Saturday, March 31, 2012

ADVENTURES IN THRIFT-TIQUING - PART 3

This is the third month of my "thrift-tiquing" challenge. I made a goal to go thrifting or antiquing once a month and purchase some special pieces for my home. In the past, I've been super bad about taking the time to do this and would go to a thrift store or antique store maybe 3-4 times per year. I live in Atlanta and there are SO MANY amazing places to go. I definitely needed to start taking advantage of the surplus of shops in my area.

On top of this monthly challenge, I've set a type of "rule" to visit a new antique or thrift shop each month instead of visiting the same place over and over again. This has been such a neat experience so far, because I've been able to discover some real treasures and explore some unique places close to where I live. :)

This morning, Jon and I ran some errands and we decided to try out some new antique shops in downtown Tucker before picking up a couple groceries for dinner. We found this way cute downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and two antique shops right next to each other. The first one we went into was very small and had a small selection, the second was a little bigger and that's where I scored one of my favorite finds to date!


Meet the my new Crosley record//radio//tape//cd player. This thing is a beauty! And I got it for a great deal! It works perfectly and sounds great, plus the little lights that come on behind the glass...so awesome. I'm in love...and so is Kyo! What a great little model he is. ;) Fun Facts: Crosley was founded in 1920 by Powel Crosley. Crosley was known for pioneering radio broadcasting around the world. The above is a replica reminiscent of the old Crosley turntables. 


I think this is quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do every month. :) Score any good thrift//antique finds recently?? 

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!! -- Oh! And if you are still looking for somewhere to advertise your business or blog for April, I'm still accepting sponsors!! AND I have my large solo feature still available, it usually runs for $50 per month, but it's on sale now for $40. Email leah@maiedae.com if you're interested!


Friday, March 30, 2012

5 THINGS WITH LITTLE TREE


Hi everyone! My name is Maria and I am the little lady behind Little Tree Vintage. My blog is a lifestyle blog that expresses my personal style choices and encompasses everything that I love. I also own the Little Tree Vintage Shop on Etsy. I grew up adoring my mother's closet and was always stealing her vintage jewelry. When I got a little older, I realized how much I enjoyed it and I decided to start my own shop. That's how Little Tree was born.

Some of my favorite things include shopping (of course), making jewelry, collecting vintage//pre-loved items, antiquing, thrifting, and cooking. I spend most of my days daydreaming about things that inspire me and keep me motivated. I hardly ever feel like I have my feet on the ground, but that's what makes life fun, right? I chose to talk about the topic of blogging, because I think there are a lot of things that I have learned during this whole process and I love being able to share that with others. Coming into the blogging world can be very intimidating, but once you develop your own style, everything will fall into place!


1. Be yourself. ---> Always stay true to yourself. There are so many bloggers out there doing the "same" things. Find ways to stand out and find your own style. It's important to be yourself and not try to imitate anyone else, plus everyone wants to find out about *you*, not someone else! I think being genuine is extremely important, even in the blogging world, because no one likes a phony, and you're not really being you. Embrace who you are and roll with it; chances are people will love it, too! I know we are all terrified of putting ourselves out there completely, and I totally understand where you're coming from, but honestly...that's what people relate to.

2. Social networking. ---> Join social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Pinterest. These are such great ways to meet new people who share the same interests as you. Branching out across different areas of the web will bring you all different kinds of readers and make your blog more accessible.


3. Make your blog pretty. ---> I think this is really important, because how your blog looks says a lot about you! You should treat your blog like your baby. I know I do! People will judge your blog when they first visit it. It's the same as meeting you in person. How it looks tells a lot about what the readers should expect. I don't think everyone needs a super fancy layout, but I do think there are a lot of free and easy tutorials you can do to spruce up your own blog! The internet is full of resources and sometimes even asking other bloggers can help! Some good websites I have used for tutorials are Youtube and photoshop tutorials.

4. Don't be discouraged by the "numbers". ---> When you start your blog, there's a huge chance that no one will read it. That doesn't mean in any way that what you're writing isn't great or worthwhile. It just means that you haven't built up a solid readership yet. Things like this take time and dedication, and if you work at it, it will come. You just have to be patient and ignore the numbers. Do what you love and the rest follows.

5. Don't let negativity bring you down. ---> When you put things on the internet, there will always be people who just simply do not agree with you, or what you stand for. The best thing to do to people like this is just simply ignore them and go on your merry way. Feeding into negativity will make you seem just as childish as the person who started the problem to begin with. Let it roll off of your back, as much as it might irritate you; it's not worth it! And remember, taking the high road does pay off, and people will always respect that. Don't let anyone control how you feel about your blog. Keep doing what you love!


Find Maria Here:  Blog  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Bloglovin

Thank you, Maria, for sharing your tips on blogging! I loved what you had to say about not letting negativity bring you down. It's important to remember why you do what you do...because you love it! Negative comments shouldn't make you re-consider what you love. 



Thursday, March 29, 2012

I'M A PAPER DOLL!

A couple weeks ago, I commissioned Jordan Grace to make custom paper dolls of Jon and me to start my collection of custom portraits for our home. I have been in love with Jordan's work since I first met her last September. You might have seen my post about her here or here!

Yesterday, I received my package and was completely amazed and excited about her work. Her packaging was so put together and the little dolls represent Jon and me perfectly! They are so, so cute!! I love the dainty little details. :)

 
 
 

I'm planning to put these in a shadow box and hang them up in our new home when we move in August. :) Have you ever gotten a custom piece done? What are some of your favorite artists?? I'd love to hear your thoughts and add to my new collection!



Tuesday, March 27, 2012

MARCH GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to the March Giveaway! A few of my sponsors are offering some beautiful pieces from their online shops. Take a look at what you could win and enter below. :)


                                                                        BLOG | SHOP


Main Entry:
* Comment letting me know the one thing you hope to accomplish this spring. Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Bonus Entries: (please leave one comment per bonus entry)
1. Become a follower of Maiedae via GFC (left column).
2. Tweet about it! If you'd like, you can just copy and paste this: @Maiedae is having a March Giveaway! One winner, THREE prizes! http://maiedae.blogspot.com/2012/03/march-giveaway.html

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One winner will be selected within the week! Psst! Did you enter my medium ad spot giveaway?? Check to see if you won below!!

Medium sponsor spot giveaway winners: Congratulations Batzy Rockshop & Fragmented Splendour! You've each won a medium ad space on Maiedae for the month of April! Please send your 175x125 sized button and link to Savannah@maiedae.com. :)

Interested in sponsoring Maiedae for the month of April?? Our large solo feature is still up for grabs, as well as plenty of medium and small ad spaces. Check out my sponsor page here for rates and sizes, and email my lovely ad manager, Leah at leah@maiedae.com,to reserve your space!


Monday, March 26, 2012

BRIDAL SHOWER: COOKIES & MILK

I mentioned in my post earlier today that Anica and I threw a lingerie shower for Jenny! We were able to host it in an absolutely stunning place in downtown Rome, GA. The eclectic mix of industrial, rustic textures and colors were so beautiful and perfect for the shower.

We had a "cookies and milk" themed shower. Jenny LOVES sweets, especially cookies and milk...so Anica and I spent the weekend baking chocolate chip, chewy brown sugar ginger, and lemon crinkle cookies. We also bought Oreo's, Girl Scout cookies, and some frosted animal cookies!

I went to a couple different thrift stores and purchased a mix of glasses, mason jars, and jam jars to use as cups and put cute little paper straws in. I had a small collection of glass bottles with lids so we put different types of milk in each, labeled them and put them in ice inside a way cute silver tin I recently scored from Target.

Take a look at how beautiful this place is!

I wish I lived there! -- It was so fun planning this shower. Jenny had an amazing time, see her post about it here, and Anica and I were so thrilled to be able to do something special for her. :) I can't believe my best friend is getting married in June!!

Recipes for homemade cookies found here:
* Chocolate Chip Cookies
* Chewy Brown Sugar Ginger Cookies
* Lemon Crinkle Cookies




WEEKLY WRAP-UP

This weekend was a shower extravaganza! On Friday night, we hosted a grill out at our apartment, and had a "date night" themed shower for Jenny and Drew's upcoming marriage. :) We asked guests to put together gifts they could use on their date nights during marriage. They received so many thoughtful gifts and are pretty much set for at least 10-15 date nights! On Saturday, I went to my sister-in-law's baby shower and celebrated my little niece's soon-to-come debut! During the shower, she had us decorate onesies for the baby. They all turned out so cute. :)

And then, finally, on Sunday, Anica and I threw a lingerie shower for Jenny! We had a super classy shower in Rome, GA. We baked tons of yummy cookies and had coffee and milk. AND the location was to die for! I'll be sharing pictures later today or tomorrow. :)

Snapshot of the Week: Glass cups and mugs from the shower. I finally had an excuse to buy paper straws!

5 Favorite Posts this Week:
* Style 45 by DesignLoveFest
* 5 Free Fonts by The Tiny Twig
* Sourdough Starter DIY by Design*Sponge
* Herringbone Stitch Video by One Sheepish Girl
* Bleach Painting on Textiles DIY by Lune Vintage

Favorite Blog of the Week:
* Violet Bella - I love Laura's blog. She is so creative, inspirational and beautiful, inside and out. She takes gorgeous pictures and has a beautiful bohemian sense of style.

Inspiring Me This Week:
* All of these style posts on Bri's blog are flawless.

3 Things About Yours Truly:
* I LOVE hosting parties.
* I'm the worst at getting things hung up in our home.
* During college, I worked for Red Robin for one day.

How was your weekend?


Friday, March 23, 2012

ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SESSION: JENNY & DREW

I'm so excited to share with you my first official engagement shoot photos! My best friend and business partner, Jenny, is getting married in June and she asked me to take her engagement pictures. I was so honored to be able to take their pictures and eager to practice my photography skills. ;)

I love how the pictures turned out. We took a road trip up to Rome, GA, for the shoot and took pictures in the downtown area and on Berry's campus. Here are a few of my very, very favorites:

I'm so excited about this weekend! I've been super busy planning two wedding showers with my friend Anica for Jenny. We are throwing a couples' shower tonight and a lingerie shower on Sunday. Let the wedding festivities begin!





Wednesday, March 21, 2012

REFOCUS & REFINE


This year, Jenny's and my word for Maiedae has been "refine". We are so proud of what Maiedae has become and we feel like 2011 was a really special time for Maiedae's growth. We are ecstatic about 2012 and the ways in which Maiedae will thrive this year. :)

We are working to really refine our brand, niche, offerings, and how we do everything as business owners and business partners. We are striving to continually learn and evolve and we really believe this year will be a strong milestone for our baby business.


We've projected to grow double the amount we did last year. We also feel sure about our decision to stop running a handmade shop online and solely focus on our graphic design services with a few new ventures.

I cannot wait to show you the new branding and look for Maiedae!! Along with the re-launch of our brand, we will be revealing our new expanded graphic design services. I just want to put our new logo on everything. I'm so in love with it. :)

Here's to refining. Do what you love and make dreams actions!






PS -- The pictures are courtesy of Valimont Photography. Part of our new branding for Maiedae.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

SPRING WISH-LIST

Happy first day of spring!! Today, I get the opportunity to feature some of my sponsors in a spring inspired post. I asked each of them to share some items on their spring wish list. Take a peek at their choices and visit some of their blogs. :)


Find Elizabeth Here: Blog  |  Shop --- Wish List Items: 1 | 2 | 3


Find Teaka Here: Blog --- Wish List Items: 1 | 2 | 3


Find Stacie Here: Blog | Twitter | Facebook --- Wish List Items: 1 | 2 | 3


Find Naomi Here: Blog | Twitter | Facebook --- Wish List Items: 1 | 2 | 3


Find Lauren Here: Blog | Shop | Twitter --- Wish List Items: 1 | 2 | 3


Find Monica Here: Blog | Shop --- Wish List Items: 1 | 2 | 3


Find Toni Here: Blog | Shop --- Wish List Items: 1 | 2 | 3

What's on your spring wish list??