Plaid + Dots

upromise and college savings

A couple years ago I wrote a blog post about saving for college and the benefits of using uPromise to help grow your college nest egg.  Well today is "College Savings Day" (get it 5/29? clever, right) ... and I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you about the benefits of using a site like uPromise to help grow your college savings account with FREE (yes, you read that correctly) money.  It is very simple to set up and over time you will earn money that gets transferred to your college savings account (quarterly).  At first it will seem like pennies are being added but over time it really does accrue.  In just over 3+ years we have been able to accrue a little over $2,000 by using this portal to do our online shopping.  I don't know about you but the little bit of time used to set up the account has definitely been worth it for me.  

If you want to learn more about how uPromise works, I highly recommend that you check out my previous blog post (it gives you the nitty gritty details).  For those of you who have not signed up yet... check it out.  

winter blues

The weather here has been so dreary, wet, and bitter cold.  Everything is GREY and GLOOMY and I have a serious case of the winter blues. I am dreaming of spring- thinking about my garden and warmer weather.  If only I could wave my magic wand....  Sadly, we have at least 1-2 more months of crummy weather until we start to see flowers emerge.  Major Bummer!

I don't know about you, but in the winter I really like to do little things to brighten the house (and my day).  So while I was at Trader Joe's the other day I picked up these dainty and sweet ranunculus.  Aren't they beautiful?  They're my little bit of sunshine on this dismal day and a nice reminder that spring will be here soon enough.  

What do you do to beat the winter blues? Comment below....

  

february resolution: some done + daydream projects

So, the one thing I learned in February is that I was way too ambitious with finishing a few projects that were already in progress.  I thought four projects would be achievable but realized very quickly that I easily get distracted by new projects, pinterest, and life :-).  I, did, however, get some things done on my list and a few others that weren't on my list.  Here's what I was supposed to do:

 

Finish wall hangings for Miss N's room

Create art hangers for kid's playroom hallway

Create pillows for window seat in basement

Finish the scrapbook for Miss N's first year

 

And, here's what I completed or at least made some progress on:

• Finished the wall hangings for Miss N's room
• Finished a good portion of the scrapbook for Miss N's first year (about half way done!)
• Made a St. Patrick's day wreath
• Created toddler made Valentine's Day cards
• Made some Valentine's Day bunting to hang from the mantel
• I bought (yes.. they were too cute to pass up!) some pillows for the window seat in the basement.  I am going to make a few more to complement them but the ones I found are super cute!

Not too bad!  I got some things done from the original list and add a few more daydream projects too!

february resolution: one project in progress...

So, I finally started on the most daunting task on my project list for the month. I started Miss N's first year scrapbook today and am using Shutterfly to make a beautiful bound book.  I'm on "month 2" so I may not have this finished by the end of the month but at least I'll have a good start.

february resolution: craft projects...not in progress

It's February 12th and rather than starting on my list of resolution craft projects, my crafty self has gotten a little distracted by new projects....here's what I've been up to:

• Homemade Toddler Valentines.. made with love by Miss N
• Knitted Baby Blanket.. for a special friend expecting her first
• St. Patrick's Day Wreath...will need some new decor post Valentine's Day
• Craft Room Stenciling..  I have a craft room now (eeeeckkk!!!!!  :-)!!! ) and I'm stenciling the walls before setting it up

The closest I've come to finishing my february resolution projects is to pull a frame off of Miss N's wall to measure the dimensions for her new art work.  I seriously better get moving otherwise none of these projects will be done by the end of the month!!!  Sigh....

january resolution : super bowl sunday

Although it's February, I've decided try to extend my January resolution indefinitely - yes, it's a lifestyle change.  So, periodically you'll hear from me about my challenges (and successes) of fitting in three workouts a week while chasing a toddler, working part-time and maintaining an active, creative and crafty life.  

It's Super Bowl Sunday and I so look forward to indulging in wings, chips, dip and all kinds of goodness this evening.  While I am excited about these treats, I also feel a little bit guilty.  I only worked out twice this week and really don't deserve to indulge.  But, I am going to because, heck, it's Super Bowl Sunday and I also just had the BEST workout of the week.  Even if it was only workout #2, it was a good one and worthy of a delicious wing or two.  Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

february resolution: finish those craft projects!!!

I have a list of projects a mile long and have barely made a dent on the list - some projects have been started and others are just a dream at this point.  The worst part is that the list just keeps on growing!  My February resolution is to get a jump start on this list and complete a project a week.  Here's the line-up for the month:

• Finish wall hangings for Miss N's room
• Create art hangers for kid's playroom hallway
• Create pillows for window seat in basement
• Finish the scrapbook for Miss N's first year

And if I get really ambitious then I'll do a bit more ;-).  Stay tuned to see the end results...  cheers and happy crafting!

january's resolution: finished 3!

I went for a walk outside today and got some fresh air and exercise which makes 3 workouts this week!  Hooray!

january resolution: early morning wake up call

So I traveled for work this week and usually when I am on the road I don't stand a chance of working out due to my love of sleep and laziness.  Well, I brought my shoes with me, got up bright and early yesterday morning did my workout in a haze.  I have to admit, however, that it was really nice to enjoy the rest of the day without this hanging over my head.  Two down for the week and 1 to go.

january's resolution: music for movin?

I made it to the gym yesterday...  it was an okay workout.  I struggled to get through 30 minutes on the elliptical and kept getting annoyed at the music playing on my iPod.  It is time for some NEW music.  Any recommendations out there for good workout songs?  My playlist needs some serious updating!  Thanks!