Follow YouTique On Twitter!!

I'm happy to announce YouTique is now on Twitter!

Become a Tiquer today!!

Follow at http://twitter.com/YouTiqueBlog

Check Out The Craft Blog Directory!

There is a new Craft Blog Directory that is currently being formed and for anyone who wants to join. Its an honor to be able to be associated with a community with similar interests and getting to connect with them. I look forward to getting to know some new readers and cannot wait to hear everyone's ideas!! Go join the directory now by clicking the image below!



The Barn Phootshoot

Hey Everybody!!! Wow I cannot believe its been 9 days since my last post. I am currently scolding myself! But on a good note today I got to go out and about again and take some new pictures. The theme for today was Barns, and Oh lordy do I have some big treats for y'all. Christy and I went to 3 different locations to get pictures of some the most beautiful barns in Missouri (In my opinion). Some of the barns we just happened upon and some had great stories behind them, no matter the circumstance they made for gorgeous photos. I hope y'all enjoy!!

We came across this barn while driving down a gravel road. It was one of my favorites.

More Pictures After the Jump!!

"Like" Youtique on Facebook!!

Hey everybody! Just recently I made a Facebook page so that everyone can keep up with new posts on the blog as well as contests and giveaways!

Go to http://www.facebook.com/YouTique and click Like!

At 50 likes there will be a little giveaway and who knows it could be you! So go share the page and lets start having some fun!

Kick Up Your Feet... For Cheap!

You have to love Lazy Sundays! I may have to work in the morning on Sundays but that means my entire evening is open to watch movies, get take out Chinese food, and hang out with my pooch Roxy.... but for me I can only be lazy so long before I have to get up and do something. Earlier in the week I posted about an ottoman I found at a junk store here in town. The ottoman has a great build and is very stable, the only issues with it was a few minor scuffs on the legs and a very ugly fabric on the cushion. I bought the ottoman for $5.50 and did not want to invest anymore than $15 into it.

Step By Step How to... After the Jump!

Treasure or Trash?: Youtique's Guidelines for a Pick

When I go picking for items, especially furniture, I usually do my "preliminary test".

• Look the item over. If its feasible, pick up the item and look from the bottom to the top. Look for flaws that cannot be patched or fixed with stain or paint. In my experience wooden chairs with splits in the seats are bad news.
• Check its stability. Just to clarify right off the bat, I do not mean try standing on it. Junk shop or not, the terms "You break it, You buy it." still apply. What I do for furniture is find a level piece of ground and give it a little rock, listen to the piece.. Chances are if it pops and cracks, its not going to be worth it to fix it up.
• Look beyond the cosmetics. When I pick a piece I try not to pay as much attention to its paint job rather than its structure. Just about anything can be painted and if the structure is good then you are more than likely in for a beautiful piece.
• Will this be fun or require extra funds? I am always up for a challenge but know your means and the importance of your project. You may find something you think would look gorgeous fixed up, but you must also take into consideration the money you will have to invest to accomplish the look you are seeing in your mind. I myself have been guilty of lusting over a item that would just turn into a money pit. I think having vision is a wonderful thing, but I like to be able to see my vision come true.
•  Is this project out of my capabilities? Sometimes money isn't the issue when it comes to knowing your means on a project. It is important to take into consideration the hours of work and the difficulty involved in some projects. So before you pay for something that is going to be more than you can chew, estimate how long it will take you to redo the piece. Otherwise you will have a million half done projects, and the name for that is "Hoarder".

I know everyone has their own routine, and I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on picking!

Country Snap Shots: Deuxième Partie

Just finished some more photos from the shoot on Tuesday, these took awhile to finish up, because I was having trouble accomplishing the effect I wanted for them and I've had trouble finding the time. Better late than never I suppose!!

I only wish I had gotten a picture of the geese that were in the pond a few minutes earlier.

 More photos after the jump!!