maybe I should call it slacking party?

I've been SLLLAAACCKKKIINNGG

Sorry about that.

I've been putting most of my focus on my photography business these days.

Do you want to see the fruits of my labor?
www.lyssabethphotography.com

I mentioned this on FB  but I think I have a bad case of  "crafting ADD"
Do you want to know what that is?

It's where you have all these things you want to do or make.

So you start in one field, like say sewing.

You do sewing for a few weeks or months...

and then out of no where, you have no desire to do that anymore.  Like you feel you've conquered that goal and ready to move onto the next thing.
So you do...and then after you make something, you are done.

So this cycle starts again and you go through it over and over again.

Until you have done everything you've wanted to achieve.

That's what i'm feeling right now...

So you might be thinking, then why are you starting a photography business?!

Well, through it all, photography has been always constant.  I've been doing it since high school.  So I feel that it's not a fad for me.

So i'm just getting things figured out with my crafting self. The thing is, I still create stuff. It is just the, taking photos and posting it on the blog part that is just hard for me. I don't know why!

I know that I have been trying to spend more time with my family and less time on the computer. I need to simplify, you know? So I appreciate your support and being here with me while I go through this creative journey :) Next week, i'll get the Link up because now, Sunday is almost over :)

PS, you know my love of my eCraft, right? Well I have been able to start really using it and I love it even more. What is even better is that Craftwell has a blog now for the eCraft creations! Come on over there and follow their blog! They have awesome contests going on. You gotta check it out :)

Super Saturday is coming...

I am beyond excited to be part of my Ward's Super Saturday committee this year.  We have so many cute crafts & ideas for the big night.  It isn't until November but we are already getting them all made  :)

I whipped up this poster to display and for handouts.  I love pink, red & blue.

My Memories Suite giveaway.

One of the things I love about digital scrapbooking is that I can download a picture on the computer and immediately scrapbook it!  I have done digital scrapbooking mainly through free sites, like scrapblog.com until the end of last year, when I got a photo editing program on craigslist for a killer deal.  That has helped me to get more familar how things work on the computer.  Yet the program I was using wasn't digital scrapbook friendly...BIG learning curve!

Well recently I was contacted by My Memories about their digital scrapbook software called My Memories Suite.  My fears and confusions are out the window folks.

The program is so simple.  It immediately downloads into your computer so you can access it right away.  Do you want to see what I made in 5 minutes after downloading the program?  Seriously, i'm not kidding.  This thing is so easy and user-friendly...

And this wasn't even their papers and embellishments that are found on the program!  So you can imagine how much easier and faster it would have been to make something already in the program!

Speaking of stuff, their designs are adorable and so fun to play with!
I made a chore chart recently from them just to show you that there are many things to do with their scrapbook software:

Inspiration is from here.

Do you want to hear GREAT news?

My Memories is giving away a My Memories Suite Scrapbook software package to a lucky reader!!

That's a $40 value for free :)

So how do you win?

1- head on over to My Memories and pick a favorite digital goodie they have :) come back here and tell me!

Extras-
1 - Follow My Memories Suite on Facebook, Twitter or their Blog.  Leave a comment for each.
2 - Follow yours truly via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Blog. Leave a comment for each.
3- Tweet or FB about this giveaway!  LEave a comment for each thing you do.

Giveaway will be open for one week.

So for those of you who can't wait and want the software right now, have I got a deal for you...

My Memories is giving you readers your very own coupon code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software AND a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!!!

Coupon Code:  STMMMS33862

You will not regret having this product in your home.  It makes digital scrapbooking a snap.  Think how much family history you can do with this thing?  ;)

Friendship Bracelet Swap!



Have you heard of Jenn over at Ruffled Sunshine?  She is a genuine gem, that Jenn is...say that 5 times fast.

Well she's hosting a Friendship Bracelet Swap right now and guess who just signed up?  no, not your sister.  ME!
And she's still accepting participants so get over there for the info.  It says July 27th but she's posted on FB that they will still let you!! 
You just need to email braceletswap@gmail.com with your name, email and url.  Seriously how fun will this be?!

You might get one of mine.  Oh how sweet would that be?  ;)

Get your beautiful buns over there and sign up!!!

Quilting Goodies

I'm showing off some goodies I snagged at the Utah Shop Hop.  I wish I could have grabbed every kit & sale I saw but funds were very limited so I had to choose things I really loved!
First off was what I got for free for going to every shop and getting my card stamped:
The Cherry Fizz charm square pack by Henry Glass Fabrics

This next picture, I got these yummy fabrics from Village Dry Goods in Brigham City.  These square packs will be used for my girls room.  I'm going to make them each their own quilt for their beds.  They share a room so I wanted them to have matching blankets.  How cute will that be?!  That large fabric will be the backing of the quilts.  I can't wait to have that done but I know that will be quite a feat!!

These were a gift from my mom!  She's awesome.  I even told her no, don't worry about it, but she still got it.  They are quilt sets for the quilts pictured in the pattern.  I can't wait to try these out for each of my girls!

THese are mainly freebies I got from some of the shops, like the card kit & toadstool pin cushion.  The square pack & fat quarter I did buy because I just couldn't help myself.  They will be perfect for earrings for my shop :)

This next box was actually FREE from winning a giveaway from SNAP a month ago.  They were from a quilt show or something so I was SO EXCITED to find out I won some quilting goodies!

There are ribbons, a fat quarter, square charm pack, button embellishments, magazine, craft ideas DVD & heat transfer that I can use with my die cuting maching :)  I was so excited when I opened this package!

So many new things to create with!  I don't know where to start!

Quilter's Shop Hop Day 3

We covered the most ground on Day 3.

I recommend getting babysitters on days like this because there is no way we could have done this otherwise!

We started out brought and early, heading straight to Brigham City to Village Dry Goods.  Persian Pickle Club was their theme.

What a fun store!  They had so much beautiful fabrics and adorable displays.  I wanted everything in the store!  We were at this store longer than any other because we kept finding stuff and making decisions.  It is a  fun place in a fun city!

Next was Bountiful's Quilter's Haven with The Wizard of Oz.  What a fabulous store!  They were so decked out.  Even their staff were dressed up as characters.  So fun!  They had some adorable things too!

My sister Jenny...yes, she is comical ;)

We got into Salt Lake City and started that bunch of shops.
Next was Piper's Quilts & Comforts in Salt Lake City.  They did Alice in Wonderland.  What a darling store!  They even had activities you could do outside on their Tea Table.  You could make headbands or bracelets.  Super fun.

Ok so i had to bring my son since he's at that crazy stage...and this is when he had had enough.  So adorable, that nap fish face!

Next we got to Whimsy Cottage, who did a "Dr. Suess" theme.  No pictures this fun because it was a run-in-run-out sort of thing...and we were in a hurry to get some lunch! ;)

Next was Elaine's Quilt Block in Cottonwood Heights.  They did Treasure Island.  How fun huh?  I loved their skull quilt too!

Next was Mormon Handicraft in Midvale.  They did Fable Haven and gave away cute toadstool pin cushions.  Oh and they gave out brownies...yum!  I sadly didn't bring my camera in there because we did a quick run in & run out! 

Then we headed out to Pine Needles in West Jordan.  This was a beautiful store among many!  Look how fun it was walking to the store!

There it is from afar!

I loved their quilts they showcased.

Our last (sniff sniff) quilt shop was in Draper.  It was called Thimbles & Threads.  They did Murder on the Orient Express!  They had lovely trunks all over the place that I wanted to pack in my car trunk ;)  They had some eye candy as well!

Wow, those 3 days were long but so so fun!  I am so glad I was able to do that since I won't get that chance where I live.  I totally recommend doing it all!

Next post, i'll be showing you all the goodies I got from this!

Utah Shop Hop: Day 1 & 2

Back in June, when I visited family in UT, my mom, sisters and I went on a little excursion around Central UT to hit all the Quilt Shops participating in the Utah Shop Hop in hopes to win a Bernina model #330 Sewing Machines valued at $1300.  When you visit each shop, they stamp a card to show you were there.  At the last shop, you turn it in to be put into the drawing and you get a little gift...which I will show you tomorrow.

We were so confident that one of us would win it ;) but if not that, win something right?

So here's the lowdown of the stores, Brigham City down to Springville, even over to Tooele!  From June 15-18th, each Shop had a book theme so it was fun to see each store and how they decorated.  

The best part of this 3-day challenge was being in the car with them for that long.  Especially the long drive to Brigham City & Tooele.  But it was so fun to have spent that time with them since I live in WA.

First day, we started in Sandy at Quilts Etc, which had a "Sherlock Holmes" book theme.  But I couldn't help take pictures of their beautiful quilts and fabrics!

Next we drove down to Springville to Corn Wagon Quilts Co.  They did TWILIGHT.   My favorite.  end of story.
They had such fun decorations that my sister's and I just couldn't help ourselves!
Edward, Me, Katie, Ashley, Penny &....Bella.

Sigh...he looks so real huh?
They even had a contest when we were in the store and I got pick to do a "Minute to Win It" game.  It is hard to explain what I had to do with a stack of plastic cups but let's just say the other competitor was cheating....cough cough...don't tell her I told you...

Anyways, after Springville, we went home to eat dinner then we went back down to The Stitching Corner in Orem , which did  The Secret Garden & American Quilter in Orem, which did Anne of Green Gables.  Sorry, no pictures of those.  But both stores were decorated up nice with their themes.

We were wiped out at that point.  Especially the last half since we took our kids..yikes!  Don't recommend doing that ever...ever ever ever ever ever.

Alright, on to Day 2:
We headed out to Tooele to Sew Sweet.  They did 2000 leagues under the Sea.  The whole store was covered in Ocean paraphernalia.  They had an Eye Spy game & demos.  Great little shop :)

On the way back home, we hit Broadbents in Lehi.  They did Great Gatsby.  They had quotes all over the walls and served treats with ginger ale.  Broadbents is a fun store and have been there before.

I will be posting  up our busy Day 3 and all the goodies I got from all this.  Are you excited to see?  I am excited to share!!

411 on Bloggy Bootcamp

I'm indulging in my summer break with my kids.  So because of that, bloglife has become a standstill.  I hope you understand..in fact, I know you understand :)   You are that cool.

But a few things I want to address before time takes over.

Bloggy Bootcamp.

Inspiring 1-day seminar for me.
A couple of things that I learned.  ONe, LOTS of people blog.  LOTS.  Which kind of gave me an overwhelming feeling like, why am I bloggin'?  Initial feeling, not going to lie.
That was at the beginning of the day.

But then we heard from Jenny from Jenny on the Spot about Growing a Lifestyle Blog.  She talked about:
-finding your own niche like finding your own voice and inspiration.
-Set up a Social Media
-Have a practical blog appearance, like updating social icons, clean up those side-bars and update your About section.
-Strategic: Claim your domain name.
-IRL:  plan to attend another conference.
-Be Creative!  Go beyond writing, like vlogging, photos, etc :)

Very funny girl that Jenny is.  Loved her and it was so fun to meet her.

Next was  Carol Schiller, who talked about "6 Essential Things Every Blogger Must Know About Monetizing A Blog."
She mainly talked about Branding and the what to do/what not to do when pitching to Brands.

Elements of a Good Pitch:
-Do some research, find out what problems the Brand might have and what they need.  Then how are you going to fix that problem?
-Explain what you will do and what it will feel like when it's fixed.
-Then you explain your offer to them.
-Why should they believe you?  Testimonials!!
-Ask for recommendations & "How'd I do?" from past experiences.
-Some good offers?
-Contacts, Exposure, Insider Information, Knowledge of Landscape, etc etc.

Lots of Wonderful ideas from Carol.  You can do this technique not just through blogging but in real life!

The Writer's Voice was next with Denae Handy.  She was fabulous and hilarious.  She talked about how your voice matters!  Be true to who you are and write who you are.  She talked about creating content in your unique voice.  Similar to what Jenny wrote, make sure you have good editing skills!

We then broke for lunch, which was delish and then split to either "Business of Blogging" or "Writer's Workshop". I chose "Business of Blogging"  which I am glad did!

First was Sarah Hawkins, who walked about the legality of blogging contracts and legal basics.  It was really interesting and good to be aware of what is out there.

Lisa Leonard from Lisa Leonard Designs was there to talk about Top 10 tips For Running a Business Online.  And of course I will share those with you :)
1- Use amazing Photos
-let them draw  your customers in
-tell a story with them
2- Have unique products
3-Use a blog to build business.
4-Network with other bloggers
- like through instagram or pinterest
5-build your newsletter for constant contact
6-Hire & delegate to your weaknesses
7-Keep good data & consult your gut
8- Get inspired!
9-Create a brand image that's consistant
10-work towards keeping debt to a minimum.

Wow what a great list!  Thanks Lisa :)

Jyl Johnson Pattee was after Lisa, who talked about the influence your blog has on readers.  She emphasized on that it's more than page views!!  It's about content and having your personality showing through!!  I liked that and I try to remember that everytime I look at my blog :)

We finished up with Marylnn Schotland, who is the Regional Manager for Plum District Portland, the owner of Urban Bliss Media & Founder/Owner of The Power MOB (Mom-Owned Businesses).  She shared with us Home Time Management Tips.  This was a wonderful thing for me to read in my life right now.  I feel that my time is all over the place and I definitely need to manage it more better.  Some favorite points:
-Set up a central command station.
-Make time for each kid and your spouse.
-Plan meals around your weekly trip to the farmer's market so that you use all of that fresh produce before it spoils.
-Social Media-Create a schedule that works for you and reaches your audience & only update during those days and times.
-DO NOT attempt to ready every single FB or Twitter update.

PHEW!

What a great day with loads of information!
Are you still here?   haa ha I know, lots to soak in but it's all valuable information!

So after the wonderful speakers that spoke that day about goals, ideas, true-to-heart writing, it made me want to change things up for this little baby.  But there are lots of ideas that I want to implement so THAT is what is now overwhelming.  Plus being so busy with swimming lessons, parades, vacations, family visits, festivals, day trips etc ETC. This blog takes the back bench.

I appreciate you guys in being part of my life.  I love to create.  I love to make things beautiful.  I don't want to make things just to make things for the blog.  If I were to do that, I would probably produce ugly stuff!  I want things to come naturally.  And I have been creating and organizing!  Yeah!  I just need to then post them up!

So i am going to try to get more organized and make time for this blog because I miss her!

tidy-up tuesdays.

I finally tackled my dresser.  This dresser sits next to my bed and it is the drop off area.

Such a big mess!

First up, I put up my necklace organizer and earring holder on the wall to put my jewelry in its place!

Then I just cleared the whole top off and started putting things away.  It only took about 20 minutes and look at it now!

ahhhh..so much better!

These ceramic holders were free from my husband's office.  He was left with everything when he came to work.  We found them in the basement.  Perfect for earrings!

 

Here is where I hold my headbands, using 2 mason jars.  I think it is perfect for now.  Ideally I want them stored on the wall somehow but I am working on that...

So there you go!  This project is done and hopefully I can keep it clear from now on ;)

This one of many drop-off zones that I want to tackle!  One down, many to go...

What's your "drop-off" areas in your house?