project, life: may 2016

I'm still chugging along this year with Project Life and am so much happier (i.e. less stressed) using a monthly format! My method is to simply print twelve 3x4" photos to fill a two page spread. If they happen to all be from a single week, great. If not, no worries at all. With this set-up, a month can have only two pages (it's okay, really!) or many, many more.

These are all photos from the last week in May. The beauty here is that, it was a full week and I have far more than 12 photos I want to use. Instead of my old method of either a) weeding out or, b) creating an insert page, now I will simply use the carry over pics on the next spread.

I'm looking to use more ephemera again. The strict weekly format has me leaving a lot of things like tags, receipts and screen shots behind. There simply was not enough space! Now, space is all relative. So, here I have a screen shot of a television show my husband and I have been binge watching on Netflix, as well as a piece cut from a kiwi package.

Need some supplies for your own documenting? Use code JENBOOM in the Paper Issues shop for 20% off any order!

project life 2016 :: the beginning

Happy New Year! I am thrilled to be tarting another year of Project Life. Last year, I dabbled. Last year was a return to single pages loyouts for me. I had SO much fun exploring full 12x12 pages again. It stretched my creativity and felt good to get back to my scrapbooking "roots."

But, something was missing. I missed documenting the everyday moments. The little quirks of our three children, those phases that are so fluid at their young ages. Toys of the moment, little facial expressions. The fleeting day to day stuff. The good stuff. It's all there in photos. On Instagram. In my Momento app. That's fine. I want more.

So. 2016. Starting anew and re-dedicating myself to little pockets of memories.

I'm not even going to go by week (gasp. what did she say??) I am setting up my album with monthly dividers and am just going to add photos in, not worrying about dates. I mean, unless it's a birthday or some big event, does the actual date matter so much? "It happened in January 2016" works for me.

I chose a word to focus on this year: give. My goal is to focus on giving more to my family, to others and in my own self-care. My intentions are documented right in the front of a brand new album. A great reminder every time I open the cover to work on my pages.

I started off this album using the Project Life Everyday and Midnight Core Kit cards. The simple, graphic cards really allow my photos (just look at those little faces!) and my intentions stand out.

Cheers to 2016!
Jen

project life monday :: love you more...

Happy Monday! I'm starting off the week on the Paper Issues blog with my favorite...pockets. This page is documenting week nine which included our wedding anniversary so, I went with a love inspired theme of pinks and corals with mint and gold accents.

While my husband and I never managed a selfie (us-ie?) on our celebratory date night, I documented some thoughts on our 6 years of marriage in the embellished bitty bag on the top row and again with the Date Night card on the bottom row. Oh, and that bottom left list? Remembering my eldest son's first head injury requiring a trip to urgent care. The plus sign - from the MME On Trend Gold Foil Sticker pack - and a staple were quite fitting. Here's a closer look at some favorite bits:

For this page, I used mainly Swag Bag pieces, MME On Trend and the March Scrapbook Circle kit from our current Prints Charming Issue (hint, hint: LINK UP HERE!).

Grab some goodies from the Paper Issues shop for your own pocket pages and creations at 20% off with code JENBOOM. Happy creating!!

documenting life with a bit of swag...

Happy Sunday! I have a new pocket layout to share today using my new favorite product line. As soon as the sneak peeks of the Simple Stories Life Documented collection were released a few months back, I fell hard. Hearts, wood grain, bright colors and coordinating pocket cards made it a necessity. As soon as the products arrived on my doorstep this past week, I was planning my first project (and several more). For this page, I used the Life Documented 2015 card pack, the Icon Sticker Pack the Bradz Brads (which, by the way, are adhesive! No more prongs!) and the fabulous February Swag Bag. That's all!

This pages focuses on the two big events of the last week of January - Amalia turning ONE and the now infamous blizzard that wasn't for our area, Juno. While this collection has nothing to do with winter or birthdays, it worked perfectly to document both events on one page. 

And, can we just pause for a moment to marvel that this baby is one? She amazes me every day, my sweet girl.

Here's an overview of the Life Documented line available now. It's stocked in the Paper Issues shop and you can have it all for 20% off with code JENBOOM. Enjoy!

New Issue Monday: Say It Ain't Snow Cold Outside!

But it is. Cooooooold! A brand new Issue is up today on the Paper Issues blog and you have so many options to create or link up a new or existing project to win a great prize! I'll share all of the details below but, first, here is my layout:

Last Wednesday, my husband and I had arranged for babysitting so that he and I could attend G's school conference and then go out for a coffee date. As luck would have it, both G and Amalia woke up sick that morning. I ended up going to the conference alone and we all went to the pediatrician together right after. We tried our best to still make that coffee date happen...using the Starbucks drive thru. Best laid plans!

I used the Paper Issues January Cut Files in my design (the interlocking hearts and the title), some of the Project Life Desktop collection (chipboard stickers and 6x6 pad) and Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte stamps and dies.

I can't wait to see what YOU do with our new Issue! Here are all the details:

ISSUE: Say It Ain't Snow Cold Outside
Runs: 1/19 - 2/1
Projects to Link Up (HERE!!! http://paperissues.blogspot.com/2015/01/new-issue-say-it-aint-snow-cold-outside.html) can include: winter, snowflakes, snowmen, winter weather, snow, sledding, not feeling well/have a cold, outdoors, snow photos, polar bears, penguins, use frosty colors like blue, grey, tan, white, silver

amalia at 11 months :: sunday swag

Good morning! Today I have a post up on the Paper Issues blog highlighting projects using the PI Swag Bags. Not having much in the way of crafty shops around here, I love getting an envelope packed full of new cards and embellishments each month to use along with my existing supplies.Here is a photo of this month's bag. Swoon...

Today, I'm sharing a project I made using the January Swag bag to document Amalia's 11th month. ELEVEN. We are in birthday planning mode. My last baby, my sweet, tiny girl is on the verge of toddlerhood and I wanted to capture all that is her right now.

Paper Issues Swag Bags are available one at a time, as demand allows, or as a subscription. You can use code JENBOOM to take 20% off your entire order.

I hope you'll stop by the PI blog to see how others have used the Swag Bag goodies. Have a fantastic day!

pop-ping the cork: new year, new issue!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Last year was incredible for our family with the birth of our beautiful daughter and moving to our forever home. 2015 has a LOT to live up to and I'm ready to make it even better!

I'm thrilled to be starting this year off with another round of Project Life. This will be my 5th year of pocket scrapping, yet this is my first time actually completing an opening page. Yes, really! I'm participating in the first Issue of 2015 on the Paper Issues blog and was so inspired by the awesome Hello 2015 line by Elle's Studio that the title page took shape easily!

Here are two close up of how I used the Elle's Studio product. And, with the, I'm jumping in to Project Life 2015 with both feet!

Want a chance to win an awesome goodie bag of product from Elle's Studio? It's easy! Simply create a project that fits into the theme (SO many options!) or, even use an existing project, then LINK UP to the Issue post on the Paper Issues blog HERE. Here are the details:

Issue link up runs from January 5th through January 18th.

Project theme(s): New Year's Eve celebrations and traditions, champagne toasts/glasses/embellishments, blowing bubbles, make colors pop off the page, cork embellishments, soda pop bottle, what's your favorite canned beverage (they have pop tops), do you like movie popcorn?, baseball pages (hit a pop fly), engagement stories (popping the question), grandparents (called Pop, Pop Pop), do you like pop music?, have you visited Ireland (County Cork), do you collect wine corks or have you used them to make an altered project, favorite wine, what's on your corkboard/Pinterest boards?, camping (pop up tent)/day camp/sleep away camp, use Elle's Studio products

Have fun with this theme. Can't wait to see your projects!

Jen

week 34: at home musings...

Week 34 is one of my favorite PL spreads ever for mainly one reason...that black and white photo of my three kids. Getting all three in the frame and looking at the camera is a feat of epic proportion. While it is simply an iPhone photo and Amalia looks just a bit, well, squished, they are all accounted for and looking at the camera. Winning! These pages were made using the beautiful September Citrus Twist Pocket Life Kits.

Simple, at home summer memories recorded here. My favorite journaling card on this page is "Jack-isms". I love have an outlet for these little right now glimpses.

Backyard fun, bathtime and a favorite refreshment...

I'll be posting again this week using the same kits to scrap G's first day of Pre-K (!!!), pocket style.

fun at the county fair...

I recall going to fairs as a child, seeing the farm animals and taking a few rides. Attending the county fair near our new home made our summer bucket list. As the date approached, George began to spot the television commercials and flyers and asked to make the trip. We started a countdown to the fair and talked about some of the things we might see. Admittedly, when I happened upon Jill's blog post about the potential for disaster in taking three young children to such an event, I nearly ditched the idea. Instead, we saw the fantastic weather forecast, caught George's excitement, packed up a million snacks (and just slightly less than a million dollars) and off we went.

I learned a few things that day:

1. Arrive early. As in, 30 minutes or more before the gates open. We planned it this way, hoping it would pay off and were spot on. Even though we went on a Saturday, the second to last fair day, getting to the lots prior to the gate opening meant we were able to park in the closest lot and had a very short wait once the Star Spangled Banner was finished and the gates flung wide.
2. Advance order your tickets, if available. We did not do this simply because we weren't aware of the option. For our fair early bird tickets, for both admission and rides, can be purchased the week before the opening day at a discounted rate.
3. Wear comfortable shoes. While our county fairgrounds were meticulously maintained and very clean, we covered a LOT of ground that day. Sneakers were a must. The people sitting on benches rubbing their tired feet from $1 flip flops or high heels (why???) would have been wise to think of this ahead of time.
4. Pack snacks for the kids. Lots of snacks. And maybe lunches. If your kids are picky eaters, bring your own food. Fair food is expensive and you do not want to waste $8 on a mini hot dog that will get a mere lick before being discarded. Save that $8 for more rides or fried cheescake on a stick for yourself.
5. Bring your patience. Fairs are large, loud and crowded. Kids can get easily overwhelmed and overstimulated by large spaces, noise and crowds. Remember this. Take deep breaths, regroup, think about what it all looks like from the perspective of your littles.

We ended up having an excellent family day with few very minor, and very normal, kid behaviors. The boys loved pretty much everything about the day. Amalia sat back and just took it all in then passed out for a long nap in the stroller. We cannot wait to go back next year. With our advance tickets, of course!

project life: weeks 22 and 25...

With every first season in our new town, our new home, it's exciting to see what blooms, what new things we can discover and to see the children growing in this space. That is the beauty of Project Life. I'm getting it all documented simply - even in summer! Awesome.

The two weeks I'm sharing today are more recent and both use the fabulous, full of color July Citrus Twist Pocket Life and Pocket Life Embellishment kits. I'm not completely caught up yet but, am getting there. Of course, having printer ink on hand helps (note to self: order more today)!

Week 22: this week brought a new lawn mower and other yard tools, a damaged car, vists with family and dear friends, ice pops, Jack shananigans and big brother mischief.

Week 25: World Cup, a family zoo trip, a good book, planting flowers and cute kid moments.

How are you documenting your summer? I have a fun little project that I'm working on and will be sharing soon!

project life: week 15...

The past few weeks have been filled with visitors, home renovations and being outside enjoying the gorgeous spring days in our backyard. With all of that, my blogging has fallen away but, there has been sporadic creative time behind the scenes.

Today, I'm sharing my week 15. My pages have been trending toward a lighter, brighter, simpler approach lately. My Project Life time often happens in 2-5 minute increments now, as I can catch a quiet moment in the day. A natural evolution toward simplicity. This week uses the May Citrus Twist  Pocket life and Pocket Life Embellishment kits, as well as the add-on stamp.

Back to that simplicity? Part of that has meant quick journaling on white backgrounds with a bit of embellishing. I feel very strongly about the personal touch of using my own handwriting on my pages for a personal feel so, I've made sure to add in bits here and there.

This week also shows my concerted effort to get photos of myself and my husband in this album regularly. Since I am a stay at home mom and take photos of the kids all day long, it's easy to have only those three little people represented but, that isn't the whole story! Mommy and Baba need to be there too. Relationships need to be documented with photos. It matters.

Week 14 will be up later this week and, if I can get it photographed, also a throwback to Week 8 that was just recently completed. Hopping all over this year but getting it documented.

project life: week 9

My goal this week is to finish printing photos for the missing weeks in February and March and all of April so that I can just sit down to journal and bang out several weeks. My children, however, may have plans to derail this effort. We shall see!

For now, I'm sharing my completed Week 9. I love, love, love how this week turned out using the April Citrus Twist Kits. All of a sudden I am wanting to use more white and lighter colors. It must be the influence of spring! This week was my first completely on my own with all three of my littles. It seemed daunting at the time and I wanted to document that feeling prominently, as you can see in the top right card. As with most things, the kids and I all rose to the occasion and made it out alive ;)

Other highlights:Miss A was one month, Mr. Boom and I celebrated 5 years of marriage and we took our first road trip as a family of five.

Here are a few of my favorites bits from this week's layout:

dvdv

project life: week 11...

Today, I'm sharing Week 11 in in my family album. I used both the Citrus Twist April Pocket Life and PL Embellishment kits for this layout. This was the first week of the year that it was finally warm enough to get outside to enjoy the sun - despite the blanket of snow still on the ground, so I played up the yellows!

 Outside play, newborn sweetness, toddler mischief and power outages were the themes this week. I love the pre-printed "need a do-over" label, along with the frown face flair to illustrate the photo of our powerless appliances. My date card uses a combination of papers from the 6x6 pad, along with a vellum "highlights" Silhouette cut and one of the frames in the PL kit, finished off with a label and a few of the fun glitter stars from the PL Embellishment kit.

The left hand 3x4 photo of my green blouse is on the outside of the page and flips up to reveal journaling underneath. I used a small piece of the yellow stripe cardstock as a hinge. And, of course, one of  the amazing etched wood chips.

I had a hard time narrowing down my photos this week so, added a small page protector for extra 3x4's. This side explains the power outages we endured and how we made the best of the situation. The exclusive "flying monkeys" card just seemed right. I trimmed it down a bit, added it to a clear, stitched sleeve from a past kit and slipped it in the pocket.

Want to know one way I'm taking the complication out of PL? Join me and 6 other members of the CTK DT as we share our projects and tips in this month's class: Worry Free Pocket Life. Cut files and a video are included as well for only $10:

Back with more soon :)

project life 2014: week 6

Confession: My 2013 album? Not finished. I still have the last week in October through the end of the year missing. I have a plan to get it done in a monthly format at some point. Rather than fall more behind, I picked up with week 6 of 2014. It was the first week after Amalia's birth that I felt up to creating and so I went with that. It was easier to focus on the most recent memories and just move forward. And that's okay!

Week 6 was our first week at home with three children. Three. It was wonderful, heartbreaking, exhausting. My husband was off from work to bond and, yes, it snowed. Again.

The eternal winter meant lots of game playing, homemade pizza and cuddles.

And, Jack turned TWO that Saturday. We had a cupcake celebration with just the five of us. I made an insert just for Jack. Wasn't he just born? The journaling card was made in PSE and contains a list of facts about our little guy right now.

The back of the insert had photos of Mr. Boom and the kids playing in the snow that, somehow, didn't get photographed. Oops! Much, much more to come soon...