Brighten Up Back to School with AstroBrights! | Sponsored Post

This post brought to you by Astrobrights Papers by Neenah Paper. All opinions are 100% mine.

When I was in high school one of my "must have" items was AstroBrights papers. I enjoyed the bright colors that made my report covers stand out!

Not only did I use them for report covers, but I also punched holes in them and used them for note-taking (instead of that boring college ruled lined paper!). They were also essential for poster making for Student Council, Drill Team and DECA!

Funny thing is after all these years (20+ years), I still seem to keep a stash of AstroBrights in my arsenal of scrapbooking paper. There is just something about those bright colors that I can steer away from!!! I have evolved, though, in my use of them. ;) I now use them for scrapbook pages, invitation and card making and various other projects. They ocassionally still get used for school projects - only now the projects are my boys', not mine. :)

I love that they have also added to their selection of colors! They now have 23 BRIGHT colors available in a variety of products - envelopes, filler paper (where was this when I was in school???), posterboard, note cubes, easel pads and cardstock (my favorite!).

With most schools starting within a month or so, AstroBrights provides a great option for teachers when creating their "Welcome Back" announcements for parents. PTAs can also use the papers to brightly invite parents to join the PTA! :) The bright colors will be hard to miss when going through the sea of papers that our kids bring home within the first couple of days of school.

Parents can also use AstroBrights to create chore charts that stand out and can't be missed! :) Or

Right now, AstroBrights is hosting a great giveaway - the "Give a Brighter Year" sweepstakes. Enter the Give a Brighter Year Sweepstakes for a chance to win $30,000 in supplies for your favorite school AND a $500 gift card for you! Visit Astrobrights on Facebook to complete the entry form. There is no purchase necessary and sweepstakes ends September 10, 2012. Get those entries in!!! :)

If you are the creative type then AstroBrights has something else for you! Visit Astrobrights on Facebook and enter their "Make Something AstroBrights" design challenge! Get those creative juices stirring and complete the challenges for a chance to win Visa gift cards. The challenges change every 2 weeks so be sure to check back often for new challenges.

Whether you are using AstroBrights papers to design posters, cards, scrapbook pages or anything else you create, share your creativity on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter and be sure to use the hashtag #goastrobrights.

Now go get your creative groove going and make something! :)

 

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Go Back to School with Famous Footwear - BOGO Offer

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's that time of year again and I'm sure you have the drill down and your shopping list ready:

• Clothes
• Backpack
• School Supplies
• Shoes

My boys went back to school last month and the one thing I procrastinated on was shoe shopping. Why? Because 1) shoes are expensive and 2) my boys go through shoes so fast that I hate spending TONS of money on them.

In comes Famous Footwear and their awesome BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon.

What I especially love about Famous Footwear is that you can walk in and find shoes for the whole family - no having to walk up and down the mall finding specialty shoe shops for each family member.

The boys have such different tastes in shoes and I appreciate that Famous Footwear has a HUGE variety of styles to fit both their tastes. From characters and light up shoes for Cody to more "mature" lace-up tennis shoes for DJ, I can find them there.

The boys aren't too keen on shopping with mommy (something about it taking tooooo long) so they enjoy that we can run in, try on a couple pairs of shoes and run out and be done....all in one trip.

I have to admit, though, the hardest part for me is trying *not* to look at shoes for me while shopping for the boys! :)

With the BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon, I can buy a pair of shoes for DJ, get 50% off shoes for Cody and what? 15% off shoes for me?? Sure, why not! :) heehee

Did you know that Famous Footwear also has a Rewards program? My favorite part is that you earn points to earn certificates to spend in-store or online! Cha-ching! I know my boys will need new shoes mid-way through the school year so this is definitely a program for me.

Stop by their website to sign up to

• Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend in-store or online
• Accumulate points to earn certificates up to $100 a year
• Discount offer just for signing up
• Other special inside discounts and perks

While on their website, don't forget to print out the BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon. You will definitely want that with you when you stop by to get your shoe shopping done!

Happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Digital Crafting–Scrapbooking, Card Making and Photo Editing…. OH MY

I have a big collection of scrapbooking and crafting items in my craft room yet I seem to always end up using Photoshop Elements to create my cards and scrapbook pages.

I was recently asked what type of items I create in Photoshop Elements so I just wanted to share a few.

I have blocked out some of the personal info so that white blocks are ;).

My favorite things to create are announcements and invitations. It is my must have tool for the boys’ birthdays and Christmas cards.

I also really enjoy creating scrapbook pages with it. Most of the time I hybrid scrapbook so that I can still use some of the cool embellishments that I purchase.

This was one of my first digital scrapbooking projects….

I also use Photoshop Elements for business use – primarily photo editing and flyers.

Below is the most recent gift certificate created for a silent auction.

Do you use Photoshop Elements for creating? If so, I would love to see how you use it. Please feel free to leave a comment with a link to your blog or photo gallery!

 

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Heavy Heart for a Child Gone Too Soon

I pulled up to my boys’ school this morning to see the flag flying at half mast.

The campus was busier than usual with parents walking their children onto campus instead of dropping them off at the drop-off zone.

I am sure their hearts and minds were at the same place that mine were…are.

Yesterday, the boys were sent home with a note stating that a schoolmate, a 1st grader, had passed away in a car accident when the car her mother was driving went into a nearby reservoir.

This event has been plastered all over the news…a mother under the influence driving her daughter, a man and another 5 year old child.

Her and the man escaped the submerged car.

The 2 girls had to be rescued by Border Patrol.

Neither girl survived.

It is heartbreaking to think of the short-lived life of those girls. One of whom both my boys know.

Parents held their children’s hands this morning as they walked them to their classes. Big hugs were shared as goodbyes were exchanged.

I am sure each of us parents had the same thought of holding their child in their protective arms and never letting go….protecting them from all that is bad in the world…protecting them from what we cannot control.

I hugged my kids tighter last night and kissed them a lot more than I already do.

My heart and prayers go out to these girls’ families.

 

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Knee Injury Update

This is how the conversation will go down....

"What brings you to Sports Medicine today?" the doctor will ask.

"Oh, you know, my extreme sports caused a sports injury," I will say while blushing a bright shade of red.

"What type of extreme sports have you been doing?"

"Bouncy house jumping."

I am slightly embarrassed that my injury was not the run of the mill "I sprained my knee in a bouncy house" sprain. Oh no! When I go all out, I go ALL out. Like when I fell ice skating a couple of years ago. It wasn't just a fall. It was a concussion.

That's just how I roll...er, fall.

This injury is according to my doctor, I "highly likely" have a torn ACL. That's why it keeps getting "oh my gosh I want to cry for my mom" injured every time I mis-step or turn too quickly.

It has definitely been painful.

My next steps are physical therapy and a visit with Sports Medicine. Physical Therapy I don't so much mind. It's the whole title of Sports Medicine. I know they don't just deal with sports injuries, BUT it would be slightly less embarrassing to actually have an injury caused by sports. Ya know what I mean??? :)

- Posted from my iPad

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What I’ve Been Up To!

I was just realizing it has been a week since I last posted. For shame!

In my defense, though, it was a busy week last week.

With the boys back in school, I am focused on building MRS Photography in its new home of San Diego. I put the photography on hold while I focused on getting everyone settled in and now that everyone is, it was time to focus on what I love!

To start, I did a “model” call out in one a Facebook group that I am a part of.

I am SO beyond excited about the sessions and how ADORABLE these kids are that I want to share my favorites from last week!

I have always been fortunate to have jobs that I enjoy (well, except for one that ended up ending unpleasantly…but that’s another story and a unique experience), but nothing has been MORE rewarding and fulfilling than photography. Okay, other than motherhood, that is.

Thank you for letting me share what I have been up to and I hope these beautiful kids brought a smile to your face. A smile is a good way to start a Monday, isn’t it?

 

 

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Meet My New Sewing Buddy | Singer 150 Dress Form

Meet my new friend that will be helping me with sewing, Singer.

She doesn’t really live up to her name because she hasn’t sang ONE song yet! ;)
But she sports this big ‘ol name tag on her.

I think it is pretty cool that it has a hem thingy dingy, though I don’t quite yet know how to use it.

I can even make her as tall as I am – which isn’t tall at all.

I especially like that she is adjustable so I can customize her to my size and ensure that my projects will fit every time!



I haven’t quite had a chance to use the dress form yet but I have been going through my patterns and fabric trying to figure out what I want to try to make!
I will be sure to share that project. Pin It

Kidtoons–Free Ticket to Thomas Blue Mountain Mystery

This August, KidToons is presenting a new Thomas the Train movie…

Blue Mountain Mystery

When trouble strikes at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas is sent to help his Narrow Gauge engine friends. While shunting and hauling, he discovers a little green engine hiding in the tunnels. Thomas is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery but discovering the truth is harder than he imagined! Will Thomas be able to help his new friend? Or will the little engine be sent away from Sodor forever? Find out in Thomas’ most mysterious adventure yet, a movie the whole family will love!

 If you have a train enthusiast in your house, then you are in for a treat because one family member can watch this movie for FREE! Click on this link to print a free ticket to watch Blue Mountain Mystery. (Please note that the ticket is only valid on weekends and is limited to one free ticket per family.)

Check to see if there is a KidToons location near you http://www.kidtoonfilms.com/theatrelocations2.html 

KidToons is also hosting a Blue Mountain Mystery Coloring Contest so be sure to stop by their website to download the coloring pages and enter your child.

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Giveaway - Hand Stamped Jewelry | Photography and Down Syndrome

I am suuuper excited to share today’s post from my photography blog….

For a while now, I have had the idea to create hand stamped jewelry revolving around two things that this blog represent – photography and Down Syndrome awareness and advocacy.

With great pleasure (and a fat ol’ smile) I introduce to you

Designs by MRS

5% of all purchases will be put aside to donate to a Down Syndrome organization.  Each quarter, an organization focused on Down Syndrome advocacy will be selected to receive the donation. If you have an organization you would like to suggest, please feel free to message me.

There are currently only three items in the store at the moment, but soon I hope to have more items available.

Here are the three creations so far…

I am excited to share this new endeavor and would like to offer one of the above products to one lucky reader!

Complete the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win. Entries must be received by August 4, 2012. The winner will be announced on August 5th.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Five Question Friday

1. What is the funniest thing you saw on Facebook/twitter this week?
I have a friend that posts e-cards almost daily and this one I loved the most this week.

Another friend shared this yesterday

2. What is your favorite Olympic event?

It is definitely a tie between figure skating and gymnastics. Can’t get enough of either of those!

3. Do your kids to chores around the house? If so, what are they and how old are the children? Do they get paid for them?

My 9 year old is in charge of feeding the dog, picking up dog poop, and taking the trash out to the curb on trash day.

The 6 year old is in charge of cleaning up his toys. That chore alone can take all day. ;)

4. If you get bad service/food do you complain or keep quiet?

I used to not say anything, but as of a few months ago when I began to get tired of horrible service, I started speaking with managers or calling toll free numbers. I do, however, wait until after the meal to ensure that my meal wasn’t somehow wiped on someone’s butt cheek while in the kitchen…ya, I watch Dateline! :)

5. If you could pick ONE frivolous item for your home, what would it be? (massive room sized closet? swimming pool? greenhouse? etc...)

Does a new home count as ONE frivolous item because if it does, I’ll take that.

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Back to School

Yesterday marked the end of summer vacation. After 7 weeks of summer vacation, my boys walked into their school as a 1st grader and 4th grader. Sigh.

The night before, everything was prepared.

Lunchboxes…

New backpacks…

New Shoes…

These boys woke up early (I’m talking 6:30 early!) almost every day of summer. The first day of school, though, and they slept in! I woke Cody up at 8 and he refused to get out of bed. He kept telling me “sleeping is fun!”.

Once they were wide awake and dressed, they began to get excited for school!

When we went school shopping, Cody picked out an item all on his own.

The hat has been a daily accessory so he, of course, wanted to wear it to school. Doesn’t he look awesome!

They both had a great 1st day.

We walked into DJ’s class just a little late and when he walked in, the class yelled out his name. It was a bit heart warming considering we were only here for the last 3 months of school. It is wonderful to know we have found a school where everyone knows each other and the kids are all so friendly.

Cody walked into class and acted like he owned the place. Sportin’ his hat, he made his rounds to say hello to old friends and familiar teachers. He also made sure to say “see my hat”. :)

The first day of school is always such a mixed emotion for me. As much as I love their company, I begin to miss a little of “mommy” time. Then when they go back to school, the empty house makes me miss them. A lot.

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Summer Splashin’

It is the last week of summer vacation and the hottest week so far this summer. By hot, I mean 85. :)

My boys’ new pool came in last week so they have been out there every day cooling down.

Cody is infamous for his splash attacks on his swimming big brother.

This is his version of over the water swimming while standing and mimicking big brother.

How are you enjoying your kids’ summer vacation?

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July Birchbox–My Favorite Box Yet!

My Birchbox came in yesterday and it was like my birthday all over again! Nothing like extending your birthday another week, right? Especially when you turn 21….again.

This month’s box was in collaboration with Glamour. I love the colors they used!

Don’t they pack it up so pretty???? I love getting these boxes every month!

Birchbox has their own exclusive earbuds and they were included in this month’s box! My iPod is charging up right now so I can test these babies out today! :)

The Tea Forte minteas had me intrigued. The flavor is Ginger Pear. I love pear, but the ginger part I wasn’t so thrilled about. As I sit here tasting one, it actually is not bad at all. The ginger flavor is pretty light. Considering the flavor combo, I had not expected a nice cool, refreshing feeling. I like it!

I am a fan of Stila and already love their lip glaze so I was thrilled when I saw this in the box!

I loved the packaging of this perfume, Juliette Has a Gun, but the scent is a bit strong for me. I prefer light, barely-there scents and as soon as I opened the sample tube, the scent permeated the room. Definitely too strong for my taste.

Oily T-Zone be gone!!! These Green Tea Blotting Linens from Boscia do the job and help rid those nasty oily-spots. I like that the packet allows for easy dispensing (kind of like post-its ).

I am looking forward to trying this Gloss Moderne High Gloss Masque today. My hair can definitely use some deep conditioning right now. ;)

If you are interested in learning more about Birchbox, stop by their website! For only $10/month (that includes shipping!) you get a box full of sample (and not so sample) size goodies. I like that I can try out the products and if I like them I can purchase the full size and if I don’t like them, then I haven’t wasted money on a full size version!

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New Etsy Store–Just Sew Cool

While on vacation in Northern California, my sister-in-law and I hit the Antique Junction Mall in Cordelia. In the how-many years that I lived up there, I had never visited this mall. I’m bummed that I never did! There was a HUGE assortment of items from my childhood…which leads me to a question – when the heck did my childhood become antique?????

I was on a mission to find an old rotary phone, vintage patterns and old cameras.

I found an old rotary phone, but did not find vintage patterns that I liked or old cameras that were old enough for my liking (really, a polaroid from the 80s isn’t quite old enough for my collection just yet. ;)).

So I decided to turn to Craigslist in the slim chance that I could find vintage patterns.

It turns out that I found the most excellent find on Craigslist – a HUGE assortment of vintage sewing patterns.

The patterns are primarily from the 1970s and 1980s.

As I was going through the patterns, I loved seeing how many of them are back in style. Tunics, slouch tops, ruffle top dresses – they are all making a comeback!

I kept quite a few of them for myself and my sister-in-law and am currently working on this pattern. Can’t wait to share the finished project with you. I just started it today and am anxious to finish it.

Majority of the patterns are sizes 14-18, but based on the measurements, they are smaller than today’s sizes.

With the ample amount of vintage patterns, I have opened up an Etsy Store titled

 Just Sew Cool

There are currently only 3 patterns listed, but I hope to get the rest of them posted soon! If there is something specific you may be looking for, let me know and I will happy to see if I have it available and can list a custom listing for you.

Happy sewing!!!

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Back from Vacation!

My boys and I had a restful vacation visiting with my family last week. We celebrated my beautiful niece’s first birthday and my knee got the much-needed rest it deserved.

We are now back from the heat and enjoying the 70+ degree San Diego weather while Fairfield is being taunted with close to 100 degree temps. Sorry, Northern California family. I wish I could share our cooler weather with you.

There are 2 weeks left until my boys go back to school. It is always so bittersweet for me. I am ready for them to go back to school, but at the same time I end up missing them when the house is eerily quiet during the day.

What have you been up to this summer?

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Five Question Friday

Happy Friday! The boys and I are on vacation and spending it with family in Northern California as we prepare for my niece's first birthday!

It is time for Five Question Friday. Join us! :)




1. What's your favorite childhood snack that you still eat as an adult?
I am not much of a snacked, but if I do occasionally snack, I enjoy Chicken in a Biskit.

2. What food will you not eat the low fat version of?
I enjoy Italian food and I love it with all the gooey cheese! I don't think it would be the same without allllllll the cheese.

3. What's your favorite way to cool off during the summer?
Simple - air conditioning! :)

4. What's your favorite summer read?
I enjoy Nicholas Sparks love stories on a cool summer night.

5. What are you doing to stay cool in this awful heat?
The heat hadn't quite hit San Diego yet so I have been enjoying the nice breeze. Northern California has been fairly mild, too, so I am not melting in the heat yet.

Have a great weekend!!!

- Posted from my iPad
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Too Old? Me? Maybe…

What happens when you mix a 38 3/4 year old me with a

?????

This happens…..

+

Good times I tell ya…good times!

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A Birthday Party Safari

My son had his 9th birthday party on Saturday and we went with a Safari theme. You will see why later. :)

I was excited to make the cake because I wanted to make the zebra striped cake! It worked out EXACTLY like I wanted it to!!

I am not really that good at cake decorating, but I have to admit that although this isn’t exactly what I wanted, I did pretty good. :) All that mattered was that the birthday boy LOVED it. :)

The bottom layer is the zebra cake with a vanilla pudding filling then topped with a vanilla whipped icing. The zebra edible cake tattoo is from Wilton. I purchased the full sheet and cut it down to fit the cake.

The top part of the cake was the popular one. :) It was a vanilla cake with chocolate pudding then caramel frosting. The caramel frosting was DELICIOUS! I used the Duncan Hines Frosting Creations with the Caramel Flavor Mix and I can’t rave about it enough! The guests loved the caramel frosting!

To make the giraffe spots, I used a full sheet of the Wilton’s Edible cake Tattoo in brown and cut out the shapes.

I usually do a “Favorite Things” theme for the boys’ party favors, but this time I opted to try something different and had 3 different party favors:

The first is a mini candy bar.

The flags for the favor boxes and the candy labels were printables from Pottery Barn.

The second party favor was a printed picture of the guests behind a cardboard cutout of a Jeep (purchased from Birthday Express).

Using a mini portable printer, I took pictures of guests then printed them during the party.

Here are our pictures with the Jeep.

The final party favor was a pair of binoculars (purchased from Birthday Express).

I had DJ find some tree branches in the backyard for me then hung the branches with twine from a chandelier.

My husband kept shaking his head at me when I told him my idea. Turned out much better than we both thought, though. :)

The tags had hand written notes. One side said “Thank you for coming”…

…and the other said “DJ’s 9th Birthday”.

We served Lionade (lemonade) and Jungle Juice (Hawaiian Punch). These labels were from Pottery Barn as well.

My “famous” red velvet cake pops made an appearance in tiger colors.

The Jumper company (Aaron’s Jumpers) happened to have a jungle themed jumper that went perfect with our theme!

Speaking of jumpers, they dropped the jumper off on Friday night. SOOOO being the big kid that I am, I got in the jumper with my boys. 3 jumps in and I landed wrong and sprained the back of my knee. 2 hours at Urgent Care and a leg brace and crutches/ a cane later, I am now banned (by my husband) from jumping in any more jumpers! ;)

For the party, I opted to use my cane so I could have more mobility. Of course, the cane had to fit the party theme.

The reason behind our Safari theme is our special guests that came.

Pacific Animal Productions chauffeured our special guests and gave the party attendees a surprise treat!

The first friend that visited was a Fennec Fox.

Adorable, right???

Then an African Savannah Monitor was up next.

DJ even got a special kiss from this guy. (ewwww)

I wish I could keep this Wallaby in my backyard!!!!

The Kinkajou wanted nothing to do with our show. He preferred to be shy and in his cage.

The grand finale was a python! The kids LOVED this and weren’t even afraid of it when it slithered across their legs!

DJ is SO BEYOND happy about being able to hold the python.

Thank you to everyone that shared this special day with DJ. He had an awesome time and can’t stop talking about his party.

 

 

 

I shared this party theme on Skip to My Lou! Check out other craft ideas that others shared!

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