In the midst of Catastrophe…

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I typically oppose to battling a private battle publicly. But when I am inspired by something, anything, I feel the need to share.

My family is going through a battle that is trying, but strengthening all in one. This situation has literally caused my family and I to put our lives on hold and cater to the sensitivity that is the present. Even in the midst of our troubles, I noticed the beauty in nature (which made me smile). I literally stopped and took the time to feel and admire these hot pink beauties.

The flower. It’s beauty. It’s simplicity. It’s ability to teach.

They teach us that a small life well lived is far better than a long life badly-lived.

They teach us to scatter mirth and beauty wherever we go.

Arrangement of their petals and leaflets in a systematic way teaches us to lead a systematic and disciplined life.

Their smiles even in thorny surroundings bring home to us the art of living

We should all do more of the things we love. And share these things, to encourage others to do the same. Please keep my family in your prayers.

XO,

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http://www.carmenveal.com

Made with Love (literally)…

About six months ago, a friend posted a pic of the most stunning LOVE earrings that I had to have. Sadly, she purchased them from an artist at a festival in Dallas, Texas. This morning I scrolled across a pair on Instagram, and the desire to own a pair struck. So I went searching etsy.com. I found none. Determined to have them and of course by complete habit…this happened:

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I posted that pic on my Instagram (@carmenveal) as a peak. And less than one hour later…this happened

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The ones I saw were wooden. Which worried me as I imagine them being on the heavy side. I have this fear of drooping earring holes, so I stay far away from any earring with weight. These babies are as light as a feather, and are flexible so when they hit my shoulder they bend slightly.

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I love them so much, I decided to retail them. It’s been a while since I added new merchandise to my limited edition boutique on etsy (etsy.com/shop/sewcarmen), so I added these lovely love earrings for only $20 per pair. Now I’m all dressed and ready to head out to run some errands. Wearing my new earrings which I adore.

Until next time,

Xo

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Live Inspired & Free

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Good Morning Dolls,

I’m here in my local Starbucks doing absolutely nothing. Literally. I was staring out the window watching stop and go traffic and pedestrians. Thinking. Reflecting. Taking the time to be present. At the start of my week I received what could have been discouraging news, but I refused to be limited by it.

Scrolling through a few pics I shared on my Instagram, life truly is what you make it. So, I’m here to encourage those of you who may need it. And to inspire you to find the love in and embrace the little things. They add meaning to life.

Below are something’s that makes me happy. All are of my home–my oasis. Take the time to embrace what you have, what adds value to your life.

Until next time…

XO,
Carmen Veal

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Home + living | DIY Home office Pt 1

Greetings all,

This project has been planned in my head for quite a while now. I decided to turn my laundry room into my home office.

Here is the start of the office with a desk and accent stand I painted my fav shade of green (Jade).

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The project itself is far from over (shelving units, wall art, custom painted rug etc.) but I’ve started with a few essentials.

First is this file organizer I spray painted

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And of course a coaster to protect my desk from liquid spills

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Here is how I made it:

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1. Buy the precut square tile from Home Depot
2. Cut the paper the size of your tile. I used a rotary cutter & pad. Lined the tile to the edge of the paper for a perfect square.
3. Use mod pudge glue and foam brush to apply scrapbook paper. I used one coat on top of the tile…
4. Applied cut paper, then applied another coat of mod podge glue to the top.

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5. (Optional) I decided to add a few decals from the scrapbook set. Then applied one more coat of mod podge and let dry.

I hope you guys enjoyed and use this to make your own. All products were purchased from Walmart (long ago since I’m using things I already have in my home). Stay tuned for part 2.

Until next time…

XO,
Carmen Veal