• Life,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Ode to the Power of Community

    I’ve been a little MIA here on the blog but thought I’d share why. A dear friend and co-worker was diagnosed with lung cancer about a year and a half ago.  She has been such a fighter.  She has never smoked and lived a pretty healthy life.  The cancer metastasized and has spread everywhere.  She’s currently on hospice and I’ve been spending time attempting to be a support to her and her family.  In fact, her work family has been amazing rallying around Joel.  She is a single mom of two wonderful boys; ages 9 and 14.  Oh the heart! It’s been amazing to see the outpouring of love and…

  • Art Journaling,  Mixed Media,  Tutorials and How to's,  Uncategorized

    Been A While & An Idea for Your Leftover Easter Egg Dyes

    Greetings.  It’s been a while.  Life has been a bit crazy lately on this end.  I hope you’re well!  I have been a little M.I.A. but I’m on the mend.  For a few weeks I had been putting in quite a few hours at work and then . . . pneumonia.  So I’ve been off for a couple days resting and healing! I plan on sharing some posts here in the next couple weeks surrounding my creative planner.  I hope to do a little wrap up for each three months of the year.  I love that my memory and creative planner are helping me to document life (that seems to…

  • Creative Planners,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    DCWV Planner Review – Love

    Hello all!  I’m thrilled to share with you DCWV planners.  You may know DCWV (Die Cuts with a View) as a leader in paper crafting, home decor, and beautiful jewelry supplies.  They have been a long standing strong company in business for over 20 years.  They do an amazing job and offering inspiration, creativity at a great value. At first impression while opening the box containing this beautiful DCWV planner was the feel of the cover.  The cover is made of a faux lovely leather, my specific planner, red in color.  I love the soft feel of it.  I also loved the color and quality.  The planner seems sturdy and durable…

  • Creative Planners,  Uncategorized

    Treasure Found – Vintage Planner Storage

    Oh how I love finding something that is old, vintage or vintage looking which is also bargain that can be used for storage of art supplies!  A while back on Instagram and Facebook I shared a great piece I found to house and store my paint brushes.  As well, I found a great carrier for some fav washi tapes.  Clear and convenient. Recently I found this darling box made for housekeeping supplies but I thought about what a great storage it would make for my planner items.  It lifts up into two pieces and has sections in the top tier.  The bottom portion of the box/tin is for larger items.…

  • Creative Planners,  Life,  Not So Traditional Scrapbooking,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Capturing Memories in Your Planner

    There are so many planners that I absolutely love ~ some that I own and some that I’d like to own.  I use certain planners for certain things as many planner girls do.  Oh the beautiful designs out right now. I’m excited to review a new planner here in a week or so . . . stay tuned.  It’s in the mail and I’m thrilled to share more. Today, I thought I’d share why I chose Heidi Swapps’s Memory planner this year. Life can get so busy, right? Isn’t that why we need planners? In the midst of the ‘getting it done’ and ‘staying organized’, I still want to cherish and preserve the…

  • Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Martial Arts – Yes Arts

    A few months back, a friend and I had a conversation about breast cancer and then kickboxing.  This friend owns multiple martial arts studios.  I shared with him that I’ve always wanted to give kick boxing a try.  Lo and behold, about a week later I had a pair of pink boxing gloves on my desk with a gift certificate to try out kick boxing.  Well, I fell in love with kickboxing and martial arts.  I attend United Studios of Self Defense (USSD) Mission Viejo North.  I had never been exposed to martial arts (except in the police academy when we were given one weaponless defense course). The Sensei’s (instructors)…

  • The Homestead,  Tutorials and How to's,  Uncategorized

    Crafting Egg Rolls – A DIY

    Life has been busy.  I did want to however share with you a fun recipe and party idea. A couple months ago I was invited to attend an event an Egg Roll Party.  What fun it was and I rolled my very first egg roll. My friend (who is a beautiful Vietnamese gal) taught us how to make these delights and I captured it on a ‘raw’ video to share with you.  Pardon the background noise, it is a party.  So if you’ve ever wondered how to make an egg roll . . . here’s the how to.   P.S. ~ You can purchase egg roll wrappers at most grocery stores.…

  • Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Wishing You Joy in the New Year

    Some years are more difficult than others.  We all know that life holds ups and downs . . . it’s like a roller coaster.  But oh we do have the choice to scream or hold on during the adventure and enjoy the peaks. I am hoping and praying a beautiful 2017 for you!  Know that you have enriched my life journey and for that I’m grateful! Warmest wishes!

  • Thoughts,  Uncategorized

    Warmest Christmas Wishes ~ A Brief Message of Hope

      While we may celebrate differently, while this Christmas may hold heartache, loss, trauma or joy, peace and love; I pray you can know the HOPE of Christmas!  May you know peace, joy, love, and the gift of His and your loved ones Presence.  Each day is a gift!  I pray you can open these next couple days and thoroughly enjoy the contents! I was talking with a friend today about how we have been through; some tough life stuff.   I imagine you have too!  We chatted about the fact that even in the tough and ugly stuff, there is HOPE and what I call ‘gifts in the journey.’…

  • Life,  Uncategorized

    Handling Stress During the Holidays – Some Helpful Hints

    Would you agree that for most of us this season is meaningful and evokes warmth.  However, for some this season brings loneliness, sadness because of loss, AND stress. I was among the crowds this week and it was a bit on the crazy side.  The busyness has begun.  For some, it’s almost like a race. With this season brings stress. Some ways that I’ve learned to deal with stress is by the following.  I hope you’ll take a moment to read and practice these.  It just might allow you to be healthier you and have a happier season. Stop and take some deep breaths.  Yes, sounds simple but during the…