Life on Lee Avenue

Layout In Progress

 

Right now I am in the middle of making a layout. The layout is inspired by the documentary Bully, which highlights peer-to-peer violence in American schools. As watched the movie, my heart grew heavy. As a new mom I became scared with the realization that there will come time when Rowan will not be in my care 24/7. Middle school can be an awful time. Kids can be mean; Friends can make all the difference. With all thesse thoughts and emotions in mind, I came home and I found the above quote on Pinterest. I will incorporate it into my journaling. I just thought I would give you a peek into my scrapping process. Sometimes movies inspired me to tell a story.

Have you seen Bully? What did you think?

Happy Thursday! 

What She Wore : May 2012

Can you tell that vibrant colours are in for spring? You almost have to wear sunglasses to see those rainbow pants in person. Seriously. 

 Also, would you believe me if I told you that these are are just three out of the fourteen outfits my mom brought back from her vacation? It looks like someone is benefiting from being the first grandchild. Lucky us!

I love that Rowan's shining personality as well as her chubby cheeks and legs are on display in the middle photo! 

This month, all of Rowan's clothes are from Carter's.

Happy Wednesday!

Project Life : Week 18

For those keeping track, I have skipped Week 17, also know as Week In the Life. I have an idea of what I would like to do, but no time do it. Perhaps I need another weekend away to finish. Does that sound good to you, Megan?  :) Here is a look at this week's full page spread: 

Left side: 

Right side:  

Two thoughts come to mind when I look at this week. First, I love that there is lots of journaling. Lots of words means there is lots of story goodness. Second, I love that the layout is pink and girly. Havig Rowan has really helped me to embrace all the pink embellishments in my stash. As always, I continue to use Instagram photos and Martha Stewart Labels.  Stories documented this week include: what Rowan wore; tickets from our trip to the AGO to see the Picasso exhibit; celebrating cousing Micki's 5th birthday party; thoughts about maternity leave and returning to work and Rowan developing teeth. 

Supplies used: 

InLinkz.com

Thanks for looking!

Happy Tuesday!

Layout: Dear Mom

For this month's Simple Scrapper template, I decided to pay tribute to my mom. Unfortunately, it seems that I always have more ideas than completed pages when it comes to my mom. But I am happy to say, I'm working on it, thanks to Jennifer S Wilson's well balanced design!. Here is a look at my full page: 

Journaling:

Since becoming a mother, I am beginning to realize and appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for Rachel and I. Thank you for being our cheerleader, cook and chauffeur. Thank you for your patience and open heart. Most of all thank you, for being you.

Supplies Used: 

InLinkz.com

The journaling was inspired by words that I wrote to my mom in her Mother's Day card. This isn't your typical Mother's Day layout. The colour scheme of orange, yellow, brown and green almost remind me of Thanksgiving. Regardless, I am pleased with the result. 

Want more information about the Simple Scrapper Preminum Membership? Check out the website here. 

Thanks for looking!

Happy Monday!

Five on Friday

 

I have been spending a lot of time in the garden these past two weeks. After Rowan goes to bed, I head out to the backyard to weed and prune. I don't have much of a green thumb, so I hope all this effort will pay off.   

 

I loved listening to Toni Morrison on Q yesterday. Incredibly articulate and private, I enjoyed hearing her perspective on life and being a writer. Perhaps, her new book, Home, will be one of the three books I decide to read this summer. 

 

This week, Rowan has graduated to lying on the floor instead of sitting in the bouncy chair when I am showering. In a matter of 3 minutes she turns herself 360 degrees. Crawling is in her near future....and we are in so much trouble! 

 

Reality show confession: I missed the American Idol finale. Yup, both episodes !?! Instead of watching Phil Phillips win,  I was catching up on Project Life. Maybe subconsciously, I was protesting the fact that Josh was voted off. I still get goosebumps when he sings this song.   

 

 

 

Today, I am headed to Ikea. The plan: to add some sparkle to our patio with these lights. Also, plan#2, avoid the crowds at all costs. Baby + Crowded Ikea does not make for a happy Mama!

 

Have a great weekend!

Summer Manifesto

 

Tea at Langdon Hall

I'm not the sorta of lady who "lunches". In fact, I feel like a slightly awkward 17 year old most of the time. But that feeling briefly subsided this weekend when I dressed up and went for tea at Langdon Hall sans bebe. Seriously, I could get use to clean coordinating clothes, crisp white linen napkins and ridiculously delicious bit sized scones. Oh and did I mention the finger sandwiches, loose leaf tea and 10 different selections of sweet and savoury desserts? My waistline is still recovering. 

So how does a new mother come to find herself child free and sipping copious amounts of tea all afternoon? My mother-in-law was celebrating a very special birthday. You know, the kinda birthday that one celebrates in grand style.... and grand style we did it.  

Thanks to my wonderfully organized sister-in-law, who coordinated the outing, we had a lovely afternoon of adult conversation admits a perfectly landscaped backdrop. Not only does Langdon Hall serve high tea, it is also a hotel and spa. So will I go again? You bet. Next time may include tea and a facial....and not necessarily in that order.  

Happy Wednesday!

Two Years

So it's official. I have been blogging for two years. Two years ago today, I wrote and uploaded my first post. In the beginning it took me a whole weekend to figure out how to upload a picture; but, now as you can see, I am writing html code and redesigning my online space. 

I was inspired when Ali commented on a layout I made on this episode the Paperclipping Roundtable. The comment occured around 34:34 of the recording. I may or may not have listened to this episode over and over again. I can remember walking Charlie in the dog park and smiling uncontrollably, thinking "She's talking about me! Ali Edwards is talking about my layout!" She made me believe I had something worthwhile to share. Eh Viola!  A blog was born. 

Moving forward, there is so much more I would like to accomplish. The ultimate goal would be to increase my readership and open my blog up for sponsors. Here are some specific goals I have for the next year: 

1. To post regularly. I'm talking five days a week, Monday to Friday. I always want to consider if the post I'm writing is one that I would like to read on blogs I frequent.   

2. Simplify the design of my blog. I have started to do this thanks to this workshop. I hope to add more graphics and tabs on my sidebar, so you, the readers, can easily access the content I have already written.  

3. To above all else, have fun! I must remember that "good enough" is better than perfection. When this isn't enjoyable, I need to step back and relax. 

So this is a start. We will see how I do in 6 months! 

But above all else, I just want to say: 

Happy Victoria Day!

Whether you are drinking tea, celebrating Prince Charles' visit or watching fireworks I hope you have a great holiday Monday!

Five on Friday

1. This sweet girl has taken to rolling all over her crib all the time. It has shaken up our nap and bedtime routines. Oh my!

2. Today I am wishing my dear friend / sista / fellow scrapbooker, Megan, a very happy birthday!

3. I am looking forward to buying and downloading the new Cold Specks album on Tuesday. There song Blank Maps is stuck in my head and is hauntingly beautiful.  I am super excited to see them open for Great Lake Swimmers in June. 

4. Hello Grilling Season!  This week we used the BBQ for the first time since last summer. We ate grilled sausages with kale. Next up, I would love to make these skewars. 

5. I am looking forward to spending the Victoria Day long weekend with my family. The plans: celebrating a 60th birthday, drinks with friends on a patio and working in the garden.  

To all my Canadian friends, Happy Safe Long Weekend!