**Happy New Year**

Its officially 2009! How exciting! I think I have been watching too many TV shows on what was "hot" and "popular" in 2008. Like top 40 songs of 2008, fashions in 2008, etc. I say this because... I didn't really keep a journal on what I like and what inspired me in 2008, so now I have this need to do a few pages of my Top Loves from 2008. And then I am going to start an inspiration journal for 2009, to keep me inspired and motivated... and to define my style! I can't wait to share what I come up with.

Until then, here are my new years resolution! I set NINE goals since it is 2009.

1. build up my savings (use money towards wedding and house)
2. no "stress" wedding planning
3. journal 1 hour/60 min. a day
(i have a personal journal and a wedding journal to keep up with)
4. be more open to change (adjust to change of plans better)
5. be more open-minded
6. open Etsy shop and sell paintings and prints
7. STOP biting my nails
8. waste less food
[buy less or cook smarter]
9. stop and enjoy the year!
[notice and appreciate the little things]

Thats it... they all sound so easy to accomplish right now, but I know once I go back to work and to my everyday schedule these NINE goals will be tougher to accomplish than expected! Wish me luck! and I wish everyone the best of luck!

I have lots of photos to sort through, hope to share some soon! This year I also hope to share lots more inspiration!

Reflecting 2008

The year is almost over and I feel the pressure to reflect on 2008. Replay the best and worst moments of the year. Think about whats to come in 2009. How can I make 2009 the best year ever? I need to make my new years resolutions too. This year I feel very strongly about making and following them. I guess I am really hoping to make it a great year. I really haven't had a bad year for awhile but I want a GREAT year, don't we all...

My mind is running with many thoughts, plans, ideas, fears, and hopes. Im not sure where to start! I guess I'll start by reflecting on what happened in 2008. Here are a few photos to give you a taste of what I've done.

The dogster got a handsome haircut. Can't wait to get it cut again!

I took some pretty pictures. I really should take more photos next year!

Took a road trip to Bayfield, WI and had a blast.

Did the biker babe thing. ...and liked it


The funniest guy I know. Gotta love Fred.

Went to some concerts with Erin. Three Days Grace w/Foo Fighters.

Fell in love with TEA

Tried to start a fire celebrating Es birthday.

Took lots of self portraits.

Loved my family.
I love these two, naughty or nice

My parents, and sister

Dad, Kaci, and Kira

April, soon to be mother-n-law.

OMG I don't have photos of Es father (Louie) and brother (Elias), I'll add that to my "To Do" List! Along with getting better photos of April...

Well Im positive this is the longest post Ive done all year! It feels great to share so much! It makes me realize there is still so much more I want to share. I will in the next few days!

Lovely*Music

A little inspiration to get you creating. Typically I enjoy crafting to up-beat, fast music...but somedays I enjoy crafting to slow, calm music, like this... Hope you like!

*MIA*

Thats me...Ive been MIA when it comes to blogging. I can't believe the last time I blogged was Halloween and now its Christmas. Oh Dear...I better get with the program. I haven't been blogging but Ive been crafting! Hooray! I have been painting lots and making pillows for presents and practicing embroidery. Right now I am at work so I don't have pics available but I will get some up soon. I'll have all sorts of time to blog because Wednesday I start my two week vacation. My plans are to stay at home, keep warm, and do lots and lots of painting. The goal is to get a few series done and open up an Etsy shop. Wish me luck.

More to come soon...!

halloween pics

Oh boy! I can't belive halloween is over and its already November. Time to get ready for turkey day and Xmas! Oh so fun! This year I didn't do too much for halloween. I did decorate my house this year. We ended up with 12 pumpkins! E and I carved three and painted three. I love painting pumkins! I am not much of a carver, takes too long and is messy. And like usual we dressed the dogster up! We buy him a new costume every year! So much fun.
This year he was a spider!


Miss kitty likes halloween too!


Here are some of our pumkins!






I got this sweet cup at target. I love it.

Long Time....Oh Wow

Oh my gosh! I bet I just lost about half of my readers...if I have even gained them yet. I haven't posted in so long, life is dragging me by my hair. I am caught in a whirl wind of busyness. I can't think of the last time I've been so preoccupied. Normally when I am preoccupied its with Scrappyness. I promise to be back up and creating soonish.

At the moment I am taking a Nursing Assistant course to turn my career around. I am taking a huge leap of faith, and am trying a new career, totally different than what I am doing now. I am currently in the graphic design field (I will always keep up with graphic design and do freelance work...cuz I really love it...) If I love it why am I leaving it? I hate to say it but Im leaving it because of the job market. Right now all the careers out there are in the medical field. I really want to find a strong company to work for and love where I am working, and I have not found that in graphic design. Don't worry, I'm not giving up on it! I just don't give up on things. The reason I feel it to be safe to jump careers is because I can always keep up with freelance work. So... Cross your fingers and hope it all works out. I was inspired by my sister . She is currently a nursing assistant and seems to enjoy it a lot. She says it is really rewarding!

Oh and check out her etsy shop...its amazing! I can't wait until she puts more stuff in it! Eventually, some day when I am not so busy I will be joining forces with her and we will be starting a kit club. So stay tuned for the fireworks!

New Day

Hooray for Fridays! I love Fridays! I think its because I don't work weekends and I get to stay up late! Unfortunately I am typically tired by midnight, but sometimes I am up until 2AM. Those are the nights I am very inspired or have a bunch of projects lined up. Sadly tonight I don't have projects lined up, but I am feeling very artsy and in the mood to paint and scrap! I started a small painting yesterday... can't wait to finish it! I already have a home for it, in my bedroom above my bed. Better get moving!

So here is a little peak at what I have been filling my time up with lately...
This 12x12 LO is for this challenge site. I love going to this site when I need inspiration. This page is a collection of images out of magazines/catalogs that inspire me. As of recently I have been finding lots of inspiration from TOAST, Anthropologie, and Vanity Faire. To see more close ups of this page check out my sister site.

I am very excited for this weekend! Next week is Es birthday so Saturday we are heading home and eating tasty cupcakes (made by the lady who will be doing our wedding cake!) Oh and I hope to see these rugrats
Well I better get going on my projects before I run out of time and energy.