A New Years Resolution

I am still on vacation (and loving it), but I have been doing a lot of pondering at the end of this year. One of my resolutions for 2010 is to spend more time with my journal. I am able to understand myself and keep track of the status of my heart when I take the time to write it down.

Etsy has some beautiful journals that I have had my eyes on. I hope to finish up the one I have been using this year and start a brand new one soon.

Consider either starting a journal or making more visits to it's pages with the new year on it's way.


Twigs, Leather Journal, Notebook by Kreativlink


Leather Lambskin Journal or Sketchbook Includes Shipping to U.S. and Canada by Karleigh Jae


Hard Cover 1/2 Leather Journal with Silk Screen and Leather Tie by Nico Papergoods


Leif Journal - Leather in Light Green and Antique Black by Moxie and Oliver


Retro Style Hardcover Graph Paper Journal - Project Planner by Java Girls

A journal with a monogram is a great idea too!

Burgundy Leather Journal Envelope Style with Free Monogramming by Julie Boyles Books

Have a happy new year celebration! I wish you a fantastic 2010!

Gearing up for 2010

I hope that everyone had a beautiful holiday.

We got back to the state late last night and today we actually will get home (only to leave a few hours later)! It was a nice break and we got to spend lots of time with my husband's family.

Be on the lookout for some Etsy Limelight giveaway AND for some exciting things coming to LR with this new year.

It's good to be back. :o)

A Winner

Before I announce the winner I am asking all my readers to take a look at the post below to learn how you can give back to a family in need this holiday season. Kate's story is a touching one so please take a look.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations to
Mama Hen!



Random.org selected you as the winner of any set of cards from
The Pink 'Dillo!
Please contact me at lillianraydesigns@gmail.com to claim your prize. You have until Monday, December 21st.

Thank you to all who participated and Angela- thank you for sharing your creativity and generosity with us! Congratulations on your first sales and best of luck to you and your adorable shop!

Be sure to check her shop out here.

A new giveaway is on the way so be sure to check back!

Happy weekend!

And please do not forget to check out the post below about a VERY special gift that you can give this holiday season!

Giving Back

In the spirit of the holiday season I encourage you to think of all the things you have been blessed with and come up with ways that you can give to those in need.

My eyes have been opened up to the world of pediatric cancer this year. I do not personally know any child who is suffering, but through the internet I have had the chance to get to know a few families who are in desperate need of a cure for their little ones. One specific family (the McRae's) have been on my heart each and every day since early July when I found out about Kate. Kate is a beaming little 5 year old with lots of spunk. You can read her story or follow her blog here.

The McRae's are dealing with some very high health bills and some of their friends have set up an Etsy store so that YOU can help support them! They are selling bracelets that remind you to think for and pray for Kate. They can also remind you to keep all the families of childhood cancer patients in your thoughts and prayers. The bracelets cost $5.75 (including shipping) and all of the profit goes to the McRaes to help with the high costs of treatments. You should check out their site and see how the McRaes are generously giving back to others this season as well.

Please please please check out this worthy cause and order your bracelets today from THIS store! They would make a great holiday gift!

Do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions: lillianraydesigns@gmail.com

Please let me know if you have decided to support Kate and her family or if you have personally been touched by pediatric cancer.

The winner of the giveaway from The Pink 'Dillo will be posted later on today.

Watching your weight?

The last post taunts me. I want chocolate without the calories.

Even Etsy sellers have a solution for this- purchase some handmade goodies that LOOK like yummy sweets.


NEW Onesie and Wash cloth Cupcakes by Babycakes and Decor


Peppermint Bark- Goat Milk Soap by Aniselle Bath and Body


Black Forest Cake Earrings (studs stud posts post)by Chic


Fun Felt Foods Gourmet Chocolate Truffles by Sam McClean Designs

So creative and completely guilt free!

Today is the LAST day to enter the current Limelight giveaway-
check it out here.

These are a few of my favorite things- Part 2

I can't stop looking at these and dreaming about they taste like. Seriously. YUM


FRESH MADE - CHOCOLATE VELVET FUDGE - SOUTHERN STYLE by Veeswear


Mini December NIBBLER number3-This Years Best Sellers by Bliss Candies


Gourmet Cupcake Sampler Choose a DOZEN --NEW HOLIDAY FLAVORS TOO-- by Sinners Saints and Sweets


Chocolate Espresso Cake Truffles by Lollidreams

Are there any other chocolate fans out there? Etsy is a great place to buy sweet treats!

Another Limelight Giveaway

I am starting to recover from a very FULL weekend and feel like I never stopped. Maybe a few of the details of the weekend will be popping up here. :o) Stay tuned.

Enough about me though- let's talk a little about Limelight.

What is Etsy Limelight? It's a new way to learn about new(ish) shops on Etsy. I am hosting giveaways every other week of some of my favorite undiscovered shops on Etsy. If you know a shop that might want to participate then please email me at lillianraydesigns@gmail.com

Now...let's get to it!

Let me introduce you Angela of The Pink 'Dillo!


Let's learn a little bit about her straight from her-

Growing up, I’ll always remember the huge craft cabinet my mom had, and how she always had some sort of craft project for my sisters and I to do. Since then, I’ve always enjoyed being creative whenever I get the chance. I discovered Etsy only a few months ago, when a couple of co-workers told me about the site. I checked it out and immediately knew I wanted to become a seller. I got into scrapbooking a while back, and while I haven’t kept up with it lately, I decided to put the supplies I already had to good use and start making gift tags and cards. I really enjoy creating things and am very happy to have found an outlet to actually do something with the items I make (besides sit around my house). Any little thing can inspire me, and I wish I had the time to actually make half of what I envision. While I’m focusing on paper crafts at this time, I have hundreds of ideas floating around my head of other things I’d love to try my hand at making. Keep checking back to see what happens!


I LOVE to travel and have been fortunate enough to visit many amazing places. One of my all-time favorites is Italy, where I spent almost 4 months studying abroad in college. I love experiencing new cultures, trying new types of food, attempt to speak a new language, and seeing just a little bit of what the world has to offer. I also really enjoy cooking, drinking wine (especially while cooking!), reading, spending time with my boyfriend and our dog, and discovering new things to do and places to eat in Austin.

Angela's favorite item:


My favorite item (one of many!):


Angela is generously offering a lucky winner one of the card sets from her shop!
How to enter:

It's simple. Just check out The Pink 'Dillo (where Angela is offering FREE shipping through this month for purchases over $10!) and find your favorite item. Leave a comment letting me know what it is.

For a second entry be a follower of my blog and leave another comment. More Etsy Limelight giveaways are on their way!

A winner will be chosen this Thursday, December 17th at 5pm PST and will be announced on Friday. Details of how to claim your prize will be included in the Friday post- so be sure to check back!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. I love and admire her for so many reasons. She is known for her creativity and ability to make anything look beautiful. I get excited when anyone says that I inherited that gene of hers!

Thank you mom for encouraging me to pursue my dreams and for always giving me the space to be creative. I would not be where I am today without you!

Here are a few things that remind me of you...














Click on images for credits
Mom, I love you. Happy birthday!

For the person who has everything...

Some of the things that you can find on Etsy are just plain interesting. I love so many of the fun gift ideas I have seen. Here are a few options for those of you who may not be able to find that perfect gift for someone. :o)


Knitted Power Cord -Orange by knitknit


Peppermint - Denture soap by Paradise Body Shop


Keep Calm and Carry On parody Farty Lites -- Matchboxes x 3 by Dippy lulu


Newborn Hanging Pouch - Photo Prop - FREE SHIPPING by Mom of 2ks Knits

It's fun searching for those one of a kind gifts!

Color Love: RED

It's the beginning of another week and that means we are getting closer and closer to the holidays!!

I hope you had a fabulous weekend- I know that I did!

Here is a little Etsy color love for you~


LOTUS FLOWER MODERN CLUTCH - Red Glazed Linen - PURE SILK LINING by Upstyle


Fabric Ornaments Christmas Cards - Set of 8 by Lockette


Gift of Sight Scarf by PhylPhil


fuzzy felted wool dark red bowl with white flowers by The Fuzzy Monkey


Peppermint Bakers Twine - 20 yards - FREE with purchase, see details
by Sew Lola


Posh Polka dot baby shoe booties, Red and white READY to SHIP SIZE 0-4M by Prissy Piggies


4 x 6 Notecard Binder, Red and White by Crown Bindery


Candy Cane Ring by Lillian Ray (that's me!)

Feeling a little inspired?

Winner!

Congratulations to
Audrey!


Random.org selected you as the winner of this bag from My Vintage Blossom!

Please contact me at lillianraydesigns@gmail.com to claim your prize.

Thank you to all who participated and Maggie- thank you for sharing your creativity and generosity with us! I am excited to see what happens with your beautiful Etsy shop. I am loving the pieces that you are adding!

Be sure to check her shop out here.

...stay tuned for more of my favorite things and get ready for more Etsy Limelight giveaways! The next one is going to be great!

Happy weekend!

These are a few of my favorite things- Part 1

Thanksgiving and Christmas need to be more than a month apart from each other. It seems like I just got my fall decor up and now it's a rush to get the winter stuff up so we can actually enjoy it.

Well, this week the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas is being made in our home. I am excited to use the many things that I purchased at after Christmas sales last year (90% off!), but I don't want to pack away those pretty fall colors.

Etsy has some great handmade holiday decor. Here are a few that I found...


Festive Tress by Pinkbee0


CHRISTMAS Have yourself a merry little Christmas shabby sign by Signs by Diane


Winter Wonderland 8x10 Fine Art Photograph by Alice B Gardens


Christmas Wedding Boxwood Wreath by Two Inspire You


Merry Christmas Banner you choose the fabrics by Love, September

And for those of you who want to make your own decorations:


PDF Knit Christmas Ornament Pattern set by Amy Gaines

Happy decorating!

Don't forget to enter the latest Etsy Limelight giveaway here.