2019 Planner 101.

Apparently I took a year hiatus from my blog and I completely apologize, it wasn't intentional.

I'm not even going to try to update you all on what I've been doing the last year- half, because it would take too long and half, it wasn't that exciting.

I'm hoping that 2019 takes a turn for me - not that my life is horrible but a fresh start wouldn't be the worst idea ever.

For 2019 - I am going to try - as always to start a planner. I have tried a few times- with different brands but for some reason, it always falls to the wayside  But I've dare I say- been researching? stalking? on YouTube and various ways of media other people's planners. Showing different methods to their madness and I think- I think- I may have a better grasp on it than I have in a while and a few more things in my life I really would like to get a grasp on via planning.

I have been in the loop of Happy Planners for quite some time- I bought my first one back in 2015 I believe when they were first big on the market. Their sticker books so cute and tiny. I was doing pretty good at the planner actually but that's when my "major" break up crisis happened. I definitely let go of the planner in the mix of that junk.  Plus- lets be honest- I didn't have much to plan anymore.

I again tried with the planner a few more times here and there as well as with other brands. I'm always infatuated with the idea of planning. My high school and college planners were filled with all sorts of craziness and I was obsessed with them. How the hell can I get that girl back?? Anyways so as you can tell- I've always kind of let it go.

So here we are- round 5321789 of planner attempts.

If you are familiar with the Happy Planner lines or collections, I will be using the Super Mom mini this year. Which apparently has the new dashboard layout- I love this and so glad I came back when they introduced this great concept.

The monthly spread and dashboard resemble what is already pretty tradition for the Happy Planner line. The dashboard has spots which I changed to fit what I needed- a To Do List, Birthdays, Important Dates and a box I'm going to be putting the total miles I ran as well as my beginning weight and ending weight for the month.

With the weekly spread, they have a dashboard concept (which hence the name as well as the new inclusion).  I changed up the categories again to fit more of what I want to keep track of.  I made a To Do list , a To Buy list, Habit Tracker, Bills, and a Prayer list spot.

In the daily boxes, I am going to be tracking what I eat, my hours, and if a major event takes place that day.  At the beginning of all the daily boxes is a box they placed for people meal planning, I'm writing down my work out for each day.

Hoping this will turn out to be a great year with my little planner. I intend the carry it in my purse so it'll be with me at most times. I'm thinking this way it'll be utilized if its always on hand, fingers crossed.

That's so much crazy information I know, I babbled. But I'm not a YouTube girl at all so hopefully you will bare with me and my endless entries.

Join me again, Ill show you more about my planner and my goals! - Yes, I wasn't done!

xo . Renee

So speaking of goals...

I'm doing horrible at writing on this blog this year clearly. I need to step it up a few notches, so I apologize to anyone following and wondering if I disappeared off the face of the planet. I surely did not, so don't you worry! 

So speaking of goals, in which is where I left behind. I was inspired to make a page using a set of  number stickers I've purchased from Hobby Lobby. Being they were a stand alone piece, I had to dig in my stash to find bits and pieces that would match them! Which is perfect because I'm trying so hard as you all know to use up my crazy stash.  

I found a polka dot paper from Pink Paislee that had some of the same colors that were in the stickers- which I thought would be perfect also for a challenge in the Paper Issues Facebook Group.  This month- which started a new term of design team ladies, they are going to be posting all their challenges for the month at once on the first then show examples through out the month. So as I was strolling through the album of challenges, the Polka Dot Party stood out for this paper idea I had in my mind. 

I used the numbers to form a list of goals I have for 2018.  From my stash, I found that a lot of my planner stickers matched the colors from the number stickers and also fit most of my goal list. I love how I found "goal" stickers in my mini fitness planner book to cover up the sayings on the stickers - made it seem fit. I found pieces in all of my different sticker books that related to each of my goals and inspiring sayings!  

So far my year is going good in relation to my goals, I could definitely hit things harder than I have been but by no means are they left behind. I hope to kick it up in high gear so I am able to accomplish them sooner than later. But I know that I still have plenty of time, so there's no need to stress myself.  I am excited to have my bills paid off, miles in my bank, and staying creative as I can be. 

This page turned out perfect I think! So glad I was able to utilize the number stickers in a fun way as well as find stuff in my stash to match!! As always, I recommend checking out the Paper Issues Facebook Group! They have my heart, and if you go check out their store- new stuff is being added all the time with the new lines coming out. I'm trying so hard to not cave in but I have a feeling I will fail and buy all the things! 

I hope you all enjoyed my latest page! I'll be back soon, I promise- I have a few more things up my sleeve!! 

xo. Renee

Stitch Fix Experience.

Some of my favorite blog post are when people share their experience with new products and especially their experiences with box subscriptions which are all the rage these days! I think there's a box subscription for almost anything you can think of anymore! I have tried a few and so I kind of wanted to give you an unbiased opinion on them as I am not affiliated with anyone - just a random 30 yr old trying something new! 

I have loved watching people showing what they get in their Stitch Fix boxes on various blogs all around the net.  So I decided to give it a go and see what kind of amazing styles they'd send my way. 

When you first join- they ask to you fill out a questionnaire to get a feel of what your style is, your sizes, and etc. I literally wear whatever is comfy - and have no idea what you'd "classify" my style as. So this was kind of an odd thing for me to do because I literally just guessed on what looked cute in the pictures. 

So they send you several pieces to try based on this questionnaire and your comments. Which I left them a note saying- I am trying to find things to wear to church or out on dates. 

*Nevermind my messy bathroom in the following photos

The first thing I tried was this gorgeous dress. I fell in love with the pattern before I put it on but when I tried it on- it fit I thought perfect! It was a definite yes. 

With the stuff in the box they also send a style card, which shows how you could pair up the things you receive as well as various information about the pieces. Which is helpful for the lack of style girl like myself. Ha!  So you'll have to see how I tried on the other pieces.

I am not going to lie I got super excited about both the pants and this jacket upon seeing them; but once I got myself in to them- I had failed myself by gaining some weight. Plus I think I have broader shoulders then I may have listed or something. This happens with every jacket so I'm not at all shocked.  But the jacket fit nice until I try to do any range of motion with my arms- then suddenly it feels it shrinks 2 sizes. Not the jackets fault, not blaming the cute clothes.  The pants- same story kind of. Cute when you wear them- sit down, not such a pretty story. I loved them both but they got sent back. 

Then there was this sweater, which I knew would be a no from the beginning. Just not at all a fit that I desire. I tried it on just to confirm to myself that it wasn't really for me and I was correct. Wasn't comfortable in it although it isn't horrible looking. Just wasn't me. So it got sent back. 

The other item I got was a set of hoop earrings which I sent back as well. They weren't really my style and I knew I wouldn't wear them. 

Overall I loved the excitement of trying the Stitch Fix box. I did keep something which I thought was a plus! The stylist picked great clothes I just wish they had fit better on me. But again, that's not a reason for me to not try the box again!  I definitely don't want to review it bad on my account and I have another fix scheduled for in March. I'm hoping I will have lost some weight and with the start of the spring season- new clothes will always make a great beginning! 

If you want to try Stitch Fix- I will be attaching a link that you can use to take off the $20 styling fee off your first box! Which is a great deal because that means you'd basically be trying it for free if you don't like any of the clothes and if you do like the clothes- there will be a discount to the prices of what you pick! Click here to take off your $20 styling fee!!

xo. Renee

A New Year, A New Beginning.

Happy New Years Everyone!  Hope everyone had a wonderful night however you celebrated!  I am excited for all the new beginnings that lie ahead in 2018.  Am I the only one who felt a ton of excitement when I found out that the year started on a Monday? My non-diagnosed inner OCD girl in me was overjoyed. 

I'm hoping in 2018 to commit to accomplishing plenty of goals/resolutions if you will.  I just wanted to dedicate a post to lay out what I'm out to tackle and interesting in hearing where everyone else is planning to do for your new year!! 

When I make my goals, I tend to categorize them and the categories I place them are either things I'm passionate about like fitness/crafts, etc. or general knowledge such as financial/health,etc. 

So my list is pretty cliche and basic but I think the easier or more general they are - the more attainable they are. 

Read the Bible Entirely

In the last few months, I've found myself really craving growth in my faith. I'm finding some peace in attending church. I really want to read the Bible to educate myself on more of what faith has to offer me. I think it'll help me on multiple levels in regards to my faith. I'm excited to learn and also to finish a book that I've been wanting to for a few years. 

Read 5 Books

Something similar clearly to the one before this one, but if you know me- I'm not a reader really at all. I enjoy a good magazine, some newspaper articles but something about reading never "excites" me. But I feel I rely too heavily on technology for entertainment and I need a break away from that. So if reading will help me- two birds, one stone right? 

Lose 30 Pounds.

This is one of those er, der kind of cliche resolutions but I really have let myself go. I know it's a high number to shoot for but it's where I think would get me back to my "happy" weight/body. Also this would hopefully be a result of me achieving other goals which is kind of a positive domino affect.

Run 500 Miles.

I'm not even sure what to say about this other than I just want to run. I wanted a number that I felt was achievable. I know that its kind of a small number? Maybe not. But that would be around 40 miles a month give and take. I'm hoping as I build my mileage back up again and run races, they'll add up quicker some months than others. 

Run 10 Races.

This past year , I ran no races. Like what?  That needs to change. So I set a goal for 10 races of some shape. I think it's pretty achievable. 

Stay Debt Free/ Pay Off Bills.

I think this isn't rocket science, probably another one of those typical goals. In my head, I think?- I'm pretty decent with my money but I could be off base. I am not too deep in any debts but I want to cut my spending down more and make sure that my bills are just paid off.   

Build Up My Savings

Kind of like above, I just want to be more realistic with my spending and my savings. I want to be able to have a nice pillow to fall upon when I move out on my own. Granted, I've should have done it a while ago but I do end up having scenarios that come in my way that have prevented it. I've had conversations with people and in my best interest, having a smarter savings would help me in a more positive direction to have a more safer savings.

Make 100 Scrap Pages.

I think its a pretty hefty goal but it's definitely something I can knock out. I am still working hard on stash busting. This is something that hopefully will end up letting me make a lot of pages as well as save money although it's so tempting to buy all these new lines that are coming out. Damn, CHA why must you do this?  

Whew, so sorry about that being drug out but I just feel if I talk about it- if I throw it out there, more people will hold me accountable. It's public information- no big secrets. I can't say - I have no idea what you're talking about - *shoves a donut in my mouth*. I'm excited to see where this journey leads me and hopefully I can keep myself going to the right destination even if I derail a little bit. 

Let me know what you guys are thinking, what are your goals? I am all about supporting others and their goals. Lets do this together!! 

xo. Renee

If I Fall or if I Misstep?

I know the last few weeks I've been showing you my scrapbook work as I'm trying to dig deeply in to my crazy stash, but I haven't abandoned my bible journaling either. So today I wanted to show you what I have been up to lately with that project! 

In April, I fell in love with a new church that I was drawn to try. I always seem to lose myself in the sermons and the songs seem to pull at my emotions so hard. Its definitely made me re-evaluate my relationship with God on some levels that I clearly needed. I have always felt spirited and believed but never really studied the bible. I feel now it reaches me in a new way and I am excited about where this journey is leading me. 

But like I said the music reaches me on a whole different level, it's modern and deep lyrics. I'm always inspired by music anyways so it makes no exception with these songs. That's what majority of my journaling pages are based off of, is lyrics that tugged at me in a certain way.

For the last 8 weeks, our sermon series was based on the Gospel of Mark. During one of the weeks' communion, they sang the song "A Prayer Song" which was an absolutely profound performance. I was definitely blown away and the lyrics touched my soul.  

For this page I pinpointed in Mark 15: 33-39

33 Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”[a]

35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” 36 Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”

37 And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

38 Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last,[b] he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

I thought it fit with the part of the song that I really loved. I found while digging in my supplies the "washed away my sins" which was gray so I took a black / white look on the page. I was hoping to have more word stickers that coordinated with the lyrics but when I couldn't get all the words- I substituted with some letter stickers ... not quite sure I'm happy with the outcome but it still gets the point across.   

I can't wait to share with you more pieces of my bible journal. It's a special part of my journey and I want to be able to remember these pieces of song that have touched my heart with God's love. Also to share that love with you as well. 

xo. Renee 

You're So Cool, I'm Not Even Mad.

I have told you numerous times that I am still not done with pictures from the Luke Bryan concert and clearly, I was right. I keep finding gems that I want to scrapbook- hey, it was the one occasion that I actually took a million photos so I'm soaking it all up! 

As I have been lately, I'm trying to use up as much as my scrapbook supplies as possible before I venture out and buy more. I have literally enough to start my own store- it's crazy but I have made a nice dent and been doing successful since June! Omitting one purchase of Cocoa Vanilla's Bohemian Dream. I know there would be no chance of me finding it later when I am able to restock my supplies so get it before it's gone! 

But anyways back to this page! 

So again, I found this cute picture of me and my best friend's two foreign exchange daughters. They were able to come with us to the concert and I loved that they did, it was a great way to get to know them better as well as introduce her to crazy American country concerts! I was inspired by Missy Whidden with making the heart out of strips of paper - which of course, with stash- I had plenty of! Most of them were from Dear Lizzy's collection Lovely Day which is gorgeous and I'm surprised I hadn't used more of it! The background paper, I know - I was definitely hoarding for something good but I have been telling myself lately- if I don't use it now, it'll just still be there in a few months. 

I used a piece of scrap paper to trace out a heart- then placed the strips tucked underneath one another to cover the shape. Took it at an angle to form something different on my page- I as always- created layers behind my photo embellished around it as well as made another spot diagonal from it with journaling and embellishments.   I love how I used the hot air balloons across the top of the page- I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to use them for anything. Worked perfectly on this page; it all came together nicely!! 

I hope I have inspired you to use up the stuff you know you've been hoarding for so long. Sometimes the stuff you've been hoping to save for a better page just works on a page you never imagined to put together in the first place.  Such as this! 

xo. Renee 

#Besties.

An idea that I've recently thought of doing- inspired by others who are using up their stash was to make my own kits out of what's left in my stash. So this is a little kit that I put together with stash of both papers as well as embellishments. This isn't all that I put together at the beginning but just like getting a normal kit- you use what you feel fits and save the rest for another page. Or in my case, throw it back in the respective stash piles and re-make new kits. 

I thought with the pink, flowers, and love that I'd use this picture of me and my bestie from my birthday. I wanted a cluster at the upper corner and the lower corner doing a diagonal with the design. Both have a base of using a journaling card- than layer bits and pieces of embellishments and paper. To me, kind of reminds me of a messy desk- but the important things are on top. Anyways, I found a sticker that said "besties" - thought it would be perfect for this page as well as the gold accents I have. Added little glasses to the bunny piece because we both have glasses on and so - she should also. Assuming bunny is a girl.

I thought this page came together pretty well considering not many of the pieces were actually together in a collection. In the past- I wouldn't have thought to do that but since using my stash up- I found most of my pages now have stuff that isn't relevant to each other at all except for some common idea I sprung in my head. I hope you enjoyed this page and challenge yourself to make your own kit out of what you have left lying around! Never know what kind of pages you can magically create. 

xo. Renee

Paper Issues: Imperfectly Perfect.

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

For this challenge the ladies at Paper Issues asked us to make a project that didn't use any paper trimmers. So it could only be with scissors, die cuts, or silhouette. I- of course- I know you're shocked- had a few more photos from the Luke Bryan concert left that I wanted to scrap. So I thought with the ideas I came up with would be perfect for this! 

As I was strolling through my stash, I saw an old paper of Iowa that I had hoarded - basically because lets be honest, I didn't know how I was going to use it. Trying to be all Iowa proud and... failed. Anyways, I finally thought- lets give this a go. I fussy cut the state out of the paper and placed it upon this other paper that I thought matched my photos so well! I used what was left of my Simple Stories' Cabin Fever cut aparts as layering bits behind the photo. Being they were already cut out, ripped apart- I didn't need to use a paper trimmer for them.  As usual, I just threw embellishments around the page- included some of the flowers I cut out from the cut aparts in the title as well as by the photos.  The title, I used tiny washi underneath to make it pop from the page a bit. 

The lyric I used for the title - pretty much sums the concert up. We turned a cornfield in the middle of Iowa in to a Luke Bryan concert and it was so much fun!! I absolutely love how this page turned out- I know- I say it everytime but this is a new favorite!!  Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! Its a great way to use up all your stash, which I'm trying so hard to do!!!  Hope you enjoyed this page, come back to check out more!! 

xo. Renee

Paper Issues: Sketch

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

This is one of my favorite pages I was able to get done for the crop. I followed along with the Sketch challenge to create this masterpiece.  Also, you thought I was done with pages about my friend mister Luke Bryan- you are surely mistaken. Muahaha. 

The sketch called for 3 pictures, well- I have a plenty from the Luke Bryan concert I attended back in September. Yes, I've told you 500 times because I can't stop making pages about the concert! Arrrg. It's an addiction- and I'm warning you- they're not over. There's a more a comin'. Anyways- back to this page.  Oh wait, I'm also not done using my Simple Stories scraps from their collection - Cabin Fever.  Doesn't it just scream country concert? Maybe it's just me. 

Anyways, so I layered a big piece along with a layer of a slightly smaller piece on to the background. Calling for a cluster in the upper right corner and one at the bottom left- there was to be a title at the bottom with a small cluster. I thought of the clever idea of cutting out the mountains out of the cut apart papers- there were two different ones so I layered them between the layers for the base. I thought for the bottom cluster- I'd include a small piece for some journaling and build around that. Simple title with some little details. Of course, I added some layering behind all the photos because- well I'm Renee and I'm a layer addict. That was really a ramble of what I put together but I do love how it turned out!! It's so fun - I think - but again, I'm bias. 

Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! Its a great way to use up all your stash, which I'm trying so hard to do!!!  Hope you enjoyed this page, come back to check out more!! 

xo. Renee

Paper Issues Fall Crop: One Side

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

I tackled the challenge they called Fall in Line. Where you had to make a page with your focus on a line concept. So I wanted to take it all to one side of my page; forming the line with my paper layers. 

I just loved this picture my sister sent me of Halloween. I thought that this would be a perfect way to use my Doodlebugs Birthday Girl line with all the unicorns! I honestly wasn't sure how I was going to use the leftovers quite yet, but this help make a nice dent in it!! I used a paper from Pink Paislees' Summer Lights line. The colors worked so well with the girlie colors from the embellishments. The layers behind were built by scraps I had that I felt followed the color scheme. My concept is pretty simple with every page, I love layers and forming clusters with my embellishments which is what I did here as well! 

The colors just make me so happy, the page works so well!!  Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! Its a great way to use up all your scraps!!  

xo. Renee

Paper Issues : Listopia

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

One of the challenges I completed was the Listopia challenge which you had to include a list in your journaling in some form. So I decided to use more of my fall photos, because I literally take photos all the time with all the beautiful scenery around! Oh, and selfies of me, always.

I liked the 4 square set up; I layered each segment with papers from Simple Stories' Hello Fall line that I had hoarded.  I put the title on the side, I cut out the LOVE out of one of the cut apart sheets and used the Fall chipboard. I clustered embellishments on each of the 4 squares in some form as well as used some of the hexagons from the paper in various spots on the page.  Both of the spots with journal cards consist of my list of Fall Favorites (banner which I cut from one of the papers ).  

My fall favorites are endless so this is just a compact list of them all. I just think this page screams fall. It turned out perfect!! Also as always lately, I used up a bunch of my stash. Even though I've been been busting through it fairly well, it seems that it's endless. I had a goal to make it until the New Years but I think it's going to be by next summer when I get it all used up! I think it's multiplying when I'm not looking.  Let me know if I need to install a security camera over my scrap stuff. 

Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! I know I have a few I still want to tackle!! 

xo. Renee

Paper Issues Fall Crop: Cut the Craft.

A few weekends ago my favorite Facebook Group/Scrapbook store, Paper Issues, had a online crop with tons of challenges and games! If you've followed me, or Paper Issues- you know they do this about twice a year and it's literally one of my favorite weekends of the year. I try to take off work and follow along bundled up in my room; which I still need to clean from the crop- I literally slept on the couch for a few days. Lord help me. This year though, I couldn't get out of it- working was a must. So I didn't get as much accomplished as I had wanted but it still provides me with inspiration for a while!

I listed the challenges in my notebook and got to work every night when I was off. One of the pages I started with was Cut the Craft. The challenge was to use one of Paper Issues'  FREE cut files to create a page. Well- you don't have to ask me twice. Stacie always creates the best cut files and I usually grab them all up when I have the chance. For this page, I chosed her Boo Pumpkin file. The pumpkins are gorgeous!! I took it and made them two different sizes. 

I usually always cut my files out of white cardstock. I'm not sure what it is but I love the clean look they give. I backed the pumpkins with fall colored papers from my stash. (Again, using up the stash as much as I can! The crop works perfect for this!! ) I had some embellishments that were in shape of leaves but the colors were not ones I thought would go well with this page so I traced them on to brown paper. Leaves I had hoarded from Amy Tangerine's first line- yes, that old. Other embellishments were from Simple Stories fall lines that I've boughten. I -as always- layered my picture. Using the same papers I used to back the pumpkin.

I absolutely am in love with fall. Give me all the pumpkin things. Show me all the warm colors. Its my spirit weather. I am usually rather specific about what pumpkins I want , so I took myself to a pumpkin patch. I usually don't mind exploring all the things but I knew I didn't have a whole lot of time and it wasn't too busy so it was kind of boring. But I asked if I could just walk in to pick out some pumpkins without having to pay to do the extra things. The lady was accommodating and let me wander around for the perfect pumpkin. Of course, I couldn't just pick one- I need a million in all sorts of colors and sizes. To the point that I had to use a wheel barrow. The scrapbooker in me, I needed to ask for photos. Who takes a trip to a pumpkin patch without pictures? 

I hope you enjoyed this page, I loved how it turned out!! Even though the crop is over, take a look on the Facebook group at the submissions others have put in and try your hand at the challenges! Its a great way to use up all your scraps!! 

xo. Renee 

Luke Bryan Farm Tour.

Who else loves themselves some country music?? A few months ago I saw on Facebook that Luke Bryan would be making a stop in Boone, Iowa. After my immediate thought of - WTF? I mean, Boone is by no means a big city in Iowa so I was clearly confused on why he'd pick some random stop. I actually used to live in Boone for a year... before the break-up, so I was super excited about the thought of going back "home" to see friends. I- of course, had to buy tickets as soon as I could. I texted my friend saying- you have plans in September 30th. ( 4 months later.)  

So 4 months later, we went on a road trip to see Mr. Luke Bryan on his Farm Tour - which I later learned is why he was in Boone. He picks random big farms in the Midwest and performs in their fields. I had an absolute blast, we got great spots somewhat near the stage - which was perfect!! I took a million photos, danced myself up a storm and got to spend quality time with my bestie and her ladies.  So glad I got to hear about the concert, definitely a night to remember!! 

Toward the end of the concert, we got a little closer to the stage as people were leaving- hello people, there's always an encore after you think it's over. I got a few pictures that I love when he was singing and cracking open a beer. I saw a page on instagram that had a layout similar to this with 3 clusters on the top,bottom, and middle of the paper.  With the country feel, I thought it would be a great time to use the camping line from Simple Stories although the papers are from my stash and have no tie to each other.  I cut the papers in to strips as a base for my clusters then went crazy with all the embellishments. I was so excited though when I remembered the background paper in my stash; thought the road in the middle of no where would be perfect for this!! I loved it when I bought it but honestly had no idea where I was going to go with it.  

I love how the page turned out. Its one of my favorites I've done in a while! I have more photos and more pages I want to make documenting the concert. So look for them to come soon!! 

xo. Renee

Happy Birthday to Me!

Ah, I can't believe its been almost a month since my birthday but life goes fast when you're having fun. Or... working... all the times. It's also been that long since I made a page using the birthday photos! I was really wanting to finally use a birthday collection by Pink Paislee I found at the local scrapbook store so I got excited when a birthday finally came around. Luckily it was mine! Sneaky how that works. 

I actually came up with the idea while I was on a run of how I wanted to lay out the design. It's not exactly as I envisioned but pretty close. And yes, I know - it's not entirely creative but it's the fussy cut parts that make it creative in my head. One of the papers had a pattern of the various light shades all over- I cut them out to form them in to a string like pattern across segments of the page.  Same with the triangles- they were not originally formed in to banners, I just laid them along the same path as the light shades. 

I wanted an open type face - I turned to my trusty Paper Issues for a file that I thought would fit my plan. Their cut files are free and work with all the cut machines such as silhouette. I have yet to find one I don't like - I just haven't downloaded them all yet. I try to contain myself until I need it. I actually backed the pieces with scraps I found that fit colors from the collection which is always great for my stash pile. I also fussy cut various little things from one of the papers- such as the presents and balloons to use as embellishments as I didn't have any from the collection other than puffy stickers. Which I also used in various spots. 

I wish my mixed media would have turned out stronger; but my color turned out being too light in contrast to the rest of the colors on the page. I love how fun and colorful it turned out! Works perfectly for my birthday! Thanks to my wonderful bestie for helping me celebrate a great girls day with her sweet foreign exchange girls. I'm so lucky to start year 31 in a wonderful way! 

xo. Renee

Starbucks in the Fall.

I'm actually sitting in a Starbucks typing this. How fitting, but I bought a new computer- simply couldn't wait to get home to play with it. What a great opportunity to get a fall Starbucks drink. Anyone else find this one of their favorite parts of fall? The fun cups, the all things pumpkin coming back to life? Okay so maybe it's just me, but I have to get a PSL as soon as it begins to pop up! 

This year it fell on my birthday that I would get an opportunity to jump on the boat. And of course, I had to snapchat the moment in to my story. #basicwhitegirl. I'm not going to lie, I'm not a HUGE fan of the cups for fall this year but little did I know, it would fit perfectly with my scrapbook page. Because who doesn't scrapbook their starbucks drink?? 

I followed along with another Paper Issues Challenge; their Sketchy Saturday I believe. I also as I have been doing lately, used up plenty of my stash with this page. Fussy cut the leaves I've been waiting to use from Shimelle's older collection and most of my embellishments were from Pebbles' Girl Power line. It had little coffee cups and leaves as well so it worked perfectly with a fall coffee page- as well as the blue cup! As you can tell, I used my cup ( rinsed out - of course. ) as an embellishment piece in my page also!  I love how it all turned out together. I'm always amazed at how things go together even when they weren't designed for that purpose. 

I'm learning more about my skills as well as creativity by using what I have hoarded for so long. I am literally too excited for this adventure and I'm sincerely sorry for blabbering about it in every entry lately. I'm hopeful to make it to the new year without having to buy any other supplies excluding the essentials such as glue/tape. I do have my heart set on one line though that I may excuse myself for only because I know it'll fly off fast and if I use birthday money, it doesn't count as splurging right?? I'll tell myself that anyways!! As always, check out the Paper Issues' Facebook group for inspiring projects and challenges. Their store also is a great place for supplies- if you join their group, there's always discount codes as well as sales going on!! 

xo. Renee

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First Day of School.

How is it that my niece is in middle school? What the heck happened? I feel entirely too old right now. She grew like a weed- has such long little legs. I think she needs to be shrunk in the dryer. I feel I blinked and this all just happened. I can't even imagine what my sister is feeling. So here they are beginning school, ahhh- how I miss that part of fall but kind of glad I don't have the rest of the year to deal with.  ANYWAYS! I had to make pages of the pictures! It's so fun to be included still on their first day fun even when we're across the country. 

When I saw the pictures of my niece, excluding the tissues I felt like grabbing- I immediately thought of the Girl Power line I have by Pebbles. I hadn't even used it yet- yes, hoarding thing is horrible. It would be perfect for her! She's such a strong, independent lady already; she's really going places and I'm so excited for her! I wanted to use so many of the pieces because they fit the tween stage and girl power she's displaying. How fun is it all put together??

Then of course, they had to have photos taken together! How goofy are they?? Love it. I got inspired from Instagram to make a page with circles so I came across this paper from Shimelles Little You. I cut out all the circles my little hands could handle then scattered them around the circle I traced on the paper.  Added clusters of embellishments and journaling. I thought this collection went so well with going back to school. Turned out perfectly for how awesome they are!! 

I'm so proud to be their aunt; they are such loving, sweet souls. They'll do amazing things in this lifetime- I can feel it. With everything crazy going on in the world, I know these guys will be a pair of the good people still left for this generation. Please pray for the world, for these sweet little people who need a safe place to be when the day is done. I hope that some answers will come in the time coming soon or for at least them as they grow older.  They don't deserve this craziness. 

xo. Renee

Friend Night.

You know it's a good time when your snapchat stories are flooded with goofy photos with your best friends. And you know, you'll get good scrapbook pages when you save all those photos to your phone. So this is what happens when those photos are printed. 

I saw an idea ( as usual ) from Instagram. Of course, I forget who it was I scraplifted but I promise that this was not whole heartedly my design. I saw how the girl used her sayings paper from one of Amy Tangerine's collections. Cutting them out and using them scattered however she saw fit on a white paper so it kind of blended in which I loved. So I took this idea and ran with it because I have been hoarding this paper for a while as I had no idea what to do with it but I couldn't not have it! 

I arranged sayings that I cut out that I felt fitting down the middle of the page leaving space for the photos which I layered with the cut aparts from this line. I also stuck stickers from the line as well as embellishments between the layers on both sides. My journaling I did along the side of the paper, don't ask me why but it just worked out that way. 

I made two pages with photos from this night; including this gem of me with the beer pitcher.  I used the sketch from the Paper Issues  challenge as inspiration for this page as well as my title was based off the idea I did earlier with a different page. I had so much fun with it and it uses so many of my alphas.  I also got to use up a lot of scraps and product from Fancy Pants Family line including also some beer related embellishments from Paper House Productions.  I thought it ended up being a fun, sassy page - the title adds a little spunk to my already goofy picture. Title is lyrics from Drinking Problem by Midland. 

Hope you enjoyed my pages and are inspired to use up your stash!! Join me at Paper Issues for their monthly challenges!!

xo. Renee

New Kittens!

After the loss of our sweet Sienna and Pumpkin this summer, our house was far to quiet for our own good. I wasn't sure that my dad would even listen really to my suggestion to look at animals at our local Humane Society open house. But Dad asked for the time and in a car we were. I was a bit surprised at his reaction but I think he was lonesome for animal interaction as we all were. (Just not as willing to admit it.) 

Dad kind of wanted a black kitten, he always seemed to have good luck with them. So he was drawn to this particular little black kitten. He held him and the kitten turned my dad in to a pile of goo with all of his kitty purrs. Of course, we had to check out all the other adorable felines but Dad just never put the black kitten down. Even when he was playing with the others. 

So I guess our decision was made, this little black kitten was going to be ours. Although as we were filling out paper work, the lady said "You know he has a brother, and we would like them to be adopted together."  Without a moment of hesitation, Dad asked which kitten was his brother. This little gray tiger striped kitten was shown to us. We were only intending for one kitten but Dad said - "Well, I'd hate to split them up." and boom, we came home with two. 

So it begins our journey with two kittens. Mom and Dad happened to be on the phone with the grandchildren when we were discussing names for these little guys. Shouting options from the other side, a lot were declined- Dad has had a lot of black cats so common names were already taken. Finally she said Stormy and Smokey. Well perfect! We now have names for our crazy babies. Smokey is our gray striped little guy and Stormy is our black kitten. 

I think all of our phones are filled with millions of photos and they're finding anything to get their paws on. We simply can't get enough of them and so far it's been quite the experience, it's been so long since we've had a beeb of any kind in the house. 

Both pages were made with photos of them cuddling, of course- I have a thousand. I loved also getting to use up some of my stash with the baby boy line by Crate Paper as well as other scraps/supplies that match up with the line.  And I saw an idea on the Paper Issues Facebook group which inspired me to use up some cactus supplies I've been hoarding for the second page. Both turned out perfect!! I repeat it every page  but I'm so excited to see my stash dwindling. I've needed this for so long- although I'm still drooling over the newer stuff - Cassie has been missing charging my card. 

Hope you enjoy my crazy kittens, I promise - no I'm certain- you'll be seeing a ton more of them along the way!!

xo. Renee

Softball.

I love creeping on my Instagram to find different ideas on how to do pages. I found an idea done by Irit in the Hip Kit Club using circles and layering them similar to I have on this page. I thought this idea would be perfect for the circles in the Pink Paislee/Paige Evan's lines. I believe a few of her lines have these circle pattern on the paper with a pattern on one side, a saying on the other. I apologize, I have had a few of them cut up so I'm not for certain. 

Either way, I had a punch that fit the circles to a T so I took the punch to the paper and cut all of the remaining ones out to begin the process on this page! 

I took the circles and cut 1/3 of the bottoms off so I could layer them on the bottom as well as the top. I also put one strip of her paper boarders I cut out on the bottom to cover up some of my messiness on the circles.  What's great about Paige's collections is that they go well together so I have a mesh of various pieces together. I layered behind the photo as I always do, placed an area for some journaling as well layered and embellished around that.  I love all the various pieces in her collection Oh My Heart, just kind of goes well with my personality I think. As well as the bright colors, how fun is it?? 

I wanted to scrapbook this picture of me from playing softball with my church league this summer! I had so much fun playing softball again, literally- its been ages and you can tell in my fine batting skills. I stuck to playing in the outfield for the most part so I didn't have to work too hard on fast balls coming at me and thinking where to throw it again. I was too afraid I'd mess it up for the team and even though I know they didn't care; I would have felt horrible! I'm just glad they accepted me to play with them - just a fun activity I haven't gotten to do in a while and didn't realize how much I missed that type of thing.  This is the type of memory I love capturing and scrapbooking most, something I'll want to remember for sure in years to come!

xo. Renee

Bon Fire.

What I love about summer nights are the bon fires at my friend's house. The smell, the smores, the drinks and the conversation- which is endless. This night I think I didn't even get home til 4 in the morning. Gave my parents a bit of a fright, but we just had great things to say even when we've known each other for years! 

I thought this photo would be perfect for my Simple Stories Cabin Fever stash. Fell in love with it, but again- I didn't do much adventures this summer as I was hoping so thankfully this occasion worked well for this line!

With one of the papers, I drew out the letters for the word BON FIRE then cut them out. I decided instead of using the O- that's where I would place the photo which I cut in to a circle. I built a cluster beside the photo with different embellishments I cut out from the cut aparts as well as stickers. I did the same in the word fire with a cut apart to use for journaling then used embellishments beside it.  I loved how the page turned out and it helped use up stash I wasn't sure how I'd be able to use.

Am I weird that I'm getting some pleasure out of using up all my stash? I've been banging out pages I never would have thought before even though I've had these papers for a while. Crazy how that happens if you just limit yourself and expand your creativity. I also have been trying to make a way for them to work for the Paper Issues' monthly challenges on their Facebook page. I can't even begin to express how excited I am for their fall crop coming up- more challenges to bang out this stash! You'll have to stay tuned to see how that works!! 

xo. Renee