Life Laid Bear

2014 Christmas Card

Now that almost all of our Christmas cards have reached their destination, I feel like it is safe to go ahead and show them. This year, I tried my hand at making our own invitation instead of using a template. It felt more creative, and saved a huge amount of money. 

I started off by making a new blank canvas in Photoshop using 4.5x5.5 and then just added the pictures that I loved from the past year. I  made it into a grid, because it looked more cohesive to me that way. We didn't have one photo that encompassed the whole year, so it was special to get 20 great pictures onto one card. I thought it looked a little plain on the front, so I added a rectangle and some lettering over the top. The cards were printed from OvernightPrints.com, and they cost right around $15 for 50.

We had a big year, so I definitely wanted to add some writing on the back. It ended up being more of a long recap of the year, and we loved it! And of course, one spelling error. That I have tried to cover up with a white pen. 

I went with red Paper Source envelopes that the cards fit perfectly into! You can find them here. I had a white gel pen that I used to address the front and back of each envelope. 

We added a cute little ornament with each card, which seemed to be the perfect touch to me! We tucked everything inside and closed it with a white sticker to match the wrapping. 

Easy, simple, and most of all out the door! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

What a perfect weekend looks like

 This past weekend was so wonderful. We tried to make sure that we didn't plan much this weekend so we could spend some much needed time around the house. We wrapped gifts, took night walks to look at the neighborhood lights, and slept in both mornings. We took a break from relaxing to attend our annual work holiday party. It is always so much fun, and we came home with some great new memories. 

We have great plans for the next week. My sister in law is coming into town for a couple weeks, and I can't wait to see my niece for the first time. We also have some exciting things going on at work, and hopefully some festive holiday events this weekend. 

How was your weekend?

Currently November

 

The tree is up, finally! And it is beautiful. Lights are mostly up on the house, and the rest are to come this weekend. Christmas cards are out (with only one spelling mistake, I call that a win). The 23 days of Christmas is going smoothly, and I just need to get the first week and a half into my ProjectLife. So let's just say, it is all things Christmas around here. 

My mind has been racing with plans for 2015, and I just can't wait. We made a couple reservations for some very exciting vacations this past weekend, so I feel like we are ahead of the game. 

My sister in law is coming to the states soon, and I will finally be able to meet my beautiful niece. My heart is overjoyed that I will get to hold, kiss, and spoil her in a matter of days. 

Home renovations are on the brain, and I am wishing for an Ikea to be closer. My plans for the house are almost done, but we are just lacking in execution. 

The best gift list there is, here. Speaking of gifts, we are done shopping and now are on to the wrapping part!

Drinking lots and lots of tea. Teavana, you are the downfall of me. 

The mister is sick this week, and I just wish I was home snuggling with him. 

The weather is so perfect here in North Florida right now. The heat isn't on, but the heated blankets are! We have a fire and gift wrapping planned for tonight. 

What is new in your world? 

 

First Day of Fall 2014

Happy day to all! The first day of fall is always my green light for all things holiday related. Christmas shopping is full steam ahead, parties are being planned, and my holiday spirit is on full blast. Don't come near my scrounge, because I am on a fall feeling high! 

Speaking of fall, I am so ready for some "cooler" weather (cooler meaning mid 80's with no humidity). Not to complain, but the heat is getting to me. My brain can't function when I walk outside and it is still sweltering this time of the year. I can only speak for myself, but I really just want to be curled up in a warm house with the windows open, drinking coffee that isn't iced. Is that so much to ask Florida? Really, get it together weather. So for those who have nice, crisp, even chilly weather right now.... savor it, love it, and then send it our way.