Friday, July 29, 2011

My First Session

I was very honored when my sister asked me if I would take some engagement photos for her and her fiancé, Nate. I’m not going to lie. I was a bit nervous. It is one thing for me to take photos for me, but when other people ask me, I feel like the pressure is on.

It’s the first time I’ve ever taken photos of this type, and I feel proud of the results. I’m just hoping that they like them as much as I do. I learned a lot from the experience, especially more about all of the amazing features on my camera.

Here are the results…

Ashley and Nate's Engagement Collage

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If you’d like to see the rest of the photos, you can click on the album below.

Ashley and Nate, I hope it was all you expected it to be. Love you guys!
Thanks for letting me be a part of this!

A New Place to Dine

Do any of you remember way-back-when when I told you that the cabin had jumped leaps and bounds in improvements? If you don’t remember what I’m talking about or if you weren’t a reader back then, you can read my last update about the cabin here.

Just for a quick reminder, the cabin has been a long time project for the Langham family, but it had a complete makeover last year. Since then, we have put what little extra time {like a miniscule amount of time} was available towards furnishing it and adding small touches to it.

Today though, I can say that a major addition will be made to the cabin in the next week. Colby and I got the opportunity to go see the table that Colby’s mom had ordered through a good friend of ours. He actually constructed the table himself.

I’ll go ahead and give you guys a sneak peek though. I’ll post it inside the cabin as soon as it gets moved there. For now though, this is all I have.

Farm Table

Well, I have lots to do today. I hope you all have a terrific weekend!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

DIY Doorstop: Cheap and Easy

A few years ago, I had seen this doorstop idea in a magazine. I’ve saved the article in my binders that keep all of the creative and inspiring ideas that I see in the ridiculous amount of magazines that I receive.

Yesterday, I couldn’t exactly work on my to-do list at the school due to wet {but clean} carpet, so I headed back home and thought to put this project together. It’s very easy! If you have a stubborn door that will not stay open on its own or if it just requires a wedge that won’t stay in place, this is a terrific solution.

I hope you can find it useful!

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

I Couldn’t Resist…

So, the heck with taking a vacation with blogging! That’s for the birds. All of my creativity is not able to let itself out, but that’s a good thing since there is more month at the end of the money, which means there’s no extra money for some cutesy crafts I want to make.

flower gift

Speaking of money! It’s not even pay day, and I already want to cry. I feel like I’ve been sucked dry before I’ve even gotten the thing. Geez! Back to school is such a hard time anyway.

I don’t think people {other than teachers} realize how much we put out on our classrooms out of our own money. Seriously! I buy all of this stuff for my kids because I’m such a freak about organization and inflict it on my students. Then,  you have to stock up on supplies for when the well runs dry and no one wants to re-stock. Plus, when you switch rooms and grades and themes, that is a major expense because we teachers take pride in our rooms. Children should be welcomed to a new grade in a room with a good appearance. Sometimes this can be costly though.

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Then, there’s the fact that I need some new back-to-school clothes, which is ridiculously expensive. Lord! I love some cute clothes, but I can’t exactly afford the ones I want or the ones that actually fit right. Being short is not always a blessing. Trust me. Petite pants are hard to come by….especially ones that won’t shrink to the high heavens after the first ten washes and dries. I know. I know. Don’t dry them. Here’s the thing. I don’t think ahead enough with all of the rest of the stuff going on in my life to think to wash and lay my pants out. Drying pants in the dryer is a must.

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Wow! I really got off on a tangent there. Don’t mind me. I’m just getting it all off my chest.

Here’s what I really logged on to tell you all! I have made a new fan page on Facebook for the blog. Before, I have just posted new blog posts on my personal Facebook page, but I’m really bad about not adding people I don’t know. Then, I find out that they follow the blog and feel really bad. This is my solution.

Please become a fan! You can click here, and it will lead you straight to it. I promise that you will appreciate it in the long run!

So, what would a blog post be without pictures? All of these pictures are linked up to their websites thanks to Pinterest.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Vacation!

For personal reasons, I’m going to be taking a vacation from blogging. There are only a few weeks left in summer, and you’ll most likely be able to find me at the school working on my classroom and all of the new 2nd grade materials.

I’m not sure how long this vacation will last. It might be just a few days, and it might be more like a week or two. I guess we will see. I don’t know how long I can keep away sharing with you all of the crafts I have coming up {or at least want to make}.

The good news is….

I have made it through my first semester of grad school!

So, enjoy the rest of the days you have left before summer vacation is over! School’s about to start back, so it is time to make the best of what is left.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Not Your Typical Cake

I told you I’d be back with my latest cake creation, so here I am.

In addition to the Hospital Survivor Kit for the mommy-to-be, my mom, sister, and I all went in together to make a diaper cake. What I make though is not your typical diaper cake. I put so much other stuff in it, but I think it makes it a lot more fun.

It’s always a hit at showers, and I’ve been asked to make them for centerpieces at other people’s showers. I’ll be honest though. I haven’t made one in quite some time. Like I said before, I only make these for really special people because of the time and cost of these cakes, but it’s really all worth it in the end.

Kelli's Diaper Cake and Shower collage 
Kelli had the opportunity to break it apart on Sunday to see what all is really inside. This is what she found and posted on Facebook….

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If you have a mommy-to-be that you would like one of these for, I’ll be happy to make one for you. Just email me, so we can discuss the details.

I hope you all are having a terrific Tuesday!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Helping a Pregnant Woman Survive

As you all know by now, when I need a little down time or some inspiration to create something new, I turn to my most favorite website, Pinterest. Seriously, I hope I have talked enough about it by now that you asked for an invitation {I have a few left if you need one} and have browsed just as much as I have.

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A couple of weeks ago I was led to a blog and found the most adorable gift that I knew right away I would be making for my cousin’s wife, Kelli. She’s due with a baby girl, Charlee Ann, in September. I like to get creative with baby gifts, and if you’re a really special person then I will make a diaper cake for you. Kelli must be really special  because she received that + this hospital survival kit.

I’ve never been pregnant, but when creating this I tried to imagine what things I would want someone to put in a kit for me one day. I hope my friends and family are taking note! Just kidding….maybe….

Anyhow….I went to town getting some of the things that were suggested on the website, but then I added some things based on the comments others {who had been pregnant} said they added or wished they would have had.

Survival Materials

Let’s Review the Materials:

  • Notebook and Pen:
    • Sometimes you need to write down things that you want to remember once you’re out of the hospital. Where’s pen and paper when you need it? Now, it’s in the survival kit.
  • Hair Ties:
    • No one wants to be giving birth to a baby and worrying about the stupid hair that keeps falling in your face. Problem solved.
  • Nickels and Dimes:
    • Eventually, someone {the mother or the father} is going to want something from the vending machine while at the hospital.
  • Makeup Wipes:
    • A woman who has just given birth to a child shouldn’t have to get up out of bed to take off her makeup or clean her face.
  • Dry Shampoo:
    • Speaking as someone who has not had a baby, I don’t know all of the ins and outs of taking a shower after birthing a child, but from what I have read it doesn’t seem to be an enjoyable experience {more so if you have had a c-section}
  • Body Wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner {Trial Size}
    • This will help the new mama feel human again.
  • Kleenex:
    • For all of the tears of abounding joy!
  • Lip Balm:
    • Sometimes it’s the little things that you wish you had, but left at home.
  • Mouthwash
    • Mama wants some good smelling breath for daddy and the new baby =)
  • Mints
    • No one wants stinky breath!
  • Chocolate
    • If you have birthed a child, you flat deserve some chocolate!
  • Jolly Ranchers and Cookies
    • Just a little something to snack on during your stay

Since I have never birthed a child, I’m not sure exactly how helpful all of this is, but I do hope it will help the new mamas feel appreciated and loved. Most of the time it’s the little things that count so much.

After you have gathered all of your materials, you can click here and print the documents provided from the blog I originally found this from. It includes printables for the mama who is having a girl, boy, or one who is waiting to see.

I suggest printing it on cardstock. After printing, cut it out and attach the label with a few dots of glue {not too much or it will make it wrinkly}. I actually had some glue dots from the craft store on hand. Then, cut out the circle footprint tag. Punch a hole through it with a hole punch and add some color coordinating ribbon.

Add the ingredients to the bag. Put in the tissue paper.

Tah-Dah!

Survival Kit

Give this to the new mom-to-be and see a smile on her face to find what all is inside.

I’ll  be back Tuesday to share with you my latest diaper cake creation!

NOTE:
I’ve also added an insert for the mama-to-be to know what all of the little thoughts are for.  I tried adding it to Google Docs, but it wouldn’t use the fonts I had used since they were downloaded specifically to my computer. If you do want it, just let me know, and I will make some adjustments.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Two Summer Reads

Yesterday was one of those I don’t want to do anything I don’t have to do kind of days. It was all about relaxation and a few crafts for a certain mommy-to-be and her little bundle of joy that we’re about to die to meet, Charlee Ann.

The details of those will be coming next week as the shower is this weekend. Trust me. I want to post the pictures now. As a matter of fact, I already have the posts scheduled. I just couldn’t wait to do it. However, I don’t want to ruin the surprise, so I guess I’ll have to wait it out. Just know that if you’re looking for a few good baby shower gift ideas, you need to be reading on Monday and Tuesday.

As for today, school work is what is on the menu. I have avoided it all week, but it can wait no longer. So, I’m going to leave you today with a few good reads that you may be able to go out and buy and enjoy on the beach somewhere.

My Latest Read: Heaven is For Real

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This was seriously one of the best books that I have ever read. Some people have been skeptics about the book, but I just don’t see how you can be. It will bring tears to your eyes and put chill bumps on your skin.

I gave this book to my mother-in-law two nights ago. She finished it last night. Once you start, you just can’t put it down. If you want to know more about the book, just click on the picture above. It will take you to the website.

Marcie {over at Justin & Marcie} recommended this book on her blog as well. After reading what she wrote, I knew I had to go buy the book immediately. Now that I have read the book, I just want to share it with as many people as I can.

This is the same interview that Marcie shared on her page. If you have a free 20 minutes, I strongly suggest watching it. You’ll have to read the book once you watch it.

Another Good Read This Year: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

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This is another one of those books you just can’t put down. Ree describes just how she dropped all of her plans and love of being a city girl to be with a cowboy she met in a smoky bar. Her way of telling a story makes you feel like you’re right there with her.

I love a good romance story, especially a tasteful one. So, go ahead and order her book online. I’ve linked up the picture with Amazon. As you wait for it to come in the mail in the next day or so, just go ahead and start reading her blog. The first set of chapters are up on her blog because that’s what she was writing it for before publishing even came into the picture. I’ve even made it easy for you. Just click here to start reading chapter one.

So, now you have yourself two good reads to finish off your summer. I promise you won’t regret buying either book. As for me, I’m going to go get some breakfast before my stomach caves in, shower, and settle in on the couch to write a paper.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Some Inspiration…

Remember way back when? You know….when I told you I was going to be hosting some bridal showers.

Well…as part of my lazy, relaxing day yesterday, I had some time to browse pinterest {for possibly hours on end} to find some photos of inspiration. The good news is that I found just what I was looking for.

So, do you want a sneak peek?

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First of all, I taught myself how to make a monogram, which really comes in handy when you’re hosting a Monograms and Mimosas Shower.

I’m quite proud of myself!

Second……are the photos I found for inspiration on pinterest.

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Do you see a theme? I absolutely can’t wait for this shower now, but I’m going to need every moment I can spare to prepare for it.

I hope the bride-to-be is reading and approves.

I’m back on the blogging wagon! Be prepared for more posts this week.

Monday, July 11, 2011

What’s Been Happening

I’m going to be completely honest with you. I have not had the yearning to blog lately. I can’t decide if I’m in a summertime slump, or if it’s the fact that I spent last week constantly writing paper after paper, PowerPoint after PowerPoint.

Either way….my mind didn’t want to function to any level of creativity after the exhausting weekend we had celebrating our nation’s freedom.

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It was a fun-filled weekend full of family, fireworks, swimming, and tons of delish food.

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As for this week, I’m hoping to get a handle on my new classroom and finish up the last few big assignments for grad school this semester. I can actually see the end in sight, and I won’t have to look it in the eye again until October-ish.

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Lucky for me, UWA offers basically two semesters within one, which  means I will no longer have to wonder how in the world I was going to juggle showers, weddings, reunions, bachelorette parties, school, grad school, and life in general. Even though grad school has been eliminated from the list, I’m still a bit overwhelmed of how exactly I’m going to juggle what’s left in the list.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited about all of it, although of those things add up to me stressing out….a lot….already. Scary! No worries though! I can handle it. I won’t lie though that I’m already looking forward to November when things will be a little less stressful. I guess instead of looking at it as stress I should look at it as lots of fun to be had, and that’s completely true!

I hope to be able to make time to blog about all of the happenings in the coming months. These are memories that I will never want to forget. Before long, the bridal showers and weddings will pass, and baby showers will enter the new stage in of our lives. What fun that will be!

For now, I’m going to enjoy what is left of my summer with a few craft projects and fun in the sun!

Before long, it will be fall, and I’ll be excited all over again about the sounds of college football on the television, fall smells taking over my home, and decorating for one of my favorite seasons of the year.

I hope all of you are enjoying your summer!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

4th of July Last Minute Decor

I’ve been a little off the map this week due to an unusually high workload in my grad program {seeing as how it was midterms and all}. I don’t think midterms could have came at a worse time. Who wants to worry about darn school work when there’s fun to be had!

Decor has to be crafted together! Food has to be made in the traditional red, white, and blue. Family has to gather to enjoy it each other while we’re all together.

So, in the spirit of things, I pulled together a few last minute crafts today. You can even do these tomorrow just in time for all of your family and guests to arrive on Monday for the celebration of our country’s freedom.

So, to start us off….

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I found this printable on the beloved Pinterest, which linked me to this amazing blog of which I’m now going to be a faithful follower.

I loved the printable, but I just couldn’t think of what to put it in. I didn’t have any white or red frames!

Solution? Spray paint! A couple of coats of red paint, and now I have this awesome frame with the cutest bunting inside!

Want the printable for yourself? Click on the picture above.

Now, this greets my guests on the front porch.

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All thanks to the help from my sister-in-law, with team work we created a wreath that had inspired the both of us from Pinterest {surprise, surprise!}.

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I had the boxwood wreath stuffed in a closet and found the star at my favorite antique store in town, Longevity. It was originally blue, but with some spray paint, it was just what I needed it to be. Then, Abby wrestled with the ribbon until the bow was just right.

Note to all of you:

Do not wait until the last minute to buy ribbon. Wal-Mart does not have the greatest options.

The final product turned out quite nicely though.

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For the last craft, I used the crate and bottles from the Starbucks drinks that you buy from your local supermarket.

I spray painted the crate and the bottles. Then, I found some cute ribbon to adhere with a hot glue gun. Add in some carnations, and you have yourself a nice bouquet.

 

I hope you all have

 a nice and safe

Independence Day!