Gettin' By

Make It Monday | Lots-o-Layers

Happy Monday my friends! Today kicks off a week of vacation for the kiddos so as soon as I can get the Thanksgiving menu finalized and pack the car with all the essentials - turkey, wine, and warm ski clothes -  we are headed to the mountains to enjoy the holiday.  But before we hit the road, I wanted to share a page that's super easy to pull together if you have a few minutes this week!

S U P P L I E S :

Whenever I plan to do a one-photo layout, I love to go a bit crazy with all the details, especially when my photo isn't too large. It's fun to incorporate lots of supplies to fill up that 12x12 canvas and balance it with that all-important white space! Here I began with a 4x5 photo that I wanted to matte with lots of color, so I chose the BasicGrey Highline collection. The pinks, oranges, greens, and yellows are delightfully vibrant - plus the pink happened to perfectly match the sweater I was wearing in the photo. Love it when that happens!

Using a neutral wood grain pattern as my background, I started with a yellow paper cut to approximately 6.5 x 9.25. Then I layered smaller paper pieces over the yellow, as well as journal cards and small die cuts. Foam squares are perfect for adhering the layers and add so much dimension, without resulting in a bulky page. 

My photo is centered on top and accented with a few die cuts and chipboard. The flowers at each corner (a die cut shape and a sticker) are accented with small brads and buttons, and help further frame the photo. They also create a strong diagonal line that leads the eye through the page. My journaling is split into two lines, which I typed above and below the arrangement.

 

I'll be taking a break from the blog for the rest of the week off to spend time with family and friends, but will probably be posting occasionally on Twitter and Instagram.  Wishing you all a wonderful week and blessed Thanksgiving!

 

 

Simple Saturday | He & She

I just realized that three of the last five Simple Saturday posts have featured BasicGrey goodies, and today is going to make #4. It's a testament to how much I love working with their products! I am always in awe of the patterned papers (and vast varieties within each collection) but today I'm focusing on the wood veneers for this simple comparison page about my littles:

 

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

I started with a list of current facts about each kiddo that I printed on the cardstock below their photos (which are about 2.75 x 4). Then I trimmed the sheet of kraft cardstock to 11 x 11 and added a border of brown baker's twine adhered with liquid glue.  

Down the center, I arranged a vertical column of veneers that are backed with patterned papers to show through the cut-out portions. Smaller veneer shapes and brads helped fill up the blank spots.

To bring lots of color and pattern to this page, I created a border around the outside edge using 1-inch squares.  I adhered them to a full sheet of 12 x 12 cardstock and layered the smaller kraft cardstock over the top.

The title was die-cut on my Silhouette using patterned papers and white cardstock for the border. You can download the cut files (for personal use) by clicking on the graphic below! The zipped archive includes .svg, .dxf and .png files.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Give-It-Away Thursday | Cynthia Garrett Handstamped Cuffs

The countdown to Turkey Day has begun and I'm doing in the happy dance in preparation for my favorite holiday. It's the one time of year I toast all the lovely blessings in my life and get to eat heaps of mashed potatoes without guilt.  So in celebration of the upcoming holiday and impending starchy indulgences, let's do a fun giveaway!

Today I'm featuring the fabulous etsy shop of Cynthia Garrett, a fellow runner, crafter, photographer and all-around cool girl! Check her out on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest for peeks at her funky handcrafted cuffs:

How cool are these cuffs crafted from upcycled leather belts?! I love that she's giving new life to old pieces. Some cuffs may have more markings and wear than others, giving each one a unique character and making it truly one-of-a-kind.

 

The cuffs are gorgeous on their own, but can also be customized with a variety of metal shapes, handstamped with the message of your choosing. Select kid's names, a favorite quote, your "one little word" or any other text to make the piece completely your own.

Cynthia has generously offered one lucky reader one cuff of their choosing - perfect as a little gift for yourself or someone special!  If you'd like to be entered to win, simply leave me a comment today and tell me which cuff in her shop you'd choose if you win!  Comments will stay open until Monday, November 24, when I'll post the winner below. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

In the meantime, if you'd like to get some holiday shopping done, you can use the code LISAD20 to receive 20% any purchase at Cynthia's store. And the best thing about this jewelry? On Thanksgiving, you can eat all the mashed potatoes and gravy your heart desires and never have to unbutton it (unlike those damn skinny jeans!)

Happy Thursday before Thanksgiving!

 

Wardrobe Wednesday | The Bright Blazer

There are countless guides on style that list essential wardrobe pieces: the tailored white shirt, the little black dress, the perfectly cut trouser. All good items to own, but seriously? Snooze. I'm here to shake things up and tell you what you need to make your closet more FUN (next to having a wine cooler installed in it) and that's the bright blazer!

I love how a structured jacket can take the basic Mom Uniform of jeans + tee and make it look a little more polished and professional. Of course, in this bright hue and paired with the old stand-by sneakers, it sends the message that you don't take yourself too seriously. Because who wants to be that girl?!

I've styled this orange blazer lots of different ways (you can see other options here and here!) and I can honestly say it's one of the hardest working pieces in my closet - proving that the basic, neutral clothing isn't always what gets the most wear. In my case, at least, it's the pieces that make me feel lighthearted and happy that I tend to reach for over and over again.

My coral jacket was a Target find a few seasons back, but here's a round-up of some of my favorites currently available:

01// Annabel Blazer in Rich Turqouise (Boden, $148.00) 

02// Textured Neon Pink Cropped Blazer (Charlotte Russe, $39.99)

03// asos Ponte Blazer in Chartuese (asos, $63.33)

04// JCP Tipped Blazer in Deep Ruby (JC Penney, $39.99)

05// Fitted Blazer in Red (H&M, $24.95)

 

Here's hoping your Wednesday is bright & happy (and if not, there's always wine!)

_____________________________________________
Target wool coral blazer (old) | similar
F21 graphic tee (old) | similar, similar
Joe's Jeans (added distressing by me)
Converse All Stars
asos leather clutch (sold out)
Warby Parker Roosevelt frames
Mossimo belt
Fossill watch

Around here...

...we've been dealing with the Incredibly Stinky Kitten and her superpower abilities to turn any type of food into farts.  Good thing she's cute! 

...we've been reveling in the arrival of winter with favorite boots, cozy sweaters and red cups!

 

...we celebrated Grandpa's birthday with sopapillas & beer! Olè!

 

...we spent some time in the mountains working on projects at the cabin. And discovered that painting a 3x5 powder room together is not the best marital-bonding activity. #tightquarters #lotsofswearing

...we are anxiously awaiting our first runs on the slopes (opening day was Saturday!) and feeling pretty darn excited for winter fun.

So what's up in your world??

 

Simple Saturday | Thankful

Tis the season for giving thanks! And as we begin counting down for my favorite holiday of the year (bring on the mashed potatoes!) I wanted to share a recent layout using BasicGrey's new line, Vivienne. Though it's got a definite girly vibe, the brown and orange infused into the designs make it perfect for autumn pages, too!

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

I filled each letter in the bold title (which is available as a free cut file on the BasicGrey blog!) with a different patterned paper and then embellished the corners with chipboard shapes, epoxy flowers and a few lines of stitching. 

So go grab the freebie file! It can also be reduced in size for incorporating into Project Life and cardmaking.  I'd love to see your projects using it, so please share!

Hope you all have a super weekend!

 

Five on Friday: Current Crushes

It's been awhile since I've posted a Five on Friday, so in an attempt to get back into the swing of this, I'm sharing five random things that I'm crushing on right now. Enjoy!

1.  Buffalo Plaid baseball cap from Target ($12.99).  Every girl needs a good cap to grab on those not-so-good hair days. Or those I'm too lazy to style this mop days. Or really, for any day that ends in "y"! I snapped up this fun plaid version at Target because it felt like fall and was a natural match with my black moto jacket, but I've worn it with lots of other ensembles, too. (One of which may have been flannel pjs in the school drop-off line...ssssh!)

 

2.  Don Ramón Vino Tinto Barrica ($7.99).  One of my favorite things about cold, snowy weather is knowing I can end the day with a glass of red by the fireplace. I was looking for an alternative to my stand-by pinot, and my wine guy (who knows I'm cheap and go for label art over taste!) recommended this Spanish blend. It's a lighter red, with hints of raspberries and blackberries and just a touch of spice. And the bargain price combined with the unique ribbon & wax seal make it a winner in my book!

 

3.  Pumpkin Scones from Cooking Classy. If you have not yet fallen victim to pumpkin spice fever, you are a stronger soul than I.  After pinning these scones  - amongst hundreds of other pumpkin-infused creations - I tried the recipe, and it met with rave reviews from my kids (and my stomach as well!). They are identical to the Starbucks version and a lovely little morning indulgence with coffee. Pin them. Make them. Trust me.

 

4.  Good Cheer Collection from Elle's Studio. ($1.49 - $15.97).  I've been entertaining the idea of doing a December Daily album this year. Though who are we kidding - mine would more likely be a December-Whenever-I-Feel-Like-Creating album because the whole daily thing is just too.much.pressure. I love this collection from Elle's Studio for its liberal doses of aqua with the traditional holiday colors. And the fun stamps and wood veneers just might inspire me to actually complete this project for once!

 

 

5. Glen Lossie Plaid Lambswool Scarf ($34.11).  I didn't add a whole lot of things to my fall/winter wradrobe, but of the pieces I did, more than half were plaid! One look at my Wardrobe Wednesday posts and you can see my affection for the plaid scarf, and I recently swapped the lighter cotton version for this warmer lambswool. It's a deliciously soft and comfy accessory that I'm reaching for a daily basis. Bring on the snowflakes and icicles - I'm ready! (Or at least my neck is!)

Hope you have a fantabulous Friday, my friends!

Wardrobe Wednesday | Track Pant Convert

 "You know the message you're sending out to the world with these sweatpants?
You're telling the world, 'I give up. I can't compete in normal
society. I'm miserable, so I might as well be comfortable.'"
-JERRY SEINFELD

At the top of my to-buy list this season was a pair of track pants, Seinfeld be damned. Yes, I know this particular garment may have a less-than-chic reputation, but after seeing various offerings from J Crew, Nordstrom and Old Navy, I knew they had styling possibilities far beyond what George Costanza ever dreamed. 

Plus, I'll pretty much wear anything if J. Crew tells me it's trendy. I'd probably jump off the proverbial bridge if they asked me to, so long as they gave me a cute cardigan to wear while doing it.

So even though I am decidedly not miserable (but am definitely pro-comfort) I grabbed this pair at Target and gave them a go. This was my first stab at styling them, and was also several weeks ago before the snow started flying and sock-less and jacket-less were still viable options.  I love that the ensemble has a sporty vibe, but doesn't scream I-just-came-from-the-gym-and-never-got-around-to-changing. 

Not that that's ever happened to me.  Ahem.

I have a whole slew of other outfits planned around these babies, including a dressier version with heels, proving that these track pants really can go the distance. And (bonus!) when you're tired and worn out from competing in normal society, they also happen to be perfect for curling up on the couch and watching old Seinfeld reruns. 

Hope your Wednesday is wonderful!

 

________________________________________________
Target slim jogger pant
Old Navy slub knit tee
pink gauze scarf (old) | similar; similar
Jack Purcell sneakers
Kenneth Cole tote | on ebay; similar
Rayban sunnies

Crate Paper | Bravo Ballerina

Well hello, little neglected blog. My good intentions for drafting posts last week apparently went the way of our warm weather - brrrr! But today the wind is howling, the snow is beginning fall, and the high temps all week aren't expected to break 27˚, so I foresee plenty of computer time in my near future. If only I can stop playing Bubble Bees long enough to get a few posts ready. (Don't click unless you have at least an hour to kill - fair warning - it's addictive!)

And speaking of addiction, I can't seem to stop using the new Open Book line from Crate. I'm constantly grabbing pieces from this gorgeous collection and knew it would be perfect for documenting these perfectly girly photos of my little dancer:

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

You know I love my white space, but on this page I opted to fill the whole canvas with words, photos and those lovely Crate tags!  I had printed the photos some time ago at 4 x 6, so knew they would take up a fair amount of my layout. I also knew the story required it's own chunk of layout real estate. That left me with a the bottom third of the page for a bit of fun, so I strung up the layered tags, using the largest one for my title.

The tags are quite detailed and textured on their own, but I did add just a few simple elements (rub ons, metallic tags) to finish them off.  I layered them over a piece of gold-embossed vellum to set them apart from my photos & journaling, and also to soften the pink wood design underneath.

Wishing you all a warm Tuesday with a cozy blanket, hot drink and a little downtime to enjoy both!

JBS Mercantile Kits | November 2014 (Part II)

Well I guess this week is just gonna fly on by without me...it is really already Thursday?? My goal this week has been to wrap up at least some of the many unfinished projects and assignments that are scattered around here right now. And here's hoping I can actually finish this post, as the Wardrobe Wednesday post I was planning is still sitting here, partially written in draft mode. But there's always next week, right? I should really just adopt that as my permanent mantra.

At any rate, here are two more of my JBS Mercantile kit layouts. I combined some of the less fallish pieces in the kits for these pages, and I love the fresh, summery feel they both have. 

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

 

Since simplicity seems to be the trick to me getting things done, I stuck with that theme here! This page features one of my favorite shots from our spring break trip to Mexico that I enlarged to fill most of the 12 x 12 page. The word "Mexico" was a text layer that I added to the photo before printing it out.

Along the top edge, I added four of the Amy Tangerine tags with just a bit of embellishing. The journaling is tucked into the pocket on the far right.

 

The second page is also a stick-to-what-you-know type of design. And for me, you know that means a grid! I used the thin tape in the Papercrafting Kit to make a framework that holds small photos, die cuts, punches and stamps.

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

To set up my journaling on this one, I took a photo of the chipboard title "Lucky" and imported it into my software (Adobe Illustrator).  I sized it to 100% and positioned it where I was planning to stick on my page. Then I typed my lines of journaling to flow around it. I deleted the photo before printing my journaling on the cardstock.

And that's all I've got for today! Hoping to wrap up a few loose ends and possibly get a Wardrobe Wednesday, errrrr Friday post up before the weekend. Hope you have a great day!