Save now on Little Sloth Cards

Since this is my first year owning and running a small business. I didn't really know how to go about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I knew I wanted to run a sale because well everyone is looking for a sale on the biggest shopping weekend of the year. This weekend. So head over to Little Sloth and get 20% off your order over $20.00 with code: BFCM2013 . Is there anything better than some cute cards and a great sale. I don't think so. Shop now and happy Friday.
love, Carlee

Give Thanks

Photos from Oregon Coast trip 2 years ago. 

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we are headed over to our friends to celebrate. I am bring the stuffing and apple pie. I am thankful we have food, friends, family and a roof over our heads. I am thankful for my pup Knox and my husband Clark. I am thankful I have the means to go home and see my family in a couple weeks. I am thankful for my life. Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!
love, Carlee

Bunker Hill Covered Bridge

So somewhere in the shuffle I forgot to post this adventure and outfit. It was actually our very last stop on our Application Mt. trip back in October. This bridge is located in Catawba, NC just east of Hickory, NC. By this time in the trip we just wanted to get home so I was unsure if we were going to make this stop. But I am so glad we did. If you are looking to go to this covered bridge, follow the sign off the main road. You travel along a dirt road for a little bit then come to a parking area where you have to park and walk in the rest of the way. It was a nice little walk. 

I just love how little Knox is in these photos. He is so precious. He is still so precious but aren't baby puppies just the best. One thing that was a little sad to see about this bridge was all the graffiti. It is disappointing when people don't have respect for history and others property. 

Thanksgiving is almost upon which is exciting. We are actually heading over to our friends house which is nice. That way I don't have to make a whole dinner just for Clark and I. Not that I don't want to. It would probably just be a little spendy. So instead I am just in charge of making the apple pie and stuffing. This is the second here we are not home (in Washington State) for Thanksgiving. I went to Georgia last year for Thanksgiving to visit Clark and this year we knew it would be expensive to fly home for both Thanksgiving and for a little Christmas vacation. Anyways I hope everyone's Tuesday is going well. Anyone going to do some crazy Christmas shopping on Black Friday? 

love, Carlee 

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants: Marshalls

Sweater: Forever 21

Moccasins: Famous Footwear

Scarf: Old

First show

On Saturday I attended my first expo. I call it an expo and not a craft fair or show because it had other vendors besides just crafts. It was a good experience for just one reason. I got my first show out of the way. But other than that it wasn't all that great. I assumed it was gonna be more crafts/handmade but it ended up being a lot of people selling brand products like Mary Kay, Origami Owl, etc. 

I heard about this show directly through the lady that was putting it on. She contacted me via Etsy convo and said she loved my card shop and needed a few vendors for this upcoming Saturday as a few had dropped out. So I looked around her event website and facebook page and thought "if she thinks I am a good fit for this event than I will probably do okay." It turns out I was mistaken. 

I was nervous, as it was my first show, but thankfully Clark was there with me to help me set up and carry in my display and also he stayed with me and kept me company. I did happen to make my first sale about 15 minutes into the show so I was really excited thinking it was gonna be a good experience but after the first one I only had a couple more and I was there for 4 hours. So it was a bust and not worth the entry fee at all. I did get to meet a couple of local Etsy sellers so that was nice. 

Things I learned from my first show

- Do the research yourself about the shows you find interesting and only apply to ones that are 'craft' or 'handmade.' 

-Make sure the show is advertised and promoted well. 

-Make sure the show is in a good location and has high foot traffic. 

-Make sure it is worth the entry fee. 

-Bring snacks and water. Clark and I did this and I am sure we would have regretted it if we didn't. 

-I think my biggest advice to myself when looking at other craft shows is to make sure that the shows are 'handmade' shows or craft shows. Because a lot of the people that looked at my booth didn't realize I made and designs the cards myself and once I explained it then people were really impressed. I guess they thought I was reselling for a company like many people were doing. 

So from now on I know to only apply for handmade/craft shows. That is the biggest take away I have. I don't want to be a downer, it just wasn't a good experience. It was a learning experience though. I am over it and moving on and making my shop and business better in other ways. Ways I have control over. Happy Monday.

love, Carlee

A walk with my dog

Yesterday afternoon Knox and I ventured out to take a little walk. Most of the time I take him for long walks in the afternoon but I usually never bring my camera. Lately I have been super inspired my beautiful instagram photos so I thought I would bring my camera a long with me. It is nice to see that the leaves are still on the trees here in NC. I love how long fall stays around. I mean it is almost Thanksgiving! It did take a little while for the leaves to turn but once they did it has been a magical season. That is one great thing about Clark being in the military I get to live and explore a place a probably never would have. It's exciting and never know what the future will bring. 

So back to these photos they were all taken with my Nikon D5000 camera. It was around 3:30 yesterday when I took these and the sun was just going down (crazy how early it gets dark these days.) I like how the light it peaking through the trees. I have always found it fun to photograph and I am glad I have the means to keep doing so. Even if the photos are the best it is fun to capture little glimpes of life.

Currently, Knox is sitting next to me on the couch while I type up this blog post. I am already thinking up cards for Mother's/Father's Day which isn't for months. But I guess I have to be on the ball. Maybe I should start thinking of Valentine's Day designs before anything. Clark and I have been on a non-stop Parks and Rec marathon lately. I am glad there are a lot of season on Netflix. I will be sad when we have gone through them all. It is a really funny show. I can't believe I haven't gotten into until now. Oh well. Have a happy Friday.
love, Carlee

Orange leaves in the park

All week this week it has been 'clean sweep' on Fort Bragg (where Clark works.) So instead of doing there regular jobs everyone, all soldiers, are put to work for some fall cleaning, like spring cleaning. They have been mowing, weed whacking, picking up garbage, racking leaves. Pretty much just doing tedious work getting ready for winter. The good thing about this is that Clark has been getting off work earlier then normal. He usually gets off work at 5pm but this week they are kind of just done when they are done. So Monday he got off at 3:30 and Wednesday he got off at 2:00. So on Wednesday we decided to head to the downtown area to walk around. 

We like getting Knox out to new places and I remember seeing this little park area when we were driving on many occasions. I also remember the leaves being bright orange and wanted to catch some still on the trees. Unfortunately, the leaves had pretty much all fallen. But it still made for some lovely photos and Knox absolutely loved the leave pile we found. He loved hiding, jumping, and running all around in it. It was a good afternoon which I really enjoyed. I am definitely thankful for it because usually by the time Clark gets home on the weekdays it is already dark outside. 

Speaking of cleaning, it seems like I need to do some of my own. My house looks like a distater. Really. Our love seat it just pilled with coats and there are about 15 pairs of shoes at the entry way. Also dog hair. So off to cleaning, I go. At least it is early and it is Thursday which means it is almost Friday and I think Clark and I are gonna go see the new Hunger Games movie this weekend. Anyone else?

love, Carlee

Sweater: American Eagle

Tank & Jeans: Marshalls

Boots: Cathy Jean (in Seattle)

Home: Bedroom

Here is a peek inside our bedroom. I love the colors we have going on. I painted one of the walls yellow when we first moved in. We are allowed to paint so that is nice. I wanted to liven it up and nice we are gonna be here for about 2 years probably in this same apartment so I think it was worth it. 

So yeah he is a peek inside my bedroom. I don't have a lot going on or a lot to say. So here are some photos for you. For the before, imagine a white room. ha. 

love, Carlee

During the day

Each day isn't the same for me but there are elements that are the same. It seems lately that my parents have been asking more what I do during the day. Just curious I think. I have always done something. Either gone to school or during the summer had a job. So each day I had a set something to do. These days I don't have a set something to do.

So most days I make sure our house is clean and up to par (Some days this doesn't happen).

-I write a blog post or two.

-Edit photos.

-Package Etsy orders and restock cards.

-Most days I exercise. I either going for a walk in the morning or running on the treadmill in the apartment gym. 

-I have also been trying new recipes like crazy. I made homemade pizza recently, mini corn dogs, and homemade hamburger buns. I think Clark enjoys not knowing what we will be having for dinner but it is usually something new! 

-Also everyday at 1pm Sex and the City has been on and I have been enjoying watching that. I actually have never watched Sex and the City and I am just recently getting into it and LOVING it. I might be asking for the complete series for Christmas. ha. 

-Somedays I go on adventures like when I went to this Civil War battlefield. It is nice to get out of the house and actually do something. And as you know, I like exploring.

-Play with our new pup. This is now a big one since we got Knox. He needs to be walked and loved on a lot. He is wearing me out. I can't imagine having a baby because having a new puppy is a lot of work.

*First two photos from my updated Little Sloth about page. 

love, Carlee

Twig Star DIY

Lately I have been wanting to bust out the Christmas decor. The problem is, I have NO Christmas decor since this is Clark and I's first Christmas is our on place/married/on our own. I guess everyone starts somewhere. One thing I knew I could make that would be easy is a twig star DIY. I have seen quite a few on pinterest so I knew it was do able. I used twigs I found when Knox and I were on a walk earlier in the week. And I have the rope in my craft bag. So this DIY was completely free for me to make. Which is a bonus because well we are newlyweds and trying to safe all the money we can. 

1. Find 5 twigs that are roughly the same size.

2. Layout the twigs the way you want it put together. 
3. Tie the rope at all the places the twigs intersect. I kind of just winged it with the way I tied the rope. I just looped a lot and made sure it was secure. Sorry I don't have better directions for this part. 
4. Done. 

I really like how it turned out and it was really easy and cheap. It adds a little bit of holiday spirit to the house. I got the canvas art that it is sitting on at Hobby Lobby. Just in case you were wondering. 
love, Carlee 

Cape Fear River

The Cape Fear River runs along Fayetteville and when we first got to town I wanted to check it out because back in Washington State I lived along the Columbia River and I guess I just like seeing water. It gives the feeling of life. Anyways I hadn't found a good trail along the river. I could barely find a place to see the river. There are so many trees! ha 

But at the beginning of October we went frisbee golfing with our friends at Arnette Park and we found some awesome trails along the river. Now that we have Knox we are always looking for good trails to walk so I remember this place and we headed out for a little walk. It was a nice day. Seems like the weather is so awesome and we have been enjoying every minute of it. It is pure sunny and about 60-70 degrees. So goregous. Back in Washington it is probably rainy or snowing and definitely not over 45 degrees. So yeah this North Carolina weather is pretty awesome. I need to remember this when summer comes and it is 90-100 and humid as hell. ugh. We will deal with that when it comes I guess. 

In daily life news, I can't beleive it is already also mid November. So crazy. But also kind of nice. Because December 7th Clark and I get to head back to Washington State for a few days to have a little Christmas vacation at home and visit family. I am very excited just to see my family and old friends. I can't believe I haven't seen anyone from back home in 4 months. I guess that's what happened when you get married and move across the country. Enjoy your Thursday!
love, Carlee 

Leggings: H&M

Shirt: Target

Shoes: Famous Footwear

Thanksgiving must haves

1. This mini pumpkin pie recipe. 2. This dress from H&M. 3. This art print. 4. Home decor. 5. Sweet greeting card. 6. More decor. 

I love holidays and thanksgiving is no exception. I love making and eating food and watching football and sleeping... That seems about right, right? This will be my first Thanksgiving making it by myself as I am newly married and all. It will just be Clark and I and little Knox but I am still so excited and can't wait to make some food! Happy Holiday season.

love, Carlee

Jones Lake

This past weekend was a long one for us. Clark got both Friday and Monday off so we headed to Jones Lake on Friday to get out of the house and give our little pup some exercise. As you know we stopped by a cotton field on the way there. Jones Lake is a state park and a really beautiful one at that. The weather was so nice. Not a cloud in the sky and about 65 degrees which is just awesome for mid November. It is like the perfect weather for me. ha 

We got to let Knox off his lease because we were the only people at the lake that day. He loved it. He is actually really good about staying around us. Knox is definitely a homebody at heart. Which is very sweet and nice. We ended up walking all the way around the lake because well why not? We were out there for a day of exploring. It was 5 miles all the way around the lake. Needless to say, Knox and I were ready for a nap when it was over. 

My favorite photo from our Jones Lake trip is the photo of the lone tree growing in the sand on the beach. Such a cool photo. Also we like taking jumping photos. Ha. In other news, if you are looking to score some of my greeting cards extra cheap. Head over to KISSmeMint and score my Christmas greeting card for $2.75 originally $4.00. Also, one of my bridesmaid greeting cards was featured on this wedding blog. I am very excited. Have a great Tuesday. I am glad it is Tueday and not Monday. Just saying.

love, Carlee 

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack

Leggings: American Eagle

Sweater: Forever 21

Shirt: Old Navy