Easter Pics

We had quiet weekend and a nice Easter.

Most of pictures are from our egg hunt around the yard. Even Paddy wanted to look for the Easter Bunny. The last photo was taken at our Las Madres group egg hunt the weekend before Easter.

Free Shipping, Washi Tape, & More

I have a few things to share, so let's start with a card. I love using washi tape on cards! I made this card for the Paper Players Challenge and for a card swap with the Fun 'n Crafty group of demonstrators.

After I finished this card, I found out the the Delightful Dozen stamp set that I used here and on other recent cards is retiring. You can shop the "retiring" stamp sets and accessories here. The good news is that Stampin' Up! is offering FREE shipping through Friday, April 25th.

If you are a paper crafter, please leave me a comment with what items you are sad to see "retire."

Introducing Project Life by Stampin' Up!

If you have read my blog long enough, you may have seen some scrapbook layouts here. I started scrapbooking in 2005 and blogging in 2007. In 2008, I started stamping and making cards. Even though I have not scrapbooked much in the last couple of years, I have tried some Project Life products. Recently, I was rethinking about how to preserve our photos, stories, and memories. It was like Stampin' Up! read my mind...



I am really excited that Stampin' Up! will be offering this simple scrapbooking solution! You can begin ordering some Project Life products on May 1 with more products coming on June 2. I will share updates here and on Facebook.

Thanks for Sharing

Last week I went to hear The Minimalist speak at a local Barnes & Noble. We sat front and center since the other seats were "Reserved." I had heard of The Minimalists before 2014, probably because they were two guys from my hometown with a growing blog. I had also heard of some other minimalists bloggers (Courtney Carver, Joshua Becker, and Leo Babauta), but I did not begin to regularly follow them until the beginning of this year.

I think that a turning point for me literally was January 1. We had a very long travel day from Dayton, Ohio to San Francisco. We were rerouted due to snow in Chicago (shocking!), so I wanted a book to read. I chose You Can Buy Happiness (And It's Cheap) by Tammy Strobel. I think that the title spoke to me.

My journey towards simplicity and minimalism kicked off as we returned from our holiday travels. I started regularly reading some minimalism blogs and read two books by The Minimalists. I enjoyed them both, and Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life really resonated with me.

At the beginning of February I got our free tickets for The Minimalists Tour. At that time, the event seemed far in the future, but now it has come and gone. At the end, they sign books and give hugs. My friend had her new book signed, and we got a group picture. In briefly meeting Joshua and Ryan, I said, "Thanks for sharing." At first it sounded silly, but I realized that it expressed my gratitude for those who share their imperfect journeys with the world.

A few months into 2014, I can see the focus on simplicity and minimalism starting to have a positive influence on my life. I am more willing to part with extra stuff and clutter. I am focusing on my priorities, goals, and living a meaningful life. I know that I still have a ways to go on this journey.