DIY: Quote Decor

I made this piece of art work for my brother for his 25th birthday. I cannot tell you how inexpensive it was to make it! I used 3 different colors of paint that I had purchased at Lowes for $2 a pint. It is just your everyday indoor wall paint for the home, but I find that this paint is less expensive than an acrylic at the art store and lasts a lot longer because it is made to last! The wood I painted on was just laying in my parents backyard, but if you do not have parents like me who have a mecca of free DIY supplies in their backyard you can always visit your local home improvement warehouse, or any place that sells custom wood cuts. Just go straight to the lumber section and ask where their scrap wood is. Lowes gives their scrap wood away for free, whereas if you go to a smaller mom and pop they might charge you a few dollars or cents. Either way, creating a piece of art on a piece of wood that would have ended up in a sad scrap pile is so rewarding! I had to sand the wood a bit because it was a little splintered and had some dirt crusted into the grain. After the sand I just treated it with wood seal that I purchased at Lowes for $1.40. All you need to seal wood that is too be painted on, is a primer or a clear sealant. I went with the sealant because I wanted the natural color of the wood to show through. I painted a solid white paint layer onto the wood and let it dry. After it was dry I took my buffer (sanding block) and roughed it up a little so it would take on the rustic look of a vintage sign. It is a simple step that takes about 5 minutes and it really brought the painting to life! Hope you are inspired enough to try this on your own!

Peace, Love & DIY!

Elisabeth

Brainwash the right way

If you know me well, you know that I have a hard time supporting American cinematography. Although, if you are going to view a film (which you will, as will I) Go see The land of blood and honey. It is a beautifully directed film, written and directed by Actress and Goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie. The film tells a heart wrenching story about the affects the bosnian war of the 90's had on the bosnian serb women and focuses on two people in love, now faced with the challenges of being from different ethnic backgrounds.

If you are going to let your brain get washed, get it washed with this... : )

http://www.inthelandofbloodandhoney.com

Peace, Love, & Brainwash

Elisabeth

Tis the season to be shopping..

I cannot help but notice how commercial the holiday season really is. I mean, I guess it helps boost the economy, but really is all this excessive shopping and gift giving necessary? People are going crazy shopping for people that they normally would never purchase for; let alone spending money that they normally would not spend.

Once again, I sound like the Christmas Grinch, but I am a little beside myself this season. Although I am no different, I shopped amongst all the rest. I made last minute purchases, drove from department store to department store looking for the perfect gift, and I even paid for expedited shipping online.

I guess what I am trying to get at is, if I am aware of the fact that we are all little puppets following down the path of consumerism, is there a way out? Will I ever work up the nerve to say f* off to the greedy ploys of billion dollar companies? Or will I forever be a puppet?

Peace, Love & Consumerism,

Elisabeth

New Years resolution

As it was last year, my New Years resolution is to blog more!! I am not going to lie, I feel only having about 1 person that actually reads my blogs, might be contributing to my lack of enthusiasm. Anyhow, here I am!

It is just after the Christmas holiday and I have to admit Christmas was a bit different this year, for a number of reasons. But the number one reason it was different was the fact that Grandpa was not at home with us on Christmas Eve, like he has been every year since I was born! He is healing at an extended living facility, and we missed him very very much.

This Christmas opened my eyes and made me realize the true meaning of the Holiday season. Contrary to what the American consumer may believe, this holiday season is about family, friends and counting your blessings.

I am counting my blessings today, and every day, and wishing everyone as many blessings as they deserve.

Peace, love, & blessings,

Elisabeth

Never forgotten

This weekend was jam packed with fun, although I still managed to get my naps in, I was grateful for the beautiful weather and the freedom to enjoy my weekend! Not a moment went by that I was not thinking about all the soldiers that serve this beautiful country. It is because of you and the sacrifices you make that I live the life that I do today. To all that have served, are currently serving or lost someone that served, this day and every damn day in this country is for you! R.I.P. our brave Veterans, you are not remembered, you were never forgotten.

Photos complements of my freedom - my Memorial Day Weekend in a nut shell...Thanks...Peace & Love

Elisabeth

The girls and I went to visit the California Market Center in L.A. and after that educational adventure we found ourselves tramp-sing through the Alley like the Sex and the City foursome on the streets of N.Y. We tried to negotiate the price of perfume, snapped photos on our fancy iwhatevers and went on a mad hunt for 4 pairs of floral wedges, which we all ended up purchasing with the exception of our lil black sheep who had to buy the combat boots instead, . It was quite an experience, like T.J. without the Stussy panchos and chiclet.

Peace, Love, & the dirty Alley ; )

Elisabeth

Smarty Pants

This is the kind of mood I am in today....well I take that back, I am in this mood everyday. I can always appreciate a little smart humor when I see it. I find that actually applying smart remarks in my every day social experiences can define me as a person. To some people, I am the class clown, the comedic relief, even sometimes the bitch. My sense of humor, like all personality traits are interpreted by all in a different way. Just like everything else, we all think feel and be in our own unique way. Posting this photo is funny to me, but to some might just be petty or immature. Take what you want from it, but remember its all about how you take it in, so next time you want to call me a bitch...ah what the heck...go for it! : )

Peace, Love, & Perception

Elisabeth