Unplugged Campaign and a giveaway!

I was contacted, and asked to participate in a campaign entitled, #unplugged. I don't do everything I am asked to participate in, but this one seemed worthy, and like a challenge I wanted to be a part of, and and something I wanted my family to try out.

I was sent a shirt, from Creative Expressions Inc. Isn't it cute? You can win one of your own, directions below.

I announced on Instagram and Facebook the night before, that we were going to be unplugged as a family the next day. I had visions of wearing my cute new shirt as we went sledding or snowshoeing, and doing other fun outdoor activities as a family. 

But, I woke up feeling horrible!!! It was all I could do to go downstairs to get some breakfast. Why does my hair look darker when I haven't gotten ready? The unplugged shirt pics are from the next day.

I knew I wasn't going to do much of anything active with my kids, so I decided to try to do something productive from my bed. I decided to organize my recipes.

It took all the energy I had, and I am so glad I was able to sit still without any other distractions long enough to do it. This has been on my list forever! Being unplugged was a great opportunity for getting this done!

The baby started missing me, so he brought some toys in to play with me while I was in bed. Yes, that's a s'more with pickles and french fries. He is a creative cook!

I drug myself out of bed for about 20 minutes that night to play a game with everyone.

I lasted through two games, and had to get back in bed.

I kind of felt bummed, but in talking to my kids, they had a nice day without the technology, and I actually stayed off the internet the next few days, and it was a nice break! It was surprisingly easier the next day. 

Okay, so, let's talk about that shirt (and the closeups of my chest - sorry, that's where the printing is)! I love it - the shirt, and love having the ability to design your own shirt with a company like Creative Expressions Inc. They offer services in embroidery, screen printing, and other promotional products. Check them out! I am thinking I might want to order a few trucker hats with a custom logo.

You can win your own #unplugged shirt!

Just enter a comment below, telling me what you would do if you were unplugged for a day. You can also get an extra entry, by following me on instagram restlessrisa_risabaker and commenting and inviting friends to follow.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Have a Happy and Creative Day!

Risa

STUDIO 5 ticket GIVEAWAY!!!

Hi friends! I am so excited to offer a giveaway to a LIVE taping of Studio 5. The show will be filmed on Tuesday, November 26, from 10:00 to 11:30am at KSL Broadcast House in Salt Lake City. I am giving away 2 tickets! (No one under the age of 18 is permitted.)

Every member of the audience will go home with a loaded "Swag Bag," to celebrate the occasion. Let me just tell you… Studio 5 knows how to do things right. This is guaranteed to be a fabulous and motivating day!

This show is to celebrate the month-long "Body Love," movement.

Are you feeling the body love? This is the picture of me from Thursday night I posted on instagram as part of the campaign. It was not an easy thing to do!

This is my caption.

So… if you want to win tickets, please leave a comment below. 

And if you dare, give it some thought… Enter the "Body Love," campaign on Instagram, and @restlessrisa_risabaker me and @studio5ksl, and hashtags #bodylove & #stopthefatchat. I will be sure and come see what you said, and leave you a comment. 

Giveaway closes Thursday night. I hope you win!

Have a Happy and Creative Day!

Risa

The WITCHES at Gardner Village, and giveaway winner announced!

Winner of the ebook from takesthevillage.com is Nicole. Nicole, you will be contacted shortly. Thank you for entering the giveaway!

If you haven't had a chance to visit The Witches, at Gardner Village this year, you have a few days left to do it.

I got to go to a Witches Night out, sponsored by My Craft Channel, and Gardner Village. I was a blast!  I hung out with some old friends, and met some new friends.

We listened to a speaker, and visited some awesome shops. 

My favorite shop is Storybook Nook.

I have a large collection of holiday books for my kids, with lots of Halloween books. They have all sorts of titles that I had never seen before, and I was so excited!

 My kids favorite book is, "Frank was a monster who wanted to Dance."

I got to meet and hang out with some amazing bloggers.

It's always fun to see the witches all over Gardner Village.

If you get a chance, you should for sure go to The Witches. You will love it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Have a Happy and Creative Day!

Risa

Mom of the Month! (and a sweet giveaway)

My darling friend Leslie, at takesthevillage.com chose me as mom of the month, and asked if she could come photograph me and my kids in our home, and asked if I would answer a few questions about motherhood and creativity over on her blog.

To read what I have to say about Motherhood, click HERE.

The fabulous news, is that Leslie is going to share her photography secrets with one of my awesome readers, for free! Details below.

These are a few of my favorite photos from the shoot in my home.

Some of the things that I love about Leslie's photography style, is her use of color and light...

And, how she captures everyday moments. She is gifted! I feel so lucky to have these photos and to be a mom!

I certainly don't feel like, Mom of the Month, and I think my kids were a little confused as to why she picked me, haha ;) Thank you Leslie! I am honored.

Here is a little clip of what I had to say:

Do you have any advice for mothers trying to find their talents?

Each one of us has talents that are so special, and individual. If there were a million of me walking around... life would be so boring! My advice would be this: Don't be afraid! Try new things. See what makes you happy. Find your own personal style (trial and error is the best way). If you don't like a project you have done, or an outfit you have worn, tweak it until you do. It took me 7 years and lots of moving furniture and thrifting, to actually feel like I nailed my living room. Be happy for and supportive of your friends in their creative endeavors! Don't give up. Don't be too hard on yourself. Have fun. If thrifting is fun for you, do it! If running is fun, do that. Don't be afraid to start. Don't worry if it's not perfect the first time!

Again... If you want to read more of what I have to say about Motherhood, and Creativity... hop over to her blog, and check it out, by clicking HERE.

Now about the giveaway!

To be entered in a drawing to win a free e-book that teaches you all about how to use your dlsr camera, (information HERE) leave a comment on my blog! You can even request a mini e-book for free. Just enough to get you started. Leslie is so talented. Whoever wins is SO LUCKY! Woohoo! Thanks Leslie!

Thanks for stopping by.

Have a Happy and Creative Day!

Risa

Pretty Darn Funny, and a GIVEAWAY!

I am so thrilled to offer a giveaway to my viewers today, with a link to Pretty Darn Funny, my new favorite web series!

This episode of Pretty Darn Funny is about SOMETHING I SO RELATE TO!

Here's a pic of a photo I posted on Instagram 28 weeks ago. Can you relate?

To enter the giveaway, all you need to do is watch this week's episode of Pretty Darn Funny (below), and tell me your favorite part of the episode in a comment. The winner will be chosen at random, and you will be sent the new Hillary Weeks CD. Don't you just LOVE Hillary Weeks?

Here is this week's episode.

This is what I am wearing as I type this post... I actually exercised today, and I only have makeup on, because it is permanent. I can't believe I admitted that, but it was the best thing I ever did... Eyebrows and liner, incase you were wondering ;)  Lucky for me... I don't have to drive carpool. My kids are on year round. They are off track and just woke up. Happy day at the Baker house!

I will be sharing this pic on Instagram today, and would love to see what you are wearing when you drop your kids off to school tag me @restlessrisa_risabaker, and hashtag #prettydarnfunny #dropoffdickie.

Did you know I got to try on the drop off dickie in real life???

My happiest moment... 

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure and enter the drawing! I would love to hear what you think about this episode. It is my favorite!

Have a Happy and Creative Day!

Risa

TRAVEL KIT {for the car} TUTORIAL & GIVEAWAY!!!

So, as many of my facebook friends know, I was on Studio 5 again the other day. This time they came to my house, and filmed me showing travel kits I made for my kids for a vacation we took two years ago. I made them especially for a long car ride but, the kids LOVE them, and I use them any time we go on a road trip. I made these before I had a blog, or even knew what a tutorial was. So, I had to find the time to come up with this tutorial for my travel kits. Thanks to those of you who sent me private messages requesting the tutorial. You helped me get my fanny in gear and do it. Thank you for your patience also!

Here is the clip from Studio 5

It is hard to watch myself... don't judge ;)

I do have to say. The people at Studio 5 are SO NICE, and it has been a fantastic experience working with them in the past year. I want to give a big shout out to them!
THANKS STUDIO 5!

Here's the exciting part!!! I am giving this very travel kit away. Not everything shown in the pockets will be included in the giveaway. But, a few of the things pictured will be included. The giveaway is for the travel envelope only. Anything I send in the pockets is an added bonus.

Here's what you need to do to win:

1 - Follow My Blog. If you are already following me, that's great!
Let me know in a comment.
2 - Like me on facebook.
Let me know in a comment.
3 - Post this Giveaway on facebook to let others know.
Let me know in a comment.

The giveaway will close on Thursday the 7th of July, 2011 at 5pm. I will post the winner on my blog on Friday the 8th, 2011. I will choose the winner from the comments I receive.

In case you don't win, here's the tutorial!

TRAVEL ENVELOPES

You will need:

A & C - 1/2 yard fabric for back and for front pockets
B - 1/3 yard fabric for inside pockets
Standard spool of 15 ft of ribbon (This will more than cover it - You need 6 feet total.)

Since I know people will ask me, I will just tell you, I got my lovely fabric and ribbon at Hobby Lobby.

Cut out 2 each fabric:

A - 21 x 11 1/2 inches
B - 21 x 8 inches
C - 21 x 6 inches

One each ribbon:

21 inches & 48 inches

Using a 5/8 seam allowance, stitch both pieces of B together on one long side only. Pretty side in. So, only stitch one of the 4 sides - the long side.

Stitch both pieces of C together on one long side only. Pretty side in. So, only stitch one of the 4 sides - the long side.

Turn and press with steam. Yes, press everything with steam... it will make everything look so much better!!! This will be the top of the pocket.

Put 21 inch section of ribbon on top of B, where the finished and pressed edge is.

Top stitch. I like using clear thread, but you can do whatever you want ;)

Lay C on top of B, and measure in 3 to 4 inches on each side, and pin a straight line.

Sew a straight line down where the pins are on each side. Start at the top of C, and sew to the bottom of C. This will make the small pockets. You do this now, so the taller pockets will also be more wide.

Then lay B and C (which are now sewn together) on top of ONE PIECE of A. Make sure the fabric is going in the direction you want.

Measure in 7 ish inches on each side, and sew a straight line down starting at the top of B, and ending at the bottom of C.

Put the other piece of A on top of everything else (pretty sides facing each other), and pin together. Sew around all the edges, leaving a 4 inch section open in the middle of the top.

Turn and cut off the corners tapering out to the sides. There is a lot of fabric on the bottoms, and you want it to lay straight, so this is very important.

Press with steam, and then sew a straight line across the top only, with a seam allowance of only the edge of the foot.


Lay the top stitched kit on top of the ribbon wherever you want it, and pin the ribbon in place where the seams for the large pockets are. I like the ribbon pretty much in the middle.

Stitch just where the seams are, just over the ribbon. Oh, and turn in and sew the raw edges of the ends of the ribbon if you want/need to.

Fill the pockets with whatever crafts and activities you want.

Fold up, and go!
Don't forget to tie the ribbon around the package.

Here's a top view. What do you think? Cute right?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! I hope you win!

Have a Happy and Creative Day!

Risa

I'm linking!

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/07/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-photocentric.html