HAPPY EASTER CARD & GIFT TAG PRINTABLES

We have a tradition of giving the boys non-traditional Easter baskets. Some of my favorites have been the art toolbox and the secret agent kits (happy to report my boys are still this goofy). This year I put together art kits for the boys and designed these Easter gift tags. I'm not much of an illustrator, but one of my goals this year is to challenge myself design-wise so I took on the challenge of creating a little bunny face. Even though it took me a long time to create this simple-looking bunny, it was a fun learning process. 

I also designed these Easter cards so we could write the boys a little note. 

I'm offering the Easter gift tags and cards as a free printable. If you're not feeling the black and white palette, try printing the designs on to colored cardstock.

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[BLOG] TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

I started blogging almost eight years ago as a mother of a two-year old and newborn. Blogging was my creative outlet and a wonderful way to document my life with my growing family. I first started off writing a private blog only accessible to family and close friends. Over time my blog became public and I gradually started making connections with other creative women around the country and world. I eventually moved over to my SHIM & SONS blog and after many wonderful years over there, I moved over here in to my current space, SALLYJSHIM. There are some folks who have followed me from blog to blog over the years and there are folks that only recently tuned in to my blog. Whoever you might be, I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for visiting this space and for the encouragement and support. 

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[BEAUTY] MY SKINCARE ROUTINE 02

Time for a new "my skincare routine" post since it has been 1.5 years since my last one. After using the same products for many years, I am finally using all new products. I think the new changes in my skincare routine has been a result of the fact that Korea has amazing beauty drugstores that sell a wide range of beauty products from all over the world and Korean women are serious about taking good care of their skin. Some of my favorite shops in Busan are the beauty pharmacies that sell Korean and imported skincare and makeup products. Most of the Korean women I know have good skin and although I think genes plays a big role, they also are quite diligent about taking care of their skin. I think in the U.S. we are a bit more focused on makeup and covering up our blemishes, but in Korea they are focused on taking care of their skin, so not a lot of makeup is needed. Most of my Korean friends (many of them mothers in their 30s and 40s) wear very little makeup. I also started going to a skincare clinic every week for facials (which I love). It is part of a dermatologist's office so the doctor checks out my skin every week and points out my problem areas or areas that have improved. As I have mentioned before I have dry/normal/sensitive skin, so although my skin needs to be moisturized, my skin does not respond well to rich cremes. I've learned from my dermatologist that I need to put on thin layers of creme and pat it into my skin instead of rubbing it in. Massaging your face every day is also another great way to increase the circulation and remove the toxins from your skin. 

On to my skincare routine.

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[MAKE] WOOD BEAD BRACELET

One of the boys' advent calendar gifts was a leather craft book and some leather and suede cording. (I will have to share the book later.) I love suede cording because it is soft and easy to cut (edges don't fray), so I thought it would be perfect to use to make a wood bead bracelet. Inspired by the wood bead necklace J & j made me last year, I made a few simple wood bead bracelets. The great thing about these bracelets is you don't have to re-tie them everytime you wear them, you can simply slide them on and off (the suede cording provides just enough stretch).

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[FAMILY] J & j / CRAZY DAY EDITION

PHOTOGRAPH BY SALLY J SHIM

I came across this photograph of the boys from last year's Crazy Day at school. It made me laugh out loud. Love my crazy boys! (And looking forward to this year's Crazy Day.)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Happy Valentine's Day, Friends! This is the sweet Valentine's Day gift J & j made for me this year. I love how j pointed out that I could keep it forever (and didn't have to return the Lego pieces to them). This gift was also a good reminder to me that handmade gifts are simply the best. They don't have to be fancy, but knowing someone set aside time to make something with you in mind is quite special. This year one of my goals is to make more handmade gifts for my loved ones. Wishing you a wonderful day with those you love. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY SALLY J SHIM