Blogging - Since 2007

Seven years ago I wrote down a few words floating around in my head.  It wasn't anything mind-blowing, just my thoughts.  Since then, I have shared scrapbook layouts, my random everyday life, our love of Disney, our sweet puppies and everything else in between.  I have made some wonderful friends, some of whom I've been lucky to meet in real life.

Lately, I haven't been on top of the sharing part, but I still try.  Sometimes, I like to go through some of my old posts and re-live the memories I've shared.

If anyone is reading this, I thank you for stopping by.  I like it even more when you take the time to leave a comment, I like connecting with people that way.  It's fun to share when you have things in common and can connect on that level.

Hoping to share more as time goes by, whether it's something fantastic or the everyday.  That how life goes and these words describe mine.

From Online To Real Life

Since I started scrapping back in 2003, I never thought I'd meet people with the same interests as me. On Two Peas, I fell in love with Laura Vegas' work and eventually found her blog. From there we emailed back and forth. Always encouraging each other.

Later on, through Laura, I "met" Carla. Over the years we graduated to exchanging Christmas cards, texts and playing Words with Friends. ?;);:;;;  ;

Eventually, Laura and Carla got to meet in real life while filming an info-mercial, so cool. I was happy for them. Since Laura lives in California, Carla is in Illinois, and I'm in New Jersey, I didn't think the chances of us meeting would ever be good. 

Fast forward to this summer.

We were planning our trip to Disney World for the end of August, as usual, when I found out Carla was going to be in Florida about an hour away from us at the same time! We crossed our fingers we would be able to meet up during the trip. 

On her last day Carla took a detour from going to the airport to come to our hotel to meet up. (We don't rent a car there). We had spent the day at Typhoon Lagoon water park but left a little later than expected. We made it back to the hotel just before she got there, so Joe and the girls went back to they room to shower up and I had to meet Carla looking like a hot mess in my bathing suit. LOL! Oh well! We got to spend twenty minutes together and she got to meet Joe and Gianna back at the room. We had Joe take our pic on the balcony with the castle in the background. Perfect! 

A week or so after getting home, Laura was going to be in Connecticut, I found out it's about 45 mins away from me. After texting back and forth with Laura, we figured out when the best time would be. I had to make it a quick visit since my father-in-law was coming over later the same day. I asked Joe what the possibility of meeting up with her were and after some back and forth we decided to take the ride together. 

I met Laura at the hotel (Joe took the girls to eat, so we could have "girl time") and we walked over to Starbucks for drinks. If you know Laura, she is all about Stabucks! I admitted to her I have never had their coffee and wouldn't have the first clue how to even order!!  Lol! (I happily got a hot chocolate.) She then filled me in on the convention and showed me where she taught her class. I've never been to a crop never mind a weekend getaway so I took it all in!  She got to meet Joe and the girls when they came back to pick me up, and Marissa took some pics of us.

It was so great to finally meet both Carla and Laura! After so many years and emails, it was great to finally talk in person! Now to one day actually scrap together! LOL! 

Six Years Of Sharing

Today marks my 6th year of blogging.

SIX years.

That just amazes me. I've been blogging and sharing my life for six whole years. I know, I haven't been blogging regularly lately, but I haven't given up. I'm still here.  Some days I wonder if I should just shut it down, but then I remember that I enjoy it. Joe will even make comments when I don't blog, asking if ill update soon.  So, I guess someone, besides me, likes reading about my life.

Yes, I read my own blog.  Some days I'll just randomly go through some of my old posts and re-live the memories. Might sound boring to some, but I enjoy it.  Sometimes, I'll just go through my old scrapbook layouts for inspiration. It's like reading an old book.

Anyway, if anyone out there is still reading this blog, Thank You. I appreciate it. 

My First Rambling Post of the Year

I am starting 2013 with great intentions.  I refuse to use the word "resolution", since I haven't been the best at keeping them. 

I am not jumping on the "exercise bandwagon", since I have been working out in some way throughout the year....just not consistently enough.  I'll do good for a few weeks, a couple months then WHAM! Life gets in the way and my routine becomes a memory.  The little progress I've made vanishes.  I would like to see more consistency and progress.  I refuse to get discouraged when I don't have time to workout since that's always been a problem for me in the past.  I would like to workout an hour a day but some days (like today) I only have time for a 1/2 hour session.  That's OK, just got to make it count.

I am also going to eat more salads on the days when I've havent' been good during the day.  Like today.  I stopped at Dunkin Donuts after going food shopping and had a Bacon, Egg & Cheese Croissant, with hash browns.  **GUILTY**  But I also didn't eat again until 3:30.  Then had a salad at dinner.

Like I said I'm not perfect.

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On a completely different note, I've decided to do Project Life again this year.  There will be a few changes to my approach but nothing that crazy.  

My weeks will go Monday to Sunday, instead of Sunday to Saturday.  I found that I had a hard time breaking up the weekend.  I'm just OCD with that. ;)

Another change is using papers from my stash to make my own kit (along with some 3x4 & 4x6 grid journaling cards from Becky Higgins). I haven't got it put together yet, but I've got a few ideas.  This mostly happened when I was going through some papers that needed to be purged but I still liked them enough in small bits.

 

I often wasn't thrilled with the original "Cherry" edition that I have been working with and often looked to my stash for something more inspiring.  So why not??  I always feel guilty when I don't use my supplies so this kills two birds with one stone.

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Last but not least, I would like to be a better blogger again.  I had a slow start to it this year but lately I find my self enjoying it again.  I'm not as dedicated to it as I was a few years ago or the one year that I had 300+ posts, but I know I can do better than the last two years.  I'm not promising a daily post nor will it always be something crafty.  I also want to remember the daily happenings that I see when I randomly read my older posts.  Everybody does that right?  Not just me?? 

With that I am off to squeeze in my half hour on the exercise bike. I need to feel the burn! (trying to pump myself up. bleh!)

FIVE Years of Me

Today marks FIVE years since the start of this blog.

FIVE.YEARS.

That blows my mind, that I've been blogging that long.  That I've had that much to say, to share, to remember.  It just blows me away.  I've never kept a diary that long, never mind FIVE YEARS. 

Looking back on the years, I've noticed the decrease in my posts.  The decrease in scrappiness shared. The decrease of people stopping to say Hi.  It is what it is.  I'm not here to have people "follow" me.  If people like what I've got to say or share, & they leave a comment, that's fabulous.  However, I'm not doing this for any of that.  I'm doing this to remember.  I want to remember all the good & bad, though lately I haven't shared much of either...I know, I know, I'm trying to get back to being the "better blogger". 

I had planned to post my new scraproom for my "Blog-aversary", but life got in the way.  I've been working on Project Life (still catching up), & I need to tidy up the room a bit before I take pics.  Of course, between all this, the summer has kept us busy & now we're in full "back-to-school" mode.  The last couple of days have been spent clothes shopping & school supply shopping....fun stuff. 

Like I mentioned, I have been working on Project Life so I hope to have my June pages to share soon.  I would love to get caught up quicker once the girls go back to school, so I won't be so far behind.  I seem to constantly be two months behind & all the inserts slow me down a bit too.  I need to remember to "Keep It Simple", but I'll get a spark of mojo & run with it before I realize that I'm complicating something that's designed to be simple.  Story of my life.  Oh well.

With that, I do want to thank anyone that does take the time to read my words.  It makes me happy to see comments from people, I really appreciate the love, Thank You. 

Made with the Silhouette Cameo, just using the "Arial Black" font & a great quote I found on Pinterest.

Yes and No

Yes, I am still blogging.
No, I haven't given up.

Yes, I am finally coming out from all the craziness that was June.
No, I haven't recuperated long enough.

Yes, I am still scrapping.
No, I am not caught up on Project Life,therefor no recent regular scrapping.

Yes, my scrap room is all ready to share.
No, I haven't taken pics to share yet

Yes, I am enjoying the summer schedule.
No, I don't like the lack of a schedule.

Yes, I love having the girls home with me.
No, I don't like the constant bickering they do.

Yes, I think I sound confident online (most of the time).
No, I am pretty shy when first meeting people in real life.

Yes, I am a nice person.
No, it will not stop me from turning into a bitch from hell if the need arises.

Yes, I still enjoy reading other blogs.
No, I haven't gotten around to reading them as often.

Yes, I feel like I've abandoned my blog.
No, I don't need any more guilt.  I have my own.

Yes, I will share something new soon.
No, I don't have an exact date.

Yes, I need to drink more water.
No, I have not given up my beloved coffee.

Yes, I am wondering if anyone still reads my blog.
No, I wouldn't blame anyone if they thought I fell off the face of the earth.

Blogging Rut?

While scouring Pinterest today,getting my daily fix, I came across this... And realized it happens to all of us, so I thought I'd share.
You can check out the blog HERE.

You're welcome.

4 Years of Blogging

Just got back from vacation at Disney. Have a lot to share--lots of pics of course, but that's a whole other post! ;)

Sometimes I find it hard to believe that it's been 4 years since I started blogging. I never thought I'd blog as much as I have (yes I know that doesn't include recently!!). I know, I've lost the blogging mojo, but some days I feel like it all gets said between Facebook or Twitter or there's just not much to say. Then there are days that I could talk for hours. Just depends on my mood, I guess.

All in all, I appreciate everyone that stops by to visit. Whether it's the loyal or the casual--I appreciate your interest in my life.

Sometimes I wonder if I should call it quits & close up the blog. I think, "No one out there cares about my life. They don't know me." But then I didn't start this blog for the comments, I started it for me as an outlet about my life. There are lots of blogs I read about people I don't know that I now know so much about them & consider them friends. And sometimes I feel like I'm just talking to myself (and I do that quite a lot), but for those out there that actually stop to read--THANK YOU!!

In honor of my "blog-o-versary", I have a box of scrappy supplies that need a new home. Some stuff I've been purging that I've outgrown & needs a new home.

So if you're interested, leave a comment telling me something about yourself.

Anything.

It could be the book you're currently reading, the awesome new app on your phone, what you like to search for on Pinterest, your favorite scrap tool, what kind of posts you like to see here.

You'll think of something.

I'll pick a random number & post it on Friday after settling back into regular life. ;)

Wow 3 Whole Years!

3 years ago today I started this blog of mine.....yep it's my Blog-O-Versary!!!

I know this year I have been the most sporadic blogger, but I'm amazed that I've been blogging this long. I've thought about giving it up this year but then I realized how much I still liked it. There are days when the only thing keeping me from blogging is the laziness in taking pics of the things I want to blog about. Yeah I just don't like blogging without some sort of pic. And yeah I just admitted how lazy I can be....shhhhh don't tell Joe, I'll just deny it!! ;)

I feel like I should do something to honor 3 years of blogging...but who am I kidding? I've got vacation (with a few adult beverages) on my mind. Let's just say I really appreciate everyone who stops & reads my ramblings.

Thank you all!

Need some "Catch-Up"?

OK I finally caught up on some of my blogging. Posted a few things that I haven't had the chance to blog about until now, but I posted them on the dates that they should've been posted on.

So if you're up for a little reading.....


Easter Continued (recent--just didn't want to have it get lost)

Tea Party/Sock Hop

Art Show

Music Show

Blog-o-versary

Hard to believe today marks 2 YEARS that I broke down & started this blog. Even harder to believe that anyone actually takes the time to read it!! I am grateful for the people that I have "met" in blog land!

Though I haven't been the best blogger lately, I think blogging (both reading & writing) help keep me sane (slightly anyway). I like going through old posts & remembering the details that may be fuzzy in my dilapidated mind. ;)

In honor of today (sorta) I made up a new blog banner (finally). I was going to try & make it all matchy matchy with the new background but then I figured it's easier to make it more "me". Even thought about going back to the white/clean background.....

Found....

Awhile back I made a LO.

Then I started working on the Vacation Albums & totally forgot about the LO.

It was all done just never took a pic of it to post.

Then in July I came across the LO & grabbed my camera to take it's pic

I uploaded the pic of the LO to my laptop along with other pics. While going through the uploaded pics I got the urge to catch up on my blog.

Thinking I was back on track with blogging I saved the LO to post about when I had nothing else to post about. (following me here??)

Then the evil cycle of bad blogging (I blame Facebook) & working on the Vacation albums continued. There was even an un-planned Ikea remodeling (which I only just posted too!)

Today I finally downloaded more pics to my desktop & there was the "lost" LO. So I figured I'd blog it pronto quick!

I realize I made this a longer post than necessary but I am procrastinating on the never-ending pile of laundry I need to tackle....

All products used are the Making Memories Cheeky line with the exception of the American Crafts Thickers title letters.

New & Improved (almost)

Here it is! The new blog background!

I kept messing around with different blog backgrounds for awhile since the swirly one kept messing with my eyes.

This one seems cleaner to me & I like the pretty colors.

Just need to add a few more changes & I'll call it done!

Testing....

OK if you're reading this then you can see the new blog background.

It's all pink & brown & swirly.

I've been thinking for awhile that it's time for a change.

I'm just not sold on this one.

I want to like it.

But I'm just not loving it entirely. It's also not letting me change the font colors. So until I'm happy with it I'm not going to change anything else.

What's your opinion??

Another round of "Catch Up"

In case you have nothing better to do, here are the "catch-up"posts that I finally got to....

7-24-09 Vacation Albums

7-20-09 Slip n Slide

7-13-09 How to Keep the Kids Happy

7-12-09 Pool Time

7-11-09 The Jumpy Place

7-4-09 4th of July

6-27-09 My Cousin's Wedding

6-26-09 Not so Spring Cleaning

6-25-09 Earrings

6-19-09 Carnival

6-14-09 Street Fair

Back to Normal??

Thanks to those who let me know how the blog looks. It's weird--today it's back to normal! We'll see how long it lasts! Thanks again!

ETA:: Nope nevermind. I spoke too soon! It's weird again! I think I need to give it a facelift after the holidays!

Does this look right to you??

Lately when I open my blog, I've noticed that the sidebar on the right is gone only to find it all the way on the bottom after all my posts. Do you see it that way too?? I've been messing around changing my template trying to make it go back but nothing's happening. I want someone else's point of view--let me know please?? It's driving me crazy!

It's been a YEAR!

One year ago today I broke down & started this blog. WOW!

I've never been the type of person that could keep a diary for very long as a kid. Oh I'd start it & then forget about it, then I'd feel guilty about forgeting & stop. Yeah I know now, I could have picked up from where I left off, like my sister Marie told me to, but I never liked to listen to her.
So with that I'm sorta surprised at myself for following through with this blog! It's become an addiction of sorts, especially how often I check in on some of my favorite blogs! Through the blog world, I've connected with some wonderful & talented people. I've shared my creativity. I've shared my life, (sometimes too much--SORRY). Thanks so much for everyone who takes the time to come here & visit the insanity I call life!

This post was written back in July due to the fact that I will be in the magical world of Disney during this anniversary of sorts. I'll be back soon (we'll be home today-actually) with all sorts of stories AND pics from the trip....after I get out of the ginormous pile of laundry waiting for me!

Yeah, like I have time for that!

I needed another thing

Since I seem to occupy my time with silly things like stalking the mailman, or whining about deliveries not being made on time, I now started another thing to add to my every growing list of wasting my time online.

I twitter.

Thanks Susan you enabler!!

It's a SIGN!

So I tracked my book just now & as fate would have it, the website says it's not shipped! It says it's expected to ship Aug. 2. Excuse me, but isn't that TODAY!?!?!?!?

Yesterday just as I shut down my computer to go to my mom's house, I get up to see someone at my door. I realize it's the mailman AND he's got a BOX in his hands!! I had to fight the urge to rip open the door & grab the box from his hands!! As soon as he left though I was there, I look at the box & realize it's just my order from 2P's. NOT the HAPPY mail I was hoping for!!

However we had a good time at my mom's house. We went through some old photo albums & I scored some pics of me as a kid. Gianna looks just like me! I also got some crazy pics from high school. Can you say BIG HAIR?? I plan on scanning them & will post them soon. It's always good to mock yourself & I'll share the fun.

It's also POURING rain right now. Storming actually with thunder & lightening---maybe I should shut my computer down.....And you know what? We were supposed to go swimming by my sister's house.

On a better note....My sister Marie & I went to the movies last night (everyone else backed out!!) to see Mamma Mia. It was so GOOD!
I told Joe I want the movie when it comes out to DVD AND I want the soundtrack. Do ya think he got the hint for Christmas?? I never realized I liked ABBA that much! But I know I like Pierce Brosnan! When I get the DVD I'll be watching him with the mute on--he can't sing but he makes up for it in other ways!!

"MAMMA MIA hear I go again! My my how can I resist you?"