, Spring is in full swing around here!! I love watching the perennials poke up out of the earth and start filling out the garden space. Every day, I check to see what else is new in the garden. I've put a lot work into those beds and this year I can finally see the results. Yay!! I meant to start seedlings this late winter/spring.....but honestly we were just so busy. I've got some just beginning their true leaves in the windowsill....even though my timing is late, I can still use the seedlings and dirt as a fun teaching tool for the munchkin. :-)

Don't ya just love the strange symbiotic relationship between ants and peonies? Some people believe that the peonies produce a particular nectar that is incredibly sweet for the ants and as the ant licks off the nectar holding the leaves shut, the leaves open and the flower blooms.

Not only are plants blossoming this time of year, but....so are young adults:

Isn't that a sweet graduation announcement rom Shutterfly?
I lucked out this past Christmas and got to work with Shutterfly for my Christmas cards. They turned out spectacular!! I totally recommend them for any of your photo stationary needs.
Hey, while your sending out those graduation announcements how about you go shopping for a personalized gift for the proud student:

You could get them a personalized notebook with photos of family and friends for when they go off to college!! Another great gift for a Graduate would be a photo book. I know from experience, as I am sure you do, that being far from home, family, and friends can be really tough....an especially in the beginning of that transition there is nothing like looking through pictures of your loved ones to help center you.

You can customize a photo book to be just the way you like.....or Shutterfly can make it really simple and do it for you. Sounds perfect to me!!

So, there are some ideas to think about. I have some graduates in my life right now and I know that perusing through the Shutterfly site gave me some good ideas. As a side note, if you are a blogger you can work with Shutterfly too.... Sign Up for a chance at a free photo book!!
 

Promotional Products

As I continue blogging, crafting, and even thinking about selling my crafts I have taken the time to consider promotional products. Something that I could place in a gift bag, hand out from a table, or mail along with a gift. I still have promotional pens around my house that I received from a bank or a magnet on my fridge from on online store.....and I look at those products almost *everyday*, so I know they can be effective!!

If I were to really put some focus into my business I might even get customized notepads for my office!! I can just see, "From the desk of Marvelously Messy" being handed out to colleagues. Or, just a simple notepad with my blog name on it that I could give out with extra information at craft fairs and such. There is obviously a whole world of advertising that I am walking into here.

A great place to go looking for promotional products and printing is Amsterdam Printing. After perusing around the website I found screen printed tote bags, digital magnets, umbrellas, and even flash drives. And, I thought they were all fairly reasonably priced!!

This post was sponsored by Go Promos and Amsterdam Printing, the opinions found here are my own

Shabby Coffee Table Makeover

It was a perfect day for photos. I am in love with this one. Setting everything up in front of my front porch, it's my favorite spot. Wait.....I should be talking about the table!! ;-) 

But, I really do like that photo. 

I found this table at Goodwill. Don't ya just *love* it!! 

I found it unpainted and unloved, hidden between two shoe displays. 

So.....pretty darn simple. And, I would've taken pictures except my camera is kinda out-of-state. Should be arriving in the mail soon. :-)

I sanded. 

I cleaned.

I sprayed.

I sanded again.

Here are some of those sanded spots:

And, I kept the original hardware. I thought it fit the look I was going for. 

And, no.....this is not my day job. :-) So, no worries.

I am a shabby furniture newbie. 

Any good tips for me??

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