just dandy wreath

trying out the new flutterbys to make this little wreath for American Crafts. Stop over to check out a supply list on their blog!

And while I'm on the topic of American Crafts... I just have to say their new releases so far are unbelievable.  Just fun. Amy Tangerine. Dear Lizzy Neapolitan. Gardenia. Be sure to take a peek if you haven't already!

I'm trying so hard to catch up with things around here! I've had so much happen just today that I need to start making serious lists. And consider hiring a nanny for a few hours a week. Seriously. It's awesome. And I'm loving every minute. I can't wait to share more!

jbs january kit goods and a peek at the upcoming 2012 winter cha goodness

This super fun, bright kit was perfect to scrapbook the family photos that we took in the beginning of December!

And I can't leave without sharing peeks at the brand new goods coming out from Jenni!!

Quilted Stickers:

Hodgepodge stickers:

See more styles here. Drool. :)

The Magpie paper collection. I love. The bright modern patterns mixed in with the vintage goodies... I love it. Can't wait. :) This is just one piece, so you'll have to follow the link to see the full line!

Printed tags and pockets and so many other goodies:

So much to see! I'm loving a lot of the lines that are coming for the spring!!

bluebirdchic giveaway with reminiscing moments

stop by her blog post for the opportunity to win one of my camera strap covers!! The giveaway is still open for a couple more days, so skip over there for a chance. There's also a coupon code that's good for 15% off your purchase!

life is an unscripted adventure sometimes

I spent my Thursday traveling. I had notice Monday evening that my grandmother had passed away suddenly. When we found out we started making travel arrangements and almost drove as a family. I kept having this uneasy feeling about driving during the winter, especially since we go through a section of mountains... So I booked a flight and went alone.

It turned out to be the best decision. Wouldn't you know it? After making plans, the midwest got hit with it's FIRST winter storm of the season - AS I TRAVELED. I had cancellations, reroutes, and then a drive through snow covered roads with my youngest sister. It was so bad at one point that we pulled off at a rest stop and waited for plows to go through to clear the road, and then started back on our journey. This was AFTER the plows went:

It was definitely an adventure. But I could tell that it meant a lot to my parents and my family in general that I had made the effort to get there. It was a lot - but it was worth it! When my sister and I finally arrived at our parent's house - the wind chill was -2 degrees. That was quite the temperature change for this girl coming from the south FL metro area! The high was supposed to be 82 the day I left...

It was good to be able to be there and help take care of my parents. That's really what it's about. Being there for the people that are dealing with the grief and the loss. Things had been so crazy for our parents that they still had all of their Christmas decorations up - it had been my mother's intention to pull everything down the day that they got the news. Instead they jumped in the car and made the trip to start taking care of things. After all was settled and the funeral was done, my brother and I were able to take care of packing away all of the decorations, hauling out the fresh tree, pulling down indoor and outdoor lights, cleaning out the fridge for them - everything.

I was at least able to enjoy the view on the way back to Chicago on Sunday:

I have SO much catching up to do that I could sit all day to write blog posts! I'll be posting every day this week and most likely twice today. There's lots going on for my little business and the scrapbooking industry right now! I can't wait to share some of the sneak peeks I've seen of new product releases for scrapbooking and exciting new adventures for my business! New blog/site plans have been put on the backburner just until I can catch up on everything from my absence! I'm so happy that I've heard from some of you already as far as guesting - it's going to be such an AMAZING adventure. The few people that I've shared my full vision with are just as excited as I am - so I know I'm on to something!

Happy Monday!!!

new year, new journey

There's something about a fresh start to the year that makes me utterly and completely optimistic.

I have some really, really amazing things in the works that I am super excited to share soon! Part of my business plan for the year is to expand my blogging to more than just my scrapbook pages! I have so many interests, projects, passions in life and I wanted to be able to share more of those things. I want my  blog to be a place to encourage women {and mommies!} in their entrepreneurial dreams and goals - and a spot to stop for daily inspiration to make your every day life a place where you live with intention, creativity and beauty.

For now, this blog will remain the same, posting all of my scrapbook projects - I'll just be giving it a pretty makeover to match the new site that's coming!

I've posted an open call for submissions to guest blog on my facebook page, and if you're interested, please shoot me an email!!

{ I will be building a business blog in the new year!! I'd love to have you as a guest!! Featured topics will include: handmade/DIY, photography tips and prompts, organizing/busy mom advice, building your business, vegetarian cooking, gardening and scrapbooking! If you enjoy any of these and can contribute I'd love to hear your proposal! You can email me at bluebirdchic at gmail dot com! It's gonna be an epic year! ^_^}

I will be expecting high quality projects and photos to create eye catching and inspiring content! I look forward to seeing what you have to offer! ^_^

Peek at the January JBS Mercantile kit

I wanted to post this peek at the JBS Mercantile kit for January!! It's such a fun, happy kit. The title for my layout was inspired by my friend, Jen's blog title! I think it's such an apt description for what we do as scrapbookers...

Now. I'm crawling off to bed. It's been so long since I was sick, I can't remember... but I feel awful today! Hopefully a bit of rest will help!

lessons learned

I feel like 2011 was a huge year of growth for me. Yeah, yeah... I know. I'm not so young anymore. But I think if you're continually pushing yourself to see what you're capable of, you should be facing challenges and growing!

I decided to put together this mini with a few thoughts on things that I learned...

{gallery link with most of the supplies}

I'm looking forward to 2012 being just as exciting and challenging as 2011 was!! I'm hoping to get a chance to sit down and write out a few goals some time this week. It's something I've been doing for several years, and it really seems like it helps to keep me focussed throughout the year! This year, I'll have two journal entries, I think. One specifically for my business, and the other for more personal things. :)