Yesterday was Aubrey’s last day of her first year of pre-school.
Yesterday I watched her in the end of year performance and she was the best crab and surfer I have ever seen.
Yesterday she told me I was the best mommy ever because I let her wear her new outfit.
Yesterday her and I took an afternoon nap, something we have not done since November.
Yesterday I realized that in one year I will be getting her ready to send to kindergarten.
Yesterday I realized how fast time was going by and how much I am missing out on.
Yesterday I cuddled with her in her bed while she drifted off to sleep.
Yesterday I made a promise that I would take this next year and make the most of it.

Yesterday I put things into perspective. . . . . .

and

Congrats to both of you.  Email me at wildblueberryink {at} gmail.com to claim you prizes.

I started my pages with a stock card from Becky Higgin’s Clementine Kit.  I used a date stamp that I purchased at my local office supply store, I have been wanting one of these for a really long time!

Beside the date card I put in a photo of a HUGE number 3 that I discovered during one of my walks.  The number 3 is our family’s lucky number,  it was JoJo’s jersey  number when he played football and I have started to collect them when I see them.

Below the date card is a photo of a Jewelry show that my sister and I attend every year.  To the right of the photo is a photo of some cool beads that we purchased and will be selling in a new Etsy shop that we are working on.

I ended this page with 2 shots of our weekend garage cleanup.  We are prepping the garage to be transformed into my new studio *insert squeal here* and we have a lot of work ahead of us.  Attached to one of the photos is a journaling card from my Clementine kit. I printed the journaling onto the card straight from the printer.

I started the second page with a photo of Aubrey and her Papa playing chase.  I took the photo into Photoshop and added the words “RUN PAPA RUN” because that was all Aubrey kept shouting at him.

To the right of that photo is another photo I snapped of my new line of PrePunched circles.  I love my packaging!!

The middle section of this side is dedicated to FOOD!!!! I included a copy of a gift card that we used during one of our few date nights.  Beside the card was a photo of a deviled egg, JoJo’s favorite, that we ordered at a local BBQ spot.  I also included another journaling card with a quick recap of the photos and the food.  The last photo is of a Hummus Croissant that I ordered from a food truck.  I had some serious doubts when I ordered it but it was soooooooo good!!

We celebrated St. Patty’s day at work with some mocktails!  Faith found these fake margaritas at a local grocery store and they added the perfect touch to our party.

The last spot was a stock card that I just wrote out a recap of our week on.  This card is also from the Clementine kit and I cannot express how having this box of cards have made my project life quick and easy!!!

PRODUCTS USED

BEFORE

We have been in our house for almost 6 years. The entire time we have been here we have been fighting our builder because the drainage in our backyard SUCKS!  Finally, last winter they sent in another landscaper who went in and re-sloped the yards and then I FINALLY received my approval for a fence. We finished up our fence last week and this weekend JoJo and I packed up the kid and shipped her off to Nana’s.  We had one goal for this weekend.  That goal was to take this poor pitiful corner of our yard and turn it into a play oasis.

AFTER

I think we did a pretty awesome job!

After we positioned the swing set, which we purchased for $150 last summer at KMart during their end of summer clearance, we used spray paint to draw a border.  JoJo then dug a small trench along the line.  I then used garden border to outline the area.

This was what we had to work with once the border was in place. JoJo and I then started to pull up the small amount of grass we had growing.  We also loosened up the dirt so that we could create a nice smooth foundation for the sand. Once all the grass was up and the dirt was smooth we poured in about {20} 50lb. bags of play sand.  At that point we were ready for the fun stuff, the accessories.

I purchased this bright and colorful pinwheel from a local Big Lots for only $6!  I think I may go back and get a couple more to put in other spots of the playground.

This steering wheel is from one of Aubrey’s Fisher Price playsets.  It was the only thing left on the playset that she still played with so we took it off and attached it to the fence.

I purchased these SOLAR POWER flower lights from Lowe’s Home Improvement.  I really wanted to add some lighting to this spot because it sits in a corner of our yard that gets really dark.  This will not only bring in some light but it will allow Aubrey to spend some evening time out here.

This is my favorite part of the playground.  While we were at Lowes I purchased a square piece of plywood.  I then painted it with chalkboard paint and JoJo attached it to the fence.  I used a plant bracket to hang a paint bucket that will keep all her chalkboard supplies.  A few of the supplies I added were a water bottle, a cloth to wipe the board and a mason jar to keep the chalk dry. We purchased a much bigger piece of plywood than the one you see here but after about 30 minutes we realized there was no way it was going to fit in the truck.  We then had to go back into Lowe’s and have them cut about 5 inches off. If you did not know Lowes will cut wood for you then you should make a note of it.  This little bit of info can make DIY projects a lot easier for you.

Here is another view of the playground.

And this is what a happy kid looks like.  When she saw it she screamed “YOU DID THIS FOR ME? YOU ARE THE BEST MOMMY AND DADDY EVER!”

Aubrey and Riley then spent the next hour digging in the sand.  Our weekend project was a HUGE SUCCESS.

Jewelry has a louder voice than you may think, silently curled around someone’s finger, neck, or wrist jewelry sings to those who happen to glance at it. It vocalizes its quality, its uniqueness, its elegance or its simplicity. Bought at the right place it’ll also say a lot about you. Question is what do you want it to say?

I am so excited to announce that Gypsie has offered me {2} $15 gift certificates to give to you. Her store has a wide range of high quality products.  She offers scrabble tile pendants, keychains, rings and yes even earrings.  Her designs include alphabet designs, funny phrases and any custom design that you may be in need of.

Gypsie offers this bracelet that can hold up to 8 photos or designs. 

HOW TO ENTER

If you would like to win 1 of these $15 gift certificates this is all you have to do:

Entry 1 | Head over to Gypsie’s Shop or facebook page and look around.  Then come back and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is.

That’s it that is all you have to do.  However, if you want to stack the deck in your favor then you can do any of the following to gain additional entries.

Entry 2 | Head over to facebook and like Gypsies Crafty Creations, psst be sure to check out her albums that is where you will find all the custom products she has to offer.

Entry 3 | Tweet this contest or share this contest on Facebook and then come back and leave a comment with a link to your tweet/post.

I will close this contest next Monday – May 14th at 10AM EST.  Good luck!!

Two days later I made the decision to get back on that e-horse and redesign the shop.  There were a lot of things that I learned during the design of the first one, like make a backup, and this was my opportunity to get it right.

So today I present to you the new and improved Wild Blueberry Ink Online store.

I will be the first to admit that this one is much better than the first.  The layout and design is much cleaner and I also think it is much easier to navigate and find information. I am celebrating the new look with a week of sales, giveaways and new products.

SALE

Every product in my shop will be 25% off until May 8th.

GIVEAWAYS

Follow me on facebook or twitter for lots of chances to grab even more coupons. These coupons will be a one use only coupon so when you see them USE them.

NEW PRODUCTS

I have lots of new items added to the store.

1 | I finally have all my designs loaded as 1 inch circles. If you need sizes other than circles don’t worry those will be up soon, I am loading 20 or so a day.  Until all sizes are loaded just use the Image Resize listing to order your sheets. Before hitting add to cart just make a note in the text box which designs you would like and a download link will be mailed to you within 12 hours.

2 | I am also offering all my digital collage sheets as PRE-PUNCHED CIRCLES. This saves you time, money, paper and ink.  I will print your choice on photo quality paper and mail them to you.  All that is left is for you to open the package and start crafting!

3 | I have been asked many times about helping others launch their own businesses and blogs.  I am finally offering my 15 + years in the design and marketing field to you through consulting services, logo design, web design, etc. Check out all my packages here.

4 | I was clueless to the fact that I had not listed many of my scrapbook supplies.  I am happy to say that not only are they all listed but I have even broken up all the kits for you. You can purchase the full kits, the elements or just the papers.

5 | The last addition I want to mention isn’t really a new product but it makes it a little easier for you to get my freebies. I have grouped them all here for you.  Just add to cart and download or follow the link in the description to the blog.

In addition to this week long celebration I am also offering all my newsletter subscribers a free mini kit and a free alphabet digi sheet.  Are you a subscriber?

Would you like to have your layout or any creation using WBI products feature here?  All you have to do is post a photo in my flickr gallery.  Once a month I browse the gallery and pick those that stand out.

Through the demand of scrabble tile pendants in one of my online stores, I began my quest in finding out the absolute best method in making quality scrabble tile pendants. Of course my passion for creating is never ending. I have added so much more. I love the glass tile pendants and rings and am in so much love with my hand stamped creations. I take great pride in making sure your jewelry is beautiful and your Etsy experience top-notch!!

Shop Wickedly Mod Here.

Tisa’s Creations is an Etsy shop specializing in all things crafty: personalized invitations, note cards, bookmarks, and more! Tisa also runs a crafty blog where she shares her stories and some cool tutorials .

Shop Tisa’s Creations here.

Red Barn photographs are taken with time and patience to ensure each product is something you will want included with your favorites on your mantle, or framed as a focal piece in your lived-in room.

When you want high-quality results at affordable prices, don’t settle for less than Red Barn Photography.

Shop Red Barn Here.

THRIVE products are all-natural, so naturally they are good for you. Each product is organized into one of six recognized and trusted categories to make it easy for you to maintain a well-balanced diet.. THRIVE foods do not contain harmful additives or preservatives, so you can feel confident that when you eat THRIVE, you are guiding your family to a healthy and happy life.

Shop Shelf Reliance here.

I have a love for vintage jewelry and curious finds.  I love even more to marry the two for a unique union you would not see anywhere else.  I love fairy tales and fantasy and I am currently working on a fairytale inspired jewelry collection.  I often incorporate southern traditions and superstitions… as they have always been a part of me and therefore must be a part of my work.

I love seeing the craft world embrace curiosities and oddities.  My favorite way to describe my work is simply “objects of wonder” teetering somewhere between antique carnival and refined whimsy.

Shop Early Bright here.

I have lots of new sponsors being added everyday and I will be back next month with even more folks to introduce to you.  Until then be sure to stop by all of them, I promise you will not be disappointed.

If you are interested in becoming a Wild Blueberry Ink Sponsor and want to know how you can get your business showcased just like these then head over to my sponsor page for more information.

I am offering you a chance to try me out for a month.  Just order the small space and use code MAYFREE to checkout and your ad is free for 1 month!

Today is rainy and my day to catch up.  I woke up extra early this morning and decided that I was going to unplug for a week.  I have my big store relaunch on May 1st and I only have 1300 more products to load, yeah I said only.  In addition to that I have websites, logos and custom orders to finish.  Oh yeah I have that little thing called life that I have to fit into that schedule somewhere. So starting tomorrow morning you will not see me much, my shops will be on vacation and I probably will not be answering email more than once a day, if that much.

I do hope you all understand.

Aubrey has a story to tell you. . . if you have any idea what she is talking about we would love to know!