Wedding Bells

I had the best experience yesterday, as I witnessed my daughter's wedding ceremony.  The bride was beautiful and the groom very handsome.  I saw in them the hope and anticipation of their lives together.

 

 

 

Once I'm done, I'll post their scrapped pages. Wow, I'm preparing for an awesome year of scrapping!!! 

Can't Slow Down

Wow,  what a week.  Our preparation for Christmas was so stressful.  But, truthfully I wouldn't change a thing.  Christmas dinner was awesome.  If I must say so myself.  It was wonderful watching young and old open presents. 

Now, here it is two days later and we are on to the next event.  Our daughters wedding.  Yes, you heard me a wedding.  I've prepared the brides bouquet, boutinners, corsages and favors.

Once I slow down, I'll be back to scrapping and blogging.  In the meanwhile, be encouraged and spread more love than your heart can hold.

Made with Love

It's the official weekend before Christmas. It is time for me to hit the grocery store to obtain those last minute ingredients for Christmas dinner. Yes, family and friends will emerge on the house with appetites and merriment galore. We have got to be ready. Our mission this weekend, ensure we have everything needed from the store. I promise not to enter a store come Christmas Eve. At least that's a promise, and we all know they sometimes get broken.

 

As I have stated before, my mom was a great cook. When complemented on her dishes she would simply say, "It's made with a lot of love." In this season of giving, I encourage all to give with love in your heart. It is such a blessing to be a blessing. The truth is when you give in love you have already received. Whether you spend days preparing Christmas dinner for family and friends, volunteer to serve dinner to the less fortunate or deliver toys to needy children, do it all in love.

 

 



I used Graphic 45 paper for my two page layout.  I framed each photo with photo corners to give them a classic vintage look.  The edges of the tags on each photo were distress with Tim Holtz Distress Pads ink.  The letters were cut from the Cricut.  The little embellishments are from Jolee.

 

While you are on your journey remember there is love in giving.

Kim's Kitchen

Time is drawing near.  Yes, hours of cooking and preparing Christmas dinner. A task I really enjoy.   Being in the kitchen preparing meals, reminds me of my mother.

She could whip up a tasty dinner in a flash.  Her holiday meals were awesome.  I so wish I had learned more while she was alive.  But when I begin to rattle my pots and pans, her cooking tips come to mind.  She would say, "watch your fire, the flame is too high".  My favorite bit of advice was, "you can't cook in the bed".  That's such a funny statement but oh so true. You will certainly burn the food or burn the house down.  Though my mom is deceased, I keep her with me by remembering her advice. 

 

 

I love my Graphic 45 Domestic Goddess paper.  I used the Suburbia Cricut catridge to cut the appliances and finished them with Glossy Accents.  Love the vintage look of the appliances.

As you continue your journey,  remember it's ok to take a little advice.

Warm Hearts

The weather here in Chicago has been amazing this year.  We have broken our record of 280+ days with no snow.  I'm thankful for that!! 

Have you ever used the expression, "you're so cold".  Not the physical cold that chills the body but a coldness that chills the heart.  If you've used this expression or someone has used it on you, strive for a warm heart.    Make it your mission to soften your words.  Strive to speak positivity into the lives of your fellow man.  You will soon see that your warm heart will warm the hearts of others.

Love this paper from Bo Bunny and of course I have to have some bling. 

As you pass people on your journey, remember to keep and give a Warm Heart!!!

Good Ole' Days

It's almost Christmas time!!!! This is my favorite time of year. I look forward to cooking, baking and giving gifts. I remember Christmas when I was a child.

I remember on Christmas Eve, my mom would dress us in our new pajamas and robes. We would try our best to stay up until Santa came. My mom would have our smelling delicious has she made preparations for Christmas dinner. Unable to keep our eyes open, we missed Santa every year. However, he would leave us a sign that he had been there.

 

 
I used Graphic 45 Paper for this layout.  I crumbled it to represent crumbled wrapping paper. 

My mom wrote on the back of the Polaroid instant picture.  That’s special to me.  Though she is now deceased, I get to feel such a wonder part of her, through her handwriting.

As you prepare for the fun and frolic of Christmas close your eyes and journey back to the good ole' days.

Enjoy your holiday season!!!

Girls Always Shop

It's so wonderful when you get to enjoy one of your favorite activities.  One of my favorites is shopping.  I must admit due to the Christmas season shopping is a lot more challenging.  The traffic is crazy and so are my fellow shoppers.  In the end, it's wonderful to watch the smiles on the faces of gift receivers.  During this season, remember it's better to give than to receive.

I visited the Mall of America in Minnesota.  And of course, you know I hade to scrap it.  Found those cute little wire hangers at a scrapbook show a few years ago. 

Enjoy your shopping journey.

Help

 

This morning as I made my eight block walk from the train to my office building, I noticed a women struggling to carry packages. I watched her stop several times to readjust her load. After her second stop, I asked if she needed help. As I carried two of the large packages, we talked. She was thankful that I had lightened her burden if only for three or four blocks. This little act of kindness started my day off right.

I thought about a song my mom use to sing in church, “If I Can Help Somebody.” My mom was a wonderful woman. She enjoyed her family and friends dearly. I can hear her words to me “always be nice and kind to people.” You never know how far an act of kindness can go. 

 

Scrappers be kind on your journey!!!

Hills and Heels

Ever walked to the top of a hill? I have though not a very high one. Yet, high enough to look out and gain some perspective of the world. It’s amazing to sit and just look out and enjoy God’s creation.

The top of the hill is symbolic as you feel a since of accomplishment after completing an upward climb. Sometimes the hills in our lives don’t require the physical task of climbing. But, it requires us to move out of our comfort zones. Did you take on a task that you’ve avoided for some time? Perhaps you tackled continuing education as an adult. Or maybe, you were able to re-enter the job market in a new career. Don’t give up press on. It’s all worth it once you reach the top.

The layout Girl’s Practice was inspired by my niece, Erin. During a little auntie and niece shopping time, she tried on a pair of high heel shoes. As we laughed, while she practiced, I thought about her climbing her own hill to adulthood. Yes, she’s got a task ahead of her but everyone has a hill that they must climb.

 

I tried one of my favorite techniques on a cute pair of high heels cut from a Cricut cartridge. I applied Glassy Accents to make them pop.

Life’s a Journey so scrap it!!!

One Step At A Time

Well, this is my official start at blogging.  It seems as if there is so much to take in.  However, I'm giving it a try.

I spent the majority of my day tending to my health.  I must admit that I thought about the best way to turn my health around i.e. diet, exercise etc.  Is there an easier way? Oh, how I wish.  However, with just one step I can make it.

I have so many great scrapbook ideas in my head.  I'm planning to tackle a few before Christmas.  Getting prepared for Christmas is a huge deal in our house.  The tree has got to go up on Thanksgiving weekend.  Why so early, you may ask.  Reason being you have a longer time to enjoy your beautifully decorated tree.  That gives you time to make your lists, shop, bake attend parties and yes scrapbook.

Though, the holiday season might seem like a dauting task, I'm choosing to face it like my health, one step at a time!!!

 

Remember, your journey starts with one step!!!