Gettin' By

Five on Friday | Scrapbook Basics

Hello Friday - so good to have you here! Since I've added quite a few new subscribers lately, I thought it might be a good time to do a round-up of my favorite basic scrapbooking tools. And while there's no shortage of patterned paper, chipboard letters and ephemera packs in my stash, these are the absolute must-haves in my creative arsenal!

 

1// Bazzill Basics White Cardstock ($7.99/25 sheets)  Every good page starts with a solid foundation, and Bazzill Basics white cardstock is mine. Because this is such a staple for my pages, I always buy this cardstock in bulk, not only to save money, but also to make sure I always have plenty on hand. Paper packs are on sale at Joann's right now, so it's a great time to stock up!

 

2// Stitch Happy Sewing Machine ($131.40)  I add stitching to almost all my layouts, and have used my regular (Pfaff) sewing machine on my scrapbooking projects for years, but decided to splurge on this mint green cutie a few months ago. And I'm so happy I did! It handles paper crafts beautifully and looks dang cute in the process. Plus I love having a dedicated crafting machine so I don't have to switch out needles to sew on fabric (which, by the looks of my mending pile, hasn't happened in a loooooong time!)

 

3// Sticky Thumb Adhesive Runner ($6.99)  I've tried countless adhesives in the 20 years I've been scrapping and I always come back to American Crafts. The Sticky Thumb line has replaced my beloved This to That runners but are just as good. The refills are simple and easy to snap in (because I have zero patience for any refill that I have to fiddle with!) and work perfectly for securing photos, paper and lighter-weight embellishments.

 

4// Fine Point Slick Writer ($1.59) These pens are an absolute must for any scrapper (or anyone who writes, really!). They write on both porous and non-porous surfaces with no smearing or bleeding with a crisp, smooth ink flow. This is another supply to buy in bulk - it's the only pen that I swear makes my handwriting look better!

 

5// Silhouette Cameo ($299.00)  When I got my Cameo almost eight years ago, it revolutionized my scrapping. I was able to cut custom titles, backgrounds and art with the click of a mouse and I immediately fell in love with the possibilities it held. I'm still using my original machine  - it officially gets the Workhorse Award in my office - but how fun is this new pink model? (It also comes in sleek black and bright white).

 

If I can cheat just a little bit, I'd add one more must-have tool: an x-acto knife. I still use one religiously because I'm old-school like that. And my family tends to let me craft in peace when I'm holding a blade. 

 

Happy Friday, y'all!

 

Five on Friday | Creature Comforts

Something about fall makes me want to hunker down in the house and surround myself with all the feel-good things. And while a big glass of cabernet and a Costco-size bag of candy corn usually do the trick, here's a few more of my fall favorites!

 

 

 

1// Swan Creek Candles Drizzle Melts ($6.25/pack)  I'm a big fan of outlet-plug room fresheners and there's nary an outlet in our house without one. Because when you have no empty outlets, you can't plug in a vacuum or iron...see where I'm going with this?  With these Swan Creek wax warmers + drizzle melts, the whole house smells like something yummy's baking and I don't even have to fire up the oven. The Bourbon Maple Sugar and Warm Cinnamon Buns scents are heavenly and permeate the whole room - and there's no dirty dishes or caloric temptations as a result!

 

2// Retro Floral Gloves ($48)  I can't go into fall without making sure my stash of gloves & mittens is sufficient. There needs to be a pair in my car, desk, purse and jacket pockets so I'm never without toasty fingers. I love these delicately beaded knit gloves from Anthropologie and the dark grey color would likely hide coffee stains or Oreo crumbs quite nicely. 

 

3// Elizabeth Monogram Mug ($7.95)  I collect monogram coffee mugs in the hopes that one day I'll be able to use them to spell out "BRING MOM COFFEE IN BED" to effectively communicate my dreams to my family. These vintage earthenware mugs from Pier One would be a great addition to my quest. I love the antiqued ivory finish and delicate feminine handles - a nice way to punctuate my message, no?

 

4// Cookie Butter Oreos ($2.99)  I'm always game to try new Oreo flavors and up until a week ago, I didn't think they'd ever top Red Velvet. But holy yum the limited edition Cookie Butter did just that. It's a perfect concoction of graham, pound cake and Biscoff cookie flavors that makes it hard to eat just one. Or twelve. (You've been warned).

 

5//  Pom Pom Throw Blanket ($59.99) One night flipping through Instagram, this blanket came up in my feed. And while I rarely purchase things from social media feeds (and by rarely, I mean only when I'm on my second glass of wine), I hit "purchase" on this baby. I was pleasantly surprise when it arrived a few days later  - it's the softest cotton with plush pom pom trim and large enough to wrap up yourself and a kiddo while sharing candy corn and watching SpongeBob reruns. (Well, that's not entirely true. I don't share my candy corn.)

 

Happy FriYAY!

 

Five on Friday | Summer Skin Essentials

Summer may be fleeting in Colorado, but for the few months it does stick around, I like to indulge in some special skin care. Here are a few of the products I'm digging during the warm weather season!

 

 

01// Juice Organics Brightening Moisturizer ($19.50) My skin gets a little fussy (which is a nicer way of saying pimply and gross) in the summer, and that always makes me want to ditch any kind of facial lotion. But this one is really light, making it perfect under sunscreen and make-up. And most importantly, it seems to be keeping the zits at bay, which is always nice SINCE I'M 44 YEARS OLD ALREADY and I'm sorta over the whole skin-breaking-out-phase. Plus it smells like freshly picked oranges!

 

02//elf Cosmetics Matte Lip Color in Natural ($3.00). I'm not a fan of bright lips in the summer, mostly because I hate getting lipstick all over my margarita glass. This lip color is my summer go-to because it's a nude shade that closely matches my natural lip color, and the matte finish keeps it in place (that is, on my lips...not the glass!) I'm also a fan of the color Tea Rose, which is just slightly more pinkish purple than Natural. 

 

03//Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil ($22.00) I discovered this amazing stuff a few years ago at The Body Shop, and I buy a new bottle every summer. It's the perfect compliment to sun-kissed skin, giving it just a hint of sparkle and bronzer in a dry oil finish. Every time I wear it, I get compliments on how my skin glows (and not just from the drunk people, really!)  If they sold this in giant 20-gallons vats, I'd totally stock up!

 

04//Neutrogena Ultra Light Cleansing Oil ($7.18) I was hesitant to jump on the oil cleanser bandwagon, as it seems to contradict the whole getting-oil-and-dirt-off-your-face part of washing. But after a few weeks of using this stuff, I can really see a difference in my skin. It cleans gently but thoroughly (and even removes waterproof mascara!) but doesn't leave that tight, dry feeling afterward. I've used less moisturizer as a result and am excited to keep using this during the dry Colorado winter. 

 

05//Le Moment Bronzing Formula ($35.95). If you can get past the really cheesy Jersey Shore packaging (uhmm, snakeskin is the last thing you want to see on something that goes on your body, amiright??) you'll discover a really awesome self-tanner. I have tried just about every self-tanner out there, and this one really is the best. It contains a bronzer, so you'll see instant results, but the color also continues to develop over the next 24 hours. Plus, it doesn't have the telltale tanner smell that most lotions do. And when you apply a layer of the Honey Bronze over your newly tanned legs, you'll look like you spent all day lounging at the pool. Drinking margaritas. With lipstick that doesn't smear.

 

Hope you are enjoying a spectacular summer so far!

Five on Friday | Kitchen Keepers

Since our household has been on a healthy eating kick since 2016 rolled in, I've been spending a lot more time in the kitchen prepping meals, as opposed to my usual meal prep routine, which consists of dialing up Papa Johns. (And believe me, if they had any paleo-friendly stuff on their menu, they'd still be on speed-dial!) These are just a few of the gadgets making my time in the kitchen a bit more enjoyable!

 

 

01// Breville Risotto Plus Rice Maker ($129.95) The name of this little workhorse is deceptive - you can use it for so much more than rice & risotto! Which is good, since neither are apparently allowed on this stupid diet. Oh I miss starch! It has a metal basket insert that's perfect for quickly steaming up veggies like broccoli, carrots, asparagus, green beans or cauliflower - none of which are quite as tasty as rice, but apparently are way healthier. You can also use it as a slow cooker for roasts and chicken (both of which would be fabulous with....RICE!)

 

02// Lemon Squeezer ($7.84)  In lieu of tasty condiments like butter, we've been opting to use lemon juice and this bright die-cast metal juicer is awesome for squeezing out every last drop. In the interest of full disclosure, I bought it for juicing limes...for margaritas. Which are also not on this @$%#*! diet.

 

03// Cuisinart Mini Spatulas ($7.99)  Every kitchen needs some tools that are colorful and cute! I love using these little scrapers on non-stick pans when scrambling eggs or making a stir-fry. And they are perfect for getting the last remainders out of jars and bottles - like peanut butter or hot fudge sauce. At least that's how I dream of using them every night.

 

04//  Ceramic Pot Minder ($3.95) When I'm in the kitchen working on a meal, I'm invariably trying to do about 15 other things as well. In my distracted state (lack of starch will do that to a girl) pans boiling over are a common occurrence - though it does seem to typically happen RIGHT AFTER I've cleaned the damn cooktop. This little gadget placed in the bottom of the pot helps prevent messy boil-overs. I don't know how it works exactly, and in my carb-depleted state, you can't really expect me to focus on little details like that.

 

05// Nespresso Aeroccino  ($125.00)  Yes, I know this is a milk frother. And milk isn't paleo. But without my morning latte, I can't do the whole adulting thing, so I indulge in a bit of dairy in order to function normally. This steamer provides the most amazing foamy, frothy milk in just a few seconds and does so silently - something every non-morning person can appreciate! If only cavemen had had the Nespresso available, they would have found some damn cows to milk.

Happy (and healthy) Friday!

Five on Friday | The Resolution Edition

We're already a week into the new year and it's quite likely that many resolutions have already gone the way of the dinosaurs (and by that, I mean blown away by a giant meteor that burned up the earth - wouldn't that be a viable excuse for skipping Zumba class??) but I thought I'd go ahead and showcase five things that are helping me keep moving and shaking in 2016. Though the shaking thing may just be because I decided to give up wine during the week. #withdrawals, anyone?

 

01//  Asics Gel Noosa Tri 10 ($59.83)   I've run in Asics Gel Nimbus for many years now, but when they debuted a glow-in-the-dark Gel Noosa several years ago, I fell in love with the funky color schemes and non-traditional graphics. Yes, I'm a sucker for bright color combos and graffiti graphics. I got the pair above for Christmas and they happen to be available for a deep discount. They are definitely a lighter-weight running shoe without as much cushioning as the Nimbus or Kayano, but I love them for shorter runs and they never fail to be conversation starters (i.e., an excuse to take a water break!)

 

02//  S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($35.00) The only way I can drink my eight glasses of water each day is if it's COLD and this water bottle definitely keeps it that way. Plus, it comes in a fabulous colors like Tiffany Blue and - bonus! - it actually fits in the car cupholder. Just add your ice and water in the morning and you're good to go. And (not that I would know from personal experience or anything) it also does a great job of keeping vodka tonics and Moscow Mules icy cold as well. 

 

03//  Lululemon &go Everywhere Tank ($58.00)  I'm not snobby about my athletic wear - most of my gym gear is from the Target clearance rack - but this tank is truly worth the cash. It's a super soft, breathable fabric that doesn't cling or chafe and I love the flattering cut of the front and deeper armholes for easy movement. But most notably, it's cut nice and long through the torso, so it doesn't reveal muffin top when I'm doing squat jumps or downward dog (or reaching into the very top kitchen cabinet to find the hidden Twinkies). 

 

04// LaraBar Coconut Cream Pie ($21.59/16 bars)   My daily glass of sauvignon blanc helps curb my sugar cravings, so when it's off the menu, any candy in my vicinity is in danger. Even the grisly remains of the kids' Halloween stash (which conisists of rock-hard Tootsie Rolls, Big Hunks and Bit-o-Honeys) looks appetizing to me. To try and keep the sugar coma at bay, I've been stocking up on LaraBars and the Coconut Cream Pie is definitely a favorite, with Cherry Pie and Cashew Cookie coming in a close second. And psst....this copycat recipe is hella easy and really good! Ok, not as good as candy corn. But you already knew that.

 

05//  Zensah Running Headbands ($14.99)  Nothing ruins a workout faster than annoying stray hairs blowing in your eyes or tickling your face. I've actually quit in the middle of a run and threatened to shave my head ala Britney Spears (luckily there was no umbrella nearby or passing cars would've been at risk) so a good hairband is a must for me. I've tried lots of elastic versions, and these are by far my favorite brand. They aren't constricting, but the velvet lining keeps them in place and the wider width is perfect for keeping flyaway hair at bay. Plus, they come in lots of fun colors and textures. Kind of like my language on a bad hair day.

 

Hope your resolutions are going well and your goals for 2016 are being tackled!

 

Five on Friday | Back to Basics

Since I've been without my computer lately (and yes, I'm still whining about it!) I've had to scrap without my trusty Silhouette, extensive font library, and other scrap comforts I've gotten quite spoiled by. So I've been forced to simplify my supplies and make do without much electronic technology. I have to admit, is kind of nice to unplug and just do the paper-and-glue thing once in awhile. But don't think I'm not counting the days until that iMac is back on my desk! 

Here's a few of my most-used and most-favorite items:

 

 

01// American Crafts Textured Cardstock in White Woodgrain.  I'm a die hard fan of Bazzill Basics White Orange Peel and buy it in bulk, but this white cardstock has been appearing more and more as my go-to background. The subtle woodgrain adds such a nice texture, especially when your design includes lots of white space (which is always a good thing!)

 02// Shimelle Roller Date Stamp. It's rare when my pages don't include a double-stamped date somewhere in the design, and this pink handled version from American Crafts is the one I'm currently using. The years range from 2008 to 2018, so it's perfect for both past & future photos. And it happens to be on sale right now for $3.99 if you're in need of a new date stamp!

 03// Hampton Art "Classified" Mini Alpha Stamps. Alphabet stamps are my weakness and I have lots, but the sets I use most are the smaller, individual letters that I can use to add subtitles, journaling and other lettering to my pages. This simple serif font (with 3/8" letters) are well-loved in my stamp stash! 

04// BasicGrey "Typeset" Collection. This new line debuted a few weeks ago and I was lucky enough to create a few projects with it for the BG catalog. It's been sitting on my desk ever since and I keep pulling pieces from it to use. It reminds me of one of my favorite vintage collections, Out of Print, that I created countless pages with back in the day. It's got a delightful color palette with lots of print & type references and should be popping up in stores soon!

05// Fiskars Procision Trimmer. This trimmer is a workhorse and never fails when I need crisp, straight lines. I love the fold-out deck that easily cuts 12 x 12 papers with precision, thanks to the measurement marks. Plus the rotary blade can cut through some really thick stock (I've done three sheets of cardstock at one time!) which is always nice when you're making lots of cards...say for Christmas?!? 

 

Happy Friday!

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!

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?!?

 

Five on Friday | Valentine Loves

Here's a few quick picks for any of you that might be doing a little last-minute shopping for those Valentine gifts. And yep, that includes me. So grab a little chocolate for energy and let's go!

 

 

1//  Love to Lounge Top ($34.99). I'm such a fan of the baseball tee for topping off everything from boyfriend jeans to pencil skirts to flannel pj pants. This version is especially versatile with its basic charcoal-and-white motif and would be a welcome piece for any fashionista's wardrobe!

2//  Home Heart Doormat ($9.74 on sale!) Our front door is painted bright red so finding the perfect welcome mat to coordinate is always a challenge. I love this all-weather version from Target for the sweet sentiment and simple graphics. Whether your door is red or not, it would make a cute addition to any entry way!

3//  Creative Co-Op Light Up Marquee Heart ($44.00) Vintage signage and letters make me swoon, and this replica is no exception. I can see it mixed into a family photo gallery or brightening up a kitchen backsplash. Plus, it's battery-operated so no electrical outlet necessary!

4// Kate Aspen "Key To My Heart" Bottle Opener ($29.99/set of 12) A household can never have too many bottle openers, and this antique-inspired design is as beautiful as it is functional. The price includes a set of 12 - ideal for keeping on hand as last-minute hostess or housewarming gifts.

5//  Dream & Sugar Plates ($49.99)  For the perfect ending to your Valentine's Day, serve up a sweet treat on these colorful ceramic plates. The set of six features gorgeous colors rimmed in gold that are equally elegant and whimsical. Chocolate torte, anyone??

 

Wishing you all a love-filled, heart-warming Valentine's Day!