Quote of the Week: Direction You Choose

"You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose." 

- Dr. Seuss

Quote of the Week: Worrying

"Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere."

- Unknown


PS. I'll be taking a blogging break and be back in about a week! 

Scrapping Saturdays: May Recap Page

Kit: Just the Way You Are by Suzy Q Scraps
Template: Template #66 by MJ-AJ Designs

A Reminder

Sometimes I need a reminder......

I was made for this! 

 Click here to read the story behind my mantra, "You were Made for This."

Click here to see more of my "You were Made for This" photo series. 

I Heart My Husband T-Shirt

My BFF requested that I make her a "I heart my husband" t-shirt after she had seen several people wearing them. I was happy to oblige and used one of my favorite crafting techniques, freezer paper stenciling. I simply made a stencil in the Silhouette software and cut it out of freezer paper, ironed it on the t-shirt, and then painted the stencil using acrylic paints mixed with textile medium. 

It turned out so cute I think I'll think have to make myself one too. 

And that's my BFF modeling her shirt.

Want to know more about freezer paper stenciling? 

Check out this post: All You Ever Wanted to Know about Freezer Paper Stenciling. 

(Linking to the parties listed in my sidebar)

Quote of the Week: Writing the Story of Your Life

"When writing the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen." 

- Unknown 

Weekend Wonders: Miscellaneous Stuff that Caught my Eye

I don't really have a theme for this Weekend's Wonder post. Lots of things were catching my eye though!

Bird House Key Hooks

How cute are these bird house key hooks over at Torie Jayne. 

Perfect Nails Every Time

Madtown Macs share this easy to tip to achieve perfect nails. 

Clothesline Frame

Goodwillionaire shares how to make this stunning frame with clothesline and clothespin. It makes a big impact and the photos are easy to switch out with the seasons.

DIY Shoe Clips

Dress up plain shoes with snazzy shoe clips. Oh Sweet Joy shares how to make them. 

Magnetic Bookmarks

Lolly Jane shares how to make these cute magnetic bookmarks.

Jazz Up Your Sunglasses

Madigan Made shares two ways to dress up plain sunglasses.

Scrapping Saturdays: Noah's New Wheels

(click to see larger)

Kit: Road Trip by Everyday Mom Ideas 

Template: Template #46 by MJ-AJ Designs

Another Dollar Store Basket Makeover

Remember this cute Dollar Store Basket Makeover? 

Well, I have another one. Sometimes (like now!) when I have injured my back (again!) and am on "light bed rest" I still want to craft so I made this basket to put craft supplies in so I could do some couch crafting. 

I started off with a teal basket from the Dollar Tree, a roll of black and white polka dot ribbon, and a roll of black ribbon. All I did was weaved the ribbon in and out of the holes in the basket. 

Then instead of tucking the ends under like I did with the other basket, I just tied it off in a double knot. Before I made the knot, I did seal the ends of the ribbon with a lighter so it wouldn't fray. 

And now, I have a cute little basket that is the perfect portable craft kit! 

These would be cute for birthday gift baskets and even cute for a Christmas gift basket! 

(Linking to the parties listed in my sidebar)

Thanksgiving Salad

Do you ever crave Thanksgiving in the middle of summer? It's definitely too hot this summer for a turkey dinner and all the fixings but this salad is almost as good. It's one of my favorite summer salad!

Below is what you need for the salad but I'm not giving you any amounts because you can just add more or less of the items you like and don't like.

• Salad mix
• Lean Deli Turkey (I have them slice it thick then I just cube it.)
• Low fat Feta cheese
• Craisins
• Pecans or Walnuts (chopped)
• Croutons
• Celery
• Onions

First, I make my own croutons using wheat bread or rolls or whatever I have on hand. I cube the bread, spray with olive oil cooking spray, sprinkle on a bit of pepper, garlic salt, and nutmeg. Then I bake them in the oven at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes until they are nice and toasty. 

Add your salad mix to the bottom of the bowl. Chop your celery and onions and add them. Next add your feta, turkey, crasins, and chopped nuts. Throw on your croutons, top with low fat raspberry salad dressing, and you have Thanksgiving in a bowl.

Yummy!

Quote of the Week: Breathe and Have Faith

"Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, and not obsess. Just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best."
- Unknown

Scrapbook Saturday: Easter 2012

Kit used: Denim and Daisies by Just So Scrappy Too
Template used: Template # 48 by MJ-AJ Designs 

The Story through my Lens

It’s Friday – the day where I join other bloggers and take five short minutes to just write from the heart. Five Minute Friday is hosted by Gypsy Mama and this week’s prompt is STORY.


As I sat here for a second, wondering what direction to take “story” different photos were popping up on my screensaver. And ya know, I think that’s probably why I enjoy taking photos so much; I'm able to tell a story every time I look through my lens and take a photo.

Take the above photo for instance, you probably just see a boy hugging an older man.....

But I see a bigger story. I see a sweet boy (MY sweet boy) with a huge heart with my Daddy. I see that little boy SO excited to see his Granddaddy even though it had only been a few days since he last saw him. I see a boy hugging his Granddaddy with a death grip and I watched through my lens as he didn't let go of his Granddaddy for at least five minutes. I see my Daddy not annoyed that he is wasting five minutes on his knee hugging his grandson, but I see my Daddy soaking it in and loving every minute of it probably more than Noah is!

My photos may not be award winning or perfectly composed but they tell a story. 

My lens allows me to capture the moment and freeze it in time but my heart remembers the stories. 

A Letter from Ghana

Each year, my Mom packs many shoe boxes for the charity Operation Christmas Child. She always includes a card she created on her computer that includes a photograph of my Dad, herself, and Noah. She writes a little bit about herself and Noah and also includes her address.

Well, this week Noah received a letter from a 10 year old boy who received one of the shoe boxes in Ghana, South Africa! How cool is that?!?

Noah is pretty excited and we are planning to write Justice back very soon. His letter to Noah was so cute! 

If you don't know much about Operation Christmas Child or to learn how you can pack a shoebox for a child in need, check out this webpage for more details. 

Fireworks on the Fourth

Like many other people tonight, we headed downtown to watch fireworks. This was our 2nd year of being able to take Noah and we are hopeful that we can perhaps make it a tradition. He once again really enjoyed it. I watched the entire through my camera lens. 

Hope you had a happy and safe 4th! 

June's Package Pal

One of the crafty blogs I follow, C.R.A.F.T. hosts something every other month called Package Pals. Basically, it's a pen pal who you send a crafty package to. You can make things for her or you can send her supplies so she can make something with them. Then you post what you gave and received on your blog, like I am doing now, and link up to the Package Pals Linky Party at C.R.A.F.T. 

This was my first time participating in Package Pals. I was matched with Lindsay. Her favorite color is green and like me she is an owl lover. Perfect! I chose to make Lindsay some things and set to work. 

I made Lindsay:
A tote bag with a "scrappy" owl appliqued on it
A water bottle with a vinyl L for the hot summer
A frame with an owl
A small notebook and bookmark
and a plaque that says "Whenever I get sad, I stop being sad, and start being AWESOME."

And here's a better pic of it all courtesy of Lindsay's blog:

I had a lot of fun making things for Lindsay and am looking forward to participating again. 

Quote of the Week: Swim and Stand

"In matters of style, swim with the current;
in matters of principle stand like a rock." - Unknown

Weekend Wonders: Patriotic Treats

Need a last minute idea for a red, white, and blue desert/treat? Below are some of my faves.

4th of July Meringue Cookies

Shugary Sweets shares how to make these easy and festive red, white, and blue meringue cookies.  

Patriotic Popcorn

This patriotic popcorn at Bloom Designs looks perfect to make ahead of time and munch on it while watching fireworks. 

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad

Looking for a healthier option? Family Ever After shares a red, white, and blue fruit salad. 

Patriotic Poke Cake

Love Baked Goods shares how to make this fun and festive patriotic poke cake.

Flag Rice Krispie Treats

Class Brain shares how to dress up ordinary Rice Krispie Treats for the 4th of July.

Red, White, and Blue Layered Drink

The Sisters Cafe shares how to make this really cool looking red, white, and blue (non-alcoholic) drink. This would be a fun and impressive drink for kids and adults alike.