Paper Coterie Review

I decided to create a book from Paper Coterie for my sister and brother-in-law for their 1st wedding anniversary. First wedding anniversary is paper so I thought it would make a good gift along with the newspapers from their wedding date that Michael picked up. I also made a graphic print of hearts with their initials and wedding date.

Paper Coterie has a wide variety of books for different occasions. I found them very easy to use. Uploading photos, changing the layout, dropping and dragging them to the layout of the book and changing the words as well as adding words. You can change out backgrounds, swap them with other pages and play around with the clipart. I knew if I played around with it too much I would just keep playing and playing and never get it done. But I did have fun playing with it and it was so easy to create.

The book I received was so pretty. Good quality paper and colors. I definitely would like to create more books from them. They make great gifts and keepsakes for memories.

This is the little graphic print I made for them too.

Paper Coterie and Brene Brown

Paper Coterie has this great video by Brene Brown on their website as an open house gift. It is an amazing video. I am so glad they have shared it because I have watched about 10 times and am sure I will watch many more times - it is that good. So powerful and inspiring. Paper Coterie is also giving $40 gift card to use for the weekend by going to that link. I can't wait to use that as they have some really nice looking photo books.

Green Shopping

Just some recent finds that like....



Nature Bags - green sustainable bags - look good and not a bad price on them either.







And then these are from the Green Heart Shop

NOVICA

I sometimes enter some giveaways around the web. I haven't won yet, but I will one day! Anyway, Leslie Love Veggies does awesome giveaways and the one I entered tonight is great. It is a $75 gift certificate for NOVICA --- You can enter the giveaway HERE.

Side note: A couple years ago just a month or so before I read EAT PRAY LOVE, I stumbled upon NOVICA. And really loved so many things there from the home goods to the jewelry - everything is just so pretty and unique. I then read EAT PRAY LOVE and if you have read it you will know it is mentioned in the 3rd section of the book on her Indonesia trip. I was reading the book in bed and squealed because I recognized it.

"Window" Shopping

Tweak Boutique - Love the Asymmetrical Necklace and the Duet. I really think the "hoot" owl earrings are so cute but I just can't wear earring anymore



Meme Craftworks - I am sure I don't sew well enough to make it but it is really cute


Tape Swell - I love some of their tapes. But what I don't get is why you save buying 2 individual tapes instead of buying the combo packs. You can get 2 individual tapes for $14.00 or a combo pack for $20

Weekend

Michael made sure I was distracted all weekend. We watched A LOT of movies (one being Avatar as we hadn't seen it) and then went shopping. I had some left over money left on a Kohl's gift card and then had another one from a promo they sent. I wish there was SMELLO-Vision as the candle we bought today are so amazing. One is Eucalyptus Mint and the other is Jasmine Basil.

Dream

I found this really cool GREEN shop with very eclectic items and it is hard to find something I don't like. The photo is from website when I looked at it before I left for North Carolina but now of course this item is gone and it was on clearance.

The shop is Viva Terra.

Everyone Needs an Alice

Our Alice.com order arrived on Friday. It came UPS and it was in a good box but some things I enjoyed about the packaging....

They had the Earth Aware packing pillows so more friendly for the environment. There was no wasted space. You know how you will get a huge box from Amazon with one little thing in it. Well that is not the case with Alice.com they packed it very well.



The liquids were packed in a ziplock together. And then the powdered items were in another ziplock. And they even taped down the cap on the one bottle. But nothing was spilled. The powdered stuff was sprinkled in the bag but not that bad. And that happens even when you pick them up in the grocery store so not a big problem to me. I just really liked that it was packed with such care.



They included a little sack of free samples. It had granola bars and 2 other things I am not remembering at the moment. .



The cost on all the items we bought in this order were lower than what we would have got at the store. Alice.com applies coupons so 3 of the items had coupons taken off the original price. I also was able to order something I can't get locally - washing soda. Our box weighed 14lbs and that would have cost a pretty penny to get it shipped but with Alice.com you get FREE SHIPPING so there was nothing about my experience with Alice.com that I didn't like.

The other side of the box says Everyone needs an Alice and I think they are right. I know we will be ordering from them again.

Alice.com

Last week I had been trying to find the price for washing soda as I was going to try to do a price break down of making homemade cleaning products with it. And I knew it was way overpriced on Amazon. But I knew someplace must have a more reasonable price that I could work from and that is when I found Alice.com.

Alice's best feature - FREE SHIPPING. I am not even sure I can explain it enough to do it justice. It has a lot products we use daily. Alice has coupons that it automatically clips and uses on the products. But normally many products we use were lower or the same price. And best of all I can have them delivered to our door.

Michael and I are making our first order when we get back from Keystone and I will do a post about it when we get our first order. But I can't wait to make our first order to Alice.com.

Going Green

Last year I checked out several books on natural cleaning and just getting back to basics that eliminate toxins in our home. A couple of the books scared me at times and made me realize all the things in our home that have toxins.

You know how all the organic and fresh foods in the grocery store is more expensive than the processed and pre-packaged foods? Well the same goes with the house. Anything that is less toxic costs more. Which both of those just sound amazingly stupid as you would think there would be less cost to the fresh foods then all the making and packaging of the processed. And less-chemicals in paints and floorings - should be less expensive to me. But it isn't. It is hard when we are thinking of (future) remodeling - and we look at the costs of the less-toxic flooring, paints and so on.

But one way that I can help not have as many toxins in our life is by using more natural cleaners. I know that some have toxins but not like the harsh chemicals used in store-bought pre-packaged cleaners. So for over a year I have been going green in my cleaning products. I just have gradually eliminated one after another. I have mostly cleaned with combinations of - vinegar, baking soda, dish soap and tea tree oil.

I have 2 spray bottles in the kitchen one with just vinegar and water and then another with vinegar and tea tree oil. I have a spray bottle in each bathroom with the the tea tree oil mixture. And then one spray bottle with just straight vinegar and shaker bottle with baking soda that I have around to use in the kitchen and bathroom.

I want to make my own dishwasher detergent and also laundry detergent but in our smallish town they don't carry washing soda. I have called everywhere here and was going to start calling places in Denver to possibly pick up next trip over the mountains. In the past when I have search for it online - I knew that the shipping costs would be horrible so put that out of my mind but recently I did another search for it and I discovered Alice.com*. They have washing soda for less then I have seen anywhere and they have FREE SHIPPING.

So when we get back from Keystone I will make an order. And I can't wait to start making some new cleaners. I know it will save money using natural and homemade cleaners plus it will be less-toxic to us.


(*I will have a new post on Alice.com)

New Oven

Well it wasn't an expense we needed right now, but there will be a new oven in the kitchen before Thanksgiving. Our oven has been acting up on and off for a long time. After researching it through a home repair book, google and a domestic group I belong to...I realized that I could possibly blow us up if I kept using it. And Michael felt that the oven didn't owe him anything as he has had it since he moved in (12 years ago) - so he felt it would just be better to get a new one. So we researched a little bit and I knew the features I would like (such as self-clean and in oven broiler instead of in the drawer under the oven). We headed out to Sears yesterday morning. We had an hour before an appointment and found the one we wanted. We bought it and arranged for delivery and install in 45 minutes. But I did leave the store feeling a little much like I was having a heart attack as it was a big purchase for us right now especially right before the holidays and with how we have been hit by the terrible economy. But it is needed - not like we can really go without an oven for a long time. Especially with the holidays for baking and thanksgiving so we were kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. So I guess I will be testing it out on Thanksgiving before getting started on holiday baking.

Tree Skirt and Owls

I love this tree skirt. It is from Crate and Barrel. It is a little expensive on Crate and Barrel - I think it would be less inexpensive to replicate and also easy to make.

I also love these owls too. So so cute! But not sure I could make them.

Pumpkins: Come with Me

From the Poppy Tree....isn't it lovely?

Containers

I mentioned that we went to Penzeys when we were in Denver in August. We also went into a store that I want to live in....The Container Store. We had never been in there before. I was in organizational heaven. We are looking for a container for one piece of equipment that we have to haul around for our work. They had something to fit it but not exactly what we are wanting. But they were great in searching for us. And they have an amazing return policy! With a receipt they will give you a full refund anytime....even a year from now. They want you to be happy with your container. They really stressed this to us because we were from out of town and they don't want people to make special trips back - just whenever we had time to come back. As I said we ended up not getting it just because we still felt it wasn't what we wanted. But we did make a few other purchases of course.

It was just such a fun place to visit. And get ideas. I have been fall cleaning this week so I have been decluttering and reorganizing. I have shuffled some of my plastic bins and other storage containers to make things easier to use.

Penzeys Spice

While in Denver in August, we went to Penzeys Spices. I had been to the one in Minnesota and Michael was kind of envious so we decided to hit the one outside of Denver too. New Spices I got in Minnesota and Denver: Sandwich Sprinkle, Pizza Seasoning, another thing of Bavarian Seasoning as it is Michael's favorite, Old World Seasoning, Adobo Seasoning and Tuscan Sunset.

I was introduced to Penzeys Spices by a good friend. She gave me a gift basket at Christmas that included the Bavarian Seasoning, Northwood Seasoning, BBQ 3000, Hungarian Paprika and Turkish Oregano. And recently she sent me a care package that had the Hot Cocoa set in it. It has Natural Cocoa, Hint of Mint Hot Chocolate Mix,Sweet China Cassia Cinnamon and Hot Chocolate Mix. It is getting chilly so I will be using that hot cocoa soon!

I made egg salad sandwiches for lunch recently and used the sandwich sprinkle in it. Really gave it good flavor. This past week I used the Old World seasoning on pork chops in the crockpot and they were really good too. And last night I made homemade pizza and used the Pizza Seasoning. Everything always takes better with Penzeys Spices. And I think my spice cabinet is becoming an ad for Penzeys.

My Summer Vacation

I don't' remember having to do the reports on my summer vacation when I was young girl in school but I am sure I did one or two. This time as an adult I want to remember my summer vacation as my trip was great. Seeing my family was incredible - just having so much time with them. Usually when I see them it is just a few rushed days. But this time it was just really good quality time with them. Michael said that when I came out to meet him at the curb to be picked up - I glowed. I told him I was sure that it was because I was excited to see him. But he says that he felt my trip relaxed me. And it did. He was waiting with roses for me at the airport. He is so great!

We did lots of shopping, eating, hanging out talking and laughing together. My sisters and I went to was Town Talk Diner which was one of the places featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. We had adult malts and frickles. Adult malts are just malts with alcohol. I had a German Chocolate Cake Malt and it had coconut rum and another liqueur that I can't remember at this moment. And then frickles are slices of dill pickles coated in batter and deep fried. And then dill mustard mayo to dip them in. I had never had a fried pickles before and they were SO GOOD! The malt was amazing too - and should have been for the price. We sat at the counter as the main dining area was closed when we came in. A couple came in that in talking to them sounded like they decided to just take a trip to Minneapolis to try out some of the places that have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. My sisters and I thought it sounded like a nice reason to go on a trip to just pick up and go on a trip to eat!

After the Farmer's Market and Sculpture Garden, my sisters and I went to have homemade ice cream at Sebastian Joe's where I had chocolate praline that was delicious. I had a sample of the raspberry chip - which was great and then also tasted of my sister's ice cream which one was called Pavarotti that was banana with caramel and chocolate chips. And then coconut cream pie. Next to Sebastian Joe's was a cute little store called Patina's . Another cute store we went to was Good Things. I picked up a few gifts for friends and Michael at each place. Another place we went that I wanted to go while there because I knew my Mom and sisters would like it and that is Penzeys Spices. A very good friend of mine sent me a gift basket of several of their spices. And Michael knows when I use a Penzeys as it just tastes so much better. He will often say to me - "did you use a Penzeys?" And always my reply is yes because you can tell the difference when cooking with them. My sister and my Mom bought me several spices. I can't wait to use them.

My sister had bought her house since I had been there last. So it was nice to finally see it. It is a cute house and she has decorated it really nice. I love the colors she is using. It is obvious the work she is putting into it. I spent the night there one night. But we had other times of just all us girls hanging out. It was good quality sister time. I miss them a lot and it was good to just hang out talk and laugh and really get to know them as adults better. I have lived so far away their whole adult lives basically. I mean I know them but I also see the beautiful women they have grown into and their interests and dreams now as adults.

I had a great time with my parents too. And often I wished I could see them all much more then I do now. As I see my parents about once a year. And I see my sisters about once every other year. It would be nice to see them more often but I live far away so not easily done.

My main purpose for going to see my family was that we were throwing my Grandma a surprise birthday party. She is turning 85. So we all traveled one of my cousin's in Fargo, North Dakota for that party. And my Grandma was very surprised! And she LOVED the video Michael made for her. She was so surprised how many people came. I hadn't seen some of my cousins in over 10 years so it was great to see everyone. A cousin of my Dad's who babysat me when I was little was there as well as my godparents. And I can't even tell you when the last time I saw them - it might be about 20 years. And silly me didn't think about getting a photo of them. I took a lot of pictures but there were time I just didn't think about it was I was busy visiting and just doing stuff.

The next day we had another surprise birthday party for one of my cousins who is turning 40. It was at my Aunt and Uncle's lake house. And the lake house was fun! My cousins, their spouses and kids - just were a joy to be around. I had so much fun. My Aunt and Uncle had all their kids and grandkids there so they got a group shot - 18 grandkids. 3 infants and the oldest grandchild is 12. My one cousin's baby was so cute (all the babies were cute) because he just was smiling all the time. He had a little tuff of hair sticking straight up down the center of his head just like a mohawk.

One day it was really breezy out and of course I didn't get sunscreen on fast enough so ended up with a burn on my arms, neck and chest.

My cousin Rhonda and I are very close. We are close in age. I was the first grandchild and she was the next. So we just were together a lot. She and I had a good time catching up. We always had such a fun time as young girls talking and giggling. I miss her a lot so it was nice to see her.

It was just a lot of fun and again I wished often that I saw everyone more. But I am so thankful for the time with them. I know Michael had to work hard without me here so I am thankful he made it possible for me to go and spend time with my family. I can't even begin to express what it meant to me to see everyone and have such an incredible time. I know that this vacation will be one that I cherish and remember for a very long time.

It's Not Just about the Shoes....

Last week in some blog hopping I found a link to Unique Vintage. Just a few dresses I liked on the site...there were more then these but these 2 I really liked...

Shoes First

Note from the Universe that I got last week...
Happiness comes first, Darby. Partners, abundance, and cool shoes come later.
Or at least this is how I'd line up my duckies.

Ungawa -
The Universe


ps: No, Darby, cool shoes never came first.

I thought the shoes always came first....

Like these....
Sweet Life By Dolce Vita Lace Heel

You see I got side tracked looking for flat sandals that I can run through an airport in. I just don't think those are it but they are lovely!

This and That Catch Up

So I haven't been blogging, emailing or just being online much because I think I am ready for spring. The winter seasonal thing has been getting to me. I don't like spring allergies but I am looking forward to sunshine. I need it. I can tell it is the lack of sunshine that is affecting me because just the few days we have had (in between the rain and snow) makes me feel better. I also have had a wicked migraine cycle that I am ready to go away anytime. I am on day 5 of it.

I started going through some boxes in my studio closet this past week. Photos, cards/letters from high school and I also dug out my high school year books. I have been reading all the messages people wrote me in them. They are umm well amusing. One friend from high school wrote in every card/letter "don't flirt with the boys so much" - truthfully I don't remember flirting that much. I remember being terribly shy and awkward but I am friends with her on facebook and she insists I was a flirt.

I found a photo of the prom I went to my junior year with a senior boy. And horribly I couldn't remember two of the people in the photo. I know if I post it to Facebook I will get an answer quickly on who the couple is and then I will go "oh yeah." I think the boy went to our church. But the forgetfulness I have is not just ending there because there are quite a few messages in my yearbook that are about parties or events that I feel I should remember but I don't and also there are cards/letters from people that I don't remember at all. But reading them it is obvious we were pretty close. I had quite a few letters from a girl I worked at Brooks Fashions with but I can't picture her at all. She sent them to me my freshman year in college.

Anyway overall going through all the photos, cards/letters and is very amusing. You know the big drama that is high school.


Okay I admit it - I have a guilty pleasure right now - Twilight. I know many can't understand the draw to it. I think my thing for vampires just makes me like it. I have watched it about a million times. Michael thinks he might have to do an intervention.


BettyCrocker.com is now starting a club called The Mixer. It is going to have webcast classes, tips and techniques and ask an expert. And best yet it is FREE! Friends always ask me how I learned to cook. Although my Mom is a GREAT cook and I know I got things from her but I also learned from my Betty Crocker cookbook. It was easy to understand, gave glossary of terms so I could understand things in the recipe I might not have before and just has classic recipes that are great to start with when learning to cook. So I am anxious to see what they will do with The Mixer.

I would love to replace all our water bottles with these or these because I know they are BPA free. I love the colors of the Klean Kanteen.


I have been obsessed with MarthaStewart.com lately. Crafts, recipes, organizational tips, cleaning tips and so on. Anyway one thing I found was link to a sister site: Whole Living and it has great recipes and tips too. But thought I would at least share this link to some tips to do one thing each day to make it Earth Day everyday and help save the planet.

Christmas Deals

This morning we were off the post office early as we had a package to get to Michael's parents. It has their presents but also goodies. I was waiting to get my baking done before sending it. It should get there in time since it is only going to Denver.

Michael received an email from Kohl's this morning about their deal of the day. They are doing a Christmas deal every day until Christmas. And today's deal was a down-alternative comforter for $24.99 any size. We have been talking about getting one for a while as it seems this year we are colder at night. Or at least we are feeling it more. So that was too good of deal to pass up. Unfortunately it is Kohl's and we both really do like Kohl's....I probably like it a little more then Michael but he found things today too. They had all their holiday dishes 75% off - well that is what they do after Christmas so why contend with the crowd. So we got several things. My parents sent us money for Christmas (easier being far away) so we used some of that toward it. We will have Christmas plates for dinner on Christmas Eve. And then we got a set of cute dessert plates that say dream, hope, believe, wish that will be good for Christmas goodies. I also got a 3-compartment tray and a little little bowl shaped like a Christmas tree. We didn't pay over $6 for anything. So really everything was a great deal.

Michael though was wondering if it was a good idea that we had even went into Kohl's by the time we were done. Although I know he likes everything we got. He did say I shouldn't ever need a Christmas dish again. But I know he has to be kidding of course!

I am sure we will be taking pictures of goodies on some of the dishes so I will post them when we do.

But speaking of dishes...here is a little plate from one of the gifts my family sent us as part of the little presents to open before Christmas.



Todays present was a really cute pair of candle sticks with gold stars on them. We picked up some candlesticks today as I didn't have any left (they all melted in the summer when we were away so air was turned off). I hope to use them on our table for Christmas Eve dinner.

Well that is about all for tonight. Tomorrow I need to clean house! It looks like Christmas exploded. I have a little table set up in the kitchen with all sorts of baking supplies. There is a ton of tins and containers on the table full of Christmas goodies. And 2 goodie containers started for our neighbors. And then I have been wrapping gifts all week so I have wrap and all that stuff in the living room. So as I said Christmas exploded. Time to clean up and get ready for Christmas...well tomorrow. Right now bed is calling me as I am so tired with just going going and going non-stop for a while.