in the mail | memory keeper

It's here! The free memory keeper I got from papercoterie. I just paid for shipping which is a few bucks. I am very happy with it. I can use it for safe storage for my pictures and postcards. You can use it for all sorts of treasures. Make one for someones birthday coming up, a mom, a sister or friend. You can also still order yours with the $40 credit they are giving away until the end of August. Go and make one today! I saw that Ali made a few too.

documenting life

 I am working on this new scrapbook by Ditto. It is my own cheaper version of Project Life.  I am going to call it Documenting Life instead of  Project Life. It is basically a daily journal that includes pictures and any paraphernalia that you collect as you go about your day. I will include ticket stubs, mail, labels, notes, and any news articles I find interesting. I also plan on documenting weather and any important events that take place. I think it will also work great as a travel journal!

You can purchase this album online or buy it at your nearest Archiver's for a decent price. They have a variety of items to go with it. I started off with the album and insert set which includes all kinds of fun envelopes, paper and stickers. Project Life is on my wish list and hopefully I can one day create one but this alternative album is working for me right now. So far I have added bits of April memories since I didn't start on it until about a week ago. As you can see I still have some work to do on it but it's coming along and I am enjoying it.

organizing makes me happy!

 Since I have a little break from school I can get a few things done around the house. One of the things I did was put these baskets to use. I found these baskets at a yard sale years ago in Waco. Yes, they have been hanging around my house that long! I sometimes I buy things that I might be able to use for organizing or crafts but don't really get to them until months, or in this case, years later. I spray painted them a butter yellow because the colors before were just hideous. Krylon is one of my favorite tools right now and I wish I had taken a before picture. I used Avery removable labels to catagorize each basket. You can find them at your local Target or Walmart.

I am using these baskets as a home for my office supplies. They hang right over my desk so that they are easily accessible. I love having these things right at my fingertips without having to search through a junk drawer for them. Believe it or not these little things make my life less stressful! Clean up is a lot easier and I save time when I don't have to go searching around the house for tape or glue.

this week

Late last night we had a neighborhood black out. All the power went out and everything went pitch black. I went digging for all my candles but it wasn't easy in the dark. I have been given so many candles as gifts in the past and now I can finally put them to use!
I am actually grateful for the black out because it gave us, as a family, time to hang out, laugh and bond. My kids have been bored lately and this sure did bring some excitement in the house. It was like camping out but in our house! We got a quiz book out and tested our knowledge on every subject. Great memories!


Also, I picked up this cute box at Micheal's this week. It was 40% off. There were different sizes and designs and I just had to have one! I am not sure what I will use it for but I have some ideas. A jewelry box, sewing box (as if I sew!) I do have a lot of buttons and small sewing starter kits that I could toss in there, or I may use it for some of my office supplies. Any suggestions?

organizing my photos

Found this really handy box at target for $12. I am using it to store my really old pictures.


I was on a spring cleaning rampage a few weeks ago before I got sick, I am feeling a whole lot better this week, and now I can start back up again. I'd like to have everything in it's place and a place for everything. Right now I am focusing on my pictures. I have so many and it just drives me a bit crazy when they don't have a home. I have just recently purchased Stacy Julian's photo freedom book and it was just the thing I needed to help me with this project.