LUCKY DAY

It's been my lucky day in more ways than one. First, I was nearly in a car accident today when the two cars in front of me crashed into one another. Fortunately, I was able to avoid hitting them. Whew! it was a close one! Also, had a very nice lunch with my sweetie at one of my fav places-First Watch. It's only open for breakfast and lunch-do you have one near you? Anywho, then it was off to another fav place-Robin's Nest. Picked up a couple teacher gifts and then made a stop at a little junk store near home (but not my usual Friday afternoon haunt). Found this glass dish and sweet rosaries and 10 Commandment bracelet and lookey, lookey...

yes, I have been looking for a frame just like this for a project for several weeks. Only $2! I was SO excited that I nearly screamed. Can't wait to work on that project and some valentine things this weekend.

My pile is growing. I have two more packages on their way to me and then I think I'm going to give it a whirl. I think. Love the look, but a little nervous to use all this fabulous paper on the wall. Could also just use scrapbook paper like my pals at Red Lead, but it just wouldn't have the same look to me. Although I do want to use some sheet music and maybe some old book paper. What do you think? Also, unless I prime the wall first it's probably not comin' off anytime too soon. We'll see. Until then, I just keep collecting and sorting by color-pink, blue, yellow and green in the yummiest of shades.

BTW, if you're longing for Spring and already finding February to feel like the longest month of the year, head on over to Sally Jean's BLOG. She has a great list of prompts for fun and frivolity the whole month through!

Have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. I think Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch are on their way out-THANK GooDNESS!

A New Addiction

I have a new addiction, well, maybe not new, but an addiction nonetheless. Since this past summer, I've had a love affair with vintage wallpaper, but after seeing what Pam Garrison did to her closet I am madly and deeply in love with 30's and 40's vintage wallpaper. The colors, textures, their patina. Last night I was gathering my small collection and noticed the backs of some of them had the most charming decorating tips on the backs. Makes them even more endearing, don't you think?

I've measured the wall on which I'd like to apply them and well, it's hard to say just how many pieces I'd need to do the patchwork treatment. I think it would take at least 80-100 pieces-yep, that's ALOT! I'm hoping to add to my meager collection, but I have to "log out of Etsy and back away from the computer" before I get into some real trouble. Who knows though-this might just motivate me to purge the supplies in my studio and get organized. Gotta get rid of some stuff!

Still in kind of a funk this week, but hoping to SNAP OUT OF IT! Here's something I stumbled upon that's giving me something to think about.

Always been a dream of mine, but never quite sure where to start or what to zero in on. Such a romantic notion to follow your bliss, but in reality it is always much more than what you bargain for. Something to think about, I guess. The world of online stores, particularly Etsy are very intriguing. That would be "a very good place to start" as Maria says. :)

Okay, I think it's time for a little microderm abrasion and early to bed. Have a good rest of the week!

It's Official

I have the blah's. Yes, my faithful readers that's right. And I just can't seem to shake them. I've tried to chase them away with daydreams. I've tried to shop them away with Michael's and Target and the junk store. I've tried to sing them away with Dierks Bently in my car as I went down the road free and easy like. I've had momentary relief while watching 27 Dresses w/ my sister on Saturday, teaching Sunday School this morning, but yep, I have 'em. The blah's.

Not sure what to say about it other than that. Except, this too shall pass. Until then, I continue to try and keep them at bay-a little crafting, cleaning out a drawer here and there, deep cleaning the bathroom. Good therapy, but still can't seem to get much accomplished. All these things I want to do and just. can't. do. it. Frustrating.

This was inspiring to me though. Maybe once I get a few other things done I can attempt this. Click over to this BLOG to see what I mean 'cause yep, my camera battery is dead so no photos here. Look out blah's-your days are numbered!

Random Stuff

i hate winter and canNOT wait for spring

my feet are always FREEZING (one of the reasons I dislike winter)

would not trade my hairstylist and pedicurist for anything-they're FABULOUS

i miss my mom and dad being here-seems strange they're not here now when i get home from work

i ordered some very cool shelves from pottery barn and can't wait until they arrive to do something like this

wish i could stop my kids from growing up so fast-one will be 10 in a month and the oldest will be 21 in april-hard to believe

also wish i wasn't such a procrastinator and/or perfectionist-it dibilitates and frustrates me

can't wait to see some movies-27 dresses, atonement are just a couple i want to see very soon

going to make myself complete some projects this weekend-no matter how small

thankful that jeff watches out for me when i'm too lazy to do so myself

hoping to plan a special valentine's dinner soon-might try chocolate souffle

loving my new one year bible and disciplining myself to read from it each day

need to remember to buy spray paint-amazing what a little white paint will do for a junk store frame

wish i knew how to make fancy frames or brushes on my photos like some of the "professional" bloggers-makes their photos look so fun, SEE?

got another great globe at the junk store-only 3.99-YOWSER! collecting them for brady, but not sure why-neither is he

need to go clothes shopping, but it's SO depressing

i need sunshine and flowers in a BIG way-looking forward to 50ish degrees and sunshine on sunday and the antique mall-my reward for accomplishing some stuff on saturday...

maybe i'll find some of the stuff i've been looking for-fingers crossed

Can't Wait Til Spring

Guest blogger says:
Such a dreary day today and Patti needed a spring boost. Had to make a trip to Dierbergs and low and behold found this springtime bouquet. Cheers you right up doesn't it
Little sister - - - how do you like this???

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Brrr...it was only 4 degrees when we got up this morning. That didn't keep me at home though. Nope. Not that I was real productive either, but I had a very enjoyable day nonetheless. Just running around and hanging out with mom and my sister most of the day. Hitting the clearance aisles at Gordmans and Linens n Things and a boutique here and there. We also managed to work in a stop at Goodwill where mom and I picked up some men's wool sweaters. We're going to try and make felted purses. Yes, that and a half dozen other things we should've been home working on instead of running around in the cold. Now I'm wiped out and starting to get a sore throat. Nice.

Oh, well. Tomorrow's another day. Going to see what I can accomplish yet tonight. Winter Bella e-Zine has me on inspiration overload this week. On the hunt for several things for some of the projects I want to complete. Anyone have any old picture frames? How about a wooden cigar box? Lavender by the scoop? Making me crazy that I can't seem to find anything. Out all day and only spent $9 for the old sweaters-kind of a miracle for me. Even passed up darling Bethany Lowe Valentine goodies. Yep, I must be coming down with something! Now I'm wishing I had grabbed the banner-so, so cute, but was very pricey. Hard to pay that when you can make something similiar yourself, but I may have to reconsider.

I'm off to put on my fuzzy slippers and get cozy for the night. I'm already thinkin' about hitting my favorite antique mall tomorrow. Cold or not-I'm on a mission so I can make some projects!

UPDATED: This morning (Sunday) when we got up around 7:30 am it was only 2 degrees! Haven't seen it that cold here in sometime.

S M I L E

These are some of the things making me smile as I reflect on this past weekend:

• Brady beginning every sentence with, "Behold!" Makes you want to listen up, doesn't it?!
  


• Visits to Red Lead-just love those gals and their style and how they inspire me to let go and make something. Here's a little something I'm working on using their new Valentine's Day inchie stamps-my take on one of their projects.



• Spending time with my sister- she's such a doll and I'm so proud of her.
  
• Jeff's requests for brownies-a regular weekend occurence. I'm happy to oblige.
  
• Daisy D's valentine stuff- so very vintage and sweet.



• Found objects and treasures and friends who share them. Can't wait to get to work on some of the goodies from Shirley and Trisha-thanks, girls!



• This ultra quick calendar project from Jenni Bowlin- she keeps coming up with products that blow me away. And I love this photo of my dad and Brady. It's been so good for Brady to have them here with us. The cover is very pretty with a beautiful vintage millinery flower. Taking it to work tomorrow to replace my dollar spot calendar. Really just for reference, but will add a favorite photo from each month and at the end of the year will have a little album.


• A Sunday afternoon nap.

And here's a couple for today-

• Deer spied in our backyard by Dad this morning and me fumbling with my camera. Duh! I had it set on the macro setting and wasn't able to capture the 5 or 6 trotting through this morning. But it was fun hearing him hoop and holler-and he wonders where I get it from!


• American Idol is back tonight-YEAH!


• Realizing that tomorrow is already Wednesday-ready for the weekend already.
  

And this one made me smile, AND cry today-

• Cam texting me this afternoon to tell me he loved me. Then this afternoon he told me why. The song I used to sing to him when he was little came on the radio, "Somewhere Out There" from American Tale.

What made you smile this weekend? Today?

Whistle A Happy Tune!

Just a quick post as DH is due home at any minute and we're headed out for the evening. Just catching up on the goings on in blog land, new music on ITunes and enjoying a cup of English Toffee cappuccino (sorry, Dad I couldn't resist-had to dip into your stash). I am really looking forward to the weekend. I have so many things I want to do that I'm not sure what to do first. Looking forward to a visit with my sister tomorrow as we go treasure hunting and to working on various projects around here. Maybe hoping to even get into my studio to start digging through and clearing out. I'm sure that's wishful thinking on my part-the weekend is only two days long after all.

Whatever you have planned-enjoy and don't forget to whistle a happy tune. If only I could whistle-guess I'll have to hum!

Sailor's Delight

This was the sunset tonight. The photo SO does not do it justice, but I was playing with the panoramic setting on my camera. The color was really intense. A ride off into the sunset kind of sunset.

And this was waiting for me when I got home. My mom fixed dinner for us this evening-chicken pot pie and this wonderful Blueberry Crumb Cake. YUM! What a treat! Even Brady was overcome by the smell when he came home from school, Mom said.

Not much going on, but I did pick up my new Bible so I can get started on one of my goals for the new year. And I got the Amy Grant's new(ish) book, Mosaic. Very anxious to read it so I plan to wind down early and cozy up with it.

Hopefully, the saying will bode true for tomorrow...

red sky at night, sailor's delight.

The weather here is SO gloomy today. Makes me want to put my jammies on and climb into bed already. Can you imagine how long the days might have seemed before there was electricity? Thought about that last night when Mom and I were making crochet flowers to pass the time since there was nothing of real interest on television. It was refreshing to have an "unplugged" night and delve into home arts.

So fun to pick up crocheting again and work on it with mom. I can remember my Grandma and aunts visiting and watching TV while crocheting up a storm. How did they do that?! I could barely keep up as Mom called out each set of stitches to me from the pattern. I'm working my way into knitting-although I'm getting addicted to these flowers. Can't beleve how many variations there are. Here's the one I made last night. Mom added the vintage button and TA DA! instant pin for my jacket lapel. Just had to wear it to work today. Made me smile every time I looked down and saw it.

Keeping busy with my Winter bella e-Zine, too. Here's the decorative project from this weekend. A sweet, simple reminder of the promise that Spring days lie ahead. I'm loving using things I have on hand in new and unexpected ways. My fav part of this tho' is the tag made from a downloaded page of an old French book about birds. The shape of the tag was made using an empty punchout from a sheet of tags as a template-WAY COOL idea. SO glad I didn't throw that out-see, sometimes it pays to be a packrat! :)

We've enjoyed a few days of spring-like weather, but I can already feel the temperature dropping as winter weather takes hold once more. Not alot on TV again this evening-I'm ready for the writer's strike to be over, aren't you? So I plan to put on some comfy clothes and work on the newest Winter Bella project and maybe make another flower or two!

Penny for MY thoughts?

Probably, not. But here ya go...

My sister informed me that you aren't supposed to purchase anything new the first 90 days of the year. It's a green thing, I guess. Does she know that's three. whole. months?!? Well, I already broke that rule anyway by the time she informed me. ha! I am resolved to be very selective about anything new I bring into the house. Seriously.

Usually by the after Christmas sales I'm not in much of a mood to go back and get Christmas things, but I was SO lucky to have spied these. They sold out in no time in our area, but I found them while at Jeff's Mom's Target. Isn't it funny how everyone has a Target?! :)

In breaking the aforementioned rule (three times in this one post!), I found this little treasure at the "junk" store. I also found these and plan to paint them cream. I've been inspired ALOT lately by Becky Novacek. Check out photos of her home HERE. She is also just super inspiring overall. Can you believe she is a grandma?! Anyway, love what she can do with a secondhand frame and some paint. How warm does it need to be to spray paint do ya think? Hmmm...oops! too late, I already sprayed the small one while waiting for my photos to load (54 degrees here already this morning). I know just the photo I'm going to put in it to add to my family room wall, too. Not sure about that accent color thing yet. Going to go for some texture in the white frames and use all black and white photos for sure.

Plan to get all of the Christmas hauled back to the basement today, but just couldn't do it last night. Instead, this is what I did. The first project of Winter Bella. Thanks, Mom for nudging me to scan this BINGO card before using it. ;)

And the beaded hanger-well, that was a necklace I spied at the "junk" store yesterday that I took apart and reused Rebecca Sower like. I love the way it pops the blue out of the papers IRL. Otherwise, all made w/ scraps and stuff I already had. Gotta love that! Not sure what I'll do with the finished project, but I like what it says and it felt SO good to make something after a couple of weeks. Hoping to do that Year In Review project later today or tomorrow. Stay tuned for that and a nifty vignette idea from this week's Winter Bella e-Zine.

I love this list of ideas of things to do in January when the after-the-holiday blah's arrive. Click HERE to check them out. Of course, the list was compiled by Sally Jean who totally inspires me-hopefully her list will inspire you as well. Many of them are very simple ideas about reviving and renewal. Some as simple as-write a letter to someone, seal it with a kiss and mail it! When was the last time you "wrote" a letter? See? Fun stuff!

Okay, this is turning into a WAY long post and I have lots to do this weekend before my favorite house guests return so I'd better scoot. They've inspired me to get SO MUCH done the past couple of weeks and I want to keep my momentum going. Missing you guys, by the way.

Have a great weekend!

I "heart" the Dollar Spot!

Our local Target has refilled their Dollar Spot with oodles of Valentine's goodies and I just couldn't resist. Here's what I came home with-cute apron, silicon baking dish, dishtowels and sweet stamps. A word of caution however, some of these items were more than a dollar. Hasty me didn't realize that until I got home. Still great deals. Bring on the next holiday!

Also made a stop at Michael's and picked up some yarn and a needle in an attempt to begin making good on one of my intentions for the new year. Have a couple of other "new year" projects to complete first and then I'm going to give it a whirl. I haven't made anything in a couple weeks so I'm itching to do so this weekend. Winter Bella e-Zine has begun and I'm going to do the year-in-review project from my last week of class with Heidi Swapp's Big Picture class. Very sweet and I've already picked out my 10 highlight events of 2007. Can't wait to pick out the photos and share this when I'm finished. I've got the fever so I'll be back with those.

AND lastly not to be an enabler or anything, but our Target now has Wall Quotes (vinyl lettering that looks handpainted when applied) . They have several phrases to choose from and are very pretty-most $16.99. I bought one tonight and hope to put it up on a wall in our family room along with a group of framed family photos next week. So, so excited about this. Photos to come upon completion! Now, should I paint that wall in an accent color first? Hmmm... ;)

All Good Things

As they say, all good things must come to an end. And so we say goodbye to 2007 and welcome 2008. A new beginning, a fresh start. Another year to get it right, to make new memories, to accomplish new goals-or in my case, attempt to reach the ones we didn't quite reach the previous year.

We rang in the new year in typical fashion - we ate take-out and huddled in watching mindless TV and the clock as we struggled to stay up just long enough to wish one another Happy New Year. We spent a little time this morning sharing a couple of our intentions for 2008, but the big attraction today is the Cotton Bowl. Jeff's beloved Fighting Illini are playing today. He's already geared up in his blue and orange and in his recliner! I have the TIVO recording the parade for watching later today. I may take in some shopping or a movie later this afternoon.

Because I fail so miserably with most of my New Year's resolutions, I won't bore you with my entire list. But I do intend to try and learn to knit and to make a quilt this year (with Amy Butler fabrics). Lots of artful endeavors on my list, but some serious ones, too. Hope to get back to reading my Bible on a regular basis and to be more introspective. And I plan to look into the "one little word" philosophy/blog. I'm loving this one lately...

Do you make new year's resolutions? If so, would you share one? If not, share why you choose not to make resolutions. May this year bring you all good things.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Christmas Story

Well, I've lived to tell. A week ago I didn't think that would be the case! So much to do and it always seems like so little time to get it all done. But in the end, it's always so worth it. This is proof of that. See those happy faces? Lots of memories made. So grateful for all of my many blessings. Especially, my family and being able to spend time together. It truly is one of our favorite places to be.

Short post tonight as I'm still recovering from all the hoopla. Looking forward to getting back to a "normal" schedule in a week or so, but trying to enjoy this time to snuggle in and relax a little. Hope this finds everyone basking in the warm glow of sweet Christmas memories.

Waitin' For the Man with the Bag

Yes, still blogging. Still wrapping, crafting and other such nonsense. And trying to avoid more cleaning. I've made alot of progress over the last few weeks, but there seems to be a never ending list of things to do. That's how it is when your a procrastinator. Even the best of intentions come back to smack you upside the head for not acting upon them earlier. Oh, well. It will get done and tomorrow I'm focusing on my family and spending time with them. The rest, won't matter at that point. I'll just pick up the ball the next day.

And if you think I'm crazy for the litany of things I'm doing at the final moment, well check this out. Yes, mom couldn't bear that my tree was going topless! She made this star from paper and we glittered it together this afternoon while we made peanut clusters. TA-DA! instant heirloom!See? It runs in the family. :)

I'm off to wait for the man with the big red bag. We've been tracking him on Norad and other sites. Lots of fun with a nine year old who still believes. We've all been ordered to be in bed by 8:50 pm tonight! He just.can't.wait!

Wrapapalooza

It's crunch time, folks. If you're the one in your family primarily responsible for holiday happiness you know what I mean. I've been wrapping like a fiend and I'm nearly finished. Just two or three small gifts left and the wrapapalooza at my house will be over. Well, except for a few Santa gifts (ssshh, don't tell!).

I actually enjoy wrapping, but at some point you begin wishing you were through. Here are few of my favorites this year. I hope the recipients enjoy opening them as much as I did getting them ready. You can see I'm clearly a fan of the velvet ribbon!

Well, I'm off to clean up my wrapping mess. Now that I can check that off, I'm on to the many other items on my list. Just in case I don't get back here before the big day, have a wonderful holiday. May the blessings of the season be yours.

Merry Christmas!

O, Tannenbaum

Our tree is finally up. Thanks in no small part to Mom. I was so touched this afternoon when she shared why it was so important to her that we get our tree up every year (it's always such a struggle for me). Mom said one year their family had nothing at all for Christmas and my grandmother was frustrated and angry and didn't want to even put up a tree. Mom said she and her sisters and brother were really disappointed and upset. So that's why every year Mom stays on me until I get with the program and get a tree up. Several years, my sister, Marisa has picked up the baton even so far as to accompany me to the Christmas tree lot. Mom, thanks for reminding me what a privilege it is to have a tree with twinkling lights, beautiful decorations and a warm home in which to display it. Now it seems more official that Christmas is coming.

Let the merriment begin!

My Favorite Things

Updated: photos added. Thanks for your patience!




I was driving to work this morning listening to my newest Christmas cd-Michael W Smith's, It's A Wonderful Christmas and as I noticed the geese flying against the grey sky, I was reminded of the song, My Favorite Things. You know the line, "...wild geese that fly with the moon on their wing"? In keeping with the favorite things theme, I thought I'd share of few of my favorite things this holiday season. I hope some of you will leave a comment and share some of your favorites of the season as well. ;)

• Clementine oranges

• Peppermint everything-have you had the Trader Joe's peppermint cookies? YUM!



• Handmade gifts (the photo is my fav one to make so far this year)

Love all the sources for inspiration this year. Have you been watching Martha? She had darling make it yourself tassel earrings and handmade cufflinks and leather cardholders on her show today. CUTE! You can find info on the Blueprint or Martha's website. Love what she said about blogging today and how she interacted with her young editors.

• The music of Christmas-loving my newest one by Smitty-all of his Christmas cd's are among my favorites, but this one is just beautiful. Also love old favorites from Jewel, Shawn Colvin, The Isaacs, Harry Connick. Music definitely sets the mood-makes grey skies soothing and comforting, especially after seeing them daily for a couple weeks! The Pottery Barn Christmas collections are wonderful, BTW.



• Memories of childhood Christmases, but also memories of travelling with the (college) choir at Christmas-those were magical times. Our professor loved Christmas and it was a highlight to visit their home after our "home" concert to see their magnificent tree and vast collection of heirloom ornaments. This is the photo of Jeff I mentioned in a previous post.




• Packaging-check your junk mail this time of year for lots of eye candy and inspiration. Are you collecting the stamps from your Christmas cards? HINT: anything in a cellophane bag looks great!



• Cherry red, bright blue and green with silver AND gold-very vintage, but also loving soft blue and pink and white, always lots and lots of white.



• Comfort & Joy E-zine-best thing I could've done to stay inspired and get my handmade gifts completed this year.



• The Figgy Pudding line of doublesided papers from Basic Grey. Here are the pocket cards I made with some of those papers. I love this idea!




• Martha's Christmas line at Macy's-have you seen the butterfly boxes/ornaments? Beautiful!



• Velvet ribbon
  
  
• The Holiday (my new must watch dvd this time of year), but also love Holiday Inn, Christmas In Connecticut and White Christmas.



• Starbucks gift cards-pass the cheer!
  

And, if you're keeping track there are only 12 more shopping/getting ready for Christmas days left! It's crazy how we all dash about at this time of year, isn't it? And dash away I must--don't forget to share your favorites!

Holiday Vignettes

Thought I'd share of few of the vignettes that are coming together as I pull out our Christmas decorations. I've been particularly inspired this year by Rebecca Sower and Heather Bullard. I know I've mentioned them before, but you can check them out on their blogs HERE and HERE. BTW, Heather has a fantastic online store and you can purchase handmade art by Rebecca from her Etsy shop.

So fun to get all the decorations out each year. Like visiting old friends. Some of these are old favorites-special finds. This is one of my very favorites.

This is Sad Tom-seriously, that's the name the designer gave him. They are very hard to find as are the Billy Buttons snowmen that Dept 56 put out years ago. I always place Sad Tom near the photo of Jeff as a toddler crying on Santa's lap. Jeff's mom shared this photo with me which was in their hometown paper one Christmas. I'll have to share that later on, but you might be able to see a little peek of it in the background.

Just like everyone at this time of year, I have lots to do. The lists are long and distinguished. Much more than what I actually have time or energy to do! But I'm making progress-I about have the snowman project wrapped up-literally and now I'm on to make a few more things. Loving the homemade holiday idea, but it is time consuming, that's for sure. Super energized by my Comfort & Joy e-zine and so that's really helping to keep the momentum going. Still hope to get the tree up Sunday evening and some baking done this week as well as getting a family photo made and the accompanying cards out.

For now, I'm off to make brownies for my sweetie. Have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Did anyone see the very cool idea Martha had on her show yesterday using newspaper or other paper scraps, a knitting needle, clay and diamond dust? Very cool. I'm sure the directions are on her website. I hope I get a chance to try it!

DIY Stress Relief

It is only December 5th and already many are feeling the effects of the holiday rush. I was in the post office today and there was nearly a brawl because a worker had changed the number roll and the numbers were all of out order! Finally, someone had the bright idea to line up in the order we came in. Geesh! But, if you are already stressed and can't get from underneath your to-do list then pour yourself a glass of wine, make a cup of tea or grab the chocolate and check out a couple do-it-yourself stress relievers.

The first was sent to me via email tonight. Click on this link to Elf Yourself. You can load up to four different photos and you can even record a message with your own voice. This is hysterical! The only trick is choosing a photo that can be sized correctly. I gave up after awhile, but it is really funny.

The second stress reliever is the project from Day 3 of my Comfort & Joy e-zine. Take several glass Christmas ornaments (I chose gold 'cause that's what I had laying around) and remove the

hanger.

Place the ornaments in a heavy ziploc bag and seal closed.

Then proceed to break the ornaments into teeny tiny pieces using a rolling pin, icecream scoop

or other heavy object.

This not only relieves stress, but will leave you with beautiful glass glitter shards you can use on

all kinds of holiday projects. It's a two-fer! And if you have broken ornaments this is a great green idea for recycling them into something else. I'll share what I did with my glitter soon. And since this is truly glass glitter, be sure to keep it out of the way of children and pets.

Okay, I'm off to work on my own to do list. If you're feeling stressed I hope you'll try one or both of these. Otherwise, just stop, breathe and remember the reason for the season. :)

A Work In Progress

That is me-a work in progress. Always starting something and struggling to complete it or get it right and never quite getting there. In fact, I feel like that sums up my life in general. However, I think it's good to constantly be working on things and especially to be striving to evolve as a person. The apostle Paul said, "I press on...straining for the goal". I want to be a better mom, friend, sister, wife. I want to be the person that God would have me to be. Most days I fail miserably. Today's one of those days. House in shambles, take-out food for dinner, shooing Brady off to bed, knee deep in making Christmas gifts and shopping online, words chosen poorly throughout the day. And rushing, always rushing.

Photo is one of many works in progress on my kitchen island tonight. This is the project for Day 2 of Comfort & Joy. Not quite finished, of course! Oh, well. Tommorrow's another day and another chance to get right.

Comfort & Joy

The clock is ticking-only 24 shopping days until Christmas! Where does the time go? Well, I'm trying to make the most of it and as usual have probably bitten off more than I can chew. As if I didn't already have plenty to do, I signed up for the 12 Days of Comfort & Joy E-Zine that Teresa McFayden is hosting. Today's project -a gift diary was perfect since I was trying to make lists and get organized this morning. Just loved Teresa's sample, but for once broke away and kinda did my own thing. I know, can you believe it?!

Basically, we just embellished a litte notebook to carry lists and notes about the gifts we're shopping for. Of course, Teresa used a vintage date book and replaced the inside pages with cardstock. Like I said, I did mine a smidge different and a little less complicated. It's not super Christmasy on the outside either. Lately, I am really loving these Amy Butler papers and these out-of-the-ordinary Christmas colors that I carried over from the banner I made recently.

Loved that the ledger paper had a "25" on it. Put tabs along the edges to jazz it up and also to have a spot for favorites of this year-songs, colors, stores, etc-things I want to remember next year and beyond.

I even dated my diary hoping to maybe follow Teresa's lead and do this annually. I also followed her lead and set aside pages for those nearest and dearest to me. I used vintag-y Daisy D's cardstock tags-I have a thing for Christmas tags so I thought this was fun to label my pages this way.

And I made a little ribbon bookmark with this beautiful crushed velvet ribbon and a couple buttons-my ode to Rebecca Sower.

This is a really quick, satisfying little project and now I'm organized and ready to get my shopping done. I'll add more details and embellishments to my diary as I go along, but wanted to make sure to at least get the basics done today. I didn't want to get behind on the comfort and joy the very first day!. I definitely want to add a pocket for receipts and maybe even one for ticket stubs. And I'm naturally on the hunt for a Creative Imaginations Christmas swatch book of rubons to use on my cover page which Teresa used in her sample. Yep, still a copycat at heart.

Can't wait for day 2 of Comfort & Joy. Happy shopping!

Oh, yeah-the seal punch-that is from Martha. It was a total splurge, but I am SO loving it!