Carissa Miss

Happy Mother's Day & the Perfect Play Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Sun, 10 May 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Mother's Day to all you ladies who are influenced by a Mother. I shared a little on Family Search Blog about what my mom means to me and today I'm focusing on ME.

I am so lucky that these littles call me Mommy! Even though motherhood is the most difficult job I've ever had, there are times of joy unequaled in anything else in life.

These kiddos teach me balance, organization, patience and the meaning of true joy. They make life sweet. They bless me with kisses and snuggles and hero worship. It's the best.

But, being a mother isn't all sweetness all the time. They are always at my side; whether that's in the kitchen, my bed, or the bathroom. I sometimes get mad or grumpy. I yell. I hide in my closet. I drink diet coke. I also go on vacation without my littles just to be by myself.

Then, at the end of the day, I scroll through my phone and stumble across the hundreds of selfies my kids took while commandeering my phone and I smile. I laugh. My heart swells with gratitude that they are so forgiving of me and my shortcomings. They want to be with me because they love ME.

They call me the "Best Mom in the Whole Wide World" and sometimes I just have to agree!

//SOURCES//

On ME:

Clothesline Dress c/o Shabby Apple//Earrings//Leopard Flats

On LITTLES:

Dress//Leopard Leggings//Necklace//Sandals//Shirt//Leggings//Sandals

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Fashion Friday: Jogger Pants Refashion

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Fri, 08 May 2015 12:00:00 +0000

The easiest fashion diy today! I found these fun floral pants but they weren't quite wide enough to be palazzo style and so I thought they'd be perfect as elastic bottomed jogger pants!

What you need:
pair of pants {similar here}
2" knit elastic
sewing maching

I simply unpicked the existing hem and then folded the hem up inside with the elastic encased and then stitched it closed. It probably only took 10 minutes and I whipped them up as I was heading out the door.

Perfect for running errands or lounging.

Outside {the Box} No. 34

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Tue, 05 May 2015 21:00:00 +0000

Carissa | Carissa Miss

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+
Elisha | Pneumatic Addict

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Brandy | BD Design

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Polka Dot Planter

DIY Glamorous Crib

Ikea Storage Boxes

Mother's Day Printable//Provo Fashion Week

Hairpin Vanity Plans//Two Tone Wall Stencil

Teacher Appreciation Treat//Indigo Blue Dresser Makeover

Follow each of our hosts, socially, in some way and add us to your rockin’ link party page!
Link up to three direct linked posts not already shared here previously (no home pages, please). No recipes, giveaways, Etsy shop promotions, sales or other linky parties.
To be featured, please pin a project from above (do so by clicking through and pinning from the originators site)!

**By linking up you give us permission to send a weekly link party reminder AND showcase your work (ie. your submitted photo) on our blogs or social media pages. Proper credit will always be with a link back.

Throughout the week, our FOUR hosts will be sharing our favorite features via Google+ and other social medias. Spread the word using our Hashtag: #outsidetheboxparty

An InLinkz Link-up

To receive this free printable – enter your email address in the box below and click submit. Make sure to check your inbox for an email from Carissa Miss. You will have access to all of our FREE printables and also will receive my newsletter!

Friday Fashion: Provo Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Fri, 01 May 2015 12:00:00 +0000

I'm so excited to share the photos from Provo Fashion Week. I modeled this gorgeous wedding/formal gown designed by Lauren Wittier from Three2sevensix. Photography by Coco Portraits.

We attended a VIP party to preview one look to the media before the actual show

The actual show was a blast! It was reminiscent of my dancing days. Lots of waiting and eating and then the lights, the music! Worth all the waiting.

Photography by Coco Portraits

Outside {the Box} No. 33

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 21:26:00 +0000

Carissa | Carissa Miss

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+
Elisha | Pneumatic Addict

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Brandy | BD Design

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Blog Headers Download

Let the Earth Rejoice Download

Project Life with Stampin Up

Add Leather Pockets to any Dress//Rose Bud Teacher Appreciation Printable

Hairpin Vanity Plans//YouTube Subscription List

Teacher Appreciation Treat//Indigo Blue Dresser Makeover

Follow each of our hosts, socially, in some way and add us to your rockin’ link party page!
Link up to three direct linked posts not already shared here previously (no home pages, please). No recipes, giveaways, Etsy shop promotions, sales or other linky parties.
To be featured, please pin a project from above (do so by clicking through and pinning from the originators site)!

Throughout the week, our FOUR hosts will be sharing our favorite features via Google+ and other social medias. Spread the word using our Hashtag: #outsidetheboxparty

An InLinkz Link-up

To receive Free printables – enter your email address in the box below and click submit. Make sure to check your inbox for an email from Carissa Miss. You will have access to all of our FREE printables and also will receive my newsletter!

{quick note: so I can continue to offer free printables, please use these and all other Carissa Miss printables for personal use only!}

Prayers of a Righteous Mother Printable

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Sharing a beautiful DIY canvas art print on LollyJane today! Click over to learn more!

If you don't have time to paint something for mom, here's the print you can DOWNLOAD and print for FREE! yep, I love you guys.

Rose Bud Teacher Appreciation Printable and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Teacher appreciation week is the first full week in May. I have teamed up with the most creative bloggers to share a month the best teacher appreciation gift ideas. Don't miss a day of these fun and clever ideas. From teacher gifts with clever sayings to printable gift card holders. I'm sharing this fun free printable today! {scroll to download}

We love our teachers and YOU so much we are giving you a chance to win the most amazing prize package. Yes, you will win TWO of everything....one for you and one for your favorite teacher.

Show your Appreciation Giveaway

{1 for you and 1 for your favorite teacher}!

One lucky winner and their favorite teacher will receive...

2 101 Kids Activity Books filled with tutorials and crafts kids will love!
2 Silhouette CAMEOS Machines (one for you, one for your teacher). The creative possibilities with the new Silhouette CAMEO® are endless.

Michaels gift cards $500 each, you read that right! That is a total of $1,000 in gift cards. Can you imagine?

Don't forget to tell your teacher they can get 15% off every day at Michaels with their special teacher discount!

It is easy to enter simply wait for rafflecopter to load and enter there.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember to follow the entire series because you can get a new entry each day by visiting the featured blogger! You won't want to miss a day of the best teacher gift ideas! Thank you to our sponsors, for this generous giveaway and for supporting teacher appreciation.

DIY Leather Pockets to any Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

When I saw this dress on clearance at Old Navy, I knew it would be the perfect beach dress. I also loved that it looked exactly like THIS striped dress I've had pinned on my Fashion Board on Pinterest except for one minor detail. the pockets. I knew I had some scrap leather in my fabric stash leftover from making little moccs and patching holes in my sofa so I hurried home with my prize.

It literally sewed the pockets on as I was going out the door to shoot some swim wear. It took about 15 minutes and that's only because 10 minutes was spent debating where on the dress I should put the pockets!

I decided on placing them right where it was easy to slip my hands in because I knew I'd end up slipping my phone and keys in there. That's kind of why I like pockets on all my clothes.

Yep, you can add these to any dress! You cut squares out of leather, pin where you want them, and then sew up the bottom and sides. I didn't turn the leather over or finish edges or whatever because I knew it wouldn't fray. If you're wondering how I wash it? Cause I definitely had this "Oh Crap" moment when I realized you shouldn't wash leather...

I just threw the dress in the wash, inside out, and washed on cold and laid out to dry and the pockets were fine! I can easily replace the leather if they start getting too hashed. But, thankfully, my washer is high efficiency front loader so there's not much time spent soaking.

Don't you kind of want to put leather on all your dresses now? Haha. I'm pretty obsessed!

Photo Cred: Diana Putnam Photography

Dress: Old Navy {similar here}

Sandals: Target

Sunnies: Target

linking to these fun parties!

Outside {the Box} No. 32

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 22:56:00 +0000

Sorry this is late getting up. I'm actually typing this as I sit in the airport after visiting my beautiful cousin who has stage 4 Ewing Sarcoma. She is so brave and such a great example to me of looking on the bright side and taking care of others even when our struggles seem all encompassing. I'll be posting more about her and her story a little later, but you can find out more by checking out her Facebook. So for now, this week's party!

Carissa | Carissa Miss

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+
Elisha | Pneumatic Addict

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Brandy | BD Design

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Vinyl and Ribbon Pouches by Haberdashery Fun

Kreg Jig Striped Table by My Own Home Blog

5 Reasons I love my Finish Max Pro//Scrapbooking Ancestor Albums

Video Tutorial: Staining Pine//DIY YouTube Subscription List:

Teacher Appreciation Treat//Indigo Blue Dresser Makeover:

Follow each of our hosts, socially, in some way and add us to your rockin’ link party page!
Link up to three direct linked posts not already shared here previously (no home pages, please). No recipes, giveaways, Etsy shop promotions, sales or other linky parties.
To be featured, please pin a project from above (do so by clicking through and pinning from the originators site)!

Throughout the week, our FOUR hosts will be sharing our favorite features via Google+ and other social medias. Spread the word using our Hashtag: #outsidetheboxparty

An InLinkz Link-up

{quick note: so I can continue to offer free printables, please use these and all other Carissa Miss printables for personal use only!}

5 Reasons I love my Finish Max Pro

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

This post is brought to you by HomeRight

In preparation for me to attend SNAP Conference 2015, I shared 5 Reasons I love my Finish Max Pro on the HomeRight Blog last week! They are one of the new sponsors this year and you guys HAVE to follow them!

They offer other quality products as well, like steamers, paint rollers, and heat guns!

The best part? They feature video tutorials that are super hands on that feature how to use them and get inspiration on new ways to use them.

Subscribe to see more awesome videos on their YouTube channel HERE!

They recently hosted an IKEA Tarva challenge:

Can you believe these bloggers all used my favorite product, the Finish Max Pro?! I know, right! This tool is definitely a MUST in the DIY toolkit.

Here's my top 5 Reasons why YOU should use a paint sprayer:

1. You can paint a piano
With my Finish Max Pro I simply taped off all the edges I didn't want painted and went for it. Three beautiful coats of paint and a quick polyacrylic seal coat and she was ready. I would have charged $$$$ to refinish this piano for a client. So much prep work and you want it to be just perfect.

2. You can paint board and batten
I wish I would have had my Finish Max Pro before I installed and hand painted the board and batten in my entry way. You can be sure I won't ever paint wainscoting by hand again! The board and batten in my hall bathroom makeover was completed in less than 2 hours. That's install AND paint. The only prep work I did was tape the plastic drop cloth to the baseboard and bathtub and then go.

3. You can paint a paneled wall
Similarly to my board and batten, painting a paneled wall can be laborious by hand due to the penny size cracks. Thanks to my Finish Max Pro I painted the accented wall in 20 minutes per coat. My only complaint is my arm got tired from holding the paint sprayer at the ceiling for 10 minutes. Oh, and I did have to do more taping off because I wanted to make sure there was no over spray. Let's talk about that for a minute. I love that I can control how wide the Finish Max Pro spray range is. For a big project like a wall I can paint a large section at once but then not worry about 2 feet of over spray. I taped off a foot section on each side of the wall just to be safe. Not a speckle on any of my other walls. For smaller projects I can turn the spray range down to get the smaller spots with minimal over spray.

4. You can paint furniture
This is a top reason because I am able to whip out more painting projects in a shorter amount of time. My family really appreciates this because it means we actually get to park in the garage during the summer. Here are some of my favorite furniture projects I've painted for clients:

Coral Desk

Crib Bench

Nightstands

Dining Table and Chairs

Dining Table

5. Clean up is EASY
I always get asked how long it takes to clean up after using the sprayer. After I'm done painting, I pour the unused paint into a storage container and then fill the sprayer with soapy water. Then I spray the water out onto my driveway or lawn and that's it! If there are stubborn spots I use the bristle brush that comes with the sprayer to scrub the build-up. If you clean up after EVERY USE, then clean up will always be a breeze. It's when you get lazy and let the paint dry up that you'll be frustrated the next time you go to use the sprayer.

They have a great blogger program and love to work with talented and creative DIY'ers. Contact them for more info and stay tuned to meet the Home Right team in person live at SNAP!

Thanks to HomeRight for sponsoring this post

Scrapbook Sunday: Ancestor Album

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

On Easter and during LDS General Conference, I posted on instagram a sneak peek at an Ancestor Album that I'm working on. I wanted a way for my kids to have easy access to their grandparents and namesakes who they never got to know. I thought a simplified life history album would be a great way to bring the stories to life for all ages.

First up is Tyler's grandfather, Ralph Waldo Rasmussen. He and his lovely wife, Mary Ellen, both died before we were married. We talk and share stories about them all the time as a family, but only the memories of them as grandparents.

Ralph Waldo wrote a life history so I can read about stories from his youth, so I took some of them and put them in the album. Like this one from his tour in Korea that he titles "Angel in the Bunker:

"I had one particular experience there that has stayed with me ever since. It certainly confirmed to me that my Father in Heaven was looking after me. Our regiment had just relieved the Korean unit on our line of defense. They had constructed bunkers which were holes cut into the hill and then the walls sandbagged up for support. Then over the top of the bunker I occupied, they had placed a number of joints of railroad rails, then had covered these with several layers of sandbags. It looked like a very substantial bunker. It was dry and warm inside so I was happy with it.

It had been raining for several days and several of the bunkers had caved in and in some cases had killed some of our men but mine looked real good. I had gone in and undressed and crawled into bed one night. I had been asleep for some time when I awoke with a start and the feeling that all was not well. I turned on my flashlight and looked all around but could see nothing in there so I laid back down and was soon asleep. I hadn't been asleep long when I again awakened. Again, I made a thorough visual inspection of the inside of my bunker but everything looked fine so I decided I was just imagining things. I again laid down and had just dozed off when I was again awakened. This time I had a most urgent feeling that I must get up and get out of there. I tried to reason with myself as to why I should leave a nice warm bed and go out where it was cold and dark, but the feeling was so strong that I got up and started to dress. I had my clothes on and just one boot when I felt as if something or someone just literally picked me up and pushed me out the door. Just as I cleared the door, the whole roof caved in, dumping tons of dirt, rails, and sand bags where I had just been. Through this experience, I certainly recognized the hand of the Lord in protecting me. I am so grateful for this blessing, as well as many others I have received from him over the years.

He was lovingly referred to as "The Colonel" since he served in the Army as one of the first youth from Cassia County Idaho to enter the WWII draft then went on as Second Lieutenant, Recruiting Officer and a full fledged paratrooper. His wife had a child at about every base where he was stationed: a boy in Utah, a boy in Alaska, a girl in Virginia, a boy in Portland, a boy in Germany, and a girl in Burley after he and his family returned from Europe!

Here's what I used:
Simple Stories Snap Album, 6 by 8-Inch, Green
We R Memory Keepers Indian Summer Albums Made Easy Journaling Cards
Simple Stories Mix and Match 4 by 6-Inch Page Protectors

Becky Higgins Photo Pocket Pages for Scrapbooking, Design 3

linking to these fun parties!

Pinterest Party No.9

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 18:53:00 +0000

Welcome, Welcome all to the 9th Monthly

"Our Favorite Things Pinterest Party!"

We are so very glad you could join us!

Please meet our hosts:

Gina from Gina's Craft Corner

Katie from View from the Fridge

Carissa from Carissa Miss

Stella from Purfylle

Allie from Crafty Allie

Denise from Denise Designed

Evelyn from My Turn for Us
Robin from Redo It Yourself Inspirations

Gina's Favorite:

Stella's Favorite:

Robin's Favorite:

Allie's Favorite:

Denise's Favorite:

Carissa's Favorite:

An InLinkz Link-up

Outside {the Box} No 31

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:00:00 +0000

Carissa | Carissa Miss

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+
Elisha | Pneumatic Addict

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Brandy | BD Design

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Large Rustic Clock by My Love 2 Create

Pom Pom Scarf by Simple Simon and The Ribbon Retreat

Wine Crate Upcyle by FrugElegance

Knock-off Fur Trimmed Pillow Covers by Redo It Yourself Inspirations

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

DIY Floating Frame//Spring Whites

Video Tutorial: Staining Pine // Tall Tapered Leg Dresser

15 Minute Spring Wreath // Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake

Follow each of our hosts, socially, in some way and add us to your rockin’ link party page!
Link up to three direct linked posts not already shared here previously (no home pages, please). No recipes, giveaways, Etsy shop promotions, sales or other linky parties.
To be featured, please pin a project from above (do so by clicking through and pinning from the originators site)!

Throughout the week, our FOUR hosts will be sharing our favorite features via Google+ and other social medias. Spread the word using our Hashtag: #outsidetheboxparty

An InLinkz Link-up

5 Minute Egg Recipes on Simple As That

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Totally forgot to share the winners of my 30 Day Paleo Meal Plan Giveaway so without further ado...

Jessica Bailey is the winner of one year subscription to What to Eat Daily!

I'm sharing 2 fun 5 minute egg breakfast ideas over at Simple As That today. Go check it out!

DIY Floating Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

A Pinterest Project for the win! Hop on over to Made From Pinterest to see my latest DIY.

Fashion Friday: Spring Whites

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 17:15:00 +0000

Easter is usually when I pull out the florals, but this year, I couldn't help but go for something different. I'm obsessed with everything leather and when I saw this leather collared dress from Kingdom and State I couldn't resist it!

It was part of their fall/winter line, but since it's white, I couldn't help thinking it was perfect for Easter and Spring. So, basically, an all year dress. I thought it might be tricky with my one year old, and it is. But, only because it's white. It washes well and is so comfy that I'll deal with the fingerprints.

There's something about wearing a dress that you feel absolutely fabulous in. It's feminizing and empowering.

It's still chilly enough for me to wear tights, so I strapped on these Valentino knock-offs and tottered around. I'm confident in heels, but they really aren't realistic for day-to-day. I'll be sure to post a more casual look of this dress this summer.

This dress is only $22 at Recycled Design right now instead of the regular $75-80. In fact, ALL DRESSES ARE $22. That's my kind of PARTY

New headshots, yeah?

Photography: Fotos By Maleah

MUA: Classy Cozmetics

linking to these fun parties!

Outside {the Box} No. 30

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 21:00:00 +0000

Carissa | Carissa Miss

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+
Elisha | Pneumatic Addict

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Brandy | BD Design

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Wine Crate Storage

Mustard Yellow Changing Table

Easy DIY Valentino Inspired Dress

Milk Paint Shelf Makeover

Scrapbooking: Getting Started The Easy Way//Make A Bow Tie

Consider the Lilies Printable // Tall Tapered Leg Dresser

Office Spring Cleaning // Mother's Day Cake in Terra Cotta Pots

Follow each of our hosts, socially, in some way and add us to your rockin’ link party page!
Link up to three direct linked posts not already shared here previously (no home pages, please). No recipes, giveaways, Etsy shop promotions, sales or other linky parties.
To be featured, please pin a project from above (do so by clicking through and pinning from the originators site)!

Throughout the week, our FOUR hosts will be sharing our favorite features via Google+ and other social medias. Spread the word using our Hashtag: #outsidetheboxparty

An InLinkz Link-up

Scrapbook Sunday: Getting Started the Easy Way

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

As I've delved into my family history, I realized that although I'm blogging consistently, and have tons and tons of stuff digitally, I'm missing out on the opportunity for my kids to re-experience those things. They don't have access to my digital archives; therefore, I decided I needed to do something.

Thank you technology for making this very easy! How many of you are Project Lifers? Don't know what I'm talking about? Well get prepared to get excited about scrapbooking. I know, right? I'm super hesitant to say I'm scrapbooking, but I guess I really am, just in a new and modern way. Project Life simplifies scrapbooking but lets you still be creative in documenting. Because I'm not in love with traditional scrapbooking I can still put albums together that allow my kids to look and touch but aren't as time intensive.

I started with my kids' baby albums. I spent a lot of time trying to decide how I was going to do it and ultimately decided to document their growth milestones up through their first year and then add pages to their books as they grow. You can buy physical journaling kits or digital ones. There are also plenty of free designs out there, like this 4th of July set by Simple As That Blog, that you can download and print or use in your digital designs.

I also like using free printables I find from my favorite designers and featuring them in my digital designs as well

I got so excited with designing in Photoshop that I couldn't resist making my own 12 month layout

Enter your email address in the box below to access template and click submit. Make sure to check your inbox for an email from Carissa Miss. You will have access to all of our FREE printables and also will receive my newsletter!

{quick note: so I can continue to offer free printables, please use these and all other Carissa Miss printables for personal use only!}

The second part was to subscribe to the Chatbooks app so that all my Instagram pictures print as I fill them up. I love that I don't have to do anything after subscribing and they show up on my doorstep like a little pick-me-up on a random afternoon. If I want to go through and edit and pick which pictures appear I can. They print with dates and places along with the caption so I have a great timetable of the year.

I want you to return and report; get those baby albums done! It's never too late to get started!

linking to these fun parties!

How to Make an Easter Bowtie in 5 minutes or less

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

My handsome little boy is no longer a baby:( He looks more and more grown up each day. Hope you all have a very Happy Easter!

linking to these fun parties!

Outside {the Box} No. 29

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 21:00:00 +0000

Carissa | Carissa Miss

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+
Elisha | Pneumatic Addict

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Brandy | BD Design

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Big Boy Bedroom Reveal

Printable Easter Tags

DIY Rolling Kitchen Cart

Ikea Cubbies Hack

Family History Modernized//Spring with Gordmans

Consider the Lilies Printable // Train Bookshelf Knock-off

End of the Rainbow Necklace // Rainbow Donuts

Follow each of our hosts, socially, in some way and add us to your rockin’ link party page!
Link up to three direct linked posts not already shared here previously (no home pages, please). No recipes, giveaways, Etsy shop promotions, sales or other linky parties.
To be featured, please pin a project from above (do so by clicking through and pinning from the originators site)!

Throughout the week, our FOUR hosts will be sharing our favorite features via Google+ and other social medias. Spread the word using our Hashtag: #outsidetheboxparty

An InLinkz Link-up

Family History Modernized: How I got started

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 12:00:00 +0000

History has never been my strong suit. I love reading historical fiction, but ask me to name important dates and places and I'll definitely fall short. It's not that I'm not interested, it's just that I have a hard time identifying with names and places without any emotional attachment. Weave a story around a character using those same facts and I'll read it no problem! I always thought that family history was just that: history, and wasn't really interested in researching the surnames and their origins of my family.
However, all that changed when my grandpa died.

My grandpa was a Wallace and held closely to his Scottish roots. He wore his Wallace tartan to his dying day. He died from a degenerative lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It was a slow death that we knew was coming but still hit us hard. He turned to family history research when he lost mobility.

Weeds&Wildflowers//Alexa Zurcher Designs

With this love of his history, he searched out his direct line of ancestors and found that he descended from the very first Puritans to make New Hampshire their home, immigrating from England in the 1600s. I always depended on him to tell me the stories of our history and thought that all the research and work was done for that side of the family. Towards the end of his life, I overheard him discussing his research with my mom. They were talking about finding information on a child once my grandpa passed on to the other side.

I immediately felt chills all over and realized that he would actually be with our ancestors once he died. I mean, I knew this, but didn't really put it in context. We weren't really doing "history" as I had always thought as much as we were matching up names and dates to real people who had interesting lives and stories of their own. I couldn't NOT find out more. I started by asking all of my family members who were doing family history work and getting all their information. Turns out, the family experts only focused their efforts on ONE family line. I have hundreds! I never realized there was so much work left to do! I also found out that most of those experts were older than me. {by a lot} This means that technology isn't as intuitive and the process of finding information is slow and frustrating as they struggle to navigate both old records and the internet. I knew that I could access and process digital information much quicker than they so I got to work getting everything digitized. I started using Family Search to record our family's stories, pictures, and documents so that all of my family could access the information. Once I got poking around I quickly found where holes were in the data and got researching.

I got hooked. I have now found information on hundreds of ancestors and gave them a place in my family tree. I now spend my spare time searching out faces for the names of my cousins. Being able to give my great uncle's second wife a mom and dad is so satisfying. Knowing my grandpa is helping me along the way makes it a sweet spiritual experience.

So what does this have to do with you? What do you know of your history? Can you tell me where your earliest ancestors immigrated from? Why is this even important?

"According to the Old Testament, Elijah was to come back and prepare the way of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord is the spirit of love that may eventually overcome all human family estrangements as it builds bridges between the generations. It binds beloved grandparents, now deceased, with the grandchildren who never knew them by preserving and sharing their histories and keepsakes. A life not documented is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to memory. And yet, knowledge of our ancestors shapes us and instills us with values that give direction and meaning to our lives." Mormon.org

My faith encourages us to seek out our dead because we believe "Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness enables family relationships to continue throughout eternity. Through family history work, we can learn more about our ancestors, identify and prepare the names of those who need gospel ordinances, and perform ordinance work for them in holy temples. The Church provides many resources to help us learn about our family history and participate in temple work for the dead." LDS.org

My friend, Jessie, shares an easy tutorial for getting started in getting started

Assignment!
That's right! I challenge you! I challenge you to do what I did and get started. Even if you only spend 20 minutes, find out who is doing your family history. How much has been done? Those family books your mom has on her bookshelf? Is that information digitized?

I can't wait to hear your stories!

Spring Decor: Gordmans Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 17:29:00 +0000

It's officially spring! yay! To celebrate I ran to Gordmans and got a fun canvas to spruce up my dining area

The fiddle leaf fig was my Valentine's gift from my husband at my request. I love them but I have a 1 year old. I knew I would end up cleaning up after it. But, I decided it was worth training him to have the beautiful tree in my home. So there.

If you're more for the artificial variety, Gordmans has an awesome variety for cheap! {Plus use a 20% coupon, good through May 4!}

Make sure to jump over to my INSTAGRAM to enter for your chance to win a $25 giftcard!

linking to these fun parties!

Outside {the Box} No. 28

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 02:41:00 +0000

Carissa | Carissa Miss

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+
Elisha | Pneumatic Addict

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Brandy | BD Design

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Google+

Love Art by A Brave New Home

Herringbone Inserted Tile by Her Tool Belt

Washable Painted Mug by Tabler Party of Two

DIY Ombre Succulent Planter by Anything and Everything

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Happy Spring Printable // Happy Spring Entry Way

End of the Rainbow Necklace // Rainbow Donuts

Ranch Style Remodel // Box Train Shelves Building Plans

Follow each of our hosts, socially, in some way and add us to your rockin’ link party page!
Link up to three direct linked posts not already shared here previously (no home pages, please). No recipes, giveaways, Etsy shop promotions, sales or other linky parties.
To be featured, please pin a project from above (do so by clicking through and pinning from the originators site)!

Throughout the week, our FOUR hosts will be sharing our favorite features via Google+ and other social medias. Spread the word using our Hashtag: #outsidetheboxparty

An InLinkz Link-up

Pinterest Party No. 8

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome, Welcome all to the 8th Monthly

"Our Favorite Things Pinterest Party!"

We are so very glad you could join us!

Please meet our hosts:

Gina from Gina's Craft Corner

Katie from View from the Fridge

Carissa from Carissa Miss

Stella from Purfylle

Allie from Crafty Allie

Denise from Denise Designed

Evelyn from My Turn for Us
Robin from Redo It Yourself Inspirations
Kim, Cassie, Amber and Jessica
from Lou Lou Girls

Here are your host's
Favorite Pins from Party 7

Denise's Favorite

Rustic Charmer: From Dresser to Entryway table

Robin's Favorite

Rustic Industrial Kid Chairs

Evelyn's Favorite

Blueberry Cheesecake Twists

Lou Lou Girls Favorite

Mini White-Chocolate Cheesecakes, wrapped with Swiss-Roll

Stella's Favorite

Crochet Baby Gift Set

Gina's Favorite

How to use tie for coloring eggs for the Easter holidays

Katie's Favorite

Corner Gallery Wall

Carissa's Favorite

Stamped Tribal Clutch

Allie's Favorite

Summer Garbanzo Bean Salad

<div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.craftyallieblog.com/" title="Crafty<br />Allie" ;>src="http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k481/seductives30/ec262ae0-3af0-4012-92e6-02f6eb4409f0.png" alt="Crafty<br />Allie" width="200px" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />

So how does this Pinterest Party Work?

1. Follow each of your hosts on Pinterest:

Crafty Allie Carissa Miss

Gina's Craft Corner Denise Designed
Lou Lou Girls View from the Fridge
Redo It Yourself Inspirations
Purfylle My Turn for Us

2. Link up 6 of your Favorite Pins:

**Each host will re-pin at least 25 of their favorite pins.**

**Please link back to your Pinterest pin, NOT your blog**

**They must be your original creation**

3. Re-pin the 6 pins before you

or more!

Pins that are not linked back to your
Pinterest pin will be deleted.

It would also be great if you repinned
the featured pins!

Other than that, lets have fun, and let the linking begin!

An InLinkz Link-up

Thanks so much for tuning in, and partying with me!

Easy Spring Art DIY and Printable

noreply@blogger.com (Carissa Rasmussen) — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 19:56:00 +0000

Hi everyone! Happy Spring! I'm sharing how I made this fun entry way spring art on LollyJane today! Don't want to make your own? Scroll to download!