Teach Me Something Thursday: Hiatus, Scheduling + Iron Craft '13.

Some of you might have noticed that TMST has been absent this month. I decided to take a break for the month of February, then bring it back bi-weekly, because I will be showcasing my Iron Craft Challenge projects on those off-weeks.

So, TMST will return March 7, 2013. If you are interested, feel free to submit a tutorial to be showcased on the blog. Next week, Iron Craft '13 Challenge #4 will be showcased. Since I didn't get around to posting what I created for Challenge #3, here it is, in all its sappy glory:

The theme was hearts + stars - you could choose to use one aspect, or both. I chose to stick to hearts, since Valentine's Day was around the corner. 

Stepping Up My Snail Mail Game.

I have a bunch of pen pals + love sending ultra-cute stationary to them [although i've been slacking as of late]. I always handwrite my return address on the envelope, because most return address stickers are cheesy or just bland. My letters were cute, adorned with stickers, but I wanted to make them look even nicer; more polished. 

Thanks to Laura, the gal behind the Etsy shop lauriebreaker, I now have a fancy pants return address stamp to adorn my letters + parcels with! In December, Laura contributed a custom made stamp as a giveaway item + also offered to create one for me as well! I told her to surprise me with the design she would use. I had to proof the design before it was sent + realized she was using her new design, The Elliott! I was super stoked for it to arrive + wanted to show you all how awesome it is!

I used my awesome Kaleidacolor inkpad to test out a variety of fun color schemes shown in the photo +   obviously had way too much fun with it. Laura, being super awesome, is offering a 10% discount to my readers - use the coupon code SHORT10 during checkout. Don't forget to check out the other designs + cards Laura has in the shop. These stamps make really awesome gifts - this would be the perfect addition to a housewarming gift, or to send to one of your pen pals!

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day.

I don't know about you, but I like marching to the beat of my own drum. When it comes to the holidays, I like to find unique gifts that won't collect dust [or even worse, be re-gifted]. I got my Sherlock Holmes on + found gifts that would be great for guys + gals, young + those who are young at heart! 

01. Lionel Richie  - The Definitive Collection [$8.49] For under $9, you get a hard copy containing 20 hits, plus a free MP3 download of the album. One for them, one for you. Everybody wins!

02. Hello Apparel Kids Neon Raglan 3/4 Sleeve [$28-30 $22.40-24 with coupon code makingitlovely] I love Hello Apparel! I own half a dozen items from the company + really love these unisex kids baseball tees, which are available in sizes 2 - 12.

03. Fringe - Beyond the Fringe [$10.19] Erich + I have recently become obsessed with Fringe - this is actually one of the presents I got him for Valentine's Day. Graphic novels make great gifts, plus Joshua Jackson, who portrays Peter Bishop on the FOX series, helped pen this as well.

04. Plush Unicorn Bouquet [$49.99] Instead of spending an arm + a leg on roses that won't last more than a week, opt for a bouquet of plush unicorns. Sounds strange, but I promise you, this rules.

05. Hearts + Flowers Paper Tape [$10.67] This is a great gift for your crafty pals, teachers + even little ones. This paper tape [also known as washi tape] has multiple uses + looks super cute.

06. Weekdāzed Date Art [$10] The gentlemen of Weekdāzed came up with the genius idea to create customizable works of art with the days that are important in your life. Births, engagements, wedding day, house closing date, the date of your final student loan payment, you get the idea. 

07. Giant Microbes - Heart Warming Mini Microbe Box [$19.95] Want a unique gift for the med professional or scientist in your life? These mini microbes are a surefire way to make them smile. 

08. Happy Valentine's Day 4-flavor Popcorn Tin [$29.99] The Popcorn Factory has made a two gallon tin with four flavors - butter, caramel, cheese + white cheddar. It sounds like a lot of popcorn, but once you start digging in, you'll see how fast it disappears. I'm trying to figure out how to drop the hint to Erich that I want this instead of chocolate this year. 

09. Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown [$9.96] Holidays aren't the same without Charlie Brown + the gang. If you have Amazon Prime, you can actually stream this for free!

10. POPRAGEOUS Girl Saves Boy Leggings [$65] Inspired by a piece created by street artist Banksy, these leggings would be a really fun piece to wear for your Valentine's Day date!

What are some fun items you have come across for Valentine's Day? Include links if you'd like, so other readers can check out your finds as well. 

Valentine's Day Giveaway: Michael Kors Watch.

I don't know about you, but I really dig Michael Kors watches. My friend Kaitlyn is always talking about how much she loves her MK watch + in honor of Valentine's Day, she decided that a few of us should get together + give one away.

I've teamed up with these lovely ladies below to bring you this killer giveaway. We all voted + the watches above are our top choices - if you win, you get to pick which one you like the best!

1// Kaitlyn 2// Shanna 3// Emily 4// Stephanie 5// Robin 6// Kalyn

7// Samantha 8// Lisette 9// Kristyn 10// Jami 11// Courtney 12// Ashley

13// Erin 14// Hallie 15// Jessica 16// Kim 17// Michele 18// Rebekah

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter below. This contest is open to US Residents only. The giveaway will run from February 7 - February 13, 11:59pm EST + the winner will be announced on Valentine's Day.

***All entries WILL be verified to make sure the winner has completed the entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway