Scrappy Travels

After years of ignoring the idea of Project Life, I broke down and gave it a shot.  I actually finished my first Project Life layout today.  As crazy as the concept is (documenting everything in your life), the scrapbooking aspect is so much easier than traditional scrapbooking!  I may not be ready to go all hog-wild with my everyday life being documented, but for the fun out of the ordinary days, Project Life-ing is pretty darn awesome!

During the year, I can find myself reading just about anything from Shakespeare to Biographies, to food and travel to mysteries and fantasy.  Anything that catches my eye, I'll pretty much pick up and read.  But in the summer, I like to keep it "pink".  I tend to stick to the girly, chick lit love stories that are just perfect for the beach.  This summer is no different and thanks to a few too many trips the Barnes and Noble, I've got the list pretty much ready to go (Of course the list also includes "Bellweather Rhapsody" and "The Corsican Caper" but they're not in paperback yet - hoping they will be soon!).  I've been slacking lately in favor of crafting, but I'm hoping the longs warm days will help my reading energy and help me cross off these awesome novels quickly.  Afterall, there are so many more great stories to fly through. Bring on the books!

Each year on the first weekend in June, it just so happens that the Italian and the Greek Festivals happen on the same days.  I'm not sure why but I can only assume it's so that people who love to eat (i.e. me) get the maximum amount of gorging all in one weekend. At the Greek Fest there was Chicken Souvlaki (why have I always been scared of Tzatziki?  It's delicious!), Tyropita (a little too heavy but still good) and 4 different types of Greek pastries whose names I've long since forgotten (however no Galactoboureko which is the only one I REALLY wanted, ugh!) But the ones I did get were phenomenal! At the Italian festival, there was a Porchetta and Broccoli Rabe sandwich (OMG!), Mozzarella Sticks, and handmade by little Italian grandmothers Ravioli with Marinara. (To die for!) Follow that all up with a trip to the docks in Naptown and some Moe's Mexican for a late dinner and some Deep Dark chocolate ice cream for dessert, and it was the perfect tour of the w

Etsy seems to be the gift that just keeps on giving. On one hand, it's incredibly difficult to market shops well.  So far the only orders I've received are from people I know.  I have no idea how to get my shop noticed and I have no idea how to drum up business.  But on the other hand, it's incredibly easy for friends to order things ALL the time.  Before I opened my shop, crafting was just a thing I did that people sort of knew about.  Now that I have an Etsy shop, it's like an open call for everyone to special order whatever they want, whenever they want.  It's a bit stressful at times and a bit hard to manage the orders.  But, oh have I mentioned it's also pretty awesome : )

After a crappy day, I needed some scrappy and some happy in my life so I got working on a photo frame for my favorite Color Run photo.  If that couldn't turn my smile upside down, I don't what could.  After loving how it turned out, maybe a few more will show up on Etsy quite soon. : ) Ready and waiting for this photo: