LIFE....

WOW!   I have been out of pocket for a while, huh???    I am trying to get things back on track.   I miss my blog!!!  

How appropriate this post will be for me....

Life Happens.

Life Happens in moments.

YOUR Moments.

Let me preserve yours!

I would love to help you preserve all of your life moments!  Get in touch with me to help!   I love it and you will too!

Keep in Touch!

~Stephanie

Friday's Words of Wisdom

"No matter how chaotic it is, wildflowers will still spring up in the middle of nowhere."

Sheryl Crow

Don't take your wildflowers for granted - enjoy them, admire them, bask in them.... smile a bit.

 

Keep In Touch

~Stephanie

Thursday Thoughts - Finding Frames

Some clever frames for you to enjoy!  I love it and I love new ways to show off family and friends!

Collage Frame

Vintage Frames - LOVE IT

Ruffle Frame - adorable

These are so creative and different, I had to share.   So perfect in their own way!

Keep in Touch

~Stephanie

Tuesday Finds - Meeting with your Girlfriend(s)

Ok, we all love to get together with a girlfriend or two and chat and "catch up."    Ahhhhh, and we all long for that wonderful beverage while doing so....    when you meet with her - a long lost friend, your best "bud," a co-worker, neighbor or someone you see almost every day - bring her a special something....    here are some cool or hot (hahaha), as the case may be, cup cozies for her.   See what I found on Etsy.  Fun!

from Pink Gasoline

from the Quiet Owl 

from Gretchen's Creations

Find that PERFECT one for your next girly get together.

~ Keep in Touch

Stephanie

Fri - Words of Wisdom

I want you to right NOW, get rid of 5 things in your life that are useless, broken, duplicated, unLOVED, and/or out-of-date!   NOW!!!   Put them in the trash!   Dig down to those things that are NECESSARY for you to LOVE living.  Keep those things....    those truly REAL things - the things that bring you joy, make you happy, bring a smile to your face, warm your insides.....    

Now read this quote:

“You create simplicity by chipping away at the unreal, the useless, and the meaninglessness until, like Michaelangelo’s David, you are left with a life that is breathtakingly beautiful.”
– Vicki Robin

Now Michaelangelo, 

create YOUR very own  David!

~Keep in Touch

Stephanie

Thursday Thoughts - School Daze

I have been all about preserving memories lately.....   preserving that family time....   preserving that ME time too!   And I have been "waxing nostalgic" because my baby twin boys started Big Boy School when they entered the doors to elementary school and their separate Kindergarten classrooms.   

I have no doubt that they will do wonderfully in school that I really want to preserve THEIR memories -- the memories that they are now creating outside of the realm of 'home'!!!  These are the times that their little brains really will be able to remember when they are adults.   I do remember a good bit of my Kindergarten year - the classroom, my friends, the playgound, the lunchroom, and yes, even my teacher.    So, how important is it to keep papers, artwork, report cards, and awards???   To me, it is paramount.    BUUUUUTTT, it has to be easy.

Also, I have been scrapbooking my family's memories since my oldest was born.  Again, paramount (oh yes) for me.   The ultimate and the necessary.....    Ok, but I have a confession..... I have recently transitioned all THREE of my boys' books from the traditional paper, stickers, die cuts, and other embellishments over to digital.   ANNNNDDD I love it!   I figured that since they were boys, the printed, skinny, sleek books are the way to go.   Again easy AND a time-saver!   However I do crave the feel of paper and the manipulation of the pieces in traditional scrapbooking, so have not given it up completely.   My family book is done traditionally.    Anyway, enough of my rambling....

Since I have streamlined my scrapbooking, I wanted a way to streamline a way to keep my memorabilia.....

sooooo, check this out!   I LOVE IT!!!   Easy, peasy!!

I found it on Someday Crafts!   Oh, so cute!

Thanks for coming by!

Keep in Touch

~Stephanie

My Brothers and Me

Hi all!

Paper Mama's photo challenge for the week is "Orange."  Her site is really cute!  Check it out!   

Here is my submission for Orange!

~Keep in Touch

Stephanie

Items of the Month - Back to School

Keeping Connections is excited to bring you several new items.... 
all fantastic for getting back to school!

These pictures are of notepads - A Note to School.   They are 5 1/2 x 8 and have about 25 sheets.   You pick the theme and colors.  ($4.00 ea)
 

 

Here is some cute Game Day Stationery - perfect and just in time for fall!   A customer ordered these for her sister who is a huge Saints fan!   Just let us know the team you cheer for!  ($8 for a pack of 4)

 

Now, here is a great gift!   They are flat cards in a coordinating box.   The pattern on the inside of the box matches the mat on the front side card and the back of the cards matches the outside of the box.   Anything can be printed on the card.... in this case we printed From the desk of .... Stephanie Watson.  There are 8 cards pictured.   Again you pick the colors and theme and the number of cards!  ($20 for 8 flat cards and the box)

 

Check out our website - KeepingConnections.com
and our Etsy shop keepingconnections.etsy.com.  

 
~Keep in Touch
Stephanie

"Nifty" and Thrifty

I have to admit to being a thrift store "junkie". I'm usually not looking for anything in particular which takes the pressure off! Over the years I have shared thrift store tales with many friends and have always enjoyed seeing what others have created from their finds. You know, "why didn't I think of that". Whether it is a thrift store (Goodwill has 50% off on Tuesdays for seniors, or so my friends tell me), a yard or estate sale there are always goodies to be found. A friend of mine goes out in his very expensive automobile every Saturday morning searching for the treasure of the day. This fellow can afford to buy anything he wants; just enjoys the "hunt". Came home one day with a tin box full of pens that he had paid the grand sum of $1.00 for and couldn't wait to make sure they all worked! Wanted to pass my latest thrift store blog along to you.....I'm going to follow this one, Dime Store Thrift and hope you will enjoy!

Weekend Ways..... to Keep in Touch

Here are some recent scrapbook layouts from me!   I do both traditional AND digital.   

AND I can do some for you!   Just contact me and we can set something up.

Also this is a great, easy and creative way to keep in touch with grandparents, brothers/sisters, friends, etc.   

~ Create a page (and print it if it is digital) for special occasions, and then send it to your loved ones.

~ In with the first set of pages include a archival scrapbook.

~ Surprise loved ones by updating them periodically with pages.

They will definitely appreciate it!

Matthew at 14 months

Matthew at play

Our New Sprinkler

Matthew's 2nd Birthday

Matthew's 2nd birthday

Nick's Blue Belt

Our Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Can you tell which are digital?    I love doing both.

Remember capture your memories.... from birthdays to small, but delightful events like a new sprinkler.... capture moments.... YOUR moments!

~Keep In Touch

Stephanie

Tuesday Finds - Etsy Artists

Look at these cute things I have found.   

All three will help you Keep In Touch with school activities, one with a touch of love!   Enjoy! 

And all of them are handmade and found on Etsy.com!  

Post your kids artwork!

Pop one in your kids' lunchbox!

Protect your notes, permission slips, and money you send to school!

Most of all visit Etsy.com and support the artists!   Its a fun site and you will find things you never even thought could exist.   Very nice and ....  remember to.....

~Keep in Touch

Stephanie

A Nifty Idea - Keeping in Touch with Family and Friends

This is such a cute idea, so I just had to share it!    I love it, love it, love it.   And its over on Echoes of Laughter - cute site too.

 It's mini-scrapbook in a tin!!    So precious!

While cleaning and organizing my little scrapbook space, I came across this little scrapbook I made a few years ago from an altoid tin.

 It was a really fun & easy project.

Just take an empty altoid tin and wash it.

Assemble some scraps of cardstock, some ribbon and whatever little embellishments you have and 2 punches.

For this project I used the Marcy Uchida circle punch (2 1/4 inch size, which fits perfectly into the tin) and an EK Success Flower Punch.

You also need a set of little pictures to go inside the scrapbook.

Walmart makes this easy with the various size miniature prints you can make under the 'collage' setting at their in-store photo kiosks.

You start by punching a circle out of cardstock to cover up the altoid label on your tin.

Embellish the circle with a punched flower, a brad and some ribbon as shown.

 Or whatever other creative ideas you have. I am all about making a project your own!

Inside the tin is your 'mini scrapbook'. Punch as many circles for the scrapbook as you like. I recommend around 6-7 circles.

Place an eyelet at the top of each circle page to provide a place to insert ribbon to tie the scrapbook pages together.

Then build each page however you like. On each page of my mini, I have included a picture, a punched flower and a button. I have inked the edges of the flowers and circles for a little added dimension.

Building the pages is your time to play.

Mix and match colors! Switch up embellishments!

This project makes a great little gift for Grandparents. Or a nice little purse-sized scrapbook.

It would also be a great birthday party craft.

You only needs some tins, cardstock scraps, a few punches and whatever else you have on hand for embellishments.

This is one of my favorite projects ever!

Keep in mind, we can make one (or some) for you!

How sweet it is!  Now go out and find all of your old Altoids tins!

~Keep in Touch

Stephanie 

Sweet Mail from Six Cherries on Top

What a great idea this is!!!

I had to tell you about it.   Participate in this great way to "keep in touch" and make new friends and memories!  Awesome, just awesome!

I am SO doing this!

Thanks Joni!

I know that just the other day I said I didn't want to fill my Summer with a bunch of blog stuff, but I don't really consider this "blog stuff".  This is something I can do anytime.  I decided to start Cherry Mail to give my children and I something fun to do during the Summer.  We love to write letters and draw beautiful pictures! I always DISLIKE opening up my mailbox and only finding a bunch of bills or junk.  Wouldn't it be sweet to open up your mailbox this Summer and find a sweet little letter, cute little drawing, or some other surprise?

If you would like to participate in Cherry Mail, simply email your name and address to moore8usa[at]yahoo[dot]com.  Please include "Cherry Mail" in the subject line.

Now go wait by the mailbox!

She is also having a GIVEAWAY!

16 Personalized Cards 

from Pear Tree Greetings

WHOHOO!

~Keep In Touch

Stephanie

Keep In Touch

Hello everyone - 


When you are writing your cards to your friends and family to Keep In Touch, we want you to think happy thoughts.   So I came across this reminder - use beautiful things!


Beautiful Cards, Cards, and more Cards!


Listen to Beautiful Music!

Sit in a overstuffed comfy chair!

Use these Beautiful and Fun homemade pens!  
**create something beautiful everyday!**
So from Homemade Mamas - the pens:

What You Need:

• Artificial Flowers
• Glue Gun or Super Glue
• Pens
• Floral Tape

First, warm up your hot glue gun or prepare the super glue. Remove the lids to all the pens that you will be decorating. *TIP* Check the pens to make sure they work before you add the flower & tape. Then, remove the ink cap from each top of the pen. Clip the flower off the stem, leaving enough length to insert down into the pen.

 

Hot glue or super glue inside the top of the pen and press the flower firmly into the glue (in the pen) until dry. Start taping at the flower end of the pen. Guide the tape while winding the pen in a circular motion. The tape should cover the entire pen down to the tip in one long vertical strip. The floral tape becomes tacky as you work with it, so there is no need for glue with it.

Secure the tape by pressing it gently down with your fingers. Lay it to the side and start on the next pen!



And what about the Beautiful aromas around you.....


So yes, go ahead, even bake cookies!  Now that's BEAUTIFUL!

Keep in Touch
~Stephanie

Tuesday's Find

For some of us, school beginning again is just around the corner!   

Yikes!   

 I cannot believe that I am saying that!   

So get ready!  

For paperwork,

permission slips, 

homework, 

monthly schedules....

Here is a great way for you and your kids to Keep In Touch with what is going on at school.  It comes to us from Angie at Echoes of Laughter....  This is before - looks not too bad to me.   But she has a cute addition below.

I love her letters.....   I have three letters for my boys.  They are hooks though.   I thought that I would have them hang their backpacks on them.   I am not sure where to put them though!  Boo hoo!   I will have to share once I figure it out!

Also another solution from Angie.....   watch this!!!   I am SO excited!

Instead of trying to hammer in those small, itty, bitty nails that come along with the hanger, she used Gorilla Glue!!!   Whaa-la!   It works perfectfully!   .....   I smiled and smiled about this ones ...  sometimes it's the simplest things that work the best....

ENJOY!

Keep In Touch
~Stephanie

Exciting New Blog!

While searching for a new blog that would be full of fun ideas, I came across "Family Chic". I found some of the ideas to be great and an "easy do". Hope you will enjoy following this blog with us.
Jan

Friday Fun!

Come Blog Hop with us!



Click around on the blogs listed below.   Its fun and you just might find some interesting and happy ideas!   I know that I do!

"Keep in Touch"
~Stephanie

Christmas in July! Yea!

It's Christmas in July!


Keeping Connections is giving you a present!

Buy One Pack of Cards for a gift, and get a Second Set at 50% off!



Ho! Ho! Ho!



Contact us via our website or at our Etsy shop under and we will be happy to help you!   See example of our set below.   What a great way to Keep in Touch and help a friend do so also!

Keep in Touch
~ Stephanie

A Week at the Beach

Following two pieces of depressing news regarding two good friends, I found myself more than pleasantly surprised when my hubby suggested (actually insisted) that we visit Hilton Head Island for a week with my two sons and their families. Because he is normally a "mountain man" if given a choice between the mountains and the beach, I jumped at his insistence and immediately began the search for a unit at South Beach Marina just one week prior to our departure date. Feeling positive that nothing would be available on such short notice I was surprised to find two units available - both on the 3rd floor! Well...hubby has had knee replacement surgery, along with 3 back surgeries and/or procedures! No way would he be able to climb the stairs to a third floor condo on a daily basis. Disappointed, I knew the trip would be impossible for us. Within minutes the phone rang and the enthusiastic voice on the HHI end said she was calling to say they had just had a ground floor cancellation - end unit no less! Needless to say, preparations began immediately - washer and dryer going at full capacity and suitcases coming out of closets. Can't begin to explain what a wonderful time we had - what a treat for grandparents to see their two sons and four grandsons together at the same time, along with two delightful daughters-in-laws. Beach every morning, lunch, a lazy afternoon with shopping and naps for us "older folks". Then, find a wonderful place to have dinner overlooking the water. Watching the four boys play in the surf was the most pleasant of all! We finished each day at the ice cream stand with the entire family in attendance! What a wonderful way to "Keep in Touch!
ICE CREAM TIP: When making cones at home, drop a mini marshmallow in the bottom of the cone first, then the ice cream - ice cream won't leak out; no more sticky fingers!

Friday's Thoughts

Ok, I am thinking.... we all have 24 hours in a day, right?!??!   Am I right?   I really need to get my creative mojo back in gear.   I do feel lost without it....   But can one have a clean house, take care of kids, laundry and cooking done, be a wife, keep on top of the household AND have creative output?????   You know, after all, it is summer and the kids are home.  Those darn time management skills...I need all the help I can get with that.   I know, I know.... b-r-e-a-t-h-e.....

My creative mojo needs some stroking and TLC.   And I need to take my own advice....   do something creative every day.

Yes, every day.    And tomorrow a NEW one is dawning!

"Keep in Touch"
~Stephanie

  

Tuesday's Finds

..... to America the Beautiful, Happy Birthday!

Remember when times were easy and we could all go on parade!   I used to do this as a kid....   footloose and fancy-FREE!   (shabtown signs)

I need to find those old pics and pull them out of those OLD magnetic page albums.   Please, do that yourself.   And then place them in a photo-safe, acid and lignin- free photo box.   Protect those memories!

Carry your memories in a safe place.   I love this bucket!  (sweetlibertyprims)

Let YOUR freedom RING!  How beautiful and stunning to place some patriotic artwork in a central place in your home.  (tweetheartwallart)

 Sweet tile too - by Tilesmile

All these pieces of artwork can be found on Etsy.com

Celebrate in style this weekend!

~Stephanie