Category: Uncategorized

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® community. This has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #BoxTopsHero #CollectiveBias Note that as always – all ideas and opinions are my own, and I only ever share things I love, believe in, and enjoy here on my blog.

First, let me explain one of the ways I get more done and shop less often: I buy in bulk on all basics so I can be stocked up and avoid the “one necessary item ran out” runs that so often plague us and cost us precious time. I’ve already got the girls set with notebooks, shoes, and backpacks… but what about the household needs? Seeing school begins next week (eeek!) and knowing the added crazy that adds to my schedule I headed to Walmart to stock up. What was on the list? A number of things from shampoo to paper goods – including Viva® Vantage® 6 Big Rolls, Kleenex® Trusted Care* 3 Bundle Pack, Kleenex® Trusted Care* 4 Bundle Pack, and Scott® Tissue 20 Roll Pack.

I know that DOUBLE Box Tops is going on and not only did I get to stock up but I also get to help my school even more. We all win! I was sure to grab extra paper towels because as a notoriously messy crafter – well believe me I need them here in the studio!

I’ve not tried this particular paper towel before but I’ll be looking for it now because it did a FANTASTIC job as I created mess after mess in the studio. It also has really great texture for projects as well. What mess did I create? Well I need a new “hey mom sign/look at this” in-box, “here are the extras for homework doing” pencil box, and I gave my old Box Tops container away so I need to get that set up too. Luckily I’ve got everything I need to get moving.

Here is a YouTube video tutorial that walks through all of the steps for transforming an empty box as well as some tips on using paper towels in your crafting. Continue reading “Support Our Schools! Double Box Tops, and some quick project tips”

Hey there friends – it’s been a LONG while since I did an “around here” post and it’s certainly not due to a lack of action! We kicked off the summer with an amazing family first trip to NYC and loved every detail from the dessert to the shows (we saw Aladdin) to the sights. We took that trip the first day of summer break and it’s impossible to think that in just over a week we’ll be starting school once again! What?! What happened?? Well…

Scrappy and Bandit are moving Miss Elizabeth’s room around and being oh so helpful in all things. The girls badly want to change paint colors and while the thought makes me groan (guess who gets to do that?) I think they’re right it’s been 4+ years it is time for a new look.

Ranger (not pictured) is over an epic ear infection that took him over a month to kick. It always makes me laugh that our “big” dog is the sensitive one who gets the most confounding medical issues.

Speaking of moving and cleaning rooms… we’re doing kind of an epic “the entire house except the bathrooms and kitchen” move around here. Some painting. Purging tons of clutter and rearranging things like crazy too. Not quite ready to talk about the details but let’s just say I estimate it to be a 6 month project and we’re entering month #2…

I’m in my new planner! This makes me so excited I love Mondays, fresh starts, and I can already tell my Ban.do planner is going to be a favorite. I am writing up lists, hopes, and trying to not get too overwhelmed by all that there is to do. We have been playing hooky a lot this summer and I can’t even be irritated by my lack of discipline because we’ve been having a total blast. In fact the girls enjoyed a week with their cousin as we toured college campuses and ate all the dessert.

No, really! Pictured above is Crown & Crumpet tea (in SF) – a fantastic place owned by a truly lovely lady and I was delighted we got to check it out.

Other highlights included Mr. Holmes Bakery (also SF) and California Donuts (Los Angeles) when we drove her back home. Such a wonderful time – and a great addition to a whirlwind summer break.

Those donuts… let’s just say we are still discussing them! Becca, Elizabeth, and I have been on track with our running!! We are doing a lot of running and drills to help Elizabeth prepare for the cross country team. Let’s just say she has a gift for this and Becca and I just struggle along trying not to swear as we turn beet red and hate every minute except stretching and cool down. We ARE getting better though, and as I reminded Becca it’s important we try our best and how vital fitness and self care is to our overall health. I also apologize for gifting her my anti-sweat cranky gene while Elizabeth has her dad’s “I love running and hard exercise!” genes…

There has also been some camping this summer – which is always great fun! Mostly we escape to places where it isn’t 100+ every day and for us that pretty much means the coast. The little breaks have been good and we have one more to go before summer is up. I strongly recommend Crescent City area – beautiful redwoods, lovely beaches, fun seafood spots, and a ton of great woodsy hiking.

Of course I’ve also been working. Right now working on some new collaborations as well as upping my tech game and overall workflow. In fact I have a new class at Big Picture Classes. It’s all about paste & gel and you can see it and try it free here.

So while hectic, summer is moving right along. The girls are working with me on a new venture as well (more on that another time) and I’m excited for all I see ahead…

For now I will continue to clear closets and clutter in my “spare time” (ha!) and take selfies when I find amazing things like She-Ra headbands. Obviously a must.

Heading into “back to school” and my favorite fall season I’m inspired to just keep aiming for a good balance of work, family, and fun and to keep encouraging myself to take leaps, try a little harder when I want to quit at something, and just do my best. I hope this post finds you heading into a great weekend – feel free to share what is going on in your neck of the woods!