Project Life 25 {Week 14}

Good morning everyone!

I am so excited that it is Friday - and the Friday before a long weekend!

AJ and I will be flying home tonight to see my family. I can't wait, we are going to go kayaking, go in the pool, having a wine tasting party with wines from the local vineyards and go out with my brother and his girlfriend, and my cousin and his girlfriend! Yay!

But, before I can leave, I want to share Project Life Week 14 (oh, and I have to go to work all day too!)

Top: A layout I'm not revealing yet :)

Middle: Watching the sun come up while waiting for the bus

Bottom: "Enjoying" gatorade and saltines after being sick

Top: Another embroidered card ~ Waiting for the train to go home from work

Bottom: Trick or Treat candle holders ~ Watching the fireworks from my bed (another cell phone picture)

Do you have any plans for the last long weekend of summer? I just can't wait to jump in that pool!

Fireworks Night on Navy Pier

Every summer, Navy Pier has a fireworks display on Wednesday and Saturday nights. AJ and I can see it from our window, so we watch it all the time.

But, we'd never seen the fireworks from the Pier before.

Since the fireworks are ending Saturday (while we are in New York!) and we won't be here next summer, we walked over to Navy Pier last night to see them!

I've never seen fireworks so close before! It was very cool!

Top: View from dinner
Middle: Chicago Skyline ~ City Porch pop up restaurant, it really did feel like we were on a porch! ~ AJ being pensive ~ Enjoying the live band before the fireworks start ~ Stopping at the beer garden
Bottom: ~Fireworks ~ More fireworks ~ Even more fireworks! ~ AJ and I ~ The grand finale of fireworks!

I have to say though - I was torn between just watching the show and photographing it. So I did both, sometimes I got good pictures (ummmm, less of the time), sometimes I watched closely (more of the time), but never did both well at the same time!

Are you ever torn between photographing an event and just being in the moment and watching it?

WOYWW: 169

Hi everyone!

Its been a long time since I've linked up with WOYWW. But, with school starting again, I'm finally back into a routine! I'm so excited!

My desk is a disaster today! The empty tissue box will be altered to hold those plastic bags you get at the grocery store. I'm really excited about that project...whenever I can get to it!

Head on over to Julia's to check out more desks from around the world!

Lab Safety Rap

In honor of today being lab safety day at school, I thought I would share a super embarrassing video...



The song in this video belongs to Rhythm, Rhyme, Results and can be found at educationalrap.com I don't own any of the rights to this song, but I highly recommend checking out their site if you are a teacher!
The video belongs to me. You are more than welcome to use it in your classroom, its on youtube. If you'd like a copy of the lesson plan surrounding this video, please email me :)

Project Life 25 {Week 13}

The first day of school went great! I'm hoping today goes just as well!

I also worked on my Project Life Week 13 this week. It was only slightly depressing as it was the last week of summer, and now school is back in full swing!

Top Row: Yoga, my new view after rearranging the furniture
Middle Row: AJ's burger at Market House, we'd been wanting to try this restaurant for a looong time!
Bottom Row: Rocking a lace shirt and a big headband for a day date with AJ!

Top Row: Enjoying the view and wine on the roof
Middle Row: Rocking some orange jeggings. I'm totally in love with this outfit!
Bottom Row: The glitter on my Thanksgiving feast candles drying

I tried a new technique this week. Well, I re-tried a new technique.

I decided to embroider those curly cues on the journaling card up in the middle row of the first picture. It took a really long time, but I really like how it turned out.

This was actually the second time I tried to embroider, the first time, it did not go well! My needle was too big and was causing these huge holes in the paper! But, now that I've got the right tools, I think I'm going to use this technique more often!

What new techniques have you tried out lately?

Fall Themed Hurricane Glasses

When AJ and I were at Home Goods last week, I picked up two hurricane candle holders. I couldn't wait to get them home and decorate for fall.

I saw these on Pinterest, and just loved them!

I stopped at the grocery store the other day, I picked up green lentils, red beans, and corn kernels.

I would've taken a picture of both, but my table is kind of messy with lots of papers and computers right now. So I just cleaned off the edge and photographed the one :)

But there is a good reason that the table is messy - the first real day of school is today! I'm a little nervous. I really have no reason to be, its a half day, and I have a fun activity planned for the kids as a getting to know you after we do the basic here's the syllabus, hand out the textbook kind of stuff.

But I'm still nervous!

On the bright side though, I get out early! I like having a half day on the first day, because its like ripping off a band aid, you just do it quick, get over it, and its done! Then I can be back in the swing of things without being anxious before classes start anymore!

Bulletin Boards!

I got to spend lots of time being crafty at work today decorating my bulletin boards. We have a large die cut machine that I was able to use to cut out paper borders, letters and shapes! I was so so excited to use it - it was like scrapping on a huge scale!

Excel, challenge, create, honor and serve are the five pillars of our school's mission statement. I thought it would be nice to use my small bulletin board to remind students of these important words. I love the "crossword" look! And of course, I couldn't resist the urge to use a nice bright orange to help brighten up the room!

This board has all of my homeroom students' names on in. So they had to be blacked out. Originally, the plan was to use a blue calendar here, but my room is so so big you couldn't see the calendar from the back, so I changed my mind. I'm excited to change out this bulletin board's theme for different seasons!

Now I just need to find some science current event articles...I'll grab a paper on my way to work tomorrow and cut out at least one or two articles so my board doesn't look so bare!

So, I'm writing this on Tuesday night, but it'll be Wednesday morning when it posts! I hope that I was able to get a good night's sleep tonight last night Tuesday night. Monday, right before bed, I saw a commercial for a scary movie, and I just could not fall asleep after that!

Do you scare easily (like me) or do you like scary movies?

Halloween Subway Art

A few weekends ago, AJ and I walked to Home Goods to look around. And by "walked to Home Goods" I mean we walked past Home Goods and I decided we just had to go in while AJ tried to avoid it at all costs!

While we were there, I saw this fun subway art.

But I decided buying a canvas wasn't the best use of our money since it was a little expensive for Home Goods and I knew I could make it myself :)

Now I just need to figure out how I want to print it out so I can add some fabulous glitter!

I can't wait to hang this up this sign with my Trick or Treat candles in October!

Well, yesterday I solved the mystery of the food poisoning. Apparently, my building had lost power on Friday while I was at work all day. I had no idea this happened since the email apologizing for delay didn't go out until yesterday afternoon. So, the leftovers I'd left in the fridge, which was cold when I left and cold when I got home, were not cold all day long, so they were not good to eat! I'm just so happy it wasn't my cooking!

Don't you hate long power outages though? I am not happy about throwing out all of the food in my fridge and I certainly don't want to have to go buy everything new. But I don't want food poisoning again either!

Project Life 25 {Week 12}

I am definitely falling behind on Project Life since school started - and the kids haven't even come back yet!

But, I do have my Week 12 pages to share today!

Top: Olympics Journaling Card, the blue and white blanket that I finally finished!

Top Row: Pink lemonade sorbet with blueberries and strawberries
Middle Row: What happens when we don't grocery shop for two weeks, August photo a day
Bottom Row: A very rainy window during Saturday afternoon's crazy storm, scrapping on the floor while AJ naps

And that was the first week of August in a nut shell! I had planned on getting all caught up on Project Life this weekend and then work on some non-Project Life layouts, but things did not turn out as planned!

AJ was away this weekend visiting family and friends in New Jersey before heading to his business meeting in Baltimore (which began today).

I was going to spend Saturday afternoon crafting, then go out dancing with some friends. Sunday I was going to work a bit and do some more crafting!

Unfortunately, I got food poisoning.

I am not entirely sure if its from cantaloupe that was in a fruit salad I got or its from leftover mac and cheese that, in hindsight, may have been a questionable Saturday morning breakfast, but seemed okay at the time. In my defense on that one, it was the only food I had in the house (I really needed to go grocery shopping after work Friday, but napped instead!) and it tasted quite yummy. And AJ and I both had it on Thursday night and we were both fine!

Either way, I spent my weekend napping a lot and definitely not going out!

Fortunately, I will have time to craft this week. When AJ isn't home, I don't make "real" dinners like I normally do. I will usually have cereal or a sandwich. Or maybe treat myself to pizza! Not cooking leaves with me a lot of time to craft after work. I'm looking forward to catching up on some non Project Life layouts.

Do you like to craft when your family is doing something else out of the house, whether it be for a few hours or a few days?

Trick or Treat Candles

Yesterday, I shared the Thanksgiving candles I made for this fall.

After I finished that project, I still had 5 votive candles left.

Last year, I made these candles for my mom, and I loved how they turned out. I wanted to make some for myself, but I never got the chance. So I decided to combine that idea and the votive candle holders and make these.

I love these! I can't wait until October 1 when I can display them on my coffee table.

Do you use the same decorations for fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving, or do you have different set ups for each? I use different decorations for Halloween, but a lot of the same things for fall and Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Feast Candles

School starts today! Well, for the new teachers it does, the students still have about a week and a half of summer left!

But, the start of school has got me thinking about fall.

AJ and I went to the Dollar Tree this week and picked up some votive candle holders. I originally had another idea for these candles, but they were much wider than I thought, so I had to change it up!

I already have a "give thanks" decoration, so I wanted something different, and it had to be 5 letters or less. Fortunately, AJ came up with the word "feast". Yay!

These were actually super easy to make!

First, I cleaned the votives using rubbing alcohol.

Then, I cut out the letters using my sizzix eclips Christmas and Traditions font. I ran them through a Xyron with temporary adhesive and placed them where I wanted my letters to show up.

After that, it was just painting left. First, I tried painting them with a mix of modge podge and a little brown paint and brown glitter, but I didn't love how it looked. So, while the modge podge/paint was still wet, I covered everything with fall colored glitter.

I pulled the letters off and let it dry overnight. The glitter was shedding a little but, so I covered it all with a clear coat of modge podge the next afternoon, and now the glitter isn't shedding anymore!

I can't wait to get the right candles and see how it looks all lit up, but for now, they are packed away until after Halloween!

Well, I am off to the first day of school! Do you have any first day of school traditions? My mom always used to take a picture of us on the first day of school, but AJ's already at work, so there is no one to take pictures!

Olympic Rings Embellishment Tutorial

Hi everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. Ours went by way too fast!

We watched (some) of the closing ceremonies last night, and I decided to make another Olympic rings journaling card to record to final medal tallies for Project Life.

So enter:

Supplies
1.5 inch circle punch
1 inch circle punch
cardstock in red, yellow, blue, black and green

Step 1
Punch out 1.5 inch circles in each color.

 Step 2
Punch out the center of each circle with the 1 inch circle punch.

Step 3
Adhere only the top of the blue, black and red rings onto your paper. You want the bottoms to be free so you can link the yellow and green rings to these.

Step 4
Cut a slit in the yellow circle.

Step 5
Link the yellow circle around the blue and black rings. Then adhere it so the slit is hidden underneath the black ring.

Step 6
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 with the green ring.

Step 7
Enjoy your Olympic rings!

Today is my last day of summer break. I have to say that I'm a little nervous about going back to school! I always am! Are you getting ready for back to school now too?

Project Life 25 {Week 11}

AJ is home sick today. He came home from work feeling dizzy yesterday, and gets dizzy every time he stands up! I hope he feels better soon, but right now he is lying on the couch and watching old movies.

I'm sorry for the glare on the pictures. Its really cloudy and rainy here, and the only place to take non glare pictures when the light is on in the couch. But I couldn't tell AJ to get off the couch so I could take Project Life pictures!

Top Row: Dropping Tommy off at work.
Middle Row: Citi Field
Bottom Row: A handwritten, carbon copy receipt from a store out east, I don't think you ever see those anymore! My friend's backyard at her new house. Reading outside. The mason jar stamp!

Top Row: Liz and I in the bridesmaids dresses. The invitation to our "engagement party", which was really a decoy for my aunt and uncle's 30th anniversary surprise party.
Middle Row: The blank spot will be a picture of the flowers, but I can't get to the printer right now! My aunt and uncle cutting the cake at their party.
Bottom Row: The blank spot will be more flowers. The color swatches. My dad and I dancing at the party.

Do you have any plans for this weekend? Its the last weekend before school starts for me, and AJ and I will be heading out the suburbs to run some errands at the mall out there. I'm really excited to get out of the city for a day!

More Project Life:

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Olympic Journaling Cards

So, I took some of your advice and just made something simple to help break out of my crafty slump.

I've been thinking of a fun way to incorporate the Olympics into my Project Life pages, because AJ makes me watch them every night. (Seriously, how can he be so interested in random sports?! I mean, he was yelling at the tv during men's gymnastics. Men's gymnastics! Oh man!)

This journaling card is really really simple, but surprising, it took a really long time to get those circles to sit right!

But, it definitely made me feel crafty again. After yoga today, I'm going to clean my desk so I can be crafty at the desk instead of on the floor. That will probably help too! I hate having to keep getting up to find things on my messy desk!

<--Also, check out my new social media icons. They were free from Kirstin at Craftiments, and you can get a set for your blog here in 10 fabulous colors!

Are you including the Olympics or any sporting events in your Project Life?

Wedding Flowers: Bridesmaids Edition

Alright ladies, I'm in a slump. My camera battery has been dead for days and there is a big pile of pictures waiting on my desk. But I haven't snapped or scrapped one picture since I got back from New York!

Does anyone have any ideas on how to break out of this rut?

So, until then, I'll share the flowers we've chosen for the bridesmaids' bouquets, because, well, I have nothing crafty to share!

http://www.fiftyflowers.com

http://www.margaretaflowers.com

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk

And those are the flowers! Pale yellow stock, cream porcelina spray roses and green hydrangea. Only I'm not sure if I'm going to change the green hydrangea. The ones I saw were pale pale green, almost off white, with just a hint of green. Those are the ones I want, not the super green ones (like these)! Now that the dresses are spice, we don't want a repeat of the St. Patrick's Day bridesmaids dresses incident!

Well, I'm going to try to break out of this slump today. Any suggestions are welcome and will be tried!