The Hungry Bear

project life | week thirty one

 

Week 31 (July 26 - August 1) 

Full Spread View:   

Second half of the year, switching up a little bit. I still plan on using Design A but adding in some new Design pages.Used a combination of Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards and some printables. 

Left Side View:

I had another amazing opportunity to work with Shop Gossamer and Laura Gordon. This time we met up at Tuckahoe Plantation in Richmond. The location was charming where pups can roam freely off leash. Where the every corner you turn, there are beautiful tall trees and lovely gardens. With that, comes mosquitoes, came home with around 60 bites. Ekkkk. 

This was also the first time I got to work with a couple for bride and groom role. It was interesting to see the models in their element. Even though working on a styled shoot is much longer than a work day in the office, I didn't mind it. I feel like I am contributing to creating beauty and amazed at seeing the end result.

Right Side View:

In addition to working on a wedding theme styled shoot, Robert and I attended a wedding. It is one of our friends from school. Robert and him work together as well. Always a joy to see friends on their happy day. Celebrating the love of two people. 

So while at the workshop, I forgot to bring bug spray and lets say I got eaten alive by the mosquitoes. Decided to a long dress was a good idea for the wedding. Have been waiting for this dress to go on sale for awhile now! 

Middle View Insert: 

I kept the invitation, ceremony program and menu card and inserted them into an 8.5 x 11 page protector. I didn't want to throw them away so thought this was a nice addition to the book.

project life | week thirty

Week 29 (July 19 - July 25) 

Full Spread View:   

Second half of the year, switching up a little bit. I still plan on using Design A but adding in some new Design pages.Used a combination of Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards and some printables. 

Left Side View:

Week full of birthdays! First up was long time and dear friend, Karen! We celebrated the week before. Then it was Robert's birthday! I asked where he wanted to eat. He said Sushi Prince, it's a cute hidden gem in Fairfax. Discovered it last year where we ate for my birthday. We definitely loaded up on food, I think people were looking at us for the amount we were eating! 

Originally, I was going to take the whole week off with Robert but unfortunately at work a proposal was due. Unfortunately, it got extended again so could have taken the whole week off. On Thursday, went out boating with Karen and her boyfriend. It was my first time at Lake Anna, it was quite wonderful first experience. It was definitely a gorgeous day to be out. We had drove down in the morning and met up her boyfriend, his brother and his dad. Second try at water-skiing, am feeling the soreness in the body the next day for sure. Even got a chance to drive the boat!

Ended the week with some antique-ing and lunch with Marie. We went to Off the Beaten Track in DC. I love the idea of a warehouse turned vintage furniture showroom. Very charming place but unfortunately a bust in finding anything that day. So we went to search for a brunch/lunch place since we ended early. I had saved Mintwood Place awhile back. Quite tasty!

Right Side View:

Since Robert was off this week, we decided to try a new hike. Originally, was thinking of trying out Doyle River Falls. When we got to the gate of the Shenandoah, the guard said that it was about an additional 50 mile drive. So we decide to pick something closer, Rose River Falls. 

Could ask for more beautiful day! The trail was shaded enough where we didn't get too hot. It also wasn't too long of a hike, 4 miles total. It was a good hike for Bear as well. We bumped into a few others with pups as well. Bear was happy about that, tail wagging and all!

Middle View Insert: 

 

When we were at the gate, the guard gave us a newsletter and brochure. I kept both and inserted it into a regular page protector.

project life | week twenty nine

 

Week 29 (July 12 - July 18) 

Full Spread View:   

Second half of the year, switching up a little bit. I still plan on using Design A but adding in some new Design pages.Used a combination of Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards and some printables. 

Left Side View:

Is this what it feels like when one gets a bit bored of project life and start to fall behind? I give props to those who are able to create a bunch of layouts at a time. This week in particular, it felt like I was scrambling to fill the pages. Sometimes I'll go look and read through my favorite project life bloggers in search of inspiration. Has that ever happen to you? How do you overcome it?

Last week Robert went to Tennessee to visit his friend. He was gone for five days so that means partyyyyyy. By party, I mean Netflix and hanging out with Bear. Luckily, had some pre-dinner plans with some girlfriends two nights in a row. So it wasn't too lonely. 

First night was GNO with Megan, Alli and her daughter. We went to Cava Grill, forgot how good it is! I'm loving their Watermelon Mint juice! Super refreshing. One Friday, we went to the newest location for Sisters Thai to celebrate Karen's birthday. The new location is equally as cute as the original with it's bookcases and charming decor.  

Right Side View:

 

I went out and got my first Craiglist item! I have been looking for a craft desk. Before I have been using my dining table as a craft table. It sucked to clean up every night cause I didn't want Bear getting to it. Now with the additional room as an office. I can leave everything as it is and pick right up later. My first Craiglist was quite pleasant. The lady was very nice and helpful. The original price of the table was $150. She was selling for $100. I thought to give a try to offer $80 for it. She said yes! Now to find some storage organization.

Last Sunday, my friend's sister got married. Was honored to create their wedding welcome sign. The venue was gorgeous. From the photos from her sister, it was a wonderful and beautiful day!

Over the weekend, felt an inspiration coming on. So had a mini styling session with my sister. Doesn't she create some lovely calligraphy work! Went with a hint of yellow theme this time. There has been so much rain lately, wanted a little bit of sunshine.

project life | week twenty eight

Week 28 (July 5 - July 11) 

Full Spread View:   

 

Second half of the year, switching up a little bit. I still plan on using Design A but adding in some new Design pages.Used a combination of Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards and some printables. 

Left Side View:

 

I have trimmed down Design F. I have come to find that I like 3x4 way more than 4x6. This week I have included a freebie from Tina Aaszmus of LifeLovePaper on the concept/speaking to fear. This couldn't come at more of a perfect time. Last month I signed up for a one-on-one workshop session with Shop Gossamer and Laura Gordon Photography.

 

For a long time, I felt lost in what I wanted to do with my life. I felt that people surrounding me were pushing forward and I somehow felt behind. Trying to figure out I really want to do. I believe I had always been creative but just okay at. Not enough confidence in pushing it professionally. Just doing it on the side as a creative outlet in addition to my day job.

After the two days with Emme of Shop Gossamer, I have found a newfound encouragement in pushing myself in doing something I love to do. I have to say that during those two days, I found myself happier and less stressed. Also to say that who would have thought, arranging flowers could be so relaxing. 

Right Side View:

Ended the week with some good company and boating! My friend's boyfriend owns a boat and his brother was visiting from Pennsylvania. We met up at Pohick Bay which was about 30 minutes from where I live. Day started out a little cloudy but the sun made an appearance soon enough! 

It was my first time trying water skiing! Not to shabby for a first try thanks to the brothers who have been doing it for yearssss. They were wonderful teachers but definitely the soreness kicked in the next few days. Also, water tubing was super fun as well!  

It was so nice to be outdoors. I don't think I let myself do that too much. Sometimes staying inside most of the time. Nice to get out, get some fresh air and by in the water! 

wall art series: home sign

Last part of the wall art series, a "What I love most about my home is who I share it with" sign. My friend sent this inspiration piece. I wanted to keep with the chalkboard feel but wanted cleaner lines. I was looking online to stir up some creativity and these were some of my favs:

1  |  2  |  3

1. I like the clean lines on this one, where it's all print and everything looks symmetric.

2. Not the exact wording but I love the house element. I asked for my friend's address to look up a photo of the house on google in hopes to add it to the piece. Also to add a personal touch to it.

3. Chalkboard feel but I like how all the different fonts come together.

MATERIALS:

• Wood board (Michaels)
• Black Primer Paint
• Chalkboard Paint
• White Pencil
• White Sharpie Pen

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Spray a coat of primer onto the wooden board and let dry for an hour.

 

Step 2: Spray a coat of the chalkboard paint and let dry for an hour. 

 

Step 3: Using a white pencil, sketch out your quote 

 

Step 4: Go over your sketch with a white pen

project life | week twenty seven

 

Week 27 (June 28 - July 4) 

Full Spread View:   

 

For consistency, I plan on using Design A for all 52 weeks. I like the ratio of 4x6 and 3x4 pockets. Used a combination of Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards and some printables. 

Left Side View:

Summer is in full swing! Can't believe we are already in July. Started out the week hanging out with some good friends at their new place! Lowkey night with some pizza and cornhole. Got a lovely house tour, always love seeing how people decorate their homes. It really gives a chance to see the decorating style and personality of the owners come alive.

The cornhole photos crack me up. One of my friend took the photo of the guys playing cornhole. Then she snapped a photo of me and our other friend doing a funny pose. 

 

Rachel from Big City Quiet had some awesome summer cards. I inserted the "Oh, Hello Summer" one in this week's spread. Did I also mention, it's a FREEBIE! Hop over to her blog (she has amazing spreads by the way!) and download them here!

Right Side View:

Ended the week with heading over to my sister and brother-in-law's place for simple BBQ for Fourth of July. I was in charge of bringing some potato salad and famous apple pie! Definitely a good reason to bake some pie and also use this awesome Piebox gift from my friend to carry it in. One of the reason why I love summer: Grilling! Mouth watering just thinking of the spread. Ribs, bratwurst, hotdogs stuffed with cheese, grilled corn, and even steak! 

Did a little family photo. Apparently Robert and Bear were matching with the gingham style. Unfortunately I didn't have a short sleeve shirt so lightbulb. Had some extra fabric so I cut a strip and tied it in my hair. 

And just like that, first half of the year is done. Next week, I think I will put together a video of the book showing the spreads from January to end of June. I don't know if I want to keep Design A for page protector or change it up and use different page design. 

wall art series: lyrics sign

Part two of the wall art series is a lyrics sign. My friend and her boyfriend have a song by Zac Brown Band that they love. This one is called "Loving You Easy".

MATERIALS:

• Canvas
• White Paint
• Pencil
• Black Pen
• Black Brush Pen
• Black Paint
• Paint Brush

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Started off with painting the canvas with some white paint. To give it some layer/structure for writing.

Step 2: At first I started with pencil to write on the canvas. Then I started to notice, it wasn't showing up too well. Then winged it with by sketching out with black pen. With that, more changes of mistakes so definitely took more time in not rushing out the sketching.

Step 3: Originally, I was also thinking using a paint brush to paint over the sketch. But wasn't too sure of the thickness of the paint and didn't want to mess up. So went towards paint brush pen for more control. 

wall art series: river sign

My friend and her boyfriend had gotten a new place and she was on the look out for some wall art. Honored that she asked me to work on some. This is the first of a three part series. 

My friend gave me an inspiration piece from Pinterest. That lead me to look at some other pieces for more inspiration. Some favorites:

1  |  2  |  3

I ended up going for a rustic feel with white lettering.

MATERIALS:

• Wood Pallet (Michaels)
• White Pencil
• White Sharpie Pen
• Paint Brush
• White Paint
• Letters (Target) 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Place/Space out the letters on the wood pallet to your liking. You can use stickers where there are all sorts of different fonts.

Step 2: Using a white pencil, trace around the letters.

Step 3: Using a white Sharpie pen, trace of the pencil markings.

Step 4: Fill in the outlines with white paint. After one coat, I took the sharpie to blend in with the paint.

 

Voila! Hope they like!

project life | week twenty six

 

Week 26 (June 21 - June 27) 

Full Spread View:   

For consistency, I plan on using Design A for all 52 weeks. I like the ratio of 4x6 and 3x4 pockets. Used a combination of Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards and some printables. 

Left Side View:

This was the last week where we had our old apartment. We went with the slow move since it was just down the hall.  We had our old apartment professionally cleaned. It was probably a good idea for us to do that after living there for five years. There are probably spots that I would miss or overlooked. They really did a great job. 

We made a trip to Ikea to pick up a new TV stand. We had used a book case before to hold the tv but in the new apartment with the new layout. The book case did not fit in that area, we needed something a little shorter in width. We purchased two drawers that would go in the stand. I had put one together fine but then when I went to put together the second on, the gave one piece that was incorrect. So the drawer a bit incomplete. 

After five years, we threw away our old rug and also because Bear had chewed up the rug during his time at home. There were a few rugs I loved but not the price. Also I was thinking, if Bear were to destroy an inexpensive rug, I wouldn't feel as bad. I went with one from Amazon. $170 for 8x10, not bad!

Right Side View:

I spent the weekend catching up on some Netflix and crafting. I finished up the latest season of Orange is the new Black. Then I went onto Amazon and saw that the latest season of Downton Abbey was on. Yup, went and watched that too!

My friend and her boyfriend got a new place. Was honored that she had asked me to a few wall art pieces. Will be posting a few posts about three different art pieces on blog soon.

 

giveaway part 2: colorful pack

A burst of color in this second giveaway as a result of my decluttering! A mix of items I had extra of and/or time for me to part with. If you also want to try your luck at the first giveaway, there is still time! 

Just leave me a comment on this post by Friday, July 3rd and I'll choose a winner!

*U.S entries/shipping only (Sorry!) Happy commenting!