project life: the summer months.

Oh boy. I have gotten so behind on my pages and found that I was having a hard time filling the two-page spread because I was so behind, so I decided to go one week for half spread for a bit to get caught up. It helped a lot. Of course, I had to let go of my obsessive thought process that the book was not going to be as cohesive, but the feeling of being more caught up was a better feeling.

I like to share my Project Life pages because a) I like to see them all laid out like this and b) I like to share the perspective of a gal who is single, not married yet, doesn't have kids yet, and spends a lot of time with friends and family. When I'm looking through other Project Lifers pages, they seem to mainly encompass a family unit - which is GREAT, don't get me wrong) - but I just want to be an example that you don't have to have all of that to fill your pages. I think this is going to be great for my nieces and nephews to look back on as they get older to see what they were doing too, or bring up memories with friends as they flip through...some of which is sure to induce a laugh attack and who can not forward to that!?!

So, let's start with May:

And move into June:

My 'Draw Something' interpretation of Beyonce still kills me.

Whoops! Picture still missing!!

On into July (and here's where I start to 2-week-per-spread-it):

Love those little 9-month-old cheeks....

And finally arriving in August:

The rest of August is sporadic so I thought I would spare you until it is complete.

I totally enjoy working on Project Life...definitely going for it again next year (especially once The Seafoam Edition is released). I just have to find a weekly rhythm to it so it doesn't become a chore or pressure where I'm completing a month in a night. I like to keep up with the journaling bits and thank goodness for the Momento app, or I would be waaaaay behind, but staying on top of it will add even more journaling. I'm not sure how long I'll stay with the 2 week spreads, but I just plan on seeing how it goes. I'm hoping to have 2012 in one book filled to the rim with brim, and then be open for 2013 to be in two books. Coordinating, of course.

Please feel free to ask questions about any supplies...I don't really even know where to begin. Most papers come from American Crafts, October Afternoon, Studio Calico, Echo Park, etc., etc. I use a Fiskars corner rounder that I've had for over a year, various black pens, quote cards and 'This Week' cards inspired by Elise Blaha Cripe, pictures are all taken by me and printed at home most of the time (except the spread pic on the last page taken by my niece Myles Katherine...shew...if I've left anything out, please let me know. :)

olive box: number one.

A couple of weeks ago I signed up for a one month subscription (= one package) from Olive Box, and literally could not wait until it arrived on my doorstep.

"To share this joy we are excited to introduce our new OliveBox subscription service! As a member you will receive a delightful box of paper & lifestyle products delivered to your front door each month. From cards to artwork to inspiring books and gifting ideas, you never know what exciting products you will unwrap each month. Each box will have a surprise theme and will include goodies that have been transformed by the beauty of paper."

I mean...how could I not see what it was for one month? And how am I going to NOT sign up for more?? Ohhhhhhh...what can I do in order to justify treating myself again?

I decided to just let the pictures do the talking. I'm still kind of speechless over the idea & execution of it all. Simple perfection.

// quote borrowed from Olive Box website to describe the service so you will then want to be surprised too. :) \\

currently.

Obsessing over: the idea I have to design and make stamps for scrapbooking, stationary, notes, etc. I have all these designs in my head that will not stop coming, and I am going to spend some time tomorrow sketching them out. Even if they end up being just for me...I am obsessed with the idea. Oh, and, my camera that I left out in the rain during the-best-weekend-of-my-life is working!! She sat for a good month & a half, I charged her battery this afternoon, and she came right on and took a picture like it was no big deal. Now, I can take halfway decent product pictures and update my shop! Yippee!!

Working on: being non-judgemental, selfless, and kind. I think I'm a kind person, but I know I do judge before there is a good reason (to me) and it just seems hypocritical. The work 'selfless' keeps popping up, and I always believe themes come about when they are necessary to practice. It really seems to pop up when dealing with situations that I just want out of, but it just isn't possible..so I have to find ways to deal. That's where being selfless comes in...I need to make up some sort of chant to repeat in my head when dealing with these emotionally-draining situations.

Thinking about: where I am in my life and where I WANT to go. I'm opening my mind up to putting myself out there in terms of being a craftsperson, and seeing where that takes me. I know I will find something that really excites me...the idea of taking a job that has nothing to do with my future life vision is not worth it to me. So, I just need to pump up my role as a full-time craftsperson and make sh*t happen.

Anticipating: I have a few fun adventures coming up this Fall that I am anxiously awaiting.... I am planning on going to Charlottesville next week to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama with family. It's almost surreal that that is on my calendar so I can't see any way to pass that up! One of my oldest friends is visiting this weekend, and because she is pregnant with her first child I can't wait to rub her belly bump!! Then I'll be seeing Langhorne Slim & The Law two nights in a row...yes, they are THAT awesome. Let's see...then our neighborhood Chili Cookoff, a local craft show I am participating in, then ...drumroll please...The Color Run in Charlotte! I am SO excited for this one and almost more excited for the pictures to come out of it.

Listening to: Right now, I cannot get enough of Shovels & Rope...so good. I got handed a few new cds this weekend of some new releases so I'm looking forward to having those on repeat for a bit...

Eating: I need so badly to go to the grocery store.

Wishing: that I had all of my best, great friends living right next door in a little neighborhood all our own. We are all so spread out, and I just wish sometimes college (and some high school pals) would recreate itself, but with us at our current age, family situation, etc. and with the time to just hang.all.day.

                                               // This 'Currently' template from Danielle at Sometimes Sweet. \\ 

october goals.

Because I am totally bombing (and I mean B-O-M-B-I-N-G) with meeting monthly goals that I have set for myself and thought that making myself accountable by blogging about them would help...I'm going about October a little differently. The specifics don't work with me it is seeming, so I'm going to try being a little more broad with my expectations. Except the dog bed cover and fall decor...but I would think I could handle those...yep.

around my town: country fair.

Welcome to part two of a "new" blog series...Around my _________. I did one this past Christmas with a small decor tour of my home, and here I am again with another round.

Each year The Sedalia Center puts on a Country Fair in our small, small (and I mean small) town which is fortunately right across the main highway from us. They collect local farmers/business owners to showcase their talents such as gardening, canning, baking, animal farming, beekeeping, etc. for the public to check out. Our farm always agrees to be a part of it, so my brother carts a table full of resources and a live animal of some sort. For the past couple of years he has taken our beloved family milk cow Primrose to showcase, but since she is no longer with us, he brought her daughter, Beledene.

She is such a sweet cow...as you can see. What's even more sweet is that my niece is so connected to her that she'll just walk up to her and rub her or lean on her (or even saddle her up) and Beledene just hangs out chewing her cud without a care in the world. She especially loves being scratched under her chin and behind her ears...just like her mama.

Feel free to check out our farm website for more farm-focused goings-ons and information...I'm the main blogger over there as well. Matter of fact, I think I'm due for a post!

currently.

photo

Obsessing over: the idea of wearing scarves again!!! I just ordered a new one from Free People that I have been eye-balling, and I am so excited about wearing my neon and gray one from Anthropologie I purchased at the end of the season last year. Yay for coziness!!

Working on: some new paintings...and catching up on Project Life. Now I'm having a paper issue and my printer is printing waaaaay too much blue. Don't you just wish sometimes things that things would go seamlessly when you want them to? Maybe it's karma, but it seems like one little hiccup after another...and not like any of them matter in the grand scheme of things but they are still quite frustrating!!

Thinking about: my days and what I want to do with them. I'm kind of looking for a part-timer in an area that excites me so that I can have the freedom to do the things that make me tick (like having a day with my nieces and nephew a week), but still have a regular schedule...and a little cash flow is always nice!

Anticipating: my upcoming trip to Atlanta with my cousin for the Music Midtown. I am so excited to get out of town for a few days, see different people, eat at different restaurants, laugh with an old college pal, and I'm hoping to cram in a trip to Paper Source ;). Let's not forget the AWESOME music that will be poured into my ears and soul for two days!!

Listening to: the ending credit music from Almost Famous. One of the greatest movies ever.

Eating: Just ate a breakfast of a sprouted wheat english muffin, raw butter, avocados, and tomato slices from my garden.

Wishing: that my glands would become a regular size again so I can swallow comfortably. First it was one side making me want to scream, and now the other side is taking its turn. Side effects from pure exhaustion are still lingering...


**I am planning on regularly scheduling my 'Currently' post for Sundays, but since The Curiosity Shoppe was at Target, I was a little preoccupied. Of course, they had nothing that I went for, which is probably a very good thing for my wallet.

// This 'Currently' template from Danielle at Sometimes Sweet. \\

september goals.

Update Etsy shop: I've really been feeling like I want to get back into painting, and I actually did a little bit last night. Being creative keeps me so balanced I feel...I always know when I haven't made time for it. So, for my own home to not be filled with my own paintings, I hope to gather a collection and list in my shop. I'll be sure to post when this happens. I have also planned to gather some papers together for themed mixed paper books along with a Winter mini-book, which will be listed as well. I realize it is not even really Fall yet, but I love the "idea" of planning ahead. ;)

Blog at least 2 times a week: Still working on this. Post-Its for my weekly calendar are on my next shopping list.

Stay on task with 30 Days of Lists: My idea with this was to add to my weekly Project Life spreads so it wouldn't be something totally separate to keep up with. Well, I have been totally preoccupied with this cold/sinus/whatever-the-hell-it-is-I-still-have and I haven't even started. This is going to change TODAY.

Blog one Project Life post a week: I am slowly but surely getting caught up on my Project Life with total plans to share in this here blog. I left my nice camera outside of my tent on that awesome weekend in August, and I'm thinking it's dunzo. This was the camera I loved to use for blog snapshots, so I'm gonna have to tweak the quality with my point & shoot and be happy with it. I keep forgetting my camera is pretty much a goner until I think of something I want captured and then I find myself pouting a little. And then something else comes along, and the point of why I wanted to take pictures if gone...hence the lack of Project Life posts.

Take one bike ride + two walks a week: Still going with this one. It's going to be really awesome when the weather turns a little I don't break into a humid sweat the second my foot goes out the door.

** I know I said that I would check in on my August goals, and after looking over them there is sadly no point. So pitiful. So, so pitiful. Cheers to September goals actually getting crossed off!!

wait, it's september?

Holy moses, August came and went in a total blur. And I have to blame it solely on this:

photo credit.

That's right. Langhorne Slim & The Law at our family farm.  

I feel like the whole month of August was centered around this one night, and for me, I guess it was. I get a vision in my head of the look and feel of how I want something to go and that's it. There's no room for derailment and no room for mistakes. My to-do list the week leading up to it was unbelievable. But, the end result left me with the greatest smile on my face because it surpassed everything I had envisioned...with a few added bonuses. Like an early morning dance party in my kitchen with Langhorne, Billy, and my new friend Courtney. Or my friend showing up out of the blue after rearranging her whole day of flights to get home in time to drive from NC to the farm. Or hanging on the porch the next morning stalling their departure because no one wanted to leave. 

//Instagram: @petaline//

This whole thing was just such a great feeling.

I'll be back tomorrow with how I made out on my August goals (hint: terrible) and my goals for September. Let's hope they turn out better.

*My niece was commissioned to take pictures, but she just moved out to Portland, Oregon, so I'll be getting them after she gets settled. I'll be sure to share them. It allows me to relive it. No complaints there.

august goals.

Find at least one holiday craft show to vend: This goal came about after attending my niece's going away/craft sale extravaganza last weekend, and I realized how much I enjoyed having my goods out for folks to see. Regardless of the fact it was mostly family that purchased from me, it was still a good feeling. I have this vision of what I want my setup to be, and I feel like I get closer and closer to it each time I set up. I'm hoping to set up at least once this fall at a neighborhood event, and then at a holiday market this upcoming season. It also gives me initiative to produce more items (which I will share in an upcoming post).

Blog at least 2 times a week: Yep, yep...this is one is back because it still has to remain something to cross off physically. It's not quite habit yet, but I am finding myself thinking about what it is I want to blog about more, and then I'd love to come up with a schedule. There is SO much blog tip inspiration out there, and I am soaking it up when I come across it in my web travels.

Complete guest room/office makeover: I've lived in my house for at least 7 years, and I have never "finished" decorating this room. I've replaced furniture, added furniture, taken away furniture, and then switched it all around. But it has just never been COMPLETE in my mind. So, this month is for finishing the damn thing so I can stop thinking about it...which entails: repainting the storage cabinet, compiling instagram prints to 2 canvases, getting rid of some things, replacing the rug & curtains, adding a bed skirt, etc., etc., etc. Ey yi yi.

Read one fiction + 1 non-fiction/reference book: I only reached half of this goal last month, so I plan on doing better this month. I'm in the first third of The Night Circus, and hope to finish The Creative Habit (which I've been reading for about 2 months now).

Take one bike ride a week: I think this is pretty self-explanatory.... ;)


Do you have any goals for August?

currently.

Obsessing over: Happy Street. Yes, I'm in my 30s, but this game is the cutest thing I have seen in a loooong time. I'm playing it on my iPad and I got my 19-year-old niece hooked on it through her iPhone. It is unbelievable. The graphics are so crisp and cute, the sounds are so crisp and cute, and it just puts a smile on my face anytime I check in. Of course, there's no point, I don't plan on putting any money towards it, but I/we just love it.

Working on: getting my house situated and set to where I feel good walking in the front door as opposed to being consumed by immediate annoyance because this pile is here, that bag is there, or unfinished decor projects are everywhere. I finished one half of my curtain project today, and hope to get the other half finished tomorrow so my other window is happy too.

Thinking about: what else I can do...in all aspects.

Anticipating: crawling into my bed. Oh, and when I get my next reward on Happy Street....

Listening to: The Office, Season 5. So hilarious.

Eating: nothing right at the moment, but I did heat up lunch leftovers for dinner that consisted of local salad greens, basil quinoa, and homegrown squash patties. Yum!

Wishing: my overall health would level out successfully and I can move forward with my grand plans. ;) I just have to keep trusting that what I'm doing is working, and not lose sight of the end result. It's getting easier, I do have to say.

* I'm waiting for some files to download so I thought I would do a quick check-in. I finally talked my Mom into getting a MacBook Pro so that she can be synced between her iPad and laptop. Plus, her old laptop was getting soooo slooooow and totally not user-friendly to someone who missed the technology benchmark. Not a week went by that I wasn't getting a phone call about where pictures were or the infamous How do I...? Yup, simplifying is key here.

I'd love to hear what's currently happening in your world!

// This 'Currently' template from Danielle at Sometimes Sweet. \\

oh geez.

Last week was pretty crappy. I just wasn't feeling well with low energy, and consuming thoughts. I was all on track mentally to juice up this here blog and continue posting because I do love it when I do. But, I just couldn't pull it together. I couldn't pull much together. I know, cry me river....

image source

Luckily, tomorrow is a new month and I always get this feeling of freshness and new chances to do all the things I wanted to do last month. It's just the way I roll. Daily lists that carry on to the next day...the next week...the next month. But! I will get it done. Procrastination really should be my middle name.

August, here I come!!

favorite lunch of summer...so far.

It's so self-explanatory that I'll just use pictures to show you the deliciousness.

I can't even tell you how good I feel eating this. All of the ingredients are fresh, local, and organically grown by friends and family. All it consists of is a couple of beets, carrots, potatoes, green scallions, and our farm-raised lard sautéed in a black iron skillet for at least 30-45 minutes. By the first bite, I already feel like a walking vitamin.

I actually planted a small garden this year. And by small, I mean just tomatoes, squash, banana peppers, and green peppers in a couple of raised, square beds and basil in a window box. Except some pesky little rabbit came through and pretty much annihilated my green pepper plants. Anyway, I'm quite proud of what I'm growing and look forward to those 'maters!

july goals.

Make homemade pesto: I have 3 basil plants in a planter outside of my kitchen sink window that I water and check on everyday in hopes of snipping some leaves for pesto without leaving it looking naked  & ashamed on the roots. After visiting the local farmer's market on Saturday, I left with 4 small bunches a grower friend gave me so she wouldn't have to take them back home. (My own basil plants thanked me immediately for giving them a little extra time to "bush out.")  On Sunday, I made my first batch of homemade pesto using this recipe (substituting almonds for pine nuts), and it is SO delicious with the perfect amount of garlic kick.

Blog at least 3 times a week: realizing that it is the middle of July...better late than never!! I'm well on my way this week....

Write a letter a week: it's not a matter of not having the right stationary (good gosh, I have a whole suitcase full), and making the time in JUST ONE day to sit down. I really don't know what my problem is with this particular goal. WAIT!! I wrote 2 letters last week that went out with a little package...wouldn't that count for two weeks worth?!?

Read two books that are not reference books: I am happy to report that I am halfway there having just completed Gone Girl (thanks to the power outage) and I'm actively searching for my second one. Any suggestions?

Worry less about the things I cannot change: this one goes without saying...TOUGH. But, I am doing better. I know that's it's best for me and my health to realize that I can't control things that I see my family and friends do that I know are totally bad for them, but it's only affecting ME to worry. People are going to do what they're going to do. I know I do, but sometimes ya can't help but be concerned when you see so clearly the negative effects of their bad choices. I just want to decrease the amount of worry and sort of pick my battles, so to speak.


Do you have any goals for this month that you are working on?

the time the winds came.

the downed tree my brother pushed out of the road with his bumper.

As most of you know, parts of the east coast got SLAMMED with a peculiar wind storm about two weeks ago (already ??). We happened to be right in the thick of it here in the heart of Virginia, and I had never seen anything like it. We've had our share of high winds and trees going down, but this was something else. We were down at our creek picnic area celebrating my niece's 4th birthday-eve, when all of a sudden out of nowhere I noticed a black curtain being pulled across the sky to which I said, "Is it supposed to storm tonight?" As soon as that last word came out, the first gush of wind came and we were in for it. Being the closeted thrill-seekers that we are (and because we may have had a little beer buzz), we got up and started running around in the wind, doing circles with our fists in the air & towels out like Superman capes telling Mother Nature to bring it...we were ready for whatever she was wanting to give us!!

And then we lost power for 10 days.

And it was scheduled to be one of the hottest weeks of the summer.

Oh boy.

Obviously, I made it. I almost had a total conniption one afternoon, but I made it. I actually enjoyed it. It taught me a few things about myself and my habits, and I appreciate it for that. I made some notes one evening on what this semi-test of survival taught me:

• I spent waaaaaaay less money than I would have had the internet been working.
• I was eating fresher and I was eating less (thanks to the heat).
• I realized that I don't NEED what I think I need in and around my home. 
• What I truly NEED is water to use or cool off in, family, friends, food, and sleep.
• It's okay to miss a shower for a couple of days...as long as I got in the creek or pool.
• I never thought that I should be doing something else because all I could do was what I was doing at that time. Being on overload was not an option in the heat.
• I have a new respect for real, tangible books which saved my days and nights. Thank you Mr. Head Lamp.
• Car chargers are the bomb-diggity.
• I need more candles.

 Fern was "helping" to clear sticks from the creek.

I tooted my own horn for making it with a positive attitude while others were complaining and getting in fights at the gas station. Yes, that really happened.

It seemed so quiet while the power was off...not just because a/c units and water pumps weren't humming, but there was a sense of stillness and peace in the air. 

I was a little sad to see that go.

currently.

time: 6:39 pm.

location: my craft room.

drinking: a HUGE glass of water.

listening: to the fans blowing because it is hot as balls up here...and some birds chirping in the trees outside.

feeling: so at ease, but yet a small pull of anxiety in the pit of my stomach.

loving: all of the ideas that are circulating in my head and excited about (actually) making them tangible. I feel like I’ve had this burst of creative energy that I’m looking forward to working on AND completing!

enjoying: cleaning out spaces in my house. I worked on my craft room yesterday, and hope to continue taking it room by room. Sometimes I feel so cluttered in my mind, and I know that if physical spaces are cluttered too they tend to trickle into the mind, and I definitely don’t need anymore clutter in either place.

wanting: to get hopeful results tomorrow. I’m not even looking for better...I’m just looking for hope to wake up to every day. This is pretty vague, but that’s the way it has to be for now...or until I feel comfortable enough to share on here.

dreaming: about getting caught up on my PL album, finally being satisfied with the state of my house, and wishes coming true.

thinking: What else can I get rid of? Dammit, I need to finish those invitations! What can I make for the August 4th event? That laundry pile....

creating: new mixed paper books, doily flower paintings, PL spreads, new embellished journals...the list is endless sometimes.

// illustration by Alyssa Nassner (which I will finally have in my possession soon thanks to Fab.com!! //

* I don't know what is going on with the font, but I'm thinking it had something to do with this post being imported. Please pardon the inconsistencies, I'll get it all figured out at some point.

project life: april.

So, a month or so ago, I was just bragging to myself and my PL album how I was so caught up and what's left for me to do now that I was caught up and I was even a little ahead and this was so easy to stay on top of, blah blah blah. TOTALLY GOT AHEAD OF MYSELF.


I am now miserably behind.


But, the good news is that I still look forward to working on it. I just don't. Where is the reasoning in that?? Heck if I know.


I do want to share my last full layouts from April. Man, I have some work to do.... As of now, I'm totally hitting up weeks at a time - inserting photos, journaling, and ephemera when I find it. This method is actually letting me catch up a lot faster than if I were just going about it one week at a time, but it is definitely not ideal in the record-keeping department. Thank goodness for the Momento app that has pretty much saved me and my album. I am anxious to get caught up so that I can focus on one week at a time though.

I added a 6x12 insert for this week to add a few more pictures of my Dad's birthday bash and included a tab to title it in connection to the spread. And since my Dad needed to be in the showcase, I enlarged one of the singles of him and divided it up between three pockets. I have seen this done before in other PL albums, but I had never done and I am quite happy with it. 

And here is the other side of the 6/12 insert:

I love the idea of really hashing it out on a large journaling card (left side, top right corner) to capture a feeling or thought or whatever, and still keep it hidden for visiting eyes. And the WTF stamp was just perfect to add because it was certainly a WTF moment!

This is one my favorite spreads to date...something about the colors and overall feel to the layout. Plus I just love that picture of the birthday girl with that sparkly turquoise letter in her fairy costume. This is my sister-in-law's sister's daughter (follow that?) who had a lovely picnic to celebrate her first birthday. Each guest was asked to make a pennant for her bedroom, which you can see on the bottom of the right side. They are owl-lovers, so I ordered some wood veneer and made an owl to attach onto the pennant, then added some ball trim for added cuteness. I had so much fun making it, and it was such a special gift to give to her.

Love that wood veneer arrow from Studio Calico pointing to me waaaaaaaaay back in the crowd at the Trampled By Turtles show...makes me chuckle every time.

And here is my newest incomplete spread that will greet me in a few minutes as I make my way upstairs to my craft room. I look forward to sharing a more recent update in the near future...maybe I'll be all caught up!! A gal can dream.

// Weekly quote cards & "This Week" journaling card design inspired by Elise Joy - some quotes used are from her and some are from my collection. // 


Supplies: Project Life by Becky Higgins Core Kit in Clementine, various papers & embellishments from Studio Calico, October Afternoon, Crate Paper, American Crafts, and monthly kits. I'm sure there are plenty more tucked in as well. I print most of my pictures at home using an HP Photosmart Plus printer with Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy (I'm going to Matte paper in my next shopping trip for ink purposes). Please feel free to comment any questions you have about supplies. 

i actually followed through...

...and made my own bleach-designed t-shirt. Usually when I follow a DYI, I do it exactly like the inspiration (something about directions that make me WANT to follow along), and all subsequent others are tweaked to be a little more personalized.


This one was inspired by Emma at Food Coma, who was inspired by Jill at Lune Vintage. (Don't want the credit police getting on me!!) I thought both ladies did a fabulous job, and I just had to follow suit and see what came about.


So, here we go. 

I used one of my Old Navy Vintage Tees that I already had...I knew where I could get another one if I royally screwed this up. I actually have about a handful of the tees, they are the perfect weight with the perfect sleeve length and great heathered colors. I highly recommend a couple for the summer. Anyway, back to the program...

I did mine with bleach and paintbrush. I think for the next one, I will use a pen because it did end up a bit splotchy...which I do like, but would like to experiment with the pen for the next go-round. And, I used this Clorox brand something-or-other, but I don't know if a more concentrated bleach would have done a more thorough job.

Nice trails, huh? Oh well, they give it character.

And the finished product as (documented on Instagram) as I was heading out the door to see The Avett Brothers and show off my new tee.

// Follow me on Instagram: petalineprints. //

project life.

Lately, I've been working my buns off any chance I have to get caught up on my Project Life album. And besides the fact that I'm still not completely caught up (still have some pictures & journaling from this past weekend to add), it is such an indescribable feeling that only a nit-picky & obsessive paper cutter would feel.


I started my 2012 album at the end of January and I quickly realized I was not to keen on the design of pages I purchased from Amazon. The Design A pages were sold out, so I settled for Design F with a scowl on my face. Thankfully, I only bought one pack. (Go me.) So, as any gal would do, I did a little research and I've got some Design A pages coming my way this week. And since you asked, no,  I cannot wait to replace my page contents into the new pages. I've been making do by taping stuff to prepare for the transfer. Nothing was gonna stop me from working on this bad boy!


I started it being really unsure of myself and my ability to "do it right." I felt like it wouldn't look right unless it looked like the other Project Lifer's pages I had seen, and I didn't like feeling like that. I knew I had it in me, but I guess it's that whole measuring up thing that tends to surface at times like this. I decided to use Elise's weekly spreads as inspiration to get me started because her style seems to be the most relatable for me. I love her weekly quotes and "This Week" cards that are a staple for each week, so I adapted those for me and have been doing the same in my weekly spreads. This might change as I become more and more comfortable, but for now the consistency is really working for me. If you have not checked out her pages, I would definitely recommend it...they are quite fab.

Fern has been such a pal while I work in my craft studio, which has helped. We have a little routine going where I stuff her cute pink Kong with hard-to-get treats to keep her occupied, and I always keep a few extras on my work table. I like to take advantage of her outside potty rotations. I'm starting to think she actually prefers it up here...maybe the carpet feels good on her paws....


I'm absolutely loving this project.


The only problem is how it almost pains me to use some my papers.


I have a slight paper problem.

currently.

Obsessing over when I am going to sit down and dive into Project Life. I have all of the supplies I need (except the Design A pages I'm waiting so impatiently to be restocked), the know-how, some pictures printed, the embellishments...but I just can't seem to physically get started. I see other's PLers pages all over the blog world which makes me so envious, but yet not enough to motivate me to actually start. Also, having a puppy that needed to go out every hour last month put a little hinderance on the situation, but now I think she can handle a couple of hours so I can actually start on a project. We'll see....


Working on training a puppy (man, it's like having a newborn!!), simplifying my house & its contents, making more conscious food choices with an attempt to lose a few, The Sopranos complete seasons on dvd (I've never seen them), finding time for crafts & designing new paper products for my Etsy shop, maintaining a positive approach to life (Acupuncture has been amazing). Pretty much the list is endless.


Thinking about putting together a blog schedule. I do want to blog. It's a great outlet for me since I am out in the country and not a whole lot of opportunity for crafty social gatherings out here, and since I live alone, it's a great way to meet folks and be inspired! There's also the typical thoughts of...do I need to get another part-time job? Should I move? Should I upgrade my car? Should I get rid of this? Should I get rid of that? Oy...


Anticipating the day when it will all come together.


Listening to "Along Came Polly" in the other room, Fern running up and down the hall with a toy chicken carcass & my voice calling her every now & then to make sure she's not getting into mischief.


Eating nothing now, but I do need to start thinking about some grub for lunch. Probably put another dent in the Winter Root Soup I made last week - it is quite delish if I might say so myself. Maybe I'll mix a little quinoa in for good measure...


Wishing for snow. And that my local mexican restaurant would deliver.


I loved this post from Danielle on Sometimes Sweet...so simple, yet a great reminder to just stop in the present and take note of what's going on. (Plus it's a great piece of documentation for Project Life...see, I'm obsessed....)

the new addition.

This little cutie came to live with me at the beginning of January, and I feel like she is just now independent enough for me to have a couple of hours without being worried I'm gonna step in a wet spot somewhere. I swear, I feel like every time I sat down to do something it was time to go back out! Besides her little shark teeth chasing my toes down the hall, she's a good little puppy. Right now we're working on "being invited" on the couch, as opposed to just leaping on there any time she pleases. I've never had a couch dog, and I don't plan on starting now, but her warm snuggles have been quite the pleasure during these cold winter months...she gets in the most precarious little positions.


*these pictures were taken using the Instagram app under petalineprints.