On the last days of Christmas

On the 2nd day I want to remember things we shared as a family on Christmas Eve. I know technically that should have been the last day of Christmas, but I'm making Christmas the last day of Christmas now.

1. My cousin Byron and his wife Kate announced they will be welcoming their first little one sometime in August. I am so excited for them to become parents, as they will be amazing. They both dearly love kids and so to have one of their own will be so much fun. I kind of hope they have a boy, although healthy is the biggest thing of course. Byron has always said if he has a boy he wants to name it Blair after my dad, who he never got to meet, but the 2 of them would have had a blast together.

2. Educating my mom as to what Beer Pong is. I know this isn't very Christmas like, but the story behind it is quite amusing. In our family the kids always get to open 1 gift before midnight mass. My brother opened the game Cuponk from my mom and step dad. My brother will be leaving for college in the fall so we were giving her a hard time about encouraging him in beer pong before he even goes to college. For those that don't know what Cuponk is it is a ping pong game. It comes with the cup and 2 balls and cards with different tricks to attempt. If you can complete the trick you get the points on the card. Needless to say my mom learned something she probably wish she hadn't.

On the last day of Christmas I want to remember how excited both of my kids were for all their gifts. Audrey was given a Crayola Glow Station set and as soon as she opened it she said "Look Brother, look what WE got." Then a little later she opened the exact same present and when my grandma told her she could take it back to the store and get something else instead, she said "Or brother can have it so we both have one." With Dart getting older his wish list is getting more expensive so he has learned that he might not get as much as Audrey does since her presents are still fairly inexpensive. He asked for a few video games of course, but one of the things he wanted most was a Jeremy Maclin Eagles jersey. He got to meet Jeremy when he still played for Mizzou and has been a HUGE fan ever since. We were all hunting for the jersey at a reasonable price in our area and not finding one of course. Although I can't understand why in Columbia the only place I could find them was at Dick's Sports where of course they cost a fortune. Then it dawned on me I have a friend in the Philly area. After a quick text or 2 she had a jersey in hand and was shipping it to me. I had told Dart we were having a hard time finding one around here. He had even looked every time we were out shopping. I knew when it came to that package on Christmas morning he was going to be so excited. And I was right. The look on his face was priceless.

I was reminded after these moments that this is what Christmas is all about. For them they are still at the age where getting presents is the big part of Christmas, but at the same time they both know it's also about being with family and those you love and to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Their reactions to their gifts showed me that they do get the real meaning. Audrey so willing to share her presents with her brother and Dart being so appreciative of something like a jersey and later telling me that was the best gift he got just made me smile. It is so much more fun to have kids at Christmas. They are good at showing us the meaning of Christmas in small ways.

Verb....

To take action or a state of being.

Wondering why you are getting a vocabulary lesson today? Verb is my One Little Word for 2011. Ali Edwards inspired the OLW movement and while in years past I've chosen a word, I have never felt like I have with this one. I don't even remember my other words now that I think about it. I started thinking about mine after Thanksgiving and verb was one of the first words that popped in my head, but I kept trying to come up with other words. I always came back around to verb. A week or so ago, I just decided to go with it. Something is telling me this is my word for the new year so I'm going to shut up and listen. I think it also goes well with my 34 before 35 list and so many of the things on it.

I know I still need to do Day 2 and 1 of Christmas, working on pictures for them.

In between

I often feel like the week between Christmas and New Year's is a strange week. We are still in Christmas mode, but also starting to really anticipate the clean slate that a new calendar brings. We want to hold on to the Christmas spirit, but are also starting to really look internally at ourselves and think about how we can grow and change. I have finished my 34 before 35 list and have decided that even though I still have a few days before my birthday(New Year's Baby here) I am starting now on a few things. There is nothing that says you can't start your New Year's resolution before the ball drops so I'm starting now. And if there is a rule that says that well too bad!!

Here is my list of 34 Things I want to do before I turn 35!
1. Knit 3 scarves. My grandma taught me to knit and while I still am working on getting it all together I will make at least 3 scarves this year. Might do more, but that is my goal.
2. Learn calligraphy. I also want to do more with my handwriting this year. I was always the girl experimenting with my handwriting. Always doodling and changing.
3. Learn more about book binding. I would love to do some different binding with mini books and stuff.
4. Have 100 sales in my Etsy shop. I've got 2 so far!
5. Have 75 followers on my blog. Working on some fun things for the blog this year.
6. Maintain 50 items in my Etsy shop. I have so many things I want to make and hopefully it will be hard to have 50 items in my shop all the time because hopefully things will be selling!
7. Do more sewing. I want to make doll clothes, clothes for Audrey and lots of stuff to put in the shop.
8. Read Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera I have had it forever and need to read it.
9. Create digital cards. Think the cards you get at Christmas. Great for birth announcements, birthday invitations, Graduation open houses, wedding save the dates and more.
10. Declutter. I am tired of all the junk we have. I have started with my scrapbook stuff and actually look forward to creating because I don't get caught up in the stuff.
11. Be proud of me. I have always had a hard time when someone tells me I create beautiful things and I'm talented. Need to learn to accept it.
12. Do more reading of creative/business books. I have a massive list of them to read.
13. Learn to design elements in Photoshop Elements. I really want to learn to make digital elements for digital cards and stuff.
14. Drink 3 bottles of water daily. Mostly to drink less pop each day. I am a huge pop drinker and need to cut back.
15. Do more with photo editing. One thing is I want to go back and do some things with my older pics and also there is so much more fun stuff I can do with pictures.
16. Have 10 custom orders. I would love to have more, but I really want to make more custom items for people. Be it banners, cards or scrapbooks, bring it on.
17. Really learn the ins and outs of PSE. There is so many things I could do that I just haven't taken the time to learn yet.
18. Procrastinate less. I have been working hard on this. I am horrible at procrastinating and then doing everything at the last minute.
19. Learn more about letterpress. I love the look and would love to learn a faux way to do it. Of course I'd love to own the letterpress by Quickutz, but that won't be happening soon.
20. Menu Plan. I HATE going to the store constantly to get stuff for dinner. I also would love to see us eat a little better and know that will help us with that as well.
21. Read 2 classics. I have a list I want to read and while I'd love to read more, I'm being realistic and thinking 2 might be all I get to this year.
22. Add photo editing to the business. This one may not happen until later in the year, but I want to figure out how to do this at some point.
23. Clean up my external hard drive. It is a mess. So many things on there that are horrible pictures and on there multiple times. Makes me dread having to look for anything on it.
24. Stay better caught up on pictures, editing and uploading. Upload to Shutterfly, Flickr and other spots. Also be better about backing up.
25. Do more with movie maker. I would love to create slideshows, etc.
26. Cross Stitch 3 projects. I have so many I want to do and also a few projects I need to finish.
27. Read 1 fun book a month. I love to read, just have a hard time making time for it. Hopefully this will force me to read more.
28. Scrapbook 4 layouts a month. I can't remember the last time I actually made a layout and want to get back to it.
29. Bake more. I love to bake and although my kitchen is TINY!! I want to bake more.
30. Send more cards. I really want to do more with giving friends birthday cards and just send cards in general. Imagine how much happier we all would be if in the midst of bills and junk there was a card just to let you know someone is thinking about you.
31. Make Dart a Dakota book. He is still struggling a lot with losing his sister and I think a book of his own might help. Another reason to get my hard drive cleaned up.
32. Participate more at Flickr, Etsy groups and Etsyprenuer.
33. Do "A Week in the Life" project. I have always wanted to do this inspired by Ali Edwards, just never taken the time. I may not do it when she does, but I will complete it.
34. Do more to encourage Handmade Items!! I don't care if it's jewelry or cards or what, I just really want to do more to encourage buying handmade.

Since my birthday is also New Year's these are also my resolutions. If you are making New Year's Resolutions, what are they? Are you a typical "Get Organized, Lose Weight" resolution maker or do you get a little more in depth? I would love to hear what your resolutions are.

I realize I never finished the Days of Christmas and while I had something else planned, I think I know what I want to do to finish them. I will get them posted later today or tomorrow.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas

I am worn out after not feeling well and class parties. Why in the world were we in school until today, I have no idea? I am looking forward to a few days off.

Still so much to do, but 3 things I am looking forward to at my moms.
1. The dining room table full of goodies that I get to help make. At least I'm hoping she still has some stuff that needs to be baked.

2. All the decorations. I love that my mom goes all out at Christmas. A tree in every room. All the touches I remember from my childhood. Can't wait!

3. Seeing my cousin Henry. He is 6 months old and I can't wait to snuggle him! And it will be nice to see his mommy and daddy, but they only come along to bring him. Hehe! They live in Texas so we don't get to see them often. Of course I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of my family as well.

On the 4th Day of Christmas

A boy stayed home from school sick and then shared it with his mommy. Why did I teach him to share?

Yes, I missed yesterday. Dart woke up in the morning with a sick tummy. He stayed home and was pretty much fine after about 10:00, but was glad he stayed home. About 5:30 last night I felt like I could have gone to bed and slept until morning. I ended up going to bed about 9:30, which for me is EARLY!! I still felt bad this morning, but pushed through it. I'm still not 100%, but have no choice but to keep going. Still a lot to do before we leave tomorrow and before Christmas.

4 Traditions we have:
1. Opening 1 gift on Christmas Eve before Church. Each "kid" gets to choose one gift to open. We usually try to make sure the gift they pick is something other than clothes.

2. Giving 3 Gifts. When I was the only grandkid they went a bit crazy and bought a ton of gifts. Well when they were finding gifts in February that were never opened or missed on Christmas they decided something needed to change. So my grandma talked to friends and several of them mentioned giving 3 gifts, just as Jesus had received 3 gifts. My mom usually goes with clothes, books and game or movie, and toy. Now that doesn't mean there is one piece of clothing inside. Audrey usually has a HUGE box full of clothes. I'll admit when I was younger I hated this. All my friends got lots of gifts. Now I look back and realize I always got the things I wanted most. It really makes my kids stop and think about what it is they REALLY want.

3. Opening 1 gift at a time. We don't all get to go crazy and open all our gifts right away. We start with the youngest and they pick one and we go from there to the oldest and start back over. This way we all get to see what everyone opens and it makes it all last a lot longer. It usually takes us about 3 hours to open gifts.

4. Christmas Eve Dinner at my mom's. It's nothing fancy, just lots of finger foods and hanging out. And usually we try a new "adult" drink, but we also have our favorite Pomegranate Martini.

On the 5th Day of Christmas

So I had something else I was going to do today, but then my mom told me about something that happened to her today and I decided to go in a different direction. Will most likely do my original plan tomorrow instead. Oh and I'll share the story about my mom after my list.

5 little things you can do that will make a huge impact. The Christmas season tends to bring out the best in people. We seem to smile at strangers a little more(despite the stress we all feel). If nothing else it reminds us to be nicer to people.

1. Drop some change in the Salvation Army buckets. Especially if you have kids with you. Hand them a few pennies and let them drop it in. Explain to them why they are doing it.

2. Take some of those cookies you baked and drop them by the local fire station.

3. Spend some time at a Nursing Home. There are lots of older people who get very little visitors.

4. Thank someone who does a job you can't imagine doing. Trash man, fast food worker(I'm sure they get lots of grumpy customers this time of year), Police Man, etc.

5. Smile at a stranger. You never know what a simple smile, something that takes no money, very little time or effort can do for a person.

In January my brother is going to have open heart surgery. He is a 17 year amazing athlete who loves to run almost as much as he loves anything in his life. He found out during cross country this year that he only has one coronary artery. He was passing out in races, which he has never done before. They ran several tests and discovered the lone artery. That was not what was causing him to pass out though, lack of salt and fluids were the cause of that, but because of that they discovered this other problem. He has done a few stress tests and the results baffle the doctors. Last stress test he did the only reason they stopped him was because the EKG machine ran out of paper(24 minutes after he started running). No damage to the heart. The doctor as of now is not allowing him to do any kind of exercise, they are hoping that the surgery will allow him to return to running, maybe not competitively, but at least let him run.  He will be having surgery in Michigan(they live in the Kansas City, MO area). He will be at the University of Michigan hospital because the doctor there is not only a pediatric heart specialist, but also a coronary artery specialist. My mom will work her last day at school tomorrow until the middle of January. She told me tonight that the youth group at their church made up 2 baskets one for my brother and one for my mom and step dad. They were full of magazines, candy bars, card games and more, just stuff for them to do at the hospital. However, that is not what changed my mind. My mom is a special ed teacher and this morning she had a special ed "breakfast" meeting. During the meeting at some point they presented my mom with a gift. A gift of over $700 they collected to help with expenses. My mom who is not a crier at least not like I am said she couldn't even talk about it without breaking down and crying. It was a nice reminder of what this time of year is all about.

On the 6th Day of Christmas

My favorite Christmas books:

1. The Polar Express-Love the book as much as the movie.

2. There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bell!-Audrey loves the Old Lady Books. I love that they have them for the various holidays.

3. Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight?-Such a cute book.

4. Who Will Help Santa This Year?-Audrey cracks up at this book.

5. If You Take a Mouse to the Movies-We have all of the books in this series and this is one of my favorites.

6. The Night Before Christmas-This isn't the version we have, but I figure the cover is the only difference. We always read this one after Midnight Mass before the kids go to bed. Audrey asked about it as soon as we were pulling the books out.

Any others that we should add to our collection? We have a ton, these are just our favorites.

On the 7th Day of Christmas

7 things I did today:

1. Slept in! Was so nice. Especially when I woke up and realized next Saturday there is no way I will get to sleep in.

2. Worked on teacher gifts. Still have a ways to go.

3. Made dough for candy cane cookies. I love candy cane cookies and can't wait to make them myself.

4. Watched "A Very Monkey Christmas", "Bah Hum Duck", and now "Christmas Vacation".

5. Made snickerdoodles and Peanut Butter Kiss cookies.

6. Watched Mizzou basketball put up some 116 points. Great win.

7. STAYED HOME!! Never left the house today.

8th Day of Christmas

8 Yummy foods I can't wait to eat.

First up some sweet stuff:
1. Sugar cookies. The kids and I are going to make sugar cookies this weekend. I have 3 different recipes to try since I'm still searching for that perfect sugar cookie. Do you have a tried and true sugar cookie recipe? Why is it so hard to find a GREAT one.

2. Fudge. My mom makes yummy fudge.

3. Candy cane cookies. Another yummy one the kids and I are making this weekend. One of my favorite cookies at Christmas.

4. Divinity. I'm hoping the weather will be good so I can have this at my mom's. I'm not even going to attempt to make this fical candy.

Now for the other foods.
5. Spinach Dip. Not something we have all the time. Usually Thanksgiving and Christmas. So good I usually end up filling up on it and have no room for anything else.

6. Mushroom balls. I have no clue what they are really called, but we always have them on Christmas Eve and I'm looking forward to chowing down on them.

7. Breakfast Casserole. Okay so this one we have on Christmas morning, but it's still counting because I look forward to this every year. We make it the night before so all we have to do Christmas morning is pop it in the oven while we open gifts. So good and this is the only time of year we have it.

Last but not least, and not a food:
8. Pomegranate Martini's. We always have these on Christmas Eve before Midnight Mass(Hey we are Catholic). So good and you don't taste the alcohol, which might be not so good. No wonder we are always the group singing the loudest and so happy at church. Honestly though we love the priest at my mom's church and would enjoy Midnight Mass even without these.

What are some foods you enjoy? Do you only have them this time of year?

9th Day of Christmas

9 "Christmasy" Things to do before Christmas

1. Make cookies. Have plans to make cookies and a few other things this weekend.

2. Kids school parties. Wednesday is the last day of school and PARTY day. Audrey's class is doing a book exchange. Can't wait to get a new book.

3. Finish shopping. Have a couple of things left to get. Scored big today. Was taking some things to Children's Orchard to sell and got a Littlest Pet Shop Monkey set for Audrey. Cost me $.25. I had a store credit for all but $.25 of it. Still in the box. She will be so excited.

4. Wrap presents. I loathe wrapping presents, but it must be done.

5. Finish gifts. Teachers gifts, family gifts, kids gifts. STRESS!!

6. Look at lights. Must take kids to Magic Tree before Christmas.

7. Watch movies on "12th Day" list. We have watched Christmas Story and Polar Express.

8. Read "Twas the Night Before Christmas. Always read it after midnight(10:00) mass before kids head to bed.

9. Relax and enjoy the season! This might be the hardest of all of them.

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

I believe I found the link to this on twitter, but could be wrong, might have been through another blog. Awesome video.

Starting.....

Do you have that one blog or website that no matter how you are feeling you know you can go to and you will be inspired, motivated, or just plain happy? For me I have a few, but there is one in particular that if you were to scroll through my "inspiration" tab you will find over and over again. Elise Blaha's website, Enjoy It is the source of my inspiration and motivation many times. Today she wrote a post about a "Fresh Start". Yet again she inspired me with a short and simple post. Her words "Just Start" were what I've been needing to read and hear.

My mind is now bubbling with excitement and focus. I am working on my one word for the new year, thinking about merging my 2 blogs so I only have 1 blog to update and allow my customers to get to know me better, and finalizing my 34 before 35 list(can't wait to share it). Working on New Year's decorations to put in the shop. Hope to have those there this weekend. Hoping the roads aren't too bad so I can go to the library tomorrow. I have a couple things that came in today that I can't wait to get my hands on, one is a book on book binding and another is a dvd about the movement to a handmade nation. I am also determined to watch Eat, Pray, Love sometime soon. I know it's not a Christmas movie, but something is telling me I need to watch it soon. I haven't read the book so all that I've read about not liking the movie after reading the book doesn't bother me.

So with all this I am feeling much better, still a little under the weather, but my mental state is much better. Looking forward to new beginnings, new ideas, and starting....NOW!!

10th Day of Christmas

Favorite Christmas songs(traditional and non-traditional)

1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas-by far my favorite Christmas song of all. As for the version, either Martina McBride or the Pretenders.

2. Thank God For Kids-Kenny Chesney or the Oakridge Boys. Not really a "Christmas" song, but for some reason I only listen to it at Christmas. It is on Christmas cd's so maybe that's why.

3. The Gift-Colin Raye and Jim Brickman. LOVE this song.

4. Let it Be Christmas Everywhere-Alan Jackson. I don't know what it is about that song.

5. Mary, Did you Know?-Donny Osmond. Such a beautiful song.

6. 364 Days to Go-Brad Paisley. This song reminds me of my mom so much. She LOVES Christmas and everything that it entails.

7. River-Robert Downey Jr, from the Ally McBeal Soundtrack. Love his voice on this song.

8. Hot Chocolate and The Polar Express-Tom Hanks. One of my favorite movies and the soundtrack is just as amazing.

9. Little Wood Guitar-Sugarland. This is the first year I've heard this song and from the first listen I was in love.

10. Silent Night. Josh Groban and Paul Potts are 2 of my favorite versions. Such a beautiful song.

What are your favorite non-traditional and traditional Christmas songs?

11th Day of Christmas

11 Pictures I want to remember to take.

1. Mom's Dining room table covered in all the goodies. She goes all out baking and I can't wait to see the table covered.

2. Tree on Christmas Eve. Lights all off, just the lights on the tree, packages all along the bottom.

3. Everyone dressed for Midnight(10:00) Mass.

4. Stockings all hung on the fireplace.

5. The kids Christmas morning with their Santa gifts.

6. The living room after we open presents before it gets cleaned up.

7. The snow we have right now.

8. The little bits of decoration we have at home.

9. The trees in all the rooms at my mom's house. She puts a tree in everyone room or decorates every room, including the main bathroom. It has a Santa Outhouse theme. So adorable.

10. My mom's kitchen while we are rushing to get all the last minute goodies and stuff for Christmas Eve baked and then once we have it all clean for Christmas Eve Dinner.

11. The tree with no presents under it after they are all opened.

Already planning a mini book in my head of the Christmas pictures. Have some ideas of some cool spins on the traditional pictures.

12 Days of Christmas Day 1

Last night as I was trying to fall asleep I was thinking about what if anything I wanted to do for the 12 Days of Christmas on the blog. I'm going to keep it fun and easy. Today is 12 movies I want to watch before it's time to put them away.

1. Holiday Inn (Special Edition)- I am a black and white movie junkie. This is one of my favorites. I've actually thought about leaving it out and watching it all year, but then there is something special about only watching it at Christmas.

2. Home Alone- I still laugh so hard I cry at this movie. Even though I know everything that is going to happen, I can't help but laugh as the bad guys get bashed, burned, poked and slammed.

3. The Polar Express (Full Screen Edition)-Seriously one of my favorite Christmas movies ever. I remember when we first bought it Dart watched it multiple times a day. The music is some of my favorite Christmas music too.

4. Miracle on 34th Street (Special Edition) and Miracle on 34th Street- I love both versions. I have already watched the new version twice this year, but will watch it at least one more time.

5. It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition)- Another of my favs. I still get teary eyed when I watch it.

6. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition)- Another one we've already watched a couple of times, but will watch again. I love the neighbors, they crack me up almost as much as Clark himself.

7. A Christmas Story (Two-Disc Special Edition)- My husband's absolute fav, we even have the board game. I think we are going to watch this one tonight in fact.

8. A Charlie Brown Christmas- I decided earlier that this will become the movie we watch every December 1st. The speech Linus gives about the meaning of Christmas is a great way to begin the month.

9. Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Full Screen)- Another love in our house.

10. I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown- I love Rerun on the back of the bike. And Spike, Spike has always been a favorite of mine. Even had a Spike stuffed animal when I was little.

11. Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas (Disney Gold Classic Collection), Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas, Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse-Something about all the Disney characters to love at Christmas too.

12.Santa Claus - The Movie-This movie has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember. I remember seeing it when I was little and then for years I couldn't find it. I will never forget the day I found it on DVD.

Okay, after doing this list I realized 2 things. 1. I better get to watching movies. 2. There are at least another 12 I want to watch before Christmas is here or over.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Thoughts in my head

So I'm thinking about some different changes I want to make to Pink Owl. Well not really changes, but additions. Working on my product list, referral program ideas, sales, and so much more. Trying to decide what all I want to do with this blog; just projects and business updates is what I'm thinking, but at the same time I want you as the readers to want to keep coming back. I have another blog that I update all sorts of things on and am trying to keep it mostly non-business related.

Some of the things I am working on and hope to have in the Etsy store this week are custom banner listing, hair clips, card sets, and a wallet type thing I want to give my hand at sewing. As far as the custom banner listing, it will basically be a listing that you don't actually purchase, just gives the info on what type of banners could be created. Then you would be able to send me a convo and we would work out the details of what type of banner, wording, colors, etc you want.

Just something cheery to brighten your day. 

7 on Sunday

I feel horrible tonight so I'm sure this list will be short.

1. Kids had breakfast with Santa on Saturday. Love going to the place we go every year. Will post pics later this week.

2. I am way behind on my December Daily postings. Need to catch those up this week.

3. Took Audrey to see Junie B. Jones Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Saturday. My mom got the tickets and was so looking forward to taking her. Instead my mom got sick and spent Saturday in bed.

4. Dart is going to go to bed one of the happiest boys in the world tonight. Why? Because he got to watch his Jacksonville Jaguars play and win today. And as I'm typing this the Eagles are winning as well.

5. Trying something new for myself regarding to do list everyday. Making a list of things I must get done this week and also listing each day for those things that need to be done or we want to do on those days. Like remembering that this week is the Biggest Loser Finale(hoping Patrick wins, but will be happy if Frado does as well). Will let you know how I like it.

6. Also working on a list of things I want to blog about. One of those things is craft fairs. Will give more info on that later, but if you have attended one in the last 6 or so months or even had a booth in one will you email me at scrapnmom77@gmail.com, if you would be willing to share your experience and answer a few questions for me.

7. Thinking about doing a 12 days of Christmas thing starting tomorrow. Won't be anything major or anything, just some fun stuff.

I'm going to bed extra early(at least for me, bedtime is usually around midnight if not later). Hoping that by going to bed early I will wake up feeling better.

Card Sets

If you are still looking for gift ideas for teachers or friends, I'd like to suggest card sets. I think I featured them on the 25 days of Handmade Gifts, but just in case you forgot or didn't see them. Giving cards is like giving 2 gifts in 1. Think about, you give your friend/teacher a set of greeting cards, they then are able to turn around and use the cards to give to a friend, etc. We all have a ton of "stuff" in our houses and most of us if we are honest don't need more knick knacks(besides that just means more to dust around), so giving cards is great. How many times have you rushed to the store last minute to buy a card and stood there staring at the choices. You pick a card out, read it and after repeating that process about 20 times you finally find one that will work. You go to the check out and hand over $5.00 for a card. Seriously card prices are insane(or at least I think so). And where do those cards end up 9 times out of 10, recycle box(well hopefully if they get thrown out that's where they go, not the trash).

Small square cards. Great for kids birthday cards.

Regular size birthday cards. Great for sending to a friend.

Small mix greetings. Great for anytime you need a quick card.

Small mix greeting. I think these are great for kids.

I love making mixed greeting sets to give to teachers and friends. Aside from not spending a ton on 1 card, you might be more inclined to send a Thinking of You card to a friend who could use a pick me up if you already had them on hand. Who wouldn't love to find a card in the mail mixed in with all the bills and junk.

If you are interested in ordering a set shoot me an email or convo me through etsy and we can work out the details. Regular size cards come with envelopes even. If you would like envelopes for the smaller cards we can work that out, they just don't mail well and so I don't include envelopes. That is what makes them great for kids birthday's, a gift you are handing a friend, or even to drop in someones lunch box.

December Daily Day 7

Sick/tired girl is back at school. YAY!! As much fun as having an extra day with her was, it's nice to have her back at school so I can get some work done. We did make a nice dent in Junie B. Jones, Jingle Bells, Batman Smells though. She also beat me at some games of Littlest Pet Shop Go Fish.

She was putting away her puzzle board. She hadn't been building a puzzle, but coloring instead.

His new game. Instead of getting an advent calendar he got this game. It is pretty fun.

Audrey spent the evening playing Little People. Somehow the animals ended up here.

Custom banner order. Or at least the letters for the banner.

Make it Monday

I have a sick girl home with me today and she is making it a bit difficult to get anything done. She's feeling better today, was running a 102 temp yesterday so I figured it was better to keep her home. Now that she is feeling a little better she is making me crazy. Hoping things get better so I can get some stuff done.

Make it Monday:

• Finish custom banner
• 3 sets of cards. 1 is an order, another is for a giveaway and I figured while I was at it, I'd duplicate in a way some of them as sets for my etsy shop.
• Mini books. 2 are gifts and then I have some ideas for my shop.
• Start on teachers gifts. 
• Hair clips. Nothing fancy, just something I want to make.
• Audrey's dress-never did get it done last week.
• Dart's pillowcase-see above.
• Digital cards. Wanting to add these to the shop. Great for so many things, not just Christmas cards.
• A few other little projects I have ideas for. 

A little shot of a wall hanging I made and listed in the shop last week.

If you are interested in Christmas cards or tags please contact me. There is still plenty of time to get them ordered and out in time.

7 on Sunday...

Holiday wish list edition:

1. Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business-I think I've checked this book out from the library about 10 times. I would love my own copy to highlight and write in.

2. Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 371 Retractable Craft Knife-I am horrible about losing the cap to my xacto knife, so having one that is retractable would be wonderful.

3. How to Steal a Million- Or any other movie with Audrey Hepburn. Well I do have a few already. LOVE Audrey Hepburn, which is why I have an Audrey.

4. The Calligrapher's Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them-I'm really wanting to learn calligraphy next year. Would love to be able to offer that as a service. Have always been intrigued by handwriting.

5. Grease-For the Wii. Grease has always been and will most likely always be one of my favorite movies. The summer between 3rd and 4th grade I watched the movie every day. No really, every day. Have seen the play more times than I can count.

6. Martha Stewart Living (1-year auto-renewal)-I know many people don't like her and yes she can be a bit crazy sometimes with her stuff, but I love her magazine.

7. Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool (Silhouette)-Yes, this is a major wish. Would make making banners so much easier if it could cut the letters for me.

What's on your wishlist this year?

December Daily Day 6

Home from the birthday party. Spent the day watching football and reading.

Card order and thermometer.

Sick girl, thus the reason for the thermometer in previous picture. Staying home tomorrow.

I Believe Wall Hanging

Full view.

Different angle of the reindeer to see the glitter and accent on antlers.

Check out the ribbon!

Listed in my Etsy shop, Here.

December Daily catch up

Doing all the catch ups in 1 post.

Day 3

sneak peak of a banner that will be on etsy soon.

our special tree topper. A star at the request of Audrey and our "angel" the hat belonged to our angel Dakota.

Dart and his new ornament this year. Snoopy!!

Audrey with her new ornament. A mouse drawing, since that what she is always doing.

Day 4

My sweet girl. Spent lots of time playing Little People. And watching movies.

Books I picked up from the library. Jingle Bells, Batman Smells for Aud and I to read before we see the play.

The only present we have under our tree. He has been an excellent kitty with the tree. Has done nothing to it.

Cute boy working on his homework. He loves to get it done Friday night.\

Day 5

I love our holiday card holder. Got it at Walmart years ago.

She spent the day watching movies and putting together puzzles.

Lots of projects sitting on my desk.

No picture of Dart today because he was/is at his best friend's birthday party. They went to Minor Mike's at the Lake of the Ozarks and then were having a sleepover. I think his mom is INSANE, but that is one of the reasons I love her. 4 boys, not thanks. She did ask to take insurance cards with her because she had 3 of the most accident prone kids with her, including Dart.

Had a wonderful down kind of day. I did a lot of decluttering of my scrap stuff and have it listed on craigslist. Hope it sells soon. Have several projects I need to get finished up and need to get some Christmas gifts made. Hope everyone had a great Saturday.