Transitions

Life is full of transitions, especially right now.

This week, I went back to work--my first time leaving Ellie for more than 3 hours in a row. It was hard. Not always in the ways I expected; it would hit me when I walked in the door, late at night, and in the middle of the night (something about 3 am that lends itself to existential crises). I'm so fortunate that my work has been understanding of my role as a new mom and let me cut back my hours, and that makes this much easier. But still, it's a new chapter.

I've also been thinking about the transitions to this blog. It went from a story of infertility, a cautious pregnancy, and now? I suppose it's a mommy blog. I don't want this space to be a source of pain for anyone. I don't fully identify as a mommy blogger yet, either. I'm trying to figure out how much Ellie and motherhood will come into this blog. Any feedback appreciated;)

It's funny to think about how much has changed in six short weeks. I feel much more confident as a mommy (at least most of the time). I can see that this gig is way harder, but also way better, than I had thought.

I can't believe we've gone from this:

to this:

in just a few weeks.

And to add in one more transition, I have a scrapbook page to share with my Scarlet Lime kit from this month!

I'm in love with all of the new Dear Lizzy goodies--and, as always, accordion flowers.

And teeny little ladybug feet. I adore that striped ribbon from Pink Paislee's Nantucket line!

What's been YOUR biggest transition lately?

Scrappy Sunday

Happy Sunday, friends! Today will be a bittersweet day for us--attending a funeral, and later taking care of more things to do before bunny arrives. We're also meeting with great friends in Brooklyn, and S is pumped about meeting their new cat (he really wants a cat. but i feel like a baby is a good start for now. ha!)

I have a new layout up with the Scarlet Lime February kit!

The blog theme this month was personal style, so I pretty much had fun and used a bunch of my favorite things (label stickers, doodling, flowers, etc) to pull together this layout. You can check out more on the Scarlet Lime blog right here!

Speaking of style, how would you sum up YOUR scrappy style/philosophy?

Scarlet Lime September--the Main Kit!

Yes, yes I know, it's October. Yeesh. I'm a bit behind in my blogging, but I blame, in no particular order:

1. One very troublesome little bunny (who apparently wants to keep mommy on her toes)

2. Beautiful Indian Summer weather

3. Lots and lots of Jewish holidays

4. Alternately cooking/packing/making plans for said holidays

5. Partying it up. Heh, just kidding:)

But either way, I'm here to *finally* share my Scarlet Lime September kits!

The main kit was super fun (lots of great Amy Tan goodies!) and is available right here.

I loved the bright colors and quirky embellishments in this kit, and had a blast with it!

This first layout was created the night before I found out what bunny is. (Yes, I know, but no, we're not telling:) We just like to keep everyone else in suspense! If you're really dying to know, you can either (1) try to sweet talk my mom or mother-in-law into sharing the news, or (2) hang out with me a LOT. I've already slipped once, so you never know!)

I was very proud of myself for the sort-of gender neutral color choices on this. And how perfect are the "bathroom people" stickers?

I used one of bunny's gorgeous 12 week headshots for this, and the journaling reads:

In just a few hours we will know if you're a boy or girl. I have a strong feeling you're a girl but can't wait to find out! I never dreamed that by Rosh Hashana this year I'd be 20 weeks pregnant with you. Bunny, I love you so. Ultrasound pic--12 weeks.

My next layout was created the day afterwards, when we were concerned about an ultrasound finding of Bunny's. I wanted to keep the journaling on this more private, so I created a pocket behind the photo and slid the graph paper strip underneath.

When I was thinking about this layout, I came across this quote and thought it fit my emotions perfectly, so I added it to the design.

I loved the row of buttons and added the key sticker because it was significant to the journaling.

That week was so full of ups and downs and varied emotions--I'm so glad I have it down on paper. It's one of the best parts of scrapbooking, I think.

What's the last major event (either a typical event or under the surface) that YOU delved into with scrapbooking?

Scarlet Lime!

So, can we discuss how it's suddenly mid SEPTEMBER?? Last I checked, August had just started. Sigh.

This confusion does, however, explain why I have yet to share my Scarlet Lime layouts with the August kit!

The main kit (still available!) is chock full of fun new Amy Tan products, especially my favorite thickers from the release--woohoo!

This layout is fairly self-explanatory. I like cinnamon buns.

I've been really into vertical punched borders lately, so I broke some out for this layout. (How cute is the orange camera sticker? I have to be careful not to hoard the fun embellishments in this kit!)

And a close-up.....

The Frugal Fab kit has some brand-new Pebbles goodies in it, and I loved the mellow, summery colors. (You can buy the kit right here.)

Apparently, I was hungry while working on my DT layouts, because I"m starting to notice a theme here:)

And last but not least, I whipped up this layout to record a really fun day at COSI (a science museum in Ohio--anyone been?) with my sister.

I loved the pink woodgrain Pebbles paper so much, I was afraid to use it, but thankfully I got over that fear:) The Basic Grey rub-on pack added some spark and whimsy!

Phew! A little late on these, but hopefully all of you nice blog friends will forgive me:)

We just got back from our Florida vacation, which was fantastic, and I'm slowly digging myself out of a very tall pile of emails and post-its. In case we haven't discussed this before, by the way, I have an unhealthy obsession with post-its. I buy them in megapacks and probably use at least 10 a day. As a conservative estimate.

I should probably work on that habit one of these days. I'll write myself a note;)

Are YOU as neurotic as I am with notes? Or am I just crazy?

PS--You can still enter the giveaway in the post below! I'll choose a winner Thursday.

Scarlet Lime May!

It's already May 24, and I haven't shared my Scarlet Lime layouts yet! As my South African friend says a lot, for shame.

Here's a little peek at the May main kit, Sunny Disposition. This one is sold out, but you can still view the lovely images!


The bright, bold colors in this kit went perfectly with my Purim layouts (if anyone is confused about what Purim is, refer to this post).

This first one uses a fun group photo:

This next one is another Purim layout (I had the stack of photos out, and was on a roll!) Two of my friends came to our Purim party dressed as the couple from "American Gothic"--I loved the costume, and wanted to scrap it!


The Frugal Fab kit this month was packed full of fun 7 Gypsies products.

For my first layout, I was feeling nostalgic, so I wrote about S and my first date. (No, the photo is not from the date itself--that might have been a little awkward:))

If you can't read the journaling, here's the short story: we spent our first date at Mama's Falafel in Philadelphia, which, if you've been there, you'd realize is not the most romantic restaurant, to say the least. And falafel is certainly not the ideal date food! Add to that the fact that I was coming from an interview, so dressed in a boring black suit, and got caught in a rainstorm on my way, and it's really a miracle we went on to have a second date. Ha!

And finally, a little Mother's Day card (can you tell I'm a bit behind the times here?)

And that's all, folks!

Out of curiosity, what was YOUR first date like? And if you haven't dated yet, what's your ideal date?

(And for those of you that have asked questions in the comments--I'm prepping a Q&A post for the next few days! If you have any other Qs, leave them in the comments below!)

Scarlet Lime April!

It's coming a little late this month, but here are my Scarlet Lime April kit layouts!

(you can blame the delay on Passover + USPS, which now absolutely positively refuses to leave packages at my door. I might resort to leaving pleading, pathetic letters taped to the door. Thoughts?)

The main kit is full of delicious new stuff, like Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe and Cosmo Upcycle. I just loved playing with it.

Here's what I did with the kit (note: the alpha never made it into my package, so I gave my Thicker stash some love and substituted my own).

I'm getting kind of hungry just blogging about this pie! It's made with strawberries and blackberries and some lime zest, which adds a little kick. The blog where I got the recipe is no more, sadly, but if you're interested, I can email the recipe!

I used an EK Success heart punch to death on this layout, creating dimensional hearts.

As you can see, I'm still working out what to do with all of my Disney photos. I decided to create this "disney at a glance" layout using one photo to highlight each park we visited. I added some journaling about the highlight of each park. I plan to create more specific layouts about each memory, but this way the basics are all down!

And now, the Frugal Fab! I'm in love with yellow lately, so this kit and me were a match made in heaven:)



This was my first layout with the kit. I highlighted a quote that resonates with me: In each journey of your life, you must be where you are. You may only be passing through on your way to somewhere else seemingly more important--nevertheless, there is purpose in where you are right now. --Rabbi Tzvi Freedman

I created a layout for this quote because I need the reminder that THIS moment, THIS experience in life, is valuable, and not just a "waiting station" on the way to being a mom.

(excuse the blechy photo. Need more light over here, please!)

Brief note on this closeup--to create this label, I cut a rub-on into pieces and placed it in the arrangement I wanted (originally, the "bloom" was on top of the "where you are planted." I was worried the rub-on + sticker combo wouldn't work, but it went on just fine!)



This last photo is a little ode to my snow day snack this winter--smoothies! Kind of a strange winter snack, but they were delicious!


Well, that covers it for today!

What are YOU planning for this weekend?
PS--my friend Diana is doing a series of posts on the scrapbooking basics--super helpful for any new scrappers who are asking for help!

Scarlet Lime March!

Happy Sunday, everyone! We just got home from a fun-filled day of jetting around town, and I can finally pop in!

I realized I hadn't shared my Scarlet Lime layouts for March, which is crazy, because the kit is bee-yoo-tiful.


See what I mean? I normally don't keep kits together for very long, but for this one, I couldn't bear to take it apart.

My first layout is an ode to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. During my trip to Los Angeles for CHA, after which I couldn't get home for two days due to the giant snowstorm in the middle of the country, I spent some time with LA friends and enjoyed my first ever visit to this coffee chain.

And why might this be so exciting? Because everything in the store is kosher! EVERYTHING!

I was thrilled to get a nice little snack (in this case, a waffle with nutella) along with my coffee. And there was an outdoor fireplace, which I enjoyed until I noticed a sign saying that fireplace smoke can affect certain bodily functions like fertility--so I moved. Fertility treatments will do that sort of thing to you.

People told me I would love my Tiny Attacher, and they're right--I used it on the letters here to add a bit of visual interest.


This layout is a new take on the double page layout for me--a double page 81/2 X 11 version. I like it because the space is less overwhelming.

Here, I was out of "e"s, so I used the cutout of the letter and backed it with patterned paper. It was a fortuitous mistake, because now I love the pop of color!

The Frugal Fab kit this month was also fun to work with!

Even though the kit had a lot of school themed items in it, I used it for a love layout here below. If you're interested, I gave more background to this layout in a Scarlet Lime blog post.


LOVE man/woman icons. So fun.

This next layout is about a subject that gives my husband heart palpitations--going back to school (something about those student loans, I think).

If I ever do end up back at school, I'll let ya know.


Question: If YOU could go back to school for anything, what would it be?

Scarlet Lime January--Vintage Love!

I always love Scarlet Lime kits, but with my penchant for blue, gray, pink, flowers, and vintage bits, I am in LOVE with this month's kit!

Here's a peek at the main:


And here's what I did with it:


The journaling reads: No matter where we go, as long as I'm with you, I'm right at home. Photo credit: Alexis Hardy (have I been getting my scrappy use out of those photos or what!)

A close-up. I'm generally a 12 by 12 kind of lady, but every so often an 8.5 by 11 is just perfect.

This next layout tells the story of our mini vacation to NYC (which included the best massage EVER! Let's just say a secret grotto and eucalyptus steam room were involved. Sigh.)


I am loving anything gray this season, so I amped up the gray on this layout with the background and the patterned paper. If you can see in the photo, the hotel walls were also gray--I approved!

The Frugal Fab kit this month has more of a bold, graphic feel, and some wonderful Pink Paislee touches--note the pleated ribbon and that fantastic blue alpha!

Here's what I was up to with this one:
This layout provides a bit of insight into the craziness that is the S & K household. In anticipation for our future trip to DISNEY WORLD (that's right--we're going in a few weeks!), and our stay in the Animal Kingdom Lodge in particular, we have taken to signing our emails with things like "keshet 'safari queen' starr." It's all very weird, but entertaining!

Love love love that pleated ribbon!

And my last layout is about my trip to see Wicked with my little sis. It was a truly fantastic show--the best part was watching her eyes get so big as the songs and effects lit up the stage!

I didn't get any good pictures that night, but didn't want to let the moment be forgotten. So I used the playbill cover and journaled about what a special night it was. I'm so glad I made it:)

If you're interested in one of the kits, they are still available over at Scarlet Lime!

My question for you is how YOU scrap memories you don't have photos for?

PS--I'm almost at 100 followers (!!!), so whenever I get there, I'm going to have a giveaway! Planning it now!