Coming back from being sick, thank goodness.
Yesterday we laid low, and I got a little scrapbooking in.
I made this page using some Elle's Studio tags and some October Afternoon Holiday Style.
Day 17 and 18 were supposed to be filled with a birthday party for a little girl and decorating cookies.... instead I enjoyed the flu. So we're gonna skip over, day 17 & 18.
Day 15 and 16 are cause for celebration!
Ryan finished his finals yesterday, and today, I had my yearly review and was awarded a raise!
We celebrated by heading down to Idaho Falls and eating dinner at Red Robin.
XOXO,
Holly & CO.
Ryan finished his finals yesterday, and today, I had my yearly review and was awarded a raise!
We celebrated by heading down to Idaho Falls and eating dinner at Red Robin.
Tonight we'll read some Christmas stories and I will be working on Zoe's quilt for Christmas.
XOXO,
Holly & CO.
Day 14 was Zoe's Preschool Christmas Concert.
We got all dressed up and headed over to the Rexburg Tabernacle, which is a beautiful building inside and out.
We got to watch a slideshow of all the kids and hear them sing their practiced songs.
I was going to borrow a video camera from Karli, but didn't have time, so I video taped the songs on my iPhone. I uploaded a few so you can enjoy the special event too.
This one is my favorite. Zoe and her friend, Taylor, are sharing a microphone and Zoe keeps covering Taylor's mouth with her hand. Camera hog for sure.
I love this year that she actually wants to talk to Santa. She tells him she wants the same thing every time, "a few games." That's all.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
We got all dressed up and headed over to the Rexburg Tabernacle, which is a beautiful building inside and out.
We got to watch a slideshow of all the kids and hear them sing their practiced songs.
I was going to borrow a video camera from Karli, but didn't have time, so I video taped the songs on my iPhone. I uploaded a few so you can enjoy the special event too.
This one is my favorite. Zoe and her friend, Taylor, are sharing a microphone and Zoe keeps covering Taylor's mouth with her hand. Camera hog for sure.
After the concert, Santa made a special visit. Zoe was first in line, and I sprinted up to the stage with my camera to snap a couple pictures.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
I wanted to share this random layout along with some random things from this week
- We found out Zoe is afraid of The Muppets, and learned that fact, we wasted $20 and a perfectly good evening.
- I firmly believe, marshmallows + butter melted, would taste good on anything, but on popcorn, it's amazing
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Made this quick page of my friend Amanda's little boy Duncan. I had so much fun taking pictures of him, plus the Amy tan leaves, I just couldn't resist using 2 whole packages.
We're heading over to a friend's house for desserts a little later. Sigh, I feel like the holiday season is just slipping through my fingers. Too busy. Hoping to change that this week.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Yesterday, Zoe and I had some fun together, we made candy cane reindeer and sang Christmas carols.
We drove around after we had dinner with some friends and looked at all the lights on main street.
And then I finished the quilt I was making, and starting on another one.
I know these cards have nothing to do with my post, I just made them and wanted to share.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Well today my little one is a bit under the weather.
Thankfully, she is still in bright spirits, we're just laying low.
But I've got a fun craft to share.
Colored Snow Flakes
Supplies:
-crayons/markers
-white cardstock
-scissors
or
-diecutting machine (ie. Silhouette)
-snowflake shapes
Thankfully, she is still in bright spirits, we're just laying low.
But I've got a fun craft to share.
Colored Snow Flakes
Supplies:
-crayons/markers
-white cardstock
-scissors
or
-diecutting machine (ie. Silhouette)
-snowflake shapes
Start by coloring the white cardstock in any fashion you prefer, we chose scribbling :)
Then either fold you paper and cut away, or load your paper into your electronic cutter and select the size you prefer.
We chose to do really BIG snowflakes, but you could also smaller ones and hang them from strings.
Hang them up and enjoy!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Yesterday, I decided to make these jammie pants for Zoe for Christmas morning.
I used THIS TUTORIAL I found on Pinterest.
I used some cute flannel and they pants came together in about an hour, give or take.
I took breaks for bathtime and storytime.
Since they were so fast and easy to make...I see several more pairs in my future :)
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Thanks to my new Silhouette machine, I made this fun little treat bag for Zoe's preschool teacher.
We're gonna fill it with some candy and a gift card.
Shapes I used:
House_of_3_wish_ticket_C00057_23444
adorable_box_20_C00658_20509
This weekend, I decided to make a quilt as a Christmas present and that's what I've been doing for the past few nights. It's a bit of a lofty goal, but so far it's going well. Thankfully, almost all of my other Christmas shopping is done so I've got 3 weeks to finish it.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Hello Dear Blog Readers,
I've been a little more absent than I'd like lately, our trip, combined with sickness, combined with holidays, got me a bit off track...but I'm back and just in time for my favorite blogging month of the year, December.
That's right, I'll be doing December Daily again this year, and I've got some fun stuff planned.
Today, as the first day of December, Zoe and I will be writing her letter to Santa tonight. I made this layout with a special envelope just for this occasion.
I'm planning on using Project Life, rather than a specific mini album to document our month. Are you doing anything specific to record your holiday memories?
XOXO,
Holly & Co
I've been a little more absent than I'd like lately, our trip, combined with sickness, combined with holidays, got me a bit off track...but I'm back and just in time for my favorite blogging month of the year, December.
That's right, I'll be doing December Daily again this year, and I've got some fun stuff planned.
Today, as the first day of December, Zoe and I will be writing her letter to Santa tonight. I made this layout with a special envelope just for this occasion.
I'm planning on using Project Life, rather than a specific mini album to document our month. Are you doing anything specific to record your holiday memories?
XOXO,
Holly & Co
We are finally back home after almost a two week vacation.
Our drive home was long, but we made it safely back this morning, just in time for pre-school.
Since we're just getting things all back together and I'm dying to break into my scrap stuff,
I thought I'd do a quick highlights of our California leg of the trip (mostly just the things I got pictures of :)
Our drive home was long, but we made it safely back this morning, just in time for pre-school.
Since we're just getting things all back together and I'm dying to break into my scrap stuff,
I thought I'd do a quick highlights of our California leg of the trip (mostly just the things I got pictures of :)
Other events not pictured :
Gwendolyn's Blessing
Thanksgiving Dinner
Guy's Night
Girl's Day Out
Zoe playing with cousins all week
Tasting Candy Cane Jo-Jo's for the First Time - Yum!
ETA: The first picture is my friend Amanda's adorable little guy.
I was lucky enough to get to snap some pictures to celebrate his first birthday :)
We had tons of fun, but we're happy to be home and back to the routine.
I'm prepping the house for the Christmas holiday.
Tonight, Zoe and I are making decorations for her mini Christmas Tree.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving week!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
The past few days have been chalk full of fun times together. I'm gonna throw them all in one post, since they will end up in my PL for these weeks anyway.
Pie-Fest 2011
My dad's cousin, Meridee, hosted a party for all the extended family on my dad's side last night. It became entitled "Pie-Fest." Everyone was asked to bring a pie to share. There was LOTS of pie to share :)
Probably 20 kinds of pie.
I got to reunite with my second cousins and Zoe got to meet and play with her third cousins.
We are so lucky to live so close to so many family members.
Playing Dress-Up
No matter how many dresses we have at home, she loves to dress-up at Nona's house.
It reminds me of when I was a little girl and used to dress up at my Grandma's house.
Trip to Cabela's
Zoe loves to feed the fish at Cabelas. She gets excited every time.
I hope you're all getting ready for the Thanksgiving week. If you are travelling, be safe!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
We got word of a storm heading to Rexburg, so we decided to pack our bags and leave town for our Thanksgiving vacation a little bit early.
We're down in Utah with my parents for a few days, before heading to California for our Thanksgiving celebration, and meeting our new neice, Gwen.
One benefit of coming down early, was getting to see my brother play in the orchestra for the school muscial, Beauty and the Beast.
Zoe was one lucky girl. She got to meet Belle after the show. She was a little nervous if you couldn't tell.
(Belle was so sweet with Zoe, gave her a hug and was talking to her about being a princess)
This was Zoe's first play and first time seeing Beauty and the Beast. Some of the show was a little intense but overall, Zoe enjoyed the show and I'm happy we decided to take her.
I hope you are having a magical weekend.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Holly & Co.
This is 17 year-old me, yeah the one not dressed up for Homecoming, on the right.
I don't share a ton about my high school experience, simply because it wasn't that great, but I have grown and learned a lot from it.
I was pretty typical, average grades, plenty of friends, but not popular.
No need to hash out the details, but my junior year, I had a rough end of the year, which eventually resulted in a diagnosis of depression and anxiety.
I sought counseling and medication, and got things all worked out.
I'm doing fine now, but it can be a battle to keep those feelings at bay sometimes.
The reason I'm sharing this information today, is because of where this layout started at.
In high school, I didn't date much. Had a few dates to a few dances, a random kiss, and lots of crushes. I often doubted I would ever find anyone to like me, let alone love me or marry me.
What I actually wanted to write on this page, I couldn't articulate well enough for just a few strips of journaling. I wanted to say, that if I had known in high school, that I would have married a man like you, I would have never believed it, but I would have been a little different.
I wouldn't have worried so much what other people thought.
I would have let go of the drama surrounding silly boys.
I would have spent more time preparing myself to be the best wife I could be.
This is a reminder to me, that I am one of the lucky ones.
I got exactly what I wanted.
I need to appreciate that.
I need to worry less about the dishes in the sink and the laundry that needs to be folded,
and more about the sweet little girl and my husband, that I have been blessed with.
This Thanksgiving season has me in all sorts of reflection and perspective.
Today, I am thankful for my husband. My wonderful, hardworking, understanding husband.
Holly & Co.
I know I already scrapped a princess page of Zoe, but I wanted to make sure I got a Halloween themed one in too.
I've decided to tackle Project Life, starting with December, although I'm trying to get myself into taking more iPhone pics and keeping notes and ephemera from our days.
Here's our life in instagram lately.
I'm pretty proud of that last shot. It was golden time yesterday and everything just looked so beautiful.
Do you have any favorite phone pictures? Do you even take pictures with your phone?
XOXO,
Holly & CO.
Just a quick card share today, we've got some friends coming for dinner and I haven't even started cooking!
I made this quick card the other day, I really love that little chipboard leaf. I misted it with SC Mr. Huey and then covered it in glossy accents (which is my new favorite scrapbook item, if you don't have a bottle, buy on ASAP!)
ETA: I just wanted to share a great tip to keep twine in it's place, I took my Crop-o-dile hold punch and punched a semi-circle from each side of the card. It keeps twine in place + adds a bit on interest.
Also, I wanted to say happy 16th birthday to my little brother! I don't know if he reads this blog, but I'm really proud of the teenanger he is. We spent time together while we lived in Utah this summer and he is by far the most level headed of any of us as teenagers. Love you!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Two thirds of the Morgan girls were here this weekend, we missed Jenni, but come December, we'll all be back together again, at least for a few days.
This weekend, this beautiful lady came to visit, despite snow, rain and cold.
We stayed up well past midnight chatting about old AOL screen names, updates on people we once knew and enjoying some fabulously expensive cheese.
Natalie shares my love for a lot of things, including shopping and diet coke. Ryan wanted to finish painting the apartment on Saturday, so Natalie, Zoe and I packed in the car and set off for an all day shopping trip.
This trip included, but was not limited to...
- buying cute winter tops
- enjoying cheap mexican food and our body weight in chips + salsa
- cursing the annoying/mean little boy at the mall play place under our breath
- spending over an hour at McDonald's, allowing Zoe to be distracted, so we could girl chat
- listening to Zoe sing a song about Rudolph the Ringledeer (her interpretation of Reindeer = Ringledeer)
She left this morning, it was a short trip, but it was great to see her.
I'm proud to report that I have been keeping up with my Thankful Journal, and I'm really loving having it with me during the day.
For dinner tonight, I made waffles and THIS buttermilk syrup. My best friend from high school, her mom used to make us this syrup, and I'm so happy to have found a similar recipe. It brought back so many fun memories. I love when food does that.
Daylight savings in throwing me for a loop, so I'm off to bed.
XOXO,
Holly & CO.
Welcome November!
I have to admit, like a lot of the rest of the world, especially the retail sector, when November 1 hits, my mind goes from Halloween into Christmas mode. I usually get out the decorations, start searching itunes for some new Christmas music and start my shopping.
However, this year, I wanted to really let the Thanksgiving holiday appear. This is made expoentially easier, since our Christmas decorations are hiding in my parents garage. We've still got our pumpkins around and to get myself into this holiday, I made a Thankful Journal.
I have to admit, like a lot of the rest of the world, especially the retail sector, when November 1 hits, my mind goes from Halloween into Christmas mode. I usually get out the decorations, start searching itunes for some new Christmas music and start my shopping.
However, this year, I wanted to really let the Thanksgiving holiday appear. This is made expoentially easier, since our Christmas decorations are hiding in my parents garage. We've still got our pumpkins around and to get myself into this holiday, I made a Thankful Journal.
At our local craft store, they have a bunch of bins full of blank notebooks, in all different styles.
I grabbed this one, because it comes with a little pen and snaps closed, so the pages won't get messed up if I put it in my purse.
I covered the outside with patterned paper , layered a couple more smaller pieces, and added some letters and a few embellishments. Since I knew I would be carrying this around, I covered my letters in Glossy Accents adhesive, to make sure they were on there, as well as adding a 3 demensional feel to them.
I stamped each page with the date, numbered from 1-30.
Originally I was planned to just do a list of 5 things I'm thankful for each day, but after I looked at my list yesterday, I added a little blurb about my day, which kind of explains why I chose those items.
Like Today, I'm not feeling very good, so on my list is :
- Modern Medicine
- Sweatshirts + Yoga Pants
- Snuggling with Zoe
- Smart Phones
- Laptop
I have quite a few extra pages, so I'm going to try and ask Zoe what's she's thankful for throughout the month as well.
How do you celebrate the Thanksgiving season?
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
We've got a new theme up at Paper Issues, Pink Paislee is sponsoring this theme with their new collection, Snow Day!
ETA: Cassie is having a giveaway of the ENTIRE Snow Day line on the Paper Issues Blog. You have until Nov. 12 to enter!
Now we've only had one day on snow a few weeks ago, but it's gotten considerably colder around here, which has us breaking out the snow gear. If you're in a place that doesn't have snow yet, or doesn't get snow, have no fear, the patterned papers have great B sides, that could be used for tons of occasions (that blue graph paper might just become a staple in my scrap stash)
I've got a couple of projects to share, and then I'll have some other ones throughout the next couple weeks.
First up is a layout I made. I really adored all the snowy stuff, so even though this picture doesn't have snow, I used snowflakes anyway. I misted the background paper with Studio Calico Mr. Huey Dewey just to saturate it a bit more. I also embossed some Studio Calico wood asterisks with American Crafts white Zing, to make them pop!
This next project is a fun little gift tag for some hot chocolate with marshmallows. My best friend Jamie is a fan of hot chocolate, and I was totally thinking about her when I made this. Seriously, doesn't that sound good?
I think I'm gonna go make myself some hot chocolate and drink it while I admire all the other DT projects over on the Paper Issues Blog.
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
 |
| Made using SC Oct. Kit, Field Guide + American Crafts NightFall |
Happy Halloween!
I want to wish my father-in-law a Happy Birthday as well. (What a fun birthday to have!)
Zoe is dressed and off to her school Halloween carnival.
Games, prizes, singing her Halloween songs, it will be a fun filled day for sure.
I made this layout showcasing a couple of our pictures from cookie decorating last week. I used almost entirely the American Crafts NightFall line. I just adore this line from them, It's been on my "to buy" list ever since it debuted in July. It's so versatile for Halloween and general Fall pictures!
Maybe it's just me, but it feels like as soon as Halloween is over, the Christmas season is knocking at the door. We've scheduled our family pictures, with the fabulous Aly Willis in hopes of actually getting Christmas cards out this year (if I actually make it, it will be the first year since we've been married) I've started Christmas shopping too, trying to space it out a bit.
But in effort to not let the Thanksgiving holiday pass by without notice, I'm going to be keeping a thankful journal, (Inspired by Melissa Priest) which I'll be sharing a little later this week.
Stop by tomorrow for a new Paper Issues theme, sponsored by Pink Paislee and their new Snow Day collection!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Sunday Loves is back, sorry I had to take a little break from that, life got busy, but it's back!
First, I want to share my new coat! I've been eyeing this for awhile, and finally broke down and bought it. It's fleece, so it's super soft, but it's tailored, so it's not as bulky as a sweatshirt. The best of both worlds.
Next, yesterday, I finally got some picture of Zoe in the leaves! She also happened to be sporting her new hat. These pictures are for an upcoming project for Paper Issues.
And last, but not least, my new favorite show. The awkwardness is absolutely perfect. I love it. Zooey Deschanel is a wonderful actress (and musician) Plus, I like her name. :)
I'm excited for tonight, we're have some dear friends over for dinner. It's been way too long sine we've gotten both the families together. I'm making pot roast and mashed potatoes...mmm, I can smell it already!
Back tomorrow with a Halloween layout to share!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
For so many reasons, but mostly because I feel like I actually get things done on Fridays.
Why Friday and not Monday, I'm not sure.
After being in a creative slump for a few weeks, I'm finally over it! Yeah! Bring on the paper and glue!
I adore these pictures of Zoe, except for the fact that she looks like she's 6 instead of 3. She is growing up so fast, it's driving me crazy. The title is an inside family joke, intended to make my sisters smile, but it still applies. She is a pretty pretty princess.
I commented to Ryan that she is 50% tom boy + 50% girly girl, and not like a nice medium in-between, but in that she switches from wanting to play in the mud and collect rocks, to putting on a pretty dress and painting her nails, in a matter of minutes.
On another note, Pinterest has done it again, and delivered a hit recipe for me to share.
Red Velvet Woopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Yes, they are rich, but oh so good!
You can find the recipe HERE.
You can follow me on Pinterest HERE.
Have a fabulous weekend! Stay safe and warm!
XOXO,
Holly & Co
Why Friday and not Monday, I'm not sure.
After being in a creative slump for a few weeks, I'm finally over it! Yeah! Bring on the paper and glue!
 |
| Supplies : Studio Calico October Kit, Field Guide |
I adore these pictures of Zoe, except for the fact that she looks like she's 6 instead of 3. She is growing up so fast, it's driving me crazy. The title is an inside family joke, intended to make my sisters smile, but it still applies. She is a pretty pretty princess.
I commented to Ryan that she is 50% tom boy + 50% girly girl, and not like a nice medium in-between, but in that she switches from wanting to play in the mud and collect rocks, to putting on a pretty dress and painting her nails, in a matter of minutes.
On another note, Pinterest has done it again, and delivered a hit recipe for me to share.
Red Velvet Woopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Yes, they are rich, but oh so good!
You can find the recipe HERE.
You can follow me on Pinterest HERE.
Have a fabulous weekend! Stay safe and warm!
XOXO,
Holly & Co
Yeah! A layout to share. I've had this layout for a few days, but finally got around to uploading it.
These pictures are from our apple picking adventure at my Grandparent's house a few weeks ago.
With those apples, I've made apple pies, apple butter, apple crisp, I'm about all apple-ed out.
Do you have a favorite apple recipe? I would love to hear it!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
This little girl has been itching for Halloween to come.
She was so excited when I finally let her put on the whole ensemble.
I snapped these just behind our house before we went to our ward party.
She has actually never seen the movie Snow White, but she was more than happy to be any princess.
She loved the Halloween party and played every game they had. I think her favorite was the cake walk.
We walked in, she started walking to the music, it stopped and she won a cupcake, all in about 30 seconds.
She also went "fishing", ate a donut off a string and got her face painted.
We're gonna go trick-or-treating this weekend for the first time.
I think she'll enjoy it. Hamming it up + getting candy, yep, I'd say so.
We've been busy getting ready for winter over here.
Baking, shopping, cooking, getting snow clothes out and clean....
As I'm typing this I'm drinking hot chocolate out of my giant mug that I just bought, after realizing we didn't own a single mug. I heart fall!
Seriously, I promise to have some more scrapping stuff up in the next few days.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Last night we broke out the sprinkle and frosting to make these beauties.
And did you notice Zoe's festive shirt?
Yeah, I love it!
Tomorrow night we'll be attending the first of many Halloween events, tonight I'm putting the finishing touches on Zoe's costume.
She will make her princess debut tomorrow!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Ok not really freaky, but this little decor piece I made is a little more "spooky" than most of the Halloween stuff I have done.
I got a great deal on the Thespian add-on from Studio Calico, which was full of Halloween goodies. I knew I wanted to use it for some decor, so I picked up this little MDF 6x6 tile at my local craft store and got to work. No real pre-planning, but I like the way it turned out. I also got to use my distress inks (of which mostly just sit in a pile on my window sill)
On the non-craft side of life, I tried this tip from Pinterest, and Oh MY goodness it works well!
Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a thin paste. Let sit for 30 minutes, scrub clean.
Seriously, I am impressed. When Ryan saw the results, he said," Where did you learn that, Pinterest?"
I just bowed my head in embarrassment. I get all my good tips, trick and recipes from there.
Pinterest has changed my life, for the better.
I've got big plans for this weekend, including sorting laundry, buying some hair products, and putting the finishing touches on Zoe's costume.
XOXO,
Holly & CO.
Lately, my days have been going in a roller coaster, good, better, great, no so great, could've done without, bad, you know the drill... But after a not so great couple of days, today turned out to be a winner, literally.
I won a kit from my favorite place, that I get to share with my new scrappy friend.
My new assignment at work is turning out to be wonderful!
I completed a scrapbook layout for the first time in a week.
It was cloudy, sweatshirt weather today - my favorite.
I discovered some ice cream in the freezer I had forgotten about.
Seriously, it seems like small things, but it's made my day.
Here's the layout I made. Another plus, I used lots of my mists on this page. I find that now that my mists are on the shelf right in my eye line, I use them more.
For the background, I used some Studio Calico star stickers as masks, added 2 different colors of grey mist, let it dry and then peeled them off. It's one of my favorite way to use stickers.
I also used the technique on the letters from last week's Technique Thursday post.
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
I won a kit from my favorite place, that I get to share with my new scrappy friend.
My new assignment at work is turning out to be wonderful!
I completed a scrapbook layout for the first time in a week.
It was cloudy, sweatshirt weather today - my favorite.
I discovered some ice cream in the freezer I had forgotten about.
Seriously, it seems like small things, but it's made my day.
Here's the layout I made. Another plus, I used lots of my mists on this page. I find that now that my mists are on the shelf right in my eye line, I use them more.
For the background, I used some Studio Calico star stickers as masks, added 2 different colors of grey mist, let it dry and then peeled them off. It's one of my favorite way to use stickers.
I also used the technique on the letters from last week's Technique Thursday post.
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
