Happy Birthday blondie-blonde!

Sending birthday wishes to my little sis all the way across the world.

If you were here Ash:

We'd dance around to the Beatles' Birthday song (you say it's your birthday...na na na na na na.)

Eat some confetti cake with pink frosting (not carrot!)

Open mom's singing birthday card and try to guess the song by reading the cover.

Celebrate what an incredible sister, wife and mother you are & how much we love love love you!

Good thing we can do all of that on Skype...!

♥ you!

unlock your story

Unlock Your Story is the title of my upcoming online workshop. We will design a mini album full of all layers and textures that will reflect the daily adventures & simple moments that define who we are & our lives. The moments that slip by so quickly. The moments that, whether you like it or not, persuade us to learn and grow. We'll use everyday photos and dig deeper into the stories behind them. Can't wait for you to unlock your story.

The kit will include:

Mini Shimmerz Spritz Bottle, Punky Sprouts Album including chipboard, acrylic & canvas pages, 2 envelopes, 2 Manila Tags, 2 Metal Rim Tags & 1 White Tag, 2 Die cut flowers to make rolled flowers, 1 Bella Blvd Canvas Flower, Making Memories Letter Stickers, a pinch of bling & cute glitter buttons, Dear Lizzy Metal Key & Keyhole, Thickers, Ribbon & Stickers, 6 Dear Lizzy + American Crafts patterned papers & 2 pieces of cardstock

Workshop will include:

• Self-paced lessons on a private blog
• Video tutorials for cool techniques using Shimmerz Spritz, make rolled flowers, ruffles & flowers using Dear Lizzy fabric paper.
• Journaling Prompts to encourage you and inspire you in telling your story.
• Class Message Board
• Cost for class kit & workshop is $48.00 that includes shipping to US.
• Supplies needed: Crop-a-dile, 2" circle punch, decorative border punch, any stamp with black ink, turquoise paint.
• Limited number of kits available.
• Registration for this workshop will open Monday, October 11th at 9 am Central time.

cookie confession

Let me just start with a confession about how I've been tremendously unambitious lately. To the point of sheer boredom. ha. No scrapbooking or crafting. In fact, the closest I've gotten to anything remotely creative was unfolding a perfectly neat pile of fabric to start on a quilt, only to fold the pieces back up into a much less pretty pile.

Although we did manage to make some cookies today... that should count for something right? And we had no problem eating them up too. Surely there's something creative to be said for that. heeheee. ;)

But tomorrow's a new day and there's something in the air this brisk, fall night that has me anxious to design with the new Dear Lizzy Christmas & Enchanted lines.

Actually, this is the opportune time to test my cure for a creative rut checklist. I'll let you know how that goes...

autumn L♡VE: nie nie's dinner party

When it comes to women who are inspiring & uplifting, Stephanie Nielson is up at the tippity top of that list. In every way she is a bright light & I feel grateful to call her my friend. Opening an invitation in the mail for her annual welcome autumn dinner was the perfect way to start off this wonderful season.

I remember her birthday party last July, I was in awe at how she effortlessly attended to every detail. From the delicious menu to the beautiful scene she created in her backyard, & this autumn dinner party was no different.

Apples from her tree for the boys place setting and nail polish for the girls.

Hello my man...

She really out did herself with a record player serenading us with Norah Jones, red chairs, baskets of fresh fruit, salmon, homemade cobbler... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Oh, and her boots. Cutest boots. If those don't welcome autumn I don't know what will. (from anthropologie)

In the end, the evening was magical as we talked under the stars & candlelight. Collin and I joked that it's always so fun to get out and have a nice conversation with adults, besides talking to little kiddos. He was right, it was.

PS Stephanie also recently spoke at BYU about Recapturing Beauty and so many people came from all over to hear her speak. The place was packed and the spirit there was strong as she shared her experiences & her light with us. Also, had the chance to thank everyone there for prayers for her and her family which you could tell meant a lot to her.

Thanks Stephanie!

autumn L♡VE

Oh, how I love this time of year--crisp air, colorfully painted trees, pumpkin muffins, scarves & brown locks. Oddly enough, I feel a sense of renewal on this dreary, rainy day. I guess a very lazy weekend can do that to you.

Couldn't resist sharing more pictures from our excursion up the canyon.

Our second attempt at some baby bump pictures. The first ones were no good.

Having Collin take pictures who also enjoys telling fart jokes or anything to make me laugh is always a treat. Trying to not laugh with a stoic look in the first photo, nice try.
My sister, Ashley, moved far, far away... Czech Republic to be exact. She asked to see some belly shots so these are for you Ash!

Counting down from 7 weeks until our honey dew (that's how big the baby is right now) makes her sweet addition to our family. Avery was a day early, so typical since she is such a busy girl & ready to play the second the sun rises. Quincey was a week late, which again is so typical because Quincey takes forever to wake up in the morning and wants to cuddle first. I'm guessing this honeydew will almost double in size the next 7 weeks, if she follows after her sisters' baby fat footsteps and is 8 1/2 pounds. The waddling is only going to get slower folks.

Check out my newest blog sponsor:

Crafty Steals

Hope you're having a great start to your week!

I'll also be offering another online class this week. More details to come. Here's a hint.

content

Life is far from perfect. It is hectic & stressful at times but despite all of that I've felt overwhelmingly grateful & content lately. Probably since the past two events are behind me. Probably because I carry around an angel in my tummy all day. Probably because I love this time of year & General Conference started today. Probably because this little girlie squeezes my cheeks & I can forget about the flurry and frenzy of life for a moment.

Enjoy your weekend! We went up the canyon last night because it is absolutely beautiful there right now. Autumn in Utah goes by much too fast. xo

look book

When I met the darling Donna Tullis in Texas and I remember she said, thanks to me her daughter is addicted to shopping at Ruche! I had to laugh because Collin probably feels Donna's pain.

Ruche is my favorite online shop & I especially love their recent fall fashion.

I am sad I missed out on this coat that sold out in hours. But I did pick up these whiskey boots (love that you can fold them down), a cute dress & this belt. Couldn't let those pass me by.

If you have small feet, unlike my huge feet, these shoes are for you since my size is sold out.

Check out the whole inspiring fashion Look Book here.

just for fun

When I got home from Vegas, Collin filmed a couple clips of video to show me how our new camera works. Just for fun I put it to music and tested out imovie. Thought I'd share it, but keep in mind that this was filmed on my tired-zombie day I previously mentioned. ;)

Happy trash day!

Oh, is it not your trash day today? Happy Wednesday then.

See if you won the fall giveaway below...

fall giveaway winners

You've been waiting so patiently for the winner of the fall giveaway!

1. Even if you didn't win the lovely Stella & Dot necklace Tahnie is offering 15% off to all my blog readers.

Go to my Stella & Dot website here. Next, in the upper right hand corner, underneath StyleWatch, there is a link that says 'Can't make it to the trunk show? Find your hostess' click on that.You will then put in Dear Lizzy for the hostess information. Dear for the first name and Lizzy for the last, click search. It will say the party starts on September 22. Go ahead and click on Dear Lizzy, click continue and pick out some new jewelry!

Join me on Facebook, my blog, and twitter for exclusive giveaways, contests, and specials!

Jodi R said...

My youngest daughter was running and fell today on the playground. She was crying quite loudly. A bunch of her big sister's classmates all stopped and came over and helped her up. One of them found her a bandaid. She was so comforted by all these big kids. And I was quite touched at their obvious concern for her and their kindness.

2. Evalicious: Prize pack including art journal & embellishments:

Don't forget about your Christmas art journal kit!

Dao said...

The colors. The new and cute cardigans. The entire family coming together. I love it all! ;)

3. Scrapbook Circle Kit winner:

Lucinda said...

Since I live in AZ, I love the fall because it Finally starts to cool off here! My favorite thing about this fall will be welcoming our third child into our family (I think we have close due dates - mine is 11/21)! We are so excited!!!

Email me if you won at elizabeth.kartchner@gmail.com

dream big

Home.

Inspiration Unlimited was incredible. Ginger & Teresa did a great job putting it together... & the students were fabulous! I'm super tired though. Like scary-it's-not-Halloween-yet-mom, zombie tired. But you're never too tired to pick & make wishes with dandelion seeds, now are you. That I can handle.

A great ending to Inspiration Unlimited was listening to the song "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband. We had an interpreter there for 3 hearing impaired students and she stood at the front signing the lyrics with such expression & passion-I loved it. Touched my heart to see those 3 students moved by the words even though they couldn't hear the song.

This past weekend felt as though someone carried me through my classes with added energy as I prayed for strength...

"When you cry be sure to dry your eyes 'cause better days are sure to come
And when you smile be sure to smile wide don't let them know that they have won
And when you walk, walk with pride don't show the hurt inside because the pain will soon be gone

And when you dream, dream big as big as the ocean blue 'cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud 'cause it will carry all your cares away

And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself and it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength to help you carry on when the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big as big as the ocean blue 'Cause when you dream it might come true When you dream, dream big"

Enjoy your Monday. xo

Hello Vegas,

Drove down yesterday to teach at Inspiration Unlimited. Used lots of the new Dear Lizzy Enchanted in the mini album class I'm teaching.

Thanks to Collin for being Super Dad and holding down the fort.

I do enjoy his commentary on twitter while I'm away:

"I just spent 18 mins driving 5.3 miles to rent a 34 min 'Strawberry Shortcake' DVD for my 2 kids that cost $4.24, because I'm an idiot."

"I always leave a couple quarters at the self-serve carwash to surprise the next person because, you know, forgetfulness."

"My 4yr old is taller than everyone in her preschool class, which gives her full reign on milk-money shakedowns. But dad gets 10%. #parenting"

"So excited to watch the movie we rented yesterday: "Nicolas Cage Talks Through His Nose for 2 Hours". Heard it was a good one."

Feel free to enter the fabulous fall giveaway... I'll choose the lucky winners soon!

note to self: don't forget this (Giveaway!)

Leaving at the moment to teach at Inspiration Unlimited in Las Vegas. yay!

Uploaded this picture from last night... don't want to forget this moment! Collin recently learned one of Mindy Gledhill's songs on the piano. "All About Your Heart" it's actually dedicated to my sweet friend Stephanie ... whom I'll see on Tuesday. Can't wait!

I also have a giveaway... A gorgeious necklace from Stella & Dot, Art journal & Embellishments from Evalicious & a fabulous scrapbooking kit from Scrapbook Circle...! Leave a comment & share a recent moment you captured that you don't want to forget! I'll choose a winner on Saturday.

Stella & Dot is no ordinary jewelry company. We are a company inspired by & created for smart women—who happen to have smashing taste. Yes, we are a jewelry company with an irresistible collection. We offer it with business savvy. Our designs are fresh, fashionable, fun and right on trend with classic pieces mixed in as well. Whether you are looking for something for your 17 year old niece, your 32 year old sister in law, or your 80 year old grandmother, we have you covered! Our prices range from $11 to $248. We also have many pieces under $50 so you can treat yourself as well without feeling guilty! Every piece in the photo above is less than $50! My Stella & Dot blog. Join my team and become a Stella & Dot Stylist! For more information Check out Tahnie's Stylist website.

Tahnie is giving away this beautiful turquoise necklace on the left!!

Evalicious:

Evalicious specializes in making handmade art journals, memory art kits and scrapbooking embellishments.

Eve is giving away a whole prize pack of her fabulous handmade embellishments and an art journal!

• green today mini art journal
• hello wings 'n things stickers
• petal pusher stickers
• The complete sample Today mini art journal can be viewed here:
  

Pre-order your Christmas Art Journal. I use her journals every year and I love them... They sell out fast!

Scrapbook Circle:

We've been creating monthly kits for over 4 years and love getting to share our excitement for scrapbooking with others. We are committed to using the newest products, providing daily inspiration on our blog and treating our customers just as we would like to be treated. Join us onFacebook or Twitter where we love to interact with others. We're going to giveaway one of our September kits featuring Crate Restoration, Sassafras Mix&Mend and Cosmo Cricket Togetherness.

Check out their great kits here!!

Leave a comment with your favorite thing about the Fall season... I'll choose a winner on Saturday, gotta run!

I wonder

photo by Jefra Starr Linn

I wonder if my two girlies truly know what's about to happen in less than 9 weeks!! Baby numero tres. I wonder if they are ready... to share even more, to be patient with a tired mommy. I wonder if they will feel the added love when we bring her home to meet them? I wonder if they'll sense how precious she is? I'm pretty sure I will spend the majority of my day reminding them to be gentle as they gush over her.

I wonder if I'm ready? How can you even prepare for this? Besides the nesting, nesting, nesting. I'm anxious, excited, nervous, happy, grateful, scared... clearly lots of emotions going on here. heeeheeeeeee...!

For those who asked how to make the chandelier:

First, I started with 2 hula hoops and used ribbon to connect them. Balancing this was the trickiest part.

Next, I covered the hula hoops with 2" wide long strips of fabric and hot glue just wrapping it around the hula hoops.

Then, covered the fabric with butterfly diecuts & some tissue paper poms.

I punched out a ton of butterflies & sewed them together with my sewing machine and hung from the center above the top tier. Lastly, I hung some Dear Lizzy metal keys and mini tea cups from some ribbon.

enchanted tea party

photos by Jefra Starr Linn

Now that the Dear Lizzy Enchanted papers and some of the embellishments are in stock I'm thrilled to see what you design with them. I know some of you have said you are loving the journaling tickets. Those are definitely one of my favorite pieces from the line too. So versatile and usable for all sorts of projects.

Email me links to any of your projects... I'd love to see them!

Making crowns for the girls was fun & they surprisingly enjoyed wearing them!

Getting Avery to let me brush her hair is a fight everyday. She actually let me curl her hair for the first time a couple weeks ago... file that under a proud mommy moment.

Dear Lizzy Enchanted papers

Butterfly Diecut

Dear Lizzy Rose Ribbon

You can make your own princess crowns...

download a free Princess Crown Template here.

The chandelier from the cha show... totally inspired by April Meeker. Used the butterfly diecut and lots of punched butterflies.

Welcome to my newest blog sponsor:

Little Black Dress Kit Club

camera yard sale

Hello baby bump.

flowers I clipped to belt: miss ruby sue

There's a camera in-transit from Louisville, Kentucky soon to be at its new home. So, I need to sell some of my "gear." (The proper word used to describe camera equipment if I want to sound like I know what I'm talking about.)

Item #1 Canon 50D SOLD The camera I use for all the photos on this blog. I love it! But getting a camera with video capabilities.

Item #2 Canon Rebel xti SOLD

This camera is where my photography love started. It's a great step up from a point-n-shoot and someone who wants to learn how to shoot with a digital slr camera.

Item #3 Tamron AF 17-50mm SOLD

Email me if you are interested or if you have any questions: elizabeth.kartchner(at)gmail.com