My Style

I have always wondered since I stopped working everyday- what is my style now. I felt I had lost a since of self because I had nothing to get into those work clothes for- I had pj's and jeans. Nothing to just go shopping- I was simply a work- aholic and a mom. So it was either sweats or work clothes.

So the last few months I watched for sales at some of my favorite stores. I looked through magazines at what was the "it" look of the moment- hmmm, I am not 18 and I am not living in Hollywood making millions. So, my search continued. I finally decided, it had to be comfy enough to pull kids out of car seats, go to parks and run errands. Although I wanted to look chic- in my own right. I am an artsy person by nature and decided that all I really needed were a pair of great jeans (and jean shorts) a few sun dresses, lots of layering tank tops and several scarves and accessories. Some of this I already had so I dug out last years tank tops looked through my accessories, and then filled in. It wasn't all that expensive- but I love it, it is my style that makes me comfy in my own skin, yet feel like I look nice. I am no longer sweats only momma.
Plus I feel like with the layering and the scarves and accessories and such, I am in my own way artistically putting together an outfit everyday- and I love it. (Yes there are still at home sweat pants days that we all must have, but know I feel different about myself somehow.

So my friends I suggest you look throughout your closet and if you are feeling blue about the lack of excitement head out to Ann Taylor Loft- they have everything 40% off and if something was already on sale you get 40% off the sale price- and they have accessories galore- scarves (my new obsession!) and lots of tanks and sunglasses all kinds of things to make you feel like a diva- in your own way and your own right! Go get your shopping done and your glow back!

Plus you could always head on over to My friends etsy shop Navvare Charm and look through her unique purses and also take a peek at Jeanne Oliver's stuff- both these ladies are very talented in their work!

Have a great day and here is to hoping you have a tad of sunshine wherever you may be!

My Project can begin!

 I spoke of a few posts back about a project I was going to be working on. Everything has finally arrived  every medium- I will say I have to add to what I ordered with simple things like paper clips and such,and I got a few things going so you could hopefully visualize my thinking on this project. In case you missed the post this is a gift for a friend I am working on, I want her to have a easy to find filling system for business cards, appointments, grocery lists and even stationery. I also have included a book with pages that are envelopes that she can fill with treasure cards or things truly anything that she wants to tuck away a bit.

I hope you all like this post- I am so super excited to be working on it!

Look at the bunny I found at the farmers market here in town- I am in love.

Hope to show you more of a finished project soon!

Just to Answer a question

Yes, the watercolor pencils were my choice of medium for coloring in the cupcakes. One thing that is really fun is adding glue pens to the picture then adding translucent glitter dust!

The finished product

Hmmm.... cards, in a way I think they mold themselves into what they are. Yes we choose colors stamps embellishments, but what happens when something goes wrong- please do not get angry- step away from your piece and go back to it the next time you are feeling up to crafting- take a second look- maybe what you intended as a thank you note may be better off as a thinking of you card, or if worse comes to worse demolishen day happens, keep what you can of the card and toss the rest.


So, my friends as I promised this is my finished birthday card to a dear friend (which is going to be late (whoops!) but hopefully the thought of me making it will help with that! I took pictures as I went through steps of creating the perfect birthday card for my friend. I tried to think of her and also add what I like. If you have none of you artistic soul in the cards you make they will never some out right (never!) so instead think of them and what they may like and add a special touch all your own and there you have it a heart felt card that is created just for the receiver!

I hope my photos help you see how I got to this final card.  Any questions just leave me a comment!

Went shopping today and left with wonderful card making finds!

I told you we would be shopping today and hopefully tomorrow I will have a completed card to show you. (My kids always want to make cards too when I break out the supplies so you can imagine how fast that process is!) My sweet Owen calls himself an artist- he was also the first one to call me one!

Back to the products I purchased- Hobby Lobby where I live had almost everything I bought 50-40% off! I wanted to buy a few stamps to be able to send to my friends if it is their birthday, or just to show them I love them:) Plus I needed some ribbon to coordinate with the project I hope to soon be working on! New glue, Martha stewart glitters (they are the best! Look for her very fine glitters, she has many to choose from, but the finest the more glitter you will find!)

One thing that is nice about getting the staples in your craft case is that it is ready for you. I highly suggest you look on ebay or a big sale or use a coupon to start your box of goodies.

To the right you will find a list of products to look for to have the very basic card making supplies.

Happy card making and hopefully I will have a finished card to show you!

What is a friend?

I think a friend is something very dear to each of us, some of us are closer to those that are near. To others friends that have been in their heart for a lifetime that they carry around the thoughts of them close at heart even when they can't be together.  Then there is always the memory of a friend. The thoughts of someone that was once so dear to you.

Today I spoke with a friend that is far away, but close at heart. She & I spoke of why friends can be friends for what seems like a lifetime? (even if you loose contact for a few years) Our answer that this is exactly what a true friend is.

Throughout the last few months I have realized how many true friends I have, one's that live where I grew up, and one right next door.  But no matter who that dear friend may be- past, present or in your fondest of memories count yourself a lucky one. Those are the memories, the experiences and the talks that get me threw each and every day. To know that you have someone behind you is a truly amazing thing to have. I hope that you too have a few true friends at some point in your life when you really need them.  We all deserve it, we all need it.

Cherish it.  Let them know it- even if it is just in words, or a handmade card, maybe a surprise gift. Let them know you love them in a way that only true friends bound. Soul sisters.

I hope tomorrow to post about making and giving to friends things that will mean so much- with little expense, even if you think you don't have time.  Get a piece of paper and pen ready- we are going shopping. If you went shopping after my last post on making cards you may not need as much in your basket;) I hope you all have had a wonderful today, and wake up to a even better tomorrow (that is if today can be topped!) If not you are one lucky gal.  See you tomorrow my friends!

Some of my supplies have arrived!

I looked in my mailbox yesterday and there it was- my order from to two peas in a bucket- (which came very quickly) When I got home and got the box opened I was not disappointed! I have never order paper and embellishments on line because I never really trusted my eye- I was always afraid there would be something off about it when I got it home, and then the hassle of a return or just keeping it because you failed to return it in time.

I can tell you I can not wait for my next package to arrive so I can get going on this project!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I will keep you updated!

Shopping!

So, the other day while talking to my dear friend I got a creative idea! Yes the light bulb went off:)  We were talking about how hard it is to keep life organized.  Having everyone's in the family appointment cards that you hope make it into your planner. Well, I had a thought about how organizing could be pretty.

I looked at Stampington and Co. and found just the thing~they had card stock tabs for something like a recipe box, then I found a library drawer- to place my cards and it came with index cards.  I then popped over to two peas in a bucket and found fab botanical papers- my friend is has fabulous taste, and some great embellishments that I plan to cover those card- stock tabs with. I also found at Stampington some glassine envelopes in a range of sizes which I thought would be perfect to yuck a business card with an appointment in a mini envelope under the right month.  My mind was spinning! As they say "the creative juices were flowing!"

So everything is on it's way to my house and I can not wait to complete- because it is her birthday next month- I plan on posting the project at different stages and explaining why I am doing what!

So this is to a new idea- I hope it turns out how I have it in my mind- if you pick up somerset life they have the library drawer that I purchased online. and they use it for recipes- but why can't it be used for another creative purpose!

Hope my dear friend loves it!

Making cards- all my fab supplies!

Not very many people sit down to write a card to the ones they love anymore. Or even to tell a friend happy birthday- the may send an e-card or call- but there is nothing like getting a few cards in the mail to open on your special day. Or as a sweet surprise.

First you'll need supplies- start with basics and build! I highly recommend getting a set of sentiments. As in Happy Birthday- Congrats!- thinking of you- things like that. Choose a font that you think will be suitable for many age groups. I made the mistake of buying a set were the words are too tiny- I intend on buying a new one!

Then buy hi- quality ink pads I will show you my favorites, and my local craft shops puts the dates on them  that they are received at the store- by the newest ink's possible!

Buy a selection of papers that you love- you can usually (for cards) get the most bang for your buck by buying the smaller collection pads they sell- I love them, you get a piece or two of all pieces of the collection you like and they are smaller and easier to handle for card making.  Then buy a few pieces of plain paper that coordinate - these are usually under 50 cents each.
~Usually with the collection you have found there will be matching fun stickers, crystals, buttons, ribbons all types of things that will make your card fun and add texture- if you aren't sure what to buy I always use the chipboard letters or sticker letters in the collection, then find another embellishment that you love.

As you start doing cards or other types of projects your collection of items you already have on hand will grow- the first time you go may be a bit expensive- Jo-Ann's always sends me coupons because I am on their mailing list go in ask to be on it and you will be! Plus watch their sales and other craft stores to get the best prices on your supplies.  You may also find some stores have nicer products than other's.

Eventually you will really benefit from buying a cuter- I was unable to locate mine to show you for this but you will see them at the store- they are everywhere by the scrapbooking supplies, along with scissors that have fun edges to make you paper interesting- but so is ripping it! You will give your product great texture this way!

I hope this has been helpful- I know some friends who make up several cards at once with different themes, and then store them away by category in a shoebox so they can pull it out maybe add an initial and write and send!

This is also an awesome girls night out- a lot of local craft stores have card making classes.

One more piece of advice- I love hobby lobby's selection of blank card and envelopes. That way you have a high quality canvas to add your elements to.

Happy Crafting:)

Back Home

No matter how fabulous your trip has been, home always waits for you, with your comfy bed and your sweet smelling sheets.  Your babies tucked into their own beds.  Although our trip was wonderful, there is nothing like getting back to were you started. This is why I think summerset life has it right. It is all about making your surroundings something you adore and cherish they call it living the somerset way. I love coming home to house that is comfortable for myself and more so for my family. Although enough about coming home, let's talk about where I was! On the way to Skamania lodge we took a bit of the scenic route, where I adored seeing farm houses with lines of fruit trees next to them. Then down the road not far  away from the first charming house, we ran into some men working on their land with their sweet dog, and again a charming farm house. We moved on from there to see a absolutely stunning waterfall. Not to mention the beauty once we got were we were going. I love being in nature with my kids. They had a outdoor area where there was an overhang and we got to paint bird houses. Then we went on a hunt with Owen and Aubrey through the "forest" to find all types of things so that he could get a badge when we got back. We adored were we went and would highly recommend it. Although my jeans didn't like me much when I got back from the decadent gluten free deserts- they now a few days later once again fit just right! So the indulgences were worth every bite! As was the site off the back of the lodge, it was breathtaking. Our first night there we sat and sipped wine and looked out into the sky as the night fell, chatting with my sweet cousin while her husband and mine played with my children, ahhh- paradise.

A Fabulous Winery

This evening will be a big night for us- we have a babysitter and we are going out with my wonderful cousin and her husband.  We will be at Tagaris Winery they have wonderful food, great wine, delicious desserts (even for a gluten free girl like myself).  This is one thing a lot of people do not know about the part of Washington I am in we are surrounded by wonderful wineries with wine tastings, some offer food, some free tastes of wine. I always love to look beyond the wine at the beautiful buildings they are housed in.  Such grand doors, such gorgeous woodwork, all in gorgeous settings. I will try to snap some photos tonight and then this weekend! We are going (such a treat) to Skamania lodge, I have never been, but have been told there is nothing like it. I hope to get a chance to indulge in a spa service:) A girl can want to be pampered- right? So, I will be away this weekend but back with a much needed break from the regularity, of the day to day.  Hope you all have a relaxing weekend were you get to do a little something special!