Saturday, March 17, 2012

Lace-like Filigree Earrings


I made some new earrings that I am so excited to share with you!  And they are SO easy!  If you've read any of my posts by now, you know that I use paint in almost every project.  I love how paint can transform the average to something special.  These are my new favorite earrings.  What do you think?


It starts with these average, but pretty filigree pendants I found at Michaels (using a 40% off coupon) and a can of Black Rustoleum high gloss enamel spray paint from Lowes.


Set up a safe place to Spray Paint -- I just sprayed with one coat -- because I liked the detail that showed in spots --but two coats will give you a more even finish.



Attach some ear wires...and you're done!!


And in White...Lace-Like Filigree Earrings...


And thanks to my little sis for posing in them for me... please ignore the fact that she is wearing them using
clip-ons...  She STILL doesn't have her ears pierced...crazy I know.  I've been trying to convince her to have her ears pierced since she was 8.  Back then she wouldn't do it because of infection horror stories--and the pain.  Nowadays, I swear she won't do it out of stubbornness and just to be different.  I guess I can understand that, stubbornness and the desire to be different is just natural in our family.  Wait--did I just admit to that? Good thing my husband isn't in the habit of reading the blog... 

And here is my beautiful sister.


And here they are upclose.


Thanks again little sister.  I owe you one, again.

Thanks for visiting!  Hope you are having a BEAUTIFUL day!


Monday, March 12, 2012

How I get all my magazine subscriptions for FREE!

I admit it.  I love getting things for FREE!!  A couple of years ago I discovered the world of coupons and was obsessed.  I checked all of the couponing blogs daily for all of the new coupon codes and best deals from all stores.  Nowdays I still coupon, but not nearly as much. 
For me, it was just so time consuming and I kept falling behind on my clipping and shopping, I felt my life revolved around the next deal.  Not to mention my coupon shopping always involved 3-4 kids at all times, unless I went shopping at 10 pm every night.  I think I just got burned out. 

However, one of my favorite savings tips I learned was how to get free magazine subscriptions.  I LOVE magazines, there is just something special about holding printed beauty in your hand. 

We are big Coke drinkers at our house--I am a HUGE Diet Coke fan -- especially with a slice of lemon.  Yum!  Well every time I purchase a Coke product I save the My Coke Rewards codes and then enter them into My Coke Rewards account.  Then I redeem my rewards on magazine subscriptions.  A regular 12 pack is usually 10 points -- and some year long magazine subscriptions -- like Better Homes and Gardens are only 133 points.  Or 13 12 packs and a 2 liter.  Here is a link to most of the magazines,  I also have a subsctiption to Country Living and Martha Stewart Living magazines. 

That may sound like a lot, but with as much Coke as we go through -- it only takes me a couple months to earn one subscription.  I also ask Coke drinkers --who don't redeem their points-- that I know to save their codes for me.  My Mom is also a Diet Coke drinker and would save stacks of Coke Rewards codes for me.  Until I finally talked her into entering them herself. 

Another favorite magazine is Disney's Family Fun magazine.    I also get this one for free by using Disney Movie Rewards.  Disney rewards usually come in the cases of Disney movies, but you can also find bonus codes all over the internet.  A magazine subscription is usually about 500 points or -- 5 movies.

Hope this helps you!