Here's wishing you and yours a Happy and Safe New Year's Eve and a Wonderful 2012!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year's Eve
Hard to believe that 2012 is almost over. Dart even said last night that 2011 flew by. I don't remember time going this fast when I was a kid. 2011 was a rough year and I'm ready for a fresh start to 2012. I'm ready for new and exciting adventures and for good things to happen!
In our family at midnight we always go out and bang on pots and pans and watch for baby New Year to run by! However this year we won't be at my mom's to do it. I decided with the price of gas that we were staying home. I will miss being at my mom's for NYE and my birthday, but we will have fun still.
Here's wishing you and yours a Happy and Safe New Year's Eve and a Wonderful 2012!
Here's wishing you and yours a Happy and Safe New Year's Eve and a Wonderful 2012!
Friday, December 30, 2011
December in an Instagram
Just a few things from December via Instagram. I downloaded the app earlier this month and have LOVED it. Don't know why I waited so long.
This one lost her first tooth! She was beginning to think she'd never lose one. And her best friend lost his first tooth just a few days before her.
Went to see Hugo. Dart's class had been reading it and his teacher was hoping to go as a class, however a freak snow hit and with it taking us over an hour and a half to get to school(normal trip is 13 minutes) she decided to cancel. School wasn't canceled, but his class only had 13 kids that day because of this freak storm.
The elves got a little naughty, toothpaste all over the sink and they wrote on the mirror with my makeup! Dart and Audrey thought this was HILARIOUS!
He decided to give all of us a heart attack. Got a call shortly after I tucked my kids into bed saying "I just talked to your brother, he's in the hospital. Seth found him passed out on his floor." After sitting at the ER for almost 3 hours we were told, "we can't find anything. follow up with your cardiologist over break." For those who don't know my brother, Jake had open heart surgery in Jan this year to reconstruct his coronary artery. He only has one and so they went in and did some changing to it. He and his friend were supposed to meet and when he didn't show up Seth went to find out why and found him passed out on his floor in his dorm. Thank GOD Seth knew his history and took him straight to the ER.
Modeling one of 2 new scarves I made her. She has the model tude down!
More crazy antics from the elves. That is MY ice cream!
Passing time on the longest day of the year for a kid, Christmas Eve! They spent time wrestling with Uncle and playing outside since it was so nice. No snow, lots of sun and temps in the upper 50's.
Christmas tree at my mom's. All ready for Christmas Day!
All set for her first trip to the American Girl Doll store. She fell in love, but is waiting to get the new doll of the year, which is going to be a gymnast, just like her.
My new Owl from Build a Bear. It was a birthday present from my mom. I got to open it early since we won't be at her house for my birthday.
I may have a few more to share from December, but this captures the majority of our month.
I may have a few more to share from December, but this captures the majority of our month.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Final 34 before 35 update
Updating a few days early because I don't anticipate much changing and I'm one of those strange people who when the week between Christmas and New Year's comes I'm ready to start the New Year(and not just because my birthday is New Year's Day!)
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. I have given up knitting for now. I tried it and while I enjoyed it some, it's not something I'm all that interested in. Doesn't mean I will never come back to it, but just not something for me right now.
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. I have a few sites marked online and have played around with it some, but never really took the time to learn. I see this being on my next list!
3. Learn more about book binding. I would love to do some different binding with mini books and stuff. Holy cow there is far more to it then I am interested in. I have decided to keep things simple. I might learn some of the basics, but I can find that info online.
4. Have 100 sales in my Etsy shop. I've got 2 so far! As of now I have 65, however some orders have had multiple items in them. I'm happy with how I did. I am working on some new marketing ideas and other ideas for getting my name out there a little more.
5. Have 75 followers on my blog. Working on some fun things for the blog this year. HAHA! I'm not worrying about this anymore. I have no idea how many read in google reader or other rss feeds or just randomly check it so I'm not worrying about this anymore.
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! I had 50 at one point. I am really going to focus on this in the new year, so it will be on the new list.
7. Do more sewing. I want to make doll clothes, clothes for Audrey and lots of stuff to put in the shop. I didn't do as much as I wanted, but I did more than I have in the past so it's an improvement. I really enjoy sewing so it will be something I do more of in the new year.
8. Read Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
I have had it forever and need to read it. Nope and actually I think I changed this in the middle of the year anyway.
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. I did some for my brother and a few others. I really want to do more with this as I really have fun with it.
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. I did good for a few months. I'm working slowly on my craft stuff and the kids 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. I did okay. Really did better towards the end of the year, so that's amazing. I am learning more everyday about why I struggle with this so much.
12. Do more reading of creative/business books. I have a massive list of them to read. I have several to read and have started a couple.
13. Learn to design elements in Photoshop Elements. I really want to learn to make digital elements for digital cards and stuff. I did a few things, in the process I discovered I really am a simple girl in even this area.
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. Had some good days and some bad days, will be trying harder in the new year with my weight getting rid of(you will understand this more when I post my new list).
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. I did good for a bit, I still have my sisters wedding pics to finish. I did good when I needed pictures. I want to get good about doing it as soon as I download my pics or within a day or 2.
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. I lost count after 18. YAY!!!!
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. I'm learning by trial and error and that makes me happy. I learned quite a bit this year!
18. Procrastinate less. I have been working hard on this. I am horrible at procrastinating and then doing everything at the last minute. I may not have done as good as I wanted, but I learned a few things about myself when it came to why I procrastinate so much, so I'm happy with that.
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. I discovered a few faux tricks.
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. Did great a few weeks, especially toward the end of the year. I HAVE to do better in the new year. Hoping my menu plan Monday post will force me to do better.
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. Another that I decided just isn't something I'm as interested in as I thought I would be. I LOVE to read for pleasure and so I'm going to stick with what I enjoy. I might still read some of them, but I'm not going to put the pressure on myself.
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. Didn't really advertise it, did do some editing a few times for people.
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. I was doing so good and then hit a spot where I never went back to it. I WILL get it done in the new year.
24. Stay better caught up on pictures, editing and uploading. Upload to Shutterfly, Flickr and other spots. Also be better about backing up. Did great for about 4 months. So many places to try and upload too, so I'm going to really narrow that down. I have been good about backing up!
25. Do more with movie maker. I would love to create slideshows, etc. Other than my brothers slide show for graduation I haven't done anything. Still would love to do more.
26. Cross Stitch 3 projects. I have so many I want to do and also a few projects I need to finish. HAHA!
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. I have done great on this one. I need to check my good reads account to see how many I did read this year.
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. HAHA!
29. Bake more. I love to bake and although my kitchen is TINY!! I want to bake more. I don't think I baked anything more than the cakes for the kids birthdays. I wish I had a bigger kitchen.
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. I really wish I could say I did good on this one.
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. Haven't done it yet, but I'm thinking I'm going to do a digital book through Shutterfly for him.
32. Participate more at Flickr, Etsy groups and Etsyprenuer. HAH! I did a bit at the beginning of the year. Just too many social media spots.
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. Never did this.
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. One of the things on the list I'm really proud of!
I will be back in the next day or so to share my new list. I will be back today with some pictures from Christmas.
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. I have given up knitting for now. I tried it and while I enjoyed it some, it's not something I'm all that interested in. Doesn't mean I will never come back to it, but just not something for me right now.
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. I have a few sites marked online and have played around with it some, but never really took the time to learn. I see this being on my next list!
3. Learn more about book binding. I would love to do some different binding with mini books and stuff. Holy cow there is far more to it then I am interested in. I have decided to keep things simple. I might learn some of the basics, but I can find that info online.
4. Have 100 sales in my Etsy shop. I've got 2 so far! As of now I have 65, however some orders have had multiple items in them. I'm happy with how I did. I am working on some new marketing ideas and other ideas for getting my name out there a little more.
5. Have 75 followers on my blog. Working on some fun things for the blog this year. HAHA! I'm not worrying about this anymore. I have no idea how many read in google reader or other rss feeds or just randomly check it so I'm not worrying about this anymore.
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! I had 50 at one point. I am really going to focus on this in the new year, so it will be on the new list.
7. Do more sewing. I want to make doll clothes, clothes for Audrey and lots of stuff to put in the shop. I didn't do as much as I wanted, but I did more than I have in the past so it's an improvement. I really enjoy sewing so it will be something I do more of in the new year.
8. Read Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
I have had it forever and need to read it. Nope and actually I think I changed this in the middle of the year anyway. 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. I did some for my brother and a few others. I really want to do more with this as I really have fun with it.
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. I did good for a few months. I'm working slowly on my craft stuff and the kids 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. I did okay. Really did better towards the end of the year, so that's amazing. I am learning more everyday about why I struggle with this so much.
12. Do more reading of creative/business books. I have a massive list of them to read. I have several to read and have started a couple.
13. Learn to design elements in Photoshop Elements. I really want to learn to make digital elements for digital cards and stuff. I did a few things, in the process I discovered I really am a simple girl in even this area.
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. Had some good days and some bad days, will be trying harder in the new year with my weight getting rid of(you will understand this more when I post my new list).
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. I did good for a bit, I still have my sisters wedding pics to finish. I did good when I needed pictures. I want to get good about doing it as soon as I download my pics or within a day or 2.
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. I lost count after 18. YAY!!!!
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. I'm learning by trial and error and that makes me happy. I learned quite a bit this year!
18. Procrastinate less. I have been working hard on this. I am horrible at procrastinating and then doing everything at the last minute. I may not have done as good as I wanted, but I learned a few things about myself when it came to why I procrastinate so much, so I'm happy with that.
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. I discovered a few faux tricks.
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. Did great a few weeks, especially toward the end of the year. I HAVE to do better in the new year. Hoping my menu plan Monday post will force me to do better.
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. Another that I decided just isn't something I'm as interested in as I thought I would be. I LOVE to read for pleasure and so I'm going to stick with what I enjoy. I might still read some of them, but I'm not going to put the pressure on myself.
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. Didn't really advertise it, did do some editing a few times for people.
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. I was doing so good and then hit a spot where I never went back to it. I WILL get it done in the new year.
24. Stay better caught up on pictures, editing and uploading. Upload to Shutterfly, Flickr and other spots. Also be better about backing up. Did great for about 4 months. So many places to try and upload too, so I'm going to really narrow that down. I have been good about backing up!
25. Do more with movie maker. I would love to create slideshows, etc. Other than my brothers slide show for graduation I haven't done anything. Still would love to do more.
26. Cross Stitch 3 projects. I have so many I want to do and also a few projects I need to finish. HAHA!
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. I have done great on this one. I need to check my good reads account to see how many I did read this year.
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. HAHA!
29. Bake more. I love to bake and although my kitchen is TINY!! I want to bake more. I don't think I baked anything more than the cakes for the kids birthdays. I wish I had a bigger kitchen.
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. I really wish I could say I did good on this one.
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. Haven't done it yet, but I'm thinking I'm going to do a digital book through Shutterfly for him.
32. Participate more at Flickr, Etsy groups and Etsyprenuer. HAH! I did a bit at the beginning of the year. Just too many social media spots.
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. Never did this.
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. One of the things on the list I'm really proud of!
I will be back in the next day or so to share my new list. I will be back today with some pictures from Christmas.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
I'm back
WOW, I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted last. Life got really crazy over the holidays and I just wasn't prepared. I feel like we went from Halloween straight to Christmas and there was no time in between.
We had a wonderful Christmas with my family. My mom's house is AMAZING at Christmas. Trees in every room, a table FULL of goodies and so many little things that make it amazing. I can't imagine going anywhere else for Christmas then my moms.
I am working on my list of 35 things to do before I turn 36. Need to also update on my 34 before 35 things. I am also working on changing a few things on the blog. Some have to do with little things and some are bigger. I will be changing the name to reflect the new me. I'm working on some big changes for my life, not just weight, but all areas, all inspired by the theme song from Biggest Loser. I've been listening to it everyday for the last 2 weeks or so. I LOVE it!!
There is no video to watch, so just sit back close your eyes and listen to the words.
I will be back tomorrow with an update on my list and some other fun stuff from the Holidays.
We had a wonderful Christmas with my family. My mom's house is AMAZING at Christmas. Trees in every room, a table FULL of goodies and so many little things that make it amazing. I can't imagine going anywhere else for Christmas then my moms.
I am working on my list of 35 things to do before I turn 36. Need to also update on my 34 before 35 things. I am also working on changing a few things on the blog. Some have to do with little things and some are bigger. I will be changing the name to reflect the new me. I'm working on some big changes for my life, not just weight, but all areas, all inspired by the theme song from Biggest Loser. I've been listening to it everyday for the last 2 weeks or so. I LOVE it!!
There is no video to watch, so just sit back close your eyes and listen to the words.
I will be back tomorrow with an update on my list and some other fun stuff from the Holidays.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
10 on Tuesday!
1. I'm not fond of extra early, rainy mornings. Waking up is so much harder on Tuesdays since Dart has choir practice, but waking up on a rainy Tuesday morning is even worse.
2. All Christmas stuff in my shop is still on sale. Check out the cards, tags, and more.
3. Have you watched the new game show "You Deserve It"? We watched it for the first time last week and love it. Some of the questions last night were tough!
4. I'm excited for the Biggest Loser Finale tonight. I have 2 that I'd be okay with them winning and one I DO NOT want to win it. If you've been watching all season, I'm sure you know who I'm talking about!
5. Have someone on your list you still aren't sure what to get for Christmas? Or someone who struggles with arthritis? This Under the Cabinet Jar Opener is a great idea. Everyone in my family loves them.
6. I haven't even thought about Christmas cards, much less started them. Thinking of doing New Year's Cards instead.
7. If you were a fan of "The Voice" and love Christmas music you must check out winner Javier Colon's Christmas CD
. OMG! It is amazing. It's only 5 songs, but they are 5 of my favorites and he does an amazing job on them.
8. I decided last night I would rather go through the "Terrible 2's" again than the what I'm calling "Terrifying 10's". Holy cow, my sweet Dart has developed an attitude. I know a good part of it is a mix between the age and all the wonderful(haha) changes they are getting ready to go through and the excitement of Christmas, but still. I do take comfort in knowing that all my friends are going through the same thing with their lovely 10 year olds. I don't know what it is about 10.
9. For those of you with kids, just in case you didn't know about this, this is a great little thing to help the kids in anticipation of Christmas. I have done a video each year for the last 3 years I think. The kids LOVE it. Portable North Pole is the site and you can really personalize the message.
10. My brother and all his friends are experiencing their first round of college finals. I am loving reading all their status' on facebook. He has a few who are done, while he just started yesterday. He is counting down the days until Thursday, when he's done. One of his best friends finished finals and then had surgery on her torn ACL. Not exactly a way to celebrate finals being done.
2. All Christmas stuff in my shop is still on sale. Check out the cards, tags, and more.
3. Have you watched the new game show "You Deserve It"? We watched it for the first time last week and love it. Some of the questions last night were tough!
4. I'm excited for the Biggest Loser Finale tonight. I have 2 that I'd be okay with them winning and one I DO NOT want to win it. If you've been watching all season, I'm sure you know who I'm talking about!
5. Have someone on your list you still aren't sure what to get for Christmas? Or someone who struggles with arthritis? This Under the Cabinet Jar Opener is a great idea. Everyone in my family loves them.
6. I haven't even thought about Christmas cards, much less started them. Thinking of doing New Year's Cards instead.
7. If you were a fan of "The Voice" and love Christmas music you must check out winner Javier Colon's Christmas CD
. OMG! It is amazing. It's only 5 songs, but they are 5 of my favorites and he does an amazing job on them.8. I decided last night I would rather go through the "Terrible 2's" again than the what I'm calling "Terrifying 10's". Holy cow, my sweet Dart has developed an attitude. I know a good part of it is a mix between the age and all the wonderful(haha) changes they are getting ready to go through and the excitement of Christmas, but still. I do take comfort in knowing that all my friends are going through the same thing with their lovely 10 year olds. I don't know what it is about 10.
9. For those of you with kids, just in case you didn't know about this, this is a great little thing to help the kids in anticipation of Christmas. I have done a video each year for the last 3 years I think. The kids LOVE it. Portable North Pole is the site and you can really personalize the message.
10. My brother and all his friends are experiencing their first round of college finals. I am loving reading all their status' on facebook. He has a few who are done, while he just started yesterday. He is counting down the days until Thursday, when he's done. One of his best friends finished finals and then had surgery on her torn ACL. Not exactly a way to celebrate finals being done.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Blog feature
My Special Delivery tags are featured on the Peony and Pear Tree blog! My first blog feature!!
Check out what I am featured with and her other stuff.
Check out what I am featured with and her other stuff.
To do this week!
With less than 2 weeks until Christmas it's going to get CRAZY!!
- orders finished and out
- card sets for gifts
- print pictures for gifts
- teachers gifts
- sew clothes for Audrey's doll
- new blog header???(not high on the list, but if I get a few minutes I might play around)
- work on 35 before 36 list
- pictures to mom
- Christmas thank you cards
- more card sets to list
- New Year's Eve stuff(banners)
- mini books
- coffee cozies
- Enjoy time with the Kids!!
Menu Plan Monday
After taking a couple weeks off from planning a menu, I realize how much nicer it is to have a plan.
Monday Grilled cheese. Dart requested this last night.
Tuesday Hot Dogs and mac and cheese. Not the healthiest of meals, but Audrey has gymnastics and it's something both kids love.
Wednesday Pork Chops, mashed potatoes, corn. YUM!!
Thursday Chicken Bake. Love this from the back of the stove top box.
Friday Pizza. Homemade again. Kids love helping.
Saturday Tacos. Can't go wrong with tacos.
Sunday Ham. I've never cooked a ham before, but I figure it can't be that hard.
Monday Grilled cheese. Dart requested this last night.
Tuesday Hot Dogs and mac and cheese. Not the healthiest of meals, but Audrey has gymnastics and it's something both kids love.
Wednesday Pork Chops, mashed potatoes, corn. YUM!!
Thursday Chicken Bake. Love this from the back of the stove top box.
Friday Pizza. Homemade again. Kids love helping.
Saturday Tacos. Can't go wrong with tacos.
Sunday Ham. I've never cooked a ham before, but I figure it can't be that hard.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Christmas Sale
Have been a horrible blogger lately! Sorry! Wanted to let everyone know that all the Christmas items in my Etsy store are on sale 20% off. All prices have been changed so there is no code to worry about. If you have any questions or anything please feel free to contact me.
Just a few items on sale:
Gift tags
One of my favorite cards
more tags.
Love this house!
more tags. Love the penguin one, think it will go on Dart's gifts this year since he's recently become penguin obsessed.
Just a few items on sale:
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday!
banner ordersDone and in the mailtag ordersDone and in the mail- paper bag albums to take to craft fair Never got it done
- mini books to take to craft fair Got one made, but didn't take with me, forgot it.
- couple more Christmas card sets to take to craft fair 2 more sets went with me
- couple other card sets Never got them done.
- do some sewing Got some new fabric, but no sewing
Hoping to get back on track this week. Being sick last Monday really through me off, especially after being gone for so long. Got all the Christmas stuff up and the house is clean, so that's a good start to the week. Working on my menu and grocery list now so that will be ready to go up tomorrow. Working on the to do list as well.
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