Freckled Nest Archives

I've moved to FreckledNest.typepad.com

2010-12-03T01:39:00.004-06:00

My new blog is at

FreckledNest.typepad.com/la

Get your clicking finger ready, there's lots to see!

Please change your bookmarks and readers. I will no longer be using this blogger address. Thank you for supporting Freckled Nest!
xo, Leigh-Ann

Feature & Giveaway: Laura Belle

2010-11-30T06:08:00.006-06:00

I've admired Laura's style and captivating use of font and color for the past year and I'm honored to feature her on my blog :) As you look through her pictures and work, I think you'll fall in love and discover how special and talented Laura is! xo, LA

Hey there! This is Laura Belle and I'm a freelance designer and maker, living and working in lovely Minneapolis. Here's a little collection of things I love.

I worked in the advertising/design biz for a few years in Chicago. It was alright but it wasn't for me so I moved back to Minnesota and opened up two shops, OhHi and Locality.

OhHi is full of colorful typographic stitched pieces. I love bringing together a modern aesthetic with such a traditional technique. Lately, I've been making a lot of custom name stitches for the upcoming holidays. I'm planning some fun changes for OhHi in 2011 so stay tuned!

Locality, my other type-based shop, focuses on larger display pieces for your home. All of my paintings are hand-lettered using words, phrases, dates and names from clients to create a totally unique custom painting. This is probably still my favorite thing to work on because I'm able to learn so much about the people and the important stories in their lives. Along with large hand-painted canvases that can go up to 36x48", I also offer smaller digital canvas prints.

Giveaway

Since Freckled Nest readers are the best (seriously, you guys are awesome!) I'd love to giveaway a 4x4 ampersand stitch

How to Enter: Visit Oh Hi and Locality and tell us which item(s) you'd want for Christmas (share in the comments of this post along with your name/email)! We will announce the winner of a 4x4 ampersand stitch in a few days! Everyone can enter :)

Here is my/our Big Surprise!!!!!

2010-11-29T11:59:00.003-06:00

I am (as you can tell) overjoyed and thrilled to have Kyla on the Freckled Nest team, to share a studio space with one of my best friends, Jill (her Lune space is coming along beautifully, I can't wait to see it finished) and to have the office of my dreams! I've sat in this room quite a few times already basking in the power of a dream & hardwork and I'm so so glad to share it with you!!!
Love Leigh-Ann

Sponsor Feature & 13 Giveaways!!!

2010-11-27T18:43:00.002-06:00

Today's feature and giveaway encourages you to travel through my sponsors shops & blogs leaving encouraging comments along the way! And as a reward, one person will win all 13 gifts from our sponsors! I love my sponsors and hope you will too :)

How to Enter the Big Giveaway

Leave an encouraging comment on each blog linked below, then write your name and email address in the comments of this post and in a few days, we will draw & announce one person who wins everything!

Chantilly: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Your choice of a screenprinted tote.

Katie: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Gold and Vintage Bead Necklace

Alison: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Burgandy Granny Square Earrings

Savannah: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: 'My Name is Beautiful' Necklace

Kaelah: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: an Autumn Themed Rosette Headband

Robyn: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Holiday Made Simple E-Book

Jenny: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Plaid Bow Pouch

Roxy: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Merry Mustachasaurus

Becky: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: 'Where does love come from?' Embroidery

Elizabeth: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Blue and Brown Slouchy Cowl

Kami: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Mini Dress and Jeans Handstitched Ornaments

Wendy: Blog (with items for sale in the sidebar)

Giveaway: 'Destination Unknown' Minibook Kit with PDF Sample Book

Jill: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Teal Bandeau

If you'd like to Sponsor Freckled Nest in December, please email me at FreckledNest@gmail.com :)

Good luck everyone! xo, Leigh-Ann

4 Things :)

2010-11-25T07:36:00.002-06:00

1. This is another clue :)

I'm making a video this weekend to share the news and will post it Monday afternoon. It includes a dance sequence ;)

Two summers back...

2. When we're thrifting and he sees a bike or scooter, I turn around and he's off riding it THROUGH the store... poppin wheelies, ringing the bell and zooming past me. I giggle uncontrollably and kinda worry he'll get in trouble, but it's ultimately pretty funny. He loves making me laugh :)

3. My new blog is set up and ready for launch on December 1st... I'm seriously so excited (and I can't stop looking at it)!! My sponsor section has changed and improved (rates the same, sizes/layout different)... I'll share details tonight :)

(random picture)

4. I've messed up my sleep again (i was doing good for a while) and am heading to bed now. When I wake up, I'm entering email headquarters and the mission is to respond to them all. Then, I'm making a big giveaway post that will blow your mind. You may just 'self destruct' (still going with the secret agent schtick).

To all my American friends and readers, I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

ps. this is funny,

I started a Formspring :)

2010-11-23T20:22:00.006-06:00

It's a site where you can ask me questions and my answers are posted public :)
http://www.formspring.me/FreckledNest
<a href="http://www.formspring.me/FreckledNest">http://www.formspring.me/FreckledNest</a>

Rainbows and Butterflies

2010-11-23T07:30:00.001-06:00

This weekend was Olivia and Kennedy's fourth birthday :) I tried to pick out vintage toys for them but couldn't find things in two so I hit up ToysRus where Aunty went a little overboard and came home with enough for birthday, christmas and extra toys for there toybin at my house. My favorite gift for them was new butterfly wings; they have a pair that's pretty much an extension of Kennedy's body but it was getting worn out & Olivia needed a pair too. When they opened them up, they were so excited-- it was perfect :) Once the guests left, we fluttered around the gym (where the party was) like 3 butterflies, really unspoken and sweet. I love them so much and their birthday party was really fun and adorable :)

Amanda used Kyla's recipe and made this tasty Rainbow Layered Birthday Cake.

Happy Birthday Girls!

4 Stories: Old Photos

2010-11-22T16:13:00.002-06:00

This weeks topic is "Old Photos".

One. Flea Markets
Four years ago, a friend and I were at the Flea Market and we found a set of 5 small albums documenting a couples 2 month honeymoon in the late 1930's (estimated). My friend bought the set and we pieced together the story through the photo albums... three interesting points: they traveled on the original Queen Mary, the groom looked quite wealthy, always held a cigar and the new brides wardrobe through the photos was extensive and beautiful. It was a really interesting find and totally gave us a look back in time... but we always wondered why the family didn't hold on to such a love gem.

Two. Isn't it weird
(More of a thought/observation than a story) Isn't it weird how much photography and the production has changed overtime? Even looking at my childhood photos, they're so brown, small and not naturally lit (but still really great). At antique stores, I see photos in cute little folders with the year stamped along the side, or a border around the image or a decorative edge on the photo print. People also posed so much back in the day and rarely smiled (probably because of the photography method) and over time, how people have loosened up in photos. The culture of photography has changed so much, I wonder if there's much more that can change in the future?

Three. Ma Mere
In my grandmas house (Dad's mom), there is a picture of a beautiful woman on the kitchen wall. As a little girl, I thought she was the photo that came with the frame because it was that type of amazing photo. I asked about the photo and it's light carved wood frame one day and grandma lit up. It's a photo of her mother "Ma Mere" and ever since, she has told me (and our family) many wonderful stories about Ma Mere. My favorite is that Ma Mere had her first perm done for that photo. Grandma once took the frame off the wall and wrote me a message on the paper back, dedicating it to me when someday she passes. I'm honored to appreciate Ma Mere in my home someday, christened with Grandma's love and handwriting on the back :)

Four. Photobooth Drawer
Since I was 16 (and once as a kid), I've loved photobooths! I become a hyper cookie when I'm out with a friend and we pass a photobooth... but I'm horrible at splitting/sharing the strip so I always pay for them so I can keep all 4, lol. When I got my new buffet a few months ago, I reserved a drawer just for all my photobooth pictures and it feels like a snapshot journey through my life & friendships. I light up everytime I open it :)

Four Stories Details:

- You can read about the 4 Stories Group blog series here (all stories here). Everyone is welcome to join :)

- Feel free to use the header/topic pictures in your weekly post.

- If you participate in 4 Stories, please link back to FN in your post and invite others to participate.

- Find 4 Stories widgets in the right sidebar (if you like).

- Please leave a link to your 4 stories post in the comments so we can read each others :)

it's Haturday!

2010-11-20T15:46:00.002-06:00

Almost every Saturday, I sleep in way too late and get up quickly to head downtown with Keith for our Saturday date (we go thrifting, flea market and grab lunch at Opa, our favorite place in the mall foodcourt). This rushed beginning always results in a hat and today, I renamed it "Haturaday" ;)

My favorite part about Saturdays is our detour past the trainyard (logan and main). I always take this route because it reminds me of my dad, who is an electrician at the train station... but as a kid, I thought he built trains all by himself. He's a train hero in my child mind :) We also grew up taking vacations every summer on the VIA train (Mom would take us 3 to Edmonton and Vancouver to see our family, and it is one of my very favorite childhood memories!).

Anyways, the main reason I love THIS train yard is because when we drive by, Keith and I park and yell "HEY" at the top of our lungs over and over until the birds fly around. My most magical moment in life is when birds fly in swarms and change direction all together, repeatedly. It's a gasper! And this place guarantees me a magic fill :) It's my very very favorite place in Winnipeg :)

We're on my way there now. Today, I'm looking for the perfect gift for Olivia and Kennedy... it's their birthday tomorrow and I know they'll appreciate a special vintage toy. I'm also giving them a 6 color collection of buttons on a carousel. Lala's trained them well, even at four ;)

Time to get my hat on, bye! :)

ps. 4 Stories coming tomorrow. FF will resume next Friday.

House Update :)

2010-11-18T20:56:00.003-06:00

My house makeover has been at a bit of a standstill for the last month because I've been busy and the contractor is finishing a few other projects. Amanda and I have thrifted a perfect collection of new furniture but I'm holding off with photos because I really wanna share everything in a big reveal once my floors, paint, accessories and window treatments are done. My goal of a completely vintage home is happening and it feels really cozy and sweet in here. I love everything we've picked out :)
*

With all the new furniture choices and my sisters talent of smart storage, I have so much storage and display spaces now... what a gift in a 700 square foot house with just 3 closets (1 linen, 1 in my room and a tiny one in the guestroom). I even have empty drawers... does this mean I can shop more?

Fun Things and Help Wanted

2010-11-18T16:01:00.008-06:00

1. I love this photo set

[ Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros ]

2. If you hang out with me, you'll hear many impersonations and Oprah's one of my faves... when I found this mash-up, I cracked up!

3. Click this... it will definately make your day!!!

4. I'm working on my blog makeover which will launch December 1st but I'm at a stand-still and I need your help please. I'm looking for a signature font and the 'Sweep' font on this little box I saw at the Flea Market is exactly is what I want it to look like. If you know where I can find a font like "Sweep", please email me or leave a link in the comments. It doesn't have to be a free font, I'll pay for it if needed. Thanks for any help you can give :)
(Note: I've already seen Tamarillo and Wendy Std but they're not quite right).

I can't wait to share my new FN blog with you!!!

a Clue & 2 Winners

2010-11-17T20:47:00.001-06:00

This is a *CLUE* to the big news I'm announcing next week!

The winner of the October Big Giveaway is...

The winner of the Tegan and Sara CD is...

Congratulations Laurie-Beth and LeeLeeLark!! Please email me your mailing address and your wins will be shipped in a jiffy!

Thank you to everyone for supporting Freckled Nest and my wonderful Sponsors! This week, we'll have the November Big Giveaway... it's a B-I-G one!!

oh wow

2010-11-16T20:26:00.003-06:00

This last two weeks of planning (for the big surprise) has been magical, exciting, exhausting, intense and perfect! I'll be ready to share the news sooner than early December because seriously can't wait that long! How bout we say I'll give you a clue before the weekend and the news next week!

Any guesses so far? (No revealing if I've told you though)

Love Leigh-Anna

(as they call me at the mcdonalds drive-thru at breakfast time)

The Best Saturday Ever!

2010-11-15T02:53:00.012-06:00

Usually by halloween, Winnipeg is covered in snow but by some perfect miracle, it's not yet and I can still safely drive my station wagon before it's parked for the winter! Keith and I went couples thrifting on Saturday with Kyla and Jesse and spent a good 2 hours weaving through 6 warehouse-floors PACKED with vintage furniture... it was literally excitement overload for me and I wanted to buy sooo many things. I settled on tons of photos instead and will go back tomorrow to purchase 2 pieces.

It was kinda like a 6 floor episode of Hoarders... the owner priced things too high which means stock doesn't move easily and it breaks my heart. I really couldn't get the h-u-g-e quantity of amazing furniture and overpricing off my mind; I wanna see these pieces used & enjoyed and I feel sad and frustrated. Sorry, rant ends here.

THIS was my dreeeam room! The Formica and Kitchen Chairs room gave me a joy that I can only compare to what being proposed to would feel like or paying off your mortgage, or finding out your pregnant, or winning a lottery, or finding a fountain of youth. Pretty much my maximum level of excitement was experienced--- it was a delicious room & I can't wait to bring my sister there, she'll freak out with me!!These bow handles were so cute, I've never seen something like that before.

I loved this stack of floral, padded stacking stools in the formica room. The stock in that room would be amazing for photoshoots... it was incredible!

A view out the 5th floor window to the Burton Cummings Theatre where I've seen Tegan and Sara in concert in 2007 and 2010 :) Good memories!

Fuzzy Friday "Lily"

2010-11-12T16:15:00.003-06:00

Dog: Lily the French Bulldog

Mom: Izabelle

Location: California

I'm momma to a smelly french bulldog named Lily. Her absolute best trait is her friendliness! She has no problems going up to strangers (human, cat or dog) and inviting them to play or pet her. She seems to love everybody!

Fun Facts

1. When she's happy or excited her ears go back.

2. She smells like dried oysters 24/7.

3. She prefers sleeping in a plastic basin instead of bed.

4. She also goes by Smelly, Smelly Cakes and Lily Buns.

5. When I get ready in the morning (teeth/makeup/hair) or get ready for bed at night, she will always lie ontop of my feet.

6. When she wants me to throw something that's currently in her mouth she'll 'give me five' and take off running... kind of like she's pressing a release button!

7. Lily has her own blog... soooo cute!

Share your Lily Quote (what you'd write in her thought bubble) here in the comments. To download Lily's bubble photo, click the photo for a larger version, then right-click and select "save image as". Print and add text manually or via photoshop.

Thanks so much Izabelle, Lily is such a dream dog!! xoxo, LA

Repurpose: Slide Viewers

2010-11-12T00:29:00.008-06:00

I have a small collection of vintage slide viewers that I've found at flea markets and second hand shops. I love the colors, shapes & magnification and discovered that when placed under a lamp, they act like a special picture frame for family slides :)

I found this one 2 weekends ago for $15 and it's my new favorite. It's from Eatons!

This is Keith and his Dad on the merry go round :)

They sit in my dining room ontop one of my supply dressers... along with my lucite desk sign from TheCottageCheese and pretty stitches flowers that my sister and I are using as inspiration for my new house design! I love this corner :)

For a bonus slide accessories project, check out this Vertical Guestbook Idea I shared last year :)

I compiled a source list of slide viewers, slides and slide magazines currently for sale on etsy and ebay. View it here :)

Slide Culture Sources

2010-11-12T00:27:00.013-06:00

Go here to see Slide Viewers in a new way :)

Etsy (fr. Vintage Zen), $24

Etsy (fr. White Elephant Wares), $15

Ebay (closing Nov 13), currently $4.95

Etsy (Electric viewer fr. rwalsh111), $14

Etsy (fr. EndlessTreasuresNJ), $23

Ebay, (closing Nov 14th), currently $1 GBP

Etsy (fr. McLoveBuddy), $25

Ebay (closing Nov 14th), currently $5 GBP

Ebay (closing Nov 15th), currently $10

Etsy (fr. Lo loves Vintage), $12

Etsy (fr. The Passing of Time), $10

Etsy (fr. salvagedspace), $18

Ebay (closing Nov 12th), currently $4.75

Ebay (closing Nov 15th), currently $2

Etsy (fr. PaperGoodOleDays), $8

Ebay (closing Nov 14th), currently $9

Ebay, Buy-Now for $15

Ebay, Buy-Now for $10

Ebay, Buy-Now for $3

Prettiest vintage projector I've ever seen! ($250)

17 Dentist Slides for $12 at ChaosSupplies

6 slides for $4 at SFMissionFinds

20 slides for $4.95 at vinandtage

150 Medical Slides for $36 at SimplyPenandBrush

12 Slides for $8 at SFMissionFinds

60 Souvenir Slides for $12.50 at SugarLilly

10 Panama Slides for $4 at ChaosSupplies

4 Travel Slides for $3 at ChaosSupplies

350+ 1960's Family Vacation for $40 at Finders4Keepers

Slide Magazines for Vertical Guestbook Project

4 Magazines fr. Stephie D, $12

1 Magazine fr. VintagebyAlexKeller, $4

2 Slide Magazines fr. SueLovesJunk, $12

And if you love slideshow culture as much as I do, these life-sized embroidered slides by Lauren DiCioccio will blow your mind...

a high and a lo-la

2010-11-11T02:08:00.002-06:00

Lo-La: This week has been so intense. Monday I took my 7 year old Lola to the vet for an extra appointment because I had a few concerns with no answers. As Dr.Newfield checked her over, he assessed that her tender & sensitive ears and the weird bald spot on her side was due to an allergy and his solution is already improving the situation till we figure out what she's allergic to. I giggled when he told me her blatter issues at night are due to menopause and a weekly pill will quickly fix that... and I renamed it menopaws! But my world stood-still when he told me the bump on her ear that I thought was a bug bite, is actually a tumor. Woah. He explained that if it's benign, it will resolve itself but that if it's malignant, he would need to remove her entire ear. I hardly held it together and he promised to give me results from the biopsy within 4 days. It's been on my mind all week and I've been super scared for her... but today her vet called and gave me GREAT NEWS!!! It's not the bad kind of tumor and it's going to go away by itself... my babies okay!! :)

(she loves tucking her head under the pillows and groaning in delight)

High: On the other side of things, this week I negotiated and signed two longterm contracts that are very exciting! I'm not quite ready to share details but will definitely divulge in early December :) It means big, great things and it was a life moment for me that gave me total giggles and goosebumps! Seriously so excited to tell you more very soon...with lots of pics and a dancing in excitement video! Eeeeek!

Winnipeg Fave: Kawaii Crepe

2010-11-09T13:25:00.001-06:00

I recently visited Kawaii Crepe in Osborne and fell in love... it's a happy place with a great menu and fun decor! Kyla, Jill and myself are hanging there today and I can't wait... I'll probably have the same crepe as last time (b/c I rarely try new things once I found a favorite). It was a delicious 'Build your own Sweet Crepe' with banana's, strawberries, whip cream ...and a coke ;)

Kawaii Crepe

201-99 Osborne, Winnipeg Manitoba

Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am

www.KawaiiCrepe.com

i love her so much

2010-11-08T01:30:00.000-06:00

4 Stories: Hairdoo's

2010-11-06T19:49:00.001-05:00

This weeks topic is "Hairdoo's".

One. The Bowl

In grade 5, I got a bowl cut. It was kinda a bob that stopped bluntly at my 11 year old lobes and the rest below it was shaved. The cape came off and I went upstairs (my aunty cut my hair as a child) to look in the mirror and tears immediatly streamed from my face... I was wailing, my cheeks looked so huge and I felt too different and weird. My other aunty came in to console me and it helped, but there was an immediate plan to grow the 90's out ;)

Two. The Perm

In Junior High, I asked Aunty Diana for a perm. Before I got that perm, my hair was straight. Perms were 'mature' so I was a pretty big fan of the look (even my bangs were permed). It never felt like it grew out though, it just relaxed... I must have started "changing" during that time and my hair has been naturally wavey/curly ever since.

Three. The Boy

The year I graduated high school, I worked at camp for the summer. This was around the time I was figuring out my identity and I still felt totally confused with how to be a girl. I felt like I was in a costume with the girl hair, makeup and wardrobe and it didn't feel like me. My eyes/skin/lips/cheekbones looked good with no makeup so I left that out of the equation and I wore t-shirts, hoodies, unfitted jeans and skate shoes. While at camp that summer, I picked up a buzzer one morning and shaved my head. It was about a half inch long and I finally felt comfortable. I kept it very short with a bit more shape over that year and that's when I met Joel, my first boyfriend. He was into me so I thought nothing of it... till one day we were at Applebees. As the waiter came up from behind me, he said "what can I get for you gentlemen tod----". He tried to recover but we'd both heard it and I felt really embarrassed. Joel broke up with me the next day and I began to feel uncomfortable again.

Four. The Girl

While in Bible School, I started dreaming of getting married one day. I pictured walking down the aisle in a traditional wedding dress and knew I wanted long hair. Knowing that it would take years to have long hair, I started growing my hair out. Three years later, my hair was the longest it had ever been, I wore it down and I felt beautiful in my wedding dress :) Ever since then, I've enjoyed having girl hair :]

Four Stories Details:

- You can read about the 4 Stories Group blog series here (all stories here). Everyone is welcome to join :)

- Feel free to use the header/topic pictures in your weekly post.

- If you participate in 4 Stories, please link back to FN in your post and invite others to participate.

- Find 4 Stories widgets in the right sidebar (if you like).

- Please leave a link to your 4 stories post in the comments so we can read each others :)

Fuzzy Friday "Gidget"

2010-11-05T08:11:00.002-05:00

Dog: Gidget

Parents: Nikki and JoeyLocation: Clayton, New Jersey

"I would have to say Gidget's best quality is her silliness. Of my 3 dogs, she's the one I like to when I need a laugh. She's constantly doing goofy things... spinning would be her specialty.

We recently had some trouble as Gidget was diagnosed with FCE, a paralyzing disease all dogs can get. But she wants to show everyone that becoming paralyzed can be a-okay especially when you start to recover.

Gidget likes to go on car rides, camping, visiting other dog friends, snuggling under covers with mom and dad and playing with her sisters."

Share your Gidget Quote (what you'd write in her thought bubble) here in the comments. Mine would be, Gidget: "totes magotes". To download Gidgets' bubble photo, right-click the image and select "save image as". Then print and add text manually or via photoshop.

Thanks so much Nikki and Joey, Gidget is so precious! xoxo, LA

Sponsor Feature & 6 Giveaways (October)

2010-11-03T16:43:00.004-05:00

Today's feature and giveaway encourages you to travel through my sponsors shops & blogs leaving encouraging comments along the way! And as a reward, one person will win all 6 gifts from our sponsors! I love my sponsors and hope you will too :)

How to Enter the Big Giveaway

Oh Hi: Blog & Shop

Giveaway:
3 Tone Cap. It comes unmounted and measures roughly a 4x4" area. Winner can choose their letter, colors will vary.

Marathon 1981: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: '
Windpower' Original Mixed Media Collage

*
Grrfeisty: Blog & Shop
Giveaway: Custom Mini Zipper Pouch

*
Emmy-Ray: Blog & Shop
Giveaway:
Super Star Keychain

*
Ali Croshaye: Blog & Shop
Giveaway:
Cute Mini Hairbow

*
Gussy: Blog & Shop
Giveaway:
$40 Shop Credit

Good luck! xo, Leigh-Ann

very favorite thing to do on the weekend:

2010-11-01T15:39:00.000-05:00

lunch & thrifting with mr.lusty (realname)

and finding so many special things: a metal xylophone (softspot for painted metal anything!), slide viewer, glasses (raindrops & don ho), milkglass ponds jar with teal metal lid. Glory!

Next Post: A fun giveaway!

2 Parts Wonderful

2010-11-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

Today is such a special day! The new Red Velvet has opened its doors after months of hard work and years of dreams that are coming true for Elsie, Emma, Jeremy, Rachel and Don & Elizabeth (my Missouri family)! I shed a few happy tears last night when I saw the sign & lit up storefront on Jeremy's blog, imagining how it must feel for them to see it all come together and the anticipation of it showing & functioning today and for many years to come! Congratulations you guys, I love and can't believe how beautiful, magical and amazing it is!! I wish I was there for the party, but even more so... I wish you the very very best! See you guys in May!!
More stories & pics of the RV journey here on Elsie's blog :) This is my very favorite detail so far...

In the same family of talent, Jeremy Larson's new band "Fort Christmas" released an EP a little over a week ago and I can't stop listening to it (and singing it all the time). I've never loved a collection of 5 songs so much, buy it (it's $5!) and sing along with me... it's so innocent, joyful, boppy and fun to listen to (boppy in a great way). The 5 songs share the journey of Jeremy and Elsie meeting, falling in & experiencing love and-- getting engaged:) Seriously so sweet! I'm a big fan and highly recommend it :)

2010-10-30T22:27:00.000-05:00

I love to feature blogs, shops, websites and people that share a love for handmade, vintage, beautiful things and a creative life! If this is your passion too, I'd love to see you join our monthly sponsor section!

Please visit my updated sponsor page for statistics, package options and design info. Feel free to contact me with questions or to book a large or small November space (xl is booked)!

Thanks! Love Leigh-Ann

frecklednest[at]gmail[dot]com

November Special!!

Free ad design with Large Ads (design $30 value)

Fuzzy Friday "Cyrus"

2010-10-29T15:20:00.004-05:00

Dog: Cyrus BeanMom: AlyciaLocation: Sunnyvale, CA

Cyrus' best quality is his sense of humor. Half the time he doesn't even know he's being funny! He likes belly rubs, car rides and trips to the park. His best trick is 'High Five' and he'll do just about anything for a treat! He was the inspiration for the Curious Pug (Alycia's Blog and Etsy).

Share your cute phrase photo for Cyrus in the FN Flickr group too (OR, just type what you'd write in his thought bubble here in the comments. Mine would be: Cyrus: "Trick or Treat?" (in a grumbly old man voice). To download Cyrus' bubble photo, right-click the image and select "save image as". Then print and add text manually or via photoshop.

Thanks so much Alycia! Cyrus is such a cutie-- I couldn't resist the pumpkin pictures! xoxo, LA

"did I just feel a fum?"

2010-10-28T17:07:00.003-05:00

This just made my day... oh Ricky ;)

I got my dream car!

2010-10-27T16:40:00.006-05:00

I have a little story :)

Friday evening I was heading to the mall when I spotted this beautiful car. My dream car was driving right beside me and I was da-rooling. As I turned left, he turned right and that's when I squealed-- a for sale sign in the window! I stalked it like prey, where was it turning, I needed to hunt it down! To my delight, it quickly turned into the McDonalds parking lot and that's when i made my move! U-E!!! I raced my little red car to meet it's future big brother and met Mel, the owner.

He was the sweetest man, wore a jacket that matched his car and we talked and talked. I asked a million questions with a grin ear to ear. It's very unlike me to show my cards because i'm a wheeler and a dealer, but I couldn't help it... i wanted to buy this wagon so bad!

The interior and 3 rows of seats sold me! I took down Mel's number and drove to Keith's work (btw, we're back together, YAAAY) to tell him that I wanted to (was going to) buy this car! Keith took this pic of me while I babbled on and on about how great it was. Being a car guy, Keith said he would take a look under the hood for me, so we set up a test drive that evening!

We drove the car and it was the sweetest ride I've ever been in! The car is a 74 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser (similar to That 70s show Vista Crusier) and has only has 60,000 original miles, original paint, amazing condition and no restoration. It's minty! PLUS-- a beautiful inside-of-a-banana-yellow paint with woodgrain and plaid interiors. Hai-yai-yai! Oh- and an 8-track and roll down back window (and a Rocket 455 motor, but I'm more about the color scheme)!

I went home and slept on it, woke up, and knew it was right for me :) I went to the bank and...

He's all mine!!

(lol, click on the above pic for my full, sincere expression)

Drove to my sisters house and took 8 people for a ride, then folded down the seats and headed off to pick up furniture across the city :) I'm storing the wagon through the winter to keep it in great condition, then this spring/summer/fall, we're taking Manitoba by storm!

Oh, and you might wonder what I named him? Well, my best friend Jill has a '76 Boler Trailer named Eggie... so my wagon is appropriately named, Bacon :) Totally doing a "Bacon and Eggie" photoshoot next summer with vintage suitcases on the roofracks :)

4 Stories "Childhood Games"

2010-10-25T18:29:00.008-05:00

This weeks topic is "Childhood Games"
One. ImaginationsThis weekend I was thinking about all the little games that kids love. I started a list in my phone that keeps growing as memories come back. So far: - Checking for change in payphones and vending machines- spinning on chairs at mcdonalds- dropping stones down the sewer- saving worms from puddles after the rain- making fake boobs with those pantyhose eggs (or inverting your top to make a halter style with 'knot' at the front)- making soap hotdogs (we'd rip the pages out of tiny popeyes books, fold paper and put a line of soap for the weiner. We did this often and mom never noticed... probably thought we were really good at washing our hands)- talking with accents & reviewing movies at the kids dinner table- doing flips off the top bunk bed- singing "I'm a g-n-u i'm a Gnu"- underducks- moving our bedroom furniture around in the middle of the night (amanda and I shared a room downstairs)- Spaghetti eyes (push your closed-eyes hard into the pillow for a bit, when you lift up, you see dancing spaghetti noodles)- And when we couldn't stop talking at bedtime, we'd make a deal "No more talking starting---now!"What were your games?

Two. Fort BuildingGoing to my cousin/friend Tanner's house was magical. We were two peas in a pod with the same interests & big imaginations and I admired her sense of carefree individuality even at a young age. Her parents let us turn the whole basement into a fort central, flipping furniture, pulling out blankets, hooking things from the walls, etc... she taught me the art of fort building and I was so hooked after the first time! After that, I saw everywhere/thing as a potential fort set-up and my siblings caught on too! We'd make forts with our bunkbeds, under the hide-a-bed (and roll in behind the fold-up capsule), in the forest at our grandparents cabin, in the tree-house, and the jackpot location = at our other Grandmas, we were allowed to use the big living room and all of grandma's linen closet to make the ultimate fort everytime we had sleepovers! I lovvvve forts :)

Three. The IntercomAt night, we would crawl out of our room (stelth-like), whispering and slowly scaling the floor. The goal was always to the reach the stairs, peeking downstairs at our parents & the tv. It was nearly impossible to get all the way to the stairs because somehow, Mom and Dad always heard us and called upstairs "BACK TO BED". We were constantly perplexed, "how do they hear us?!". Years later, we learned that square thing on the wall was an intercom and they could hear us very clearly from downstairs. Foiled by advanced 80's technology.
Four. Writing ContractsI'm the oldest child of three and tended to like 'being in charge'. So when I'd convince my sister or brother of a trade or deal, I'd write up a contract and ask them to sign & date it. I was about 9 or 10 and they probably hated me ;)

4 Stories Details:

- You can read about the 4 Stories Group Blog Series here (all stories here). Everyone is welcome to join :)
- Feel free to use the header/topic pictures in your weekly post :)
- If you participate in 4 Stories, please link back to FN in your post and invite others to participate.
- Find 4Stories widgets in the bottom right sidebar (if you like).
- I'd love to read your 4 Stories! Please leave a link in the comments here if you join in :)

Happy Birthday Daddio!!

2010-10-25T16:21:00.005-05:00

Love Sweetpea

Fuzzy Fridays "Sunni & Peanut"

2010-10-22T23:57:00.001-05:00

Dogs: Sunni and Peanut (Peanut is Sunni's Aunt!)

Mom: Lindsay

Location: Calais Maine

Peanut is the black lab (because my family has roasted peanuts for a long time) and the yellow puppy is Sunni (probably because she's yellow... that was her name when we got her). Peanut is pretty relaxed and Sunni is the opposite... always shaking her butt and carrying something around in her mouth (bowls, socks, washcloths, toys, stuffed animals, etc).

Last Christmas my mom had everything all ready for the stockings... we went out for the evening and when we got home, we noticed there were pieces of wrappers on the floor. We soon realized that Sunni (Peanut probably sat in the corner thinking 'you are going to be in so much trouble") had eaten three chocolate oranges, a whole bag of hershey chocolate kisses and two trays of chocolate minds. The weird thing was that she actually ate most of the packaging. We could only find some of it, but all of the chocolate was missing so we know she had to of eaten it. Thank goodness, she was fine afterwards-- although she did get sick a few times. I would have to say that Sunni suffered somewhat of a chocolate hangover!

Share your cute phrase photo for Peanut in the FN Flickr group too (OR, just type what you'd write in her thought bubble here in the comments. Mine would be: Peanut: "You shoulda been a chocolate lab." Sunni: "Har har Aunty Peanut!"

To download Sunni and Peanuts bubble photo, right-click the image and select "save image as". Then print and add text manually or via photoshop.

Thanks so much for sharing Sunni & Peanut with us Lindsay... I bet Lola would love playing with them :)

CD Giveaway!

2010-10-22T16:18:00.001-05:00

When I have children and they go to school, "my dog ate my homework" will be a legitimate excuse! While I was sleeping last night, Lola ate my collection of Tegan and Sara postcards and pieces were all over the room ;) Instead of focusing on just one, she enjoyed a little of each one, little bum!

Tegan and Sara are my all-time favorite musicians, ever! Remember how excited I was when I met them and I helped Tegan with her chair?!...eeeeek! lol. Today I want to giveaway one of their albums, 'so jealous'. To enter: share YOUR very favorite band and why plus your name/email. Giveaway open worldwide; next week I'll announce a winner!

Coming this evening, the cutest Fuzzy Friday pair!

Thursday Morning (+Winner)

2010-10-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

I had a dream last night that I was an extra on SNL. I had to play a band groupie, jump off a dock and turn invisible and keep on schedule with the snl crew. While backstage I saw some stars... Molly Shannon, short hair Michael Bolton and Kevin from the Office.

Today I woke up at human time... I don't know how people do this ;) Amanda and I are going to pick up more furniture this morning and Olivia (my nearly 4 year neice) called me last night asking if we could go for breakfast at Mitsy's beforehand (aka Smitty's). I couldn't say no to that little voice making her own phone call... so here I am up at 7:30am and Lola is perplexed (I usually go to bed between 2-4am and wake at noon). Marking it on the calendar!

Winner of the Dainty Woods Giveaway is Suzanne!!

xo & zzzz, Leigh-Ann
(pics from my date outfit last night)

These are Potholes!

2010-10-20T17:25:00.004-05:00

I saw this intriguing, humorous, genius photo series earlier this year and I still have it on my mind... MyPotholes.com is perfection and I hope you chuckle lots and feel inspired to look for creative & whitty opportunity everywhere you are.

Fun Facts:

- The images are not photoshoped, just color corrected sometimes.

- Traffic is not closed off (but they are very careful).

- Each shoot takes approximately 5-10 minutes with sketches and prop searching done ahead of time.

- The series was born from a married couple, Claudia Ficca & Davide Luciano

- The Potholes Project has a website & blog :)

Local Guestbook

2010-10-19T12:33:00.006-05:00

I'm really excited and curious to know how many local readers I have. If you're from Winnipeg or anywhere in Manitoba, please sign "Winnipeg" or "Manitoba" in the comments (+ optional: you can sign your name too or be anonymous). Strangers, friends, family, shy-birds, etc... if you're local, please sign :)

I'll be writing a "Favorite Places in Winnipeg" post in the next month and I've been photographing some of my favorite spots and beautiful places. If you're local (or have toured Winnipeg), please feel free to share yours as well!

xoxo, Leigh-Ann

furniture sneak peak!

2010-10-17T18:45:00.004-05:00

Four pieces of furniture were delivered this weekend, the perfect couch & chair, a walnut credenza, and my first furniture investment (Nate Berkus encouraged me) a late-50's teak Buffet! They are just sitting in their places right now till my new floors are in and Amanda does her magic, but I'm so excited, I wanted to show you :) And to break the blogger perfection, my house is in it's regular pile-mode and not staged for a house photoshoot ;)

Fun fact: I delivered 3 of the 4 pieces! I rented a u-haul box truck and drove that baby around the city all by myself! Big bear! Then Keith helped me take away the old furniture and unload till 2am = sweetie!

And on a sidenote, I'm growing my hair long :)

(4 Stories and Fuzzy Friday back next week)

My Colorful 1st House (2002)

2010-10-15T14:43:00.006-05:00

Orange Kitchen (I think I was 21 here)

'Elk Tan' Dining Room (minus ex, lol) Look at puppy-Lola!

Dark Greyish Purple Living Room

Green Bedroom used for storage and office (now a guestroom)

Pencil-Yellow Master Bedroom (this color was kinda alarming to wake up to)

We bought the house for a crazy low price because it was owned by a Biker Gang (lol, true) and needed a lot of work. My Dad is super talented and with the help of his leadership & experience, the labor and generosity of family & friends and my Dad's connections, we gutted the house and made it new, efficient and awesome inside! The house is from 1918 so a lot had to be replaced and upgraded! We moved around walls, doors, opened up the space a bit, made it high-efficient and now, it's so incredible and built with a lot of love! I consider this (pictured) my first house and the one I live in now my second house, but they're actually both the same place (I bought this house out when I went through my divorce and reclaimed it as my new home and just mine) :]

[See the front porch here]

How to: Resizing Youtube Videos for Your Blog

2010-10-14T01:42:00.005-05:00

This commercial always makes me giggle but the overhanging embedded video above is rotten right? Today I'll teach you how to fit youtube videos perfectly to your blog so they'll never overhang again! [proper video width shown at the bottom]

1. What is the center column width of your blog? (mine is 400)

To figure out the width of your blogs center column, right click on one of your landscape photos, then click 'properties' or 'view image info'. The first number in your dimensions is the max width.

(Sidebar: As long as you don't have a custom-coded blog layout, your center column is probably 400 and your landscape photos will load at a 'medium' format. Instead, select 'large' so that it fills the blogs ideal column width)

2. Now 'copy' the embedded code from the Youtube video.

3. 'Paste' the Youtube code into a blog post. Then open a new canvas in Photoshop (file>new) and pop in the dimensions found in the Youtube code (see the highlighted 480...385 in my code to locate where yours are). A blank canvas will pop up in Photoshop.

4. Now we'll shrink that canvas to figure out the new width & height for your video code. Go to 'Image Size' in Photoshop (Image>Image Size) and enter your blogs' center column width (from step 1) into the width box. The height will automatically adjust/scale and now you have the correct ratio for your Youtube video (that will fit perfectly)!

5. Using the new dimensions, replace the width & height into the code on your blog (see the 2 bolded spots above). The width goes first, then the height. Save your blog post and go back into it and the code will've turned into the video preview (or you can switch the 'edit html' tab and back to the 'compose' tab to achieve the same transformation).

Publish and you're done :)

BONUS! Learn how to size portrait photos to the perfect width on Blogger.

nighttiming

2010-10-13T16:44:00.004-05:00

Last night, Jill and I went to a park near her house after supper. It quickly became dark and we decided to stay and keep working ...and it was AWESOME! We took these pictures using only the light of my computer and a camera remote with my new Nikon, set up on a makeshift tripod (my backpack).

We were sitting right by the river with the row boat club practicing one side of us and off-leash dogs running past us on the other side. I always have 2 or 3 blankets in my car because I love being at the park as much as possible... it's the best office!What's your favorite outdoor place?

just call me harry potter.

2010-10-12T14:27:00.004-05:00

I was at the cabin this weekend and while carrying yardwork supplies & rushing to my destination, I walked in-to a deck. I don't even know how I didn't see it, maybe I thought I could walk under it, but when it hit me, I f-l-e-w backwards like I was struck by lightning! Laying on the ground surrounded in tossed yardwork gear, I started crying and yelling for help! Help! *cry* Heeelp! I felt frozen & broken and with the noise of power tools across the yard, no one could hear me.

Amanda was inside and thought she heard a baby crying (pretty much), came out and found me laying on the ground like a mangled LA:

Amanda: "Leigh-Ann!! Did you fall off the deck? Somehow??"

LA: "Nooo, I walked into it!"

Amanda: "Oh no, you're bleeding"

LA: "WHAAAAT??? Is it bad??" (I am terrified of stitches)

(Enter Matt, Keith and Kody) Matt starts praying for me, Keith turns white and kisses my forehead and Kody is kinda laughing at me "HOW'D YOU WALK INTO A DECK!?" ...oh brother.

At the same time, Mom comes home from the dump seeing all her kids surrounding Deck Girl still sprawled on the ground... she runs over panicing and helps me to my feet. She says I'll be okay but I'll have a bad bump and line. Then says, come see the retro metal lawn chair I got at the dump LA, it'll cheer you up!" and it totally did (I love a good find and that my mom was so excited over vintage)!

At supper time, my goose-egg had totally swelled with a bad 1ish" cut on my forehead, so my siblings appropriately took turns giving me nicknames! Kody called me "the Goiter", Amanda called me Harry Potter and these names stuck all weekend! lol.

Old to New: Typewriters

2010-10-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

Last week I stumbled upon the USB Typewriter etsy shop and my jaw dropped! Jack Zylkin has invented a Typewriter Convertor process that turns any manual typewriter into a keyboard for your computer! He sells ready to purchase typewriters or you can buy a kit and do it yourself! I think these would be awesome for hotel/B&B lobby computers or electronic guestbooks at a shop... something memorable to catch your eye! Or if you're a modern Angela Landsbury, use it for writing a book the semi-old school way!

4 Stories: Color

2010-10-09T10:28:00.002-05:00

This weeks topic is "Color".

One. Black and White
I went to bible school & lived in dorm for 1 year with 19 other students. We all became really close friends and on the last 19 days, each student had a day to be encouraged and the other students would share the great things they saw in you. On my day, my friend Tyler said something really special. He said, "Leigh-Ann, where the rest of the world sees things in Black and White, you see them in a million Colors." That was one of the first times in my life I felt unique, observed and understood. I really loved that someone saw inside my brain :)

Two. Favorite Color
Since I can remember, I've always had "a favorite color", ever changing, kinda like the 'flavor of the month'. I've went through the rainbow and cycled back on a few. And when I get a new favorite color, I become totally obsessed with it and everything is that color (my sis/bro tease me about it)!!

Three. Color by Catagory
As much as I love rainbows of color, the mixture drives me kinda crazy. I like it separated into piles or glass jars so each color is on it's own, nothing touching.

Four. The Crayon Box
When I bought my first house, I was extremely eager to make each room really interesting and colorful! I pulled paint chips for hours, made diagrams of different combinations and proudly bought 7 different cans of paint (greyish purple, schoolbus yellow, olive green, red, white and elk tan & 'swiss coffee white' for ceilings and trims). We painted for days (got a little buzzy from too much fumes) and when it was done, I was one happy girl... my house had quite the personality! Then a friend came over and declared it "the Crayon Box". It's since been painted a light seaglass blue throughout (minus the kitchen and guest room) and now I like to use color in 'punches' and in moderation, but I'll never regret making my Crayon Box come true :)

4 Stories Details:

- You can read about the 4 Stories Group Blog Series here. Everyone is welcome to join :)
- You're welcome to use the header/topic pictures in your weekly post :)
- If you participate in 4 Stories, please link back to FN in your post and invite others to participate.

- Find 4Stories widgets in the bottom right sidebar (if you like).

- I'd love to read your 4 Stories! Please leave a link in the comments here if you join in :)

(See New Post & Giveaway Below)

Sponsor Feature: The Dainty Woods

2010-10-08T21:53:00.004-05:00

"Well hello there! My name is Chelsea, I'm 23, and I have a little shop called The Dainty Woods. My husband and I live in an artsy community five minutes outside of downtown San Diego. When I'm not at work, serving coffee and frappuccinos, I'm usually at home with my mister and my kitty (Francine) creating something. Most of our nights are spent sitting on our living room floor among piles of fabric, light bulbs, books, moss, and twigs. We love fighting over the glue gun and who gets which vintage book for their current project :)

Most of my shop is full of wedding related items. I LOVE working on custom orders for brides. I know that most brides are all about the details and I obssess over details! I also love knowing that my pieces will be a sweet little addition to your new love nest after the big day is over.Since Leigh-Ann was so sweet to feature Dainty Woods, I have a little giveaway I'd like you all to be apart of. Just in time for fall, I'm giving away a woodland inspired yarn wreath."

How to Enter: Leave your name/email and favorite season here in the comments and we'll announce a winner in a few days :)

Follow Chelsea's blog for updates and news on current projects, and the Dainty Woods for woodland inspired wedding accessories and gifts! xo, Leigh-Ann

Fuzzy Friday "Peanut" (with Bubble Download)

2010-10-08T14:32:00.005-05:00

Dog: Peanut (mini dapple dachshund)

Mom: Cheryl

Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Peanuts best quality is her ability to snuggle, she's a great snuggler. She finds the perfect spot on your neck to rest her head during the night or I'll sometimes wake up and she'll be spooning me.

Peanut is the smartest dog and is more like a cat than a dog, so I hear. She is quite independent and isn't interested in 'silly dog games'. If I throw a toy to try and get her to play with me, she'll look at the toy and then look at me with confusion in her eyes asking, "Do you really expect me to chase a toy?!?!" She is super sweet and is a total lap dog. She loves to go on walks. She burps after every meal and we love it. Peanut can sit, lay down, roll over, shake and high five.

New! With the permission of each Fuzzy Friday Feature, we will offer a Blank Bubble Photo for you to use on your blog (or however you like). Share your cute phrase photo for Peanut in the FN Flickr group too (OR, just type what you'd write in her thought bubble here in the comments... mine would be "i'm sooo tiny!").

To download Peanut's bubble photos, right click the image and select "save image as". Then print and add text manually or via photoshop.

Thanks so much for sharing Peanut with us Cheryl... she's adorable!!

Vintage Hanky Gift Tutorial

2010-10-07T14:14:00.003-05:00

For me, when a gift (or online purchase) comes in a special packaging, I leap inside :) As excited as I am to see what's inside, I need to take a picture before I open it... it's part of the gift I want to remember :) VeraVague (1st package) is a total pro at making an amazing impression, she wrapped the dress I bought with paper and twine & included a few flashcards and an awesome custom tag as her dress card :) Elsie send me this pretty floral dress (2nd photo) and handwrote a sweet note.. love :) And when I opened my my reward dress envelope (3rd), it was wrapped so nicely in tissue and yarn with a cute tag :)

Last year I had a collection of Vintage Hankies for sale in my etsy... instead of selling a plain old hanky, I wanted to give it a purpose with this simple tag & sentiment (Indie Business Tip!) :) It became an adorable gift, increased the value and was much easier to photograph! I picture this being a thoughtful gift & keepsake for your friend getting married, or the mother of the bride or for your bridesmaids. Or, change the sentiment and use this idea for wedding favors (so affordable and fun to make). Learn how below...

Vintage Hanky Tutorial

You will need: a stamp pad, tiny ric rac, small hole punch, fine tip marker, scissors, cardstock, rubber 'border' stamp (mine are from Hero Arts and All Night Media).

1. Find unstained, non-smokey, pretty vintage hankies (check flea markets & thrift stores.. average 25cents each and sometimes sold in a bundle/bag). Wash gently in a lingerie bag, dry and iron flat.

2. Stamp your cardstock with the border stamp, let dry 2 minutes.

3. Write your sentiment or phrase inside the border with a fine marker.

4. Cut around the border of your stamp (leaving a bit of cardstock showing).

5. Fold your vintage hanky, loosely tie the ric rac around it and tie twice.

6. Punch a small hole in the corner of your tag and feed it onto the hanky with the two ric rac tails. Trim tails shorter and your gift is ready :)

Note: If you're making these as wedding favors or in multiples, use an assembly line method with each step to reduce the production time like crazy!

September's Big Giveaway Winner!!

2010-10-06T15:07:00.012-05:00

Thank you to everyone for supporting my sponsors and entering Freckled Nest's giveaways! Congratulations Miss. Wendy, you've won Septembers Big Giveaway!!

Please email me at FreckledNest@gmail.com with your mailing address ...7 packages are coming your way!!

Welcome to all my new & beautiful October Sponsors!

Take a look > > > >

A birthday card for Grandma Judy,

2010-10-06T00:33:00.000-05:00

From Tom Tooter

"Big Bear"

2010-10-04T10:34:00.001-05:00

My family has a little joke about "Big Bears" so when Keith and I saw these stuffies at the Canada/USA border, we had a giggly little photoshoot :)

Today we're going shopping in Fargo (I've tracked down the thrift stores and we'll visit Target for sure... it's like a Candystore to Canadians!) Going out for dinner tonight then heading home (4hr drive) to Winnipeg... I miss Lola, can't wait to snuggle with her tonight :) Time to get in the shower, I've got major bedhead, hehe (and I have black hair now... meant it to be dark brown but something went wrong) :) xoxo, LA

ps. Violet, I already miss youuuu!

Yum!

2010-10-02T14:14:00.001-05:00

Today is my last full day with Violet and we're making the most of every minute (headed to Violet's fave restaurant right now, then the flea market, getting dressed up and a party tonight)! I probably won't be making a 4Stories post today but if you want a topic, this week can be "FOOD" :)

Tomorrow, we're driving to the States for Violet's flight and Keith and I are staying in Fargo overnight to do some shopping on Monday :) I'm looking forward to the mini road trip!! Hope you have a great weekend! xo, LA

September Feature & 7 Giveaways!!

2010-10-01T00:27:00.026-05:00

Freckled Nest aims to feature blogs, shops and people that share a love for handmade, vintage, beautiful things and a creative life :) Today's feature and giveaway encourages you to travel through my sponsors shops & blogs leaving encouraging comments along the way! And as a reward, one person will win all 7 gifts from our sponsors! I love my sponsors and hope you will too :)

If you'd like to be a Sponsor and Feature in October, information can be found here. xoxo

How to Enter the BIG Giveaway

Leave an encouraging comment on each sponsors blog (links below), then write your name and email address in the comments of this post and in a few days, we will draw & announce one person who wins everything!

Fancy Cat Vintage: Shop (& mailing list)

Giveaway: $20 Gift Certificate to FancyCatVintage

Oh Hi: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Ampersand Stitch 4x4" (your choice of thread color, see shop details)

Dirty Laundry: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Autumn & Lavender Cupcake Bath Fizzle

Cactus and Olive: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Paper-Crafted Airplane Baby Mobile

One Late Night: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: The Hide Tide Nautical Plush Camera

Grrfeisty: Blog & Shop

Giveaway: Custom Bunches of Flowers Headband

Sweet Birdie Blue: Shop

Giveaway: Candy Striped Cushion Cover

Skye Reve Fabrics: Shop

(no giveaway item)
*
If you'd like to be featured as a October sponsor, please email FreckledNest@gmail.com to reserve your spot (I'm accepting October sponsors till Saturday, Oct 2nd).
*
Thank you to all my September Sponsors and Supporters, you're wonderful!
Hugs, Leigh-Ann

favorite moment of the year (so far)

2010-09-29T17:42:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, Violet and I drove to Morden for haircuts at Holly's Salon! We had a great time and I love my new bangs and layers! On the drive home, we stopped at a pumpkin wagon and I bought 3 pumpkins for my front step, then we headed home :) Violet and I were talking when all of a sudden, I saw the best thing in my world...

A mini horse farm!!!!! (Remember my buddy Peanut?) I screamed "Mini Horsessss!" as I 1) pointed! 2) did a u-turn! and 3) found a dry spot in the ditch to run up to the fence! Then I got slightly electrocuted by the fence, brushed it off and had one of the happiest moments of my year!!! So perfect!

Afterwards, Violet said she thought I was exaggerating how excited I was the whole time but then realized I was for real, I was fully that happy!!!Look at my cute harvest ready pal :) She's such a good friend, love you Violet!

we've got the goofies

2010-09-28T13:09:00.002-05:00

Violet and I are having such a great time together!!! I'll be back soon with a big giveaway post and then tomorrow, more fun stories of our adventures together so far! Yesterday I had a moment that made my YEAR and can't wait to show you pictures of my glee! Plus cute photos of our new haircuts and so much more :) Be back soon, xoxoxoooooooo

4 Stories: Vintage

2010-09-25T03:19:00.008-05:00

This weeks topic is "Vintage".

one. The Story

I love vintage for it's uniqueness, quality, variety and charm... but most of all, I love it for its story. To me used is the best part, I love picturing the mom who made cakes with my pyrex mixing bowls, or the wife who removed the buttons from her husbands shirt before it became rags or blanket squares, the way a cute girl once wore my dress a totally different way or the date she went on in it... I just love imagining the stories behind the pieces I now love :)

two. The List

You probably have one too, whether mental or written down... a list of the things you really want to find or the additions to your collections. I call it my "Jackpot List"... no matter what thrift store, flea market or garage sale I visit, I look for these jackpots and get the *most* excited when I find the things on my list (but also love the unlisted discoveries just as much). My list includes 2-pile floral towels (I'll show pretty photos of my collection in a week or so), school & office supplies, colorful kitchen items, pyrex bowls, vintage dresses, pillowcases, bags of buttons, charming blankets, containers and furniture that feels really me :)

three. Jill

I love hearing what treasures and scores my friends have found, Jill especially! She's incredibly good at thrifting & vintage shopping, being selective and giving it the best new home! Whenever I go to her house, I love looking for the new things in her home, hearing the history and if it was a good deal compared to the true value... it's a fun game we play :)

four. Look at my Face

Last month my sister and I went furniture shopping for my house. We wandered into a poorly marked Antique's Warehouse and the first floor was loaded with floor lamps... like, everywhere! Then we wandered upstairs and it was a huge-huge warehouse of old, strong furniture! We were quickly talking in high fast voices, racing from favorite to favorite and both dropped our bags & purses in the middle of the store in order to speed up all the skipping we were doing! With our smiles so big it hurt, Amanda grabbed my shoulder to turn me around and said-- "LOOK AT MY FACE!!" (HUGE SMILES). We were clearly in a furniture heaven and it was impossible not to see our excitement (and full on dork moment).

4 Stories Details:

- You can read about the 4 Stories Group Blog Series here. Everyone is welcome to join :)
- You're welcome to use the header/topic pictures in your weekly post :)

- If you participate in 4 Stories, please link back to FN in your post and invite others to participate.

- Find 4Stories widgets in the bottom right sidebar (if you like).

- I'd love to read your 4 Stories! Please leave a link in the comments here if you join in :)

Fuzzy Friday "Six"

2010-09-24T14:46:00.002-05:00

Mom & Owner: Pepper
Cat: Six (domestic shorthair cat)
Location: Australia, Sydney

Six likes to be aloof and nonchalant, to ignore 99% of the population and to do anything like exercise. She follows her Mom around but pretends not to, eats a lot and loves sleeping under Peppers armpit.

Six is also allergic to fish, a total oxymoron! Eating fish has no immediate symptoms for Six but continuous exposure leads to side effects and health complications. Of course, being a cat, Six loves fish... can't get enough! She is banned from fish and there is a glad-wrap on the fish bowl (to protect the cat, not the fish) and the neighbors have been told to be aware (if they're feeding their cat outside) that Six may be lurking in the shadows trying to get a fix ;)

Florence and the Machine

2010-09-22T04:44:00.003-05:00

My sister recently emailed me this song and a few others from Florence and the Machine. I loved it so much, I bought the album (lungs) and I wanna listen to it the whole way to Fargo, North Dakota today (Keith's coming with me to calm my highway-driving anxiety... so it'll probably be a back and forth between Florence and raps... lol)! I'm so excited to see Violet and start my holidays this Friday :) Have a great day!! xo, LA

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxy and z

2010-09-20T15:29:00.000-05:00

I can't believe my eyes... incredible, tiny carvings from pencils by Dalton Ghetti. It took 2.5 years for Dalton to carve "Alphabet" using just a razor blade, sewing needle and sculpting knife for tools (and no magnifying glass)! See more of Dalton's pencil carvings here, his work and ideas are so shocking and pure. I love it!

4 Stories: Swimming

2010-09-19T06:36:00.019-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to Freckled Nest's new Group Blog Series called 4 Stories. Every weekend, I'll announce a topic and share my 4 stories that relate to it... and you're invited to join me that week and blog four of your stories about the same topic & link to it in the comments... we can Group Blog!

Everyone is welcome :)

This weeks topic is "Swimming".

one. Swimming Lessons

I wouldn't categorize myself as the "athletic type"... I lack coordination, didn't understand sports and was horrible at dance and gymnastics (super funny and awkward to watch, back then and to this day), so my extra curricular options were limited. Mom and Dad wanted us to be safe at the beach & pool so they signed us up for swimming lessons. I was so happy... I loved being in the water, picking out a swimsuit every season and gliding through the water like a seal. As I grew up, I went through the color levels earning my badges and felt like I was excelling at something :) I wanted to be a life guard, marine biologist and swimsuit designer and I felt the best when I was in the water. When I was 16, I registered for Diving Lessons and showed up for level one a little late in the game. I was surrounded by nine and ten year olds and a cute 19 year old teacher "Dave"... I was a nervous wreck, lol!

two. Grandma and Grandpa's Pool

My Grandparents live in the country in a home they built from the ground up and they installed an amazing underground pool in the backyard (that my Grandpa dug out by hand!) so that the grandkids would have fun! The first time the pool was filled (with ground-cold well water), we were MAJORLY excited to jump in; there was no ladder, no heater and no fear! We climbed in with that shoulders scrunched, arms not going in the water, slow motion tip-toeing walk you get to raise your body up from the cold water a bit and hiding our chattering teeth-- we wanted to swim so bad!! That pool gave us so much fun over the years, there was kids pool parties every weekend, ring diving, soaking with Grandma, holding your breath contests, fashion shows on the deck, helping grandpa clean the pool, playing mama and baby whale with my sister and a few 'skinny dips' when it was just the girls (or awkwardly around my brother, lol). That pool is one of my favorite childhood memories!

three. Canada Day Fireworks

Lol... a few years ago on Canada Day, Keith brought fireworks out to the cabin. Mom had made margaritas and we were all getting a "bit giggly". Mom, Kody, Amanda, Matt, Keith & I walked down to the beach with drinks in hand (cabin style) and set off the fireworks, laughing our faces off and cheering! Once they were done, Keith and Matt were all of a sudden stripping to their skivvies, running into the water! Amanda and I said, YAAAA, let's go too! We were down to our bras and underwear running into the water with only the stars lighting our way. We swam, floated looking at the stars and Keith & I snuggled in the water... it was one of the most magical moments ever :) When it was time to get out, I realized I was quite tipsy (my first time every being drunk) and I was having the hardest time getting out of the water with the combination of the waves, rocks under my feet and said tipsyness. I fell over at least 10 times, laughing and everyone laughing at me... so tricky!!

four. Diving for treasure at Big Whiteshell

My family went on a week long camping trip at Big Whiteshell Campground and I was at the prime of my swimming obsession. I had snorkel gear, flippers, multiple bathing suit options, and pretty much thought I should live in the water. There was a huge dock and I quickly discovered that there was an incredible amount of treasures surrounding it underwater. I spent the whole week diving for old bottles, awesome fishing hooks, money, weird lost items and anything I could find. It was so fun and the regular campers would stop by daily to see what the days finds were. I'd see fish as I was swimming underwater (one swam into my leg, so freaky) and I met lots of neat people :) By the end of that week, I could hold my breath for over 2 minutes, had an amazing tan and an adventure that suited my soul :)

A few 4 Stories details:
- You're welcome to use the header/topic pictures in your weekly post :)
- You don't need to participate every week... just when you want to.
- Feel free to share topic ideas in the comments.
- If you participate in 4 Stories, please link back to FN in your post and invite others to participate.
- I'd love to read your 4 Stories! Please leave a link in the comments of the weekly post if you join in :)
- You can add a '4 Stories' widget to your blog if you'd like (it's a "4 story building"!):

pug.

2010-09-17T07:58:00.005-05:00

Lucy lives down the street from my house, is much puggier now and loves keeping watch :) Her dad used to dislike dogs but when his son/roomate had a pug and moved out, he missed the dog so much... this little Lucy soon joined his bachelor pad :) Adorable!

If you'd like your pet considered for a Fuzzy Friday feature, please email me:
- your pets name and best quality
- your name + blog address + hometown
- a few cute portrait pics
- fun facts or stories about your fuzzy friend

List Love & iPhone Screenshot How-to

2010-09-16T15:55:00.007-05:00

While waiting in line at the Apple store, I learned that you can do screenshots on your iphone! COOL. At the same time, click the power and home button (main screen button) and the screens picture will save to your photo folder :)

I have a really bad memory so I use my Notes App a lot and add to often (plus I use a notebook). Sometimes, when I'm bored or my head feels too full of ideas or just to track silly things. Last night I tried out the iphone screenshot feature and totally love it! Here's a few of my ongoing lists...

Do you make lists too?

What's your favorite list theme and way to keep track of things & memories?

Stories from Guatemala: Bad Translation

2010-09-15T13:58:00.011-05:00

In 2001, I went to Guatemala for one month, living & working in an orphanage for 2 weeks, then later living with families who hosted the students from our group as we worked in local communities. I will share more about the this trip as my Odyssey unfolds (probably around chapter 5 or 6)... but I thought it would be interesting and fun to share some of the little stories and tales.

Funfact: The pictures through these stories are taken with 35mm film. It feels really long ago that we used film and waited to pick up our developed roll to see if we 'got the shot' ... are we our parents talking about the days of a-tracks and vinyls? Yes, i just realized I called them a-tracks... I always say that by accident, that's how out of my world they are.

So like I said, we were living in a large orphanage (helping with a build and playing with the children in our spare time). We were warned that lice is a common problem, so being the paranoid traveling girls that we were, we checked each other every night (in the photo above, I'm checking my friend Karisa... and she's about to be told by me 'I see something'). We r-u-n out to the school yard and find two girls, 12 year olds.. we point to her partline and Karisa (with her high school spanish) asks them something like: "What's this??" Well, either her high school spanish was a little rusty or things were lost in translation (and fear filled in the blanks)... but she understood them to say was "BUGS". ie. DOOOOOOM

Well... that was it, us girls were in full freakout mode assuming we all had IT. I called my Mom in Canada COLLECT (it was a $75.00 phone call), and she ran out to buy some of that special shampoo because another Winnipeg translator/chaperone team was leaving for Guatemala that night for the second part of the trip... and we needed that shampoo. Bad.

The day went on and all the girls assumed we had "it" and felt super crawly and majorly contagious. In the photo above, I had been video taping in the school ground (with my large video camera that was as big as a loaf of bread... oh technology) and the kids wanted to see themselves on the screen, so they swarmed around me. And I'm like, "GUYS-- back up! be careful!" But I had no spanish and couldn't communicate. Eventually, one of the kids wanted to take a group picture of us (the top/first photo)...so I just posed and hoped I hadn't made the problem worse. (I *love* the energy & joy of the kids in the photo... they were so awesome! I also love how skinny I was, lol.)

The next day, we were talking to the nurse who was a missionary from the States (ie. strong english and strong spanish)... she took a look at Karisa and Me and declared... "you have dandriff. The water pressure here does that to me too."

All that panic due to one word translated wrong. Lol. The translators arrived in Guatemala with the shampoo and we kept it on hand just incase... but never ended up needing it, at all.

I have been meaning to tell you...

2010-09-13T16:45:00.002-05:00

Our online sewing class ended this weekend and I'm sad that it's over... we had such a wonderful group of women excited to learn to sew and thrilled everytime they completed a project-- they inspired me daily :) Now that Home Ec is over (ie. the projects are all posted), I have lots of things to catch up on and then I'm taking a long overdue holiday (I'll still be blogging and doing emails on my holiday, but I'm looking forward to no list for a week or two). Being so busy this last month, I feel like I've forgotten to tell you some stuff!

Here's a little list of exciting things:

- My friend Violet is coming for 2 weeks and I'm really excited to spend lots of time with her! We feel like sisters and have the best time together. I'm driving to the States on the 22nd to pick her up and we're staying there for a night to shop... then she's coming to Winnipeg for 2 weeks where we'll do lots of fun stuff... a hair day at Holly's salon, fun meals, Violet's 1st time at the cabin, practicing new make-up techniques (i've been obsessed with Youtube make-up tutorials this weekend), a fondue party, crafts, grocery shopping (Violet LOVES grocery shopping), and lots of silly girl time :) And maybe, a live episode of LA-TV with both of us! :)

- I'm making over my blog in October and I'm very very excited! I've had this on my to-do list for months and I'm finally making it a priority!

- Freckled Nest Design is expanding again! I'll introduce you to our newest designer in the next month and I think you'll love her just as much as Kyla and I do... she's a beautiful soul and talented designer & illustrator!

- Keith and I are working on things and I can see us getting back together officially in the next few months :) I've missed him like crazy and he missed me. We've been hanging out and he's making me incredibly happy :)

- I got a new computer last week, a 17" Macbook Pro. It's crazy amazing and takes up my whole lap.

- Pumpkin Spice Latte's are so good.

- I have some really fun blog posts coming up (starting next week): a craft tutorial, Q & Answers, the Dress Series Part 3, features on cool flickr & etsy people, and a video blog that's making me laugh constantly (need to make it still).

- Reno's on my house will be starting soon... it's gonna be a crazy experience (living amongst it with Lola) and I'm excited to show you some peaks along the way! First = new floors!

- Lastly, I wanna say that I really appreciate you. When I started this blog, I added a site meter and it gave the option to start your counter at a certain number. I was so relieved because I didn't want to lose the 32 hits I had collected in my first few months (mostly my Mom)... and now to be past half a million and still growing rapidly, I can't believe my eyes! Thank you for reading my blog, it really does mean a lot to me and I love sharing my world & faves for you to read :) I'm honored to have you here.

xo, LA

Fuzzy Fridays: Trixie

2010-09-10T17:02:00.003-05:00

I met Trixie a few years ago in Ontario and she lovvvvved belly rubs! And I loved everything about her, don't you? Happy Friday!

Score: Study 25 Melodion

2010-09-09T15:17:00.006-05:00

When I'm out thrifting, I have regular searches and departments I scour, but I especially love falling upon the extraordinary... things that I've never seen before, things that my nieces will think is magical or cool, colorful conversation pieces :)

[How it Works: A mouth piece goes into the end by the green label and you hold it vertically with your hand through the strap on the back. It's kinda like the recorders we played in elementry school, but with a keyboard... actually, it's kinda like an accordian now that I think of it. It makes a pretty loud sound and is crying out for a comeback.]

Sometimes I don't know what I'll do with them, but I can't walk away. This was one of those finds, a small keyboard/flute type thing, in perfect condition, in my favorite color annnnd in a very cute case (I love things that come in cases)! Even better, it was $4! I found it in the Spring while I was shopping with my bestie and if you've ever been shopping with me... you know when I've found a score = there's semi-restrained squealing and semi-restrained jumping ;) Jill laughed at me and we continued shopping :)

What have you 'semi-restrained public glee' over lately?

I'd love to see your sweet finds, please share/link a pic in the comments!

Hugs, Leigh-Ann

I'm pretty excited!!

2010-09-08T09:27:00.002-05:00

Last week Els told me she had a surprise (which she knows would drive me batty waiting)... I tried to guess but was totally off and yesterday, I got these 4 photos by email...

...as I scrolled down, I had no idea what it could be! When the last photo appeared, I yelped and got teary eyes!! I phoned her right away squealing and giddy... I said yes, for sure!!! Els and I have been good friends for a couple of years and I think her and Jeremy's relationship is one of the most beautiful pairings I've ever seen. They couldn't be more perfect for each other & it's really an amazing thing to witness! I'm so honoured to be a bridesmaid (with 6 other amazing women) to one of my three best friends :) Thank you so much Elsie, this surprise was worth the wait!! xo

oh yum!

2010-09-06T16:05:00.004-05:00

This dress is my reward if I finish my big list today.
Majorly motivated mine :)

Fuzzy Fridays: Lola

2010-09-03T17:54:00.003-05:00

Me and my little teenager spent all week in the new porch and it was so awesome :)

I'm off to buy a new mac then I'm coming home to work on emails all night... I'm pretty behind and am on lockdown till I can't keep my eyes open ;) Hope you're having a great Friday! Love Leigh-Ann

perusing mr.Etsy, I found...

2010-09-02T03:40:00.004-05:00

'Divine Twine' from OliveManna

'Women's Special Ed. Docs' from Bootmeister

I need to measure my feet... I kinda wanna get these!

'Unbelieveable Moustache on the C' by Sophie Blackall
I love this entire series inspired by Missed Connections, it's beautiful!

'Nancy plus Don' Dress from Vera Vague

(I pondered b. reduction surgery so I could own this dress)

'3 Vintage Mixing Bowls' from OneLateNight

Listen to the divine color names: Lime Green, Robin's Egg Blue, Buttermilk Yellow. I think buttermilk is one of the prettiest words in the world. (Moist is the worst)

And two of the most stunning models on Etsy...

from I Heart Norwegian Wood

from Thief and Bandit

September is here (woah) and I'm happy to introduce to you my new sponsors!! Pour a glass of coca-cola and take a look through their blogs & shops with the featured images in my right sidebar :)

The Tiny Drawer - day eight [the end]

2010-08-31T06:57:00.005-05:00

Today is our last photograph in the Tiny Drawer Photo Series, documenting some of my tiny garage sale treasures in a special wooden drawer. Which one was your favorite?
Thanks for sharing this with me,
Love Leigh-Ann

Big Giveaway Winner...

2010-08-30T22:20:00.003-05:00

Thank you to everyone for supporting my sponsors and entering Freckled Nest's giveaways!

Congratulations Lindsay C, you've won August's Big Giveaway!! Please email me at FreckledNest@gmail.com with your mailing address ...11 packages are coming your way!!

If you'd like to be September Sponsor, please email me... we have a few large and small spots left and September's going to be an awesome month :)

my home: The Front Porch

2010-08-30T09:16:00.001-05:00

cuteness = Small Craft :)

2010-08-29T15:45:00.001-05:00

Two of my super creative friends, Elsie and Rachel are teaching the cutest online class ever... Small Craft!! 30 step-by-step projects for children newborn to age 10 and at the perfect time to get a headstart on Christmas gifts or 'just because' craft opportunities between you and your little one (it's a take it at your own pace class... this will fix those rainy days perfectly)!

This class is going to be so awesome, I love all the juicy pictures and imagination it will inspire in both moms/aunties and children alike :)

Full Details and Registration Info HERE ...plus, I heard there's an adorable earlybird bonus for those who sign-up early :)

Hi Sebastian! :)

xo, LA

fuzzy Fridays: Parrot

2010-08-28T02:05:00.007-05:00

I have a combination of a love and fear of parrots; they're so fascinating & pretty but also... really weird right?!

Happy Friday!! xo, Leigh-Ann