Tutus&GlueDots

One Month Down

2012-01-31T23:11:00.001-08:00

Yay! 31 days of taking a photo everyday! LOVE it! I have had fun putting this together and I love the entire month completed.

The full spread! And here are the close ups.

And here are the “stories” behind the photos

Day 25: Something I made

I wanted to take a photo of something scrappy, but while at work, I spied this guy. I made this school house/tissue box my second year of teaching. My kiddos get a kick out of the fact that it is a tissue box.

Day 26: Color

My original plan for this was to take photos of ROYGBIV, but non of my apps had enough “windows” to work them all in. So this is what I settled for.

*a huge apple my mom gave me

*My Amy Butler teacher bag

*My wallet

*Crayons of course

*and my sandals – love California Winters. And my feet are not that tan, the app did that – ha!

Day 27: Lunch

Self explanatory

Day 28: Light

This one came courtesy of Mike. It was the weekend and I knew I was spending the day at home. I wasn’t sure what I would be taking a photo of and then Mike texted me this photo – ummm – perfect!

Day 29: In my fridge

this one came at the perfect time, I had veggies in my crispers – ha!

Day 30: Nature

Took this one on my recess break. I was running copies, ran outside, held my phone up to the sun and that’s all! Pretty right?

Day 31: Me(again)

Me, again.

I made it and I loved doing it! Are you going to play along this month? Let me know, I would love to follow you. Here is the next list!

(click the photo to go to the site).

Thanks for stopping in!

Michelle

Project Life|Cover Page

2012-01-30T22:08:00.001-08:00

So, I have finally finished all of December in my Project Life. I love it! I have had so much fun putting them together. I think I say that each time, right?? Okay, I’ll stop. :) I was even super excited to see my PL pages pinned on Pinterest. Love when that happens!

It was finally time for me to put together my title page. There were so many inspiring ideas floating around Pinterest and Message Boards, that I just didn’t know how I would make mine. The first downfall was that there is no mom and daughter photos of Alyson and I (that aren’t candid), so I will definitely be working on that this year. And I really don’t like taking pictures of me (unless I have my phone and am having a good make-up day- heee). And because this album will cover just me and my girl, I knew it would be different than the many I have seen out there in Blog/Pinterest land. I wanted to make sure that this albums’ cover focuses on “us”, Momma and daughter. So this is what I came up with.

I originally thought I would go with what came in my Becky Higgins kit, but I scrapped that idea when I came across the Free rainbow chevron card. I knew I needed the fun kit that it came from.

In the kit there was a “Hello, my name is…” tag. Since it was editable, I changed it to suit us. I love it.

I am loving the see though pocket with my Ali Edwards cut. I am not sure if you can tell because of the white background I used.

And because I wanted to use a large photo of Alyson, I made the bottom portion fit into the 4x3 pockets.

And that’s it! I love how simple and fun it is. I think it captures who we are right now. It will be fun to see what the last page will look like!

I will be back tomorrow to share my first week’s page, along with a freebie.

Michelle

So it seems…

2012-01-28T12:21:00.001-08:00

So it seems that Thursday and Friday are the hardest days for me to blog. I am thinking that is is because in the beginning of the week I am a bit more rested and have the energy to do what I need to do at home & still have time to blog. By Thursday and Friday, ummmm, not so much. And that’s okay, but I always have something I want to blog about just no energy to do so. I thought since I have the morning to myself, I would share some photos I took this week while Alyson and I were out.

Alyson marked on her ToDo list (she aw mine and made herself one too) that we would go get ice cream. I agreed that Wednesday would be the perfect mid-week break from homework, washing dishes, etc. So we were going to go to Farrell’s, but she really was hoping for Baskin Robin’s, so that’s where we went.

I took along my “real” camera to capture this little outing. And I am so glad I did.

The time we went worked out perfectly. And as you can see by Alyson’s outfit, it was warm, felt a bit like a summer evening (I can’t wait for summer).

Alyson always likes to taste a new flavor when we go, I think it’s the spoons:) After we got our pre-dinner ice cream, we headed out to check out the shops. Her favorite is World Market.

All the valentine stuff was so fun to look at! I didn’t bring my wallet, thank goodness, but I may have to go back for a couple things.

I mostly took this photo because of the chocolate all over her face. She thought it was the chocolate I Love you bar (which she wanted). You can’t tell here, but the chocolate made it to her nose too! I didn’t have her clean it, because well, who cares, she will clean it when she’s done!

She fell in love with many desks there – ha! She wanted one of each style! I snapped this and told her to get away from the white furniture – heee!

After taking mental notes of things I wanted (especially the Cupcake red-velvet wine), we left to hang out and finish our cones.

My favorite shot of the evening. The sun/lighting was just perfect.

All of this fun in 30 minutes?? Priceless. She already has a plan for us this week. Fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Michelle

Project 366

2012-01-24T23:31:00.001-08:00

Hi there! I have another week of Insta-photos. Here is the calendar with photos in place. (again, posting it here so that I stay on top of it).

You know, it may be silly, but it makes me feel good that I have almost filled up the month – yay!

The “notes” – I guess that I will fill out the bottom portion of the calendar next week.

And here is the “story” behind the photos, I know, you are dying to know – ha!

Day 18 Something I bought

I bought these super cute sunglasses at the Forever 21 accessory store. Who can resist $5.80! Click here to get your own.

Day 19 Sweet

Since I have been trying to cut down on my favorite item at McDonald’s, this prompt gave me the perfect opportunity to indulge in a sweet tea – sooooo good!

Day 20 – Someone I love

Umm – self explanatory.

Day 21 – Reflection

I lucked out with this one. It happened to be raining that day so when it stopped, I ran outside and took a photo in the puddle.

Day 22 – Shoes I wore

So is it obvious that I didn’t go anywhere?? Ha! My slippers

Day 23 – Something Old

Wasn’t sure what I was going to photograph for this day. When I walked in from work, I noticed my 2 vintage cameras. Perfect!

Day 24-Guilty Pleasure

I LOVE gummies that are slightly sour and sweet – mmmmm,

Here is the link for the digi template that I used.

InLinkz.com

That’s all I have! Have a wonderful day!

Michelle

Project Life|December 26-January 1

2012-01-24T06:11:00.001-08:00

Hi there! It was so good to hear the comments about Farrell’s. And I see that it holds many of the same good memories for others! Alyson was just talking about going back this week, hmm maybe.

Well, for now, I am here to share my next week of Project Life. This week turned out to be a bit trickier than I originally thought it would be. I knew this would be the last week before I made my 2012 title page, so I technically had an “extra” page. Take a look and you will see what I mean.

I used some older Studio Calico and Crate paper. They seemed to go with my photos best. And I know that shouldn’t matter, but I treat each little area as a scrapbook page.

You can see that the right side is a bit smaller than the left. I don’t have it handy, or I would tell you what style this one is.

Close up of the left side. I used my silhouette to make those awesome chevron cuts – LOVE them!

There were so many NYE photos I wanted to add, but I had to cut it down. Still love the ones I chose. I knew before I started this PL that I wanted to add the confetti to a pocket. I saved it from that night and simply placed it in a pocket and sewed the opening closed. Doesn’t really “match” but it is part of that night.

That bottom photo opens up to reveal our NYE table. I HAD to include it so, of course, I added a “flap”

I decided to use the back “extra” page for more photos. And it was a good thing I had this much space because I really needed it!

Next up, I have finally started my title page! Can’t wait to share!

Have a wonderful day!

Michelle

Farrell’s

2012-01-23T06:25:00.001-08:00

Geez, Monday came so quickly, right? We had a relaxing weekend and I got a lot accomplished on the Project Life front and I can’t wait to share soon (just need photos). Since February is right around the corner, I wanted to post these photos before I “forget” them.

So there is this ice cream parlor that used to be around when I was little named Farrell’s. I had a birthday party there and I loved going after the movies to have ice cream. They served food too, but it was all about the sundae’s for me. I am not sure when, but Farrell’s was closed down. Recently, they have been rebuilding them, and I always wanted to go, but never wanted to take the drive. Well we lucked out because they built a brand new one in our downtown shopping center.

I could not wait until it was open, we would drive by and I would tell Alyson my memories of the place. Soon, she became as excited as I was for it to open. It finally opened the day after Christmas. And the lines was crazy long, I heard people waited in line for 3 hours. Ummmm, no, I am not that nostalgic. ha!

Well on New Year’s Day, Alyson asked her dad to take her. He agreed and came down. Well, I tagged along, because he knew how much I wanted to go. We only waited 30 minutes – score!

Here are some photos that I took.

Here is the ice cream only area. This line was much shorter, but not as much fun.

I love the old time decorations. Never gets old, I loved it when I was little too!

Now when we got there, Alyson was excited until she realized how loud it is in there. They go crazy with birthdays and take out the drums and make people do silly things. She wasn’t prepared for that – but she got over it – heee.

Her food. Two mini hot dogs.

And my lunch, the “grown up” grilled cheese. Yummmmoooo!

And although part of going there is the experience, I always look forward to having ice cream. But guess what? Alyson didn’t want any. I know! Shocker – she always wants ice cream. Sigh, so we didn’t get any. I figured that I would take her back and make her have some ice cream another time – heee!

What she was holding out for was candy from the candy shoppe they have.

They have all the good old time candy! She had a hard time choosing.

They even had Bacon soda – what??

Look at those giant Gummi Bears!

And these, oversized pops. Don’t believe me? Take a look.

So cute! Alyson wound up with some candy that looked like rocks, and something else, can’t remember, but she ate it all.

It really was the perfect way to start the new year-I can’t wait to take her again!

That’s all I have today!

Michelle

Project 366!

2012-01-17T23:08:00.001-08:00

So, I know that it is only January 17, but I have been doing really well with taking a photo everyday! I had planned on taking most of these daily photos with my “big” camera, but my phone is just so much easier. And it really just allows me to have fun and not worry about all the technical stuff, ya know? Here’s the link to my old post.

Here they all are. This download even comes with some pages to write a little blurb about each day. I am liking it! Thinking it will be easy to make into a book!

That’s all I have today! have a wonderful day!!

Michelle

InLinkz.com

Project Life

2012-01-17T06:09:00.001-08:00

Hello there! So, Christmas week of Project Life was a little hard for me. I’ll tell you why. There are so many things we do leading up to Christmas and I want to make sure to “showcase” the “feeling” of fun. And because I didn’t do a December Daily this year, I really narrowed it down and tried my best. So, this spread took me a bit longer than usual, but I do like the end result. Take a look.

The photo with Santa was made using a 6x12 pocket. I wasn’t sure I would use them, but they are perfect for journaling and adding some fun pieces.

Here is the back. Now, I forgot to take a close up shot, but I actually added a “flap” and I have journaling under the “flap” I used Ali E’s 6x12 template for the journaling.

Left side of the page.

I made sure to include Santa’s letter to Alyson so I simply adhered the letter to the 3x4 pocket. I added the paperclip to weigh it down.

These are close-ups of the photos and the hidden photos underneath.

Whew! Putting this week together was tough, but totally worth it. It has never been a favorite for me to scrap Christmas, only because I am always overwhelmed with “what” to scrap. So, this was a GREAT way to put it together. I am so glad it is done!

Oh, and you may have noticed, but I brought out my Silhouette and had some fun! After I reinstalled the software and dusted the machine off (literally), I found that I had a $98 credit still! Woohoo! I forgot how easy it is to work that machine. I may eventually have to invest in the Cameo.

That’s it for me. Have a blessed day!

Michelle

At the park

2012-01-16T01:36:00.001-08:00

Hey there! It is Monday, and I am off of work! Yay for 3 day weekends!We have had a very relaxing and healthy weekend so far. SO glad! Last night, I introduced Alyson to Beetlejuice.

Such a fun movie, that has some parts that are a wee scary for certain 7 year olds. But, she did want to watch it again – so good, right?

This weekend, I finally got a chance to upload my photos from my camera (I have been using my phone like crazy). And I came across some fun photos I took at the park.

I also opened up Lightroom. I haven’t done so in such a long time. I even needed to reload my presets. I forget how fun it is and how easy!

When we got to the park there were some kids there, but by the time I took the camera out, most had left. Which left Alyson and I having fun on our own.

Looking at these photos just makes me happy. They are just her, being who she is, crazy, fun, silly, you name it, it’s her! And don’t you love that she has a skirt on? I told her we were going to the park and this was her choice – ha! At least there were no heels.

And then I came across this beauty.

When the heck did she grow up? She makes me laugh like no one else. She also makes fun of me like no one else (I love that). We have a great banter and have some intense conversations. She is sensitive to a fault and NEVER forgets anything. And although she has so many things like her Dad, she is so very much like me. I just pray we can get through the teenage years – ha!

Have a great day! I will be back tomorrow with some Project Life!

A Little Project Life & Some Sewing.

2012-01-11T06:15:00.001-08:00

Good morning! I have to say, I am glad to be getting up and going to work today. Going to work means that Alyson is feeling better and I can get some teaching done! Whew!

Because I stayed home with a sicky yesterday, I was able to complete another week of Project Life. Yay! I have to say the hardest part is not the putting it together/scrapping part, it is deciding which photos/memories to pick.

Here is week 3 of December (the next layout will be a biggie).

I am still using the old pocket version for my pages, but will be transitioning to the newer ones soon!

This week also happened to be the week without my camera. So I am so thankful that I have my phone to take photos with. I even printed some instagram photos for this. The IG photos have the titles next to them.

I knew I had a bit to say so I journaled on the computer and printed it out with some Ali Edwards frames. I am debating bringing my silhouette back out. It sure is dusty, but I can cut some cute frames with it, hmm…..?

I already have the next pages planned and photos printed, so only the fun part is left! I will be working on those in the next couple days.

Before I go, I have to share some photos of Alyson sewing on her new sewing machine from her cousins.

All I had to do was put the batteries in and she went to town! It is the cutest little machine and even comes with a presser foot (which eventually she used her hand with).

She didn’t need any direction! I was impressed.

She sewed this “purse” on her own. She put straps in and everything! Soooo cute! She’s a natural. I may actually have to get her a machine.

Have a blessed day!

Michelle

Project 366

2012-01-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

Hello there! Happy Monday. Whew, this weekend was filled with a sick girl and a whole lot of watching t.v. The only bad part, is that my girl was sick. Thankfully she is feeling much better today. :)

I did get a chance to start to reorganize my scrap space so that it is more project life ready. Before, when I was doing traditional layouts for DT's, it was hard to juggle anything like Project Life. But this year, I am on top of it and more excited than ever! Maybe this will actually give me the time to put layouts into albums?? Ha! One day!

In addition to sharing Project Life here on my blog, I hope to share another project that I have taken on. Project 366. A photo a day. I am mostly taking these through my instagram app (which is my favorite app). And I don't know about you, but I have the best convo's on there as opposed to Twitter - LOVE it!

One app that a friend introduced my to is called, My365. Here is a photo of my calendar.

Everyday you can add a photo. It is pretty cool. Look me up if you aren't on there yet. I have been using this prompt for my photos of the day (so much easier than trying to think of one).

And here is a closer look at the photos so far.

Don't mind the late at night photo of me. Had to use a filter because my eyes were so red - heee!

My Breakfast. Apples and Peanut Butter & Coffee.

Something I adore was day three. I ADORE when she is a happy camper in the morning. This is the day I still had off and se went back to school, SO she got to sleep in an extra hour. It is amazing how much happier she is when she can sleep in.

And this one stumped me a bit. A letterbox, I figured was a fancy name for Mailbox? So here is my photo.

Something I wore, my glasses. I wear contacts 90% of the time. I do like to wear contacts, but I am blind without my glasses so I hate doing my make-up sans glasses. F.Y.I., Alyson doesn't like me in glasses - ha!

Made a collage of this one. The photo was "Makes me Smile" These are just a few.

A favorite? Getting photos of Alyson while she is with her dad. I LOVE it and appreciate it more than words can say. (She was at Disneyland here).

And then, my sky. Yesterday I was lucky to get out of the house. Luckily, my mom came over so I could run to the store and get some groceries. I snapped this one as I stopped at the bank. Pretty right? Well, except for the street lights.

I still have not done today's, but I will soon. I am loving how easy this is so far.

Thanks for stopping in!

Michelle

The best gift

2012-01-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

So being a single mama isn't easy. It is especially hard around the holidays when time is split between mom and dad and I can't hog my girl to myself. But, at least Mike and I get along and everything goes pretty smoothly. It may sound selfish, but I miss getting a gift from your significant other because those gifts are often things that you would never buy for yourself. And really, although I don't need anything, I still miss those fun gifts to open. Well, leave it to my girl to show me that her gifts are the only ones that matter.

We have always told her that we fill up her stocking and not Santa. Not sure why, it just worked out that way and makes things much easier here. So Alyson periodically would feel the outside of her stocking to see if I had been filling it up. And boy was she excited to find I was! Well I don't know, a few days later while she was at her dad's, I noticed this note on my stocking.

Can you read the note? Is that not precious or what? I LOVE that she did this and didn't say a thing about it. And of course I then noticed that the stocking was bulging with goodies. And I am thinking, what the??? I waited until Christmas Day to open things up. Alyson was so excited for me to open this. Wait until you see what was inside.

I knew she thought this out carefully, I mean she never gives up her glitter glue. She had just gotten those paint brushes, and she knew I could use them. The dry erase markers were of course for my classroom. And those crafty scissors that I gave her? Right back to mom! I can't tell you how special these things were to me. Everything was "new" to her and she had it in her big heart to give it to me for Christmas. I LOVE that! She is so thoughtful and sensitive and knows just how to make a momma realize that all I needed was these thoughtful gifts from her to remember the reason for the season. I am so lucky to have her.

And to show you, Alyson did a great job picking something out for me.

3 charms to go on my Brighton bracelet. The one heart says, I love you, there is an art palette with colors on the back side. And then the globe, "because you're a teacher mom." Sigh, I love her. I must come back and read this every time she is driving me bananas.

I hope to get into a schedule soon. Going back to work is not easy. But now that for the first time, in like 5 years? I am Design Team free! Can you hear me exhaling?? I love and miss it at the same time. But it is something I needed to do so that I could be the mom I want to be. But, that has not stopped me from being scrappy. So be back soon!!

Michelle

Project Life|December

2012-01-02T12:56:00.001-08:00

Hi there! I am so excited to finally start sharing some of my Project Life items. I started with the month of December. I know, doesn’t really make sense, but since I did not do a December Daily album this year, I thought that this would be the perfect way to still document things on a smaller scale.

I will make an official title page for the New Year, but I thought that this one was perfect for the month.

All of the page protectors are from the original 365 project (that I never finished). I finally got my order in and I now have a variety to choose from.

I can’t tell you how much fun I’ve been having putting these together and using up my stash. yay! Of course there are a few new things (mainly digital) that I have purchased, but that’s all. Here we have some Christmas themed paper. I think I like this approach, it lets me get the creative scrappy side out.

I added this little pocket here. I realized I didn’t have enough room for my journaling. So if you life up the flap,

And you see the only horizontal photo I took.

Here is a full week spread. I used some old goodies here too. All but 3 of these photos were from my phone. I love that!

Here is a close-up look.

I made another flip pocket (you can even see that it is sewed crooked). I loved both the instagram photo and the photo with Alyson holding the snowflake, so I included both.

Got to use my glitter alphas here.

So there you have it, the first part of December. I will be back with the next week. Let me know if you are completing your PL and I will be sure to follow you.

Michelle

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T20:46:00.001-08:00

Hello 2012! A new year, new beginnings, and new memories, love it! Before I share my word for the year, and talk about the things that I am looking forward to, etc, I wanted to share with you our wild NYE.

I did complete some of what I talked about yesterday and this is the result! I went with silver, gold, and black. I usually prefer the more colorful, but this seemed like the perfect change from all the green and red of Christmas.

I made the bags and added a clock to each. I had planned on numbering them, but Mike was bringing Alyson back, so time was limited. And your kidding yourself if you think that Alyson actually lets me get anything done when she’s home – ha!

Changed up the lazy susan a bit and added out “snowballs”, a great idea I got from a scrappy friend of mine (we had a snowball fight for one of our advent activities-I highly recommend them.

And you are not seeing double. This photo has the two balloons that I forgot in the first photo, but I liked the first one better. Lucky you. You’re welcome:)

I bought the new square marshmallows that are supposed to make it easier to make your smores. I wasn’t so sure they would, but they did! I would definitely recommend them.

Alyson all cozy and ready to watch the movie. It was funny. We did have to take a break to make some smores.

Someone was VERY excited. Excuse the hair.

See, the marshmallow is gooing out of the graham crackers. Yummm.

Yeah, she didn’t watch the move until she finished her two.

Kanani sat and watched the movie too!

After the movie, we did some mani’s/pedi’s (notice Alyson’s nails). I also had Alyson fill out her Best of 2011 worksheet. We then watched some t.v., and I honestly thought that she wouldn’t make it to midnight, but, well, take a look…

I love them! It truly shows how she is all.the.time. No kidding.

And then we took this at the end of the night.

Excuse the no make-up, again. I am on vacation people!

I will be back soon. Like, tomorrow! Can’t wait!

Michelle

One more post before 2012 & a Freebie!

2011-12-30T23:17:00.001-08:00

Can you believe that this year is coming to an end? I say it every year, but each year flies by faster than the last. Alyson will turn Eight this year and I will turn 35 – ack! Where has the time gone?
Since New Years Eve is upon us, I thought I would share a few things that my girl A, and I are doing. Some are traditions and some are new, but all are fun!
For the past few years, New Years Eve has involved Alyson picking out a new movie for us to watch. I think we have done, Barbie, and Camp Rock. This year, she picked out

Yep! We will be watching Mr. Popper’s Penguins. I think I might get the book on the Kindle and we can read some of the book together.
Another thing we always do, is make smores! Yum! I think this is the only time I like marshmallows. And Alyson looks forward to it every year.

Of course, we will wear some silly, but cute New Year hats. I am thinking of making these.

And because Alyson is older, I think that she might actually make it to midnight, so I think that these countdown bags would be really cute. I am thinking of getting some fun things that we can do for each hour?

And the one thing I want to tackle this year is making a time capsule. Fun right? I have seen them many times before, but I think with Alyson being older, it will have more meaning for her.

I actually want to start one all year long and drop in some fun things as the year progresses. For now, I think that this will work. I also created a fun printable for Alyson to fill out and place in our capsule.
After finding many online, I decided to make it “my own” and more me. I also made it downloadable for those of you that would like to use it as well. Just click here.

Now let's see how many things I actually get to, right? Have a wonderful and safe New Years Eve!

Michelle

Some scrappy layouts

2011-12-30T13:43:00.001-08:00

So, I thought I would be back yesterday, but the day got away from me. I have been busily completing my Project Life as well as helping Miss A sew on her new machine.

Before today gets away from me, I wanted to post my last two layouts for Scrapbook Circle.

Have a wonderful day!

Michelle

A Christmas Re-cap of sorts

2011-12-27T22:19:00.001-08:00

Hi there! I can’t believe that Christmas is over. I am kinda sad. It seems like it flew by. For me more-so than most years, and I am not quite sure why? Last night I took down our tree. Not everything is put away, but the the big stuff went first. I usually try to keep it up past new years, but I was itching to get things together. Kwim?

I am notorious for not taking many photos on Christmas. I try to to be present and not behind the camera. This year I took a few more than last year. Yay! So this post will be my re-cap of what went down and how we finished up Elf, a.k.a. Mikey.

Mikey was a BLAST this year and I am excited to put something together to commemorate all the fun things he did.

These are the last 4 photos.

This was our Gingerbread house this year. It is pretty darn big – ha! Mikey found his way almost inside.

You can’t tell here, but Mikey got a hold of one of my vintage cameras and decided to have a photoshoot with Alyson’s LPS animals. Ha!

Mikey decided to draw a self portrait on our chalkboard.

And the best for last. We will miss Mikey and will be thinking about what kinds of things he will do next year.

And now for our Christmas Day – well what I managed to capture.

Alyson spends Christmas Eve with Mike, so I use that time to finish things up and just relax and watch some good t.v. So Christmas morning Mike brings Alyson over as soon as she wakes and comes and opens what mom got her. And f.y.i. Alyson got her American Girl Doll from Mike and the accessories from me. I figured since she saw him first it would only make sense.

Santa ate the cookies (I made the plate last year). Alyson was a bit surprised that Santa didn’t eat the chocolate.

I had a photo of the presents under the tree, but can’t seem to find them. But here is my girl with a mouth full of cookies and a brand new outfit from Grandma.

First box full of American Girl accessories.

This box had the bird cage that she wanted.

She couldn’t get it open fast enough!

This was a last minute gift from Target. It was fuse beads, that she loves, but the photos were big. So much easier for her do. She loved it.

You can see some of the stuff she got. And of course, my cat.

Me and my girl No make-up for me. but at least it is a photo of the two of us (an Kanani).

I wanted to show a picture of the tree skirt I made. It was one of those Pinterest projects that I just “had” to do. I love the way it came out. It is so pretty!

I had to show the cutie pie sewing machine that she got from her cousins. We go batteries, so we will be using it soon.

One gift that I stayed up late making was this matching outfit for Alyson and her doll. You can only see a bit of Alyson’s skirt, but you get the idea.

The rest of these are just opening presents at my moms. Someone was not in the mood to take photos (Alyson), so this is all we have.

Well my sister got the coziest pajamas. Look!

Haha! I love her pose too!

Okay, I will leave you with our “I caught Santa” photo.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I’ll be back tomorrow!

Michelle

InstaFriday!

2011-12-23T13:12:00.001-08:00

Hello! I can’t believe that Christmas is here! Alyson is beyond excited! I am finishing up some sewing projects and looking forward to watching my girl open her presents.

I love my Instagram app and am addicted to checking up on all my friends through webstagram. I thought that this week (and maybe more), I would link up with the Life Rearranged blog. Click on over an rake a look. Here are my favorites for the week.

I finally got my Becky Higgins Clemetine kit! Yay! I am already starting on this. I am completely excited about this! Anyone else out there doing this? Let me know!

Since we are on Winter Break, I have tried to make breakfast for my picky eater. Which can be very frustrating when she doesn’t like things like eggs! So, pancakes it was. They were very yummy!

One day this week, Alyson actually cleaned up my scrap desk – ummm can she do that all the time? She loved playing with all my crafty stuff. Usually I give her my leftovers, or stuff I don’t want. But lately, I have wanted to clean out some of my stash, I have TOO much. And she found a box of rub-ons. I have not used rub-ons in forever, so I let her go at it. I think the box is almost empty – yay!!

This little activity was from Alyson’s Advent calendar. I remember loving these when I was little!

*I think I need to do a post on just her advent activities, they have been fun!

If you think breakfast is hard, try lunch. She doesn’t like sandwiches either (makes packing school lunches fun). But low and behold, she ate one! I had to take a photo. Nothing but bread and Ham, but it’s a start.

And then I let Alyson paint my nails. It was innnneresting. Hee! I got quite the compliment from the guy at Trader Joe’s this morning. Whatever makes her happy!

That’s all! I hope to do this more regularly. Have a wonderful Friday!

Michelle

The adventures of Elf

2011-12-21T10:27:00.001-08:00

So, Elf a.k.a. Mikey has been very naughty, and we have found him in many funny places. You can see the first week here and here. I have been taking photos of Elf each day and I have been having more fun than I ever expected to. Here is what he has been up to.

Mikey decided to decorate the tree with Alyson’s unmentionables. She loved this.

Mikey made some donuts.

Mikey was thirsty and decided to drink up the magic shell. I saw this done with syrup, but this magic shell has been in the cupboard for too long, so it needed to go, enter Mikey!

This is the first of many photos that I took with my phone. My camera was acting up and went to the shop. Thank goodness for my phone. Here is elf reading the coupons.

Mikey roasted some marshmallows. I love those battery operated candles!

Mikey got crafty and made his own snowflake garland. And I finally found my scissors – LOL!

Ugh, this shot should have been much better. I took this with my old camera, but the settings were just off. But I took the photo, that’s what counts.

I took this one with hardly any light, so pretty good for a phone pic right? Mikey got crazy with the dry erase marker and made us look goofy.

I took this one in Alyson’s bathroom where Mikey decided to ply manicurist.

Mikey attacked a box of Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s. I don’t blame him, this suckers are yummy!

Mikey tried to make some kind of igloo, but it didn’t happen. Ahh well, Alyson loved it.

Mikey playing with his food, again!

Mikey had some fun making do with flour instead of snow. This was “fun” cleaning up –

I got this idea from facebook and I LOVED it. Although it almost backfired because since Mikey was inside the bottle, Alyson thought that it would be okay to hold him. I said no, and thankfully she was okay with it.

Mini pancakes for Mikey were a must. Alyson thought they were so cute.

And finally, I got my camera back. Yay! And this photo should be 21. This was the perfect time to turn that expired milk green. Of course Mikey is laughing.

I have yet to figure out what I want to do with Mikey tonight, but we will see. Have a wonderful day!

Michelle

It’s been a while.

2011-12-19T12:50:00.001-08:00

Hey there! Happy Monday. I am happy to say that I am still in my pajamas and have no plans to leave the house today! Yay! Vacation time is here!

I am pretty much done with my shopping, but I have a few gifts to finish up. And that requires me to do so when a certain someone is sleeping. And in case you read my blog through a reader, hop on over and take a look at some changes I’ve made. Let me know what you think.

My poor camera is in the shop still, so I will share some photos that I have been meaning to blog for a bit now.

This is a daytime photo of our tree. I am hoping to take a better photo when I get my camera back. And if you notice, the bottom portion of my tree has no lights because of my stinkin’ cat.

The following photos were taken on our week off for Thanksgiving. Alyson NEEDED to get out of the house. I mean look at her, she was a hot mess.

We headed downtown for a walk and Alyson wanted to buy something with all her “change".” Sigh, she makes me laugh.This pose is so “her” Hands on hips, mid-sentence, traces of lip gloss, and the “don’t worry mom, my hair looks great” look.

One last touch up before we go. Notice the kool-aid stained mouth??

I love downtown at Christmas. The decorations are so pretty. Here is the big decorated tree. I took this from across the street. Alyson wouldn’t go over and take a picture in front of it.

A close – up of the pretties.

We made our way over to Bath and Body Works.

She could be in there for hours if I‘d let her. She only had $3, so her choices were limited.

She was spraying these two and couldn’t decide which was the best. Sister needed to move on, she didn’t have enough money for one of them.

And then she found this anti-bacterial holder. I almost bought it for her, because it was sooo cute, and that face of hers – can’t resist it. But I stayed strong! Hee! She ended up with a new hand sanitizer, and her own little bag, which makes it all worth it right?

We then headed off to a new cupcake store that just opened up. It was soooo pretty

Alyson wanted the Nutella cupcake {I don’t blame her}.

And the macaroons, sooooo pretty. Each with their own flavor. I have never had one, but I need to go back and get one.

pretty, right? I could have taken so many photos. I will go back and take more.

Here’s the tree as we were leaving

And this is the only photo I got of the cupcake when we got home, Alyson gobbled it up.

I promised her we would go get a cupcake this week, so I am sure there will be more photos, and fingers crossed, I will have my camera.

Have a wonderful day!

Michelle

Happy Rainy Monday

2011-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Not sure what it is like where you are, but it is raining here, and that equals a very busy day for this here teacher. But, I did want to post my kind-of tutorial for the advent calender I made this year.

It isn't a true tutorial - more like some tips I used while putting this advent calender together. So here we go.

First, here is the finished product.

It is in ad odd place where I can't get far enough back to take a good photo. But you get the idea. I will take a better photo when I get my camera back.

The past few years I have been making these out of scrapbook paper, and not really loving them, probably the reason you have not seen them. Alyson doesn't care one bit, she just looks forward to what we get to do, or what treat she gets.

This year I went with something that will definitely last us many years, or until I can't take it anymore. :)

I started off with some basic craft felt from Michael's. I got red,green and white. Two pouches can be made out of one 8x10 piece of felt.

First you need to fold the felt in half horizontally, or like a hamburger like I tell my kiddos. Cut at the fold. And then fold the halves again and cut. So you should end up with four pieces from the one piece of felt (as in the photo below).

I then cut the white piece of felt into long strips. I basically folded the felt up on itself and cut as I was going until I ended up with some 1 1/2 inch strips.

I then put me machine settings on the loosest stitch and ruffled up the felt.

You will wind up with some excess white, you will trim that off after you fit it to your green(or red) pouch piece.

With ONE piece of green felt. Fit your ruffle around the top of the felt piece. You can pin it or like, me, just run it through the sewing machine with a quick stitch. Make sure to tuck the ruffle around the edges. Cut off any excess you may have.

Now you are ready to put the back onto the pouch.

I simple used a zig zag stitch to close it up.

It goes pretty fast. To hook them together I snipped to small holes in the back and ran the just through it. I then tied the ends and was able to hook them onto the wall. So easy, right? I added the simple scrapbook stamp and numbers and festive fabric to finish it off.

Hope you liked this. I am definitely going to be using this one for a couple years. yay! Have a wonderful day!

Michelle

Hello there!

2011-12-11T17:30:00.001-08:00

I apologize for being absent from this here blog, but with Winter Break coming up at school, there is much to do. Also, my camera is sick and needs to be taken to the shop - boooo! Mike is kind enough to lend me his rebel (my old camera) so I will be able to take some pictures. For now, I want to share my layout that was up on the Pink Paislee blog yesterday.

As you know, Pink Paislee has a month of wonderful winter projects each day. And of course, there are some wonderful giveaways. Click here to take a look.

My assignment was to create a layout using the super cute Snow Day collection. And although it does not snow in Southern California, it didn't stop me from using this line.

I couldn't help but layer all of these goodies.

Hop on over to see the freebie and the rest of the beautiful projects on the blog.

I'll be back to share some things that Alyson and I have been up to! Have a wonderful rest of the evening!

Michelle

Super Hero Day

2011-12-05T09:40:00.001-08:00

Hi there and Happy Monday. I hope you had a restful weekend. I know we did. I had a photo shoot and Alyson had a birthday party to attend. More on those two later.

Last week, Alyson had Super Hero Day. I was excited to get something together for her. She wanted Wonder Woman. I was excited, because as a little girl, I LOVED Wonder Woman. I had the underoos and everything. :)

So last Wednesday we headed on out to pick out some fabric. I knew I wanted fleece to cut down on the sewing. But of course, Alyson was attracted to all the pleather in aisle. Good grief. I don't know what I'm going to do with her. So after talking her into the fleece, and out of Bat Girl, we headed out with red fleece, gold material, and felt. Easy. I made this in under 2 hours. Not bad, not perfect, but not bad.

I tried to get some photos of her that morning, but it was really cold. And you know it is cold, when Alyson is actually shivering (she doesn't get cold). Look at her knees, heee. So this is the back and as close as I could get of the front.

She wouldn't show her cool wrist bands, so here is a poor photo from my phone.

Cute right? She had fun wearing them. The cape was super easy and am thinking they might make some cute christmas gifts.

And in Elf on the Shelf news...he's been a little naughty - take a look!

He took a nice cozy bath in some marshmallows. And it's a good thing, because they were pretty stale;)

And the, being the smarty he is, went fishing for some goldfish.

And this morning, he decided to go crazy and try to woo Hannah Montana with a horse ride.

~~We are~~ I am having so much fun coming up with new ways to surprise Alyson. Not sure how long she will believe, but I will milk it. :)

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Michelle

Guess who’s back??

2011-12-01T23:30:00.001-08:00

I believe this is the third year we have Elf. We love him! I am really excited to put him in some funny situations. I plan on tracking him all month, so this should be fun! Here are the first two. Can’t wait to see Alyson’s face in the morning.

We found Elf as soon as we came down the stairs. Nothing too silly, just one single ornament that was on the table in his hands.

Alyson and I made cupcakes this evening. I took them all out and placed them on a plate (there is another plate not iced). I was going to leave Mikey with the frosting can, but I couldn’t take all that goodness going to waste, so I iced a few. Obviously he had a bit too much fun. Hopefully the cats don’t get to him.

Have a wonderful Friday! Yay it’s the weekend!

Michelle

A Late Post!

2011-11-30T18:59:00.001-08:00

Hey there! I wanted pop in and say thanks for the emails I got about my last make-up post. Some people have been having problems commenting – not sure what is going on? (Shoot me an email if you have that problem-I love to hear from you).

I just wanted to post a little something BIG that is happening this month at the Pink Paislee blog.

Can you guess which is mine? I had so much fun with this line. I can’t wait to use it for some holiday scrapping!

So be sure to click on over and check in tomorrow to see all the pretty goodies!

Have a great evening!

Michelle