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Love Like Twine - reclaimed wood art

12/17/2014

577 Comments

 
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It is not too late to find local art in time for the holidays! Look no further than Love Like Twine for one-of-a-kind reclaimed wood wall hangings with hand sewn fabric and a Bull City flair. 

Love Like Twine is the passion project of Kristen Snyder Thompson, a local mom, SoDu Parents Posse member, and Interior Designer. One thing that sets her work apart is the use of reclaimed wood. Not just any, mind you, but wood with local roots. "All of my wood is locally sourced in/around Durham & most of it is antique. I currently have wood from a 1901 Benson schoolhouse, the Gaston Roberts house, built in 1886 in Bahama, NC & a family farm barn in Cary from the turn of the century." You can see the depth and history in the detailed shots in her store. This is what makes each piece one of a kind, and imbued with stories of the past.  

Kristen is also very detailed in her approach to the sewing, saying "my art is fabric and I cut it and make every stitch by hand. It's a 3-5 hour process, depending on the piece." It's truly a labor of love!

Her wood pieces that celebrate our fair city and state are in stock now, and are ON SALE until December 20th so they can get to you by Christmas! But order soon because supplies are limited, and custom orders cannot be completed before the end of the year. To see just the ones for sale right now, click here. Here are my four favorites of the in stock pieces - each links to the full listing in the store. I love the detail of her stitching, and how the color plays off of the tones of the wood. 
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Another beautiful aspect to Love Like Twine's art is Kristen's handiwork as a seamstress and designer. She lovingly creates each piece just so, making the irregular stitches, colorful patterns,  and beautiful textural quality of the fabric contrasted with the wood grain work together to form special, warm, and simply endearing pieces. 

Kristen loves to collaborate with you on custom orders. She keeps over 100 fabrics in stock for customization and can get pretty much anything anyone is looking for that she doesn't already have. Having a wide variety fabrics available allows her "to share custom options with you. As an interior designer, I am so inspired by unique requests and would love to help select something perfect for you or someone you love." You can see below some examples of what she can do, like the lovely raised fabric flowers on the child's name, or the sweetly embroidered path between states a newly married couple grew up in, or a baby's first initial paired with butterflies for their nursery. The sky is the limit when it comes to what Kristen can help you dream up! 

(Just remember, custom orders can be taken now but will not be completed in time for Christmas. But see the bottom of this post for a special promotional code for custom orders only and use that to your hearts content!)

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Even though Love Like Twine's Etsy store is just 4 months old, Kristin has been making art since she could remember. "Way back in grade school," she says, "assigned projects took over most of the house as I carefully crafted every detail. I love to get lost in creating, and delight in discovering inspiration in the hidden corners of my world." She focused her artistic talents into running a residential design business for the past eight years, but felt as though "a piece of me was missing. As much as I loved helping my clients create beautiful homes, I neglected the part of my heart that needs to form things with my hands; to cut, to sew, to paint, to create. I realized another missing piece through feeling an intense need to focus on my family. My husband and I welcomed our beautiful daughter into our world last year and I'm deeply grateful to now have the opportunity to be home with her full time. Becoming a mom has increased my desire to create a home that is God-centered, welcoming, warm, joyful, and authentically “us." I strive to create simple goods that help others do the same in their homes."

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People who have bought Love Like Twine art can't say enough. . . 
  • "The sign was absolutely perfect! Exactly what I asked for (4 states with a dotted line and a heart connecting them) and beautifully made! It was a Christmas gift for my Mother-in-law and she cried when she opened it- nothing better than a personalized handmade gift!"
  • "Beautiful! Im so happy with it . . . a gift for my brother and sister in law that live so far away! Loved how personalized I could make the colors and cities. Arrived when she said. So happy!"
Remember, all Love Like Twine's in stock pieces 
come ready to hang, 
ready to give, 
ready to be cherished when opened on Christmas morning!
Shop now at: etsy.com/shop/loveliketwine

Keep up with the newest designs and promotions at: Facebook.com/loveliketwine
Bonus promotion for you SoDu Parents Posse members: 
use coupon code  "SoDuSale" for 15% off all  custom orders that are delivered in January! 

FTC required disclosure: The above post is a sponsored advertisement. Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner as they wish. May seem silly, but legally I gotta say it. Congrats for reading the fine print!
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The Glass Lady and By A Feather - UPDATED INVENTORY

12/16/2014

1 Comment

 
Here is what is left! (Meaning everything else from Monday's post was sold.) 
Both the tree and star are unique and one of a kind, meaning that there are not multiples of each style. They are $15 each.
FYI: The tree with the dichroic squares is showing as a black background when it's actually a dark green. 
The birds are $10 each, first come first served. In the new year, I'll be taking custom orders!
Just PM me and I'll get them to you ASAP!
- Kat
1 Comment

Lauren Soignet Photography

12/10/2014

3 Comments

 
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There is nothing more precious than the first few days of a new baby's life. When the labor is over, but the lack of sleep is taking it's toll until you look over at the most amazing creature you've ever laid your eyes on, peaceful and perfect. That is why you need to capture that moment in time. And who better than the talented, artistic eye of SoDu Parent Posse member, photographer Lauren Soignet. 

Lauren has been doing family photography as a hobby for about 6 years now, but her passion for it has turned it into a successful business. You can tell she must have a good rapport with kids because she really captures their personalities. There's a reason it comes so naturally to her -  she taught first grade for 4 years! 


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When she had her own little girl, a sparkplug of a redhead, she decided to pursue life as a stay at home mom.  Not that she's slowed down, mind you! In fact, Lauren is expanding in 2015, building a studio, and working to focus mostly on newborn photography, due to both high demand for her breathtaking work and to feed her soul, doing what she's drawn to as a photographer. 

Lauren says, "I feel this is an area that I want to continue to learn and grow in. I love to capture those fresh moments that are gone so quickly in the blink of your eyes. In 2013, I think I had a total of 9 newborns that I took pictures of. In 2014 that number jumped to 23. Some of them being friends and a few were newborn "mini sessions" but 23 fresh, tiny, beautiful and perfect little newborns." You can see in the many images I picked below why she would want to do this more! This doesn't mean she won't be taking photos of families, siblings, or anything else, just that newborns will take scheduling priority. So now that you know that she's in demand, plan ahead! Moms who are due in 2015, book as early as possible to make sure you don't miss a spot. (By the way, wouldn't a photography session with Lauren be a great gift to ask for this holiday?)

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I love so many of her portraits that it was impossible to choose just one.
I mean, look at those twins! 
And the big siblings! Squeal!
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Lauren likes to shoot families, children, couples, teenagers, and even pets with a Nikon D7000 and uses mostly natural light. She prefers shooting in well lit locations with fun and different scenery, saying you can find her "downtown, on the train tracks or in the woods climbing rocks." Or with a fun blue pickup she used for many of her family portraits this fall, like the great photo below.

Even though she is concentrating on newborns in 2015, she is still going to hold her popular mini sessions throughout the year (typically at least one set each season and several in the fall and winter). How mini sessions work is that multiple clients come to a specific location and are shot back to back in short succession. These sessions are short in length and only a few images are included (hence the name mini) but cost less than a full session, which is nice if you're on a budget. Mini sessions are good for updating your family photos, holiday cards and more. One past fall location was at West Point on the Eno, and she had ready to use props like pumpkins and quilts. Good thing about hiring a pro like Lauren is that she can make you comfortable quickly, and it takes no time at all to warm up to her. Pretty soon you're not even seeing the lens, you're just having fun!

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Lauren also shoots at South Topsail Beach in the summer. She has dates there from June-August and other dates are often available when requested. It's nice to know someone local even down at the coast. Imagine being able to get a nice family shot when you're all relaxed on your vacation!

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Did I mention that she does gorgeous maternity portraits as well? I couldn't help but to include this one for all us Bull City mamas - "Made in Durham!" Love it. Lots of couples expecting their first use her portrait to announce the pregnancy on their holiday cards, and other families who are waiting on their 2nd or 3rd kids have adorable shots of the soon-to-be older sibling adoring their sweet mommy and her growing tummy. As an added bonus, Lauren also prioritizes the newborn shoots of women who also choose her for their maternity portrait. It's a wonderful time to document for posterity, the glow of pregnancy and the joy of anticipation. 




This image below is my absolute favorite of all Lauren's work so I had to conclude with it. It's so visually powerful with the stormy sky as dusk, the full belly cradled by pink tipped hands, the face looking off in the distance with gorgeous windswept curls, sea oats tickling her feet... it is mesmerizing to me. Might as well be a Andrew Wyeth painting , just potent and perfect. 
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So, SoDu, you ready for your special deal?
Posse members get 10% off of the cost of your newborn package!
(Normal prices here.)
Even better. . . 

when her facebook page gets to 800 likes 
she will draw from her fans and giveaway a FREE mini session! 

So what are you waiting for?
Check out more of Lauren's work, find out what inspires her, 
and get details on how to book her at:
http://laurensoignetphotography.blogspot.com/

FTC required disclosure: In exchange for the above blog post, I was given discounted services by the pardner. Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner as they wish. May seem silly, but legally I gotta say it. Congrats for reading the fine print!
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Lopa Patel presents... Younique

12/9/2014

0 Comments

 
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Pre-parenthood, I had a glow. Post-parenthood, meh. So what do you do to get it back when those days of waking up late, taking luxurious baths, and wandering about the makeup counters at the mall with a lot of disposable income are long gone? You adapt, gracefully. Lopa Patel, SoDu Parents Posse member and local mom is here to help. She's a Presenter for Younique, a natural and natural based makeup & skincare line made with high quality ingredients and without unnecessary fillers.

Have you stopped wearing makeup altogether? Lopa was right there with you. "I was never a big mascara wearer" she says, "because I found that no matter what, they all irritated my sensitive eyes causing me to rub them and inevitably get the dreaded raccoon eyes. I was skeptical, but from the first time I tried Younique's 3D Moonstruck Fiber Lashes (and slept with it on) I was sold! My lashes looked fuller, longer and my eyes didn’t get dry or itchy. I loved that the product was natural based and stayed on for so long yet was SO easy to wash off. It comes in two tubes and goes on just like regular mascara. The magic is in the all natural green tea fibers. In three easy steps of Gel, Fiber and Gel you get gorgeous lashes that are 300% longer than without!" It's the look of falsies, minus the cost, health risks, and sheer time spent being annoyed as you're trying to apply them!


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That first experience was all it took for Lopa to become a Younique rep. 
Here's why: 
1. Amazing products - "I'm not a sales person. My background is in project management. If I don't love something I can't promote it. I’m just not that good of a liar. After trying the mascara I started using the skincare products and have seen amazing results on my adult acne prone skin."
2. Quality and Integrity - "Their products are 100% cruelty free and most are 100% All natural or natural based meaning they are free of parabens, chemicals, synthetic fragrances, talcs, oils and most are also gluten-free. This is HUGE for me as my older daughter has a gluten allergy and with a newborn it was also important for me to know that my skincare and when I chose to wear it, my makeup, was going to be kind to his delicate skin."
3. Empowering women - "For a Stay At Home Mom, the need to feel like I am providing for my family, am a strong role model for my children and also be my own person is SO important. This company from day 1 has made empowering and lifting up women their mission statement. Whether it’s their customers, their sales team or just in the community they have made it their #1 priority."

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While most people know Younique for their jawdropping mascara, they have an impressive variety to the products they offer. Younique's line includes skincare products such as a facial cleanser, moisturizer, and eye serum as well as a makeup line with mineral based foundations, blushes and eye pigments, concealers, BB creams, eye and lip liners, lip glosses and more.

Every month Younique offers what they call Customer Kudos – sometimes it’s a new product only available for a limited time, a discount on products or extra rewards for hosting an online event. This month for the holidays Younique has a gorgeous gift box set of all of our Moodstruck Precision Eye & Lip Liners and sharpening pencil. These liners are last all day into evening, but unlike many extended hour liners, go on creamy, rich and smooth!


For Sodu Posse members ONLY Lopa is offering a GIVEAWAY!
1) Like her FB Page and get 1 entry. 
2) Then go shopping at www.lashlovelopa.us 
and for every $25 spent through her site you get an additional 2 entries!
3) Host a 10 day online Lash Bash on Facebook and get an additional 5 entries... 
plus the chance to earn Younique Cash and products - contact Lopa to find out how to host. 
The giveaway will be for none other than 

the best-selling Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara!!! ($29 value). 
Drawing will be held December 19th.  

There is always free shipping on all orders over $100 and a 14 day Love It Guarantee. 
In order to guarantee delivery by Christmas, Lopa  recommends ordering by December 11th. 
So that gives you just two days to pick out your own stocking stuffers, 
and maybe snag something fun for your mom, sister-in-law, and neighbor too! 
Here's how to shop:
Browse and buy to your heart's content: www.lashlovelopa.us 
Stay updated on all the specials at Lopa's Younique FB Page 
Want to email her directly? Write
youniquelopa@gmail.com
FTC required disclosure: The above post is a sponsored advertisement. Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner as they wish. May seem silly, but legally I gotta say it. Congrats for reading the fine print!
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Claire Heymans, LMBT

12/8/2014

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I. NEED. A. MASSAGE. 
YOU. NEED. A. MASSAGE.
This parenting stuff is HARD!
But where? Who can you trust?
Let me introduce you to SoDu Parents Posse member, local mom, and licensed massage therapist Claire Heymans,  LMBT.

As Claire says, "Stressed and feeling worn out from chasing your babes around, working, or just life in general? Need a little me time? I know that feeling all too well. As a busy mom I understand the need to get away and I would like to help you escape from it all. "

Claire is a former Medical Personal Trainer with an educational background in Exercise Physiology. She has worked extensively with the human body in all its shapes and forms as well as many medical limitations. She says it best - "I enjoy helping my clients reach a deeper understanding of relaxation and healing through massage. I have a passion for aromatherapy and reflexology and often incorporate these into a session when I feel called to help enhance your body's ability to heal.  I want you to feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed when you leave my office."


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Claire specializes in:

Swedish Massage, a deep relaxation massage that involves various strokes that help melt the stress away.

Deep Tissue Massage, a technique that uses a more focused approach to your aching muscles. This helps relieve aches and pains in specific areas and muscles to leave you feeling loose and rejuvenated.

Hot Stone Massage, which incorporates the use of warmed stones to help heat and promote circulation through your body. This helps relieve tension found in the deeper layers of muscles. The heat also helps promote a very deep state of relaxation.

Going Green Bamboo Massage, which includes the use of warmed bamboo tools. The sticks are able to glide over your body and relax even the tightest of muscles. You will feel a deep state of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Combination Hot Stones and Warm Bamboo, incorporates the use of both the warmed stones and bamboo tools. This massage gives you the best of both worlds. The sticks help rejuvenate tired muscles through long lengthening strokes while the stones help bring heat and relaxation to more focused trouble areas.

Ayurvedic Massage, focuses on supporting your personal Doshas. Dosha is an Indian word that means energy. There are three types of Doshas found throughout your body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. With information from a short intake form, I will customize your massage by using essential oils to help support and strengthen your personal doshas. 

Sweet Feet Aromatherapy and Hot Rockin’ Reflexology, is the ultimate in relaxing foot treatments. This treatment starts with a warm foot bath and scrub using customized aromatherapy. You then move to a table where warmed stones are used to massage your tired and achy feet and reflexology is used to help promote healing and rejuvenation to the rest of your body. Be prepared to melt away.

Just reading all of the amazing things she offers is making me relax! 
So imagine how great Claire's actual massages are!


Just listen to what her clients have to say. . . 
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"Claire is such a compassionate, knowledgeable, and talented massage therapist. She is always seeking to provide the best experience possible for her clients."
- Drea

"Loved my hot stone massage! I felt like all my muscle aches were gone afterward. I am definitely going to Claire for my next massage." 
 - Rachel

"Congratulations! Claire, you are a gifted therapist and healer, and I am excited that you have returned to massage. Here's to a fantastic journey ahead!" 
 - Michael

Her philosophy is that massage "should be an integral part of every ones self care regime. The benefits of regular massage include reduced pain in joints and muscles, decrease in blood pressure and feelings of stress. It can help reduce the symptoms of mental illness and help increase overall well being. I want you to feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed when you leave my office."

Appointments are available when you are ready to relax on the weekend, instead of having to jump right back in the workweek after such a nice massage. You can schedule an appointment with Claire for a Hot Stone, Ayurvedic, or any one of her amazing massage options between 1 - 5pm on Saturdays or Sundays and take full advantage of the wonderful way you'll feel afterwards. Why waste money on a massage when you just have to go right back to work or pick up the kids? Enjoy one on a lovely, restful weekend afternoon and have your own mini vacation!


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It gets even better - Claire has two specials just for SoDu Parents Posse members!
Her current special, good until Dec 24, 
is that you can buy one full price gift certificate and get one for half price. 
Even better - if you contact her TODAY to book an appointment or buy a certificate you get 25% off. This is good today only for just SDPP members!


Wait - that's not all! If you comment on my fb post about this blog entry 
AND like her facebook page, you will be entered into a drawing to win a 60 min massage! 
(You must do both today, and the contest ends at the end of the day.)

So head over to her facebook page to get to know Claire

and be the first to see her specials:
https://www.facebook.com/MASSAGECLAIRE

So how do you try out one of her many specialties? 

Simple, call (919) 307-6141 or email massageclaire80@gmail.com 
for pricing and to schedule your appointment!
FTC required disclosure: The above post is a sponsored advertisement. Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner as they wish. May seem silly, but legally I gotta say it. Congrats for reading the fine print!
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    About us

    SoDu Parents Posse was created in 2012 to build a community of families in Durham.

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