lyssa beth

the "glamour" of real life.

2012-03-09T13:12:00.002-08:00

I was talking to some friends this morning about the love/hate relationship we have with the internet, particularly about blogs and Facebook. I've had this discussion before, many many times.
Blogs are deceiving because many post life's happy moments. They then become ideal and perfect in our minds. Then we start comparing our lives to their perfect lives. Facebook is the same way. People update great news, pictures, awards, ideas etc etc.

But you have to remember that THAT is not real life. Everyone has problems. Everyone has trials. They just don't flaunt it online. And that's fine. It's their space. They can do whatever they want. I used to get really frustrated about that too. A particular blog did this to me. It was only after talking to friends & family of the author and even reading archives of said blog that she was imperfect. It gave me a glimpse of the "behind the scenes" of "perfect" blogs.

So now, when I read a blog, I read it with a grain of salt. Always. If it seems they can do everything. They can't. They are probably neglecting their kids, their marriage is hurting, she hires a maid to clean the house etc etc. So many things.

So in celebration of our discussion, here's first a story of what happened today when I went to pick up Emma from school. Luke has this fabulous habit of running off when I tell the kids to get in the van. Today, he chose to run down the neighbors driveway. So I closed the doors and started driving away, telling him, "bye!!" I was at the end of my driveway when I stopped and watched him run back down the driveway towards the van. Once he got close, I came out of the car to get him. Of course, he then started running away again. So, being very motherly, I ran after him, yelling and trying to control the anger that was building up inside of me. I snatched him up and gave him a few "light" swats on the behind. I kept sternly telling him he needs to come to the van when I told him too.....5 bucks he'll do the same thing next time. Argh, seriously, this kid. Not the best "mom" moment, I assure you.

Next, i'm posting pictures what my house looks like right now. Like right NOW. These were taken about 20 minutes ago.
Just to show you that I DO NOT have my house clean all the time. I only go around 2-3 times a day and do a quick clean up to tackle the mess.
And also, a story as a mom. It's been a bad day

This doesn't even cover my room, the laundry room or even the toy room...**shudder**
I think we are all doing what we can. Let's not judge or assume anything. Instead, let's help one another and be a bit more understanding. :)

DIY Family Home Evening Board

2012-03-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Don't you love when a project that you have in your mind goes according to plan and it turns out better than you thought?

Let me introduce you to what i'm talking about:

This is our family's Family Home Evening magnet board. Each week, we get together as a family and do activities, treats, and a lesson. It's a wonderful way to bond as a family. My kids love it and look forward to Mondays. I'll go into details later, but let's see how this baby was born.

Supplies Used:

eCraft machine

Fundamentals 1 SD card
Jen Allyson SD card

CutMates cardstock paper

hot glue

Shrink and Bake paper

Patterned Paper by My Mind's Eye

Alpha mini Stamps from Hobby Lobby

Modge Podge

I started with this. It's a large print inside a wooden frame. I got this for free.

Next, I grabbed some metal sheets I got from Home Depot and hot glued them onto the large mounted print that I popped out of the wooden frame.

Next, I grabbed some paper and started the design process. I added some cut outs from the Fundamentals SD card. Then I cut out a few more and started grafting some branches in.

I used Modge Podge to get everything set.

After a hard night's work, my design was finally done! I used some journaling spots from Joann's $ spot for the labels. Cut out some letters for my title. LOTS of leaves as well :)

See, each week, each person in the family will be in charge of spot: Song, Treats, Game, Prayer & Lesson.

So I used my Shrink & Bake to make everyone's individual name tags. I cut out adorable animal shapes from both SD cards and colored with.

Followed the instructions and got some wonderful name tags!

So I put on some magnets on the back.

Now we can alternate each week!

Here's my Kate helping me show off my latest creation :)

Then I put back into the frame.

Now it's on the wall, for all to see! The kids are really excited to see what they get to do each week.

And what's fun is that they can play with the animals and board too! I am probably going to make some more creatures for them to play with.

Do you like to do DIY redos? I think i'm addicted!

This project is being posted over at the eCraft Blog too! Go check out the wonderful creations we have there every day of the week!

DIY Bench from Head & Foot Board

2012-03-06T12:28:00.001-08:00

My bench is done!

So back in May..(almost a year ago!) I picked up this head & foot board for FREE from a garage sale. It was the last day and they wanted everything to go. I took advantage....

Anyways, wasn't sure what I was going to do with it.

It sat in our basement for months and months. Come October and Joe had had it! Our basement was turning into it's own thrift store. I knew I had a problem at hoarding so we started de-junking the basement. This set was put onto the chopping block. At first, I agreed since, seriously, when was I going to use this anytime soon? So it was put outside. But the thought of it being given away left me sad. There was just so much potential! So over Thanksgiving Break, I confronted Joe and told me I had a plan for this set and that I needed his help. My plan? Turning this into a bench for a large porch.

So somewhere on my computer, I have pictures that show Joe cutting up the foot board and screwing it onto the head board....but I can't find them. But you can imagine and see how we did it. We measured about 19 inches in on each side and cut the foot board. We used some Long screws to attach them onto the headboard. We then placed a piece of wood across the front to add support for the arm rests.

Then we went and cut up some boards to lay on top of the support wood for the seat.

Then we had our friends use their nail gun to nail those in place. They also reinforced the seat by placing a vertical board underneath the seat, as you can see in the middle in the picture below.
I also sanded then painted a pretty light aqua blue.

It looks wonderful on my porch. I love love love it. and glad it's done and outta my house :)

Mid-Winter Break

2012-02-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day of the mid-winter break. We have the rest of the weekend off. Best part is that Joe has it off too. Hopefully we'll something worthwhile!
Today, Emma and I (with the on & off help of Kate) made a snow castle. We got dumped last night so we had plenty of snow.

I'm going to be honest, usually I dread snow and playing in it with the kids. I don't know why, I just loathe getting dressed and being out in the cold. But today, since it was just me and the snow was perfect, I went ahead and sucked it up and went out.

And i'm glad I did. It was really nice. I ended up taking off my coat midway through. Pretty good workout.

It was cool to see it go up. sorry if the pictures are vague on how it looks. it was bright.

Tomorrow, I think we'll add some height to this baby. Maybe attempt a roof?

eCraft DT this week...

2012-02-29T08:42:00.000-08:00

They guys, wanted to give you a sneak peek at what I made this week.
I made a pendant for my necklace.
You can find the "how-to" over on the blog!

Luke & His Room.

2012-02-28T14:56:00.001-08:00

Remember when Luke turned his back on babyhood?

He seems to be doing just fine. His toddler bed upgrade has been successful.
Here's an update on what his room looks like now.

That's one RED wall, right? It came like that. And since we're renting, i'm not putting in the effort to paint. So Red stays. Luckily it goes with his "colors".

Here's his new bed. Larger than a Toddler bed but smaller than a twin. Got this baby for free from a friend :) I love his trunk. Got it for $3 at a thrift store. And his pallet shelf holds his precious books.

That globe? $5. Don't be jealous.

Before naps and bedtime, we read 3 books. I love that the books are set up where he can see them. So he loves picking the books himself.

He's a little camera shy ;)

He has finally chosen. He loves Pat the Bunny!

eCraft DT this week

2012-02-22T07:46:00.001-08:00

Want to see what I made today? Head over to the eCraft Blog to see the whole project :)

At the home front, 2/3 kids have coughs that won't go away. I'll be missing MOPS this morning to tend to them. I look forward to snuggling on the couch with them and watching a movie or two...

What are you doing today?

Quiet Time with Emma

2012-02-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

While Joe ran up to the office to work on some stuff, I found myself playing Dress-up dolls with Emma in her room. The other two kids were downstairs.
While we were playing school, I couldn't help but be distracted by my little Emma Beth.

She is just beautiful and smart. Funny and silly. Loving and creative...I could go on and on...

The thing about Emma is she's very strong-willed. The first few years with her were a little rough...(little is an understatement). Even a year ago, we were being confronted by her Preschool about her behavior and possibly her being kicked out.

Yet in the past year, she has grown SO much. She loves school. She is doing great with her Teacher. She's one of the top students in Kinder...lol hate to brag but...it's true.

Just so proud of her and what kind of girl she is becoming.

Now, she still has her moments, especially when Luke attacks or if she's not winning on the Wii...but

At the rate she's maturing, i'm not worrying about it as much anymore :)

birthday goodies

2012-02-18T00:28:00.000-08:00

Besides Valentine's Day this month, there have been lots of birthday, mainly friends.

Want to share with you a few I made (with love ;) )

Some adorable button earrings made with the yummiest fabric by Moda. You'll be seeing this fabric again soon....

Next up is this adorable camera strap cover. I have been wanting one of these forever. But I always tend to make and give away the cutest things I make. And i'm fine with that. I know if I really REALLY want it, I'll make another one ;)

See that adorable flower?

Not only is it adorable, it's functional too! It's a pocket for you lense cap! I LOVE this little feature!

What do you think? I seriously can't do enough ruffles in anything I make.
You guys curious how to make the camera strap? Tutorial coming soon!

eCraft DT: week #6

2012-02-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

This week, our challenge was to use our sponsor and make something geared towards a party.

Here's a sneak peek at what I did:

Want details? Head on over to the eCraft Blog!

Don't be surprised if you see me sporting this at the grocery store ;)

Are you into Lace like me these days?

a baby no more.

2012-02-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

When did Luke decide to grow up? I didn't sign that waiver!
Last night, he slept in his "big boy" bed for the first time. He did great! Only a couple times did he attempt to come out but then he laid down on his bed and went to sleep. I crept in last night before I went to bed and it was one of those moments where you kind of pause and reflect on how fast these little ones grow...sniff sniff.

I took these this morning before church. He was being so cooperative so I had to take advantage!

What a handsome little thing...

10 on 10: February

2012-02-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Boy, did the 10th sneak up on me! Got this up just in time!

This month has been busy with the normal family "busyness". I hope after Valentine's day, it'll taper off.

Alrighty, here we go:

sneak peek self portrait, watching the snow fall, dejunking, laundry, morning potty break, wake up good morning, morning grin, Power Rangers, finished project, crib no more.

Thanks for joining me this month.

CHA: part 1

2012-02-09T23:10:00.001-08:00

Did you know I left for 4 days alone to California?

yes...this is true.

Some how, the planets aligned and I was able to go kid-free for 4 days....
Honestly, let's just give a hand to Joe. Seriously. He watched the kids, took care of the house, got the kids where they needed to be, even went to church solo...something isn't right here...Who is this man and what has happened to Joe?
No, I don't give him enough credit around here. He did awesome and I came home to a clean house.
really REALLy lucky to have a guy like Joe as my husband and father to my children.

Ok seriously i'm still in shock and stoked that I got to go. Craftwell, who has made the eCraft, whose design team i'm on, liked what I make and like the pictures I have of them, so they flew me out to CHA to help out at the booth and take picture for them.

Part 1 is showing some swag I got from my weekend. There were endless make n' takes at most booths. I wish I had more time to hit every one. I only made it to 2/3 of the convention center. I was busy helping demonstrate their awesome machines and taking pictures. But I can't complain because I had a fabulous time, being crafty, seeing friends again and making new ones.

So here we are, with some stuff I made and got for free. Cute Totes, one from Martha Stewart I stenciled and another one I just got from their booth, Grant Studios...cutest stuff ever!!

These are some cute make n' takes at Lilybee designs & Maya Road.

Hair accessories I made and those yummy rings I made as well. Free paint at the martha stewart booth.

An adorable make n' take frame, also at Lilybee deisng booth and a fun carrot at the Jillibean Soup Booth.

So so fun! It has definitely given me inspiration and motivation to put my butt in gear and get crafting!
Be back with some pictures of CHA with yours truly :)

eCraft DT: week #5

2012-02-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

This week, I am excited to share this:

I've been trying to finish the walls in my girls room. They share a room and each has their own wall. So I made this for my daughter, Emma.

I know you are dying to see what it is so head on over the ecraft blog! If you like what you see, follow us along! Each day, we have wonderful projects from all our design team! It's great!

Also I must pass along some wonderful news. Have you heard of HSN?! Well the eCraft machine will be debuting Feb. 9th at 1 am, 11 am, and 7 pm!!! You must check out this machine in action! You will not be disappointed.!! This is so exciting for Craftwell. If you are in the market for an electronic die cutting machine, don't miss this!

Also, have you noticed i'm MIA? Well after getting home from CHA, i've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. There are lots of things going on with my little home so i'm trying to prioritize and set everything in order! Easier said than done. Hopefully i'll have up some family & fun pictures of the past few months...Christmas anyone?!

winner....

2012-02-05T14:05:00.000-08:00

Who is ready to win this?!

Thanks to everyone who came and entered!!

Winner is:

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:24Powered by RANDOM.ORG

#24 is:

Tyler and Erin said...

Sharing on facebook! tnejperry(at)gmail(dot)com

January 28, 2012 12:36 PM

YAY for Erin!!! I'll email you to get your info :) :)

Hope you guys are having lovely Sunday!

eCraft DT: week #4

2012-02-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

***IF YOU ARE HERE FOR THE CHA BLOG HOP, GO HERE***

Another week, another creation! And I changed things up this week and did a card!

Get the details and how to over at the eCraft blog!

CHA Blog Hop: Ruffled Hearts Magnet Board

2012-01-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

While all the big cats are at work at the Winter CHA show, we get to play and win BIG!

Follow our blog hop, enter for a chance to win awesome prizes along the way and end on our

blog for the BIG PRIZE..er CHEESE!

I'm excited to be part of this fun Blog Hop. We are all going to show you some fun "Valentine's & Hearts"

themed stuff.

Ok so here's the line-up for the Blog Hop:

YOu came from:

KimberlyRae Forde: http://kreationsbykimberlyrae.com/blog/ (you came from here)

Lyssa Zimmerman : http://lyssa-beth.blogspot.com/ **You are here!**

Raven Baca: http://love4stamps.blogspot.com/ (Go here next!!)

Lois Hale: http://auntielolocrafts.blogspot.com/

Jennifer McCrae: http://www.firestormdesigns.com/

Debi Tullier: http://fabric-ecraft.blogspot.com/

Denise O' Connor: http://purplepaperparadise.blogspot.com/

Designer of the Day: http://blog.craftwellusa.com/

The Last Stop is the eCraft Blog, where you will see the Designer

of the Day. Plus, you have a chance to win a Ebosser!!!!

This is the latest and greatest machine from Craftwell! It embosses and cuts up to A4 size pages. This thing is amazing!
This is one of the top 20 HOT items that CHA chose to highlight this year. This thing is just amazing.

You can win this baby only at the eCraft BLOG. by following the blog and leaving a comment...OH and don't forget to leave an email so they can contact you!

BUT lots of the stops along the way are giving away other fun stuff so you will want to go to every stop!!

OK let's get back to me ;)

So here's is my little creation for the blog hop:

Who doesn't love ruffles?!

I used the eCraft to whip up those hearts with fabric and freezer paper. It was a snap!!
Here's a quick video to show you how easy!

The Ruffles were just as simple. I just sewed a straight line down a strip of fabric then took the top thread and gathered it together until I liked the ruffliness.

After that, I sewed the hearts on the burlap then sewed a straight line to secure the ruffles.

To make it a magnet board, I placed a piece of sheet metal on top of a canvas board then wrapped the burlap around that and hot glued it down.

I grabbed some more fabric and hot glued a loop on the back so I could hang it. Doesn't it look perfect on the wall, ready for some love notes...hee hee

And guess what?! I'm giving a Ruffled Heart Magnet Board away!!! Yep, a lucky winner wins one of these!!!

So how can you win?! Leave a comment for each thing you do!!
Initial Entry:
You Gotta be a follower here on the site :)

Extras: (links to these can be found on side bar near top)
- Follow me on FB :)
- Reshare this on FB to help spread the word! Make sure to use the @Lyssa Beth tag so I can see you shared it
- Pin this baby on Pinterest!
-Follow me on Pinterest!

Ok lots of opportunities to win! This is perfect for Valentines day decor or even all year round!!
This ends in 1 week!!

THanks guys and have fun on the BLog Hop!!
Next Stop is
Raven Baca: http://love4stamps.blogspot.com/

weekend outing.

2012-01-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

Something exciting is happening this weekend and i'm excited to share with you guys what i'm doing.

Saturday, i'll be driving to Seattle. I'll spend the night there and then catch a 7 AM flight to L.A.
I'll be picked up and taken to the Anaheim Convention Center.

What's at the Convention Center, you ask?

CHA!!

In all my years of scrapbooking and crafting, I would have never ever ever thought I would go to CHA. Never.

But a miracle has happened. The company of Craftwell has hired me to come along and take pictures of their booth and the event. WOW. Seriously I am pinching myself over and over again.

I am in the right place and in the right time for this. It probably helped that I was on the DT for the company. They really liked my crafts but also my photography and how I display them. Then being a photographer on top of that, they decided it would help get some great pictures for them and what they have planned for their company.
Here's a video clip from last year's CHA and Craftwell:

I seriously can't believe it though.

Another fun thing we are doing is a photobooth!! It's going to be so fun :)

I'll be on my own, for 3 days, in the midst of creativity. No kids while I travel? I never thought that would have happened for another 30 years! Whoda thunk?!!

Thank you Craftwell for the generosity of including me in the wonderful experience.

eCraft DT: week #3

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here is me, checking in with my sneak peek for this week:

Made this for my sister, since she has a dog ;) Hope she likes it!

Head on over to the eCraft blog to see what it is!

winter weekend.

2012-01-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

Emma just couldn't wait to do her valentines. For weeks, she's been talking about it. So I started getting ideas from Pinterest then let her decide which one she wanted. She chose THESE. So here we are today, getting them all done! Emma is such a trooper. She has filled all bags, cut out all the shapes and now she's trimming the excess bags from the valentines.

This week, winter finally decided to show up with a revenge!

We've gotten so much snow. And the kids are in heaven.

Look at these gigantic icicles!

We have some great hills just across the street at the middle school. The kids love to have Joe take them there.

Joe knocked off some huge icicles we had and we make an ice castle! It's so cool-looking.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

PS- Did you know I have a Facebook Page now?! It's soley for this blog and to share other fun ideas too!
Come visit and let's be friends!

eCraft DT week #2

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!!

Another DT submission over at the eCraft blog!
Head on over there to see what I made this week. You like what you see, follow the blog!!

..here's a hint:

I was "sew" crazy! HA, and i'm "sew" funny....

eCraft DT: first week!

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some sneak peeks at what my submission for my first week as a DT member over at the eCraft BLOG!

I know you want to see more :)
Head on over to the eCraft Blog for Details!!!

10 on 10: January

2012-01-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

Bear with me, this is my first attempt at 10 on 10.

I've been following a few blogs who have been doing this for months now. Every month, I want to do it but then I look at the calender and it's the 12th.

So here it is, in a nutshell:

scrapping, doggies, sisters, mid-morning cereal, wii entertainment, daily nourishment, size 7s, unfinished project, favorite winter accessory, date night MMA style

Embroidery Hoop Art

2012-01-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting to share this with you for some time now.

I am in love with this.

It's for my daughter's room. I wanted something colorful and personal for her wall. And I have to thank the eCraft machine for all the hard work. That circle and letter was cut out with it. Amazing HUH?!

It was very simple to make too. I promise. The eCraft is a gem to use for cutting fabrics.

Let me show you via video:

and just ignore the "lyssa from born-again crafter"...lol made that when I was there. :)

So the reason for waiting so long to share this with you?
I've been published!!! It is in the eCraft Creation EBook!!
SOOO, if you want detail on how I made this adorable Embroidery Hoop Art, go HERE

It's very exciting to see your work in a book!!!

And also, don't forget to head on over to the eCraft blog to see our first week's DT creations! Mine will be on Wednesday and i'm very anxious to show you :)

it has begun...

2012-01-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, emma came up screaming and laughing, "Mom! Look at Luke, look at him!! I put him in a dress and put nail polish on his nails! hee hee"

I was wondering when this was going to happen...

When I tell Luke to smile, this is what I get. I don't want him to grow up.

*lyssa beth*