project envy girl

my version of project life.

2012-01-11T09:26:00.000-05:00

Every year at this time I see all the woman deciding to do Becky Higgins' Project Life - 365 scrapbooking project, either again or for the first time. I read all the blogs, look at all the awesome albums and wish I had the time and energy to put toward this project. I actually bought the Project Life kit at the beginning of last year, and there it still sits... underneath my desk.

But this year... I've found the perfect option for me! I call it "project life for the working mom-wanna be full time scrapbooker" .. and its a free app! Thanks so much to the fabulous Trish Turay at Work in Progress Kits!!

It's called .. my365! And all I do is take a picture a day with my iphone - how hard can that be???
I love the calendar function.. my plan is, at the end of each month.. to print the pictures. The calendar will help me keep track for journaling purposes.

Love love love this idea!!

One Little Word ~ January

2012-01-09T17:09:00.001-05:00

It's only been 9 days and I'm loving my OLW choice so far.

I picked the word "Be" so this year,

my One Little Word could have more of an impact on my life throughout the year. It strikes me as a bit of a funny concept though... I chose the word so I could "just be"... more at ease, with myself, daily pressures.. being more in the present, letting things happen.. but I also want focus on the kind of person I want to BE at this time in my life. So each month, I decided to focus on a particular issue.. being more financially stable, being more fun, being a better wife.. so we'll see how that goes!

This month.. I'm trying to BE MORE PREPARED.

It's simple really. In January I am trying to be more prepared for daily things than I usually am...

to get things done, to avoid putting unneeded stress on myself and my family when it comes to things like:

making breakfast,

packing lunches,

having uniforms clean and ready to go,

keeping track of projects, practices, homework and games.

Hopefully this will help.. I switched from a monthly calendar, which I have used since college,

to a daily one. And I'm trying every night to take a look at the day ahead.

If I can BE more prepared, life will BE a lot smoother for our whole family.

and.. BE sure to check out Monika's post today!

One Little Word 2012.

2011-12-28T05:00:00.015-05:00

It's that time of year again.. time for Ali Edwards' One Little Word project... and I'm going to give it another try.

Last year my OLW was "change"... then I realized it was way too broad.. and what I really needed was some "calm" in my life. So I changed my word. My daily mantra then became "to just calm down" which, to be honest, really didn't go well with my chaotic life, yet sometimes it actually worked.

This year I've decided to pick a simple word that I can re-focus at any time: BE.

In 2012 I'm going to just be. Be present. Be organized. Be thoughtful. Be thankful. I'm hoping choosing this word will help me take a more focused role in whatever life is dealing me or my family at any given time. I may even choose a different thing to "be" each month... that's the great thing about this project.. it can be anything you need it to.

My 2011 OLW efforts faded a little... due to distractions, forgetfulness, you name it. So this year I'm also adding some accountability by sharing my word with my good friend Monika Wright! She is an awesome scrapbooker, mini album genius and all-around incredibly crafty and creative girl - so I know sharing this year-long project with her will be inspiring for me.. and we are both hoping it really keeps us on track!

So bring on the new year! I'm ready for it to BE 2012!

magic moments.

2011-09-16T12:11:00.001-04:00

Hi there...
I'm linking up to Shell at Things I Can't Say with my Magic Moment!

after weeks of bickering and bothering.. a weekend trip where these brother actually ENJOYED each other was such a blessing. I love capturing their happiness.

Now that I'm 40....

2011-08-12T17:22:00.001-04:00

Sorry I've been "missing in action"... it's been a busy, busy summer.. and although I promised myself I'd give my blog some attention, it just hasn't been possible.

I turned 40 back in May and thought I'd share.. my list... 40 things I'd like to do, now that I'm 40!

1. Take a digital photography class
2. Get a new camera lens (expensive)
3. Go on a family hike
4. Go to a concert - DONE
5. Go on a weekend trip with Brian
6. Exercise regularly again
7. Buy a sewing machine - learn to sew
8. Take lessons and PLAY golf
9. Get back to a real size 8
10. Buy a $100+ pair of jeans when this happens
11. Run a 5K
12. Go to the Beach once a year
13. Eat more fruits and vegetables
14. Organize a girls night dinner
15. Organize scraproom - DONE
16. Keep a gratitude journal
17. Focus on my OLW - calm!
18. Make a Friends album - DONE
19. Finish printer drawer project
20. Save money for a new computer - MAC!
21. Go to monthly lunch with Mom and Dad
22. Call my sister more
23. Take Boys to Holiday World
24. Take Boys to Kings Island
25. Get more facials from Bella!
26. Clean/purge storage room - DONE
27. Revamp - simplify blog
28. Play in a tennis league
29. Complete 2011 family album - 1 picture per month - in progress
30. Ride in a hot air balloon
31. Watch a shuttle launch live - NOT GONNA HAPPEN :(
32. Take the boys to Africa
33. Go to Italy
34. Sell the house!
35. Reorganize the laundry room
36. Clean the garage
37. Learn to cook - really.
38. Start (writing) a novel.
39. Buy a Kindle - DONE
40. Rent a winnebago and take a family trip!

It's kind of a to-do/bucket/wish list... and I plan to add or subtract items as I see fit, but it does feel good to have a list :) While I haven't been frequenting my own blog, I have been keeping up with all my favorite bloggers out there.. and am basically obsessed with pinterest. Hope to see you again soon....

camera bag confusion...

2011-04-06T18:18:00.000-04:00

So last year I thought I had all this figured out. But I never purchased my fancy-schmancy camera bag.

I actually bought an insulated lunch bag and used it instead :) I'm thinking its time to start using it for my lunch though - and BUY an actual camera bag.

Of course, now there are more choices. AND I am moving away from my signature "turquoise" color and thinking maybe pink... yellow... or gray???

So I need some opinions... what do you think of these:

Turquoise Options:

Yellow Jo Tote - color not really me, but would stand out:

Gray, love the inside:

Pink Options:

I'm kind of liking this option.. but not sure what color..

These are canvas options from Photojojo:

The main factors I need to consider.. are that I'll be lugging this baby around to sporting events.. indoor, outdoor you name it. It needs to be durable, and I need to be able to get up and go!

Opinions please!! I need help making a decision.... the big 4-0 is coming up you know!!!

birhtdays. happy!

2011-03-30T09:31:00.001-04:00

I'm about to hit my "birthday" season.. with one this weekend and one in July.

Our parties are always spread out... with one birthday usually falling during spring break and the other on the Fourth of July. This means we usually celebrate with family and then a few weeks later with the boys' friends.

This year Nick turns 7 - we are going bowling... and I'm actually trying to be creative!

I made each invite by hand -

not sure I'll do that again, since the date had to be changed and I had to do them over!!

And I'm using a few ideas I found online... that I will definitely share.

Here's a scrapbook page I did the other night, which will show you just how far behind I am....

This one turns 9 in July.

So you see I'm a little behind schedule... hopefully I can catch up in the next few weeks.

I've been feeling a little sad about their birthdays though - they are growing up WAY too fast!!

happy happy.

2011-03-25T08:43:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited... these were shipped to me by Kelli at Dwellingonline!!

My plan is to put them here:

Can't wait to see if it works!

iloveitall winners!

2011-03-22T09:32:00.001-04:00

Here are the winners of my two i love it all giveaways!

Congratulations and enjoy!

The winner of the mini album is....
# 5
Heather said...

I just love Monika's mini albums...she inspires me to do more of them...and hopefully one day I ACTUALLY will! LOL! I love this little mini album and just documenting one family picture a month is a great idea and would be a fun thing to look back on.
March 2, 2011 9:20 AM

and...
The winner of the print...
# 2
Christi said...

I'm a follower. withalime.blogspot.com is my blog. I can't decide between the Me&You print and the photography print! ;)
March 14, 2011 11:42 AM

Christi and Heather... just email me your info and your mini and print will be headed your way!

get lucky.

2011-03-17T11:40:00.001-04:00

Happy St. Patty's Day... hope you've got your green on!

Just wanted to send out one last reminder... I have TWO iloveitall giveaways going on right now.. the winners will be announced tomorrow!!
Mini Album Kit Giveaway

Print of your choice Giveaway

So take a few seconds and comment on either or both and GOOD LUCK!

a little blog crushing...

2011-03-15T09:17:00.000-04:00

Today I am featuring a new friend - Heather of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! She has a knack for finding really cute ideas online, so I asked her to share...

Hello All! I am so excited to be guest posting…just tickled pink that Andrea asked me. My name is Heather and I am a thirty-something, wife of 13 years, mother of 2, Scrapbooking Addict, Disney FANatic, Starbucks Junkie and now apparently I can add Blog Hopping Groupie to the list as well!

I started my little blog some time ago: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to share some of my scrapbooking and crafty projects. But then over this last year, when my BFF and I were planning our Witch’s Ball and then my sister’s bridal shower, I started really noticing other blogs and the wealth of creativity that is out there…and then the next thing I knew -- I was hooked! I have been scrapbooking for almost 12 years now and love doing just about anything crafty and creative - helps me keep my sanity – or at least what little is still left :) For about 9 years I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom before circumstances forced me to find a job outside the house. Now I consider myself lucky in that I have a job which allows me internet access and since I am a pretty good multi-tasker, I can blog hop from the office – but let’s just keep that between you and me :)

Andrea asked me to share with you guys the Top Ten Blogs I am crushing on right now. I have to confess, it was REALLY hard to narrow it down to just 10…but here goes:

1. Someday Crafts: The name itself rocks! LOL! I have a running list of crafts I have plans to get to…as soon as I find the time. I have gotten so much inspiration from these girls and the different projects they share. I blame them partly for my blog hopping obsession :) This is the blog that really turned me onto thrifting and the Dollar Store.

2. I Love It All: Monika’s scrapbooking and mini albums absolutely rock my world! She has really inspired me recently. SO much so that I even joined in the 52 Photos Challenge that she is co-hosting with another bloggy friend of hers.

3. House of Paper: I love all the inspiration I get from my fellow Interior Designers at House of Paper. Such cute and creative scrappy projects and tutorials.

4. Welcome Home Blog: This blog absolutely touches my heart and I usually start my day off with a visit to this blog. I will warn you, tissues are almost always a necessity. I am an avid supporter of America’s military and their families. This blog is a constant reminder, even on my worst days, of just how lucky I am because every night I am able to hug and kiss my little family while some families have to wait months and months while they are separated.

5. Our Life in a Click: I was first drawn to this blog because I have total mantel envy! I just love Heather’s mantel and the cute and creative way she decorates it. The fact that her name is Heather and she is a fellow Disney lover is just a plus for me!

6. The Graphics Fairy: This blog has some of the cutest and most creative clip art images and she shares them for FREE! So many amazing graphics you can print and use for your home decorating and crafty projects. I love printing some of them out and framing them to place around the house for each holiday.

7. Madigan Made: My favorite part of this blog is her chalkboard she made for her kitchen. I am actually in the process of making my own…I have all the supplies, just need to carve out the time - story of my life.

8. Fancy Frugal Life : Love the sweet projects on this blog and I especially liked her DIY Vintage Cupcake Stand. While the cupcake and cake stands seem to be all the rage in Blogland I just loved that hers was a little different – made it stand out in my mind.

9. Eighteen25: I am drawn to this site because these 3 sisters have such cute gift ideas, fun printables and the eye candy just makes me happy!

10. Mod Podge Rocks: Since reading this blog, I have started stocking up on the Mod Podge! LOL! I never even knew how many different kinds there ARE! I actually made coasters for Christmas gifts that past year using tiles, beverage napkins and Mod Podge – awesome!

SO, there you have it…the Top Ten Blogs I am crushing on right now. Thanks again for letting me share!

And thanks to you for all the great ideas Heather..

I follow 4 of the 10, so I am loving the new places to go!

project envy girl on iloveitall!

2011-03-13T20:33:00.000-04:00

Yay! What a special day - I am so excited to be featured on one of my favorite blogs - I love it all by Monika Wright!

If you are stopping by for the first time - I am so glad you are!!
And I'm excited to be giving away one of Monika's awesome prints to someone who loves them as much as I do - winner's choice!!

To be eligible all you have to is...

* become a follower of projectenvygirl - if you have a blog, leave me a link :)
* leave a comment on this post telling me which iloveitall print you would pick
* the winner will be announced on Friday

all u need minis.

2011-03-11T13:00:00.010-05:00

Today's Friday Favorite is...

All U Need Scrap!

This site has been a favorite of mine for a while. Since I work full-time, and have a slight mini-album obsession.. I love finding mini's that are already assembled and just waiting for my pictures!

Here is the first one I purchased from the girls at All U Need Scrap:

(you can see a previous post on the album here)

I also bought this empty heart one, for a steal... and it's been sitting in my scrap room for a while waiting to be finished.

I finally printed out the pics I needed on scrapbookpictures.com... and here it is!

(yes I used to have long/short blonde hair :)

Next on my wish list:

You can visit Kara and Julie at All U Need Scrap .. and check out their mini albums and kits.. they also have great layout kits. Happy Scrapping!!

mini tree.

2011-03-08T08:20:00.003-05:00

My friend who owns a local gift store.. gave me this tree...

What do you think?

I put it up in the corner of my scrap room and hung some mini albums on it..

I liked it at first but now I'm not sure???

summer in the life.

2011-03-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my "Summer in the Life" mini album... inspired by the Monika Wright project...when it was featured here on Ali Edwards blog.

It's acutally how I found Monika's blog... iloveitall.. and now I am lucky to say that talented Tennessee girl is a friend of mine :)

The "Summer in the Life" idea was a perfect way to capture the memories of our 2010 summer. The goal this particular summer was to make it as fun for my boys as possible. Since I work full time, and they don't quite have the summer their friends do, its always a challenge - so we decided to do a summer fun chart! The boys came up with the activities and we tried to do as many as we could.

I purchased the book, complete with pages and embellishments, from Monika's etsy shop... so all I had to do was put it together!

This was so easy to put together.. and I love that we were able to accomplish most of the stuff on our summer fun chart! It's a perfect little reminder of how fun our summer really was!!

for my funny valentines.

2011-03-04T08:37:00.004-05:00

Here's what the boys woke up to on Valentines Day:
(yes I know its March:)
I was trying to come up with something cute and easy for them... so I downloaded an adorable heart printable from a blog I check frequently (but for the life of me I cannot remember which one - so if someone knows please tell me!!)

For some reason, when I printed the hearts out, they printed smaller on one than the other - so I just gave the smaller one to the younger child :))

Then I just grabbed some photos from square punch picture drawers (awesome Stacy Julian idea)
and added the things I love about them! Then tied them up all cute with my maraschino twine from The Twinery!

They loved their little books :)

giveaway: iloveitall mini kit

2011-03-01T16:06:00.003-05:00

Don't forget... if you would like to win a mini album kit from iloveitall by Monika Wright ... just go to this post and leave a comment on why!

The kit includes DIY album, papers, printed month-in-review journaling cards, 2 2" binder rings, extra embellishments and kraft paper for front and back covers.

You only need to be a follower of Project Envy Girl to be eligible. The winner will be drawn in two weeks... Also, you can use the coupon code PROJECTENVYGIRL at Monika's etsy shop for a 15% discount through Friday March 5, 2011.

** if you link to this giveaway on your own blog, let me know and you will be entered twice!

us right now: 2011 mini

2011-02-27T21:00:00.006-05:00

This year I was searching to do some kind of mini album for 2011.

I was inspired by Monika Wright's gratitude album and Karen Grunberg's weekly gratitude project from last year. But I knew I couldn't keep up with a weekly journal.. and I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted the focus to be. Then I saw Karen's (of Karenika.com) 2011 idea - Us Right Now.

While I loved Monika's gratitude album from 2010.. I knew I needed something "easier for me".

So when she posted her 2011 gratitude mini I had a great idea!!

(see how her 2011 gratitude album is shaping up so far)

I took Karen's weekly project... which is an awesome idea, and adjusted it to monthly.. and decided to do an "Us Right Now" monthly mini! As I was mulling it over.. Monika shared a post on her 2011 Snapshots in Time album.. and I immediately thought - perfect!!

Solution: order custom album!

So of course, I asked Monika to design one for me... which she did!

(a custom listing in her etsy shop)

First I'll show you what arrived with my "iloveitall" purchase:

Monika always sends extra goodies :)

She made the mini in my color scheme - (boys).

Here are some of the inside pages:

So here is my first month's entry.

I chose to type because I'm not a huge fan of my handwriting.

I'm pretty excited about how this turned out! All I really have to do is take one family picture each month.

Of course, I haven't taken February yet, so maybe its not that easy :)

But when the year is over, I hope to have a great memory book!!

This mini is a great example of how all my blog-reading inspiration combines to make a project that fits my life and creative goals.

I am so grateful for all the wonderful ideas that make my creative life easier.

So... guess what?? I'm having an iloveitall giveaway!!

One of you will win a Snapshots in Time mini-album..

(its a DIY album, including papers, printed month-in-review journaling cards,

2 2" binder rings, extra embellishments and kraft paper for front and back covers)

in order to win you must:

* be a follower of projectenvygirl

* leave a comment on this post - what would you do with your mini??

a winner will be chosen in two weeks.

and... you can use the coupon code PROJECTENVYGIRL

at Monika's etsy shop for a 15% discount through Friday March 5, 2011.

twine time.

2011-02-25T09:24:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my first installment of:

Friday Favorite!

When I first saw this product, I knew I had to have it.

But honestly, I just wanted to sit it in a basket in my scrap room and look at it! I wasn't really thinking about how I'd actually use it. I had seen a lot of projects using baker's twine, but I just wasn't sure I could be as creative.

Not sure if that makes sense - but nevertheless I was hesitant.

After mulling it over, I decided - JUST BUY IT!

So I did, I purchased the sampler pack for $14.95.
(the new sampler is $20 with 3 additional colors)

And here's what happened:

These aren't the greatest pictures, but you get the idea. I'm now using it all the time and I love it! So now I really want this:

This twine is now one of my favorite products - a must-have for my crafting! I've used it in mini albums, scrapbook pages, teacher gifts, you name it...

If you hop on over to The Twinery - you can check out all kinds of great examples and ideas.

You'll also want to check out the cool story of how they started their business!

december daily. done.

2011-02-24T08:35:00.003-05:00

So here it is... finally finished.
(I think last year I posted it in July!)

My second December Daily.

I think this is a project I will definitely stick with!

Most products this time are courtesy of the awesome Teresa Collins - Noel Collection.

These are just a few of my favorite pages... you can see the complete album here.

Here's a look at my 2009 DD album :)

If you haven't attempted this yet, but would like to -

just check out the DD Flickr gallery for plenty of inspiration!!

this post is linked here:

butterfly punch project

2011-02-22T09:39:00.001-05:00

I finally finished my butterfly punch picture..

The original idea came from this post from Ali Edwards back in 2008!

(I cannot believe it took me that long)

So here's my take... I wanted to get the boys pictures involved somehow...

I'm not sure I like these as much as her original art..

but at least my scrap room is finally coming along!

project envy: scrapbookpatty

2011-02-21T09:12:00.001-05:00

Today I am excited to introduce you to one of my favorite scrapbookers... Patty. Her pages are wonderful, and today she is sharing her tips on making mini albums.

Hi everyone my name is Patricia Kumfer, most know me by ScrapbookPatty. I have been immersed in the scrapbooking hobby for about 8 years. Between taking care of my family, college, and other responsibilities, I constantly am thinking about what project I’m going to create next. I currently design for Paper Posies and My Cute Stamps and have been published in Scrapbook Trends & Cards Magazine quite a few times. So you may have seen me around.

I was so excited to get an email from Andrea asking me to come on here and discuss the “The Secrets of a Mini”. Besides scrapbooking layouts, I love to make mini books, Chipboard books in particular. I know at first Mini books can be kind of intimidating, but they actually are really easy and a lot of fun.

Here are a couple steps to how I get brainstorming and started on a mini book.

-I start with my canvas (main body of the book). I have been lucky to find most of chipboard books for $1 at Michaels craft store. But one of my favorite companies is Maya Road. They have wonderful altered books in a variety of shapes.
Supplies: Tape Runner, Scissors, Pencil, glue dots, extacto knife.

-I know you're thinking .... THAT’S IT??? That’s really all you need. I have tried it all (modge podge, glue sticks) its way to messy. You also don’t want to wait months for it to dry.

-Once I get a book I like to browse on a theme. I love to use kits. It’s a big help and it doesn’t have you searching for a bunch of “KINDA” matching supplies.

So you have your supplies and photos …. WHAT NOW????

-START SCRAPPING. Think of it like a mini scrapbook page. I normally start with tape running glue all over each side of the chipboard base and cutting it out. It works best for me. I know some who sand the edges down to get it smooth but it just depends on your taste.

-Once you get all your base paper down let your creativity flow. I normally piece things before I glue them down and sometimes I add more paper depending on what I feel it needs. My motto the more dimension the better. I love miini books that have a lot going on from start to finish.

Here is one of my favorite mini chipboard books I made for a friend.

Thank you for giving me the time to share one of my favorite projects and my hobby with you. Stay Creative and Be inspired.

Thanks so much Patty!! You can check out Patty's blog here. If you would like to be featured.. or have a featured suggestion... please let me know :)

52 photos.

2011-02-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

I'm having a pretty fun time playing along with this one ....

It's called 52 Photos and you can find out more about it here.
And I joined late, so if you're interested in basically doing a photo challenge each week and sharing with a group of fun women, by all means join up!!

This week's challenge is UP...

a sammye jo surprise!

2011-02-15T09:28:00.005-05:00

One of my first "online bloggy" friends.. happened to be the awesome, creative Sammye Jo of 62 Cards!

And I really couldn't believe it when I found out we actually lived about 20 minutes away from each other...

I'm a huge fan of her etsy shop so several months ago, when looking for a new adhesive to use.. I ordered a glue glider from her - because she swears by them! It took her a while to get it to me... which did not bother me one bit... but being the sweet and awesome Kentucky girl she is... here's what arrived at my doorstep:

Are you kidding me???

This whole care package and an apology for the late delivery of the glue glider... totally not necessary - however, is she the sweetest thing or what????

My boys could not believe someone would do something this nice!

So... feel free to give her Sammye Jo some love today.... head over to 62 Cards on etsy... check out her awesome creative blog... and follow her on facebook!

Thank you Sammye Jo!!!! You are the best!

happy hearts day...

2011-02-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

my funny valentines!

have a great day!

project envy girl.

2011-02-11T17:04:00.000-05:00

New Year... New Look...
So now I can check one of my 2011 goals off my list: simplify and focus my blog.

I started as "Patchwork Pages" with the idea of focusing on my scrapbooking.. and at the time it seemed to fit. I was inspired by some many women bloggers, that I really just wanted to get involved.

However my immersion into the "blogosphere" has changed my outlook drastically. I started to realize I did not have a lot of time to spend on my posts... because I kept finding so many creative and unique projects to tackle. I became more creative, yet incredibly busy and completely neglected my blog - which I miss.

So I guess in 2010, I actually became a bit more crafty. Which is surprising for me, but a good thing. I found some absolutely wonderful creative women whose blogs have become daily visits for me. They inspire and remind me what life is all about. You'll get to know them really well if you stick around.

I started keeping a tumblr blog, mainly as a way to catalog all of these great ideas I was finding. I called it "Project Envy Girl" which I have now determined is really who I am.

If I had 5 extra hours a day, or could lose this full time job that takes up a large portion of my life, I am convinced I would be "Project Girl" - but alas, that is not my life!

So I am now officially "Project Envy Girl" and I hope you'll stick around to see all the wonderful and inspiring stuff I'm finding everyday and the projects I'm actually finding time to finish! I'm hoping to feature more blogs, more projects and post more!

Thanks for making my blog a part of your day or week or whenever... and I hope you like the new look!

Andrea

resolution smesolution.

2011-01-11T11:15:00.002-05:00

Ok. So I am one of those people who rebels against the whole "new years resolution concept".
Yes, I realize it's probably so I don't have to feel bad when I don't lose the 10 pounds I need to.. but oh well :)

I am a fan however of new beginnings, and new attitudes! So i'm using 2011 to hopefully bring about some change in my life. I'm already eating healthier and not yet exercising - but plan to.

I've been following a wonderful bunch of articles over at write.click.scrapbook. on all the projects you can undertake for the new year. If I could have any wish it would be free time, so I could do all of them! But regardless they are sooo inspiring.

It's still a work in progress, but I thought I'd share my "creative pursuits" for 2011....

* Improving my blog! I'm so sorry it's been neglected.. but I'm having a hard time finding out exactly how it fits into my life. Honestly it's been a lot easier keeping up with my tumblr blog, so i'm anticipating a somewhat radical change with "patchwork pages" this year... so stay tuned for that!

* 40 at 40. I turn 40 this year. bleh. But I'm working on a list of 40 things I want to do now that I'm 40! (or now that i just decided to write them down :)

* I've selected my One Little Word... and signed up for Ali Edwards class at big picture classes! My word is CHANGE!! and soon i'll be sharing more about that.

* More mini albums - i finally got a Zutter Bind it All - yay!!

* Wrap up 2010. I have several "carry-over" projects.. that simply MUST be finished soon! My printer drawer, my butterfly prints, my black table.. etc. I am really wanting to complete these projects, so I can have room for quicker ones :)

Those are just a few of the things I'm looking forward to... and that's just the world inside my scraproom... I'm also working on family goals too :)

I wanted to share with you where a lot of my inspiration is coming from.. these wonderful posts by Karen Grunberg over at WCS.

Resolutions: The Big Picture
Resolutions: What Matters Most
Resolutions: Crafting-Related Projects
Resolutions: Personal Projects
Resolutions: Final Words

Enjoy!! I'd love to hear some other "creative goals"!

christmas countdown begins...

2010-12-02T11:13:00.001-05:00

The Countdown to Christmas is on at our house!

Inspired mostly by the wonderfully creative Beth Proudfoot.. here's what we're doing this year.

The boys have an advent calendar (purchased at Target a few years ago)

Inside each day - is a clue.

The clue leads to a bag. (link to numbers download)

The bag has either a small treat or toy.. and a Christmas message (which they will happily do.)

Here are my Christmas messages: (i'd provide downloads, but I'm not sure how)

1. Make a Christmas wish list.
Do something special for a friend.
2. Tell a friend at school you think they're really cool.
Deliver a special treat to your cousins!
Fill a stocking with treats. Drop it at someone's door as a surprise.
Make a card for Hazel and Wilson send it in the mail.
Recycle some toys to share with others.
Read a Christmas book together.
Light a candle and say a prayer for someone you love.
Go see Santa.
Go look at Christmas lights.
Write a gratitude list of 10 things.
Give Christmas cookies to your teachers.
Donate some books to the library.
Watch family holiday videos.
Write letters to Santa.
Create a military holiday package
Ring the Salvation Army kettle.
Listen to Christmas music.
Watch Polar Express.
Take pictures in front of a Christmas tree!
Make a reindeer candy cane for the tree.
Buy presents for a needy child.
Decorate a gingerbread house.
Do something nice for your brother.

And here are my clues:

Its day number 1.. and this will be fun.
first scratch your head, then look under a bed.
On day number 2, here's a cool clue:
Go to the place where we eat.. and keep things for our feet.
It's day number 3.. and that is just fine..
you'll find me near the door I'm hiding behind.
On day number 4.. I hope your not bored.
Go up the steps and look straight at the door.
Its day number 5... hmmm.. Where did I hide?
Here's a clue - look outside!
It's day number 6, and I'm up to new tricks.
So where am I dude? Somewhere where there's food?
On day number 7, what do you think?
There are towels around me, and I'm under a sink.
It's day number 8 of our Christmas countdown.
Behind a "show watching box" is where I can be found.
On day number 9 I hope you're feeling fine.
I'm somewhere that’s messy, where people should dine.
It's day number 10 - my cute little friends.
Come fine me! In a place you're not supposed to be!
On day number 11... let's think about John Wall.
Your surprise is probably playing basketball.
It's day number 12 and mom is quite clever...
hiding me under the coziest bed ever!
On day 13 ... do you know where I am?
The place where you put apples, milk, and some ham.
It's day 14.. and were counting the days..
so I'm under a place where a person would lay.
On day 15.. see if you can guess?
I'm in a favorite spot... that is over a mess.
On day 16 I'm near a tree.
Which one? the one that has the most of me!
It's day 17 and Mom is nearly out of clues.
so lets look again where we put all our shoes.
On day 18.. I'm getting pretty smart.
And decided to hide in a place called a cart.
It's day 19... isn't it dandy?
You'll find me under a tree that has candy!
Day 20 is here.. just 5 days away.
Your surprise is in a "holiday room" today!
It's day 21.. and we're almost done.
But don't give up! I'm by a cup.
On day 22... here's a strange little clue.
Give mom a hug.. .and when you are done.. you'll see what you've won!
On day 23... your last day to seek..
you will have several places to peek.

We did our first one last night, and the second this morning... and they LOVED it!
It will be interesting to see how well I can keep up with this... and my December Daily!!!
Busy, busy, but happy holidays!!

christmas spirit.

2010-11-24T09:21:00.000-05:00

I know tomorrow is Thanksgiving... but the Christmas spirit is alive and well at our house!

We have 7 trees up so far... (pictures to come)

and 3 more to go this weekend!

And against my better judgment, I decided to do my second December Daily...

AND a daily Christmas Countdown for the boys.

So I am excited to take loads of pictures!

Just thought I'd share some of my favorites from last year:

I actually caught the boys coloring, with their hats on by the tree.

It was precious.

cookies & milk for Santa - carrots for the reindeer!

Nick: "Dear Santa, we do not live in a neighborhood.

Please do not forget our house tonight."

Could the kid be any more excited??

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families!

We can't wait to enjoy the holiday season!!

today was the first time...

2010-11-12T15:15:00.001-05:00

i ever went to this place...

OMG! ~ they had 50% off ALL Christmas items!!!!
please tell me why it took me so long to go!

blog neglect = project progress.

2010-11-11T12:07:00.001-05:00

first of all... i want to apologize for completely neglecting my blog over the last month!! i have this great sits day, and get all these new followers - and then i disappeared :(
i know several of you have checked in and seen the same post for weeks... and i am really sorry.
i'd like to say there's a good reason - but it's mainly just a case of trying to do to much .. so something falls by the wayside. i know you all understand :)

i have been keeping up with my tumblr blog ... (its basically my online notebook of all the projects i want to do someday) .. but that's only because its easier and doesn't require much writing.

the good news is... i have a massive project update! (at least for me its massive)
i've really been trying to get some things accomplished... some are half-finished and others are almost done!

so here goes:

i'm still working on my ali edwards printer drawer - i can't wait until it's finished!

I'm also working on my variation of her butterfly punch collage... i plan to put black and white photos of the boys... and hang in my scrap room.... but i stepped on the glass and broke it, so i'm trying to decide if i can still hang it without glass??? (pictures came with the frame :)

i have several projects completed... (or nearly complete) thanks to my friend and completely awesome blogger and crafter - Monika Wright.
first... my family rules are up in my kitchen! you can order these at Monika's etsy shop.

i used her halloween printables for these treats for some of our friends :) Monika has tons of adorable printables and downloads on her blog that make my life easier!!

my major project the last two weeks... has been piecing together my summer in the life mini album - also Monika-inspired. (sorry - she's kind of like my Martha :) you'll definitely want to check out the one she just created - it's adorable! but here is my first attempt - still needs journaling:

(a whole post on this is coming soon.... )

i also made this fabric frame for my good friend's daughter... but it's not nearly as good as the original by Amy at Delightful Distractions.

and my dad painted my wood table black.. it's here under all this stuff. i'm planning on mod-podging little photos of the boys to the top and covering with glass.

so you see.. i HAVE been busy!

and oh yeah, i forgot.... the day after my last post my computer blew up! so i am now working on a refurbished one... you can only imagine how fun that is :)

i promise more on these projects coming soon! thanks for checking in (and forgiving me :)

woo hoo! welcome SITStas!

2010-09-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

i can't believe my SITS day is finally here! first let me say ... I love checking out all of your blogs! and have found so many wonderful, inspiring, creative women to follow! i really appreciate you stopping by :)

so who am i?? well, here are a few things about me:

these are mine. lucky me.

and if i could do this everyday, i'd be a happy girl.

ok, back to reality.

i am a mom of two extremely energetic boys.. i have a full-time completely stressful job, which i never write about! (this is about fun!!)
as a person who always "assumed" she would have girls... these little guys have really changed my world! with the arrival of my first born.. so began my passion for taking photos and documenting his little life. years later, i started blogging mainly as a place to gather scrapbooking ideas and inspiration... but i seem to now be obsessed with starting as many new projects as possible...and every time i find one i love, i just add it to my ever-growing, project to-do list!

when i can squeeze blogging into my crazy life... i like to write about anything from scrapping, to crafting, making mini albums, the craziness and sweetness of BOYS, friendship, stress... and any severe case of project envy i might be experiencing at that time!

action is probably my all-time favorite post... i can actually go back in time when i read it... and it SOOO describes my life with boys. (and one of my scrapbooking "idols" actually commented on it :)
here's the little book of magic i made with the pictures from that day!

game changer is how the fabulous Stacy Julian... (see previous paragraph) completely changed my scrapbooking - and inevitably my life - she is the first blogger i ever read and the main reason i have joined this wonderful world of creative and inspiring women! she also introduced me to this time-saving memory-keeping project.

an em-il-ie idea is an example of how i use blog-inspiration for scrapbooking.... and here are two of my favorite Ali Edwards projects - december daily and week in the life.

and in my world of blue and boys.. here is one of my favorite pink things!

thanks soo much for stopping by today - i love comments and followers.. as i know you do too!!
i have to admit.. sometimes the blog-world can be a bit intimidating.. there is so much possibilty and not nearly enough time in the day :) i am always so impressed with the energy and excitement so many of you have - and while i don't get to blog as often as i like, and many times don't always feel that creative... it is really just SO NICE to just be a part of it!

if you do become a follower today... make sure and leave a comment on this post.. so i can check out your blog too... all comments on this post will be entered in my secret, surprise giveaway - to be announced next week!!

thanks again SITStas! i look forward to making some new friends.. and hope you all have a wonderful day!

perfect sentiment.

2010-09-28T08:40:00.000-04:00

perfect sentiment is one of my favorite blogs... and has been since before i started my own :)

i love erin's quotes and printables! recently - since jumping on the "making lunch everyday" train... i asked her if she would design a weekly lunch menu planner for me - and she did!!

i love it!! notice she even put my boys names in the corners :)

this is her meal planner that she sells in her etsy shop...

and a look at how she uses it:

one of my favorite things you will find on perfect sentiment are her quote printables...

very inspiring!

you can click here for a link to all of erin's downloads!!

and lucky for me erin is giving away a printable of your choice to one of my readers! all you have to do is be a follower of patchwork pages, and leave a comment on this post!

SOME OF MY FAVORITES...

2010-09-24T17:34:00.001-04:00

thought this might get my creative juices flowing!

just click the x to get that pets thing to go away! i can't figure out how to do it :)

10 years makes you....

2010-09-23T12:15:00.000-04:00

appreciative. grateful. thankful.

today i've been married for ten years. why is it that i feel differently today than last year? is it because its an accomplishment to get here? we've had several good friends split up... so maybe that's why.

i just feel really thankful. and lucky.

not just for my husband and marriage..

but for all the wonderful friends and family who have helped out along the way.

for some reason i've been thinking a lot about the day itself and how happy i was.

wishing i could just be in that moment one more time.

remembering how wonderful things were before the stress of life happened...

but at the same time realizing how even with the stress..

our life right now is such a beautiful and cherished thing.

marriage is soooo not easy. especially with 2 wild and crazy adorable children .

but it is definitely a blessing!

"olive" wild olive... and you will too!

2010-09-21T17:25:00.000-04:00

today i wanted to share a creative and fun blog that i follow... and particularly two ideas that i love!

Wild Olive is the blog of mollie johanson who has this wonderful etsy shop!

i love this "list of stripes" she made... sparked from a dry-erase board idea from paper-n-stitch!

and her magnet clips are perfect for hanging kids art or to use as a bookmark!

easy and adorable projects just added to my list...

maybe i should share my endless project list someday????

loving letters.

2010-09-15T12:20:00.000-04:00

who doesn't love wall letters?

i have really been interested in this lately.. and even made an attempt in my "monogram wreath" - (which i plan to re-do by the way, because i do not think the wreath works)

anyway - i attempted another letter, putting zebra paper on an S but when i put the mod podge on, it ruined the paper.. (not the mod podge, the ink spread for some reason)

you can see the remants of my sad, pathetic try:

i was SO annoyed at myself - i tossed this in the trash.

but since coming across these letters... i may try again!

this one is from girl inspired.

and these from flamingo toes... i particularly love the D and the R!

so i think it might be time to finally make my fall letter wreath!

hopefully i'll be able to post it soon :)

subway art.

2010-09-09T10:47:00.000-04:00

I am really loving "subway art" lately...

there is something very unique about the written word as a form of decoration or art..

maybe its the inspiration...

whatever it is.. here are a few of my favorites:

Halloween Subway Art from "A Glimpse Inside".

Family Rules from Barn Owl Primitives - Etsy.

Home is where the heart is - Oh So Very Cheri!

Games - red letter words.com

(i plan on asking the boys to name all the things they love RIGHT NOW and making one of these)

Wedding Vows - GeeZees Canvas Art

(this is also on my "wish list" - we wrote our own vows...

so it would be nice to be reminded of what they were :)

wash your hands.

2010-09-02T09:14:00.001-04:00

one of my friends has the cutest sign in her bathroom.

it's black, with "wash your hands" written in white paint.

it hangs by a cute black gingham ribbon.

i thought i would see if i could make one for my bathroom.

so i went to Michaels - got a square wood plaque for about $.79

painted it brown - and since i couldn't find a good pen, and am not a huge fan of my own handwriting...

i used white scrapbook stickers.

then i brushed satin mod-podge over the top...

an stapled the ribbon to the back.

i cut out a piece of brown felt for the back...

added two flowers and a brown button...

and it was ready to hang in my bathroom.

of course, i searched my whole house and could not find one nail!

so that's how it will look when i finally get it on the wall.

total project time: 20 min!

spooky stuff.

2010-09-01T10:58:00.000-04:00

so football season just arrived, and i am already thinking about Halloween.

this is very unlike me.

i actually do NOT like putting Halloween decorations around because i know the minute they come down, my youngest will start begging me to put up the Christmas stuff.

(which i LOVE by the way)

but for some strange reason this year... i am a little excited to decorate and give some spooky gifts.

here are a few ideas i like:

from Pottery Barn Kids

from Monika at iloveitall!

from Williams Sonoma

and from Lisa via Lil' Luna

and of course, i'm trying to plan ahead when it comes to the boys' costumes!

my 6 year old wants to be a vampire.

the 8 year old - probably will want to be an nfl player for the FOURTH year in a row... but i'm just guessing.

my absolute favorite was the year they were batman and robin:)

(age 2 and 4)

i would love to know your favorite halloween memory or idea -

so please share!

happy haunting!

School Lunch Ideas!

2010-08-26T16:18:00.001-04:00

So last year my children ate lunch served at school.

This year they both decided - they want me to make it everyday!

Of course, that little revelation had me pretty stressed. The last thing I need to do is add another thing to my to-do list. However, I'm guessing over time it will save me money.. and I figured if I can find stuff they like, then at least I will know they are eating.

The problem was - I needed IDEAS!!

So I asked several of my friends for some suggestions and now I have a whole list of options!

I basically pick one from each category and it's actually not so bad.

I thought I'd pass along what we came up with... so here it is:

Lunch Ideas:

Main dish:
* Smuckers Uncrustables: pre-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches - thaw for about ten minutes before putting in lunchbox
* Deli Meat & Cheese sandwiches
* Cheese Cubes w/ salami and turkey rolls
* Peanut butter on crackers, on tortilla plain or with a banana
* Cold Pasta Salad (pasta, feta cheese, pesto)
* Lunchables
* Bagel with cream cheese or peanut butter
* Hot thermos container... you can heat up soup, ravioli, spaghetti and meatball, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese.

Healthy Side item:
* Yogurt Crush Cups - put in freezer an hour before leaving for school
* Go-gurts
* String Cheese
* Carrots with Ranch
* Celery with Peanut Butter
* Strawberries
* Grapes
* Apple slices (packaged)
* Bananas

Extra side:
* Pretzels
* Granola bars
* Hummus and pita chips
* Goldfish
* Chex Mix
* Flavored rice cakes
* Veggie chips or baked tortilla crisps
* Peanuts, almonds, cashews

After school energy snack:
* Organic, all natural pop tarts
* Clif bars (brownie)
* Granola bar
* Bowl of cereal

Treat:
* Pudding Cups
* 100 calorie snacks: twinkies, cupcakes
* Oreos
* Cookies
* Ho hos :)

Hope some of those ideas are helpful! I'd love to add some to the list, so if you have any other ideas, please let me know!

i love what "anniebakes"!

2010-08-25T09:02:00.002-04:00

my granny was a great cook. my mom's a great cook. let's just say... i'm not.

apparently that gene was not passed on.

but occasionally i try to follow a recipe... so i'm constantly clipping and saving links to ones i like.

my latest favorite place to find wonderful food - anniebakes!

you will NOT believe all the wonderful recipes!

here are a few ones that are on my to-make list:

french toast bake:

doubly lemon cake:

baked manicotti:

and there are PLENTY of more where these came from... be sure to check her out!

Anniebakes!

Project Envy: Letter Wreath

2010-08-23T10:38:00.000-04:00

so here is my first attempt at a Lil' Luna project...

I love this monogram wreath:

I had to make a few adjustments... since I could not find a cardboard letter, I used a wooden one. And it appears mod-podge and I have some issues.. so I had to cover some mistakes with flowers :)

I also wish I would have chosen a berry wreath like she did instead of this green one.

but hey.. at least I finished it!

Door Frames

2010-08-19T09:34:00.000-04:00

Here is one of my all-time favorite Stacy Julian ideas... and I hate that I can no longer find the link to the blog article where she describes the idea... because I can't remember exactly what she calls them... and of course she explains it so much better than I will! But here goes:

Let's call them "Kids' Door Pages"

Each boy has an 8x8 plastic frame hanging on their door... and I change out the pages (in an ideal world it would be every month, but it's more like - whenever I get around to it)
Here's what's on Nick's door right now.

A page about his wonderful imagination - with pictures of his "creation table".

And on Zach's door:

A picture of Zach from our trip to the ND-USC game last year..
These pictures will be replaced by new ones... and put into an 8x8 album where I will write more about Nick and his imagination... and Zach and how much he loves going to live sporting events.

These are their books:

These are the first pages:

A page in Zach's book about his struggle with reading:

Snow Serious: you can see on the left I wrote a little paragraph talking about how sometimes he is so serious - even when he is just out having fun.

Some others:

Here's Nick's "Tough Guy" page.. about an injury he had.

And these are pretty self-explanatory!

I added a Christmas one this year to have up during the Holidays.

I intend to give these books to the boys when they graduate High School, but who knows - that could change. In the front cover I explain that the album is to show them how much I love all the unique characteristics that make them who they are. So I try to choose pictures that speak to me about their personalities or different qualities they have.

The next ones to go up will be:

The Collector - a look at how many things Zach collects (a lot!)

Stuffed Nick - is there a child with more of a stuffed animal obsession??

If I am able to find the link to Stacy's original idea I will definitely post it - I loved this idea the minute I saw it. It really doesn't take too much time and the boys love seeing the new pages when they go up on their door!

Thanks Stacy for another awesome idea!!

i love it all! seriously.

2010-08-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

Good news... if you did not win the "summer fun" mini album from Monika Wright at iloveitall - you can still get a great deal at her etsy shop!!

Monika is offering 10% for all of my readers...

for any one item in the shop before shipping.

Just use the code ANDREA in the contact the seller portion

or in the notes to seller in PayPal!

Of course when she told me this... I logged right on and knew exactly what i wanted.

(mine is red :)

Family Rules Print 11x14

this is perfect for the wall right by the boys' bedrooms!

I LOVE this.

wait... i love it all!!

here are some other cute finds in Monika's shop...

journaling prompts:

back to school labels:

baker's twine :)

and for those of us who LOVE photography:

thanks so much Monika!! and happy shopping everyone :)

the collector.

2010-08-05T17:04:00.000-04:00

I'm working on a scrapbook page about my 8 year old: the Collector.

He loves to collect things. It started when he was 3 with little superhero action figures.

Then as he got older... football cards, helmets, etc.

And his latest obsession... pens.

In 1st grade he became a collector of supplies... highlighters, dry-erase markers, erasers, paperclips.

Can I just say I have always loved this about him!

The way he puts everything in its place.

The child's room is never a mess.

But what I really love.. is I think this is definitely a trait he got from me :)

I collected rocks. Strawberry Shortcake dolls.

and now.. I collect photos and memories.

How cool.

What do you collect?? I'd love to know :))

Summer Fun Giveaway: Winner!

2010-08-03T16:44:00.000-04:00

And the winner of my super-fun summer fun giveaway is.... Melanie!
Melanie said...

I am a follower (by google reader .. hope that counts?) I so want to win one of these!!! It is just darling!

Congratulations Melanie!
Thanks soooo much to Monika Wright for giving away one of her adorable summer fun mini albums!
Melanie, message me your contact information so we can get you your prize!!

dry-erase moment.

2010-08-02T10:20:00.001-04:00

In my oldest son's room, there is a dry-erase board that I often leave him notes on.

Sometimes I even get one back :)

(I found this the other day - good thing I took a picture because it was gone the next day)

On-line Journaling.

2010-07-29T16:30:00.001-04:00

Do you keep journals? I love them.. But unfortunately I am not that successful in keeping them updated. I have several with entries from a few months at a time, then they just stop.

I just can't seem to keep up with writing every night... because something else always comes up. Cleaning, organizing, bill paying - you know how it is.

But now I am completely excited about this new website I found through Ali Edwards.. it's called OhLife... and it's basically an online journal. You sign up, they send you an email that prompts your entry... you email it back and wah-lah! it's posted!

It's so easy.. and now I am recording stuff I don't want to forget... without the added stress of finding time to write it in my journal :)

Summer Fun Giveaway!

2010-07-26T16:04:00.001-04:00

What a great way to start the week!

Here's a super summer fun giveaway from the fabulous Monika Wright!

After reading my post from last week, Monika has graciously offered to give one of her "summer fun" mini albums to one of my blog readers!

She included some cute add-ons for the winner as well as the 20 patterned papers,

custom-designed tabs and a grommet embellished "summer fun" cover.

All you have to do is be a follower of patchwork pages... and leave a comment on this post.

If you refer a new follower, just let me know - and I will put you in the drawing twice!

Don't forget to check out Monika's etsy shop and her i love it all blog!
And remember - Monika designs for Write.Click.Scrapbook. - one of my favorite scrapbooking sites!

the paper mama: action photo challenge

2010-07-21T15:21:00.000-04:00

This is my first entry for the paper mama's photo challenge!

Chelsey writes a great blog and has picture contests all the time... this week's is an "action" photo contest. And here is my entry.... (it was hard to pick just one!)

So I thought I'd at least share the others...

and what came after...

and of course... I think my favorite one of the day:

These pictures were the inspiration for one of my favorite blog posts.

Be sure to check out the paper mama... you might even want to participate!

i love it all.

2010-07-20T09:02:00.000-04:00

Today I wanted to spotlight one of my favorite blogs: i love it all by monika wright!

Monika shares great scrapbooking and craft ideas... and sells some adorable stuff in her etsy shop!

I'm partial to her mini albums... I just purchased this summer fun album... where I plan to put together some of our best summer fun pictures!

This latest project of mine was inspired by Monika's post "Summer in the Life"

And it just so happens that Monika is blogging this week at Write.Click.Scrapbook.. - one of my favorite daily stops!

Her focus is Christmas in July - I'm loving this, since I think it's never to early to start thinking about Christmas!!

Be sure to check out her posts from Monday and Tuesday... which include GREAT IDEAS and FREE DOWNLOADS:

Holiday Greetings & a Mini Album

Make it Pretty

Show Monica some love today - she's a creative and inspiring gal!

Explain this.

2010-07-19T09:07:00.002-04:00

How is it that my 6 year old is scared to death of dogs... but NOT a bit scared of goats?

With horns. Or camels?

This little zoo is right down the road from our house. Funny to think I can just walk up and pet a zebra :)

Oh So Fabulous Winner!

2010-07-17T10:32:00.002-04:00

And the winner of the OhSoFabulous giveaway is.... Summer!

Summer Braxton said...

my baby girl turns 3 in 15 days!! My parents won't be able to be here for her party, so this adorable album will be perfect to send party pix to my parents.

Happy birthday to your little girl!

Please email your mailing address to me at stahlman23@bellsouth.net...

so you can get your OhSoFabulous prize!!

Here's what I've done with my OhSoFabulous purchase:

Don't forget to check out Ashlee's etsy shop!

Inspiration. Envy.

2010-07-15T09:33:00.000-04:00

Today I thought I'd share a few ideas from some newly-discovered blogs that I really love...

One of my new favorites - you definitely have to check this out - is:

small burst... of everything.

You'll find everything from inspiring photography... to crafts and home decorating ideas... to great recipes!

One of her latest ideas is this wonderful post on how to make perfect lemonade..

This picture is just calling me to make some this weekend!

And I love this recipe for cake-mix ice cream sandwiches!

Here's an idea from the stir! (home & garden section)

I would LOVE to make one of these... a metal file covered in paper!!

If only i had the time and the patience :)

and this project from lil' luna... is definitely on my to-do list.

I also love this idea - a picture block - planning on making one of the boys for my scraproom!

Lil' Luna is one of my favorite blogs lately... since I started blogging... I am absolutely amazed at all the creative and inspiring women out there!

If you have any particular favorites ... please share them on this post so I can check them out!

Have a great day!

Blow some bubbles!

2010-07-12T17:10:00.000-04:00

You'll have to excuse my recent bloggers-block!
I promise to get some new posts up soon, including the winner of the OhSoFabulous! giveaway.... but until then, I wanted to share this great idea from my friend Lacie at Creative Attempts!

Doesn't this look like fun! I know two boys who will love making big bubbles this coming weekend!

For instructions from Lacie check out her post here.

oh so fabulous! giveaway

2010-06-29T22:36:00.002-04:00

.This really is OhSoFabulous!
I recently found this shop on etsy.com.. and I have to share it. Ashlee at OhSoFabulous makes the most adorable mini-albums. They are the perfect instant scrapbook for those of us who don't always have the time (or the talent).

Not only are the album extremely creative - I think her prices are really reasonable - if you compare it to the time and money you would spend purchasing products and compiling the album on your own.

Ashlee does it all for you.. just add pictures!

I purchased this one for some pre-marriage pictures of me and my hubby:

And this is one of my favorites!

As you've probably figured out, I LOVE mini-albums, and love trying to do them myself- but I doubt I could ever make them as fabulous as Ashlee.

And - guess what!! She has graciously agreed to giveaway one of her fabulous albums to one of my lucky readers!

To win this "birthday mini album"... just leave a comment about what you would use it for... and remember - you must be a follower to win!

Summer photos.

2010-06-27T20:59:00.000-04:00

We're back from the beach. And yes I took 400+ photos. I had three goals on this family vacation to Florida: Relax, play... and take LOTS of pictures.

I really wanted to put my camera to use, and hopefully in the end I'd have some really great photos of the people I love.
Here are some of my favorites:

Here are some tips for taking summertime photos.. from kelly willette and "the creative mama"

a.k.a. project envy girl

2010-06-25T10:14:00.000-04:00

Ok.. so now I've succumbed to tumblr.

I had been saving so many images that just really didn't turn into a blog post.. so I decided to keep them in one easy location (and get them off my computer:)

You'll find creative ideas, images and future projects on my tumblr blog too - quick and easy inspiration. (and things I don't want to forget :)

You can find me at projectenvygirl.

And if any of you are already on tumblr.. let me know, i'd love to follow! It's a great place for inspiration!

happy things.

2010-06-23T10:41:00.002-04:00

Since I am a lover of all things "etsy" I thought I would share my favorite shops:

edesse designs: cute little notebooks and journals - great, inexpensive gifts.

pixel impress: adorable little calling cards.

everyjotandtittle: journaling tags, mini-cards, and mini-books

The Fancy Lamb: everything vintage, I'm partial to the journals.

Lettergirl: absolutely adorable personalized address stamps

62Cards: of course my kentucky girl, Sammye Jo at 62 cards! I'm a huge fan of her paper packs, banners, cupcake toppers, etc.

Red Otter: I wish I would've had a guest book like this when I got married :)

The Paper Pixie.. journaling tags, calendar tags, etc

The Paper Peddler: really cute envelope stickers, mini-cards.

These are just a few of my favorites! If you have an etsy fav you can share.. please leave a comment so I can check it out!

Finally...

2010-06-21T08:50:00.004-04:00

Hello! I'm sorry it's been a while... I went on a wonderful Florida vacation with my family. We had a GREAT time! (pictures to come- yes I took 400+)

Anyway - I am SO sorry I forgot to announce my latest giveaway winner before I left :(

The winner of Tania Willis' beautifully handmade embellies is: #13 - that would be Ashly!

Ashly said...
Yea!! Im already a follower so here is my comment :) I would really LOVE the handmade goodies!!!!

Be sure to check out Tania's etsy shop: Beautifully Handmade!

Thanks so much to Tania for this awesome giveaway!! Ashly - please email me your info so we can get you your goodies!!

summer so far.

2010-06-09T09:17:00.008-04:00

Well it's been almost 2 weeks since the last day of school and so far, so good.

After scouring the sites of my favorite creative people - here's what I came up with. (I think most of the ideas came from Stacy Julian :)

First, the boys and I came up with our "summer fun chart" - which is really just a 12x12 sheet of paper with some punched circles and letter stickers - but it does the job.

We are working on making a longer list, but here's what we have so far:

Go to Holiday World - done
Go to Kings Island
Go to Mammoth Cave
Visit our friends in Atlanta
Go to the Lake
Celebrate my 4th of July baby!
Go to a Baseball Game
Playdates with Friends - done
Swim!!! - done
Basketball Camp
Soccer Camp
Camp Hiho - done
Go on a Canoe Trip
Campfires & Smores
Go on a Nature Hunt
Work in the Garden - done
Go to the Beach!
Go to the Movies - done

Next: I started thinking about my other main goal of the summer (goal #1: have a blast) which is, READING. The boys are going into 1st and 2nd grade and I do not want them to fall behind. So I came up with "Incredibooks" - they each have to read 2 books to me each week and write about the books in their journals. At the end of the summer, if they've done it correctly, they each get to take a friend to Incredible Dave's. (which is this money-sucking, wear your kids out, bungee-bouncy-climbing play-place that my kids love)
My older son has to read 75 minutea a week for school, so he told me he'd rather do one book each day, instead of just two a week :)

Next: with the absence of a school routine, I wanted to give them some direction and responsibility.. so I am using SJ's "popsicle job" idea. There's a different job on each stick - and they pick 3 a week, to do during that week.

The jobs are:

help with laundry
unload dishwasher
wipe baseboards
help with dinner
run small vaccum
pick up family room
clean counters
help mom _____
help dad _____

This idea went over well at first, but is proving to be a bit of a challenge. However, they are doing their jobs for the most part.

So each boy has a clipboard with a sheet for the week - along with their jobs and books, it includes:

* working in their summer workbooks (which I got at Target)
* cleaning their room (each day)
* having fun with friends
* brother time (acutally getting along :)

Then at the end of the week, they get to write down their "favorite" of the week. And then everything sits on a cute little basket on the table.

happy things.

2010-06-08T12:13:00.002-04:00

sRandom "niceness" is such a blessing.. and here are two recent stories that made me smile.

In the last few months, our family has become better friends with another family. Their youngest son is best buds with our oldest, and their youngest daughter and our youngest are good friends too. Anyway.. we watched their kids one night (they have 2 older boys too) so they could go out to dinner, and to return the favor they watched our boys overnight. They are really great people, and we are so glad we've gotten to know them better.

My new friend Jane (who is awesome) - in addition to running a family of 4 -runs her own embroidery business! A few weeks ago when they came over, she brought me this huge comforter, with our school's monogram and our name on it. And.. it just happened to be my favorite color of blue!

What a completely nice and out-of-the-blue thing to do! I love people who do things simply to be nice!! So I thought I would share her website with you - the sassy sister. She has incredibly reasonable prices.. and absolutely adorable stuff!!

(i just ordered a dress, headband and purse for my niece)

Happy thing #2:

I am a faithful scrapbook.com shopper. For the most part, I buy all my supplies either there, or at the local Archivers. However, the other day I was on elizabeth kartchner's blog, and she was offering a deal with bluemoonscrapbooking.com, so I thought I'd try it out.

I loaded up my cart, and added in the code to get the free "Dear Lizzy" kit, not paying attention at all that the deal ended on Wednesday. But anyway, I was happy to give them some business and looking forward to getting my new mini albums and "stuff". Then... I got a voice mail the next morning from the OWNER! Thanking me for placing an order and letting me know that it had shipped - and I could tell from his voice that he truly appreciates my business!

This kind of stuff just makes me happy :)

project envy: paper flowers

2010-06-07T11:03:00.006-04:00

My latest case of project envy comes from one of my new favorite websites!!

I have become a religious, daily follower of this blog - ideas for scrapbookers!
Pam, who started the blog, sums it up best:

I started this blog for the purpose of having FREE templates, tutorials, digital items, ideas, challenges, contests, and so much more! This blog features posts for both traditional and digital scrapbookers.

I have already collected so many ideas and templates I don't know where to start. But I thought I'd share a particular project I plan on trying..

These awesome paper flowers are made by Lynn Biermann and she provides a tutorial here to show exactly how she does it! If I ever get past the 10 projects I have backed up right now.. I hope to get around to trying to make these flowers!

and don't forget....

If you haven't entered the giveaway for Tania Willis's awesome embellishments.. you can still do so here. The winner will be selected this week!

beautifully handmade. (+ giveaway:)

2010-06-03T09:02:00.002-04:00

one of the benefits of the on-line scrapbooking world is you get to meet really great people.. even form friendships, just over email.

today i want to tell you more about my friend tania willis!

she is a very talented scrapbooker/artist/designer/teacher who always share great tips and insights on her blog, "what'chu talkin 'bout willis?"

in one of my very first "shorter" blog posts.. i shared my "tania card box" which is a special box in my scraproom filled with all the cards i've purchased from her!

tania makes the most adorable cards and fabric embellishments, which you can find in her etsy shop, "beautifully handmade". she also offers several tutorials on her blog.

two of my favorites:
butterfly mobile
paper holly wreath

but she is probably best known for her handmade embellishments.. which are absolutely adorable! she teaches several classes for "get it scrapped", on making embellishments, cards and scrapbooking with fabric.

the special thing about tania is she shares a lot about herself and her two beautiful daughters.. in the midst of all her incredible scrapbook tips! click here to find out why she opened her etsy shop.

and tania has graciously offered to giveaway a set of her newly-made embellishments to one of my readers!

aren't these adorable! i have serious creative envy when it comes to tania's handmade goods.. but i feel lucky to have found her!

to be eligible for the giveaway, you must be a follower, and leave a comment on this post!

i hope you all are having a wonderful week!

my memorial moment.

2010-06-01T16:25:00.004-04:00

My youngest with my dad - a former marine and vietnam veteran.

This was our first cub scout event.. learning early about the importance of our nation's heroes. It was a great experience.

solitude & creativity.

2010-05-28T09:17:00.006-04:00

i just read an interesting point about creativity. it came to me in my inbox from zen daily habits.

in the last few years, being creative has become one of the most important things in my life. it has helped me find my identity again, to be more than just a mother, wife and worker, but also this person who loves any second i can find to scrapbook and documents our memories. trust me i cherish being all of those things.. but having something that is just for me is a blessing.

i love to take pictures, and design, and create. and i've always known i like doing this by myself. it relaxes me to have some time alone, and in fact i find when people come into my "creative space" i tend to get a little annoyed :)

after reading this article... now i know why.

it starts with this quote.

“In order to be open to creativity, one must have the capacity for contructive use of solitude. One must overcome the fear of being alone.” ~Rollo May

click here to read a unique perspecitive on how solitude and participation each play a part in stirring our creative juices.

summer. oh no.

2010-05-26T08:56:00.003-04:00

it's that time of year again. the time when most moms and kids are so excited about the start of summer.

they're thrilled to have their children home, out of school, with no early morning schedule.

they're looking forward to a summer at the pool, vacations and sleeping in.

i often wish i was a stay at home mom, but during this time of year the feeling is incredibly strong.

my mom went to work when I was 13. i was lucky to have summer at home, running around the neighborhood, and riding my bike to the pool.

my boys life a completely different life. their summer is packed with camps, shuffled schedules and they still have to get up at the crack of dawn, because I still have to go to work.

my oldest complained last year about going to camps. and I can sometimes see they want what their friends have. they ask to go home in carpool. they want to sleep in and spend their summer days swimming.

simply put, summer is not fun for me. i'm so jealous of other families.
i feel horrible that my boys don't get the same "time off" that other kids do.

but this year i am trying to adopt a new outlook, making a serious effort to give my kids the best summer possible (within the limits of our life)

so here's the plan: make the most of the time i am off, even if i'm exhausted.

a florida vacation, more weekend trips, water parks, a summer reading program with a big "prize" at the end, movie mondays, workbook wednesdays (i dont want them to forget everything they've learned this year:) and outdoor scavenger hunts.

* i found this great idea from jen mohler - the boys will love it!

i am going to attack summer like its going back to school. i will make sure it's packed with memorable moments. i will let their friends spend the night. i will play outside and let them go to bed late (sometimes) even if it means i'm cleaning the kitchen at midnight.

wish me luck.

"Do what we can, summer will have its flies." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

and the winner is...

2010-05-25T09:04:00.006-04:00

Sorry it's taken me a while.. but the winner of the "Kelly Goree giveaway" is #9.

Stacy said...
I love Kelly's work. I am already a follower of hers and you!! Love your lifted layouts of hers. She is very inspirational!!

I hope you all got a chance to look around Kelly's blog.. she is an incredibly talented scrapbooker! And it's great to hear from all of the people who found me through her site :)

Here are some of her pages using Basic Grey's Green at Heart:

and here are some using June Bug:

How's that for inspiration??
Congratulations Stacy! email me your contact info at stahlman23@bellsouth.net and let me know which Basic Grey collection you would like!!

and Jingle.. your sprinkle surprise will be in the mail this week!!

a week in the life. finally.

2010-05-24T08:54:00.001-04:00

So I'm finally (almost) finished with my ali edwards-inspired, "week in the life" project.

I did not take as many pictures as I probably should have. And completely forgot to take them on Sunday - which probably would have been the best day, because my older son played an entire soccer game in the pouring rain. But oh well, I might try again next year :)

Here's a look at what i came up with:

each day ended up with 4 pages, except for Sunday - which only had 1.
im still working on my title page and end page.

you can check out other "week in the life" projects on ali edwards' blog.

the fun thing about this project is it really makes you appreciate the routine, mundane daily things you do everyday.. and realize every minute is precious.

inspiring.

2010-05-21T09:43:00.001-04:00

from ali edwards.
i need this today.

behind the pages. (and free stuff!)

2010-05-17T09:22:00.003-04:00

ok - so its time to introduce you to another inspirational woman: Kelly Goree!

i discovered her work on scrapbook.com a few years ago. her pages are AMAZING and she is simply put - my favorite all-time scrapbooker! she has a great eye for color and layouts, and put patterns together better than i ever could. it also helps that she has 3 boys, so her pages really speak to me... and she works for Basic Grey which produces my absolute favorite paper combinations!

sounds great right?

then i found out she lives up the road from me.
then i found her on facebook.
then i realized we went to the same high school!

seriously its such a small world.

anyway - enough gushing. if you're not already familiar with her work - you will love it!
warning here: you may feel woefully inadequate as i do :)

however, her layout inspiration has made my scrapbooking life so much easier!
since i work full time, i simply do not have enough hours in the day to spend as much time as i would like on my hobby. so i have to make the most of every minute!

using her ideas for my pages makes my page process MUCH quicker!

here are some of my scraplifts:
her page:

my page:

yes i know mine is not nearly as good as hers.. but its not bad!
and i took her pencil idea and threw a protractor on this page. (i had not purchased a protractor in forever!!)

here's another page of Kelly's:

which inspired this:

get the picture? i have so many more.. i actually have a binder where i keep print-outs of the pages i want to do.. so i'm a bit of a scrap-stalker i guess.

she also makes great mini-albums, which i have to share:

jealous yet?

kelly is not only a talented, creative genius - she is also an incredibly sweet and fun-loving person who chronicles her work on her blog.. called "behind the pages".

in addition to basic grey products she swears by this white pen! so in honor of today's post - i am giving away a basic grey collection - your choice between the green at heart or june bug collection and a signo white uniball pen! (and some other scrap goodies thrown in)

to be eligible for the giveaway.. all you have to do is become a follower of patchwork pages... check out kelly's blog, and leave a comment on this post!

here is a link to kelly's scrapbook.com gallery.
and you can check out basic grey here.

which would you choose?

2010-05-15T19:24:00.014-04:00

ok so.. i got a little birthday money and i'm thinking about finally buying a nice camera bag!!

but there's one i've wanted for a while.. and then i found another one, and another one.. and they are totally different.

this one is from photojojo:

or one from epiphanie bags...

i'm torn between this one:

and this one:

i need advice! which one should i choose???

and the winners are..

2010-05-13T08:49:00.001-04:00

so here it is: the winner of my favorite giveaway so far is... Jingle!
the random integer generator (sounds so fancy) picked #3.

Jingle said...
Wow! I never really noticed those even though I read her blog! I love the stick of gum in a bill payment idea! That is SO something I would do!!!

Here's a look at your box of sprinkle goodies!

(in honor of stacy's birthday i've thrown in some of her "favorites" she shares on her website - like cute napkins and jelly bellies!)

and.. since I could not stop buying sprinkles so my son picked a second winner... (not so scientific, but oh well!) #15!

Penny Smith said...
The first things I thought of was Sprinkles cupcakes! They are the BEST! Especially the red velvet! Yum!
Thanks for this opportunity! FUN!

Penny wins a smaller sprinkle surprise pack!
i hope you all enjoyed checking out sprinkles.. and are now doing them!
winners email me your info at stahlman23 at bellsouth.net!

bliss project.

2010-05-12T10:24:00.000-04:00

now here's a concept i love: it's called "finish line scrapbooking".

(yes - i know, this is yet another stacy julian idea.. but i can't help it, they just work for me!)

anyway - i ordered her "complete bliss" kit, which was basically a 6x6 mini album with all the fixins! i just had to pick 20-30 pictures from my category drawers.
and while i probably wouldn't term my life "complete bliss"... i have to admit this little project reminded me just how lucky i am!

any way... so here's how it started, spread out on my floor. (at about 15 minutes into Grey's Anatomy)

by the end of Private Practice I was almost done... then, the next day, after about 15 minutes of working on the front and back cover - i finished!

and i love the way it turned out!

no real journaling.. just some of my favorite pictures from their little lives so far. pretty easy!
for more on stacy's concept of finish line scrapbooking.. just click here.

mindful kindness

2010-05-11T17:13:00.003-04:00

i subscribe to an email feed from zen daily habits, which i absolutely love!

and this article about kindness, by Leo Babauta, popped into my mailbox the other day.

its such a simple concept, yet it really inspired me. this paragraph in particular:

Kindness can guide every interaction you have with others, can guide your life’s work, can give meaning to your life, can even guide your eating, parenting, marriage, and more.

All else will melt away, if you let go of it, and leave only kindness.

the article is based on the Dalai Lama's quote “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”

the main point is, it isn't easy to be kind. but making a mindful effort to choose kindness can make a huge difference.

the article outlines the benefits and is definitely worth reading, just thought i'd share :)

the story matters.

2010-05-11T09:26:00.007-04:00

can there be a better title for a scrapbooking blog??

the story matters recently launched their new website and i am now a faithful follower.

megan issued a new challenge you can check out here, on the blog. the challenge is to do a layout inspired by this page ripped from a magazine - which i plan on trying tonight!

my scrappy friend tania, (who is unbelieveably talented!) is one of the designers.. and what's funny is - i didn't even realize it, until after i found this awesome site!

be sure to check it out..

and they also have a great May kit for sale!

* stay tuned... the winner of the sprinkles surprise will be announced this week! I can't to show you the prize pictures!

sprinkles: surprise giveaway!

2010-05-06T09:42:00.003-04:00

do sprinkles make you smile?

i can tell you i now keep a bottle of sprinkles in my house at ALL TIMES.

and here's why:

they are really good with vanilla ice cream.

and..

they remind me to do good things for no reason other than to make people smile.

of course, this is stacy julian's awesome idea.

every week, she writes about a new "sprinkle".. an idea you can either reflect on, or put into action. i've done several of them so far.

sprinkles involve... being thankful, being helpful, compassion, appreciation, love, silliness, and doing some things just because they're fun.

i even have a cute little sprinkle book to list the ones i've done, or want to do. (you can get one here)

today is stacy's birthday! and in celebration.. i am giving away a sprinkle surprise package! all you need to do is be a patchwork follower, check out the sprinkle section of stacy's blog , and leave a comment here on a sprinkle that suits you!

trust me, we could all use some more sprinkles.
and i promise.. the sprinkle surprise will be SO fun!

my almost 40 project.

2010-05-05T08:39:00.005-04:00

so it's official, i'm almost 40. there's really no such thing as 39.

so for the next 365 days, i'll get used to being almost 40. i woke up today trying to remember all the wonderful and funny and difficult things that have happened to me in the past year, and drew a complete blank. all i could think of was - the boys went to school, i went to work, and i never got to sleep in.
(although i did think about starting this blog - so that was something new!)

anyway - my mind went straight to a project i had recently tucked away in my "inspire binder".

it comes from the hysterical, and incredibly talented angie lucas. those in the scrap-world will know her from ella publishing.

it's called: my life: a monthly quiz album

here's a page out of angie's album:

basically angie provides a template with several questions to be answered every month...

The best thing about today:
Something I’m looking forward to:
Something I’m dreading:
Most inspiring event of the month:
Nicest thing that’s been done for me lately:
What I ate for dinner last night:
Someone I’m thinking about today:
The last person I spoke to on the phone:
Something new I’ve learned:
One thing I love about my life right now:

i initially thought this would be a good project to do sometime.. but now i'm thinking NOW! what better way to document the year leading up to my big 4-0. if nothing else, it will certainly help me remember what happened!

you can see more of angie's album on her blog, Yeah, Write... and download the quiz template at ella publishing.

have a great day!

lucky me.

2010-05-04T15:51:00.001-04:00

this is the first mini album i ever made - (my first attempt)
it was inspired by this idea from stacy julian. but i tweaked it a little to use pictures i already had - and focused it mainly on my boys.

it took 4 pictures, some patterned paper, a few rub-ons, 2 flowers and glue.
that's all. and i look at it all the time :)

I wish I lived in Utah...

2010-05-03T08:37:00.004-04:00

...if only for one weekend.

this past Saturday was the first day I could buy a ticket to "Spark".. and I was completely prepared to, realizing the cost of the event, plus airfare would equal two days away - by myself - for some serious creative inspriration. i was absolutely sure this trip would be one of my favorite moments of 2010 and have been looking forward to it for months.

so i'm sure you are wondering why i haven't said "i'm going!"... what i didn't realize is the hotel was not included, and neither was the car i would have to rent.

needless to say, that puts me WAY over budget, and therefore my dream trip is no longer a reality. maybe next year.

yes i am pretty sad about it, but i am also pretty realistic about finances lately and going would simply not be the responsible thing to do.

if you live in utah though, its just a drive away. and there are tons of creative girls in utah :) so for just one weekend this year...

i wish i lived in utah.

change is here...

2010-04-29T11:25:00.002-04:00

i had my blog re-designed by someone who actually knows what they're doing... shay bocks at dumplin design studio..

i know- its completely different. and i dont really know how i'm feeling about it.

would love to have some feedback.

week in the life: step 2

2010-04-28T17:09:00.005-04:00

so, i took pictures last week for my first attempt at ali edwards' week in the life project.

but not nearly enough.

i am working on getting my pictures developed and put into my album, however i'm already promising myself i'll do better next year.

some examples:
my son reading.

our kitchen bench (a.k.a the place we throw everything)

here is what i learned from taking pictures of our daily routine/life:

* entirely too much of our time is spent in the car.

* boys are bored in the car, and therefore highly disruptive and argumentative.

* i need to get my car dvd player fixed.

* we dont sit down at the table and eat as a family enough. (only once during the week and i forgot to take a picture of it)

* i LOVE watching my boys play sports, even if its in the pouring rain. and i forgot to bring my camera :(

* we are always in a rush.

* my house is a mess.

* snuggling with the boys before bed is the best thing i do all day.

so before i even put this project together... i think stopping to document everything has caused me to realize, i need to get up much earlier, and seriously sloooooowwwww down.

and maybe next year i will document a weekend instead :)

i hope to post pictures of the finished product soon.

always trust magic.

2010-04-26T08:57:00.005-04:00

grab a post-it.

here's a way to spread some magic.. from the wonderful amy krouse rosenthal.

and if you've never paid for the car behind you at starbucks.. do it soon.

it will make you smile.

happy things.

2010-04-23T08:51:00.008-04:00

these things make me happy.

1. a signature color. everyone has one. mine is turquoise.
i love the walls in this room:

and look what i just found:

House of Turquoise
Everything Turquoise

erin loves turquoise too - and now i can get my daily dose by checking out her wonderful blogs!

2. my scrap room.

its finally coming along.. i can't wait to show you the finished product!

3. finding new toys for the boys. my oldest is hard to buy for - he loses interest quickly. these are my next purchase: mighty beanz.

4. pay day. no explanation needed :) have a great weekend!!

my quote book.

2010-04-22T15:23:00.003-04:00

here's an easy idea.. (which i "borrowed" for someone, I just cannot remember since it was a few years ago)

but i LOVE my quote book, I got the journal at target, tied a bunch of fun ribbon onto it, and wah-lah!

i basically write all of my favorite quotes in here, along with ones I specifically want the boys to learn from. and every now and then I add a quote from one of the kids. (when I remember to do it)

here's a quote i'll be adding tonight... ali edwards posted it to her blog to motivate those of us participating/attempting her "week in the life" project.

.." but the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three on them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4, and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in a hurry to get on to the next things: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less." Anna Quindlen

someday they will learn a lot about their mom from this book.
and its pink. in my blue-green world, i love that!

documenting my days.

2010-04-20T09:21:00.004-04:00

so i'm now on the second day of my ali edwards-inspired "week in the life" project.

you basically document your daily routine/activities and journal about them - turning it all into an album at the end.

i'm trying my best to follow ali's instructions exactly (in the hopes of making it a little easier)

but i think i'm discovering my days are pretty much the SAME! here are some links to more information about the project.

168 Hours: a week in the life
Design Plan & Product Suggestions
the Basics

and i'll keep you posted.

my little book of magic.

2010-04-19T09:38:00.003-04:00

i had an idea this weekend.. and here's what happened:

remember my action post? i took some of my favorite pictures ever that day.. and i had printed a bunch of them in 3x3 from scrapbookpictures.com - my intention was to put them in a 12x12 layout. but i had a different idea after reading stacyj's comment. i realized those particular words really described the day well.. and decided to make a mini album. i happened to have one that fits 3x3 pictures, so i just slipped them in, and printed out that part of the post in 3 mini-pages. i put the first part in the front cover, then the other two toward the end of the book.
here's how it turned out:

the journaling reads:

(page 1) My 5 and 7 year old boys have endless energy. I'm jealous. But on this day, I was feeling it. Seeping into my bones. Along with their giggles and gasps for air. Just the sound of them getting along was enough to make me think I was somewhere else.

(page 2) It was part photo-session, part football game, part prayer. While snapping numerous pictures of my boys "in action" I can recall several times just thanking god for giving them to me. Sitting in the grass. Watching the action. Feeling completely blessed.

(page 3) Every time I look at these photos I can go right back to that day. It astounds me how simple it was. We were just at home hanging out, not doing anything special.
Why don't we go outside and take some pictures? It was that easy. And that magical.

its not the best mini album i've ever seen - in fact im not real sure how to deal with those kinds of covers, so i just slapped some paper on the front, left the rest blank and inked the edges with a little purple. (if anyone has ideas on what to do with the spine - or how to make the cover look better - let me know :)

but overall - its finished and sitting in my scraproom, so i'm pretty happy with how it turned out :)

and the winners are...

2010-04-19T08:41:00.002-04:00

so i have 2 giveaway winners this week!!

the winner of the $20 dollars off 2 items at All U Need Scrapbook Kits is... Kristie! thanks for hanging out here.. i hope you get some good stuff!

and the winner of the Michael's Gift Card is Amaprincess! i hope everyone enjoyed checking out Lacie's blog - Creative Attempts!

also - Wendy, I'm still in need of your address to send you your 62Cards giveaway goodies - please click on my profile, then get my email and send me your address so we can get it to you!!

hope everyone has a great week!!

project envy: amazing pages

2010-04-16T09:37:00.010-04:00

ok.. so this post isn't so much about "project" envy as much as it is just about envy! when i joined scrapbook.com several years ago (2reasonstoscrap), these layouts immediately caught my eye. since then, i have printed out and saved most of her boy layouts to "scrap-lift".

i know, i am a layout-stalker... but seriously, her pages are so incredibly amazing!! you must check out this gallery.

and you may have noticed i have a new link on the side to my new "sister" blog.. it's called "multiple-choice" and focuses solely on multi-picture layouts and heather is today's featured artist! if you have any to submit send them my way :)

free stuff: gift card & discount deal

2010-04-15T10:17:00.002-04:00

don't forget i have two giveaways wrapping up this weekend.

click here to read about Lacie's blog - Creative Attempts, leave a comment and you can win a gift card to Michaels!

and click here to learn about All U Need Scrapbook Kits... leave a comment and the winner will get $20 off 2 items!

thanks so much for reading my blog by the way - i'm having so much fun!

and an update to my adhesive post - i'm getting a Glue Glider Pro - so i'll let you know how that works out! thanks Sammye Jo!

some inspiration.

2010-04-14T09:13:00.003-04:00

just wanted to pass these along... from the newest issue of Creating Keepsakes - I'll definitely be adding them to my quote book.

"Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work." -Rita Mae Brown

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can only decide how you're going to live now." -Joan Baez

"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship." -Louisa May Alcott

"We are not what we know, but what we are willing to learn." -Mary Catherine Bateson

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself." -Amelia Earhart

"Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world." -Eleanor Roosevelt

"I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun." -Katharine Hepburn

how's that for a little mid-week inspiration :)

blog candy.

2010-04-13T09:26:00.004-04:00

check out all this great stuff Kadie is giving away on her blog!

sticky situation.

2010-04-13T08:52:00.008-04:00

ok.. so i am in need of some adhesive advice!
for years I have used herma removable dots, but since they changed the design the roll sometimes sticks, causing me to waste much of it.

i've now tried several other options, including Glue Dots roller, E-Z dots from Scrapbook Adhesives, Scotch dot roller.. and now I am using a glue stick!!

I need some advice - is anyone using an adhesive they just can't live without?? My main uses are 12x12 pages and mini albums.

free stuff: creative attempts!

2010-04-12T08:38:00.006-04:00

one of my favorite new internet finds is...

you will love Lacie's projects and unique gift ideas!

here are some of may favorites:

there are so many gift giving ideas like this one.. she is so creative with what she uses to put her gifts together.. and they are completely easy to adapt to your own ideas!

so fun: St. Patricks Day Oreos

i will be copying this idea this year: Halloween Treat Bags

in honor of my new found friend at Creative Attempts, i am giving away a Michaels Gift Card... its one of her favorite places to shop and find creative inspiration!

all you have to do to win is, be a follower of my blog... (by joining over to the right), check out Creative Attempts, and leave me a comment on this post!