5 bits of wednesday randomness.

1. Dude. Many of you are really getting slammed with snow right now. Hope you're taking advantage of some extra inside time. Organize a closet. Read with your kids. Clean out the fridge. Watch a good movie. Oh, and back to the organizing ... that's going to be my focus tomorrow here on the blog. So if you could use a little organizing in your life, tune back in and get ready to set some goals.

2. Today's POTD. Assuming something else doesn't happen today that trumps this.



3. Totally honored. Organizing and Productivity Expert Aby Garvey just blogged about the parallels between why people don't scrapbook and why people don't get organized. And then, just today, she addressed "How to Overcome Scrapbook Overwhelm". And guess what? Lil' ol' Project Life is her product pick! Super stoked that a professional organizer has caught the vision of this photo organizational tool.

Aby states, "I think [Project Life] really addresses so many of the obstacles scrapbookers face. Product selection is made easy -- it's all right there for you in the kit. Perfection is addressed. Everything is already designed for you...you simply slide in your photos and journaling cards. The time issue is addressed -- this is a much faster approach than traditional scrapbooking."

She gets it like we get it. You can read Aby's post here.

4. Cookbook for a cause. My friend Brooke told me about this incredible project and I feel compelled to spread the word. Twenty-seven food writers unite and respond to the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010 with a compilation of recipes. All proceeds from the sale of this book will support the people of Haiti. Go here to learn more and to have a peek at Brooke's packed-with-personality food blog. Or go straight to the shopping cart by clicking here. I'm ordering mine today.

5. Will power update. I have totally resisted peanut M&M's since Monday and now ... I have conquered Mint Oreos. At least for yesterday and today. So far.

Baby steps.

thankful #5

I'm thankful for a scrumptious Thanksgiving feast yesterday with my husband's family. I tried a new recipe for sweet potatoes and I am quite certain I'll be making this again and again. Recipe posted here.



I'm thankful that David makes the best buttermilk pancakes ever. And I love knowing that he thinks I "mess them up" and so he has to make them. Sa-weet.



I'm thankful for little pieces of evidence that my kids leave all over the place.

"thank you for holding"

What happens when you're on the phone and put on hold? The music plays. And you wait.

So as you patiently wait for me to get to more FAQs about Project Life (not that you don't have plenty of other things to do right now) ... how about I finally get a new recipe up? It's been a while.



Go to my Recipe page to get my Mom's recipe for chocolate chip cookies that I grew up eating on a regular basis. The very sight of this picture brings back a lot of fond & happy memories.

And speaking of food, feast your eyes on THIS. If this doesn't make you start salivating at the very thought of Thanksgiving coming up next week, I don't know what will. Jaime is super talented in the kitchen and behind the camera. Beautiful combination.

Q&A: Thursday

I had such good intentions of posting yesterday but the day ended up being busier than I anticipated. (Hmmm ... Seems like every day is like that, isn't it?) Anyway, some of you somehow knew it was my birthday. Thank you so much for the happy wishes. The highlight of my day was just hanging out with my little family and being thoroughly entertained with a little someone who was completely thrilled with himself:



On to more of your questions ...

Q: Burning question: Are you and Lisa B sisters? Do you have family in the business?

A: For some reason, I've heard this question many times over the years. Lisa Bearnson and I are dear friends. She was the one who gave me my first real job in the scrapbooking industry so many years ago. Love her to pieces. But no, we're not related.

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Q: Are you going to leave your recipes on your blog? I love them! I don't want to lose them!

A: The recipes are there to stay. Enjoy. : )

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Q: Where do babies come from? Okay, seriously, my question is - Do you look so put together and cute every day? Where is your favorite place to shop for clothes/accessories? I want to "Becky" my wardrobe!

A: When a man and a woman love each other very much ... I love your sense of humor. And I love how this question seriously made me chuckle. This clearly comes from someone who does NOT see me every day. If a ponytail, t-shirt, and comfortable shorts constitutes looking "put together and cute" then I have scored big time. I'm just laughing because I'm the girl who needed a friend to go shopping with me yesterday to find a little ensemble for something. I'm the girl who, several years ago, had my closet raided by a few friends who gave me a "what not to wear" makeover. I'm not kidding. I'm flattered by the question, but not sure that you should be taking advice from me on fashion.

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Q: Will you be adding more Word documents for the school albums?

A: Yes. I have fallen behind on a few things but will get to that soon.

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Q:I know you love Costco, and I'm going to join soon. One reason I want to join is to print 12x12 scrapbook pages. Do you ever do this?

A: Yes. I haven't scrapbooked in quite a while (besides keeping up with my Project 365), but I've dabbled in making a few 100% digital pages and printing them (12x12) at Costco. Very happy with the results. And totally plan on doing more like that when I hopefully get back into my groove with the kids' books here soon.

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Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Not sure if I could nail-down my all-time favorite, but I'll tell you that my current favorite is Sound of Music. I sing the songs with my kids daily.