Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Taco Tuesday!! My fav taco recipes

This post has nothing to do with crafts, clothing or nails lol. Well, maybe you can say it's crafting recipes lol. It's Taco Tuesday and I thought I'd share my favorite taco recipes today!

My family LOVES tacos and would eat them every day of the week if I made them lol. Personally, I've always hated tacos - I know, weird. I've tried so many times over the years to like them. They always smell so good, and putting all of the toppings together, they look so good! But, I just never liked the taste. However, I made them all the time when my kids were growing up, as I said they all loved them.
Awhile ago, I came across a recipe for Carne Asada and it looked tempting. The ingredients looked appealing, not the 'typical' taco seasoning. So, I decided to give it a try. Thank God I did! I LOVE them!!
Here's the recipe I use ...

Once I discovered how much I loved this recipe, I decided to put my search skills to the test to find a chicken taco recipe. Boy, oh boy did I luck out!! I found one, and with a little tweaking I absolutely LOVE it!! So, here's my Margarita Chicken Taco recipe that I use ...
One thing I did realize (aside from not liking traditional taco seasoning lol) is that I don't like hard shell, and prefer soft flour tortillas. Also, cooking the flour tortillas is key for me. I don't care for out of the package, microwaved, or crunchy/overcooked ones. So I put a little olive oil on my flat griddle (that fits over 2 burners of my stove) and heat them up that way. Also, after I warm up one side of the tortilla and flip it, I add the shredded cheese to the tortilla and let it melt a little. To me, it makes a big difference! 

My husband and I love these 2 recipes! So much so, that I make 1 every week lol. One week we'll have the steak, and the next week we have chicken. And since our kids are grown and out of the house, it's just the 2 of us. So we always have leftovers for another night! That takes care of 2 nights every week that I don't have to come up with dinner ideas lol.

Are you a taco lover? Let me know in the comments. As always, if you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks for stopping by today!

xoxo
Dawn




Thursday, January 12, 2023

Amazing New Things From Color Street!

Color Street recently held their stylists meeting to share stylist recognition, news and updates. Oh My Gosh! I can not believe the things that will be happening in 2023!! I am so darn excited. So I thought I'd share with you some of what will be happening this year ...

I previously posted about the Color Street website refresh (you can see the details HERE) In addition to the refresh, there will be new catalogs coming out every season! Up until now, there were 2 catalogs - Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Coming soon, there will be a Core Catalog - showing all of the core sets available all year long, including Petites! And there will also be seasonal catalogs that will be available for a limited time. For example ... Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter will each have related designs and shades for that season. This will replace the constant launches every time they create a new design and I think we won't feel so overwhelmed. However, I believe they'll still release mini collections throughout the year.

Last year the subscription box, Lip, and Hand & Nail care collections were all introduced. Coming next will be cheek makeup! Bronzer, Blush and Highlighter will be introduced this spring. Also coming soon will be artificial nails! Color Street does not recommend prolonged use of artificial nails because they can grow fungus, thin nails and is just not healthy. So the new product will be recommended for special occasions and short term use. 

Also mentioned, mascara will be available later this year! I'm hoping it will be a complete eye care line including eyeliners and eyeshadows.

Stylists will have access to new launches 10 days prior to public availability! This will allow us to 'try them out' and wear them, promote them and create mixed mani ideas prior to our customers! 

The distribution centers and labs have all been updated with innovative technology! They upgraded the automated shipping, added a new printer that creates high resolution designs that are more crisp and clear, with less streaking and productivity/efficiency has been greatly increased!



As they continue to develop new products, they also strive to have the best possible products and improve when needed. A new and improved hand lotion will be coming at the end of February! After a lot of feedback on the initial product formula, they eliminated nut oils and produced the lotion 'fragrance free'. Aside from the nail strips, the hand lotion is my very favorite product that I use every day. I'm looking forward to trying out this new formula!


As you can see, so much good is coming our way!! And I'm sure there will be much more with the way they are constantly researching and listening to the stylists and customers. To stay informed with all of the updates coming, make sure you follow this page. Also you should become a member of my VIP group on Facebook. You can find all of my links in one place! Just click HERE or remember my name (in reverse lol)

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you're just as excited as me about all of these great things Color Street has in store. As always, if you have ANY questions, please feel free to comment below or contact me any time.

xoxo
Dawn



Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Color Street Website Refresh

Color Street has recently announced that they will be doing a website refresh. What does that mean exactly? Well, they want to keep the website fresh with core, new launches, and recent/current designs. So, they'll be removing older nail strip shades.

To start the process, they will be removing the following sets on Wednesday, January 10th at 11:59pm CT.

These items are not considered retired yet, and they may be reintroduced or promoted at appropriate times in the future (like Christmas in July). However, if your favorites designs are there, get them now because you don't know if they'll be back.

Moving forward, they will be following this schedule ...

  • Holiday-themed collections (Valentines, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) will be removed 15 days after the holiday occurs.
  • Foundation related nail strips will remain on the website until sold out to keep the Awareness active on the site
  • Mini Collections (like Fall Glitters) will be removed 30 days after the launch
  • National Day/Trend drops (like Glazed Donut or Christmas Lights Day) will be removed 24 hours after the launch
  • Seasonal Catalogs (Fall catalog, etc) will be removed on a set date aligned with the next catalog launch

From time to time, they may offer an official retired set sale and reserve the right to bring some of these items back for promotional opportunities.

Personally, I feel that this is a great idea! When I go to the shopping site, it's a little annoying to see Thanksgiving designs when I'm looking for some glitters or solids or something lol.

I suggest that if you love any of the shades above, get them NOW before they're gone! And in the future, if you see a design when it launches, get it! It'll only be available for a short time.

To check out my shopping site, just click HERE and you'll see all of my links. As always, thank you for stopping by! If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

xoxo
Dawn



Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Stampin' Up! Kits

Hello!!! And Happy New Year!!

One of my goals this year is to be more active and present in all areas of my life. I'm determined to devote more time to family, business, crafting, travelling ... all of my loves!

To start off the new year, I wanted to share with you something that you may not be familiar with that Stampin' Up! offers - Crafting Kits! 

You may be familiar with Paper Pumpkin - Stampin' Up!'s monthly subscription crafting kit. But did you know that Stampin' Up! sells individual kits that you can purchase any time? Plus you get to choose the kit you want without the surprise of the monthly subscription that's always a mystery until you open it!!

There are many kits to choose from and they come with all of the supplies that you'll need to create beautiful projects.

The most current kit that just became available is called Saying Thanks Kit. This one looks so pretty! And we always need thank you cards on hand lol. This kit includes everything you need to create 9 pretty cards - 3 each of 3 designs, plus 9 coordinating envelopes ...


Inside the kit, you'll receive printed die-cut words, precut pieces, white bakers twine, iridescent diamond sequins and enough adhesive to complete the entire project ...


If you're not looking for thank you cards, there are a lot of kits to choose from! Here are a few samples ...

Light The Candles includes everything you need to make 8 birthday cards including preprinted envelopes! In the kit ... precut pieces, stamp set, Coastal Cabana stampin' ink spot, adhesive and step by step instructions


The Best Remedy kit is a an adorable kit to make 9 card - 3 each of 3 designs. The kit includes a stamp set, Starry Sky stampin' ink spot, clear block, precut images and phrases, embellishments, adhesive and 9 coordinating envelopes ...


If you're looking for a different project, there are also non card projects like the Let's Party treat packaging kit! This kit features 2 sided pillow boxes sized perfectly for small treats, cash or a gift card. The kit includes everything you need to make 8 boxes - 4 each of 2 designs. You'll receive a stamp set, clear stamp block, Misty Moonlight stampin' ink spot, precut pieces, adhesive, enamel dots plus a storage box ...


There's also Love This Memory notebook kit! This kit is a perfect way to preserve amazing moments from your life in a fun and colorful way. This kit includes everything you need to make an 8.5"x5.25" notebook ... a stamp set, Parakeet Party stampin' ink spot, precut pieces, sticker sheet, printed cards to decorate with, washi tape, adhesive and a printed box for storage or crafting on the go!


There are SO many kits to choose from! I couldn't possibly share all of them or this post would be huuuge lol! If you're interested in kits, I recommend that you check out the Stampin' Up! website for our entire line. The kits are a perfect beginner project, that includes all the supplies you'll need without having to make extra purchases if you're just starting out.

To check out the kit line, and all of the other Stampin' Up! products, just click here to see all of my links in one place ...

ALL MY LINKS


As always, thank you so much for stopping by! If you ever have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me.


xoxo

Dawn



Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Window Christmas Lights

Putting up Christmas lights on windows ... ugghhh!!! It's soooo hard!

I had wooden window frames for years and I used thumbtacks. I just positioned them in between the wires and pressed them into the wood to hold them in place. 

When we had new windows installed, they had vinyl frames. When Christmas came around, I was like ahhhh!! How do we add lights??? I tried tape (all kinds!) ... I tried those suction cup hooks that you put on the glass ... I tried everything and they always fell down! 

Then I came across this idea a few years ago and decided to try it. And it works!!! They've been up for several years now, and it is soooo easy to put the lights up (& take them down!) every year.

Okay, so this is what you need ...

Double sided tape (I used Scotch brand)
Paneling End Cap Moulding
Scissors or razor knife to cut moulding
Plastic putty knife, or small spatula (Since I'm a crafter, I used my bone folder lol)

That's it!!!

Sooo, you start with measuring your windows to determine the length of moulding you need. I found the moulding in 8 foot pieces at my local home improvement store similar to this ...

**Make sure your windows are clean and dry**
Measure the height and width of window, and cut pieces to fit inside of window trim. Cut them 1-2 inches smaller because you don't want them to meet in the corners. Here is my first one that I should have cut a little smaller, but it still works.

After cuts are made, apply double sided tape to the back (flat side) of each piece. Position them in place on the windows and use a spatula to slide inside of the groove to press against the glass. I let mine set for an hour or 2 to make sure they adhered.

Once the pieces are in place, start adding your lights!
I used my fingers to line up the wire into the groove of the moulding, then used a bone folder to press the wire in snug. 
The first time I did this, it was a little difficult to press the wires in, I had to use a lot of pressure. But after that first year, it became easier and easier. I think maybe the moulding stretches?
Continue adding your lights until the window is complete.

I just love it! I think the best part is that when you press the wires into the groove, the lights stay uniform and straight! 
When the season is over I just gently pull the lights out and put them away, leaving the moulding in place. I do leave the moulding up all year! As I said, I've had these up for several years now. And yes - I wash my windows, put up other seasonal decorations, etc. and they stay in place ready and waiting for the next year!! And no - they don't interfere with opening and closing the windows! If they do become loose over time, I just add a little more double sided tape.


Easy peasy!! And sooo pretty!! This is probably the best decorating idea I've ever come across lol. If you give it a try, I'd love to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment or contact me anytime.


As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Until next time!!
xoxo
Dawn





Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Color Street Subscription Box!!

Introducing COLOR PLAY!!!!

Color Play is a monthly subscription box available through Color Street. Content will be a mystery each month, but a sneak of the monthly theme will be provided. Each box will contain exclusive full-size sets, exclusive accents, a guide showing 3 suggested mixed mani looks, and a special bonus item. (Scroll to bottom to see past subscription box contents)

The cost of each box is $30, which includes shipping! (Tax is based on your shipping address) To receive next months box, you must sign up before the 30th of this month. You can pause a month (or several), cancel or update your subscription at any time before the 24th of the month. 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions ...

Q. When will I be charged for the subscription box each month?

A. Subscription box charges will be processed on the 2nd of each month, before the box is shipped

Q. When will the monthly subscription box be shipped?

A. The subscription box will ship during the second week of each month

Q. What is the deadline to sign up to receive the following months box?

A. To receive the next months Color Play box, new subscribers must sign your on or before the last day of the current month. (For example, if you want December's box, you must sign up before November 30th)

Q. What is the return policy for subscription boxes?

A. Color Play boxes are nonrefundable. If you receive a box with missing or damaged items, please contact Customer Service as soon as possible. To skip an upcoming box or cancel your subscription for future boxes, adjust your preferences in the Color Play section of your account settings before the 25th of each month.

Q. Is there a limit to how many months can be skipped?

A. Subscribers can skip as many boxes as they want without penalty

Q. Will all monthly subscription boxes offer the same value in terms of included items?

A. While the exact value may vary slightly month to month, the total value of all items included in each box falls within a standard range that exceeds the final cost of the monthly subscription

Q. Can a customer cancel their subscription and re-enroll in the program under a different stylist?

A. Yes


Hopefully this answered any questions you may have about Color Play. However, if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

Are you ready to subscribe? Just click here ... SUBSCRIBE HERE 

Thank you for stopping by today! I am so excited to receive my next Color Play box to see what's in it!!

xoxo
Dawn

Past Color Play Box Contents:





Monday, November 7, 2022

18+ Gifts for $129!!!

Halloween is over and it’s the beginning of November… it’s time to start thinking about the holidays! I love Thanksgiving! I cook for about 10-15 people every year and absolutely love it. Buuuut I need to start thinking about Christmas first! And gift giving! Because that takes time and forethought!!

I usually start thinking about gift giving in October, and try to jot down ideas when they pop up. If I see something that I think someone on my list would like, I try to get it right then & there. There have been numerous times over the years that December pops up out of nowhere and I know I thought of the perfect gift for someone, but I don’t remember what it was! Uggghhh that’s the worst! So now I try to write it down, or just get it when I think of it.

I don’t know about you, but I create a list of people that I want to get gifts for and that list just keeps on growing and growing! I mean, I have the typical … my husband, (adult) kids, their spouses, my grandchildren. But then you have to add in sisters/brothers, cousins, friends, neighbors, bosses. Oh, and what about the other people in your life?! Teachers, nurses, your kids pediatrician, the vet, mail carrier, UPS driver … as I said, the list goes on and on!

If you have a lot of women on your list (think co-workers, sisters, teachers, etc) I found a way to create wonderful gifts for at least 18 people for just $129!! ... Become a Color Street stylist!

Hear me out (& do the math lol) … When you sign up to join Color Street, you pay $129 and they send you a starter kit. The kit contains 13 (random) full sets of dry nail polish strips, and for the month of November they’re throwing in 5 extra sets of holiday designs! Plus in your kit, you’ll receive nail files, testers (twosie accents), nail polish remover wipes, cuticle sticks, & alcohol prep pads that you can bundle up to create little mani packages! (Plus you’ll receive a bunch of business supplies)

But that’s not all! Also included in your kit is part of our hand and nail care collection! Plus part of our new lip care collection! You can divide it all up to create some amazing gifts, put them in pretty gift bags and you’re done! You’ve just checked at least 18 people off of your list for like $7 per person!!

The starter kit includes 13 sets of nail strips, 5 BONUS holiday sets, 72 testers, hand lotion, cuticle oil, 3 lipsticks, 2 lip liners, tinted lip balm, lip primer, 20 remover pads, 100 prep pads, 2 large nail files, 2 nail buffers, 60 mini nail files, 50 cuticle sticks, 25 catalogs, 25 brochures, Stylist Launch Guide, & a tote bag

Of course, you can throw some extras in also to make it a little more special. How about some fun holiday socks? Compact mirror? Hand sanitizer? Nail clippers? Ohh the possibilities are endless! I found a bunch of great products during Ulta Beauty's 5 for $5 sale, Dollar Tree, & Target’s dollar spot … so even adding in these extras, each gift cost about $10. Where else can you get such an amazing gift for $10?! 

You can use just contents from your kit, or step it up a bit by adding little inexpensive gifts. For the extra gifts, I added some holiday socks from Dollar Tree, Holiday lip balm and nail stickers from Ulta Beauty.

I stock up all year when there's good sales. Lip balms, nail clippers, lotion, nail brushes, hand sanitizers, nail tapes, stickers, holiday nail files ... anything cute & inexpensive to add to a gift.

Wait! There’s more! (that reminds me of infomercials 🤣) After you sign up to join Color Street, you’ll have immediate access to start reaping the wonderful benefits! You can order some sets for yourself - taking advantage of the buy 3 get 1 free deal and receive 25% commissions- even on your own orders! You’ll also have access to your personal shopping website that you can share with family and friends for them to shop from. Anything they purchase from your site, you’ll receive a commission!! It’s super easy to stay an ‘active stylist’ too! You only need any amount sale within 6 consecutive months (if you have zero sales within 6 consecutive months, you become deactivated). That includes your own personal purchases and those of your customers! 

I’ll be honest … I don’t have a ton of customers or a huge social media following. But I’ve been a Color Street stylist for over 2 years and have been able to stay active with no problem. Just by using the product I love and sharing that love with others, I’m able to continue on this wonderful journey.

I would love for you to join my team and be part of this amazing adventure! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can find all of my links (including the join opportunity) by clicking the link below.

Click HERE for links

Thanks for stopping by today!
xoxo
Dawn