tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73594490800323718472024-03-13T06:26:25.799-05:00Without FiltersMAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.comBlogger664125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-87770200851695195452014-01-25T05:49:00.001-06:002014-01-25T05:49:25.846-06:00True Scrap Pocket Pages is TODAY!!Today is the True Scrap Pocket Pages event and I have a special offer for you!!!<br />
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Save $90 on your True Scrap Pocket Pages registration by using coupon code ASAP90 at checkout. You'll get all six classes, plus replays, plus discounts for only $59.<br />
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Here is a little sneak of one of my layouts I share in the class, KISS: Keep It Simple, Scrappy! Simplifying the Pocket Page Process". Remember, this is truly a response to the question I posed to myself of how do I keep scrapbooking in my life as my free time continues to diminish.<br />
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I hope you join me! Register <a href="http://www.truescrap.com/pockets">HERE</a> - my class goes live at 2PM CST :)<br />
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<br />MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-63900967825648215172013-11-30T07:25:00.000-06:002013-11-30T07:25:05.994-06:00True Scrap Pocket Pages Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vox89WTID9s/UpnfBTXpMuI/AAAAAAAAH4c/RSaxcUT16P0/s1600/TSPP+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vox89WTID9s/UpnfBTXpMuI/AAAAAAAAH4c/RSaxcUT16P0/s640/TSPP+logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been keeping a secret for a few months and am so excited to finally announce that I am an instructor in the True Scrap Pocket Pages class on January 25th. This class will be full of inspiration for Project Lifers and all Pocket Page Scrapbookers. </div>
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Right now you are able to register for $100 off the registration price of $147 through Cyber Monday. </div>
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<a href="http://www.truescrap.com/pocket/">Click here to find your way to the registration page, a message from Lain and an overview of all the classes offered. </a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbOQX7fYx5M/UpnmNFbFadI/AAAAAAAAH4s/HNzjn300naQ/s1600/Monica+McNeill+Products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbOQX7fYx5M/UpnmNFbFadI/AAAAAAAAH4s/HNzjn300naQ/s640/Monica+McNeill+Products.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
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My class is "KISS: Keep It Simple, Scrappy! Simplifying the Pocket Page Process" and is truly a response to the question I posed to myself of how do I keep scrapbooking in my life as my free time continues to diminish. I hope you join me!!</div>
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Monica</div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-53110388483641042052013-11-26T12:10:00.001-06:002013-11-26T12:10:36.163-06:00Big Picture Classes: Picture the Holidays Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euHGPbgLwz8/UpTimOeb1oI/AAAAAAAAH20/nEx9Mm2bmNU/s1600/BPC+Pic+Holiday++banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euHGPbgLwz8/UpTimOeb1oI/AAAAAAAAH20/nEx9Mm2bmNU/s1600/BPC+Pic+Holiday++banner.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">My friends at </span><a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" target="_self">Big Picture Classes</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"> have offered a seat in photographer </span><a href="http://traceyclark.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" target="_self">Tracey Clark</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">'s upcoming class for me to giveaway to one of my readers. Tracey Clark is the author of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Everyday-Photographic-Picturing-Motherhood/dp/0240821092" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" target="_self">Elevate the Everyday</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"> and someone that I admire in the industry. Her photographs are full of heart and she will inspire you with prompts and photographs through the month of December. You can read a little more about the class below. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">As we approach Thanksgiving in the United States I want to express my gratitude for your encouragement and support as I started my photography business in 2013. As a subscriber to my newsletter you will be automatically entered in this giveaway. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">If you are not already subscribed to my newsletter all you have to do is click </span><a href="http://eepurl.com/JyFav" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" target="_self">here</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">The giveaway is open through Thursday, November 28th and I will announce a winner on my Facebook page, </span><a href="http://facebook.com/monicamcneillphotography" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" target="_self">Monica McNeill Photography</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">, on Friday, November 29th. If you aren't already following my photography page I would love to have you "Like" me over there. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGs7NAFCzE4/UpTivc7fbgI/AAAAAAAAH28/Zu2_Kc9WnNg/s1600/BPC+Pic+Holiday+image+tree+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGs7NAFCzE4/UpTivc7fbgI/AAAAAAAAH28/Zu2_Kc9WnNg/s1600/BPC+Pic+Holiday+image+tree+lights.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Picture the Holidays with Tracey Clark</strong><br />
<em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Another 31 Days of Festive Photography with Tracey Clark</em><br />
<a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/picture-the-holidays.php" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/picture-the-holidays.php</a><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">12/01/2013 $36.00</span><br />
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<strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">About the Class</strong><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Spend this December taking inspired, artful photographs of the world around you, during the most wonderful time of the year. </span><em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Picture the Holidays</em><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"> has been </span><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">reframed and refreshed</strong><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"> for 2013, with new prompts and new pictures to help you creatively and mindfully celebrate this season of joy!</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">This 31-day workshop, from photographer and author Tracey Clark, is the perfect remedy for the holiday hustle.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Every morning, you'll receive a seasonal photo prompt that will not only inspire your inner photographer, but will also encourage you to take a few moments to yourself to get creatively centered before the day's festivities begin. Inside the classroom, you'll also find a class creed, holiday photography tip sheet, live blog, active student gallery, and supportive classroom message board.</span><br />
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<strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Learn more and </strong><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/picture-the-holidays.php" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">register here</a></strong><br />
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MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-14729430789500886002013-08-08T16:11:00.003-05:002013-08-08T16:16:14.624-05:00Hello there Gina and the rest of you still out there listening...My last two comments have been from <a href="http://ginathies.blogspot.com/">Gina</a> who has so kindly asked about the boys, requesting pictures and updates like old friends do, despite the fact we've never met. She is a sweet online friend who I believe has been checking in on this space of mine I would dare say from almost the beginning. <br />
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So for Gina and the rest of you who somehow haven't given up on me despite my silence I wanted to say hello there. <br />
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The boys are doing great. We are doing great. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/9400951376/" title="20130729-IMG_4874.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130729-IMG_4874.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9400951376_b8b086efab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We are gearing up for school where Garrett will be going into 3rd grade and the littles will be going back to their school. For the first time they have all spent the summer at home with a sitter and I'm ready for us to get back to our normal, it's what we know. </div>
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It seems as though summer strips away all routine which is wonderful but a bit tricky when heading into the office is still steeped in routine. </div>
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Travis is soon to be 16 months and his personality is beginning to surface. I daresay we may have another Garrett on our hands. His first year of life challenged me and I struggled with being my best self which had me this year focusing on finding my happy. I think I'm finding my way. </div>
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Owen at three is our glue. He bonds everything surrounding him. He is this curious creature of all or nothing, a character trait I find often in myself. He endears and frustrates all the same and it makes me love him even more. </div>
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Garrett is allowing me to turn the camera to him more these days and it makes my heart happy. I seem to walk this line with him of capturing and sharing him with the same passion I do the littles but all the while respecting the fact that he is coming into his own and much of his life is not for me to share. But there is no doubt he has my heart and we definitely celebrate him privately. </div>
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While I've been silent in this space I have been showing up more in my life lately. </div>
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Photography and storytelling have been long time passions of mine and I have just recently decided to truly live with my whole heart and begin a photography business. I am slowly and purposefully building a portfolio and client base and I feel so alive. I'm exhausted but I am so happy. </div>
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I don't want to let go of this space, it was the beginning, so I'm working through how to be present here. Today is a start. Today I say <em><strong>hello there</strong></em>. </div>
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Monica </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you would like to follow my photography journey I have carved out a space for myself on Facebook and fingers crossed will have a website up and running within the next few weeks. For now you can find me at </span></em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/monicamcneillphotography"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.facebook.com/monicamcneillphotography</span></em></a></div>
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MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-47761508970189127222013-07-01T10:57:00.001-05:002013-07-01T10:57:26.672-05:00Hello Story Giveaway WinnerAnd the winner of a seat in Hello Story is.......<br />
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<dt id="c3039752516771251118" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #202020; cursor: pointer; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/18.18px arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.25em; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: nowrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="Blogger" class="comment-icon blogger-comment" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" style="background-image: url("http://www.blogger.com/img/cmt/comment_sprite.gif"); background-position: -45px -117px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px currentColor; height: 16px; width: 16px;" /><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09541560363579770471" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;">cool-E-baby</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>said...</dt><br />
<dd style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #202020; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/18px arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">I'd like to tell the stories of the vacations my husband and I took before we had kids.</div><div class="comment-timestamp" style="display: inline-block; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">June 25, 2013 at 4:38 PM</div></dd><br />
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Please send me an email at withoutfilters(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your seat in class. <br />
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Thanks,<br />
Monica MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-61331741102654779012013-06-25T14:44:00.002-05:002013-06-25T14:45:50.551-05:00Hello Story Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yK2vqhwGCoY/UcnrRR9RMvI/AAAAAAAAEvA/E5Fj75vxRl8/s1600/BPC+HS+banner+with+Ali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yK2vqhwGCoY/UcnrRR9RMvI/AAAAAAAAEvA/E5Fj75vxRl8/s1600/BPC+HS+banner+with+Ali.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7JMO1R_HKo/UcnvW6-lpbI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/aiwFyplUKhk/s1600/BPC+HS+image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I7JMO1R_HKo/UcnvW6-lpbI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/aiwFyplUKhk/s1600/BPC+HS+image+2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello there! I know its been awhile since I've posted and I have lots of thoughts on that <em><strong>but</strong></em> today I want to share something fun that I am excited about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been waiting for the calendar to turn to July because I've registered for Ali Edwards new class, Hello Story, at Big Picture Classes and it starts July 8th! I haven't made a traditional layout in a really long time and am looking forward to this class nudging me in that direction a little more. Also, Ali always delivers amazing content. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what is even greater is that my friends at Big Picture Classes are letting me giveaway a seat in Ali's class! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling me a story that you have not told yet but want to. Comments will be open until Sunday, June 30th and I will pick a winner on Monday morning.</span> <br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hello Story is </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-highlight: white;"><a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/hello-story.php">12 weeks of creativestorytelling techniques with Ali Edwards</a>. The class runs from July 8th to September 29th 2013.</span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #2e2d2b; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white;">What's your story? This summer, say hello to a dozen fun strategies for sharing more of your words, and more of yourself, on your scrapbook pages.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #2e2d2b; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white;">In her new 12-week workshop, Hello Story, Ali Edwards will introduce you to 12 storytelling techniques—never-before-seen in her prior journaling workshops—that will bring creativity and clarity to both your writing and your page designs. Every week, you get to sit over Ali's shoulder and watch her transform her story ideas into timeless, authentic, story-rich scrapbook pages.</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #2e2d2b; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white;">Through dozens of in-depth videos that cover storytelling and design ideas as well as 36+ exclusive layout examples from Ali (12" x 12" and 8 1/2" x 11" layouts, plus Project Life inserts), Hello Story will inspire you to take action and give you the tools you need to tell your own stories with confidence. </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #2e2d2b; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white;">Are you ready to discover (or rediscover) the fun that comes from the interplay of design and words? By the end of class, you may even enjoy the writing process just as much as you love taking photos and playing with paint and paper!</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can read the rest of description </span></em><a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/hello-story.php"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and here is a 12 minute video from Stacy Julian herself and a snippet of Ali's class video.</span></em> </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/67423814" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>New to Big Picture Classes? Learn more</em></span><a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/howitworks.php"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> here</em></span></a></span></div>
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MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-65659090020572661322013-04-17T22:35:00.000-05:002013-04-17T22:35:20.032-05:00Wordless Wednesday: And Now He Is One<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8658840295/" title="20130416-IMG_2474.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130416-IMG_2474.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8658840295_21f072dd89_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-55075249637026679372013-03-23T06:29:00.002-05:002013-03-23T06:30:02.815-05:00A Thank You, A Confession and A Winner<b><i>Thank you</i> </b>to everyone who made a contribution to Garrett's fund raising efforts for Jump Rope for Hearts.We are so proud so that he raised $460 for the American Heart Association.<br />
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This week I was dropping him off at school when I learned from his P.E. teacher that Garrett was the top fundraiser in his school. The sheepish smile on his face made me <i><b>very glad</b></i> that in the middle of a very busy season for me at work and perpetual state of chaos at home I didn't dismiss his relentless reminders to let him go to neighbors & family to ask for donations. I am glad that I didn't let setting up his online donation page fall off my to-do list. Because you see, I was this close to blowing it all off.<br />
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Life is crazy and there are always a dozen things that are top of mind that I will do <i>when I get a minute</i> and in the course of a day I would guess at least 11 of those never get done. I am very glad that, albeit at the last minute, I let this small little thing to me that was very important to him get done.<br />
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And now Garrett has picked a winner......<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8573908365/" title="20130319-IMG_0190-Edit.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130319-IMG_0190-Edit.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8573908365_d997ea912d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jayne I'll be in touch!! Thank you again everyone and especially <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/">Becky Higgins</a> for donating this prize!</div>
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Monica</div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-47251135752776301402013-03-06T21:08:00.002-06:002013-03-06T21:08:40.677-06:00Because She Rocks...<a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/">Becky Higgins</a> has generously donated a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=becky+higgins+project+life+big+pack&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abecky+higgins+project+life+big+pack">Big Pack of Photo Pocket Pages</a> for me to give away to one of my readers as a special <i><b>thank you</b></i> for helping my son Garrett raise money for the American Heart Association.<br />
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Just in case you missed it here is his post from last night.<br />
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Hi! My name is Garrett.<br />
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There are kids with sick hearts and they need our help. So let's raise money and make a change. Please watch my video.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xo5DifLnhm8" width="640"></iframe><br />
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Thank You! Garrett<br />
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If you choose to make a donation I would love for you to leave a comment and on Friday morning I will randomly choose a winner of a Big Pack of Photo Pocket Pages of their choice. Right now <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Pocket-Pages-Pack-Design/dp/B005TYRHIA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362624042&sr=8-1&keywords=becky+higgins+project+life+big+pack">Design A</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Pocket-Pages-Variety-Pack/dp/B005TYUDMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362624957&sr=8-2&keywords=becky+higgins+project+life+big+pack">Variety Pack 1</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Pocket-Pages-Variety-Pack/dp/B006VOUJUU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362625003&sr=8-3&keywords=becky+higgins+project+life+big+pack">Variety Pack 2</a> are available at Amazon.<br />
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Since this will be shipped from Amazon I'm only able to offer this opportunity to those in the United States. Also, don't forget to leave your email so I will be able to contact you!<br />
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Thanks so much for helping where you can. Garrett has almost doubled his goal but his school still has a <a href="http://jumpswa.kintera.org/faf/teams/groupTeamList.asp?ievent=1036369&tlteams=5257586">large gap to fill in order to reach their goal </a>and every dollar helps.<br />
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Here is Garrett's donation page - <a href="http://jumpswa.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1036369&supid=378576496">Jump Rope for Heart</a>. I'm off to snuggle that cute boy in the video.<br />
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Monica </div>
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MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-32779356162733325612013-03-05T21:47:00.000-06:002013-03-06T08:32:31.195-06:00A Message From GarrettHi! My name is Garrett.<br />
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There are kids with sick hearts and they need our help. So let's raise money and make a change. Please watch my video.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xo5DifLnhm8" width="640"></iframe><br />
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Thank You! Garrett<br />
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And a message from Garrett's Mama - Thank you for taking time to watch Garrett's video. If you are so inclined he would very much appreciate it if you made a donation towards his $100 goal on his Fundraising Page by Friday, March 8th.<br />
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<i>ETA: Last night I forgot to add the link to the donation page! You can find his fundraising page here <a href="http://jumpswa.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1036369&supid=378576496">Jump Rope for Heart</a>. </i><br />
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This takes me back to <a href="http://withoutfilters.blogspot.com/2009/08/hello-sweet-friends.html">2009 when we raised $415 and provided 1,660 meals for the North Texas Food Bank</a>. Love that he sees generosity in action and believes he can make a difference. <br />
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Thanks for stopping by today.<br />
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Monica</div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-5490094808933759822013-03-01T06:57:00.000-06:002013-03-01T06:57:46.988-06:00Project Life 2013: Week Four<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388826846/" title="Project Life 2013 Banner by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Project Life 2013 Banner" height="152" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8388826846_28b22136af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello there and welcome to March!! This week and the next few are going to be insane busy for me and I predict appearances here will be few and far between. I have two major deadlines line on March 15th. The first is work related with this deadline being my first real push of the year and the second is for my son's elementary school. I committed to donating a quilt to our school auction and I have to have the top pieced by the 15th so I can hand it off to my dear friend Michelle.<br />
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She is a crazy talented quilter and is donating the actual quilting for the top that I'm piecing. I am a lucky girl to be surrounded by girlfriends who follow their dreams and Michelle is at the top of that list. She has recently opened up a sewing lounge, <a href="http://urbanspools.com/">Urban Spools</a>, in Dallas where she offers classes, open sew times and yes, she also quilts for others.<br />
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So between the two deadlines I've actually put up all my Project Life materials. Insert sad face.<br />
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Without further ado, here is week four. Yes, I know I'm behind. Not stressing about it though because this year I'm using a great notebook which eventually I will blog about here :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496969852/" title="20130221-IMG_9512.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9512.jpg" height="306" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8496969852_1994b9db3c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Week Four has a lot of text on pictures. In order for it to be a design element in the overall week I followed a consistent format of Category // Detail. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496970316/" title="20130221-IMG_9515.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9515.jpg" height="630" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8496970316_eec82f3287_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kinda loving the way the week in review card disappears into the week. Trying to be better about using my stamps to add just a little something to my 3x4 cards.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496971200/" title="20130221-IMG_9519.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9519.jpg" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8496971200_479731e324_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496971734/" title="20130221-IMG_9522.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9522.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8496971734_c5cfa52e83_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm struggling a little bit this year with the feeling that there is not enough variety in the kits that I'm using. So I try to be careful to pick 3x4 cards that are a variety of the colors and make sure I don't use too many cards that have the same words repeated. I think it comes down to balance and I end up spending the last 10 minutes I work on a layout shuffling around my 3x4 cards with this in mind. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496970748/" title="20130221-IMG_9516.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9516.jpg" height="620" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8496970748_6cf84d567c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I received a question about how I add text on my 4x6 photos. If I figure out how to capture video of my screen I'll add a post walking you through but until then I wanted to offer this simple tip.</div>
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Before I add the text I crop my picture to 4x6 at 300 ppi. Once I do this I don't have any problems with my text being too small on the picture. Generally I like to keep my text size no bigger than 12pt. If you find that when you add text it is too small to see or you are bumping up the size to 72pt, etc to be able to read it your picture file size is likely to large. Cropping it before you add text should solve your problem. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496975302/" title="20130221-IMG_9532.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9532.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8496975302_c78c88fcd1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please note I don't save my pictures at this size. Currently I have a two step process. I am using Lightroom 4 primarily for the editing of my pictures. Lightroom saves your edited version in addition to the original. I LOVE that it does this automatically. </div>
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Then I choose to edit in Photoshop where I crop and add a text or digital brush. I do not save this version at all. I've been shooting in RAW and I am simply trying to conserve memory on my laptop. I have not found an instance where I wish I had saved this version. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8495871347/" title="20130221-IMG_9533.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9533.jpg" height="321" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8495871347_2c62b441f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a good example of struggling with too many repeating elements / colors. I love this baby blue but I'm afraid it becomes too much if large blocks are together. With these two cards I made a conscience choice to place these two cards together because the explore card was primarily white with just a hint of the blue. </div>
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Another repeated element are arrows, which I love. But I struggle when I look at the layout and find 3 arrows pointing in the same direction. I felt that the arrows going in opposite directions helped break up this repeating element. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496972336/" title="20130221-IMG_9523.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9523.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8496972336_bc2dcb9311_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Possibly two of my favorite cards this week. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8495868359/" title="20130221-IMG_9528.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9528.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8495868359_a60dae7dbe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496973768/" title="20130221-IMG_9529.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9529.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8496973768_5e1802e27b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Something new this year is that I'm actually using my iPhone camera as 4x6 pictures and not just for my Instagram pictures. This picture of my son at tennis was an iPhone sneak. We have entered the era of being embarrassed of Mom taking pictures all the time. Sigh. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496974326/" title="20130221-IMG_9530.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9530.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8496974326_c5a40f6cd0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8495870175/" title="20130221-IMG_9531.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9531.jpg" height="346" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8495870175_744dc8d37f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a first for 2013, an insert. I'm really working hard on limiting myself on inserts this year because a) it just goes faster that way & I'm short on time 2) I would really like to only have two volumes or gasp maybe even one for this year. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8495871787/" title="20130221-IMG_9535.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9535.jpg" height="311" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8090/8495871787_1d317ca24f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With that said, I had a series of pictures from Travis' first real trip to the playground that I really wanted to include. So, I kept it very simple and only added journaling in one spot and really let the pictures tell the story. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496976544/" title="20130221-IMG_9537.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9537.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8496976544_8209ab7848_z.jpg" width="423" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496977056/" title="20130221-IMG_9539.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9539.jpg" height="454" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8496977056_09b1c67b3c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8495873209/" title="20130221-IMG_9542.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9542.jpg" height="313" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8495873209_a0e9b07f15_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had to add the daredevil label to Owen's pictures. That kid has no fear. There are a ton of stories I wanted to tell about this playground visit. But I'm <b><i>hoping</i></b> that by keeping things simple in my Project Life album this year I'll have more creative energy to tell those longer stories in full layouts. We'll see :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8496977970/" title="20130221-IMG_9546.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_9546.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8496977970_0e10ecd71e_z.jpg" width="464" /></a><br />
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And that my friends is all I have. I hear the little one stirring so I'm off to get some awesome morning snuggles. Have a wonderful Friday and happy March!!</div>
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Monica</div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Confused by Project Life? Project Life is a back-to-basics approach to memory-keeping created by Becky Higgins. <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/products/what-is-project-life.php" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Read more here</a>. </i> </div>
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MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-15328019265018918482013-02-21T12:22:00.001-06:002013-02-21T12:22:02.453-06:00No Longer a Crock Pot FailureYesterday I posted this picture on Instagram and Facebook with the caption "I finally have a crock pot recipe that is a winner. Feeling so ahead of the game today. Dinner - check!!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8495253094/" title="20130220-IMG_3702.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130220-IMG_3702.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8495253094_3cb4ba0579_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You may not know this but I <strike>am</strike> was a crock pot failure. You say how is that possible but I swear it's true. One of my sweet friends is a professional chef and swears to me, <i>on a regular basis</i>, that cooking is just chemistry. Well, that might explain it. Chemistry & I were not friends in college. <br />
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This sweet friend took pity on my family and gave me the following Slow Cooker Pork Roast recipe. I am here to attest that this is the simplest recipe and 97% Monica proof. <br />
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Why not 100%? Well, the first time I made it I sent her a text asking if I had to defrost the pork or could I just stick it in the crock pot. In case you were wondering, yes it must be defrosted. And then when I made it last night I panicked when I couldn't remember if I was supposed to add salt and pepper. I then decided if it wasn't written I should not do it. Good news, it was the right call. <br />
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Now do you understand how I <strike>am</strike> was a crock pot failure? Moving on...<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Slow Cooker Pot Roast </span></strong><br />
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<strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
2-3 lb pork butt roast<br />
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce<br />
1/2 cup light brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup apple juice<br />
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<strong>Directions</strong><br />
1. Massage pork roast with Worcestershire sauce and then pat the light brown sugar all over. <br />
2. Pour apple juice in slow cooker and set pork roast inside and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8495253312/" title="20130221-IMG_3715.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130221-IMG_3715.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8495253312_ac64fc0234_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love that I can't screw this up. </div>
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I love that it took 10 minutes to put into the crock pot before work. </div>
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I love that my husband who is not a crock pot fan, thinks this is good. </div>
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I love that it is a cheap piece of meat, so my husband tells me. </div>
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I love that I have most of the ingredients in my pantry. </div>
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I love that it reheats well. </div>
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I love that dinner was ready when we all get home. </div>
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Hope you love it too :)</div>
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Monica </div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-8527435032233633922013-02-19T12:17:00.003-06:002013-02-19T12:17:23.307-06:00Project Life: Photographing my Layouts<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388826846/" title="Project Life 2013 Banner by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Project Life 2013 Banner" height="152" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8388826846_28b22136af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ali had a great post a few weeks ago about <a href="http://aliedwards.com/2013/01/photographing-project-life.html">photographing her layouts</a> and it made me think about how I currently photograph my layouts. Over the last three years my process has evolved but I have always photographed them in this room. <br />
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The sunroom is in the back of the house and gets a ton of light thanks to the two skylights. Right before Travis was born we renovated this room by removing three sliding doors and closing off a wall. We now have a <em>private</em> master bedroom, an opening to the living room and a pocket door to the playroom. We also added the white washed wood ceiling and its one of my favorite rooms in my house even though I've not finished decorating it. The plan is to create gallery walls of photographs I've taken but to be honest I'm paralyzed by the enormity of the project. So, I enjoy my clean cream walls for now. Moving on....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455295165/" title="20130206-IMG_8891.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8891.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8455295165_7f82c707e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The first year I photographed my layouts we had these big white chairs, that now live in my <a href="http://www.vintagemodernquilts.com/">dear friends</a> house, that had these great ottomans that were the perfect. I never struggled with color casts because they were on a white backdrop. <br />
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The second year I photographed my layouts I layed them on the red tile floor and constantly struggled with color cast. Not to mention there was a good period of time where I was trying to work around a growing Travis in my belly and the photographs were less than stellar. <br />
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This year I've settled on this corner of the room as the perfect spot for late afternoon photography and have made a few changes. <br />
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<li>I take my layouts out of my binder. In previous years I included several inserts that I had cut down so the layouts wouldn't neccesarily lay flat. </li>
<li>I am removing my photographs and cards from the page protectors and laying them on top of their spot. This is really working well for me since I don't have to fight the glare anymore. </li>
<li>I lay everything on a white piece of foam board. This has vastly improved the color cast issues I was having. </li>
<li>I shoot in manual and tend to over expose when photographing so they can be a bit brighter. </li>
<li>I do a little bit of post processing in Lightroom to get my pictures ready for the blog. The three things I do are crop out the surroundings, bump up the exposure, and adjust the white balance. </li>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8456391806/" title="20130206-IMG_8889.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8889.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8456391806_6cc925606f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Add in racing home before the light is gone, trying to keep the dogs from running across my layout, or little hands from picking up pictures, or busy feet from climbing the ladder and you pretty much have my process of photographing my Project Life layouts. </div>
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If you have any questions just let me know! Thanks for reading. </div>
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Monica </div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-4579682278700851892013-02-14T19:44:00.001-06:002013-02-14T19:45:41.992-06:00Project Life: Sharing a Few 3x4 Cards<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388826846/" title="Project Life 2013 Banner by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Project Life 2013 Banner" height="152" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8388826846_28b22136af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello friends! Today I'm trying something new and I'm sharing a few printable 3x4 cards that I've used in my own Project Life this year.<br />
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The first card is the "Cry It Out" card that I used in <a href="http://withoutfilters.blogspot.com/2013/02/project-life-2013-week-two.html">week two</a>. You can download a PDF of the j<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">ournaling card</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125010471/Cry-It-Out-3x4-Journaling-Card" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">here</a>. The PDF is centered on a 8.5x11 page and is shown with crop marks. You can choose to round the corners or not.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8472404997/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="Cry It Out by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Cry It Out" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8472404997_a8fb0173ea_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455290777/" title="20130206-IMG_8876.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8876.jpg" height="510" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8455290777_5df35dc8a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm also sharing my card that had a snippet of the lyrics to the Lumineers song I Belong With You that was used in <a href="http://withoutfilters.blogspot.com/2013/02/project-life-2013-week-three.html">week three</a>. The download can be found <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/125032780/I-Belong-to-You-Lyrics-Journaling-Card" style="text-align: center;">here</a> and similar to the other card the PDF is centered on a 8.5x11 page and is shown with crop marks. You can choose to round the corners or not.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8473494708/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="I Belong to You Lyrics by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="I Belong to You Lyrics" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8473494708_a572071644_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8467277804/" title="20130211-IMG_9149.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9149.jpg" height="371" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8467277804_37938d26f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you have any problems please let me know since this is the first time I try something like this!</div>
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Monica</div>
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MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-16783390434039877862013-02-13T23:28:00.000-06:002013-02-13T23:28:20.222-06:00Wordless Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8471882273/" title="20130208-IMG_8966.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130208-IMG_8966.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8471882273_887d4708d5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ellie is a good girl, <i>so say</i> the McNeill boys. </div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-51679977758043954812013-02-12T23:25:00.000-06:002013-02-12T23:25:08.701-06:00Project Life 2013: Week Three<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388826846/" title="Project Life 2013 Banner by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Project Life 2013 Banner" height="152" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8388826846_28b22136af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With a project this big its going to happen. You are not going to love every week. I struggled putting this week together but in the end it is exactly what it is meant to be a snapshot of our life and that is perfect.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8467456100/" title="20130211-IMG_9139.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9139.jpg" height="317" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8467456100_ab411a7c23_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm really enjoying the small week in review card this year. The stamp I'm using is from <a href="http://reavespartyofthree.blogspot.com/">Nicole Reaves</a> Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PromptShop">Prompt</a>. Unfortunately it looks like its no longer for sale but there are several other cute alternatives. Looks like I may have some shopping to do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8467456448/" title="20130211-IMG_9143.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9143.jpg" height="618" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8467456448_01a079e359_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've always admired the combination of letter stickers and printed text on a picture. Loving the simple graphic impact. The geotag symbol is a brush from <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/">Studio Calico</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466361861/" title="20130211-IMG_9150.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9150.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8466361861_7fb81af2ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the first time I've really tried a longer block of text on a photograph but I think the shadow lent itself to a journaling spot. More importantly I'm really glad to get this part of my life documented. Nursing / Pumping is such a huge part of the first year of my boys lives that for the most part has gone undocumented until now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466362189/" title="20130211-IMG_9151.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9151.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8466362189_de21fd500b_z.jpg" width="629" /></a></div>
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Tried my hand again at designing a simple 3x4 journaling card. It's not fancy but I like it and later this week will have available as a download for anyone interested.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8467277804/" title="20130211-IMG_9149.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9149.jpg" height="371" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8467277804_37938d26f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This week I tried to use more of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Project-Life-Core-Kit-Seafoam/dp/B0095YYP94/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1360732976&sr=1-1&keywords=seafoam+project+life">Seafoam</a> journaling cards without much extra embellishment.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8467456790/" title="20130211-IMG_9144.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9144.jpg" height="635" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8467456790_0c77537885_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love this brush from Studio Calico and it was perfect for the picture of the baby. I tried printing my Instagram pictures at essentially 3x3 this week to fill the journaling cards and found I prefer them no larger than 2.5x2.5 for the 3x4 pockets. I think part of what was throwing me off this week was the lack of breathing space in those pockets.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466362797/" title="20130211-IMG_9155.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9155.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8466362797_7bc7ef8c4b_z.jpg" width="531" /></a></div>
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Loved combing the <a href="http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Ali+Edwards+Design&x=0&y=0">Ali Edwards</a> digital brush "The Story of Today" with a larger text box. I took this picture a few days after the um, altercation, and framed it so that I would have some white space to journal on the photograph.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466363161/" title="20130211-IMG_9156.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9156.jpg" height="632" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8466363161_824f6066f8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love these two pockets for the photographs so I kept the journaling very simple. The "documenting your journey" is another Ali Edwards brush.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8467458864/" title="20130211-IMG_9157.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9157.jpg" height="309" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8467458864_3645faaccb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by to look and if you have any questions just let me know. I'll be back later this week with download links for the Cry It Out and I Belong to You 3x4 cards. </div>
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Monica </div>
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<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Confused by Project Life? Project Life is a back-to-basics approach to memory-keeping created by Becky Higgins. <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/products/what-is-project-life.php" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Read more here</a>. </i></div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-43953714061627578882013-02-11T22:44:00.001-06:002013-02-11T22:44:43.199-06:00Preparing for Valentine's DayThis weekend was all about getting ready for Valentine's Day. In a house of boys there isn't too much excitement for the girly happy heart day crafts exploding on Pinterest except of course from me.<br />
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As part of my search for my happy I decided this year I was going to spend just a little extra time on the class valentines for only one reason: crafting makes me happy.<br />
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Making pretty things makes me happy and I was thrilled to have an excuse. I thought I would share with you the three things I made for the boys classes and teachers just in case you are looking for an idea. I would also suggest checking out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/monicamcneill/holiday-valentines/">Valentine's Board on Pinterest</a> for other great ideas.<br />
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First up were very simple mason jars filled with kisses for the teachers. I followed very closely <a href="http://blog.crescendoh.com/crescendo/2011/01/doilies-hearts-tied-on-jars-with-strings-tutorial-diy.html">this project</a> found on the blog <a href="http://crescendoh.com/">Crescendoh.com</a>.<br />
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I think these are adorable and truly were a snap to put together. My biggest struggle has been to not eat all of the kisses we bought to fill the jars.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466167145/" title="20130207-IMG_8898.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130207-IMG_8898.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8466167145_fd3d2785f2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466167695/" title="20130207-IMG_8899.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130207-IMG_8899.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8466167695_dffba81182_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466168511/" title="20130207-IMG_8909.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130207-IMG_8909.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8466168511_50086c5664_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The second project I tackled were the valentines for Owen's class. I followed <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/02/02/o-fish-ally-the-best-valentines-by-the-twinery/">this project</a> found at <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip to my Lou</a>. I tried to convert the PDF to a cut file for my Cameo and was unsuccessful. However, they weren't difficult to cut by hand and thankfully I was only making 16. <br />
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I printed on Epson matte photo paper that I purchased on sale at Target (after a tip from my Instagram buddy <a href="http://threehundredsixtyfivedaysofus.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a>) and they printed great. I used the same twine from the teachers jars and used my Crop-A-Dile to punch the holes.<br />
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The only tweak I made to the file was adding "From Owen McNeill" to the PDF in Photoshop. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466169135/" title="20130209-IMG_9006.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130209-IMG_9006.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8466169135_0bcde52df5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now Garrett's valentines were a little tricky. My oldest has a very low tolerance for anything love or girl related. The word c-u-t-e is a four letter word in this house. So, I could pretty much guarantee that most of what is circulating Pinterest was going to be vetoed.<br />
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His idea was to give the boys football cards and candy and the girls could get candy. There would be a red card involved and that was the plan.<br />
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I wanted to do a little something for the girls so I got his sign off on a bookmark. We picked out some Fun Dip (thank you blue & red packets) and used the remaining plastic bags from Owen's valentines to package the Fun Dip with the football cards / bookmarks. I sealed the bags with a little Washi and called it done.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8466169899/" title="20130211-IMG_9160.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9160.jpg" height="413" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8466169899_6e4bbdb11b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had a blast making the bookmarks. It was great to craft just for fun. Knowing Garrett's aversion to anything love I decided to go with a girl power message instead that was still, <i>dare I say</i>, cute. I designed everything in Silhouette Designer Edition and had an opportunity to use spray mist and embossing powder. Cannot say enough how much fun I had playing with my toys.<br />
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There were only two hiccups. First, I couldn't find my embossing gun and thought for a moment it didn't survive my great purge a few years ago but then I did. Second, the space between the s & t is very fragile and had to be reinforced with my glue pen. I considered adding a layer of Mod Podge to seal it but then I thought nope they will likely only last a day or two anyhow and laundry was calling my name.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8467265990/" title="20130211-IMG_9171.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130211-IMG_9171.jpg" height="413" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8467265990_99d0d1ac32_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I showed Garrett the bookmarks he said "Mom, kids don't like the same things that adults do." Fingers crossed that at least one 2nd grade girl disagrees.<br />
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Now all I have to do is pull together my own boys valentines. Thankfully I have all my supplies gathered and just need to sneak in some time.<br />
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Hope you had a wonderful start to the week!<br />
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MonicaMAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-46784611798016636642013-02-08T10:46:00.000-06:002013-02-08T10:46:19.696-06:00Project Life 2013: Week Two<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388826846/" title="Project Life 2013 Banner by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Project Life 2013 Banner" height="152" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8388826846_28b22136af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It turns out I only thought I photographed week two but never fear I was able to steal a bit of fading light a few days ago to finally get some pictures. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455287737/" title="20130206-IMG_8867.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8867.jpg" height="317" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8455287737_50c537047e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My digital workflow and printing has completely changed this year. I switched from a PC to a Mac which means I am now using Lightroom 4 and Photoshop instead of Photoshop Elements. Once I get into a groove I'll share how it's working for me. The other big change is that I'm printing at home. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8456386090/" title="20130206-IMG_8868.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8868.jpg" height="625" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8456386090_6c1b09ddef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My husband is thrilled that I'm actually putting my wide format photo printer to good use and I'm loving the freedom I feel like I've gained to create little journaling cards and add text to my pictures. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8456387160/" title="20130206-IMG_8874.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8874.jpg" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8456387160_9f50fdb3c9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Inspired by several of Lisa's (aka <a href="http://gluestickgirl.typepad.com/">gluestickgirl</a>) layouts I decided to dust off my exacto knife to pop out the label on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095YYP94?ie=UTF8&tag=beckhigg-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0095YYP94">Seafoam</a> title card. You can see my technique was not <i>exact</i> but good enough for me. Sorry for that really bad attempt at humor.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455290777/" title="20130206-IMG_8876.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8876.jpg" height="510" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8455290777_5df35dc8a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For those that are very comfortable with their computers this is not a big deal at all but for me I was so excited to make myself this "cry it out" journaling card. </div>
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My girlfriends have noted that most of the cards out there are focused on sunshine and roses. Which please don't get me wrong is directionally where I like to focus my energy but life for me also has gray skies. My perspective is that without the gray I wouldn't have an appreciation for the sunshine. </div>
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So long story short I felt like telling the story of finally letting a child of mine cry it out after eight years of motherhood belonged on a more subdue card. It wasn't an easy decision or process for me and I wanted the tone to reflect that. Just a thought. </div>
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If you find yourself in this particular situation and would like to have this card available to you just leave a comment and I'll make it available as a download. I've even thought about making this into a cut file for the Cameo. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8456388582/" title="20130206-IMG_8879.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8879.jpg" height="243" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8456388582_fb52832dc0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm really enjoying playing with type a little more this year. I just need to make a cheat sheet of my favorite fonts or maybe cull out the list available to me in Photoshop so I don't keep forgetting which are my go to's. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455289123/" title="20130206-IMG_8869.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8869.jpg" height="625" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8455289123_7b253c6c48_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455291475/" title="20130206-IMG_8880.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8880.jpg" height="471" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8455291475_dfe9b8339c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The digital stamp is from <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/digital/digital-stamp-brushes">Studio Calico</a>. I like how it created a journaling spot and anchored my text. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455291883/" title="20130206-IMG_8882.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8882.jpg" height="616" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8455291883_80cb9fb8d5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here I go again with the exacto knife. A bit more success this time. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455292447/" title="20130206-IMG_8883.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8883.jpg" height="467" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8455292447_22a2b37113_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another digital file from Studio Calico and some simple text. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455292999/" title="20130206-IMG_8885.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8885.jpg" height="506" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8455292999_88f28cf07c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8455293729/" title="20130206-IMG_8886.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130206-IMG_8886.jpg" height="506" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8455293729_68784290f5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm a big fan of the fold out cards where the story is a bit longer. </div>
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And that gets you up to speed. Yes, I've already fallen behind this year. But this year I'm keeping a journal so I don't lose content and it has made a world of difference on my concern regarding being behind. </div>
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I'm hoping to draft a few posts this weekend regarding my process: </div>
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<li>Photographing layouts</li>
<li>My notebook</li>
<li>Sharing my Cry It Out card (<i>if there is any interest</i>)</li>
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But truly my focus is going to be knocking out weeks 3-5 before we get too deep into February. </div>
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Have a wonderful weekend!</div>
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Monica </div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">
<i>Confused by Project Life? Project Life is a back-to-basics approach to memory-keeping created by Becky Higgins. <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/products/what-is-project-life.php" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Read more here</a>. </i></div>
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MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-59599664121497722042013-02-05T20:41:00.000-06:002013-02-05T20:41:12.514-06:00Project Life 2013: Week One<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388826846/" title="Project Life 2013 Banner by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Project Life 2013 Banner" height="152" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8388826846_28b22136af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello there. The last few weeks of work were crazy so I haven't had much, if any, time with my Project Life lately. But I do have the first week photographed so here I am to share while I sit couch side with my toddler. I want to say I photographed week two somewhere along the way but I'll have to double check on that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8425190725/" title="20130119-IMG_5536-Edit-2.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5536-Edit-2.jpg" height="319" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8425190725_51b08053cc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The biggest change I'm making this year is editing myself. I want to limit the number of inserts I include and I want to add more of our un-photographed life which means only select pictures make it in the album. This is so difficult for me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8426284080/" title="20130119-IMG_5539.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5539.jpg" height="604" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8426284080_578181c5a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I put this week together I was still waiting for my Seafoam kit to arrive so I was printing out the digital kit. This year I am also subscribing to the Studio Calico Project Life Kit. Similar to last year I am also supplementing with my stash.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8425192367/" title="20130119-IMG_5544.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5544.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8425192367_158f5af39b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8425193049/" title="20130119-IMG_5546.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5546.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8425193049_bf9611fe56_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm trying to play a little more so I got wild and crazy and sewed a few sequins to my photograph. Walking on the wild side here. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8425193593/" title="20130119-IMG_5550.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5550.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8425193593_824645c7f2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In order to reclaim space in my layouts I've decided to not dedicate a 4x6 slot for the "title" card that identified the week and date range. Instead I'm dedicating a 3x4 slot that shows the week number, the starting date of the week and a little snippet of our week in review. Think more of a highlight than a play by play.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8425194261/" title="20130119-IMG_5556.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5556.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8425194261_072c40abe2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8426287548/" title="20130119-IMG_5557.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5557.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8426287548_6a46d0085b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8425191821/" title="20130119-IMG_5543.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5543.jpg" height="624" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8425191821_47294bfbb6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8426288390/" title="20130119-IMG_5560.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5560.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8426288390_3b7c0c84ed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love that "the flu" card makes my husband laugh. Real life friends, real life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8426289168/" title="20130119-IMG_5562.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5562.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8426289168_09026d785c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As a hunter's wife I fell in love with this deer card from Paislee Press. Trying to find ways to include more of my husband's story in our album.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8426290052/" title="20130119-IMG_5565.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5565.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8426290052_6925b0b990_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The quote card from Owen might be my favorite part of the week. He is constantly cracking us up and I really want to make sure I capture this part of his essence in our album. How I wish I had this with my oldest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8426290570/" title="20130119-IMG_5573.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5573.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8426290570_fd0f686b4d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8425198703/" title="20130119-IMG_5575.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5575.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8425198703_caefe1b5fc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8425199191/" title="20130119-IMG_5581.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130119-IMG_5581.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8365/8425199191_14f415abcf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our episode of Octonauts is almost up which means so is this pocket of blogging time. Until next time friends. Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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MonicaMAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-63841021679850141122013-01-30T19:13:00.000-06:002013-01-30T19:17:18.900-06:00Currents & Thank YouHi there. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8430521123/" title="dfw by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="dfw" height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8430521123_a1806b07db_z.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
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location: somewhere in the sky sitting in 26C<br />
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mood: tired, at peace<br />
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eating: cheese / crackers / fruit<br />
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drinking: Coke<br />
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listening: The Avett Brothers<br />
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reading: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin<br />
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loving: that I will sleep in my bed tonight next to my husband<br />
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learning: that happiness, like love, is a choice that I make moment by moment<br />
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thinking: that I'm ready to have some fun and downtime<br />
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wishing: for a date night<br />
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<em>currents inspired by the lovely Tina Aszmus, </em><a href="http://lifelovepaper.com/blog/"><em>find her here</em></a><br />
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I wanted to say thank you to those of you who commented on my last post. The intent of this blog has never been to have crazy traffic or advertisers or truly anything of that sort. It's just been my space. So, thank you for your encouragement and sharing what brings you here. Most times I wonder what the heck do I have to offer and find myself time over time tickled that you guys actually read my ramblings and find inspiration in my crafts. <br />
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I really want to own this space. So far I think that means more writing, more of my perspective as a working mother who is fighting like hell to live a fulfilled life and raise good men, more photography and yes, more Project Life. <br />
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As promised, I have a bit of happy mail to pass along. Random.org selected <a href="http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife/">Lee Currie</a> (who I've actually had the pleasure of spending the weekend with a few summers ago) and <a href="http://avinashhecker.blogspot.com/">Nirupama </a>(who frequently supplies me warm fuzzies with her comments) as the lucky winners of a Studio Calico stamp. Ladies, I'll be in touch. <br />
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Thanks for reading, <br />
Monica MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-41875837884697899302013-01-16T22:43:00.000-06:002013-01-16T22:43:05.135-06:00Project Life 2013: The Beginning<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388826846/" title="Project Life 2013 Banner by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Project Life 2013 Banner" height="152" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8388826846_28b22136af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a year of sharing my Project Life I wondered whether I would continue to share in 2013. In the end it comes down to this, I'm just going to see how it goes. This I know, after I created my title page I was really excited and shared on Instagram. It is such a good feeling to get that immediate positive feedback. What I love, what made me <b><i>happy,</i></b> was not the sweet things that my Instagram friends said but the sense of community that sharing created. I felt connected.<br />
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So, I decided that for now I am going to share my Project Life pages on the blog. But my intent is to create connection. Which brings me to a few questions......<br />
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Do you enjoy the Project Life posts?<br />
If so what is it that keeps you reading them?<br />
Is there anything you would like to see more of?<br />
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While you think about those things here is my 2013 title page. When <a href="http://lifelovepaper.com/blog/index.php/2013/01/happy-belated-new-year/">Tina posted her awesome cut file</a> I was inspired to add an overlay to my title page. I love how this sets a playful tone for the album. There is a closer look and a little more detail at the end of this post.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8387725043/" title="20130113-IMG_5330.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_5330.jpg" height="621" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8387725043_39571068dc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year I'm using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095YYP94?ie=UTF8&tag=beckhigg-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0095YYP94">Becky Higgins Seafoam Core Kit</a>, the <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/kits/block-party-project-life-kit">Studio Calico Project Life Kit</a> and supplementing both with my stash. The <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/digital/printable-journal-cards-shapes/3x4-calendar-cards">calendar cards are from Studio Calico </a>and I love the white space they provide, just a little rest for the eye. I am in love with this title page.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388811034/" title="20130113-IMG_5315.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_5315.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8388811034_7d41e4f2e7_z.jpg" width="639" /></a></div>
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I added a very old Scenic Route Rub On to this 4x6 card that came in my Block Party Studio Calico Project Life Kit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8387723483/" title="20130113-IMG_5321.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_5321.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8387723483_6e3bdca0db_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I supplemented this 4x6 pocket with my stash. The pocket and I believe the wood veneer letter are from Studio Calico and the gold circles are an overlay from <a href="http://life.love.paper/">Life.Love.Paper</a>. The Hello card came from my Block Party Studio Calico Project Life Kit and the addition of the grid card and washi tape were my creative solution to fixing a typewriter oops. The 5 paperclip is also from Studio Calico. Hmm, I might be a fan.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8387724251/" title="20130113-IMG_5324.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_5324.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8387724251_e4a73ee963_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While I wait for Becky Higgins Seafoam Core Kit to arrive I'm printing off the <a href="http://www.acdigitals.com/collections/seafoam-edition">Digital version of the Seafoam Core Kit.</a> This is my first time to truly print digital items and I've been really pleased. I added some old Jenni Bowlin star rubons and a Studio Calico rubon to this 4x6 pocket.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8387724705/" title="20130113-IMG_5327.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_5327.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8387724705_a3767fce1f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, to create my overlay I picked the brown and cream paper to tie into the album I'm using this year, an <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/shop/albums/amy-tan-woodgrain-chevron-12x12-album-2">Amy Tan Woodgrain Chevron album</a>. In the Studio Calico gallery I saw <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/galleries/77605-project-life-title-page">Stephanie Bryan</a> had used confetti as a backdrop for the cut file but I wasn't that brave just yet. So, I dug through my stash and found this vellum cloud paper that I believe was from American Crafts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8388814416/" title="20130113-IMG_5337.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_5337.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8388814416_684c73071f_z.jpg" width="531" /></a></div>
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I didn't want to use adhesive so instead I stitched it in place using a zig zag stitch. It's a subtle detail that I really enjoy in my album.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8387727017/" title="20130113-IMG_5339.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_5339.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8387727017_9ab1fe359e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had so much fun putting this all together. Everything feels bright and cheery without being too busy. </div>
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OK, so did you think about those questions? If you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts in the comments I would be so appreciative. Who knows, there might even be some <b><i>happy</i></b> mail involved. </div>
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Thank you so much for sticking around and reading this blog despite the fact that I haven't been a regular around here lately. I hope you are having a wonderful week. </div>
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Monica</div>
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<i>Confused by Project Life? Project Life is a back-to-basics approach to memory-keeping created by Becky Higgins. <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/products/what-is-project-life.php">Read more here</a>. </i></div>
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MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-2096674418146158612013-01-13T21:45:00.002-06:002013-01-13T21:48:44.822-06:00Hello 2013Hello again and Happy New Year. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8378003685/" title="20130112-IMG_3157.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130112-IMG_3157.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8378003685_c811ac069b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Awesome Cameo file by the talented <a href="http://lifelovepaper.com/blog/index.php/2013/01/happy-belated-new-year/">Tina Aszmus at Life.Love.Paper</a>]</span></i></div>
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I know it's been awhile. You may not know it but I've written this "jumping back in" post several times over while I .....<br />
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wait at the stop light, <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8377993471/" title="20130111-IMG_3153.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130111-IMG_3153.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8377993471_c12b56cb84_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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watch the baby play, <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8378022343/" title="20130113-IMG_3170.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_3170.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8378022343_ac0fec6320_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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wait in line, <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8378021857/" title="20130106-IMG_3129.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130106-IMG_3129.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8378021857_ce5d8bf589_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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etc. <br />
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Two Thousand Twelve ended and I wasn't exactly sad to see it go. I hate that I felt that way but if I'm staying true to this space that is the truth.<br />
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Somewhere along the way I lost my happy.<br />
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Two Thousand Thirteen is going to be the year that I find my happy.<br />
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I have no idea what the year will hold but I have opened my 2013 Project Life album with this piece of truth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8378060957/" title="20130113-IMG_3181.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20130113-IMG_3181.jpg" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8378060957_520865aa1d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Fantastic quote card by the talented <a href="http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2012/12/happy-christmas-eve-free-quote-card-download.html">Elise Blaha Cripe</a>]</span></i></div>
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"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. " - Groucho Marx<br />
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Yes,<br />
<i><b>I have the power.</b></i><br />
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Here is to finding my happy. I have a feeling more nights spent like this will have a lot to do with it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8379335210/" title="Photo on 1-13-13 at 8.29 PM.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo on 1-13-13 at 8.29 PM.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8379335210_d5a07eee51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My intention is to be back this week to share my title page to this year's Project Life, <i>fingers</i> <i>crossed.</i> I hope you have a wonderful start to the week. :)<br />
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MonicaMAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-58087427742583588642012-12-26T12:46:00.002-06:002012-12-26T12:46:41.985-06:00Happy Holidays <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8311733854/" title="20121224-IMG_4568-Edit.jpg by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="20121224-IMG_4568-Edit.jpg" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8311733854_cf8bdbf756_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For those that celebrate, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day. True to <i>our</i> life we had an <i>eventful </i>day filled with family, food, celebration, and SNOW. There was also an unexpected trip to the hospital for Travis who has not been feeling well. Turns out he has RSV and an ear infection. The poor little guy has been miserable for days. So glad to finally have some antibiotics in him and hope to see my happy little guy again soon. <br />
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Yesterday was a good opportunity for me to practice seeing joy and blessing amidst a tough day. I've been struggling with this a lot more these days than I would like. I'm off with the boys through the New Year and hope to find space for reflection in this time. I'm looking forward to 2013 with a heart ready for change.<br />
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In case you missed it the 2012 Project Life Creative team put together a <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/2012/12/12-videos-of-christmas-no-9-2/">simple holiday greeting</a> for you. There might even be a cameo from Travis :)<br />
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Blessings and wishes for a holiday season filled with joy, laughter and gratitude from me to you.<br />
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MonicaMAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-43943298431840491002012-12-15T16:01:00.000-06:002012-12-15T16:07:07.046-06:00This One Precious Life<br />
My heart is broken.<br />
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My prayers, thoughts and love go to the victims of the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary and the community of Newtown, Connecticut. </div>
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As a mother who has worked outside the home for many years I have entrusted my children, their happiness, their <i>safety</i> to respected teachers and caretakers. </div>
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As I read of the <a href="http://gma.yahoo.com/shooting-victims-hero-teacher-principal-20-kids-122309290--abc-news-topstories.html">bravery</a> yesterday of those that others entrusted their children to I weep. As I empathize with parents who will never again pack a backpack, who will never again give a kiss goodbye, who will never again say have a good day I weep. As I think of the children who have been robbed of their innocence I weep. As I try to understand the path of healing the Newtown community, the families, the country must walk I weep. </div>
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We will never make sense of what happened yesterday. I don't think we should. It is not explainable. It is not understandable. It is tragic. </div>
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Last night I kissed my children more than usual, held them a little longer, watched each and every expression on their face, took in each and every word, laugh, coo and said a prayer of gratitude.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8276128986/" title="Monica_full-3 by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="Monica_full-3" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8276128986_0c80216f29_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.betsymariephotography.com</span></i></div>
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Yesterday reminded my husband and I that we are only as safe as those around us make us. I can do one of two things. I can either distrust and see danger around every corner or I can be an example of love, compassion and kindness and see that in others as well. </div>
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I choose the second. </div>
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As we draw into the holiday season with tender hearts I will walk with the Holy Spirit and draw strength from the good that does exist in this world. Thank you Vicki Soto for being a hero and saving the lives of the children you were entrusted with. Thank you to all those that lost their lives yesterday protecting the innocent. Thank you, thank you, thank you. </div>
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My deepest sympathies to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. </div>
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Monica </div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7359449080032371847.post-72269011661407083742012-11-17T11:59:00.001-06:002012-11-17T11:59:27.878-06:00Thirty Days of Thankful: The Second InstallmentThe month of November I am documenting my gratitude with a daily layout that is incorporated into my Project Life album. I am using <a href="http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/product_info.php/products_id/14881">Cathy Zielske 30 Days of Thankful templates</a>, printing all my pictures in black & white and using my handwriting to keep this simple. Oh and the misspellings/grammatical errors , yes I see them, but I'm letting them go & I'm not doing it over again. This is so hard for me. :)<br />
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My goal is to post a week of pages here on Friday but I'm starting to think Saturdays are a bit more realistic for me. I didn't finish my pages yesterday with enough time to photograph and blog but here I am only a day late.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8192812519/" title="IMG_2051 crop by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2051 crop" height="631" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8192812519_299729eabe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8193900702/" title="IMG_2052 crop by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2052 crop" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8193900702_856b864a0d_z.jpg" width="635" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8193900366/" title="IMG_2058 crop by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2058 crop" height="632" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8193900366_9b700c2b9f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8193900214/" title="IMG_2059 crop by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2059 crop" height="631" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8193900214_c8444d9d0f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8192811659/" title="IMG_2061 crop by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2061 crop" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8192811659_f7f72c8e0e_z.jpg" width="635" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23364014@N06/8193899804/" title="IMG_2064 crop by MonicaMcNeill, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2064 crop" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8193899804_2ee01b3383_z.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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After documenting two weeks I've learned a few things about taking on a daily project in addition to Project Life. </div>
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First, I think I am most successful when I setup my pages at the beginning, keep it simple and work on a batch of days at once. I have never successfully completed a December Daily because I haven't done these things. </div>
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Second, I think this might be working because I'm incorporating it into my Project Life and I'm not trying to have a second album. I am still undecided as to whether my December Daily will be a separate album. I like the idea of it being separate and something that comes out at Christmas but if I don't finish it then it never comes out. </div>
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Third, I don't take enough pictures during the course of a normal week to support a full two page Project Life layout and a daily project. I think I'm going to either combine two weeks into a two page layout or only use a one page layout for the week with my gratitude inserts in between. I hope to test this out this weekend. If this works I will likely do the same in December. </div>
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Have a wonderful weekend. </div>
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Monica </div>
MAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03371984482816998297noreply@blogger.com4