Things That Made Me Go Hmmmmmmmm?!/!......................

So this weekend, Paper Passion Studio had the pleasure of running a booth at the 12th Annual Women's Lifestyle Show.  This fabulous show took place at The Convention Centre here in London, Ontario.  From the time we opened the doors Saturday morning to the time we tore down our displays Sunday afternoon, the mood was ELECTRIC!!  Women. Shopping. Food. Wine. Fashion Show.  Demonstrations.  It was a veritable buffet for the senses.  I met so many people from all walks of life, age and circumstance.  It was a wonderful experience.

If my pondering ended there this post would be rather short and sweet.  I may be sweet but I am not short.

If I had to offer up one negative about this weekend I would have to say it was the enormous sense of frustration I felt every time I heard someone say "I'm not creative", or "I could never do this".  I wanted to grab these ladies by the shoulders and scream....."YES you are and YES you can!!!".  We are all creative in one sense or another.  I firmly believe this.  We all have the capability of unleashing  this creativity from within ourselves.  Some may need a little more guidance than others but that's okay.  Some of us are more comfortable with our artistic sides than others.  Some of us understand the value that exists in indulging this side of ourselves.  Some of us need a little push and some of us readily jump.

You can be creative.  You can be artistic.  You don't have to be Picasso, Pollack or Kahlo.  You don't have to be Martha Stewart with a glue gun.  You just have to be open to the possibilities.  If you have tried this and found arts and/or crafts is just not your cup of tea, that's okay.  There is also value in being self aware.  But if you are counting yourself out before you've even tried - I beg of you to put any preconceived notions you have about yourself aside and just give it a try.  Take a class.  Learn from a friend. Or try something at home by yourself when no one is around and you won't feel judged.  Just be open, willing and relaxed.  I know you can surprise yourself.  I am surprised every time I learn something new or master a new technique.  But I continue to push myself and I refuse to put limits on what I can do.  YES,  WE CAN ALL BE CREATIVE & YES,  WE CAN!!!!!

Party Party Party!!

I don't know about you but Spring and Summer proves to be the busiest time for us, party wise.  We have birthday parties, anniversaries, and many celebrations.  I love throwing a good party and it is my belief that the love is in the details.  And details are my specialty.

From handmade invitations, to decorations and party favours, I leave no stone unturned.  Planning the party is almost more fun for me than the actual party itself!!  I have thrown many different types of parties, but the ones that stand out in my mind are:

My daughter's Alice In Wonderland Themed Birthday
Our Annual Halloween Parties
My Youngest Son's Circus Themed Birthday
&
My Best Friend's Baby Shower

To throw a successful party I have learned a few tricks that I would like to share with you now.

1.  When planning a party make sure you give plenty of notice - these days schedules are so busy and I have found it's best to give an early heads up to ensure the biggest turnout possible

2.  Handmade invitations can make a lasting impression and are so fun to create but I also send out emails and/or Facebook messages to cover all my bases

3.  Make sure to ask for RSVPs so that you are able to plan how much food, drinks and favours you will require, I also like to ask guests to indicate if there are any food allergies so I can best plan the menu

4.  Always have a little extra on hand for those surprise guests that can pop up.  I always make a little more food than needed and I always have extra favours on hand just in case - it is better to be over prepared I always say

5.  If you are throwing a child's party make sure you have plenty of activities incorporated into your theme.  There is nothing worse than having a group of "bored" kids complaining during what should be a fun day

6.  Be sure to have someone take pictures for you.  I am always so busy fulfilling my hostess duties that I don't have time to snap photos so I always delegate this job to a family member or good friend

7.  Never be afraid or too proud to ask for help.  I still struggle with this but I am trying to get better at it.  There is no reason to stress yourself out.  Parties are supposed to be fun and bring people together.  Letting go of a little control and asking for help will make your day run smoother

8.  And most importantly, ENJOY YOURSELF, HAVE FUN....you deserve it too!!

IT'S A DOG'S LIFE

I must confess, I do not particularly care for cats.  I do, however, LOVE dogs and always have.  Perhaps my parents created this bias in me since all we had growing up were dogs....some really awesome dogs!!  Dogs that quickly became apart of our family.  It's only natural, I believe, that once I had a family of my own I would see to it that my children would also get the opportunity to grow up with a furry, adopted family member.  So, yes we have a dog.  His name is Cash.  He may cause a little trouble here and there.  He is quite a little sprinter and given the chance he will bolt out of the house and take a spin around the neighbourhood.  He may from time to time impolitely grab food out of my youngest son's hands......but my son is so close to the ground, I think Cash believes this makes all food that low fair game.  Despite his little eccentricities, Cash is a loving, tender little pup adapted to the crazy ways of my children and he is a member of our family.

I realized just recently, that I have NEVER scrapped a layout with any photos of our pup.  This is something I wanted to address.  My children will grow up and Cash will inevitably pass away (later than sooner I hope) and I want there to be some photos of him in our albums to remind Ryley, Dylan and Cole of their little childhood buddy.  So, when I came upon the new HAPPY TAILS Collection by Bo Bunny I knew my ship had come in.  Finally, I found a cute paper that conveys the spirit of our Cash.  Pictured here is just a little preview of a quick layout I completed using this collection.  I hope you enjoy the photos of my pup and I hope you remember to catch some photos of your own family pet and preserve them in your albums for generations to gaze and smile upon!!

Until next time.......Keep Creating!!