Gettin' By

Five on Friday.

1.  Merona Nautical Shorts ($19.99). I'd been jonsing for some color in my shorts selection, so I grabbed these button-adorned ones at Target a few weeks ago in a vibrant pinkish-red. So far I've worn them with a denim shirt, several striped tees, and a floral tank - it's kinda surprising how versatile this happy color is!  I'd suggest sizing up from what you'd normally wear in pants - these look best if they ride lower on the hip and aren't too snug!

2. Design & Cosine Scarf ($21.99). I'm just a bit addicted to scarves - even in the middle of summer! This lightweight and breezy one is perfect for combatting air conditioning chill when you're inside, and makes a pretty adornment to your purse when you're out in the heat.

3.  Puffy Stickers by Skipping5 ($3.79 each). The newest sticker craze in the scrapbook world is puffy stickers, and they make my inner 8 year-old very happy (did anyone else lovingly collect these in sticker books when they were young?). They are the perfect finishing touch to a page and the assortment of shapes and colors includes arrows, anchors, speech bubbles and more!

4. City Classified Rovia T-Strap Sandal ($20.00). My much-loved gladiator sandals from last summer are looking a little worn out and I've been searching for a budget-friendly replacement. These salmon and tan options might be just the ticket. A little pop of color in a style that's dressier than a flip-flop but still perfectly summer casual - love!

5. Broadbent Vinho Verde ($11.10). Hot weather calls for something light and crisp at happy hour and this vinho verde is perfection!  This white wine from Portugal has flavors of lime, green apple and grapefruit and is just slightly effervescent (but not sparkling) making it spritzy and refreshing. And I totally won't judge if you throw a few ice cubes in your glass. It's hot out there people!

Happy, happy Friday!

Wardrobe Wednesday

If you know my scrapbook pages at all, you know I'm not afraid of color. And the same goes for my wardrobe.  Summer is my favorite time to break out the bright hues  - and sometimes all at once! There's no better mood-booster than a outfit full of color. You can't really be a Debbie Downer when you're wearing bright navy and white stripes, vibrant coral, and electric yellow!

I got this navy chevron skirt last summer (online at Old Navy) and I didn't realize that the roll-down, yoga-style top would add bulk around the middle. So I grabbed my trusty pair of sewing shears and lopped off the fold-over part of the waistband. Because unless it contains at least 3.2% alcohol, I don't like anything adding heft to my waistline.

And looking at the first picture with the arrows, I should probably clarify...it's the necklace that's from J. Crew Factory, not the boob. Though if you could pick up a cute pair of perky pre-child breasts there, you'd know I'd be the first in line.

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Target gathered neck tee | similar
Old Navy jersey skirt
J. Crew Factory bubble necklace
Steve Madden sandals
Fossil ceramic watch
Isaac Mizrahi clutch

 

Run. Swim. Pedal. And stop using Comic Sans.

The weekend kicked off bright and early with a trip to the mountains for the Slacker Half Marathon in Georgetown. It's been nearly two years since I've done a race, and I've quite blissfully avoided the 4 am wake-up calls and nervous race-day jitters that races always bring. But my A-Team running buddies (Alison, Amber & Allison) finally convinced me to sign up for this mostly downhill race, so on Saturday morning I found myself amongst all other crazy runner people at the starting line.

I went through my usual hoping and praying that a natural disaster might roll in and prevent the race from happening, but when the starter gun inevitably went off, I had no choice but to point my shoes toward the finish line and GO!

It ended up being a beautiful day on a scenic course, and all four of us finished the race with personal best times. And though I thought a PR would mean I could retire from racing (why not go out on a high note?!) there's a nagging little voice in my head telling me I need to do it again. Just a little bit faster. Stupid addictive sport.

And while I was running down a mountain, this boy was making waves in the pool. He swam his way to a first-place finish in the 25m butterfly, 25m breast stroke, and 50m freestyle, as well as swimming butterfly on the medley relay. It's so cool to see all those hours and hard work in the pool pay off. He's already got Ryan Lochte beat in the IQ department (then again, so does our dog) but in a few more years, he might just be kicking his butt in the pool, too.

Saturday night, I had a date with this cute guy to celebrate a friend's birthday. We pedaled our way around downtown on a contraption that looks like a picnic table mated with a bike, stopping every few blocks at local dives to refuel. We had pit stops at a whiskey bar, infused vodka bar, and a daiquiri place before stopping for dinner. Which made it very easy to forget how much my quads hurt.

Today I'm hobbling around like a little old lady, popping Advil at regular intervals, and wondering what hack of a graphic artist designed this race sticker:

Never mind that it's not correctly centered, the kerning is horrendous, and the font size is all wrong. It's the use of Comic Sans that's really killing me. And if there hadn't been free beer at the finish line, I just might have asked for a refund.

 

P.S.  I forgot to say THANK YOU for commenting on the Speak Now post - I'm loving reading your responses and it's so helpful to know what type of content you are enjoying. The post is still open if you haven't voiced an opinion (and there's a giveaway as well!). And don't miss the Gardener's Digest giveaway below, too. Happy Monday!!

 

Gardeners' Digest | Two Peas in a Bucket

Welcome to the June issue of the Gardeners' Digest blog hop! When this post goes live, I'll be lining up at the start of the Slacker Half Marathon (and am quite likely cursing the friends and my own stupidity for signing up for this early morning torture.) So while you're reading about the latest happenings at Two Peas in a Bucket, feel free to send a few good running vibes to me as I huff, puff and undoubtedly sweat my way to the finish line!

My latest Seeing Double video went up last week, and I'm focusing on using pre-packaged die cuts to create a layout and card. Even though I love my Silhouette for creating custom shapes and lettering, sometimes these pre-made elements are much easier (and quicker) to use on a page.

S U P P L I E S  U S E D :

 

This month I'm featuring a gallery layout by the incredible Jody Wenke. I so admire Jody's simple, clean style and her layouts always remind me that less truly is more. This tribute to Dad using Pebbles Quote cards is endearing and perfectly executed as only Jody can do!

 

1. In case you haven't heard of Knock Knock, I wanted to showcase this adorable office supply company. Their whimsical and wacky products are ideal for incorporating into scrapping, like these loud & funny post-it notes.

2. Circle tags are my favorite shape to stock up on, and these Everyday Numbers II from Chic Tags are a recent grab with colors and type that I love!

3. I adore the bright, happy colors in the new American Crafts Mayberry collection. They just say SUMMER!

4. My go-to adhesive is Tombow Mono Dots. They are perfect for both photo and papers and small, thin pieces (like Silhouette titles!)

5. Ampersands are the prettiest of text symbols, dontcha think? And these cut files from Two Peas would be perfect for PL inserts or as a graphic element on a layout.

 

My little giveaway today involves two of my recent scrap supply obsessions - Two Peas die cut files and shaped paper clips!  I've got a set of the Lightbulbs Digital Cut Files that are cut from white cardstock (approx. 3.5" tall) and a handful of Freckled Fawn Arrow Paper clips in aqua and indigo. 

If you'd like to be entered to win these goodies, just leave me a comment below and telling me what embellishment you use the most. I'll randomly pick a winner on Tuesday, June 25 and announce it at the bottom of this post.

And now please hop on over to the fabulously artsy Wilna's blog for even more Gardeners' Digest. And have a super duper Saturday!

Congrats to serenitysmom (Craftycountry.blogspot.com) who wins the goodie giveaway! YAY! I don't have an email for you, so please shoot me a note when you have a chance and I'll mail your stuff out to you.

 

Speak Now! {Opinions Wanted}

Since school's let out and I'm keeping busy keeping two kiddos busy, I've had more time to think about things I want to post on the blog than time to actually post them. I'm realizing that updating twice a week is probably going to have to suffice for summertime, but that doesn't mean I don't have plans for content when autumn rolls around!

But I'd also like to touch base with you, my readers, and get your feedback before I get too far into my future blog schemes. Because honestly, sometimes it feels like I'm here all alone, babbling to myself like a crazy lady...but if someone answers back, it might prove that I'm not totally loony. At least that's what the voices keep telling me.

So today, I'm asking those of you that visit everyday to come out of lurkdom. Say hi, introduce yourself, and tell me what keeps you coming back to this little corner of the blog-o-verse. Let me know what your favorite post topics are and what you'd like to see more - or less -  of on the site.

As extra incentive (and shameless bribery), I'll be selecting one name from the comments to receive this mini-kit, perfect for summer scrapping. It contains 20 sheets of colorful 6x6 papers from Studio Calico, Crate Paper, My Mind's Eye and Jenni Bowlin. Plus some vintage ephemera, lots of fun embellishments, overlays, die cuts, washi tape, tags and an exclusive JBS Mercantile stamp, too!

So go ahead and spill...what do you like to see? Scrapbooking projects? Tutorials? Giveaways? Fashion posts? Family life and funny stories? Product reviews? Pictures of cute baby animals?(I promise I won't judge!)  Shirtless pics of Joe Manganiello? (Don't we all, girlfriend, don't we all!?) 

Comments will remain open until next Thursday, June 26, when I'll select one commenter to win the mini kit pictured above. Winner will be announced on this post. Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

U P D A T E D :  YOU GUYS.  I'm overwhelmed by the responses on this post! THANK YOU for your kinds words, content suggestions, and just all around warm-fuzziness you left in the comments. It's so nice to "touch base" with you and make this sometimes sterile blog world a more personal and interactive place. Thanks for the input and suggestions - I will definitely use it as I work to develop future content. And please don't be strangers - I really love hearing your feedback and I do read every single comment that's left here.

Now onto the kit winner! The randomly selected commenter was Lisa:

Congrats, Lisa - I'll mail your kit out to you asap!  And thanks again to everyone for all the input, comments, and sweet words. You are one awesome group of readers and I appreciate you reading my sometimes random and scattered ramblings!

Wardrobe Wednesday | 1 Blazer, 3 Ways

I have a love/hate relationship with air conditioning. I love that it keeps me from turning into the Wicked Witch of the West (I'm mellllllltttting!) when temperatures soar. But I hate that once I'm cooled off, it just keeps on cooling. Until gargantuan goose bumps erupt and I'm reaching for my down parka. In the middle of June.

My solution? A lightweight blazer that can easily be thrown on when the AC gets too aggro. I found this seersucker one at Gap a few years ago (but J. Crew Factory or Lord & Taylor have similar versions). It's a totally versatile piece that I love - and here are three ways I love to wear it!

Zulily Tank Top (similar, similar) | Sanctuary Shorts | Kenneth Cole Tote | Mossimo Heels | Mossimo Belt | Burberry Sunglasses

Mossimo Skirt | Old Navy Tee | J. Crew Necklace (similar) | Mossimo belt |Lucky Penny Sandals | Isaac Mizrahi Clutch (similar)

J. Crew Factory Striped Tee | Merona Nautical Short | Zulily Earrings | Mossimo Espadrilles (similar, similar)

 

Have a great Wednesday! And stay cool (or warm, whatever the case may be!)

Simple Saturday | Trunk or Treat

This month I am happy to be guest designing for Bella Boulevard. Their bright, colorful collections are always fun to create with!

One of my featured projects is a layout using an enlarged photo of my kids and their cousins at Halloween. The bright, mismatched colors in the photo were a bit challenging to design around. Just like these unique kiddos, their costumes ranged from superheroes to giant fruits, with several colors of the rainbow represented. I knew that the typical Halloween hues of orange, black, or purple would look chaotic with the already colorful photo. But how do you coordinate bright yellow, blue, pink, red and orange successfully?

To begin, I chose to use a neutral grey grid background from the Bella Freestyle Sophisticates line. I printed my journaling directly on this paper in the upper left corner. Then I added diagonal stripes of washi tape in some of the same colors from the photo.

S U P P L I E S :

For the title, I stacked two colors of chipboard letters and connected them with a scripty word "or", cut from white cardstock that I covered in the navy washi tape.

A simple trio of embellishments - a flag, chipboard star, and button, are the finishing touch to this page.

While it's not a traditional Halloween color scheme, I love the resulting layout. The background relates to the photo with supporting colors, but lots of white and simple lines help keep the colors from overwhelming the page.

If you'd like to check out the other project I did with Bella Boulevard's products, please hop over to the Bella blog! And have a wonderful, colorful Saturday!

Five on Friday.

Today I'm sharing five favorite scrapbooking products (and they all happen to be on sale now - score!)

1.  Starburst Stamp from Alison Kreft for Webster's Pages ($14.99 $11.24) This 4" x 5.5" stamp is a perfect photo matte or background image! It's also versatile for stamping on smaller cards for Project Life.

2.  Reader Flatbacks by Jenni Bowlin ($4.99 $3.99). These JBS versions of metal flair feature vintage images of kids, animals and text in colors and neutrals that coordinate with almost anything!

3.  Wooden Clothespins from Crate Paper "The Pier" ($4.99 $3.99). These adorable little clips are perfect for hanging items from banners, clipping tags and photos to layouts and closing glassine envelopes. Super cute!

4. Maya Road Vintage Tape Measure Trim ($3.30 $2.64). I can think of so many layout themes this trim would be ideal for - pages about growth, school, or even sewing!

5. Basics Brass Stars from Basic Grey ($3.99 $3.19). My enamel dot obsession has some competition - these metallic shapes from BG! They come in brass and silver and I love the easy and quick self-adhesive application. They add just the right amount of sparkle to any project!

 

Have a fantastic Friday, y'all!

Wardrobe Wednesday

Colorado summers are a peculiar season. One moment, the sun is shining brightly and you're reaching for sandals and a tank top. Then without warning, the clouds have rolled in, the rain is pouring, and you're realizing a white tank top might have been a bad choice.

When I took these pictures for WW last week, the weather was still deciding if it wanted to be summery.  So I had to resort to my "sorta-summery" outfit of shorts and a tank, topped with a boyfriend cardi.



Since my current selection of shorts is mostly neutral khaki and denim, I had to add in color with my sweater and accessories. I've had this funky statement necklace for a few years and it definitely goes in the "worth-every-penny" category of purchase. It seems to go with everything and it reminds me of little artfully decorated sugar cookies. Yes, it always comes back to food.

The bag is also several years old, but it's the first purse I pull out when summer rolls around. If you're looking for a simple fabric bag (you can custom order in your favorite pattern combo!) then check out Elisa Lou!

With temps predicted near 99˚ today and tomorrow, this is likely my cardigan's last hurrah til fall. Colorado may have just decided it's summer after all. And me? I've decided that's an excellent reason to shop for some new happy-colored shorts (loving all the options here!). Oh, and eat sugar cookies.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

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Mossimo Boyfriend Cardigan
Merona Tank Top
Old Navy Everyday Khaki Shorts
Anthropologie Yoyo Necklace  |  similar, similar
Dansko Sissy Sandals
Elisa Lou tote
Target Bracelet | similar

 

Components of a perfect summer weekend.

A long run that didn't totally suck.

A cute guy manning the grill.

Dinner on the patio.

Geckos as hair accessories.

Good causes.

Lazy time at the pool.

Sunny skies and drool-worthy automobiles.

German sportcars.

German dogs.

And of course, German beer.

Hope your weekend was fabulous as well!