Katie Stories {Scrapbook + Crafting Blog}: Baton Rouge

Showing posts with label Baton Rouge. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Scrapbook Room {Our First Home}

Happy Wednesday!

So, I planned to share this yesterday, but life happened. If you follow me on instagram, you probably already saw this.

AJ and I are moving back to New York! We are so excited to be going back home and being close to family again. And I don't think its been a big secret that we didn't love Louisiana.

But part of leaving is saying goodbye to this house, which does leave me feeling a little sad. We've only lived here for a few months,but it was our first house. So my goal before we leave is to photograph all the rooms so I don't forget them.

I started with my scrapbook room.

I love this room. All of my scrappy things are here, and when I'm mid project, I just shut the door and no one can see the mess. Its such a huge change from when my Expedit bookshelves were our tv stand and my desk was in the corner of the living room (where people put drinks on it during parties...don't even get me started on how much that drove me crazy!)

I'm really hoping we can continue to have a space for my scrap things, because having them (and all the clutter they create!) out of our main living area has been awesome!

Where do you keep your craft things?

Friday, September 19, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 26 + Week 27}

This week was a whirlwind - we had visitors, we were in New Orleans, I had the worst cough ever and lost my voice, I shared a new layout over at Julie's, and throughout it all, I was teaching

It was so amazing to see our friends though, it had been way too long now that we are all spread out all over the country!

I can't wait to get the pictures printed, but I'm trying to work chronologically, so I need to get through June and July and August first!

So that's what I worked on when I got home from work last night :)

Week 26 | June 23 - June 29

Things got a little stressful this week because it was the start of all of this drama. I chose not to journal about it here though. Instead, I focused on our impromptu overnight trip to New Orleans. We had a great time staying in the Garden District - it was the first time we visited there. And we got beignets, my absolute favorite!

And I also finished up my scrap room. Its a bit messy right now, as we had to turn it into a third bedroom while our friends were visiting, but I'm planning to clean it up this weekend and share pictures on Tuesday!

Week 27 | June 30 - July 6

Fourth of July week was pretty quiet around here. I basically only had pictures from 4th of July! So I decided to go all out with my Project Life page and my holiday kit. I am totally loving how it all came together. And I also love the top left pocket - it is see through with just a card in the middle. When it lines up with the pages behind it, you can see part of a baseball game and part of a vineyard.

I've been using see through spaces in the pockets more this year, and I'm really liking them! What are your go to design elements lately?

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Summer Goldfish Yarn Wreath {Home Decor}

Happy Wednesday!

This summer, I really wanted to make a goldfish wreath. It was partly inspired by goldfish crackers, and part by my new fish doormat from Target (that I totally forgot to photograph and now its dark outside and the bugs are there...so I'll try to add one after work when its light out!)

I actually started it in May, but then life happened and I got sidetracked.

So while my mom was here and I was hanging out on the couch, we finished sewing the fishies and stuffing them with polyfil!

I used matching thread for two of the fish, and contrasting thread for the third one. I like how simple it is, but from far away (like when I'm driving up to the house after work), it looks like the fishies are swimming on my door! And it makes me smile :)

Do you dress up your door for summer?

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 25}

Ahhhhh! It feels so good to be back here, writing again.

After my internet break, I was overwhelmed about coming back to my blog. I felt guilty that I was behind on catching up with what was going on with all of my blog friends. I couldn't believe that I let so much time, and so many posts go by. And I couldn't imagine here again until I caught up, but was so overwhelmed I would just shut down at the idea of it.

And then I remembered the worst thing a scrapper could do - feel so behind and overwhelmed that they stopped scrapping. And this was exactly what I was doing with my other favorite hobby, blogging! And being honest, I wasn't scrapping or taking pictures, even cooking was a chore and not enjoyable!

So Saturday morning, I decided to chill out and just blog again. So here I am.

And it feels so wonderful to be back. And sharing a Project Life layout from before my break, which just makes me remember even more how much I missed this!

Week 25 | June 16 - June 22, 2014

This week was a big part of my summer scrapbook extravaganza! The left page shows some of my crafts from that week, including a moving box turned Fourth of July wreath, and working on my layouts in my scrapbookroom.

The right side shows a few other favorite moments from this summer. Including my favorite summer "uniform" of shorts + a sweatshirt (our house is cold, but the outside is hot!) + watching the World Cup at a local bar with some of AJ's friends.

And somewhat fittingly for this post about getting back to posting one of my favorite stamps "Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life."

Do you ever feel guilt or overwhelmed about falling behind, in blogging, crafting or anywhere in your life? How do you handle it?

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Update + Some Around the House Decorations

Hi everyone!

How are you?! I know I've disappeared without any real explanation for a few weeks now. Things here were a little crazy, and I had to put away the computer + kindle fire + iphone for a little bit. Basically, anything that could get me on google had to be limited.

Let me explain why.

I had a little medical scare this summer. Not the whole fainting in church-wearing heart monitors for a ridiculously long time-finding out everything is okay scare. Another one. Its been a fun summer. (Actually, despite all this, it has been a fun summer!)

In a nut shell, I had to have a biopsy done on a tiny little lump. Fortunately, the results came back benign. Unfortunately, the tiny little lump still needs to be removed completely just to be sure its all okay. Which is actual real surgery. On Friday.

And that's why I needed to be away from google. As soon as I found out what type of lump it was, I started googling everything I could think of. I'd try to write a blog post, or answer emails, or go to bloglovin, and the next thing I knew, I'd have 85 tabs open about this instead. And I was driving myself crazy. So I just took a break from the internet all together.

And it helped.

But I missed all my blogging friends. So I've been on the internet for 17 minutes now, and not one thing has been googled, so I think I'm good to go! Right?!

While I was taking my internet break, I did a whole bunch of other things to keep myself busy though.

hanging out in New York | finally finishing our bar area with a picture collage and large mirror | making a set of shelves for the foyer | changing up the mantle from 4th of July to summer | wine tasting | seeing the Brooklyn Cyclones for the first time | {not pictured} remembering my snap.scrap.share post for Julie (although it took me over an hour longer to write than it should have thanks to google...)

Okay, I'm off to go clean up the house while I've got this great burst of energy, since that kind of didn't happen during my internet break either ;)

I'll be back on Friday with a Project Life layout and then next week I will resume my Tuesday layout + Friday Project Life + random projects and things from around the house when I have them to share on Wednesday schedule!

Yay!

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Summer List 2014 {Update}

Every year, I write a summer list of fun things I want to do. Some years it works out great, and others it doesn't. But for the first time, I thought I'd check in about halfway through the summer and see how it is all going!

read three new books | so far I've only read two books that were entirely new to me - Outliers and Paris
go to the beach | Harbor Island, South Carolina...and I'm in New York right now. Although its raining, so we haven't gone to the beach yet, just the vineyards, the pool, and the outlets!
shop at the farmer's market | we finally checked out the one in Baton Rouge - and got about a zillion jalepenos for just $1!
make pesto | I did, with this recipe, but I forgot to take a picture :(
have a picnic | does our indoors one count?
take a picture every day | thanks to #100happydays on instagram, I've actually kept up with this one!
go to a concert | Bayou Country Superfest!
take a road trip | we drove all the way to South Carolina and back, hitting Atlanta and Savannah along the way!

And still left to do before Labor Day...

go for a bike ride | make coronoa cupcakes | finish wedding photo book |

make s'mores | grill a pizza | do a summer puzzle

I can do this...right?

Friday, July 4, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 22}

Happy 4th of July!

Just a quick post today to share a Project Life layout - because it is Friday! Isn't it great when a holiday falls on a Friday and you get a three day weekend?!

Week 22 | May 26 - June 1, 2014

This was the second to last week of school. Grades were due though, so we didn't have too much to do after Tuesday! Instead, my students taught me to play a new card game, Split, at recess. That was fun - its definitely a game I'd like to play again, but you need more than two people, so it will have to wait until AJ and I are home in New York.

AJ and I also did a few other fun things at home, like shopping at Williams-Sonoma, watching "Saving Mr. Banks" with our favorite movie snacks, enjoying the Mets game outside (and the won! Yeah!) I also had to wear a heart monitor for 10 days starting this week. That wasn't too fun, but I got the leads mostly hidden so it wasn't too obvious when I was out and about.

Well, I'm off to go make our special 4th of July breakfast :) What are you up to today?

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Mardi Gras 2014 {Scrapbook Layout}

Happy Tuesday!

How was your weekend? Ours was pretty fun on Friday and Saturday - we took an overnight trip to New Orleans! Then on Sunday it was a little scary - we found black widow spiders got into our garage near the door! I don't like spiders normally, so poisonous spiders are definitely not my thing.

But that's enough talking about spiders, because I'm getting the creeps!

Let's talk about not scary scrapbook layouts instead :)

This layout is about our first Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana. We decided to go to the Spanish Town parade in Baton Rouge - it was so much fun! We went with two of AJ's coworkers and met up with mine and her family.

I couldn't see a thing, so I stood on top of a column {that picture is in this layout} I think that was my favorite part of the parade - actually being able to see what was going on. I think its the first parade I've ever been too that I could see about the heads of everyone else! I guess that's the life of being short.

One of my favorite things about this layout is the letters. They are actually white and I just used a sharpie to color them in to fit my page - I love doing this, I am definitely going to be sad when I run out of those white letter stickers!

What supply are you going to miss when you run out?

Friday, June 20, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 21}

Happy Friday!

Week 21 | May 19 - May 25

This layout really focuses on Memorial Day weekend. Its the official start of summer, and I couldn't wait for this weekend. We hung out in our backyard Friday night + went a crawfish boil on Saturday (our first!) On Sunday, AJ got me tickets to Bayou Country Superfest for my birthday. I love Eric Church and have been waiting to see him in concert for a long time. And it was so so worth it - he was awesome!

Just like last week, I wanted to include the tickets + schedule in my layout. Unlike last week, I could have put these into a page protector, because being able open/read them isn't as important. But, I had the hole puncher out, and I decided to just punch holes and put them directly into my album. Simple, easy and done!

Friday, June 13, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 20}

Happy Friday!

How is your summer going? I am just loving every second of being off from work and recharging for the new school year. But seriously, let's not talk about the new school year yet.

Let's talk about Project Life instead :)

Week 20 | May 12 - May 18

This was a pretty crazy week for everyone in my family! My brother graduated from law school on Saturday! We are all so proud of him :) Unfortunately, AJ and I couldn't attend because it was halfway across the country on Saturday morning and we couldn't make it in time due to work. But, everyone kept us in the loop with lots and lots of pictures (thank you Mom + Dad + Jamie!)

We also had a bit of drama this week. Monday night, we attended Confirmation at our church. Everything was going great - right up until the very end of Communion! I passed out! Fortunately, we were surrounded by good friends, including two nurses, who were able to take charge of the situation and were so so helpful.

Although I did end up in the emergency room until 1am! Fortunately, everything seems to be okay, but we had to get it checked out.

I was feeling much better on Tuesday. Better enough to bake cookies for AJ's plant's crawfish boil. Of course, AJ helped me too. He was great at icing the Andes Mint cookies {recipe found from Becky Higgin's blog - and is definitely a new favorite}

And Wednesday was my birthday! We celebrated twice - once on my actual birthday with dinner at a local restaurant + cake + presents. And again on Saturday with dinner in Baton Rouge. I loved celebrating all week long :)

Since we had lots of "things" from this week that I didn't want to cut up - the Confirmation program + my birthday cards - I decided to just punch holes in them and put them right into my book. I could have included them in protectors, but because I want to be able to easily open and flip through these items, I decided to just punch holes directly into them and leave them out of the page protectors.

Do you include "things" - cards, maps, programs, etc. - in your albums? How do you like to display them?

Friday, June 6, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 19}

Happy Friday!

I'm officially on summer break (yay!) But something crazy is going on. I keep waking up at 5:30am every day! Part of me likes getting up early because I get so much done...and part of me hates it because its summer.

But it worked out well today, because the summer I-have-no-idea-what-day-of-the-week-it-is mind set is already here, and I almost forgot to post my Project Life layout! Silly me.

Fortunately, I remembered and I was up early enough to post it now!

Week 19 | May 5 - May 11

This week got off to a bad start. On my way to work I was in a very very minor car accident. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Unfortunately, the side view mirror broke off my car. Just the mirror part, not the holder or anything. It was pretty weird, to be honest. AJ ordered the part on Amazon for $20 and tried to put it on himself when it arrived, but neither of us could get it in to stay put. It was pretty frustrating!

But, we also did some fun things this week - a shopping trip to the new Costco, walked outside, AJ got a new "engineer" shirt, and I tried a new bread recipe. I actually didn't love the recipe, but it was still fun to do!

Well, since I'm up super early, I should go do something productive so I can relax this weekend. Maybe clean, maybe do some laundry, maybe take a nap ;)

What are you up to this weekend?

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Summer List {2014}

Hello Summer!

Well, summer's officially starting tomorrow at noon. And if we are going by the weather, summer's been here since April. Yay Louisiana...

The past few summers, I've created a list of things to do before school starts - and sometimes I even throw in a list for fall.

I usually wait until after the last day of school to post my list. But I am so so ready for it to be today (and I accidentally wrote it as today in my day planner!) and tomorrow's only a half day, so I decided to just post it now!

Sometimes they work out great {fall 2013} And I end up with lots of fun pages in my Project Life album {summer 2012} And other times, it doesn't work out so well {summer 2013}

But that's okay, because I still love making a new list every summer, even if we start school with none of it being done!

I already know that a few of things this will happen {road trip | beach} and some have already happened {concert} But there are a few I know probably won't be perfect {take a picture every day} but that isn't going to stop me from trying!

What's on your summer agenda this year?

Friday, May 23, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 18}

Happy Friday!

Are you looking forward to the three day weekend? I am! We have lots of fun plans - a crawfish boil, a concert, some crafting and, of course, relaxing!

I'll be working on this wreath and of course Project Life! I'm all the way done through Week 18...now I just need to order the rest of the pictures so I can get moving on the next weeks!

Week 18 | April 28 -May 4, 2014

This was the first week back at school after Spring Break. We had Super Hero day at school - and I wore my neon pink tights (I didn't retouch that picture at all - they are THAT pink!) And the Mets played the Phillies, so we were able to wear our awesome 10.5 Phillies/Mets shirts (thanks T&J!) We also did some fun things around the house - like tapas date night, made a chalkboard burlap runner, sealed all the windows (okay, that wasn't so fun!) and relaxed with some Corona (that was fun!)

And I made a whole bunch of waffles to freeze for breakfasts later in the month (one is heating up as I type!) I love making waffles and bread and granola bars for us. It just makes me feel like I am doing something really really good for our little family. You see, I used to be the pickiest eater. And I'm so excited whenever I try something new (like homemade waffles vs. Eggo!)

But, I'm still a little bit picky. Like, I don't eat ground meat or seafood. I just don't like the texture. Usually, its not an issue, but I'm a little nervous about it this weekend. Remember how I said we were going to a crawfish boil. Well, I don't eat seafood.

So, usually I just quietly eat other things - like the potatoes and corn and desserts! - but sometimes people notice and some people make a huge deal that I don't eat seafood. And it kind of drives me crazy. And I never know what to say, because I don't want to be rude, so I just sit there and don't say anything at all. Or I apologize that my tastes aren't to their liking. But there has to be a better response!

Which leads me to a question for all of you...what do you do when someone comments on your eating habits?

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Bachelor Party {Mini Album}

Happy Tuesday!

I am so glad that I finally found some time to scrapbook this week and I was able to finish up this mini album that I started way back in February!

Last summer, I made two mini albums with the Bella Blvd. Engaged at Last line - one for my shower and one for my bachelorette party. So I wanted to make a matching one for AJ's bachelor party. But AJ's bachelor party was a lot closer to the wedding than mine, so it took a long time for this album to get put together.

I left a blank journaling square to fill in where they ate, what they did, etc. But I have to get the information from AJ, and I keep forgetting to ask him! That's what happens when I scrap when he isn't home.

Do you ever create matching albums or mini albums for events? I can't think of too many things were I'd be able to do this, but I loved doing it for our bachelor/bachelorette parties!

Friday, May 16, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 16 + Week 17}

Happy Friday!

I am so glad that this week is over. I am so done with the craziness that it brought!

Last night was not crazy, and I was so happy. While AJ was at his last night of bowling league, I made lots of Project Life layouts.

Week 16 | April 14 - April 20, 2014

Just a few weeks before Easter, my parents surprised us and told us they wanted to fly down for Easter. And so my dad could see the house - he hadn't visited yet!

The whole left side are pictures from the beginning of their visit. They flew in on Good Friday, and we visited Mississippi on Saturday. It was so fun to have them in town with us.

On the right side, I added a picture of AJ and I at a going away party for a friend, a picture of our Easter Egg hunt at school + a holidy mini kit card about Easter + a snapshot of the readings for Easter Sunday at church.

I also added these fun stars in to some of the pockets that weren't entirely filled. I love how fun they are, and how they add color to the see through elements!

Week 17 | April 21 - April 27, 2014

My parents stayed until Wednesday. We mostly hung around the house, went shopping and went out to eat. I don't have too many pictures, but I did manage to get a few of their first crawfish experience! My dad liked them, but my mom didn't like having to crack open the shells - so AJ did it for her. I just enjoyed from behind the camera, they are so not my thing!

The next weekend, we went to the Zurich Golf Classic in New Orleans. You are allowed to take pictures on the course, but I did take a picture of our dinner date afterwards (man, do I love that spinach dip!)

Even now, when I don't take "a lot" of pictures in a week, I still end up with more than enough for my Project Life. I think the camera is my favorite part about upgrading to the iphone from my blackberry last summer! Its always with me, and its so easy to grab a quick picture of whatever we are doing.

What is your go-to camera?

Friday, May 9, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 14 + Week 15}

Happy Friday everyone!

Just this week, AJ was telling me that he couldn't remember what our apartment in Chicago looked like. I was so happy to have a Project Life album from when we were living there. There were so many pictures of the apartment - dinners, parties, hanging out watching tv, the view from the big window {oh man do I miss that view!}, even the entrance way + the outside of the building.

It just reminded me how much I love documenting our lives right now, because one day right now is the past, and it can be hard to remember all the little details.

Week 14 | March 31 - April 6

I flew to California for a wedding this week. It was my first time there, and the first time I'd seen some of our friends from Chicago since we left. It was so great to catch up and to celebrate our friends' marriage. The last wedding I included in Project Life was pretty detailed. But I only included an overview here, since I will probably be making a traditional layout about this one.

Unfortunately, AJ couldn't join me on this trip. There are two weeks every year that he is not allowed to take off from work called turnaround. He has to work every day, not even a weekend off, so taking off four days to fly to California was just not an option. He was very disappointed to miss this special occasion. And I missed having him there, but I was very proud of myself for flying across the country and navigating the LA freeway all by myself!

Week 15 | April 7 - April 13

The next week was a big contrast from all the celebrating + catching up + beach going of the weekend before. It was just back to normal around here, going to work, hanging out outside and doing chores around the house. We bought a lawn mower + cut the grass, put together our new grill + cooked dinner on it, and watered the lawn (most areas with a sprinkler, but one by hand).

I also left some empty space in this layout. Under the picture of the tree right page, bottom left pocket I am going to add these cute star sprinkles I have, but I want to wait until I create the other side's pocket so I can seal it up. I am going to leave the space next to the 4x6 vertical card empty so you can see through to next week...at least, that is the plan right now!

Seriously, I cannot get over this picture of him watering the grass by hand. In his socks. With gardening gloves hanging off the side of his belt. And aviator sunglasses + a baseball cap. He looks slightly bad-ass, and slightly like an old man who yells "Hey kids! Get off my lawn!"

But he won't have to water the lawn this weekend. Its been raining here all morning! Hopefully the weather gets nicer this weekend though, I was looking forward to spending some time outside. What are you up to this weekend?

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Day in the Life {2014}

Happy Thursday!

I'm really excited about today - I will be playing along with Ali Edward's Day in the Life! This is one of my favorite projects all year long, and always ends up with me looking forward to Week in the Life (starting September 8 this year).

But for now, its just about today. I'll be sharing on Instagram all day {you can see those pictures here}

I'm thinking this year I will add my photos as an insert in Project Life...or maybe a separate traditional layout...obviously I haven't thought it out yet!

Are you playing along today? Let me know in the comments where you will be sharing your pictures - I'd love to check them out :)

Friday, May 2, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 12 + Week 13}

Happy Friday!

I'm so looking forward to this weekend! Its supposed to be beautiful weather, and we don't have anything to do. Except maybe drive to New Orleans to see Bruce Springsteen at the Jazz Festival. I lost count of how many times I've seen it but it would be around my 16th time if we went.

I'm just not sure if I'm up for all that the Jazz Festival is {hot, outside, packed} because my allergies have been wreaking havoc on my heading + sinuses this week...but I do love seeing Springsteen, so we will have to see!

Week 12 | March 10 - March 16

This week started off with St. Patrick's Day. I went all out this year with my clothes (green shirt + shamrock headband + these adorable socks from my mom), our food and our drinks. Its so fun to make "little" holidays feel special too. To really make it stand out in my Project Life, I used the Holiday Mini Kit for the lucky card + the little green triangle + labels (cut from another journaling card in the kit).

We also flew to Baltimore for our friends' wedding. It was a very full weekend - we spent Friday with friends we haven't seen since our own wedding, Saturday celebrating and Sunday visiting with my parents and aunt who came down to Maryland for lunch since we were on the east coast.

I found the dirtiest snow pile in history while we were in Baltimore. I so missed snow this year. And I couldn't help but jump in and a take a selfie. And then I had to send my extremely muddy pants to the laundry at the hotel!

We had a bit of a mess up the morning of the wedding. AJ + Jim got ready at the hotel, and Katey (Jim's girlfiend) + I were going to drop them at the groom's house for pictures. Well, we get there, and there is no one at the house! The boys were wandering the block in their tuxes (and us girls were in our pjs!), looking for the house, and frantically calling the groom and the best man! Fortunately, the best man finally answer the phone and told us we had the wrong house number and were up the street.

Week 13 | March 17 - March 23

This was a pretty regular week at home. Rainy days + brownies + crafting. I accidentally put the Mets opening day pictures on this week. They accidentally belong to the next one. I'm not sure if I'm going to change it, or just add a date stamp and move on.

I so love this wreath {tutorial here} and I love that my mom and Nonni made the same wreaths this same weekend in New York. I love when we do the same crafts, even when we are far apart :)

By the way...have you entered the giveaway for $30 off any purchase at BurlapFabric.com? All you have to do is follow Burlap Fabric on Facebook and you have a chance to win!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Chalkboard Banner Burlap Table Runner {Tutorial} Plus a BurlapFabric.com {Giveaway}

Happy Weekend Eve and Happy May!

I love May: the school year is winding down, my birthday is this month and its fun to start sprucing up the house now that spring is here. And you know, since the wedding, when I do some sprucing up, burlap is almost always involved!

As if they knew I was looking for something to decorate my new house, the lovely people at BurlapFabric.com reached out and asked if I'd be interested in creating a tutorial with some of their products + hosting a giveaway for my readers!

You bet I jumped all over that!

The hardest thing was deciding what I wanted to create a tutorial with. We just got our new table delivered, so I knew I wanted something to decorate our table. It was just a question of what?

There were so many table linens to chose from! I was pretty torn between place mats and a table runner. And then I got distracted by this tree skirt and almost went all Christmas on everyone!

Fortunately, AJ was home and I let him decide. And that's how I ended up with a burlap table runner :)

{Materials}

14x90 table runner
Cardstock or heavy paper (I had these index card dividers on hand)
Chalkboard paint - spray paint or paint on would work
Glue (I planned on using tacky glue, but ended up using a glue gun because it dries faster!)
Embroidery floss
Large needle

{Directions}

Step 1 | Decide how many banner shapes you want or can fit on your runner. This one fit 9.

Step 2 | Create your banner shapes. I started with a 4x6 rectangle (after I cut off that little index tab). Then, I cut a 2" triangle out of the bottom to make my pennant shape.

Step 3 | Paint the banners with the chalkboard paint. I used a little trick here and adhered them to the box with repositionable tape so they stayed still while I painted. It worked really well inside...but it was not strong enough to hold them down with the very windy conditions outside. And that's why I was painting in the guest bathroom.

I gave each banner three coat of paint so they were extra chalkboardy. Then I let them sit for 3 days, as per the directions.

Step 4 | Using the side of your chalk, cover each banner totally in chalk to prime the surface. Then wipe it clean.

Step 5 | Glue them down to your burlap runner. I ended up going with a glue gun, instead of tacky glue here. Either way, make sure you put something under the runner. It was a lot easier to separate the glue from this paper than it would have been from the floor!

Step 6 | This step is entirely optional. I used embroidery floss to stitch a banner ribbon at the top of each pennant. I just liked how it looked, but it is definitely not necessary!

Step 7 | Write a message and enjoy!

Step 8 | Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a coupon code good for $30 off any purchase at BurlapFabric.com There are so many wonderful things to purchase - from lace ribbon and rolls of fabric to home decor items and bags. What would you buy with the $30?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, April 11, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 10 + Week 11}

Happy Friday!

Today is the last Friday before Spring Break! Next week is a short week, and we are off on Friday. I can't wait!

And, for the first time in three weeks, AJ and I are both home + not working for the weekend!

In fact, its been so long that these Project Life layouts are from the last time that we both had the weekend off together!

Week 10 | March 3 - March 9

This week was Mardi Gras break! I guess it wasn't too long ago, but it feels like it was months ago right now! I mostly stayed close to home, cleaning, unpacking, cooking and planting flowers. It wasn't a very exciting week, but it was a relaxing one and I loved it!

Week 11 | March 10 - March 16

It was back to school this week. But we also had some exciting things going on. Our new dining room table was delivered, and I painted the accent wall behind our mantle - until I ran out of paint! I did finish it though, and posted it here. I also got a new charm for my bracelet. My mom gets me a charm from every city that we live in. So far, I have one from New York, one from Chicago, and now a Louisiana one!

I guess that is all for me. I better start getting ready to start my Friday, so I can finish my Friday and start my weekend! What are your plans for today?