Announcing the winner of the $30 store credit giveaway from Pip and Bean

The winner is Emilee

Winning comment: " I follow pip and bean on twitter. emileenreynolds@yahoo.com "

Note: Winner was selected using Random.org.

My contact: radhikanavelkar@gmail.com

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No photograph graduation party invite ideas

Next week is my daughter's graduation! She is graduating from preschool. It's hard to believe my little baby will be in Kindergarten next year! Time flies by really fast.

 I would like to share some graduation invite ideas with you guys!

Photo Credits: KatsKrafts on Etsy

Isn't this cootie catcher invite just adorable! This is a fun and unique way to share your kids accomplishments with your friends and family! When you open it completely you see the invite for the party. Just fold flat and insert it in the holder which is shown in the bottom left picture before you mail it.

Photo Credits: Extreme cards

This is a graduation hat gift card holder but you could also use it as an envelope to hold your graduation party invite. Here is a youtube video that demonstrates step by step instructions on how to make this envelope. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEATR6r1kYw

These cards are from Pink Owl Crafts store on Etsy. Open the folds to reveal your invite. Replace "Congrats" with " It's time to celebrate". The card can be made to match your school colors.

Photo Credits: Paper Fashions Etc

This can work as a card with a congratulations message but it can be also used as a invite. You can add the party details on the pull out accordion card. For more details on how to make this card, visit Paper Fashions Etc.

Do check out the idea gallery .

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Yeah ! My project has been featured!

The pink pegboard organizer for my daughter's room was featured on Organize your stuff now. Leanne has amazing tips for organizing for your house!

Do check out Leanne's Home decor a& Organizing Link party which happens every Wednesday.

Thank you once again!

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Kids character inspired rooms done right -- pixar and more..

This post is a continuation of my previous post - Themed kids rooms done right.

This is a room is from the Barbie Dream House in Malibu designed by Jonathan Adler. This could be any girl's dream room. The upholstered headboard, the velvet drapes and the hot pink accessories makes it perfect for Barbie! I love the mirror and vanity so much I would love to have it in my own room. The lamps are gorgeous!

Photo Credits: Google Images

As promised, I am adding some boy's room pictures too!

 Photo Credits: Coastal Living

This room looks inspired by kids favorite character Finding Nemo. I love the hanging fish and the polka dots on the wall. No seaweed and coral murals here!

 Photo Credits: HGTV

Here is a toy story inspired room! The colors in the room are inspired by the colors in the Woody the Cowboy's clothing. This is an example where the designer has added memorabilia from the movie.  Do set boundaries even if you let your kid pick up a few things in the room that have their favorite character on it. Editing is key!

  

 Photo Credits: Google Images

I know a lot of little boys who are crazy about star wars. Here is a picture of a room that is inspired by science fiction and outer space and will grow up with your kid.

Do check out part 1 -- 5 Disney inspired princess rooms .

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$30 store credit + free shipping giveaway to get a super hero cape from Pip and Bean

Do you have a kid who loves to play super hero!  A kid full of energy who loves soaring in the air and saying  "Super hero to the rescue". A cape from Pip and Bean is sure to make the super hero in your life super happy!

The capes at Pip and Bean are made of two sided satin and measures 29 inches long. This will fit kids starting at 2 years old and grow with them. The emblem of felt is made from recycled polyester material and the closure is velcro to provide a quick release to keep your child safe. These capes are a wonderful way to foster imaginative play which is the building blocks to fundamental learning.

They make great gifts for birthday parties. Graduation is coming very soon and this would be just the perfect gift for your little one!

The capes can be personalized with your kid's favorite colors and  initials.

Have a birthday coming up? These make  amazing favors! I can bet you the party will be the talk of the class.
The reversible blank capes cost $10 each when bought as a package of 8 or more for your kid's birthday party.

Giveaway:
Alyssa has offered a $30 store credit to get any cape from her store. Shipping will be covered by sponsor.

Rules for the giveaway
Mandatory entry:
1. Visit Pip and Bean  and leave me a comment telling  me which cape you would get if you win.

Optional additional entries:

2. Like Pip and Bean's facebook page. Here is the link. www.facebook.com/pages/pipandbeancom/112836517273
3. Like Pip and Bean on Twitter.

4. Follow House on Ashwell lane using GFC/facebook/twitter.Same for existing readers. Leave me a comment telling me you are an existing follower. You can leave one comment each for GFC/facebook/Twitter.

5. Share this giveaway on facebook.

6. Tweet about this giveaway. You can tweet once every day.

7. Share this giveaway on your blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry to increase your chances of winning.

Giveaway ends on 05/25/2011.

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Disney princess inspired girl's bedrooms

We all love Disney and Pixar characters. Kids often want to have rooms that are designed around their favorite characters. This often means buying bedding that have their favorite characters on them . People also go to the extent  of painting castles and character murals on the wall that could cost quite a fortune! Kids often grow out of cartoon characters very soon and all your effort and money is wasted.

I have said this numerous times that I do not like themed rooms, but today I have some examples of rooms that have been inspired by our kids favorite Disney princesses and yet done very tastefully.

Photo Credits: Coastal Living

Can you guess which princess would live in this room? Ofcourse, it would be princess Jasmine! I love everything in this room. The color palette, the bunk beds and the bedding. The arches is what gives the room the Moroccan vibe!  Use shapes, colors and textures to create the look you want .

Photo Credits: The lenox lane

This room reminds me of princess Aurora. Any modern day princess would love to have this room. The four poster bed and canopy is what adds that touch of luxury that any princess room would require. You do not always have to shop in the kid's furniture stores for a kid's bedroom. Think outside the box! 

PS: This room belongs to Gwyneth Paltro's daughter.

Photo Credits:  HGTV

If your daughter loves the little mermaid, this would be a perfect room for her. The little mermaid theme is quite obvious in this room. The designer has selected colors that we generally do not associate with the little mermaid. The theme has been incorporated using art and accessories which can be easily changed!

Photo Credits: HGTV

This is actually a snapshot of a daybed in a nursery which is designed by David Bromstad. I love the modern take on a forest and the critters! It reminds me of Snow white who lived in the woods  with the seven dwarfs. The green pillows were a DIY project.

I asked my daughter which princess would live in this room, and she immediately said Cinderella! Maybe it has something to do with the faux fur trimmed pillows. Use luxurious fabrics, trims and canopies to create a room fit for your princess!

Join me on GFC and facebook for the next article which will have rooms inspired by pixar characters. You will be seeing a couple of boy's rooms too in the next post.

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Announcing the winner of the $27 store credit giveaway from Cmmoca's handmade shop

A big thank you to all of you who entered the giveaway.

The winner is Heather @ Decor- ganize Crafts

Winning comment: " My favorite is the 5x8 - A5 Note Pad Holder - Alexander Henry Mocca Chocolate Print
For my blog I'm always getting new inspiration and I need to write my craft ideas down before I forget. This would be perfect! "

Note: Winner was selected using Random.org.

My contact: radhikanavelkar@gmail.com

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Pegboard organization for Trisha's room

I love doing projects with my daughter. Till Now all our supplies were stashed in  boxes and it would take more time fetching the supplies than actually doing the project. Next year my little one is starting kindergarten. I
bet she will have tones of coloring, cutting and gluing to do. She has her own room, but it is not a big room. We do have to get creative with storage!

 Here is my solution.

To make the peg board organization, you will need a frame ( I used the riba frame from Ikea), pegboard, hooks and organizers. The pegboard comes white. You can paint it  if you like, and then frame it using any picture frame. I used a wire to hang to hang the pegboard on the wall. I passed the wire through the holes in the pegboard to make a loop. I was not sure if the riba frame would be able to withstand the weight. Add hooks and organizers and you are done!

 Here is a closeup.

I got the pegboard from Homedept. They also cut it to the desired size for free.I painted it with  the leftover paint that I used to paint her room .

I used the the Bygel cups to hold pencils and crayons and the bygel basket to hold glue sticks, glue, earasers and paper clips. I was unable to get the white bygel cups. I got the blue cups and spray painted them white with rustoleum high gloss white paint. Sccisors, tapes and rulers can hang from the pegboard hooks. I also added a clipboard to hold her schedule, birthday invites and other important notes from preschool!

Cost breakdown for the project.
Riba frame                - $19.99
Peg board                 - $5. The whole pegboard cost me $20  but I used only a small part of it. I will be using the rest to organize my tools in the
garage.
Hooks                        - $3
paint                           - free
3 Bygel cups               - $3
Bygel basket               - $1.99
Rustoleum spray paint - $6
---------------------------------
Total cost                   - $39

My daughter enjoys sitting at her desk to do her art! Also I do not have crayons all over the house now. That makes me one happy mom!

I need to add pops of turqouise blue, mango and lime green to the room. These are colors from her bedding.

Do not forget to check out the idea gallery. Do able ideas for every room.

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No tile backsplash ideas -- part 2

This is a continuation to my previous post on various alternatives to a tile backsplash. So here are some more great options to update the look of your kitchen.

How about a glass backsplash? Not the small glass tiles, which I love, but a large backcoloured glass that you can get from GlasskoteUSA. Here is some information I gathered from their site. 

• The product is affixed to the wall using a silicone adhesive. A typical installation takes 2 or 3 hours and there isn't any mess like you find with cutting tiles or stone. Installation can be done by your local GlassKote applicator or any local glazier. If they install mirror, then they can install GlassKote with no special training.
• Since glass is non-porous and there isn't any grout, a GlassKote Backsplash is free of mold and germs.
• It can withstand a rapid heat shock, so it won't crack if you accidentally rest a hot pot against the backsplash.
• It is available in a large selection of colors.

Another way to achieve the colored glass backsplash would be to add a fabric/wallpaper and cover it with clear glass as done in the first picture in the collage above.

Photo Credits: Domino Magazine, Design sponge, Susan Fredman

Want a fun backsplash, try chalkboard paint!  Have fun with it! You can create different looks by drawing different patterns on it.  When you are tired of that look, just wipe it away and draw a new pattern.

Bertazzoni : Modular BS36CONX 36 Backsplash Stainless Steel

If you like the modern industrial look you may like the modular stainless steel backsplash from Bertazzoni, available at Amazon.

Liven up your kitchen with wall graphics from Interior Stickers. These are made for refrigerators but can be used for backsplashes as shown in the picture above. They adhere to a smooth surface without any additional adhesive. For Textured walls you might need additional adhesive.

If you have not read part 1, be sure to check it out!

Do not forget to check the idea gallery and click that follow button for more amazing ideas!

Do Enter the giveaway to win a $27 store credit to get a fabulous organizer from Cmmoca's handmade shop.

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$27 store credit giveaway from Cmmoca's Handmade Shop to get a 5x8 organizer

Do you get back from the grocery only to remember that you forgot the milk. It often happens to us. No kidding! I am serious. If you are anything like me, this organizer from Cmmoca's handmade shop is what you need. All your to-do lists, shopping list, coupons and club membership cards in one convenient place.

It will help you be more organized and save you time for things you really want to do!  It comes in a variety of pretty fabric choices. The size is perfect to fit in a purse. It comes in 2 styles. You can either select the velcro or the snap closure. It is a great gift for the mom on the go!

Here are some other great uses of this little organizer.

Great for a student to write down the homework list and basic ideas for an essay on the notepad and to keep money for lunch, handouts, pictures of favorite stars, membership cards or coupons of their favorite coffee shop or restaurants in the extra pockets.

Perfect for the working woman to write down deadlines and tasks to complete projects on the notepad and keep information, memos, contact list of co-workers in the extra pockets.

Do you have better idea to make best result for your project? Just take the pen out of the holder, write down before the idea fly away.

Another product that I love from this store is the Travel neck pouch. A hands free way to carry your passport, travel broucher, wallet and cellphone on your travels. Can you believe it costs only $7.50!

Giveaway:

The winner gets a $27 store credit to choose any organizer in the store. Shipping is covered by the sponsor.

How do you win:

Mandatory Entry

1. Visit Cmmoca's handmade shop and tell me which organizer you would select if you win. 

Optional additional entries

2. Like Cmmoca's Handmade shop on facebook. Here is a link to their facebook fan page. http://www.facebook.com/cmmocashop

3. Like Cmmoca's Hand made shop on Twitter.

3. Follow House on Ashwell lane using GFC/facebook/twitter.Same for existing readers. Leave me a comment telling me you are an existing follower. You can leave one comment each for GFC/facebook/Twitter.

4. Share this giveaway on facebook.

5. Tweet about this giveaway. You can tweet once every day.

6. Share this giveaway on your blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

Giveaway ends on 05/11/2011.

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No tile backsplash ideas -- part 1

Adding a backsplash is a great way to upgrade the look of your kitchen! When we think of backsplash, we think of tile. Tile looks great but can be an expensive affair. There are many more alternatives available today that can save you hard earned money, all while adding tonnes of style to your kitchen.

Photo Credits:

Wall paper can give you a designer look that you want for much less money and less effort. It can change the look of your kitchen in a couple of hours!

But Wall paper can get  dirty when you use it as a backsplash in the kitchen. Here are a few things you would like to know when using a wallpaper backsplash. I got this info from HGTV.

1. To get the best buy for your buck, check out the closeout section of your wallpaper store. There is not a lot of surface to cover, so you might get what you are looking for at a much lesser price.
2. Use polyurethane to coat the wall paper, so that it is easier to clean.
3. If your cabinets do not go all the way to the top, let the wall paper continue to the ceiling, just like in image 2 in the collage above.

Cork is great alternative. You can use cork floor tiles. If you have the patience you can also create a backsplash with wine cork stoppers. Your backsplash can now function as a bulletin board too! A great place to pin your menu,recipes and To Do list. You might want to use a sealant to protect it from splashes.

 Landeeseelandeedo decided to stencil her backsplash. Such a brilliant idea! I love the quaterfoil stencil that she used. Who says you cannot have art/pictures in the Kitchen!

Beadboard looks great in a country kitchen. You even get wallpaper that looks like beadboard.

Do you want to know more great ways to dress up your backsplash? Hit the follow button, so you do not miss part 2.

Do not forget to enter the giveaway. $27 store credit from Cmmoca's handmade shop.

Photo credits: HGTV, Decorpad.com, Design-Crisis.com, Country Living, BHG 

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