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Some days you just have to remind yourself to be happy…. when everything going on around you makes you feel anything but!   The last few days have been going like that… no one thing, but a bunch of little things, a tired mom (so sick of flu germs, cold viruses, and tummy bugs!), and the feeling like your at the end of your rope and it’s slowly slipping through your fingers.   

I say we all just need some sun, some sand, some pina coladas.   But for now, I just keep trying to look at the little things making me smile.  Like the adorable things my kids say.  They make me laugh multiple times a day.   Like how much I love my Kobo eReader (using Adobe software not Kobo software) and the fact the library is not only now offering eBooks but has actually updated their selections so I don’t have to wait weeks to check out a book.  Like a Starbucks grande white mocha peppermint frappucino.  (To keep the smile I try to avoid thinking about the carb and calorie factor in that last one!)  Like a hubby who takes care of me when I’m sick and makes me laugh all the time.  Seriously, some days I just want to wrap my arms around him and never let go.  Like my wonderful friends who love me despite my quirks and don’t mind hanging out.   Birthday party at the casino last weekend (no winnings but it was a nice night out for Kevin & I.)  Mall & lunch for some much needed adult conversation.   Like getting fun mail (as opposed to a credit card bill!) – fun as in my Scrapbook.com order – when I get some energy back I’m going to tackle my first Kaisercraft star wreath.  Like dreaming of California… let the countdown begin!

This is one of the cards I was telling you about last week that I wasn’t able to post.   I’m disappointed in the sparkle (the embossing glitter smudged and I was too ‘ick’ to care.)  The card itself is simple but cute I think.   Still can’t post the others… but they’re coming!

Another busy weekend ahead and then Kevin is gone for almost a week so I get to handle the homefront all by myself.   Tomorrow, we’re heading to my parents to meet with my sister – the girls (as in my mom, my sister & I) will be shopping – hoping to find the elusive bridesmaid dresses and I’m not sure what the boys will be doing.   Then back to my parents’ for some invitation creativity and hopefully some strategic planning and decision making.  I see a shower on the horizon.   Wish us luck on the gown hunt!

I realise it’s been awhile since I last posted but we’ve had a busy month and a bit around here.   We’ve been on-the-go enjoying multiple Christmas get-togethers with family and friends, fighting an on-going battle with germies, and taking some much-needed downtime doing absolutely nothing.

We had enjoyable, but extensive, Christmas celebrations but got to enjoy a quiet Christmas at home with just us.  We attended church Christmas eve where I learned my boys DO NOT sit well or quietly for more than 15 minutes!  We sure do clean up nicely though 🙂

New Years Eve was a quiet affair.  The monkeys were in bed by nine.  Kevin & myself quietly whiled the evening away and brought in the New Year with not much more ado than a kiss.

The New Year always brings to mind resolutions and fresh slates.  I’m not much a ‘believer’ in resolutions, probably because I tend to forget about them.  This year, there are no resolutions per se, just an intention to be a happier person, have more patience, live a more active, healthier lifestyle, budget wiser (my sister is engaged – you need sunglasses to look at the rock! She’ll most likely be geting married in California – the cost of that trip x4 is crazy expensive so no more shopping for Lindsey!) and of course, to craft a little more!

Speaking of crafting, I haven’t done much over the holidays.  I made some fabulous recipe books (but ran out of time to print the recipes) for all my friends that participated in our annual treat exchange.   I borrowed the pictures from a friend’s FB page because I forgot to actually take photos myself. 

I also made another tin photo star, this time for my sister’s future mother-in-law.  I tried to start on my own photo star, but really had a hard time narrowing down my photo choices.

Last night after an exhausting bedtime routine, I also tackled some cardmaking… birthday cards for special people are always fun and I used a couple of my Christmas gift certificates to pick up magazines (for inspiration) and supplies.   I can’t show you the cards yet because the recipients have yet to receive them… but I’ll post pictures as soon as I can.

I’ve ordered some big project supplies online to tackle Christmas gifts and personal treats.  I’m seriously debating trying to stockpile some completed craft projects (wreaths, stars, cards, etc.) and getting involved in one of the smaller Christmas craft shows in the area… or trying to sell online.  Decisions, decisions…

Hope you all had a happy, peaceful holiday season and that the love of Christmas will brighten your homes throughout this new year.  May 2011 bring health, happiness and success to all my friends and family.

I’ve been channeling my creative energy and actually getting stuff done!  (I’ve also decided without a shadow of a doubt that next year I need to get my holiday move on waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay in advance.  I’m feelin’ the pressure with a number of countdowns on the go – and all less than the 2 weeks away!)

On Tuesday, we went to Montana’s to celebrate my parents’ 30th anniversary (whoa, I just accidently typed 50 – seriously overdating them!) as well as my sister’s 25th birthday.  Big family dinner with all 13.5 of us – I’m sure the other restaurant patrons were happy when we called it a night – especially after Kaleb played paparazzi with Auntie B’s camera and focused on tables besides ours.

Here are some of the photos of the card I made for Mom & Dad (sorry, I can’t remember the name of the paper pack – it’s upstairs in the craft room and tonight I’m too lazy to go find out for you!)

I was so excited about the sophisticated silver theme… until I realised silver is for the 25th!  Whoops.  Still a pretty card and I really think the gift card pocket was a nifty little add-on.

Here is another project I’ve worked on (for details on my inspiration, check out my previous post!)

I picked up the blocks at Michaels the other day (25% off because of the fantastic US Thanksgiving sales.)  I would’ve preferred larger blocks but they were slim pickings!  I think these were an inch and a half or maybe even 2 – can’t quite remember.  The paper is from a pad I picked up last year post-Christmas from Walmart.  The boys have already started using them and it has alleviated many of the repetitive and annoying “How long til Christmas?” types of questions!

Here is my final completed project of the week (BIG BIG DISCLAIMER:  if you are my brother and sister-in-law, please read no further!  You only have to wait until Saturday before the reveal!!!)

I ‘created’ these for my nephew, Hawksley, who was a year old in July.  Wasn’t sure what to get for Christmas and wanted to stick to something heartfelt and homemade.  He’ll still get something fun to open but this is his ‘big’ gift.  I talked to Krystel the other day and she said he could use stuff for his room – that made me think that I could easy pull off something like this – I’m just hoping they’re done in the right colour scheme.

The first picture shows how I was going to originally keep them but I’m an embellishment kind of girl so the second picture shows the end result after I dug through my stash!  I got the wooden letters at Michael’s and painted them with acrylic paint.  The papers are WeRMemory Keepers (Precious Metals – Coppered Out kit from Winners or HomeSense once upon a time.)  Buttons (Latte), ribbon (Double Stitch Grosgrain in Chocolate Chip) and brad (Designer Circle) are from Stampin’ Up (thanks to Karey Jeans @ Creative Craft Corner for my recent order!)  The rub-on phrases were from a pack I picked up at the Sandylion outlet last year.  I sanded the papers, modpodged it all and then gave it a UV gloss sealant.  I think the letters turned out pretty well – and my boys loved them so much they’ve requested I make initial hangers for their room. 

Countdown takeout boxes?  Yeah… don’t ask… they’re a runaway train – or maybe more like a car that ran out of gas (in that I was all gung-ho and then lost my excitement for that particular project.)  Should’ve just bought the kit (my advice to anyone considering that project – JUST BUY THE KIT!)  They’re almost done – just have to attach ribbon to 12 more boxes and stuff them with delights (well, in our case, puzzle pieces from a Nativity puzzle I found somewhere…)  Hopefully tomorrow, I’ll get it all tied up and can show you the finished project.  Note to self:  next time buy the kit!

This week is a busy one – lots of yummy (as in food) gifts to complete and I’m going to attempt cute little recipe books.  On a final note, does anyone know anywhere besides Michael’s for good crafting supplies (even if it’s online?)  I’m looking for other sources for chipboard diecuts, wood supplies, etc. but at reasonable cost and with good selection.   Share, please and have a great week – only 27 days til Christmas!

…and checking it twice. Wondering if this makes me naughty, nice or simply crazy? Christmas 2011 gift and crafting extravaganza planning has begun. I haven’t even finished my shopping or creations for 2010 but as I Google (or Yahoo search to earn my Airmiles!) yet another query, I’m motivated by all the great ideas I’m finding.

One search result will bring me up pages of neat ideas and then of course, I have to browse each page, seller, etc. and come up with even more great ideas. Here are some of my think-I-have-to-try ideas for Holiday Season ’11! (Spoiler alert: if you are one of my regular holiday gift recipients, please try to contain your excitement for the actual occasion. You have 12+ months to perfect that look of awed amazement!)

From Little Birdie Secrets: (one of my new favourite blogs!)

Easy Photo Blocks & Tiles

 
 
 
 
 
 
Christmas Countdown Blocks

From that legendary domestic diva, Martha Stewart, here are some good things:

Merry Christmas Star Wreath

Not my state of mind… just the colour scheme that seems to have struck my fancy during some recent Etsy browsing sessions!
 

The Sweetpeat, katecotten, $8 USD

Blue Chocolate Flowers BBQ Apron, apronsandmore, $18.95 USD

Recycled Scrabble Tile Pendant, tinytreesboutique, $6.50 USD

  
 



Kindle, Nook or Kobo Cover, hobop, $29.99 USD



Figgy Pudding Lap Quilt, imkquilts, $210 USD



Yesterday being Rememberance Day, I find myself in a somewhat reflectful mood.  Honourable men and women worldwide are willing (and have been willing for years) to stand up for freedom, liberties, justice – to fight in the name of peace and truth that this world be a safer, better place. The cost of these freedoms is ultimate sacrifice – sweat, blood, tears, life – and we remember these men and women willing to serve, who lay everything on the line day in and day out.  I know it’s an oversimplified viewpoint but I’m not looking for an in-depth discussion; I’m merely trying to lay a foundation for my thoughts.

For myself, I find Rememberance Day is always a prelude to the Christmas season.  As much as I love Christmas, I hesitate to totally embrace the ‘season’ (not the meaning!) until we’ve paid our respects to those who have served our Country faithfully.  As I relfect on the sacrifices they’ve given – often their lives – in a fight for peace and goodwill, I am reminded of another ultimate gift and ultimate sacrifice – for those of us of the Christian faith, the basis for our every belief, the birth and ultimately, sacrifice, of Jesus Christ.   Perhaps the subject of life and sacrifice in terms of those in service and the advent of the holiday season also celebrating life and sacrifice is what ties these occassions together in my mind. 

While we sit cozy in our homes, with our Christmas trees, stockings stuffed and tummies overflowing, there are so many who do not get to celebrate in a warm environment, who do not get to experience that feeling of peace, joy and goodwill. 

Casting Crowns has a Christmas song, I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day, that gets to the heart of the matter.  I’m not sure if it is their original song, but the lyrics just remind me that even though there is suffering in the world, and we may not be living in a time of peace, God is still the cornerstone of Peace on Earth and He still cares for each and every one of us.

All this brings me to the title of my entry today.   I think it’s time to (and I know you do!) think outside the box… when you’re wrapping your gifts and you’re tying yet another ribbon, when you’ve written so many Christmas cards your hand begins to cramp, when you fill your belly with a warm meal, sip at your hot chocolate while wearing your flannel jammies, sitting in front of a warm fire with your loved ones around, when you stand up on Rememberance Day with a poppy on your lapel, a hand on your heart, what sacrifice have you offered?  What have you been willing to do to promote peace on earth and goodwill to men?

There are faith-based and secular national and international organizations alike that offer a number of programs (and I’m sure there are a number local to your communityas well!) that reach beyond Walmart to offer inspirational gifts this Christmas season.   My extended family in years past have, rather than exchanging gifts, pooled money into a group fund and donated to charity in the family name.  

Last year, we personally purchased farm animals through Samaritan’s Purse for my nephews, who obviously did not see the farm animals, but had a little notecard tucked into their stockings to remind them that Christmas is more than getting – it’s all about giving and sharing that precious love.   It’s reaching out to mankind, here or abroad, and remembering that it’s more than tinsel and gift wrap and yet another toy. 
Kaleb’s teacher will be getting a candle from Bath and Body Works this year because, hey, after spending day in and day out with (20) 4 and 5 year olds, a girl deserves something nice.  We’ll also be purchasing school supplies or a gift card from one of the organizations below to give on her behalf. 

I just remind you that even though we may not be laying our lives on the line everyday, we may not be fighting to make this world a better place, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do something small to influence the life and well-being of someone outside our social circle.  Make a hamper for the local food bank, find a family to sponsor this Christmas, check out with local adoption agencies or womens shelter to see if they have needs for a care cupboard or Christmas parties (i.e. Jewels for Jesus in Mississauga) and instead of stuffing those stockings with yet another plastic toy, why not slip in a donation card from one of the organizations below?

Please note that we have not sponsored all of these organizations, nor do I necessarily endorse them… they are just the ones I could remember and you can also do a quick Google search for “Sponsor A Child” for similar programs.

• Compassion Canada
• Christian Children’s Fund of Canada
• UNICEF Canada
• Samaritan’s Purse This is who we purchased our animals from last year but I had to make my own gift card.  They do offer an ecard though.   Also, they are the brains and manpower behind Operation Christmas Child – the shoebox collection program.
• WorldVision
• Operation Homefires (a gift collection program for Canadian soldiers)

Think outside the box this year and give something with a little more love behind it – you’ll bless someone less fortunate, you’ll feel good yourself and the gift card recipient will be honoured that you chose the heart of the season as your inspiration.  Let’s all inspire some peace on earth and goodwill to men!

Now that Halloween is over, Rememberance Day is just around the corner (wear your poppy with pride!) and before you know, Christmas will be upon us.   My mom has been suggesting for years that we celebrate the “commercial” (i.e. gift-giving) side of things as the Dutch do, celebrating St. Nicholas, early in December for Sinterklaas Day and leaving the 25th for a the true reason for Christmas, a celebration and rememberance of love’s greatest gift.  After a hectic October and what is shaping up to be a busy November, my siblings and I discussed (and decided) that, hey, maybe Mom’s onto something here.  So with my immediate family, we’ll be celebrating Christmas in early December (not actually on Sinterklaas Day, though.)

This is all excellent in theory… but it means I’ve lost close to 3 weeks in my “making-a-list-and-checking-it-twice-all-while-staying-on-a-budget” window of opportunity.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m organized on paper but my ideas aren’t really gelling this year.   I want need to keep things to a minimum and honestly, I’m the kind of girl who goes a little overboard, especially at Christmas – just because I love all things merry and bright – and incorrectly think that the more I do or give, the more expressive my love.

Every year I try to, not necessarily simplify, but do less commercial gift-giving.  Yes, I still stuff the stockings and pick out those perfect gifts, but I’m trying for heartfelt or homemade, without being chintzy, cheesy or cheap.  I’m a crafter at heart, even if those ideas don’t necessarily translate into physical realities as nice or often as I would like.  I’m all set on crafts to do with the kids – the idea folder (in my head!) is chock-full of goodness.   It’s the nice-to-give, lovely-to-receive things that I have a harder time with.

I need ideas so I’ve been scrounging the internet, magazines, catalogues and even browsed one of the local craft shows (ok, who am I kidding – I went to shop!) for some easy-to-implement homemade holiday ideas. This has led me to a number of blogs and Facebook groups I’ll be following (I’d share the links but I have them saved on my laptop and I’m logged into the home pc.)  I stumbled upon Martha Stewart, Stampin’ Up and Close To My Heart – and I think I’m suffering from inspiration overload but still haven’t found those perfect somethings that I’d like to create.



Candy Countdown Calendar by Stampin Up

 I am definitely going to do some of my “gifts-in-a-jar” (or bag or box) – mixes for homemade goodness and of course some homemade treats.  I also found a cute (I absolutely love it!!!) Advent/Countdown Calendar kit from Stampin’ Up – which I am not going to buy but will use as inspiration for creating my own take-out box Advent calendar garland for the boys (thereby tapping into my endless supply of scrapbook materials!) After tinkering with my printer, Adobe and some papers, the question of the day becomes:  do I create my own (48!) takeout boxes or do I splurge on the boxes and just embellish using my own supplies???  Decisions, decisions….

Here’s my next question (or two or three) of the day:  What homemade holiday decor, gifts, packaging, etc. ideas do you use or share?  What traditions or do-it-yourself projects do you incorporate to keep things more heartfelt and less commercial?

Less than 2 months to go – I’m sure my posts will be very holiday-themed and I’ll try to keep you up to date on the Advent garland project.   Share your ideas, comments, etc. – you know I welcome your feedback.  Enjoy all the preparations as you get into the holiday spirit and remember that neverending, unconditional love is the reason we celebrate the season and should be the basis for all we do to make it special.

I just thought I’d share this (which I’m sure we’ll all recall.)  It’s a classic and for some, I’m sure it’s just a rote tradition when sitting down to that big stuffed bird.  I would hope it has more meaning than that to us:

Bless us, Oh Lord,
and these thy gifts which
we are about to receive from thy bounty,
through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

~ A Traditional Prayer of Thanksgiving



It’s Apple Picking Time!



Mmm – cider!



Kaleb & Mommy

The orchard has a pretty smart set-up when it comes down to adult chaperones on field trips.  Once we got off the bus, the teachers and students sat in the outdoor classroom while the parents/adult volunteers were shuffled into the winery and gift shop.  Archibald’s is our u-pick orchard of choice and I love the gift shop selections for baskets, stocking stuffers and other country or gourmet gifts.  Their wines and ciders are absolutely delicious and they have a great play area for the kids.  We have yet to visit the golf course. I think walked out with some great ideas for Christmas gifts after and will be heading back over the next few days to pick up cider for the weekend.        

Speaking of this weekend, Thanksgiving is upon us.  If you’re anything like us, you have to split your time between families and that often means multiple meals.   I enjoy a big dinner but only on occasion.  It made me think that the full-blown turkey dinner more than once in a 4 day period is definite carb-turkey-pumpkin overload!  

Fortunately, we live in an area that provides a bountiful harvest of autumn fruits and veggies.  With access to a ton of recipes, there are some great alternatives to that traditional gobbler and the same old sides.    After browsing through my recipe binder, these would be my (mostly untested) picks for a lighter or more intimate meal.  

Turkey:   Turkey Pesto Tenderloins
Veggies:  Maple-Glazed Root Vegetables or Autumn Vegetables with Maple-Ginger Dressing
Potatoes:  Rosemary Mashed Potato Gratin or Epicure’s Potato Casserole
Salad:  Epicure’s Apple Walnut Salad or Smoked Chicken & Spinach Salad
Dessert:  Buttery Orchard Apple Torte

Of course, with any good recipe (or great home chef!) the fun is in tweaking it to suit your needs.  Don’t like one of the root veggies?  Swap it out for somethingn else.  Don’t have a particular seasoning or dressing?  Raid your pantry and use what you have on hand.  In the case of the chicken spinach salad, if serving for a Thanksgiving meal, I’d definitely go with turkey instead!

What’s on your menu?  Have any unique recipes and/or family faves?   Remember, Thanksgiving is all about more than a full belly and a full house – count your blessings and know that gratitude is more than words spoken – it should be a daily attitude!

I think that everyone of us has something inside just itching to get out.  I don’t necessarily mean talents or gifts, but just a part of us that when left untouched, tends to keep us feeling unfulfilled or antsy.  For me, one of these itches is the need to create – to do something with my hands and see a finished product as a result of my efforts.  Depending on the day, my mood, the activity, I’m left feeling relaxed, satisfied, energized, etc.

It is my goal, now that we’re back into a semblance of routine, to try something new every week to give vent to this monster.  More importantly, I’m starting to realise that for everyone’s well-being, I need to grab some “important-to-mommy-let’s-keep-her-sane” time – without feeling guilty.  So far, I’m off to a decent start.

Michael’s (I love Michael’s!) offers some crafty courses in a wide variety of interests, catering to various skill-levels.  Per chance, one day I saw while browsing, that they were offering a beginners scrapbooking course.  I’ve scrapbooked before, but even with my amazing & organized scraproom, (thanks, baby!) I need a kick in the butt to do something with the supplies at hand.   I signed up for the course (less than $30 for 4 weeks) and the last 2 Wednesday evenings have spent a couple hours with some other ladies who like to scrap. 

My first session, and even through part of yesterday’s session, I wondered if perhaps the course was too beginner-oriented… but then again, I just wanted some motivation, inspiration and a night to myself.  Last night I started and completed one of the first scrap pages I’ve done in a looooong time – and I enjoyed it, even though it meant I was doing groceries at 10 pm and maybe the final product isn’t quite perfect (I forgot half my tools – whoops!)

The Finished Product

Back to my goals…. As I said, I want to explore a little more while creating.   I want to delve into new recipes, sit down and scrap or cardmake, maybe write a chapter or two of that book floating around in the recesses of my mind.   I don’t always get the chance to do a big complicated dinner like I did pre-daycare but it’s my ambition to try a new recipe or two each week.  

I made my first batch of slider (mini-burger) buns last week and they were a keeper for sure!  The recipe was so yummy, I can improvise and use them as dinner rolls.   I’m thrilled about this – most of my yeast-based recipes tend to be a no-go.   Here’s the link from CHOW:  Slider Buns.  

Honestly, I improvised a little – I didn’t have shortening, so I used Tenderflake.  I didn’t have kosher salt, but I did have course salt and used that instead.  To make them a little more savoury, I added a couple shakes of Epicure’s Pesto Herb Mix.  (I swear, Epicure makes my life just a wee bit simpler… if you’re interested in any products, I can give you contact info for two fabulous reps who just happen to be close friends of mine!)  The buns were delicious, the daycare kids enjoyed them as an afternoon snack, warm from the oven.  The boys didn’t care for the turkey sliders I made but loved the bun – the whole 1 1/2 dozen disappeared the same day I made them.

This afternoon, the kids wanted food to play grocery store. While rifling through the pantry to see what non-glass items I could lend to their imaginative pursuits, I found a can of pumpkin puree tucked in the back corner.  When I was tidying up after dinner, I saw the can again and was struck with a craving for pumpkin muffins.  And after a somewhat stressful day, the need to create overruled the desire to take a bubble bath and soooo pumpkin muffins I made.  I flipped through my binder full of clippings and couldn’t find a pumpkin muffin recipe but I found an apple spice muffin recipe and used it as a base.

My batch just came out of the oven just before bedtime and once they cooled enough to eat without burning the tongue, the boys (all 3!) sampled and approved.  I still think they’re missing “something” that would make them perfect, but I’m pretty sure they’ll be gone by tomorrow.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs (gasp!)
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp allspice
2 tsp ginger
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 can (756 ml) pumpkin puree

Preheat oven to 350°F.  I’m sure there’s a proper method to adding the ingredients, but using my stand mixer I just dump it all in and mix until smooth.  Spoon into prepared muffin tins.  (I use standard tins with silicone muffin cups.)  Bake for 15-17 minutes – do the toothpick test.  Cool on wire racks and voila, yummy fall eats!  I’m sure they’d be good with frosting if you wanted a sweeter cupcake treat.

I love alliteration (a la the title of this post.)  That’s just a side note for free….

You must be pretty lucky – not often you get two posts in a week, let alone in one day!

On the 21st of August, I celebrated my 29th birthday.  Shocked?!?  I know, I don’t look a day over 25.  🙂  I spent the day packing, cleaning, and driving home from the cottage.  No worries though – I did celebrate!  The ‘boys’ took me for dinner, informed me while I was doing groceries that I could buy a Kobo eReader (I have mixed feelings about it!) for my birthday and I planned a girls night out with my friends.

Last Wednesday, my friends and I had a lovely dinner at Jack Astors, followed by dessert at Demetres in Whitby.  Let me tell you – spending a night with these hot mommas always makes me laugh and feel loved!  We can complain, joke around, share our stories, our joys, are dramas, our concerns and always end the night feeling better than we started.

As we were celebrating my birthday, I was genuinely spoiled.  Seriously, they go over and above and I felt oh-so loved – I would have been happy with the fine company but no, they bore gifts as well – many a much appreciated gift card included.

Last weekend, I hit Chapters to enjoy the spoils.   Just having got the eReader from Kev & the boys, and also being an ardent patron of the local library system, I didn’t want to just load up on paperbacks.  Mom & Dad had the boys, Kev trailed along to bear my purchases and I decided to invest in some crafting inspiration in addition to some cheap reads.

I had an anniversary card to make today and a craftroom filled with supplies (and junk!  Sheesh I need to reorganize again so I can find the floor… and the desk… and the desk chair.)  One of the books that made it home with me after my shopping spree on Saturday was Joy of Card Making,  (Leisure Arts, available at Chapters, $20.46). I basked in perusing it earlier this week and thumbed through this afternoon for inspiration:

This is the layout I opted to follow:

With some variations on the opposing page:

And my final project, a simple anniversary card, blank inside, and a coordinating envelope with scalloped flap:

I’d say I’m having a productive day but as I look at the laundry and other chores to be done, I’m not sure productive is the right word!  I guess I’m chanelling my creative or should-do-something energy into more frivolous pursuits and leaving the mundane for another day.