Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Window Christmas Tree Using Lights

Do you live in a small space? Maybe you don't want to put up a big Christmas tree or deal with all of the ornaments and decorations? Well, here's a great option I found ...

A Christmas tree made out of string lights and put up on a window!


I have a small living room and every year it's a struggle to rearrange furniture to find the best place for our tree. During the pandemic, we weren't going to have many visitors, everyone was 'sheltering in place' for the most part, so I decided it was the best time to give it a try. Plus I had a dog and a new puppy that was getting into everything and I was afraid they would pull ornaments off the tree or knock it down. Here are the culprits at the time, very cute but very mischievous lol Paisley and Chesney ...

I first seen the idea online somewhere - Facebook, Pinterest, I'm not sure. I wish I had the link with the exact details, I'm sorry that I don't. But going from memory, you need Command hooks - clear for windows - 1 large for the top and small ones for the sides, bottom & base, strand lights (depending on the size of your tree, I think I used 100), and optional decorations. I found a plastic metallic star for the top and some red mini garland at the dollar store and I had the red ball ornaments for the base.

I have a bay window in my living room, at the front of my house that I decided to decorate. I used a small Command hook to place the star in the top middle first. Then a large hook right under the star to hold the lights, so it looks like the star is on top of the tree.
I positioned the small hooks spaced evenly along the sides and bottom of the 'tree', forming a triangle. I then ran the string of lights from the bottom to the large top hook, up and down to form the tree. For the 'base' of the tree, I positioned 2 rows of 3 hooks to hang the red ball ornaments. Then I added some red mini garland strands across the lights, using the hooks on each side ...


This is what it looks like from the outside ...


I'm so sorry that this is not as detailed as I had originally planned. It's been several years since I've done this and just came across these pictures that I thought I'd share. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment, message or contact me and I will do my best to help you out.

Thanks for stopping by today!

xoxo
Dawn


Sunday, November 12, 2023

Christmas Comes Earlier and Earlier ...

I love Christmas!πŸŽ„πŸŽ…It's one of my most favorite holidays of the year. I love the whole season ... I love holiday sweaters ... the get-togethers and parties ... I love the warm coats and mittens and pretty scarves ... spending time with family ... I love the decorations ... the traditions of decorating the tree and wrapping presents ... I love making holiday crafts and cards ... I love shopping and gift giving ... I love baking ... I love the snow! and sledding, snowball fights, and making snowmen ... I love it all!

However, it seems that the Christmas season comes earlier and earlier each year. The radio stations begin their continuous holiday music ... Hallmark starts running constant non-stop Christmas movies ... the stores stock up and display their Christmas decorations and items and sales (I'm already seeing 'Early' Black Friday sales!) ... people post Christmas memes, countdowns and pictures of their decorated Christmas trees and houses on social media ... All before Halloween, or right after!

I don't know about you, but I feel like it's just too soon! Maybe because I like to hang on to Summer for as long as I can, that just when I start feeling 'Fall-ish', all of a sudden I'm getting Christmas shoved down my throat. 

For as long as I can remember, November has always been a month of thanks, gratitude, blessings, Fall activities, bon fires, colorful leaves, occasional open windows and sunshine, cozy sweaters and boots, pretty Fall outfits and Thanksgiving turkey, dinner and family.

My kids and grandchildren come over for Thanksgiving dinner - it's something I look forward to every year.😍 Last year, my daughter suggested I put my Christmas tree up so the grandkids could decorate it after dinner. I admit, at first I was appalled! I don't usually put my tree up until the first or second week of December because I have 3 dogs that like to mess with it. But, I thought about it and decided to try it. I really loved it! I absolutely loved watching them decorate the tree and the way each one had their own style and favorite ornaments. I loved looking at it everyday, thinking about them until their next visit. So I decided to make it a yearly tradition. 

I like having something to look forward to! I like looking forward to Thanksgiving. I like looking forward to Christmas and Winter and New Year's. It really makes me wonder what society is thinking. Do they not like looking forward to things? Do they have no patience or control and need instant gratification on every thought and want? It kind of makes me think of the character on Willy Wonka - 'I want it NOWWW!' lolπŸ˜‚

It also makes me wonder if people just don't have happiness in their lives, the joy that Christmas usually brings most people. Maybe they don't have people or things that can keep them occupied. Maybe they're craving attention - the attention of being one of the firsts to put up Christmas decorations - 'I put up my tree before you!' It also makes me feel sad for the people that don't celebrate or recognize Christmas, because it's everywhere. 

I don't know what it is, or what is happening with holidays becoming earlier and earlier. I mean, it's the beginning of November. We have all of November and all of December before Christmas, then a couple of weeks after Christmas that people have the decorations up. When Christmas decorations, music, movies, etc. begin so early, I get tired of it well before the actual holiday! So, what will these people that begin so early do? Will they be putting New Years stuff up in the middle of December? Valentines Day stuff? St. Patrick's Day stuff? I just don't get itπŸ˜•

Thanks for stopping by and listening to my vent lol. This is just my opinion and I just thought I'd share. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject, so feel free to leave a comment, message or contact me

xoxo
Dawn

www.BowmanDawn.com



Saturday, November 11, 2023

Color Street Holiday Gift Guide

As much as I don't want to think about it, Christmas is just around the corner and I need to start preparing for it.

I do enjoy the fall season, and celebrating Thanksgiving so much. But it seems that stores start putting out Christmas things earlier and earlier. And I've discovered that if you don't grab something while it's out, it'll be gone when you're ready to get it. 

Color Street recently launched their Holiday Bundles sale, and the deals are spectacular! After browsing all of the new products and bundles, I was getting a little lost. So, I decided to create this Holiday Guide to help sort out all of the products and deals. If you're on a spending budget (like who isn't nowadays?!), or looking for gifts at a certain price point, I've added these in order of price. 


Stocking Stuffers - $5-20

Let's start off with stocking stuffers! These products are great to put in a stocking, or add to a gift basket or bag. Prices are perfect for adding an extra touch to a gift. And don't forget - when you purchase any 3 nail strips, you can get an extra for free! (just add 4 to your cart and 1 will automatically zero out)


Holiday Accent Trio - $12

Make spirits bright this holiday season with the Holiday Accent Trio Bundle! These are great to gift as a set, or split them up to add to 3 separate gifts. This bundle includes 3 sets of accent overlays:
  1. New Year Cheer - clear overlay
  2. Winter Wishes - clear overlay
  3. Santa Approved - clear overlay
This bundle is valued at $18, now available for just $12


Fresh Start Bundle - $23

Give your nails a fresh, clean base with the Fresh Start Bundle! This bundle includes:
  1. Nail Polish Remover - non-drying, acetone free formula helps to nourish and moisturize nails with a subtle bergamot tea fragrance
  2. Nail Strengthener - high-gloss hardening formula restores weak, fragile nails and can also be used as a base or top coat
This bundle is valued at $28, now available for just $23


At-Home Gel Mani - $30

Skip a trip to the salon and do your nails at home! The At-Home Gel mani includes:
  1. Beijing Beauty Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, everyday classic red
  2. Strawberry Jelly Nail Strip Set (not available separately) - 16 double-ended nail strips, sheer vibrant fuchsia glitter
  3. Plumping Top Coat - creates a dazzling gel-like shine extends the life of your manicure and protect nail strips from chipping
This bundle is valued at $38, available now for $30


Bling Box Bundle - $40

Adorn your tips with the Bling Box Bundle! These premium charms are the perfect way to add even more pizzazz to your holiday manicures! They're great to gift as a set, and affordable enough to split them up to add to 5 separate gifts. This bundle includes:
  1. Prism Visions Mani Charms - geometric, iridescent designs
  2. Pearls, Please Mani Charms - dainty, opalescent embellishments
  3. Secret Garden Mani Charms - whimsical, floral appliques
  4. Pop Art Mani Charms - playful pack of fun, art-inspired designs
  5. Galactic Glam Mani Charms - stellar pack of gold-trimmed, cosmic appliques
This bundle is valued at $50, now available for $40 (that's getting 1 free!!)


Express Yourself Bundle - $44

A wonderful collection for the nail guru in your life! This bundle includes:
  1. Pearls, Please Mani Charms - dainty, opalescent embellishments
  2. Over The Moon Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, clear overlay with silver glitter
  3. Aspen Sky Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, pale periwinkle is the perfect cool blue
  4. Slate Of Mind Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, a muted blue-gray shade
  5. Moon River Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, moody glittering gray

This bundle is valued at $50, now available for $44


Holly Jolly Hues Bundle - $45

A great collection for the jingle bell rocker! Mix & match for numerous manicure possibilities. This bundle includes:
  1. Beijing Beauty Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, everyday classic red
  2. Jungle Escape Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, forest green cream finish
  3. Stay Golden Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, subdues champagne gold 
  4. Shangri-La Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, silvery holographic glitter
  5. Cherry On Top Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, ruby red glitter
This bundle is valued at $52, now available for $45 (that comes out to $9 per set!!) 

Show of Hands Bundle - $50

Everything you need to create the perfect canvas for your festive nails is in the Show of Hands Bundle. This bundle includes:
  1. Nail Polish Remover - non-drying, acetone free formula helps to nourish and moisturize nails with a subtle bergamot tea fragrance
  2. Nail Strengthener - high-gloss hardening formula restores weak, fragile nails and can also be used as a base or top coat
  3. Hand Lotion - lightweight moisturizer with Niacinamide, multi-hyaluronic acid and sunflower oil
  4. Cuticle Oil - moisturizes dry, brittle nails with vitamin E and 6 oils (coconut, kukui, nut oil, sweet almond, passionfruit and baobab)
  5. Red Make-up Bag - exclusive, limited-edition red make-up bag (not sold separately)
This bundle is valued at $76, now available for $50


Radiant Glow Bundle - $64

These products are perfect for when you're feeling cheeky! This bundle include:
  • Superstar Highlighter Balm - luminous warm ivory creamy highlighter balm
  • Fearless Bronzer Balm - neutral creamy medium bronzer balm
  • Go Getter Lush Balm - pearlized creamy medium rose blush balm
This bundle is valued at $86, now available for $64


Diamond Dusted Collection - $81

A beautiful collection for all of your festive occasions. These exclusive, limited-edition diamond-dusted lipsticks are infused with argan oil and vitamin E. This bundle includes:
  1. Noel Lipstick - a deep boysenberry, with a sparkling jewel-like glitter coating
  2. Holly Lipstick - a stunning cherry red, with a sparkling jewel-like glitter coating
  3. Merry Lipstick - gorgeous cerise pink, with a sparkling jewel-like glitter coating
  4. Stardust Lipstick - prismatic pink and gold glitter, wear as a topper over another lipstick or wear it alone
This bundle is valued at $108, now available (while supplies last) for $81


Chic and Radiant - $84

Are you a trend setter? Know a trend setter? Embrace the latest trends with the Chic & Radiant bundle! This bundle includes:
  1. Superstar Highlighter Balm - luminous warm ivory creamy highlighter balm
  2. Go Getter Blush Balm - pearlized creamy medium rose blush balm
  3. Dynamite Lip Liner - creamy, vitamin E & jojoba oil-infused vivacious, daring red
  4. Starlet Lipstick - lightweight, long-wearing, classic, vivid blue-red, with a matte finish
  5. Espresso Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, dark to light coffee tone ombre, shimmer finish
This bundle is valued at $113, now available for $84



Everyday Glow - $91

Love a classic look? Elegantly achieve a subtle glam with the Everyday Glow Bundle. This bundle includes:
  1. Superstar Highlighter Balm - luminous warm ivory creamy highlighter balm
  2. Go Getter Blush Balm - pearlized creamy medium rose blush balm
  3. Tinted Lip Balm - pH-sensitive tinted balm that adds a sheer wash of color
  4. Tri-Flex Mascara - serum-infused, enriched with caffeine and vitamin E; non-flaking, non-clumping, smudge-proof, 24-hour wear
  5. Himalayan Salt Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, pale pink cream finish
This bundle is valued at $122, now available for $91


Bold & Beautiful Bundle - $93

Break free from the norm and wear a bold look with the Bold & Beautiful bundle. This bundle includes:
  1. Diva Blush - silky, talc-free, matte berry pink
  2. Dreamer Highlighter - long-lasting, talc-free, rose quartz with iridescent glitter
  3. Tri-Flex Mascara (Waterproof) - serum-infused, enriched with caffeine and vitamin E; non-flaking, non-clumping, smudge-proof, 24-hour wear
  4. Baddie Lipstick - lightweight, long-wearing, nourishing berry-plum with a satin finish
  5. It Takes Tucson Nail Strip Set - 16 double-ended nail strips, a stunning duochrome gradient of purple to blue with holographic shimmer
This bundle is valued at $126, now available for $93



These bundles make it easy to mix and match! Stock up and get several. You can make multiple gifts out of the bundles by splitting them up.
For example, you can purchase:
  • Bling Box Bundle (5 sets of mani charms) for $40
  • Holly Jolly Hues Bundle (5 nail strip sets) for $45
  • Total: $85
Split them up and create 5 gifts of a nail strip set & mani charms that only cost you $17 per gift! 


Another example:
  • Diamond Dusted Collection (4 lipsticks) $81
  • Any Buy 3, get 1 free Nail Strip Sets (4 sets) $40 (average)
  • Total: $121
Create 4 gifts of a lipstick and a nail strip set that only costs you $30.25 each

The possibilities are endless! Color Street makes it so easy to shop for gifts with these great bundles. The savings are wonderful!

If you have any questions, or need further assistance please feel free to contact me. Thank you so much for stopping by today!!

xoxo
Dawn



Friday, November 10, 2023

Color Street Nov-Dec Join Special

'Tis the season to become a Color Street Stylist!! 

If you've been thinking about joining our colorful community, now is the time! From now until December 31st, you can join with 2 different options and save big to start your Color Street journey!!!

🠞Option 1: $99 Starter Kit

This deluxe Starter Kit includes everything you need to start wearing and sharing Color Street:

1 Lipstick, 1 Lip Liner, 1 Lip Balm, 1 Powder Blush, 1 Balm Blush, 9 Nail Strips Sets, 1 Hand Lotion, 1 Cuticle Oil, 50 2-finger Testers, 100 Prep Pads, 1 Large Nail File, 1 Nail Buffer Block, New Stylist Launch Guide, Core Catalogs, Opportunity Brochures, Product Brochures and more!

In addition to the amazing value, the purchase of the starter kit awards new Stylists with 75 PV (Personal Volume) to get their business off to a great start! PLUS you'll receive a $20 product credit to use for your holiday shopping!!


🠞Option 2 - Digital Join $1

Join digitally and you'll receive instant access to the digital tools needed to start your business! (Note: signing up digitally will  forgo the option to purchase the physical stater Kit and will not receive its contents)


Taking your business wherever you go while spreading holiday cheer is one of the many perks of being a stylist. In addition to self development, education and fun, you can earn rewards for sharing our innovative products with those you love and make new friends along the way. So bring the joy to the world and discover what awaits you with Color Street.

If you'd like to know more about how and why I joined Color Street, check out this blog post I wrote with all of the details ... Click to learn why I joined

If you're interested in joining Color Street, or would like more information, just click on the Opportunities tab in my link below. Thanks for stopping by!!


xoxo
Dawn



Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Stampin' Up! Bundled Savings

Stampin' Up! offers bundles!! 

Our craft bundles make coordination easy. Stamps and tool bundles help you quickly cut out stamped images. Simplify paper crafting while saving money!

Create paper crafts like a pro with coordinating stamps and punches! Our high-quality craft punches create paper cut outs for card making, scrapbooking and other DIY crafts. Use these paper shape cutters to punch out stamped images, making paper crafting quick and easy!

When you purchase a stamp set and coordinating punch as a bundle, you'll save 10%!! Here are a few bundles that are available right now ...

Circle Sayings Bundle (product number 161355) - includes the Circle Sayings photopolymer stamp set & the 2 3/8" Circle Punch

Curved Occasions Bundle (product number 162274) - includes the Curved Occasions photopolymer stamp set and the Curved Label punch 

Modern Garden Bundle (product number 162235) - includes the Modern Garden photopolymer stamp set and the Modern Oval punch

Sparkling Snowflakes Bundle (product number 162165) - includes the Sparkling Snowflakes photopolymer stamp set and the Sparkling Snowflakes Tag Topper punch

If you have a Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine, these bundles are available. If you don't have one, I highly recommend it! I love mine and I also have the mini lol. I love using the dies and embossing folders when making cards, so I use mine quite often.
Here's the Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine (Product number 149653)



Light The Sky Bundle (product number 162296) - includes Lithe The Sky photopolymer stamp set and the Light The Sky dies

Night Divine Bundle (product number 161997) - includes the Night Divine photopolymer stamp set and the Night Divine dies

Sending Cheer Bundle (product number 162053) - includes the Sending Cheer photopolymer stamp set and the Sending Cheer Dies

Horse and Sleigh Bundle (product number 162126) - includes the Horse & Sleigh photopolymer stamp set and the Horse & Sleigh dies

One Horse Open Sleigh Bundle (product number 162130) - includes stamp set and dies from Horse & Sleigh Bundle PLUS One Horse Open Sleigh 6"x6" Designer Series Paper (48 sheets) and Adhesive Backed Snowflake Assortment (90 pack,: 30 each of 3 colors)

There are so many more bundles available on the Stampin' Up! website, way too many to share here lol. If you're looking for specific products (bundles, inks, adhesives, etc.) it very easy to search the website. Here's a little help ...

First, click on my website where I have all of my links ... www.BowmanDawn.com
Ten click on 'Shop With Me'
Choose 'Shop Stampin' Up!

That will bring you to my Stampin' Up! shopping site. Just click 'Shop Now', then when you click 'Menu' you'll see all the different categories. Click what you're looking for and start shopping

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you find this bundle information helpful. Like I said, when you get the bundles, you save money! I'm all for saving money when I can lol


xoxo
Dawn

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

NEW!! Color Street Hand & Nail care products

Color Street has recently released brand new hand and nail care products, and I am soooo excited!

Let's jump right in!!! ...


First we have the new Matte Top Coat

The Matte Top Coat is formulated with premium mattifying particles for a truly matte finish. It features an innovative formula with an in-control fluid texture for an easy, smooth and even application. It dries quickly, so you can enjoy your matte nails in no time!


Next, there's the Plumping Top Coat ...

Our clear transparent Plumping Top Coat formula creates a dazzling gel-like shine. It extends the life of your manicure and protects nail strips from chipping. It's ideal for wearing over any nail strip, adding that extra layer of shine.


Strengthening Nail Serum ...
Our Strengthening Nail Serum helps support nail growth, reduces brittleness, and promotes healthy-looking nails. It's formulated with argan oil to help strengthen, minimize breakage and enhance shine. It also moisturizes, nourishes and helps protect against dryness, promoting nail flexibility.


Restorative Nail and Cuticle Cream ...

The Restorative Nail and Cuticle Cream is formulated with biotin, argan oil and meadowfoam seed oil that helps to moisturize and nourish nails against dryness, reduce brittleness and support nail growth. It moisturizes and softens dry cuticles. Regular use ensures a healthy appearance.


and last, but certainly not least ...

Ridge-Filling Primer
The Ridge-Filling Primer is formulated with vitamin E which helps nourish nails, provides deep hydration, protection, and overall nail health and resilience. It instantly fills ridges on the nails surface, providing a smooth canvas for your nail polish. It conceals nail imperfections with a light satin finish, making your nails look fresh and smooth. It can be worn alone for a natural look, or used as a  priming base coat for nail strips making it a versatile addition to your nail routine.

I absolutely love that Color Street is always coming up with new products. They are always researching, and spend a lot of time with testing and production to make sure they're producing innovative quality products. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Color Street has come up with a Holiday Gift-Giving Guide that includes fabulous bundled products at reduced prices. I'll be posting all of the details about it in one of my next posts, so make sure you check back frequently. 

As always, I appreciate that you stopped by today! If you ever need to get in touch with me, please don't hesitate!


xoxo
Dawn


Sunday, November 5, 2023

Stampin' Up! Kits

Stampin' Up! offers amazing paper crafting kits that you can experience how fun and easy creativity can be!!

Our kits come with everything you need to create artistically designed handmade projects, including step-by-step instructions, precut pieces, and more. There's an assortment of options designed for a variety of occasions and styles for you to choose from. Here are a few holiday themed ones that you might be interested in ...

Christmas Everywhere Kit - Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs

(Product item number: 162422)

Share the joy of Christmas effortlessly with those you love wherever they are around the world with the Christmas Everywhere kit ...

This kit features trees from all places in the world and warm Christmas greetings, mix and match designs and sentiments to customize your cards. Send friends and family some holiday cheer their way!

Kit contents: photopolymer stamp set, clear stamp block, ink spot: Lost Lagoon, step-by-step instructions, pre-cut pieces (no prep work!), 9 preprinted envelopes, adhesive, and a printed designer box for storage


Rustic Christmas Countdown Kit - makes 25 individual envelopes

(Product number 163114)
Capture the spirit of Christmas with the Rustic Christmas Countdown Kit ...

This kit includes everything you need to make 25 individual paper envelopes to help you count down the days until Christmas. Beautiful paper greenery, bows, holiday flowers and more! Create unique envelope designs, then simply fill them up with a small treat, note or even cash!

Kit contents: step-by-step instructions, precut pieces (no prep work!), adhesive, die cuts, twine, embellishments, 25 wooden clothespins, and a printed designer box for storage


Christmas Gifting Kit - Makes 9 Sets: 3 each of 3 designs

(Product number 160342)

You'll love the ease of gift giving this year with the Christmas Gifting Kit ...

This tag and gift card holder kit is a simple way to enhance the gifting experience for you and your loved ones. Create gorgeous gift tags with attached gift card holders so you can give gift cards to places they love, while adding a handmade touch.

Kit includes: photopolymer stamp set, acrylic stamp block, Ink spot: Shaded Spruce, step-by-step instructions, precut pieces (no prep work!), adhesive, and a printed designer box for storage


Festive Tags Kit - makes 15 tags: 3 each of 5 designs

Product number: 162485

Share Christmas cheer with handmade gift tags ...

The cute wreath, snowman, holly, ornament and Christmas tree will bring instant holiday spirit to your gift-giving! Just adhere the embellishments and die cuts and finish with a twine tie. Quick & easy!

Kit includes: step-by-step instructions, precut pieces (no prep work!!), adhesive, die cut stickers and accents, peel-and-stick gold dots, bakers twine, and a printed designer box for storage


Here's the newest addition to the kit collection that you can use all year long ...

The Best Destination - makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs

(Product number 163186)

Go on a card making adventure with our fabulous The Best Destination Kit! You'll make 9 peek-a-boo tri-fold cards with a colorful, vintage vibe. These are perfect for friends who might be achieving an important milestone or setting new goals.

Kit includes: step-by-step instructions, photopolymer stamp set, ink - Gorgeous Grape, precut pieces, 9 preprinted envelopes, adhesive, and a printed designer box for storage



Stampin' Up! kits are perfect for a new crafter, a busy crafter, or crafters who want a quick and easy project. All-inclusive project kits have everything you need in one box! You can try them yourself or give as a wonderful gift.

Kits are available while supplies last, so order today! Shopping link can be found HERE


Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope these examples of kits will make you feel creative and give you the inspiration to try them out. As my crafting idol Jennifer Maker says,
'Craft the life you love'


Feel free to leave a comment, send a message or contact me ...