Year: 2010

Mug Shot

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I recently discovered a super cool product: Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paint Pens.  I found mine at Michael’s (after checking Hobby Lobby) for $3.99 each.  I decided to make a mug set for bridal shower gifts, so I picked up four plain white mugs at Target for $2.99 each.  I made a design template in Photoshop, printed to plain paper and cut out my design.  Then, I carefully outlined my design and filled it in.  The Mr. and Mrs. mugs were a hit at the bridal shower!  When I found some free time, I decided to paint two mugs I already had.

I decided to make a monogram mug and a whimsical tea bag mug, free handing my designs.  And here’s what the look like:

(Sorry for the blue-ish tint)  The B is a sketched fill, inspired by a set Design Mom featured. 

Even though I don’t drink tea, I seem to be drawn toward tea items, so this was perfect for our tea drinking guests.

These mugs are huge, (seriously, our tiny coffee pot fills one cup) so I decided to play off that.  The mug is large enough for tea for two.

Now our guests will have cute, custom designed mugs to use.  As I said, we created Mr. and Mrs. mugs as a bridal shower gift.  What are your favorite hostess, bridal shower or wedding gifts?  Have you used the porcelain paint pens or glass pens?  Anyone inspired to make a design of their own?  The options are limitless.  I’m looking for the perfect plates to make a pretty flower design or graphic print.

New Friends

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I get by with a little help from buy my friends.  On a recent trip to World Market, I found a few more friends to add function and style to our home.  This cute owl doorstop had me at “Whoo” and for $6.99, the price wasn’t bad either. 

I want to spray paint him for more flare, but I don’t know what color yet.  Any suggestions? 

Then, I spied these adorable mounted deer head hooks.  I intended to use these behind our front door, but they may be too deep.

But, they would add instant charm and whimsy.

The deer were more expensive than I’d usually pay at $6.99 each, but I love the look, so I splurged on two.  Ideally though, the deer heads would have been bird heads, similar to these, but with more detail.

Do you have any hooks or cute animals on your wishlist?

Green = Green: Tom’s of Maine (and a Giveaway!)

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*This giveaway is no longer accepting entries, Thank You!*

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tom’s of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

We’re back with another great idea to bring a little green in your life. First, we shared how to save some money while saving the environment by switching to cloth napkins. Jen at IHeart Organizing also had a great idea to stash the paper towels under the sink, so we started storing our paper towels under this sink and it does make you think before you pull one off.

So, what does this have to do with Tom’s of Maine? Well, we recently started using Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh!™ toothpaste and mouthwash. Why is this eco-friendly? Because Tom’s of Maine is made using all natural flavor oils and botanical extracts, giving your long-lasting fresh breath. Ben and I love the flavor of mint and do think our breath is fresher longer. Our teeth feel sparkly clean, too. The mouthwash is pretty great because it freshens your breath without the burn because it doesn’t have alcohol. I love that, Ben however feels the mouth wash isn’t working because it doesn’t burn. Who said mouthwash has to burn?

Now you’re probably thinking, “How will this save me money?” Well, Tom’s of Maine toothpaste and mouthwash gives you cavity protection, saving you money at the dentist. Looking for another way you can save a little moolah? We’re giving away a $50.00 giftcard to Target!

Prize: One $50.00 giftcard to Target

To Enter: There are 4 chances to enter:

1. Subscribe to follow Our Humble A{Bowe}d, if you’re not already. To subscribe, click the “Sign Me Up!” button under “Be the first to know.” Once you’ve subscribed, leave a comment, which can include our Just for Fun question.

Just for Fun: Comment on this post with the words “FEELIN’ FRESH!” and tell us what you do to feel fresh. Do you use Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste? A quick shower?

2. Become a fan of Our Humble A{Bowe}d on Facebook, then come back and comment again.

3. “Like” Tom’s of Maine on Facebook, then come back to leave another comment.

4. Follow @TomsofMaine on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway, linking to this post. Leave yet another comment with your Twitter link.

Visit That’s Wicked Fresh contest page where you can also share your favorite Wicked Fresh moment, memory or discovery at ThatsWickedFresh.com for a chance to win more Wicked Fresh!™ prizes.

Contest Closes: Tuesday, December 28th at 9:00 pm, central time.

Number of Winners: One!

Ships: Anywhere in the U.S.

Other Info: The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Wednesday, December 29th. Good luck!!
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Christmas Future

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I’m sure the holidays are a whirlwind for everyone and we are no exception.  I had some inspiring projects that I never found the time to make this year, so I guess they’re ghosts of Christmas future.  It might be a little late to tackle a Christmas craft, but if you’re bored, here are a few projects on my to do list.

This pinup wreath from Martha Stewart is the perfect decoration to corral all those Christmas cards, if you’re popular.

West Elm’s Scalloped Trees and Twig Trees would also be a great project to duplicate on a snowy day.

Remember this paper banner I made for Vincent’s birthday?  A holiday version paper garland or snowflake garland would be fun, too.

For the past wo Christmases, I’ve been dying to make a Pottery Barn inspired advent calendar.  So great!

If I could find a cheapo rug, I would give this doormat idea from Young House Love a shot.

Check out this super cute, super cheap Christmas display, too.  Yesterday, I had the pleasure of shopping with Jen and she totally rocks!  Seriously, so. much. fun, but more on that later.

What projects are still on your list, that you might not get around to doing?

Gimme a Giveaway Winner

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Like most people, my design style is hard to define.  I like traditional wall treatments, but I prefer to counter it with modern furniture.  The winner of our Modern Portrait giveaway is lucky number 7, Leanne Poduska, who would love to have a print of her baby boy. 

Congratulations Leanne!  Happy Friday, everyone else.