Friday, September 30, 2011

What I Wore: It's getting chilly

Look. There just is nothing like jeans and a t-shirt, okay? Especially with a great boyfriend blazer. Sooo comfy.
Outfit details: Blazer: Express; Shirt: Banana Republic; Jeans: Old Navy; Ballet Flats: H&M; Bag: Jaguar Moon

I am in love with this bag from Jaguar Moon. All their bags are made from vintage fabrics, lined with US grown organic cotton. Yes!

Seriously. YES!

Today is my last day in the woods. I'm heading off to New Orleans tomorrow--I promise to share pics! In the meantime, I hope you're as amped for Halloween inspired blogging as I am!!

♥ Shannon

September Top Three

I was overwhelmed by the blog love that came my way this month. Thank you so much to everyone and welcome to my new followers!

Here were your top three favorite posts this month--if you missed them, check 'em out!

1. Instagram Actions for Photoshop
2. iPhone Photo Apps
3. Favorite Fall Accessories
October is going to be fun--I have a lot of Halloween inspired "Tricks and Treats", great new sponsors, and fun guest posts lined up.

I love the fall!

♥ Shannon

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Guest Post: DIY Remember-Me Cards

I'm excited to share my first official guest post here on Little Luck Tree, brought to you by Frankie. It's a cute and quick tutorial for making personalized cards for your loved ones--it also strikes me as a fun family project! Enjoy!

----
Hi all lovely Little Luck Tree readers, my name is Frankie and I currently live in London, UK. Outside from my day job in the City, I run an Etsy shop, Funtime Frocks Etc. selling vintage clothes, accessories and sewing patterns. I am also known as a Bird, as my blog As the Bird flies suggests. This is my travel blog to document an up and coming trip with my boyfriend. We're packing up our London lives next month to fly to south east Asia, Australia and New Zealand to chase the sun and experience new adventures.
Two of the hardest things about planning this trip has been reducing my personal belongings by more than half and secondly, I am dreading saying goodbye to my nearest and dearest. However, as I sorted my clothes into "charity shop" (thrift store), "storage" and "going travelling" piles I couldn't commit a couple of items to any of these piles because they were damaged yet had a lot of sentimental value because I'd worn and loved them so much. These included some crazy (but awesome!) animal print pyjamas I picked up for $2 in a thrift store in Seattle (yes really!), my most favourite shirt check shirt (again thrifted once upon a time) and a pretty flowery summer top. I've worn each item so much over the years there are holes and tears to the material. Because I've worn them so much I know that they will be instantly familiar and "very Frankie" to my friends and family so I decided to reuse them to make special "good-bye cards".

Here's what you need to make these very quick and easy cards:
Much-loved but worn out material!
Old card to cut up (I used some old stationary but a cereal box would be perfect too)
"Posh" card for the cards (I chose bright colours that again I wear a lot so they're recognisable as "me")
Enveloppes
Fabric glue (I used 3M Craft Mount spray glue as it's so quick and easy to use)
Paper clips and fabric pins
"Pinking" scissors
Normal scissors
Pencil for drawing and marking
Glitter, scrapbook masking tape or other fun things to stick on your card (optional)

1. Pick a design to made of your fabric. The idea is to make this personal, so maybe pick your favourite, shape, animal or flower. I am always signing off cards and notes with a little love heart so I chose to draw and cut out hearts for my card design. Cut out a template of your shape on card using the normal scissors.
2. Cut out in fabric. Use the card shape as a template on fabric to cut around. You may need to pin the card on to fabric so that it stays put. I used pinking scissors because they tend to cut the fabric in a way which means it doesn't fray too much, alternatively you could hem the shape.
3. Cut out a few fabrics & sizes. Layers are fun!
4. Stick to card. It's that simple! Mark out where you want your shape and using fabric glue or special craft glue stick the fabric onto the card. 
5. Layer! Add other layers or some glitter to jazz your cards up!
Done! I chose to write some of the lyrics from my favourite songs, or little messages that mean something to my friends, this makes the card personal and unique.

Write your message and seal with a loving kiss! 
I hope that these cards will be lovely little somethings to remember me by for my family when I'm away travelling and hope you've been inspired to try this sometime soon.

I've found lots of other ways to use up the rest of the material include making jam car covers, cute bows and ribbon for wrapping presents, and lastly bunting which I'm now making for our leaving party! Happy creating!

And thank you again to Shannon for letting me share a little piece of my story and crafting with you all. In return I'd like to give all Little Luck Tree readers 20% off my Etsy shop with the code FUNTIMELUCKTREE!

----
Thank you so much for the super cute tutorial and the discount to your shop, Frankie!! I love the idea of using fabrics that friends and loved ones will recognize. I have a few pieces that come to mind...

♥ Shannon

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Sponsor Giveaway Winners!


I was so touched by all the comments for this giveaway--it was especially nice to see people return for more. I've noted what your favorite types of posts are and I promise to deliver! In the meantime, here are the sponsor giveaway winners:

Feature:
Ashley from Black Crystals

Regular:
Janelle from Elegant Accessories
Blue Eyed Night Owl
Hanna from Dancers & Dreamers
Tracy from kuko the brave
pinksuedeshoe

Mini:
Julie from artful diskette
Mandy from Honey & Thread
Kim from petit pas
Daria from kitten hood
Jaimie from fawn + foe
Linda from the little willow
LiLi from Just Because
Suzanne from Inspire; to breathe
Mel from Drop & Anchor
Christine from Future lint
Amanda from Dragonflight Apparel
Anna from Anna Z Blog
La from Messy La
Teddi from Honeybee Lane
Katherine from Through My Looking Glass
Cheryl from this time around
Ingrid from Harder Than Hell
Nataya from chachamisu
Lisa from lala fauxbois

For the winners, if you don't get an e-mail from me tonight, then I don't have your e-mail address--send me an e-mail and I'll get you the details.

October is going to be a very fun month full of Halloweeny goodness!

♥ Shannon

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Meet Some Sponsors!

September was my first time working with sponsors, and all I can say is that I got lucky with a great group of people. Here are a few of them:
Hello, Little Luck Tree readers!   My name is Lisa and I blog over at lala fauxbois.  It’s the story about my obsessions with travelling, vintage, and making stuff. I live in Phoenix with a husband,  two kitties, lots of bicycles and thrifted treasures.  Come say hi!

----

blog    shop    twitter
Dragonflight Apparel is the brain child of freelance graphic designer and generally creative person Amanda Cobb. Home to unique, screenprinted flights of fancy, here you'll find clothing with custom designs of a whimsical, fantastical, and elemental nature. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and screenprinted by hand. DA is still fairly new, so stop by often to see what new things I've cooked up!

----

So go stop by and tell them I said hello--they'll know what it means. And don't forget to check out all the rest of the sexy awesome folks in my side bar.

I'll be back tonight with the winners of the October ad space giveaway! 

♥ Shannon

Saturday, September 24, 2011

I'm Obsessed

If I could wear an outfit like this every day, I absolutely would. LOVE.
All images are from La Vita Mia--a sensational blog in a language I have no idea how to read, but the pictures say it all!

♥ Shannon

Friday, September 23, 2011

Giveaway Winners!

First, I just want to say thank you to everyone who stopped by for my blogiversary--all the lovely comments have made me so happy. A special thanks to everyone who entered the giveaways, I think you'll be quite pleased with your new gifts! Here are the winners:

For the handmade scarf, congratulations to miss e from pinksuedeshoe!
The vintage and handmade collection courtesy of my awesome sponsors goes to MT from ...So She Did!
Congrats to the winners! Send me an e-mail with your address so we can ship you your goods.

The Ad Sponsor Giveaway is open until Monday, and did I mention that I'm giving away a Holga on Skunkboy Creatures?

It's been a great year! I'm looking forward to the next one! HAPPY FALL!!!

♥ Shannon

One Year Blogiversary!!!

My first blog post on Little Luck Tree was on the first day of fall last year. I was so young then, just a wee babe in the woods, trying to get by. My first post might look familiar if you've checked out my About Me section. Here's a peek:
I am a girl.
I have a Matt and a cat (Artemis!)*
I drink tea. Every day.

It took me hours. I spent so much time trying to figure out what I wanted to say, and how to use the camera and photoshop and blogger, and I was so nervous when I posted it!

*Here's a fun fact: any early pictures of Matt were ambiguous because we weren't allowed to be dating at the time!

I've learned a lot in one year of blogging, and I've "met" some really fun other bloggers and youtubers out there. Blogging has kept me motivated and inspired, which I've been so thankful for in my transition out of the military.

Mostly I just want to thank anyone who is reading this, and anyone who has visited Little Luck Tree. Your support and your comments mean so much to me and I couldn't do this without you!

Don't forget to enter the giveaways--I'll be announcing some winners tonight:
--Handmade Scarf
--Vintage & Handmade Collection
--Ad Space on Little Luck Tree

See you later today for more fun fall posts!!

♥ Shannon

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Blogiversary Giveaway #3 -- Ad Space on Little Luck Tree!

It's that time again! Little Luck Tree is looking for October sponsors--and I'm giving the ad space away for FREE!! Anyone who enters wins, and there will be a lottery for the Featured Space, and 5 Regular Spaces.
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below telling me what your favorite posts are on Little Luck Tree.  Winners will be announced Monday, September 26th!

♥ Shannon

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Dreamy Pumpkin Smoothie

I love pumpkin, okay? I love pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice...everything. And you know what? I don't feel bad about that, because pumpkin is so good for you: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium...oh so many delights. So you can have one of these and think of it as a healthy treat!
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut ice cream (look, you can use soy, but it's just not quite as good!)
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (perhaps more, if it pleases you)
1/4-1/2 cup coconut milk
1 TBS agave or maple syrup
1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Step 1: Blend ingredients, using as much coconut milk and spice as you like
Step 2: Drink and savor, my friends

It's like pumpkin pie in a cool, creamy cup. Feel free to top with roasted pecans or shredded coconut--this is a real treat for your tastebuds. Bonus: it's vegan--no animals were harmed in the making of this smoothie!

♥ Shannon

My Favorite Accessories for Fall

I have come to really love the changing of the seasons. In the fall, the air feels crisp, but not yet quite cold. The leaves change to brilliant earthy colors, and there is just nothing like the fruits and vegetables of autumn harvest.

I have also found that it is the perfect time of year to accessorize--you can layer up without being too hot or too cold! It's a fashion dream!
Know what I mean?

Some more things I have learned:
1. I seem to prefer to look off to the left in photographs. Hmm!
2. My mom and my sister also love fall accessories--they helped out with this photo shoot, and I easily have twice as many photos to choose from. You'll be seeing more from our adventures today!
3. When climbing ravines in a short skirt, proceed with caution!

Come back later today for the next blogiversary giveaway--it's a good one!

♥ Shannon

Sneak Peek

Hi friends! I've got a few fun posts coming up today, including another delicious fall recipe, a giveaway, and my favorite fall accessories. Here's a quick peek!
In the meantime, have you entered the giveaways yet? Win a pretty handmade scarf, or a collection of vintage and custom pieces!

♥ Shannon

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Blogiversary Giveaway #2 -- Sponsor Edition

Hi friends! This is my first time hosting sponsored giveaways, and man alive am I pleased with these items! 
Frankie wants to give you a 50% discount code and free shipping to her shop Funtime Frocks Etc, featuring special, unique, but very wear-able vintage clothes, bags, belts and jewelry. She is also selling some very lovely original vintage sewing patterns, many of which have never been used.
----
Lisa is giving away a pretty bow made from a vintage mustard yellow corduroy, lacy trim, and a mint grosgrain ribbon.  There is a pin sewn on so you can stick it anywhere for some cute, fall accessorizing.  There is also an alligator clip included (not sewn on for easy adjusting) so you can pin it in your hair for a fancy do.
----
Dragonflight Apparel is giving away one completely unique, custom, made-to-order t-shirt! Pick your shirt color and size, the design you want (from existing designs), the ink color you want, and DA will print it up. Get a one-of-a-kind shirt for yourself, or as a gift to a friend or family member. If I don't have your shirt color or size in stock, it may take a bit longer to make and get to you, just a heads up. Ink is heat-set for color fastness, so all shirts are just laundered as normal. 
----
This vintage crème brûlée clutch adds class to any outfit!
----
To enter, go check these girls out and leave a comment below telling me why you hope to win. I'll announce the winners on Friday! Good luck!

♥ Shannon

Monday, September 19, 2011

Coconut Oatmeal

On crisp fall mornings, I love to warm up with some hearty oatmeal. My favorite thing to do is sweeten it with shredded coconut and top it with fall spices. Good and good for you!!
Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 serving oatmeal
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 dash nutmeg
1 dash cinnamon
Optional: nuts, raisins, favorite toppings

1. Prepare your favorite oatmeal as instructed (may I recommend McCann's Irish Oatmeal?)
2. For every serving, add 1/2 cup shredded coconut
3. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring lovingly, then remove from heat
4. Add 1 dash nutmeg and 1 dash cinnamon (2 dashes of pumpkin spice will also do! yum!)
5. Top with any favorites--I love walnuts and a splash of coconut milk

Oooohhh it's so easy to be vegan sometimes! Enjoy!

Also, did you see the first Blogiversary Giveaway? Only four days til fall....

♥ Shannon

Blogiversary Giveaway #1

It's my Blogiversary Week! I figured I'd start things out right with a giveaway.
This is a handmade scarf, so soft, so bright, so versatile. It's almost eight feet long, so you can wrap it so many ways. I love this scarf and I was *this close* to keeping it for myself.
I'm rarely a pink girl, but this scarf has such a fun blend of colors, I think you're going to love it. Plus, it's just perfect for fresh fall weather!
All you have to do to win is leave a comment below telling me what you're most looking forward to this fall. For additional entries, do any or all of the things below and leave another comment telling me you did:

--Follow Little Luck Tree on BlogLovin'
--Follow Little Luck Tree on Google Friend
--Follow @Luck_Tree on Twitter
--Tweet the following: "@Luck_Tree is having a fall-themed party! Recipes, tutorials, giveaways and more! http://littlelucktree.blogspot.com"

The winner will be announced on Friday!

Come back today for one of my favorite fall recipes that will warm you right up, and keep an eye out this week for more giveaways!

♥ Shannon

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Blogiversary. This is happening.

I launched Little Luck Tree on the first day of fall just one year ago, and guess what, loves: fall starts Friday! It's time to celebrate!
I've been working on some tutorials, great fall recipes, and some rocking giveaways. The party starts Monday and goes through Friday and it's gonna be hot. Come say hi!!

♥ Shannon

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Instagram Actions for Photoshop

Okay, this is pretty awesome. Daniel Box made Instagram Actions for Photoshop--and they work brilliantly. Here are a few examples:

Plus, he's made them free to download. Check out the actions, and definitely check out Mr. Box's tumblr--it's a visual treat, I promise.

PS: How pretty is that dress? Hey, let me ask you guys something--is it wrong to steal from one's little sister??

♥ Shannon
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...