Best of 2011

One of my favorite things about each year coming to an end are all the "Best of" lists that pop up everywhere.  Some of my favorite blogs inspired me to do my own.


Best Book:

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo

This was a book that stumbled into my suggested readings list and I'm so glad that it did.  If you ever have had a doubt about there being such a thing as Heaven, read this book.  When all you need is a little faith to get you through, this confirms that it is all true...all real.  I have always been refreshed by a child's take on life so this book was extra refreshing!

Best Song:

NKOTBSB - Don't Turn Out the Lights

Seriously, there are many great songs that have come out this year but I chose this one more because of the memories attached to it.  My sister and I have been lifetime NKOTB (New Kids on the Block) fans and have really enjoyed rekindling our love for them in our adult life.  This summer NKOTB and BSB (Backstreet Boys) joined forces for a big tour and this one song.  Every time I hear it, I picture them singing and I flash back to all the NKOTB great memories I have made. 

Best Movie:
Remember - this is my list...

Best Website: 

Pinterest

I'm pretty sure I included this on a list of things I was obsessed with earlier this year and believe me, I'm still obsessed.  I have even posted a few of my own photographs and was delighted to see other people "pin it" to their boards.  I seriously spend hours every week pinning recipes, photos, potential outfits, and crafts.  

Best App for the iPhone

MyFitnessPal.  

At the end of July, I started a weight loss journey and this website was recommended to me by a dietician at work.  Not only is this program an App on your phone it is also a website.  It is free too!  MyFitness Pal allows you to track your calories, weight, and exercise.  Along with Jillian Michaels' workout DVDs, I have lost 35+ pounds!!  

Best Photog Gadget

Instagram.

The reality is that you can't always bring your camera everywhere you go.  Instagram is another great App for the phone that allows you to take great pictures and do some fun editing instantly.  I love following various celebrities and friends on Instagram as well.  

Best Party I attended

Kristin's Sprinkle.

I have been to tons of baby showers in my life but never a Sprinkle.  This summer I attended my dear friend Kristin's Sprinkle to celebrate Kristin and get her ready for the birth of her second son, Leo.  What made this party so memorable was the intimacy of the event.  Kristin was surrounded by her closest female family members and friends.  It was an honor to sit around that big table and see all the history and love among those in attendance.  The best part of the Sprinkle was not the amazing brunch but the moment where everyone went around the table and told Kristin what is was that they loved about her as a mother.  Not a dry eye in the house.  Sometimes you don't really need more baby stuff, you just need people to tell you that you are an awesome mom.  

Best Friendship Moment

I feel that I'm truly blessed to have some amazing friends in my life.  The best part is when I get them all together and watch them hit it off.  My best moment in friendship of 2011 was with my friend Sarah.   Sarah and I have a inexplicable connection and refer to one another as a each other's sister wife from time to time.  The actual moment was at about 6:45am on a Friday morning in September as I was driving to work.  Sarah called me and told me that she had taken a pregnancy test and it was positive.  I was so overjoyed for her that I'm surprised I did not wreck my car.  The funny thing was that she only had taken 1 test and wanted some additional confirmation.  I of course told her to buy another test on her way to work and take it there.  I'll never forget the big smile on her face when I finally made it up to her office.  Sarah is now 5+ months pregnant and expecting a baby girl.  One day, I'm sure we will be telling her daughter this story. 

Best Photographic Moment

Completing my first Project 365!!

Wishing you a Snappy New Year in 2012!!!

365: Week 51

New Kid on the Block

Did you think this was going to be another post about Donnie Wahlberg or the New Kids on the Block?  Tricked you! It is a blog post about actual blocks...baby blocks. 

For my niece Reese's first Christmas I made her her own set of handmade baby blocks.  I did the same thing for Alexandria's first Christmas back in 2009.  The baby blocks are an extra special gift because my Grandma Clark made them for me & my siblings and taught me how to make them when I was younger.  I made my first set back when I was 14 for a little boy that I babysat and was a close family friend.  About 10 years past before I picked it up again and I'm so glad that I did!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from Sew Snappy!!

365: Week 50

Sew Useful Tips for Wrapping

When it comes to making crafts, I try to buy just enough materials so I don't have tons of scraps that I always intend to use but never really do.  After making my custom Christmas Card holder a few weeks ago, I did had some leftover ribbon that I was determined to use.  I decided to use the Christmas ribbon as a theme for my wrapping this year.  I bought some simple red & green wrapping paper and used the leftover the ribbon to jazz it up.  Don't these presents look cute with that ribbon in the middle?

I try to use the same mind set when ordering photos.  It may be more Brad than me saying - only buy prints of the photos that are absolutely needed.  I made some photo collages this season so it was inevitable that I would have a few leftover photos.  I didn't want anything to go to waste so I decided that I could use them as the gift tags for some of my gifts.  Not only will the recipients get the gift that is wrapped but they also will get a great photo of themselves!

I hope you find these tips Sew Useful when wrapping gifts for the next celebration or holiday!

Who's cookin' in the kitchen?

For my last photo shoot of 2011, Dina asked me to do a fun photo shoot in her kitchen of Alex & Reese.  Instead of decorating the empty wall space with pictures or artwork of food or wine bottles, she thought it would be fun to display photos of the girls "cooking."  This was probably one of the funnest photo shoots that I have done so far.  Here are some favorites!

DIY Holiday Greetings

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is getting Christmas cards in the mail.  I come home  from work every day in December and run straight for the pile of mail.  I especially love the displaying all the photo cards.  The last few years my card holder has left me wanting something more.  I turned to Pinterest and Etsy for some inspiration because I was convinced that I could make something better than what I bought a few years ago.  After a brief search, I came up with the idea to attach some Christmas-themed ribbon to a doll rod and jazz it up a little. 

Supplies:

• Doll Rod
• 4 rolls of ribbon with different patterns - about 1.5 inch thick
• 1 roll 1/4 inch white ribbon
• 1 roll 1/2 inch red ribbon - cut the length of the doll rod
• Embellishments of your choice 
• I used some fun white pom pom trim!
• Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
• Paper clips to hold photos in place

Instructions:

1. Cut 8 strips of the 1.5 inch ribbon (2 of each pattern)
2. Evenly space out the strips on the doll rod before glueing
3. Put some glue on the top of the doll rod and place the ribbon over the doll rod.  Leave some extra ribbon on the top so that you wrap the ribbon around the rod and glue to the backside of the ribbon.
4. Continue with the other strips of ribbon.
5. Take the strip of red ribbon and glue it on tip of the doll rod.  This will cover your space markings and all the other ribbon tops.  
6. Add your embellishments
7. Measure out the thin white ribbon to a length that you will give enough room to hang the card holder.
8. Tie the ribbon on each end the doll rod.  Double knot for good measure!
9. Take a small strip of one of your patterned ribbons and tie to the white ribbon.  I tied mine in a bow.  
10. Hang up it on the wall from a small hook or picture hanger. 
11. Use paper clips to the hang the photos.  Make sure you disperse the cards evenly so that it hangs straight!

I absolutely love getting all the photo cards from families that I have done photo shoots for this year.  My entry way is like my own personal gallery!  

Here is the Christmas card that I made for me & Brad this year.  

365: Week 49