Friday, March 30, 2018

5 Tips To Pouring Acrylic For The First Time

As a first timer, pouring acrylic paint can be very frustrating if you don’t have a single idea of how to do it right. Acrylic pouring is an artistic expression that has been there for a while but still, mistakes after mistakes are done when trying to come up with one. Before getting down to work, carry out a proper studio preparation; dusting, making sure temperatures are right, getting the ideal pouring medium and ensuring your canvas is tight. Then, get your fingers dirty using these simple techniques!  

1. Straight Pour 
 Pour the first color on your canvas and allow it to pool, then pour the second one in the middle. You will begin to notice how the one you poured first starts to move outwards after the second pour. Repeat the same process until the end and tilt the canvas if need be. The more paint you pour, the larger the rings so if you want them thin, pour little amounts. Tip: Start with the deep colors before moving to the light ones. After you are done, put it on a leveled and dust-free place for it to dry up.

2. Dirty Pour
In a cup, layer all your desired colors and slowly run a stick through. Remember, you are not trying to get a single solid hue so do not mix completely, just combine them slightly. Once done, carefully and slowly pour your mixture on your canvas then give it time to settle and integrate. To dry up, place the canvas on the level, dust-free zone you had prepared earlier.

3. Flip Cup Method 
For each acrylic paint you intend to use, get as many cups. In each cup prepare each acrylic by mixing it with water and/or with pouring medium depending on the density. What you want to achieve here is a viscous mixture with the right fluid consistency. Similar to the dirty pour, layer the colors in one cup then quickly flip it on your canvas. Do it gently to avoid spillages. Lift your cup and let the colors drip over, then place it in then leveled are for it to dry up.

4. Thinned And Solid Color Pours 
With the thinned color washes, interaction and movement is easy and they are high flow hence ready to be used. They can be mixed with mediums with at least 10% water composition: the more the water the more the surface tension. Acrylic flow release helps to cut down surface tension but does not improve the flow of the paint so do not overuse them. It is okay to use solid colors on the entire surface of your canvas but however, be careful not to dam up the edges when drying.

5. Experiment More 
The more you experiment and practice, the more you get good at it. Immediately getting needed results may be close to impossible and frustrations are more. If you want to be expert at it, always take notes and don’t be discouraged by the outcomes. To get more consistent results do it more often and if you find yourself at crossroads, get informative insights found on acrylic pouring.com.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Gratitude For Mother Earth

April 22nd will be here before you know it, the official day to celebrate Mother Earth! Harness the power of positivity and be grateful for Mother Earth with Gratitude Glass Jars!
Support and inspire others to write down their notes of Gratitude and love towards themselves and others with these stylish sentiments.

A complete range of jars with a higher purpose to capture life’s events, love and advice, and words of wisdom, Gratitude Glass Jars are beautifully created, handcrafted designs with wooden lids, packaged in a chic box. 

Your Parents Were Cooler Than You Are

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Three Bridges Pasta: When Gourmet Meets "Good To Go"

Ah, early spring: the time for segueing your New Year's resolutions into swimsuit season resolutions. In both seasons, I always find myself making goals I struggle to keep. I tell myself I'll stay in and cook more, dropping the guilty convenience of fast food for healthy homemade meals. I end up spending all my time looking up recipes and never even make it to the kitchen! Finding meals that please a crowd - and are quick enough to make on a busy Tuesday night, but healthy enough to fit into our lifestyle goals - sometimes feels next to impossible. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Three Bridges - delicious pastas and sauces made with simple, wholesome ingredients. All their products are free from artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives, antibiotics, and hormones. It's so refreshing to look at the nutritional information and feel good about what you're feeding your family. And with a huge line of products - everything from butternut squash ravioli to Parmesan gnocchi - you can try something new every week!

Here's why Three Bridges' honest, delicious products are different:

EASY HOME-COOKED MEALS IN A PINCH
When you only have 20 minutes to get a meal on the table before rushing off to the next activity, it's so tempting to heat up a frozen dinner and call it a day. What I like about Three Bridges is how it combines the convenience of a ready-to-do meals with the thoughtfulness of a home-cooked dinner. You can set the water to boil, throw the pasta in the pot, heat the sauce, and in 25 minutes you've got a gourmet dinner!

FOODS THAT FIT YOUR PREFERENCES
One thing I really like about Three Bridges is all the different kinds of pastas. They offer plenty of gluten-free products, and the website lists dozens of recipes categorized by common dietary preferences. It has sections for vegetarian-friendly meals, cheese-lover recipes, protein-packed dinners, and simple one-pot meals for when you're in a time crunch.

FEELING GREAT ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE EATING
Pasta shouldn't be a guilty pleasure! Three Bridges cuts out the bad stuff in other processed foods. You can prepare a meal with their Organic Portobello Mushroom Ravioli and have the peace of mind knowing you're not putting any high fructose corn syrup, trans fat, or any artificial flavors into your body - just delicious simple pasta as it should be.

Home cooks can buy Three Bridges products in the refrigerated section, and can visit www.threebridges.com, which features cooking instructions and recipe inspiration for healthy and fun meals such as Grilled Chicken and Mozzarella Ravioli Ratatouille, Organic Linguine with Spring Greens and Lemon, and Organic Spinach and Cheese Tortellini in a Butternut Broth with Crispy Chickpeas and Shiitake Mushrooms. 

What you do love about Three Bridges? Let us know in the comments! Check it all out at Three Bridges on Facebook, as well as Three Bridges on Twitter.
 

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

#HopIntoGap Giveaway


Tuesday, March 27th at 12:00 AM ET to Tuesday, April 3rd at 11:59 PM ET. Ten (10) winners will receive a $50 gift card to Gap. Users enter the giveaway by heading to the Gap page on Savings.com and submitting their email address on the form at the top of the page. The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Wednesday (4/4) via the email address they used to enter.

Save During the Easter Sale at Gap! Up to 50% Off Most Items & Extra 20% Off Your Purchase 
Promo Code: SPRING
Includes Free Shipping. Some exclusions apply. Valid through 4/3/18
 

CatLadyBox

For you (me!), happiness is a purring cat in your lap, a gentle head bonk or a soft paw waking you up in the morning. You love your cats, and are proud to be a cat lady. Right? I know I am. I will admit, I am a Cat Lady! Not a crazy one yet, but someday possibly.

CatLadyBox is all about helping you show off being a Cat Lady by surprising you each month with a box of delightful, unique, covetable cat-themed items. From shirts to jewelry, home decor and more, they're all about showing off your cat lady pride in the most amazing ways.

I scored some awesome items, and I love love love them!
Cozy up with your kitties in your new bold, purple cat hoodie! This super comfy hoodie purr-oudly shows the world you love your kitties. Warm up and look cat lady cool at the same time!
Interactive playtime fun your and your kitties! Durable and pretty purple material will make for hours of fun you can have with your cats! Keep them happy, active, and entertained with this Snowflake Felt Wand Cat Toy!
Make yourself a nice cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and enjoy it out of this exclusive cat-shaped mug! Delicately designed with a cute cat ears shape on the lip and tail for a handle. Made in a beautiful coconut milk color to match any decor. This cat coffee mug is unlike any other out there!
An adorable set of three kitty cat pens to make writing your notes, letters, or cards a more cattastic experience! They write with black ink. 

Check it all out at CatLadyBox on Facebook, as well as CatLadyBox on Twitter.
 

Monday, March 26, 2018

#GetYourDigzOn with Digz Gardening Gloves

The Digz line combines form and function in stylish fabrics perfectly suited for any item on your to-do list: gardening, crafting, landscaping, and other household chores. The fabric provides flexible protection giving your hands the freedom to get the job done. Oh, and if you're Instagramming while gardening or Pinning while crafting? These gloves are touch-screen compatible!
Digz Gloves feature a blend of fashion-forward patterns and vibrant coastal colors, adding visual charm to their functionality. Not only are Digz gloves stylish, they have been enhanced with innovative touchscreen technology so you can work more efficiently while keeping technology at your fingertips. Plus, Digz are crafted with the most current and durable materials, wrist strap options, and coatings, ideal for any task at hand.
 

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Knuckle Lights Keep You Safe This Spring

Knuckle Lights are the first and only lights designed to be worn on your hands, in the perfect position to light your path and be seen on your next run or walk in the dark. Knuckle Lights are an ideal alternative to a headlamp or carrying a flashlight during runs, walks, or other activities. The extra-wide flood beams move with the natural motion of your arms, providing an even, steady amount of light that illuminates the entire area in front of you.
Jason uses these when he runs, and it makes me feel better he is not out running in the pitch dark without a light. Easy and convenient.

Check it all out at Knuckle Lights on Facebook, as well as Knuckle Lights on Twitter.
 

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Cave Tools Help You Get Ready For Spring

Well Spring is here, that means the beginning of Grilling Season! We used our grill last night for the first time! So excited!! Even if there is still snow on the ground - ha ha! And we are excited about our Cave Tools! We got the Pulled Pork Shredder Meat Rakes.
RIP THROUGH ENTIRE CHUNK OF MEAT IN 2 MINUTES
Ultra Strong Stainless Steel dominates chicken, beef, brisket, turkey, poultry, hams, roasts, and anything from your slow cooker, grill, or smoker in record time.

PICK UP LARGE HOT FOOD
Extended handles and bear paw shaped claws provide extra leverage so you never drop another turkey again by trying to pick it up with oven mitts.

SHRED - HANDLE - CARVE
These meat rakes are the ultimate multi purpose kitchen tool - you'll wonder how you ever got along without them. Also the perfect gift idea for men or women.

COMES WITH 25 PROFESSIONAL RECIPES
Step by step instructions and detailed tutorial videos are great for the family.

Check it all out at Cave Tools on Facebook, as well as Cave Tools on Twitter.
 

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

#SDCSeaOfThieves Giveaway

Tuesday, March 20th at 12:00 AM ET to Friday, March 23rd at 11:59 PM ET. Ten (10) winners will receive a $100 gift card to cover the cost of purchasing Sea of Thieves. Users enter the giveaway by heading to the Microsoft page on Savings.com and submitting their email address on the form at the top of the page. The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Monday (3/26) via the email address they used to enter. 

Good luck!

High Cotton

About The Book:
Some families are filled with so much love they can't help but drive each other crazy. Shay Henke has mixed feelings about going to her family's next reunion. On the one hand, she'll get to see everyone in her mama's family - folks she loves unconditionally. On the other hand, she knows there'll be more drama than you can shake a stick at. The days leading up to the event bring one surprise after another. First Shay must deal with her sister-in-law's deep, dark secret. Then she has to contend with the childish ways of her business-mogul twin cousins. And when her high school crush wants to be her date to the reunion....well, it may have been a dream come true for Shay's teen self, but the woman she's become doesn't know what to make of this. Shay's contentment is challenged, and she's determined to shake things up a bit. But will she find the excitement she's looking for, or will Shay realize she prefers her quiet and predictable life?

About The Author:
Debby Mayne writes family and faith-based romances, cozy mysteries, and women's fiction and is the author of more than 60 novels and novellas-plus more than 1,000 short stories, articles, and devotions for busy women. Debby is currently an etiquette writer for The Spruce. Debby grew up in a military family, which meant moving every few years throughout her childhood. She was born in Alaska, and she has lived in Mississippi, Tennessee, Oregon, Florida, South Carolina, Hawaii, and Japan. Her parents were both from the Deep South, so Debby enjoys featuring characters with Southern drawls, plenty of down-home cooking, and folks with quirky mannerisms. High Cotton is the first book in the Bucklin Family Reunion series.
 

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Mrs. Renfro's

Award-winning salsas from deep in the heart of Texas. And it is getting to be that time of year for BBQ's and outdoor grilling! Wheee! Everything's better with Mrs. Renfro's on it.
All salsas are:
· Gluten-free (except for Craft Beer Salsa) and fat-free
· Readily found in most leading grocery chains and stores nationwide
· Great as a marinade and recipe enhancer
· Convenient - each jar comes with a simple and tasty recipe right on the label - perfect for busy families on the run
· Available in a wide variety of flavors and heat levels from mild to scary hot (Ghost Pepper)
· Recipe videos show how to cook with salsa
· Prices range from $3.95 to $4.95
· Newest flavors are Craft Beer Salsa and Pumpkin.

Mrs. Renfro’s Nacho Cheese Sauces are:
· Gluten-free
· Available in 3 varieties - Medium, Chipotle and Ghost Pepper
Mrs. Renfro’s BBQ Sauces are:
· Gluten-free and High-Fructose Corn Syrup-free
· Available in 3 varieties - Classic, Chipotle and Ghost Pepper.

Check it all out at Mrs. Renfro's on Facebook, as well as Mrs. Renfro's on Twitter.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

A Trio of Fun Ways for Moms to Feel More Young at Heart

Whether you're the mom of a toddler or a pack of ravenous teenagers, there are probably days when you feel like you're stuck in a never-ending rut of meal prep, chauffeuring, laundry and more. While you love being a mom and adore your kiddos, you also want to do things for you at least some of the time.

Fortunately, there are a variety of creative and fun ways for hard-working moms like you to feel more young at heart — and simultaneously recharge those maternal batteries. For example, check out these following ideas:

1. Go on an Adventure

No matter the time of year, the state in which you reside is likely chalk full of sights and sounds to enjoy. Indeed, if the idea of a road trip makes your heart beat with anticipation, set aside a day and hit the road — either solo or with one of your BFFs. You can hop in your car, crank up the music and see where the road leads you. Or, perhaps you want to plan a day trip to a specific location, like a new hiking trail, an area known for its bald eagle sightings or a relaxing beach.

No matter what you decide, ensure your car is up for the drive. With that in mind, take your vehicle in for any needed maintenance, and check to see if your tires are properly inflated and aligned for your road trip. As TireBuyer.com explains, the side of every tire features a longtail code, indicating the type of vehicle it was designed for, as well as its size, speed rating and more. Thus, before heading out, double check that your vehicle has the correct tires for its size and weight.

2. Learn and Develop a New Skill

As a mom, another great way to stay young at heart is to challenge yourself to learn a new skill. This can range from something you can use around the house - for example, sign up for a gourmet cooking class and then wow your family with an amazing dinner or it can be something you have always wanted to learn but might not use every day, like sign language.

But don't make this a one-shot deal. For instance, once you know you can whip up beef bourguignon and a homemade Caesar salad for your family with ease, vow to learn another new skill, like photography, knitting, geocaching or ballroom dancing.

3. Adopt a New Furry Friend

If you're a pet lover and have room in your home and budget for a new, four-legged friend adopting a dog is a surefire way to make you feel young at heart. Whether it's walking around the neighborhood or visiting a local dog park, dogs truly inspire us to get outside and be active.

Still, if the thought of a puppy makes you feel uneasy, check in with local dog rescue groups to see if there are any older, more docile dogs who have plenty of love to share only without the incessant chewing. If you aren't quite ready to adopt a pooch, consider volunteering at an animal shelter so you can walk and play with some dogs for an hour or two on the weekends; this way, you'll come away feeling more uplifted and full of energy.

Go Have Some Fun - You Deserve It

You work hard as a mom, so you've definitely earned some much-needed and deserved time for yourself to pursue things you enjoy. Whether it's going on a road trip to explore some cool sights and sounds, mastering a new skill and/or expanding your family to include a fur baby, there are a number of fun and effective ways to feel more young at heart.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Three Things Every Bride Needs To Do Before Her Wedding

If you're getting married soon, you may be overwhelmed by all of the choices that you have to make, even though you're also excited about the big day. In the hustle and bustle of getting ready, some brides may forget to schedule and plan for some important things before their wedding. Once you've picked out the perfect dress, chosen your bridesmaids, and made plans for the ceremony and the reception, make sure that you've got these little items covered. Here are three things every bride needs to take care of before she walks down the aisle.

Get Hair and Makeup Done
Do you have plans in place to make your face and hair look its best on the morning of your wedding? Act in advance to make the appointments necessary to make sure that you get the hairstylists and makeup artists that you want to be there for you on your big day. For example, if you are thinking about getting hair extensions in Charlotte NC, book an appointment with a popular hair salon like Salon M2. You may ask a friend to help you with your makeup, but get some professional help for anything complicated.

Choose Shoes and Accessories
Do you have shoes that you'll be able to wear when you walk down the aisle? Will they be comfortable enough for you to wear while you stand for photographs and dance at your reception? Make sure that you take the time to break in any shoes that you plan to wear. For jewelry and other accessories, keep in mind the old saying about "something borrowed and something blue" and ask your loved ones if they have something special that they want to contribute.

Get Gifts for Your Bridal Party
Remember to thank the women and men who helped make your wedding happen. Choose something special but useful that they will enjoy. Then, make sure to give it to each member of the bridal party personally along with a message of thanks from yourself and the rest of your family.
 

Awesome Hair Finds

Esha Natural line from Esha Girl - Unruly hair and frizz don’t stand a chance when indulging in this terrific collection. It’s a one-stop s...