Happy Friday, blog friends!! Are you getting ready for the weekend? Do you have any fun plans? We are taking some friends out to dinner tonight- we have all had birthdays recently except for Josh, so we wanted to take out their entire family to celebrate. Tomorrow Josh has to work, so I hope to get in some good crafting time. And then Sunday is Super Bowl, & we are heading over to the Ridl's house for football, food & fun!! Lol...that was cheesy.
I have a digital layout up on the Glitz blog for our gold theme this week. This is my best friend's daughter, Emmalyn. She is SO sweet, & this photo of her deserves all the shimmer & shine of beautiful gold!! This layout features the digital papers from the new Glitz Design collection, “All Dolled Up”. This collection will be available in product very soon, & digitally in May!
I have a digital layout up on the Glitz blog for our gold theme this week. This is my best friend's daughter, Emmalyn. She is SO sweet, & this photo of her deserves all the shimmer & shine of beautiful gold!! This layout features the digital papers from the new Glitz Design collection, “All Dolled Up”. This collection will be available in product very soon, & digitally in May!
"Sweet Love" supply list:
Glitz Design “All Dolled Up” paper pack {coming in May!!}
Glitz Design “Beautiful Dreamer” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Uncharted Waters” element pack #1
Other: Designer Digital template, Juliana Kneipp glitter splatter, Pixel & Co. glitter epoxy dot, gold tape, & glitter arrow
Glitz Design “Beautiful Dreamer” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Uncharted Waters” element pack #1
Other: Designer Digital template, Juliana Kneipp glitter splatter, Pixel & Co. glitter epoxy dot, gold tape, & glitter arrow
I really love how gold & glitter has translated into digital....I feel like the glitter looks so real. Love it!!
Well, I am going to get going for now. I hope that you have an amazing Friday!! Talk to you soon!
Until later,
~L.
Today I wanted to share my cards using the December Times Square card kit from Paper Bakery. They were all done in less than a couple of hours, & I love how they turned out. Some of my very favorite colors!! I also love how I was able to create love themed cards using daily or Project Life themed products...they are something you could slip into a briefcase, backpack or purse to add a little something to your loved one's day!
The first two cards were creating with the Runway Inspired #52 challenge in mind...the colors were perfect!
1. Make A2 card from patterned paper.
2. Layer striped paper underneath the diecut banners, then adhere to the right side of the card.
3. Add orange dotted flair to the top banner.
4. Layer a diecut arrow, heart sticker & a rhinestone to the flair to finish.
1. Make A2 card from patterned paper.
2. Layer a strip of vellum & weekday strips to the left side.
3. Layer a diecut arrow with the acetate alphas, then add a heart & rhinestone to the middle of it.
4. Add that entire peice to the right side of the card, then accent with a piece of flair & letter stickers.
5. Finish the sentiment by stamping below the acetate alphas.
This next card uses this week's Mojo Monday #330 sketch. I didn't go with the long & skinny part of it, but still used most of the elements of the sketch, just flipped to the other side!
1. Make A2 card from aqua striped paper.
2. Cut a banner edge to chevron papers, & adhere to the right side of the card.
3. Layer the diecuts to the middle of the card using foam adhesive, then accent with a rhinestone.
4. Add the two tags to the bottom of the card, then stamp the sentiment to it.
And I didn't do this card for any challenge...just put it together!
1. Make A2 card from red dotted paper, then round the bottom corners.
2. Cut the 3 chalkboard sentiments from patterned paper.
3. Round the inside corners of the outer chalkboard squares, then adhere to each side of the card.
4. Add the middle sentiment card to the front using foam adhesive.
5. Add a banner strip & letter stickers to the top of the sentiment card.
6. Accent with diecut arrows, heart, & a jewel.
That is all I have for you today! I hope that you have a wonderful rest of your Wednesday! Talk to you soon!
Until later,
~L.
Happy Saturday, blog friends!! How are you doing? I'm doing well....just living in my little part of the arctic tundra that is also known as Fargo. ;) Apparently we are supposed to be getting our first real blizzard of the season right now....so, I guess that means I'm not really sure what has been going on the rest of the time here? Lol. We shall see how it goes...I suspect (as is the norm now) that I will hole up at home in the warm heat & do things like clean, work on my website & CRAFT!! Yay!!
Tonight I wanted to share a couple of digital layouts that I've created using the new Glitz Design "Black & White" digital papers!! This collection will be available digitally & physically in February!! So exciting!!
This is Josh & me on our 11th anniversary last year. We had about a million things going on in our life at that point, but we decided to drop it all for a weekend & head for a quick time away together. We really only took this one photo together, but that is absolutely okay. I still remember everything about just getting to be us for a couple of days…not having to worry about everything else going on around us.
Tonight I wanted to share a couple of digital layouts that I've created using the new Glitz Design "Black & White" digital papers!! This collection will be available digitally & physically in February!! So exciting!!
This is Josh & me on our 11th anniversary last year. We had about a million things going on in our life at that point, but we decided to drop it all for a weekend & head for a quick time away together. We really only took this one photo together, but that is absolutely okay. I still remember everything about just getting to be us for a couple of days…not having to worry about everything else going on around us.
"Celebrate Us Today" supply list:
Glitz Design “Black & White” paper pack (coming soon!!)
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Dapper Dan” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Uncharted Waters” element pack #2
Other: Designers Digitals template & pinned banner
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Dapper Dan” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Uncharted Waters” element pack #2
Other: Designers Digitals template & pinned banner
We also do a mini photoshoot every season in order to make sure we always have
some current photos together. We live in Fargo now, and winter is quite
a bit colder than we are used to (and we are from Montana!!!). But on
Christmas day we sucked it up & went to the beautiful Fargo clock
with our trusty tripod & took a few wintry photos together. This
one is my absolute faves from the day! We will probably go out & do
another winter shoot before the season is over, but I am happy that
chose to go out on Christmas day & do a mini Christmas shoot.
{Hmmm…do I see another tradition in our future?!}
"Forever Love" supply list:
Glitz Design “Black & White” paper pack {coming soon!!!}
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Color Me Happy” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Color Me Happy” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Finnley” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Yours Truly” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Color Me Happy” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Color Me Happy” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Finnley” element pack #1
Glitz Design “Yours Truly” element pack #1
Other: Designer Digitals template, Pixels & Co. sequins
It has been so fun & inspiring doing more digital layouts lately....I hope that you like them as well!! That is all I have for you tonight....I will be back next week with more projects to share!
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!
Until later,
~L.
Happy Wednesday, blog friends!! How are you today? Well...I am officially 34! My birthday was yesterday, and I had a very nice day. Lots of birthday wishes on Facebook, via text & phone call! Had some work to do, because the wedding fair on Sunday went so well! I opened my gifts from Josh, & once again...I was spoiled! And he took me to a wonderful dinner at a nice restaurant here that we haven't tried out yet called Maxwell's. It was great!
Today I have a card to share with you from a new company called Winnie & Walter. They have their first stamp release this month, & all of the stamp sets have matching cut files to use with your Silhouette machine. They also have some digital collections...which is AWESOME! I can't wait to use some on my digital layouts in the future!
My card for today uses the "You've Got Mail" stamp set, and I used quite a few of the stamps on this one card. Check it out!
Instructions:
1. Make an A2 card from oatmeal cardstock.
2. Cut background paper slightly smaller, sand the edges & adhere.
3. Add a strip of lace to the chipboard banner, then adhere to the left side of the card.
4. Diecut a doily from patterned paper & sand the edges.
5. Stamp the postage elements directly to the doily, & the other elements to oatmeal cardstock.
6. Cut out the stamped elements, add to the doily, then adhere the entire peice to the front.
7. Tie a bow from pink ribbon, then adhere to the left side of the doily.
8. Stamp the sentiment to a banner cut strip, sand the edges & adhere wrapped around a pin.
9. Stick two heart topped pins through the bow, then accent with a rhinestone & flowers.
10. Add enamel dots to the upper right corner to finish.
I will have more samples to share with you shortly....I just have to glue everything down, & get them photographed! So check back...I will add them into this post!
Be sure to check out this new company, Winnie & Walter....I am just loving what they are coming out with!!
Until later,
~L.
Today I have a card to share with you from a new company called Winnie & Walter. They have their first stamp release this month, & all of the stamp sets have matching cut files to use with your Silhouette machine. They also have some digital collections...which is AWESOME! I can't wait to use some on my digital layouts in the future!
My card for today uses the "You've Got Mail" stamp set, and I used quite a few of the stamps on this one card. Check it out!
Instructions:
1. Make an A2 card from oatmeal cardstock.
2. Cut background paper slightly smaller, sand the edges & adhere.
3. Add a strip of lace to the chipboard banner, then adhere to the left side of the card.
4. Diecut a doily from patterned paper & sand the edges.
5. Stamp the postage elements directly to the doily, & the other elements to oatmeal cardstock.
6. Cut out the stamped elements, add to the doily, then adhere the entire peice to the front.
7. Tie a bow from pink ribbon, then adhere to the left side of the doily.
8. Stamp the sentiment to a banner cut strip, sand the edges & adhere wrapped around a pin.
9. Stick two heart topped pins through the bow, then accent with a rhinestone & flowers.
10. Add enamel dots to the upper right corner to finish.
I will have more samples to share with you shortly....I just have to glue everything down, & get them photographed! So check back...I will add them into this post!
Be sure to check out this new company, Winnie & Walter....I am just loving what they are coming out with!!
Until later,
~L.
“Sending You Hugs & Kisses” Supplies:
Cardstock: WPlus9 (oatmeal) | Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Find Your Wings and Fly - Up and Away 6x6) | Stamps: Winnie & Walter (You've Got Mail) | Ink: Clearsnap (turquoise, chocolate, honey), Tsukineko (rosebud) | Other: My Mind's Eye (chipboard, pins, enamel dots) | Prima Marketing (flowers) | Papertrey Ink (pink ribbon) | Glitz Design (giant rhinestone) | Cheery Lynn Designs (doily die) | Adhesive: Zig glue pen, Surebonder hot glue, Zapdots foam | sandpaper
Cardstock: WPlus9 (oatmeal) | Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Find Your Wings and Fly - Up and Away 6x6) | Stamps: Winnie & Walter (You've Got Mail) | Ink: Clearsnap (turquoise, chocolate, honey), Tsukineko (rosebud) | Other: My Mind's Eye (chipboard, pins, enamel dots) | Prima Marketing (flowers) | Papertrey Ink (pink ribbon) | Glitz Design (giant rhinestone) | Cheery Lynn Designs (doily die) | Adhesive: Zig glue pen, Surebonder hot glue, Zapdots foam | sandpaper
Hey there, blog friends!! How are you on this wonderful Monday? I have had such a BUSY weekend, but it was fantastic!! I had my first wedding fair on Sunday, introducing myself as Fargo's newest engagement & wedding photographer. And it couldn't have gone better! I was well received by the attendees, I had some really amazing conversations with prospective brides & grooms, I was pretty much constantly busy talking to people (something I felt was lacking at the shows I did in Montana...people almost seemed stand-offish at those ones) & I've already gotten 5 solid inquiries, two of which are practically booked.
Can I tell you that this was a major anxiety for me? I was so worried that people weren't going to be excited about someone new...someone with a bit different business concept than most photographers. Not to mention...I was worried that my photo journalistic & candid style wouldn't be well perceived. Well, I worried for nothing and I had many people tell me how refreshing it was to hear how I felt about photography in general, & loved the samples I had to share in my booth. It's a big weight off my shoulders, friends.
So, now let's get to some crafting stuff!! I am part of the Mama Elephant challenge team, and this month we have a new challenge for you! Here is the challenge inspiration!
Oh my goodness....isn't that photo amazing!!! {It actually reminds me of some details shots I've taken at past weddings, & makes me want to do it again this coming season!} I drew inspiration from the colors, the beautiful flowers & the gorgeous bling throughout the image. Here is my take on the photo inspiration.
Instructions:
1. Make A2 card from oatmeal cardstock, then round the bottom right corner.
2. Stamp the sentiment to the lower right corner using silver pigment ink.
3. Tie silver ribbon into a bow around the middle of the card, then tuck a silver tab peeking from underneath.
4. Top the bow with a giant rhinestone.
5. Add the flowers to the card, cascading from the top of the card.
6. Accent with iridescent jewels to finish.
I also used the Viva la Verve January Week 1 sketch as inspiration for my card, and I think it combined perfectly with the photo inspiration from Mama Elephant.
We would love you to play along with us for the challenge this month!! Here are the guidelines for participating:
Can I tell you that this was a major anxiety for me? I was so worried that people weren't going to be excited about someone new...someone with a bit different business concept than most photographers. Not to mention...I was worried that my photo journalistic & candid style wouldn't be well perceived. Well, I worried for nothing and I had many people tell me how refreshing it was to hear how I felt about photography in general, & loved the samples I had to share in my booth. It's a big weight off my shoulders, friends.
So, now let's get to some crafting stuff!! I am part of the Mama Elephant challenge team, and this month we have a new challenge for you! Here is the challenge inspiration!
Oh my goodness....isn't that photo amazing!!! {It actually reminds me of some details shots I've taken at past weddings, & makes me want to do it again this coming season!} I drew inspiration from the colors, the beautiful flowers & the gorgeous bling throughout the image. Here is my take on the photo inspiration.
1. Make A2 card from oatmeal cardstock, then round the bottom right corner.
2. Stamp the sentiment to the lower right corner using silver pigment ink.
3. Tie silver ribbon into a bow around the middle of the card, then tuck a silver tab peeking from underneath.
4. Top the bow with a giant rhinestone.
5. Add the flowers to the card, cascading from the top of the card.
6. Accent with iridescent jewels to finish.
I also used the Viva la Verve January Week 1 sketch as inspiration for my card, and I think it combined perfectly with the photo inspiration from Mama Elephant.
We would love you to play along with us for the challenge this month!! Here are the guidelines for participating:
1. You must use a Mama Elephant stamp
2. Challenge ends 2/7/2014
3. One winner will be selected as a guest designer for an upcoming release! Woot!
4. No limit to how many entries, in other words, go buck wild!
5. Link up using the Inlinkz tool on the bottom of the Mama Elephant Challenge blog post
That is everything I have for you today....I hope you've enjoyed my card today! Have a wonderful rest of your Monday...and I will be back tomorrow with a Paper Bakery post!
Until later,
~L.
“On Your Special Day” Supplies:
Cardstock: WPlus9 (oatmeal) | Stamps: Mama Elephant (Water Blooms) | Ink: Clearsnap (silver) | Glitz Design (giant rhinestones) | Prima Marketing (flowers) | Martha Stewart Crafts (silver glitter tab) | Michael's brand (silver ribbon, small jewels) | Adhesive: Zig glue pen, Surebonder hot glue | Creative Memories (corner rounder)
Cardstock: WPlus9 (oatmeal) | Stamps: Mama Elephant (Water Blooms) | Ink: Clearsnap (silver) | Glitz Design (giant rhinestones) | Prima Marketing (flowers) | Martha Stewart Crafts (silver glitter tab) | Michael's brand (silver ribbon, small jewels) | Adhesive: Zig glue pen, Surebonder hot glue | Creative Memories (corner rounder)
Happy Wednesday, friends!! How are you doing today? I'm just busy. Trying to get my house cleaned up from the holidays, getting ready for a wedding fair this weekend & cuddling with my little yorkie who had a dental & surgery on his mouth yesterday. Poor thing- he was miserable last night, but today he seems to be close to his old self.
I have a digital layout up on the Glitz blog today! My layout is all about my one little word for 2014, which is embrace. I explained that in my last blog post, but the reason I chose this word is because of our move to Fargo. It has just been go, go, go since arriving here....and now that things are slowing down a little, the move is starting to sync in.
This layout uses some of the papers from the new Glitz collection called "Carpe Diem" which is one of our releases for Winter 2014. I love the soft mint & peachy pinks included in this collection...it is definitely one of my faves!!
Glitz has revealed all four of their new collections over last week. We are doing a giveaway of each collection, so be sure to check out the links & follow the commenting instructions! We will announce the winners this Sunday, so you still have time!
Collection #1 – All Dolled Up
Collection #2 – 77
Collection #3 – Black & White
Collection #4 – Carpe Diem
Okay- so these online lists have been all over Facebook for awhile now, & I finally had the chance to click into a couple of them. Seriously...my childhood days just came rushing back to memory as I started reading the lists:
1. 55 Things Only 90's Teenage Girls Can Understand
2. 53 Things Only 80's Girls Can Understand - I was born in 1980, so some of these were lost on me. But most of them...I remember them fondly!!
I seriously LOVE those lists...so I wanted to make sure I posted them in a place I could find them again!!
Well, that is all I have for you today! I hope that you like my digital layout about my one little word for the year. Have a wonderful rest of your Wednesday!
Until later,
~L.
I have a digital layout up on the Glitz blog today! My layout is all about my one little word for 2014, which is embrace. I explained that in my last blog post, but the reason I chose this word is because of our move to Fargo. It has just been go, go, go since arriving here....and now that things are slowing down a little, the move is starting to sync in.
"Embrace" Supply List:
Glitz Design “Carpe Diem” paper pack (coming soon!!)
Glitz Design “Love You Madly” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #2
Other: Designer Digitals template & paint overlays, Studio Calico digital stamp & elements, Pixels & Co. glitter alpha & sequins
Glitz Design “Love You Madly” element pack #2
Glitz Design “Cashmere Dame” element pack #2
Other: Designer Digitals template & paint overlays, Studio Calico digital stamp & elements, Pixels & Co. glitter alpha & sequins
This layout uses some of the papers from the new Glitz collection called "Carpe Diem" which is one of our releases for Winter 2014. I love the soft mint & peachy pinks included in this collection...it is definitely one of my faves!!
Glitz has revealed all four of their new collections over last week. We are doing a giveaway of each collection, so be sure to check out the links & follow the commenting instructions! We will announce the winners this Sunday, so you still have time!
Collection #1 – All Dolled Up
Collection #2 – 77
Collection #3 – Black & White
Collection #4 – Carpe Diem
Okay- so these online lists have been all over Facebook for awhile now, & I finally had the chance to click into a couple of them. Seriously...my childhood days just came rushing back to memory as I started reading the lists:
1. 55 Things Only 90's Teenage Girls Can Understand
2. 53 Things Only 80's Girls Can Understand - I was born in 1980, so some of these were lost on me. But most of them...I remember them fondly!!
I seriously LOVE those lists...so I wanted to make sure I posted them in a place I could find them again!!
Well, that is all I have for you today! I hope that you like my digital layout about my one little word for the year. Have a wonderful rest of your Wednesday!
Until later,
~L.
Moving to Fargo has been a big change for me. Most of the time I think I DO embrace it. But I know I have moments where I wonder what we were thinking, & why on earth we chose the 4th coldest city in the United States.
So, this year is all about embracing change. Embracing what I do have & what I don't have. Embracing the world around me, & finding joy in it. Embracing love. Embracing happiness. Embracing peace.
Have you picked a One Little Word for 2014? I would love to hear what it is, and why....so please share it with me if you feel like it!
Until later,
~L.
Happy January 2, friends!! It's the first of the year, and I find myself very introspective, thoughtful and filled with hope & wonder for this new year. It is quite cathartic actually...this beginning of the new year daydreaming. I will have a lot more to share on that as I continue to gather my thoughts & figure out what I want 2014 to be all about.
Before I do that, I would love to give a little recap of Christmas time around the Lawson abode! My parents & gramma Penny visited during the second week in December. It was so nice to have my family around me for a week... I didn't even realize how much I actually missed them until they got here, & I didn't want to let go of them. They arrived in Fargo to about -19 degrees, & it didn't warm up much the entire time they were here. Lol! But, we made the best of it, & had a completely wonderful time. Here are some of my favorite photos while they were here:
First morning in Fargo...the pups were so happy to have more laps to sit on. My mom, gramma & Josh were crocheting/knitting fools during there time here!
We took them out for a really lovely dinner at the Hotel Donaldson, or HoDo as we "locals" call it. Our waiter, Jet, was amazing. The food was even more amazing. I was so full when he started explaining all the desserts, & even though I really wanted to try the dessert of the day...Josh was already ordering a different one, & I didn't want to order one only to take a couple bits. Well...he brought one to me on the house, & it might have been the most amazing cake I have ever had in my life. Everyone else felt the same way, & it wasn't long before we had eaten every single bite of it. I didn't even get a photo of it...that is how quickly we finished it off. Lol!! He even mastered my camera & took this nice photo of all of us together.
We had a day just out & about, stopping at shops, having fun, & taking photos (including the obligatory one with the Fargo Theatre in the background....we were FREEZING. But it had to be done!)
Then we had our "Christmas Eve" together, including opening our Christmas PJ's, eating appetizers & taking our family photo in said PJ's!!
The next morning we had Christmas, & opened our stockings and gifts for each other. We had mimosas & cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We enjoyed just hanging out together at home, & had our Christmas dinner together.
We spent the next day just hanging out & being together because my family had to get up bright & early the next morning to head back home to Montana. I can admit...I would have really struggled this Christmas if they hadn't been able to come. It didn't matter to me that we celebrated early...I needed this little bit of normalcy in my life during this whirlwind holiday season in a place still pretty foreign to me.
I was a pretty mopey girl the day that my family left. But then I received a text message that just made my day...my bestie's parents, Christy & Steve, were in Morehead attending a family funeral, & wanted to meet us for coffee before they headed back to Montana themselves. It turned my attitude right around, & was such a Christmas blessing for me.
We had our first Christmas this year, just the two of us. It was quiet, but we enjoyed just being together. We went to a candlelight Christmas Eve service at a church that is just a few blocks from us.
I also took photos of our tree on Christmas Eve night.
The next morning we got up and opened our stockings & gifts from each other. Josh SPOILED me like always!!!
{Holy cow...that is a lot of photos of me. Sorry- I hope I don't seem like a selfish brat....I just wanted to share how thoughtful my hubby is!!}
He filled my stocking with the Velvet Sugar collection from Bath & Body Works. It smells SO good..I highly recommend it. :) I am at home most of the day, & wanted some cute sweatshirts that were warm but still cute in case I need to answer the door or run a quick errand. He got the three of them at Target...and I love them!! {I am wearing the Happy one right now!!} The jeans are my favorite line from Maurices...they fit so cute & don't cost a fortune. Oh my new teapot...I would have NEVER splurged on this myself. I have been secretly coveting it ever since laying eyes on it. Seriously- it's aqua (my fave color) & ombre...what's NOT to love about it. {Not to mention I've been boiling water in a pan since moving here. We got rid of the Keurig when we moved, which used to provide my hot water for tea & cocoa.) I adore that teapot. I've used it EVERY DAY since I opened it.
The headband & scarf might be the coolest gift though. We found this little boutique in downtown Fargo that I really love called Fowlers Heritage Company. It is a little spendy, but I love so many of the items in there...especially their hats, headbands, scarves & mittens. Anyways...we went in there when my parents were here, & I fell in love with this headband & scarf set. Little did I know that Josh had gotten them for me for Christmas!! As I was looking at them, I started reading the tag....& I became really happy. This item came from Nirvanna Designs Inc., & this is what the tag says:
"By purchasing this item, YOU help support women of Nepal. All items are hand knit by Nepalese women, allowing them to earn a living working from their homes while taking care of their families."
I toured a beading/jewelry/pottery facility in Nairobi, Kenya while on a missions trip in December of 2010. It was started by an American couple who felt the need to give women a safe place to work so they could care for their children. It employed SO many women. And they made such beautiful product. And it shook me to my core, because on the trip I realized how hard women have it in countries like this. So, I am just happy that a Christmas gift that I really wanted also gave money to a company that makes my heart happy.
Josh was spoiled too...but I will just share his very favorite Christmas gift.
We went & took our Christmas photo in the downtown area by the Fargo clock...I love this photo!!
And then we went to the movies! I didn't take any photos....but we went to see the second Hobbit movie on the Ultra Screen. Josh really liked it. I liked it, but it felt like a filler movie. A plus- my favorite hottie elf was in it...yay for Legalos!! Tee hee! :)
And then it was New Year's Eve. I was a little sad during the day, because the past few years we had hosted parties where us & our closest friends got all dressed up, took tons of photos, drank champagne, ate appetizers, & rang in the new year together. We just don't know enough people here yet to host a party like this, so instead we went over to the house of some friends we have made. And it was a fun night! No dressing up, but we still ate, drank, played games & kissed our significant others at midnight.
Phew...you've made it to the end of this super long, photo heavy post!! Lol!! I know this wasn't crafty related at all..and I hope that is okay. My blog is going to start being a mix of crafty & personal type posts, & I hope that you enjoy all of them!!
I will have some more crafty related items very soon on my blog...I'm just super busy right now getting stuff ready for CHA & trying to get business stuff done for a wedding show I have coming up on the 12th.
I still have my December Daily album to share with you, but I have to get my prints ordered first. I don't print at home any longer, & I don't even have a photo printer. So- I couldn't share as the days went along. Will you be alright if I share it in January? I know it is the month after Christmas...but I am pretty proud of how it turned out since it was my first time ever creating an album like this.
How was your Christmas & New Years? I would love to hear!!
I hope that you are having the greatest 2014 so far....
Until later,
~L.
Before I do that, I would love to give a little recap of Christmas time around the Lawson abode! My parents & gramma Penny visited during the second week in December. It was so nice to have my family around me for a week... I didn't even realize how much I actually missed them until they got here, & I didn't want to let go of them. They arrived in Fargo to about -19 degrees, & it didn't warm up much the entire time they were here. Lol! But, we made the best of it, & had a completely wonderful time. Here are some of my favorite photos while they were here:
First morning in Fargo...the pups were so happy to have more laps to sit on. My mom, gramma & Josh were crocheting/knitting fools during there time here!
We took them out for a really lovely dinner at the Hotel Donaldson, or HoDo as we "locals" call it. Our waiter, Jet, was amazing. The food was even more amazing. I was so full when he started explaining all the desserts, & even though I really wanted to try the dessert of the day...Josh was already ordering a different one, & I didn't want to order one only to take a couple bits. Well...he brought one to me on the house, & it might have been the most amazing cake I have ever had in my life. Everyone else felt the same way, & it wasn't long before we had eaten every single bite of it. I didn't even get a photo of it...that is how quickly we finished it off. Lol!! He even mastered my camera & took this nice photo of all of us together.
We had a day just out & about, stopping at shops, having fun, & taking photos (including the obligatory one with the Fargo Theatre in the background....we were FREEZING. But it had to be done!)
Then we had our "Christmas Eve" together, including opening our Christmas PJ's, eating appetizers & taking our family photo in said PJ's!!
The next morning we had Christmas, & opened our stockings and gifts for each other. We had mimosas & cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We enjoyed just hanging out together at home, & had our Christmas dinner together.
We spent the next day just hanging out & being together because my family had to get up bright & early the next morning to head back home to Montana. I can admit...I would have really struggled this Christmas if they hadn't been able to come. It didn't matter to me that we celebrated early...I needed this little bit of normalcy in my life during this whirlwind holiday season in a place still pretty foreign to me.
I was a pretty mopey girl the day that my family left. But then I received a text message that just made my day...my bestie's parents, Christy & Steve, were in Morehead attending a family funeral, & wanted to meet us for coffee before they headed back to Montana themselves. It turned my attitude right around, & was such a Christmas blessing for me.
We had our first Christmas this year, just the two of us. It was quiet, but we enjoyed just being together. We went to a candlelight Christmas Eve service at a church that is just a few blocks from us.
I also took photos of our tree on Christmas Eve night.
The next morning we got up and opened our stockings & gifts from each other. Josh SPOILED me like always!!!
He filled my stocking with the Velvet Sugar collection from Bath & Body Works. It smells SO good..I highly recommend it. :) I am at home most of the day, & wanted some cute sweatshirts that were warm but still cute in case I need to answer the door or run a quick errand. He got the three of them at Target...and I love them!! {I am wearing the Happy one right now!!} The jeans are my favorite line from Maurices...they fit so cute & don't cost a fortune. Oh my new teapot...I would have NEVER splurged on this myself. I have been secretly coveting it ever since laying eyes on it. Seriously- it's aqua (my fave color) & ombre...what's NOT to love about it. {Not to mention I've been boiling water in a pan since moving here. We got rid of the Keurig when we moved, which used to provide my hot water for tea & cocoa.) I adore that teapot. I've used it EVERY DAY since I opened it.
The headband & scarf might be the coolest gift though. We found this little boutique in downtown Fargo that I really love called Fowlers Heritage Company. It is a little spendy, but I love so many of the items in there...especially their hats, headbands, scarves & mittens. Anyways...we went in there when my parents were here, & I fell in love with this headband & scarf set. Little did I know that Josh had gotten them for me for Christmas!! As I was looking at them, I started reading the tag....& I became really happy. This item came from Nirvanna Designs Inc., & this is what the tag says:
"By purchasing this item, YOU help support women of Nepal. All items are hand knit by Nepalese women, allowing them to earn a living working from their homes while taking care of their families."
I toured a beading/jewelry/pottery facility in Nairobi, Kenya while on a missions trip in December of 2010. It was started by an American couple who felt the need to give women a safe place to work so they could care for their children. It employed SO many women. And they made such beautiful product. And it shook me to my core, because on the trip I realized how hard women have it in countries like this. So, I am just happy that a Christmas gift that I really wanted also gave money to a company that makes my heart happy.
Josh was spoiled too...but I will just share his very favorite Christmas gift.
We went & took our Christmas photo in the downtown area by the Fargo clock...I love this photo!!
And then we went to the movies! I didn't take any photos....but we went to see the second Hobbit movie on the Ultra Screen. Josh really liked it. I liked it, but it felt like a filler movie. A plus- my favorite hottie elf was in it...yay for Legalos!! Tee hee! :)
And then it was New Year's Eve. I was a little sad during the day, because the past few years we had hosted parties where us & our closest friends got all dressed up, took tons of photos, drank champagne, ate appetizers, & rang in the new year together. We just don't know enough people here yet to host a party like this, so instead we went over to the house of some friends we have made. And it was a fun night! No dressing up, but we still ate, drank, played games & kissed our significant others at midnight.
Phew...you've made it to the end of this super long, photo heavy post!! Lol!! I know this wasn't crafty related at all..and I hope that is okay. My blog is going to start being a mix of crafty & personal type posts, & I hope that you enjoy all of them!!
I will have some more crafty related items very soon on my blog...I'm just super busy right now getting stuff ready for CHA & trying to get business stuff done for a wedding show I have coming up on the 12th.
I still have my December Daily album to share with you, but I have to get my prints ordered first. I don't print at home any longer, & I don't even have a photo printer. So- I couldn't share as the days went along. Will you be alright if I share it in January? I know it is the month after Christmas...but I am pretty proud of how it turned out since it was my first time ever creating an album like this.
How was your Christmas & New Years? I would love to hear!!
I hope that you are having the greatest 2014 so far....
Until later,
~L.
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