This morning I woke up to temperatures in the 70s. The 70s! Since this is still technically Summer … and I technically live in Arizona (a.k.a. the desert) … these temperatures are a little glimpse of heaven. It’s actually dipping below 100 degrees during the peak of the day here. People: There is potential for gloriousness right around the corner.
Do you know what this means?? Fall is really coming! I know I’m not alone when I say: Fall is my FAVORITE.
The best part ever, is that this “Fall Fever” I seem to be catching right now is coming at just the right time. You see, I’m headed to St. Paul, Minnesota this week for The Creative Connection where the high temps are in the 50s and 60s. Are you kidding me? I’m so giddy. Must pack cardigans. And perhaps a scarf?
TCC is a gathering of women with passion and creative talent and ambition and entrepreneurial spirits. I’ve never been, but I love the idea. And since I was invited to participate, I will soon be mingling with these fine people … in cool, Fall weather! I will address about 500 attendees on Thursday during a keynote luncheon panel, along side Stacy Julian of Big Picture Classes and Nora Abousteit of BurdaStyle.
Because of this commitment – and what seems to be a million other things swirling around right now – I will be taking a short “blog break” and you may not see a new post here for several days. So … I’m going to leave you with lots of pretty pictures. Claire (nearly 6 now) urged me to bust out the Fall decorations and she eagerly helped me decorate the other day.
No time for new projects right now. No interest in buying any additional items. Just using what we already have. A little dash of Fall has now been sprinkled over the Higgins home. ; )
The picture of that adorable purple dragon is Porter six years ago – when we lived in Ohio. Makes me smile every time I see it.
This is one of the many free downloads I have in my Free Stuff section. Look for “Home is Comfort” in the sidebar (available in four colors).
Check out the details of making over my little pumpkins in THIS POST.
Last year I blogged the how-to on this pumpkin frame project HERE.
I am a fan of having “older” pictures around the house and incorporated into decor. This picture is 6 years old and still a favorite … plus perfectly fitting for Fall. And these childhood pictures of me & David? They’re a year-round classic in our home. Isn’t David the cutest?
If you’re interested in seeing how we decorated last year (slightly different … always fun to change things up a bit, right?), HERE is that 2010 blog post.
Chances are, you went on a trip this Summer. Or had a family reunion. Or played close to home with a staycation. Today I’m sharing an idea with you. An idea on how you can quickly and easily create a photo book with your favorite Summer pictures. Don’t mind the horribly un-flattering freeze frame here. Nice.
I can hardly believe it, but it’s already back-to-school season. Again. I am seriously loving all the school supply abundance in the retail setting. Always inspiring to me.
I know many of you are familiar with the in-the-classroom project I’ve been doing for my kids’ classes over the past few years. You know … the Personal Yearbooks.
I’m not going to repeat and reiterate everything in this blog post. I just wanted to bring this up – as a reminder to those of you who have considered doing this. And also, I want to be sure that all my new readers, particularly parents & teachers of school-age kiddos, know about this. Because it’s a way cool way to help young students create their own month-by-month documentation of a year in school.
I invite you to check out my Free Stuff page and learn all about it. (It’s a free downloadable PDF.) Why we do it, how we do it, supplies needed, plenty of tips, and all the ideas you need to get started. Share this with your fellow parents, teachers, friends with school-age children … anyone you think might be interested.
If you’re not able to take on the project yourself (perhaps you work full-time outside the home), just bring it up with your child’s teacher and you guys could always try to find a parent volunteer in the classroom. Most parents would be happy to do what they can to make this happen. It really is a treasured keepsake for the kids, and a very simple format.
Any of you who have done this, feel free to leave a comment with your own tips + ideas.
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I am getting a lot of questions about our pending school and child related scrapbooking products. This is a completely separate thing from this in-the-classroom Personal Yearbook project that the kids do. Yes, we are working on very cool, very solution-based products that will help you tackle all that childhood and school STUFF that accumulates with your kids … and even the stuff that you have from your own past.
We anticipate an early 2012 release date for these items. Because many of you are anxious to figure out what to do with all the pictures and papers and memorabilia that pile up – especially with a new school year starting – I will be addressing this topic in the coming weeks. We’ll talk organization and preparation. Can’t wait!
Here are a few of my most memorable blog posts, according to you.
1. Bacon My Way. Laura Church said, I can say without a doubt that the post that sticks with me most is the post you did on how you and your mom like your bacon and sharing the perfect method for getting that perfect crispy slice!
2. The Purpose of the Task.Hannah Mize said, That particular post came on a day when I needed to hear those words more than anything else. Thank you for the reminder that everything that we do should have meaning and if it doesn’t, it can wait.
3. It’s the Little Things.Monica in Millersville, Maryland said, When I read this, I felt that you were so proud and that your heart was so full of love for Claire, that no matter what she brought home — “rocks, sticks, picked flowers” — you knew they were for you and a gift from God. It reminds me of how blessed we ARE and SHOULD BE for the little things in life that have so much meaning through the eyes of a child.
4. What You Just Might Need to Hear. Lori in Pismo Beach, California said, I still have that image as my desktop on my laptop! So often I get so wrapped up in life, I forget what it is all about in the crazy business of family and ministry, but this image is a constant reminder to me to slow down, take it in, and remember. And in remembering, to make memories and not forget what this life is for. To not take every day for granted and as much as is possible, enjoy everything life has to offer, even the chaos.
5. Gratitude: A Family Project.Jessica in Australia said, This is such a brilliant idea to show things you are grateful for, and something sweet you can keep on display. I may not have kids, but I still love the idea of recording what I’m grateful for each days, as it makes you appreciate what you have a lot more.
6. Pretzel Hugs. Lorraine said, I have shared that recipe with many thanks to you. LOVE it! Of course I love your scrapbooking ideas as well but this treat is a keeper!
And HERE is a pretty solid list of my “best of” posts from 2010.
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{ BIG announcement }
I posted a NEW recipe (click here), curtesy of e-Mealz! Okay, okay. So that’s not really big. Yummy, but not big.
This is BIG: We made a decision that I think will make many of you very happy. Read all about it in the Project Life UPDATE here. This is big stuff. : )
Happy Mother’s Day — to you mothers, yes. But also to you women who are not necessarily biological mothers. You are women of influence. Whether or not you realize it, your role as a woman is critical.
Every. Single. One of you.
When you make the effort to cultivate a good life — through your work, your example, your service, your nurturing — you make this world a better place. I hope each one of you feels loved. I hope you are able to recognize the good you are doing. I hope you recognize that every hug you give, every kind word, every ounce of sacrifice … it all counts. You are a blessing.
I am so completely grateful to be a mother. And I feel indebted to my own mother, my mother-in-law, my grandmothers, and other remarkable women who came before me. I also feel so blessed to have been so positively influenced by the examples of so many other women in my life as well — some of you dear friends who are reading this.
Sending you a big cyber hug today — super awesome women everywhere.
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{ GIVEAWAY }
Why not, right? Another giveaway this week feels totally appropriate for Mother’s Day! Enter for yourself or feel free to nominate a woman in your life — mom, friend, teacher, co-worker, daughter …
Amy Cornwell wants to give $50 worth of store credit to one of my readers. Check out her jewelry and leave a comment here (don’t forget to leave your name + where you live). As always, be sure to check back here on the blog soon in case your name is the one we randomly select & announce!
I found this chick at Home Goods recently. Something about this little guy was irresistible. Maybe it’s because we really don’t have many Spring-specific decorations. Like – at all. Plus, Arizona usually skips Spring altogether (not this year – it’s been gorgeous!) and gets right to Summer. Anyway, I knew the kids would love this happy symbol of Spring. He’s pretty cute, isn’t he?
No offense to the chick, but I wasn’t a big fan of the gingham ribbon. No problem. I just dug through my trusty collection of ribbon scraps to find something a little more suitable for my taste.
Ah, yes. Black & white polka dots. Bold. Fun. Adorable.
Remember: Whether you already have something that just needs a little updating, or you come across a great find that isn’t quite “just right” … you can always change something little to customize and improve it.
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By the way, that little touch ties in nicely with the other black & white-ness I have going on these days. I love accessorizing with that classic contrasting combo. This fantastic bowl was around $10 or $15 at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx (I can never remember which one).
This faux fur zebra blanket from Target has quickly become our family’s absolute favorite. It’s ridiculously soft and perfect for snuggling. And again — that touch of black & white is so much fun.
I’m going to ask you to do something: Please click on your refresh button. We made some changes to the website, namely the red background. If you’re not seeing red, you need to refresh. See it now?
{ why the red? }
Today we are exactly one month away from Valentines Day. So I thought it’d be fun to splash the color of love on the website to give us all that constant reminder of … well, LOVE. (This is not a permanent change.)
{ love }
Love isn’t just about being in a relationship. It’s not just about having a boyfriend or girlfriend or even being married (although that’s certainly significant and wonderful. In fact, marriage, as we know, often leads to children and I believe FAMILY is most definitely central in God’s Plan of Happiness.)
Love is about even more than that though. Love is what can heal. Love is what can lift another. Through love, burdens are lifted, hearts are mended, and a crummy day becomes blessed. And it doesn’t always mean a close friend or family member. Sometimes it’s a stranger. And you know what? They need love too. Do you realize that even a simple smile can change someone’s entire day?
{ love is a verb }
That’s what they say, right? Well because it’s true. A relationship takes effort. You don’t see a friendship blossom on accident. You don’t see a marriage make it through hard times because husband & wife are waiting for the other to make the first move.
This is a small invitation to each of us to be more proactive in being loving human beings. More patient in our driving. More willing to volunteer our time in service. More likely to following that prompting to phone a friend or write a note of kindness or stop everything you’re doing to read with your child. More effort in changing the subject when gossip flares up. More likely to express gratitude. Being quick to forgive. And more smiling. Definitely more smiling.
{ a visual reminder }
As a small token of my gratitude for you, dear reader, I’m sharing a couple “Love One Another” prints to use however you’d like. Let this visual be a daily reminder of what I hope we can all focus on this month … and always.
Head over to the Free Stuff page to snag your free print(s).
PS – Want a more tangible way to share love this Valentines season? If you missed it last February, this Post-it Love idea might get the wheels a-turnin’. (Unfortunately all the reader comments were erased in last year’s blog server transfer.)
I hope everyone had a truly wonderful weekend. I’d like to share this poem with you. Written by a fellow blog reader, this showed up in my inbox just before Christmas.
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Twas the morning of the 23rd, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
.
The boys were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of x-box games danced in their heads.
With mamma in her bed, still trying to sleep
Could not figure out what was making that peep
.
When at my front door there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the stairs I flew like a flash,
Tore open the front door and hoped I didn’t crash.
.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of early morning to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Purolator Man, and a box filled with cheer!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
.
He spoke a few words, but went straight to his work,
And handed me my package, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger on the box for me to sign,
I quickly followed by putting my name on the dotted line!
.
He sprang to his van, to his horn gave a whistle,
And away he drove like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
My box full of cheer was a total surprise!
Didn’t expect it would come , I’m not gonna lie!
She continues…
Just wanted to share my excitement about getting my Project Life 2011 early! I am SOOOOOOOOO excited. I live in Canada and we always get things late, late , late. But this was such a nice surprise to get my package early, early, early!!!!
Thanks for creating this project. I got my first Project Life this year and it has been such a blessing in my life. I have taken pictures of moments that would have never been captured. It’s so much a part of who I am now – taking pictures of the everyday stuff. Thank-you for helping me to capture in a book what MY life is really all about.
Tamara in Okotoks, Alberta (Canada)
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Thank you Tamara! I love her wit and humor and excitement and the fact that she took the time to share that with me. Dar-LING. And remember MaryAnn’s video thank-you message and tour of her Project Life book? She, like Tamara, and like many of you, has also received her Project Life.
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I’d love to see everyone’s I-got-my-Project-Life! pictures. It’s simple.
1. When you get your product, have someone take your picture with “the big white box”. Or get in front of the mirror. Or set the timer. (No, it doesn’t need to be in front of a Christmas tree.) Get creative or keep it simple. However you do it, you’ll have a little glamour shot of you + Project Life.
Note: When you email me the picture, please be aware that you are giving me permission to share your picture here on my website or in other promotional material.
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No, we are not done with the 12 Videos of Christmas. As far as I’m concerned, the Christmas season lasts as long as I’m eating fudge. And I’m still eating fudge.
The next video will be a tour of the Project Life kit, for those who are curious about what to expect when you open the box. In the meantime, many thanks to those of you who have ordered and who are telling others about Project Life.
Day 1 of sales resulted in Project Life being the #1 and #2 best-selling products in the entire Home & Garden section of Amazon on December 23. This screenshot was my POTD (picture of the day) for that very exciting Thursday. Again, thank you!
The talented Zachary Baird plays an original rendition of The First Noel on the piano. I looove piano music, so I’m having him serenade all of us today. And … one day when he’s really famous for his amazingness, you can say you first heard about him here on my blog. : )
Enjoy.
The transcript for this video can be viewed & printed HERE.
How’s this for a change of pace? Today we’re learning a few hairstyling tips & tricks. Hope you enjoy these ideas, whether you use them for yourself or your friend/sister/daughter.
A big, giant thank-you to Becki of Whippy Cake and her right-hand woman Wendy for hanging out with me in my bathroom so we could shoot this little video. If you’re interested in the products Becki talks about in the video, check your local beauty supply or click HERE and you’ll see them in my Amazon store … since I now use & love the stuff.
***Added: For the transcript of this video, click HERE.
Here’s something your youngsters can make for their little friends. It’s quick and inexpensive and personalized. Little custom notebooks.
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What you need:
- original artwork
- scanner & computer
- mini notebooks (Target/WalMart/office supply)
- Mod Podge
- craft/foam brush
- disposable plate
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Simple steps to create:
Step 1. Have your child draw something festive. (Of course this idea can be used any time. It’s not holiday-specific.) Be sure they put their name somewhere.
Step 2: Scan the art. In your photo editing software, crop to desired dimensions based on the size of your notebooks.
Step 3: In a word processing program (Word, Pages, etc.), drop in copies of the art and be sure they’re the exact size you need them to be.
Step 4: Print however many you need and trim to size. Plain copy paper is just fine.
Step 5: Spread Mod Podge all over the entire notebook cover. Place art. (Mod Podge, if you’ve never used it, is basically glue.)
Step 6: Once the art is in place, spread Mod Podge over top the entire cover again. Allow to dry. (It dries pretty quickly and it dries clear, leaving a nice protective layer over the art.)
Step 7: Help your kiddo spread holiday cheer to their friends.
Oh, and guess what? The new products have arrived to our distributer Down Under already, so if you’re in New Zealand or Australia … lucky you! The Project Life kits & accompanying products are beginning to ship Dec. 15. If you’re Down Under and haven’t ordered, click HERE.
We have some very special friends - the Fuchs ("fewks") family - that are adjusting to a "new normal" with their special-needs daughter who had a terrible accident and is now confined to a wheelchair. You can read all about it HERE
For the benefit of Claire's family - and also for the benefit of many generous sponsors - I opened my blog for advertising for one month only! This is temporary + the ads will run February 1 - 29, 2012. 100% of the ad fees have gone directly to Claire's family.
Because of the nature of this fundraiser and the need to keep the entire process very, very simple - we are not taking any more sponsors at this time. Anyone who wants to reach out to the Fuchs family with a note of encouragement, or a letter in the mail, or even a cash donation, can find that information HERE
