Friday, June 6, 2014
Mickey Mouse Pancake Fail...or...Daddy Makes The Magic Happen!
So, when I planned the whole "Magical Morning Surprise", my plan was to make the kids Mickey pancakes for breakfast, to add to the excitement, memories, whatever. However, a little practice might have been a good idea ;-) . When I actually went to execute my plan, my pancakes were looking nothing like Mickey! In fact, they just came out like rather odd, deformed circles. Luckily, I married someone that has more patience than I do (at least while cooking!), so Eric took over and brought my idea to fruition. His Mickey pancakes looked great:
And the kids loved them-they ate them (ears first, of course!) without even needing syrup on them.
I will, however, be purchasing a Mickey waffle maker soon, so I can make a Disney breakfast, too!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
A Magical Morning Surprise
I got up around 5:30 after a very restless night, tiptoed around setting everything up, then said, "get up kids, look at the table!"
Natalie and Evan were up in a blur:
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Exhausted...Exhilarated...
And...just like that, our vacation is over, and it's time to get back to the "real" world. Between 5 days at Disney world, and 4 full days at the beach, it was a long vacation, but it seemed to go by so quickly! And, of course, I took lots and lots of photos, so I plan to share some of the photos and stories to keep a record of them until I get a chance to scrap them. Between my camera, and all of our phones and ipods, we have somewhere around 4000 photos, so there are plenty of pictures and stories to share! Oh yeah, and I purchased the Disney Memory Maker (used to be known as Photopass Plus), so I actually got to be in a few of the photos myself! I truly think it was worth the advance purchase price of $149-we got over 200 photos from it-including characters, rides, and those classic park icon shots of the whole family, so that works out to less than a $1 per photo. Here are some of my family's Memory Maker "icon" shots:
Magic Kingdom:
Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
Magic Kingdom:
We arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 5pm at the 24 hour "Show Your Disney Side" party on May 23rd-which gave our "castle shot" a lovely color/glow.
Hollywood Studios:
After staying at Magic Kingdom until 5 am, we got up a little late for our day at Hollywood Studios-we didn't get started until after noon. Luckily, I was able to change most of our fast passes- the only one I couldn't reschedule a fast pass for was Toy Story Midway Mania, but I was able to get one for Rockin' Roller Coaster instead. We skipped Toy Story-90 minute waits in 95-100 degree heat wasn't even an option in our minds, and there was plenty of stuff to do and see, especially with Star Wars Weekend festivities!
We went back to Magic Kingdom on the 3rd day, and didn't do a castle shot right away, but we did get one after dark:
Love how beautiful the castle is at night!
We definitely discovered the benefit of Evening Extra Magic Hours on this day, but I will share more about that in a later post!
Epcot:
Spaceship Earth is pretty beautiful at night, too! Another late start for us-everyone was tired and really hard to wake up-this is the park that I would really love another day (or 3) at to explore. At least we had Evening Extra Magic hours here, too!
Animal Kingdom:
We loved Animal Kingdom, too! This was our check-out day, so we got up early, packed the van and cleared out our room, then we took the resort bus over to DAK for the day. We were running when we entered, to make our Kali River Rapids fast passes, so we got this shot at the end of the day.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
A Very Productive National Scrapbook Day...
When National Scrapbook Day rolls around each year, it seems like I always have something else important to do. Not this year! Well, of course there were things that I could have been doing, but I just didn't. I took the whole day and scrapped and played on line! I did pre-make a few layouts on Friday for the Big Picture Classes' 10K Celebration on Instagram:
In non-scrappy news, we are dealing with the hustle and bustle of school ending, and we just got past our local spring Strawberry Festival:
I saw an idea for inspiration in one of the youtube videos that I watch while cleaning and working around the house, on nicmackin's channel , for using those old scrappy mags we all have kicking around before we get rid of them. She makes up kits from her stash and tosses an old magazine in with her kits, to draw on for inspiration, then tosses it or sends it off to a new home after she has drawn all of the inspiration she can. I used an old Simple Scrapbooks special issue magazine for most of these layouts, except this one:
Which was inspired by the Birthday Bash sketches at Creative Scrappers :
A closer look at the other individual layouts:
I still need to add journaling to this one:
Most of these layouts came from this kit:
In non-scrappy news, we are dealing with the hustle and bustle of school ending, and we just got past our local spring Strawberry Festival:
The twins had to have candy apples:
I, on the other hand, "had to have" a red velvet funnel cake...because I have to try it if it is Red Velvet anything:
I have to say, though-it was soooo sweet! I couldn't eat all of it, but that is probably a good thing. I will leave you for today with a selfie I snapped with Natalie:
And yes, I do realize my bra strap is showing, but, this is real life, and I only got one shot! I'll be back in the next day or two to share more of my crazy life and NSD productivity.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Counterfeit Kit Club Members Blog Hop, Part 2
After yesterday's fun (said sarcastically) I wasn't sure I would be able to get a blog post up at all...but here we go! My husband and are updating our home, and the kitchen is what we are working on in all of our spare time. Well, yesterday, we were working on installing our new wall mounted oven, and my hubs did all of the cabinet work, we carried the thing over, hooked it up, and it made 2 beeps, and died. Soooo disappointing! But, anyway, today is a new day, and luckily we have protection plans, etc, so we will be dealing with all of that fun stuff today. After some late night scrapping on the floor of my bedroom last night, I did get together a page from my Counterfeit kit for March, and I am ready to share! We had several challenges to choose from for the blog hop, but I knew immediately which one I would choose!
I chose: Challenge #2: In a very non creepy way, let's get inspired by Jennifer! Find something on Jennifer's Blog and create a project based on it. Please make sure to share a link with your original inspiration.
I knew that this was the challenge for me, because our styles seem pretty similar to me, and I have always loved the pages that she creates! Like me, she loves to work from sketches, and loves layering. I also noticed while perusing her blog that she seems to like a scattering of small bits and pieces on her layouts. I chose to be inspired by this sketch that she had posted to her blog:
As you can see, it has a lot of little bits and pieces, and other fun things-I used a splattering of ink, a flower, a butterfly, some tiny puffy stickers, and one of the yummy Maggie Holmes transparencies and a hair clip from my kit. The papers are from Carta Bella Wildflower, Maggie Holmes Flea Market, and American Crafts My Girl collections.
I chose: Challenge #2: In a very non creepy way, let's get inspired by Jennifer! Find something on Jennifer's Blog and create a project based on it. Please make sure to share a link with your original inspiration.
I knew that this was the challenge for me, because our styles seem pretty similar to me, and I have always loved the pages that she creates! Like me, she loves to work from sketches, and loves layering. I also noticed while perusing her blog that she seems to like a scattering of small bits and pieces on her layouts. I chose to be inspired by this sketch that she had posted to her blog:
I used my kit and these inspirations to create this page:
Although, you can see, my page doesn't look anything like Jennifer's page:
Thank you for dropping by my blog today, I would love to hear from you! Do you think I was successful in taking inspiration from Jennifer?
Here is the blog hop list once again:
Stephanie http://skylinepaperie.blogspot.de
Milissa http://millermall.blogspot.com
Come back and see me again soon!
March Counterfeit Kit Challenge Members Blog Hop
Good Morning all! Welcome to the blog hop for the members of the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog! Unfortunately I am running behind in getting my blog post up, due to technical difficulties in my kitchen remodel today, so my post will not be up until around 9 am CST (7 am MST) on the 24th, instead of midnight, like I had originally planned. I do have my page complete, so I can give you a quick sneak peek:
And here is the list of participants in the hop:
CKCB http://www.counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.de
And here is the list of participants in the hop:
CKCB http://www.counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.de
Stephanie http://skylinepaperie.blogspot.de
Milissa http://millermall.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Getting Back into the Swing of Things... Sharing on Saturday
I must admit, it has been a while since I posted. I've been in a bit of a creative funk-and this dreary weather hasn't helped at all! It is a bit harder right now to photograph projects/blog/etc, since my father in law is still living with us, and doesn't understand my "computer things" at all, lol! He will be in his own place soon-and I am sure that I will miss having him around to chat with when he's gone (plus, it's kinda nice having someone to help with the dishes, house work, and everything!) Anyway, I have still been scrapping! I took Shimelle's Return To The Collection, and am working on several pages inspired by that (seriously putting a dent in my Glitz Wild and Free paper pad, and my Amy Tangerine Yes, Please paper pad-woohoo!!) As soon as I get some of the pages finished, I will share them!
Also, I started planning a fun family vacation for this summer (my kids' first trip to Disney!), and amobsessing over planning that . We are surprising them(my kids don't read my blog, shh!!), and I think I am as excited as a big kid about it myself! I can't wait to take a million pictures and share them!! If you have ever been to Walt Disney World, and have any advice, I would love to hear it. There are several big events (Star Wars weekend, 24 Hour Show Your Disney Side party) happening while we are there, so I know that it will be extremely busy.
On a totally unrelated note, I have felt the need for some scrappy inspiration for a few weeks, and I saw the jolt that I needed on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog this morning! The inspiration that they chose for this month is a warm, pretty kit from Cocoa Daisy; Color Swatch:
I had a few of the papers, and the warm colors reminded me of sunshine, so I was off to the races! I came up with this kit, which I am entitling "Spring Sunrise", in hopes that spring sunshine is just around the corner for us in TN (Although they tell me that we may get winter storms tomorrow -blechh!):
A look at the papers only:
And a closer look at some of the yummy embellishments:
As you can see, I stuck with the raspberry and sunny golden tones of the inspiration kit, but added in a bit of mint/sky blue to take it to a more spring-like than Valentine's style kit. I filled the kit with designs that I love, from Dear Lizzy's Lucky Charm, Polka Dot Party, Maggie Holmes Flea Market, Amy Tangerine's Yes Please (looove those pink cameras), one from Carta Bella's Wildflower, and a couple from American Crafts My Girl. I did go a little heavier on the embellishments than the Cocoa Daisy kit, but it is always tough editing out embellishments for kits! I have an assortment of old and new, trendy and classic, messy and simple. Thickers in 2 sizes and colors, an older gold Making Memories alpha in a smaller font, Perfect Pearls mist and Dylusions, gold glitter tape, a stencil, some photo overlays, Maggie Holmes hairpin embellies, flowers, a glassine envelope, a couple of Maya Rd polka dot envelopes, enamel dots, Cosmo Cricket chipboard stickers, Glitz layered stickers, AC heart shaped buttons, a partial package of puffy stickers, some DIY chalkboard flair from AC, and stitched layered butterfly stickers.
I can't wait to put this warm and happy kit to use!
Also, I started planning a fun family vacation for this summer (my kids' first trip to Disney!), and am
On a totally unrelated note, I have felt the need for some scrappy inspiration for a few weeks, and I saw the jolt that I needed on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog this morning! The inspiration that they chose for this month is a warm, pretty kit from Cocoa Daisy; Color Swatch:
As you can see, I stuck with the raspberry and sunny golden tones of the inspiration kit, but added in a bit of mint/sky blue to take it to a more spring-like than Valentine's style kit. I filled the kit with designs that I love, from Dear Lizzy's Lucky Charm, Polka Dot Party, Maggie Holmes Flea Market, Amy Tangerine's Yes Please (looove those pink cameras), one from Carta Bella's Wildflower, and a couple from American Crafts My Girl. I did go a little heavier on the embellishments than the Cocoa Daisy kit, but it is always tough editing out embellishments for kits! I have an assortment of old and new, trendy and classic, messy and simple. Thickers in 2 sizes and colors, an older gold Making Memories alpha in a smaller font, Perfect Pearls mist and Dylusions, gold glitter tape, a stencil, some photo overlays, Maggie Holmes hairpin embellies, flowers, a glassine envelope, a couple of Maya Rd polka dot envelopes, enamel dots, Cosmo Cricket chipboard stickers, Glitz layered stickers, AC heart shaped buttons, a partial package of puffy stickers, some DIY chalkboard flair from AC, and stitched layered butterfly stickers.
I can't wait to put this warm and happy kit to use!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Growing in Unity Blog Hop
Last year, I was lucky enough to be chosen as a blog to do a Growing in Unity blog series with Unity stamps, which I quite enjoyed! So, when I was asked to be a part of a GIU hop I of course agreed! And, as things sometimes go with moves, nothing has gone my way since I agreed! No luck getting internet installed at my house yet- they are coming back Tuesday, and I should finally be back on the web. But I was able to use the fantastic stamp set that they sent to me, take some photos with my iphone, and get a post together for you guys!
The page that I made:
The Stamp set that I used:
Stamp of the Week - Whatever the Weather Rain Boots
I stamped on white card stock with blueberry ink from Papertrey ink, coated with Glossy Accents for a shiny effect, and topped them off with a pink bow from Maggie Holmes Flea Market die cut pack. All supplies other than the stamps from Unity were from the Flea Market collection.
Thank you for visiting with me today, be sure to hop along to the rest of the Growing in
Unity girls and see what they have made with this stamp set!
Here is the list of blogs to check out:
The page that I made:
The Stamp set that I used:
Stamp of the Week - Whatever the Weather Rain Boots
$5.79 / week (includes shipping USA)
As a member you get an exclusive stamp
delivered to your door EVERY WEEK at this special price.
You can purchase ANY past Stamp of the Week for
$4. Non-members cannot purchase Stamps of the Week until they are released once
per year.
This stamp will not be found in stores! It is a
special stamp offered for the Stamp of the Week Membership Program. All stamps
are deeply etched, red rubber, mounted on cling foam and are perfectly pre-cut!
A closer look at the cute rainboots that I used on my page:
Thank you for visiting with me today, be sure to hop along to the rest of the Growing in
Unity girls and see what they have made with this stamp set!
Here is the list of blogs to check out:
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Thursday, January 2, 2014
Top 13 of 2013...and an update!
So, This happened:
We sold our house, and closed on it a week before Christmas. Which means we are moving this week...so, crazy busy! But, I will take a little time out to share my favorites from the layouts that I made this past year, and once we get settled,I will share our new home with you!
1.) This was a page I made for my JYC album last year, and it made it to the 2Peas newsletter and the top 3 on 2Peas, which was a first for me, so I was super excited.
2.) I was inspired by a Shimelle class to make this page, and it made it to the Top 3 on 2Peas, also:
We sold our house, and closed on it a week before Christmas. Which means we are moving this week...so, crazy busy! But, I will take a little time out to share my favorites from the layouts that I made this past year, and once we get settled,I will share our new home with you!
1.) This was a page I made for my JYC album last year, and it made it to the 2Peas newsletter and the top 3 on 2Peas, which was a first for me, so I was super excited.
2.) I was inspired by a Shimelle class to make this page, and it made it to the Top 3 on 2Peas, also:
3.)This next page was made for a guest designer challenge at My Mind's Eye and Gossamer Blue. I didn't get the spot, but I did get a page that I loved!
4.)This next page is one of my favorites, simply because it makes me happy! I love the photo of my son and his best friend, the memory that it captured, the fun, happy colors, and those gorgeous Giant Rhinestones from Glitz!
5.) This page was already one of my favorites, because I used some of my favorite supplies of the year on it-yummy papers from Maggie Holmes and Dear Lizzy, Primrose and Gold Lame Color Shine mist, doilies and butterflies, glitter Thickers,an Amy Tan stamped camera...I just love it all! And then Shimelle featured it on her blog, which made my week!
6.) Another favorite, based on another Shimelle sketch, and again, the supplies I used just make me happy, along with the photo of all four of my kids together.
7.) I love this layout because I am actually in the picture and I don't totally hate it, it is a great memory of my girls and I all going to our first ballet together, and that woodgrain chevron from Cosmo Cricket! Swoon!
8.) This one I definitely don't love for the photo-I have never loved a photo of myself in a swimsuit; but what a great memory with my sweetie, and I love the Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm supplies I used:
9.) I love this layout, because I feel the Amy Tan papers highlight the photos beautifully, and I was very proud of the photos:
10.)This one just makes me happy, with the lush Teresa Collins papers and the pretty flowers:
11.) I was lucky enough to be a guest of Shimelle's blog for National Scrapbook Day, and this is the page that I made for that:
12.) This next page is a little outside of my normal style, as it is much more masculine/less frilly. But I love the pics of my son playing football, and the puffy glitter stars!!
13.) This one is just one of those pages that came together better than I pictured it in my head (rare!)-everything just flowed!
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