ink blots: journal class recap

htt













I wanted to do a little review of sorts of the last journal class I took, called Ink Blots, by Elaine of Glow in the Dark Soul. The photos above are a few of my favorite pages from the class.  The first one is a pic I took of the winnings I received from the second class giveaway.  The second one is the cover of my journal, which is covered in a freehand chevron design done with paint marker.  I love how it turned out!  And the last page is the inside of the cover.  Probably my favorite page inspired by this class.  I definitely favor the "scrapbook" style pages over the pen & ink ones, although I am learning that my doodles will never be perfected if I don't practice (which is why the next class I take....Janel's 30 day journal challenge, I will be doing only in ink).

Elaine was an awesome teacher, and I was so inspired by all the creative girls in the class.  I can't wait to hear more about her next class!!  It was so much fun.   :)  Plus, she is totally cute (I love her style!) and you should check out her blog cause she's a neat lady.

friday favorites

 * skirts with pockets!! (like this one found here)

 * road trip journals to chronicle your awesome summer travels! (found on this scrapbooking blog)

* homemade pretzels....yes please.  (find this recipe here)

* these adorable dinosaur planters from plaid pigeon

* pyrex.  isn't this aqua collection amazing?! (found via *pyrex*pixie*)

i heart Emma Pillsbury.

Ever since they put Glee on Netflix instant stream, the girls and I have been glued to the screen.  We are total gleeks now......<3 it!  My favorite character is Sue Sylvester Emma.  I love her red hair.  I love her cute OCD.  I love her crush on Will.  And, I love her wardrobe.  I mean, how adorable is this?!.....

If I had lots of expendable income, and a job that allowed me to look cute, I would so rock Emma's style.  There is a whole website dedicated to helping Emma wannabes find her fabulous wardrobe choices.  Think cardigans, sweater clips, "insane" bow blouses, pencil skirts, and round toe heels........ah.

ink blots

 If you take a peek at my sidebar, you will find a link to the new journal class I just signed up for, called ink blots.  It starts tomorrow & I'm sooo excited.  I'm so ready to start journaling again.  It's so therapeutic.  Just the very act of picking up a marker/pencil/pen/paint brush & putting it to paper makes me happy.  I bought washi tape online (for the first time ever! eep!!), ordered a few hand carved stamps (will do a separate supplies post), and got a new moleskine sketchbook.  It's nice to have a place to go to talk to other crafty girls, to get inspired, and have daily prompts.  The first assignment, "Lesson 0: Teacher's Pet", is the one you see above.  We were to journal what we hoped to get out of this class.  I think the best part about taking a class like this, if not meeting/interacting with great girls, is the positivity.  The online creative community has a way of making you feel excited about the littlest things, which is so nice in this negative world we live in.  After a rough day, we can come home & soothe the mind/spirit with colors, and happy imagery.  There are no rules & no one to please but yourself.  The nicest & most supportive group of girls live online (well part time anyway!  ;) .....and I can't wait to get messy & make something pretty with them!

Oh, Nutella.

 ...it all started when I asked Lilly what she wanted for breakfast for her birthday.  "Nutella pancakes?," is what I knew she would say, but then, I didn't get it.  Now I do.  I totally do.  I always assumed that I wouldn't like it.  I've had hazelnut coffee, and thought it was super disgusting, so why would I like a hazelnut spread??  I'll tell you why; because it tastes like frosting.  The kind of chocolate frosting you would expect if Jesus handed you a cupcake.  Oh.  My. God.  Well, needless to say, a jar of it always remains in the cupboard (half empty).  Even KC loves it.  If you haven't tried it yet, you should.  You can justify it as being "good for you", because it has nuts in it.  Right?  Well, the package is pretty if nothing else.  Did I mention that it tastes like chocolate frosting?

dear Spring, i Love you.

Have you guys been LOVING it?!  All that snow this Winter has made such lush and floral trees this Spring.  They are absolutely gorgeous!  And the rain.......such vibrant hues & intoxicating smells.  I just adore taking walks in this lovely season, sprinkles or sunshine.  Get out and enjoy it before it gets too hot! xoxo.

do they make hello kitty sewing machines?

...yes they do!