What I've Been Up To...

So just when I thought that all my creativity was out the door...I got this huge need to create something and "ta-da!" this is what has become of it. I finally have finished not one, not two...but three layouts! Crazy, I know! I guess a big thing that I try to remind myself of is that to just try and "let it go"...whatever it may be. It's so hard not to get caught up in the "trendiness" of this hobby. There are so many products out there and gadgets and things to buy that sometimes it almost paralyzes a person. I know that is how I get. And really, it is all about the photos in the end anyway. It is important to try and not get so lost in all of the hoopla. I really believe less is more, and when too much "stuff" gets in the way of this incredible hobby, it makes me sad. No one should ever feel insecure or incompetent about what or how they create. I think the individuality in everyones creations are what make scrapbooking so unique. No two layouts or projects will EVER be the same...so why so much insecurity? I know I am definitly guilty of that at times and constantly have to remind myself to not get discouraged or dissatisfied by my work from the things I read and see. I love scrapbooking books and magazines...I could read them for hours. But sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the desire of "perfection" and I too can get frusterated that my stuff doesn't look like that. But then I shake my head....OF COURSE it is not going to look like that...it is not my stuff! Anyway...just thought I would share some of my latest creations!

Girl Time & Perogies!

Reflecting on this past weekend, it was one of those times where I was time-machined back to high school...or maybe even closer to college days! And sometimes, that is really nice when it happens. Hannan came and spent the night with me and it was so nice to have some quality time together with no distraction. The weather was pretty lousy as well so it forced us to just be content and sit inside gabbing and visiting endlessly. We played around on photoshop (she so graciously taught me so photo tricks!), ordered pizza, went and bought chips and ice cream and watched movies until the wee hours. One memorable moment would have had to have been around 7:30 that night, the power went off (due to the massive wind storm) so we were forced to sit around in candlelight for about an hour where we peeled potatoes for our big batch of perogies we were planning to spend Sunday making! At least it was an effective way to kill time!

On Sunday, we made about 800 perogies from scratch that ended up turning out so delicious! For our first time ever doing the whole entire process by ourselves (dough and all) we were quite proud, and needless to say very tired by the end of the day. But it was all worth it. And on another note...I think...I just may have found my scrap mojo again! On Saturday I spent some time scrapbooking and completed a few layouts! However we will seeif it keeps up as I have been struggling with my creativity lately but it just might be finding it's way back to me. I am optimistic! It's funny how creativity and the desire to be creative flows in waves and mine has been definitly at a standstill for awhile. However, of course Ali Edwards is always a huge help, and her blog is so full of fun and meaningful projects. Currently she is posting about a 25 days of Christmas album that is to be completed and ready for documenting the holiday season! I think I may just attempt this one! I am just going to try to stay on this creativity wave flowing my way! We will see how it all goes!

Wednesday Already!

Like everyone else...I find myself sitting here wondering where time has literally gone. Life can be such a whirlwind and just when you think you have it all under control and within grasp, you realize that it is the furthest thing within reach. For instance, the wedding and honeymoon are long gone, Matt and I have been married for over a month, it's insane!!! I guess that is why I always try to maintain a perspective and continuously remind myself to "treasure each and every day". This week has been busy, like usual, with work and everything else that follows. An added bonus on Monday (which by the way was a great way to kick off the week) was that my photographer finally got in touch with me and gave me access to our online gallery. He did an amazing job, and I am so pleased with my pictures. It is a total representation of how our day unfolded. What I find really neat is that in some pictures, I can remember exactly how I was feeling at that moment when he was taking it. Other pictures, on the other hand I do not even remember him taking! How insane is that! In any case...thank god for photos! Today was neat in that I met up with Cindy and the girls to do a spontaneous photo session after work. It was so much fun and the pictures that I was able to capture are really some of my best. I cannot wait to see and hear Cindy's reactions. But with kids that cute it really is somewhat of a sure thing anyway. Last but not least, on my mind is that I really need to start finding some balance and putting some plans into action. I have been finding myself a little under motivated lately, which I hate, and I really need to jump start some things. Even with my scrapbooking I have been feeling a lull and am just waiting for some inspiration to slap me in the face! I know it will come (probably when I have NO time of course) but nevertheless I am patiently waiting. Let's just say right about now I definitly have my hands full with projects just waiting to get started. I have never been bombarded with so many pictures as I am right now. Maybe that is part of the problem! In any case, I think I will just start small and wait to see what happens!

In A Blink

It's been awhile since my last post, however as it seems like October is coming to a fast close and Halloween is nearly approaching, I better get on it and begin some blogging! As usual, and I am sure like most people life is busy and sometimes when it get's to a point that a person does have a spare moment, they would just prefer not to "do" anything...which with me is usually the case. Nevertheless, I will appreciate these moments I took the time to journal down the road so that thought always keeps me somewhat motivated. Today I had spent the day with my mom in the city and doing some shopping. I was very fortunate enough to have the opportunity to spend some of the gift cards Matt and I had recieved for wedding gifts, so it was definitly nice to spoil ourselves and our home with new "this & that". However, I am totally exhausted...shopping is definitly no easy task! All in all it was a great day, but I also found myself today re-evaluating alot of things and choices and I am in the midst of just having that feeling and need to just stop for a moment and appreciate and treasure those people in my life just a bit more. In a blink of an eye, life can change. It is so easy to get caught up in such superficial mumbo jumbo that when real things (be it happy or sad moments) catch you off guard it can really cause you to step back and re-evaluate the choices we all have made in this life. They are those moments that just instantly bring you back to earth and make you shake your head in realization of the important things in this world. Ironically, this all happened on a day where I was so caught up in choosing shower curtains, linens, towels etc. It really is a mystery as to how things like this happen...but as hard as it can be on a person, and as hard I am having a time as to comprehending some things right now, I am truly grateful for the wakeup call I got today. So my challenge to everyone is to just stop for five minutes in your day, close your eyes, and just breathe. Think about those people in your life and how important they are. Call someone you haven't talked to in awhile...any past grudges, let them go...and if it is too extremely difficult maybe just take this time to possibly think it over. Life is too short and too many things can change before we know it.

Pure & Simple Gratitude

As I sit here reflecting on this past year and everything that has happened...how could I NOT be thankful? With thanksgiving around the corner, of course gratitude and everything that it means is felt heavily within the air. It is just that time of year. And as I sit here tonight, I am feeling both very blessed and thankful. Not only for thanksgiving, but also for the simple fact that it is Friday and I can sleep in tomorrow! Plain and simple, I am so fortunate in every way possible. Not only for the "stuff" in my life, but more importantly for the relationships that surround me as well as for the sheer fact that I can sit here and feel sincere happiness. So many people in this world are clouded by sadness, struggle and hardship that I am so thankful for the fact that I can be and feel happy. May those people out there who are in those positions of hardship find strength and blessings along their journey to reaching a place of contentment and happiness. You will find it. I am so grateful for being healthy, that I have an amazing husband, that we share such a special bond and sense of teamwork and respect for one another. I am grateful for the relationship that we have built and continue to foster with each passing day. I am grateful for our families and friends who we love dearly and who mean the world to us. Thank you for being such wonderful pieces to our lives. Gratitude is an amazing thing...just when a person thinks they are down and out, try counting the things in your life that you are so thankful for. It's funny...about a minute ago I never felt this rich!

A Wonderful Whirlwind!

Well we are finally back home from Mexico...but wow what a trip! It was so unbelievable and I feel thoroughly blessed that we were able to have such a wonderful experience and amazing vacation. It was everything and more I could have hoped for as a honeymoon and I know Matthew and I will treasure our time spent in Puerto Vallarta forever. The resorts we stayed in were amazing...the beautiful Hotelito Desconocido was more than I could have ever dreamed. That place is truly heaven on earth and words cannot describe just how beautiful and serene it is there. I am so honored we were able to spend the time that we did there. It is truly a hidden treaure of Mexico. I would highly recommend that resort to anyone. It is a very special place and I will always hold it in my memory. The Riu Vallarta was very beautiful as well and Matt and I had a great time relaxing and soaking up the sun there, as well as splashing around the pool, eating to our hearts content and enjoying all of the nightly shows. It is a beautiful hotel and a perfect way to finish off our honeymoon and to spend our first days as newlyweds there. I cannot wait to start developing all my pictures and begin on some scrapbook projects. My mind is already filling with ideas and inspiration...now the only challenge is to find some time! Life has been busy and my house is still not up to my standards. I keep on starting one task, then walking away and never finishing it. Tonight I think I will try and organize my scrap room, and then I will feel able to clear my head and maybe start on a few projects or just do some journaling. In any case, I am just so happy and thankful to be safe at home with my new husband!