A Special Announcement & Customized Project Life Cards

For those of you that read my post yesterday, you might remember that I had a special announcement for today...

My dear friend, Kelly at Things About Stuff

My lovely friend Kelly and I will be teaming up for an ongoing crafty blog series!  Kelly, or Kelster Jean as some of you may know her, is an incredible papercrafter!  Go check out her blog, Things About Stuff.  Her projects are so inspirational.  We plan to bring you, our amazing readers, fun inspiration through various challenges thought up by us!  We have tons of ideas and can't wait to share them!  

A little about how Kelly and I met...we met through a scrappy pen pals facebook group around the beginning of the year.  When I found out my new pen pal had a blog, it definitely inspired me to pursue my dream of starting a blog a little more seriously.  It still took me a little bit, but knowing I had a fellow scrapper and friend with a successful and inspirational blog really helped me get over my fear.  

We are ecstatic about this new friendship and inviting our readers to get to know us and participate in our challenges!  Keep coming back for more information!

On to today's project...I want to share with you guys some more Project Life cards I created for my facebook group.  Along with the Halloween-theme cards I posted last week, I also joined the open-theme swap.  For my open theme, I decided to scrap with what I'm loving at the moment:

• using new product right away
• using up my scraps
• tags
• this new-to-me stamp set I purchased from the FSOT board at 2Peas
• mist splatters

All the cardstock is from my scrap box.  The tags were punched out using the new We R Memory Keepers Chalkboard 6x6 Paper Pad.  The tag punch (which I've had since high school) is my favorite tool at the moment.  The stamp is from Studio Calico's Marks & Co Project Life Kit.  I used four of the new Stampin' UP! In Colors:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Coastal Cabana, and Strawberry Slush.  I then used one of my circle dies to cut out the stamped image.  I splattered my cardstock with Opaque White Mister Huey's.  My die-cut stamped images are adhered with pop dots.  

These cards were a lot of fun to make.  I love being able to break in my new scrappy goodies right away.  It was not too long ago that I would buy something and then not use it for months.  I've been changing my ways!  

Okay my friends, that's it for me today.  Don't forget to head on over to Kelly's blog to read about the announcement and to check out her crafty skills.  And come back to hear more about our blog series.

xoxo,
Heather

On My Wishlist Wednesday

Happy Hump Day!  Today, I'm bringing you guys items on my wishlist that aren't scrapbook related!  *gasp!*  I thought I'd mix it up a bit.  

First up is this fun iPhone case.  

Chevron iPhone Case in Dirty Chevron via EliteCases (Etsy)

I'm a sucker for the chevron pattern.  I'm pretty sure I'll never get sick of it (knock on wood).  

Lately, I've really been wanting to film youtube videos, mostly of my scrapbooking process.  I love watching these process videos on youtube and would like to make my own.  But, I don't have a fancy camera or camcorder or even a tripod.  Recently, I happened to stumble upon this via an instagram post from +findingnana.  I don't need anything fancy, as long as it works in helping record some process videos!  Or at least some sharing videos.  

GripTight GorillaPod Stand via joby.com

The price is pretty affordable, in my opinion, at least for it's purpose.  And it's more portable than a traditional tripod.  Another reason I like this is because of the versatility of phones the GorillaPod fits.  Lately, I've been wanting a new phone (one with a better camera), and the new Windows phone has been on my radar.  The GorillaPod not only fits an iPhone, but the Windows phone and the Android!  Score!  This just may be something I reward myself with in the next couple of months....

And here's something way out in left field, makeup!  I'm addicted to makeup.  That doesn't mean I cake it on every day or cake it on at all.  I just like to even out my skin tone and have fun with eye makeup.  Unfortunately, good quality makeup can get expensive, but it does last awhile.  Here is something I've been dying to get ever since I started to take makeup application more seriously:

Naked2 Palette by Urban Decay

I know I'd use every color in this palette, there's no question about that.  I just can't bring myself to spend the $50.  Think of all the scrappy goodies I could get with that money!  

That's it for me on this Wednesday morning.  I hope you all enjoyed a little something different from my wishlist.  Come back on Thursday for a very fun announcement and a layout!

xoxo,
Heather

Project Lifein' It Tuesday

I know, I know.  It's basically Wednesday and here I go posting my Tuesday post.  I have to admit, I haven't been feeling particularly crafty.  Do you ever get in that weird mood when scrapping doesn't even sound exciting?! *shame on you say the crafty gods*  I get that way if I take more than a few days "off" from scrapping (and sometimes when it's that time of the month).  Last week was pretty busy for me, so most evenings I wasn't even at home.  The weekend was packed with birthday shopping, party attending, etc.  It's like I lost my scrappy mojo when life got in the way!  So, there's my long-winded excuse for posting so late on Tuesday.

Beginning of August

As you can see, I've continued into August with the Midnight Core Kit.  I've said it before and I'll say it again:  LOVE. THIS. KIT.  I feel as if it's made my monthly documentation easier.  I don't know why.  I really can't explain it.  

Not including the tail-end of July, this spread was the only spread in which I used different design photo pocket pages other than Design A (my favorite) or Design D.  Not being such a perfectionist with documenting my daily life has opened up my options.  Watch out scrappy world!  Here, I've used Design H and Design G.  I just love this spread.  It makes me smile, mostly because of that cute little girl on the far right!  That's my niece Abigail.  She looks exactly like her Uncle Mike (my husband).  She has a lot of the Sweet genes.  She is a good mix of my sister-in-law and her husband.  She is our only niece as of now and I want to eat her up!  Love her!  Anyways...

This spread spanned some of the first part of August:  the 1st to the 15th (not including the trip to St. Louis to move my sister into UMSL).  I had one of my last "dates" with my best friend.  She headed back to graduate school (go Jess!) right after Hollie went off to school.  My sister-in-law, her husband, my beautiful niece, and my husband's aunt were in town the first weekend of August.  Hollie and I had a sister date.  

Title Card

I love these Thickers!  I actually had a hard time using them on traditional scrapbook layouts, but they work perfectly with the Midnight Core Kit!

Right Side

I noticed that the yellow color in the Simple Stories Sn@p! original collection is the perfect match to the yellow in the Midnight Core Kits.  Or, at least enough of a match.  This was an awesome discovery because I had such a difficult time using that shade of yellow (as you may have picked up on, I'm a bright scrapper).  So anytime I can use my stash, I love it!  It just means I can buy new stuff!  *wink, wink*

So, there you have it.  Tonight, I finished a Project Life spread.  I'm trying to catch up for you guys!  But, let's face it, who's ever really caught up...

xoxo,

Heather

pinkfresh studio

Happy Monday everyone!  Today, I wanted to show you what I won from Caroline Hancock's blog post giveaway.  I won the most fabulous bag of goodies from pinkfresh studio!  I cannot wait to use some of this amazing new product!  

I mean, look at this fun stuff!  I was so excited when I found out I won!  And, when my goodie bag came, with so much of pinkfresh studio's new products, I was a happy scrapper!  I love all my new goodies.  

And look at this ombre washi tape!  Love!  This reminds me of the wide ombre washi tape that has been included in past Studio Calico kits, so of course I was ecstatic when I found out this washi tape was actually something I could buy!

These letterpress cards are awesome!  The images are crisp and the colors are gorgeous.  These are perfect for Project Life, as well as cards, mini albums, and layouts.  These are so fun!

These drop stickers look like brads, but they are dimensional stickers!  How awesome!  I love the color schemes too.  You can't go wrong with neon or those retro colors.

These stickers look like puffy stickers, but they have more of an enamel finish.  Love these!  Look at those chevron arrow hearts, those different sized arrows, those cute little hearts, and the houses with the heart are just lovely.  The top sheet is the neutral color scheme and the bottom is the pastel color scheme.

Last picture, promise!  Instaframes!  Frames are super trendy right now.  They are so much fun and so versatile.  I am beyond thrilled to have a full package of these frames.  These, again, have an enamel finish and feel to them.  And the colors are yummy!  

I am incredibly grateful to Kinnari at pinkfresh studio for these awesome goodies!  I cannot wait to use them!  As soon as I do, I'll post on my blog!  

xoxo,
Heather

Halloween Pocket Style Cards

Good morning everyone!  I'm back today to share with you all a Project Life card swap I've recently finished.  If you're not aware, there is this amazing Facebook group-Project Life Card Swap Divas-that organize many monthly swaps.  I've been involved with the group for a few months now and love it!  This is how it works:  you sign up for swaps with a theme or themes that are of interest to you; you make how ever many Project Life cards according to how many people signed up for that particular swap; you send in all your cards to the host; she sends back one card created from each person in the swap group.  It's a great way to create, to challenge yourself, use your stash, and get a ton of different Project Life cards.  Every month there are main monthly swaps, mini swaps, and bonus/extra swaps.  So far this month, I've participated in the pocket-themed, Filofax/planners, Halloween-themed, and open-themed swaps.  Today, I have a few pictures from my Halloween-themed swap.  

**To warn you, the pictures are not that great.  I'm not home during the day during the week to get good pictures with good lighting.  I'm going to have to work way ahead on projects to get them photographed during the weekend for you guys.

I love the Halloween-themed scrapbook products out there, but I don't ever scrapbook Halloween.  Last year, Michael and I didn't do anything for the holiday; I didn't even make Halloween cards!  So, I jumped on the chance to create some Halloween Project Life cards for a swap.  I picked up some new products at my LSS.

I had a lot of fun with these cards.  I used ink pads I haven't used in awhile.  I used a different color combination (green, purple, orange, black).  It was just fun.

As most scrapbookers, I've been in love with enamel dots.  They are so lovely and just create that perfect touch, but they are expensive.  Let me tell you about puffy paint....Michael was actually the one to pick out this set of 15+ bottles of puffy paint at the store the other day.  He thought it would be cool if I used some.  I said "Yeah, awesome!," but didn't really know what I'd use it for...until I experimented in my scrap room!  I've been using them to mimic enamel dots!  The only downside is the dry time:  at least 4 hours.  But, it's totally worth it for a more affordable way to get that enamel dot look.

That's it for me today.  Come back tomorrow for Filofax Friday!  I also want to tell you guys about this amazing company, pinkfresh studio.  I won a giveaway on Caroline Hancock's blog last week, which included a goodie bag of new pinkfresh studio products!  I got my goodie bag and everything is yummy!  Come back tomorrow to see some lovely products!

xoxo,
Heather 

On My Wishlist Wednesday

I figured I could get away with having a weekly wishlist series because there is so much stuff that I want!  It also gives me a chance to hear from you all on your wants, as well as your reviews/thoughts on what's on my wishlist.  

Raskog Kitchen Cart from Ikea

I want this cart so badly.  Not just because of the color, but it would be awesome in my scrap room!  I don't know about you all, but if I don't see my products, I tend to not use them.  Not only would this beautiful cart provide organization in my scrap room, it would also help me see my stash.  It's been on my wishlist since 2013 started.  I think it's pretty affordable ($49.99), but I don't want to pay the additional $25 to ship it.  Unfortunately, I do not have an Ikea anywhere around me, so I'll have to make a special trip sometime!

Simon Says Stamp's Monthly Card Kit Subscription

I used to subscribe to the Simon Says Stamp Card Kit in the fall of 2012.  I stopped my subscription in January 2013 because I picked up the Studio Calico Project Life Subscription and the Citrus Twist Kits Scrapbook subscription.  At that time, I was more into working on PL and making layouts.  Now I feel like I'm cycling through papercrafts again.  I've been wanting to start selling my handmade cards in local shops, but I need more greeting card-ish stamp sets and bits and pieces.  Not that my current Citrus Twist Kits subscription can't help me with that, or my own stash, for that matter, but most of my stash (especially stamps) are geared toward scrapbooking.  I think a card kit would amp up my creativity.  Plus, I really like what the SSS design team does with these card kits.  I mean, how cute is this card kit?!

Here's something that's not scrapbook related, but still paper related.  As you all know (because you've read my About Me section!), I love planners!  I have a Filofax and I use it for everything!  If I lost it, I would fall apart.  Here is a planner from this amazing stationary site kikki.K.  

kikki.K's 2014 Leather Time Planner, Size Medium 

Like, want right now!  It's so cute!  And it's mint (one of my favorite colors at the moment) with gold (another seasonal favorite of mine) polka dots!  Seriously, drooling.  

Okay, that's it for me this Wednesday.  Come back tomorrow to see a Halloween project I've been working on!

xoxo,
Heather

Project Lifein' It Tuesday

So, I'm a tad behind in documenting my daily life.  And by a tad, I mean June is not documented, August is only half done, and September photos haven't been printed, let alone edited.  At the end of May, I decided to go from weekly documentation to monthly.  I was getting a little too stressed that I wasn't getting enough pictures each week, etc.  I wasn't enjoying the process anymore.  I do like documenting monthly a lot better. I used to subscribe to the Studio Calico Project Life Kit.  I didn't renew my subscription after the 6 months because I wasn't impressed with how the kits were progressing through the year.  I didn't think I was getting my money's worth.  Anyways, I've also acquired SO MANY CARDS!  So I stopped subscribing to any Project Life-style kit.  But I've noticed that it's harder for me to put a spread together without a kit.  Not having coordinating embellishments and fun stuff, already picked out for you, makes the process longer for me.    And therefore, I don't keep up with documenting my life as much.   I'm hoping a weekly blog post will keep me motivated!  

Here goes, this is the end of July.

In August I bought the Midnight Edition Project Life Core Kit.  When this kit "premiered" at Winter 2013 CHA, I did not like it.  I don't remember why, but recently I started to really, really love it!  So of course, I had to have it.  This kit is absolutely lovely.  It's really easy to work with.

The end of July was mostly about my sister's spontaneous third tattoo and my Saturday day date with my best friend.  This is my first spread in a long time that I have LOVED!

I think I may have to subscribe to another Project Life-style kit or a card kit or an embellishment kit.  I miss how easy it seemed to be when I had a kit.  Do you guys subscribe to a Project Life-style kit?  What do you like/dislike about it?

xoxo,
Heather

Coffee & College Series

Hollie is back with her second posting for her series, Coffee & College!

Hello everyone, I hope you had a fantastic weekend!

I am about 5 weeks into college. I've gotten through the first night, the first weekend, the start of classes, the assignments, papers, quizzes and tests for my first month. I've learned how the shuttle works, when the libraries are open (believe me when I say this, I spend A LOT of time there), cafeteria hours, and the residential hall life. I have gone to multiple events to meet people and even joined University Programs Board, already working on some events for the coming months. And I have even managed to explore downtown, the metro, and campus with my friends. But I'm only getting started. 

After my first month here at UMSL, I can tell you this is exactly where I want to be, where I'm supposed to be. I had to conquer my fear of saying goodbye to my family and friends back home. I can't tell you how much of a wreck I was when I was leaving Springfield. I had to say goodbye to my friends who turned into family and had to realize my life was going to change drastically, and FAST. The biggest thing I overcame was leaving my past and demons in Springfield and beginning my journey to the future in St. Louis. Being away from home and my friends while I've been here has made me miss everyone terribly, but this is my life now and I'm ready to begin.

I want to share with you guys an enlightenment I have had recently. Other than the basic changes most college students go through, I have really opened my mind and my heart to different things. I want to have the best college experience. Now, you might be asking "What is she getting at? She makes no sense right now". One word. Greek. I have officially decided that I am going to go Greek! And I couldn't be more happy with my decision. Ask me a month ago, hell, ask me a week ago if I would join a sorority and I would have responded with "Nahh, that isn't my kind of thing. I'm not a sorority girl". But I got to thinking. I need something else. I haven't done as much or met as many people as I thought I would have by now. As I walked into my residential hall this past Friday, I saw an arrangement of tables all with representatives from the 3 sorority options we have on campus. It got me thinking, and boy did I think loooong and hard about this decision. I had to remind myself that even though I have told countless people I wouldn't join a sorority, it would be okay if I changed my mind. I didn't want to be viewed as a hypocrite. But I let go of that fear and walked myself down to those tables and introduced myself. After a long talk with the sororities, I registered for Recruitment Week (formally known as RUSH). 

I have been waiting all weekend (and yes, it feels like it has been forever) for this week to begin. I'll be visiting houses and attending events all this week. And I will get my bid on Saturday! I can't wait to let you know how it all turns out. 

Wish me luck!

xoxo,

Hollie

A New Blog Series Featuring My Sister!

As I hinted at yesterday, I have a guest blogger!  Well, she doesn't have her own blog, but she will have her own series of posts on my blog!  Let me give you a little background about how this series came to be.  Over the weekend, my sister sent me a rough draft of an English paper she was working on.  I can't tell you what the "instructions" were for this paper, but her writing style was amazing.  And yes, I am a little biased, but after you guys read her stories, I know I won't be the only one thinking this.  And not only is her writing style amazing, but her ability to tell a story is incredible.  As storytellers ourselves, we can really appreciate that talent.  After being amazed, as well as having learned something about my own sister, I asked her to guest post on my blog. There's the background and here she is...

Greetings all!

I am Hollie, Heather's sister. I am here to bring you an exciting series along with Coffee and Pretty Paper basically following me and my adventures and exploration as a college student. I know many are nostalgic of their college years, with them being the best part of the adolescent life . Or maybe you are still in high school searching for the college of your dreams, ready to be out on your own. Or maybe you never went to college and would like a taste of it. Whatever age, whatever your situation, you will enjoy this series. I want to show you the college experience, as real as it is. So kick back, enjoy the ride, and welcome to Coffee and College!

Now let me formally introduce myself. Hi, I'm Hollie. I am 18, turning 19 here in a couple months. I'm a freshman at the University of Missouri- St. Louis (UMSL, as you will be seeing it from now on) studying Criminology/Criminal Justice. I picked UMSL for their beautiful campus and of course because they are ranked TOP 4 in the nation for criminology and criminal justice studies. And we are literally minutes away from St. Louis! Let me clarify something just for the sake of time, UMSL is NOT St. Louis University (SLU) NOR is it University of Missouri- Columbia (Mizzou). I know it gets confusing. I like to think of it as a mixture of the two, to help people understand. I am a general member of the University Program Board here, otherwise known as UPB. You will hear about this a lot. We plan and organize events for students throughout the year, just making campus more interactive, helping people meet new people, especially those first few weeks of college. Now, there will be a later "starting" post officially starting this series in just a few days. 

I wanted to introduce myself to you scrapbookers and coffee lovers. I hope you enjoy this series. I won't disappoint.

I hope you fall in love with my college and campus as you follow me through the roller coaster of emotions attached to the college experience.

xoxo,
Heather & Hollie

On My Wishlist

Hey there, hi there everyone!  I don't know about you all, but I have loved almost everything that came out at Summer CHA 2013.  I have quite the wishlist...  If you guys don't follow me on instagram, you should (hsweet12), because I posted the best find at my local Hobby Lobby!  I was able to snatch up Dear Lizzy's Polka Dot Party paper pad for under $10!  What?!  

I seriously am in love with every single piece of paper in this collection.  It's probably a good thing for my bank account that Hobby Lobby didn't have any of the embellishments, although, I would like everything, please and thank you.

Now on to another line that I am dying to get my crafty hands on...

Color Wash from Pink Paislee

Image source:  Pink Paislee

Seriously, go check out this collection.  The papers are absolutely gorgeous and I love every bit and piece that is this collection.

Okay, a couple more wishlist items; these are from Lawn Fawn.

I just recently purchased a used Cuddlebug and I'm on the hunt for some good dies.  Lawn Fawn has some absolutely adorable dies called Lawn Cuts.  Some of them coordinate with stamp sets and some can just be used alone.  I love tags, those manila tags you can find at your local office supply store, but really, they can be any color; I just love them.  I use them for layering, I use them as journaling spots, I use them in Project Life, I use them everywhere.  Now, how awesome is this die...

Image Source:  Lawn Fawn

You can make your own tags!  Amazing.  Definitely want this die cut set.  Another set from Lawn Fawn I would use ALL THE TIME is their Stitched Journaling Card Lawn Cuts.

Image Source:  Lawn Fawn

This has Project Life written all over it!  Look at that cute banner and those tiny hearts, and those chevron arrow heads!  Yep, want it!

Okay, now that I've gotten myself all excited about these products that I want, but can't have yet, I'm going to get busy in my scrap room.  I hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday and I'll see you tomorrow with a little something special for Coffee & Pretty Paper!  I'll give you a hint:  it involves a guest blogger!

Ciao,

Heather

My First Shared Layout

Good morning paper lovers!  I have my very first layout to share.  

When I started putting this layout together, I was not happy with it.  I wasn't liking the color combinations or that background patterned paper.  I subscribe to the Citrus Twist Main Scrapbooking Kit. My goal for the past few months is to "kill" my kit before the next month's kit arrives at my door.  Since I've set this goal, I've actually been getting a lot more pictures scrapped, cards made, etc.  So, anyways, when I begin piecing together a layout, I pull out my Citrus Twist monthly kit.   There was something about August's kit that wasn't really my style, but I am bound and determined to kill it! 

Most of this layout is made from my stash.  The background paper comes from the Citrus Twist August Patterned Paper Add-On.  The paper the picture is matted with, the green paper with hearts, the pocket journal card, and the wood veener arrow heads are from the Citrus Twist main kit.  Everything else is from my stash.  

As I was saying, the start of this layout was not going well.  But once I got the paper glued down and pulled out embellishments, I really started to like it.  My favorite part of scrapbooking is the process of creating.  I love taking out all my embellies and seeing where they fit.   Once you hit that step in the process, everything starts to flow, the page comes alive, and you're using stuff in your stash that you never thought you would or just haven't been able to get on a page.  That's why I love scrapbooking.

Enough about the process, I bet you're wondering where in the hell this title of the layout came from:  Bubble Butt.  The title has everything to do with my sister and me, but nothing to do with that picture or when that picture was taken.  "Bubble Butt" wasn't even significant to Hollie and me until after that picture was taken.  But when I looked at the picture, sitting on my scrap table, that is what came to mind.  You see, Hollie and I have a fantastically comical, quirky, and, fun sister relationship.  My sister is one of my favorite people in the world.  She's probably one of the funniest people I've had the pleasure of being friends with.  We moved her into college in the middle of August (after the picture was taken).  I rode down with her for some sister bonding.  While we were driving that song came on, Bubble Butt, and it just stuck with us.  It become our running joke during her move-in trip.  Just a week or so ago, I heard the song on the radio and sent Hollie a text.  She then calls me and the first thing she says after I answer is "bubble butt, bubble bubble bubble butt."  So, it's funny.  It's us.  That's what this picture reminded me of:  my amazingly humorous relationship with my sister.  

So, there you have it, the story behind the picture.  Hopefully this gives you all a little insight into my scrapbooking style, as well as my life.  

Now that you have seen my first layout, what more would like to see from me in the area of scrapbook layouts:  tutorials, product specifics, etc?

Until next time,
~~Heather

The First Post and The Chai

Good evening my fellow paper lovers! Heather here, bringing you the bits and pieces of my life.  I am extremely excited about this blog.  It was a goal of mine for 2013.  I have to be honest with you, I was scared to actually start one!  I believe that's why I took most of the year to sit down and do it.  But, let me tell you all, I'm thrilled I finally did.

Anyways, I just wanted to pop in and say hi.  I have so many ideas and posting series I would like to do.  This coming week I'll be getting to work on those!  Most of my posts will be paper-related, peppered with the randomness of living the Sweet life!  Glad you're here and see you next time!

~~Heather

P.S.-Here's my absolutely favorite iced beverage at the moment:  a vanilla iced chai from a local coffee shop, Grab-A-Java.  Best iced vanilla chai that's ever been in my mouth!  Seeing this picture makes me want one right now...