Ms. becomes Mrs....

This is a quick photo before the ceremony. I'm still wearing my coat and scarf....I wanted him to be surprised when he saw the dress.

It was a quiet, private ceremony. We are planning a reception for friends and family in early March.

Coming to a JoAnn's Near You...

When I made my weekly trip to Joann's yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to see the new products that they were putting out. There were new faces like Prima and expanded selections from American Crafts, Studio Calico, Basic Grey's new Capture and We Are Memory Keepers (WRMK). I snapped a few shots so that I can plan for the next sale:

CKC Houston - Recap

Last Friday June 28th, I headed to the Woodlands for Creating Keepsakes Convention (CKC) armed with an empty bag, a new Discover card, and visions of scrapbook treasures to be discovered and claimed as my own.

The event space was smaller than in years past and the deals (in my opinion) were scarce. The selection was meager and only a few vendors offered items that I couldn't get everywhere else -- and the one that did had a 15 minute line. If Greg hadn't been there to bolster my spirits, I would have given up my loot and left without a backwards glance -- truly there was nothing that I couldn't have lived without. I was buying because a) I was there, b) the items were there and c) although the offerings were insubstantial; I want CKC to return next year.

I remember 10 years ago (during the "scrapbook boom"), attending Creating Keepsakes Convention was the stuff of scrapbook dreams -- huge Vendor Fairs bulging with new and abundant items that made your credit cards shiver in anticipation, classes with "scrapbook experts/celebrities, make-and-takes that were FREE(!) and worth taking the time to complete -- a big deal scrapping girl's year.

For now, all the scrapbook glam and SWAG has disappeared; but a scrappy girl can dream...

Zoo Day!

Saturday morning, I headed to the Houston Zoo with my favorite guys. The weather was perfect and we arrived early so the crowds were small and most of the animals were out. A good time was had by all! I have promised to Jaidyen that I will make him a scrapbook and this one will be fun to create.

 

Weekend Chill Mode

It's a little past 8:00am on a Saturday morning and I already feel like I'm behind schedule...But wait! It's SATURDAY --  there is no schedule. I am thereby moving into Weekend Chill Mode: no deadlines, no schedules, no "gotta's". Just me and mine loving life.

I am busy with work; but still trying to find time to create. Here are a few snapshots of one the the Easter mini's that I created. I love to mix the supplies from years ago with items I find on the seasonal shelves -- foam & felt shapes -- to stay current and still classic.

I haven't made a single Project Life 2013 layout, but remain determined to document this year. With a little effort and a lot of caffeine, I will make a dent this weekend.

I'm off to shop, create and enjoy the day. If I see anything awesome, I'll snap a photo and share.

Valentine Mini for my Love

It feels so good to sit in my scrap room and do more than just surf the internet. I'm making a Valentine's Day mini album for Greg and so far, I'm pleased with the way it's coming together. I started last night and I'd like to give it to him Tuesday night (with a special dinner); so I've got to stay on course...(I can see a lot of glitter and coffee in my future!)

Here's a look at some of the base pages. I'll post the finished product -- hopefully soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Self - Expressed in 2013

My mantra for 2013 is to be "self-expressed".  The intention is for the words that I write; the clothes that I wear; the thoughts that I speak; the projects that I create --will all express what I feel and how I see the world. 

My entire way of being needs to say who I am and how I roll.

Last year was a mine field of challenges and obstacles. With God, friends and family, I'm here in 2013 and so excited by the opportunities that are already opening up for me.

I have taken on a great, new position with my company. I am a member of a dynamic team. I enjoy the work and it's something for which I have a natural skill set. How awesome is that?! A true blessing.

Even better -- this group dresses for work! I am re-acquainting myself with my inner fashionista --  boy, have I missed her! Looking good really has made me feel good. I have become a purse and shoe fiend and am shopping for sleek, stylish pieces to add to my wardrobe. 

Here are some of the looks that inspired me as I endeavor to get my groove back:

...It's going to be a great year!

A New York State Of Mind

I traveled to New York City over the Labor Day Weekend. It as the second time I visited this year and it's official --- I LOVE NEW YORK.

Greg joined me this time and we had such a great time! He actually missed the first Friday of the school year and I was delighted with the sacrifice.

I was recovering from a wicked "intestinal malady" so I wasn't at full strength. We didn't get to see any shows or tour any museums; but we were busy the entire time.

We stayed in Manhattan at the Four Seasons. We were close to everything but still tucked away in quiet elegance.

Instead of trying to complete a mini album, I'm going to use a K&Company Smash Book to hold my memories. I can't wait to smush it all in my book and tie it together with a perfect band. I think it will be very urban, utilitarian and New York funky.

Here are a few favorite photos from the first two days. I'll share more later.

Yankee Stadium

Greg's Great Burger in Greenwich Village

Freedom Tower

Times Square

This sculpture was in the plaza of the World Trade Center on 9 / 11

I just like this sign

Empire State Building

United Nations Building - Flags are not flown when Delegates are not in session

One Minute Writer -- Washing Dishes

This morning's check of my favorite blogs led me to One Minute Writer (thanks, Jill Sprott). I've been lamenting about my hesitance to journal my layouts so I thought I'd give today's prompt a go in the name of practice.

 The Prompt:

 "What task do you prefer to do yourself instead of letting someone else do it for you?

My Response:

I prefer to wash my own dishes. Few others have my level of cleanliness (hand wash first) or know just how to stack the dishwasher. There are rules for dish washing – water temperature, inside and out  technique for tall glasses, utensil wiping -- that must be recognized.

The exercise was fun. I did go back and do a tiny bit of editing and spell-check; but my thoughts flowed easily. I'm going to make a habit of this and include it here and in my Project Life Albums.


Happy Sunday!

I Scrapped! -- Our 3rd Anniversary Mini

My guy is visiting his family farm in Michigan and I surprised him with a care package.  The box included Starbucks instant coffee, Craisins, peanut M&Ms, a book that he wanted to read and a mini album I made to commemorate our 3rd Anniversary. He received it yesterday and really, really like it!

It was quick and simple.The album is for CD's. I found it on clearance at Walmart for $1. I sorted through some of his favorite photos, cut up a Bingo page from Simple Stories, raided my alpha sticker stash and called it good. (Most of the journaling is hidden on the back of the Simple Stories Bingo Cards).

Stay crafty!

Scrapbook Room Re - Org - Final Stages

My scrapbook room re-org is about 90% complete. It's starting to look like the room imagined when I purchased the house two years ago.

The photo above is my wall of Expedit shelving and my computer desk station. I hope to have everything in placee by Monday....Talk about a labor of love.

Have a great day!

Because You Never Forget Your First Time...

  

 Studio Calico - July Kit!

So, I'm finally a member of a scrapbook kit club again!  It's been a long time since those Club Scrap days in the nineties (good times...) I didn't take photos of everything. I was just too excited. My favorite is the October Afternoon paper with the typists. My local Archiver's didn't get this in and I've been in a frenzy to get my hands on a few (10 or so) pieces.

Yesterday was a good day to be Fawn. They are rare and it was greatly appreciated.

Checking In...

My summer isn't going at all the way I'd planned. Fortunately, it's not over yet so I still have time to make it a success.

Today is July 4th and I'm declaring my independence from negative thoughts, mean people, and bad food choices.

I'm embracing creativity, healthy living and clear thinking.

By the end of August, I will be living the life I've always dreamed for myself. That means I have to start today. 

My boyfriend has offered to buy me a mini tablet for our 3rd anniversary. At first, it was a choice between the Nook Tablet and the Kindle Fire. I already own a Nook Color (last year's gift) so I was leaning toward the Kindle Fire for variety....

And then this beauty came to my attention: The Google Nexus

Cute, sleek and newer than new! I'm thinking she may be the one. It is supposed to hit the market this month and I intend to be one of the first in line. I'm pushing myself to be more technologically adept so I have to stay mobile in order to keep up.

In other news:
My scrapbook studio reorganization is almost complete. If I really apply myself, I can be finished by tomorrow.  I will be finished by tomorrow and promise to post some photos. (It's all about goal-setting.)

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Daddy. We miss you.

This is my third Father's Day since my dad passed away.

I never know what to do with myself on Father's Day. I walk around afraid that someone is going to ask me if I "took care of my dad for Father's Day". I fear that I might start to cry. And never stop.

I only describe myself as "the son my father never had' (I am the oldest of three daughters). I learned the game of football so that I could spend time with my dad and speak his language.

The first NFL season opener after he died found me inconsolable. Three years later, I still reach for the phone when I'm watching a football or basketball game and need to gloat or commiserate.

Burying my daddy was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I tried to do right by him and my family when all that I wanted was to curl up in a ball and cry.

You know, it's funny that I always expected the "head of  the family" to step in and handle matters. Imagine my shock when I discover that mythical guy was ME!

I love you Daddy.