Monday, August 31, 2015

Mindful Monday



It is always far too easy to find something "better" to do with our time than spending it doing things we truly love and enjoy, which is why it is all that much more important to make a conscious effort to take time off, just for ourselves, doing what we love. I just finished reading the book The Fringe Hours which emphasizes the importance of "you" time. While I dont think I learned any earth-shattering news, or magical ways to put more hours in the day, I am now much more aware of the pockets of time throughout my day. ((hello hours wasted away on facebook, instagram and pinterest.....))

For me, it's scrapbooking. For you, that may look different - whether its something "crafty" or just something else you enjoy doing -- regardless of what it is... do it.

Here are just a few of the super quick pages I put together -- mostly using 3x4 project life cards I have left over::








Friday, July 24, 2015

A summer treat!

Looking for a healthier way to cool off on those hot summer days? This recipe looks delish, can't wait to try it out! Looks like something the kids will love too!

Sunday, January 11, 2015

2015 resolutions

Nothing like the start of a new year to come up with some new goals and really think about what one wants to do in the coming year. While I'm also not usually a huge fan of resolutions starting in the new year (I think you can start them anytime/any day!) I have thought about a list of goals I would like to accomplish. I'm sure some of them are close to yours:

1. Be healthier
2. Be more organized
3. Serve

Serve is also the word I am using for Ali Edwards "One Little Word." While I haven't signed up for the workshop, I think just keeping this word in the back of my mind will make a difference (I hope). More about this later.

I am also going to be doing a PL album again this year. Last year I tried doing it digitally for the first time and I have to say, it was so much easier and less stressful! Trying to keep track of ordering photos and remembering when they were taken when they arrived in the mail, as well as pre-planning my pages before ordering my photos....well it was just too much! Although I do miss the hands-on of it all, but will save the hands on for 'regular' scrapbook pages.

Not going to write a lot right now as I am off to play with my children ((again, fitting into "serve" as OLW)). Up next... a post on goal setting & tips to reach your goals.

have a wonderful week---
amber

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Use those leftovers!

I don't know about you, but I think if I eat another bite of turkey in the next week I just may explode! Unfortunately, we will be continuing to eat left over turkey, at least through the weekend!

Looking at Pinterest I was able to find quite a few ideas on how to use up Thanksgiving recipes - there are a ton. {You can always follow me on pinterest (AMBUZ)}. Here are a few of my favorites that I found:

The Pioneer Woman's French Toast Casserole (used up those extra buns and bread!) 


Very Culinary -- 25+ Recipes for Left-Over Turkey

Today I'm also packing my boys some turkey sandwiches to eat after hockey practice - they are always immediately hungry right after! Before practice we always eat these yummy yogurt granola bars - filled with whole grains, fiber, protein, and omega-3s!  (for ordering info, email me!) 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Planner time

I absolutely love planners. In fact, I isually go through several per year, and if it is one that I made (www.etsy.com/snalltownlettering), then it is more like weekly!

However, for next year I was thinking there is no need to reinvent the wheel when there are already so many wonderful (& free) planners available online! 

My friend Marilyn introduced me to the PASSION PLANNER today- they even have a free printable .pdf-- I have filled in the rest of my week and so far love it. You can get one too at: www.passionplanner.com

I think my favorite part is that it kind of "forces" you into scheduling those things on your to-do list.  I have more of a type-A personality and so I love having to physically write something down, WITH a time to accomplish it. 

Here are just a few pics of how my planner is filled so far:
(Sorry for the sideways photo)


If you want to save paper, simply select "multiple" when printing, and make two pages per sheet- an entire week on one piece of paper! 


I put my planner pages in my Martha Stewart disc binder-- my household management binder. More posts about that later.

What about you? What are you using for a planner in 2015? Again- if you like this planner you can get it at: www.passionplanner.com



Note: while I am not being paid for promoting Passion Planner I am receiving a dated 2015 planner pdf file in exchange for this review... But, I promise to never promote products I don't use myself!

Monday, November 10, 2014

Project Life App Review

I have been waiting for a scrapbooking app to use on my iPad/phone for quite some time-- one that Is like anyway! I downloaded and am loving the Project Life app by Becky Higgins! 


I also have my iPhone set up to automatically upload photos to my computer- I have "big plans" to then upload my PL app pages to Photoshop and add additional embellishments. One complaint about the PL life I do have is it doesn't really give you much "creativity" wiggle room as far as adding embellishments to photos/making creative cards.

This is my first year doing project life digitally-- it is easier to keep track of my photos, nice not always feeling you are "catching up" as with this you can literally scrapbook in the doctors office waiting room! 

Here is a look at my last weeks PL layout; all done in a car (not while I was driving of course!!)

I am bummed however that my favorite printing site Winkflash is going out of business-- I was planning on using their flat-rate book sale!  What are your favorite book-printing sites? 

Are you doing PL this year? If so, are you doing digitally or traditionally (or a mix?)? 

Friday, November 7, 2014

The THREE FREE Challenge

After writing my last post about what truly makes us happy, I really started paying attention to how much I am on my phone/iPad/computer-- you know it's bad when your 5 year old tells you "enough screen time mom!"

This has inspired me to create a little challenge for all of us to spend (at least)3-hours technology free every.single.day.

For me, I have chosen 5pm-8pm: the time I get home from work until my kudos go to bed. For some of you, this may seem like nothing at all, but for me, some nights are a struggle!  I know it is not always 100% doable- yes there may be a family emergency that you may have to answer your phone- but the point is to make an active effort to disconnect from technology in order to reconnect with your loved ones.

Now... Who's with me in this challenge? It might just change your life!
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