sunlight & simplicity

I said yes!

2011-08-03T21:07:00.000-04:00

Well here is the long and (not so) short of it…

It was a dream come true.

Even as I sit here typing this, with this gorgeous ring on my finger, I sometimes need to pinch myself to make sure that this dream that I seem to be living in, is actually a reality.

Matt and I have been together for almost six years, and although yes, I knew this moment was coming some day, I was taken completely by surprise by this man and his awesomeness.

For our date night this week we decided to go to our old stomping grounds in Waltham to our favorite sushi restaurant, which is now called The Sushi Box, but it will always be Sushi Yasu to us. We ordered some sashimi and some sushi rolls and enjoyed a delicious dinner old-school style. After dinner we took a ride by the old house to see it for nostalgia purposes, and laughed at the irony that we used to live across the street from a Benjamin Store- funny since we now spend most of our time and money at one near or new house ;)

After that ride we decided to stop by Gore Place- a gorgeous historical estate right near where we used to live. We would go there on our evening walks, especially during what I have coined “golden time” when the sun begins to set. I would always joke about how the view from the bench we would sit at looked like my favorite scene from the Pride and Prejudice movie when Mr. Darcy would come out and meet Elizabeth Bennett in the early morning mist and they agreed to marry(my favorite book!). I also spent a lot of time there myself, reading in the gardens, especially in one in particular which I like to call “The Secret Garden” (after my favorite childhood book) due to the fact that this gorgeous space is surrounded by about 20 foot hedges that surround and enclose it.

Well, we park at Gore and I went over to check out the bulletin board of what was happening at the estate in the coming weeks. Matt joined me and we went for a walk around the side of the house where the bench where we would sit is. Unfortunately they were setting up a carnival on the grounds below and mmb grumbled something about this “being a mood killer” and I joked about getting away from the clowns. At that point we decided to walk on back over to the garden area and stopped to check out a giant tree that we had carved our initials into about 3 years ago- we even have a picture of that tree on our bureau in our bedroom! Apparently he was about to propose there, but people started to walk by and he says he knew I would like this to be a private moment. At that point we kept walking and he was walking really fast and I told him to slow down a little bit and he kind of laughed at me. We walked into the secret garden and looked around a bit, as much as we could in the dark anyhow, and he began to tell me the most beautiful things he has ever said to me.

Before I knew it, it began to lightly rain (which was amazing because not only do I love love love the rain, but it rained on our first date when we went on a walk in the park near his college) and he was down on one knee and asking me to marry him! I was stunned at first and didn’t respond and when I finally did I said “Are you serious?!” and he laughed! I did a little happy dance around the garden and he asked me if I wanted the ring and started laughing again. I said yes and he put the ring on my finger and we were engaged!

After that we sat on the bench that we sat on the night before we moved from Waltham and talked for about 45 minutes , basking in the glow of what just happened before we began making the phone calls. It was undoubtedly one of the greatest moments of my life :)

Now under normal circumstances I probably would have caught on to his plan before he had a chance to enact it, but my mind was quite busy planning some surprises for him. I had arranged for one of his best friend’s from college to fly in with his wife and surprise Matt for his birthday and to attend his surprise birthday party the next day! They were supposed to stay with us on Friday, but fortunately mmb’s parents knew of both surprises and arranged for his friend and his wife to stay in the city for Friday night and to meet up with us for drinks we all had dinner so that Matt could propose!

After we left Gore, I told him it would be a great idea to go have champagne at one of our favorite restaurants, Tempo, on Moody Street- little did he know that the real reason was so that Vick and Renuka could meet us there and surprise him. I sat facing the door so that I could see them arrive and when I noticed them told Matt “boy, the surprises just keep coming…” then Vick tapped him on the back and he turned around and was stunned! It was so great! We spent the night celebrating with them and then went home. The next day was a surprise party for mmb’s birthday which worked out great because we are able to spend and celebrate with many of the people we love!

It was a CRAZY weekend!

Now I know that this initial “engagement glow” is going to wear off. And I am smart enough to know that although I plan on thoroughly enjoying the wedding planning process, there will be inevitable bumps in the road and it won’t be all bliss all the time. But I know I am going to savor it now, while it is. And what I know above all of else if that the love I share with this man is like nothing I could have ever imagined. Yes, we disagree and we don’t always see eye to eye on things and our relationship is certainly not perfect, but I can say with absolute certainty that we are perfect for each other. And that is why I am going to marry him.

Oh my goodness. I am going to marry him! <3

I'm IN!

2011-07-24T23:48:00.000-04:00

I might just be crazy to take this on with all I have going on this week, but hey...why not ;-)

thrifty additions to my crafting space

2011-05-22T14:19:00.000-04:00

I've been busy.

Turning this...

into this...

and this...

into this...

They are the perfect additions to my crafting room and for a combined total purchase of price of $54.98, they are a bargain at 10 times the price.

Yup, you read that correctly.

The chair was $19.99 and the dresser- turned- scrapbooking- supply- storage unit was $34.99 at a local thrift store.

Sure, they were both in less than optimal condition when I bought them, and if we're being honest, the chair smelled pretty awful, but with a little elbow grease, a staple gun, some paint and some febreeze, I was able to turn them into the perfect affordable additions to my room.

My favorite part?

Once I removed the drawers and knocked out the middle bar of the middle area, my paper storage cubes fit in perfectly!

It's coming along so nicely.

I can't wait to get up to my elbows in paper and glue and tackle the 12 unopened studio calico kits I have lingering around (that's just embarrassing ;-) )

I feel a scrapbooking day coming on!

this is me.

2011-04-19T20:51:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. While reading through the prompt for Shimelle's newest class, Beyond Blogging for Scrapbookers, the thought crossed my mind that there may be a lot of people popping over here who are not familiar with this little spot or myself, so I though I would take the opportunity to introduce myself.

Hello!

I'm Melissa.

I like to scrapbook.

and cook and bake for my friends and family

I am head over heels for this guy...

and renovating our house together is one of my favorite things to do

I am a teacher and a tutor

and a sucker for a good cup of tea

I'm beginning to garden

I like to take pictures

and I have amazing friends and family!

I'm a pretty lucky lady :)

...And that there is a tiny snapshot of me.

I'm so glad you've stopped by my little place to share some projects, soon to be projects, and affinity for things that make me smile.

I do hope you'll stop by again!

Oh, and I would love to learn a little bit about you. Please leave a comment telling me a little something about yourself and a link to your blog, if you have one, so I can check out your little place too!

2011-03-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

please help.

the luck of the irish was upon me

2011-03-17T17:23:00.001-04:00

Back in February mmb & I had the good fortune of visiting the ever-beautiful country of Ireland. We spent 7 days wandering Dublin, Galway and Belfast with his parents and and visiting with his sister (who I absolutely adore) who is studying for a semester over there.  I can't think of a better day to share a few of my photos than today!  

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY!

May love and laughter light your days,
                    and warm your heart and home.
                    May good and faithful friends be yours,
                    wherever you may roam.
                    May peace and plenty bless your world
                    with joy that long endures.
                    May all life's passing seasons
                    bring the best to you and yours!

anticipating spring

2011-03-16T10:00:00.002-04:00

I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, but I do like to take some time at the start of each season to think of some things that I would like to accomplish and some things that I am anticipating. Because I live in New England, the seasonal lists are often drastically different. ;-)

This winter has been especially brutal, 77.8 inches of snow to be exact(!), and I while I do love winter, I am ready to see it go.

Bring on the grass, flowering buds, and singing birds. I'm even ready to welcome the rainshowers!

Spring 2011 Joy List

Enjoy my beautiful Goddaughter's baptism

Good-weather walks with my best friend now that we live minutes away

Finishing grad school classes

FINALLY getting to plant an herb garden!!

Getting all of the rooms upstairs painted

Getting the outside of the house painted

Red Sox games
The smell after a fresh rainfall

Designing some new landscaping for the yard

Having a grown up tea party

Reading books that aren't textbooks

Seeing what the kitties think of all of the nature at our new house

After-dinner walks w/mmb
Having time to scrapbook
Jumping in puddles
Easter

All the new seasonal vegetables and fruits that will be out

Going to the Patriot's Day reenactment

Practicing yoga in the fresh air

And whatever else comes my way!

What are you looking forward to this season?

spring is on its way

2011-03-15T16:12:00.000-04:00

I know this because I can see the buds forming on the branches outside my window, I hear the birds chirping, and the sun is mercifully staying out longer.

Oh, how I would love to go outside for a walk in this great neighborhood of ours, however, I am stuck in bed. With strep throat. Boo. I thought you couldn't get strep if you had your tonsils out?!

Anywhoo, the bright side of being bedridden is that when I am not sleeping or doing a little work from home, I have been able to catch up on the blogs I have not been able to read lately and I have made my way through a stack of catalogs and magazines that I have had sitting next to my bed for awhile now. That, and kitty snuggle time :)

Well this morning when I woke up at the ripe old time of 10:15am I couldn't fall back asleep. I am taking that as a sign of recovery. Either way I am more than ready to throw open the windows and get some fresh, clean air in here and scrub everything to a shiny spring status. Since I can't seem to muster up the energy to get out of bed (which is probably a good choice) I decided I'd clean up around here (my blog ;-) ) a bit. Nothing says spring like a new banner and playlist, right?

I've used up about as much energy as I can for the day, but I can't wait to come back and let you know about the things that have been going on around here.

Our trip to Ireland for starters...

And the progress on my craft room...

and what I'm looking forward to and my hopes for the spring...

Hope you are all doing well! Happy Spring!

score!

2011-02-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

I just got my hot little hands on a copy of this...

image from here

The always inspiring Elizabeth Dillow has released a book filled with information meant to help you tell (and scrapbook) the everyday extraordinary stories of our lives.

In her words it is "brimming with historical events, modern observances, and unconventional connections to life that elevate ordinary days into extraordinary and meaningful material for pages and projects"

I don't know about you, but I think that sounds pretty awesome. I'll be waiting at the mailbox for my copy...poor mailman won't know what him when he sees a crazy lady jumping up and down with excitement. I just hope I don't rudely grab it out of his hands and run toward the house. At least without saying thank you.

;-)

Want to check it out? Go here.

MMEL month 1

2011-02-07T21:03:00.000-05:00

Well ladies (and gentlemen) I have made it though month one on MMEL. Have you? There were ups and downs, the journaling explains it all.

February update coming soon. I'm off to do some yoga before bed!

snowpocalypse

2011-02-01T11:35:00.000-05:00

Well surprise, surprise.

It's snowing here in the good ole Northeast again.

What does that mean besides hours of gentle peacefulness falling from the sky? Oh yes, hours of shoveling.

;-)

But hey, we live in New England...it comes with the territory!

What else does 20(more) inches of snow mean? Another day or two off from work.

And what to do with said time besides read, bake homemade bread, make smores by the fireplace and enjoy the beauty?

Try to get my craftroom in order! Painting is done, moulding is up, now its time to organize and decorate. Yay!

I'll be working in here all day today...and probably tomorrow if Mother Nature has anything to say about it.

More updates to come later!

Stay safe and warm :)

boot camp, yes!

2011-01-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

I am so excited!

I opened up my google reader to catch up some blogs and the first post I see is from the uber talented Maegan from Madeline Bea Photography.

She's offering Creativity Boot Camp again this May.

Woot!!

I joined in last year, and it was amazing.

Details haven't been released just yet, but I urge you to keep on the lookout. It was truly a fantastic experience.

Her creative photo prompts really helped me to think outside the box and I got some really great layouts out of the photos I took.

I do hope you'll join the fun!

putting together my MMEL journal

2011-01-05T09:08:00.001-05:00

I am so serious about reclaiming my good health this year. This chick is moving more and eating less.

But in order to do that, I needed to do a couple of things- one of them being that I needed to get honest with myself about the state of my health.

It's kinda a mess.

I eat very well most of the time, its the moving more that's getting in the way.

Whatever the reason, I need to do something about it now.

After purchasing and downloading the pages for the move more, eat less journal that Cathy Zielske designed, it took some time to figure out what I think is going to work for me- but I think I have found something that is going to be effective.

After writing my intention page, I printed out one month’s worth of pages and put them into the album.

Then I printed my "before" picture for the month of January. (eek) I used picnik to make the collage and add the text.

I filled in my resources page as well as my numbers (double eek)

After getting the journal together and doing a bit more thinking about how I can really make this work, I decided there were a couple more things I wanted to add.

First, I decided to set small goals for myself for each week. After I decided on 4 goals for the month of January I wrote them on post it notes and stuck them to each Monday page-that way I can tackle one goal per week. I am keeping a small stack of post it notes at the front of my journal for future months and for other notes I might want to add.

I also decided to print an extra journal page so that I can do a month end summary. I will probably end up scrapping one as well, but I wanted this in there to keep track of my thoughts in case I can’t get to scrapping when I want to.

Of course, this journal is only going to work if I do- and if I stick with it. Both of which I intend on doing. It's only day 3, but so far I have done a good job of tracking everything I eat. I've even noticed that I eat far more after noon time and need to balance that out a bit. So far, so good.

Lastly, I have decided to set up a separate blog to keep track of this reclaiming-my-health journey that I am on. I grappled with the idea a bit, but then decided that having something strictly dedicated to this plan is going to help me stay organized. I will still be posting about MMEL here, but if you should wish to keep up with me on this healthy trek, you can find me here.

So, who's with me? Are you doing MMEL this year?

What’s working for you so far?

i can't believe it

2011-01-02T23:36:00.000-05:00

"One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter."

James Earl Jones

To say "thank you " just doesn't seem enough. For you see, my heart is dancing with joy right now. Just as I was wrapping up for the evening, getting everything ready to return to work tomorrow after a great week at home, I checked my email and found a message there that I in no way expected to get.

It read:

Congrats! You won a spot in Ali's class!

What?????!?!? Are you kidding me?

Just the other day I entered a generous giveaway on Ordinary Courage to win a spot in Ali Edward's yesterday + today class.

If you read my blog regularly, you will probably understand why this is so incredible to me right now. If you don't and would like to know, you can check it out here.

Long story short, I wanted to sign up, but it just didn't fit in our budget right now. With a heavy heart I passed on the opportunity.

But now. Here I am, in the class.

Just more proof that God knows our hearts so well.

And I am sure my mom had something to do with it too ;-)

I can't thank you enough, Brene! Words can't express how much this means to me.

I can't wait to get started!

chocolate-covered strawberry champagne cupcakes

2011-01-02T00:30:00.000-05:00

I know, I know.

With all of the resolutions floating out there I probably shouldn't be posting a recipe for such a delicious confection.

But I am.

All in moderation, no?

Here is the little treat we enjoyed last night as the clock struck midnight.

Hope you have a great celebration as well.

Chocolate-covered Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes

[cupcakes]
2 3/4 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

pinch of salt

2 sticks of butter

2 cups sugar

3 egg

1 tsp vanilla1 cup champagne

[frosting]
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1 box powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup Champagne

strawberries
semi-sweet chocolate morsels

*directions

Preheat oven to 350. In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In mixer cream butter and sugar until well mixed and airy. Add eggs one at a time making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Slowly add in flour mixture. Stir in vanilla and champagne.

Fill cupcake liners 1/2 full.

Bake for 25 minutes.

For frosting

Cream butter until smooth. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar. Mixture will be very thick, keeping adding champagne to get to the consistency you want.

Let cupcakes cool completely.

Frost cupcakes and top with half strawberry.

Melt chocolate and spoon into a ziploc bag, snip a small hole and drizzle chocolate over strawberry

Enjoy!

one little word-2011

2010-12-31T00:30:00.000-05:00

My one little word for 2011 is savor.

Savor life.

Savor love.

Savor each bite I take.

Savor time.

Savor moments that pass too quickly.

Savor the here and now.

Spend less time thinking about the future, and what if.

Savor my blessings.

Savor it all.

Savor it now so I can cherish it always.

Take nothing for granted.

What's yours?

mmel intentions

2010-12-29T23:43:00.000-05:00

Have you written out your intentions for MMEL 2011?

My intentions are somewhat simple.
I intend to be healthy again.

And that doesn’t mean never eating another french fry or cupcake again. To me, being at my healthiest means feeling good, both inward and outwards. In order to get there I intend to find a form of exercise I love and commit to it and to eat cleanly and track what I eat. I intend to lose weight.

I intend to be able to go shopping and feel confident. I intend to reduce my risk of getting cancer. I intend to continue living a full, authentic and happy life-just in a more healthy way. I intend to look at pictures of myself and ~~not cringe at~~ love what I see.
I intend to take good care of, and respect, this one body that I have been given, not only for today- but because the choices I make affect my tomorrows. I intend to take this one day at a time.

I intend to move more and eat less.

(renovations to come on me and the bathroom)

;-)

What are your intentions?

searching...

2010-12-21T16:45:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

I am on a mission and I hope you can help.

I am trying to find interesting healthy living blogs and websites. Would you mind sharing your favorites? They could be about food, yoga, holistic living...pretty much anything that has to do with leading a healthy lifestyle.

I will be happy to share the list once it is compiled.

Thanks for your help!

Melissa

christmas time is here

2010-12-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

is anyone planning to MMEL in 2011?

2010-12-20T18:11:00.000-05:00

I am.

I have been ruminating over it quite a bit. One might almost say grappling with the decision.

Why?
I have a long string of broken resolutions in my history.
I am horrible at them.

Every year it is the same old thing...think of things I want to resolve. Make a plan. Get gung ho about it. Do it for a little while. Let life interrupt. Forget about said resolution.

This year is different though.
The things that motivate me are different.
My attitude is different.
My planning will be different.

"I get one life and one body to care for. Period."

Truth be told, I love to be healthy.
I love cooking and eating clean food.
I love planning menus.
On most days I would rather choose a ripe juicy apple over an ice cream sundae.
I love a good sweat after a good yoga or dance session.

I just.don't.make.the.time.for.it.

So here we are. Days away from the new year, but does that matter? It shouldn't.

This is not my new year's resolution.

This is my resolution to get healthy once and again.

Once and for all.
It's my resolution to be good to myself that just happens to be simultaneously taking place with the turn of the year.

Are you joining?

Will you move more and eat less in 2011 (and beyond).

I hope you will. I could use some company.

bake week 2010

2010-12-16T11:32:00.001-05:00

Well, it is official. I have been bit by the baking bug!

FYI, I got my Christmas apron from here, which is definitely one of my favorite places to get beautiful aprons!

Back to the baking...So far this year I have made red velvet candy cane cupcakes, gooey butter cookies, and peppermint fudge brownies. And I want to make more!

I can't believe Christmas is next week. I feel a baking surge coming on. Thankfully, I have plenty of willing coworkers who double as my taste testers ;-) And a very pregnant best friend.

Also, when one has an apron that is just so cute, shouldn't one put it to use? There are so many treats I want to try my hand at, so I have decided to put together a list of recipes I would like to make next week.

THE LIST

CINNAMON SWIRL SNICKERDOODLES

I LOVE snickerdoodles. It could have to do with my love for vanilla and cinnamon. Pretty sure it does.

I found this amazing recipe that I cannot wait to try, but I think I might give it a little twist...

EGGNOG CUPCAKES

We have a couple of unopened containers of eggnog leftover from our party that I need to use up before they go to waste. mmb loves the stuff so I figured I would give this recipe a little try.

Another option, might be eggnog ice cream. Or maybe eggnog pancakes?

OATMEAL WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY COOKIES

Don't these sound so like they would perfectly complement a steaming cup of tea?

FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

mmb's mom makes this for us and my coworkers are more than psyched when I bring it in. They have coined it the "evil breakfast" because it it so irresistible! Since it is the last week before vacation, I think it is the perfect time for it!

SANTA'S PINWHEELS

The big guy requested these a few years ago after hearing the recipe on NPR, and they have become a tradition every since.

CINNAMON ROLLS

Another tradition! The first year we made these they were a success! Unfortunately every year since, they have failed! Is this the year to redeem ourselves???

Well, I have made my list and next week I will be checking it twice. I might make some, I might make all. All I know is that this kitchen of ours is going to be busy and smelling festive.

Oh, and I get to wear that cute apron ;-)

conquering risotto

2010-12-15T09:46:00.000-05:00

I would like to consider myself pretty fearless when it comes to cooking, but for some reason risotto has always seemed a bit intimidating.

Until now, that is.

Friends, meet my risotto...

My delicious mushroom and leek risotto with roasted butternut squash.

I was THRILLED with the way it came out.

mmb thought it was absolutely delicious. His was served with slices of thyme rubbed pork on top- no thanks for me, but he found it to be the perfect complement.

Would you like to try? I have to give credit to Rachel over at Heart of Light for this recipe, but here is my version...mostly the same, but with just a few tweaks.

MUSHROOM AND LEEK RISOTTO WITH ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

2-3 tablespoons of butter
1 shallot, diced
3 large leeks, sliced and washed
20 oz. sliced baby bella (portabello)mushrooms,

1 cup arborio rice
4 - 5 cups hot liquid (I used chicken broth)
Small handful of sage leaves, diced

2 teaspoons fresh thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Handful of shredded Parmesan

1 large butternut squash

1 tablespoon olive oil

sea salt and coarse pepper

Before you begin risotto, heat oven to 475 degrees, slice squash in half (you could also use pre-cut), scoop out seeds and drizzle with olive oil. sprinkle salt and pepper on top and roast in oven until soft (usually about 35-40 minutes)

Now onto the "good stuff"...

1. Saute shallots and leeks in the butter over medium heat until soft

2. Add mushrooms and cook until soft

3. Add rice and toss to coat with leek, shallot and mushroom mixture

4. Add about 1/4 cup of the hot broth (or water if you choose to use that) and stir

5. Add 3/4 cup of the hot liquid

6. Add sage and thyme
7. Once all the liquid is absorbed, adding another cup- continue this process until the risotto is nice and soft, but not mushy

8. When risotto is the texture you prefer add the Parmesan cheese

9. Add cubed roasted squash (I prefer mine on top instead of mixed in)

Things to remember when making risotto:

*it needs to be stirred often and watched carefully

*you may not have to use all 5 cups of liquid, use your best judgement

*it is an art, take your time and savor the experience...it is well worth it

I can't wait to try more flavors! I am thinking of something with cranberries, pecans and rosemary... yum!

So what do you think, will you try this recipe? Or if you have already made risotto before, which flavors have you made?

a christmas survey

2010-12-12T18:27:00.000-05:00

I found this neat little survey over on Heather's blog the other day and have decided to give it a go. How fun, I think it will make a great scrapbook page! Perhaps I will add it to my December album.

Ready? Here we go...

20 Christmas Questions

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper, definitely. With pretty ribbons :-) Although I do use a gift bag here or there.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Real tree.

Every year we go and pick one out at a lovely little family owned business that has a very magical country store attached to it. I walk around (like a nut) sniffing every tree until we find "the one". hehe.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Either thanksgiving weekend or the weekend following. I want to enjoy it for as long as possible.

4. When do you take the tree down?

On the saddest night of the year :( Just kidding, but I do hate to take it down. Usually a week or two after New Year's.

5. Favorite gift received as a child?

I don't have one that comes to mind, I remember certain Christmases, just not the gift part

6. Hardest person to buy for?

My dad

7. Easiest person to buy for?

MMB

8. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Mail, when I actually get around to sending them.

9. Favorite Christmas Movie?

Miracle on 34th St and Charlie Brown.

I actually don't think there is a Christmas movie I don't like (Lifetime Network movies included, HA!)

10. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

At midnight on Thanksgiving! Unless there has been something I have come across prior to that I know would be meaningful to someone.

11. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

No.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Green bean casserole!

MMB's sister makes amazing desserts that I always look forward to as well.

13. Lights on the tree (colored or clear)?

Clear

14. Favorite Christmas song?

Yikes...just one?!

O Holy Night or Silent Night

15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Wherever the family is.

16. Angel, star or ribbon on top of tree?

We have a star this year, but in other years have had nothing or an angel.

17. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

One on Christmas Eve when we put the cookies out for Santa, the rest on Christmas morning

18. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Commercialism and the seemingly missing aspect of the true meaning of Christmas :-(

Also...the "desensitization" of the holidays; why can't we all just celebrate and appreciate all of the different holidays this time of year for what they are without generalizing them?

19. What do you want for Christmas this year?

I have everything I need.

20. Traditional colors (red and green) or other colors?

It varies, but usually includes red for some reason!

So there it is! Now, how about you? Please let me know if you decide to fill out these questions, I'd love to hear your answers!

a christmas cocktail

2010-12-11T18:02:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend Katie introduced me to a very delicious and elegantly simple way to enjoy a holiday cocktail.

3 parts prosecco sparkling italian wine

1 part vodka

pomegranate seeds

Isn't it just beautiful?

I think you could even use a flavored vodka to add a little extra interest to it, perhaps vanilla?

For tips on how to seed a pomegranate, check out this video.

Cheers!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2010-12-09T22:54:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas :)

december album

2010-12-01T09:41:00.000-05:00

Holy moly did the holidays creep up this year! Please say I am not the only one who is in disbelief that today is December 1.

Even with this seemingly sudden occurrence of the holiday season I do have to say that I am somewhat prepared, which in and of itself is a Christmas miracle as I've barely had time to utter the words "Christmas is coming" in between brush strokes of primer. In fact, as I type this my fingers are covered in the leftover paint I could not get off of my hands from last nights living room priming session!

This December I have decided to get my album prepped ahead of time (another miracle) and I have to say that I am happy with the simplicity of it and I truly think I will be able to keep up with it this year. You can read about the products I decided to use here.

And here are the bones. I have a few more things to add to it here and there, but the contents will be a combination of Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas, Ali's December Daily and Tracey's Picture the Holidays.

And since fixing up our house is such a huge theme in our lives right now I added a little spot at the bottom of each day to journal what projects we were working on that day. I can't wait to look back someday and reminisce about this time in our lives :)

Happy December! And for those of you out there who celebrate Hanukkah, have a great first night!

it's finally here!

2010-11-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

You might think I mean Thanksgiving; and while I am very excited for that as well, what I am really talking about it is this....

My new copy of Wendy Smedley and Aby Garvey's The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker.

It feels like it has been on backorder FOR-EV-ER. But it's here and the timing is perfect as after we paint the living room, my craft room is going to be the next one we tackle. I am hoping that the organization tips will help me build a space that I can easily create in and that I can be inspired by.

I can't wait to sit down with a cup of warmed cider by the fire and open it up.

Have you read this before?

What did you find most helpful about it?

one year

2010-11-22T09:31:00.000-05:00

I remember the pain.

The searing pain in my chest.

The disbelief.

The aching.

Even now, a year later, I am not so sure my heart has healed.

The sobs.

The stabbing pain.

Not being able to breathe.

I am fairly certain that my heart literally broke.

The remnants of the pain remain today.

I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. I didn't have the strength.

And still, my heart aches.

In the minutes, the hours, the days, that followed I was weak.

I layed in bed for a week in a sea of tears.

Crying for me. But mostly crying for her.

Crying for my mom.

Crying for lost time.

For all of the milestones and ordinary moments that were lost then, and the ones that would never be now.

I cried for her suffering. Physically and emotionally.

For her loved ones.

For everyone who would not have the privilege of knowing the mother I knew.

I cried for the girl who just wanted her mommy.

The mother I loved.

The mother I thought about every single day of my life.

The mother I admired.

The mother I hope I can be like some day.

It's hard to believe that a year has passed already and there has not been a day that goes by that I haven't thought of her. In these past few weeks I have had the same thought echoing in my mind over and over again "this time last year my mom was dying and I didn't know it".

I want to do something to celebrate my mom's life. In doing so I think I can honor her and do a little bit of healing myself.
I've thought of many ideas.
Many ideas.
Some big, some small. But what I have decided is to join in Ali Edward's Yesterday and Today class at Big Picture Scrapbooking which begins in January.
My mom was an artist and I can think of no better way to pay tribute to her than to tell her story through art. Although I know the journey may not be easy at times, I know it will definitely be worth it.
I'm looking forward to both the process and the end result.

december album, decided.

2010-11-13T23:15:00.000-05:00

Well, the final decision has been made and ordered. No turning back now ;-)

After thinking about it (probably a little too much...) I decided to go with the Jovial Collection from Basic Grey.

What sold me on it was actually the description:

Snuggled in a flannel blanket by the glow of a fire, watching the snow falling through the frosted window, BasicGrey's Jovial collection is a warm celebration in white snow, velvet black, pomegranate, evergreen, and emberglow. A tapestry of holiday tradition---just like we always dreamed it could be.

Doesn't that just sound magical? It's almost as if BG had a tiny window into my thoughts about what I am hoping this winter will be!

I also picked up these date cards

Thanks for the link, Sharyn!

As well as these journaling cards.

I think these selections will help me keep it simple so I can still document our December with everything else going on. Speaking of which...as far as my album goes, I have decided to combine Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas with Tracey Clark's Picture the Holidays. I think marriage of these two very creative formats will help to create a unique album which we can treasure in the years to come.

I'm excited to experience and document our first holiday season in the house!

How about you? Are you documenting the holidays this year?

i'm dreaming of a...?... christmas

2010-11-12T00:34:00.001-05:00

Well there is truly no use trying to fight the urge. This girl's got holiday cheer running through her veins already. I would give all of my leftover halloween candy to hear just one Christmas song right now, but we have a rule around here-no holiday music until Thanksgiving dinner (and I haven't even cheated, though its been hard...the radio stations are already playing some!)

So maybe I can't listen to a little Silent Night or O Holy Night just yet, but I can start making my lists and checking them twice; one of those lists being scrapbooking supplies for my December album.

But let's get realistic for a moment, shall we? I loved working on last year's album so I want to make sure I can get to it this year (I even coordinated the colors of the album with the way I decorated the house...eek), but time is limited.

I need to make this as easy on myself as possible if I am actually going to make it work this season. With all of the work we're doing on the house and grad school I have time for little else. Plus, right smack dab in the middle of the holiday season my best friend is having a baby and Lord knows I am gonna want to spend time snuggling that sweet little thing too.

So what am I going to do to make it easy on myself?

Buy a kit.

Yup, that's right. So while I am mourning the loss of the experience of carefully selecting each paper to put into my album, I am looking forward to the new challenge.

The Contendors:

Echo Park's Merry Christmas kit.

Simple, classic colors with a little touch of sass.

Basic Grey's Jovial

Not typical colors I would gravitate toward, but I am finding the eclectic nature of them appealing.

Basic Grey's Wassail Collection

Love the vintage feel of this one.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these collections and if you have ever used one specific collection of papers for a certain project.

thank you!

2010-11-07T22:20:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to thank everyone who stopped by and left a comment. I am truly touched by all of the thoughtful things you had to say.

Thank you so much!

Hope you'll visit again some time :-)

celebrating blog friendships

2010-11-06T16:00:00.006-04:00

Hello there.

Have you popped over from Rachel's blog? If so, I bet you enjoyed her post!

If you just happen to be stopping by, welcome to you also :-)

What a difference a year makes.

It was just about a year ago that I signed up for Shimelle's Blogging for Scrapbookers class and since then so much has changed.

With the purchase of our first home (quite the fixer upper!) I have been putting my crafty skills to work in other ways: removing wallpaper, painting, decorating, you know...

And while I LOVE it, all that work doesn't allow for much time to get up to my elbows in paper, adhesive and embellishments. Fortunately we are finally making progress in the house and I should be back to scrapping soon!

Well, in spite of the plate-load of projects I have been working on at home, that all too familiar scrapping itch has been nagging at me. I just couldn't validate unpacking a box or two of supplies when the house needs so much work. I mean, we have to make a suitable living area first, right?

Ugh, responsibility.

BUT....if I scrapbook for a 1 year reunion of alumni from the Blogging for Scrapbookers course then surely it should be okay. Right? RIGHT?

Thanks for backing me up on that one ;-)

So here it is. The journaling explains it all. Thanks to Shimelle for this great class and Thanks to Jo and Lizzie for organizing this event!

(if you look closely, you'll find just a few of my favorite blogs I discovered via BFS)

Journaling:

I should have known that when I signed up for Shimelle's Blogging for Scrapbookers course that there would be much more in store for me than the course description expressed.

Yes, I learned lots of tips and helpful hints about blogging.

Yes, I certainly got some great ideas for scrapbook pages.

Yes, I looked forward to getting that prompt in my inbox every morning.

When I handed over my class fee I sort of expected these things to happen.

What I didn't expect to happen was perhaps the best part of this course.

I didn't expect the friendships.

Because of this course I have "met" creative, inspiring women from all over the globe. I stumbled upon a community of crafters who appreciate each other, cheer on the successes of each other and revel in each other's art.

We are scrapbookers, card makers, writers, photographers.

We come from all different walks of life, yet so many of us are traveling the same path.

There is wisdom shared, encouragement doled out, plenty of laughter and even some tears. They inspire me with their words and their art.

I look forward to reading their blogs whenever I can and enjoy knowing that they are reading mine.In some ways my blog friends have become a window to the world.

It's pretty wonderful.

Although I will likely not get to meet these women in person it is good to know we're in this together- connected by our crafts and the internet.

It's a small (crafty) world, afterall.

Well thanks for stopping by! Next you're in for a treat as you head over to this fabulous place.

And don't forget your letter...you'll need this to complete the phrase for the prize!

p.s. If you missed any stops along the hop, just pop on over to Lizzie's where you will find the complete list. Enjoy!

If

2010-11-02T09:27:00.001-04:00

If.

Just a small word to look at, but such a huge job it has.

If I do...

If I should...

If I don't...

If I can't...

If I won't...

If I will...

What if you do?

What if you don't?

What if I don't?

What if we don't?

What if they don't?

But then again, what if they do?

What if I had chosen a different career?

What if my childhood had been different?

What if I didn't believe?

In myself. In God. In the good of others. In the power of honesty and hard work.

What if I didn't have my amazing friends? What if I didn't have the knowledge and wisdom to know who my true friends are?

What if I had given a care about peer pressure?

What if I never stopped dancing?

What if I never lived in the city?

What if people were no longer hateful and cruel to those who can't defend themselves?

People and animals alike.

What if I never met him?

What if I never pushed myself out of my comfort zone?

What if I didn't inherit my mom's creative genes?

What if we had more time?

What if I get sick one day?

What if I liked coffee?

What if cardigans were never invented?

What if I never discovered scrapbooking?

What if people were held accountable?

What if I accepted things at face value?

What if people really understood what teaching really is all about?

What if I couldn't read? Or worse, what if I wasn't allowed to?

What if we lived in a world that was free of hate, violence and fear?

What if you had to sacrifice come of the comforts you are accustomed to in order to achieve that? Would you still be willing?

What if you, a single person, had not only the right to- but the power to make a change? Oh wait...we do. In the choices we make. The reactions we have. What we choose to take action or not take action with.

Today is voting day in the US.

What if you get out there and make a choice? Stand up. Make your voice heard.

But then again, what if you don't do it.

Please vote.

Just think of what can happen if you do.

Dear Autism

2010-10-28T20:27:00.000-04:00

Dear Autism,
       There are a few things I have been meaning to say to you for awhile and I think there is no time like the present to let it out. You see, when I was in 6th grade many years ago I did a science project on you. Back then (early 90's) people didn't know a whole lot about you and you were referred to as childhood schizophrenia. Crazy, huh? Fast forward a decade or two and it turns out I spend most of my daylight hours battling you, and yes, marveling at you. Fighting for my students, trying to unlock them from your grasp.

       I see you every day in the eyes of my students. And the reflection of you in their families.
      And I have to tell you, I am not happy about it.
      You change people's lives.
      You change parent's dreams. You know, the ones where they dreamed of family vacations and soccer games and conversations with their child. Often times, these dreams are replaced with dreams of new therapies and hopes of conversation become hopes for functional communication. And instead of cheering at baseball games, they are fighting for the rights of their children. That doesn't really seem fair.

        Forgive me, Autism, but you suck.

   And yet, you do have a few redeeming qualities.

   I may be biased, but I think my students are awesome and that in some ways they are far more fortunate than the rest of us. They are so passionate about the things they find joy in. They live in the moment. They don't hold grudges, they rarely lie and they don't waste time doing things they don't really want to be doing. Many have brilliant minds, they see things for how they really are. They love unconditionally and they certainly enjoy life. They work harder than many people I know. They live the definition of an authentic life.
I will not fault you on those qualities, for they are gifts. But please, for the love of all things good, release the chokehold you possess.

Let our kids sleep.
Let them tell us what they need.
Let them have meaningful social experiences.
Let them just be kids.

      I understand that this is asking a lot, but won't you see what you can do? In the meantime we will continue to celebrate our children and their amazing gifts. Cheering their successes and helping them navigate their challenges, and loving them the whole way through. Searching for the answers to the secrets you hold.

     If you think that is too much to ask, then please at least consider making yourself less elusive so that our children can be understood and accepted for the incredible beings that they are.

    Thanks for letting me vent. Now get about releasing that secret. Please.

                                                                                                                            Sincerely,
                                                                                                                             Melissa

To learn more about autism, please visit Autism Speaks

a relationship in numbers

2010-10-26T17:12:00.002-04:00

Five Years

In 5 years we've had a lot of numbers.

8 Christmas trees decorated. Remember when we used to decorate two per year. One at my apartment and one at yours?

7 airplane trips. I used to squeeze your hand so tight when taking off and landing.

6 graduations. We survived grad school!

1 romantic first anniversary dinner overlooking Boston (which I unfortunately, ahem..."redeposited" later that evening).

5 spoooooooky dinners.

8 weddings attended.

2 ski trips.

1 sunrise canoe ride after a very eventful night on the cape.

3 trips to Bermuda.

2 awesome cats.

2 trips to the hospital. One each.

8 baseball games. (that I can remember)

0 days without talking to each other.

1 sailing lesson.

10 birthday cakes. You make the best.

1 evening ice skating on Frog Pond.

3 fall getaways.

1 home purchase.

about 100 kitchen dances.

4 St. Patrick day celebrations.

4 summers on the Cape.

2 black friday trips after Thanksgiving dinner.

100's of evening walks.

5 moves (combined).

2 deaths.

8 babies born.

1000's of skipped heartbeats.

Countless smiles and laughs.

Immeasurable love.

it's coooooming.....

2010-10-25T18:50:00.000-04:00

Halloween is in exactly 6 days and I am EXCITED because this year we might have some trick-o-treaters! Our new neighborhood is swarming with kiddos and I can't wait to see them all dressed up! (It's probably weird to take pictures of them for a scrapbook page though, huh? Don't want people to think we're the creepy people...hehe)

Aside from seeing the cute little kids all dressed up and watching Charlie Brown with a cup of cocoa and some popcorn the things I look forward to most is Spoooooky dinner.

What is spooooky dinner you ask?

Well, it is just a little tradition that mmb and I have every year where I cook a "scary" dinner. In years past the menu has included such things as corpse loaf (aka meatloaf in the shape of a body), witches fingers (breadsticks with almond "fingernails"), vampire's blood soup with cobwebs (tomato soup with cheddar crisps). Gross stuff, but funny.

The menu hasn't been planned yet, but will be soon!

Can't wait to cook it, eat it, and of course...scrap it ;-)

I'm in.

2010-10-24T09:18:00.002-04:00

Can I possibly put one more thing on my plate?

No seriously. I kind of feel lke if I take on one more thing to do right now that my head might explode.

But lo and behold, this morning as I am laying in bed, trying to muster up the energy to go pick up a paintbrush, I find this little gem in my inbox...and against my better judgment I open it.

Before you know it, the first two emails in my inbox are titled
"Thanks for your payment to shimelle.com"
and
"Welcome to True Stories"

Wait...what?! How did that happen??

Next thought in my head:
"Are you crazy, girl?"

But here's the thing. Well first of all, Shimelle's classes are not only super inspiring, but they are go-at-your-own-pace. As in, maybe I will do one today, maybe I'll do one in two weeks. There is no crunch to get them in on time and that is so important right now.

I just didn't see how I could pass up this opportunity.
I miss creating. I miss blogging.
I miss telling my stories.
I love my mac, but I am a sucker for picking up a pen and piece of paper.

I ~~want~~ need to get back to basics.
I need a little more simplicity right now.

Although taking one more thing on my plate should be making my head explode (as mentioned above), signing up for this course has actually created a sense of calm. It's like all of the thoughts in my mind just found out that their time off request has been approved and they can breathe a little easier. So start packing up, thoughts and stories, you're about to take a little trip. Onto paper.

And yes, I could use that right now.

What do you think? Will you join too?

scraproom inspiration

2010-10-07T23:47:00.000-04:00

Just a few pics that have been inspiring me for my soon-to-be craft room...

design advice

2010-09-23T17:47:00.000-04:00

No, this is not a figment of your imagination.

Nor is it an early Halloween ghost popping in to say "Boo!"

It's just me.

With a real, live post.

I know haven't been around much lately. But I have been playing with paper, although it hasn't been of the typical kind. I've been spending a lot of time with some 70's wallpaper.

Lots of it.

LOTS of it.

mmb & I have been stripping wallpaper at our new house (and actually loving it-especially since we got a steamer ;-) !) And don't worry- I have certainly been saving little bits to scrapbook. It is so much fun being a homeowner and having all of these fun projects to do :-)

The house is coming along nicely, bit by bit.

I don't know if its that we are finally making progress with the house, or the fact that the leaves are changing and the cooler weather affords breaking out the sweaters and hot apple cider on the deck at night, but something is stirring up that oh-so-familiar need to get up to my elbows with some paper (of the scrapbooking persuasion) and adhesive and get to creating. Sadly, all of my supplies are still packed in boxes.

The bright side of this conundrum is that they might still be in boxes, but they are in boxes in my new scrapbooking room!!

A scrapbooking room which is a complete blank slate.

I am overwhelmed with the creativity- and very excited by the possibilities!

So, dear friends in blogland...could you help me out? I am looking for any advice you can lend. Color schemes, products, furniture, accessories, etc. What works for you and doesn't work for you in terms of storage?

I welcome all advice and will be waiting, with sweater buttoned and mug of warm cider in my hand, to hear your responses.

THANKS!

we've been busy

2010-08-18T08:49:00.000-04:00

moving...

and scraping wallpaper...

and ripping up rugs...

and making it our own...

...and loving every minute of it!

It's official, we are homeowners!

p.s. I get my very own scrapbooking room...so excited!!!

sometimes blessings come in two's

2010-06-30T22:09:00.000-04:00

Take for instance these little beauties.

The beautiful little darlings that belong to my good friend and her husband.

Little angels who have blessed our worlds with their presence and make our hearts dance with joy. Not only because they are pretty much the sweetest little babies you ever did see, but because they are proof that God does indeed answer prayers. In a big way.

So glad I finally got to meet these girls.

So glad they are here and part of our lives.

So glad to be able to watch my dear friend so consumed by the love of her daughters light up when she holds them in her arms.

So glad for my friends who deserve this beautiful family.

So glad for tiny miracles.

And so glad for another reason to scrapbook.

:-)

...and the house hunt continues.

2010-06-27T01:05:00.005-04:00

I'm here. Really I am.

School has been let out for the summer and I have a couple of weeks off before summer camp begins. I was hoping to spend some time working on my summer list, but alas...a whole week has passed by and the only thing I have done is thoroughly enjoyed lemon mint water (seriously refreshing on a very humid day!). So then what has been taking up my time?

We are still, yes still trying to find a home we want to purchase. I have quite literally spent a whole week perusing the internet, touring homes and going to open houses. There is one gorgeous antique colonial we have our eye on, but there are some things that are holding us back. However, whenever we go see a house (and we saw over 20 in a 4 day period!) we are always comparing it to the home I previously mentioned...so maybe we just need to take a risk. Ugh, this is hard!

In (somewhat) related news I found out through some detective work that our realtor has a weakness for red velvet cupcakes. I would like to bake her some to thank her for all of her hard work so I am wondering if any of you out there have a good recipe or tips I would greatly appreciate it if you'd share with me :-)

creativity boot camp-day 12

2010-06-17T21:54:00.000-04:00

SMOOTH

mani/pedi ingredients

creativity boot camp-day 11

2010-06-16T16:29:00.000-04:00

HUSH

There is always music amongst the trees in the garden,

but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.

~Minnie Aumonier

creativity boot camp-day 10

2010-06-15T23:32:00.000-04:00

FULL BODIED

one very large, very fuzzy, very cuddly sweet cat.

creativity boot camp-day 9

2010-06-14T21:37:00.000-04:00

DRIZZLE

creativity boot camp-days 7 & 8

2010-06-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

FLY

Little notes left behind, waiting for me to find them. Makes my heart feel likes its flying.

ORNAMENT

Sentimental pieces that flood my mind with wonderful memories.

creativity boot camp-day 6

2010-06-12T06:22:00.000-04:00

FLUID

peaceful, restoring and gratitude inducing.

creativity boot camp-day 5

2010-06-10T16:52:00.000-04:00

GROW

They started out as just little ones hesitant to come to school, to leave their families sides.

And now, they have grown in more ways than can be measured.

The school year is over and they are all ready for first grade.

They've grown as learners and we've grown as teachers.

What an amazing profession.

creativity boot camp-day 4

2010-06-09T22:56:00.000-04:00

HEAVY METAL

Strong enough to carry the futures of our world.

creativity boot camp-day 3

2010-06-08T17:33:00.000-04:00

MULTILAYERED

When I think of multilayered, I think of me.

And you.

And my students.

And my family.

And probably your family.

And the stranger on the street.

And that woman I heard about in the news story.

And the little boy who had a tantrum in the store.

You see, we are all more than meets the eye.

We all have different experiences and emotions that make us tick. We all have feelings that might not be apparent, and different upbringings and circumstances. We all have different schemas. We all react to things differently.

We all live in the same world, but have built layers upon layers of love and tears and joy and sorrow. Not one of us is the same.

We are all multilayered.

And that fascinates me.

creativity boot camp-day 2

2010-06-07T17:16:00.001-04:00

PICNIC

To the love of my life:

When I think about picnics I think about you.

I think about picnics and how last Christmas you gave me a picnic basket just because you know how much I love to head to a quiet, beautiful place where I can read, or get lost in my thoughts or a good conversation with you. And what I love even beyond the fact that you gave that gift to me, is that you just know me that well.

I think about how we take the girls on picnics to Gore and you are so patient and so kind with them. And you laugh and you have fun and you help little one climb trees. And when I see how you are with them it makes my heart warm and I just know that some day you will be an amazing father (even if you claim we will not be having any little girls). I see how they admire you and it makes me so proud to call you mine. With the simple hoist of an eight-year-old into a tree branch just out of her reach I see your patience and your strength and everything that makes you the remarkable man I think you are.

When I think about picnics I think about made-up stories about searching the ends of the earth, to the moon and back, and apples. And I think about the feeling of cool grass between by toes and the smell of fresh dirt and the feeling of love that fills me every time you look at me; all of which renew me and fill me with contentment. I think about hope, and the beauty of the world that God made for us and the undeniable grace of it all.

I think about perseverance and loyalty and how we've helped each other through some of the most difficult times of our lives, both separately and together.

And I think about that picnic basket you gave me.

And I think about all the picnics to come.

And then I think about how very lucky we are.

When I think about picnics, I think about you, love.

I certainly think about you.

creativity boot camp -day 1

2010-06-06T21:07:00.000-04:00

IVORY

simple, graceful flowers still fresh from the storm.

sweet, sweet summer

2010-06-05T11:34:00.002-04:00

Do you have a favorite season?
I can honestly say that I don't. There is something that I love about each of them and with the lazy, hazy days of summer approaching I have been thinking about some things I would like to do for the brief period they stay here in New England.

Now, I do not want this to serve as a to-do list, because I wast the summer to be as relaxing as possible, but these are things that I would like to get to while the season is abloom. There will be no check off list, no anxiousness that time is running out and I haven't gotten to everything.
But if I do, hooray!
One way or another, I am determined to enjoy this season to the fullest and try not to let it pass to quickly.

1. visit the lavender farm on Cape Cod

2. plant an herb garden

3. master my grandmother's ravioli recipe

4. sew a dress

5. run a 10k

6. not use the computer for one entire day

7. try a juice cleanse to reboot my health, maybe this one

8. try lemon mint water

9. organize all of my teaching books

10. have a wine and cheese picnic

11. play with sparklers

12. make a time capsule

13. make sun tea & enjoy it while reading a good book

14. make homemade gelato

15. explore the markets in the north end

16. go see a movie at the drive in

17. make an amazing women album
18. plan a summer book swap party
19. renovate an old piece of furniture
20. stargaze
21. make a new driving cd for trips to the Cape
21. go to Tanglewood
22. see the sun rise at Gore
23. take a dance class

I am sure ideas will be added as summer creeps on, but I think this is a good starting point.

How about you, any plans for the summer?

creativity boot camp

2010-06-02T19:17:00.001-04:00

What are you doing this Sunday?

Well technically this Sunday, June 6 though Friday June 18?

If you're looking to see your craft through fresh new eyes, join me and many others in the free (yes, free!) online course that promises to get your creativity revved up!

Creativity Boot Camp is being offered by the ever so talented Madeline Bea, and in her words:

I have designed this e-course for people who wish to take the next step in their creative lives. Whether you need a creative boost, need the motivation to begin that large creative project, or simply wish to lead a more creative life, the exercises provided in this course will help to pave the way for maximum creativity in your life.

Doesn't that sound amazing? It sure does to me.

Scrapbookers, photographers, painters....new crafters and old crafters alike. This is an opportunity for everyone who wishes to live a more creative life.

One thing that Madeline does ask is to pick one artistic medium and stick with it for the duration of the course. I had to think it over a bit, but I have decided to go with photography as my instrument of choice, with keeping the option of scrapbooking my photos after boot camp is over.

So. What do you think? Are you in?

egads!

2010-06-01T23:30:00.000-04:00

Has it really been so long since I have posted? The wonderful spring air has me out and about and I haven't had much time to get crafty or cooking (in fact, mmb has been doing most of the cooking as of late!)

As soon as I am finished with a big project I am working on for school I plan on completing my Week in the Life album. Very exciting!

In the meantime, enjoy a little glimpse of Cape Cod (heaven on earth, if you ask me) We had a wonderful Memorial Day celebration here over the weekend and I cannot wait to get back!

Sigh...is it summer vacation yet??

questions and answers

2010-05-17T21:32:00.001-04:00

The lovely Miss Meghann over at Megann's Little Corner was kind enough to tag me in a fun little blog questionnaire going around. I am quite happy to oblige her in answering her fun questions...

1. If you could own any car, regardless of cost, what would it be?

Lexus RX Hybrid

2. If you could spend an hour with any person in the world, living or dead, who would you spend it with?
My mom.

3. What color is your living room?
White...because we are renting. When we eventually buy a house you can rest assured it will be painted a nice calming, neutral color!

4. What vacations/trips do you have planned for the summer?
Lots of fun and relaxing weekends on the Cape :)

5. What is your favorite flower?
Peony

6. Chocolate or vanilla?
Hands down, vanilla.

7. What person do you think knows you best in the world?
My boyfriend Matt (aka mmb)

8. Do you have a laid-back or keyed-up personality?
Somewhere in the middle, it often depends on the subject

9. What goal do you want to accomplish this year?

To find balance with all I do and get to my optimum health level

10. What is the best photo you've ever taken? If you can, share it!
It's not my best photo, but it means a lot to me. This man works so hard for us, and when looking through my photos to try and pick one as my favorite I came across this one.
It's a welcome reminder that grad school is over for him and things have become much easier around here lately.
Thank you my brilliant, kind man. Nothing you do goes unnoticed or unappreciated.
I love you.

Now my next step is to come up with 10 questions for 7 others.
Here we go...

This lovely girl
and this one
and of course this one too
can't forget this one
or this one
and definitely her
and her
and yet another lovely lady
and another
and just one more!

Now on to the questions these dears are to answers, should they choose to accept the challenge...

1. If you had to choose your last meal, what would it be?
2. What tv program do you love?
3. Favorite thing about a rainy day?
4. What is the nicest thing someone has done for you lately?
5. What is the nicest thing you have done for something else?
6. Name three things you do on a daily basis.
7. What was your favorite book as a child?
8. What gift would you give to someone you love if money was not a consideration?
9. What is your favorite thing about summer?
10. What do you like best about yourself?

EDITED TO ADD: whoops, just noticed that I tagged 10 bloggers instead of 7! Enjoy the extras :-)

picture fun

2010-05-16T20:25:00.000-04:00

I saw this cute idea on Mel's blog and thought I would give it a shot. The directions are to open up the 8th picture folder on your computer and post the 8th picture you have.

Sounds fun, right? Except for one little problem...

My 8th folder is full of kids from school and I just don't feel comfortable posting pictures of them without their parents permission.

So, what to do?

I decided to ask mmb to pic a number between 1 and 154 (the current number of albums in my iphoto library)

He picked 111. Which was a great album, but for one thing...there weren't 111 photos in the album.

Try again, Mister.

Uh...oh.

And again...

BINGO!

We finally got a winner...

68 of 68!

And there you go...my kitty-boys lounging around on "their" chair by the window on a hot summer day.

They are a couple of characters :-)

a few more pics for a week in the life

2010-05-11T23:11:00.000-04:00

As I continue to sort through my pictures for my Week in the Life album the more enthusiastic I am about putting it together and looking back at what a week in our lives was like at this point.

A few more peeks to share with you....

For those of you playing along, what did you all use to make your collages?

a few snapshots from a week in the life

2010-05-10T23:03:00.000-04:00

I wasn't able to play along with A Week in the Life in the traditional sense because I was in Key West the week it ran. And although I am planning on documenting our vacation a la AWITL style, I really love the idea of documenting a "plain old week". After all, it is the simple ordinary day to day things that hold the most meaning, don't you think?

So last week I set about snapping pictures any way I could...with my camera, my blackberry, photobooth...you name it, I used it.

I am just starting to organize my pictures and what I have seen so far really has me excited about this project! Here are a few snapshots into an ordinary week in the life...

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

And so there it is... a tiny glimpse into an ordinarily wonderful week in the life. There are MANY more pictures to come, but here we go for starters!

Oh, and in case you are wondering why I have two Sundays in there it is because mmb was away for the first one of the week and I wanted to make sure I included one with him as it is one of our favorite days of the week.

How is your A Week in the Life coming along?

happy mother's day

2010-05-09T12:19:00.001-04:00

To all the moms...both young and old, the moms-to-be, and the moms whose angels are no longer with them, have a wonderful day full of love.

Although I am missing my own mom terribly today my heart is so full for all of the moms out there, especially two of the greatest moms I know, my friend Becky and my friend Alison!

I was sent this link to help spead love to moms in need of a few kind words. All it takes is a couple of seconds to write a quick message. If you get a chance, please do it.

Have a lovely day!

a day fit for a bride

2010-05-03T23:30:00.001-04:00

In just under 3 weeks, my friend Katie will be marrying her very own Prince Charming!

I think an event like that deserves a little celebration, don't you?

So celebrate we did...

Katie and I headed out for a fun and relaxing girls day complete with manicures and pedicures on
Newbury Street (Boston)

the bride-to-be catching up on wedding magazines

how cute is it that she found a polish called "chapel of love"?

We stopped off for a nice light lunch at a Wine Cafe...

Oh and we must not forget rounding out the day any proper Chocoholic (Katie, that is...give me vanilla any day) should...with a chocolate bar at the Langham Hotel.

And oh.my.goodness.....if you are ever in Boston on a Saturday and are looking for something to do, make sure you check this out. It is SO worth it! More desserts than you could ever imagine...a sweet tooth's dream come true!

You name it, they had it. Chocolate Five Spice soup, a crepes station, a chocolate fountain, a chocolate cocktails station, chocolate pasta, chocolate pizza, delicate treats as far as the eye can see....even a vanilla girl like me can appreciate it ;-)

I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my friend's upcoming nuptials!

Now once I get over this sugar coma I am going to get to talking about my plans for Week in the Life!

Ta,Ta lovely ones!

p.s. it is Teacher Appreciation Week! If you can, send a little love to a teacher you know who has made a difference...a kind word or two goes a long way in refueling those who invest so much in children!

speechless

2010-05-02T21:03:00.001-04:00

Not to be cliche, but something about this image just renders me speechless.

When I first saw it everything stopped for just a minute and all I could hear was the pounding of my heart.

Has an image ever moved you like this?

studio calico generosity

2010-05-01T19:51:00.001-04:00

Oh Studio Calico... as if they were not only one of the best kit clubs out there because of their amazing products, but they also offer amazing giveaways.

Are you interested in winning a 6 month subscription to this fantastic club?

Studio Calico is very generously giving away 2 six month subscriptions to 2 sets of friends!

Seriously?!

And all you have to do is go to this thread , sign up for a username, and leave a post including my name (Melissa Goulet, aka melissag) telling them I sent you there. Just by doing this we are both entered in the giveaway and could win a 6 mo subscription! What have we got to lose? Make sure you do this by 11:59 EST on Sunday, May 2!

Good luck to us all!

p.s. Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

yup.

2010-04-30T13:29:00.000-04:00

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Lots going on over here in my little corner of the world, but for this weekend it is all about just enjoying each minute as it passes.

Happy Friday, friends! Have a lovely weekend.

your mission, should you choose to accept it...

2010-04-26T22:22:00.000-04:00

Is there something that people have said about you that stands out in your mind? Perhaps something you can draw upon when you're having "one of those days"? Something that people have noticed...and acknowledged... that makes you who you are?

For as long as I can remember people have told me I have a way of taking a less than favorable situation and making it better. This not only touches my heart, but on those days when it might be easier to say to heck with the bright side it helps me remember how important it is to keep perspective.

Isn't it nice when people take the time to let you know little things like that? That got me thinking about how just a smile or a kind word or two can really impact another person and how important it is to me to not only live my life in this way, but to try and instill it in the students I work with as well.

Let's try a little experiment...tomorrow try to tell at least one person something that you admire about them. Pick someone who won't expect it. That person in the office who grates on your nerves? Find something about them that you admire and let them know it. The family member who keeps doing that thing that irritates you? Tell them something kind. And be genuine...there is nothing worse than a phony compliment! You might be surprised at the effect it has not only on your recipient, but on you as well.

And keep me posted, I would love to hear how this goes if you give it a try.

what's in my bag

2010-04-23T19:33:00.001-04:00

What a fun concept this What's in my Bag photo project is! I have found it so interesting to take a peek at what everyone has been posting about what they carry along on a daily basis that I have decided to play along.

So there it is...

My bag containing my sunglasses, blackberry, sunscreen/moisturizer, a hair pin, my wristlet containing license, credit and debit card, MTA card, Barnes & Noble members card, health insurance card, etc...

You'll also find my camera (represented by the lens cap), some gum, some shout wipes, my mini-planner and a pen.

The only things missing are my handkerchief and some lip butter because I am out of it!

Are you playing along? What's in YOUR purse?

the southernmost point of my heart

2010-04-22T23:29:00.003-04:00

Hello dearest bloggers, mmb and I have returned from our much needed

trip to Key West, Florida...also known as a little slice of heaven.

We unplugged from our computers and blackberrys and just relaxed in the sun and took in the fun of Duval St! It was 5 days of bliss :)

We spent our days and nights under the stars at the pool...

And dined at some really fantastic restaurants...

Got to see the southernmost part of the US...

and reveled in this...

And I did my first pub crawl, led by mmb!

and saw some gorgeous flowers...

and took in the famous sunset at Mallory Square.

It was amazing.

Not only because it was great to relax for a few days, but because I could feel my mom's spirit every where I went. Key West was her favorite place.

With this time being scheduled for A Week in the Life, I have decided to document this vacation in this style. I am excited about this new way to capture the memories of our trip.

For now, I am relaxing with my love on the couch, catching up on tv and snuggle time with the cats and getting ready to dive back in to house hunting and the such!

I am off to catch up on my google reader with memories of glowing sunsets in my mind.

s'more cupcakes, anyone?

2010-04-16T19:34:00.002-04:00

So who is playing along this weekend with Shimelle at the online crop?

But for tonight, I have a pretty busy weekend ahead of me so I must (sadly) say I won't be able to play along much, but well, I can bring cupcakes! ;-)

I made these cupcakes for Easter and they were a-maz-ing! If you're like me and cannot resist a good s'mores related dessert you're going to want to give these a shot. You'll be making these often once you get a bite of the combination of buttery graham cracker crust combined with the fudgy goodness of chocolate chunks swirled into airy cake and then topped off with a light and delicious marshmallow frosting.

Yum!

Want to try? You won't regret it!

S'mores Cupcakes

Graham cracker crust:

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs

3 tbsp butter

Cake:

shhhh...I cheated and used Betty Crocker Devil's Food mix! (and yes, I have come to the conclusion that once in awhile it is okay to do this)

1/2 bag Hershey's chocolate chunks

Frosting:

16 oz powdered sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup marshmallow topping

Topping:

2 Hershey Chocolate Bar

2 Graham Cracker sheets

Directions:

1. Melt butter and mix with graham cracker crumbs, press about 1/4 inch of mixture into bottom of cupcake liners

2. Prepare cake mix according to package directions, add chocolate chunk, mix well and then add 1/4 on top of graham cracker crust in cupcake liners

3. Bake according to cake directions

4. Prepare icing by mixing all ingredients with an electric beater until light and fluffy

5. When cakes have cooled completely, ice with frosting

6. Top each iced cupcake with 1 Hershey rectangle and crumbled graham cracker

7. ENJOY!

8. Have s'more later (hehe...couldn't resist ;-) )

planning for week in the life

2010-04-14T23:48:00.000-04:00

Whew, has it been a whirlwind of activity around here!

School weekends, homework, house hunting, and all of the miscellaneous other stuff is keeping me on my toes. I am SO looking forward to next week and documenting my week!

At first I wasn't sure if I would play along with Week in the Life because it is not going to be a typical week for me as it is April vacation week, but upon further thought I decided that participating in this project will be a fun and fresh way to scrapbook our vacation. Providing all goes well with this, I will pick another "normal week" to document.

So on to the goods...

PAPERS:

FONT:

ALBUM:

I can't wait to have my toes in the sand and watch beautiful sunsets and be able to document it all with this great project!

an invitation to mmb

2010-04-12T22:18:00.002-04:00

spring is here

2010-04-08T22:59:00.000-04:00

Where flowers bloom so does hope.
Lady Bird Johnson

busy

2010-04-07T00:16:00.000-04:00

reciprocation

2010-04-05T21:40:00.001-04:00

I'm tutoring tomorrow which means two things...

#1-I get to help a couple of great girls with their homework

and

#2- I will have my weekly violin lesson

I teach the younger of the two her writing and math and she teaches me violin (something I have always wanted to learn!)

What is something new you have tried recently?

something from almost nothing- prompt 5

2010-04-03T18:10:00.001-04:00

Although it a an absolutely gorgeous day weather wise and hard to think about rain on a day like this, please indulge me for a moment...

The layout I made using page protectors for this prompt is about my new rainboots...because well, part of celebrating life is celebrating the little things that make us happy, right? I can honestly say that I have never used page protectors to do anything other than protect my pages. I ended up just cutting one up to make journaling strip holders which I then sewed on. The journaling is hidden behind the picture.

But for the record, as much as I adore my lovely new boots, I would like to not have to pull them out for a while on account of more gorgeous weather like this!

One a side note, it has been a very exciting day around here. This morning we finalized our pre-approval process and met with our realtor to see a couple of houses! After hearing the news we celebrated with mimosas because we just happened to have oj and champagne hanging around ;-)

don't mind the bed head, we had just gotten up!

I knew I make do a before/after scrapbook of our future new home, but think I am also going to keep all of these pictures and other home related bits in a folder together. I think it will be a great way to preserve this very exciting time in our lives! Have any of you done this?

Tonight is date night at the ice cream shop and then reviewing our packet from our realtor and making food for tomorrow's Easter celebration.

Hope your weekend is lovely and full of things that bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face!

a blast from the past

2010-04-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

While looking through some of my old scrapbooks today I found one of my favorite layouts.

A few years ago when I was first starting out with this crafty endeavor of ours, I saw an article about layouts inspired by surveys. I picked and chose questions from a couple of the suggested quizzes and sent it off to mmb to fill out. I filled mine out as well and didn't read his until I was done. It was very fun! I loved reading what his answers were and seeing if our answers matched up.

(sorry about the horrendous lighting)

Although all of the answers were great to read, I was particularly interested in how to describe each other in 7 words

she said...

smart, funny, loving, thoughtful, outgoing, supportive, wonderful

(turns out I was right ;-) ...)

he said...

It gave me butterflies all over again.

If you want to play along and make your own he said/she said layout, here are the questions I used in the survey:

How did the two of you meet?

What first attracted you to him/her?

Was it love at first sight or a friendship that blossomed?

How do you settle your differences?

Tell about one of his/her quirks

What is something you really agree on?

What is the kindest thing he/she has ever done for you?

What is the most interesting thing about him/her?

How did you first know you loved him/her?

Describe him/her in 7 words

I think it might be time to revisit this survey and see how the answers compare three years later!

Have you ever made a layout based on a survey or interview?

something from almost nothing- prompt 4

2010-03-31T10:30:00.000-04:00

Using up some of our cardstock scrap supply was a tricky one for me...I don't really have a lot of it laying around. I tend to either use the whole piece or use the scraps up pretty quickly on other layouts or projects.

Shimelle asked us to find a picture that makes us happy. So which to choose? A funny one of our cats? Something from work? Something from Gore? Something from a vacation?

I decided on this...

...because the silly things this man does cracks me up and there isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't make me happy in some way.

I think Charlie Chaplin had it right, a day without laughter is a day wasted.

something from almost nothing- prompt 3

2010-03-30T13:10:00.000-04:00

Ribbon is something that I have plenty of, and I certainly love it, especially lace. Before I organized my stash of trimmings I probably would have been happy to just pitch it all and never see it again. But thanks to my new system which makes it just as pretty to look at as it is on a project I haven't wanted to use it ;-)

But alas, Shimelle made the call to use up some of that stash, and use it up I must! It is a pretty simple layout... I used a leftover piece of pp, some lace, some letters and a little birdie embellishment.

That's it.

Do you know what your personality type is? According to this test I am an INFJ (introverted, intuitive, feeling, judging) person. I'd say it is pretty accurate, with a slight inclination toward extroversion if in the right situation.

The journaling is an excerpt from the results:

Highly intuitive, protective, strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, patient, strong value system, artistic and creative, doesn't like crowds, sensitive to conflict, not competitive, concerned for other people's feelings, caring, devoted, complex.

I guess that could be considered true ;-)

How about you? What is your personality type?

(march) showers bring...

2010-03-29T19:57:00.000-04:00

It is another sopping wet one here in New England, but that is just okay with me.

I LOVE rainy days! I like them better when I can be curled up with a good book or a movie and a cozy blanket, but I do love the rain.
And today was an especially great one...
When I got home from work mmb had brought me home flowers AND my long awaited package finally arrived!

Yay! My new rain boots came in, and just in time... the weather forecast has me wanting to build an ark! I ripped open the box and ran outside to give them a test run. They are so cute! ;-)
No more wet feet for me!

Do you have a favorite pair of rain boots?

i believe

2010-03-28T22:20:00.002-04:00

I believe in a cure.

So I walk. And I run. And I sit with kids getting their chemo treatments.

And I pray.

I believe for those fighting, for those who will have to fight and for those who couldn't anymore.

Let's be honest.

Cancer sucks.

And nothing ever came true from not believing.

So, I believe.

Do you?

3.25.10 sketchiness

2010-03-25T13:13:00.003-04:00

Well, friends. It is here... my last sketch as the March GDT member for Sketchy Thursdays. It flew by! Thanks to Heidi and Diana for a month full of gorgeous sketches and fun :)

Hop on over to see what the DT made this week!

Things have been kind of like a circus around here this week, super busy and trying to juggle a lot of things at once. My plate has been full of progress reports, a big assessment project for grad school, some crafty projects(when I can squeeze in time), house hunting, bridesmaid duties, housework and well, you know the drill...

But you know what they say, Work Hard, Play Hard.

And I intend to do just that ;-)

I have a very fun weekend lined up.

Friday night: Fun with my work friends after school.

Saturday: Annual outlet shopping trip with my bestie and the Motha (can't wait!!)

Saturday also happens to be mmb's weekend to plan date night, can't wait for that either...I'll have to get something new and cute to wear while I am shopping ;-)

Sunday: Perhaps a couple of open houses and catching up on scrapbooking.

Ahhh, yes. There has been a lot going on around here, but don't you find that it makes the down time all that much more rewarding?

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

happy monday

2010-03-22T20:46:00.000-04:00

Things are busy, busy around here.

I won't be able to bring you a Martha Monday post today because I am busy working on this...

Can't say what it is because it is a special gift for a special person, but I will fill you in later :-)
Hope your week is off to a good start!

ski weekend '10

2010-03-21T21:09:00.002-04:00

Well I am back, my lovely friends. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

mmb and I spent the weekend in the mountains up in Maine for some end-of-the-season spring skiing and we had an a-m-a-z-i-n-g time.

mmb is an awesome skier...me, not so much.

But here is the good news...you don't have to be a skier to enjoy a ski weekend getaway ;-)

I skied Saturday morning on the little slopes while mmb conquered the double black diamonds. We stopped for some lunch about noon and then went back to our hotel for some apres ski fun in the lodge.

Later that night we took a nap (a luxury that is soooo understated!) then hit up the outdoor hot tub and heated pool.

It. was. heaven.

The moon and stars above and a cold breeze blowing through was the perfect combo for relaxing in the hot bubbling pool of goodness.

After that we went to grab some dinner and then relaxed the night away. This morning mmb got up and skied some more, then we grabbed some breakfast and started the trek from Maine to Massachusetts. On the way we passed a street called "Simplicity Lane", when I remarked about it my ever so sweet boyfriend said, "Do you want to get a picture?". I declined, but kissed this man on the cheek. Because he gets it, and because he is awesome.

On the way home we stopped at an open house for a home we have been eying and oh, my goodness, was it amazing. Sun drenched rooms, beautiful yard, nice neighborhood, GORGEOUS kitchen (which the realtor who was selling the home commented that I look really good in, haha) and plenty of rooms so that he can have his own office, I can have my own scraproom, and still with all that, have room for a couple of little ones (someday) running around.

The downside? Its a tad overpriced right now. We are optimistically keeping our eyes on it because you never know what might happen.

Whatever is meant to be, will be, right?

Tonight, we relaxed on the couch, watched the news about the Health Care Bill, did some research about the town the house is in and looked online for some more (while sipping champagne because the weekend was that good ;-)...)

Ahhhh, we really needed this weekend.

Hope whatever you did this weekend, that it brought you as much joy as ours did :)

The cute little restaurant we stopped for dinner at in Maine

The left side view off our balcony

The right side view

good things also come in medium packages

2010-03-19T09:19:00.001-04:00

She's here!

And I could not love her more! My Epiphanie camera bag is here and I am thrilled with it.

It's making the first trip out today...first on a field trip to the post office and then up to Maine for some spring skiing.

Have a lovely weekend, my friends!

Happy Spring!

3.18.10 sketchiness

2010-03-18T10:00:00.009-04:00

Top 'o the morning to you....wait...I guess that was yesterday.

Can't we extend it just another day??

Well, when you love an Irish man, just about any day can be St. Patrick's Day.

Hop on over to Sketchy Thursdays to see just what I mean...

And while you're there, be sure to congratulate the talented members of the new design team!

catching up-Something from Almost Nothing

2010-03-16T17:31:00.000-04:00

Like many of you out there, I am loving Shimelle's Something from Almost Nothing class! For a long time I have been collecting piles upon piles of all of these beautiful products and not using them...shame on me. But thanks to this awesome new class, I am inspired to use up what I have and document all of the good stuff in the here and now.

I had grad class all weekend so I didn't get a chance to scrap until Sunday evening before bed, but between then and yesterday I got the first two prompts done.

Here is my title page:

I used some scraps leftover from papers that I adore and followed the assignment of using up some of my metals (the book plates and brads).

Here is prompt 2:

I decided to use up some more of those metals that have been collecting in my scrap stash and use them to help make a patterned paper border. I got a lovely little pack of Melissa Frances mini-frames in a monthly kit which inspired me to paint a bunch of my other bronze and gold colored frames all white. Insert scraps of my favorite colors and, voila, I created a page I love and used up some of those ole dust collectors!

So why make this album?

It seems cliche, but I really am making this book because life is a gift.

And because I won't allow myself to buy anything new until I have used up what I need to use up and only keep what I absolutely positively love. (boy, that is hard!)

And because it is almost metaphoric...cleaning out all of these old supplies to make room for new and exciting ones. Loving the past, looking forward to the future, and being grateful for it all.

Every now and then, one must examine what you have, take inventory and prioritize...whether that be with supplies or life in general.

I used to think that I appreciated life, but over this past year I realized just how important it is to be grateful for every morning we get to wake up, and to make the best of each day.

I'm celebrating life because it is a gift.

A gift that should be enjoyed.

A gift that should be lived well, whatever that definition is to you.

And most certainly a gift to be celebrated.

Are you making something from almost nothing?

3.11.10 sketchiness

2010-03-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

It is that time of the week again...

The latest sketch from the awesome Sketchy Thursdays is coming your way!

I really am having such a wonderful time being the March Guest Designer for their team. Getting the new sketch every week is like getting a little present whenever I get the email. It fires up my creativity and gets me excited about sitting down to scrap.

I would really like spring to get here, I just don't want March to end!!

Here is this week's sketch...

and here is my take...

With this week being my birthday I decided to go back and think about who I was in younger days. Turns out it is not too much different than who I am now ;-)

Do you ever think about how important it is to revisit what was important to you when you were little?

It is amazing how much it can help you remember what is important now...

And as a side note, for a girl who thought she would neither use digital (I really need a photoshop lesson!) OR sketches, I sure am loving both. Don't worry though, next week is going to be a paper layout. ;-)

You are going to LOVE what the other design team members did with this sketch! Be sure to stop by and check it out.

I hope you'll play along this week!

a reminder.

2010-03-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

image

happy birthday to me!

2010-03-09T01:37:00.042-05:00

It's true.

I am officially a year older.

As of today I have spent another 365 days loving, learning and living life.

Another 365 days filled with laughter and heartbreak and lessons learned and lessons shared.

Another 365 days filled with opportunities and choices and chances.

Another 365 days filled with creative adventures and giving and receiving.

Another 365 days of learning about what makes me who I am.

Another 365 weeding out what is really important and letting the rest go.

Another 365 days of savoring and documenting.

Another 365 of being infinitely blessed by the challenges and the rewards that have come my way.

Life is good.

So as a (very) special birthday gift to myself I bought one of these...

The Ginger to be exact.

I have had my eye on these since Maile first began talking about them. I haven't wanted to splurge, but I figured hey...no better time than your birthday, right? Well, that and there is a 15% off promo code if you enter HAVEANEPIPHANIE2 at checkout.

It was tough to choose between the Ginger and the Belle, but I opted for the more classic style of the Ginger. And she is even lined with a light turquoise color! Isn't she pretty?

Now my beloved DSLR will have proper travel accommodations!

Happy Birthday, indeed!

And I have decided that tonight, when I blow out the candles, I will share a wish with you...

image

So close your eyes and wish away, it's on me ;-)

martha monday & an organizing update

2010-03-08T19:50:00.001-05:00

Like pancakes?

Then you MUST try this recipe.

Martha calls them her "best" buttermilk pancakes and I can vouch for the fact that calling them so is neither a boastful, nor overzealous comment.

I am not a huge breakfast person, but I do love a good pancake every now and then, and this one more than fits the bill. See ya later, Aunt Jemima...we are only using this recipe around here from now on.

You'd think that making homemade pancakes would be a huge pain in the biscuit, but this was so simple and the results were unbelievable.

Airy, fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

You really should give them a go!

And now an update on Operation Organization...

You might remember that I am trying to get rid of the excess in our lives and focus on only the really important things. We are going through all of our things, one room at a time and keeping only what we need and giving the rest to people who could use it.

We figure it is a win-win: we get to spend more time doing fun things and relaxing instead of cleaning and whatnot and people who might be in need of the things we are donating will get some use from them.

I don't know about you, but organization is bliss to me!

Here are some shots from the bedroom...

Oh, it feels so good.

love notes

2010-03-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

I have always had a little guilt not keeping the valentines that my students have given me over the years, especially when they are handmade. I have kept a few of them over the years, but sadly, the majority of them end up in the ole circular file.

Now let me tell you, this is never an easy thing to do.

I picture the little ones carefully writing out each token of their affection, getting so excited to pass them out and thinking that the recipients will keep them forever.

Okay, so maybe I am over dramatizing a bit. But still, they worked so hard on the cards and I hate to throw them out.

I just never knew what to do with them.

That is, I never knew what to do with them until Maya at Basement Chronicles gave me this idea!

I used a heart shaped punch to cut a little piece of each valentine and then adhered them to a piece of cork using mini-brads. Add some patterned paper, some alphas and a little bit of embellishment and... Voila! A lovely little way to keep the little tokens of affection from my sweethearts of the school year!

No guilt.

All love.

And a sweet little way to remember the kids from this year.

confessions of a stashaholic

2010-03-06T20:06:00.000-05:00

I have stuff. And lots of it.

And while my craft collection cannot be entirely blamed on awesome shopping sites like peachycheap and Crop Chocolate, they are definitely contributors. I mean, how can you pass up some of their amazing deals of the day?

In all seriousness, though...those sites are fantastic resources for getting excellent products at VERY reasonable prices. If you haven't yet, check them out.

Back to the stuff...over the past 4 or so years when I began scrapbooking, I have collected A LOT of stuff. Papers, stamps, inks, brads, eyelets, glitter, flocking powders, embossing powders....

and the alphas, dear God, the alphas....

Well, you probably get it.

It is time to use this stuff up. Back in January I went through and purged to the hills, only keeping what I thought I would really use. I was able to whittle down my collection, but I still have a lot of stuff.

And to be honest, it is holding me back.

Sometimes too much of a good thing IS a problem.

You see, this really great collection (which I know I am so lucky to have) can sometimes be a little bit overwhelming. And then I end up not doing anything with it because I don't know where to start. Or I start and then about 100 different ideas come flooding into my mind about how I could use something and then I get blocked.

Over-think, much?

THE EVIDENCE:

So why all this stash talk? Well, the always fabulous Shimelle is up to it again. This time she is offering a class to help us use all that stuff we have accumulated, all while creating an album about celebrating life.

Sounds good to me.

Want to make something from almost nothing? Got stash you want to use up? Come join us!

the square root of three

2010-03-04T23:46:00.000-05:00

Here's a little riddle for you...

What do you get when you mix one computer genius with one avid scrapbooker?

If you guessed the answer to be "true love", then you would be correct.

If you guessed the answer to be "a whole lotta dorkiness", then you would also be correct.

And if you guessed the answer to be "a whole lotta dorky love", well then you get bonus points.

And here's the proof:

A couple of months ago mmb was telling me about a funny movie he was watching and told me to come watch a certain part that was coming up. The movie? Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. The part he was referring to? A super dorky, albeit romantic, part of a really ridiculous movie where the guy confesses his love to the girl using math analogies.

What's that you say? You haven't seen the scene?

Well you can check it out here.

WARNING: SOME EXPLICIT LANGUAGE IN THIS CLIP

ALSO, LOTS AND LOTS OF MATH REFERENCES.

I'll admit, it was funny.

And pretty romantic in a geeky sorta way.

But hey, that's us.

Me and my computer nerd, in love 1.21 gigawatts times over.

Happier than all the binary in the interweb.

Call me crazy, but I think I could listen to this man talk about c++ forever.

;-)

So what's a girl to do when she falls in love with a man whose alma mater's song lyrics give a shoutout to cosigns, tangents and pi?

Well, embrace it. That's what.

And scrap it. Of course.

the big reveal

2010-03-04T11:53:00.000-05:00

Well, the day is finally here!

My debut as the March Sketchy Thursdays Design Team Member!

(Can you tell I am a little excited? ;-) )

We got to play with an awesome digital kit from Sassy Designs...a fabulous website loaded with oodles of great digital products.

Hop on over and take a look at this week's sketch and see what we created with it.

Hope to see you there!

p.s. My bio picture was taken by the 10 year old I tutor, isn't she talented??

page previews

2010-03-03T12:14:00.003-05:00

As promised, I'll be posting some pics of the layouts I did at Croptopia this weekend.

Full pics are coming soon, here are a couple of previews to tide you over...

And now for some other important business...

Another promise that was made was to pass on another one of the awards I was so fortunate to receive this week and here it is:

This is the Sunshine award I received from Tara (thank you, again, Tara!) Now my job is to pass this award on to three people whose blogs put a bit of sunshine into my life.

If you follow this blog you probably know that I have been getting into a little digital scrapping lately. It is a lot of fun and there are so many great products out there...truth is that shopping for products can be a bit overwhelming at times, so I am glad to have a few "go-to" designers that I know I can always count on for high quality, affordable products.
These three blogs are all from crazy talented digital designers who I hope you'll check out- they really are amazing!

1. Liz

2. Aud

3. Amanda

Do you have any favorite digital designers?