Lay It All Out For Me

Scrapbook Layout Ideas and Inspiration

1.  I love this idea for a time lapse post using the vertical blocks for different events.
2. The simplicity in this inspires me to do the same in a minimalistic layout.
3. The layers of texture and patterns are different from what I have tried before.
4. I never would have though to take a focal picture, enlarge it, and cut it to use as a secondary background. I love it!

1.  Sleeping babies are just the most precious thing ever, but add in this themed layout and I am in overload.
2. I love the shape concept using hexagons. It is a fun way to use multiple patterns without it being too busy on the eyes.
3. This would make a very cute "You Are My Sunshine" layout design using a gray background.
4. I love the color combination and design of this page. I could even use one of the "rays" for journaling instead to add more pictures.

1. I was instantly drawn to this and I have the perfect idea in mind for this. I know a little girl that needs her own page in my scrapbook.
2. I love the use of the clouds and weather in this project life layout.
3. The Mickey heads make this layout for me. All I need is either some paper or some paint chips and the punch/die set.
4. Once again I know exactly what I want this layout for. Now I just need a picture of me and my best friend to complete it.

1. The use of color coordinated banners vertically gives it just the right touch without being over bearing. The subtle Mickey is adorable as well.
2. I love how the castle is the main focus of this layout. You best bet I will be doing something similar to this with my up coming Disney trip.
3. I loved the creativity to use a playing card in the layout. I never would have thought of that.
4. All things nautical get my attention. I love the theme and patterns.

Disney Days Challenge - Day 2: I'm Needed Here

Can You Paint With All the Colors of the Wind?

John Smith: Come with me?

Powhatan: You must choose your own path.

Pocahontas: [pause] I'm needed here.

From her love of nature, to the devotion and love of John, Pocahontas has always been my favorite princess. I was fascinated by her as a child. Her strength is a characteristic I always loved. And who wouldn't love having a pet racoon and humming bird?!

Disney Days Challenge - Day 1: Que Que Na-To-Ra

Listen With Your Heart

You Will Understand

Grandmother Willow

"Sometimes the right path is not the easiest."

John Smith: Pocahontas, that tree is talking to me. 

Pocahontas: Then you should talk back. 

Grandmother Willow: Don't be frightened, young man. My bark is worse than my bite. 

Pocahontas: Say something. 

John Smith: What do you say to a tree? 

Pocahontas: Anything you want. 

She was my inspiration and my guidance throughout many tough times in my life. She taught me to listen. Not everything that can be heard is spoken with words. The greatest gift that you can give to anyone in your life is to listen to them. When you listen, you can let your heart guide you to where you need to be. Grandmother Willow will always hold a special place in my heart, and will soon be on my body as well.

My Very First RAK Win!!!

A Random Act of Kindness (RAK) is something wonderful!!! I love seeing these on one of the many groups I use for my EC Life Planner. My first RAK was won on June 18. I was so excited to win something! The very sweet Ms. Jeanette simple asked, "For all of us on our first LP - what would be the one tip you would share about making it a success?" Using a randomized site to choose comment numbers, I was lucky number 7!!! My prize: a $25 Etsy gift card!!! I was so excited! I finally placed my order today. Yes, it took days of shopping, putting things in my cart, and then taking them out again to get the correct mix. Below I will share the things I purchased. All of it came to a total of $24.10. For what all I got, I think I did well! All of these stamps are small! I have been loving all things tiny.

• Create Stamp
• Here's the Scoop Stamp
• Yum! Stamp
• Lovely Stamp
• Glass of Lemonade Stamp
• Cookie Stamp
• Cupcake Stamp
• Cup of Tea Stamp
• Page __ of __ Stamp
• Just Ducky Stamp
• Border Stamp
• Party Time! Stamp
• Dream Stamp
• Tiny Hearts Stamp
• Swirl Stamp
• Imagine Stamp

Ten Item Wishlist: EC Life Planner Edition

Yes my lovelies, I am addicted, obsessed, and completely consumed by the EC Life Planner. I have spent countless hours looking up ideas, products, tips, and tricks. Will you be seeing more ECLP blogs? I can assure you that you will. Here are ten items that I am itching to get my hands on for my planner.

• Weather Stamps - How adorable are these?
• Dual Tip Ink Stamper - Do I have small ink pads? Yes, but these are even more compact.
• Geometric Stamp Set - Let's be honest, I want the chevron stamp.
• Envelope Stamp - Because let's face it, unless I am getting a package, I never check the mail.
• Bookshelf Washi Memo - Keep track of books to read, buy, or that someone has borrowed.
• Tiny Fruit Stickers - Cute little reminders to go grocery shopping.
• Medication Checklist - You think I am bad about the mail? Try to get me to remember medicine.
• Page __ of __ Stamp - To keep track of my reading throughout the week.
• Weekly Pregnancy Stickers - It may be a little while before I am pregnant, but who wouldn't want these!
• Baby's First Year Milestone Stickers - For those little moments you never want to forget.

Childhood Memories: Kindergarten

Anatomically Correct

With Every Beat Of My Heart

Kindergarten is a time to learn, grow, and make friends. Among the things you learn about is your body. For every other child this is new and challenging. I went into the classroom knowing more than most. My mother was a nurse and I was allowed to read her nursing books with her. It was one of my favorite things. I may have struggled with words and had to ask for help, but I understood more than I should have.

So when our homework was to trace our body on poster board and draw our heart where it should be, I was thrilled. I spents hours perfecting mine that night. The next morning I walk into class with mine all rolled up and excitement in my eyes. I watch as each of us hand over our posters. When they are all taken up and shown, I was the odd person out. Every class mate argued with me that my heart wasn't correct, to which I later brought my mom's nursing book as proof that I was correct. I have never quite been the normal one among people; however, I have grown to love that.

Everyone Else's Heart (Example):

My Heart (Example):

Noccalula Rod Run 31

Growing up in vintage cars and car shows is something that I hold dear to my heart. I went to my first show at just a few weeks old. For some it is a perfect body, gorgeous paint job, and a loud engine; however, for others the opposite is true. Part of the appeal of this show for me is just sitting back in a chair by the car and watching everyone come in and out of the show. In all my years I have seen so many cars. Some that pass by in a blur, and some that stick out to me. There is unique and then there is down right strange. This year there was over 300 cars in attendance. By no means did I see them all, but I did take pictures of some of the ones that my family and I liked. Knowing that this could be the last year for the Noccalula Rod Run show, it was bittersweet. This show has been a part of my life for years now. I hope this is not farewell for this show.

From a coffin car, to cars that have been chopped and channeled, I have seen so many things. I have had many favorites over the years. There was the rat rod fat fender truck that had about an inch added to each fender well, the coffin car, and many others. This year is yet another rat rod. When I was younger, I preferred a car that was pristine and stunning. Now my tastes have changed. I find myself more and more attracted to rat rods. To some, this car will be atrocious. For me, I fell in love with it. It was only there for several hours on Saturday before it sold. I almost cried when they told me it sold and I watched it drive away.

The detail that goes into a show car is outstanding, but this one blew me away. Every time I looked at it I was finding something new and interesting. For many this will look like just another piece of junk, but to me that is an imaginative and creative idea brought to life. This car was truly a once in a lifetime kind of car. I hope the new owners enjoy it just as much as I did while looking at it.

Surprise Haul!!! Noccalula Run 31 Edition

Muscle Cars, Exhaust Fumes, And A Little Shopping

For those of you wondering what Noccalula Run is, it is a three day car show. I have been coming to this show since I was younger. They fill the campgrounds with cars and vendors for three days full of vintage cars, parts, and other vendors. This year I did a little shopping of my own and wanted to include a little haul for everyone. These are not typical items that you usually find at this show; however, once I see books, I get all excited and have to look. Here it goes my lovelies.

Vintage School House Tote Bag - $5.00

When I spotted this item, I had to have it. The Lady said she wasn't interested in selling it, but she unloaded it. I expected a large price tag. I easily would have paid double or triple for it. I love this oversized tote. and it will be perfect to use for work and more.

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse - $2.50

Children's Books - All for $2.00
How Do Dinosuars Clean Their Rooms? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Fish is Fish by Leo Lionni
You Will Go to the Moon by Mae and Ira
A Trip to the Zoo by Robert Frederick
Bambi's Big Surprise
Kit and Kat by Tomie dePaola
Jokes From the Krusty Krab (Spongebob Squarepants) by David Lewman
Dancing Dino's Go To School by Sally and Margeaux Lucas
Much Ado At The Zoo (The Powerpuff Girls) by Tracy West
For Love or Money (The Fairly Odd Parents) by Wendy Wax

Ten Writing Confessions

• My emotions fuel my writing.
• I have to proof read everything numerous times. Usually three times.
• In my longer stories, my characters mock the people I know in real life.
• I have been writing since I was young.
• I have trouble with randomly switching tenses in the middle of writing.
• I fear not having the imagination and creativity to finish my longer works.
• I do not write to be published. I am content with never being published outside of the one poem.
• I rarely use an outline to guide my work when I first begin.
• I find inspiration in random places. Example: One of my poems was inspired by the curves and lines of a vintage car I watched go up for auction on Barrett-Jackson.
• I find that I do not write as often when I am happy.

Fresh Start Challenge Day 30: Ghosts of the Past, Present, and Future

15, 25, 40 Where Did The Time Go?

To my 15 year old self,
You are making it through some of the most difficult times you have ever faced. Please stop hurting yourself. None of it is worth it. Don't listen to the ones that tell you to do it already. I know you think you have nothing to live for, and darling it will take a long time to get better, but there is something amazing waiting for you. You will have to kiss a few toads before you find your prince; however, know that your heart will mend and you will move one. Follow your heart and trust your instinct. Don't wait for it to stop and it isn't your fault.

To the woman in the mirror,
So you turn 25 in one month and five days. You have come so far and you have so many things ahead of you. Please stop doubting yourself and your ability to be loved. You are surrounding by people that love you and they are not going anywhere. Get excited, have fun, and let loose. Stop sweating the small things and let go of the worry that is plaguing you. It is time for you to shine. You have an amazingly wonderful man and a beautiful daughter. You have your dream job. Stop feeling guilty and let everything fall into place.

To the woman that still thinks she is 30,
Those crazy years have come and gone, but now you have a beautiful life and a house full of children like you always wanted. You still have that amazing hunk by the name of Nate. You may have noticed you have some lines and wrinkles forming, but you have earned them. You have lived a life full of laughter and tears. Wear that with pride and pass that wisdom along to your children. You are far from the end of your road. Remember to hold him tight and love him with every piece of your heart. Remember where you hid the kids nerf guns after they shot you for the tenth time. Find them and use them well. What are pillows worth if you aren't throwing them at Nate for fun. Never lose that inner child even when you have retired to the rocking chair on the porch.

The Never Ending Battle: Physical or Digital

Hardbacks VS E-Readers

The battle of the century. Where friends become enemies and the only ones that suffer are the poor words that are waiting to be read while everyone fights over how to read them. Which side are you on? Do you prefer print or digital? Here I will chime in on my thoughts about the epic battle. Which side do you think I will be on?

BOTH!

I know you all just gasped, but I enjoy both. Just like many others, I love the smell of new and old books. It is a comforting scent that is like no other. With ever page turn you can smell the book inviting you into its world. I can spend hours in a bookstore, just looking. From cover art to typography, I love seeing what each author envisions for their creation. It is a world uniquely its own. There is something very satisfying about showing others how many books you have collected, their worn bindings showing the love and attention you have given.

Yet I am a woman that loves the convenience of having all of my books at my fingertips. I do not often have a reading plan or a list of books I want to read in a particular order. Having to pack books for a vacation is often very stressful for me. Having a Kindle simplified things. I can throw it in my bag and not worry about the "what ifs" that would usually plague my mind. Another reason why I love my Kindle, is not widely known. Reading small print is sometimes painful for me. My eyes have a hard time focusing on smaller text which causes strain. Too much strain and I have triggered a headache that can easily turn migraine. My Kindle lets me avoid that with being able to increase my font size up or down accordingly.

No matter what side of the battle you are on, you have your reasons why you chose the side you chose. I just happen to sit on top of that battle line and watch the carnage of the war between print and technology.

Erin Condren Life Planner Release!!!

Is Midnight Here Yet?

Welcome to Jessica's new addiction: The Life Planner! A few weeks ago I stumbled upon this beauty and thought, "Meh, I wouldn't really use it. I am terrible at using planners." Since then, I have had idea after idea on how I could use a LP. My dear friends +Hunter, +Mary Ann, +Odette, and I stalked the site last night as we planned which planner, cover, and quote we wanted for our life planner. Hunter, Mary Ann, and I giggled and sang Disney lines as we found what we wanted.

• Scheduling - Keeping up with any appointments that me or my family may have.
• Reminders - Birthdays, parties, showers, etc.
• Bills -When each bill is due
• Home Schooling - Lesson plans on what to cover and what hours we will be covering them.
• Blogging - Ideas, topics, schedule, and reminders
• Work Plans - Schedule and lesson plans for the day
• Card Making Reminders - When I need to make a card for special occasions for myself or friends.
• Journaling - This ties in with my scrapbooking and project life
• Scrapbooking Ideas - Any major happenings or photos that I would like to create a large page for.
• Project Life Ideas - Smaller events that I would like captured in journaling or small images.
• Water Intake - How much water I drink so I can hold myself accountable.
• And So Much More

After going through and thinking of all I can use my LP for, I can easily justify spending a little extra for this type of planner. I am new to all things Erin Condren, but I am very excited to order my first planner and accessories. Every since I decided that I really needed one, I have been searching for examples of how others use theirs, accessories, and ideas. Everyone is so creative and different with how they use their planners, stickers, washi tape, etc. I have many ideas on using my scrapbooking supplies to create a unique look to my planner. I will share some accessories that I have found from EC, Etsy.com, and scrapbooking supplies.

I hope that everyone ordering a planner from the new release loves and enjoys their planner as much as I will. Be as creative and adventurous with your LP as you are with your life.