Getting My Happy Back

One day at a time.. ya know?  Sunday was a pretty heavy day for me.  The loss of a friend can really take a toll on you.  But, I'm determined to take a look around, really to SEE and to FEEL and to just BE. 

I took time yesterday to spend with my little man.  His daddy and I gave him a SpongeBob Valentine's book, those chalk-y Valentine's hearts (stick to the traditions), and Horton Hears a Who.  Dylan was sitting in my his chair, and yelled up the stairs to me, "MOM!  I have some-fing for yoooooouu tooooo!!  Come see!"  So, I went down to see what he came up with.  He grabbed a candy heart and said, "Valentime for you mommy.  Just 'cause I wuv you."  Melt my heart. 

{Source}

Dyl and I had a lunch date.  I'm pretty sure I got a gold star for letting him have cheeseburgers and french fries.  (Take the victories where you can. ha!) 

{Source}

Upon arriving at home, from lunch, I found an AMAZING surprise...

Hellloooooo FABULOUS orchids!!!  I have THE BEST husband in the world!!  They are so amazing and gasp.  You may be thinking, "Why not roses?"  I do enjoy roses, but I think orchids are more amazing.. Oh and peonies.  I just love the unexpectedness of it.  Special flowers.

Later in the evening, Dyl and I cuddled up to watch his movie. 

My sweet boy fell asleep.  How can you not love that face?

Then, it was my turn to pamper myself.  I needed quiet, peaceful luxury.

Soft light from the candles.  I also had to unscrew some of the lights.  Lighting is key.

 Bubbles!!! (I like Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap) and bath salts... delightful!!

I soaked, and melted away tension, stress, thoughts... everything.  I want to have a date night with myself more often!

After my bath, I attempted to watch Casablanca.  Can you believe I have never seen it?  Well, my amazing bath put me in some sort of a sleepy/foggy/coma state.  I couldn't even make in 15 minutes into the movie.  But, a 10pm bedtime was well worth it!

Did everyone have a great Valentine's Day??  I know I did!

Heavy Hearts

I wasn't going to put this out on my blog, but it's part of my journey. 

Yesterday, I got news that my hometown had lost a great guy.  Everyone knew him, loved him, and loved hanging out with him.  He was such an amazing gift to the world, and it is so hard to try and fathom the thought of him being gone.  My heart is heavy for his family.  My thoughts and prayers go out to them. You will be greatly missed buddy!

I'm going to try and pull myself together and enjoy my son.  Life is precious and I need to just BE today.  I will be back within the next couple of days.  I have so much I want to share.  But, my heart isn't in it today. 

I hope everyone has a FABULOUS Valentine's Day.  Take time to really be present and share it with your loved ones today!  ♥

Of course...

Yesterday, I got the Victoria Secret spring catolog.  I saw this bag and fell in love.

{Source}

Well, I went online to check it out.  I thought, hey I'll save my money and get a prize when I can.  Nope.  "This item is no longer available."

I called the number in the catolog.  They won't be getting anymore in.  I called the store.  They don't have the item.  I looked on e-bay.  Nope.

But then, I thought I could make it.  Luckily, before I even thought about buying supplies, I checked my sewing machine.  The footer won't be able to push through the thick material. 

It.is.a.sad.day.

Any ideas??



Friday Confessions

{Source}

Leigh-Ann of Freckled Nest wrote her 6 Confessions and I thought it would be fun to share mine today. =0 )

6 Confessions by Ashley Crenshaw

1.  I HATE mornings. My son has the worst way of waking me up.  It involves incessant talking, repeated phrases, throwing my phone at my face and then demanding me to carry is 4 favorite objects down the stairs.

2.  I LOVE peace and quiet.  I never get it, so I treasure those moments.

3.  My favorite day of the week is Tuesday.  I always wondered why, so I looked up the day I was born.  Yep, it was Tuesday.  AND I was married on a Tuesday... hmmm.  Has this happened to anyone else?

4.  I have so many pictures I need to take this weekend.  I've been filing through my inspirations to find great set-ups and all that.  Really inspired.

5.  If I have to watch one more episode of ANY cartoon, I may have to be checked into an asylum. 

6.  I still have my blankie.  I found it in a box a few days ago.  Honestly, I was too scared to hold it in fear of it crumbling to pieces.  My husband thinks I'm weird and need to let go of it.  I keep hiding it in random places around the house, so he won't find it and throw it out.

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Valentine's Day for One

It sounds worse than it really is... OK, no it doesn't.  I miss the husband.  I wish he could be home to romance me and sweep me off my feet.  I wish he would be here to drink wine and giggle with me.  But, since he's deployed, I'll just have to romance myself. 

Here's what I'm thinking for a peaceful retreat for my Valentine's evening for one.

NO fancy dinner.  A) Dylan won't eat it.  For some reason, he doesn't like to eat dinner.. Oh wait, if we have hot dogs he's there.. Gag.  B) I would have to cook it.  C) I would have to clean up.  D) I just don't care too much about the dinner part. 

I DO care about the dessert. 

{Source}

Helloooo Paula Deen's Red Velvet Sandwich cookies!!  Yep, I'm going to make those, but I think I'm going to change up the colors a little.  OOHH and pass them out to my friends.

Then, I'll most likely take a bath and enjoy some champagne.  But, a bath isn't a special bath without something from Lush.  Check out what I ordered.

{Source}

Bath bombs, massage bars, and a frog prince = bathing perfection.  And if you've never ordered from Lush, or been to a store... *Gasp*  You would feel like you've died and gone to heaven.  Amazing!!  I've been in love with Lush since we went to Banff, AB Canada once in like, wow, 1997?  Anyways, perfection in the bathing department.  It's all handmade, and there are Vegan friendly options.

So, back to my date with myself... I think it may end after the bath.  I've had this horrible cough lately, so I'm not sure if I can be up past the hours of 9.  ha!  But, if I'm feeling ambitious, I'm totally renting a chick flick.  I love anything that makes me cry.  You know, pulls at your heartstrings.  I may revisit a classic, I may find something new.  Hmm.. anyone care to share their favorites?

Well, it doesn't sound so bad after all.  I'm actually pretty excited about this!

Going Indie 3.0

You may have noticed a little button on the side of my blog for this Indie Business 3.0... and I'm totally thrilled!!

These fabulous ladies above (Leigh-Ann of Freckled Nest, Lisa Leonard of Lisa Leonard Designs, and Jill Munro of Lune Vintage), are putting on a 6 week course about taking your dreams and ideas to the next level.  I'm so excited to be a part of this.  For so long, I feel like I'm just basing my decisions off trial and error.  With Indie, I'm confident that I will have the direction and the focus needed to fulfill my dreams.

I also made this little binder to keep all my inspiring goodies in.

I'm already finding so many cool people, networking, and being inspired.  This is going to be an amazing journey!!  Look out world, here I cooooome!!

Love-ly Giveaway Winner!!

We have a winner winner chicken dinner!!!  Random.org has declared comment #4, Susan McCurry the winner!

Susan, please e-mail me your information (ashleycrenshaw.blog(at)gmail.com).  As soon as I can get out of my driveway, your package will be in the mail.  And, I'm cleaning out my studio, so if I find some fun embellishments, I will throw those in for extra goodness!

In other news:  We have ANOTHER snow day.  This makes mama a little stir crazy and the child totally wacky.  Hopefully, I get some of my projects done.  I have so much I want to share with you all!

Keep warm friends!

Keeping Warm

Over the weekend, I concocted this fabulous drink. 

From the kitchen, we have warm strawberry milk!! Yum!  Then, I kicked it up a notch with strawberry heart-shaped marshmallows.  Wet the 'mallow, or if no one's looking, just lick it and dip in chocolate powder.  So delicious, so Valentine-y!  Go make some!!

You can still enter my giveaway here!  It ends tomorrow, so hurry hurry!

Update

I'm experimenting with the blog this weekend.  I really want to make it more cohesive and pleasing.  So bear with me!!  Thanks!! ♥ Ashley

Photoshop Fun

{{Don't forget about the giveaway!!  You can still enter here: http://ashleycrenshaw.blogspot.com/2011/02/love-ly-giveaway.html}}


I've spent hours and hours trying to teach myself Adobe Photoshop.  I thought I knew a little of what I was doing until I found this website via Poppytalk.  Fun fun fun!!!  I'm learning so much and wanted to share the vintage effect I gave to one of my photos.

Here's my niece and I, the original picture:

Vintage-y re-do:

I think this is so cool!!  Now you know what I'm going to be doing alllll weekend! ;)

Happy Friday!!!

Valentine's Day Photo Inspiration

There are so, so many beautiful pictures and projects floating around blogland right now.  Check out a few that caught my eye for some sweet Valentine's Day inspiration.  Get in the mood for love!

Whether you celebrate with your lover...

{Source}

...or with your ladies...

{Source}

...whether it's raining...

{Source} 

...or shining...

{Source}

...whether you hang out in bed...

{Source}

...or hit the town...

{Source}

Make sure your Valentine's Day is:

Sweet

{Source}

Silly

{Source}

Sassy

{Source}

and definitely make sure there are fireworks!!

{Source}

Don't forget to check out my free printable Valentine's Day coupon book here!

If it was going to go wrong...

it did!

{Writing this on Tuesday night (while coloring my hair) to post on Wednesday morning, so I can sleep in.. what a day!}

Today was supposed to be my AWESOME day of freedom, that I have once a week.  I take Dylan to the sitter and go about my business, child-free!  Everything started out great... I woke up early, had my coffee, played computer games, checked my e-mail, and got dressed just in time for Dyl to wake up.  Phew!

Fast forward to 8:30...

Upon checking the weather, the temperature was currently -7, with a high of -2... BOOO!  So, I went to start the Jeep and get it nice and toasty.  I put our bags in the car on the passenger side and reached over to put the key in the ignition to turn it on.  Didn't start.  I thought, "Hey, you're a smart little lady you sweet Jeep you.  I bet I have to be sitting on the driver's seat to start it."  (You know weight sensitivity and all that safety stuff..)  So, I tried it again from my commander's chair.  Uh yeah, no go.  I run inside to message the husband, who is in Iraq, so I don't know why I thought it would help.  He said jump(start) it.  I said, GOT IT!  I try again.  No go.  Lucky for me, my neighbor came to put her trash out and I asked for her help.  She gets in her truck and pulls it down the drive and runs over her trash can.  OK.. I should've ran right then.  Nope, I'm a stubborn chick with an agenda!  Eventually, we did get the Jeep started!!!  There were numerous times I accidentally touched the ends together and sparks shot out everywhere.  I should've been set on fire then.

Dylan is now off to the sitter.  I have a fabulous day getting groceries (alone), getting Dylan some much needed larger clothes (alone), and sitting in quiet (alone).

After picking up Dylan from the sitter, I come home and start making potato soup for dinner.  Then, I pull the tags off Dylan's clothes, and start the wash.  We're eating dinner, like a happy little family (we miss you D!!), and I hear water SPLASHING all over my floor.  Apparently, the pipes that drain the water from the washer were frozen.  Thank goodness I was smart enough to shut off the washer!  FOUR GIANT beach towels and FOUR bath towels later, I feel confident in my mopping skills.  I even pulled out the dryer to get behind the set and towel up what I could.  When I was behind the dryer, I kept feeling freeeeeezing cold air down my rear crack.  At first I giggled (because it TICKLED OK!?).  But then, it was really cold.  I figured it was because the laundry set is on the outside wall by the uninsulated garage.  I get the dryer pushed back into place and then throw in the moist towels from the mop-up. 

I'm back enjoying my fabulous potato soup and rolls with Dyl.  Not five minutes later, our smoke alarms start SCREAAAAMING!!  I panic!!  Run and turn off the fire place!  Turn off the space heater upstairs!!! Fan out any candles burning!!  Dyl is screaming, "MOM FIIIIX IT NOOOOOW!"  This adds to my panic, and I run to the garage to see if that happened to be on fire.  I don't know why, but better safe than sorry.  Nothing that can set fire is on.  I don't smell smoke anywhere.  What the heck is going on?  I look at the windows and they are fogged over.  Hmm.. I turn back to the dryer to see if that was on fire.  Nope, I just forgot to hook up the exhaust again.  No wonder it was so warm and moist for those 5 minutes.  I stop the dryer, and open the back door to the now -8 degree weather.  Buh-bye warmth and moisture! Wow.  I should've taken the cold air tickles a different way.

THEN, while cleaning up the dishes from dinner, the sink pipes have clogged.  I hadn't put anything down the disposal.  I reach my hand down there.. Nothing.. as usual.  So, I turn on the disposal with cool water.  That clears that up.  Then, I smell the disposal start to overheat.  I quickly shut it off and walk away.  I'm not taking on that jerk tonight too.

I am convinced this would not happen if the husband were here.  But, in those situations, I tend to blame him anyways! ;)

SHAMALAMADINGDONG HOLY CRAP!!!  My head is burning!!!!!!!!!

27 minutes later...

Wow, I can't believe I typed all that out instead of just going to rinse is all off. 

All of a sudden, I am reminded of this post and my very first post.  Do these things happen to anyone else?  Is it seriously just me? 

Let's just call it a night!  I can't top that one. 

Love-ly Giveaway - closed

*This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who entered!*

This is my 101st post!  Yay!!!  I feel like Rocky reaching the top of the steps and jumping up and down.. can I get some theme music?

Why did I not celebrate my 100th post?  I wanted didn't want to be cliche, and writing that next post shows I'm moving forward.  Right? Carrying on?

And because I wouldn't be here without my readers, I've made this bag for you!!

So cute!  How do you win?  Well, everyone (this contest is open to readers in the US and Canada only) has TWO chances to win!

1) Leave me a comment saying, "I'M FEELING LOVELY!" and a way you like to celebrate Valentine's Day.

2) Look on the right side of the page.  You'll see my Fabulous Followers section.  Follow my blog, and then leave a comment saying "I'M A FOLLOWER!"

-AND-

3) Add my button, found on the right side of my blog page, to your blog page.  Then, come back here and leave another comment saying, "I HAVE MOXIE LOVE!" and leave the link to your blog, so I can check you out! ;)

Remember, you MUST leave a comment for each action you take so that you receive the appropriate amount of entries.



The contest will stay open for one week.  One winner will be drawn at random using random.org.  I will announce the winner on Tuesday, Feb. 8th!  Good luck everyone and thank you SO much for reading my blog!! Love to all!!

Sunflower Showdown 2011 - Happy 150th Kansas!

I know, another tribute post, but it's for my home state!  Kansas celebrated it's 150th birthday on Saturday, KU played K-State in the Sunflower showdown, and I was in heaven.

I put on my KU shirt, grabbed my KU blanket and cup.  Dyl refused to wear my shrunken KU shirt, but carried Baby Jay down to join us.  I'm a KU geek, who wished she was with her comrades on that glorious evening.

OOOOOH I wish I were there!!!!

{I took the following pictures from my TV, but pretty sure the rights are through ESPN and KU Athletics.  They get the credit! ;)}

EPSN live at Allen Fieldhouse.. it's a MAGICAL place!  Also, one of the toughest courts to play on - if you're the opposing team.  ROCK CHALK!

I love the Morris twins.  Awesome skills and leadership. 

So, do I even need to tell you who won?  KUUUUUUUUUU!  Dylan was even doing the KU chant by the end of the night.  That's my boy!!

And this music video just makes me yearn for Lawrence again.  I'm playin' this song before every game I watch.  Totally pumper-upper!  It's rap... so not everyone's taste.  Just sayin'...

See.. I'm a KU geek and not apologizing for it.  ;)  What a happy happy way to celebrate the greatness of Kansas!

Total Eclipse Pigeon Tribute

How do I even begin?  There are sooooo many inside jokes to this whole post. 

A) T and I have been best friends since second grade.  That's a long time!  Everyone used to tease us that we were love birds.  One of us (I can't remember which) said it was more like retarded pigeons.  ha!  We were each other's pigeons.  One day, we ended up writing 'Hi Pigeon' on a note/test/something our teacher saw.  He corrected us with crossing out Pigeon and writing Pidgeon.  Totally the wrong spelling.  That made the joke even funnier.

B) T and I would cruise around our one stoplight town and belt out tunes.  Bonnie Tyler's 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' came on repeatedly every Saturday night.  {We had a choice of three stations to listen to.  For some reason, soft rock from the 80's was popular to the DJ. Sigh.}  It was like the song chose us.  It became our anthem.  We even 'performed' a karaoke version, with bonus dance moves, during our school play practice (that we didn't want to be at, and passionately disapproved of).

So, now that you know parts of our retarded jokes, I hope you appreciate the flow chart T sent me.

{Source}

The link T sent me, also had an AMAZING interpretation (very literal) of the video itself.  Check it out in all it's glory!

Here's the non-cat-in-the-frame version.

Happy Friday!!!



Super Cola Cup

Well, I used to have this GIANT glass cup that said "ICED TEA" in a lovely orange.  I loved that cup with all my heart.  {I was looking through all my pictures hoping to find my ICED TEA cup and was unsuccessful.}

After three fabulous days with my ICED TEA cup, it decided to jump off the counter and commit suicide.  I was devastated. 

Once I gathered up the remaining pieces of ICED TEA, and said my peace, I was on a mission to find his replacement.  Although, it may never be ICED TEA, I was willing to give another glass a shot.

TA-DAAAAAAH!!

Introducing SUPER COLA!  He's definitely the close relative of ICED TEA, not as cool, but totally related.  I can drink in peace again.  Thank you Goodwill!



Sitters and Dentistry

Yesterday morning, I woke up early and enjoyed coffee in peace.  I had time on my own to become human, and get my game plan together for my free day without Dylan.  I was super excited about all the possibilities of the day.  I could pick up my house without a child following me around playing tag.  I could sit on my rump and have a phone conversation without a child yelling, "MOM!  Mom.  Ma.  Mommy!"  Yeah, that gets really old.  What ever would I do with myself!?

Dylan was dropped off at the sitter and I felt FREEEEEEE!

Waiting in line to get a delicious Diet Coke with vanilla!

I'm so lucky that I get to see awesomeness every time I leave my house.  Look at those mountains baby!

I was belting out music and trying to take pictures of myself, while driving.  I do not recommend this, because I almost hit a cop.  Oops!

Happy Lunch!!

Happy TV time, that's not cartoons!!!

And then the time came for me to go see the dentist.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'M TERRIFIED OF DENTISTS!  I imagined the whole visit going something like this:

I always thought this was how the dentists would treat me, clowns and all.  Terrifying.

So, I get to the office and I'm in the waiting room.  The room starts filling in the with after-lunch crowd.  My hands start to shake, my breathing gets wonky, and I feel at any minute, I'm going to lose control of all bodily fluids.

I'm called back to the treatment room and I feel a nervous pee coming on.  You know how little dogs get nervous and pee themselves?  That was me and I felt about the same size.  I'm thinking to myself, 'I'm going to have a trillion cavities, need a root canal... I probably still have chunks of my wisdom teeth in my gums and they're infected and I'm going to have to have surgery.  OMGosh, this will be so expensive.  What am I going to do?  I should have come in a long time ago.'

They poke and prod, take X-rays, the whole business.  After an hour of that, I finally get to see the dentist, Dr. N.  He looks like a jolly, trustworthy man, but he wears glasses.  Glasses can be totally deceiving. 

Dr. N. starts looking through my teeth and spitting out numbers and letters.  I have no idea what he's saying, but cripes, I think I'm going to vomit.

Dr. N.:  So, you've only been to the dentist how many times in your life?

Me:  Basically, just to get my wisdom teeth out and the follow-ups.  Didn't you see the note I made on the chart?  I'm terrified of you guys.

Dr. N.: (laughs) At least you're honest.  But, I have to say, I'm totally amazed with your mouth.

Me: What? Oh, please tell me it's not too bad.

Dr. N.:  Your teeth are perfect.  No cavities!  I'm just speechless.  All you need is a good cleaning and you're done.

I just wanted to jump and shout to the world!!!  I was on cloud nine, ten and eleven.

I know my jaw was on the floor.  I couldn't get out of there fast enough.  I thought he was just kidding, and didn't want to hear the truth.

So, the assistant walks me to the front to close out my session.  I see this GIANT box of goodies.  No joke, I wanted a prize.  In my head I was thinking, 'How am I going to ask for a prize?  This receptionist doesn't look like she's happy.  But, I really, really want the heart-shaped glasses.. ooooh a foam clown nose... NO Pee Wee! ahhh... Do I say it's for Dylan?  No, because I deserve the prize and I would have to get him something stupid.. damn..(and the other side of my brain kicked in) Ashley, this is so stupid.  Be a grown-up about it.  Do you really need a prize? No.  Get over it.'

My golden opportunity presented itself.  The receptionist had to walk to the back to close out my file.  I immediately grabbed the lime green, heart-shaped glasses and shoved them into my purse.  Oh sweet baby Jesus, I hope no one saw me.  I'm sure there's video footage of me stealing from the goodie box.  I know someone is laughing at me right now.

But I have no shame!

I deserved that damn prize for no cavities and I want the world to know.  FYI: These glasses only look good on a full-frontal shot.  The arms of the glasses barely reach my ear, and the nose piece was totally bowed inward.  I still have plans to wear them.

A Glorious Day

Today at Casa de Crenshaw, Dylan will be shipped off to his sitter!!  There will be FIVE whole glorious hours of ME time!!

You may have read about one of my other sitter interviews here.  Recently, I had called six different providers, with no success, totaling my sitter count to TEN.  Ten different providers down the drain = one very frustrated mama. 

I was at the end of my rope when I decided to intrude on my friend's sitter.  Let me just say folks, use your friends!  {THANKS SL!!}  It's totally worth it.  I feel like I hit the jackpot with the amazing Miss S {the polar opposite of the previous Ms. S I posted about, and NOT the same person}!!

Yesterday, I decided to force myself to make doctor appointments for check-ups and oddities.  I have a total of four I need to take care of.  Aye!  All in the name of health, but ultimately I want to live as long as possible to impose my views of the world on the readers.  ;)  Lucky you!!

Well, initially while Dylan was away, I was going to nap and read, listen to loud music such as this {or this, for sure this, I like to dance, OK} and dance the day away.  NOPE!  Don't dream too wildly, Ashley.  The dentist had an opening for this afternoon.

If you had been hoping to read awesome posts from me over the summer, you didn't get it because I was battling my teeth and fear of dentists.  {I don't know A) why I'm such a baby about it and B) why my teeth kept me from blogging all summer.  Seriously, Ashley!}  Specifically, I was battling my abnormally large wisdom teeth.  My teeth were so large, my optometrist thought I had glaucoma.  $3,000 {not all paid by me, thank GOD for insurance} later, we learned it was my teeth.  Also, I have a TERRIBLE fear of dentists.  I tend to avoid the dental field until the problem turns disastrous and I'm on pain meds.  Not good.  I'm taking one giant leap in the step towards superior dental hygiene. 

Usually, I have panic attacks and start crying when heading to the dentist.  Actually, I'm normally crying when I call to make an appointment.  How pathetic.  Now, I'm hoping to turn this little phobia around.  Step 1:  My physician put me on anxiety medication for a wide range of issues.  Total success, I feel {mostly} human now.  Step 2:  I'm going to train myself like a dog {aka. Pavlov's Theory/classical conditioning} using Goodwill shopping and treats.  Hopefully, the experiment doesn't go awry and I start salivating every stinkin' time I hear something relating to dentists or Goodwill.  Wish me luck!  Believe me, I will tell you ALLLLL about it tomorrow!

Free Valentine's Day Printable and DIY

If you know me, you know that when I think things are going to be easy and I have it all under control, something goes seriously wrong. I spent the weekend trying to undo the pixelation of my Valentine's DIY and was somewhat successful. SO, here it goes!

Gather up your supplies. Here's what I gathered up and then edited as I went along.

You will need: White 8.5'x11' card stock {You can also you anytime of card stock or heavy duty paper that has textures in it.  Just remember, if you use paper that has been colored, that will affect the outcome of the colors I've used on the template.}, scissors, Valentine's template provided, sewing machine, pencil, glue, stapler, coordinating scrap paper, and red or black {or whatever color} pen/marker to fill out your coupons.

First print out the template onto your card stock.  {Click the image to get the full sized page, right click and print.}

If you just print the two pages, you'll end up with five coupons.  If you need more coupons, print multiples of the second image.  Each of the second page contains three coupons.

Then, cut out your images.  You can definitely keep the edges square, but I rounded mine.

Next, pull out your sewing machine and remove all the thread.  Don't forget to remove your bobbin!  The sewing machine is just used to make perforations.  I have found this is the easiest way to do it.  If you don't have a sewing machine, {ummmm... you're SOL, kidding} you can skip this step and just tear out the coupons as needed.

Sew along the thick black line.

You should end up with something like this.  Then, stack up your coupons and staple within the white rectangle.  If you have decided not to perforate the pages, I would make sure to use three staples for extra strength.

Grab your scrap paper and pencil.  On the reverse side of your paper, trace the width of the coupon book.  I scooted my book further in so I would have enough paper to wrap around the staples.

Cut out your wrap-around rectangle and line it up.  I folded up the edge, that would end up overlapping the perforations, and trimmed away.

Grab your glue stick and glue your scrap paper around the edge to disguise the staples and add a finishing touch.  You can also use ribbon, washi tape, or any other items for a decorative edge.

Once your finished edges are dry, start filling in your coupons.  I'm totally not showing you what I put inside, other than the free man time.  I know some are a little more reserved, and some of you are extra feisty.  That's the beauty of this project.

The pages have some space where you can doodle, add love notes, or just leave plain.  Also, it's not too overboard in design, so it's more economical to print of plenty and share with all your loved ones! 

Enjoy!  Please feel free to share this on your blog!  Make sure to give credit where it is due, 'Cause I'd find you!' (Wedding Crashers)

Trying to Redeem Myself

I had planned on having an AWESOME Valentine's Day Download with DIY created by me to share this morning.  Well, I started loading it all, and now the whole image is pixelated and I can't get it undone.  So, that's my weekend project.  I will have it for sure for you all next week.

In other news:

Normally, I rock out to the Kings of Leon {in LOVE with them right now-Jared Followill, please call me. ;)} Pandora station, but I wanted something different.  While I was trying to finish up some projects this morning, so I could post, my selection in music has convinced Pandora that I am an angry lesbian.  I skipped through tons and tons of Alanis, Indigo Girls, and others of the women empowerment groups of the like.  When I had reached my limits of skips, I changed the station.  Pandora decided to continue on and give me dance club tunes.  I assume it thought I was on some drugs and wanted to be at a rave.  Music is a BIG deal to me when I work, and this DID NOT help my concentration.  I struggled for about 1.5 hours and decided to be true to Kings of Leon.  I should've known better.

Anyways, I pray the stars align and allow this Leo to get some work done.   {Note: FML, I checked my horoscopes and it talked about setting restrictions and re-thinking my goals.  Hmmm.. not what I wanted to hear.}

Cheers! {{ashley}}