2015 September.

So one other way I memory keepsake is through Project Life (or pocket scrapbooking, whichever you choose to call it ).  Becky Higgins came up with a way of simplifying scrapbooking by creating Project Life- which is 3x4 or 4x6 cards slid in to pockets along with photos in a 12x12 page- initially not a lot of embellishments were needed; just journaling, cards and photos. Now everyone has seemed to jump on the bandwagon, hence where some people call it pocket scrapbooking; also it's done in multiple sizes other than 12x12 and people are going crazy on adding great details and embellies. So the simplicity of it- people have taken above and beyond.

Also with Project Life, its basically meaning to capture a week period of time of what happens essentially in your life. But that has also been done to whatever better suits you. My first year I did it weekly in a SMASH book and the second year- a 12x12 weekly format. I also decided to start on my birthday and not January like its generally done.

But with 2015, I chosed a 6x8 book and to start in January with monthly layouts not weekly. I know, I change it up every year, but this time I think I've found my method that works well. I would love to show you January through July but at this time, I even found while flipping through that it is a bit tender to see ...  we spent alot of time together and its filled with multiple memories.

So we'll begin with September, where my fresh start begins so to speak...

I always start with either a page or a space dedicated to saying what month it is. Perhaps a title page if you will. Another thing I haven't mentioned is that with my project life I am using just different lines for each month- no actual pocket scrapbooking papers- as I'm trying to use up my stash.  This month I'm using Maggie Holmes' Confetti line, and I'm actually trying to hoard this collection but being it's my birthday month- I had to use it!  

During this month I captured the memories of my cousin's wedding, which was great to have all my dad's side together. It's been a while since all 4 of the cousins have been home at once.  With my sister home, we went out for drinks at our hometown bar - I loved being able to have quality time with my sister, she always knows how to make me smile.  

I had to take a picture of my new fall Starbuck's cup, it just captured fall perfectly! Nothing makes it feel like fall more than a football game, I went to my hometown's homecoming game- fall weather and a great played game.  For my birthday, I spent the day enjoying drinks and food. Okay, I also did a little shopping. But it was the best way to ring in my 29th year. Celebrating ME on my special day.

Here's to a great new year...

xo Renee.

My Girl.

I swear I haven't forgotten to write, I just am struggling as far as finding a topic to write about without repeating myself endlessly. So far my fitness has been a little scratchy but not intentionally- the weather here in Iowa this last week has had temperatures in the high 80s and 90s. I know, most people say or go to the gym- yes, that's a reasonable thing to do when weather is not favorable outside. Sad thing, our small town fitness center- which is great actually- doesn't have air conditioning! Granted I probably could have gone and not died, but with being out of shape- I didn't want to push it too much.

 Besides those days though, I have been trying to fit in some lifting which I've been using a Nike Training app which has different strength training routines you can download and follow within the app. It has voice instruction that its helpful when I wear my phone so I don't have to keep looking to see how much time I have left or what's next. It's been kicking my butt but I love it- always leave sweaty and wake up a little sore. I've been trying to run and fit in other cardio as well, dont you worry- I can't leave my running behind.

Speaking of running -on National Puppy Day a few weeks ago, I decided to take our family dog Sienna for a jaunt. It's been a while since she's gotten to run as my parents just walk her and I know she loves to run like her puppy aunt (me). It was a nice bonding time for us, we both have been going through some tough times- Our family recently lost our male dog Jake, which has been Sienna's buddy since my sister adopted them. She's been adjusting well none the less; but still I knew she would understand my tears as I ran. We miss our boys. So when we were done running, I just hugged my girl and took some selfies as she licked my face.

Just like all the other memories, I had to scrapbook it. You are all shocked. I used multiple forms of mixed media in this layout. The background was made with a stencil and modeling paste then also I water colored some rainbow splatters to use as a layer for the picture. The papers and embellishments are from Amy Tangerine's Rise and Shine. 

*note this was written 9/11.. It didn't post and I apologize for any inconvenience.

Xo Renee 

Summer Vacation.

When all is said and done and we've parted our ways, I'm still left with the memories of our relationship. Even though you'd think it would be more upsetting for me to tackle the memories so soon, it's actually been sort of therapeutic. Yes, it may cause me to shed a tear but that doesn't mean I also don't think of a million good times also that make me smile. 

I've said Ive made a few pages since our parting, but I haven't show them yet so I thought I would post them.  

One of our last times together was actually his family's vacation to Missouri. And I had so much fun-they're such a great and loving family. We boated, swam, and fished for an entire weekend. Of course, I had to take pictures to document the fun. And I'm glad I did even more now- for all the obvious reasons. 

With both pages I used mostly Crates Poolside collection, which I can't get enough of! It fits so well with water and outdoors! 

Hope you enjoyed my pages! 

Now time to hit the gym.. I'll have to update you on my fitness soon! 

Xo Renee