May highlight: Small sponsors

After a one day break it's time to share some more pretty sponsors with you today by highlighting all the small sponsors for May. All of these women are super talented, focused, and ready to take on the blogging world. I hope you'll visit each of their blogs and share some of the love you show me on Secondhand Sundays. 

Blog//Twitter//Instagram: @sherryturley

Hi, I'm Sherry! I'm a twenty something wife, SAHM, youth leader's wife, photographer, blogger, and vintage lover who enjoys crafting, baking, and thrifting in my spare time. My husband and I run a photography business part time so I can stay home with my son Noah. You can follow all of my adventures on my blog Oh So Lovely.

Two random facts about Sherry:

1. I'm a little OCD, I like to keep the dishes in a certain order when placed in the dishwasher. The same collection go in one row. The spoons in one section, forks, etc...

2. I always wanted to be a teacher growing up, instead I ended up dropping out of college and becoming a SAHM :)

Blog//Facebook//Twitter//Etsy

Hi, I'm Ciera and I like to share my adventures as a freelance graphic designer and everything that exhilarates me as an artist on my blog, Ciera Design. My favorite topics are DIY projects, photography, adventure seeking, recipes, inspired living and all things graphic design! I love traveling, the color green, typography, New Orleans, festivals and keyboard shortcuts! Please stop by and say hello!

Two random facts about Ciera:

1. I love punk music and jumping like crazy at concerts. Most people assume I like calmer music since I am calm and quite most of the time.

2. I swish drinks around in my mouth before swallowing. Ever since I had this weird retainer thing in 2nd grade, I don't know how to drink like a normal person.

Blog//Facebook//Twitter

I'm just a Midwest livin', book lovin', crafty undergrad (soon to be graduate!). On my blog you'll mostly find personal style, daily happenings, and a smattering of weekly and monthly features like : music mondays & interviews with artists! Check me out! 

Two random facts about Bethany:

1. I have a double-jointed thumb. It's always the first thing I think about when I get asked these sorts of questions. haha!

2. I never broken a bone or fractured anything in my life.

Blog//Facebook//Twitter

Why, hello there! I'm Hima, a 14 year-old girl in the Silicon Valley (CA). I'm a self-described optimist who sits down to enjoy the little things in life, and I'm absolutely addicted to strawberries, kiwis and sea salt chocolate covered almonds. I'm a first degree black belt in taekwondo. My blog is mainly a lifestyle blog, but I love to do recipes, fashion, music, and just about every thing! I'd love to meet you and get to know you AND your blog! 

Two random facts about Hima:

1. I'm a lefty, just like both of the Obama's, Henry Ford, Jay Leno, and Mark Twain. 

2. I've read the entire Harry Potter series seven times, but I still don't own the sixth book.

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram (@annaezimmerman)

My blog is a photo journal of my life. I share images of my life. I enjoy biking around Indianapolis, hiking, eating (of course), and taking pictures of my cat. 

Random fact about Anna:

My grandparents are treating me to a cruise in a few weeks and couldn't be more excited. Pictures to come! I love coconut frozen yogurt and pickles. Not together though. 

Blog // Bloglovin // Twitter // Facebook

Hi there, I'm Lauren. My blog Calico Skies is full of lovely diy's, yummy recipes, art & music, vintage fashion and bits & pieces of my life here in Los Angeles. Come by and say hi!

Two random facts about Lauren:

1: I've ordered the same exact sandwich from Subway since I was a kid, and I still order a happy meal whenever I'm at McDonalds's.

2: I'm a closeted Hannah Montana fan.

Blog // Twitter

Creat-esque; [kree-eyt-esk]

1. Having creative properties, aesthetic, look, or abilities. 

2. The ability to make up a new word. 

3. A personal blog by Kate, a grad student's wife who can't seem to focus on one thing, and thereby delves into anything and everything remotely related to creating.

Two random facts about Kate:

1. I once sewed a regency dress out of a twin bed sheet. By hand. For fun, and mostly out of summer boredom. 

2. My birthday is the same as Alfred Hitchcock and Annie Oakley. How cool is that!? 

Blog//Couch Surfer

Migratory Margaret is a blog for the adventurer; any adventurer. Because you can find amazing things across an ocean or across the street. So I've made it my job to introduce people to the things I've found and learned and just hope it helps someone out there look at life differently! 

Two random facts about Margaret:

1. I love wearing men's clothing: it's breathable and there's just so much you can do with the same piece! 

2. I take protein bars with me wherever I go (especially overseas) because I'm a SUPER picky eater.

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram (@dailydoily)

My name is Lindsay, and I live in the southwestern corner of Tennessee with my husband Zac and our wheaten terrier Vera. I am a customer relations manager (by day) and an artist (at heart). Daily Doily is a lifestyle blog where I share my husband + I's adventures, my paintings + sketches, the crafty things I do and anything else that I think you might enjoy :)

Two random facts about Lindsay:

1. My husband makes fun of me because before I eat anything, I always take a picture first. Instead of saying a prayer, he says I take a picture ;) So pictures are now referred to as "prayer time". Silly.

2. I always lift my legs up when I go over railroad tracks, I'm afraid of ghosts, I always sleep on the left side of the bed, I hate to walk by a window at night + I get really silly before bedtime. Haha.

Blog // Pinterest // Twitter // Instagram (@ontheadventure)
Hi there sweet readers of Secondhand Sundays! I’m Michelle and I blog over at On The Adventure. I'm an outdoor loving, adventure seeking, dog obsessing, bike riding girl from Texas who desperately belongs in the mountains. Laughing must occur at least every 10 minutes in my world and I am pretty sure that everything can be fixed with the right cup of coffee. I'm the world's worst dancer (seriously, just check me out at a wedding reception, I dare you!) but I can't help myself when Lady Gaga comes on. Imagine a windmill of arms and flailing legs and there you have it: dance machine. Blogging has brought so many wonderful people in my life and had the opportunity to share my life with those sweet people. I'd love to share my adventures with you, too, so stop on by!

Two random facts about Michelle:

1. Call me crazy, but I hate eating at buffets. Unless I'm at a wedding you can't pay me enough to eat at Luby's or some crazy Chinese restaurant. Ask boyfriend, it just. weirds. me. out.

2. I may or may not have had a small (okay... HUGE) obsession with N*SYNC when I was in middle school. I also may or may not have seen them in concert twice. And recorded every live TV appearance. And swore I would marry Lance Bass. And learned all of the moves to Bye, Bye, Bye. I was obviously really cool in middle school.

Website // Blog // Twitter //Pinterest

I'm a recent college grad (it's been a year, is it too late to say that?), law school wife, and web designer who works from home in Virginia. I love blogging about my day-to-day life. I got a camera in October, and I'm usually taking pictures of food, flowers, houses- you name it! My absolutely favorite thing about blogging is connecting with my readers and with other bloggers. Come say hi!

Two random facts about Kate:

1. I have always had a weird obsession with baby names.

2. I'm scared of birds- not the itty bitty cute kind, more like the turkey vulture kind. Eww.

Today is the last day in May, are you ready for June!? I'm not sure I am. big kiss, bekuh

Ryan's in a Country Band

No you're not dreaming, and no he's not on drugs Ryan is actually in a classic country band, and their first show is on June 1st, aka Friday night! In honor of this new venture I thought I'd share some of the band photos I took a couple of weekends ago for Sammy Suede and the Strays.

Both images Sam (lead vocals)

I'm pretty excited to see what exactly Ryan's been up to on Wednesday nights with this crazy bunch and if you're in the roanoke area you have got to come out and see them play. They'll be playing at the Coffeepot and you townies will know where I mean. If you can't make the show don't worry I'll keep you posted in the weeks to come as they really get the band going. 

The Band (L to R): Ryan (rhythm guitar), Paul (drums), Sam (vocals/guitar), John(lead guitar), Scott (bass)

For those of you who are curious here's the story behind the name. The lead singer is Sam (center) and he had a pair of suede boots and a suede jacket, and so he decided to be Sammy Suede. Then there was that motley crew in the back and they needed a name too so they basically played around with "S" names until they landed on Stingers and Strays. They finally decided on the Strays, and by the looks of them that's a perfect name. Silly, but they really are a serious group of musicians and the music is going to be great. big kiss, bekuh

PS- Ryan is still working with On the Cooling Board (mentioned here) and he's actually going to be one of the opening acts on June 1st. He's a busy man.

Putting a Highlight on My Large Sponsors for May

I can't believe it's already the end of the month, May has just completely escaped me. I have been super duper impressed with all of my sponsors this month and the amazing work they are doing on their blogs! Today I'm going to highlight my large sponsors for May and give you the chance to know them a little better. It's so fun getting to ask your sponsors crazy questions and have them answer you honestly, openly, and lovingly. I learned so much about these ladies by just asking them to share two random facts. I think you'll find, as I did, that they are all irresistibly adorable. 

Blog//Twitter//Bloglovin//Facebook

I started my blog almost one year ago to keep my family on the East Coast updated about on our Midwest life, and to encourage myself to learn to use my camera. I've loved meeting so many more new friends through it! I share everything that's important in my life: my growing family, my faith, our favorite recipes, my crafting habits - all through the lens of my camera. 

Two random facts about Naomi: 

1. I have a pretty awesome German accent

2. I've wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl

Blog//Twitter//Instagram: @typed_for_miles

Hello! My name is Cara-Mia and I blog over at I Typed for Miles. I blog about life as a newlywed living in a new city, thrift scores, our new apartment, and out of town trips. I'd love to have you come along! 

Two random facts about Cara-Mia: 

1. I am left-handed. (Even my friends that know this tend to forget and are surprised all over again to see me writing with my left hand.) I think that's pretty awesome. 

2. I absolutely will NOT watch scary movies. Ever. Much to my husband's chagrin. ;)

Blog//Shop//Pinterest

Hello, I am Monica. I blog fashion, beautiful homes, photography, music, art...all things lovely really. I like my blog to be an inspiring, idea thriving and lovely place to be. I also like to blog about my daily life and the adventures of living in Switzerland with my Swiss husband Jachen. Also you can visit my shop at Society6 where I sell some of my art and photography. You will find a lovely party going on over there!

Two random facts about Monica: 

1. I love peppermint ice cream 

2. I have been to China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Switzerland, London, and Egypt but Seattle, which is home, is still my favorite place on Earth.

Blog//Twitter

I write about mostly food because it's essentially on the forefront of my mind, all the time. I spend most of my time trying out new recipes and feasting at restaurants around San Diego [or where ever I find myself]. Though I mostly keep the blog content light, I often write about things that are on my mind: materialism, living in the present and a topic very dear to my heart, India.

Two random facts about Allie:

1. I'm deathly afraid of flying but I absolutely love to travel

2. I don't think tablets will ever replace books [and I will always prefer the paper in my hands]

Blog // Twitter // Instagram (@julievanhuizen)

Greetings! I'm Julie, the chick behind the keyboard at We So Thrifty. I'm a full-time designer, still-learning photographer, and life-long thrifter. We So Thrifty chronicles my attempts to build a life out of second-hand clothing, art, furniture, and everything in between. Stop by and say hello will ya?

Two random facts about: 

1. I was the editor of my university's student newspaper, and abused that power by inventing a bogus writing assignment so I could talk to my future-husband.

2. I have swallowed a gold fish. Willingly. Judge as you will.

Remember to show them a little love and visit their blogs today! big kiss, bekuh

Making Group Par

 Happy Memorial Day friends; I hope you're spending the day enjoying some grilled food and fireworks. I just wanted to pop in and share some photos from a date night Ryan and I had with Austin and Katie on Friday. The four of us went putt putting and I have to say it was way too much fun.

We decided not to compete as teams but instead play two non-competitive rounds of putt putt and it was probably the best decision we could have made because none of us were exactly stellar on the course. I finally remembered to bring my camera on a social outing so there are fun pictures to share!

I kind of loved the cheesy safari animals that were every where. And we all thought it was pretty funny that every single hole was par 2, what happened to "variety is the spice of life?" We only have two 

Putt Putt courses in town and this one is in the middle of a couple strip malls so I probably shouldn't hold it to such high expectations huh?

 Each of us took turns keeping score, but we were all talking so much we forgot to keep track of our strokes on a lot of holes and had to end up guessing. Ryan ended up making two hole-in-ones on the first course and I made one hole-in-one on the second course. Add that to a bunch of 5 stroke holes and none of us came anywhere close to par. We did all manage to make the same score on a couple of holes, thus the group par. I can't wait to have more outdoor get togethers with Katie and Austin. They're pretty swell. big kiss, bekuh

Weekly Obsessions: Silly things that really bum me out

We all have silly tendencies that come out at weird points in life, and we all have a subconscious list of things that can wreck our day if they happen. I'm no exception to this and today I'm going to let my guard down and share my silly list of things that really bum me out.

1. Instagram freezing

Nothing may irk me more than trying to get the perfect shot in instagram and the camera freezing up. This happens to me almost once a day and it must stop! I'm sorry I'm not picture perfect all the time little iPhone brain but I'm just not. Now that's what I call a first world problem.

2. Cold rain

Image Source

Contrary to the image you see above real life doesn't really look like this, no couple looks hot in the cold rain; especially when it's been unplanned. Sure with some sweet gear and a little makeup we might get a couple of good shots but for the most part we just look bad. I can't stand when it's wet and cold outside. One or the other please, there just is no getting warm with that combination.

3. There's no use crying over spilt milk

Image Source

I think most of us have heard the saying above at some point in our lives and I'm here to say that I actually do get really upset when milk is spilled. I love milk, I like to drink milk, and milk is expensive so pardon me if I shed an inner tear when a drop is wasted.

4. Slow computers

I take a lot of pictures, which means I'm also editing a lot of pictures. When I'm working on say 120 images at a time my computer can slow down a lot, so much so that I try not to have any other programs open when I'm in Photoshop. Yes, this is partially my own doing because I don't need to keep every picture on my computer, and yes my computer is 5 years old, but it still bums me out that it acts out in that way. If it could just work a little faster I could take a lot more images and weed through the bad ones in no time; which would mean better posts, quicker writing, and my sanity intact. I'm just saying people.

5. Running out of coffee (and milk) on the weekends

Here I am with another first world problem, and coffee addict confession. On the weekends I expect a never ending pot of coffee at my disposal. That way at 2pm and 2am when I'm needing a little pick me up there is something there waiting for me. I hate it when we run out of coffee on the weekend because it ruins my entire schedule and makes me super angry. That goes for the milk that resides in my coffee too.

6. Seeing litter everywhere

Image Source

I'm probably showing my age by saying this, but does anyone remember the crying native american commercial? Though I saw it on TVLand and not when it originally aired it still made a huge impact on my child self. To this day I cringe whenever I see trash on the highways and litter in yards. Is it really too burdensome to carry your trash to a trash bin? It pretty much ruins my day when I see someone litter.

Now that my rant is over I can breathe and move on with my day haha. What are silly (or serious) things that bum you out? big kiss, bekuh

studio redecoration update

I'm starting to feel like my studio is going to be the longest re-decoration ever. I've been slowly changing and adding things for what feels like ages now and I'm still not done. Yikes! I've finally finished the curtains, arranged the furniture and painted the walls, but our growing vintage collection is getting out of control. The biggest issues that remain- painting the interior of my art cart, organization, and shelving in the closet. I'm still crossing my fingers that I'll be able to share a full out tour by August.

In other news here's some links for your weekend enjoyment:

A summer satchel DIY by Miss Kinsey

Turquoise and sunglasses? Sign me up for a pair of these

Rachel's road trip essentials kill me they're so perfect

I'm thinking I may need to do this to a thrifted skirt this summer
Oh and tonight Ryan and I see Moonrise Kingdom with Katie and Austin!

Also...
I was featured on Roots, Wings, & Other Things this week, I warn you my post was ultra honest.

Evening walks with our happy family

 Recently our little family has started taking evening walks together and they have become the delight of my life. I love watching the sun slowly set with Ryan and Nellie, they're my favorite part of this world.

 We're lucky to live so close to a giant grassy park where Nellie can frolic and play and Ryan and I can pause in awe of the neighborhood we live in. It is absolutely the most perfect place.

 Nellie was so silly in the grass, she would stop and roll in the freshly mown lawn every couple of feet and had me in stitches over her funny belly dance. When she'd get up she'd be covered in pollen and sneezing. So precious. big kiss, bekuh

the Button Factory shop is updated!

As promised we've updated the Button Factory's inventory on Etsy. We have even more sizes and styles available for purchase, and twice as many items as the launch. Lots of versatile pieces for summer! 

I hope you'll check it out and let us know what you think. big kiss, bekuh

Dip Dyed Ombre Totes

I'm pretty excited about today's DIY post, because not only was this super easy to do, but the totes are the perfect catch-all size for everyday messes. Whether you need a bag for carrying produce or your favorite beach reads this will be your new favorite summer staple. Today I'm going to show you how to make a dip-dyed ombre tote bag. Are you ready?

First you'll need to collect your supplies. You'll need: rubber gloves (or latex)//medium sized tote(s)//dye, I used Dylon but RIT also works//salt//water//stainless steel sink or bucket//measuring cup//plastic spoon or spatula//timer

To complete two totes it took 2 hours, but I had to dye each separately. If you can do two at a time it will only take 1hour. I just followed the instructions on the back of the dye pouch, with the exception of the amount of stirring they recommend, but I'll let you know when I'm steering away from their suggested steps.

The first step is to dissolve the dye in four cups of warm water, you don't want to use the sink yet, so grab a bucket or a stainless steel bowl to use. Next you'll want to fill the sink with warm water until the tote floats freely in the water. Submerge the tote and then wring it out so that it's only damp and not dripping. Next you'll scoop 4 tbsp of salt into the sink water and stir to dissolve, add the dissolved dye and stir again until everything is combined in the sink.

At this point, if you haven't already, put on your rubber gloves and pick up your tote bag. This is where my instructions veer a little away from what the dye pouch suggested; instead of continuously mixing for the first fifteen minutes I just let the dye do its thing. I dipped my tote until about half of it was covered in dye, bobbing up and down and then I let it sit for fifteen minutes. I used the measuring cup to hold the tote out of the dye mixture slightly.

After fifteen minutes I stirred the dye a little more and pulled the bag out of the dye letting it drip out. I then replaced the bottom 1/4 of the bag in the dye and again used the measuring cup to hold it out of the sink. Set the timer again, this time for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally. By not mixing the dye continuously it helped create a more subtle ombre effect, with the edges being slightly bluer than the bottom portions of the bag.

After your 45 minutes are up, pick the bag up out of the dye and let it drip out, carry the tote to your tub or another sink to rinse. You'll rinse first in cold water and then wash the entire thing in warm water. I did all of this by hand but you could definitely use a washing machine for the second part.

Once you've washed your totes hang them to dry, away from any light. I used my pantry and turned the lights off. It took about 24 hours for the bags to dry completely, and the dye should be permanently set at this point. For clean up I suggest washing everything separate from your normal dishes in case there is any excess dye lingering around. I drained my sink, rinsed it out and then used a little cleaner and steel wool to clean it thoroughly. It sounds like a lot of clean up but it only took about 5 minutes.

I decided to create two versions of the ombre tote, one from the top down and the other from the bottom up. I loved how they both turned out and I'm already using them for grocery shopping. I hope you enjoyed today's DIY as much as I enjoyed creating it. Please let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to help. Have a merry Wednesday friends. big kiss, bekuh