Luxy Living

COCO Mademoiselle...a modern oriental fragrance, fresh, sensual and abstract. The clear, simple, structured spirit of Chanel. Top notes are orange, mandarin orange, orange blossom and bergamot. Middle notes are mimosa, jasmine, turkish rose and yang-ylang. Base notes are tonka bean, patchouli, opoponax, vanilla, vetiver and white musk.

Fuchsia loves...

CHANCE Eau Fraiche, the newest incarnation of the unexpected fragrance, now takes on a sparkling freshness. The unexpected floral bursts with a lightness and zest as notes of citrus, Water Hyacinth and Jasmine Absolute are highlighted and energized with woody notes of Amber of Patchouli and Fresh Vetiver.

There is something special about drenching yourself with your signature scent... It can leave you feeling beautiful, empowered, and well, just plain happy. :)

What is your favorite fragrance?

Summer Begins

2011-06-13T12:08:00.000-04:00

After a seemingly endless winter, it feels so wonderful to add some freshness.

Poor neglected window boxes... Definitely needs some of God's beautiful creations added.

The simple things in life can be so beautiful.

Hope you all have a "blooming" summer!

Fuchsia

2011-05-10T13:34:00.001-04:00

There has been a lot of hype surrounding these running shoes... and for good reason!

The Nike Free Run +2.

They are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever owned!

The Nike Flex Trainer are Fuchsia's favorite.

We love Nike!

What is your favorite pair of shoes?

-Chartreuse-

Bubble Gum Challenge

2011-04-28T13:00:00.000-04:00

Silly things we do for entertainment... :)

She fit nineteen 1" gum balls in her mouth...

A bag full of gum balls + A bunch of crazy adults = A bubble gum challenge

The record is twenty-three 1"gum balls at one time.

How many can you fit into your piehole at once?

* Take the Bubble Gum Challenge at your own risk! *

Thrifted Gems

2011-04-13T10:50:00.000-04:00

Wow! You can find the neatest things when you do a little junking... Hmm, Thinking perhaps that these beauties need to be put on a leather bracelet!

What'cha think??

Love at first sight, loved even more when I found out what they are used for.

I had the hardest time trying to figure out what these are, they came in a bunch of six. After a long time pondering I gave up and had to ask. Can you figure it out?

Looking forward to putting them in our new home (whenever that may be). [chuckle]

What are some of the things you have fallen in love with, while junk-in, thrifting, antiquing or whatever you call "another man's trash is another man's treasure."

Hope your day is filled with treasures!

-Fuchsia-

Playing With Color part 3

2011-04-08T18:17:00.001-04:00

The Livingroom

Before

After

More "Playing With Color" posts coming soon!

See more before pics here and here.

-Chartreuse and Fuchsia-

Playing With Color-Part 2

2011-04-06T22:45:00.000-04:00

The Dining Room

Before

After

Table Before

Table After

What can you do with just paint?

Find more Before pics here.

Up next... The Livingroom - Before and After!

-Chartreuse and Fuchsia-

Playing With Color

2011-04-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

Luxy Living received a call from a friend asking if we would help color her world. Delighted and honored she would ask, our one question to her was, "Can we show all of our new friends (you)?" She said sure!.. So here is what we have been up to for the past week...

This high gloss yellow paint was just too much for Jenn.

Luxy Living chose the color pallet and Jenn concurred.

She asked for color... Luxy Living gave her color! We're still in the process of painting... Be sure to check back to see many more transformations done with just paint!

Off to play with more color!
-Fuchsia and Chartreuse-

Thrifted Lovelies

2011-03-28T22:31:00.001-04:00

So maybe it's a good thing I live in the middle of nowhere... There aren't a whole lot of places to shop, and I find myself wandering through aisle after aisle of peoples' junk at the local thrift shops... These are the latest gems I've happened upon, fallen in love with, and dragged home with me... :)

An absolute beauty in need of a little cleaning and polishing, but in great shape! It's just perfect for storing these...

I was in search of a nice leather belt to use as a handle for a navy and white striped bag I'll be making...(tutorial coming soon!) I found both of these belts at the same time...$.99 and $3.99. They are absolutely gorgeous! Much too pretty to be cutting up... They will be the perfect addition to the fun summer dresses I'm hoping to make with the help of this...

I've been wanting one of these little ladies for a long time now. I thought she was a little steep at $59... Until I went home and looked her up online...$219 brand new! I'll take her!

Sometimes you just have to be in the right mood for thrifting. It can be dirty...and disappointing when you find nothing. But it can be such a thrill when you happen upon lovelies such as these!

-Chartreuse-

Linking to:

debbiedoos

Leather Lanyard

2011-03-24T09:13:00.001-04:00

I'm certain you can purchase all of these items at your local craft store.

First, cut your leather to desired width & length.

Loop it through the lobster clasp.

Bring the bottom of your leather strap to the top.

Using your leather punch, puncture through all three layers of leather.

Place your crystal rivet through all three holes.

Place the back of the rivet.

Attach the back of the rivet using the rivet setter.

Secure in place with a hammer.

Add your own personal touch with any sort of charm. There are a million cool things out there!

Another leather project...

I have more great leather ideas in mind... Can't wait to share them with you! Just remember to check back often;)

Have fun creating your own.

The possibility's are endless... cell phone lanyard perhaps?!

Turn "can do" into "can did!"

Fuchsia

Find another leather idea here.

Linking to:
debbiedoos

Vintage Themed Food Labels

2011-03-22T13:32:00.000-04:00

I made these food labels for a vintage themed party. They are a great way to add little details to any celebration! I printed the names of each menu item on my computer, printed them on 8.5 x 11 in. cardstock, and cut them out with a circle punch. The cards were cut from black cardstock and scored so they would have a clean fold. All of the paper and most of the embellishments were purchased at my local craft store. Finished size of food labels is 2.5 x 3.5 in. Larger size is 5 x 7 in.

This is how I packaged them for shipping. I made the the sticker by cutting polkadot paper with my circle punch, and running it through my Xyron 250. I have several different sizes of these sticker makers and use them with almost every scrapbooking project!

Try this idea for your next party!

-Chartreuse-

DIY Pomander

2011-03-16T23:47:00.002-04:00

Here is a quick and easy way to make any room more festive for a holiday!

You will need:

Styrofoam ball

Ribbon

Large pins

Paper flowers with petals

There are several ways to make the paper flowers. I used my Cri-cut machine. You can also use any other die-cut machine or a flower-shaped paper-punch. Gently push the petals of the flower up as shown in photo above...

and push a pin through the center of the flower.

Push the pinned flower into the Styrofoam ball, alternating colors.

Attach the ribbon to the ball with a pin and it is ready to be hung!

And there you have it! A great way to make any celebration a little more colorful!

-Fuchsia-

But the heart of the home remains...

2011-03-12T23:36:00.001-05:00

My brother and his family's home of eight years...

is no more... This devastation took place on March 8th 2011.

Praising the Lord all seven lives were spared, even Max their puppy.

-Fuchsia-

The chimney stands alone

A mute witness to the sky

A few blackened timbers

Point scraggly fingers this way and that

A charred shell stares through blank eyes

A man's dream, his hard work,

A women's gathered life,

The treasure of each child...

Only black and ashes.

But the heart of the home remains:

A man's hardworking love,

A women's tender nurture,

The hope and promise in each child...

A living testimony to the goodness of our God.

2011 March 8th

Written by: pja

Linking to:

debbiedoos

Waxing Poetic Jewelry

2011-03-11T21:52:00.000-05:00

Fuchsia and I have fallen in love with Waxing Poetic's line of jewelry. We had so much fun personalizing our own necklaces!

-Chartreuse-

-Fuchsia-

The combinations are endless...

photo courtesy of layla grace

A few of our favorite charms...

photos courtesy of Waxing Poetic

Indoor Slides

2011-03-09T22:48:00.000-05:00

I happened upon this post the today over at ohdeedoh... It got me wondering what it would be like to wake up each morning and zip down to make a cup of coffee...It just looks too fun! If you wanted to go down to the first floor, and you could choose between a flight of stairs and a giant slide like this one, which would you choose?

See more indoor slides here.

-Chartreuse-

Framing A Puzzle

2011-03-07T22:43:00.000-05:00

So you ask... 'What should I do with this cool looking puzzle?'. (Wanting to cherish the memories of putting it all together & not wanting to ruin the beautiful masterpiece.) In this tutorial, I will show you how to mat your own puzzle... Are you up for challenge? If so, I have confidence in you!... I believe you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome!

You will need:

Your puzzle

Puzzle glue
Mat
Frame
Mat cutter
Straight edge
X-Acto knife
Cutting board
Artist's tape

This is an essential tool to getting a great looking cut on your mat. The mat cutter shown here is no longer available, but you can purchase a similar one {here}.

Always work on the backside of your mat, for you will be marking it a lot.

Cut outer perimeter of mat using dimensions of frame. Be sure it has a snug fit...you do not want it to buckle at all.

It is now time to cut the opening where you will put your puzzle. Still working on the backside of the mat, center your puzzle on the mat to determine the size of the opening. Keep in mind that your opening needs to be smaller than your puzzle.

Using your straight-edge tool and mat cutter, cut the inner opening to your desired size.

*Important*- Make sure your mat cutting tool is facing the outer edge of the mat, so the bevelled edge will be cut at the correct angle.

Place your puzzle face-side down and center over mat opening. Secure in place with artists tape.

I was quoted $216 to have my puzzle framed at a frame shop... I saved $140 by doing it myself!

I hope this wasn't too "puzzling" for you... Good luck! ;)

-Fuchsia-

Limited Edition Coca-Cola Bottles

2011-03-03T21:25:00.000-05:00

How cool are these? I'm a Diet Pepsi girl myself, but I was sold on the packaging. Single servings of soda in a container made of aluminum (like the can), but shaped like a bottle... Cool, indeed.
-Chartreuse-

2011-03-02T15:47:00.001-05:00

Oh let me just bask a little while longer...

Fuchsia

A Really Cool Find!

2011-02-27T22:40:00.000-05:00

I found this bag at my local Co-op store. It is really large...perfect for all of the great yarn I've acquired since I learned how to knit. I'm assuming the writing is Japanese. I sure wish I knew what it said... if anything! You can find this bag along with more styles and sizes online here.
-Chartreuse-

Winter Break

2011-02-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

White out!!

Can you guess what's happens next?... Te hehe

Have fun!

Big air!

Silly girls! Don't be so concerned with hiding your face when operating machinery!

Not too fast... Please!

Just a few things the kids do here at Montebello during winter break, I sure hope that we are building beautiful memories for them.

If you happen to be on winter break, I sure hope it's a good one!

Until later,

Fuchsia

Laundry Makeover Update

2011-02-23T10:54:00.000-05:00

The sauna door, all beautiful, white and crisp looking... Thinking we need to put a silver kick plate. What are your thoughts?

Custom dirty clothes baskets... Still a work in progress.

Espresso decorative baskets.

The counter top we chose to use.

The painter & carpenter...

Keep checking back! More pictures to come!

To see the very beginning of the Laundry Makeover click here.

Fuchsia

Fabulous Ribbon Selection

2011-02-18T16:16:00.000-05:00

My local Walmart just got a whole new stock of ribbon. I have never seen such a selection of unique and beautiful ribbons on their shelves! I had to convince myself not to buy a whole cartload.

Loving the metallic velvet and the pleated options...

Rhinestones by the yard... :)

Not your run-of-the-mill grosgrain here... it's a little finer and has a beautiful sheen to it.

This color pallet has my name written all over it! :)

I've heard a lot of Walmarts are phasing out there fabric sections...Thankfully, that's not the case in my town. If your's still sells fabric, check out the ribbon section. You might be pleasantly surprised!

-Chartreuse-

Laundry Makeover Update

2011-02-18T14:11:00.002-05:00

Paint: Sherwin Williams Rapture Blue # sw 6773 eggshell finish.

I say... Whoa!... Is that what you thought too?

More to come!...

Ta-ta for now, Fuchsia

Check out this link to see the before pictures

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-02-15T22:27:00.003-05:00

photo credit - www.beckybakes.net

When I stumbled across this recipe the other day, I was completely sold by the photo... Let alone the name..."Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies". Finally got a chance to make them tonight, and found out just how dangerous they are...You have got to try these!

-Chartreuse-

Laundry Makeover...

2011-02-14T12:31:00.015-05:00

After 20 something years, my parents decided they needed to makeover their laundry/sauna. Being of Finnish descent, sauna is pronounced (SOW-na).

I wish I had taken pictures before they took everything out, but didn't have my camera at the moment. I did take some with my mums camera though, so perhaps I will have to upload from her camera later, so you can get the whole picture. Behind the white door is the sauna & shower room.

I love decorating... so I'm helping my mum in that department. Don't get me wrong, I can get down & dirty, too. My father, being the phenomenal painter he is, often asks that my sister & I help him paint at many of his jobs. But we'll leave this job up to him ;) I get to help with the super fun stuff. Can't wait!

Hop on board, {sidebar, upper right}.

Talk to you real soon;)

Fuchsia

Camera Strap Tutorial

2011-02-12T10:24:00.001-05:00

After seeing so many gorgeous camera straps out there, I decided that my boring black DSLR camera strap just had to have one!

Gray and white stripe fabric- Moda

Rhinestone yardage, iron-on stabilizer and burlap- Walmart

Stretch tulle- JoAnn Fabrics

Pleated satin ribbon, buttons, red toweling fabric- unknown source

I measured the portion of the camera strap that I wanted covered and added a half inch to to all sides for seam allowance. After cutting two strips of striped fabric (the front and the back of strap), I ironed the stabilizer onto the back of one piece. I knew I would be adding a lot of embellishments, and I wanted to make sure they had something sturdy enough to hold their weight. I then sewed the pleated ribbon down the center of the piece with the stabilizer.

Placing right sides together, I sewed down the length of one of the sides, folded the short ends

to the stabilizer side and sewed the length of each. I placed the right sides together again and sewed the other long side together.

After turning the camera strap right side out, I ironed it flat. It is now ready to be embellished.

I cut a 1 inch by 24 inch strip of the stretch tulle and sewed a gathering stitch down the center lengthwise.

I gathered the strip of tulle into a ruffle.

I attached the rhinestones to the ruffle by hand stitching around each link.

I started the fabric flower by cutting a 2 inch by 18 inch strip of the red fabric, and folding it in half lengthwise. Fold the corner down on one end and stitch it to the center of a 3 inch by 3 inch square piece of felt.

To create the flower, fold the fabric over at an angle, working your way around in a circle. Stitch each fold through the felt backing to the front, and to the back again.

When there is about 2 inches of fabric left, trim the excess felt off of the back, being careful not to cut your stitches. Then fold one last petal and stitch the end of the fabric to the back of the flower.

The small burlap pieces were hot glued so they would hold their shape and be less likely to fray.

I hand sewed each piece onto the camera strap using needle and thread, then used a hot glue gun to secure any loose pieces.

And there you have it! We'd love to hear your feedback. If you like this post, consider following us (sidebar on the right)... We have many more great ideas coming soon!

-Chartreuse-

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-02-10T12:02:00.002-05:00

We were truly elated to open our email and find that Luxy Living has been awarded the "Stylish Blogger Award" from Delightful Order.

There are three rules we need to follow...

1. Thank the blogger for awarding Luxy Living

Thank you Delightful Order for the award!

2. List 7 things about Luxy Living

1. We both are blessed to have been raised as Christians

2. We are married to brothers

3. We are brunette and blonde

4. We work together very well

5. Chartreuse has 3 children and Fuchsia has 5

6. Chartreuse sings like a bird

7. Fuchsia owns a motorcycle

3. We are to pass this on to other Blog sites we love

Congratulations to:

A Beach Cottage

House of Turquoise

Personalize Your Favorites

2011-02-07T13:12:00.020-05:00

Begin personalizing your favorites.

What you'll need:

Leather remnants

Leather hole punch

Scissors

Hammer

Rhinestone Rivets

Rivet Setter

Cut leather to desired width and length with scissors. Fold the leather in half and w/ your hole punch, puncture the leather with smallest hole setting.

Puncture hole through whatever it is you're trying to personalize. Try to get it as straight as you can.

Put the rhinestone rivet through all 3 holes.

Secure rhinestone rivet with hammer.

Yelling for my daughter to come and give me her head so I could use it in the final picture, she happily skipped over. I popped the hat on and said, "Stay still." (Am I sounding mean?) I'm really not---I promise. She happily obliged and I snapped the final picture. I was so excited, it had appeared on the camera display that I had taken a pretty cool looking picture... until I uploaded the photos...

I discovered I had photographed the eye that has half the typical eyelashes! Yes, look real close.
I thought, "Oh gracious---I cannot use this picture, how silly would that be!" So I proceeded to take many more pictures...to no avail. Actually, I ended up with lots of cool pictures but wanted to use this one to make it a little more interesting. Te hehe;)

To make a long story short, T was involved in a cheerleading incident, which included a falling body where a sneaker skidded across her face... and bye bye eyelashes.

Just so you know both girls are okay. :)

More leather ideas coming soon!

Would love to hear your thoughts!

-Fuchsia-

Introducing "Unexpected Treasures From Walmart"!

2011-02-05T13:41:00.002-05:00

Occasionally I have found myself in the aisle at my local Walmart, staring in disbelief at something unbelievably cool and unique...something I would never expect to see on their shelves. I saw these super large Mason jars the other day, and knew I wasn't leaving without them. :) Apparently, Sir Archie likes them as well...

-Chartreuse-

A little fuzzy

2011-02-04T11:41:00.001-05:00

This little fuzzy ~~I made with my own two hands~~ ( I wish... I chose the colors though) my mother made with her own two hands, so kudos to her. She does amazing work & is so talented. Being new at blogging I wanted to take this fuzzy and attempt getting a great picture. By no means is it perfect, but I think it will do.;)
Fuchsia

Not your 'typical' Baby blanket

2011-02-02T14:15:00.002-05:00

Baby Blankets are just another one of the few things Chartreuse & I love to design and make. Come on over to our Etsy site to see more of our designs! We would love to hear what you think of our not so 'typical' baby blankets. Become a follower, check back often we'll have more fun stuff!

Ta-ta for now,

-Fuchsia-

If only our girls were little again...

2011-02-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

I find myself wishing I would have had access to these beautiful boots (or anything by Joyfolie for that matter!) when my babies were still babies...

-Chartreuse-

Today is 'Special'...

2011-02-01T13:06:00.003-05:00

19 Year's of 'Sheer' Bliss... today! Blessed, that I am.

Hope your day is blessed as well...

Fuchsia

Happy, Happy Anniversary!

2011-02-01T12:51:00.003-05:00

Wishing Fuchsia and her Beloved a beautiful, blessed day...
Hugs, Chartreuse
(Artwork by Nikki Catalano)

How much fun can we have...

2011-02-01T10:58:00.002-05:00

Life is simply "too short" to not have a ton of fun, & thats exactly what Chartreuse & I do best!

This is a photo of my Favorite Tee...

Do you have a favorite saying?

Fuchsia