Saturday, December 31, 2011

Pinterest Inspired Black & Gold New Years Eye Makeup!

Oh how I LOVE Pinterest!
But who doesn't!? :)
I have a board just for all the pretty makeup looks I want to try.
And I found a couple looks with Gold that I knew I wanted to give a try for New Years, 
since The Hubs & I are throwing a Party!!!
This one was especially the look I wanted to go for, except without the brown.

Now here is my version:

The eye shadow is NYX Loose Pearl Eye Shadow in colors Black Pearl, Yellow Gold Peal & Nude Pearl.
Ive got a set of 30 different colors that The Hubs bought me for Christmas a few years back.
You can purchase the same shadows here.

Oh I love me some flashy makeup!!
I love the colors, they are perfect for ringing in the New year. :)

And I think the look really makes my eyes pop and look BIG!

Yeah!?

What look are you rockin' for the new year?
Any special plans for tonight?


Much Love & Hugs,

Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!
For more info Click {here}

Friday, December 30, 2011

A Sneak Peek at my 2012 Line And Moo Business Cards

I am SO thrilled because my business cards that I got from Moo.com are here!
Take a sneak peek... arent they wonderful!?!
 (Custom Avatar created by Saturated Canary)

The great thing about Moo cards is that you can custom create your cards and 
choose many different designs for the BACK of your cards!
Check out all the different photos I used for my cards & get a sneak peek at some of the NEW items going in my shop for 2012:

I love that I could use my OWN designs!! :)
The card is very sturdy and pretty thick! They are PERFECT.

For the backs of the cards I did several showing off my headbands.

And some showing off my jewelry designs!
Which, btw, notice something new!?
YUP, Ive gotten into hand stamping metal designs, and I have been so excited to reveal that to you all! :)

There are so many more designs for me to share with you when my shop opens in a few days!
But I just HAD to share this sneak peek with you, since I just got my business cards and couldnt help but show them off. :)

Have you ever used Moo before to print your business cards!?
Ive only always made my own business cards and printed them at home on card stock.
But I just thought it was time to get some professionally made. :)

If you are thinking about getting your own business cards made, let me encourage you to use Moo!
They are wonderful!
If you decide to go with Moo use this link and you can get 10% off your order if it is your first time ordering with them!
Plus I can also earn credit for referring friends! :) So I would totally appreciate the help.

Much Love & Hugs,

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Sponsor Love

As December is coming to an end I wanted to say goodbye to some really amazing Sponsors!!
Please continue to check them out and support their great shops/blogs!
And there is still time to become a sponsor yourself if you are interested, please check out my options {here}.

The Lovely Poppy Photobucket Thetootsiewootsie


Much Love & Hugs,

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

2012 New Years Printable FREEBIE!

It feels like its been a while since I have blogged! 
But I have been enjoying Christmas vacation time with the Fam Bam. :)
How was your Christmas??
Ours was really great.. we spend Christmas Eve with The Hubs Family and Christmas Day with my Family.
It was so wonderful!

Anyways.. today I wanted to give you all a freebie!
Ive had several people email me about getting last years "New Years" Printable for this year!
Since it was such a popular request, I decided just to go ahead and change it up for 2012 and let you all have it!

To download this printable:
~Right click on the image
~Click on Open link in new tab
~Click to bring to full size
~Right Click on image
~Click Save Image As
~Save it to your computer and print from home or costco/walmart/walgreens


If you liked this printable, be sure to hit the GFC Follow Button so you wont miss out on Future Freebies! :)


P.S. If you have trouble printing this at certain stores, please message me for a print release form! :)

Check out the linky party tab to see where I will link this printable!

PLEASE follow the following rules for Agape Love Design printables:

  • ALD prinatables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
  • Please do not remove the watermark.
  • If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to this website.
  • Personalization, color changes, and other customizations are not available on freebie printables. They are offered “as-is”.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Singing Praises... An Explanation.

I mentioned before that mine and my sister Mona's family were creating a CD (filled with songs sung by each member of our family even including my Zander who is 2 and my niece Bella who is only 1!) to send out to our friends and family. Well it was finished and sent out and so far everyone is loving it!
It has been such a joy working on this CD with my Husband, Kids, Sisters & Family!
I am already excited about creating next year's CD. :)
If you would like to hear some of the songs you can listen to snippets of them here & here.

Today I just wanted to share with you something that my brother-in-law, Clayton, (Mona's hubby) wrote to go along with the CD's. After all we created them with a purpose in mind! 
Here is what he wrote & That picture below is the cover I made for the cd cases!

Hello Family and Friends!

As you all know I have been blessed with a wonderful Wife, kids, family, job and church but my musical ability and singing voice are not my strong suit. I mention this to tell you about my part of the Christmas CD this year. I’m in charge of trying to explain what this Campbell and Gridley CD is all about….and why we do it.

First thing is, we know we are not professionals and never want anyone to assume that we think we are. In saying that however, my true feeling is that my Wife, kids, our worship leader, brother in law, sister in law’s, and nieces and nephews that you hear on this CD truly do have awesome talent that Jesus has instilled in them for his glory.

As you listen to this compilation of songs you will hear some imperfections such as volume changes, crackling, squelching and the like. Well let me tell you, I sat behind the sound board and controlled all the recording and these mistakes you can blame on the rookie sound guy! Each song was performed and performed again until it was just right.

So now I will dive into the “why” of all this. It’s pretty simple actually. All of the people involved in this CD are followers of Christ and we all have felt led to uplift His name and share His life changing love and power with all the people we love. Let’s face it, no matter what our belief’s, we know that our lives are going to end. Ask anyone….There is Death, oh ya and taxes. God has used this fact in my heart to show me that we are not just here to feed our own desires, but we are here to discover Jesus, live for Him, serve Him and help others find Him as well.

Think I’m crazy? See what the Bible says……Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future.” Not sure you can put your trust in the Bible? Chew on this….2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is God breathed and is useful to teach what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

And then there is Jesus, most of us believe He was real, that He walked the earth, and was nailed to a cross. But so what, that was a couple thousand years ago, does that mean anything for us now? Well let me ask you, If I could convince you that the outcome of your eternal life rests on the single fact of who you think Jesus is, and what you choose when it comes to Him depends on where you spend eternity, would you care?

I hope you do, I pray you do, and this is one reason we make this CD. Each of us has a living, real relationship with Christ, and we want you to know about it! Jesus himself said in John 14:6 “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. NO ONE comes to the Father but through ME.” How much clearer can he get? Do you want heaven? Peace, glory, life everlasting? Well then it’s time to consider the one True God, the Alpha Omega, the Beginning and the End. Call Him what you will, but I pray you bow to Him and serve Him. He deserves it, He is perfect. We are the created, not the creator!

The alternative is also clear, and well…down right disturbing. Hell, the bible says hell was created for satan and his angels (demons). We were never meant to go there, but we were also not meant to disobey God and eat from that certain tree. And that’s when we as people messed it all up. But God loves us, in fact He is love! So in a act of love that we will never fully understand or appreciate, He sent himself down to this earth full of low life’s and criminals, and He walked with us. He taught us, healed us, loved us, and then He allowed us to hang Him on a cross, drive nails through His hands and feet, and kill Him.

This sacrifice was the only way our sins could be paid for, and they were! That’s why the last thing Jesus said was “It is finished.” The Bible says we have to come to Jesus in faith, ask for forgiveness for our sins, put our life and trust in His hands and follow Him. More specifically you have to “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” If you do those things, you will be saved, God’s word declares it.

I’ll try to sum this all up. Jesus Christ is what makes us different than we used to be. He lives in our hearts and guides us each day. We are not perfect people but we are forgiven and we strive to live out God’s plan. He is continually making changes in us and he is telling us to reach out. We love all you guys so much and for those of you who don’t know Jesus as your savior, we truly pray this will change. We pray you will seek Jesus for yourself, and we know if you do, you will be amazed. The same God that put each star in place in our vast sky, will meet you wherever you are and save you and change your life. Please consider Jesus today!

I speak for all the people on this CD when I say that we would love to talk to you personally about our faith and who Jesus has shown Himself to be to us. We desire to grow closer to all of our friends and family and close the gap that time has tried to open up in our lives.

Last but not least we made this CD because Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit deserve to be praised with all that we have.
-Clayton Campbell

Thank you all so much for stopping by and taking the time to read this.
My faith and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is very important to me & I love sharing about it with you. ♥
If you are at all interested in hearing any more of the songs.. just let me know.
Maybe I can see about making full videos of certain songs for you all to hear. :)

Much Love & Hugs,

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Advertise On Agape Love In The New Year!

Are you interested in sponsoring Agape Love Designs??

Great, I'd LOVE to have you! :)

Right now as I write this blog post I have 710 GFC followers.
My blog has grown very steadily and has grown by over 600 followers in the last year!
Each day I average about 500-700 page views.
I have over 770 face book likes
104 twitter followers
and 180 followers on pinterest.
Also I use rafflecopter for all my giveaways
which makes it super easy and more appealing for people to join in! :)

After reviewing the options you can contact me  
at agapelovedesigns@yahoo.com
PLEASE put SPONSOR in the Subject headline! :)

You can sponsor in any of these ways:


Pay for Options:


Large Ad
1 Month $20
2 Months $30
3 Months $40
Large Ad comes with:
~Facebook Welcome
~Individual Feature Post
Medium Ad
1 Month $15
2 Months $25
3 Months $30
Medium Ad Comes with
~Facebook Welcome
~Group Sponsor Welcome post

Small Ad
1 Month $5
2 Months $10
3 Months $15
Small Ad Comes with:
~Facebook Welcome
~Group Sponsor Welcome post


In post Banner: One week (5-7 post) $25
In Post Banner Comes With:
The in post banner will be located at the end of each post I make for one week, approx 5-7 posts. With a "This Post Sponsored By:" above it.

~This is a great option for those wanting to be seen by RSS feed readers!

~These ads will NEVER be removed...so any future/new readers who come across an old post will still see your ad long after your week is over. :)


*You may purchase more than one week at a time, but I will only allow every OTHER week for same sponsors. So if you purchase 2 weeks I will post your ad for one week, the next week will be a different sponsor, then your second week will start again after that.


If you are interested in some FREE ways to advertise see more info on my Sponsor Page!

If you are interested in advertising on my blog, please email me now to be included in the January Sponsors! :)
Sponsor prices and options will be changing soon.

Much Love & Hugs,

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Blog-erview With Laina of Vibrant Serenity!!

Its Wednesday and time again for another Blog-erview!!!
Getting to know the amazing women behind our favorite blogs
and introducing some newbie bloggers you are sure to love,
through interviews here at Agape Love designs!
 
Lets welcome Laina from Vibrant Serenity to Agape Love Designs!!

If you are new here, find out about the Blog-erview Series {here}
Previous Blog-erviews: 

Brittany of Love Stitched 

 Amanda of Royal Daughter Designs

Casey Leigh of The Wiegands


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


 Can you tell us a little about yourself and Your blog (and shop if you have one)?




I'm Laina, a 30 year old former Texan who is now living in Denmark. I met the love of my life, Hans, through an online game we both used to play. Neither of us were looking for a relationship at the time. Eight months earlier I had left my first husband, and Hans had ended a bad relationship two months later. We were both healing. 


I knew who he was, and he knew who I was, but we'd never really talked (or chatted) on mIRC. One day in June/July 2009, while I was vacationing with my family in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I happened to be on mIRC. Hans had posted multiple links to his MySpace karaoke. I saved them, but didn't look at them until a week or 2 later. When I did I laughed as I listened to a Danish man singing "Like A Virgin" and "Hit Me Baby, One More Time". The last link I heard was him singing "Summertime". I got chills as I heard it. My mom used to sing that song to me as a lullaby when I was little. The next time I saw him online, I messaged him to tell him about my connection to the song, and that I thought he did very well. He was extremely flattered, long story short, we've been inseparable since.




My blog is a reflection of my life and journey as an expat here in Denmark. There are a lot of new things for me to learn, and adapt to. I also share recipes and craft/DIY projects, some of which can prove difficult due to the lack of ingredients or supplies available here.

How did you first get involved with blogging?



One day, about a year ago, I decided to start following a few blogs that I had randomly come across. This led to more blogs, and snowballed from there. In December 2010, I began following the blog of a wonderful woman, Kathy, who had recently fallen ill. She was determined to alter everything in her life, one thing at a time, until she was better. Through this process we became friends, and she was diagnosed with Lyme. She urged me for months to start my own blog, but I was afraid. I wrote a guest post for her back in May, and set a goal for myself. By June 1st of this year, I would start my own blog. 

How do you come up with material/content for your blog each day, What inspires you?



This is difficult to answer. Some days I am totally clueless, while other day I think of multiple topics a day. I very rarely pre-schedule posts. Most of it is day by day. I tend to do my best thinking right before I fall asleep, or while I'm in the shower. Neither of which are very convenient times, but I try my best to remember them. When I'm in bed, I usually have my phone on my nightstand and can leave myself a little memo of my thoughts. For the most part I post about my adventures, whether it be in recipes, projects, or just your run-of-the-mill outings. I try to post something for all of my readers, whether they are giveaway junkies, foodies, crafters, or close friends and family.

  What has been the most challenging moment in being a blogger?



I've only been blogging for 4 months, so, I'd have to say getting the courage to start my blog was the most challenging. I want everyone to like me, and I want people to read what I am putting out there. 

Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?



My least favorite post happens to be my most popular. Thrift Store Decorating was a big hit in all the link parties I was linked to. That being said, if I would have known it would be so popular I would've put more effort into it.




My favorite post, so far, is my Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes. I was very pleased with how my little baking experiment turned out. Not only did they look good, they tasted amazing, and they were the perfect size.


Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?



There are so many bloggers who inspire me, it's really hard to choose. I'd say my friend Kathy is my biggest inspiration here in the blog-o-sphere and in real life. As far as cooking blogs go, I've yet to be inspired by anyone. Many 'foodies' aren't quick to respond to comments, or questions, if they respond at all. As far as craft blogs, I follow so many it's hard to keep up sometimes. I think Jen at Craft-O-Maniac is my biggest crafting inspiration. She's got the same wild, colorful side as I do. She seems like a really awesome, fun person, full of great crafting ideas.


What goals do you have, if any, for your blog/shop right now and in the future?



Right now, my goal is to grow my blog. I'm not in a rush, but who doesn't love seeing people read their blog? For me, it's a way to connect with others. Living in Denmark, away from my friends and family, is pretty lonely sometimes. Blogging is my connection with others, particularly those who speak English. One day, I'd love to open an Etsy shop, and possibly even make money off my blog, albeit a small amount. For now, I'm happy where I'm at, meeting the people I meet, and keeping it simple.

What Social Networks are you on for your blog?



I'm on FacebookPintrest, and Twitter. I can also be found at Picket Fence BlogsBlog Lovin', and Linked In.

  Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew before you started blogging?



I think I did my research fairly well before starting my blog. I think if anything, I would have started writing posts a month or 2 in advance. Just for filler posts when I'm too busy, or simply don't feel like blogging that day.

What has been the best thing about blogging so far, feel free to share any exciting triumphs or milestones you have had or reached! :)



I think just getting my voice out there. I know I don't/won't appeal to everyone, but I am proud of what I've done so far. Just starting was my biggest triumph. I usually have a lot to say, whether I realize it at the time or not. I'm still worried about offending people with what I have to say, or how it comes out in my writing, but over time I think that will change. I will loosen up a bit and really let myself shine.

Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?



I try to reply to each and every single comment I recieve, with the exception of giveaways. It's important for me to interact, personally with my readers. I hope you will drop by and say hi. Who knows, you might decide you like it and want to stick around.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Facebook Fest Linky Party!!

Hello everyone, are you having a nice Sunday?
I know I am, I had an amazing weekend away with The Hubs celebrating our 7th year wedding anniversary! :)
I am also enjoying the fact that its winter break, so, no more school for the kids until the 4th!
Plus its almost Christmas! Hooray for Family fun and togetherness!
I am so excited about the new year too... there is so much amazingness to look forward to. :)
Another thing I am excited about it the latest giveaway that started this morning, if you havent entered yet, check it out {here}!
And lastly Im VERY excited about the Facebook Follower fest I am co-hosting along with a few other FABULOUS ladies!!

I really would LOVE for you to join in the fun with us... check out the deets below!!


Thank you all for stopping by to check out the merry edition of facebook fest. Facebook fest was created for everyone to gain more exposure and fans on their facebook pages. It's a great way to develop new friendships with other readers and promote your business page.

To Enter:
-"like" the four hosts (and each of us will "like" you back) from your personal account (numbers do not show up from business pages)

hosts: the lovely poppy | pink lemonade | agape love designs | made by munchie's mama

 

-link up your Facebook Page below

 

-stop by a few of the other pages linked up and let them know you are stopping by from the facebook fest!! :) It would be great if you also tagged one or all of the hosts when you do so!

-Feel Free to share this Fest on your page to help spread the word and get more exposure for everyone!




--
Much Love & Hugs,

Piccola Giveaway AND Discount!

Happy Sunday all! :)
Its giveaway Day! Are you excited?
Today I have a new Sponsor to tell you about!
Piccola.

Mary is the stay at home mom behind Piccola.
Her shop is filled with lots of little handmade beauties and her blog is about life, crafts, food and other ramblings!
As most all of us Momma's can relate Mary Say's "I basically craft and have my etsy shop to remain sane!"
AMEN Sister! (^_~)

Well before I get on with the giveaway I would like to show off some of my personal favs from Piccola!


1.) Hipster Glasses Necklace
2.) Fancy Me Cocktail Ring
3.)  Be Fabulous Necklace


 Cute stuff right!? :)
Well Today Mary is giving away this wonderful necklace:

And that is not all!
She also created a special discount code for Agape Love Readers!! :)
And if you use that code and make a purchase it also counts for 5 extra entries!
See below in the "Make a Purchase" Entry for the discount code.

Good luck and please be sure to leave ALL the info needed in your entry!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Simple Cheap Christmas Table Centerpiece Idea

Christmas dinner is at my house this year! :)
So I wanted to create a cute centerpiece for my dinning room table.
A few nights ago I shared with you the ten 10-minute crafts infographic from overstock.com.
And today I'd like to share with you the Christmas Table Centerpiece I made using one of the craft ideas!

 The base for the centerpiece is this ornate mirror Ive had on hand for a while.

I covered the mirror with festive garland.

I made the Candy Cane Candle Stick Holders idea from the infographic.

Then I also filled my DIY Aphothocary Jar with some of the garland.


 And voila a simple and cheap, yet lovely Christmas table centerpiece! :)
Much Love & Hugs,

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Blog-erview With Sharde of The Style Project!!

Its Wednesday and time again for another Blog-erview!!!
Getting to know the amazing women behind our favorite blogs
and introducing some newbie bloggers you are sure to love,
through interviews here at Agape Love designs!
 
Lets welcome Sharde from The Style Projects to Agape Love Designs!!
 
If you are new here, find out about the Blog-erview Series {here}
Previous Blog-erviews: 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


 Can you tell us a little about yourself and Your blog?

Well, my name is Sharde' (shar-day) and I'm currently living in Northern California, but I'm a Texas girl at heart. I'm a hairdresser by day and a blogger by night. I've got an infatuation with sewing, any kind of crafting, and The Style Projects is a Life and Style blog that allows me to share it with everyone else! I have a very wearable style and you can often find me sporting clothes and accessories that I've made myself. My blog is a great venue for me to be able to share tutorials, style advice, and some hair tricks :) One thing you can always count on from me is to be real.




 How did you first get involved with blogging? 

Back in the day, I had a Xanga page, a blog on Blogger, and I just wrote about my life to my friends. While today is 7 years later, I still love writing about my day-to-day wins and sharing it with my friends, (all of you!). I started TSP in February when my man started working in California while I was still in Texas-- 4.5 months without my love was going to leave me very bored! So I started this as something to hold me accountable for keeping my creativity in check and to make sure I didn't stop dressing up just because I was lonely and depressed.





 How do you come up with material/content for your blog each day, What inspires you? 

Everyday at the salon, I'm exposed to throngs of people, day in and day out. All at different ages and stages and that makes it easy for me to see things that inspire me. Sometimes, I see a shirt, a skirt, or a bag and something just "clicks" inside my head and the wheels start turning. Other times, inspiration is harder to come by and I head to my back-up source: Pinterest. I know its become a bit cliche to say that Pinterest is your inspiration, but thats what Pinterest is there for. To connect and inspire people. 



 What has been the most challenging moment in being a blogger? 

The most challenging element of being a blogger for me is to not get discouraged. When I first started out blogging, I had this idea in my brain that it would be so easy, everyone will just "find" it on their own, &traffic would just come naturally. Thats not reality, and it was a hard pill to swallow. But, to have growth you need time. Lots of time to devote to going out and connecting with people on the internet. I've realized that I can't compare myself to other blogs because every person, every blog, is individually unique.You have to have thick skin, keep a smile on your face, and keep on trucking through.





 Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why? 

My favorite post is Business in The Front, Party in The Back. First off, its got a great name, and I'm flaunting a dress that I made myself, no pattern, no tutorial. It was such a proud moment for me and to have great feedback on the post really made me happy.

I don't really have a least favorite post, but there's some I definitely wish were better. As weeks go on, its an ongoing learning experience and I strive to be better with each and every post!




 Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?

Ashley from Little Miss Momma, for one, because she had incredible growth in one years time, without compromising the quality of her writing.  Vahni of Grit and Glamour along with Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly, because not only do they have great style and NEVER compromise their quality for quantity, but they're down to earth, offer blogging tips, and their blogging has got them places. For me, their blogs scream "excellence". 






 What goals do you have, if any, for your blog/shop right now and in the future?

As for now, my goal for my blog is the same as my goal in life: to be awesome.  Long term, I would love for TSP to be featured in magazines and on other blogs; but really, I just want to produce quality content and connect with other awesome people.

 What Social Networks are you on for your blog?

 The Style Projects.com is on twitter and facebook!

 What networking do you do that you feel helps get your blog and/or shop the most exposure?

I feel that the best way for me to get traffic is to go on a commenting spree. Literally, commenting on tons of blogs at a time, making new connections with people. For specifically getting the most exposure, I try to guest post when I can, do giveaways of some of my creations, and enter a few link parties. When I find a new blog I like, I immediately follow them on twitter, comment, and shoot them a quick email letting them know I enjoyed their blog and introduce myself to them. I still have a long way to go, but this is what I find to be effective.






 Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew before you started blogging?

I wish I would've known that it takes a lot of time! There's a difference between writing a quick post about your day and creating a post. Creating posts for me is like creating a painting, and I want every detail to be just right.




 What has been the best thing about blogging so far?

 Meeting new people! Whether its in real life or on the internet, I've been so lucky to have met so many wonderful people! Just recently I've had the privilege of working with Hatcher Studio, (a husband and wife photography team) and working with them has not only made my job easier, but I've started to enjoy my blogging more because I'm putting better quality posts out. I've been very blessed! {All images in this post are by Hatcher Studio}



 Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?

 As you can see, I love to talk. Tweet me, facebook me, or you can drop me a line. I'll always answer and I'd love to meet you!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...