SOCIAL MEDIA

Us 2

8.31.2009
Us 2

Zoesie and I spent the entire day together yesterday, we went hiking, picked wild raspberries and blackberries (the blackberries need a bit more time I think), and then hung out at an area lake exploring and finding interesting rocks to bring home in our pockets that we would then promptly forget and then remember later when it was time to do the laundry. Tomorrow she starts Kindergarten and will be gone from me entire days...5 days a week to be exact. I can't believe how fast this has happened. I thought I was going to be okay but the reality of her little warm body and constant chatter being away from me and with someone else is making it hard for me to sleep at night. I am going to miss her...my constant sidekick and partner in crime. I think it's time to start thinking up new traditions for some special after school time for the two of us to share.

Thank You Mom...

8.30.2009
Echinacea

My mom has been visiting for the past few days. She came up to help me out with some things that I needed to get done and that I needed to take care of around here before Zoey starts school this next week...she also took care of me in other little ways that only a mother could. My mom and I even went out one evening (Ethan stayed in with the Zoester) and we checked out a local wine bar and then went to the Minocqua Brewing Company where I enjoyed a couple of dark beers and she enjoyed another glass of red wine. I've got to get out more often...it was really fun. The company and the conversation was of course the highlight. Thanks mom...for everything.

The above photo I took when we were out and about this past week doing the 'grandma thing'...I love Coneflowers (Echinacea) so much, they're so beautiful and vibrant without being too showy.

Saturday Soccer

8.29.2009
Soccer Game

It was a freezing day here for a soccer game (mid 50's) but the game went on despite the temperature and the continuous drizzle of rain. The weather did not seem to bother the kids at all and it was a fun game to watch. It's fun to watch the team play now that they know each other a bit better...they definitely have their little attitudes now and at times think they are pretty "big" stuff out there on the field.

Soccer Game

Zoey had fun playing at this one too because my mom was here visiting so she was able to show off her skills a bit... =)

Soccer Game

Soccer

And when it was time for Zoey to come out of the game to let in a sub, having a grandma there with a warm blanket was pretty cool...

Soccer Game

but I think it's pretty safe to say that the cocoa with whipped cream afterwards was the best of all.

Cocoa After Soccer

Listening To...

8.25.2009


This catchy song. I'd never heard of these two until yesterday and because I couldn't quite understand the lyrics I did a search on those too and here they are:

DAYLIGHT

we cut the legs off of our pants
threw our shoes into the ocean
sit back and wave through the daylight
sit back and wave through the daylight

slip and slide on subway grates
these shoes are poor mans ice skates
fall through like change in the daylight
fall through like change in the daylight

i miss yellow lines in my roads
some color on monochrome
maybe i’ll paint them in myself
maybe i’ll paint them in myself

these sidewalks liquid then stone
building walls and an old pay phone
it rings like all through the daylight
it rings like all through the daylight

chorus
and in the daylight we can hitchhike to maine
i hope that someday i’ll see without these frames
and in the daylight i don’t pick up my phone
cause in the daylight anywhere feels like home

I have five clocks in my life
and only one has the time right
i’ll just unplug it for today
ill just unplug it for today

open hydrant rolled down windows
this car might make a good old boat
and float down grand street in daylight
and float down grand street in daylight

and with just half of a sunburn
new yellow lines that i earned
step back and here comes the night time
step back and here comes the night time

chorus
and in the daylight we can hitchhike to maine
i hope that someday i’ll see without these frames
and in the daylight i don’t pick up my phone
cause in the daylight anywhere feels like home

Mini-Floral Decorative Banner Created Using the SLICE

8.24.2009
Flower Banner

I taught a little workshop today at my lss on using the Slice Die-Cut Machine by Making Memories (this has been an ongoing workshop which I will teach again in the next couple of months as well) and this was the little project that I had for everyone to make today. A pretty simple project really, just some ribbon and the cut shapes that were created from using the Slice machine. It turned out pretty cute though and it was a quick and fun project to create. While I don't own the Slice myself (I am pretty lucky because I get to use my local scrapbook store's machine) I am finding that it's lots of fun to work with and it's extremely user friendly and I love the designs that are available on the many cartridges that Making Memories has made available.

Marks Paper Company : Altered Purse w/Enclosed Banner

8.21.2009
Marks Paper Company Altered Purse w/Family Banner Enclosed

Thought I'd share a new Marks Paper Company project that will be a class that I'll be teaching in September. I altered the Sonia Handle Purse from Creative Imaginations' Bare Elements Collection as well as the Diya Ring Book (taken apart and used for the banner) using patterned papers from Marks Paper Company's Old Fashioned Courtship Collection (my current favorite!). This was a fun project to put together and I can't wait to teach it next month...I think it will make a perfect class for the beginning of fall.

Marks Paper Company Monthly Challenge

8.20.2009
IMG_15

This month's challenge for Marks Paper Company is super fun and an easy one...check out the details on the Marks Paper Company's Blog and join in on the fun for a chance to win not only a box filled with MPCo. papers, buttons and die-cuts but also a 2 pack of Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust Clear Roll-On Glitter and a Sakura 10 pack of Souffle 3-D Opaque Pens! Please forward any questions you may have regarding this month's challenge to contactus@markspaperco.com. I hope you decide to participate!

From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Hannah Montana...

I rented the new Hannah Montana movie for Zoey the other day and watching her watch the movie was something else to say the least. The entire time she had this shy, goofy little smile on her face. Halfway through the movie Zoey looked at me and asked me if Hannah Montana was going to marry the boy playing opposite the Hannah Montana character (the main love interest in the movie, if you can call it that at this age). I replied that I didn't know and then Zoey looked at me all shy like and said, "He's kind of like Nick isn't he?" Nick is my much younger (in high school, and thus very fun and cool to a 5 year old) step-brother from my mother's present marriage. I giggled and said yes, I guess so and then Zoey got all embarrassed and dug her toes into my ribs. It was hilarious! It's the first time that I have ever caught a glimpse of the true girlie-girl, lovey-dovey stuff from her! Of course I then had to call my mom right away and share that her granddaughter seems to have a mild crush on her step-son. She laughed and then shared that the following conversation took place (unknown to me!) between Bailey (my sister) and Zoey when Bailey was visiting us here earlier this summer.

Zoey: "Bailey, do you know Harry Potter?"
Bailey: "Kind of."
Zoey: "Are you going to marry him?"
Bailey: (laughing) "No, I don't think so!"
Zoey: Are you going to marry Nick then?"
Bailey: (laughing harder) "Nope!"
Zoey: (All serious and grown-up like) "Okay, I think I am."

Oh my Lord...my mom re-assures me that this is all just fine and dandy and I am reminded of my own little crush that I had on my counsin Scott that was once upon a time and long since over. =) Fun times are ahead for sure!

As I am typing this Zoey is spritzing her hair with a water bottle, brushing it and putting hair clips in. Ack! Am I ready for this?

Collage

Yesterday was Zoey's school picture day so of course I took some pictures before leaving home! She looks so grown up this year and yes, she took that hot pink goofy worm thing (that she calls Figgy) with her to school. It matched her headband after all! ;)

Collage

It was also the day that we filled out forms for school, found out who her teacher will be and who will be in her classroom. I can't explain how it is exactly that I felt, it was almost surreal. She was so excited and was positively beaming the entire time that we were there. I was so proud of her, so proud to be her mama and so excited for her myself. There are moments when being a mom just feels like the most amazing thing that I could ever be and yesterday was one of those moments. I can't help but wonder what I would be like right now if I was not Zoey's mother...she has shaped me in a way that is beyond any change that I think I could have manifested on my own. She has built me up and torn me down in just the right places and ways I think, if that makes any sense.

Forward marching on to what lies ahead, with pure joy in my heart.

And from the Hannah Montana Movie (the song that Zoey's been singing non-stop):

A Couple Recent Etsy Favorites

A New "Just For Me" Layout...

8.18.2009
DSC03463

It feels like it's been awhile since I scrapped a layout that wasn't for an assignment, design team, class, studio sample or call and I have to say that it felt good and a tad bit strange. I always feel that when I'm scrapping for myself is when I am most true to my style as well as to myself. Zoey saw this one and asked me why I don't smile when I'm all hot and sweaty after working out. =) Speaking of which, this summer has been a good one for me in regards to slowly getting back into shape and figuring out a healthy way to relieve my stress through both exercise and healthier eating. Hoping I continue on this track (literally and figuratively!). And for whatever reason (my friends from way back that are reading this may get a kick out of this) I've been on a major Kenny Chesney kick this summer. He is all that I listen to on the iPod and I've found lots of his songs are good for getting me pumped up for my workouts which is always a good thing.

For a different twist on my journaling for this layout I used my ZIG Signature Photo pen and wrote directly on to my photo overlay and used them as my journaling blocks.

Supplies: American Crafts pp, Basic Grey pp, Collage Press die-cut circles, 7gypsies stickers, American Crafts alphabet stickers, Adorn-It mini-alpha stickers, My Minds Eye photo overlay, ZIG Signature Photo pen, art stamp (clock), masking tape, sewing machine stitching

And one of my favorites...


Porcupine Mountains Photo Contest Winner!

8.15.2009


After our trip to the Porcupine Mountains this summer I visited the Porcupine Mountains Convention and Visitor's Bureau website just to do a bit more reading on the place itself and saw that they were holding a photo contest. I sent in some of my photos (I mean the timing of this was just too perfect!) and found out tonight that I was one of the photography contest winners! I also have been asked to send along my photos to their publicity department to be available for flyers and other print materials as well as for their website for their tourism/publicity information and other possible publications and will get photo credits by having my name printed in each instance. So very cool...I am thrilled!

Me + Her

8.14.2009
At the Beach

Finally, a full day of just her and I together doing something fun. We spent the entire afternoon together at the beach today and it felt so good. Knowing that the countdown is on regarding how many days are left before school starts, it felt good to get out and just play. Sunglasses, snacks, sand toys and beach towels...and a perfect day. It does not get any better than this.

Fun Stuff!






Yesterday was a good day! I found out that I won the watch pictured above that was designed and created by Janine Jordan of Watch Expressions. Amy Williams was having a blog giveaway and I entered into it and then promptly forgot all about it. Turns out I was one of the lucky winners! I can't even remember the last time I had a watch (it was probably when I was just a kid and it was one of those cheap-o plastic swatch ones!) so this win is pretty exciting! Go check out the amazing selection of other watches available at Watch Expressions and if you make a purchase by Monday, August 17th be sure to enter the code "snickerdoodle discount" in the notes to seller section to receive 15% off your watch purchase!

Also, I received the following blogger award from my blogging friend Stacy Milford. Thank you so much Stacy!


This award is called the "Eye Like Your Style."

The rules are easy....1) by accepting this award you recognize that the giver "likes your style." 2) you agree to proudly display this award on your blog and post a link back to the giver. 3) you will share this award with those whose styles you like...because there are so many wonderful blogs out there!

So I would like to pass along this award to the following girls:

1. Ronda Palazzari

2. Sue at Just Perspective

3. Gigi Kennedy

Hide & Seek Muffins

8.10.2009
Hide & Seek Muffins

Just thought I'd share a quick layout that I finished up the other day. I kept it pretty simple since the photos were pretty busy. The pictures are of Zoey and two of her special pals working on whipping up some special muffins we call "Hide & Seek" Muffins. The fun part of this recipe is that after mixing up the batter and pouring it into the muffin papers you get to roll strawberries (or your preferred fruit) in sugar and then "hide" them in the batter. They truly turn out delicious and are best served warm but I am pretty sure the best part is the kids getting to have some fun in the kitchen!

Hide & Seek Muffins

Muffin Mix:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons melted butter
12 medium strawberries
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar for the strawberries

1. Preliminary: Grown-up assembles mix in medium bowl and melts butter.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Put muffin papers into the baking pan.
3. Break the eggs into the other bowl.
4. Add the milk, vanilla, and melted butter, and whisk about 20 times.
5. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Mix with the spoon "until the flour is all gone."
6. Use a 1/4 cup measure with a handle to fill the muffin papers halfway.
7. Roll each strawberry in a little sugar, and put one in the center of each muffin, pushing it down with your finger.
8. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted all the way down comes out clean. Remove from the pan to cool. Cool at least 10 minutes before eating (the berries can get very hot).

Yield: 1 dozen exciting muffins!

The Game...

8.09.2009
soccer

Here's Zoey's team getting ready for their first big game.

soccer

Team huddle...

soccer

and here they are off and running. The facial expressions throughout the game were worth the time spent at this event for sure. There were lots of tongue's hanging out, eyes that were closed, and the occasional individual that was just standing off alone on the end of the field where absolutely no action was taking place whatsoever (this being mostly Zoey).

soccer

The little girl above in the red was smokin' hot when it came to getting the ball down the field. Most of these kids took soccer last year (with the exception of Zoey).

soccer

The verdict is still out wether or not Zoey is impressed with this sport or not. She started out the game well and was running around and having fun along with everyone else and then a couple of head-butts and smacks with the ball later, she wasn't that enthused (this is putting it mildly).

soccer

Another thing we discovered is that she doesn't exactly enjoy "sharing" her Papa with other little kiddos (something that never even crossed my mind when Ethan was thinking about signing up as coach). She's all about getting high five's from Ethan herself but she wasn't quite sure how she felt about him offering them up to four other little kiddos as well. And cheering for the opposite team entirely? What was up with that? It's crazy how early these kids get the whole "competition" thing. All good opportunities for some little life lessons here I suppose.

soccer

Another thing she was not that impressed with was having to sub out once in awhile.

soccer

In this age bracket they do not keep score...but I am told (by a very good source) that un-officially, Zoey's team won. Not that that's a big deal or anything. =)

Guess I'm a Soccer Mom!

8.06.2009
Soccer

Soccer just started for Zoey here...this is her first year participating in the Greater Lakeland AYSO Program. This is also Ethan's first year volunteering as a coach.

Soccer

It's been super fun watching her run around on the field and watching Ethan work with the kids. At this age it's mostly just about having fun and figuring out the basic concept of the game.

Soccer

That said, everyone on the team is dead set on getting their ball in the goal to score!

Soccer

There are no goalies for this age bracket (which I am thankful for...hopefully no broken noses this year!) but Zoey was a bit disappointed as we had been practicing with her and sharing with her what the goalie's job is, etc.

Soccer

Another cool thing is that all the kids on her team (just five other little ones) are going to be attending her school this Fall.

Soccer

Here they are doing a dribbling drill...I was pretty impressed at how they all were listening and working together!

Soccer

Their first game is this Saturday, I can't wait!

Sitting on My Desk for Days...

8.02.2009
Simply You

that's what it seems like anyways! This layout was not coming together for me, whatever the reason I am not sure but finally I am finished with it. I used the July "Rhubarb Pie" monthly kit from Cocoa Daisy for this layout. I used a baseball card collector sleeve for my photos and patterned paper blocks which I then attached to my paper by stitching zig-zag stitches with my sewing machine.

Thank You

Bumper Sticker

I got this bumper sticker in the mail the other day from who, I do not know...but I am thinking that it is from someone who reads my blog because it was just a couple days ago that I shared this post and commented that I needed a bumper sticker that reads "I Love Libraries." Thank you to whomever it was that found this and sent it my way, I love it and it's going right on the car!

Because a Friend Would Share...

8.01.2009

I'm not sure if this is widespread public information among girlfriends or not, but I discovered not too long ago the absolute wonders of Hollywood Fashion Tape. Little strips of super strong adhesive that you use on your clothing to keep those little bits and pieces held together (think of those cute button up blouses that fit just perfect but at times can pucker up and show those gaps around the bust-line). The only thing you need to remember is to remove the aforementioned super sticky adhesive strips from your clothing prior to washing and drying (I think you can figure out why I am mentioning this...yes, experience!). Seriously love this little tin of adhesive strips, and not just because I am a scrapbooker! To get your own or to learn more about this product (and the many other uses) check out the Hollywood Fashion Tape site here.