A Lil' Retroactive Project Life

I have been considering sharing my Project Life book for a while now, but really wasn't sure about it. Now it seems that TONS of PL's are popping up everywhere. I am officially jumping on the bandwagon :)

These are the first 4 weeks of my 2011 Project Life {Amber Edition}...more to come soon.

Title Page

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

One Little Word

One Little Word is a concept that Ali Edwards {fellow Project Lifer + insane inspiration} recently blogged about. Basically, you think of one word that describes where you want to see yourself over the next year. It doesn't have to be project specific, but it's a constant reminder for yourself to not get bogged down by life. AE has been doing this for several years, and even compiled a ginormous list on her blog.

I thought long + hard about my word. I bounced around several ideas and settled on the word "whimsical". But as I dug a little deeper, I knew something wasn't right about it {for this year at least}. So what do I want to focus on this year? Maybe that is it...I just want to focus.

Recently, I had a suspicious mole removed. It came out shortly after the birth of my daughter, and something about it wasn't quite right. So, I scheduled an appt with a dermatologist, had it removed, and sure enough...the biopsy came back abnormal. Two weeks later, I was under a huge light and lying on a surgical table {mentally kicking myself for the hours I spent in tanning beds}. I now have a 2 inch incision on my abdomen and a huge reality check. Life is so fragile. One moment can change everything, literally.

I had been reflecting on this for a few days when I sat down to scrapbook one afternoon, and a Taylor Swift song shuffled onto my MP3 player. I can't even remember the song, but I heard the word "captivated" and the light bulb over my head flipped on. That's exactly what I want to focus on. I want to be captivated by every single thing in my beautiful life :: every moment shared with my husband, the joy of watching my almost-2-year-old discover life, my parents + sisters, friends, ...even grocery shopping. I want to be captivated by the most precious gift of all :: Time.

One Little Word | Captivated

Great Giveaway from Wild Blueberry Ink...

So, I randomly enter giveaways (especially scrapping, photography, etsy, etc), because it is almost like the rush of gambling without having to spend money. I very rarely win anything, but it really is fun trying. So without further a due, I present the latest giveaway that I have entered.

http://wildblueberryink.com/2011/11/20/innocence-photobook-giveaway/

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE photobooks. LOVE them. 

They make perfect gifts to parents/grandparents/godparents/aunts/uncles etc. 

They are perfect for the coffee table, so you don't have haul out big scrapbook albums that contain photos of you with babyfood stains on your shirt + no make-up {but you had to include b/c 1. It's a part of life | 2. Your little one is absolutely adorable in that photo}. 

They are perfect to keep handy when you travel for when people ask to how your big/old your kids are {ya know, instead of showing last year's school photo}.

Have I mentioned that I love them? LOL. So, anytime I see a website that is offering a great deal or a freebie/giveaway. I always dig into my handy "photo favs" folder, and quickly put one together.

Hopefully, I will be doing just that in soon with the cute "Innocence Kit"!

What is Project Life? In a word....AhhhhMazing!

I have a very good friend. She loves me. A lot. That must be the reason she enlightened my life and shared this amazing product with me. As the story goes, girl sees :: girl loves :: girl buys. I can easily admit  that I am an impulsive buyer. Coupon? For something I don't need? I'll take it! In fact, two please! My husband periodically asks "where DOES the money go" and suggests a firmer grip on discipline {Dave Ramesy randomly appears in our house when I get a little carried away}.

Brace yourself Dave...this is the BEST investment of money and time I have EVER made.

"What is this Project Life" you ask?! Well I'll tell you, rather show you...no need to reinvent the wheel, ya know.

Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHJ5pox_s2M

For all you shopaholics out there, this video should induce fluttery feelings of the heart. Your brain has processed the ridiculously simple layout, clean design, and the urgent need to get your hands on everything you can to create your own version. Fear not. Your infamous "white box" can arrive shortly.
 
http://www.beckyhiggins.com/products/

Happy Shopping! And in the words of THE Becky Higgins, "Cultivate a good life and record it".