Your Memories Captured

Don't Forget!

2010-06-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

YMC is now Momma Go Round!

Head over and follow along on the new blog. Don't miss all the fun!

Don't Forget!

2010-06-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

I've MOVED! I'm now blogging over at Momma Go Round.

Head over and follow along :)

Follow Along!

2010-06-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

I've moved! Head over to Momma Go Round to follow along with all the fun.

See you there!

Bye Bye....

2010-06-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

.....and say hello to Momma Go Round!

I'm signing off of Your Memories Captured and moving on to my fabulous new blog Momma Go Round: charting the miracles, milestones {and meltdowns} of motherhood.

While I have loved YMC, the tone and focus of my writing lately has changed direction. I feel that Momma Go Round will more accurately represent my blogging and welcome a wider variety of readers.

So please, join me over at Momma Go Round. I would love to see.....and your friends!

Friday Family Focus: Dinner

2010-06-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

Family dinner in my house has been hit or miss over the last two years.

My husband has a fabulous job that we are so grateful for....but it often requires him to stay late. And I don't mean late, I mean LATE. Like hasn't seen LJ in days because he leaves before he's up, gets home long after he's in bed, and quite frankly might miss me cause I'm already in bed.

Sometimes it gets tough. Sometimes we are all stressed out. Sometimes we all are at our wits end.

Lately we have been lucky enough to have our dear Daddy home in time for dinner (or, a little bit of a late dinner). Daddy has been going in to work early, working through lunch, bringing a lunch he can eat at his desk and basically doing everything he can so he can get out of there at a decent time. And let me tell you, it has been AMAZING!

I had forgotten how wonderful family dinner could be. We sit and talk about the day, things coming up, what we want to do this weekend, yada yada yada. Who knew that yada yada yada could be so wonderful?

LJ has totally been a happier little man since he gets to see his Daddy. I'm happier because my partner in crime is back. And I think most of all, Daddy is happier because he gets to see his family instead of his office.

I know life gets busy for us all. Work, school, sports, activities, commitments, but there truly is nothing like sitting down to a family dinner. For those of you lucky enough to enjoy this regularly, count your blessings. For those of you like my family, see what you can change around to make family dinner a priority. We still aren't perfect, and probably never will be, but it's a great feeling to know that family dinner is now on the radar.

YMC Featured on A Few of My Favorite Things!

2010-06-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

Your Memories Captured is FEATURED in Favorite Things Friday on A Few of My Favorite Things.

My World's Best Dad Google Card made the list!

Go check it out :)

The Best Laid Plans...

2010-06-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

I was warned that as a mom, things often don't go as planned.

As my mom always said, "It's a good day if everyone got fed, bathed, and maybe a load of laundry got done."

I figured this would be true in the beginning, but things would mellow out and I could plan activities and playdates with friends. We often do have play dates and outings...but things often don't go as planned.

Take this brilliant idea....

It's a hot day in So.Cal, so we met up with Trisha (from 3 Four and Under) and her kids and go to the water fountain at a local outdoor mall to let the kids run around and play. Sounds great, right?

Well, not to the kids.

LJ just stood there and stared at it like I was out of my mind if I thought he was going in that.

Big Sister got in the spirit of things (sorta) and was brave enough to at least go near the water.

While Little S and Little Z proceeded to run in opposite directions as far away from mommy as fast as possible.

LJ decided that being a shaddow to older boys with cool cars sounded like way more fun.

(Seriously sweet boys who put up with a 1 year old chasing them and stealing their cars.

More patience than I had at that age!)

We finally gave up and moved to the play area....cause that would be better, right?

WRONG!

LJ decided to make the tunnel at the top of the slide his throne, not allowing anyone else to pass. Little S and Little Z became food beggars (cause heaven forbid they eat the snack that mommy brought them), and Big Sister was just over it all.

I guess sometimes it's just about going with the flow. Though we had the best laid plan, the kiddos had their own. They had fun, we chased them around, and maybe we worked off some of that lingering baby weight.

Maybe one day something will go according to plan.

Tutorial: No Sew Ribbon Pacifier Clip

2010-06-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

LJ is addicted to his binkie. He sleeps with it, walks around with it, plays with it, would have it all the time if I let him.

We don't leave the house without a binkie.

For this reason, I have purchased many of these...

What has killed me about buying these binkie clips is that while they have saved me from loosing hundreds of binkies, they are expensive themselves.

$8 for some ribbon, velcro, and a clip....really?

With many friends and my sister-in-law expecting, I have come to the conclusion that I can make binkie clips just as wonderful as the horridly overpriced ones in the store. Even better, I can customize them to what my friends like, an outfit they have, and embellish them all I want.

One problem, I don't sew.

I have claimed that I do. Many moons ago I did (with uber fabulous guidance from my Grammy).

But ask me to do more than a straight line (assuming I had a sewing machine) now, and it would be scary.

So.....what to do?

Well, here it is folks! The answer to your "I can't sew but I want to make it" dilemma (at least for pacifier clips)

No Sew Ribbon Pacifier Clip Tutorial

Supplies

Grosgrain Ribbon

Scissors

Velcro

Fray Block

Steam a Seam/Stitch Witchery

Suspender Clip

Iron

Pencil (I show a pen, trust me, it's stupid idea)

Step 1: Cut your ribbon to 9 inches in length (remember, this could be a choking hazard if cut too long)

Step 2: Apply Fray Block to the ends of the ribbon. Let dry.

Step 3: Cut small rectangle of velcro while the two sides are attached.

Step 4: Cut a small square of Steam a Seam and adhere it to the velcro. I cut mine big so it would cover the whole velcro, then I trimmed it.

Step 5: Iron the velcro on. DO NOT iron directly on the velcro. Flip the ribbon over so you iron the ribbon to the back of the velcro. The two sides of the velcro should be 1/2 inch apart. If you use the "soothie" binkies, place them an inch or so apart since it is a thicker pacifier.

Step 6: At the opposite end, fold over a 1/2 inch section of the ribbon and iron in a crease.

Step 7: Slip suspender clip onto end of ribbon and position inside the crease.

Step 8: Cut a small rectangle of Steam a Seam and adhere it to the end of the ribbon. Make sure it is short enough to not be touching the clip.

Step 9: Iron the fold over shut so the clip is securely inside.

There you have it! Easy as pie and not a single stitch involved :)

Now go to town. Embellish away. Just make sure nothing can come off into a little one's mouth (a stitch might be required here).

So girlfriends beware, you will probably all be receiving these. But if your kid is anything like mine, you will need 'em.

Win FABULOUS Baby Products

2010-06-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

Head on over to my amazing friend Ashley's blog, Little Miss Momma, to enter to win fabulous products like burp cloths, soft blocks, bibs, reversable dresses and more from Sister Sue!

Giveaway ends Friday, so don't wait!

Quality, Not Quantity

2010-06-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

So tonight I have learned a very valuable lesson.....quality is often better than quantity. While this is a lesson many have learned much earlier than I, my recent attempt at being more frugal has led me astray a little.

I was attempting to make a shirt using iron transfer paper. I have done this MANY times with no problems. Well my new cheap self was just tickled pink to learn that Wal-mart has iron transfer paper.

NOT EVERYTHING AT WAL-MART IS GOOD.

I have now learned this sad lesson the hard way. Four sheets of iron transfer paper and two burned to heck shirts later, I now finally have a functional shirt.

This was a sucky way to find this out.

While I'm all about saving money and being frugal, sometimes it's better to pony up and get the good stuff.

The Mom Rules

2010-06-20T22:08:00.000-07:00

Meet Maddie...

She's funny

She's smart

She's witty

She's fourteen

(she also happens to be my cousin, which makes her even more amazing)

And she's schoolin' mamas in the ways of the teenager.

She and her friend "TBear" share their current favorite books, songs, movies, and quotes.

Most importantly, they share The Mom Rules

There are rules for kids to follow on how to talk with their parents

There are rules for parents to follow on how to talk with their kids

There are rules for both to follow to not mutually embarass each other

TBear and MJ's thoughts are GENIUS

They share the life of a teenager like you rarely get to hear about. It's all the junk you were thinking about when you were fourteen, only you've forgotten about by now.

My favorite rule is their newest one: We are more afraid of being judged than we are of getting in trouble.

BRILLIANT! So helpful not only to parents, but to anyone who works with kids/teenagers. To get a glimpse inside their mind, inside their likes and dislikes, inside their world.

While I highly doubt this will solve the never ending parent-teenager battle, it is a hilarious step in the right direction.

Check 'em out and keep checking them out. They always have new words of wisdom that I am sure 13 years from now I will be highly appreciating.

Friday Family Focus

2010-06-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Growing up in my home town Friday night meant just one thing....

After the game everyone would gather at friend's houses or the local pizza place and watch Friday Football Focus on a local news channel. Friends and family would all be together, everyone waiting to see if our game made the night's highlight reel.

I loved how those nights brought everyone together. We all had something in common, we all wanted to be together.

So this led me to thinking, what if I could re-create this with my family? What if I could find things to focus on, activities, new ways of thinking, or whatever else that could bring my family together like a football recap (lame, I know....but it's true)?

Starting today, Fridays here at Your Memories Captured are now going to be.....

FRIDAY FAMILY FOCUS!!!!!!

This week's focus is going to be on getting involved with each other's interests. While some family members might be lucky enough to have everything in common (if you exist, I would LOVE to meet you!), most of us don't. We each have things that we enjoy doing that others in our families may not be head over heels in love with.

In my house, my husband and I almost couldn't be more different.
I am the sports lover. He is the techie man.
I am LOUD and outgoing. He's the shy one.
I could spend everyday with my friends. He could see rarely see his friends.
I love to dance, design, and scrapbook. He loves video games, building computers, and anything with a cord.

While our differences are huge, we have one thing in common....we love each other, and we are a family.

So to bring our little family closer, I've decided that atleast I need to put forth more effort toward participating in the things he likes. So last night, for Father's Day, I attended this...

While not my first choice of shows to go see (and happily without LJ), it was something he's been dying to see. The show included the music from some of the most popular video games played by an orchestra, sung by a choir, and performed by this AWESOME pianst.

Only problem with the show....it was game 7 of the NBA finals and we were at the Nokia Theater (literally across the street from the Staples Center). So while this was going on outside....

we were safely enjoying the show inside, albeit with 100 text message updates from my dad about the game.

GO LAKERS!

Overall, I really did enjoy the experience, the music, and being the only one there waaaaaaay over dressed (we were going the the theater, right? Doesn't everyone where a summer dress, shrug and their highest wedges? Apparently not gamers.) But most of all, I loved getting to be a part of something my husband loves and was so excited for. He knew every game, he knew lots of the songs, and he was happy.

So I challenge you! Step outside of your comfort zone. Try something new. Do something that may not float your boat. But you sure will be happy that you did.

Ahoy Matey

2010-06-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

Don't be a scallywag! Check out the NEW Little Pirate collection in my shop!

Invitation and cupcake toppers now available!

*****SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER*****

Purchase the new Little Pirate Invitation by Monday 6/21 and recieve the cupcake toppers for FREE!

Just enter "ahoy matey" in the message to seller.

A Loooooooooong Day at Home

2010-06-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

For weeks (months) now we have been on the run. Everyday and every weekend have been slammed full of stuff.

birthdays
Mother's Day
weddings
camping
Underwood Farms
bbq's
play dates
Mommy and Me
beach trips

It never seems to end.

So yesterday I decided that LJ and I were going to have a quiet day.

no getting dressed
no going out
no makeup
no commitments

The only thing on the agenda was having quiet rest time and getting some house work done. How lovely does that sound?

NOT to LJ

He was on the war path. Meltdown in the morning leading to a rarely seen morning nap (2 hours!), pitching a fit at lunch over wanting to use his fork but being frustrated at the lack of food on the end of it, playing in the sandbox while proceeding to empty much of the sand out of it, falling on our balcony and getting 2 new boo boos, and then there was this....

(helping me do the laundry)

.....and this

(he came toddling out of my bedroom wear Daddy's ski goggles he found who knows where)

So now I remember why my days have looked like this....

birthdays

Mother's Day

weddings

camping

Underwood Farms

bbq's

play dates

Mommy and Me

beach trips

to stop me from looking like this

World's Best Dad

2010-06-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Money is tight this year, but I still want to give my husband a fabulous Father's Day. So.....what to do?

LJ and I have been busily working on crafts and projects that we can make for our dear Daddy to show him how much we care. Now my husband isn't exactly the crafty type (atleast my kind of crafty).

He is crafty in his own way.

He built this....

(custom built computer, water cooled.....yes, water in his computer)

And he modifies these.......

So I figured to honor his kind of craftiness I would make him one of these.......

Sound like your kind of Dad? Well you can make one too! Download the templates to make and print your own World's Best Dad card.

Get the cover of the card: Google Search "World's Best Dad"

Get the inside with my wording with names and activities/things left blank so you can fill them in: Fill in Google Card

Get the inside with headings and titles, but descriptions left blank: Blank Descriptions Google Card

There's even boxes for you to add pictures of your dad! If you are computer savvy, you can use photoshop, inkscape, or even paint to edit in your own text and photos. If not, just print out the card and either write in or print out your text and paste it on along with photos.

I hope you have as much fun making this card as I did. I would love to see how your cards come out, so post it on your blog and leave me a link!

PS: If you actually know my husband, please don't tell him or send him here. He never looks at this and I'm counting on that to not give away the surprise :)

Elmo Mania

2010-06-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

It is official.....Elmo has taken over my house!

My son has become obsessed with Elmo. He will stand inches away from the TV with the happiest blank stare on his face the whole time Elmo is on. We now own....

3 Elmo books (that truthfully, I don't need the book anymore to be able to read)

1 talking/laughing Elmo doll

2 Elmo t-shirts (1 in the next size cause heaven forbid we outgrow this shirt!)

20 episodes of Sesame Street recorded for quick and constant playback

(Reading his Elmo books in his Elmo t-shirt)

While our newfound love of Elmo often leads to Elmo OD, it does lead to moments like this because he refused to put the Elmo down until he just couldn't take it anymore.

It is precious to see him run and hug his Elmo.

It is fabulous to be able to blowdry my hair because Elmo is on.

It is wonderful to see him jump and bounce with excitement to read his Elmo books.

And most of all, it is so sweet to watch him hug himself because Elmo is on his shirt.

Thank you Elmo for making my little boy so happy!

*****UPDATE******
After posting this, my hubby realized that LJ did not own just a plush Elmo.........he now does ;)

A Bite of Heaven

2010-06-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

My family is going through a transition. We are trying to spend less, save more, and use what we have. For years we have been too careless about going out to eat, leaving food until it spoils, and buying multiples of things cause we were just too lazy to check before we went to the store.

Well folks, that era has come to an END.

I am trying to find new ways to use things, new recipes to make the same old ingredients new again, and cooking/baking more than I ever have. And you know what......it's fun!

I've had this fabulous Kitchenaid mixer sitting either in a box or in a closet for 5 years!

What a waste! So I have finally decided to bust it out of the closet and use it lately.....and I LOVE IT! Banana bread is a snap, I made my first carrot cake (actually, my first cake that wasn't from a box), and now some simple and amazing white chocolate boysenberry muffins!

More accurately these should be called cupcakes because they are so rich and decadent. These muffins were made extra amazing by using some of the fresh, hand picked berries that we gathered this weekend on yet another trip to a local farm. Whether you can pick your own berries or not, I would highly recommend these muffins for any occasion.

Best of all......they are super easy to make! I found this recipe after much searching around the internet and must say, it's one of the best random internet recipes I've found. So try them out! I'm sure the same recipe would be fabulous with any kind of berry.

White Chocolate Boysenberry Muffins

12 muffins

Ingredients:

1 egg

2 cups biscut mix (I used Bisquick)

2/3 cup milk

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 tsp vegetable oil

1 cup berries (cut into small pieces)

1 cup white chocolate chips (split into 1/2 cups)

1) preheat oven to 400 degrees

2) lightly beat egg in separate bowl

3) mix egg, biscut mix, milk, vanilla, oil, and sugar in a bowl (I used the mixer here)

4) fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips and berries

5) fill muffin cups 2/3 full

6) bake for 15 minutes

7) melt the other 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle over muffins

Hope you enjoys these as much as my family did!

In Hiding

2010-06-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

My blogger friends, I am sorry.

I have been hiding. Neglecting you. Fallen off the face of the planet.

Life has just thrown things at me at the speed of light and I just hid from you.

So I'm sorry for hiding. Sorry for neglecting. Sorry for not letting you in on all the fabulousness that has been brewing.

Much has been going on in my world as of late. My husband has been working crazy (though getting better) hours. My son has been teething for what seems like an eternity.....why molars, why?

We've been off on adventures to a local farm, puppet time, friends houses, and eating more berries than should be allowed by law.

And happily, my shop has been booming! I've been staying up way too late to keep up with orders and get things done on time!

So while I was missing, I've been busy creating. I've added some new designs to my cupcake line.

I'm also working away on a new pirate line, so keep your eyes open for that!

So thanks for stickin with me. I promise to do my best and not bail.....and bring you more fun, more adventures, more tutorials, more giveaways, and more craziness!

SURPRISE SALE!

2010-04-15T10:53:00.001-07:00

Take away your tax day blues with the Your Memories Captured surprise sale!

ALL digital designs are 35% off! Today only until 8pm PST.

Enter surprise35 in the message to seller.

http://www.yourmemoriescaptured.etsy.com/

http://www.yourmemoriescaptureddesign.blogspot.com/

www.facebook.com/yourmemoriescaptured

It All Came Together

2010-04-13T23:02:00.000-07:00

For months I have been agonizing about my son's 1st birthday party. What should we do? Where should we do it? When? Who is going to come? What decorations am I going to use? On and on and on. Honestly, his party is how Your Memories Captured got started. I hated all the birthday party stuff out there and knew I could do better.

It's been one thing to see all my designs in pieces; on the computer, put together in a bag, but never all as one picture. I have to say, I'm more impressed with myself now that I see how it all came out. It was FABULOUS!

We had a wonderful day filled with good friends (Thank you for saving my life Little Bird!), good family, good food, and good fun. I know it is a day I will never forget, and I hope through the pictures my son will see how wonderful it was.

Sneak Peek

2010-04-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

I thought I would give all my faithful blog readers a special treat :) A sneak peek at my new collection. It's still in the works and more is coming all the time, so check here and the store for updates.

And now, I'm proud to present my sweetest design yet.....cupcakes!

Personalized Stationary Giveaway!

2010-04-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Your Memories Captured is featured on Mommy Saves Money, and I'm giving away my Damask Personalized Stationary! Head over to http://mommyvsmoney.blogspot.com/ to enter!

Proud New Member of Etsy Paper Street Team

2010-04-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share that I am the newest member of the Etsy Paper Street Team!!! I'm so excited to be a part of this wonderful group. There are so many talented artists there that I am sure I can learn a lot from. Please check us out and support my fellow artists!

Here's our blog!
http://etsypaperteam.blogspot.com/

Birthday Sale and Giveaway Winner!

2010-04-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

Sorry I've been a little slow lately! We are gearing up for my son's 1st birthday! His birthday is tomorrow and his party is Saturday, so there has been a lot going on.

So to celebrate his birthday, I'm holding a SALE! All orders get 25% off or ALL MOD MONKEY is 30% off! Just put "birthday boy" in the message to seller to receieve your discount (amount will be refunded).

Sale ends Sunday 4/11, so hurry in!

FINALLY.....we have a winner in the cupcake card giveaway! And the winner is.......KATIE!!!!

Thanks for all your entries!

Cupcake Card Giveaway Extended!

2010-03-31T11:09:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling generous and in the mood to give more people the opportunity to play, so I'm extending the Cupcake Card giveaway until Saturday 4/3! Only a few more days, so get your entries in!

Please add your entries to the original giveaway post.

Good luck!

http://yourmemoriescaptureddesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/cupcake-card-giveaway.html

Happy Surprise!

2010-03-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

I got a wonderful surprise tonight with a blog feature! Please check it out and http://myhandmadecrafts.blogspot.com/2010/03/frozen-in-time.html?showComment=1269838983945_AIe9_BFT008Vfhz8YYleCJey-14ifVpU3ygmMMC9c9bJIt5xcwN_V5jzwSJILdE6XpNYEfTeWWLCd8Z4pfaD8dJgzDLgssqVum3ANfAKfctwLDaYr1TOTrt-sLL01MDjXDusqiIqc45TZoGBV8nfk-tc5eyHQWOgmD_PAVo6oRfzE0DYzzjZdmTJVS-FcEETe3DKLcw0p5MJ5B0ZAn7i6X-xvJ1IDK64iSw8aHZj8YEzsVn-WbzMUmo#c3200775713918996782

Ladybugs Have Arrived!

2010-03-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been getting into the mood for spring. Spring cleaning, Easter, bathingsuit season (aaahhh!). Spring makes me want to be outdoors, enjoying the weather and all the beauty that nature gives us this time of year.

So spring was the inspiration for my new collection of ladybug invitations and cupcake toppers (more to come soon!). Keep it classic with red and black, or liven it up for spring with pink, blue, purple, and white! Fresh colors for the fresh season. Hope you enjoy! (Only a few are shown here. Check out the store for full details!)

Graduation Is Right Around the Corner....

2010-03-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

...though sadly my gorgeous brother (I know, so not fair!) is still a little ways away. But that didn't stop me from using his pictures as inspiration for my new line of graduation announcements! All cards are fully customizable to include your school/favorite colors and information. Even fonts can be changed!

Here are just some of my new ones....more are coming up all the time!

How to Spunk up Your Blog - Part I: Grab Button

2010-03-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

As I said before, I have had so much fun totally revamping my blog. The only hard part I found was finding all the information I needed in one place! One blog would have one piece of information, another website something else. Why couldn’t this be easier?

So to make life easier on all you out there, I thought I would make the “How to Spunk up Your Blog” tutorial. I will do this tutorial in parts since it will be a ton of information.

In this first part we will learn how to make a grab button. You can put this button on your blog for others to grab and put on their blog! Great for others to show that they read your blog or have been featured on it… a MUST for anyone who is trying to use a blog for business. So here it is, as simply as I could make it. Let me know if you need help!

To make a button:

First you will need a design or photo that will actually be your button. You will need a program like Photoshop or Inkscape to create your button. A standard square button size is 125 x 125. Create your image using the photos, text, or design you want.

Save as a jpeg.

To put a grab button on your blog:

Upload your new button image to http://www.photobucket.com/

Type the following html code:

Open your blogger account and go to "layout"

Click "add a gadget"

Click "html"

Paste the code you have copied in the box - Everything in red needs to be changed to your information. To get the photo of your button to appear, you need to copy the URL for the direct link to the picture you uploaded to photobucket. This can be found directly underneath the photo once it has been uploaded to your photobucket album.

That’s it folks! Easy as can be! I hope this helps and don’t forget to check back for more parts to the “How to Spunk up Your Blog” tutorial!

New Blog Design

2010-03-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have been so jealous of all those bloggers out there with these fabulous blog designs! It kept bothering me knowing that I could design all the elements for my blog, but I just didn't know how to implement them.

Enter one night with waaaayy not enough sleep, a fixation on fixing the blog, and here we have it....the new Your Memories Captured blog. It is still a work in progress, but I hope you enjoy the changes.

Since I found it so frustrating to deal with changing my blog, I figure others of you are equally as annoyed. So coming soon is a how to fix your blog tutorial!!!! Keep checking back and don't foget to enter the giveaway for the adorable cupcake card :)

How Fast It Goes...

2010-03-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight, a dear friend of ours gave birth to a wonderful baby boy. After being induced this morning at 7 am, they finally decided to do a c-section at 8 pm....what a day!

With my son's 1st birthday rapidly approaching as his new little friend is just entering the world, it makes me reflect on how fast this year has gone. I swear it was just yesterday I was in the hospital, sleeping through my friends visiting, feeling reeeeaaaallly good on all those drugs, and just getting to know my little man.

We have had so much fun this past year that I can't believe that we've crammed it all in to such a short amount of time. Trips to the beach, the Santa Barbara Zoo, a best friend's 1st birthday, the sandcastle festival, a first vacation, picking out pumpkins, and so much more. It makes me so excited to see what is in store for this new little boy.

So now as my nights are sleepless because I'm up crafting instead of late night feedings, I almost miss those nights. My little boy is HUGE, I can barely hold him. At just short of a year he weighs 23 lbs and it feels like half my height (thank you daddy!). All I know is that I can't believe I have only known him for a year because it feels like he's always been here. I don't remember life without him and can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

So welcome baby Jordan. We love you, we cherish you, and we can't wait to meet you!

Revamped Frames Corkboard

2010-03-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

My amazingly talented friend Ashley has this FABULOUS tutorial up on her blog on how to revamp an old picture frame that has been lying in the garage collecting dust. Here she shows you how to make a totally custom corkboard. But my favorite part is the adorable push pins made out of old buttons, knobs, or whatever you have lying around.

I can't wait to get started on mine...there's a huge empty wall in my kitchen just screaming out for this!

Little Miss Momma

Cupcake Card Giveaway!

2010-03-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

While I have had giveaways on other blogs, I've never had one of my own!

I'm so in love with my sweet new cupcake card, that I thought I would share the love. It's cute, fun, and perfect for Easter, Mother's Day, birthdays, or just to say hello!

So here it is, my first giveaway!

HOW TO ENTER:

1) become a follower

2) comment on this post saying you became a follower...leave your email

3) blog about this giveaway...leave the link

4) Facebook or Tweet about this giveaway...leave the link

5) Go to http://www.yourmemoriescaptured.etsy.com/, find your favorite item, and leave a comment here
6) Become a fan on Facebook

EXTENDED DEADLINE! ALL ENTRIES MUST BE IN BY 4/3!!!

Adventures of A Busy Boy

2010-03-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

So lately I have noticed that my son is becoming less and less of a baby and more of a big boy right before my eyes. He's walking everywhere (holding on still, but that should be gone soon!), he would rather drink from a straw than his sippy, and he loves to go down the slide all by himself into my waiting arms. Considering we are still 3 weeks away from his 1st birthday, it sometimes kills me to look at him and wonder, "where did my baby go?".

But then there are nights like tonight. He refused to take an afternoon nap, even after a long day of playing at the park and in the pool. He sort of ate his dinner, had some snacks while I ate mine, and then in a matter of moments I heard it....the snoring.

Cookie in hand, and all over him, he was out. Snoring, drooling, passed out, gone.

It was a wonderful moment to look over and realize he still is a baby. Maybe not the little man I brought home almost a year ago, or the sweet little guy who slept through his 1st Halloween, but still my baby. Tonight reminded me to slow down, enjoy each moment, and laugh....cause that's all there's left to do!

Card Love

2010-03-13T21:08:00.000-08:00

As you can tell, I'm having waaaaay too much fun doing handmade cards. I have spent every possible moment in the last few days working away.

For so long, I haven't had a hobby and have basically been bored to tears. For 18 years I was a dancer, but as my college days ended, so did my dancing career. My knees are shot, classes are expensive, and until Landon can dance with me, I guess it's done.

As long as I've known him (and that's since 6th grade!), my husband has been in love with computers. He builds them, tweaks them, makes them run faster and better, plays games on them, and basically anything else you can think of. Though sometimes his level of computer love drives me nuts, I have been jealous for years. Where was my passion? What did I love to do?

With the creation of Your Memories Captured, I have finally found it! I love to do my digital designs and my handmade cards. I finally feel like I have an outlet for the creativity that has been bottled up since my dancing days ended.

Sorry if tons of posts lately are about my cards, but I'm just so happy to have a passion again. So for your viewing pleasure, I introduce 3D Spring Butterflies.

Fabulous New Handcrafted Cards

2010-03-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

So I think I went from 0 to 60 with my Cricut, because looking at my new cards, my first one seems rather pathetic. So here they are, the fabulous cards that are launching my Handcrafted Cards line!

Gerbera Daisies made from Tiffany blue patterned cardstock, accented with coordinating paper designs and a small line of ribbon. I LOVE THEM. I have been MIA for days as I have poured over them, and I am so pleased with myself.

So enjoy my new creation, and if you want your own, they are up in my shop!

My First Cricut Card

2010-03-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! Tonight I attempted my first creation with my new Cricut. I was really nervous since I thought my Cricut was broken (I think it is actually just the one cartridge, still a bummer though!). So I have thank you cards to make for all the wonderful birthday presents I received, so I figured, "why not make my own?"

I flipped through the stacks of FABULOUS Amy Butler cardstock I bought and just picked a pattern that spoke to me. I really had no idea what I was going to do, but figured I would wing it and see how it went. On the cartridge that works, I found really cute flower shapes and thought I might make a bunch. From there, it was all guess as you go.

Well, I guess that my guessing turned out alright since I LOVE my card! I'm so proud of it and though it is simple, I think I rule. So to all of you craft-it-yourselfers out there, I encourage you to dive in and try something new. I did...and I'm so happy!

New Printable Stationary Line!

2010-03-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

So my dear friend Ashley has been telling me for weeks, "I love your designs and you need to make stuff people can use everyday, not just once a year." Well, thank you my love, I finally listened! Introducing the Your Memories Captured printable stationary line.

The stationary set comes with a full 8.5x11 design, a 4.25x5.5 flat card design, and a folded gift tag/mini card design. All the files are set up so as many fit on a page print at once. It's so easy! Now you can have chic, personalized stationary anytime you need it.

For blog followers only, my new stationary sets are only $5.00! That's $5.00 for unlimited prints of personalized stationary! It doesn't get any better. When ordering, just put the word BLOG in the message to seller box to get refunded the difference.

http://www.yourmemoriescaptured.etsy.com/

Spring Dresses

2010-03-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

With a few weddings coming up, I am in the hunt for some cute new spring dresses. The challenge that I always have is finding something with sleeves that isn't a wrap dress or looks like I'm headed to the office. Then, a stroke of genius hit me....ETSY! Duh, it's my new favorite place! Why shouldn't I support other artists and have a dress that no one else will have?

So here are my favorites from the designer Lirola based out of Israel.....just might have to get one!

My Four Monkeys Feature!

2010-03-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

YEAH!!! I am featured on My Four Monkeys! There's a great review and a giveaway! I'm so excited to be a part of this fabulous blog! Check it out!

http://myfourmonkeysproductreviews.blogspot.com/

Happy Cricut to Me....Happy Cricut to Me...

2010-03-02T23:41:00.000-08:00

So if you couldn't guess, for my birthday I bought a Cricut Die Cutting Machine!!! I am SOOOO excited about this! I have fallen in love with my card designing and now can't wait to take a stab and paper card making!

While I'm sure my trusty Photoshop will miss me, I bet it will be there when I get back. I have already bought Sesame Street and Winnie the Pooh shapes to cut (I'm already planning Landon's 2nd birthday...though the 1st is still weeks away!).

Keep watching for what I come up with next!

My New Obsession...

2010-02-28T22:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I have recently become obsessed with these adorable knit/crocheted baby hats, especially since my little darling is too old for a lot of them. But I LOVE them! I can't wait to get some for my next kid and all my friends kids.

Here are just a few of my favorites from my fellow Etsy sellers. Check them out!

Little Lids http://www.etsy.com/shop/melanieganson

Cite Fuzz http://www.etsy.com/shop/citefuzz

Oops! I Knit Again http://www.etsy.com/shop/OopsIKnitItAgain

Floating Frame Tutorial

2010-02-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

I have a picture wall in my home and as I was looking at it the other day, I realized it was kind of boring. Just black and white frames in different sizes arranged together. I want to do something new, something different, something with some personality. That's when I found this great tutorial by Shelley of How Does She... On her blog, Shelley gives great step by step instructions on how to make this awesome looking floating frame.

Go check it out at http://www.howdoesshe.com/2010/01/floating-frame-tutorial/

FABULOUS New Lifestyle Blog

2010-02-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Ashley has just started the CUTEST new lifestyle blog, Little Miss Momma. Full of great craft ideas, tutorials, must have items, giveaways, and more coming each day, this is one blog you will want to check often! She has so many great ideas, I can't wait to get started on some of her projects. Check her out!

http://www.littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/

Wedding Suites Available for the DIY Bride

2010-02-22T23:07:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to announce that Your Memories Captured is now offering printable wedding suites. Perfect for the bride on a budget, or the eco-friendly bride. These great designs include an invitation, save the date, response card, thank you card, and menu/program.

The best part is, you own the files! You can print as few or as many as you need. Forgot to invite someone, no problem! Print extra invitations or as many thank you cards as you need.

New Design!

2010-02-16T22:54:00.000-08:00

I work really hard to produce new designs that I think everyone will love. Well this time, I have to say, I'm rather proud of myself. I don't know why this new design sticks out to me so much, but it might just be my favorite (and that is tough to say). Inspired by my wonderful friend who is getting married soon in a beautiful outdoor setting. I hope you love this as much as I do.

Introducing The Vintage Woods Card

Super Cute Cake Pops!

2010-02-14T23:07:00.000-08:00

So now that the craziness of Valentine's Day is over I can move on to planning my next big adventure, my son's 1st birthday! Mind you, it's a little less than 2 months away, so I'm a little over zealous, but I'm excited.

While searching around for cute ideas for his party, I stumbled upon this adorable idea for cake pops from bakerella.com.

Here is the recipe for these fabulous looking treats!

1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)

1 can frosting (16 oz.)

Wax paper

Candy melts (1 lb. pkg.)

Lollipop sticks

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.

2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can frosting. (I use the back of a large spoon, but it may be easier to use fingers to mix together. But, be warned, it will get messy. Also, you may not need the entire can of frosting, so start out by using almost the entire can and add more if you need to.)

3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50)

4. Melt chocolate in the microwave per directions on package. (30 sec intervals, stirring in between.)

5. Dip the tip of your lollipop stick in a little of the melted candy coating and insert into the cake balls. (Insert a little less than halfway.)

6. Place them in the freezer for a little while to firm up.

7. Once firm, carefully insert the cake ball into the candy coating by holding the lollipop stick and rotating until covered. Once covered remove and softly tap and rotate until the excess chocolate falls off. Don’t tap too hard or the cake ball will fall off, too.

8. Place in a styrofoam block to dry.

There are adorable variations on the bakerella site such as smiley faces, Easter bunny rabbits, and my favorite (because I spend my life watching it), Sesame Street!

I can't wait to make these myself. Hope you have fun trying them out!

5 Most Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day!

2010-02-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

What’s better on Valentine’s Day than to see a romantic movie? There are many out there, but here are the top five most romantic movie choices.

1. Casablanca – who could forget Bogie and Bergman? The sacrificing of romance for the greater good may make you wonder what they were thinking, but they’ll always have Paris. It’s a timeless love story and a classic.

2. Lost in Translation – An older movie star and a neglected newlywed seem like an unlikely match, but they make it work, and when he says goodbye to her in the end and whispers his farewell, the mystery of what he might have said to her only adds to the romance.

3. Roman Holiday – Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. How could anyone resist both the great comedy moments and the bittersweet love of this on-screen duo?

4. From Here to Eternity – Another classic with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr. The waves crashing over them on the beach is one of those scenes that sticks in cinematic history.

5. When Harry Met Sally – Despite the somewhat showy and embarrassing scene in the deli this movie is pure romance all the way.

Valentine's Day - Feel the Love!

2010-02-10T23:09:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day always comes with such a mixed bag of emotions. For some, it's filled with excitement and joy. For others, there is heartbreak and disappointment. I choose to look at Valentine's Day as a time to reflect and look at how much I have to be greatful for. I have a wonderful family, great friends, live in a safe neighborhood, and so much more.

So this Valentine's Day, I challenge you to look at your own life and see just how loved you are!

Happy Valentine's Day!