Scrap, Scribble, and Stitch

How Could THIS:

2011-12-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

this...

or this...

not totally and completely turn your day around??!

OMG.
Hilarious.

If you perhaps need of a more smiles to make that complete turn around, visit this particular webpage for about 47 more opporutunities.

images courtesy of smashing hub

It's That Time Again...

2011-11-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

Time to make your 2012 Owl Barn Calendar!
We did this last year and it was amazing.

Side note: Being that we made Owl Calendars last year, I've apparently had this blog for over a year and didn't even realize it. I totally missed my bloggy b-day! We'll have to celebrate later this week with something special...

Back to the posting at hand...the Owl Calendar this year has even more artist renditions of Owls to choose from (45 to be exact) and you can download individual images to use on cards or gift tags. Love it. Tremendously.

This lil guy is for sure one of my faves:

Image by Penelope and Pip via My Owl Barn

I'm Expanding...

2011-11-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for holiday cards, party invitations, and announcements!

Over the past several years, prior to officially becoming "Sara McCarthy Designs," I have had the opportunity to hone my design skills by creating everything from wedding invitations to party invites, to new home and baby announcements, to personal and business stationery, medals and awards, posters, logos, and print work for conferences and various work functions...these were commissioned by family, friends, and friends of friends, and now it's time to expand!

I have decided that now, since I am official, I'd like to offer my design services as part of my business. Designing for others is the part I really love to do. I love meeting with people, hearing about the important event in their life that we will be creating something special for, working with them to make their vision a reality, and then seeing them beam with joy when the final product adds that extra special touch to their special day. That is what I love. Making people happy by creating something pretty.

So if you would like something special designed for this holiday season...or any season really ;) contact me at:

saramccarthydesigns@gmail.com

I will post some of my previous work shortly, but in the meantime I will show you a portfolio of my previous designs when we chat!

Thank you!

p.s. visit my new FB page HERE and my digital scrapbook products HERE

I Dig These.

2011-11-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

So cute, right?

The purchase of these particular Toms helps raise money to fight cancers affecting men. See the little moustache?? It represents all those handsome men we love and care about so much and want to see live long healthy lives. Adorable. I think I'm gonna get a pair.

image credits: Toms Shoes

Just For You...

2011-11-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

To celebrate my brand new FB page and well, my new business as a whole, I made this little freebie just for you! Perhaps you can drop by my FB page and give it a little "like" ;) If you happen to spread the word about my new little shop too I would so love it and be ever so grateful.

Enjoy the freebie and create beautiful things!
xoxo

little birthday themed epoxy stickers made by me for you!

A Sweet New FB Page

2011-11-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

Yeah.

You heard me.

I have a sweet new Facebook Fan Page to go with my new lil business venture. Now I'm seriously legit.

Come by and say hello. Perhaps, maybe, ya know, you could even "like" me. Might be kinda cool ;)

Oh Goodness.

2011-11-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

Supposedly today had an extra hour due to daylight savings.

I'm not sure I was anymore productive than usual however.

Yep.

I'm pretty sure I wasn't.

Time is still sneaking away from me rather rapidly.

I mean I don't think the extra hour even registered on my radar.

And seriously, where did last week go? And the week before that? I'm feeling like the days are zipping by and I'm not accomplishing nearly as much in a single day as I set out to when I first wake up in the morning.

Are my to-do lists just getting longer? Or am I not tackling them with the ferver I once did? Hmmm...perhaps it's just that I am distracted by the ridiculously good television that's on this season. The DVR is completely overflowing. It's pretty much a full time job keeping up with the awesome programming.

Well, regardless, time is jetting by and my to-do's are not getting done.

Blogging, for example, would be one of those things that's being repeatedly lost in the shuffle.

And I was SO excited to be blogging again.

However I pretty much went on hiatus after my first week back at it.

Lordy.

Well, as a condolence for slacking on the job, I would like to share the following:
1. These are pretty much as epic as they come.

And yes, I love these so much that there might actually be a remote control flying clownfish sitting right here next to me as we speak.

2. I have a new Holiday paper kit for sale at my lil digi-scrapping shop...and a deliciously adorable element kit is in the works and should be arriving shortly...do check it out!

3. This totally just arrived in the mail and I'm super excited about it.

4. I don't have a number 4 for today, but I hope you had a lovely weekend! xoxo

image credits: urban outfitters, air swimmers

As I was Saying...

2011-10-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

I heart Pinterest...and I am spending way too much time there.
However, I am finding quite the assortment of awesomeness so I'm not complaining too much.

Case in point:
THIS.

How did I miss this cover back in February? I think this just may be my new haircut. It's adorable. I've been wanting something short and cute...this might be it!

Oh Pinterest does it again. Now I can totally justify the hours I just whittled away there...

Happy Friday all!

Saw This...

2011-10-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

...and I gotta have it.

Follow Me Print by Leah Duncan via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Playing with My Designs!

2011-10-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Made this today...

using all my own products!

Yay!! If you like what you see, head on over to my new little shop and take a peek! I used paper and elements from my Joy in the Morning collection to create this layout...and, not gonna lie, I am kinda pleased with how it turned out ;)

p.s. I think I heard a rumor that items in the shop are 30% off through October 30th...such a deal!

Just Wanted to Point Out....

2011-10-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

...that this is a darling dress.

and I would love to find it in my closet.

Anatolia Dress, by Anthropologie

New Obsession

2011-10-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

Pinterest is my new obsession. I'm a little late in the game, I know I know...my fave bloggers have been raving about it for ages but I just never really took a moment to pop over and see what the hype was about. This weekend however I did and OH WOW! My life will never be the same. I plan on blaming my future lack of productivity to this site alone.

Here are some examples of the awesomeness I found on Pinterest this weekend:

Cute button magnets...such an easy fun craft...I like easy fun crafts.

Um hello...are there even any words to accurately express the cuteness here?

And a really pretty wedding dress.

I could go on and on about all the magical finds...but I have work to do ;)

Toodles!

It's Official...Part Two...

2011-10-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ok so the new KaBoks Digital Scrapbook store is officially OPEN for business! And my products are there waiting for you to love, admire, and well, purchase ;)

I am still working on uploading a few of my kits, as we had a few technical errors, but you will certainly find some of my designs today and definitely more to come in the next few weeks...here's the link to my personal shop front: sara mccarthy designs
so exciting!!

Here's a sampling of my little darlings...

My Joy in the Morning Paper and Element kits...

My Halloween set...these are the elements...there are two paper packs as well...

A cute, bright summer kit...these are the papers, there are elements too...

Please do pop on by to take a peek...oh! there is also a GIANT collaboration kit to designed by all the shop designers...it's beautiful! It's definitely a must-have.

Enjoy your weekend! xoox

p.s. I'm so happy to be blogging again!

It's Official!

2011-10-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ok ok ok...so it's been a few days since I last posted...
Alright, more like two whole months...BUT...I have a really really really good reason!!

And here it is:

Yep, I've started my own lil design business! And that's my logo. Kinda cute, huh? And it's official too, I have a business license and everything!

I've wanted to do this for a long time and am so excited for this new journey. I love creating beautiful things...playing with fonts and colors, taking photos and manipulating them, drawing and illustrating...I want to use this love of mine to make people smile, to do my part in spreading joy and happiness in the world.

I will be designing invitations and announcements and other various print commissions, as well as my own line of digital scrapbook products that will be on sale for the first time ever tomorrow! Siri (a fabulous designer friend of mine) is opening an online digital scrapbook store and asked me to be on the design team. I was so honored. I think she is just going to be fabulously successful! Check out the shop HERE...and take a peek at my goodies! All items are not for sale until 7am MST tomorrow, but you can still take a look-see now ;)

I hope you like what you see!

P.S. the products don't seem to have any sort of organization at the moment, so mine are just all mixed in with everyone else's...

Wanna Be a Better Photographer?

2011-08-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

I just found this series of online lessons that will help you to "Become a Better Photographer in 31 Days." Yay! I'm so gonna do all them! I need to work on my photo ninja skills. And the author is great! While he makes the corniest jokes, he presents all of the techie stuff in a super understandable way. And he provides helpful visuals like the following:

Ahhhh! I get it now! That pesky shutter speed and aperture can be so confusing :P

images courtesy of Peter Carey

Namaste

2011-08-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

As part of my recovery from the nerve injury I've been dealing with the past few months, I've been doing yoga...pretty much everyday!

I LOVE it.
I'm obsessed kinda.
But it truly has changed my life for the better in so many ways.
Not only am I a bit more stretchy and flexible, but I am just calmer, more positive, more at peace with myself. I'm not so tense. I also have more of an appreciation for my body, for the world around me, and well, let's face it, yoga clothes are just super cute, so I have an adorable new wardrobe as well ;)

Check out this site! Spiritual Gangster. It has totally hipster, totally chill yoga clothing. Love it!

Here are a few faves:

images courtesy of spiritualgangster.com

Much Needed TLC

2011-08-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Oh I just feel so terrible...my lil ol' blog has been repeatedly pushed to the back burner for quite some time now...poor thing is longing for some much needed TLC.

To be honest, I have been in need of a little TLC and haven't exactly been doing a very good job at giving it to myself. It's hard to slow down. Even in a state of injury, as I am in, it's hard to take care of yourself. I know what I am supposed to be doing to help myself heal and get better, but the world is so demanding and if you take just the tiniest bit of time to help yourself, you feel so guilty. If you take the slightest bit of time away from something you think you should be doing, you feel like you've let someone down or like you've dropped one of the many balls you are constantly juggling...or at least I feel that way...

Well today I have truly taken a total me, total TLC day. I started my day with a yoga class, practiced deep breathing and found my center, then I soaked in a warm bubble bath, and engaged in a bit of meditative healing and a lie down with my heating pad. I then perused the web for a bit of online shopping...meditative healing may have its therapeutic rewards, but helloooo, online shopping is equally if not more so rewarding!! I followed up my retail therapy with a bit of sun worshipping. I find there just really is nothing more relaxing than an afternoon nap in the sun! I may have even gotten a little bit of a tan! Ok ok ok, so I probably didn't really get a tan...I don't exactly have the skin type that tans :P

But what I came to discover today is that I think in general, perhaps, we need to be a bit kinder and gentler toward ourselves...allow ourselves to take some timeouts from the rush our lives have become. I think we've come to believe it isn't really ok to do that. Had I taken a few more timeouts myself I think I may not have gotten my injury in the first place.

So today I took a timeout. I slowed my thoughts, my actions, I took care of my injury, and it wasn't selfish, and the world didn't come to an end and my friends and family didn't hate me for it as I kinda sorta feared. I kinda want to do it again tomorrow!

I hope you enjoyed your weekend and maybe took a little timeout of your own :)
xo!

P.S. here are my online purchases from today!

Lola Side Table

Pharmacy Side Table

Acid Etched Letter

So cute! I love them!

images courtesy of urban outfitters

I'm a Gawker.

2011-08-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah.

I'll admit it.

I will spend countless hours gawking at photography blogs, etsy shops, crafty DIY sites, the latest TOMS shoes and Coach purses, digi scrap galleries, and dachshund rescue pages...I need to stop.

Seriously.

But it's really hard when I come across sites like THIS and THIS that just totally feed into my obsession.

You people are doing me no favors.

But secretly I totally love it.

So sue me.

craftgawker.com and weddinggawker.com

kaBoks CT call!

2011-08-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have super duper exciting news.
I am going to start selling my very own line of digital scrapbooking products! I am beyond thrilled and excited and nervous and inspired and totally and completely freaked out and have no idea what I am doing but so totally warm and fuzzy and all smiley about it.

My dear colleague Siri is starting her own online shop...check it out here...it looks amazing...and she asked me if I would like to join her team of designers. I immediately said YES!

The philosophy behind kaBoks, Siri's new online scrapbooking store, is to break down the walls that exist between the various scrapbooking communities. kaBoks will be a store that will not only bridge traditional, hybrid, and digital scrapbooking, but will target different religions, ethnicities and languages by offering a wide variety of products that speak to inspired creatives around the globe. There will also be a special department called "kiddy scrap" filled with less serious products aimed at crafting for kiddos! or for us big kiddos at heart ;)

The Grand Opening of kaBoks will be on September 30th and at that time we will need a few lovely crafters to join our creative team!

What we are looking for: 

 - digital crafters (scrapbooking, art journals....) 

 - card makers (both traditional, hybrid and digital) 

 - scrapbookers (both traditional, hybrid and digital) 

We are also looking for 1-3 traditional crafters with no or little experience in hybrid/digital craft. These crafters will be  documenting their “journey” into a new world using blog posts, tutorials and videos. 

We would also like to receive applications for a CT manager position.

The team members will be required to:
    - create a minimum of 4 projects every month uploaded to the kaBoks blog and private blog (Subject to change depending on number of members)
    - host contests/challenges on the kaBoks blog (No. of challenges depends on number of members)
    - create tutorials or videos of projects/techniques (two projects during the 6 month period, this could be a tutorial on one of the required projects)
    - create blog posts featuring  techniques /inspiration/ projects
    - participate in challenges
    - promote kaBoks and the designers on their blog and elsewhere
    - upload creations to our public gallery

PLEASE SUBMIT the following to admin@kaboks.com

Name
Address
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Link to your blog
List of forums and galleries that you frequent
List of current Design/Creative Team positions (Team experience is not required)
Tell us why you want to join.

I would so love to see you on the team and have you as a part of the kaBoks family! Please apply! Or visiting as a customer who comes and says hello now and again is fabulous too ;)

xoxo

Mini Matchbook Notepads

2011-08-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

You know how I feel about lists.

Love 'em.

Pretty much can't live without 'em.

Seriously.

I am totally and completely lost without my lists.

I take great care compiling my lists, and it is these lengthy compilations of to-do's that get me from here to there.

So.

With that being said, this little crafty project was PERFECT for me, not only did it take me literally less than five minutes, but it was super cute, and super practical!

Little mini matchbook notepads!
OMG. The perfect home for random thoughts, lists, and notes to self!

Toooootally adorable.

Now the ones pictured are from the first round I was experimenting with so they are not all that stellar, but you get the idea :)

This is...

2011-07-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

the.

most.

AMAZING.

notepad.

EVER.

image courtesty of Anthropologie

I Juuuuust...

2011-07-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

bought THIS!

and I love it tremendously.

It's just soft and flowy, and fits super cute,
and oh! it's way comfy on the little tailbone nerve that's driving me batty.

I actually got it in black...this color is cute, but the black is even cuter ;)

image courtesy of Nordstroms

I Heart Color

2011-07-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

I was just introduced to THIS today.

Pretty Pics + Color Schemes = True Love!

Oh how my life is forever changed.

images courtesy of Design Seeds

Craft Projects I WILL Complete...

2011-07-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

one day...

I have an ever growing list of saved links to tutorials and craft projects that I simply MUST do. Yet I never get around to doing them. This is because I am either missing just one tiny yet completely essential element of the supply list, or an important tool is stealthily hidden in some box somewhere (I am constantly moving so I am never completely unpacked), or I am just plain lazy...one or all of the above is generally the case.

Well I saw this today and yup, added it to the list. How cool are they?! I totally gotta make them! Of course...ummm...I don't have paint swatches, but ya know, one day when I do, I'll totally make them.

image credits: How About Orange, paint swatch boxes

Another thing I HAVE to make is this...for my neice. She loves pink more than I do, which is saying a lot. And she loves frills and sparkles and all things fancy. It's perfect.

image credits: Prudent Baby

Then I also want to make these. I can use them to compile more lists. Yay!

image credits: DaisyJanie, mini pocket notebooks

Secret Crush

2011-07-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

So one of my dreams is to quit teaching and do graphic design and digital art all day every day. I therefore read many blogs and websites to learn and practice new skills and to just learn the ins and outs of the design field.

One of my favorite blog/websites is Just Creative Design. The site itself is an awesome resource, but not gonna lie, I am totally crushing on the little 23 year old Aussie who owns the site. Not only is Jacob Cass an awesome designer, excellent writer, extremely knowledgeable about the craft, and just all around cool...he is just SO stinkin' adorable too! ;)

image credits: screenshot of Just Creative Design website

I Am Liking...

2011-07-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

this...

and this...

and these...

Now realistically I am probably not going to purchase the $700 Coach purse or the $80 Urban Outfitters coat rack, but the Toms???

Well...the thing about the Toms,

like the reason why it would be totally justifiable to actually purchase them for reals...

even though yes, I already have three pairs....

is that ever since the "pain in the bum" started, I can only wear flat shoes.

However, my wardrobe is greatly lacking flat shoes, therefore it is only necessary I augment the areas in which I am weak.

Self improvement is always a good thing, right?? ;)

2011-07-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

LuciusArt

It's Not My Fault

2011-07-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

It's so not my fault that my postings are so totally sporadic of late. I still don't have cable functioning at 100% in my new apartment...still...

This means I have to find better things to do with my time than spend my evenings watching the Bachelorette or the Kardashians. As if.

But, this brought a smile to my face in the midst of the cable crisis so I thought I'd share.

Also, Snapfish is doing a buy 1 photobook get TWO FREE deal right now. Hello amazing. That makes me smile too.

*not sure who the doxie image belongs to so if you know please let me know :)

Barely Survived.

2011-07-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

I moved into a new apartment this week.

And I love it.

It's super cute.

But the thing about moving is that it is not only the biggest pain in the butt (well, next to my real pain in the butt), but it means that you are inevitably without internet access for at least two days as your cable subscription transitions...hence my lack of posts for the past few days. Living without the internet is practically impossible. Seriously, how did we ever do it before?? I mean, there was a time, not that long ago, when I, and people in general, rarely used the internet, if at all.

I know.

Crazy talk.

But we survived just fine during those days. So in theory we should be able to survive today without immediate access to the web. However, after a few days in my apartment sans internet, you'd be convinced that theory was boloney. I barely made it. I was starting to get physical reactions due to my lack of cyber connectivity.

Well, finally today, after much anticipation, the cable guy arrived to set up my TV and internet. However...

as per usual...

because nothing in my life is ever simple...

it seems my sparkling fancy new apartment has faulty cable wiring and does NOT receive a cable signal and therefore canNOT get cable.

OF COURSE it can't.

of course.

So it seems I will be without cable for a bit longer than expected. Like several weeks longer than expected. Lordy. They have to rewire my apartment or something complicated and technical like that.

Sweet.

I am stoked as you can imagine.

(and by stoked I mean not. stoked.).

But ya know, this is just another ordinary day in my world ;)

On a sort of related note but not quite, here is an adorable side table and chair I think I may need to purchase for my new apartment.

Gigi Nightstand, Urban Outfitters

Madeline Chair, Urban Outfitters

It would be awesome to watch some cable TV or view the internet from this darling chair, but...oh right, I DON'T HAVE CABLE.

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

photo: independence day beads by me

Snapped that the other day and thought it was a fun shot.

I love the red, white, and blue color combo...not just because it's my home colors, though admittedly that probably has a bit to do with it. I mean, I've grown up pledging allegiance to those colors every single day of my life...and I do mean every day. Being a teacher, leading the flag salute is part of my job description. Ha! Anyways, back to the colors...red, white, and blue...a bold, bright color combo...clean and crisp...even kinda fun you could say...but despite how much I love it, I just can't wear those colors any other day but July 4th.

None.

Never.

Not any of the other 364 days of the year.

Only July 4th or I feel silly...

like I'm having my own 4th of July celebration on a completely unrelated day.

And I really like these colors...like hello, denim looks so cute with red and white!

Oh darn you Independence Day...totally cramping wardrobe options.

A Real Pain in the Bum...

2011-07-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Literally.

I've had a literal, real life pain in my bum (and back) for the past two months-ish and well, it completely knocked me off my feet for a bit there. No pun intended, although it totally did literally knock me off my feet.

I've pretty much been on my couch all day every day.*

I am still not quite 100%...

I'd say maybe 72ish%...

some days I'm dancing around the 35% mark which is rather undesirable....

But other days I'm almost 83% which is awesome. I can go to the grocery store on those days ;)

Geez.

This has been quite the test of patience, peace, and faith.

For me, little miss jets-to-the-gym-daily-loves-to-run-do-yoga-kill-it-in-spin-class-hop-from-this-activity-to-the-next, sitting all day on my bumsky, for weeks on end has been difficult to say the least.

Due to what seems to be some sort of sciatic nerve issue, I've definitely done a 180 degree lifestyle change...which in the grand scheme of things, hasn't been bad really. I almost wonder if the universe was just trying to slow me down so I could take a look at my life, recenter myself, remember what makes me happy and what doesn't, and reprioritize.

While I most certainly had (still have) hard, completely non-positive days when I thought I would be debilitated forever and that my fate in life was to lie on a couch watching movies all day every day (I'm super overly dramatic at times...my family loves it), I would say overall, during this time, I have definitely become a more peaceful, centered person. I might have been a bit of stress case prior to this, running at 120 mph, not eating well, or sleeping well, totally unfocused creatively cuz I had too much zipping through my head at any given time...but now, after slowing my life to a mere 5 mph pace, reading many healing through meditation books, soaking daily in warm baths, having much time to sit in peace and creative contemplation, work on my crafts, visit with family and friends...I'm feeling pretty good.

I am a big fan of Angel Cards and Positivity Cards. I do them everyday and find them to be so uplifting and positive. They have certainly helped me through this time. Every card I pull seems to be EXACTLY what I need to hear. And they are pretty too.

These are the ones I like if you wanna give them a try. They truly are beautiful and the words they speak are so encouraging even if you don't believe in this kind of thing at all :)

Mermaid and Dolphin Oracle Cards
(I believe your purchase supports ocean/marine life causes...awesome)

Power Thought Cards

This is my very favorite Mermaid and Dolphin card...

awww...*warm fuzzy*

I have so missed blogging! Well now that I really think I am in the healing phase...I still have some doctors to see and whatnot, but I really think I am on the up and up...I will be here much more regularly! I may even have some artsy downloads for you since I 've been doing a lot of creative crafting lately.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend those of you in the grand ol'
US of A!

*on my couch all day every day = catching up on lots and lots of movies! reviews to come in a later post perhaps...

Animated Sketches...

2011-05-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is just so beautiful.

I am an Awesome Seamstress

2011-05-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

and by "awesome" I mean SO. NOT. awesome.

Hear my tale of woe...

This weekend I finally had nothing pressing to do AND was in a highly motivated creative state. This never happens! The stars were aligned! So off I go to JoAnn's fabrics to get fabric for the back of this quilt and also to get some fabric for a super fun pillow pattern I had.

Well being the awesome seamstress I am, I had no measurements with me whatsoever. So I eyeballed it. I thought I knew how big my quilt was...and actually I WAS right, but I forgot that I had sewed some borders on it making it only this much bigger and therefore I needed this much more fabric than I ended up purchasing. So I drive all the way back to JoAnn's to get a smidge more fabric.

Feeling confident about my purchase and ready to sew, I lay out the backing of my quilt, iron it, and pin it in place. I pull out the batting I purchased for the middle and of course, I bought the wrong size!! The dimensions on the package are marked in inches and I guess my math totally failed me...well there's that and the fact that I didn't exactly know the dimensions of my quilt to begin with. Lordy.

At that point, there was no way I was driving back to JoAnn's a third time, so I decide to start my pillow instead. I get to step one and OMG. I can't cut the shapes she asks for out of the size fabric she told me to get! I really, really tried hard to understand the pattern. I mean, it wasn't difficult. I could totally make the pillow if I HAD THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF FABRIC. urg. I think it was a typo.

Forget it. I'm making a neck pillow.

And here it is. The fruits of my creative weekend...

It's actually kinda cute huh?

I'm a Nerd

2011-05-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a little geeky designer humor to jump start your weekend.

I dig this stuff. Like, I find it so super funny.

I'm a nerd.

For. Sure.

Anyways, I particularly liked these tee-shirts as I can personally relate to both...they seem to sum up my life at the moment quite well...ha!

image credits: design shack

Photo Book Bonanza

2011-05-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA around here because I've totally gone nuts over Photo Books. I can't stop making them!

I just finished the ABC Inspiration class I started last month and at the end we publish the little photo book we build during the course. I LOVED my book SO much that I decided to make another book using of photos from my recent New York trip...

Well I adored that book so much that I then thought, why not place my digital scrapbook layouts in some books too! And well, that was that. Let the photo book craziness begin! I happen to have TONS and TONS of layouts and I wanted them all to be in photo books...sooooo...now you can see why I've been a bit busy ;)

I also started comparing photo book websites. I can tell ya this, I have been very pleased with Snapfish thus far. I do not like PaperKiwi, which was recommended by my class. iPhoto has always had excellent quality but it's pricey and they never have deals.

BUT, drum roll please............

My new fave...like absolute total big time fave is Mixbook. You can totally design your own front cover with backgrounds, stickers, fonts...it's totally like digital scrapping! It was too fun and very much the reason why I have been up until 12:30 AM for the past two nights. The site is very user friendly and seems to have some sort of social aspect to it which I don't participate in but may be appealing to some. I also love the way they animate your book when you are completed. Overall I found it to be a nice site and they have lots of deals! Right now they everything is 25% off!

I also found this blog which is fantastic! PhotoBookGirl has everything you need to know about every photo book site! I found it to be very helpful and suggest you do check it out.

Totally unrelated....

I finally got a pair of Toms...the silver glittery ones! OMG. They are the cutest ever. They just make me smile.

Ok well I want to get to bed before 12 AM tonight so I am going to get going...
Have a lovely evening!

It's a New Month Already!

2011-05-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

Why does time go by so fast? I feel like it's still January, like it's still the start of this brand new year. Only this isn't a brand new year anymore...we are five months in...FIVE! That's almost half way through. Goodness.

Well being that it is the start of a new month, that means that the latest issue of Ginger Scraps Street Magazine is published and online! My article for this month is about pets and how special they are to us. I wrote this article two months ago not knowing it would be published this month, so it is kind of weird that it was published this week because I just lost a pet that was very near and dear to me yesterday. She was such a good girl, so sweet and had the biggest heart. I will miss her so very much. If you have a spare minute, take a look at the article...it's filled with some layouts of some cuties. And speaking of cuties, here is a layout I did of my niece that is showcased on page 25...

I happen to really like this one :)

Well as time flies by I seem to fall further and further behind in my work, my crafts, and just life stuff in general. So I am going to skidaddle and try to tackle a few things on this lengthy To-Do list of mine...good times.

Items of Note

2011-04-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

1. I love Kate's dress.

2. I love her sister's dress even MORE.

3. I think I like the name Pippa too. Is that short for something?? Because yes, I think I really like it and would totally name my daughter that. It's cute...and British, and I always wished I were British...or well, wished I had the accent.

4. Kate's evening party dress is super cute too...usually I don't go for fuzzy, but I actually think the sweater is adorable.

Ok, ok, enough with the wedding.

So I am a sucker for weddings and love and cute clothing.

Shoot me.

image credits: Wall Street Journal

O.M.G.

2011-04-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

I need this.

And that's pretty much all there is to it.

P.S.

Check out some other totally interesting iPhone cases here.

image credits: Uncommon via Hongkiat

Monogram Maddness

2011-04-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

I discovered THIS over the weekend and it changed my life.

I seriously spent countless hours fooling around with the various options, making tons of totally fabulous monograms for the wedding I am not planning.

Ha ha ha.

But no, for reals the monograms you can make on this site are really pretty and fun and cute and don't have to be for a wedding...

Also after you put in your choices of color and text, your monogram is ready for download and print right away!!
The Wedding Chicks are awesome.
It's really so kind and generous of them to share their designs.

Love it.

Awesome resource.

Yeah I did all S's cuz it's my favorite letter...soooooooo that doesn't really give you a great look at the variety offered but go you should totally go play and enjoy!

I Heart the Environment

2011-04-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

I have been totally neglecting my dear beloved blog for quite some time. Oh how I miss it! But I have a good excuse. I was busy glamming it up in NYC ;) Yep took a fabulous trip with some girlfriends and had THE best time. What an awesome city...love it...wanna go back STAT. Of course I could do without the freak lightening storm and torrential downpours...they put a bit of a damper on the trip (no pun intended...or was it? ha ha!) No, really overall was a great trip...saw a Yankees game, went to a Broadway show, road through Central Park in a rickshaw...basically did all those fun touristy things. Such good times.

But now I am home and it's back to business! So ok, I read a terrifying article on the plane about dangerous chemicals in our environment and plastics and whatnot. I knew certain types of plastic water bottles can release harmful chemicals, but I never really gave it much thought...until reading this article in Glamour magazine (article title: The New Toxic Threats to Women’s Health). It talked about BPA and PVC, among other toxins and basically made me want to change my entire life...how I eat, what I drink from, the air I breathe...ok so I can't exactly change that last one, but I just feel like our world is so filled with ickiness and I don't know how to fix it or change it or keep myself safe...I don't even know what IS safe! (HERE is a post I found about the plastics we interact with daily and their levels of harm)

Well I decided to take it one step at a time and today I started researching chemical free, environmentally friendly water bottles. In my research I determined that stainless steel water bottles are the best. So I am going to purchase one of those as well as a Britta. Plastic bottled water hasta la vista! (oh! HERE is a web post I thought was very helpful by the way...)

Alrighty so now that we have a plan, I have to decide which water bottle to get...cuz it has to be cute.

Here are my options:
Kleen Kanteen - highly recommended but not very exciting...just solid colors...which isn't bad at all, I would go for the bright pink, but it's just kinda plain.

Earth Lust - love the gal's story who owns the company...love the artwork on the bottles...but can't decide what size I would get because I was kinda thinking the 1 liter would be the best size to get but I like the designs on the smaller 20 oz. bottle way better.

Innate-Gear - free of all sorts of chemicals and meets lots of standards and whatnot, but I don't love the design

New wave Enviro - sounds like a good company...ok designs.

Camelbak - love the name of this company...bottles are insulated (not sure if that matters or not)...designs need work.

Thinksport - love the shape...love the fact that they make chemical free yoga mats too...love their website design although I can't access their online store at the moment...but regardless, this may be a winner.

What do you think? Which do you like best? or if you have an awesome, safe, earth-friendly bottle, which do you have??

image credits: Thinksport.com

Craft Spot

2011-04-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

Think I'm gonna make some of these this week...

Ok, ok, let's get real...probably not this week, but at some point I am totally making these little paper-bow-clips. So cute.

image credits: How About Orange

Obsessed.

2011-04-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

So.

Obsessed.

with Words With Friends.

I mean, an intervention of sorts may be necessary very soon as my obsession is starting to disrupt my normal daily functioning.

I have 8 games going as we speak so I pretty much have no time to blog today.

Gotta stay focused.

Gotta keep my eye on the prize.

Gotta win big.

Today's a Big Day

2011-04-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well today's my big day.

I made some cupcake toppers for my lil birthday shindig this weekend...cute eh??

I hope you enjoy your day today! I know I will ;)

xoxo!

Scrap Happy

2011-04-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

So I just started another new digi-scrapping class.

I LOVE it already and I'm only two days in.

I'm totally inspired.

In my creative zone.

I pretty much don't want to go to work cuz I just want to work on my project all day long!

ABC Inspiration is a 26 day course in which you create a digi-scrapped album inspired by the alphabet. It's sorta hard to describe but as I go along I'll post some of my pages...it's gonna be so super cute!

Also scrapping related, I found a few new designers to crush on. One Little Bird has adorable scrapping products and a lovely website. Paislee Press is equally fabulous...their products just totally fit my style. And finally, Sue Cummings and Lydia Designs...these ladies just have beautiful color schemes and really sweet products.

Now, the most awesome thing about these three designers is that they all sell their totally fab goods over at OScraps and I just happened to have received a gift certificate to that online digi-store as an early birthday present!! Hooray!! I can't wait to shop shop shop!

And yes, my birthday is a mere 3 hours away...OMG! Despite the fact that I will be older, I am actually quite a fan of my birthday. And that being the case, the celebrations will only just barely begin tomorrow. I tend to believe one's birthday is not simply one day, it is actually a month-long celebratory event! Woohoo! Let the party begin!

E-zine Eye Candy

2011-04-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Holly over at Decor8 posted this list of GORGEOUS design-related e-zines...I'm in heaven...SUCH eye candy!

I have only just recently started perusing e-zines...they are all the rage in the blogosphere these days. I find them to be totally inspirational and beautiful and just a completely new way to explore content on the web. However, I discovered that I totally read them differently from how I read a normal glossy mag. I tend to just skim through them super fast...I think I get super over-stimulated by all the ideas and gorgeousness that I zip through them to the end just to see what is in the e-zine, what I want to read and pay attention to, and what I can let float away out of my consciousness, just to so I feel less overwhelmed. Then I go back and read the parts I want to read. Sometimes the amount of amazingness on the web is overwhelming don't you think??

Anyways, back to the list...I LOVE Utterly Engaged and Sweet Paul...some readers mentioned another wedding e-zine I had never heard of that is also so very charming...Nonpareil Mag...ahhhh *love at first sight*

I read a few crafty online mags as well...Carina Garder's e-zine and of course Ginger Scraps Street Magazine, since I am a writer for it after all ;) And speaking of, the latest edition is online and it's adorable! My article is on page 23 and I have two layouts in the mag this month as well...page 26, page 30...

Here is one of them...

Have a very happy weekend! Perhaps grab a cool drink and read a few online glossies...xo.

image credits: Nonpareil

Looks Like Spring

2011-03-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

I adore Anthropologie just as much as the next gal, but I have to admit, it is rare that I love an entire line of their clothing. Sometimes they just take the whole alternative-vintage-dainty-funk look a bit too far for my taste. However, times may be a'changing...I LOVE Anthro's new spring lines. The clothing is adorable. I mean, minus two or three pieces I would pretty much like to purchase everything. I'm just attracted to that flowy, chiffony, airy look and they have a lot of that going on right now.

Here are a few faves:

And THEN check out this dress...omg...my heart pretty much stopped and I almost died.

Love love love. All of it.

image credits: Anthropologie.com

I Heart Parking Garages

2011-03-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well today was an epic day.
I sideswiped my car against a corner concrete post in my super-tiny-not-made-for-two-cars-going-in-opposite-directions parking garage. The damage was lovely :/

On a happier note, I did make this layout today...

I used Catherine's Tender Kit, which I just adore...I love the simple color scheme...it's sort of antique-y, and it's gentle and calm...I have to say, I think it just may be my favorite kit she's created thus far.

Super Excited...

2011-03-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

about THIS:

Oh yes I will be in attendance, bright and early, tomorrow morning!

SO.

EXCITED.

and hopefully...

*fingers criss-crossed really tight*

...I will return with some awesome photos...

or at least sweet skillz that will allow me to take super awesome photos.

image credits: Nicole Gerulat

It's My Party

2011-03-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

Are these not

THE.

MOST.

AMAZING.

hair accessories

EVER.

My birthday is rapidly approaching and I think I simply MUST wear this at my party:

Definitely.

No question.

And my bff's should wear an assortment of these other adorable headpieces cuz they are just too fabulously fun and funky.

Umm...Yes.
I pretty much love this idea so much I can't handle it.

Seriously.
These are amazing.

image credits: Janine Basil

Happy Happy!

2011-03-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

First of all how could I have possibly let a delightfully colorful newsletter from Rock Scissor Paper just sit in my inbox all weekend long?? And secondly how could I have done so when it had such Happy News tucked inside?!

First of all I adore the ladies of Rock Scissor Paper. I had the opportunity to meet them at a Stationery Workshop they taught a while back and they were not only inspiring and fun and just absolutely fabulous in every way, but they also were generous with their knowledge and time, and just willing to share everything they had learned throughout their creative journey. It truly was awesome.

Anyways, the email I just finally opened introduced a few of their new products which is always fun, but most importantly, it had a "save the date" section just for So. Cal locals....aka ME. *smiling really big* This section was announcing two super awesome events: a Craft Workshop in conjunction with Tom's Shoes (OMG LOVE THEM so I MUST go!) and the arrival of Unique LA, an independent design boutique/fair...both will be here in a little over a month! Awesome. I am SUPER EXCITED. I love these kinds of things.

Also the newsletter had a link to RSP's blog and I found this posting which I thought was just the yummiest and so cute, and I would so totally make these tasty treats for my sweetheart if I had any baking skills whatsoever. As it is, I don't even think I own a whisk, let alone have a clue what a pastry cutter is; and is unsalted butter different than regular butter?? I'm thinking I wouldn't get too far through this recipe before disaster would strike. Dang it. But they do look delish, don't they?

Happy Monday!

image credits: Rock Scissors Paper - Make Something Happy Blog

I Heart Ruffles

2011-03-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I currently have this bedding set...

Isn't it just dreamy.

I bought it as a special treat to myself last summer.

I love it so much I can't handle it.

Sometimes I can't wait to go to bed because I love my bedding that much.

Anyways, I recently saw these curtains and decided I simply must have them. Not only do I adore ruffles, but they would just totally match my bedding.

Now, while I LOVE that deep purple color, I am not sure it would match with my bedroom decor so I am deciding between these other two options:

but they do have a creme one too...so that is always a possibility.

Oh I am terrible with decisions...hmmm...

Which do you like best??

I'll take the weekend to think it over.

Happy Friday!

xo.

image credits: Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters

Font Nut

2011-03-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

In order of appearance:

Pixiefont, Lemon Chicken, Upper East Side, Rechtman, and Veggieburger

You can get them too at Fontsquirrel.com

Just Another Tuesday...

2011-03-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

A few fun digi-scrapping layouts for a random Tuesday...

How cute are those sweet treats from my bro's recent b-day shindig??!

And my adorable nephew?? Oh how I just want to gobble him up!

P.S.

My photography class is

kicking.

my.

arse.

You will most definitely NOT be seeing any awesome mind blowing photos anytime soon.

OMG.

Little Dresses

2011-03-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

If I were getting married this spring, this just might be my rehearsal dinner dress...

And if I were attending a shower of sorts, I might wear this....

And if I were going to a super fun evening party, I'd totally wear this...

And if I had boku bucks, I'd buy them all today.

image credits: Lily Pulitzer

Fashionable Undersea Friends

2011-03-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Lobsters on a binkini.

Hmmm.

At first glance I was like seriously?? Are they joking? Who would ever in their right mind wear THAT?!
But upon closer inspection, this bathing suit is really quite darling...take a look at the back detail...it's a complimentary stripe pattern...

and the cut really is cute...

You can remove the halter strap if you'd like.

I am thinking I really like this suit.

Huh.

Who knew a lobster bathing suit would be so awesome?

Oh that Anthropologie.

Always on the cutting edge of fashion.

image credits: Anthropologie

Tiny Toms

2011-03-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

Shoes for little ones are pretty much the most fun thing to shop for.

They are so darn cute.

Especially when they are teeny tiny versions of adult shoes...like these.

OMG.

I didn't know these existed!

Where have I been??

My niece and nephew just got little Nike's but I am thinking they need these too.

Most definitely.

I am still dreaming of these...however, I almost wish the big person version had a little velcro action too.

That would be amazing.

Elephant Snackers

2011-03-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

I want to make these for the next baby shower I host.

I mean, these cookies are pretty much baby shower personified.

So darn cute.
I could be biased due to the fact that elephants are my favorite animal (next to owls)...but an elephant themed shower would be really cute.
omg.

image credits: hello naomi

Storytime

2011-03-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

"It is one of life's bitterest truths that bedtime so often arrives just when things are really getting interesting."
-Lemony Snicket, The Grim Grotto

Oh how I love to read a good book right before I go to bed...but it's so true that you always get to the really good part just when it's getting too late to stay up any longer...oh what a bitter truth indeed.

I recently learned about this great blog entitled, An Illustrated Guide: Short Reviews of Notable Picture Books and I totally dig it.

Not only is the site design cool (the images of the picture books move as your cursor moves and there are great literature related quotes sprinkled throughout), but I am a just big, big fan of picture books so the concept itself is just very cool. I would have to say that other than the crafty section, the kids section of Barnes and Noble is pretty much my favorite...I have also taken a few Children's Literature courses over the years and even a class on how to actually write Children's Books, so it's fair to say that I am indeed a fan of the genre and hence this Notable Picture book blog.

The books that are spotlighted on the blog are not super mainstream; they are a bit alternative and offbeat, but cute. And the reviews are well-written and entertaining. Each one ends with the phrase, "The perfect book for ___________"...the blank is filled with an appropriate term describing children who would like the book such as, "young adventurers," or "little monsters," or "budding wordsmiths"...so clever...love it.

So do you have any favorite picture books?? Perhaps they made it onto the blog??

Take a peek!

Quotation and image credits: An Illustrated Guide

Lemon Cupcakes

2011-03-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

Been having a few rough days over here...

I mean, I can definitely say I've been getting some lemons thrown my way...

And while I probably won't turn them into lemon cupcakes anytime soon seeing how I am just the worst in the kitchen, I am gonna try super hard to turn them into something sweet.

image credits: Betty Turbo

Ginger Scappings!

2011-03-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's the first of the month which means the latest issue of Ginger Scraps Street magazine is online and ready for you to admire!

My article is on page 4 and it is three pages long!

Phew!

I was ambitious this month.

I also have a few layouts published this month...one is in my own article on page 5, and then one is on page 28...I thought I had one more but I could be mixing it up with next month. We work like 2 months in advance so I get all mixed up. I like the article I wrote for this month...and I love the layouts I chose to spotlight...the designers specialize in minimalist design and their work is beautiful!

Take a peek!

P.S. Each month there is a freebie kit in the magazine so you should totally subscribe ;)

Love to Party

2011-02-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am totally exhausted and my weekend is totally over.

It was all party all the time this weekend.

Family was in town to celebrate birthdays and pregnancies and engagements and all sorts of good things...it was good times.

I snapped some pics.

Actually lots of pics.

In fact, I totally filled my memory card.

Conveniently just when my photography class is starting. Geez.

Here are some pics from the b-day celebrations...

We made like over 50 teeny tiny cupcakes!

Oh ok ok, so I didn't contribute much to the cupcake construction since I am not allowed to bake (long story)...but the fam made like 50-something cupcakes! Aren't they super cute?!

I can't wait until I know how to make my photos look super awesome.

I am still in that experimental composition and editing phase of my photography education...sooooo perhaps just keep that tidbit of info in mind as you look at the photos I post ;)

P.S. One day I totally want to throw a party using of THESE party boxes...SO adorable.

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

xoxo

Ban.Do...or Don't...

2011-02-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

I wish I were they type of girl who could wear a big yellow bow in my hair, just for kicks, and be as adorable as this Ban.Do girl...

...especially cuz this limited edition silk bow headband is on sale! But alas, I am so not cute in big headbands, or bows, or hats really...I so wish I was a hat person.

But seriously, how cute is that bow??! Oh goodness, to walk down the street with a big yellow bow on my head would totally be the best...it would so make me smile.

image credits: Ban.do

Stressed...

2011-02-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

Equals desserts...when spelled backwards ;)

card by Egg2Cake

I'm stressed today.

I need some desserts (read: golden spoon) STAT.

Sparklies

2011-02-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

I just am so in love with this ring at the moment...

It comes in a light greenish/whitish/sparkly color too which is completely beautiful.

Oh it would be so hard to choose between the two!

But seriously, as if I am making this choice anytime in the near future...sheesh.

Still, a girl does loves her sparklies.

I think this ring is pretty too...

image credits: David Yurman

Happy 3-Day Weekend!

2011-02-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

Yellow Heart Art

Miracle Worker

2011-02-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

This stuff is heavenly.

Totally working miracles over here.

Love it.

That's all there is to it.

image credits: philosophy.com

Photo Ninja Here I Come

2011-02-16T22:29:00.000-08:00

I signed up for my photography class today.

I am...

SO.

EXCITED.

Now I can feel completely legit when I walk around town with my camera dangling around my neck. For years I've been a little photo wannabe, a starry eyed dreamer, walking around as if I were a total photo ninja, totally pretending to know exactly what I was doing (even though I hadn't a clue) and yet trying to appear as if I were a total pro ;)

Oh I crack myself up.

Well now I am going to learn how to use my new slr camera appropriately...and perhaps explore settings beyond the automatic ones...I hope to just really get to know the basics of this new hobby of mine.

I can't wait.

I will share some of my photos with you...if they are any good that is...I am totally only showing the good stuff.

;)

ha ha ha.

Oh Shoot! Beginning Digital SLR Photography Class

JessicaSprague.com

Resolutions Failed

2011-02-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

My number one resolution for the year was to create a realistic budget, stick to it, and save a little more money...it didn't even have to be a lot more money, but to at least save something.

Since January 1st, however, I have never spent more money in my entire life.

Seriously.
What is going on??!

And for reals, I am not a crazy shopper or anything...life has just been expensive these past 6 weeks for some reason.
I can't explain it.
But it has got to stop.
I just read the Confessions of a Shopaholic and OMG I think I am becoming the main character.

I popped into Old Navy after work today and they were having an incredible sale. I bought a few things. Even though I just told myself NO MORE SPENDING. But these really were things I needed. And they really were very, very inexpensive. That make it ok, right??

In unrelated photo below: new Coach handbag I will NOT be purchasing, but do love quite a bit.

image credits: Coach.com

Happy Lovey Dovey Day!

2011-02-14T20:57:00.000-08:00

image by me, RA ink ;)

I Like Wedding Stuff

2011-02-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

Not that I am getting married any time soon or anything, but I happened to be perusing the inspiration galleries over at Martha Stewart Wedding the other day and well, bookmarked a few things...ya know, for future reference...should I ever need them.

For instance, this collection of their favorite Wedding Palettes. I love this. There were definitely a few color combos I would never choose in a million years (umm hello marigold and pewter???), but I love color combos in general and just found these to be artistically inspiring.

I enjoyed the gallery of Wedding Decorations as well. SO many adorable ideas. Again, quite a few I could certainly do without...I mean a wheat wreath?? Really? But the wine bottle table numbers, carnation clusters, and the hanging lanterns were among my faves.

On the other hand, I thought this gallery...of supposedly Gorgeous Wedding Gowns was hideous. I liked maybe one gown out of the 54 spotlighted in the selection.

Regardless, always worthwhile to spend a few spare moments on important research such as this ;)

image credits: Martha Stewart Wedding

Photoshop Tuts

2011-02-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

New to Photoshop?

Or just wanna brush up on your sweet skills??

PSD Tuts+ is one of my favorite sites for Photoshop tutorials. It is currently hosting a 25-part video series to teach you everything you need to know to get you Photoshopping like a Pro!

There are just so many tutorials and educational materials floating out there on the web that it can be a bit overwhelming if you are a Photoshop newbie....or even if you are an intermediate or advanced user and just want to learn a new skill, tip, or trick...it's hard to weed through the muck and find relevant, let alone quality material. I have found this video series to be quite good. I especially like the narrator's accent ;)

image credits: PSD Tuts+

Sorry...

2011-02-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

No time to blog today...

Too busy bonding with the love of my life.

It came in the mail today.

So we are hanging out.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Maybe.

If I can tear myself away.

p.s. here is the cute little outfit I got for my darling...

it's purple...

and the image doesn't really do it justice...

it's shiny and so cute and I love it.

image credits: apple.com, contour design hardskin iphone cover

2011-02-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

I'm.

In.

Love.

This is hands down my favorite shop in the whole world today.

Browsing their goodies totally made my Monday.

I mean, I think I'd look super cute in that owl hoodie...
hmmm...purchasing their goodies would make my Monday even better ;)

image credits: boygirlparty.com

Scrappiness

2011-02-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

I'm super into my digi-scrapping right now.

Love it.

Big time.

I think I am starting to really find my own style and the type of scrapping I really enjoy.

I've updated my gallery over there in my sidebar and it's kinda fun to see the evolution of my scrapping...I can SO easily tell which are my beginner pages!

I just bought some super cute new products from two of my favorite designers (NinaScraps and Paislee Press) over at Oscraps and I made these two pages with them...

Too cute!

Cloud Nine

2011-02-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

Finally.

I have a lil iPhone to call my own.

Life is good.

Self Portrait

2011-02-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

I don't usually make digital scrapbook pages of myself...I mean just me...but some of the greatest artists of all time have self portraits in their repertoire...and after browsing others' scrapping galleries I came to realize that sometimes it's nice to look back at photos of yourself and remember just what made you smile at that one particular moment, what were your wishes and dreams, who were you then, and who have you become...A self portrait allows us see how beautiful we are.

So I decided to try a few self portraits and it was really a cathartic, "getting in touch with my inner self" sort of experience. I really quite liked it. Here are a few of my self portrait digi scrap layouts...I love 'em!

My Self Portraits.

Call a Spade a Spade

2011-01-31T20:31:00.001-08:00

Kate Spade has a new logo.

People all over the interweb are being uber snarky, complaining that her new logo is too simple, too boring, and simply lacks creativity.

Personally, I think it's awesome that Kate's last name is the same as a totally recognizable icon.

This is going to completely revolutionize her brand. She can put that little spade on everything and people will know in a split second that the purse, shoe, coat, or whatever it is you are donning is hers, much like the Nike Swoosh, Chanel C's, or iZod Alligator. Really, she couldn't be luckier.

And come on, that little spade is kinda cute.

Gift Card Cozies

2011-01-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

So remember the Gift Card Cozies I was gonna make a few weekends ago??

Well...here they are!

I whipped these little darlings up today...

Kinda cute, huh?

They would certainly jazz up an otherwise un-cute gift that's for sure ;)

I Heart My Mac

2011-01-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Bunches and bunches.

I do.

And sometimes I like to dress my Mac up in fancy Apple wallpapers.

I just found this website that has some nice ones...

This purplely apple universe is my current fave.

image credits: applewallpapers.net and monkeymagico

A Few More Products On Sale!

2011-01-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

A few more of my designs are on sale over at Butterflies and Bluebells online shop...using Catherine's gorgeous kits, I created some quick pages that just went on sale today!

I think it's just so exciting. Even if we sell just one, I will be beyond thrilled.

Quick pages are really so easy to use and they are fabulous for the digi-scrapper with no time for digi-scrapping, or even for the beginner digi-scrapper. You simply open the quick page in your photo editing program, drag your photos in, and voila! Your gorgeous layout is complete in less than 5 seconds! And these quick pages are particularly nice, if I do say so myself ;)

image credits: Butterflies and Bluebells, RA ink, Digital Design Den

Don't You Just Hate It When...

2011-01-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

...you purchase the wrong thing and have to go all the way back to the store and exchange it for the correct one? Oh I do.

So.

Much.

Because it's so not my fault.

The products were obviously poorly labeled.

I was so super excited about this totally adorable, fancy schmancy IKEA organizer fabulosity...it was the perfect answer to the totally unorganized mess littering my closet...

BUT upon unwrapping the packing, I discovered I had bought the wrong product...oh the dismay!

Apparently these two items look practically identical when wrapped up in their plastic wrappings. I of course picked up the wrong one and now have to trek all the way back to IKEA to exchange it. Oh how I loathe having to do that....

Such is life I suppose. Always a curve ball. Granted this is a tiny curve ball but curvy nonetheless.

image credits: IKEA

In It To Win It.

2011-01-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

The super talented, super wacky blond haired blue-eyed duo otherwise known as my brothers just won second place in a commercial video contest...way to go bros!!

Check out their work here.

Funny stuff.

Happy Friday!

image credits: Yoych Productions

Comic Book Make Over

2011-01-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

Was fooling around on Photoshop today and whipped up this little number...

Pretty sweet huh?

By following this tutorial I gave one of my everyday, ordinary photos

a sweet retro comic book makeover.

Fun.

I also made this one...
all by myself...just for kicks.

It started out as a photo of my bro by a lifeguard stand and I funked it up a bit.

sweet photo editing by me, sara of RA Ink

Umm Hello Totally Cool Website

2011-01-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

Keyonary

Finds keyboard shortcuts for Photoshop
and other various applications.

Give it a whirl.
It's neato.

image credits: Keyonary via Smashing Magazine

Chocolate Milk

2011-01-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Is that not the cutest pic?

My niece and nephew taking a little chocolate milk break.

So darn cute.

I did a little fancy photo editing...but it doesn't seem to be quite as awesome here in this post as it is in Photoshop...

hmmm...weird.

Super Cute Pocket Planner

2011-01-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

One of my very favorite illustrators has turned her drawings into a little pocket planner.

Oh isn't it just adorable.

My mom just gave me this calendar (which is beautiful), and I was going to purchase that super cute calendar from Creative Thursday, but the one above, by Geninne, is a planner, so it's totally different which means I can totally get it.

You can never have too many calendars, right?
I mean it never hurts to know just where you need to be at all times!

Anyways, Geninne is a beautiful illustrator and I would love to have her planner just for that fact alone. I like to read her blog because she often writes about how she creates her work. I find it very inspiring. I would like to eventually do that on my blog too...I just need to find the time to actually sit down and create! Things are kind of busy right now...sometimes that whole work thing sure gets in the way... ;)

The Sweet Stuff

2011-01-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

This was a busy week at work...hence the lack of posts the past few days.
But halleluia! It's a three-day weekend!

Perhaps we should celebrate with a little vino ;)

I'm a white wine gal...sweet white wines, to be specific...but I have been trying very hard to find a red to like. I just think drinking red wine makes one look so sophisticated and cultured, and oh, just kinda fancy. I simply must find one so I too can be fancy.

Well, it just so happens I was recently introduced to this.

Ok, so it's probably not really a red wine...it's more like candy in a glass, but it IS red! And I like it. If I wasn't careful it's quite possible I could down the whole bottle in a few short minutes. It's that good. I would highly suggest picking up a bottle if you too enjoy a sweet toddy now and again.

Well I am off to enjoy my three days...hope you have a fabulous weekend friends!

Il Conte d'Alba Stella Rosa

I Need A Badge...or Two.

2011-01-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

I can't handle the cuteness!

Why are there just SO many cute things??

Cuz really, I have to have them.

I can't help it.

Look at this...

and this...

I mean, I don't really know what I would do with a hedgehog or toast badge per say,

but I feel that I need to have them.

image credits: Sugarcookie

I'm So Getting One

2011-01-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

The time has come.

Verizon will indeed be offering the iPhone to it's users next month.

HOOOOOOOOORAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!

I am SO getting one.

And THIS is SO going to be my wallpaper.

"Super Sara" happens to be my secret identity...
but shhhhh.
don't tell.

Head Over Heels

2011-01-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

I am SO totally and completely head over heels in love with this:

I think I might buy it.

Also THIS is my crafty project for the week.

Gift Card Cozies.

SUCH a good idea.

And oh so easy.

I'll post pics when they are completed...I think they are gonna be cute!

image credits: Suspect Shoppe

Best Places to Travel...

2011-01-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

According to National Geographic THESE are the 20 best places to travel in 2011.

Apparently I am a very un-creative traveler

because it never occurred to me to plan a trip to any of those places.

Well...

Actually, I've never even heard of most of them.

But those photographs are gorgeous and I'd love to go.

And don't you just totally want to jump off those Uruguayan rocks too?!

Photograph by Kevin Moloney, The New York Times via National Geographic

Busy Day...

2011-01-05T21:22:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy busy day...filled with meetings and errands and an oh so delightful trip to the dentist.

It seem I have an itty bitty, teeny tiny, itsy bitsy, little cavity.

I'm devastated.

I've had perfect teeth for as long as I can remember!

But my dentist said it's not my fault...the shape of my back teeth make it kinda tricky to keep food particles from getting stuck so I shouldn't feel bad.

But I totally do!!

So I am going to go wallow in my misery...

In the meantime I thought I'd leave you with this pretty little thing.

I stumbled upon it while I was perusing Etsy today...totally adorable isn't it??!

image credits: Marolsha

Hrrumph.

2011-01-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

New Year's Resolutions certainly don't last very long.

Hrrumph.

Why is that??

I was SO pumped Jan. 1 and 2.

I finally got my new camera last month (*squeals of joy*) so my goal for the new year was to complete Project 365.

Now, I knew going in that this was super ambitious of me being that Project 365 is an every-single-day-for-the-entire-year activity, but still...I thought I would at least make it through one month.

I lasted TWO DAYS.

I totally didn't take a picture yesterday!

geez.

Are you allowed to take two photos in one day and have it count for a missed day????

Maybe you are allowed a couple of do-overs?? A few free days perhaps??
...I mean the start of the year has got to be hard for everyone...going back to work and all that...right???

I couldn't possibly be the only one that blew it right out of the gate could I??

oh I totally am aren't I.

How are you doing on your new year's goals??
You are totally rockin' them. I know it. Oh I'm such a New Year's Resolution loser.

Ok let's talk about something less depressing...like my new camera!
I'd like to get a really great camera strap for it. Something that is really ME.
I've started looking around.
So far I've found these ones.
and these ones.
and theeeeese ones...kinda fun and funky. Faux zebra print would be kinda fun, right?!

I could probably make one...but I'm not feeling super motivated sewing-wise...think I'm just gonna let someone else do the hard work for me this time around ;)

Here's the zebra print strap from My Funky Camera...so cute...
I think it may be fuzzy...even better.

image credits: My Funky Camera

Monday Monday Monday...

2011-01-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it was back to work today after a gloooooorious two weeks off. Oh how I could so get used to not working...I mean, seriously, you can just get so much done when you aren't spending 8 hours of your day at work! I so enjoyed every moment of my relaxing holiday break, but let me tell ya, I was uber-productive...my never-ending To-Do list has whittled away to practically nothing! But now it is back to reality...work and routine and all that...but it's the start of a brand spanking new year! I kinda like the sound of 2011...

twenty.

eleven.

I think it has a nice sound to it...it's a nice set of five syllables...sounds strong and positive...I really do think good things are coming our way this year...I can just feel it.

Well the start of a new year is always a good time to get organized and there is no better way to get organized than to buy a new calendar to plan out your new weekly schedule for the year. I LOVE calendars. It is one of the first purchases I make each year. I love to sit with my new, fresh, clean, blank calendar and fill in everyone's birthdays and anniversaries, my upcoming trips and days off of work ;) It's a fun activity for the start of the year. I inevitably smear a few birthdays and think why oh why did I choose this pen?! The perfectionist in me will attempt to turn the smudge into a little heart or flower irked that the fresh new calendar has such a blemish...seriously, happens every year! I am behind schedule however...I haven't purchased my new calendar yet. I am thinking THIS is the one I am going to get. I love Creative Thursday. Her work is ADORABLE. Isn't this calendar just so sweet?!

Yep. I think this is definitely the one. Love it.

image credits: Creative Thursday

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish you a very happy 2011.
I think it's really going to be a good good new year.
Have a safe and happy holiday and I will see you on the other side ;)

Oh! I almost forgot...the first edition of the brand new Ginger Scraps Street Magazine will be out bright and early tomorrow morning! I am SO excited! I can't wait to see my very first article in print! Woohoo!

Here is a sneak peek at the cover...

So cute!

I will add a direct link to the magazine right here as soon as I get it so you can zip on over and take a look...and perhaps subscribe even ;)
xoxo!

***HERE is the direct link to the magazine!! check it out! It's darling!

Thank You! Thank You!

2010-12-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

The season of giving has come and gone, and now t'is the time to say THANKS BUNCHES! for all the totally fab gifts you received.

I whipped up these thank you tags as part of a stationery set I am working on...aaaaaaaand kinda sorta hope to sell in the lil online shop I would like to open in 2011 (can we say New Years Resolution??!)

I thought the circular thank yous could be printed on sticky paper and be used as seals on the envelopes of your thank you notes and the others could be little thank you tags you could stick in a potted plant or tie to a little goodie of sorts...I think they are kinda cute.

Aaaaaaaand...as a test run...you can download the circles HERE! It's my thank you to you! Thank you so much for stopping by! You are a gem and I love love love your visits :)

p.s. I am back from my little vacay. It was lovely to be away. But I am happy to be home again!

On a Lil Vacay...

2010-12-27T22:11:00.000-08:00

Just taking a wee break...a lil vacay...be back in a few days...xo.

image credits: sandra lundry inspired imagery

Navy Stripes

2010-12-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

Navy stripes and a bow...on a Coach bangle.

Why do they do this to me?!

Love it.

Gotta have it.

I wonder if my mums has gotten my gift yet????

image credits: Coach.com

Last Minute Gift Items...

2010-12-21T22:31:00.000-08:00

So I popped into Anthropologie this evening to look for a few last minute Christmas gifts...

I saw all of the following and wanted them for myself!
Ha!
That means they would make perfect gifts.

Thought I would share them with you too, in case you have some last minute shopping to do as well ;)

Friends of the Forest Cards
these are adorable.

Autumn Drizzle Glass
these come in different colors with slightly different flowers on each.
love 'em all.

Leave Your Mark Note Sticky
each letter is slightly different.

Tea and Toast Butter Dish
comes in four different colors and is so quaint and cute.

image credits: Anthropologie.com

Jo Totes...

2010-12-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

THIS is the camera bag I am longing for.

It's adorable.

It's purple.

It's perfect.

It's sold out.

Jo Totes are "camera bags for ladies."

These bags are so totally fabulous because they have special padded compartments for both your ordinary day-to-day purse items as well as your high tech photography equipment.

A Jo Tote is basically a camera bag that double as a purse.

So now you can go out and about with just one bag...
and a cute one at that!

image credits: Jo Totes

Scrap, Scribble, and Stitch

How Could THIS:

It's That Time Again...

I'm Expanding...

saramccarthydesigns@gmail.com I will post some of my previous work shortly, but in the meantime I will show you a portfolio of my previous designs when we chat!Thank you!

p.s. visit my new FB page HERE and my digital scrapbook products HERE

I Dig These.

Just For You...

A Sweet New FB Page

Oh Goodness.

As I was Saying...

Saw This...

Playing with My Designs!

Just Wanted to Point Out....

New Obsession

It's Official...Part Two...

It's Official!

Wanna Be a Better Photographer?

Namaste

Much Needed TLC

I'm a Gawker.

kaBoks CT call!

Mini Matchbook Notepads

This is...

I Juuuuust...

I Heart Color

Craft Projects I WILL Complete...

Secret Crush

I Am Liking...

It's Not My Fault

Barely Survived.

Happy Fourth of July!

A Real Pain in the Bum...

Animated Sketches...

I am an Awesome Seamstress

I'm a Nerd

Photo Book Bonanza

It's a New Month Already!

Items of Note

O.M.G.

Monogram Maddness

I Heart the Environment

Craft Spot

Obsessed.

Today's a Big Day

Scrap Happy

E-zine Eye Candy

Looks Like Spring

I Heart Parking Garages

Super Excited...

It's My Party

Happy Happy!

I Heart Ruffles

Font Nut

Just Another Tuesday...

Little Dresses

Fashionable Undersea Friends

Tiny Toms

Elephant Snackers

Storytime

Lemon Cupcakes

Ginger Scappings!

Love to Party

Ban.Do...or Don't...

Stressed...

Sparklies

Happy 3-Day Weekend!

Miracle Worker

Photo Ninja Here I Come

Resolutions Failed

Happy Lovey Dovey Day!

I Like Wedding Stuff

Photoshop Tuts

Sorry...

Scrappiness

Cloud Nine

Self Portrait

Call a Spade a Spade

Gift Card Cozies

I Heart My Mac

saramccarthydesigns@gmail.com

I will post some of my previous work shortly, but in the meantime I will show you a portfolio of my previous designs when we chat!

Thank you!