Monday, December 30, 2013

New Year With 2014 Goals Plans Dreams


New Year With 2014, Goals, Plans, Dreams

Well everyone the year of 2013 is almost done. In a couple of days we will be starting our new year of 2014. For many we have one more day/evening of celebrations bringing in the new year. Do many of you have plans to celebrate with family, friends, or will you be home alone? Hopefully you can enjoy this special time in some way. 

With the beginning of a new year comes goals, plans, and dreams that we would like to achieve. Some will set goals for themselves, and there are some who do not like to set any goals for fear of not completing. Then, when it's not completed you have that disappointing, and discouraging feeling too. 

I try to set a few goals for myself. Generally I will set smaller goals to achieve so that they are easier/more realistic to achieve. Then, as I achieve those goals I will set another new goal in it's place. Keeps me busy, thinking, and something to work for as well. 

This year I am focusing more on setting goals for my shops I have online. Not only my shops I sell with, but also for blogging and my website too. At the same time I also want to narrow down the places that I sell with, and some of the social networks that I am signed up with as well. I would like to focus more of my energy, and time with places that I see results from them. In doing this I can better focus, and give the proper attention to those places which in turn will better assist my customers as well too. I have already begun with a list, and I have accomplished something from that list as well. On the 22nd of this month I put in my 30 notice to discontinue my membership with one of the platforms I was using. I debated, but decided it was time to do it. No sales from it, my views are way down there, and I want to focus more of where my traffic is at. 

So, it's a start for me with my list that I have made. Hopefully I am able to accomplish more as I move along with things. One day at a time, and I do not want to overwhelm myself with it all like I use to. Whew! LOL:) This is feeling good already!

After this week I hope to have a better layout of topics that I will be posting for everyone here. Another item on my list of goals to work with is better planning, and scheduling of different topics for ya'll here. If you have any ideas, or suggestions of things you would like to see or discussed leave a comment about it. No promises, but I really do appreciate the ideas shared and the suggestions which leads me into ideas too. 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas, and a wonderful weekend. Here is to a prosperous, and wonderful new year in 2014! Thanks for sharing time with LilacsNDreams, and see you all again soon.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Fire Fox Browser and Using Adobe Flash Player


Fire Fox Browser and Using Adobe Flash Player

Well, here it is Saturday, and hopefully this day goes better for me. Nothing serious, just a computer thing is all. For my browser I have used Fire Fox for a very long time as my default browser being used. I have not used Internet Explorer for so long now I don't think I would remember how to use it myself....LOL:)

Ok, yesterday...Friday.....I had a minor issue that usually I can fix. Dealing with the Adobe Flash Player. I have not been able to be updated with the newer versions, and that has been fine with me as I do not do a lot with things that I need to worry about using that player. Well, hubby decided he wanted to play his darn games on the computer, and of course it was coming up that my Adobe Flash Player was outdated. So, in order for him to play I decided to update the Flash Player...if I would have been thinking I would have just had him sign over to Chrome, and used that for playing his games. 

Anyway, of course I went through the same delima I have for quite some time with the player. It could not be downloaded, boxes keep coming up saying 11.9 r900 has stopped working, etc. etc. So, off to the control panel I went to remove the Adobe Player. Course, after doing this, getting upset I could not get the older version to the player back, etc....I then thought of him using Chrome to play his games. 

He played, he had fun, and later in the day I decided to work on the computer, and get that darn Flash Player put back in. I knew I would have to use the older version which was fine with me as I never had any issues with it before. Well, today it is not working. I cannot seem to get an older version put back in, have gone back to my computer restore to a later date, and that is not working either! I have turned off the anti virus, deactivated my firethreat protector, and I still cannot get the newer version of that Adobe Flash Player installed, and of course I cannot seem to get the older version installed back in either. 

Here it is 10 o'clock at night, and I still do not have the Adobe Flash Player installed for my Fire Fox browser. So, the heck with it, I am over to Chrome browser now and will use this for a while. At least till I can figure out the issue over at Fire Fox. I know, I know, Chrome is good too. It has more speed, and it is a recommended one to use as a browser too. But, I am one of them there "old" dogs stuck in their ways a little bit sometimes...LOL:) Not really that old, just saying:)

Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams as always. Here's to wishing you all a splendid weekend. Have fun, and be safe everyone. Enjoy the holidays, and see ya'll when you come back. Toodles...........

Friday, December 27, 2013

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All


Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year to All!

This is to wish you all well, hope your holidays have been good to you, and wishing you all the best in the new year . . . . 2014! Enjoy all this time off from things with family, friends, relaxing, lounging, and taking a holiday break for just a bit. It's been a year, and soon will be to the end of 2013. 

Wishing you all the Merriest of Christmas Holidays, and here is to a wonderful New Year Everyone!!

Thanks for stopping by LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you all again soon. Take care ! ! !

Friday, December 20, 2013

Christmas Holiday Weekend is Here


Christmas Holiday Weekend is Here!

Welcome to LilacsNDreams everyone! Here it is Friday, and the start of our Christmas Holiday weekend. Whew! This time has gone by fast don't you think? For me the rush is on this weekend to get all things finished with cleaning, dusting, and preparing the house for everyone. I found some of my round table cloths I added as skirting on 2 of my trees, I put up another 2 foot tree in front the dining room window, and put a round table cloth over that stool holding it. We now have a small tree in front of 2 living room windows, the dining room window, and I have one on our freezer in the walk way as you come in. I also put a small square tablecloth around that base too. In front of dining room window facing road I have our bigger tree sitting there. Then....on door window in dining room I hung a lighted wreath, and there is a lighted wreath in our kitchen bay window too. I like things lit up:) 

Once Monday comes I am on the run getting our son from Army Base to bring home for about 10 days. Get him home then hubby should be rolling in, and Monday afternoon/night turkey gets pulled out, Tuesday I start making all the pies, peeling potatoes, and setting things out for the next day for food preparations, and for everyone to arrive. 

I researched it on the internet to help me out a little bit with freezing bananas. Every year I make a very simple banana pie, and everyone likes them. It has become habit that I make them, and they all expect it too. Over time I end up making more of these than I do the other pies. Yep, at least 4 banana pies, an apple pie, and a pumpkin pie this year. See what kind of energy I have maybe I will throw in another kind of pie too....we will see...LOL:) 

So, in preparation for the banana pies, and trying to cut a little bit of time for me, I peeled, and cut up the bananas tonight. Yikes, right? Not to worry. After doing this I then put them into freezer bags, and have put them into the freezer. Prior to use I will pull them out to thaw, and that is one BIG step I have saved in doing this. The rest of it is easy. Line the crusts, and pour in the banana pie filling, and into the frig to chill. Hmmm.....I might be getting hungry already!...LOL:)

So, what does everyone have planned this weekend? Anything special? Will you be celebrating on Wednesday, or is there another designated time for you due to families, work, schedules, etc etc? Whatever you are doing this weekend I wish you well, be safe, and happy travels to you. Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams. Enjoy the weekend everyone, and see you all again soon!

                           MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Using Light Bulbs and Making Christmas Ornaments DIY




Using Light Bulbs and Making Christmas Ornaments DIY

Welcome to LilacsNDreams, and happy to have you dropping in! Christmas is almost here. During time up until Christmas we have done our decorations which includes using lights for everything. While using these lights, strands with the little bit bigger bulbs, sometimes go dead. They might all light up, and within a few days we find some dead bulbs lurking around. What to do....Hmmm.....

Now, there are other light bulbs that will go dead, or quit working too. Some of those bigger ones that we use for lamps, in our ceiling fans, and etc. Boy, that's a lot of dead bulbs we sometimes have to deal with, isn't it? Again, do we just throw them, or is there something else we can do with them?

I found someone who is sharing some cute ideas of what to do with some of these dead bulbs we get. Check out DesignRulz to see a few ideas that were shared with some instructions too. Sweet, cute, adorable, and who would have guessed, right? Have a look, and if you have done some make sure to share them also. Love to see the creativity from so many people. 

Thanks for sharing time at LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Take care, and have a Happy Day!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Cute DIY Snowmen Made From Mittens

http://diycozyhome.com/mittens-into-cute-snowmen/

Cute DIY Snowmen Made From Mittens

Cute craft idea to make snowmen with! I know that socks are used, have been used, but using a mitten is such an adorable way to make these snowmen.  I love how there even appears to be an arm with this snowman to hold whatever you desire to put there.

How many times have you lost a mitten, your child has lost a mitten, and there you have only one mitten. Generally when this happens many of us will throw them away as they do us no good. Now, if you happen to find a single mitten, or lose one make sure to hang onto them now. Such a cute creative handmade item to make with them.  

This idea was first found with Croissant and Lavender. Stop by there to see what little goodies they are showing with using a mitten, and adding some other characteristics with it too. Just adorable. Careful, you might finding yourself oohing and awing over these little snowmen.

It's Wednesday, and we have a week left for Christmas. It never hurts to add a few more crafty little things to make with everything else you have done. I know I am still doing some small things, or at least working on some things yet. I should get them completed though so that I can again, one more time, clear out my dining room from working in there. LOL:)

Thanks for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and I hope these little snowmen have helped you with some of your creative juices. Hope to see ya'll again soon. Take care, and Happy Crafting everyone!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Good Morning Everyone, Happy Tuesday to You






Good Morning Everyone, Happy Tuesday to You!

Here we are one more day closer to Christmas, and for me it is getting scarey with trying to get everything done. I have a simple project of painting a square border around a piece of wood so that I can complete my ideas with it for a christmas gift. I have the wood wrapped in plastic sitting here looking at me along with the primer, and the paint. So, what's my problem that it is not done yet? Once I get that done that is the most time consuming part of it. So, why haven't I done it yet? LOL:) Maybe we could figure it out together. 

Anyway, hope this finds you all having a great start to your Tuesday! Wishing you a super Happy Day. See you all again soon. 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Holidays


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Holidays

Wow! Where is the time going because it sure seems to be rolling right along now, don't it? All worried about Christmas, food, gifts, wrapping, cards, and then to be reminded right after that is the new year already! I think after the Christmas celebrations I will be ready to celebrate bringing in the New Year. What about you?

Besides trying to do all of this for Christmas I am also downloading pictures, editing pictures, and trying to get some listings done for my shops as well too. Got some vintage collectibles, upcycled repurposed, wedding home decor, and things are being added to my shop at Etsy, working on Ecrater, and also putting things into Ebay too. Time of year for everything. Working on getting inventory down, making room, so after first of year I can get organized again. Then, starting working on some new pieces again too. Making my lists of things to fill up with again, and you know. All of that fun business stuff.  Oh, and a reminder if you see something you like, are interested in, contact Me. I would be happy to invoice you myself with Paypal.

Anyway, I do hope everyone is moving right along with all their festive holiday preparations. Will you be celebrating Christmas day, or will you be celebrating from that day till New Years eve maybe too. I always worry about people having a place to go during these holidays, if they have someone to share it with, and most of all hoping no one is alone during these times. 

Depending when you are doing your get togethers there is still time to shop, get things mailed, and as some will also explain to those receiving....it's on it's way. Thanks for visiting LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you all again soon. Take care, and have a Happy Day everyone!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Snowman Ornament Made With Tea Light DIY


Snowman Ornament Made With Tea Light DIY

I have tea lights I use at home within candles, within candle holders, and so on. I like moving them around, and using them. Yet, this is one thing I would not have thought of till I found the idea with DIY Cozy Home site. How cute, right? Just take a tea light candle, and decorate it as you wish for a snowman. Add some ribbon to the top to maybe hang it from your own tree, hang with some stockings, maybe it attach it to some round balls making a full bodied snowman, or put a bunch of them together forming a tree. You would have a nicely lit little tree wouldn't you? The idea was originally found with Trusper website, and simple instructions can be found there to work with this.

So, look around the house, and see what extra things you have sitting around to make this little snowman ornament with. Such fun, and just in time for the holidays yet too! 

Thanks for visiting LilacsNDreams to learn a little bit about making this Snowman Ornament. Have fun with your creations, and hope to see you again soon. Have a Happy Day!

  

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Candy Cane Sleighs DIY Christmas Fun

http://diycozyhome.com/candy-cane-sleigh-tutorial/

Candy Cane Sleighs DIY Christmas Fun! 

Feel it yet? Christmas is getting closer, and actually coming faster now too. Not much more time is left to get all the last minute shopping done, decorations, and of course some preparations for everyone on this special fun day too!

Christmas is one time of year that I search for ideas of things to do, so enjoy the creativity that surfaces during this time, and it's so much fun to do too! These candy cane sleighs are adorable, editable, fun, and are for everyone too! Hand them out to everyone, put in the stockings, display them before they get eaten, and so on. 

This is something that everyone can do. You just need some candy canes, and some yummy chocolate bars too. Once you have completed the sleigh you can even add some other touches to it like a big bow, have santa sitting on the sleigh....you can get him in chocolate too. Possibilities are endless, so much fun, and in this case....so yummy too! 

Along with the candy a glue gun is used with just small, light drops of glue used to get everything to hold together. Everything is in wrappers, and is no problem using it. You could find other alternatives maybe if you wanted to also. Maybe use some of the glue dots from the craft stores, and instead of candy wouldn't it be neat to use maybe some packs of gum too. I originally found this idea being shared at DIY Cozy Home, and from there she showed the original source to this. For further instructions visit with Ellyn's Place where she shows pictures, and gives you full instructions for this adorable idea. 

Hope you have fun, and are able to try this candy sleigh idea out too. Thanks for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Have a Happy Day!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Tabletop Christmas Ornament Knitting Needle Tree

http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/12/tabletop-knitting-needle-ornament-tree.html


I like to keep Christmas simple, but I also like to decorate too. Doesn't always have to big, and flashy. Sometimes just the simplest things, right from home, can come together to make an adorable piece for the home too. I have found a non-permament way that was shared to use your ornaments, is easy....even I can do it LOL:) Can be done in many different ways to display with a counter top, by itself, bay window, mantel, and just a wonderful accent with your decor anywhere. After Christmas you can put it apart, and use the pieces again for something else, or do the same thing for the following year too.

All you need is about 4 sizes of ornaments, and about 20 of them. Should be about 4 of each size which is large, medium, small, and the minature ones too. You will need a knitting needle that is about 14 inches long. Then, it is optional with the rest of the supplies to be used. A tree topper, or star. Ribbon spool, some spray paint, paper cutter, glue, and some scrapbook paper. 

As you can see above one tree was done with the ribbon spool for the base, and the other one does not have it. You can do this tree with ornaments only, or as you can see the tree topper can be added as well. For full instructions that are step by step, and believe me they are easy to do. Just follow over to InMyOwnStyle website for the full details of this. 

By the way, I did make one this afternoon really quickly at home. I had the knitting needle which was already silver so I did not feel the need to paint it. I had different sized ornaments from times past. For my topper I had used an ornament that was made into a round ball of like strands of pearls. Nothing fancy, and it fit nicely into the bay window in our kitchen with the hanging wreath that has lights there, and a big glass jar that I have colored lights filling it too. It only takes a few minutes to put this little ornament tree together, and it fits in nicely with the christmas decor too. 

Thanks so much for sharing your time with LilacsNDreams, and hope you enjoyed the Making a Tabletop Christmas Ornament Knitting Needle Tree. Very quick, simple, and enjoyable afterwards too. Have a Happy Day everyone, and see you again soon. 

Monday, December 9, 2013

Upcycled Repurposed DIY Shutter Inspirations


           Upcycled Repurposed Shutter Table Chippy


            Repurposed Upcycled Shutter Chalk Message Boards

               
            DIY Shutter Headboard Upcycled Repurposed


Upcycled Repurposed DIY Shutter Inspirations   

Welcome to a wonderful Monday with LilacsNDreams! I know that I have talked about this before, but I found some other inspirational pieces I thought I would share with you. 

DIY upcycled repurposed shutter inspirations. There is so much out there that you can upcycle, and repurpose with. Many things from your own home, things people throw to the curbs, founded items from thrift shops, and etc. Shutters are one of those things that can be used in many ways. 

I have seen them painted, and then hung or leaning holding magazines, put together to make a shelf, making a stand that has 2 or 3 or 4 shelves, put together to make room dividers, use as a message board center with clips for everyone, hang them, lean them against walls, decorate with them, and just so many things to do. Many possibilities from what the mind can imagine. 

Above you see pictures for how a small little table was done using shutters on all sides, adorable message boards made with some small chalk boards and clips, and the last one is an adorable headboard made for the bed that adds to the decor of the room. Just lovely, and creative too!

Hey, I hope ya'll had a great weekend. Hope you are able to stay warm as some are getting very cold weather with some snow too. Yes, I am one of them to have a little bit of snow, and some really cold weather! Brrrrr.....

Thanks so much for visiting with LilacsNDreams, and hope to see you again soon. Have fun creating with all the possibilities, and have a Happy Day everyone!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Upcycled Handmade Christmas Holiday Wreaths


    Handmade Nostalgic Christmas Wreath Vintage Chic


   Handmade Victorian Shabby Christmas Wreath



Upcycled Handmade Christmas Holiday Wreaths

Welcome back to LilacsNDreams to visit, and share about some wreaths that are upcycled, and handmade. I truly do enjoy this time of year with all the festivities, the decorations, yes the shopping too. I really enjoy bringing some of the old family pieces out to sit for displays during Christmas, and using some of the pieces found to make our own christmas wreaths too. 

So many many things you can use to make a wreath of your choice, your color, and what you want. You can start with a wire wreath, or some will use the styrofoam wreaths too. When it comes to filling in, and making the wreath there are many things you can use to fill it all up with. Tinsel, garland, mesh, netting, old sweaters, ribbon, buttons, ornaments, lights, letters, bulbs, pinecones, fabric, and just some everyday things you have sitting around the house can be applied. 

Hey, just like with scrapbooking there are no rules, no instructions saying it has to be this way, you have to do that, and so on. Lay some things out, start moving your hands, and let it come together. What fun it can be too!

Thanks so much for sharing some time with LilacsNDreams today. Sorry to have missed ya'll on Wednesday. Something came up that was needing my attention, but I did think about ya'll here. Felt guilty for not getting my usual post done. Take care, and hope to see you again soon. Have a Happy Day! Toodles . . . . . 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping


Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping

So, did everyone survive the Thanksgiving weekend? Some spent time with family, friends, and some also spent some time maybe vegging in front of the tv doing their own thing around the home. Whatever you did I hope you had an enjoyable weekend. 

How many hit the specials with Black Friday? To this day I have not once attempted shopping during Black Friday. Don't take me wrong I enjoy specials, I enjoy really good deals, I love working with people, but I have a hard time dealing with shopping and very rude over ambitious shoppers who take the fun from shopping during this time. Now, for Cyber Monday I could see me doing this. I enjoy being online, and as mentioned I do enjoy shopping. 

Whatever you did during these special shopping days I hope you enjoyed it, and are still enjoying the specials that you can find. Better yet.....I hope the shopping has been fun for you, and you got what you were looking for....and them some extras too. I mostly enjoy shopping during this time of year for others, and being able to give to some a little bit of what they want too. Special the grand daughter. Watching a child's face during this time of year makes it more fun, and all the more enjoyable too. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and that you enjoy any Cyber Monday shopping you might be indulging in as well. Don't forget to search online for some of those special gifts you are looking for, or checking out some of the shops offered by many with their treasures of vintage, everyday, upcycled, and handmade goods being offered with Etsy, Ecrater, Ebay, and so on. Check the search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo and just put in some words of items you are interested in. There will be choices there for you to further view, and shop with.

As always thanks so much for sharing some time with LilacsNDreams, don't forget about viewing my LilacsNDreams Shoppe page right here with the tab above, ask any questions by contacting me at LilacsNDreams@yahoo.com with a subject noted so I can quickly refer to your questions. Hope to see you all again soon. Have a most Happy Day!