Monday, July 31, 2017

Happiness Always (Altenew Stamps)

Hi Everyone,

I hope you had a great weekend. I have a card to share with you featuring the layering stamps from Altenew's Beautiful Day stamp set.



I wanted to keep the focus on the stamp so I kept the background simple. I started with a Cream colored base and embossed it with the Swiss Dots embossing folder and then added another embossed layer this time using the Swirls embossing folder.
I stamped the flower in the following order: Layer 1--Milled Lavendar Distress Ink, Layer 2--Victorian Velvet Distress Ink, Layer 3--Hot Mama (SSS), Layer 4--Seedless Preserves Distress Ink
I fussy cut the flower and then added the leaves behind it, which I also layered stamp and fussy cut as well. I added the flower to a plain panel of PTI Cream card stock and then added the sentiment, which is an old wood stamp from Stampin Up' that I've had for years.
I added some Wink of Stella glitter pen and some stickles to the flower for some pizazz to finish the card.


That is all for me today. I hope you have a great Monday and I will see you all again soon!

Challenges for today's card:

1. Crafting From The Heart: Anything Goes
2. Artistic Impressions: Anything Goes
3.  Stamping Sensations: Anything with Flowers
4. Come and Get it Challenges: Just Add Flowers

Friday, July 28, 2017

Final Fun Fold Friday: Twisted Easel Card

Hello Everyone!

Thank you for visiting me today! I hope you're all doing well. Today I have another Fun Fold Friday card for you. This will be the last Fun Fold Friday card. I've had a great time creating these unique cards and sharing them with you; but I think I've done all I can. Next month, I'll start a new weekly focused theme. What will I be doing? Well...you're just going to have to come back next week to find out!!

For this Fun Fold, I decided to do the Twisted Easel Card. Now, you can do a double or single twisted card. I decided to keep things simple and I just did the single one. This is another card that I like because it has a unique fold; but still lays flat for easy mailing.


I chose Scarlett Jewel, Fine Linen, Autumn Rose and Ocean Tide (from PTI) card stock for my color palette. Once again, I used some stamps from Verve for the front. I used the "Enjoy Today" sentiment from "Rise Above" along with the coordinating die cut. I embossed the sentiment with Enchanted Gold embossing powder from Ranger 


I layered the card as shown and then moved on to the inside of the card. Now, in order to have the card stay open, you have to put some type of "stopper" there. I made some layered paper flower using some sizzix dies I've had for years. I wanted to add a simple sentiment to the inside and decided on the "Happy Birthday" sentiment that I found in "Poppy Birthday" also from Verve Stamps


Once again, I found watching a video a little easier than following written instructions. I chose this one from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts. She has great videos!



Anything Goes Challenges for today's card:

1. Through The Purple Haze
2. Crafting with Friends
3. Jo's Scrap Shack
4. Simply Papercraft
5. Polkadoodles

Have a great weekend and I will see you all again soon!



Thursday, July 27, 2017

Latte Love (Verve Stamps)

Hi Everyone!

Thank you for visiting with me today. II hope you're having a good week so far. I intended to share this card yesterday; but got a little busy and it was my son's birthday as well, so I just decided to save it for today.

I am sharing a card using Verve Stamps "Coffee Helps" set. I know Julee has some new coffee theme sets she's just released. I've seen so many great designs and cards for these new sets. I've not had a chance to get any of the new sets; but they did inspire me to make something using the set I do have.



I used Spring Moss and Melon Berry and Cream from PTI, a piece of Rust colored cardstock and Sea Glass from Simon Says Stamp for my color palette. I layered it as shown, adding a bit of texture with some embossing folders. I stamped the small cup from the set with some Vintage Photo distress ink and then colored it in with Prismacolor pencils. I fussy cut the cup out and then layered it onto a cream circle. I could have just stamped it directly on the cream circle; but I wasn't entirely sure if I was going to use a cream circle or a different color.

That is all for me today. Have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow for the final Fun Fold Friday post!

Lots of Anything Goes challenges for today's card!

1. Lemon Shortbread
2. Through The Craft Room Door
3. Crafty Gals Corner
4. Crafty Creations Challenges
5. Craftaholics R us
6. Creative Cottage Challenge
7. Create and Inspire Challenges
8. Crafty-Girl Creations
9. Cards Galore
10.  A Bit More Time to Craft

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

A Letter to My Teenage Son

Hi Everyone,

Tomorrow my oldest son, our middle child, will turn 13. Of our three children, he is the one that has always been the child I feel like I'm still getting to know. He is wise beyond his years at times.  He has perfect comedic timing with quick-witted responses to just about any scenario. He is easy-going, doesn't ask for much and hardly ever complains. Still, there has always been an air of mystery to him that keeps me intrigued.
I can't help but look to the years ahead as he starts down the road of true adolescence. My husband was nervous for our daughter to start her teenage years because as a dad, it was new territory. Me? I was fine...I was the one with the Supermom cape declaring, "I got this because I've been a teenage girl and that's all the qualification I need!" (That didn't turn out to be entirely true; but we've done OK,  she and I) Now, I find myself feeling much as my husband did a few years ago.
I feel like I'm standing at the edge of this cliff that I know he's about to run and jump off of and I want so much to give him all the protection he needs for a safe landing. The trouble is, I'm not at all sure I know what it is he needs. My experience and expertise with teenage boys is really limited to being a teenage girl at the same time the boys I knew were teenagers!
Still, I can't help but think that maybe I've learned a few things along the way that might help him. He would probably think I was getting all weird on him if I tried to actually talk to him about all this, because the part of being a teenage boy who gets a little "weirded out by weird things your mother says and does"? That part he's mastering fine, all on his own! So, maybe instead, I'll just write him a little letter.



To My Teenage Son,

You'll wake up tomorrow and probably not feel any differently on your first day as teenager than you did on your last day as a 12 year old. Still, there are forces at work both inside of you and around you that are going to make the next few years interesting to say the least. As your mom, I want you to have as much understanding and knowledge as you can about the strange and winding road that lies ahead of you.  I wish I could give you all the answers to the many questions you might have over the these next few years. I'm not sure I have all those answers, however. Nevertheless, I hope these few bits of advice help you along the way.
  • All that "abnormality" you're feeling (or will feel) is completely normal.  Growing from boy to teenager to a man is a strange and crazy process. Things change, things grow, things appear. Things you can't see will wreak havoc on you from the inside out for a while. Acne will arrive front and center before you know it. Muscles and an Adam's Apple too. You'll open your mouth to speak and be completely shocked at the sound of your own voice. I want you to know that all of those things are normal...you should take comfort in knowing that about a million other boys are experiencing the same things!! Just buck up and hold on for the ride! 
  • That girl that you can't figure out what to say to? She doesn't know what to say to you either. Ah girls....they are a mystery for sure! I fully admit this; but I'll let you in on a little secret: they're no more an expert on growing up than boys! I'll tell you too that having courage and confidence to start a conversation with a girl is VERY cool. 
  • Being part of a team builds character--don't underestimate the value of that lesson. One of the things most often quoted about a "good man" is whether or not he has good character and integrity. Being part of a team, or a group in which people look to you for help through participation or teamwork, doing what's right and following rules helps you to establish your own character. These are lessons you'll carry with you throughout life. 
  • Be careful not to lose your individuality.  While building character through team work is important, it is equally important not to allow anyone to change who you are. Don't lose your own individuality or let anyone compromise it for their own purposes. You are a good person, always remember that; and don't let anyone change you just because they don't take the time to get to know you and understand you.
  • You ALWAYS have the right to speak your mind  Stay away from people who try to tell you otherwise 
  • Intelligence is NEVER overrated--EVER!
  • Be the type of young man you would want your daughter to date one day. One day, karma will come calling and for many teenage boys, it shows up in the form of a daughter, Then, before you know it, you'll be the dad of a teenage daughter going out on dates with teenage boys. Just remember that when you're 17 in a car with a girl! The future is not nearly as far away as you think it is!
  • If given the opportunity to do something-- ALWAYS bring your best to the table. Don't half -step anything in life. If you're going to swing the bat, hit the ball and hit it hard. If you're going to interview for your dream job, make sure you leave the best impression you can!  If you're going to create or invent something, make it the best one you can. No matter what you decide to do in life, give your best, no matter what.
  • Finally these three things: 1) As your mother it is my sole purpose in life right now to teach you and to guide you down this twisty, confusing, strange path of life. I will always do my best to encourage you to make the right decisions. No matter what, however, I will always be on your side, even when I know you're wrong. 2) When you stumble and fall (because you will...) I will not reach down to pick you up. Instead, I will sit down beside you for as long as you need me to give you strength and encouragement to pick yourself up and move forward once again. 3) Most importantly, I want you to remember that I knew you long before the rest of the world; that I was the first to hold you and feel your heart next to mine and that I'll always be the one who loves you the most.
Happy Birthday!
Love, 
Mom

Monday, July 24, 2017

Hearts of Color

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was good; my daughter returned home after a week long mission trip with her church youth group. It was so hard to have her away from home especially since she didn't have her phone, so we had no communication with her while she was away! Still, she says it was an amazing experience and I am so glad she was able to go! But, I sure did miss her!
I also wanted to apologize for no Coffee House Sunday post yesterday, I just couldn't get it done, I'm afraid. Going to try for this upcoming week, though...so fingers crossed!

Anyhow, I have a very simple card to share today. I punched out a bunch of little hearts and colored them with different Copic markers in rainbow colors. I tried varying the shades of each color as well. I drew black lines with an extra fine Staedtler marker pen and then adhered each of the hearts as shown. I covered each of the hearts with wink of stella clear glitter pen and then also with glossy accents. I decided to split up the hearts just a little by adding some gem stickers in between them.
The sentiment at the bottom is from Simon Says Stamp "Color and Sunshine" set.



That is all for me today. Enjoy your Monday and I will see you again tomorrow!

Challenges:

AAA cards: CAS with rainbow colors
613 Avenue Create: Anything Goes
Artistic Impressions: Anything Goes
Crafting from the Heart: Anything Goes

Friday, July 21, 2017

Fun Fold Friday: Double Z Fold (Christmas in July)

Hi Everyone!


Running a little late with my post this morning. Just been a little busy on the mom front this morning. Once again it's time for another Fun Fold Friday! This week, I decided to try the Double Z Fold.


I was a little hesitant to try this because when I saw instructions and looked at various templates for it, it just seemed like it was going to be rather complicated. However, it actually turned out to be SO easy and I loved the final result. I will definitely be making more of these!


I also decided it would be fun to do a Christmas (in July) card. This particular fold just lends itself so naturally to using pattern paper. The paper I used is from a 6x6 pad I picked up at Hobby Lobby last year. I tend to use more pattern paper for Christmas cards than I do on other cards throughout the year. I thought the rows of snowmen were perfect for the little Z fold at the bottom.


I've included a few pictures from different angles so you can get various views of the card.
One last note before I go, I found it was much easier watching a video to see how it's done instead of just reading about it. I watched this video by Sandi MacIver. I decided to go ahead and link the video here for you. I hope it inspires you give it a try. Have a great weekend and I will see you on Monday!


Challenges:

Aud Sentiments: Christmas in July with a sentiment
Cardz 4 Galz: Christmas or Winter
C.R.A.F.T. Christmas
Crafting with Friends: Anything Goes
Polkadoodles: Anything Goes



Wednesday, July 19, 2017

With Sympathy

Hi Everyone,

Here today to share a sympathy card that I recently sent a friend whose father passed away. I did a little distress ink blending (Black Soot, Chipped Sapphire, Seedless Preserves, Picked Raspberry) for the background and kept the image a simple black. Over the years, I have parted with the majority of my wood block stamps from Stampin' Up! However, I've don't think I'll ever get rid of the "Lovely as a Tree" set.  The sentiment on the bottom is from "Words of Comfort" by PTI and I stamped it with Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink.


Even though it was a somber occasion for a card, I was pleased with the final result.

That is all for me today. Have a great day and I'll see you again soon!


Challenges:

Crafty Creations
Lemon Shortbread

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

10 Easy Meals for Busy Weeknights

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for stopping by today. I have just a quick post for you today sharing a round up of different recipes and ideas for some quick easy dinners for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just don't feel like cooking. Now, full disclosure...I have not made all of these specific recipes; but I have done some version of each one of them. (Except the breadcrumb pasta...that one is my recipe!) I just really suck at cooking and photographing at the same time, so I decided to just link to the food bloggers who do it much better than I do! (Not all the meals are shown in the picture)


Click the bold face titles for links to the recipes.

1. Panini's (or other grilled type sandwich) Sandwiches are just ridiculously easy and perfect for crazy busy nights or hot summer evenings when you don't want to turn on the oven. Making a grilled sandwich or if you have Panini maker, is just a fun way to take it easily from ordinary to fun!

2. Easy Beef Tacos a pound of beef (organic and grass-fed, of course) some taco seasoning, taco sauce (or enchilada sauce which is what I use) cheese and taco shells, and viola! Dinner is served in less than 20 minutes.

3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches You can do pulled chicken as well. We pair this with some tater tots or fries with corn or baked beans. Easy-peasy. You can make it even easier and buy the already pre- made pulled pork/chicken. I buy the Lloyd's version all the time and it's great!
https://crustabakes.wordpress.com/2011/11/20/pulled-pork-sandwich/

4. Breadcrumb Pasta Chicken diced, white pasta sauce, penne and a crispy breadcrumb topping make a wonderful, comforting meal any day of the week.

5. Panko-Crusted Chicken Tenders: The key to this is the Panko breadcrumbs...they really do make a difference and also bake them on a racked baking sheet so they stay crispy. Add Jasmine rice and a green salad and an easy meal is served.

6. Pizza Don't underestimate a frozen pizza for a busy night! We eat pizza every Saturday night and always have Red-Baron.  I make a separate pizza on an individual crust with a blend of Daiya cheeses for my son who is dairy free. It's a win-win for everyone and I don't ever have to struggle with what to make for dinner on Saturday nights!

7. Ravioli Lasagna Doesn't get much easy than frozen ravioli of your choice, marinara sauce and cheese. 1 casserole dish and dinner is served.

8. Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders The reason these are easy is because they are made ahead of time. Make them in the morning and then all you have to do is pop them in the oven to have in time for dinner. *tip* I have learned to keep the bread cold, cut the top layer off in one large slab, place all the ham and cheese on, put the "top" back on, add the sauce, and refrigerate. Cut the sandwiches into individual servings before you cook them. They will be easier to cut when they are cold.

9. Cheeseburger Pasta Step away from that pre-boxed Hamburger Helper! This home-made version is so much better and too easy not to make. I have made this recipe and my whole family loved it! http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/09/cheeseburger-pasta-recipe/

10. 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken. Cut up some chicken, toss it with some egg and flour and then a quick and easy sauce. Make some noodles or some rice and call it good for dinner.

Have wonderful day and I'll see you again tomorrow!

Monday, July 17, 2017

All about You!

Hi Everyone.

I hope you had a great weekend. I have a TON of pictures to share with you today. I started this set of cards a couple of weeks ago and finally got them done and photographed to share with you. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do with these yet. Whether I'll give them as a set as a gift or if I'll keep them and mail them individually to various friends and family.

Here is a look at all the cards together on my desk.


All of the cards were made with Simon Says Stamp "You Matter" and a few were made with "Best Hugs" set as well. I made 3 sets of 4, one in black, one in white and one in a light grey. I followed the same basic pattern for all 12 cards and just shifted the colors and sentiments I used.

Here are a few close ups of the black set




Here is the white set:




and finally the light grey set




For each of the "You" die-cuts, I cut each one 4 times and stacked them together for a dimensional faux chip-board type effect. On the grey and white cards I also added Wink of Stella glitter pen and glossy accents to the 'You"(Full disclosure: I'm not the neatest crafter when it comes to glossy accents!) I did not add it to the white cut outs on the black cards, however.

I have a very busy day ahead of me, so that is all for me today. Have a fabulous Monday and I will see you all again tomorrow!


Sunday, July 16, 2017

Coffee House Sunday

Hello Everyone!

Another week has come and gone and it is once again time for another Coffee House Sunday. If this is your first time here, welcome. If you're a return visitor, I'm happy to have you back again. For all you first time visitors, Coffee House Sunday is just a weekly round up of all the interesting stories and articles I've come across during my wanderings around the webosphere the last week.

Ok, grab your coffee, sit yourself somewhere comfortable and here we go!


  • Last week, I had great news for all the chocolate lovers out there; and this week I am here to bring great tidings to the coffee lovers of the world! Coffee lovers live longer! Viva la Cafe! 
  • A big bowl of ice-cream would be a perfect partner to your lazy Netflix marathon, or perhaps you prefer gelato or frozen custard?? What exactly is the difference?


  • Eventually, you will start to feel like a lazy slob and want to get off the couch and that would be a perfect time to tackle the decluttering project you've been avoiding since the Bush Administration (the first one!)

  • I made these mini meatballs twice for dinner last week! You should make them at least twice as well next week! 

I hope your Sunday is great!

Friday, July 14, 2017

Fun Fold Friday: Dutch Fold Card

Hi Everyone!

I am so sorry for the late post today! It has been a whirlwind crazy day with just life and mom things; but I didn't want to go another week without another Fun Fold Friday! This card is super easy to make but also a lot of fun to add just a bit of fun and interest to your card. This fold is called the Dutch Fold. There are lots of tutorials out there for this fold. I chose this tutorial over at Beccy's Place.



For the top fold of the card, I embossed it with the Happy Birthday embossing folder. For the bottom part of the card, I embossed the Hawaiian Shores panels with the Swiss Dots embossing folder. I had to have a little bit of a think about how I was going to keep this bottom section closed; but still make it easy for the recipient to open. I decided to go with the same closure that I did for the interlocking gate fold card  I added a couple of simple hearts from Verve's "From the Heart" die set that I cut out, colored with two Copic markers (R24 and R22), layered them together and then added some glossy accents. For one side of the interlocking closure, I made a circle frame from the Petite scalloped circle nestabilities and then for the right side, I layered two smaller circle from Simon Says Stamp Circle dies



On the inside of the card, I stamped it with a simple sentiment from 'Handwritten Greetings" from Simon Says Stamp in red ink. I added two red panels to the inside and then added some gold stickles as well.


That is all for me today, Have a great weekend and I will see you all again on Monday!

Challenges:

1. Craft Rocket Challenges 
2. Crafting with an Attitude
3. Crafting with Friends 
4. Creative Fingers 
5. Jo's Scrap Shack 



Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Don't Sacrifice Yourself Because You're a Stay At Home Mom.

Hi Everyone.

I hope you're all doing well. Thank you for visiting with me today! I've been thinking a lot lately about what it has meant for me to be a stay at home mom with my kids for the past 12 years. I think about what I've learned, what I've gained as well as what I've given up and how it has taken me down a very different path than the one I originally imagined for myself.
 I have been through many phases of motherhood with my children over the years. I've been through the "Yes, that is my child who just blew out his diaper as I'm unloading the cart at the check out at Walmart," scenario. I've hung my head in doubt and frustration at the child who threw herself down in a fit of despair and rage in the produce section of the grocery store.


I was once convinced I would never sleep through the night or survive potty training. I've wondered if my children would ever master reading the sentence "Sam Sat on Mat" or learn to write their names, and let's not even talk about 4th grade math!
I have survived all of these moments, however and so did all of my children. As a SAHM, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle of laundry, dinner, temper tantrums, homework woes and bed time routines. It is important to remember that YOU matter....you were YOU long before you became someone's mom and you're still you no matter what. So, how do we as SAHM's keep our identities? I've put together a list of things that have helped me over the years and I hope they help you as well.

1. Get up, Get dressed, Get ready. 

Sure we all love a lazy PJ day especially on a cold winter day. Don't let that become your norm though. Set a routine for yourself in the morning. Take a shower, get dressed...if you're a make-up and hair kind of girl, then spend a little time getting that done as well. You may not actually leave your house at all during the day and that is OK. It isn't about having to go somewhere and do something. It's about feeling good about yourself.  Don't use your children, whether they are 3 months old or 5 years old, as an excuse to not take that time to face your day prepped and ready to go. You will feel so much better and so much more willing to tackle whatever happens.



2. Exercise

It is so important to spend time moving and exercising our bodies. You don't have to join a gym or do some epic Yoga in the park class to exercise. Of course, these options are great if you're able to do them. Put baby in the stroller and take a nice morning or evening stroll. For more intense workouts, scroll through Pinterest or look online for at home, no equipment body toning exercises. You can even get your kids involved exercising will allow you to release tensions you have, it will build your endorphins and will just make you feel better all the way around.



3. Journal.

You need an unconditional friend, you need someone to whom you can vent your most raw emotions and that friend is NOT your spouse, your child, or the person you classify as your "best friend" That person...isn't a person at all, it's a journal. Or to be more specific a personal diary. You need somewhere you can spill your anger, your frustration, your deep dark secrets. Somewhere you can write the things you would NEVER EVER breath to a living soul. Being able to purge how you feel about something or someone without fear of being judged or lectured or counseled is SO cleansing. There's nothing wrong with feeling the way you do about something...we all have "I'm basically a bad human" days; but it's not always wise to tell people all about it. Journaling will give you an outlet for those feelings.


4. Find "Your Thing" (and make time to do it every day)

It is so easy to lose yourself amongst the piles of laundry, the daily dinner dilemmas and the constant barrage of  "Mom, where's my... " emanating throughout the house all day long. However, you need to find something that has no other purpose except that it makes you happy. Whether it's gardening, reading, sewing, cross-stitch, photography, blogging or paper crafting like me, it doesn't matter as long as it's FOR YOU! I find time to paper craft every day because it's what I enjoy and it's just for me. Now, some days I get a few hours to myself to craft and some days I may only find 30 minutes; but that's ok. Those 30 minutes do SO much for mental health, I can't even describe it. I'm also an avid reader and find time to do that each day as well. Don't assume you don't have time....you do! There's a difference between not having time...and not making time


.
5. Make "non-play date" friends.

It is great to have a group of friends that have children the same age as your children, especially when you have babies and toddlers. Play-dates and mom groups etc are wonderful ways to teach your children socialization skills, get tips and advice for whatever stage you're going through at the moment and so much more. Here's a secret though, *whispers* it is ABSOLUTELY acceptable to spend time with friends without your children. *Gasp* I know right?! I know for some of you, I may now be speaking in a strange foreign language; but try to hang with me, ok? Yes, you can call up a group of friends and arrange a shopping date or lunch date or hell even a meet up for Margaritas at the local Mexican dive in town and NO you do not have to bring your kid(s). I'm not advocating that you run out the door three times a week the minute your husband returns home from work; but once a month or so? Absolutely! You need to step away from the domesticated duties and mom world occasionally. Trust me,  everyone in your family will benefit from it.




You are a wonderful mother and it's something that is going to be in your "Who I am" description for the rest of your life. When you take time to be your best you, however, it makes you an even greater mother.

Have a great day every one. I'm taking a couple of days off from the blog to work on a few projects but I will be back on Friday with a card for "Fun Fold Friday" So, until next time...


Monday, July 10, 2017

Have a Wonderful Day.

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was quiet and relaxing; but now it's Monday and time to get back to the business at hand, which for today is to share a simple card. I've had stacks of pre-cut patterned paper in a case for ages; and a while back I decided to match up the pattern paper with some card bases so they would be ready for some quick cards I could just throw together in a couple of minutes. This is one of those cards. I layered it as shown and then added the sentiment to the bottom, which is Handwritten Greetings (designed by Kristina Werner) from Simon Says Stamp. I decided to heat emboss it with versa mark and white embossing powder. I ran my anti static tool across the paper, first; but I clearly missed a few spots....oh well




Finally I added some faux white stitching with a gel pen and the ribbon to complete the card. Like I said, super easy and simple card for today. What do you have on hand in order to help you make quick and easy cards? Tell me in the comments, I'd love to know. Also be sure to leave a comment, so I can come visit you! I've been trying really hard to make sure I return comments and I've been seeing some great blogs out there!

Have great day and I'll see you all again tomorrow!

Anything Goes Challenges for today's card.

1. Pammie's Inky Pinkies 
2.  Crafting From the Heart
3. Artistic Inspirations
4. Always Fun Challenges

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Coffee House Sunday

Hi Everyone!

I'm finally back with another edition of Coffee House Sunday. Just a quick reminder if this is your first time here, Coffee House Sunday is a weekly post in which I share other blog posts, lifestyle articles and news stories that have caught my interest over the past week through my strolls and wanderings through the webiverse. Ready? Great! Grab your coffee, find a comfy chair and here we go!



  • When you go to the grocery store, make sure you get that chocolate; and then follow this doctor's advise for what to buy and what to skip at the grocery store. I wish I could say I follow this; but sadly that dang cereal aisle and granola bar aisle sucks me in every time! 


I hope your Sunday is great!

Thursday, July 6, 2017

It is OK for Your Children to Experience Disappointment

Hi Everyone,


So, do you remember when I shared this card last Friday and mentioned I was on vacation? Well...guess what? I'm not on vacation anymore. Due to some unforeseen and rather unfortunate mechanical issues with our vehicle, we were forced to turn around and come home. This was, however, after an unscheduled stop in a CA small town where the temperature hovered around 112. We sat in a hotel room, waited until the temperature cooled to an almost winter like 87 degrees at 11pm and drove the 4 hours home.  The trip had started out so well, the kids were all excited and were playing the scavenger hunt and bingo games. We had made a stop and visited the Calico Ghost Town and then the trouble began...
We were all disappointed, as we had been looking forward to visiting with our family and friends over the July 4th holiday. My daughter was especially disappointed as she had several plans in motion with her friends. As her mom, I hated that she was disappointed; but I also know and stand by our decision that postponing our trip for a later time was the best thing for us to do.
All of that got me to thinking about the role that disappointment plays in our children's lives. As parents we hate to see our children disappointed by something. It goes against our natural instinct to want to protect them and for them to always be happy. However, experiencing disappointment is not only inevitable, it is a necessary part of growing into adulthood for several reasons:

1. It forces them to realize hard work is necessary. Getting a bad grade on a test, striking out in a baseball game or forgetting the steps in a dance routine are all things that make kids feel disappointed, probably embarrassed and want them to crawl under the nearest rock. However, all of those types of experiences forces kids to realize they are not perfect. In addition, it makes them realize that successes aren't just handed out in life. If you want to do get into a good college, you need good SAT scores and good grades etc. To get those things, you need to study and work hard. To be a good baseball player and a good dancer, you have to practice. It is important that kids learn this and sometimes the best way rise to the top is to fall to the bottom a couple of times.



2. It allows them to develop a better strategy and plan for better success later.  When my daughter got her SAT scores this past spring, she was slightly disappointed. Not devastatingly so; but enough for her to go back and reevaluate what she did that was wrong, what worked, what didn't and what she can do better to improve her scores when she takes it again in the Fall. Getting a perfect score on the SAT or a test is fabulous and not to be undermined in any way; but learning from a disappointment is immeasurably valuable as well.

3. It gives them the opportunity to look for the good in things. Disappointment is often just a cloud that blocks the sunshine and sometimes you have to shift your gaze slightly to appreciate the shadow it casts. While it is natural to think of the shadows and clouds as negative forces in our lives, they also provide shade on a summer day, clouds that turn into rain provide the water necessary to continue the cycle of life. The same can be said about disappointing life experiences. The soul-crushing break up with a boyfriend or a girlfriend is a dark unhappy time especially the first time it happens. However, that break up is really the opportunity not to think about what's wrong with you; but what is right and just needs to wait for the right person to come along and share it and deserve it.


4. It gives them a reason to continue to hope. There's a saying that disappointment is only the result of high expectations. I don't agree with this because I think expectations are a form of hope and if you give up hope, then the world becomes a sad place. A perfect example of this is our recently cancelled trip. Yes the kids were all disappointed, however we also talked about perhaps going at Christmas and our family ....especially my daughter....loves Christmas with all the snow and cold, hot chocolate and family and food. Hope is always good...always.

Life is full of great joys and wonderful surprises; and it is also peppered with heartache and disappointments...that's just the way it is; and the best thing we can do is feed our souls with the lessons they all teach us.



Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Best Wishes

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a great 4th of July yesterday. Ours did not go as planned; and rather than being on vacation, we are back at home. It's a whole story, which I intend to share in tomorrow's blog post, so make sure you come back for that!

In the meantime, I thought I would just get share a simple card today. I've had this 6x6 pad of Basic Grey Hopscotch paper for years! I keep finding little pieces of it and ways to use it. Really there's not a lot I can say about this card, it's pretty straightforward as you can see. The sentiment is from an old old Stampin Up! wood block set I've had for many years as well.



Lots of challenges for today's card!

1. Crafty Calendar Challenges: Anything Goes (1/3 entry)
2. A Bit More Time to Craft: Anything Goes
3. A Perfect time to Craft: Anything Goes
4. Crafty Hazelnut: Use Patterned Paper
5. Crafting from the Heart: Anything Goes
6. Lemon Shortbread: Anything Goes
7. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: Anything Goes
8. Crafting by Designs: Anything Goes

Have a great day and I'll see you all again tomorrow!