MrsChadT

We've Moved!!

2017-05-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, I'm happy to announce that after months and months of searching, the wait is finally over.

So much exciting news to share with you all.

We are moving!!

Yep, and with my new studio, we're also making some new changes. After many years of listening to you all, and your valued support, I hope you'll find these changes to your liking.

Change #1

As of March 1st 2017 my new business name is 5 Signatures Bindery.

If you already follow on facebook and twitter, this change will be automatic for you.

If you haven't yet, you can find us at

Twitter: @5Signatures
Facebook: www.facebook.com/5signaturesbindery

Our etsy shop address has changed to www.5signaturesbindery.etsy.com

And.... I'm moving to a new site.

Per popular request I've added a new "Build A Book" feature where you can request custom orders based on selection options of book cover, binding, and page options.

I hope you like it!!

Visit us at WWW.5SIGNATURESBINDERY.COM

Love Coupon Books

2016-01-29T19:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again! Love is in the air!

Order your coupon books now

to ensure they arrive before Valentine's day!

De-stashing the Paper and Stamps Closet

2016-01-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

When my son told me I had enough paper and stamp supplies to start my own craft store, he wasn't kidding.

Last week, I opened the closet and realized there isn't an inch of room to store new supplies. Even as I cleaned it out and tried to re-organize my space, I knew I had it my maximum limit of paper, stamps, fabrics, and threads.

So... it's time for me to let some of it go.

I'm the one who wants to save everything because one day I may need it again, but not today. So as I sit and sort and decide what to keep and what to let go, I remind myself that every once in a while we all need to clean our closets. Get rid of the old and look forward to the new.

I'm looking forward to the new and I hope you are, too.

They say someone else's loss in another's gain.

I've listed many of my older CTMH stamps on ebay along with paper packs and soon will be adding some fabric fat quarters to the listings and odd and end craft items like punches, beads, and the like.

I've also got a stack of supplies, including some of my scrap papers, I'm planning to donate to a local pre-school to add to the kids art supplies.

If you're looking for a particular stamp set or paper, let me know I'll check my stash.

In the meantime please feel free to check out my ebay listings here:

CTMH YOU ROCK Stamp Set $9.99

CTMH Stamp Set ROXIE $8.99

coordinates with ROXIE WORKSHOP ON THE GO

CTMH Stamp Set CHERISH THE DAY

AND MANY MORE>>>>> HERE

Bargain Books Guest Book Albums on Sale

2016-01-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

I'm doing a little cleaning up in the inventory closet this month.

I've added a new category to the shop. BARGAIN BOOKS.

All the guest books in the Bargain Book category are books 30% - 50% off regular price.

**Please note that Bargain Books are not subject to additional customization options. They do include the free name card on the cover as with all my other guest books. But any additional pages or embellishment options will upgrade the book back to it's regular sales price. **

Here are a few of the books currently on sale in the shop:

Clothes Line Baby Shower Guest Book $9.00

Vintage Polka Dot Baby Shower Guest Book $7.00

Robot Birthday Guest Book $7.50

Retro Baby Shower Guest Book Album $7.00

Floral Elegance Guest Book Album $6.00

These are the last ones of their design. Once these books are sold, they will not be available again in my shop.

Postage Rate Increases as of January 17, 2016

2016-01-19T19:00:00.000-05:00

It's a brand new year and changes are happening.

This past year I shipped over a hundred orders!

You all are so awesome!

I wanted to update you all on a few changes taking place in the shop. As many of you may or may not know -- as of January 17, 2016 the USPS has increased the postage rate. I hate saying this, but because the increase, the shop rates have raised, too.

Because Priority Mail Shipping (U.S.A residents) has jumped from $5.75 to $6.45 I've decided to add some addition options for shipping.

I have always charged actual shipping and used Priority rates for shipping all of my guest books over the years. Mainly for two reasons. #1 and 99% of why I use Priority is because most people tend to wait till the last minute to order guest books and need them very quickly. 2. USPS provides flat rate envelops that work great for shipping out book orders.

Because I don't want to discourage anyone from having a book made or ordering from the shop I've added First Class Shipping to the listings in the shop.

When I first started making guest books, it was because I wanted to be able to offer an affordable alternative to store bought "generic" guest books. I wanted to create books that were customized and personalized especially for the person(s) and event.

I still do.
And I still want them to be affordable to you all.

You now have the option in the shop to choose between a more economical rate of First Class Shipping, Priority Shipping, and Express Shipping when ordering.

With those options please be aware of the following delivery times.

First Class: according to USPS it's 2-5 days (within USA). It's more like 3-7 days.
So if you're ordering a book be aware of the time frame using this shipping option. It takes about 3-5 days for me to create and package your book. So make sure you add the time to the shipping time for an estimated arrival. 5 day creation + 5 shipping = avg 10 day delivery.

For countries outside the USA you'll need to check with USPS on delivery estimates.

Priority Mail: is 2-3 days within the USA and 6-10 days for most countries including Canada.

If you're every not sure if a book will arrive in time for an event, please be sure to contact me before purchase. I try to respond within 24-48 hours of receiving inquires, but sometimes I do get very busy and it may take longer during those times.

Express Mail: is 2 days within the USA.
I only recommend this if you're in a big hurry of needing your order, as most cases Priority Mail gets it there in about the same time and is less than half the cost.

I'm less than 40 orders away from hitting 1,000 orders. I'd love it if you all could help me reach that goal before the end of next month! Help keep me busy. :)

Stay warm!

Holiday Wine Tags

2015-12-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

I've been such a busy bee lately and totally in the mood for this holiday season.

On a recent my mom and I crafted up these tags for wine bottles. You can also put them on bottles of olive oil.

We created a variety of them that I have in the Cards and Tags section of the shop now.

I'm also going to be including one as a gift with purchases over $20 from now till the new year.

Do you get snow for Christmas? I'm so hoping we do. Just a little. :)

Hot Cocoa Gift Packs

2015-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

The kids will be getting out of school soon for their holiday vacation. Before they're off they like to give a little something special to their teachers and school bus drivers. I love this idea I found through Pintrest and have added my own little alterations to these Hot Cocoa Gift Pocket Cards.

We got carried away making them this past week and so they're are some available in the shop made up and ready to ship here.

Due to the cost of shipping, you have your choice to receive them with or without the hot cocoa packet already in them.

I can't wait for the kids to share these with teachers, school bus drivers, and even their friends.

They're even great for a little something to share with your co-workers anytime of the year.

It's getting close to Christmas, now, are you ready?

100 Ideas For You To Write In A Coupon Book

2015-12-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

If you love the thought of giving someone a coupon book filled with personalized coupons but don't know what kinds of things you'd write in those coupons to give to family and friends, I've compiled a list here of things you can do for someone to put on your coupons.

For Kids:
1. An extra hour of computer time
2. Two hours of video game time
3. Stay up an hour past bed time
4. Movie Night - You pick movie
5. Skip One Chore
6. Lunch with Mom (or Dad, or Grandparent)
7. Sleepover with Friend
8. Take Roller Skating
9. 1 hr Craft Time
10. Build A Snowman Together
11. You Pick the board game for Family Game Night
12. 30 minute read together time
13. 2 hour play date with up to three friends
14. Trip to the park for an afternoon
15. Breakfast for Dinner
16. No Chores for a day
17. Ice Cream Date
18. Trip to Toy Store ($ limit)
19. Book of Choice
20. One Chance for a Do-Over

For Girls:
1. Style Your Hair Fancy one morning before school
2. Manicure or Pedicure
3. Manicure and Pedicure
4. Trip to the Mall ($ limit)
5. Favorite Food for Lunch or Dinner
6. Bake Together - Your choice of Cake or cookies

For Boys:
1. One hour Lego building or Knex Time with parent
2. Overnight Camping
3. Paintball or rock climbing at local recreating center for one afternoon
4. 1 hour bike ride with parent
5. Choice of game, craft, or cooking time
6. Snowball fight

For Him:
1. One Car Wash
2. Pizza and a Movie
3. You pick the Movie
4. Cook your favorite meal for dinner
5. 30 minute massage
6. One time allowed to be late pass
7. Wash and Wax car
8. Clean inside of car
9. 20 Minute Back Rub
10. A cup of hot chocolate and a cuddle
11. Night In - Your Choice
12. Foot Massage
13. Mowed Lawn
14. One Evening of Total TV Control
15. 10 Minute Back Scratch
16. Weekend Get Away
17. Night Out with the Guys
18. Taking Out The Trash
19. Bear Hug
20. Novel (Book) of Your Choice

For Her:
1. Three hours of YOU time
2. 30 minute massage
3. Dinner is on me tonight
4. 1 hr massage
5. Clean inside of car
6. Wash your car
7. Watch Movie of choice with you
8. Dinner and A Movie
9. Trip to your favorite store ($ limit)
10. Babysit for an afternoon or evening
11. Do the Dishes
12. Wash and fold the laundry
13. One Manicure or Pedicure
14. Manicure and Pedicure
15. Breakfast in bed
16. Eat At Your Choice of Restaurant
17. Vacuum the house
18. Girls Night Out
19. Evening of Star Gazing
20. Novel (Book) of Your Choice

For Grandparents:
1. Bear Hug
2. 30 Minutes Garden Helper
3. Baked Good
4. Read You a Story
5. Tell Me a Story
6. Movie of Your Choice
7. Go For a Walk
8. Make Something Together
9. Picnic in the Back Yard
10. Tea for Two
11. Mow the Lawn
12. Shovel the Driveway or Sidewalk
13. One Household Chore
14. One Hour Coloring Time Together with Coloring Book or Coloring Pages
15. Homemade Dinner
16. Walk the Dog
17. Board or Card Game of Choice
18. Unlimited Hugs for the day
19. One Hour uninterrupted Nap Time
20. Special Treat

The list can go on and on. I hope this give you some great ideas on what kind of things you not only write inside the coupons for giving others, but an idea on what spending time together and how acts of service really are a gift to those who receive it.

If you have other ideas of what you can do as a gift for others to write on a coupon please feel free to share in the comments or on my facebook page!!

Coupon books are available in my shop and can be personalized.

Christmas Card Tag Gift Card Holders

2015-12-12T08:30:00.000-05:00

I've been in a holly jolly mood this Christmas and I've been working on some new designs.
These are tag cards that I've added an extra piece to with tabs that you can slide a gift card inside.
There is still plenty of space to write on the inside left flap of the card with your greetings and on the outside there is a place on many of them to write your "To and From".

They're great for those gift cards you're giving this season. They're designed so you can hang them on the tree, attach them to a gift, or just give them as a card.

I've already sold out of the red and green glittered ones and am working on getting some new ones made up again. I love the way these ice blue ones came out.

I'm really excited about how these have turned out.

Tell me, is your holiday shopping all done yet?
Are gift cards on your list for giving this year?

Personalized Coupon Books Holiday Designs 2015

2015-12-11T07:09:00.000-05:00

It's that time again of not knowing what to give the person who has everything or wanting to give something that is little, but goes a long way.

This week I've added several new designs to my coupon books for the holidays. Including a new designed of Kraft coupons and instead of using 24 lb paper for the coupons, I've replaced the coupons with card stock.

You now have the option right when ordering for blank coupons or to have them personalized. And as always I'm happy to personalize the front cover with the receiver's name.

Here are a few of the new designs that are now available in the shop.

This is the HO HO print Coupon Books that you can find here in the shop.

These ones are Christmas Present themed which can also be personalized inside to work for those December birthdays. You can check them out here.

This snowflake print is also available in black and white. Not only for Christmas, but may Valentine's in the red print and also those winter birthdays. What do you think? It's available here.

If you're looking to stick them in stockings or give them this Christmas be sure to order before December 18th!

Grateful for All of You

2015-11-27T11:37:00.000-05:00

I'm working today. Many of you are heading out to shop, or maybe you're just getting back from catching all those black Friday deals. Today's my day to stock up my shelves with stable supplies.

While I'm out doing that, what kind of business woman would I be not to offer you a special offer in the shop today.

I've got two for you:

All orders over $50 get free shipping. (US Residents only)
Just use coupon code FREESHIP50

All orders over $25 will receive a free pack of Christmas gift tags to assist you in your holiday shopping.

And... From now till Christmas, when you order from the shop, your name will be put into a drawing to win a free guest book album or gift certificate for up to $20 from my shop.

Don't forget, if you haven't already, hop over here and sign up for my newsletter. You'll receive a 15% off coupon code when you do.

Happy Shopping! May you find some awesome deals today. Feel free to share what deals you got and where here or on the facebook page.

Victoria Secret Inspired Lingerie Guest Book Album

2015-11-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

This week's new design, you may have seen in the shop, but I don't think I've shared it with you all yet. This comes from a Victoria Secret inspired Bridal Shower request.

It's hard to see by the photo, the cover is using some new metallic cover stock I've recently added to my cover supplies. This one is plum purple. I've used some glitter embossed designer paper to accent the name card and the top of the lingerie.

With the evenings getting darker here in the fall I have to rely more on the ceiling lightening in my basement studio rather than the sunlight from the windows. My photo box was packed away a few months ago in anticipation of selling our home-- of which still hasn't happened and we've seen some great houses with wonderful spaces for my new studio slip away because our house hasn't sold yet.

So I hope you'll bear with me through some of my dark photos right now as we hope and pray for someone to come buy our house and are able to transition to a new space.

Hopefully, this close up is a better photo. Can you see the shimmer of the metallic?

This guest book is made to order, so you get choice of cover color, and your inside page design.

You can order it here.

Next week is Thanksgiving. We're staying home and enjoying some good ole family time together for the day and some good food. My husband cooks a mean turkey dinner, if I do say myself. I, of course, am in charge of the dessert this year. It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie in our house.

Are you staying in this year or going out?

Either way, have a warm and happy gathering.

NEW Butterfly Elegance Guest Book Design

2015-11-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

Today's new design is inspired from a husband throwing his wife a 40th birthday party. The colors were inspired by green, teal, grey, and white party items and M&Ms.

This is a new made to order design that is now available in the shop this month.

I love getting custom orders and I love having so many new designs inspired by all of your requests that can be shared!

I'm not sure if you can tell by the photos, but the butterfly wings pull up from the cover to give it that 3D effect. Down the center of these lovely butterflies are clear rhinestones.

When you order this book, the butterflies are going to be flat against the cover, but you just have to pull up the wings to give them life since the packing and shipping make them go flat.

The beauty of this design is in the elegance of those butterflies.

This is a made to order guest book, so you get choice of your cover color and inside signature pages.

Because Etsy only allows me two drop down options on the listing when you order, just remember to place your personalization request for the front cover of the book with the name(s) and dates in the Notes To Seller Section during check out.

You can also drop me a note there, too if you'd like to specify your color scheme or request the butterfly colors.

You can order the Butterfly Elegance Guest Book Design Here.

I know it's getting close to Thanksgiving now, I'm working on a custom coupon book, and I can't wait to share the design with you next.

The Baby Whale Guest Book has arrived.

2015-11-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

I've got a new design for you all today.

Recently, I had a custom design request for a whale baby shower book. Since I can recreate this book and customize the colors of the design to match your baby shower, I'm happy to say I've added this book option to the shop this month.

It's inspired by the sail boat guest book that's currently available here. And like the sail boat book, I've designed some custom signature pages inside as well as a first page that can be personalized with name(s) and date or special saying.

This book is made using mint green cover stock and light blue.

The whale design may vary when I run out of the blue star burst paper and depending on the colors requested. As always I'll keep updating the photos on the listings in the shop to keep them current.

Right now my turn around time is about 3-5 days on orders. With the holiday season approaching it may start to take longer during those months, so be sure to keep that in mind when needing to order. As always you can contact me and let me know your event date to be sure it will arrive in time.

You can find the whale book in the shop here!

Thanks for sharing and supporting my shop.

New Fall Items in The Shop

2015-11-06T10:36:00.000-05:00

I've been in a crafty mood lately and with Halloween and several birthday's this month,
I've been creating some new stuff.

I've added this hand stamped leaf place cards and tags. The baker's twine just really goes well with the tags. You can use them for tying on gifts or favors, but also use them for place settings.

Hand stamped leaf tags with baker's twine

3.75" x 4" place cards

leaf cut out tags

It's only a few weeks away, but Thanksgiving is on its way.

What are you planning for dinner?

9 Ideas for Using Tea Lights This Holiday Season

2015-10-23T10:35:00.000-04:00

I've had tea lights on my mind this week.

Someone asked me for some ideas in a local craft store of what you can do with tea lights. Of course my mind was just racing with ideas and then I got to thinking I haven't made anything using tea lights before. So.... I did a quick scan on Pintrest. Okay, maybe not to quick, because who can get on Pintrest and not get absorbed with all the great things you find there.

But I did find these ideas that include tutorials.

If you're looking for ideas to warm up your home or special occasion with tea lights this holiday season check out these ideas from other paper bloggers:

1. Paper lanterns from Lia Griffith. You can download the tutorial on how to make these here.

2. Tea Light boxed holders for gifts by Michelle Last. See tutorial here.

3. Halloween #spook decoration. Find out how to make one here.

4. Floating tea lights in a bowl. Idea thanks to: theartofdoingstuff

5. Wine Glass Lamps with tea light candles and scrapbook paper shades. See how to create them here.

6. Teal Light Card to "light" up someone's day. Instruction video here.

7. Tea Light Wall Hanging. I love this idea! It's my favorite of all. I'm currently saving my chicken cans to make one. You can probably us tuna cans, too. Check out how to make one here.

8. Another recycle can project using tea lights. Click here to check out this one.

9. Spruce up your home this fall with tea light pumpkins! Check it out here.

Got other tealight inspired ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments or over on my facebook page. Can't wait to see them all!

At Summer's End

2015-08-27T12:11:00.003-04:00

The summer has just flown by and I swear I don't know here it went!!

Has school started where you all are at?

Just a few more days and the kiddos will be back in the education system during the day and mom here will have some more time to write and get some books made.

I know it's been a while since I've posted. I've been quite busy I assure you.

And I've made some more updates.

I've reinstated my newsletter. So if you were an old subscriber it will be coming back out here in September. For those of you who would like to join my mailing list you can do so by entering your email address on the sign up at right side of this website. (Note: Your email is safe with me. I respect your privacy and I do not share this information with anyone for any reason.) New subscribers will receive a 15% off coupon for subscribing. Previous subscribers, I've got you covered, you'll be receiving a special coupon in the next day or two before the new September newsletter goes out.

In the meantime, I'm preparing for upcoming events over the next few weeks.

August 28th - Muncy, PA - Fourth Friday Event 6-9pm Main St Muncy Open House in an old Victorian House.

August 29th - WBCW Book Fest at Memorial Park in Watsontown, PA.

September 12th - Beaverdale Book Fest - Beaverdale PA

September 19, 20 - New Germany Arts and Craft Festival, New Germany PA

I'll be adding October and November dates to the newsletter and updating the site with these soon.

Hope you all can come out and say hi if you're in the area. As always, thank you so much for your support over the years.

As always I'm working on some new designs for in the shop as well as a new novel that I hope to share with you all real soon. But please keep the custom orders coming, I love working with you all and making that special book that is just for you!

Money Cards Make A Gifting Easy

2015-06-26T18:53:00.000-04:00

I've been trying out some new designs and ideas for in the shop.

In my family putting money in a card is still a popular way of gifting for Birthday's, Weddings, Baby Shower's, and Graduations.

Money Cards are nice, but cash still is #1 if you know what I mean.

I found this template design for making a card with a pocket for slipping your money in. There is still room to write a note inside and sign it, or it can be personalized for you to save on the hand writing.

These are just a few of the many designs I've been working on. My mom pitched in to fold these for you. They come with an envelope or a belly band.

I've got them scattered through the shop, so just click here to go to the shop and choose a section for the event you need.

Tell me what you think? Do you still prefer the traditional cards or do these money cards work for you?

Lace Birthday Cards

2015-06-19T18:16:00.000-04:00

Got this idea off Pintrest.

Another beautiful card by my sister.

They come in a variety of colors and you can choose your birthday sentiment or personalize it with one of your own.

She made me one that was purple and white for my birthday a few weeks ago. It's so elegant and pretty!

She's also working on some for baby showers and will add them to the shop soon.

In the mean while, I'm thinking this layered paper lace technique would look lovely as well on the cover of a book. Can't wait to try it. I show you how it comes out soon.

You can find these lace birthday cards in the shop HERE.

New Design In The Shop: Lingerie Shower Guest Book

2015-06-13T17:57:00.000-04:00

I recently had a request for a lingerie guest book album for a bridal shower. The colors were dark purple and pink. I used my cricut to create the cut outs for the lingerie.

Inside the pages are labeled "Best Wishes and Advice"

In all the years I've had custom request and making books, I don't know why I didn't make one of these sooner.

This is totally customizable in the shop. You can choose the main color of your cover and the color of the lingerie. Your ribbon color will coordinate and be the same as the lingerie color. And as always you have the option of the free name card on the front of guest book cover.

While I can't add the addition choice of page design without taking away the second color design option due to the set up of the shop through Etsy, feel free to convo me to choose another page design for your inside pages.

What do you think? Victoria Secret worthy?

Father's Day Coupon Books

2015-06-06T06:30:00.000-04:00

What do you get for a Dad on father's day?

Sometimes Dad's just want to spend time with their kids, want to know they're being thought of and appreciated.

Gifts are nice, but they don't always have to be something expensive.

Sometimes it's a hug.
Sometimes it's mowing the grass so Dad can have a little extra time to go work on that car or watch his favorite television show or read the paper.

There are all kinds of things you can do for your Dad on Father's day that is worth more than any expensive gadget in the store.

Here are a few more examples:

1. walk the dog
2. take out the trash
3. wash his car (or truck)
4. watch a movie together
5. play his favorite game
6. sports time
7. trim and (or) mow the grass
8. shovel the snow in the driveway this winter
9. clean the garage
10. wash the dog
11. dinner out
12. play catch in the back yard
13. Cook his favorite meal
14. go fishing together

What else can you think of that your Father might like that you can do for him on Father's day? Help add to my list by commenting below.

Click here to order your coupon book.

Graduation Cards You Can Personalize For Your Grad

2015-06-02T20:18:00.000-04:00

Wow! Graduations are already happening. Has the time flown by that fast?

I have to admit, it's been a whirlwind and flurry of paper around here. You all are keeping me busy and I love it!

During this past few weeks I not only got a visit from one of my sisters once - but twice. It was a great time. We pulled out a lot of my paper scraps and learned a thing or two. I never thought she'd fall in love with making cards this much or be so good at it!!

I've created a card making addict. lol..

Just look at these cards:

They're awesome right?

The insides are blank, but when you purchase, I'll be happy to personalize them inside with a saying of your choice or custom saying that you can convo me through the shop.

Help me to continue to encourage my sister to keep making cards like these ones by commenting, sharing, or visiting the shop and making a purchase.

You all just rock!
Thanks!

5 Ways Mini Note Cards Come In Handy and #giveaway

2015-04-03T19:30:00.000-04:00

In last week post, I shared an idea on using mini note cards to brighten someone's day and let them know you're thinking about them by slipping a note into their lunch. It had me thinking of all the other ways you can use a mini note card.

Here are five I came up with:

1. Lunch Note

2. Locker Note

These are really fun for tween and teens. Rather than passing notes in class, or trying to text one another without getting in trouble, these sweet little cards slip up into the vents of a locker to brighten a fellow student's day.

3. Mini Thank You Card

Sometime the larger blank thank you cards feel intimidating because you think you need to write to fill in the blank. While you can't mail these little mini thank you note cards, you most certainly can write a small note and hand it to the person or slip it in a purse, on a desk, or at a table setting instead.

4. Gift Card or Tag

I always think of the holidays, but parties and gifts are a great use for these mini note cards, too. You can attach them to a package (with or without an envelope), or slide them down into a gift bag. They can have a hole punched in the top corner so they can be tied to packages for favors at a party. They even slip nicely into a bouquet of flowers on mother's day or just because.

5. SWAG

If you're a business owner, like I am. SWAG is something you give your customers as a way to say thank you and spread the word of your business. As many of you know who have ordered from the shop, I always slip in something extra along with your order. Mini note cards are wonderful for adding to packaging to thank a customer or allowing them to have something extra to use as any of the ideas above.

Well, those are my five uses, can you think of any other ways you'd use mini note cards?

Leave your ideas in the comments below or over on my facebook page under this post. Next week, I'll pick one lucky person to receive a set of mini note cards from the shop. Share and tag me on twitter @mrschadt to have your name put in twice.

You all are awesome!

Lunch Notes Are A Kid's Best Friend

2015-03-27T10:26:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading the book In-Between by Jennie B. Jones. In the book, the main character is a teenage girl who is a foster child. She goes to live with her new foster family and on the first day of school she sits in a bathroom stall to eat the packed lunch her foster mother has prepared for her.

Inside that lunch, is a little note that tells her to have a great day.

Life as a mom can get really hetic, especially in the morning. Especially if you have more than one kiddo to get ready for the day in addition to packing lunches, finding backpacks, and sometimes searching for a misplaced shoe.

I'm so guilty of this. Sometimes, as I'm dropping kids off to school I forget to say "Have a great day, or even I love you."

It's hard and it's so simple.
But it means so much.

Years ago, our pastor's wife told me how she would write notes on napkins in her child's lunch. I did the same. My kids complained, but then if I forgot they'd come home from school and let me know they didn't get their note. Even though they didn't want to admit it, they look forward to it. It's still staying connected and giving your child some extra encouragement that they may need to carry on the rest of the day.

I think we all could use some of that. Not just in school, but in the work day as well.

We've all been there haven't we? There are just those days that drag or something happens that you can't wait for the day to end or wonder if anything worse could happen before the clock hits the appointed time to go home.

A few little words of encouragement can go a long ways to make it through the afternoon.

What better way to slip some hope into someone's day than a little note card with a handwritten "Have a great rest of the day." or "Looking forward to seeing you when you get home." to boost their moral.

These bright and cheery little note cards are available in my etsy shop now. You can check out all the designs here, and more will continued to come.

They're 3 x 3 folded, and are the perfect size for slipping into a lunch. They're uplifting designs make them a keeper to hold onto throughout the day on a desk or in a locker.

What notes of encouragement do you tend to write to your loved ones to let them know your thinking of them throughout the day?

Operation Spring Cleaning

2015-03-24T08:23:00.000-04:00

It's been a long winter. I've waited to pull down the plastic that adds an extra barrior between the cold outside and the walls within our home. And even though it snowed on the first day of Spring, I'm ready to welcome it anyway.

My grandfather used to say that those few inches of snow in the spring were the "oinion snow" and that was good for blessing gardens. I hope he's right.

With spring also comes a long awaited goal for our family.

We've outgrown our home.

Over the years, our children have grown, my business has grown, and now Chad works from home. We've used up all the nooks and cranes of this house for desks, craft tables, and a growing family.
We knew we wouldn't stay in this house forever. It had been the best of the worst houses we'd seen those many years ago. We called it our "seven year" house.

It's been seven years.

While this home has served us well, holds memories for our family, it's time for us to move on to another stage in our life - including the upcoming teenage years of our children.

Thus begins Operation Spring Clean.

As I'm cleaning and decluttering a real estate agent is getting the sign ready and the paperwork prepared to list our home, while another agent searches for a home that will suit our families new needs.

I'm hoping for a new studio area, even one that opens my business up to more walk in communication with my customers. I've even graciously offered to share with Chad if need be so we can work together during the day. I know, I'm such a giving wife.

I don't know where our next home will be, but I pray it is closer to our family - shortening the mileage and travel time we endure each year to stay connected with them - and I pray that a new family falls in love with our current home and is blessed by it as much as it has for us.

Today's mission to kick off Operation Spring Cleaning is three things:

1. Call a contractor to fix basement windows (the winter was not kind to them and we'd fix them anyway.)
2. Tackle Chad's office by decluttering the crates of text books and papers that have gotten strown all around over the winter.
3. Find the kid's easter baskets and prepare for the upcoming holiday.

I think three goals for today are enough.

Are you looking forward to this new season of spring?

If you would be so kind as to keep our family in your prayers through this transition, it is much appreciated,and if there is anyway I can be praying for you - please don't hesitate to let me know in the comment section below or email me.