A Romantic Nest

Finding My Way...

2009-11-13T23:03:00.007-05:00

Well, I know I will always be a work in progress and so will my blog, but I also know I haven't found my way yet. Know what I mean? All the blogs I go to theladies have found their way and I am still exploring mine. Some people instantly know their way, you know who they are but that isn't me. Never has been for one reason or another...I ponder, putter and explore for some time...sometimes I am quite late to the show.

I received this book today from Amazon, "Blogging for Bliss", and am hoping this will help me on my journey. It's been recommended by others I know so I am plunging into it's pages to find improvements for myself.

I am good at taking an idea and putting my own touches on it. I excel at that, but I feel creating from nothing is not something I possess. That is fine though, as many creative people see something and are inspired by it and discover their own take on it...I am just another one in that clan.

Hoping you will stop by & check me out as I explore and make changes, and that you will give me a chance to find my way. Please feel free to let me know what you are thinking and I promise I will do the same. Sit back, grab a snack and a cup of tea and travel on this journey with me, if you are so inclined.

Thank you for coming to my blog and have a wonderful day.

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

I'm Dreaming of Christmas...Already

2009-11-09T20:13:00.005-05:00

I know, I know, it is early but I am so in the spirit this year and have been a busy girl starting my Christmas projects.

Believe it or not, I have most of my Christmas shopping done now and my list is complete. That's for another post though...

OK, here is a lovely Thanksgiving pic

Happy Crafting.

Thank you for stopping by, Kindredly Lynne Laura

I've been busy...

2009-11-01T15:25:00.006-05:00

But having lots of fun creating these vintage gems.

I changed up this bird one too, like it better. What do you think? I especially like the added large brass links.

Just me playing around making necklaces and finally putting my long collected stashes out of their bins & using them for art.

Thank you for stopping by, Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Rooster Plates

2009-10-27T21:18:00.002-04:00

Have you seen these? They are by Country Living & sold by Kmart.
Unfortunately, they are out of stock right now but I am on the hunt. Love the deep red color and the rooster image. These would look wonderful with red or white dinner plates under them, don't you think?

Do you have any of these?

Kindredly, Lynne Laura
Thank you for stopping by my blog.

Vintage Charm

2009-10-20T21:41:00.004-04:00

Just playing around with some vintage charms and bits I have collected from here and there. Having a lot of fun doing it and seeing what I can come up with. Love this little birdie necklace...what's next...

Thank you for stopping by,

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Home Goods - I Was Kidding Myself!

2009-10-13T22:09:00.004-04:00

Confessions of a shopaholic!
Yesterday I went to a few stores for some crafting supplies and Home Goods was right near by so I said. I'll just pop and and look around. Usually a grab a cart and zoom down the aisles dumping stuff in my cart that I love on first sight. However, Monday I decided I wouldn't use a cart to keep my spending down JUST IN CASE I FOUND SOMETHING I LOVED, and buy only what I could carry (which isn't much). Watching money right now is on everyone's mind and pocket. Being a shopper at heart, this is a true test of willpower.

Who was I kidding!! I grabbed a few things and then caved, went over and got the cart. Pitiful isn't it...couldn't even make it one time. I did keep my cart from overflowing, which in and of itself is a feat for me.

These are just a few things I picked up when I was there. I don't want to post the Christmas gems I bought because it is way too early for that! BUT I suggest running over there now while the selection is plentiful. ;)

I HAD to get the wall stickers that said WICKED and BOO! Having grown up in New England, Wicked was a daily word. So that word is going on the wall in my craft room or study as soon as possible and it isn't coming down.

Thank you for stopping by
Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Sparkle!

2009-10-11T03:50:00.008-04:00

Started to do a few crowns again but in a different way for myself but decided to sell them instead. I had such fun designing these two and I hope you like them...sparkle on..

Kindredly, Lynne Laura
Thank you for stopping by

A Simple Beauty

2009-10-07T12:59:00.003-04:00

This little book stack I found at a recent rummage sales and I snatched them up the second I saw them! They are perfect gems.

One of them must be a home remedy book. Here is one of the recipes:

Ointment for The Foot Rot

Lard, 1 pound; turpentine, 1 pound; tallow, 1 pound; sulphate of copper (powder), 1 pound; rape oil (?), 1 pound; black resin, 1 pound. Melt, and well mix.

I wrote this exactly how it is written in this book (except the ? mark). What a hoot!

Next is the photo of the books after I added some ribbon.

What do you think, right at home amongst the other vintage items?

Thank you for stopping by.
Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Experimenting with Tag Kits

2009-09-28T20:05:00.004-04:00

I have been working hard playing with my papers and stash...never realized how much work it is but the time flies as it is so fun. I look up and poof, 5 hours have past.

Here are a few things I did this past weekend using my sewing machine, and what a great machine it is...the easiest part was the sewing.

Thank you for stopping by, Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Still in the Crafting Mood

2009-09-25T23:43:00.004-04:00

I just created my first Pocket Tag Bundle! It was so fun to sew card stock together and so fast! Just love it.

Hope you are all having a wonderful Fall Weekend!

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

My Guy Donny! ROCKS

2009-09-23T19:52:00.005-04:00

I am dancing on the moon over Donny!

I don't usually watch Dancing with the Stars but when Donny Osmond went on so did my TV. He is so fun and a dear he ran right over to his wife and kissed her after the first dance.

Donny's Winning Number: 800-868-3405

Please vote for Donny if you are so inclined! I know I will!

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Vintage Journals & Tags

2009-09-19T16:01:00.008-04:00

Well, I caught the paper bug! I have been working hard for the last 2 weeks creating these journals & tags. I just couldn't help myself. Enjoy.

If you are looking for any of these, they will be in my etsy shop soon, ARomanticNest.

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Bunnies & Computer Problems

2009-09-16T00:51:00.003-04:00

Hi, been having MAJOR computer problems and it was just fixed tonight so here I am. Sorry about that.

Have you seen the bunnies from this etsy site, Little Cotton Rabbits? They are the best on etsy. Major problem, I can never order one. She only makes 150 a year and only posts a very limited number out of those 150. Needless to say I never get one. I got up at 4:30 in the morning to try and get one, she was posting 4 and I still missed out.

The good news is this...my girlfriend said we could probably figure out how to make one close to hers. At last, I will have one, though I am sure it won't be as cute as hers but I will try my best. My first knitting project is going to be a pair of mittens using 4 needles and then on to my own bunny.

Have any of you been so lucky to get one of her bunnies?

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Little Beane Boutique

2009-09-02T20:20:00.007-04:00

I stumbled upon this cute shop on Etsy, Little Beane Boutique, today and just had to share. I ADORE her stickers, tags, cards etc.

Just see for yourself below. She personalizes everything. I can’t make up my mind on which I will get for Halloween. She has lots of other designs but I thought you would like to see some of her Halloween designs.

Happy looking & shopping, If you buy some, tell her Lynne sent you!

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Embellishing, from Ordinary to Beautiful

2009-08-29T10:55:00.008-04:00

Be sure to click on the picture to see a close-up.

One of my most favorite things to do is to embellish. Whether it is a pillow, a picture, hats, clothing, what have you. Give me some bling, bits & baubs, & anything you can stick on with glue and I can sit for hours creating. That it my forte and I tend to blur the lines of "Is that too much?"

Here I took a picture I bought from JoAnn's and added real bird feathers, a decorated egg, ribbon and a tag I got on Etsy. It sprang it to life and gave it dimension that just sings to me.

What can you "Kick up a Notch" that you already have and make it extra special?

Thank you for stopping by, Kindredly Lynne Laura

House Art Revamped

2009-08-27T18:25:00.009-04:00

This little blue bird of happiness was chirping to me to pick him up and carry him home from an art show...so I did. He started out as a washed-out blue with orange splatters and was not a happy little guy. I sprayed him a nice blue, painted a rose vine and painted his happiness song. He is now residing on the front of the house watching over all the little birdies.

This lovely heart didn't start out too lovely. Love hearts & roses so I purchased anyway...though very rusty & blah. I do like some rusty stuff but not this heart. I painted it 3 different colors before I was happy with my choice. Then I sprayed the banner and painted a couple of roses on it...If is says "I Love Roses"...there aught to be some roses don't you think? It now hangs cheerily on my wall in the backyard. Sometimes on dreary days, like today, I run out back just to look at it to cheer me up before I go inside from a long day at work.

Isn't wonderful what spray paint can do, and now there are so many colorful choices.

Thank you for stopping by, Kindredly Lynne Laura

Love this for Fall...

2009-08-23T20:14:00.006-04:00

Found this gem in the Pottery Barn catalogue but was saddened by the price...I will be on the hunt for one of these but not for $69. I love fall decor and cute Halloween decor and this would be perfect. I could use it as they have and then after for crafting supplies. Wouldn't it be great? Nothing against PB but I just can't justify $69 for something I want, not something I need.

Loved this next item but figure us crafters could easily do this...I would like letters instead.

How about spelled out in Boo, Halloween, Candy...limitless possibilities and you can just scrape the glass paint before you bake it to get the same effect.

Couldn't resist adding this last item. Though I ADORE cubbies, I want to know what these galvanized drawers were for and where I can get some of them!! Were they mail boxes? Do you know?

Thank you for stopping by my humble blog.

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Old Book to New Journal/ Scrapbook

2009-08-16T03:31:00.011-04:00

Take a peek at the journal I created from an old book I got for a song (Copyright 1947). I ripped out some of the pages in order to add embellishments and I do love the overstuffed look of it.

Anything you can put in a scrapbook or journal, you can put in here.

Notice a small theme with the birds? Just love birds, take flight!
Do click on this picture, the ribbon marker is tied with a key with the word "Life" on it, perfect don't you think?

When I was ripping out some of the pages I saw New Hampshire mentioned in some of the pages. Having grown up in NH, I was thrilled to see it and knew making this journal out of the old book was destiny.

Do you have any old books you no longer want? Why not make a lovely journal out of it.

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

I'm Back! ...and Hugs to you!

2009-08-09T11:02:00.004-04:00

Hello,

Sorry I have been gone so long, had throat infections four times in four months and just couldn't find any energy.

A BIG THANK YOU to those who stayed on as my followers even though there wasn't anything to follow for months. You are all too kind.

Look for new posts this week, I promise!

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Coastal Resorts

2009-04-22T10:12:00.003-04:00

I want to be here, how about you? Perfection!

This is 9 Beaches in Bermuda, my favorite from Coastal Living's web site of Eco-Resourts.

Which one do you like best?

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Vignette Party!

2009-04-14T22:27:00.007-04:00

I'm showing a some different vignettes today around my house, hope you enjoy them.

This is what is above my vingette...

Whispering Poppies is hosting a Vignette Party.

...and here is my vingette...I think I need to add just a bit more to this. Any suggestions?

I am posting mine a bit early since I will be at work when the party starts...

Thank you for coming to my home and seeing my vingette.

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Inspirations!

2009-04-13T20:24:00.005-04:00

These are not my journals but I can't remember where I picked up these images. If you know who they belong to, please let me know.

The above one is my favorite of those pictured here.

I so wish I had made these...

Are these not beautiful? These are definately some inspiration for me to continue with making journals.

What have you seen that inspires you to take a try at these?

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Journaling

2009-04-07T21:47:00.005-04:00

Artists have been making these journals for years now and I am finally jumping on the bandwagon. Never been one to be the first to jump and it certainly took me a long time for this one.

Well, this is my first attempt at making a journal out of those popular composition books. I am no expert, made plenty of errors with this journal but it was a good learning experience.

Inside cover & 1st page. That's a pink pocket to stash what you like in it, afraid I made it a bit too big.

Back cover with attached bookmark (you can see the pink ribbon on the inside cover)

Since it was my practice one, I am cutting myself a bit of slack on it. Kudos to all of you who have been creating journals for years!

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Easter Hostess Gifts

2009-04-02T09:08:00.004-04:00

Instead of the usual gifts, bulbs for your Hostess for Easter dinner would be ideal to welcome Spring. There are several ways to present your gifts in a beautiful manner. Here are some pictures I found on the internet and have listed other ideas.

Who wouldn't love this bag with bulbs tucked in it. You can find the bag at Filigree Monogram Designs, really reasonably price too.

This project would be fun to do with some friends at a crafting party.

Here are some other ideas:

Decorated Mason Jars
Jelly Glasses w/ marbles
Beautiful gardening towel filled with bulbs & tied with raffia.

Let your creativity soar and they will love it!

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

Helpful Hints: A Step in the Right Direction

2009-04-01T13:15:00.005-04:00

I have been trying to make changes in my life for the better and I thought I would share a weekly Helpful Hints post covering my progress. First up is diet and exercise…I know the big drudge but we need this in our lives nonetheless.

Spring is technically here and summer will be here before we know it, so I can’t put it off any longer. I know I will NEVER look like these fabulous ladies but that doesn’t mean I can’t look and feel better…and I can get cute workout clothes.

I started Weight Watchers on my own because I am not good about the meetings and it really is about just doing it! I came up with a spreadsheet that will track my points for the day. Simply typing in the food and it’s points and it calculates how many points are left for the day. Another worksheet calculates the points of the food item. You just enter the fiber, fat, & calories and it calculates the points. No need for the slide rule they give you. Anyone interested in my spreadsheet, email me with WW Spreadsheet in the subject line and I will send it to you.

Working exercise into my day:

Walking with a friend at work during lunch for 30 minutes
Walking DVD on the weekends or at night when I want more exercise
Line dancing class one night a week for an hour

Let me tell you, the line dancing class is a major workout.

The fact is, I HATE exercising so I am trying to make it as pleasant as possible. Once the weather is nice, I will be riding my bike instead of using my DVD.

What ways can you add exercising into your day that makes it easy for you to do? Please share your hints and thoughts & I will include them in a later post.

Great Source:
My Fitness Pal is a great site that provides how many calories you burn per exercise, thousands of food nutritional information, & community -all free of charge.

Kindredly, Lynne Laura