Something for Kids or Teens at Allsorts Challenge

Good morning, a new theme starts today at Allsorts challenge and it's my turn to host. Hope to see you joining in for a chance to win a wonderful prize by Craft Stash, a beautiful Woodware stamp set. 

For this week I selected the theme of "For Kids or Teens" - including young adults still in their teen years.. This can be any type of card for any occasion, gift, tag, decorated bag, etc. 

Please note, some affiliate links are included in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links. As always this is at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

I made this card for my amazing son for his 18th birthday!! How time flies, it really does seem like yesterday when I brought my first chubby cheeked bundle of joy home with no idea of what I was doing!

Earlier this month I was moving furniture around in my craft room and the shelf that held all my designer papers among other things snapped and broke. I had to throw it away as it wasn't fixable. It was one I had picked up at a Joann's Black Friday sale many years ago, not really the best shelf for heavy papers even though it was meant to hold 12x12 papers and came with some drawers for other items. Silly me kept not only heavy papers on this shelf system, but also my heavy punches, it was just too much weight. 

In any event, this broken craft shelf incident caused me to re-think my paper dilemma, I have soooo much of it but rarely if ever would reach for it, so I decided to cut most of them down to 6x6 inches so they are easier to store and easier to look through. And I also placed them closer to my desk so they are within reach. I still need to get through my paper scraps which are pieces already cut but random sizes and I want to be sure non are taller than 6" (I am still keeping some full 12x12 sheets separately in case I make something bigger, but I rarely do). Keeping all scraps at 6" or shorter is going to be so helpful! Hopefully I can manage to throw some of them away too, I don't know why I even hang on to tiny pieces .....

So the papers I used on this card were some of what I had discovered in my paper mess. I always think star themed cards make great masculine cards for the younger male. Here I used the colors vintage red, navy and white, along with some gold accents. What appears black in the photo is actually navy card stock. 

The star dies are all from my Design Team years at Whimsy Stamps, and no longer available, but it's a basic shape and there are some great choices at A Cherry on Top or Scrapbook.com if you are in the US, and for those of you in the UK and overseas I am sure Craft Stash has a good variety available too. And don't forget about Amazon...

I layered the big star over a die cut circle and white circle frame, then added the small stars all around with foam tape to make them pop up. The no. 18 is from a chipboard Alphabet and Number set. I found mine at Michaels, but can't seem to find it online. There may be more options on Amazon. My sticker set is made of kraft chipboard and I ran my Wink of Stella glitter brush over the numbers for a little sparkle. The small stars were die cut from brushed gold paper that was part of a Hero Arts My Monthly Hero kit - I don't remember which one, but also available in single sheets at Scrapbook.com.

Related Products:

The only stamping I have done here is the sentiment, which came from this Penny Black clear set. I really like this simple font as I think it's fitting for a more masculine card. For an extra little detail I used a stapler on two of the corners. 

And below is a photo of the card recipient and the maker :-)

I'm linking up here:

Challenges:

A Vintage Journey - Numbers // Creative Fingers - Anything Goes // Aud Sentiments Challenge - Add a Sentiment // Cute Card Thursday - Sparkles (glitter on the numbers) // Make My Monday - Masculine // Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Movie Inspiration / Captain America // Stamps & Fun = Creativity  - Masculine // 

Link Parties:

Dare to Share // Beautifully Made Sat. 5pm // Inspire Me Mondays // Little Cottage Linkup // Love Your Creativity // Handmade Monday // Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays) // Craftastic Monday // Beautifully Made // The Happy Now // Hearth and Soul (starts Monday night)Tuesday Turn About // Wonderful Wednesday // Classy Flamingos // Welcome Wednesdays // Artsy Fartsy // Thinking out Loud Thursday // Little Things Thursday // Thursday Favorite Things // Slices of Life (Encouraging Hearts and Home) // Creative Compulsions // Fridays at the Fire Station // Friday favorites //High Five for Friday // Friendship Friday // Funtastic Fridays // A Morning Cup of Joe // On the Edge // Friday Favorites // Best of the Month-- (first Friday/ month) // Party In Your Pj's // 

Fashion Over Forty: Shopping my Closet and Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! Sweater weather is definitely here to stay for a while and I decided to style one of my favorite sweater purchases from last year in a different way. This was one I purchased from Target by Universal Threads. 

It was supposed to be another overcast/mostly cloudy day but somehow just at the time we finally got around to taking these pictures, there was not a single cloud in the sky.... at least not enough to make a difference. 

On this day I actually had planned on visiting the apple orchard once more, but then we discovered a lake and hiking trail so we spent some time here instead.

 

Please note, some affiliate links are included in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links. As always this is at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

Since this sweater is from last year I can no longer link to it, I'm sharing some of my current Target favorites below. You may also find this specific one on ThredUp or Poshmark. I think the quality is good for the price but do need to use a lint roller on the black part of the sweater (I have two cats). It washes well, I turn it inside out and wash in cold water/delicate cycle in the washing machine. Then lay flat to dry. 

Could really have used my sunglasses but left them at home...

Last year I shared a photo where I paired the sweater with blue jeans, but I'm trying to get out of my blue jean rut just a little bit and been wearing these black jeans a little more than usual. My jeans are a few years old but I'd love to get these slim straight jeans from Old Navy, of course they are sold out in Petite & Short so I won't be getting them. I really feel like there are never enough options for short people!!

Slim Straight Jeans

These boots and saddle bag you've seen me wear/carry before several times on this blog if you've been following my outfit posts. Both are old, I did find a direct link to the exact boots on Amazon. They are by Earth Origin and I find them very comfortable and true to size. I'd love this saddle bag as a real leather version but it's expensive and I don't really need another bag. If you like this style, this one is much lower priced and has good reviews. 

Here is a photo from last year where I paired the sweater with with blue jeans. You can read this original post here if you're interested.

Love these beautiful fall colors on the trail/lake we discovered. Wish this beautiful season would last a little bit longer!

Below are some of my favorites from this year's Target sweaters. 

I'm a bit tempted by the animal print sweater (listed as charcoal gray) even though I'm not usually one to wear animal prints...

  

 

A New Day Slouchy Crew Neck Sweater

Universal Threads Mock Neck Sweater

A New Day Crewneck Pullover Sweater 

Universal Threads Striped Mock Neck Sweater

Friday Favorites:

On the last Friday of each month I like to share some of my favorite purchases of the month.

Striped Cardigan Sweater

I have recently shared an outfit with this cardigan. I absolutely love it!

Redken Curvaceous Ringlet Cream

This product was recommended by my hair stylist a few years ago and it's what I've used on my naturally wavy hair (that can be a pain to style). I was happy to discover it at Ulta when I needed to re-order my foundation. 

Organic Rosehip Seed Oil

I came across this at my local Marshall's store and remembered reading many positive things about it before. Honestly I was getting tired of all the facial creams that promise something but really feel like they are all just a mix of chemicals so I am now using this oil instead of any facial creams. I use it morning and night, and it works great under my foundation. It does have a slight rosehip smell to it, which some may not like so much, but I personally love it! It's not on the Marshall's site, but I did find the exact item at Walmart.com. A few options are also available at Ulta, like this organic version. 

Rosehip Fruit Spread

Speaking of rosehips, a year or so ago found my absolute favorite Rosehip Spread at Walmart imported from Germany. It's only being sold in a package of 10, I'm on my last two jars and will need to re-order soon. My brother would mail this or bring when he visited from overseas and I was soooo excited when I found the exact brand at Walmart 😊. But it's online only. 

Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to stop by my blog!

I'm linking up with these wonderful blogs:

Friday: Fancy Friday hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style // Lizzie in Lace //  Friday Favorites at Penny's Passion // A Little Bit of Everything // Friday Favorites // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge //  Fabulous Friday Link Up with Lucy

Saturday: Dare to Share

Sunday: Style Splash linkup // Sunday Showcase (first Sunday)

Monday: Away From Blue // The Queen In Between (first Monday) // Claire Justine Creative Mondays // Glass of Glam // Mutton Style // Inspire Me Monday // Ageless Style Linkup (1st Monday) // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures // Anything Goes with Your Hosts @ My Random Musings

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup // Tuesday with a Twist @Stonecottage Adventures // I Will Wear What I Like Linkup  // Randomosity - Good Random - Fun

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday //  Welcome Wednesdays //  Classy Flamingos

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // A Labour of Life // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things //  Little Things Thursday // Traffic Jam Weekend @Being a Wordsmith

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Fall Neutrals  //                                Target Fall Sweater Finds 2019

Celebration Time at Allsorts Challenge

Hello and welcome! It's Saturday and that means a new theme starts today at Allsorts challenge for everyone to join in! It's Kath's turn to host and she picked the theme of Celebration Time - birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, new home, new job, Christmas and more! We'd love for you to get crafty and share with us! One lucky winner will receive  a Tonic die and  your entry may be one of the top 5!

I made an anniversary card for my husband (last month was our 22nd anniversary) using the Hero Arts February 2019 stamp kit. 

Please note, some affiliate links are included in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links. As always this is at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

By the way their classic kits (where still available and this one including) are now reduced ($5 off). There are currently a total of 8 kits in this reduced category, you can see these 8 kits here or take a look at all of their monthly kit products. 

I  created an inky background using distress inks - Antique Linen, Victorian Velvet, Worn Lipstick, Seedless Preserves, Blueprint Sketch and Chipped Sapphire. A circle die cut and a wide strip of masking tape were used to mask off the bottom border and moon. 

The dancing couple from the stamp kit was stamped using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink (I need to buy a re-inker for my ink pad!!)  and I used the matching die that comes with this kit to cut out the image. I used foam tape to adhere to the card.

  

The '"true love" sentiment is an oldie from Whimsy Stamps - Chalkboard sentiments, but unfortunately it is no longer available and I wasn't able to find anything comparable. The music notes are part of the Hero Arts kit. 

On the bottom part I used one of Tim Holtz's Quotations stickers. 

Hero Arts February 2019 stamp kit // Whimsy Stamps Chalkboard Greetings (retired) // Distress Inks: Antique Linen, Victorian Velvet, Worn Lipstick, Seedless Preserves, Blueprint Sketch, Chipped Sapphire // Versafine Clair Nocturne ink // Tim Holtz's Quotations // Sizzix Big Shot // Foam Tape // 

Thanks so much for visiting!

I'm linking up here:

Cute Card Thursday - stamping // / Inspire Me Monday - Linkup // Artsy Fartsy // Thinking out Loud Thursday // Little Things Thursday // Thursday Favorite Things // Slices of Life (Encouraging Hearts and Home) // Creative Compulsions // Fridays at the Fire Station // Friday favorites //High Five for Friday // Friendship Friday // Funtastic Fridays // A Morning Cup of Joe // On the Edge // Friday Favorites // Best of the Month-- (first Friday/ month)

Party In Your Pj's // Tuesday Turn About // Wonderful Wednesday // Classy Flamingos // Welcome Wednesdays // Dare to Share // Inspire Me Mondays // Little Cottage Linkup // Love Your Creativity // Handmade Monday // Anything Goes with your Hosts (Mondays) // Craftastic Monday // Beautifully Made // The Happy Now // Hearth and Soul (starts Monday night)

Related Products:

Fashion Over Forty: Black Gray and Chocolate Brown for Fall

So this Fall darker browns are a trending color and I decided it's time for me to dust off my brown corduroy jacket I've had in my closet for many years. This used to be my "go-to" fall jacket years ago but have not worn it in the recent years. Thought about donating it many times but I always change my mind because it is somewhat unique and I'm known to hoard things 😊. 

I really wanted to pair it with some black jeans because I'm always so quick to reach for blue jeans out of habit. So I created a black, brown and gray outfit. But wanted to say, as I am analyzing these pictures I'm not 100% happy with this outfit. I think straight leg jeans would have been a better fit because of the lapels of the jacket if that makes any sense...I just think these lapels and skinny jeans visually throw off the proportions and they make my shoulders appear wider than what they are.... I did have my son snap a photo of me wearing straight leg pants and I'm sharing that one at the end of the post and I've used that photo in the logo above.

Please note, some affiliate links are included in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links. As always this is at no extra cost to you. Many thanks for supporting this blog.

Rainclouds were hanging low on this day, so we didn't have good lighting...

As I'm sure you can imagine, I don't have a link to this jacket, but you can always check ThredUp or Poshmark. It's by the Relativity brand. Otherwise I did find a similar style jacket at Macy's and it's currently 30% off (as I type this) and comes in the 3 colors shown below - Deep Cherrywood, Dark Chocolate and Ashwood Brown, as well as a in blue. The  styling on these jackets is definitely more up to date!

                       

Deep Cherrywood // Dark Chocolate // Ashwood Brown.

Since I had to cuff the jeans and therefore showing a gray color on the cuff I decided to pair the jeans with a gray sweater. This one is by GAP, another oldie from my closet. While looking for a similar sweater to link, I did find this pretty cashmere sweater at GAP and it also comes in a beautiful camel color which always seems to be a popular color. Cashmere is always higher priced and unfortunately excluded from any discounts. They do make great and useful gifts though!

Gray Cashmere Sweater // Camel Cashmere Sweater

 

My skinny jeans are by Free People. Mine are a true black and I don't have a link to this exact pair, but I did find these jeans at Macy's in an off black color which is also trending this year.  You may also want to check out Old Navy as they have a great variety of black jeans. I'd love this slim straight pair.

Slim Straight Jeans                // High Rise Skinny Jeans Jeans

These ankle boots I've shown you before in a few previous posts. They are by Miz Mooz and of buttery soft leather. Mine came from Nordstrom from a few years ago when they were on a clearance sale. I did find the exact pair at Zappos (also available in Black and Ocean).

Lace Up Ankle Boots

I accessorized with a longer necklace - my preferred lengths for when I wear a crew neck or other high necklines. This is part of a multi strand necklace by Lucky Brand (old) with a coin type charm. Similar necklaces can be found on Amazon.

I thought I'd try the jacket with straight leg pants and had my son snap this photo yesterday... (Since I don't have black straight leg jeans I substituted with black straight ponte knit pants. I had to fold them under once for a better fit with the boots. I do think straight leg jeans look better than skinny with this jacket...but no idea why the shoes appear brighter than they actually are...maybe it's these booties that throw off everything LOL. 

So what are you thoughts? Does this jacket still deserve a spot in my closet or is it time to give it up?? I do have two other corduroy type jackets in different colors, so will see if I can get those styled better. It's funny how before doing these posts I'd just throw on a jacket and go on with my day without giving it much thought....

You may also like:

Floral Blouse and Corduroy Pants     An Alternative to Blue Jeans

I'm linking up with these wonderful blogs:

Friday: Fancy Friday hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style // Lizzie in Lace //  Friday Favorites at Penny's Passion // A Little Bit of Everything // Friday Favorites // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge //  Fabulous Friday Link Up with Lucy

Saturday: Dare to Share

Sunday: Style Splash linkup // Sunday Showcase (first Sunday)

Monday: Away From Blue // The Queen In Between (first Monday) // Claire Justine Creative Mondays // Glass of Glam // Mutton Style // Inspire Me Monday // Ageless Style Linkup (1st Monday) // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures // Anything Goes with your Hosts @ My Random Musings

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup // Tuesday with a Twist @Stonecottage Adventures // I Will Wear What I Like Linkup  // Randomosity - Good Random - Fun

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday //  Welcome Wednesdays

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // A Labour of Life // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things //  Little Things Thursday // Traffic Jam Weekend @Being a Wordsmith