Now Open!!

My Etsy shop, LHDCreations, is now open!!!!!!

www.etsy.com/shop/LHDCreations

I've been working very hard the last few weeks to stock pile an inventory of beautiful goods for you to shop from.  I've got lots of different handmade cards, pillow covers, and decorative wood signs!  There will be even more coming soon!

Like my shop page, @lhdcreations, on instagram for a coupon code valid today only!!  This page is where I'll update with new products and coupons regularly so stay tuned!

For now, happy shopping!

Not Me Monday: Target Edition

After one too many boring days at home, I did not decide a shopping trip to Target with my best friend was a necessity.  I would never use the fact that there was a super cute purse waiting for me as an excuse to get out of the house.  I never indulge in shopping therapy.

And if I had taken this trip to Target, I would have never allowed myself to buy a $40 purse.  I always wait for items to go on sale.  My budgeting goals are going strong and I never give into impulse buying, even if it is a REALLY cute purse (that I happen to love)! I have great self-control.

And since I didn't take this trip to Target, and I didn't give in to an overpriced purse, I would never add insult to injury by walking out of the dressing room with my shirt inside out.  Of course I noticed it right away and promptly went back in to fix the problem.  I would never laugh hysterically and proceed to walk around the store anyways.  I hold myself to a high degree of dignity and would never convince myself that wearing my shirt inside out was acceptable.  After all, everyone probably thought it was just the new style.  Ahem.

Nope. Not me.

Wishful Wednesday: My Favorites

I love to go shopping, but I also really love online shopping.  Lately I've found some fun new websites with great deals that I just had to share with you all.  After all, I wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fabulous deals out there! Statement necklaces seem to be the eye catcher for me, but these sites also have great prices on home decor, fashion, and kid items as well.  I've bought some beautiful pieces from both sites recently, but there are still quite a few pieces I've got on my wish list.


Enjoy and happy shopping! :-)


GroopDealz:  This website has something for EVERYONE.  They update with new deals every morning which include items ranging from fashion to home decor, and more!  I've bought two really cute necklaces from them recently and have had my eye on a couple of other deals as well.  If you like great quality products for an ever better price, this site is for you!  Plus it helps small businesses which I love!! You have to be quick though because most of their deals only last 24 hours!

 

This is my most recent purchase from GroopDealz, but I bought mine in mint.  Only $6.99 and free shipping!

Simple Addiction:  Ok, so I only found this page a few days ago, but I had to exercise some very good self-control to not buy every piece of jewelry on their page!  The one piece I did purchase was this gorgeous white/cream and gold colored statement necklace that I've had my eye on for probably a year now.  Everyone else sells them for $30+ (I refuse to spend more than $20 on a necklace, and even that is pushing it for me), but this site had it on sale for $5.95!!!  Um yes please!  Needless to say, it will soon be joining my wall of jewelry.  I love this page because they too update with new inventory every week which means their unbeatable deals are always changing. Seriously, go check them out!

This is the necklace I mentioned above.  Only $5.95 and $2 shipping! They still have them in stock and it comes in three colors, but hurry the deal ends soon.

Ok, well now that I've put a dent in your wallet, enjoy the rest of your day.  Hopefully we'll get to enjoy some nicer weather soon!

This post is not endorsed by either GroopDealz or Simple Addiction.  

Opinions stated above are solely my own.  

Pictures are from the GroopDealz and Simple Addiction websites.

My Month in Numbers

1 dog watched for  5 days.

5 days until my 23rd birthday!

13 days until I'll be back in Haiti!

20 hours put in during my first week at work.

10 field trips booked.

30 clubs planned.

10 students registered.

1 new camp office decorated with: 14 feet of fabric and 3 canvases; which were made into 1 curtain & 3 art pieces!

$1000 of product sold at our recent Thirty-One fundraiser.  

Meaning we raised $200 for my trip to Haiti.

All  $998 for my trip is now covered, with an extra 

$60 to save for the next trip!!!!

2 brightly colored spring dresses &

5 new pairs of shorts added to my wardrobe over the last few weeks 
*Happy Birthday to Me!!*

 All equaling 1 very happy, content, & busy girl who can't wait to get back to Haiti!!

Thursday Thoughts: Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!  

Thanksgiving is one of my all time favorite holidays.  I love the time together with family, the reminder of how blessed we all are, and the food...I mean come on, who doesn't love the food?!?  But seriously, my absolute favorite part is getting to spend time with my family.  Un-rushed, relaxed, one-on-one time with family where our main focus is each other.  It's like Christmas without the presents, which almost makes this holiday better since no stressing over gifts is necessary.  I love the holidays!

How does your family celebrate?

My family always makes it a point to get together and enjoy a ridiculously large amount of food, combined with lots of reminiscent stories, laughing, and hugs.  On Thanksgiving day, we spend time with my mom's side of the family.  The location varies each year, but a pot luck meal is always to be expected.  My favorite items of this meal are the macaroni and cheese (I know, no surprise there) and my great-grandmother's cake (or at least my Aunt Missy's best attempt at it, which is just as good!).   This cake is literally to die for.   It's incredible.

Then on Friday, we head up to my Grandma's and spend the rest of the weekend with my dad's side of the family.  Since they live two hours away, we typically spend the weekend to make the drive and gas go a little further. The best part about this meal is Grandma's stuffing.  I like stuffing, but her's is a-ma-zing! Friday's dinner is also where I can typically be found laughing so hard my sides hurt.  I mean you put Pa, Andy, and the rest of the family in one room together and this is only to be expected (anyone that knows Pa knows what I mean).

I literally love this holiday, too bad it has to come and go so quickly.  However, in true thanksgiving fashion, this post would not be complete without a list of the things I'm thankful for.  So here goes:

I am most thankful for:

• My Savior.  I know I say this a lot, but I can never truly express how grateful I am to have a Lord that loves me so unconditionally that He would send His only son to die for me and you.   I'm so thankful that my Lord is not only unconditionally loving but that he is full of grace, mercy, guidance, forgiveness, and goodness.  I'm thankful that He pushes me every day to be better than I was the day before.  I'm thankful that he never gives up on me.
• My Family. This may seem cliche, but I seriously have the best family ever!  I'm so thankful that they love me unconditionally, support my dreams, push me to grow, and teach me how to be a better person every day.  I am most thankful however, that I am blessed to have a family that taught me to love the Lord and show me the importance of having a relationship with Him. They never give up on me and I can't thank all of them enough for that!
• My Friends. A few years ago I did not have a lot of close friends in my life, due to some very selfish decisions I made.  It wasn't until college that I learned the true importance of friendship and formed some of the best relationships a girl could ever ask for.  I'm so thankful that my friends support me through anything and everything, and that they laugh hysterically with me through it all.  I'm thankful that my friends are always there when I need them.  That they teach me to be more patient, understanding, and loving of all people.  
• Laughter. This may seem silly, but I thank God a LOT for the gift of laughter.  It is by far one of my favorite things in life.  The way it brightens your day, lifts your mood, and is oh so contagious.  You simply can't have a bad moment if it's filled with laughter.
• The simple joys in life. You know, things like a comfortable bed to crawl in each night, food on the table every day, an abundance of clothes in your closet, or the joy of enjoying your favorite items.  And then there's things like the way your heart races when you meet a guy you like, or the comfort found in a hug from a loved one, or for that high you get after a job well done.  There are so many little things in life we take for granted and today I'm reminded to be grateful for them all.
• Second chances. I love the freedom, forgiveness, and sense of hope that comes with second chances.  I've seen this recently in my life and it truly is an incredible blessing.  To give and receive forgiveness and form a stronger relationship from it, is an amazing gift that I am so thankful for.
• Haiti. You all know how much I love Haiti, so it's no surprise that I am thankful for the country, people, and friendships I've formed there.  My only regret is that I cannot wrap my arms around those sweet children in Haiti and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving in person; but I do send my love to them!
• Love. Love is the greatest gift any of us can ever receive or experience. It is the glue that holds this world together, creates bonds, and blesses relationships.  I never ever want to take love for granted, it's a true blessing!
• The unnecessary blessings in life. Like my car, iphone, computer, TV, music, movies, etc.  All of these little things that make life that much more enjoyable can be so easy to overlook.  It's easy to forget that they are blessings, not necessities.  I am thankful that I am able to enjoy all of them, but am reminded that they can be taken away as easily as they were given, and I'm thankful for that.
• Hope & Dreams. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I am a dreamer.  Sometimes the things I dream up can leave me disappointed, but usually they remind me of how powerful a little hope can be.  When things get hard, I'm grateful to have that hope and promise of a future as written in Jeremiah 29:11.  I am thankful that the Lord gives us a hope and that we have everything to look forward to, even when things are really hard.
• My education. I am so thankful to have been born and raised in a world that allows education to be readily accessible.  I'm thankful that my parents pushed me to be more and allowed me the privilege of going to college.  I'm thankful that my education allowed me to explore my hopes and dreams.  I'm thankful for the opportunities that my education has and will continue to bring me. So many people in this world never get the chance to go to school, I am so thankful that I was blessed with the opportunity. 
• Our Freedom. I am so thankful to live in a Country where we are all free. I am beyond thankful for the sacrifice all of those who have or are serving our country give.  I can't thank all of our service men and women enough.  You may our world a better place, thank you!
• My sweet puppy dog. Again, this may sound silly, but I am so thankful for my sweet puppy.  I'm thankful that his cuddles, sweet face, and cuddles can brighten any day.  I love how he lights up when we get home, and always wants to be in the same room as us.  He is a part of our family and I love him oh so much!
• Everything. Literally, there is nothing I'm not thankful for.  My life has been beyond blessed.

Hope you all have an incredible, joy filled Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Quick Not me Wishful Wednesday

Hows that for a doozy of a title?! I guess I should've kept up with my posts this week!

Any who!

I have not been in a blogging mood this week.  Actually, I haven't really been in any kind of mood lately.  I've just kind of been stuck lately. In a rut of sorts.  An I-have-no-idea-what-I'm-doing-but-I-do-the-same-thing-every-day kind of rut.

Does that make any sense?   Probably not.

Well for other thoughts:  I am so glad the election is over!  While I know the ridiculous whining, complaining, bragging, and everything else will probably continue on Facebook for another week or so, I'm still glad it's over!  I'm glad that the phone calls, annoying commercials, and the constant fighting/debating/complaining about the other candidate every where you look is over.  It'll be great once everyone moves past this and gets back to normal life! When I can look through my news feed and not see people bickering any more...oh that'll be a lovely day!

On another random note: For any of you that haven't been following my facebook statuses, I finally heard back about the position in Greensboro.  They still have not made any decisions as they are still finishing up interviews, so it'll be the end of next week before I hear anything.  I'm still praying constantly, trusting God will take care of it, and hoping that I'll get the position.  I appreciate all of you who are praying for me, please keep the prayers going!

And since it's Wednesday (and I really can't think of a good Not Me Monday or Quick Tip Tuesday post) here is the item on my wish list this week!

I am absolutely in love with these Madden Girl Zappa Booties from DSW.  For all of you ladies out there that have large calves, like myself, you'll understand my frustration when it comes to finding boots I can wear.  The ones that I REALLY want, simply don't fit.  However when I found these, I decided they'd be the next best thing!!  I'm not sure whether to add these to my Christmas list or wait until I get some money in and buy them myself.  I love them and already have a lot of outfits in mind to put with them!  We'll see how it all plays out, but one way or another these beauties will be making their way to my closet!

Oh and for the last random note of the day:  52 days until I'll be back in Haiti!! I cannot wait!!

Well that's all I've got for you today.  I'm going back to my doing-nothing-but-doing-the-exact-same-thing-every-day routine.

Wishful Wednesday

Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love Criminal Minds.  I'm in the process of collecting all of the seasons on DVD.  As of now I've got season 1-6, so it only makes sense to add Season 7 to my wish list.

Speaking of my current seasons, I can't seem to find my season 5.  I know i've lent it out a couple of times, but can't remember who the last person to use it was.  I've asked all of the usual suspects.  If you have my season 5 set, please let me know!!  If I can't find it then, well I'll have to add season 5 to my wish list as well :)

Master Bedroom Makeover

A couple of weeks ago my sister's friend, Janice, contacted me for design help on her master bedroom.  She and her husband recently moved into a new home and wanted to update their bedroom from a traditional frumpy purple, to a cleaner more transitional space.  She and her husband had already purchased a set of furniture but wanted to change up the paint and decor.  After consulting on a paint color and getting the furniture in place, Janice and I set out shopping for bedding, window treatments, and accessories for the room.  She wanted something clean, with texture, and in the blue/grey/green family.  We found some beautiful selections from West Elm (a new favored store of mine that just opened at Southpoint, you should check it out!) and got the room all set up.  I really enjoyed working with Janice.  She was very pleased with how the room turned out, as was I, and I believe it will be a great bedroom ensemble for them to enjoy for years to come.  Here are some before, during, and after shots.  Enjoy!

 This is how the previous owner had the bedroom set up and displayed when Janice and her husband bought the house.

 How I first saw the room. (Sorry for the terrible quality I forgot my camera and had to use my phone)

 The master bedroom connected to their private bath which was painted in a beautiful green they wanted to keep.  We chose a blueish/green gray for the bedroom to tie in with the bathroom.

The finished product.  She has a beautiful wedding picture that will be going above the bed soon.

If you, or someone you know, would like design help on their next project let me know.  I am always looking for ways to expand my portfolio and get more design experience.  

Send me an email for more information on the services I offer, pricing information, and ways I can assist in your remodeling projects. 

allysonhemric@gmail.com

Afraid of Color?

Don't be!

Color is a great way to add a little interest to a space and freshen it up.  Over the last few months I have challenged myself to experiment with bold colors both in design  and in my wardrobe.  As a design student I always believed that a designer's clothes were a direct reflection of their design ability.  If a designer can't match colors, textures, and patterns in their outfits then there is no way they can do it in a space. I also know from my personal experience, how I dress is a direct reflection of my design style.  I typically go for classic pieces with unique accents.  As I challenge myself in design with bolder colors, I have tried to reflect that challenge in my wardrobe.  I've added some great bold jewelry pieces, shoes, and colorful items to my closet.  I try to push myself to try new styles, patterns, and colors each day.  Right now these are some of my favorite color trends in design and style.

Turquoise & Yellow:

Outfit from J's Everyday Fashion (it's a great blog if you aren't following it yet!)

Kelly Green & Yellow:

Orange & Turquoise:

What are your thoughts on color?  Are you afraid to try bold colors?  What's your favorite color combination?

Auction Time!

That's right folks, it's Tuesday!! You know what that means?? I'll be heading to the Ball & Chain Accessory Auction on facebook here in 5 minutes to get my bid on!  You really should check them out, they've got some beautiful pieces up for sale tonight.

Right now I've got my eye on these beauties:

And those are just the pieces they've previewed so far.  I'm sure more amazing jewelry is to come!!

Because of this new found obsession, I am beginning to need more jewelry storage.  I created this little jewelry holder that hangs under my mirror on the wall while I was in college, but it is overflowing and unable to take anymore pieces.  My problem is that while I LOVE jewelry trees, they never have a place to put your earrings or rings.  My holder at the moment doesn't hold rings but it does house all of my earrings.  And while I also like some of the earring holders, they don't hold necklaces.  Soo...I've been trying to come up with an alternative.  On the Thrifty & Chic blog I follow the lady created this beautiful jewelry display (see below). While I would love to recreate it, I simply do not have the space in my room right now. 

(Oh did I mention the Thrifty & Chic blog is what started my Ball & Chain addiction? Yeah this lady's stuff is going to get me in trouble, but it's so beautiful I can't help myself!) 

These are some other options I'm considering.  I want something that is artistic, will house my jewelry, and still looks beautiful when displayed.

I'm not in love with any of these options but I'm trying to come up with something.  I love how on the Thrifty & Chic site she used everyday objects like vases, crown molding pieces, etc to display her jewelry.  The best part is that they're not over crowded so it looks clean and beautiful (two basic necessities in my life).  I need to come up with something similar.

How do you display all of your jewelry?  

Well I'm off to go do some bidding! Go check them out!!!

Blah Blah Blah

It's been so long since my last update that I feel the need to fill you in on the little random things going on in my not so interesting life.  However, every time I go to write this post all I feel like I have to say is so blah and unimportant.

Nonetheless, for all of you faithful readers who like to keep up with me, this is for you!

Right now I am constantly searching, praying, searching, and praying about jobs.  I feel like that's what my brain revolves around 24/7.  I've applied to every job I can find that I'm qualified or close to qualified for.  I'm up to around 80 jobs applied for now and am beginning to feel pretty defeated.  Did I really go to college for four years to not find a job in my major?  I just need one job.  One employer who is willing to invest in my career.  One employer that is willing to take an applicant that wants to relocate.  One employer to call me back and offer an interview.  Just one.

On another note, for a more fun fact here are my two most recently found obsessions:  Shoedazzle.com & the Ball & Chain Accessory Auction.  I've seen so many commercials recently for ShoeDazzle but I didn't think much about it until I signed up and got my first hand picked shoe collection.  They have some of the cutest shoes I have ever seen and they're only $39.95 with free shipping! It's next to unheard of to get good quality shoes for that price.  I currently have two pairs on their way to my closet and I cannot wait to get them!  Once I see how they fit and feel, I'll let you know if this obsession is worth it!

Beautiful right?  

And then there is the Ball & Chain Accessory Auction.  Oh. My. Goodness.  How I love this shop!  It is the most unique and amazing shopping experience ever.  Every Tuesday at 8pm they list around 20 pieces of jewelry/accessories with the retail price.  Then basing your bid off of the retail price you get to  name your own price on the pieces.  If they accept your bid you get an invoice immediately and the pieces are shipped out shortly after.  Oh and did I mention they give free shipping too?? Amazing! So far I have gotten this wonderful orange chain link necklace for $15 ($30 retail) and a gorgeous coral bib necklace for $5 (retails over $20).  They are both gorgeous, great quality, and simply wonderful. I love this site and look forward to Tuesday nights every week.  Now I'm probably going to regret sending you to their site because that's more competition when it comes to bidding.....but you've got to check it out!!  I'm obsessed!

Ok well that's all you get tonight folks.  Thanks for being such loyal followers, even when my blog posts are nothing special!