I think Summer is quickly becoming Zoe's favorite season.
Not just because she gets to spend LOTS of time with her Daddy, since he's out of school,
not just because she gets to stay up later,
not just because she gets to play at the park and splash pad nearly every day,
but mostly because it involves lots of treats....popsicles, ice cream, sno-cones.
Rexburg is FULL of these places. There is one on every corner, plus a few trucks and a few with permanent locations. But they make the perfect treat after a long, hot afternoon at the splash park!
I used my Studio Calico So Cal kit, mixed with a few pieces from my stash. My favorite are the chipboard frozen treats. Those came from an old set of Basic Grey chipboard, that just happened to be sitting right in my view while I was making this page. I'm so glad I found them, they match just perfectly.
Hope your summer has been full of frozen treats too!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
There is a new theme up at Paper Issues - Picnics and Patriots. You don't have to use red, white and blue, but there are some gorgeous projects using the kit Cassie put together from Pink Paislee.
If you have been around here while, you know by know, the 4th of July is kind-of-a-big-deal in my family. We have some serious traditions surrounding this day, and it's something we look forward to every year.
I really loved this line from Pink Paislee, such fun designs, and I love that there are two colors of blue. I chose to make some pinwheels to use as table decorations for our big BBQ on the 4th of July.
Supplies: Pink Paislee Kit, October Afternoon Letters, Studio Calico Veneer Starts, American Crafts Numbers Thickers, Basic Grey Mini Mono Letters, October Afternoon Ribbon, My Mind's Eye Jewels, Divine Twine Airmail Twine, Studio Calico Mr. Huey Shine..
I used a six-petal pinwheel shape and pinked edge circle ( I used the yellow one) from the Silhouette Store. I used brads to hold the pinwheels together, and then hot-glued them to the skewers.
I added the pinked circles with some pop dots and then decorated with some jewels, stars, letters/numbers, and ribbons.
I found this cute little bucket at the Target $1 spot to hold the pinwheels,
I added some crinkled paper (which I misted) and some rice to hold the skewers.
And for a finishing touch, I added some Studio Calico Mr. Huey Shine mist to the pinwheels,
just to give them a slight shimmer.
I really love the way these turned out.
I had the image in my head and they surpassed it. I'm excited to bring these to our BBQ.
Now head over to Paper Issues and link up our projects for a chance to win this kit from Cassie.
XOXO,
Holly & CO.
I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm even more glad Ryan convinced me to take the day off of work today. I needed a break. Not that my job is so hard, but I needed a mental break from being tied to the desk all day.
We're going to go see the movie Brave, this afternoon, all together. We haven't done that in a long time.
Later this evening, we will probably stop by the splash park again, and maybe even ride the carousel...again, even though I'm still nursing a sun burn from yesterday.
In a few more days, we will be heading on big trip for the summer, visiting Utah, and my family, and then travelling onto California, to visit Ryan's family. We're hoping to get in lots of family time, maybe some beach time, plenty of Chipotle, lots of pictures, maybe even finish a sewing project or two...
Since we are leaving we are trying to use up the perishable items we have in our fridge, which is making for some interesting meals.
One more layout to share using my June Studio Calico Kit. This was actually the first page I made, but I added some things and made adjustments to it after I thought I was finished with it -which is why it's taken to long to get it up on the blog.
I really adore the family pictures Aly took of us earlier this year. The session was quick and painless and we all look like ourselves. I really love that Aly got to meet my whole family, since she's been taking pictures for me for the past 4 years.
Some people have the same hairdresser for 20+ years, I have a photographer :)
Happy Friday!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
We're going to go see the movie Brave, this afternoon, all together. We haven't done that in a long time.
Later this evening, we will probably stop by the splash park again, and maybe even ride the carousel...again, even though I'm still nursing a sun burn from yesterday.
In a few more days, we will be heading on big trip for the summer, visiting Utah, and my family, and then travelling onto California, to visit Ryan's family. We're hoping to get in lots of family time, maybe some beach time, plenty of Chipotle, lots of pictures, maybe even finish a sewing project or two...
Since we are leaving we are trying to use up the perishable items we have in our fridge, which is making for some interesting meals.
One more layout to share using my June Studio Calico Kit. This was actually the first page I made, but I added some things and made adjustments to it after I thought I was finished with it -which is why it's taken to long to get it up on the blog.
I really adore the family pictures Aly took of us earlier this year. The session was quick and painless and we all look like ourselves. I really love that Aly got to meet my whole family, since she's been taking pictures for me for the past 4 years.
Some people have the same hairdresser for 20+ years, I have a photographer :)
Happy Friday!
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
This was made using the Reunion line by Sweetwater for Moda. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it online before it was released. I ended up using a groupon to purchase the jelly roll at a quilt shop in Utah.
I made this small cheat sheet, in case you want to make one of your own using a jelly roll.
(Make sure to check that it has 40 strips or more, some of them come with less)
I prefer using precut fabrics, it seriously cuts the time on making a quilt in half.
Plus, cutting is my least favorite part.
You will need:
3 yards fabric for the backing (I used a solid grey)
1/2 yard for the binding
1 jelly roll
And there you have it.
It's a lap quilt size, it will live on the edge of our bed, or on a chair for snuggling,
if we ever get one in our bedroom.
I quilted it with a loose diagonal squiggly line, but I love how wrinkly it turned out.
If you want to quilt but are not sure where to start, just go for it. If you can stitch a semi-straight line, you can make a quilt. My favorite resource for quilting videos is Missouri Star Quilt Co.
They have the best, most comprehensive collection of videos that I have found.
The construction on my craft room is *almost* finished. I'm looking forward to having that space back again.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Dealing with infertility causes more ups and downs than a roller coaster. Tears flow at the most random and poor times. There are days I want to talk to everyone about this battle, and some days I want to stay in bed all day.
Scrapping about this actually helps make the bad days not so bad. And it helps take my mind off things on days like today when I'm waiting for a call from the Dr.'s office.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
I wanted to share a super easy granola recipe, that can be modified to suit your tastes.
I modified a recipe found HERE at Annie's Eats.
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Yield : about 13 cups (3 32oz. containers + 1 cup extra)
Ingredients
2 cups shredded coconut
2/3 cup cashew pieces
2/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
6 cups rolled oats
6 TB coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup REAL maple syrup
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups Craisins
8 oz. dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup oat bran
Preheat the oven to 325. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out coconut, cashews and almonds, and toast lightly. Watch closely, they will toast fast. Remove from the baking sheet and place in a large bowl. Add in wheat germ, oat bran, cinnamon, salt
In a bowl, mix coconut oil with rolled oats. Coat thoroughly. Spread oats on baking sheet and toast lightly. about 3-5 minutes.
Add oats to the bowl. Add honey and maple syrup to bowl. Stir until coated. Spread mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake until golden, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.
Remove from oven and press the granola firmly into the pan. (I used a glass dish) Let cool to room temperature. Break the dried granola into small pieces. Stir in Craisins and chopped chocolate.
Store in airtight container.
I modified a recipe found HERE at Annie's Eats.
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Yield : about 13 cups (3 32oz. containers + 1 cup extra)
Ingredients
2 cups shredded coconut
2/3 cup cashew pieces
2/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
6 cups rolled oats
6 TB coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup REAL maple syrup
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups Craisins
8 oz. dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup oat bran
Preheat the oven to 325. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out coconut, cashews and almonds, and toast lightly. Watch closely, they will toast fast. Remove from the baking sheet and place in a large bowl. Add in wheat germ, oat bran, cinnamon, salt
In a bowl, mix coconut oil with rolled oats. Coat thoroughly. Spread oats on baking sheet and toast lightly. about 3-5 minutes.
Add oats to the bowl. Add honey and maple syrup to bowl. Stir until coated. Spread mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake until golden, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.
Remove from oven and press the granola firmly into the pan. (I used a glass dish) Let cool to room temperature. Break the dried granola into small pieces. Stir in Craisins and chopped chocolate.
Store in airtight container.
I eat mine mixed with greek yogurt. Ryan eats his like cereal and pours milk over it.
In my opinion, it's the perfect amount of sweet. I doubt I'll buy granola ever again.
XOXO,
Holly &Co.
I always get emotional when I talk about the bond I have with my Dad. I'm a very lucky girl. If you have ever met my dad, even for a brief moment, you understand that he is one happy guy - and he is always that way.
I remember telling my Mom once she was lucky to have found a guy like him, and she smiled and quickly corrected me, " I chose him." She was very clear - her choice to marry him was not an accident.
Something I am grateful for.
My sister's and I realized when we started dating, we were spoiled having him for a father.
We thought all men were like him. We were wrong.
He is thoughtful, sensitive and brings flowers for no reason.
He reads signals very well and knows when to offer some ice cream :)
My Dad had only girls for 13 years, until my brother came along. But that didn't stop him from teaching us to fish, to mow the lawn or play baseball. He also learned to curl hair (in case my mom was out of town) and had no problem shopping in "that aisle" at the store.
My Dad is my cheerleader, always encouraging me to pursue good, better, and bigger things.
I love my Dad - He is my Hero and I am so happy he is a part of my life.
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I remember telling my Mom once she was lucky to have found a guy like him, and she smiled and quickly corrected me, " I chose him." She was very clear - her choice to marry him was not an accident.
Something I am grateful for.
My sister's and I realized when we started dating, we were spoiled having him for a father.
We thought all men were like him. We were wrong.
He is thoughtful, sensitive and brings flowers for no reason.
He reads signals very well and knows when to offer some ice cream :)
My Dad had only girls for 13 years, until my brother came along. But that didn't stop him from teaching us to fish, to mow the lawn or play baseball. He also learned to curl hair (in case my mom was out of town) and had no problem shopping in "that aisle" at the store.
My Dad is my cheerleader, always encouraging me to pursue good, better, and bigger things.
I love my Dad - He is my Hero and I am so happy he is a part of my life.
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I hope one day Zoe will realize the special man she has for a Father.
I hope she recognizes the sacrifices he's made for our family and how hard he works.
.I hope she counts herself lucky to have a man that respects women as the head of our household.
I hope she tells him thank you, over and over, for all that he has given to her and for her.
I hope she always values his opinion and listens to it often.
I hope she never forgets how much he loves her.
Father's Day is always a reminder to me, to remember to say thank you to the wonderful men in my life. I have been so blessed to have so many wonderful, good men in my presence. From my grandpas to my father-in-law, to my uncles to my brothers-in-law, to my friend's husbands, I am surrounded by good men. Which is a statement I am so happy I can make.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
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| Studio Calico So Cal Kit - LINK |
I wanted to share this layout I made the other day- It's proving to be one of my favorites recently.
Life, although hectic, and not always full of the most pleasant things, is good. I have to remind myself and Ryan of that often. Even though he has a year plus left in school, even though we're having issues with our apartment, even though we aren't pregnant yet....
Life is Good. Life is Great even.
We have so many wonderful things happening for us, and I wanted to make sure I wrote those down, because it's so much easier to focus on the negative.
Happy Saturday.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
We've been spending lots of time out of the house, enjoying the warm(er) weather. Rexburg summers are wonderfully tempered, although a bit windy.
I got my Studio Calico June kit this week and promptly started making pages with it.
Kite die cut from the Silhouette store - LINK, SC thicker clouds - LINK, Studio Calico So Cal Kit - LINK, Studio Calico Venice Beach Kit - LINK
You can use code HOLLYH for a 20% discount.
I've had these pictures since March and just never got around to putting them on a page, but with the bright colors and those sweet confetti butterflies, I thought this kit would be perfect!
I've also been working on this blog with some friends. It's all about things to do in our town with your kids. Take a minute to check it out HERE Let me know what you think. I did the blog design and the header.
I've also spent some time in front of the camera, thanks to my dear friend, Aly. A while back, I bought this blue vintage style polka dot dress. I commented to Aly, it would be fun to do a retro type photoshoot with the dress, and after some brainstorming a few nights ago, we decided to make it happen.
It's not very often I enjoy having my picture taken, but she made me feel like a super star.
Her website is HERE. If you are in the Idaho/Utah area - I highly recommend her. She's not only an amazing photographer, she's a great friend too :)
Well unfortunately, I can't be a rockstar all the time. I have to get back to folding laundry - such is the life.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Today is National Get Outdoors Day, meaning all National and State parks are fee free. Originally, we had planned a trip up to Yellowstone, but we decided to stay a bit closer to home given the weather forecast.
Last week, Ryan and Zoe had taken a trip past Ashton, Idaho into Targhee National Park, and we decided to revisit that area and poke around some.
Who knew that Idaho was so beautiful.
Rexburg, is nice enough, but definitely not nature's most beautiful creation. But drive 20-50 miles and you are in a breathtaking place.
Along with the trails around the falls, they also had a small visitor's center full of fun things for kids to look at. Skulls of animals, pelts, books, pictures, maps - it was quite amazing.
Last week, Ryan and Zoe had taken a trip past Ashton, Idaho into Targhee National Park, and we decided to revisit that area and poke around some.
Who knew that Idaho was so beautiful.
Rexburg, is nice enough, but definitely not nature's most beautiful creation. But drive 20-50 miles and you are in a breathtaking place.
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| Mesa Falls, Idaho |
Lots of beautiful butterflies.
Did you know Smokey Bear was actually a real bear?
That was news to me.
This cute little comic book tells his whole story, along with some fun vintage pictures.
After spending several hours in the park, we trekked back down to Ashton, and stopped at Five 11 Main - a cute old fashioned soda fountain, with amazing food and desserts.
We enjoyed the Bear Gulch pizza ( chicken pesto) and the S'mores sundae - both were delicious.
We will definitely go back.
Hope you enjoyed your Saturday.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
It looked as though summer had finally arrived here in Rexburg.
The sun was hot, the splash park is now open, snow cone stands popping up everywhere...
Until the clouds came today. It looks like rain and clouds will be here all week.
But that isn't stopping me from using my awesome new Elle's Studio summer tags.
While this photo was taken back in May, I used the "Photograph #001" tag, because it feels like the first summer picture I really took. One without jackets or socks, just us outside, playing, and enjoying the sunshine.
I used this shape from Silhouette for the bubbles and then filled them in with Elle's Studio summer tidbits, as well as varying papers from my stash. I added some other tags from the Summer Lovin' collection and some washi tape covered chipboard stars as accents. I dribbled some Mister Huey (Lunchbox, Clay, and Heirloom Blue) for good measure.
After moving my craft room into our bedroom over the weekend, I was forced to realize how much stash I really have, so I am making an effort to use it up - even if it's in small bits.
I saw a Summer Manifesto, over on Jenni's blog and I think I might make one for myself. Or at the very least a bucket list for this summer. We are so close to so many awesome outdoor attractions, we really need to take advantage.
Do you have a summer bucket list?
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
The sun was hot, the splash park is now open, snow cone stands popping up everywhere...
Until the clouds came today. It looks like rain and clouds will be here all week.
But that isn't stopping me from using my awesome new Elle's Studio summer tags.
While this photo was taken back in May, I used the "Photograph #001" tag, because it feels like the first summer picture I really took. One without jackets or socks, just us outside, playing, and enjoying the sunshine.
I used this shape from Silhouette for the bubbles and then filled them in with Elle's Studio summer tidbits, as well as varying papers from my stash. I added some other tags from the Summer Lovin' collection and some washi tape covered chipboard stars as accents. I dribbled some Mister Huey (Lunchbox, Clay, and Heirloom Blue) for good measure.
After moving my craft room into our bedroom over the weekend, I was forced to realize how much stash I really have, so I am making an effort to use it up - even if it's in small bits.
I saw a Summer Manifesto, over on Jenni's blog and I think I might make one for myself. Or at the very least a bucket list for this summer. We are so close to so many awesome outdoor attractions, we really need to take advantage.
Do you have a summer bucket list?
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Ryan and I decided to spend our anniversary on a day trip out to Jackson Hole, WY.
It's about an hour and half drive from where we are, and such beautiful scenery.
Jackson is mainly a ski town, so I thought it might be deserted this time of year - but I was wrong.
It is a busy little town full of independent restaurants and shops.
Ryan and I commented several times at the hometown feeling of Jackson.
There were maybe 3 or 4 chain restaurants,
but the rest were local, Ryan was very excited about that.
We ate a local bagel shop for breakfast and had some yummy mexican food for lunch.
Jackson is a walking town, but due to a large blister I aquired a few days before our trip, we didn't get to explore as much as I wanted.
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Just before we left town, we stopped at Moo's Ice Cream, which had a line out the door. Yep it was definitely worth it. I got Huckleberry, which seems to be the berry of choice in Idaho and Wyoming, while Ryan enjoyed the classic, Mint Chocolate Chip, without the green food coloring.
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And we couldn't leave without taking a picture of the antler arches. There are for of them, one at each corner of the park in town square. Definitely captures the theme of Jackson..
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We grabbed Zoe a couple of souveniers, some polished rocks (she collects rocks) and a cute t-shirt, then headed back home over the mountains.
We had such a fun trip and avoided the anniversary curse this year - which made is\t exponentially better.
Thanks to the Stauffer family for keeping her entertained and full of sugar while we were gone :)
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
This beauty turns 4 today.
I'm pretty sure this is going to be the best year yet.
We started the morning off with presents and pink pancakes at Zoe's request.
Last night I made cupcakes for her school class and she was so excited to bring them.
I saved one to take a picture of this morning, but it didn't survive Ryan's breakfast appetite.
They were very pretty, I promise.
I made this page a few days ago, while I was thinking about how grown up she is getting. I know I say that all the time, but when I look back at pictures and videos of her,
I'm just shocked at how much she's changed in 4 years.
She has personality and attitude, she have favorites and preferences.
I love this little girl.
Tonight, after she goes to sleep, I'll write her birthday letter and put in in the envelope album that I'm saving for her, like I do every year. I really hope when she gets to be older,
she enjoys this album as much as I have making it.
Well I'm off to frost another cake :
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
Today is our 5 year anniversary.
I am so blessed. I still remember the morning of my wedding really well. I spent it all alone, getting ready for the ceremony, and driving to the temple. I remember thinking, " I hope Ryan didn't wake up late." I wasn't worried that he wouldn't show up, but I was worried he would show up late. He wasn't late.
In our faith, the bride and groom do get to see each other before the ceremony. They brought me into the Celestial room, and we sat on a beautiful couch together and had a few precious minutes before we were brought to the ceremony. Those few minutes, were some of the best of the entire day.
I love this man. Marrying him was one of the best choices I ever made.
To celebrate today, I'm sharing 5 of my favorite layouts of our wedding. I've never made a wedding scrapbook, I just make pages as I feel like it - so there is quite a mix of styles. Enjoy :)
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
I am so blessed. I still remember the morning of my wedding really well. I spent it all alone, getting ready for the ceremony, and driving to the temple. I remember thinking, " I hope Ryan didn't wake up late." I wasn't worried that he wouldn't show up, but I was worried he would show up late. He wasn't late.
In our faith, the bride and groom do get to see each other before the ceremony. They brought me into the Celestial room, and we sat on a beautiful couch together and had a few precious minutes before we were brought to the ceremony. Those few minutes, were some of the best of the entire day.
I love this man. Marrying him was one of the best choices I ever made.
To celebrate today, I'm sharing 5 of my favorite layouts of our wedding. I've never made a wedding scrapbook, I just make pages as I feel like it - so there is quite a mix of styles. Enjoy :)
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
