hoopty doopty

Succulent Propagation Progress

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:52:00 +0000

I wrote about trying propagation and wanted to share a little update on how it's going. Here is the progress of several leaves I pulled and there are more. Every single one is growing and I'm enjoying watching them transform. I laid mine out on a tray (without the soil as suggested) because I didn't have any succulent soil on hand but they seem to be doing great so I just left them. Now I am going to lay some soil down because many are getting close to detaching from the leaf and I'm pretty sure they will need to take root. You can see how some leaves are just about shriveled and others are taking longer. So neat. Once I have them in the tray with soil I'll have to get some wee pots and figure out what I'm going to do with all these beauties. Time to start planning/pinning succulent ideas. I will share as I continue. Now to figure out what other succulents I can try propagating.

Experimenting With Water Color

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 23:16:00 +0000

I have been wanting to get some water colors for a while now and after quickly looking at what was out there I started doing that that justification thing. You know how it goes? Don't you?. "Do I really need these?" "Should I invest in more craft supplies?" (Please tell me I am not the only one with this dilemma, please!)

There I was at Target to buy some face wash and I decided to have a look-see in the craft supplies section and I decided on the good old, tried and true, Crayola kids set of water colors. Yep! A small investment for a new venture in the arts/craft arena. I also managed to purchase a very decent pad of water color paper. Again, advertised for kids. Ha! I have a cheap set of brushes that have been sitting around and wrong or right type I have no idea but they'll do. So with said paper and my little basic set of water colors I headed home guilt free knowing I got what I needed without spending too much to have a go at messing with water colors and experimenting.

It's been fun, to say the least, and my favorite part is mixing colors and seeing how they turn out because I have just the basic colors not one of those fancier sets with more color choices. I am thinking of getting better paints and brushes but for now I'm loving how to figure out and play with just the basics which I think a good idea. Like anything, it isn't the equipment or gear or supplies that produce good results, it's practice.

I've done a practice piece for three days now and I'm going to try and continue because it has been an encouraging exercise and fun. I've been sitting outside in the morning painting away because it is good to be outside (bonus) and the light is so good out there (I need a new prescription for my eye glasses, sigh).

I also discovered this account and found it inspiring.

Weekend Links | Nº 5 - Flowers & Vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:30:00 +0000

Lately I've been really interested and fascinated with all things floral and garden. The whole idea of growing and cutting your own flowers or harvesting your own veggies is my love language. In part because I've got plans [a vision] for my front and backyard. One day I keep telling myself. It feels possible one day and overwhelming the next wondering if I will ever get there but I am determined. I know having a plan and chipping away at it little by little is how this will come to fruition. I've got plans to grow a lot more veggies (more than the current tomatoes and herbs) and landscape this home properly. I want a garden where there are flowers aplenty to cut and display inside and a 'just right' vegetable garden to eat from.

Here are a few things flower or garden related. My fave at this moment.

• These paper flower makers are to die for. Seriously! Tiffanieturner and the amazing feed of apetalunfolds.

• Recently started reading SouleMama again. Enjoying her food & garden posts. Simple, real and inspirational to read all about their growing farm life.

• I'm following these super simple instructions for my first attempt at propagating. Gorgeous and informative site. Their Instagram is a serious source of inspiration too!

• Hoping to plan a trip and make a visit to NY's High Line. Have you been? Such a wonderful vision and fantastic idea.

Enjoy your Sunday.

xo, Collette

Project Life | June

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 21:30:00 +0000

I wanted this post to be about Project Life® and the half page spread I did for the month of June. I wanted to celebrate that I'm back and catching up and it feels good and fun and encouraging because if anything, doing any small creative project always makes me feel good. But first, let me share a little of my Instagram feed because, well . . . . . I'm getting to that

You see, I finally got around to picking up Project Life again as I have not worked on it (or blogged) or much else related to scrap/journaling for way too long but it is always so good to jump back in. Fortunately, I have all my photos fairly organized thanks to iPhoto and me categorizing things by month and/or event. It really helps because looking at images truly does jog my memory and I have a visual of life's happenings so completing things from months back isn't all that difficult.

These images, except for the one below, are from my IG and most of what I used to document the month of June. I think one of the reasons I drop off from doing spreads is because I do have gaps where I haven't taken photos, or I feel like I haven't really done anything interesting or document worthy which is soo dumb when I actually think about it. And I have not traveled (a huge part of my life) or had a proper vacation because it is a different season in my life and I long to get back to some of those things I miss but the everyday is document worthy (if only for me) and I enjoy looking back at this stuff even if it seems simple or mundane. It is what it is and it's a part of my journey. And if nothing else, it is a great creative outlet to document things and share.

So when I went to photograph the spread I did for June with my trusty and only camera, my iPhone, I was reminded that trying to photograph these spreads with it is not good. Ugh! It does does not do them any justice at all. They look great in person and I love my iPhone camera (I am an iPhone only Instagrammer) but it is a reminder that I really need a proper camera. One day. Hopefully sooner than later. Until then, please don't run away. Please!

So there you have it (poor quality and all). I used Midnight Edition Kit from Project Life® and few things from Studio Calico's Underground kit. Trying to use what I have and I really like the 4x4 page layout as it's perfect for IG photos. I am trying to keep things a little more streamlined and minimal but it's not always easy as I find myself feeling like I need to add more but I don't. The pictures can do the talking. I go back and forth with this but that's the beauty of no rules and being able to change things up. I just need to keep on keeping at it and have fun.

xo, Collette

Weekend Links | Nº 4

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:34:00 +0000

Do you have any plans for the weekend? Going anywhere or doing anything exciting? I don't have any plans but I wouldn't mind if my weekend consisted of sitting on the beach all weekend long, under a shady tent of course! We had a girls day out at the beach this week that consisted of lunch, ice cream and dipping our feet in the ocean. It was rather overcast but nonetheless the ocean is always amazing. I have a rule that if we are there we must at very least get our feet in the sand and preferably dip them in the ocean. I have so many fond memories of summer days spent at the beach. When I am there I'm transported back to those precious teenage years and the long anticipation that was summer break. Just smelling the salt air and hearing the waves crash takes me back and it's all good.

I haven't shared a weekend link post in so long but here are some I saved but never shared. Enjoy!

• This birthday party. Gah! Handmade goodness to the max + the most adorable wee girl. And her blog is just filled with gorgeous photos all the time.

• Enjoying this series from Prêt à Voyager. Her about page has the coolest diagram by state/country detailing her geographical whereabouts. Just so cool!

• This has been my go-to pasta sauce since 2008. It is so simple and so good. Try it. I promise you will like it.

• How is your grammar? Do you care about spelling and using vocabulary in the proper context. I do! This is a great help for the grammar fans out there. Go on, even if you say you aren't interested you know you are.

• I could live in here. Every photo is gorgeous + then some. A visual feast for sure. I had heard about MilK but never checked them out. Thank you Holly of Decor8 for sharing their magazine.

xo, Collette

Currently: Summer Infused Goings On

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 17:39:00 +0000

Growing basil, mint and three different types of tomatoes. Simple but so rewarding. There is something really rewarding and neat about growing, tending to and then consuming it. Amen.

Dreaming [planning] a future garden full of all sorts of veggies and flowers too.

Reading up on composting. Again, this is all in part due to my desire to grow a garden. It's all about the compost I hear.

Enjoying all the simple things that summer provides like more daylight, hot days that make me so appreciate air conditioning, more barbeques, church in the park and sitting outside talking until the sun goes down. Good stuff!

Consuming plenty of Arnold Palmers [homemade of course], iced coffee, La Croix sparkling waters and popsicles. All great things to beat the heat. Yes!

Planning and looking forward to a one-way cruise up the coast to Vancouver, BC where we'll stay on for a few nights in the city and take in some gorgeous sights, good food and all that I hear is so wonderful about Vancouver. Excited and thinking Christmas season will make it a little extra special.

Looking forward to 4th of July with my immediate family which means a barbeque + swimming + fireworks at dark. And some fun, sparkling, fruity & alcohol free drinks I've been concocting in my head. Simple. Simple is good in my book.

Project Life | August

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:26:00 +0000

Here is my August spread for Project Life. I know I am out of chronological order but I'll get those previous weeks/months posted, I will. My biggest challenge right now is photographing these spreads and having them look some what decent. Hoping it will get better as I go.

I still really like the whole gold/sparkle/shimmer thing. Gold is fun and happy for me right now, so I'm going with it. I'm keeping things simple as far as supplies go. I'm using Midnight Edition Kit + a variety of other papers, stickers and the like. Trying to find my groove, looking at all the amazing scrappers doing PL and wow there are just so many crazy good pages out there and a lot to be inspired by.

August was: my niece's 15th birthday, my sister-in-law's birthday, #augustbreak2014 challenge on Instagram, lots of summer veggies from my dad's garden, serving with my church, the start of the back porch renovation (need to work on that a lot more), Lucy and the everyday stuff of life.

The first of #hooptydooptyscaliforniacollection on my Instagram. I really like this accidental collection. I have it framed right above my desk.

September monthly spread coming up soon. This project is still so enjoyable and creative. I am enjoying the process.

xo, Collette

Weekend Links | Nº 3 and Lucy

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 22:00:00 +0000

This dog. Oh this dog. I love her to bits. I really do. Every morning, after I have gotten out of bed, she manages to find her way up into my spot and take what I like to call her morning nap. And sometimes she brings a toy. This day she brought this very faded plastic squeaky toy, pink squeaker as I call it, from outside as a gift, an offering if you will. That's what dogs do. Or this dog anyway. And I love it!

Have a terrific weekend.

xo, Collette

• I love the idea of a tiny apartment.

• Oh this is good. Geometric wood flooring DIY. I am so smitten with this blog.

• I was so glad to see a proper ode to the baked potato or puh • tah • toh. This is the way they are meant to be prepared folks. Never, ever, I repeat never, ever microwave the classic potato please.

• I'm kind of gaga about These Girls/This Girl series. So good!

• Blue slouchy cords. Yes please! I need a pair for each day of the week thank you very much.

• One of my fave feeds on Instagram. These guys are genius and I want one of every item they sell, yes please.

• Not a boring business story! It's fun, filled with her enthusiasm (which btw is contagious) and she has stuff to share that is helpful. Go read the series.

• And this birthday party. Gah! Handmade goodness to the max. And her blog is just filled with gorgeous photos all the time.

Things I'm Looking Forward To This Fall

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 18:27:00 +0000

image via Martha Stewart

Finally, it is starting to feel *fall*like here in Southern California. Instead of it being 90º the day is only peaking in the low 80's. Crazy I know but folks it is So. Cal. I'm hopeful it will get cooler and we will see some rain and the leaves will change. At least the evenings have cooled down. Please Lord let there be rain, and soon!

Nothing says fall like apples. I am looking forward to some hot apple cider. The difference between cider and apple juice. So simple, right. Looking to make cider? Watch how simple it is here. I will definitely be making my own cider. I am thinking a trip to the apple orchards at the base of our local mountains is in order. Hello all things delicious made with apples!

image via Old Navy

I am definitely looking forward to being able to wear a cardigan and long sleeves. I'm not asking for much here so please get your act together So Cal and bring the cooler weather.

What are you enjoying/looking forward to during the Fall season? Do tell.

xo, Collette

Free Printable From Studio Calico

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 17:05:00 +0000

Found this via Design Editor. Studio Calico has a new free printable for Fall + and a chance to win stuff. Good stuff. Share #scinspires and talk about what inspires you. I like that prompt. What inspires you? Please feel free in the comments. Let's talk inspiration. Don't be shy.

xo, Collette

Currently | A List of Doings

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 07:29:00 +0000

I'd be lying if I said I didn't like lists. And I know I am not alone fellow list makers/lovers. Whatever type of list it be: grocery, to-do, goals, life list, etc. There's something very satisfying about writing things down. It is a bit like a journal to me and definitely a way organise my thoughts and clear my head.

Currently:
Dreaming about travel and planning a trip. I don't know where or when but it has been very present and on my mind of late. Considering I use to travel all the time, it's time to start making that happen. And it needn't be half way around the world. I'm open to all adventures, near & far.

Welcoming the change in weather all be it slow. Fall, come on already! You're hinting but not all the way here. The cooler nights are starting to feel so good.

Wanting to take a couple of classes. Photography and any class related to graphic design. For me, for fun. Just because I want to.

Listening to podcasts and thinking I need to go to these more often. So much stuff out there and so interesting.

Adding this book to my 'want to read list'. You can listen to an interview with Louis Zamperini here.

Watching The Voice and liking the team this season. I think Gwen & Pharrell make fabulous editions. Especially Gwen. C'mon she's the lone girl and she's funny and ever-so-fashionable. Looking forward to the knock-out rounds.

Cooking/Making a lot more lately. Chili, meatballs + marinara, Chinese chopped salad (sans chicken), coleslaw and deviled eggs. Not all together of course! I do love to cook but admit I'm not forever inspired to always make it happen but when I find my rhythm I am so on it! I do enjoy food prep, the handling of fresh ingredients and the process of bringing it all together. It's relaxing. I need to remember this when I'm feeling uninspired and in a hurry. Or just lazy.

Studying The Book of Psalms. Under the tutelage of great teachers of course. Packed with so much inspiration it's amazing. And I'm not surprised because God's Word is always amazing. Always.

Wearing flip flops and sandals and sleeping with a light weight blanket still. Gah! Can't wait to put on socks and proper shoes and denims and scarfs and jumpers. Can't wait!

Getting ready to start Christmas card designs/plans. Yes already! It is that time. I have failed these last couple of years at sending them out. Not going to happen this year!

Thinking about Thanksgiving details. Looking at recipes, dreaming about table settings and the like but not sure what we're doing just yet? Last year was so good I'm still savouring it.

Using my glue stick, corner punch, scissors and pens a lot. And loving every minute. A good black pen goes a long way in my book. A long way.

Weekend Links | Nº 2

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 14:49:00 +0000

What does 'Live Well' mean to you? For me, it is a combination of things but enjoying the simple and small things is one of the key ways I live well. Catching a glimpse, like above, and just savouring it is one of those things for me.
Have a great weekend! Enjoy the links. I hope you are inspired.

• Yeah. I pretty much think this is the coolest ice chest I've seen. And I want to make one!

• My favourite sleep gear is boxer shorts and a tee. I also want to make quite a few of these.

• Birthday letter to self. I like her perspective.

• The most candid and honest writing from a hugely successful and incredibly talented blogger about depression. And I can't say enough how much I admire this.

• This is awesome in so many ways. Not your average Christmas card/letter for sure.
And download her nifty envelope liners here.

• Make a great travel binder/travel journal like Kelly Purkey did here. I so like her aesthetic. Girl's got some serious style happening if I say so myself.

• Who knew pegboard could look so hip + new.

xo, Collette

My California Collection on Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 15:42:00 +0000

By accident I started a little collection on my Instagram titled 'California' (#hooptydopptyscaliforniacollection) and I have to say I'm sort of chuffed about it. I noticed that I was capturing scenes that seemed to be small iconic bits of California and I went with it. It's not that these things are exclusive to California but they are very much a part of the larger, collective whole that says California to me. And yes, I know that the palm tree is not native to California but it is very much a part of California landscape, as are many other things I hope to slowly capture and add. I like little accidental projects like this that turn into something with a direction and purpose. All for fun, that is all.

xo, Collette

Weekend Links | Nº 1

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 00:04:00 +0000

The sky was so beautiful this morning and the sun, well the sun was so hot. We're having some rather warm weather here in So. Cal to put it mildly. Autumn where are you? Because the sky was so clear with what felt like painted whisps of clouds floating above, somehow, just somehow it made the heat that much more tolerable. Not tolerable enough for me to move out from underneath the canopy my brother had put up as we watched my nephew's soccer game though. (and let me say that this shot was snapped right from my seat because even standing in it long enough to capture a photo is sometimes too much for me). If not for that shade I would have been hiding out all the way across the field near the 'snack shack' looking for some form of cover from this heat.

I always appreciate links from some of my favorite blogs. Here are some that I wanted to share:

• Gorgeous gift tags + gift wrap available here. For free to boot!

• Packing tape post cards. Super idea and who wouldn't have a smile on their face receiving one of these in the post?

• Are you a goal setter, life-lister or perhaps a perfectionist? I still think of this post often. It's just so good.

• I don't know if the whole ombre trend is on it's way out or still trending but I don't care. I still like this cabinet heaps!

• If I had the gumption to paint the wood trim in my 1904 house I would so do this! And the DIY fixture in there. Ah H E L L O to die for.

• The coolest ring like ever! Serious creativeness happening here. I want one.

• Unbroken. Have you read it? I must read this!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.
xo, Collette

The Week Past

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 20:55:00 +0000

Project Life of course + just having fun with little sentiments like this.

In-N-Out happened. Yes, it did!

As did an Angels game with friends. Thank You Nic for a fun evening. I loved it!
(Can't stop giggling at the unintentional 'photo bomber'. Priceless!)

We loved our seats. We were a bit skeptical at first about it feeling like we were so far away + that we'd be sitting in the sun. We've been having a heat wave here in So. Cal. The sun was perfectly placed behind the opposite side of the stadium making our seats shaded. Hoorah! Our view was great. Double hoorah!

The fireworks were just behind us. The stadium lights went out. Loved how that felt. I like how the photo captured the people turned around looking up. And there's something a bit magical that happens at a live baseball game. It is one of America's favourite past times after all.

I celebrated another birthday. I am so incredibly blessed. Surrounded by family + friends. I am grateful to be so loved. And it included spumoni!

A good time was had by all.

xo, Collette

Project Life | Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 22:45:00 +0000

I'm going to repeat myself here. Forgive me. I can't help but laugh at how I am posting week 3 of Project Life when we're in the middle of September already, but it is all good. After February it's monthly layouts for April - August so I won't be that behind . . . as far as posting here and sharing goes. Good golly. Moving along.

I like to write. Hand write that is. Both cursive and printing. I always have. Many photos that I feel need some text I'm ok with just keeping it simple and using a pen to add what I want. (In saying that, I've also been slow to do more digital work and use PSE more.)

I didn't mean to go orange with this but because two of those photos really had strong orange hues I found myself drawn in and continuing that theme. I like the fact that I can look at what I'm working on and see what I have chosen to do, whether it be intentional or not. This whole process is such a learning curve, it that makes sense to anyone?

• Week 3 4x6 card cut from Seafoam Edition paper + sticker and pen

• That old photo from the 70's of me and my mum is a snap I took with my iPhone of the original. I wouldn't dare write on that.

• The 'Just Be' - again Seafoam paper pack + stickers

• An accidental photo I liked for no particular reason.

• A quote from Julia Child printed + hand written on Seafoam paper pack.

• Paper from 'Take Note' Studio Calico paper pad - An oldie I'm guessing as I picked this up at a Tuesday Morning shop for cheap. I love my discount finds!

• A new bed I bought (assembled with my dad's help) from IKEA. I was a bit skeptical about quality, I admit, but it has turned out to be a great bed. I think I may add some text to that photo.

• 3x4 card cut from Seafoam paper pack.

• A glimpse of my small work area at night.

• A verse of scripture. Revelation 11:17

• Pot Roast my dad made in an old pot that was my grandmother's. It's been around for a looong time that pot.

• My Lucy. I love this dog soo much. She's a character for sure. Stickers from I can't remember where?

• 'Don't Worry Everything Is Going To Be Okay' 3x4 card from Me & My Big Ideas.

• Seafoam paper pack with plastic letters I adhered.

• More Seafoam paper with some journaling on it.

• A birthday cake made from Ube - a popular root used in many Asian desserts. This one from a Filipino bakery for a bible study gathering we had.

I really enjoy doing Project Life!

xo, Collette

Project Life | Week Two

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:16:00 +0000

Here it is. Week two of Project Life. I'm getting there. What I'm finding about documenting this is my frustration that I only have my iPhone to document and photograph the project to share. It's not the best for taking the whole layout shot but I'm not going to let that discourage me. Moving along.

Because I'm playing catch-up I realised that after coming back to complete this I hadn't documented much with words and hadn't taken many photos. I just told myself, "It is what it is." Hence the quote on the page. It's life and this is what you are documenting. Sometimes exciting and filled with interesting adventures or happenings and sometimes, well . . . not so much. And to be honest it wasn't the best of weeks for me during this time and that's ok. My goal is to do this and enjoy it and not be so critical about how it all unfolds. It is a creative outlet so it's really easy for me to look over it and then start to critique every detail WAY too much.

Second page of layout included a palm tree photo because c'mon folks it is southern California after all, a quote that I found very profound (I like finding quotes that inspire and move me - like, like, like!), a second quote, a couple of cards from an extras pack from Project Life (sorry don't remember what it's called but I picked it up at Michael's) - the chevron and ampersand cards are from that pack, a movie ticket receipt and some written words and a fun photo of the infamous Miguel's Jr.

I'm really loving this process. I think I'm going to also add these blog posts into the album as part of the documentation. At least the words as I'm finding writing about it is part of telling the whole story.

Back Porch Renovation Start

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 19:41:00 +0000

I live in an old house. One hundred and ten years to be exact. My grandparents lived here and my mum was eight years old when they moved here. I purchased it in 1998 but have not lived in it the entire time, hence it's still a work in progress. There were a lot of renovations done. A LOT. Mostly the 'gut stuff' as I like to call it. The important things like rewiring the entire house (hello tube and knob electrical and exterior wiring throughout the entire house), some plumbing, kitchen cabinetry (there were none!), central air/heat, refinishing all of the molding - doors, windows, casings, picture rail - to the natural wood finish. That was painstaking and grueling, to say the least. All new walls were installed as the plaster was literally crumbling, and well you get the idea right? I could go on and on and I have plenty more to say and share but I'll save it all for another post(s).

All of that to put some perspective on things and introduce the back porch. The old, dilapidated, wreck-of-a-back-porch that is. It has basically been written off, neglected and unloved . . . with good reason. Look at it! It is not original to the house and it is poorly constructed. The floor slopes, it is not insulated, it has exposed conduit (but it's up-to-date & more importantly safe), lovely gold linoleum from the late 70's and it's just dingy and gross. The plan was and still is to remove it completely so it has never been a priority but the problem is that it is still here. It's not going to be removed just yet and since that is a reality ignoring even further is just making it more sad and ugly.

Go back a few years to my first house. We had an old, very dark and ugly 60's kitchen. The entire house was a fixer upper, and fix her up we did! The kitchen was a write-off in our minds. We were going to tackle that last and do it up proper - all new everything - after we took a break, regrouped and had the finances to make it happen. We gut renovated the rest of that house and then the opportunity came along to buy this house. That obviously changed the plans for the kitchen and any further renovations as we were going to make that a rental property. The kitchen did get a make-over and a good one at that. Without breaking the bank and going overboard we made that kitchen really nice on a budget and as we started to pack up and move our things out we were both happy and sad. Happy it looked so great but sad we were not going to be the ones enjoying that nice, bright new kitchen. What in the heck were we thinking? Well, we were inexperienced and timing and circumstances pushed us to do something that turned out to be a huge learning curve. That brings me to the back porch. What the heck was I thinking?

It's progress folks, progress. I'm hoping to share the after when well, it's finished. i'm not making any promises to a time line but for now this is a wonderful start and i can't tell you how bright and transformed it is with just one small section of it being painted. And not even completely painted but it has been started and that feels good.

The goal here is to make it a nice, bright and more cheerful place without too much fuss over scraping, sanding, finishing, etc. This is not the place to waste that sort of energy, time and especially money. I want to do this on the cheap using some good old sweat equity. Thinking positive that one day it will be removed and the dreams I have for this house will come to fruition. Work in progress, work in progress folks!

To Do/Want List: Back Porch
• Clean, scrape, fill (minimally) and paint with a nice bright white
• Paint door, metal trim of window, replace/paint doggie door
• Get new door hardware eventually (because that shiny gold has to go)
• New affordable vinyl flooring (there's some cool stuff available now and it sure beats that gold 70's stuff currently there)
• New entry rug/mat
• New window coverings ( I believe we have some blinds & they will suffice as that's money saved and they're white and will do)

*Notice the canine helper in both shots. Always by my side. That's Lucy. Love her

Project Life | Week One

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:07:00 +0000

Hello! Here it is. Week one, yikes. Pardon me now please for gasping each time I post as I'm still laughing at myself for how far behind I am. I know, I know. Get over it!

New Year's Day was a good one. The top features a homemade bowl of posole (and I spelled it pAsole ~ oh well!). A dear family friend always hosts a New Year's Day feast mainly composed of Mexican food, as she is Mexican, along with plenty of other things ALL homemade. Just a really fun day to sit around, eat and visit and enjoy. Hoping I'm invited back.

I had to add a Downton Abbey photo because really who can resist adding the gorgeousness that is Downton Abbey. I got the idea from Design Editor. Funny thing is that I still have not seen season 4 of DA so I'm looking forward to enjoying it on DVD prior to season 5 beginning. The "Keep Calm Carry On" is from Me&My Big Ideas, striped 3x4 from a Project Life extra pack thingy I picked up at Michael's. I dotted the b&w DA with gold ink, numbered the different photos and then journaled in brief about each one.

Second page contains a scripture Ephesians 4:32, a packaging tag, some Seafoam Kit paper (digital version link but I used the pack but it looks like it's currently sold out on Amazon) and photo I pieced together for the 6x12 top portion of this page. Bottom is 3 6x4 slots. The middle one is from the same Project Life extra pack I mentioned above. (And yes that's my friend Steve photobombing us).

More to come . . .
I really enjoy doing Project Life.
xo, Collette

Project Life | My Title Page 2014

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 18:18:00 +0000

Here we go! My title page for Project Life®. FINALLY. Yeah I know it's August folks but hey who's keeping track, right?

A Few Things: I purchased a variety pack of pages from Amazon (not official Project Life® pages) a couple years back when I had the idea to start Project Life®. I thought the variety of layout pages would be best but I didn't find that the case. Not for me anyway. If you're doing weekly pages I think it's easier to stick to a single format. Just my opinion. I find it easier to get in a routine and you're not fumbling around each week with different photo sizes and or inserts, not to mention all of the great products + kits that are made for Project Life are made in the standard 4 x 6 and 3 x 4 sizes. Now, since ~~I'm mixing things up~~ I fell behind I do think it easier to manage the variety layouts if you are doing monthly spreads. Again just my opinion + experience.

For my title page this particular layout has a 4 x 12 insert at top. Now, because I don't have a large scale printer and my designerly skills with PhotoShop Elements are in progress and for the sake of keeping it simple and keeping my sanity and making this fun and completing this project without feeling less than and inadequate because I'm not a professional scrapper (not yet!), I'm figuring stuff out, learning A LOT as I go along and have a strong desire to learn so much more. Mostly, develop my technical skills with photography and digital editing, etc. I find all of it so interesting and fun and yes frustrating at times too. The goal: have fun, share it, jump in and enjoy the process. And give grace when needed. It's ok to fall behind. It's ok to share it even if it is, oh . . . say 9 months later [grinning here].

From top to bottom, left to right:
• Instagram photo with text from ABMapp
• 'Selfie' Instagram adhered to have edges as to fit the 4 x 8 space, doodled chevron edges freehand with a sharpie
• Project Life® 3 x 4 pack (can't remember which one?) with a silver letter C sticker from Martha Stewart (if memory serves me)
• 'You Can Never Have Too Much Happy' 3 x 4 card from Me&My Big Ideas
• Freehand insert I made with some silver glitter paper, a packing tag, and some glitter letters. I'm all about the gold and silver this year. Who would have thought?
• My dog Lucy adorned with a glitter star and dots I did with a pencil eraser end + gold ink directly on to the photo
• My OLW for 2014: Proclaim. I haven't participated in an official class for this that Ali Edwards offers but I did choose a word. It also happens to be the word my church chose for 2014. Stickers: Can't remember. Writing on card: my own.

* All photos on my iPhone5. I have an old Canon 6.0 megapixels point and shoot, yikes. I don't own a DSLR camera but it is something I really hope to have in the near future.

Hope this is helpful in some way shape or form to someone.
I really enjoy Project Life and memory keeping.

xo, Collette

Project Life | Organizing August

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 03:49:00 +0000

So it's August, nearly the end of August, and I'm way behind with Project Life but that's ok. Rather than not post, and in an effort to get back to this thing called blogging, I decided to share some progress for August. This is me getting things in place. Just choosing the things I want to document. Not finished, in progress. Thank goodness for digital photography and the details it records. Sure helps keep my photos organized, as does iPhoto. I've also been doing a good clean-up of my photos in iPhoto to help keep things organized and man that feels good. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to share and write about my Project Life album but I figured if I just do it things will start to flow. I'm giving myself freedom and grace to explore this however that looks for me. I decided to do monthly spreads to catch up instead of scrapping (no pun intended, honest) the entire project. I've got a lot to share and that's exciting and fun for me.

The Sunkist Exchange

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 18:07:00 +0000

Day 2 of August Break.
I took an early morning walk with iPhone in hand and canine as well. Downtown we went. I am always inspired by my local downtown. On the lookout for pattern, I shot three subjects. This was my fave. This is a fabulous little historical nugget called the Sunkist building owned by a neat man named Tom Porter who I had the pleasure of meeting quite a few years back. Ever since, I have been dreaming of having a soirée in this place. No kidding. Seriously, the interior is to.die.for. I didn't find find that Mr. Porter has a website for his location which surprises me as it plays host as a fine arts gallery. Hhmmhh . . . . ? I need to stop in and say hello to Mr. Porter soon and see about that soirée. You can read a little more of an overview about Old Town Orange here.

August Break

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 06:34:00 +0000

I'm taking part in The August Break community project. I've been saying I'm going to get this blog back up and running and thought this would be a good way to ease back into it. A do-able project like this is great for me. Welcome August and hello to anyone out there who may have actually landed here and is reading. I'll be posting to my IG account and sharing here as well. Not sure if I'll do it daily or group a week together, etc. I'm going to let it happen as it will.

xo, Collette

The Week Past: Rain, Shine and Him

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:58:00 +0000

This past week brought the most gorgeous, sunny day after a few days of rain. Naked branches are my fave.

I might possibly have the cutest dog ever. Love her to bits I do. She loves to catch the sunshine on cold mornings.

Last week's rain also brought with it wobbly drops on branches. Lovely aren't they?

We also had shiny sun peeking through the branches the morning after the rain stopped.

The weekend saw my favourite bridge as we drove south. It wows me every single time.

And so does he. The best part of the week is always time spent with this guy. I still have the biggest crush on him. Yes I do.

Education Illustration

noreply@blogger.com (hoopty doopty) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:46:00 +0000

We watched this in class tonight. I'm pretty sure I had seen something else illustrated by RSA Animate before as it was familiar. I like this. I like the message and the clever illustration makes it so much more fun to take in.