Gettin' By

So Magic | SCT Delivered Winter Kits

When I first started scrapping I dreaded the two-page spread. It was such a intimidatingly large canvas to start with and what the heck do you do with that center line? Pretend it's not there? Ignore it and hope it goes away? Well it turns out, both techniques work pretty well! 

Now that I'm designing two-pagers on a regular basis for the SCT Delivered kit, I've learned to get over my fear of the center line. (And speaking from experience, a glass of wine always helps with this. Trust me.)  Sometimes I ignore the center line and span photos across it, being careful to position important photo elements - like faces - on either side of the line. And sometimes I pretend the dang line isn't even there and treat the page like a large rectangular canvas. A great example of this trick is on a recent layout I made using the SCT Delivered Winter Kit, City Sidewalks.

 

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

 

Because I only had one sheet of the gorgeous black polka dot cardstock, I had to get creative with my background. I split the cardstock into 5x12 and 7x12 pieces and used the marble patterned paper to span the gap between the two. This essentially erased the center line (though I did cut the page apart at 12" to eventually fit into my album) and gave me a fun asymmetric base to start my design.

 

 

I added another block of patterned paper on the right side of the page and then positioned my four photos across the center of the patterns. Because the third photo of Riely has her standing to the left of the tree, it was a natural choice to be the photo that crosses over the center line. I adhered it so the cut falls in the white space of the photo and doesn't chop her in half.  For the title, I mixed the oversized Pink Paislee alpha with a kit exclusive glitter word. I just love how the white and gold pop off that black backdrop!

 

 

To break up all the straight lines, I created a visual triangle using circles of aqua gingham paper. These circles frame my photo arrangement and were a great spot to layer with die cuts and sparkly embellishments.

 

Once I have everything position and adhered where I want it, I'll go back and make the final "slice" for the center line, which allows me to put each half in a page protector to go into albums. If you use post-bound albums, you don't have to worry about a gutter between your halves. I personally use 3-ring albums, and while there is a small gap in the center of my two-pagers, it's nothing I stress about. (Running out of wine - now that's a reason to freak out!) So don't let a little line in two-page spreads intimidate you. Just cover it up and keep on creating!

 

 

Wardrobe Wednesday | All About Accessories

I know my WW posts have already firmly established my fondness for denim shorts + tees this season, and the fact that I've stocked up on these Old Navy tees and several pairs of Target shorts (I bought 3 pairs on clearance last fall!) confirms that my summer uniform definitely starts with these two basics.  The only problem is that when you're six weeks into summer, this simple combo can get a little...well, boring. And since I'm already hearing refrains of I'm bored! coming from certain children's mouths (ahem), I'm all about banishing the boring these days. (Typically a long list of chores that includes scrubbing toilets, staining fences and digging trenches helps quiet the younger masses into submission).

But to spice up my tried-and-true clothing faves, I'm turning to funky accessories. Woven belts, statement necklaces, colorful earrings and printed scarves are all great ways to go beyond the basic denim + tee.  In today's outfit, I've grabbed a silk paisley scarf as a belt and it adds some much needed color and pattern to my ensemble. I've gathered quite a collection of these scarves from my grandmothers and thrift stores over the years, and they are such an easy (and cheap!) way to creatively accessorize an outfit.

Another trick I'm pulling out lately is layering a statement necklace over a tee for an effortlessly chic look. Simple lightweight tees in neutral colors (my faves are white, heather gray, and blush) provide a great neutral canvas for a bold necklace and add fabulous texture and detail to any ensemble. My favorite place to scoop up fun jewelry pieces is the clearance rack at Target and Charming Charlie. They always have trendy, inexpensive pieces and while they certainly aren't heirloom quality, they are a great way to play around with fashion fads without investing a lot of moolah! Because at this point in the summer, any money we can reallocate to mama's wine budget is money well spent. When does school start again??

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Old Navy Boyfriend Linen-Blend Tee
Mossimo Denim Shorts | similar
Vintage Silk Scarf | similar; similar
Target Coin Necklace
Old Navy Gladiator Sandals
Mossimo Bow Purse | similar
F21 Ring Set
American Eagle aviators

Twelve Days of Christmas | JOY

For the first twelve days of this month, Elle's Studio hosted Celebrate December, a daily feature with lots of holiday projects from a variety of designers. I was honored to be included in the celebration and drew so much inspiration from all the fabulous projects, layouts, decor and gift ideas that were shared. If you missed it, go grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle up by the fire and and check it out!

 

 

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

 

The framework of this design is my beloved grid, for which I cut 25 squares (2" x 2") from various Elle's Studio Joyful papers. On the left hand side, I planned to arrange my column of four photos (I didn't cut squares to cover this portion of the background) and cut an oversized title out on the Silhouette. This would have been a super quick and simple page, but I wanted to add a bit more detail before assembling it.

On the aqua and gray squares, I added some stamped snowflakes using inks just slightly darker than the papers. I stamped several images per square, letting some bleed off the edges much like patterned paper.

 

On some of the other squares, I selected matching tags or die cuts to dress them up. I love the smaller scale of the Elle's Studio Bits & Pieces for applications like this - they are the perfect size for adding just a few special details. I adhered them with foam adhesive for dimension and depth.

 

I wanted the grid to be a bit looser and more fun than a plain square grid, so I added a stitched border and gently bent the edges of each square, adhering them in a slightly slanted, imperfect way. The big title set at an angle also adds to the fun, whimsical feel. And any page that features toasting glasses of prosecco should definitely be fun and whimsical, right?!  Cheers!

 

 

 

Twelve Days of Christmas | Season's Greetings

December is officially halfway over and while I know the winter days are short, holy heck they are flying by this month! I'm starting to realize that completing my holiday to-do list just might be an impossible task, but in an effort to not be a total failure, I added Drink Lots of Wine and Be Merry to the bottom of the list, assuring I can cross off at least one thing...cheers!

Today's page is another featuring Santa, as well as BasicGrey, who always have the best Christmas collections! This one is an older release, 25th & Pine, but I love the addition of navy to the holiday color palette.

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

 

To create the colorful column that holds my photos, I made a patchwork of journal cards, patterned paper and die cuts on the left side of my page. There was no real plan for sizes or shapes, I just overlapped the pieces to fill the space! The addition of stitching around the various pieces helps add that handmade, quilted feel.  The block of journaling text in the lower right was topped off with two stickers that help draw attention to that portion of the layout.

Since the design is basically two blocks (one of pattern paper/photos and one of journaling), I added in two Christmas ornament die cuts that hang over the edges and help break up the "blockiness" of the elements. I also created half-circles of baker's twine around the die cuts to soften all the straight lines this design has.

 

 

This design would be great for using up small scraps of your favorite papers. Just arrange them to fill your predetermined space and add photos over any gaps! It's pretty quick and easy and you can totally do it while drinking wine (and I should know!).

Five on Friday | Five for Fall

As my first Five on Friday post in a long while, this one's a bit random and scattered...but then again, so am I these days. Surely falling into a more regular back-to-school routine will help with my ability to multi-task and still maintain some semblance of sanity, right? And if not, well that's why there's beer on this list!

01// Chillin' Haute Scarf ($24.99) I literally lived in my blanket scarves last winter and discovered they are perfect for wrapping up anything that gets chilly in cooler weather. And yes, that includes an ice cold beer. I don't have a red-based scarf, and I love this for pairing with denim (and doubling as a koozie, natch!)

02// Epson Artisan 1430 Wide Format Printer ($298.00)  My HP PhotoSmart has been dying a slow death the past few months and I need to face the fact that it's likely going to the big warehouse in the sky very soon. (sob!) I've tried to find a suitable HP replacement, but they don't seem to be making large format printers at reasonable prices anymore. So topping my list as a possible option is this Epson, which will print up to 13 x19 and is available at a decent price. I still need to do some more research, but I'll keep you posted on what I decide to buy (and please chime in with any recommendations!)
 

03// Peekaboo Chic Lace Boot Socks ($21.95) It's almost boot season - holla! I adore the little touch of feminine lace peeking out from chunky leather boots. And if I was really motivated, I'd pull out the sewing machine and make some myself (how easy would that be?!) But then my family might discover that I actually do know how to hem, patch and repair clothing and that's one gig this mama doesn't want!

04// Abita Pecan Harvest Ale I'm usually all about the pumpkin beer frenzy, but this autumn brew intrigues me. It's made with real Louisiana pecans along with Munich, biscuit, and caramel malts and Willamette hops. And cozied up in a blanket scarf, I imagine it would make the perfect beverage to sip with a big ol' slice of pecan pie. Because doesn't everyone drink beer with pie??

05//  Peyton Manning Tee ($32.95) Seeing as it may be Peyton's last season, I figured I should grab some apparel suitable for watching the games this fall. And while I'm not a huge fan of the orange and blue Broncos palette (someone in their graphics department needs a lesson in complementary colors!) this heather gray is right up my alley. Add a plaid scarf and a cold brew, and I'm ready for some football, y'all!

 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Wardrobe Wednesday | Red Stripe

Though I've always had a deep seated love for stripes, most of the pieces I've added to my closet are black, navy, or gray. But I seem to be gravitating toward red this spring. Maybe because it pairs so dang easily with denim. And it's just a nice pop of color after a long, gray winter. Or maybe I'm just way ahead of the game in planning my Fourth of July outfit (but as the self-named World's Greatest Procrastinator, I'm guessing it's not that one!) Let's just say I'm eagerly anticipating warm patio weather, enjoying an ice cold Red Stripe.

Yep, that one works!

 

 

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Old Navy Jersey Shift Dress (red is sold out, but it comes in pink, blue & black!)
Old Navy Jean Jacket
Steve Madden sandals (old) | similar
Halogen purse | similar
Target necklace (old) | cute option; love this one too!
Navajo Square Leather Bracelet
Ray Ban sunnies

BasicGrey | Be You (And a Random Plug for Tequila)

I know I've mentioned my fondness for the 9-square grid here before and you've seen countless pages from me using it. But another favorite (that I don't think I've used here lately!) is a grid based in rectangles, rather than squares. It's perfect for vertically-oriented photos and also works well with the pocket page cards that are so popular right now.  Here's a layout I did for my All About Me album using this type of grid:

S U P P L I E S :

InLinkz.com

Because the design is so simple - three rows of 2.25 x 3 rectangles - I took the opportunity to add funky little details on several of the blocks.  On one, I stitched a random circular pattern in the center before adhering flower stickers (and adorning the centers with enamel dots).

 

 

On another, I layered a circular transparency over the block and stitched it in place around the outer edge, trimming off the overhang. And, as I like to do on almost every grid layout, I "connected" a few of the blocks by allowing the title to spill off the edges and flow onto adjacent squares.

 

This simple variation on my favorite grid is just as quick and easy as the original, but results in a completely different design. And it's not limited to just rectangles - you could use ovals, circles, hexagons, or stars (or go really crazy and mix them all in!) Which just proves that not all grid designs have to look the same...and only reinforces my love for this tried-and-true design framework!

And since it is Cinco de Mayo, I would remiss not mentioning another thing I deeply love....margaritas. (Follow the link to my favorite recipe!) ¡Olé!

 

 

Five on Friday | Beach Essentials

It's officially spring break season and my brain is ready for some sun and sand. Here's just a few of my must-haves for a warm-weather getaway! (Just add a fruity umbrella drink, natch!)

01// Hollister Ruffle Bandeau Swim Top ($24.95) and Cheeky Boyshort Swim Bottom ($15.95)  What better place than the beach for neon pink? I'm loving the mix-and-match separates at Hollister that let you customize the look you want. I picked a bandeau and boyshorts, but there's lots of other options, from high-waisted bottoms to halter tops. And right now you can get 25% off everything (and free shipping when you spend $25) by entering the code 34387 at checkout! (More money for margaritas, I say!)

 

02//Old Navy Straw Fedora ($13.00). My hairstyle goes on strike in any kind of humidity, so a hat is essential. This cool straw fedora with a floral ribbon band goes from brunch to beach to bar and keeps you cool and chic, even with questionable hair. Though, let's face it, once you've got a few margaritas down, who cares what your hair looks like??

 

03// Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Birthday Suit ($7.99). Being barefoot on the beach requires a pedicure that will hold up to sand and sun. And possibly margarita spills. This polish from Sally Hansen is a great alternative to more expensive gel finishes, and stays chip-free even in the surf. The pinkish-nude color of Birthday suit is one of my favorites and it looks great on tan tootsies!

 

04// Crocs Capri IV Sandals ($39.99)  I know Crocs get a bad rap for their clunky styling and obnoxious colors, but these flip flops are worth any violation the Fashion Police might hand out for wearing them. The footbed is squishy and comfy and they offer the best arch support of any flip-flops I've ever worn. They're also easy to clean (just rinse with water!) should you spill the aforementioned margarita all over your feet. Not that I've ever done that.

 

05//The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins ($15.60).  No beach vacay is complete without a good read! (See, it's not all about the cocktails!) I grabbed this one at the recommendation of a friend who said it's a similar style to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, which I absolutely loved. Besides, I need something to hold my towel down while I'm ordering drinks at the bar. 

 

Happy Friday (and happy spring break, too!)

Five on Friday | Get In My Mouth

It's no secret to most of you that I am a big fan of food. I've been know to suffer through a 10-mile run, motivated solely by the fact that when I'm done, I can scarf down a cheeseburger guilt-free. In fact, I'll do just about any exercise with the proverbial " food carrot" dangling in front of me. Though it's never an actual carrot...more like carrot cake. With lots of cream cheese frosting, duh.

So when Mike and I started the Whole30 diet plan last week in an effort to get ourselves "spring break ready," I was suddenly faced with a menu devoid of many of my favorite food groups. (Psst...these crazy health people actually think candy corn is not a vegetable! Wha?!) I'm truly trying to stay true to the plan, really I am. It's only 30 days - thirty long, sad, sugar-free days - but here are the five things my taste buds are seriously missing.

 

1//  La Tortilla Factory Green Chile Corn Tortillas.  There's not really any Mexican food that makes the cut on this meal plan, but these delicious soft tortillas are definitely not allowed. Something about corn and flour being elements of unadulterated evil (these Whole30 people are not a lot of fun) but I'm not quite buying it. Wrap these around some good ol' refried beans and cheese and you're as close to heaven as it gets, baby.

2//  Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc. It's not just my favorite wine that's disallowed, it's all alcohol in general. Which means instead of having a glass of wine or a local microbrew before bed, I just go straight to bed and cry into my pillow. This getting healthy thing is so much fun!

3//  OZO Espresso Isabelle Lattes. Giving up alcohol is one thing, but giving up my morning latte? Hold me. You actually can have black coffee on the plan but the steamed 2% milk I normally add is a no go. Whole30 suggests using coconut milk instead of cow's milk, which sounds good in theory, unless you actually have taste buds. I tried it and hereby proclaim to be nasty. There is a reason coconuts don't have udders, i'mjustsaying.

4//  Veritable Chaumes Brie. I love just about any kind of cheese (ok, maybe not the really stinky ones) and can, in fact, make a meal out of cheese and wine alone. Add some crusty bread and I'll don a beret and my best French accent and put on an authentic Moulin Rouge show. But sadly, the three main components of this festive cabaret are expressly forbidden on Whole30. Which really should piss France off.

5// Cadbury Creme Eggs.  I probably should have given a bit more thought to the timing of this whole diet. It happens to fall over the months when my FAVORITE CANDY IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD is in peak season. My solution is merely to stockpile them in my freezer until the end of March and then embark on an incredible, edible egg adventure. SUCK ON THAT, WHOLE30.

 

I'm not sure if this post has been therapeutic or tortuous for me today. But at any rate, feel free to imbibe in any of the above in my honor. I'll just be enjoying my delicious kale and beets as I stare longingly (and try to refrain from licking) my computer screen. Is it March yet?!?

 

Make It Monday | White Chicken Chili

We had a weekend full of festive events, including a Christmas party, girl's afternoon at the Nutcracker and a neighborhood chili cook-off!  I'd been working on a white chili recipe for awhile now, and this is the version I ended up taking to the competition. Though it didn't win (the bison chili that took top accolades was dee-lish), it is pretty darn good for a cold winter's night.

This is a simple recipe that doesn't require a lot of prep, and it can easily be made up the day before and reheated in a slow cooker. In fact, it's even better on day two, after the flavors have a chance to meld together. Using a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. And keep reading - there might be beer involved, too!

I start by sautéing onion, garlic, chile pequin, and jalapeños in canola oil in a large stock pot. The recipe calls for two jalapeños, and I leave the seeds and veins in one for extra heat. Once the onions start to get translucent, I add two cans of diced green chiles (I buy the hot variety) along with cumin, coriander, ancho chile powder, and smoked paprika. Once the spices have toasted a bit, I add six cups of chicken stock and three cans of white beans - two of which I add whole, and one I mash up to add a nice thickness to the chili base.

Once the pot is simmering away, I sneak in a few cups of kale for some bonus nutritional value. Because I chop it pretty finely, it ends up cooking down and is barely noticable by picky eaters who would normally turn their noses up at greens (which includes both my kids and husband). Yes, it's a little devious, but sometimes mamas have to be sneaky!

Then it's time to add in the shredded rotisserie chicken, over which I squeeze the juice of two limes. The citrus adds such a great layer of flavor and a nice contrast to the spice of the chili.

Since I love to eat my chili with corn chips, it can't be too thin or it's not "scoopable!"  So to thicken up the base, I make a slurry of milk and corn flour that I whisk together before adding to the pot. This really adds a nice texture to the chili and makes it the perfect consistency for tortilla and chip accompaniments.

Finally, I have to add my secret ingredient....BEER!  (You didn't think a recipe of mine would be without alcohol, did you?!?)  You can use any old lager you happen to have, but I'm partial to Colorado brews. And since the recipe only calls for about half a can, you'll just have to drink the rest while you finish up!

Click here to download a printable pdf of the complete recipe with ingredients and instructions. I'll be enjoying a bowl tonight (with a beer, natch!) Hope your Monday is marvelous!