Thank You Feather Collage

This past week, I reached another milestone here at Pretty Pink Posh- 500 subscribers on the YouTube channel! I haven’t been keeping track of the subscribers there and when I looked, I was so shocked to see the numbers. If you’re one of my subscribers, thank you! I’m not able to do videos regularly, so seeing that the ones I do make are appreciated brings me great joy.500_YouTube

Speaking of videos….I have a new one to share with you all today. I filmed this one last week, but since I’ve been pretty much confined to bed lately, I haven’t been able to edit and upload it until today. It’s a short one, but I love the way it turned out- I hope you all do, too!

In today’s card, I’m highlighting two sets that I purchased recently: WPlus9 Fanciful Feathers and Mama Elephant Many Thanks. Sadly, now that I’m featuring it- they’re both currently sold out at Ellen Hutson. They should be getting more soon though!

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And now, here’s the video showcasing how I created this card. You just might see the Stamp Press in use {finally!} and if you don’t have one, hopefully this video will show how amazing it is.

Watch video below | Watch on YouTube

It’s so fun to see what sentiments can work together, I hope you’ll give this technique a try! If you do, I would love to see it! Feel free to tweet or Instagram me (be sure to tag @prettypinkposh) or you can leave a comment on this post with your link. I can’t wait to see YOUR versions!

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I’m Guesting at Little Tangles

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Today I’m a guest designer over on Little Tangles, the challenge site for Neat and Tangled. Some of you may remember that I was a part of the Sequin Series back in May. I featured a sequin shaker {post and video tutorial HERE} and it’s been SO neat to see many of you take on my technique on your creations.

For some reason, whenever I used Neat & Tangled, I almost feel the NEED to incorporate sequins. After all, their sequins are what got me on the sequin bandwagon and we all know I’m a tad bit obsessed with them. {Yes, I even dedicated a whole Pinterest board to them!}

For the challenge this week, Little Tangles is doing a color challenge and the colors are light yellow, pink and gray. I pulled out the Fresh Blooms set and created this sequin shaker card.

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If I could change one thing, I wouldn’t have added color or glitter to the bloom in the corner. It looks great in real life, but on this picture, it looks off colored and the glitter messy. Oh well….live and learn.

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If you’re up for a color challenge, join the girls over at Little Tangles this week. I know they would love to have you join along!

I’ll be back tomorrow with a post- what kind? You’ll just have to wait and see. {Honestly, I’m not sure yet!} Thanks for popping in and spending some time with me today.

10 Minute Craft Dash #26

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Colors: Azure Blue, Gray, Cherry Red

Brrrr….as I type up this post, I can definitely tell the seasons are about to change. The air is crisp and it’s just about time to pull out the scarves, boots and sweaters. Thankfully, I was ahead of the game and already planned on this warm and cozy color palette.

Our sponsor today is CAS-ual Fridays Stamps, which is owned by the sweet Michele. I had the privilege of working with her on a design team a while back and it’s been so neat to see her company go from an idea to a full blown business. I LOVE seeing my friends succeed and also getting to play with their stamps is a lovely perk. *wink*

* If you aren’t able to stay within the 10 minutes, you can still link up your item! While it won’t quality for the winner spot, it still could qualify as a favorites pick!CD_26_PaulinaCD_26_Caryn CD_26_LeighCD_26_Andrea CD_26_Betty CD_26_Rachel CD_26_ThuyCD_26_Meredith

Now onto the great prize! The lucky winner will get a $25 gift certificate to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and gets to have a shopping spree. With the latest addition of Fri-Dies (steel dies) and new stamp sets, you’re bound to have all sorts of fun adding items to your shopping cart.

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How to Play

  1. Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes featuring the color palette.
  2. Post the time it took to create.
  3. Be sure to include the challenge graphic in your post and link to the challenge.
  4. You may combine a total of three challenges with your entry. You may enter the challenge a maximum of two times.
  5. Subscribe to Pretty Pink Posh via Email

10 Minute Craft Dash #25 Highlights

Hello,  sweet readers and challenge followers!

It’s time to announce the highlights from the latest challenge and boy, there were so many great entries. I know y’all love Lawn Fawn sponsoring (as do I!) and it definitely shows in many of your creations. Good news: they’ll be sponsoring once more later on this year! You’ll have to stay tuned to the challenge to see when….

Now onto the winner of the 10 Minute Craft Dash #25. This gal never ceases to amaze with her talent and the things she whips up in 10 minutes is amazing!

Congratulations to Chupa!

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Chupa, please email me your mailing information and your selection of Lawn Fawn set and 6 x 6 paper pack. Also, feel free to grab the badge below and proudly display it on your blog!

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Here are my favorites picks from this last challenge. If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by each of the blogs to take a look at the beautiful cards! {Ladies, feel free to grab the badge below and put it on your blogs!}

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Stacy

Debby Hughes

Erin Taylor

Lynne in NI

Lindsay A.

Isha

If you are interested in getting a head start on the next Craft Dash, I have the colors that will be featured on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page. This is EXCLUSIVE to those who like my page. If you go there and go to “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge a day early!

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We have a returning sponsor, a great new color a palette and of course,  a fabulous prize. I hope you’ll be able to join in the fun!

Fresh Cut Florals

Hello, sweet blog friends!

If you peruse blogs regularly, you most likely have seen the GORGEOUS WPlus9 Fresh Cut Florals a lot. I have owned it for a little while now and love it to pieces. The variety of stamps and the endless amount of combinations makes this a MUST HAVE in my book.

I wanted to change things up a bit and decided to do a little masking with the florals and create a thank you card. I believe I have found my new thank you card layout for the next few months- I LOVE how this turned out. Granted, it does take a little bit of work, but if I were to mass produce it, I could streamline things a bit. {In case you receive one, pretend like you’ve never seen this design before….}

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When I had finished the card, I thought it still look a little bit plain- hence, the polka dot border. I didn’t want to add any dimensional elements, so this was the perfect solution. Also, since I had the mask for the frame already, it was super easy.

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That’s a wrap for today’s post. Just a reminder, TOMORROW is the last day to submit for the 10 Minute Craft Dash #25, sponsored by Lawn Fawn. There have been so many amazing entries so far- I hope you’ll add yours to the list!

In the Quiet….

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It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a heartfelt and personal post. I haven’t forgotten about them, it’s just that time has slipped away and I didn’t want to give just a quick, half-hearted one. These posts are little pieces of my heart, a closer look into my personal life and honestly, sometimes there are tears that come from writing them.

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of social media. In fact, in the past I’ve claimed to be an addict of it. Whether it be Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, I’m on them all. Truth be told, I’m also on all of them for work. That’s EIGHT different social media places that I’m on almost daily, sometimes even simultaneously.

Recently, I have felt like I’m constantly “plugged in” and these places were no longer places of joy. While I love the instantaneous rotation of news these sites bring, I almost felt like my life revolved around them and it was getting to be suffocating.

With my health issues being where they’re at {because of my car accident: story HERE, latest update HERE}, I have spent a LOT of time in bed and needless to say, my phone is always right next to me. I was getting notification after notification about this person tweeting, so and so posting something new on Facebook, notifications that items of mine were being repinned, dozens of people liking photos on Instagram…. Don’t get me wrong, I DO love all of these things. I really, really do. However, it felt like they were taking over my life and every time I would look at my phone, it was blowing up with social media news.

I needed a break.

I recently changed settings on my phone so not everything shows up. I took somethings off my phone completely. I don’t carry my phone everywhere anymore. {If you text me and don’t get a response quickly, this is why}

Want to know how things have changed? I don’t feel so suffocated with news anymore. I can enjoy the moments with family and friends, without having my phone always in my hand. I can CHOOSE when I want to be connected and not have it always right there on my phone the second I turn it on. It’s honestly so freeing.

I have found in the moments of quiet {or rather not being plugged in}, I can actually think without distractions. I can live in the moment and not live in the moments of everyone else.

Has anyone else felt like they are always plugged in? I would love to hear your thoughts on social media and the pros and/or cons you have with it. I would even challenge you to change some settings on your phone, or put time restrictions on them, and get a new take on life. You might initially be scared at how quiet things can get, but it gets easier, I promise.

Let’s start living in the moment more often. I’m doing it, won’t you join me?

*the amazing photo used was taken by my sister in Japan.
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Happy Birthday Kelly Marie!

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The stamping and blogging company is filled with so many wonderful, kind, thoughtful and talented people. I have had the incredible pleasure of working with many of them and one of the SWEETEST people is Kelly Marie Alvarez, one of the owners and the bubbly voice behind the Lawn Fawn videos.

TODAY is Kelly Marie’s birthday and the Lawn Fawn DT, fellow Lawn Fawn fanatics and some of her close crafty friends have put together a surprise blog hop for her. She has made such an impact in our lives and brought so much joy from her company, we wanted to let her know how much she means to all of us.

If you started the hop from the beginning, you should be coming from my sweet friend, Lynnette Kauffman’s blog! If you just joined the hop, or get lost along the way, head over to the master list on Tiffany’s blog– she’s the amazing gal who coordinated this big surprise hop!

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In the hopes to spark some creativity for this special card, I pulled out all of my Lawn Fawn sets {which I thought was larger, but apparently not. I must remedy this soon!} and used Into the Woods, Summertime Charm and Admit One on today’s card. I recently received the new Into the Woods paper pack and they worked out perfectly for paper piecing my balloons. How fun would it be to have real balloons in these patterns?!

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I know you’re ready to move on to the next stop- head on over to Elise Constable’s blog!

Thanks for spending some time with me today. If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, be sure to wish Kelly Marie a very special birthday wish. :)

 

Gameday Snack Mix Bars!

Bars_1Football season is finally here! I am so, so excited about this. You can bet that each weekend from now until the Superbowl, I’ll be watching as many games as I can. Friends, family, football, and yummy food makes for an awesome weekend!

This past weekend was no different! We rang in the start of this glorious season with a viewing party, and of course, I had to bring treats! I think you will LOVE these Gameday Snack Mix Bars!

With only 6 ingredients and 10 minutes needed to whip these up, you won’t even believe it! These bars combine everything I love (and I hope you do too) – sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey, plus peanut butter and chocolate deliciousness. YUM!

I have been making these bars for years (thanks to my mom’s recipe from my childhood) and every time I make them, they are a HUGE hit. Be prepared to hand out the recipe, because everyone will be asking! :)

They are perfect for lunchbox treats, after school snacks, party treats, or even favors. If I bring them to a party, I like to package them in a clear cellophane bag and tie with a coordinating ribbon. To increase the cuteness factor, simply switch out regular M&Ms for whatever M&Ms are in season. For example, I used the “Touchdown Mix” M&Ms in these Gameday bars!Bars_4

Gameday Snack Mix Bars!
Recipe Type: Dessert
Prep time: 10 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 12-20
Ingredients
  • 2 c. corn Chex
  • 2 1/2 c. halved pretzel sticks
  • 1 1/2 {or 2} c. M&Ms {if you want more chocolate goodness, use 2 cups}
  • 1/2 c. butter
  • 1/3 c. peanut butter
  • 5 c. {10.5 oz. bag} mini marshmallows
Instructions
  1. Prepare a 9×13 pan using Pam spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine M&Ms, halved pretzels, and Chex.
  3. In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter and peanut butter.
  4. Once melted, add mini marshmallows and coat thoroughly.
  5. Return to microwave and heat until marshmallows are melted and well-combined with butter/peanut butter mixture. {Be sure you stir frequently!!}
  6. Once marshmallow mixture is smooth, pour into dry ingredient mixture.
  7. Combine everything and pour into greased pan.
  8. Cover pan, and let bars harden. For faster cooling, place in refrigerator for 1 hour, or until they are able to be cut into pieces.
  9. Cut pan of bars into individual pieces, and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. This way, they’re individually ready to eat, and can easily be transported anywhere! This also keeps them fresh longer.
  10. Enjoy!
Notes
You can also heat marshmallow mixture on stove. Substitute holiday M&Ms when appropriate to change up the theme!
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I hope you enjoy these as much as my family and I do! Go team!

*Note: 1- For the gluten free version of these bars, substitute regular pretzels for gluten free pretzels. 2- This recipe yields 12-20 bars depending on how big you cut them!

xo, Hilari

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Krazy for Kraft Blog Hop

As I sit typing up this post, I have a delicious smelling Pumpkin Pecan Waffles candle lit nearby. Ah, this scent is so yummy smelling and is definitely putting me in the mood for all sorts of festive projects. I just picked up some Halloween papers and candy corn, along with some fall inspired inks….I hope you all are prepared for a change in the seasons here on the blog!

Today is the DeNami Blog Hop and this month the theme is Krazy for Kraft. {Can you tell I’m a fan of alliterations?} If you started the hop from the beginning, you should be coming from Stacy’s blog. This gal is so sweet and talented- I’m sure she had something wonderful to share!

I am such a sucker for kraft…it’s hard for me not to use it on a project! I had no clue the direction I wanted to go for my post, so I randomly just pulled out a few fall stamps and built a card from there. Thankfully, it turned out okay!

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Did you notice that awesome woodgrain embossed background? DeNami just started carrying 111 different embossing folders on the website and there are a few that I would say are definitely MUST HAVES. They are so easy to use and they can be the perfect touch to your projects, without being too much. Also, they are inexpensive, so that’s another plus!

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You have one more stop left in this hop- head on over to Emily Keaton’s blog! Be sure to leave comments on each blog stop. DeNami is giving away gift certificates to two random comments, so you won’t want to pass up the chance at a mini shopping spree!

Thank you for spending some time with me today. Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!

10 Minute Craft Dash #25

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Who is ready for a new 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge? Today we have a returning sponsor that is hands down one of the most popular here on the challenge. Please join me in welcoming Lawn Fawn as the prize sponsor this week!

* If you aren’t able to stay within the 10 minutes, you can still link up your item! While it won’t quality for the winner spot, it still could qualify as a favorites pick!

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CD_25_Caryn CD_25_Betty  CD_25_LeighCD_25_Andrea CD_25_Meredith CD_25_RachelNow onto the great prize! My friends at Lawn Fawn are sponsoring this week’s challenge and the lucky winner will get to choose any Lawn Fawn set and a 6 x 6 paper pack. They just released lots of new sets and papers, so you’ll definitely want to check out their new products!

CD_25_prizeI’m thrilled to have one of the amazingly talented (and sweet) gals from the Lawn Fawn team bringing inspiration today. Please stop by Yainea’s blog and see her cute creation!

Cristina “Yainea” Nunez

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How to Play

  1. Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes featuring the color palette.
  2. Post the time it took to create.
  3. Be sure to include the challenge graphic in your post and link to the challenge.
  4. You may combine a total of three challenges with your entry. You may enter the challenge a maximum of two times.
  5. Subscribe to Pretty Pink Posh via Email