Hot Vacation Finds!

Hello Friend!

     My family and I went on a quick getaway to Spokane this past Tuesday and Wednesday for a wedding.  It was so hot in the city that we really did not like the idea of doing more "touristy" things like walking around Down Town and checking out the sights and scenery.  We also did not want to peruse the malls since "We could do that anywhere.".  So, we decided to take more advantage of the lovely, newly renovated La Quinta Hotel off of North Newport Highway.  It was very modern and chic.  Hoopfest was the previous week, so it was a very busy time for all of the hotels in the area, but we were happy to see that we were one of very few guests in the hotel.  Thank goodness since my boys took full advantage of all of their new surroundings as most children do.  After a little drive around the town, we ate lunch at Did's Hawaiian Shack and then hung out at the hotel until the wedding festivities commenced.  By the way, thank you to my brother for driving the entire time!  

     Other than the priceless pictures I took on this trip, here are some souvenirs that I came home with:

From Joann Fabric and Crafts:

A jewelry clutch from the Pure Honey line.  Original price was $11.99.  I had a 60% off coupon which brought the price down to $4.79!  I love the vibrant green and the gold foil accents.

     Scented stickers from Jennifer Garner's "We Made It" line which is exclusive to Joann's.  I found the stickers' different perfume-like scents to be a little overpowering at first, but I still enjoy using them in my planner and in my pen pal letters.  Each package comes with 4 sheets of the same design, and they usually retail for $2.99.  With 25% off, they were $2.25.    

From Target:

     A set of 6 Neon Staedtler Pens.  I feel like these colors just scream Summer Time!, so I bit the proverbial bullet and made the purchase ($8.29).  The last set of Staedtler Pens I ever bought were back in college, and I still use them to this day, so I know they last a long time.  

From Walmart:

     Let me premise this purchase by saying that kids say the funniest things.  They are just so brutally honest.  There are conversations I recall of my older son saying something very random but oddly very relevant and I find myself writing it down to put in my Erin Condren Lifeplanner that I use as my Memory Book for my boys.  When I saw this blank texting sticky note set, I just had to pick it up for $1.27.  It is the perfect way to record the entertaining things that he says.  

     And of course, stickers for .97 each.  I love the pandas and the monkeys and their "super kawaii" faces.  I have already used several of them in my trial layouts for next year as well as in my journal.  

     When I buy stickers, I like to buy ones that represent different parts of our lives that I know I am going to record, write, or scrapbook about later.  For example, I will use the fishing set for when my Dad goes on his fishing trips; my husband is a Kansas City Chiefs fan so I picked up the football stickers since they are Chiefs colors; and I will use the BBQ stickers for our summertime festivities.  

     I hope that you found this blog post fun and refreshing!  Have a beautiful day, and have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Until Next Write,

Teresa

ig: @untilnextwrite

Pineapples!

Hello Friend!

Welcome back to my humble blog abode!  My consistency with posting and filming has been lacking to say the very least.  I have been watching several YouTube gals over the past 3 months, and I have just come to the "over inspired" point in my creative journey.  I am at peace with this stage, but I also know that it is now time for me to focus my creative energy on my own creations as opposed to being totally enamored with the wonderful works of others.  I am definitely grateful to those who have inspired me over the past several months, particularly Alexis aka Miss Trenchcoat, Lisa Marie of Paper & Glam, and Miss Vicky Bee.  They, along with others, will definitely serve as encouragement for me from here on out.  

One thing that I know about myself is that I appreciate signs and symbols.  I believe that everything has meaning, and I do believe that things happen for a reason.  Both big and little events that happen day in and day out serve as a guide for me to navigate this life that was given to me by God.  With this premise, here are some reasons why I bought the following items based on how each will serve my creative aspirations in the future:

Shown above is a zippered pouch with a gold pineapple design  from Old Navy.  I found this in the checkout aisle.  It was $9 after  a promotional 30% discount.  I decided to buy the pouch because pineapples, which are now all the rage, remind me of my Dad's side of the family.  My great grandparents moved to Hawaii from the Philippines, and we have always had my Grandparents' house to visit on Kauai when my siblings and I were growing up.  My Grandparents have since passed on, but our family still owns the home.  We are planning to go to Kauai in September for a Hula Competition, so I felt that this little pouch would remind me of my family and our upcoming trip while I use it in the mean time to store my creative supplies.  I will eventually take it on our flight back home and either keep stationery in it, or use it for toiletries.  This "multi-use" concept brings me to another thing that I am big on: multi-use items!  When I buy something, especially more expensive things, I literally see its future play out in my life or my family's life.  I also like to take something and flip its use.  For example, we use a two toned wooden server (meant for wines, plates, etc.), and we have it in our entryway for shoes, bags, keys, etc.  When we move into our forever home which will hopefully be within the next 2 years, we may still use it as an entryway piece or convert it back to its original purpose as a server in the kitchen area.  My goal in this case was sustainability and functionality, and so far it has been working well for us. 

Also shown in the picture above is a new planner layout that I am working on.  After much contemplation, I have decided to "DIY" my planner for next year.  I have not quite figured out if I am going to use a binder system or use one of my sketchbooks.  I basically took printer paper, folded it in half, and used my planner stamps from Hero Arts, the Sweet Stamp Shop, and Fiskars.  There are so many lovely options out there to choose from, and I definitely supported a lot of inspiring female entrepreneurs in the "Planner World" over the past year.  However, for 2016, I am focusing on using what I have to create a more organized and self-designed life for my family and me.  

Above is a closer picture of my pineapple pouch with a better view of the new Target Dollar Spot Memo Mousepad that I was able to find last week.  Aren't the colors gorgeous?  

Here is the other side of the pouch.  Yes, I was able to fit quite a bit of stuff into this handy little thing!  By the way, it does have a generous strap on the end of the zipper.  I used the strap to hook it onto our umbrella stroller while we were shopping, and I just loved looking at the pop of color.  It is definitely large enough to use as a diapering kit for your child!

Keeping in the theme of color symbolism and color theory in general, I just love this Memo Mousepad from the Target Dollar Spot (I will refer to the Target Dollar Spot as TDS from now on!).  I love how the colors give the paper separated sections to jot things down in categorical form.  I plan to use each section in the following ways based on the meaning of its color:

Brown/Tan: 

According to The Empower Yourself With Color Psychology Website, brown "is a serious, down-to-earth color signifying stability, structure and support.  Relating to the protection and support of the family unit, with a keen sense of duty and responsibility, brown takes its obligations seriously. It encourages a strong need for security and a sense of belonging, with family and friends being of utmost importance.".  So, I plan to use the top section to keep track of daily Bible verses and Home / House Hunting projects.  

Coral:

I came across this interpretation of the color coral just a few moments ago, and I thought that it went well with what I hope to use this memo pad for.  From the website Sensational Color, the color Coral is the same soft orange that sweeps across the sky in the early morning.  This time of the day always reminds me of my first born son because he was born at this time.  Because of this, the coral section will be for any notes I need to take for him whether it's about his new adventures in preschool this coming September, his current health status, or the quirky things his 4 year old mind comes up with.  

Pink: 

Also from the Sensational Color website (since I really liked their pictures of the different colored roses), I decided to use the pink section to take notes about my husband and the things going on with his work and practice schedules.  The color pink is a color of gratitude, love, happiness, and admiration.  All things I think of when I think of him.

Mint:

And last but not least, the mint section.  The University of Symbolism website states that the color green (a variation of green being mint) is a color of nature and the environment.  It also is the color of the fourth chakra, or the heart chakra.  This reminds me of my second son whom I successfully breastfeed.  He is my little (and big) reminder that all good things come naturally and from the heart.  So this section will be for my little one's milestones, eating habits, and funny moments.  

What do I usually do with all the information I jot down about my family?  I am currently using my Erin Condren Life Planner as a Memory Book for my family (instead of a typical planner).  So I will take the notes I took on this memo pad and transfer them into my Memory Book.  When I get down to the last page, I will laminate it so that I can continue to use it for this purpose or for something else (groceries list, workouts, etc!).

Above is a picture of two things that I bought in the Target stationery aisle.  I caught sight of the Target brand "Things to Do" list the other day, and even though I knew that there were comparable things in the TDS (this was $1.99 for 50 sheets), I appreciated the small dimensions of this particular set as well as the light blue color.  The washi tape shown is made by Scotch, and when I saw it, I knew that the color scheme (and what each color stood for) would match my Memo Mousepad.  I can use it as one strip or cut the colors apart to create thinner washi for my planner and/or Memory Book.  

Oh the new tiny TDS Note Pads!  I was not too drawn to the coordinating list pads or the journals, but boy did I have a soft spot for these little beauties!  I am planning to use my several planner stamps to create lists, check lists, etc. on them, and eventually when I am down to my last sheet, I will likely create a master check list with my planner stamps and laminate them.  I think that I appreciate this new TDS line because of the vibrant yet subdued colors.  It also has an overall retro feel, especially the geometric designs like the sticky notes in the middle.  The multi barrel star pen, also from the TDS, is a lot of fun.  I have grown to look forward to this time of year because now I have a little one whom I get to go school supply shopping with in August!  The primary colors of the pen remind me of this big milestone for my oldest, and the stars remind me of my youngest since he was born at night.  

And lastly, from the TDS, I was able to find the fabric AND paper tape!  I have not tried any of them yet, but lately I have been doing more traditional scrapbooking with 12x12 collages and journalling cards, so I feel as though the fabric tape will add nice pizzazz to my layouts.  The paper tape is a fun triangle pattern, so I will use it as strips or cut them into triangles and decorate my planner, Memory Book, and layouts.  

And here is one last look at the gold pineapple pouch in its empty state.  I was able to fit everything above into this lovely thing, and there was still room to spare.  I absolutely love the versatility of this product.

All in all, the things I purchased really are just things.  But things were created by people so that more people could continue to create.  I feel as though we are all blessed with seeds of creativity and that it is our calling to bring these seeds to fruition throughout our lives.  

Happy Creating Everyone!

Until Next Write,

Teresa

IG: @untilnextwrite

Checking Back In After A Long Hiatus

Hello Friend!  

I am so very sorry for such a long lull in my Trim Fat, Cut Back series.  I really shouldn't call it a series at this point, only because my two lonely posts are more like an introduction than anything else.  I just wanted to keep you updated on my progress with my fitness journey thus far.  At this point I have completed 72 days of daily morning workouts!  I am in the middle of my 4th cycle of the 21 Day Fix program.  I do not keep track of numbers because it really is a mind game for me.  However, I do know that my clothes fit better, and I am more willing to wear tank  tops and shorts during the warmer days here in the Pacific Northwest.  I must say that although I have made my workouts a habit (I actually crave the feel of sweat...haha!), I need to up my game on my nutrition.  You would think that the planner girl in me would be all about meal planning and meal prepping for my family and myself...but nope.  I have not crossed that off my list as of yet.  However, I find some reassurance that this wahine (woman :) ) can set her eyes on a goal and work at it, so I am in the process of making my nutrition a priority too.  

Until next time my friend, happy day to you!  

"Do what you can with what you have." 
- Lisa Marie, Paper and Glam

Trim Fat, Cut Back Update! Episode 2

Hello Friend!

     I know it has been over a week since I have posted about how my workout regimen and No Spend "diet" have been going, but alas my family and I caught another cold which put a damper on a lot of things.  We are all feeling a lot better, and thankfully I did not have to take any sick days this go around, so now I am back on track with my blogging and posting!  Despite the colds we are dealing with, I am very happy to say that I have managed to stick to my workout plan (the 21 Day Fix).  I am actually really enjoying the whole program.  I officially completed week one yesterday, and although I do not see much change on the scale (I did wake up on Saturday morning to a nice 1.5 lb drop in weight but completely blew that by eating some very Ono (delicious) local food prepared by my awesome sister in law Saturday night), but I feel stronger physically, and I can now fit comfortably into size small hospital issued scrub tops (I used to wear size medium).  

     Aside from my clothes fitting better, my energy level has grown substantially.  Do not get me wrong, I still yawn like crazy in the wee morning hours when I am driving my boys to my Dad's or to my Sister in law's house, but I am no longer drinking coffee nor do I feel the need to.  I have been consistent with my water intake too thanks to my lovely 40 oz pink hydroflask which keeps my water nice and cold.  I focus on finishing one entire flask by mid afternoon, and then I save the rest of the 3 glasses for a late snack and dinner.  My food intake has been interesting.  I now have a better sense of what is considered a normal serving and what is not according to the colored containers that come with the 21 Day Fix program.  I can pretty much eyeball things and calculate "how many containers" that equals and then try not to go all crazy at dinner time.  Yes, my weakness is dinner time.  I do not necessarily go nuts at dinner or starve myself all day to just go home and eat everything in sight, I just need to continue to think "outside of the moment" and concentrate on what my body needs, not what it wants.  My thoughts about food and exercise in general have changed so much since I have started the program.  I now eat every couple of hours and try to eat a little something before I feel my stomach grumble.  What I really try to avoid are hunger headaches which I have not had since my first day of portioning my meals.  Hunger headaches are the worst.  I find it hard to get over them, and before I know it I overeat to try to make them go away.  But, as I said before, for me that is easily fixed by concentrating on eating small amounts more frequently.

     What I have also noticed about my change in diet is that my 3 year old is more interested in vegetables now that he sees me more interested in them.  I swear the hardest thing for me in the meal plan other than overeating at dinner time is to eat 4 containers worth of veggies.  I have always heard that kids mimic their parents' diets, so I do not know why it took me by surprise when he expressed a remote interest in the veggies on my plate, and do not get me wrong, he still does not eat them willingly, but I know that eventually we will all enjoy vegetables together soon enough.  

     One last thing I would like to talk about before I wrap this post up (sorry, no pictures this time since I am on break at work) is my Chiropractor's advice about not using free weights while I exercise.  My right forearm has been a troublesome spot for me and has been considerably weaker than my left forearm for the past few years due to the repetitive strain from my job and from being right handed.  My Chiropractor suggested that I not use free weights or resistance bands at all during my exercises.  I sneaked them in this morning for a couple rounds, but I probably should not have done that during Arm Day because now I am feeling sore in both good and bad ways.  I am just glad that tomorrow is leg day.  :)  

     All in all, waking up early every morning to exercise has really set a positive spin on my days in general.  I feel stronger at work, and I feel like I can keep up with my growing boys.  Yes, the occasional sprinting you have to do to catch an incredibly fast 1 year old and an overly stimulated three year old gets a little easier when you have already done a bunch of cardio a few hours beforehand.  Haha!

     Oh, and what have I been up to crafty wise using what I already have?  That, my friend, will be its own lovely post.  

Until next write,

Teresa

@untilnextwrite

  

Trim Fat, Cut Back! Episode 1

Hello Friend!

    Welcome to my first "Trim Fat, Cut Back" blog post!  The video shown above is my last "new haul" video for the forseeable future.  I am putting myself on a No Spend because I really just need to concentrate on what I have right now so that I do not become a certified stationery hoarder.  Bittersweet, right?  I love stationery as much as the next stationery addict, but honestly, I am at the point where I am overwhelmed with what I have.  I decided to start my No Spend "diet" with another lifestyle change that I started this past Saturday which I mentioned in my previous post: the 21 Day Fix.  I technically am going to start from Day 1 tomorrow, and then go 21 days from tomorrow for my first cycle since I mistakenly started the program according to what day of the week it was, and not as Day 1.  I hope that made sense.  Anyway, what you can expect to see on my blog and channel from now on are my thoughts and progression with the workout program, and fun projects that I am working on using the stationery and papercrafting material and tools I already have.  I find meal prep challenging since I am the mother hen of my humble abode, so I will try my best to throw in some ideas and recipes I find helpful along the way.  I am really excited about this series, so I hope that you will follow along or even join in all together!  

Have a wonderful week!

Until Next Write,

Teresa

@untilnextwrite

New YouTube Videos!

Hello Friend!

     Welcome back to my humble blog abode!  I have been having a lot of fun collecting some really amazing stationery and paper craft supplies over the past month.  As a result of all of the fun I had, I am beginning a "No Spend" for myself that will last for the forseeable future.  This No Spend will be accompanied with my start of the 21 Day Fix  program which I just received in the mail a couple hours ago.  Habits form over a course of 3 weeks, so I am taking the next three weeks to not only take care of my health but to also focus on being happy with the papercrafting things I  have so that I can begin to make lovely things with them.  I would love for you to join me in my "Cut Back, Trim Fat" quest.  I will share my progress both here on my blog and on YouTube.  

 The following video features stationery finds from Michaels, Target, and Fred Meyer.

 

And this next video features the Becky Higgins Trinkets and Good Times Project Life Kits.  I found both kits at my local Michaels.

 

Happy Viewing!

Until Next Write,

Teresa

@untilnextwrite

March's Journal: Rifle Paper Co. Travel Journal

Hello Friend!

     I am on somewhat of a blogging spree right now, and I believe it has a lot to do with all of the down time I had to think while I was not feeling up to par.  How is that for irony?  Well, as scheduled, I managed to finish my first Journal of the Month despite my dwindling energy reserves and my aching joints and body chills.  Oddly enough, the very act of writing helped me to concentrate on feeling better, and while I was concentrating on other things, like what my sons were up to or what we ate (tried to in my case) that morning, my body had time to do its thing and recover.  The video I have linked below flips through my finished "Today is Super" journal, and I talk about the highlights and a couple lowlights of its overall layout.  I really enjoyed the structured journaling that it had to offer, and I felt like it was the perfect journal to help me get back in to writing on a regular basis.  The journal was nice and beat up by the time I was finished with it.  I am one of those gals who likes to have a crispy new notebook to start with, and then when I write on its last page, I bask in the glory of its frayed and scuffed edges and papers.  I have not basked in that kind of glory in a long time, hence the idea of a Journal of the Month for myself, so you better believe that I sat with that finished journal for a long moment and just held it close to my heart.  I think because I have accepted this oddity about myself, I am now more open to weathered leather and traveler notebooks as planners.  My "pretty planners" like my Day Designer and Life Planner have withstood the tests of going "commando" in my bottomless purses, work backpack, and diaper bags, but I still get a little bummed out when I see a deep scuff here and there.  After all, there is a fine line between character and destruction.  

     So as you can see in my video's thumbnail image, my featured journal for this month is the Rifle Paper Co. Travel Journal.  My second son's first birthday had a World Traveler theme, and from that theme I found a new appreciation for vintage looking items and art in general.  I found the cover of this journal charming and pretty.  The binding was sewn, so I knew that with some training it would lie relatively flat.  I also like the idea of journals with flat spines because eventually when we move into our forever home, I plan to have a small scale floor to ceiling "Belle Library" in my woman den-cave which will proudly display my finished journals in order of completion.  Along with all of my paper crafting endeavors and collections.  And books, of course.  So to have the majority of my journals with spines resembling books, I knew that it would be a match made in heaven.

Something like this beautiful built-in featured on www.galvancam.com will eventually be a part of my creative life.  Some way, some how.

     Well friend, I hope that you have a lovely rest of your Wednesday.  Until next write, I leave you with this quote: 

Yes.

Teresa

@untilnextwrite