leah tackles – Page 12

How To Organize and Store 1,500 DVDS in a Small Space!!!

July 14, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi There!! Happy Monday!

When my husband and I first moved in together we were fresh out of college living in a small apartment. We stored our now huge combined collection of DVDs on a floor to ceiling bookcase and that worked fine….for awhile! Fast-forward to living in our first house with two toddlers…the DVDs on a bookcase wasn’t going to cut it! For one, I don’t like the way it looks in a room that is a central focus in our home. But even more importantly, DVDs left out where the kiddos could reach isn’t an option! At first we just had all of our DVDs in a giant bin in our basement, but we ended up never watching any of them or when we wanted to we had to dig through all of the unorganized DVDs. Finally, I decided to tackle the DVD project. I knew that we had close to 1,500 DVDs ( I know, I know….craaazy!) to store and that I wanted it to be organized….so today I share what I did to organize a LOT of DVDs.

HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR DVDS:

1) I bought 3 cases off of eBay that were very similar to this although I can not find the exact case anymore. I do know that sometimes eBay stores/sellers will give you the option to “make an offer” and TOTALLY take advantage of that!! Obviously you don’t want to make a super low-ball offer, but especially if you’re buying 2 or 3 cases, it is worth seeing if you can get a little bit knocked off.

2) I seperated all of our DVDs by genre (you can do as many or as few categories as you want) and then alphabetized the DVDs. Alphabetizing them is optional, but I love the way it turned out and it didn’t take too much extra time.

3) I put the DVDs into the cases by genre and in alphabetical order.

4) I typed up all of the movies, printed out the sheets, and put them in clear page protectors to have at the front of the cases for quick reference. This step is totally optional!! I do realize that as we buy more DVDs there won’t be spaces to put them into and that they won’t be on the list, but for now my plan is to just add them (overlap the DVDs where needed) and write the title in pen wherever it would alphabetically be on the list. I don’t think it will be too big of a problem since we hardly ever buy DVDs anymore. We are BIG into Netflix and Hulu Plus, so we rarely add to our hardcopy collection. If you have any better ideas for what to do when I add more DVDs, please let me know! I would love ideas!! : )

5) Enjoy your perfectly organized DVDs!! I know this project make seem super time consuming, but I did it all over a couple of evenings while watching TV with my husband, Stephan. I *love* the way that this turned out and it is so nice to be able to easily find a movie or show on DVD to watch!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! How do you store your DVDs? I would love to hear what other people do! I hope that you have a fabulous start to your week : )

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR A BEAUTIFUL BRACELET FROM ELL AND EMM!! A $42 VALUE!!

ELLANDEMM BRACELET GIVEAWAY!!

July 9, 2014 & 29 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!!

I am SOOOO excited to announce my first giveaway!! I have been a huge fan of Ell and Emm jewlery for well over a year now! I remember getting my hands on my first necklace and wearing it whenever possible. Jenn, the owner and creator of Ell and Emm (named for her daughters, how cute is that?!), is super personable and helpful! Her instagram is gorgeous….get ready to drool!

WHAT I AM GIVING AWAY:

The bracelet I am going to give away is the Giant Koko Cuff, which I have and adore! It is a gold plated thin cuff with two giant pearls, one slightly larger than the other, on each side. *Note: When I first got this it was SO tight on my wrists, which I consider to be pretty small already, but I was afraid it would snap if I pulled it to be slightly bigger…it didn’t ; ) Just do so carefully! I noticed that she had this noted on the page for it as well.

PICTURES OF THE GIANT KOKO CUFF:

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

1) Comment on this post telling me what your favorite summer accessory is. Commenting is *easy* promise! Just click the link by the title of this post and you enter your first name, email, and comment : )

2) You *MUST* be subscribed to my blog! To subscribe enter your email into the subscription box on the right side of the page! You will then get an email that asks you to confirm that you subscribed and that’s it! You’ll just get emails when I post something new.

That’s it!!

EXTRA ENTRY OPPORTUNITY:

If you’d like to gain extra enteries you can 1) Share this post on your Facebook, 2) Share this post on your Twitter, or 3) Follow me on a social media platform you are not yet following me on and you will get an entry for each new like or follow (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Luvocracy, Pinterest).

RULES:

1) This giveaway is limited to those in the United States but eventually giveaways will be opening up to subscribers everywhere!

2) If you are under 18 years old you must have permission from your parents to enter the giveaway!

3) A random selection website will determine the winner to keep things fair.

4) Once the winner is contacted they will have 48 hours to respond and after that I will select another winner.

5) This giveaway will end in two weeks!!

See?! SUPER easy!! Get excited!! I have been wanting to do a giveaway for my supporters for awhile now and am thrilled to be doing so! The more subscribers I get, the more giveaways I can do : ) Have a fabulous day!!

EASY 4th of July Cake!!

July 2, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I have been making the recipe that I am sharing today for YEARS! I remember sitting on my parents deck reading one of my mom’s magazines (Good Housekeeping, maybe?!), finding this recipe, and asking my mom if we could make it for the 4th. This recipe is great because you can make it in 15 minutes and it’s a light, summery cake that everybody loves.

4th of July Cake:

Ingredients:

1 frozen pound cake (I used Sara Lee brand)

1 tub of Cool Whip

1 cup of strawberries

1 cup of blueberries

Directions:

Thaw the pound cake and the Cool Whip. ( TIP: If you want to make this fast, put the Cool Whip into the fridge when you get home instead of the freezer and thaw the pound cake in the microwave : ) Directions for quick thawing is on the packaging. ) Wash the strawberries, cut the top off, and then cut lengthwise. Wash the blueberries. Cut the pound cake into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices depending on the size of your baking dish (I used a 13 inch by 9 inch pan) and lay the slices into your pan. You may need to cut some of the pound cake slices in half to fill the pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the Cool Whip generously over the pound cake. Then put your berries on top!! I usually make this into an American flag, but this year I let my 3 year old have at it and decorate it herself. That’s it!! Easiest cake ever! And then just be sure to refrigerate the cake. Enjoy!!

I hope that you liked this recipe! I like making this cake all summer long : ) If there are any recipes you would like to see on Leah Tackles, be sure to let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!

5 Great Summer Hostess Gift Ideas!!

June 27, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!

Whenever you are invited into someones home for a party or over to dinner it is kind to bring a gift to show your appreciation.Today I want to share 5 ideas for hostess (or host!) gifts that will make sure you’re always on the invite list! My column, Leah’s Friday Five, on The Pearls and Pastries Blog today will also be featuring 5 more ideas for hostess gifts!

#1 Pie or Other Dessert

A pie is such a nice gesture, and something that can be shared at the dinner or party. It would be so sweet to include the recipe, or to bake it in a pretty pie plate! My favorite pie plates are the ones with the recipe written on the plate…so retro and cute!

#2 Serving Plate

A decorative serving plate that can be displayed or used is also such a nice gift! The one shown was a gift and I adore it! Along with that, I think everyone likes pretty much anything that has their schools mascot or logo on it…I know I do!

#3 King Cube Tray or Other Cocktail Trinket

I have talked about the King Cube Tray before, and that is because I love this thing! It can be used for cocktails, but it’s also great for lemonade and iced tea!

#4 Go Vino Go Anywhere Flutes

These are SO awesome! I think anyone would appreciate these because they are so unique and would be perfect for a picnic or out on the boat.

#5 A Candle

I am a big fan of the 3-Wick candles from Bath and Body Works, but I finally got a Diamond Candle from a sweet sweet friend which I’ve been wanting to try for a loooong time now.

What do you like to take to parties to thank your host or hostess? I would love to hear your ideas! You can click the link by the title of this post to leave a comment : ) Have a wonderful day!!

High-End Beauty Haul

June 25, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Today I have a collective high-end beauty haul to share with you! This haul is a combo of online shopping, Sephora, and Esteé Lauder. Once again, all titles are links!

Let’s get started!!

Lorac:

Summer Glo Eye Shadow Palette:

I am completely LOVING this little palette! At $24 the price is affordable for a great quality 10 pan eye shadow palette that is different than anything else I have in my collection. I am definitely a neutral girl, but I love all of the subtle pops of color that are showing up everywhere this summer, and I think this is a great way to dip my toes into the pool of color possibilities ; ) I love that there are both matte and shimmer colors, and that the palette provides neutral browns and colors to blend with. I have been loving putting the blue shadows along my lash line for a different summery look. If you’re interested in a more indepth look at this, let me know!

Zoya Nail Polish:

In this GORGEOUS coral color called Wendy! I can’t stop wearing this on my nails! And in Rooney which is the *perfect* pink for summer. I love these two colors for a mani/pedi combo…they aren’t matchy matchy, but compliment eachother well.

Esteé Lauder:

DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 25:

This is my absolute favorite moisturizer! I was out, and excited to opt for the SPF 25 instead of 15.

Advanced Time Zone Night Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme:

I have never used this before and I am SO excited to have it! It is such a rich and luxurious moisturizer for nighttime.

Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Eye Creme:

This is just an itty-bitty sample and I’m excited to try it!

*Thank you to my mom for the anti-aging goodies ; ) So important!

Pure Color Lipstick in 03 Crystal Pink:

This is a creme lipstick that was a gift with purchase and it’s a pretty, neutral pink that I like because it feels so nice on the lips.

Anastasia Contour Kit:

This is limited to one/customer online and is hard to find in Sephora stores…for good reason! I have heard that people aren’t pleased with the cardboard packaging, but it seems to be study to me, and I think that also kept the price reasonable. The contour shades and highlight shades all blend beautifully, and even on my pale skin the contour shades do not appear at all orange or fake. The pans are removable and you can replace colors as you run out. I can’t wait to play with this some more!! If you can find this, grab it!! And let me know if you’d like a full review on this kit : )

What high-end items have you been loving lately? I would love some new suggestions! Please don’t forget to subscribe by entering your email into the subscribe box on the right side of the screen! You’ll make my day ; )

Traveling With Toddlers!

June 23, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Last week was our first of several trips this summer where we are taking our 18 month old and three year old on long car rides…yikes! This trip was just over 200 miles, which isn’t bad, but 200 miles with diaper changes, feeding, a new-ish potty trained kid, naps, entertainment, fits….ohhh, it can be bad without being prepared!! The other trips we have coming up are even longer, so this was a great trial run for us. Today I wanted to share some links to products that helped us on our trip and products that I will absolutely be taking with us next time! I hope that this is helpful and please feel free to comment with your own suggestions as well : )

Travel Potty Seat:

We have this Primo Folding Potty With Handles. This is so much more sanitary for little ones to hold onto and also a lot less scary! Also, they won’t fall in ; )

iPad (or other device to play movies):

We FINALLY caved and bought this iPad Car Headrest Mount Holder for our oldest for long trips.

Snacks:

The best thing I did for the trip was to seperate out snacks ahead of time so we could just grab a bag when we needed one. I really like these Munchkin Snack Catchers.

Insulated Bottle and Snack Carriers:

We use these for bottles, food that needs to be kept cold, and sippy cups. I like this one by Dwell Studio, this one by Skip-Hop works for everything, and a bottle bag like this is a must-have for us!

Dish Soap for Bottles and Sippy Cups:

I figured out pretty quickly after not packing this essential the first few overnights post-kids that this is a MUST HAVE! Just a little travel size bottle of dish soap like this or pouring some soap into a travel container for the hotel room to rinse out sippy cups and bottles easily! Also a dish towel or two is nice to have on hand.

Small Toys and Loveys:

I like to bring a few small toys that easily fit into my purse or diaper bag just incase the kids need some quick entertainment! I also always bring their loveys/any comfort item they may want. And while on the subject of the lovey, buy a backup! I am ashamed to admit how much we paid on eBay to buy a backup of our daughters “Baby” (of course she picked a limited edition 2011 small Christmas bear! hehe) but we have had so many times when we have been thisclose to loosing it….that money was well spent for our sanity!

Toddler Travel Bed:

Our youngest is still in a pack-n-play like this one and it works great for us. Sometimes hotels will provide you witha pack-n-play, but use your own judgement on if they’ll have up-to-date and safe ones. I also always take our own pack-n-play sheets. Our oldest now uses this amazing self-inflating travel toddler bed. It is AWESOME!

I hope that this post was helpful to anyone out there who is planning a trip with their little ones soon! I think the biggest thing that works for us is trying to keep the routine as normal as possible (especially naps and nighttime!)…and lots of snacks! Don’t forget to let me know what you’re favorite tips and tricks are for traveling with little ones by commenting!! Have a wonderful day!

A Day in The Life (Picture post!)

June 20, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!

My little family was out of town the past few days and I thought it would be a great time to show off some pictures of my loves!

Connor (1) and Hailey (3) just being adorable cuddlebugs in a bed in the hotel room : )

The hubster being a balance pro at The Hands On Museum in Ann Arbor ; )

Yours truly showing off my quick reaction time! ; )

Hailey “Hearing the Beat” : ) : )

Connor hanging out at a restaurant : ) : )

My Hailey doll getting a haircut!!!! Her FIRST haircut : )

Connor at a restaurant again ; ) He is just too cute not to photograph!

Hailey cruising at the mall!!

Thank you for letting me share my family with you! I hope that you enjoyed these pictures and that you have a wonderful weekend!! Thanks for reading : )

Get Unready With Me: My Night-Time Routine

June 16, 2014 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Today I am going to share my night-time beauty routine. I have created a Luvocracy page if you’d like more information on any of the products or would like to shop online : )

Step 1: Hair Goes Up

I put my hair up into a messy bun with a hair tie like this one from Lucky Girl Hair Ties on Etsy and use a towel headband to keep my hair out of my face.

Step 2: Remove Makeup

I usually use a Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipe and then another remover for my eye makeup. The Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Remover isn’t my favorite, but I am using it up currently.

Step 3: Cleanse Face

I wash my face with my all-time favorite facewash, Purity by Philosophy, and then dry my face with Kleenex Hand Towels to make sure that I’m not putting a dirty towel onto my just cleaned face. I also use a wash cloth just for my face after showering that I change out every couple of days to keep it as clean as possible.

Step 4: Use Toner

I do this most days, but not all. My favorite toner is an oldie but a goodie, Sea Breeze, and I like the one for sensitive skin.

Step 5: Use Moisturizer

I like to use Esteé Lauder Day Wear, sometimes even at night.

Step 6: Use Eye Cream

I like to use an eye cream and my current favorite is Eye Hope by Philosophy.

Step 7: Use Moisturizer

I use a body lotion, and my current favorite is SachaJaun in Shiny Citrus.

Step 8: Hand Cream

I use a hand cream by Juice Beauty and a Cuticle Cream by Burt’s Bees. I don’t always do this, but I try to make the time to do it.

Step 9:

I take my hair down, spray it with a little Dry Shampoo like one from TRESemmé on nights when I’m planning to have second-day hair the next day, and comb it out with Wet Brush.

What is your night-time routine like? What products do you swear by? I would love to hear from you! You can comment to let me know : ) And please subscribe if you’ve liked my post! XO

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX JUNE 2014

June 13, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friiiiiiday!!

Today I am very excited to be reviewing the June PopSugar Must Have Box!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too. The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box.

The box and insert have been revamped and I love the new look!

You can see my post on my May PopSugar Box here and if you have questions on how I ended up liking any of those products please comment to let me know and I would be happy to answer : )

JUNE 2014 MUST HAVE BOX:

Lemon Wet Wipes from You Smell

These probably aren’t something I would have bought, but they are in adorable packaging and I’ll happily carry them in my purse.

Hawaiian BBQ Chips from One Potato Two Potato

I really like these! They have a nice little kick and have a nice full BBQ flavor. I was worried they would be really sweet, but they aren’t much sweeter than a normal BBQ chip.

Beach Towel from Turkish-T

$32

This is so pretty and soft!! I love the idea of using it as a wrap or maybe even a sarong. Love love love!

The One & Only by Emily Giffin’s

$28

I have been hearing so much buzz about this book! I am hoping I can find the time to read it! I love to read, but can never seem to find the time to read! Maybe I’ll see if it’s on Audible : /

Basic Hair Ties from Lollies

These are SO cute!! And I think they’ll look adorable as bracelets, too.

Shiny Citrus Body Lotion from Sacha Jaun

$24

I started using this right away! I *love* fancy body lotions, and this one is lovely. It smells so fresh and wonderful!

Special Extra: $15 Gift Card from Native Union

This website has a lot of cool tech-y gadgets (although I don’t think any for $15!) and I am giving this to my husband : ) I like tech accessories too, but I think my sweet hubs deserves a little something too.

I am NEVER disapointed with my PopSugar subscription! This month added up to $104 not counting the $15 gift card. I STILL haven’t subscribed to anything else in the subscription box world, but I am sososososo close! I hope that you enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful weekend! And don’t forget to subscribe : )

Summer Jewelry Musts and Lusts!

June 11, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I *LOVE* pretty jewels and summertime is a great time to show it off! Today I want to share some of my favorite websites for getting jewelry, a picture of some of my favorites from my own collection, and some of the items I am lusting after : )

MY GO TO JEWELRY WEBSITES:

A PICTURE OF SOME OF MY FAVORITE MUSTS FOR SUMMER:

A FEW OF THE THINGS I AM LUSTING AFTER THIS SUMMER:

How gorgeous is this Bauble Bar bib necklace? I am DROOLING over the colors!

I love love love this monogram necklace in the clear with glitter also from Bauble Bar : )

I am missing out on all the gorgeous statement earrings like these from Bauble Bar because I usually just wear studs around my kiddos ; )

This hi-lo necklace from Express is so different and I adore the semi precious stone!!

How pretty are these tassel braclets from dAnnonEtsy on Etsy?!

I love the details on this Marc Alary for J.Crew braclet! SOOOO gorg!

I love these birthstone bracelets from Alex and Ani : )

Okay, I hope you enjoyed this quick little post! Now, I want to hear from YOU! Where do you like to shop for jewlery? I am always interested to hear about great places to find gorgeous things ; ) Let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post) and please remember to subscribe to keep youself up-to-date on my blog posts! Have a wonderful “hump” day!!

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