❃ have more firsts ❃

This background is created by me with papers, paints and stamps. The words are from Ali Edwards' kit club brushes.

My One Little Word this year is DO. I knew I really needed an action word this year. There are so many things that I need to accomplish! As I was searching for my word, I sat down with a pen and paper and made a list of things that I really wanted in my life, or to accomplish, and a list of things that I wanted to eliminate in my life. When I did this I had "DOs" and don'ts. Then it hit me…DO is the perfect word for this year.  That was in December.

Also in December I received my first Story Kit from Ali Edwards. The theme was "Firsts".  When I saw the stamp set, I knew that I really wanted to start a project. Instant inspiration to do. In fact, I almost changed my word to 'firsts'  when I saw it.  But I quickly realized that first is a great match with do. So, a project was born.

I have challenged myself to have more firsts this year.  This year, I will be intentional about creating opportunities to do something for the first time each month.  I anticipate that I will have firsts that are simple, easy, and risk free like going to a new restaurant for the first time.  But I am hopeful that I will also take some real risks, put myself out there, and create new experiences for myself, and maybe even a few new experiences with my family.

I've started my firsts and will be sharing them here soon and as the year progresses! So exciting!


If you want to know more about One Little Word, visit Ali Edwards site, here.  If you are interested in receiving her story kits and/or stamps, you can find that information here.

:: project life : week 3 ::

I'm on the Paper Issues blog today with a product spotlight.  For week 3 of my Project Life album, I used a kit that I purchased from the Paper Issues Store called the Becky Higgins Desktop Kit.  Here is a look at the left side of my two page spread.

And the right side looks like this:

That photo in the upper right flips up to reveal another photo and some journaling that I wanted to be a bit more private.

Here are the two pages together -- without the insert:

This was a birthday week for our nephew -- and he just happens to be Bea's best friend. Here is what it looks like with the insert (you can see the front)

Here are the two inserts (front & back):

And here is what it looks like when that insert page is turned:

I enjoyed working with this kit!  There are several PL kits available in the Paper Issues Store here.  Don't forget to use the code orangegearle at check out to get 20% off your entire order!

Thanks for stopping by! I will be back soon to share week four!

:: SWAG bag spotlight ::

Swag Bag Spotlight time over at the Paper Issues blog! Here's my contribution.

When I saw this paper in the February Swag Bag, I knew I had to use it right away!  I love those pinks and oranges!

Then I saw the flower frame and the orange + paper and about lost it (looks kinda red in these photos, but trust me it's an awesome orange)! 

The wood veneer potty people, lips and hearts, all from the bag.  LOVELY.  I love the flowers and all that woodgrain together (there are even woodgrain flowers in that patterned paper).  It's perfect for a LO like this because it's both feminine and masculine (in my opinion).

I absolutely loved working with this Swag Bag!  (Pssst….I heard the February ones will be in the shop tomorrow -- and there are several others to choose from). Remember, if you'd like to purchase anything (or everything) from the Paper Issues Store (there are so many new products right now), use the code orangegearle for 20% off your entire purchase!  Also, make sure you check out what some of the other PI girls did with their Swag Bags (here)!