The Best Gift Ever!

 
I love designing the smaller 8” x 8” albums.  Because of their small size a regular 4” x 6” photo takes up most of the space on the page and the album becomes really picture focused.  There is nothing better than being wowed by the photos.  This is an 8” x 8” album I am designing for my sister as a Christmas gift for her mother-in-law.  I chose to go with all glossy photos and picked three main colors (pink, tan and white).  The glossy photos really glitz it up a bit and the ribbon adds softness and texture.  I am seriously in love with it and I know that it will be such a memorable gift!  Contact us now for pricing info and to get your album created today.  Finally you can be the perfect gift giver.

 

Favorite Holiday Films

There is nothing better than a classic holiday flick to help you get into the spirit of Christmas.  I thought I’d share some of my favorites because you must enjoy them too.

The Holiday – This film has recently become one of my favorites, I think it is the contrast of Christmas in LA and Christmas in England.  I also love the relationship between Kate Winslet and the old man next door – he’s charming. 
The Family Man – We quote this movie in our family.  It is, just like it says in the picture, hilarious; Nicholas Cage really nails it. 
Meet Me In St. Louis – This isn’t really a “Christmas” film but for some reason I watched it every year growing up and I just love it.  I mean you can’t beat Judy Garland singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in a red velvet dress – perfection!

Card Gift (not gift card!)

One of my friends is designing cards and giving them as a gift to her mom.  I thought it was such a cool idea and saves you some major dough (although it may take some time).  She is making birthday, get well, thinking of you, wedding cards etc. and putting them together in a card box.  All next year her mom won’t have to buy another card, she can take these beautiful handmade creations and write her thoughts and give them away.  So if you’re feeling crafty, put together a really fun gift for someone you love.  I am not much of a card maker myself but here are some fun designs I put together.

Peppermint Bark – William Sonoma

I die for this peppermint bark!  Literally, I die for it.  Okay not literally but it’s basically that good.  It has become a Christmas season staple and I just can’t face the stress of the holidays without this amazing mix of dark chocolate, white chocolate and peppermint.  Perfection!

Gift Ideas

Okay, so I try to stay organized around Christmas time so that I’m thinking about gift ideas before I get to the ‘I can’t leave this store without buying my dad a gift’ point.  I hate that point, I am never happy with the gift I give when that happens.  So I start a list and write everyone’s name that I need to buy for in list style, then as I go about my days or hear him or her mention something they need, I write down the idea next to their name.  When it comes time to shop I have about four ideas for each person.  It makes the gift buying experience so much easier.  Here are some of my gift ideas for people on my list.

 

SISTER – big sweaters, messenger bag, fun makeup (bright lipsticks), tickets to fav concert

GRANDPA – iPad accessories, Eddie Bauer zip-up hoodie, Harry & David fruit of the month club, old western movies

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you enjoy your turkey day.

Song Of The Day

The Great Salt Lake – Band Of Horses

I recently saw Band of Horses in concert and it was soooo good!  Being that they were in Salt Lake they opened the show with this song and the energy in the room was really amazing.  Here is my ode to Salt Lake City.  Enjoy…

Chocolat

Sometimes you have a moment with a movie, lots of boxes and a pound of chocolate that causes all the stars to align and you know you will never forget that night.  Oh wait – you haven’t?  Well let me tell you about mine.  Two years ago my husband and I were moving from Logan to Salt Lake City and had a few days to get it done.  Of course my husband was going to be out of town on business the very days the packing needed to be done so it was all left up to me.  I decided to head on over to Hollywood Video and rent five movies to entertain me while I packed.  

There is nothing worse than moving food so we hadn’t gone to the grocery store in a month.  This particular weekend there was nothing in the kitchen except condiments and a pound of See’s chocolates my grandma had sent us as a gift.  It just so happens that one of the movies I rented was Chocolat with Johnny Depp.  Let me just say that when you watch all the amazing chocolate treats in this movie all you want to do is eat fine chocolates.  And you better believe that’s exactly what I did, a whole box of them.  It was so indulgent of me.  I still laugh at that weekend I spend with Johnny and a pound of chocolate. (Note: I imagine this would make for a great girls night, just learn from my mistake and invite more than yourself, or you will end up eating the whole box alone)

Instant Breakfast

During the week I like something quick that I can grab in the mornings and get on my way.  I wish I were the wake up early, do yoga, sit and read the paper while eating a homemade breakfast kind of person because it sounds like a really pleasant morning but it’s just doesn't work for me.  I am the slowly get out of bed and then rush to get ready person – I don’t recommend this but it seems I can’t change.  I really like the Naked fruit drinks, you get a whole meal in a drink and they are so yummy.  Quick, easy and healthy, can’t get any better than that. (They have half size drinks in bulk at Costco!)

Mood Board

I never seem to be able to talk about creating without talking about inspiration.  Before I start a project I like to put together a little inspiration page.  This contains pictures of color scheme, theme and overall feeling.  I find that my inspiration helps me to stay on point with the pages I create instead of finding myself somewhere completely different than where I wanted to go.  When it’s your job to be creative everyday you find that there are days when you are feeling completely uninspired and everything you design just doesn’t work.  My husband worked in a marketing and advertising agency for a while and the first thing they did when they had a new project was create a ‘mood board’ with all the things they thought the client wanted to portray with their brand.  I love this idea and think it really helps when creating.  Here is an inspiration page I created for a Colombian missionary album.

Spiced Scents

For some reason when it starts to get cold outside I want my house to smell like spiced pumpkin or apple cider.  Last year I made a big pot of wassel just so I could simmer it everyday and make my house smell warm and cozy.  These scents make me happy and give the impression that I’m cooking some great, spiced treat.  I like to fool my visitors into thinking that I’m cooking – wow, that’s sad.  Last year I bought a “stick wick” candle, it has a wooden stick and sounds like a crackling fire when it burns, it’s fun until you’re home alone and you hear this quiet crackle and can’t figure out where it’s coming from.  I love William-Sonoma’s spiced candles and soaps but remember that although they will give the impression of freshly cooked goods nothing replaces the smell of actual fresh-out-of-the-oven treats (sometimes we just prefer the easy candle).

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

I love that they still play this in primetime television.  It is a classic and you know what they say about classics, they never go out of style - no matter how old you get or how the times have changed.  If you haven’t tuned into The Charlie Brown Halloween special it is time to join the rest of us on October 28^th and 29^th on ABC.

Halloween Pages

Time to talk about scrapbooking and putting down on paper all these great fall memories you are making.  The key to making amazing fall or Halloween pages is all in the paper.  This is the time to take that great bold paper and create the loudest page you can!  I like using the typical Halloween colors like orange, green, brown, purple, black and white (or cream) as a neutral.  Here are some Halloween pages I created so you can get inspired and click on the links below for the perfect patterned paper.

SEI's Eerie Alley

Cosmo Cricket's Haunted

Bo Bunny's Whoo-ligans

Anna Griffin's Esmerelda Halloween Kit

My Minds Eye's Blackbird

C-A-N-D-Y

Okay, so you’ve all heard me talk about my obsession with candy (see "Sweet Factory" post) and this time of year you can’t expect me to avoid the subject!  Well I saw this on Martha Stewart’s website and just fell in love.  Nothing can be better then matching holiday candy in perfect glass jars.  I have seen similar candy displays at weddings and I just love the happiness it brings me (and I’m sure it brings happiness to others too).  Who says you have to wait for a wedding to have a candy bar…not me!  I think this is perfect for the month of October, we have to get our blood sugar up so as not to shock our bodies on the 31^st.  Who’s with me?

Hiking

I don’t know if many people think of hiking as a fall activity but I am all about it.  Going up to the mountains or being in nature when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing is one of my favorite things.  I like to plan a hike to some hot pools that way when you get to the end of the hike you get a nice warm up before heading back.  Plan to go earlier so you don’t get stuck in the dark and make sure you bring a sweatshirt, some hand warmers and your camera other than that you’re set.  I did this hike last fall and it was so pretty.

Fifth Water Waterfalls and Hot Spring

A Cold Night In

I love a night in with friends when it’s too cold to leave the house.  Here are my musts for the perfect night in.  Invite some friends over and enjoy...

1. Ugg Boots
2. Pictionary
3. Taco Soup
4. DVD of Favorite TV show (season 1)
5. Brownies
6. Camera

 

Song of the Day (Halloween Version)

I can’t help but laugh every time I here this song.  The way Bobby Pickett sings this is just hilarious!

Monster Mash

Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers

New Kit!!!

I am so excited for our new fall kit.  It’s perfect for those pictures you took of the fall leaves and we must document this years famous Halloween costume.  Everything comes pre-cut to size with step-by-step instructions, all you have to do is put it together.  Go ahead and order yours today and get ready to get crafty.

CLICK HERE to see more of our pre-cut kits and for purchasing info.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

When I was 14 some of my friends and I were hanging out on Halloween (according to my mom we were too old to go trick-or-treating) when a neighbor lady called.  She had planned an elaborate scavenger hunt all over town for her teenage daughter and some friends, somehow they couldn’t do the scavenger hunt.  The lady had spent so much time planning that she wanted someone to enjoy it hence she invited my friends and I to participate.  We talked my mom and a friend’s mom into driving and separated into two teams and off we went with our first clue.  I specifically remember one clue where we found ourselves at the local mall looking for Waldo in a sea of people.  When we had finished the scavenger hunt we congregated back at my house for hot coco and donuts.  To this day I have never had such an awesome and unique Halloween.

I would love to recreate this someday for my friends.  I wonder if I could get the details from that childhood neighbor…

“Go to where on mid-summers night a display of patriotism explodes in the sky. There you will find my secret treasure buried in the sands of youth.”

Put On Something Warm

I love digging my warm, comfy sweaters out of the closet because it’s finally cold enough to wear them.  Long ones, short ones, big ones, little ones – oh they are all great.  Talk about fashion that is not only functional but looks great too!  Layering is always the key to a great sweater outfit and to keeping warm (I learned that the hard way when I moved from St. George, UT (hot desert) to Logan, UT (mountain valley) and was cold all the time – I just didn’t know how to layer.  Here are some sweaters on my wish list this fall.

Take A Drive

It’s become a tradition that my husband and I take a drive the first weekend in October.  We like to see all the changing leaves and discover new beautiful places in the state of Utah.  It really is refreshing to explore your own surroundings.  We like to pull over here and there, walk around and take pictures.  It is the simplest thing that doesn’t cost a thing (except the gas) and it is really enjoyable.  What a perfect activity to begin the fall season.

October

I love the fall; the smell in the air, the color of leaves changing, the warm sweaters and hot drinks.  Is there anything better than October and the welcome change from summer to fall?  Well in my mind October is the time try new things and pull out our creative sides.  So this month I will be talking about some of my favorite fall activities, food, music, games and much more.  I’m excited…hope you are too!

The Best Makeup

I love makeup and used to think I was going to be a hugely famous makeup artist.  When I lived in California I sold makeup, learned new tricks, tried every new product and gave women my advice for what would be the best color and look on them.  I had so much fun.  I still try to put makeup on anyone who will let me and I love recommending new products.  Here are a few of my favorite products. 

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer (great lightweight base)

Loreal true match super blendable makeup (gives the perfect amount of coverage)

Sue Devitt silky blush - Belize (perfect pink with a soft shimmer)

Lancome Definicils mascara (the best mascara ever!)

Estee Lauder artists eye pencil – slate writer (perfect smoky eyeliner, doesn’t smudge)

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow – cement (best neutral, I wear it daily)

Loreal Endless matte lipstick – in the buff (love the matte natural look)

MAC Lustre lipstick (best moisturizing lipstick)

Wedding Albums & Sign-In Books

When you create photo albums, weddings understandably become a popular topic.  I love doing wedding albums because the pictures are always fantastic!  I try to create a simple yet elegant page so the photos stay the focus of the album.  We also do many sign in books.  Most of the time these contain engagement, dating and bridal photos with lots of empty space for guests to write their thoughts and well wishes.  These albums are priceless and are some of my favorite because the handwriting gives it such a personal touch.

Click here to EMAIL US about our wedding albums and sign in books.  To visit Memoir's website and see more photos CLICK HERE.

My Fall Fashion Favs

Well, I just got through all my fall magazines and there are so many new ideas I'm excited about.  Lately I have been wanting to switch up my style (sometimes you just need a change).  I'm thinking of going preppy - what do you think?  Before I transform myself, here are some of my favorite fall fashions.  Now if I could just find time to shop!

The Classic Album

Throughout the years I have searched for perfect album to contain all my clients photos.  I wanted something that could fit into any room and classic enough to last through the ages.  I tried just about everything and finally found exactly what I was looking for.  We R Memory Keepers make Memoir’s signature leather & linen albums.  They have every color you could ever want (except white, not sure why, maybe because it might start to look a little 80’s, but vanilla is a great alternative).  And if you can believe it they look even more beautiful in person.  I always get the 3-ring album as apposed to the post-bound album, they allow for more pages and look much more crisp.  I’m so glad to have finally found an album that is almost as beautiful as the pictures in them.

Click here to see all the amazing colors.

Song Of The Day

The other day I was driving my car and an old 40’s style song came on the radio with trumpets and everything.  I found myself smiling so big.  Sometimes you just want to go back to the simple and charming music of the 40’s.  I was dreaming of myself in a great dress at a wonderful dinner party with a live orchestra (occasionally I am convinced that I was born in the wrong era).  For my song of the day I thought everyone would like a throw back to the glamorous days.  Enjoy…

Ella Fitzgerald – A Kiss Goodnight

Easy Pages

Sometimes you just want to make a simple page and forget about spending hours on the details.  Here is my idea of the easy page.  Two 4" x 6" papers side by side, one a picture the other a fun detail, think paper flowers, glittered letters or a variety of ribbons.  Put together in 20 minutes and love every inch of it.

What I’m Working on Right Now

Currently I’m doing a growing up or youth album.  I get to work with great retro photos so likewise I have chosen paper to fit that same style.  This page has pictures of my client with her friend in a photo booth.  I love this tween age when our imaginations ran wild.  I use to make music videos with my friends and didn’t we all go to the mall and buy friendship bracelets and take funny pictures in the photo booth?  I know I did and here are my photos to prove it.  

{mini} Travel Album

This is such a fun idea for displaying the photos of a favorite trip.  It's small (6" x 4"), it's picture focused and it's definitely cool.  You can flip through it every so often and reminisce on all the great memories you've made.

Click HERE to email Memoir for pricing info on your own little travel book.  We'd love to create an awesome space for your memories.

Personalized license plates

Oh the personalized license plate.  What can I say about you?  I realize you are trying to tell me something but your code is difficult to solve.  The longer I stare at it the closer I get to understanding your message.  It must be important if it’s on your license plate. 

L8ASUSL

Oops, wrong again, it’s not important at all but it sure does give me a laugh!  Thanks for giving me something to do on long car rides. 

 

Five

This ice cream is amazing!  Haagen-Dazs went back to the basics and made ice cream with only five key ingredients and the result is fabulous!  I have tried strawberry, lemon, chocolate and passion fruit (but I fully intend on trying them all). 

{milk} 

{cream} 

{sugar} 

{eggs} 

{strawberry}

 

...perfection!

Oxfords

I'm in love...

These are from J.Crew, you must check them out!

“Conundrum”

Rarely, but sometimes, I like to use big words.  At these times my husband likes to give me a surprised look as if saying he is amused and a little impressed by the use of my big word.  Lately I’ve been enjoying the word ‘conundrum.’ 

co·nun·drum  [kuh-nuhn-druhm]

noun (pl. -drums)

A confusing and difficult problem or question: one of the most difficult conundrums for the experts.

• A question asked for amusement, typically one with a pun in its answer; a riddle.

ORGIN late 16^th century of unknown origin, but first recorded in work by Thomas Nashe, as a term of abuse for a crank or pedant, later coming to denote a whim or fancy, also a pun.  Current senses date from the late 17^th century.

Savethewords.org is an amusing website dedicated to saving words that are dropped from the English language each year because they are no longer in use.  Check it out and try using some of those big words in a conversation, I am positive it will get a response.

Kimono Rose

I love taking long relaxing baths; these baths must include candles, pleasant aromas and bubbles.  In my opinion, there is nothing better than unwinding in a calming place after a long day at work, a cold winter day, when you’re not feeling well or just because you want to.  This is your place and time where you are alone with your thoughts and feelings.  We always need to take a little time for ourselves – who’s with me?

I have tried many different bath salts, bubbles and powders and by far my favorite is Thymes.  Everything they make is so luxurious.  They smell amazing and the packaging is beautiful (and make great gifts I might add).  Time to start indulging in bath time!

Rainy Day

In movies you always see people walking in the rain like they’re in no hurry to get out of the cold.  Have you ever tried that?  It seems very cathartic.  Well it’s rainy and overcast today; the house is quiet and dark.  On these kind of days all I want to do is curl up in my comfys and watch a movie.  This is my recipe for the perfect rainy day.

Rainy Day Movie – We definitely have to go with a trilogy here.  Think Back to the Future, The Bourne Trilogy, Star Wars or Pirates of the Caribbean.

Rainy Day Snacks – Grapes, pretzels, jellybeans and hot chocolate

Rainy Day Comfys – Okay, we’ve got to look somewhat presentable just in case someone comes to the door (this isn’t sick day) and I love cute Pjs.

Song Of The Day

Edward Sharp & 

the Magnetic Zeros – Home  

This is seriously the happiest song I have ever heard and I love it!  Enjoy...

Fulfilled Craving

Well finally I made some cupcakes to fill my craving.  I love the site allrecipes.com, they have thousands of recipes and people give reviews, offer suggestions and also submit pictures of the finished product.  This really helps a cook like me that needs all the advice in the kitchen she can get.  I found this coconut orange cupcake recipe and was excited when I noticed that I had almost all the ingredients in my cupboards.  I like recipes that don't require you to go buy the whole world to make them.  Anyway, they turned out so yummy.  They are light and fluffy, really easy to make and are pretty when finished.  I highly recommend them to everyone with a cupcake craving.

Coconut Orange Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. sugar                                             3/4 tsp. salt

2/3 c. vegetable oil                            1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges

2 eggs                                                  1 c. vanilla or white chips

1 c. orange juice                               TOPPING:

3 c. flour                                              1 c. flaked coconut

1 Tbs. baking powder                        1/3 c. sugar

1 tsp. baking soda                             2 Tbs. butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs and orange juice; mix well.  Combine dry ingredients; stir into orange juice mixture just until moistened.  Fold in drained oranges (I cut in half) and chips.  Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.  Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over cupcakes.  Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Yields 2 dozen

Source: allrecipes.com

Wax On, Wax Off

A couple months ago my husband and I were watching TV and the new Karate Kid preview came on.  I didn’t think twice about it but when the preview ended my husband said “we are definitely going to see that.”  I laughed thinking he was joking but then I realized he was completely serious.  He told me how The Karate Kid was his childhood and how he did all the moves and wore the outfits.  A couple days ago we went and saw the new Karate Kid with Jaden Smith and I actually really liked it.  I am just waiting for a remake of “Punky Brewster” so I can relive my childhood too.

I Love The 90's

In my work I am constantly going down memory lane, albeit someone else’s lane, nonetheless I guess you could say I'm living in the past.  While sorting through many old photos I can’t help but laugh at things we used to wear, listen to and do.  Take a ride with me and lets remember some of the best the 90’s had to offer (they are all links so you can delve deeper into memory lane if needed).

Scrunchies – Why?!  My friend wears a scrunchie at night; she says it doesn’t rip her hair out like an elastic does – come on. 

Kris Kross – “daddy mac’ll make you, Jump Jump”

Saved by the Bell – Taught me all my teen lessons like don’t take pills to help you study.  “I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so…scared,” deep stuff.

Doc Martins – they were so heavy, I’d drag my feet for a month until I got used to them.

Biker shorts – no one looked good in these but we sure did love them.

Titanic – I don’t even want to admit how many times I saw this movie.  It’s embarrassing.

Bob Ross – I used to watch him paint “happy trees” every Saturday morning

Ace of Base – I remember making up dances to “I Saw the Sign”

Cool Runnings – “Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up it’s bobsled time” (said in a Jamaican accent)

John Stockton’s short shorts – I think basketball should go back to short shorts, doesn’t everyone?

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – “In west Philadelphia born and raised…”

Scrapbooking Class: Date Changed

The date of my next scrapbooking class has been changed to:

Thursday, September 16^th   2-4 pm

Click here for all the details.

White

I pulled these pictures from my design file (I keep a file full of styles, mood, color and just anything that inspires me).  I find that many of the designs I’ve torn out of magazines have a lot of white in them.  I am drawn to the airy, open, refreshing feel of white and think that the absence of color is a really bold statement when done right.  I’m a little sad because I don’t know how realistic this design aesthetic is when you have kids…I’m guessing not so good.  But don’t you just want to be in these rooms, sipping ginger ale and feeling the afternoon breeze on your face?  Oh – is that just me, figures?!