The Hungry Bear

project life | week nine.

Week 9 (February 22 - February 28) 

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:

Not going to lie. It was probably one of the worst weeks I've had this year. There were three proposals due last week. Nothing but work work work, I believe I ended up cranking out about 60 hours last week. Apologies in advance that this week's spread is not up to par. 

One of the night I woke up in the middle of the night to start working because I was waiting on some of the folks to finish in order to start my part. Then all day at the production vendor to get this proposal out the door. I think that night I fell asleep right when I got home.Robert and I decided that both of us had a very long week (Even though it was ONLY a Wednesday!) so we went out to eat. It was a long time since our last date night. I really think we need to have those more often. 

Right Side View:

Last Sunday was Bear's Dogiversary! Can't believe a year went by already. It was just a year ago when we went to pick him up at Deb's Doodles. Bear was a tiny little thing back then. This was a picture of him just hanging out in Deb's Kitchen. 

The story of how we chose Bear. We knew we wanted a boy and there were two left in the litter. Robert and I had went to eat at Popeye's prior to arriving at Deb's. Originally, I was leaning towards Miso (My sister's dog) cause he was so fluffy! But Bear kept hanging around us licking our hands and sniffing our clothes. We joke still today that it was the Popeye's that lead us to pick our dog! 

Dedicated this page to Bear. We love his energetic personality and how he such a social butterfly. Taking the time to greet other dogs/humans. He can be a little monster sometimes when he tears up our personal items. I know he knows he did something wrong but I think he does it because he misses us during the day when we're at work. In the end, it's just things. It's hard to get mad at him when you come home after a long day and he's there to greet you. Bear really has shown us to love unconditionally! 

project life | week eight.

 

Week 8 (February 15 - February 21) 

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:

First time having President's Day off at work. Usually we have New Year's Day off then not another day off till Memorial Day. Five months without a day off is a long time. This is a nice little break and Monday night it snowed, ended up working from home on Tuesday. I have to say, I feel more productive while I work at home then coming into the office. There are less distractions of people coming up to my desk. The only real distraction is Bear wanting to play as I try to get work done. Another benefit is I actually get to hang out with Bear during lunch time. Usually I drive home, quickly walk him then drive back. So less time on the road and more time with Bear. 

When I had the day off on Monday, Robert and I met his mom for lunch. We went to Lighthouse Tofu, they serve Korean specialties. I love all the little side dishes that comes with your order. I went with the Sundubu (Korean Soup) Beef and Pork. 

My coworker sent me a few photos from her wedding where I hand-lettered an envelope for her invitation. Love seeing professional photos come back, always so beautiful!

Right Side View:

This week was Lunar New Year (February 19). Usually we go over to my parents' house to have dinner. It is tradition to hand out "li xi" or lucky money for Vietnamese/Chinese New Year. Even Bear and Miso posed with some lucky money. Not that they need any luck or anything. I included one of the envelope, I like to keep them even if they're empty. 

This week my friend and her fiance had us over dinner at their new house. It was so funny, my other friend and I come in with housewarming gifts and it looked so similar. Even the hanging towels on the right! It was pizza night and my friend makes the most amazing chocolate chip cookies for dessert. We spent time catching up and planning some upcoming things to do together!

floral theme birthday gift

My coworker/friend's birthday was yesterday. In honor of her colorful spirit, I had put together a floral theme birthday gift for her. Kept it with a coral/mint color theme and some of items I added were:

• Wooden Crate (From Michaels)
• Flowers (Safeway)
• Rifle Paper Notebook (Paper Source)
• Kate Spade Paper Clips (Paper Source)
• Muslin Bag (Paper Source)
• Straws (Michaels)
• Floral Envelopes (Michaels)
• Candle (Michaels)
• Post-its (Target)
• Berry Basket (Anthropologie)

Had gotten some Ghirardelli Mini Dark Chocolate (not pictured) and put them inside the Muslin bag. Also forgot to include the floral envelope in the first picture of all the items. Seems to forget that one or two items each time when photographing.

And voila, final product! Looking at this gift basket makes me look forward that spring is around the corner. Been way too cold and got quite a bit of snow already. I think I am ready for warmer weather! Spring dresses and sandals, yup, think warmth. Almost there!

project life | week seven.

Week 7 (February 8 - February 14) 

This week is extra special. Robert and I celebrated 10 years of being together! It's crazy just thinking about it, a whole decade! 

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:

Getting back into the Estate Sale groove. I have been talking to my sister about some possible styled shoot to showcase her calligraphy work. Also a chance for me to practice some styling. I went to look for some vintage flatware and/or serving trays. But looks like others have been thinking the same thing and beat me to buying these items.

I didn't walk away empty handed. Did find some mini/small plates with some gold trim/florals. I think these could be great for some jewelry trays or other styled work. I had a last lunch with Virginia, coworker/friend. Can't believe the end of this week, she will be traveling to California. So what are we doing before she leaves? What we do best, eating and shopping!

Right Side View:

So after some failed attempts (four to be exact), got a few good macarons for a photo. I had made some Chocolate with nutella filling and Strawberry with nutella. For some reason, I couldn't get a good consistency on the chocolate. Kept on hollowing in, need to practice that one more. Though the chocolate ones did not look great, Robert's work seem to love that one more than the strawberry. So the saying holds true, "Don't judge a book by it's cover!"

One day last week, I was sitting at my desk facing my computer. My coworker arrived at work and goes, "OMG, LINDA!" I look over at her cube and she had the exact shirt on! We both died laughing. We even had pink/coral bottom/skirt going on. We kept on saying that one day we will eventually wear the same shirt. It only took two years!

project life | week six.

Week 6 (February 1 - February 7) 

February! That means a new set of title cards. Going for simple black text on white background. Also since Valentine's Day is around the corner, decided on have "love" them printable filler cards.

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:

Back to the gym I go. It feels like it's been a long since I last went the gym. But knowing that I signed up for the Reston 10 miler and the race is March 1st. Need to get back to training. I tell myself if I can run half of what the distance of a race is then it will be okay. Thought I might do this every so often to see how I'm doing is to track the distance, time and pace at which I run.We are continuing to cook with Blue Apron. Robert and I are finding ourselves eating healthier by using them. We don't feel disgustingly full like we do when we are eating out. I really like it because it has gotten me to try so many ingredients that I haven't tried before.  

Right Side View:

It was unusually warm last Wednesday. Had forgotten what it was like for it to be "warm" with all this winter weather. The days are getting longer again. I took a snapshot of the sky one morning as I was driving into work. Beautiful!

Though work days are long, thank goodness for gchat. Old/current coworkers and I have a group chat going during the day. Helps the day go by just a little bit faster.

Been waiting for Founding Farmers to open up in Tysons Corner in Virginia. Usually we travel into DC but now it's just 10 minutes away! It was our first time having brunch there. It was a all you can eat for $30. It was good, just came in with a mindset of ordering something off the menu. Robert and I were looking to see what they had, Eggs Benedict or some Chicken and Waffles. 

project life | week five.

Week 5 (January 25 - January 31) 

This might be favorite spread to date. Especially the left side, something about the combination of photos and colors.  

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:

Last week was Washington DC Restaurant Week it's where more than 200 restaurants participate in offering a 3-course meal either lunch and/or dinner. For lunch, the courses are offered at $20.15 and for dinner, it is $35.15. In DC, they usually have a winter and a summer restaurant week. I like to try to go at least once a year. It's a great opportunity to try the "nicer" restaurants that are usually on the pricier side for a steal!

This year, we tried, Art and Soul a rustic and southern comfort restaurant. I was in love with the entrance decor, all the wooden frames with the chalkboard artwork. Fried chicken was on the menu as part of the deal, so naturally all of us got it!

Bear's renewal registration tag came in the mail. Was a bit late in filling the form but still in before January 31st! I wanted to keep Bear's old tag as a memento. No more illegal dog as Robert puts it.

Found this "be first coffee" free printable and scaled it to fit a 4x6 card. This was definitely an appropriate card, had one too many cups of coffee last week. Work has picked up quite a bit and won't slow down anytime soon. Got a sweet sweet "pay it forward" gift from my coworker. It was a coffee scrub, it's like she knew!

Right Side View:

I spent my Friday night last weekend doing my taxes. You know you're getting old when you feel a sense of accomplishment after completing your taxes. I didn't want to wait till later. When I get my W2 in the mail, I want to complete it within the week. 

The same coworker that had given me the coffee scrub, made some homemade soup for me for lunch. After going two days without lunch, she said, "I have something for you tomorrow!" When I said worked picked up at work, I meant it. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing the work of 2 or 3 even 4 people at a time. Don't think it will slow down anytime soon.

This year have decided not to run the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in DC. But instead, signed up to do the Reston 10 Miler again. Race was cheaper by $60 and don't have to make the hike into DC early (EARLY) in the morning. I haven't ran in a couple of weeks so back to square one. Need to start getting some miles in cause March 1st is not that far away. Wish me luck!

I found this mug last month at Marshalls, "Dogs are people too". Had to get it! I definitely have a mug problem, so many cute ones. There are quite a few at Target that I've been eyeing. Might have to wait till those go on sale.

project life | week three.

Week 3 (January 11 - January 17) 

This week was hard for me to put a spread together. My grandmother passed away last week and had the funeral service yesterday. It's always hard losing someone. Dedicate this spread to my grandmother.

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 the Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards.

Left Side View:

This week wanted to showcase some of the daily routines: Daytime job, some tv shows that have resumed and breakfast. I find it crazy that stores are already getting ready for Spring! It's so hard to think of 80 degree weather clothing when it's 30 degrees out. Poop. But I do love spring clothes and it's something to look forward to. I recently received this catalog from Boden and was in love with the colors and the statement so I decided to fill one 4x6 slot and two 3x4 slots.

Most of the TV shows were coming back from winter break. Now it's a TV marathon with all the new episodes. Some of my favorites that I'm currently watching: New Girl, Parks and Recreations, and Chicago Fire.

Right Side View:

This week, had a reunion trip call with the girls. I am truly blessed to have a group of coworkers that still keep in touch even though two had moved Florida. We keep a daily group chat on our phones and gmail. We plan on meeting up this March. Now searching for flights and accommedations. 

Included a photo of our first experience with Blue Apron. This one was the Roasted Brussels Sprout & Freekeh Salad, very yummy! We have two more weeks in the subscription, debating on if we want to keep on going cause it really helps with trying new ingredients and save trips to the grocery store. (Feels like this should be a yes, keep with it!)

Even though it's a sad time but wanted to include a photo of my grandmother. I remember when I was younger, my sister and I would go over to my grandparents' house often. A good majority of the time we would have plenty of sleepovers. One of the things I remember my grandmother would make warm milk and condensed milk on toast for breakfast. Will always remember that!

project life | week two.

Week 2 (January 4 - January 10) 

Gettin' into the groove with this whole project life. A big fan of prepping ahead, feel like with this project, there are some things where I know I can fill ahead of time and I just have to go back and print photos and add journaling cards/embellishment. 

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 the Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards.

Left Side View:

As mentioned before and to keep with a constant "week" card. For the month of January, I cut down some cardstock to fit in the the 4x6 pocket and created the date/month slip and glued it onto the cardstock. Also another consistency I want to keep from week to week is an inspiration of Paislee Press journaling cards, created a version and added a summary of the week. Added another foodie free printable filler cards set. This time I added the #Foodie one and a picture of dinner during the week with some girlfriends. We had our first snow of the year. Bear was born during the winter and maybe that's why he loves snow so much. He had a blast "searching" for treasures underneath the snow. 

Kicked off the new year with my sister and brother-in-law's wedding being featured in the The Knot magazine. Such a beautiful wedding! Also loved getting together with good friends to try new restaurants. This time, went to a place called Yard House, a bar and grill place. Lots of delicious selection of foods, had a hard time picking what to eat! 

Right Side View:

This week was the first week where we had our first Blue Apron delivery! Robert had gotten me a subscription for Christmas. Blog post coming later this week! :] 

Big City Quiet had this lovely black and white striped filler card freebie. Thought it would go perfectly with the casino night holiday work party! Check out Rachel's blog, love love her layouts! 

Miso and Bear knows how "lazy sunday" truly works! My sister and brother-in-law went to see The Beauty and The Beast musical so thought it would be a good idea for the pups to play.

project life | week one.

Week 1! (January 1 - January 3) 

I am excited to share my first week of Project Life. Luckily it was a short week to ease in with working on this project. So far, I'm really liking this because it's a weekly as opposed to daily. December Daily was a great practice but documenting daily I have to say was pretty tough. With Project Life, I don't necessary have something going on each day so I like having the choice to pick and choose. But it always got me thinking that I can also document not just "event" but my daily routines. Something for me to think about as I continue this journey on this project. From my goals and plans post, trying to keep with the clean and simple approach so here we go!

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 the Midnight Edition Core Kit filler cards.

Left Side View:

My plan is that for each week of the month, to keep with a constant "week" card. For the month of January, I cut down some cardstock to fit in the the 4x6 pocket and created the date/month slip and glued it onto the cardstock. 

I included photos from the New Year's Day 5k run in Reston. It was a great way to start the new year on the right (or left ;] ) foot. We celebrated my baby brother's 16th birthday at Matchbox. Of course, a mug of coffee to help fuel some creativity!

I have been seeing the phrase, "Just Start" pop up in quiet a few places and thought it was a great phrase to start the new year. I handlettered the phrase on watercolor paper and inserted it into one of the 4x6 pockets. Also included one of pins from Pinterest, the phrase, "The best is yet to come". The print originate from Elise Joy, check out her other amazing items in her shop! Drawing from inspiration of Paislee Press journaling cards, created a version and added a summary of the week.

Right Side View:

Found these awesome foodie free printable filler cards. I added the dinner time card and added a date stamp. Again, as source of inspiration of Paislee Press, did a play on that with a slight variation.

Added photo of The Hungry Bear blog turning 1! Also, a photo some ridiculously good fried chicken from Boss Shepherd's that we went to celebrate a friend's birthday.

I handwritten some of the goals I would like to accomplish this year. Nothing to crazy, just some little personal things that I had put off. That hopefully by writting these down will motivate me to complete them. I even have check boxes, maybe to go back and check them off by the end of the year! Added an embellishment clip that I had from a while back.

december daily album | week five.

I wanted to document all of December because there were moments after Christmas that I wanted to share. Also I felt the album would be incomplete if I didn't document all the way to the 31st. 

Here are the last few pages for Week Five!

Day 28  One of my favorite things to do after Christmas is going post holiday Christmas Shopping. That includes shopping for Bear. :D Took him to Petco to see if there were any sales running. Unfortunately didn't see too many things but did end up getting a food tray. This helps slow down Bear's eating so he doesn't inhale all of his food at once like a...BEAR. ;] 

I just included a picture of Bear in the store with his basket of goods! I printed it regular size and cut it down to 4 separate little photos to insert into the 2x2 pocket page.

Day 29 and Day 30

Former coworker was up visting her family in Virginia. We all decided to meet up for lunch at Jackson's for Day 29. (Yup, that's right, went twice in two weeks, no shame! And you know we got the Salmon Salad!) I printed a group picture then added one of the filler cards and added a tag (Free printable here!). At the bottom, I added a filler card from the Midnight Edition Kit. It was orginially a full card that I cut in half to fit into the 2x2 pocket.

Day 30, didn't have much going on but wanted to share that I was going to start Project Life in the new year. I included a picture of the filler cards from the Midnight Edition Kit. Beautiful isn't it?! At the top pocket, I added this free printable (found here) wrapping paper and added a date stamp.

Day 31 and Christmas Card PageFor New Year's Eve, it was my brother's birthday, we didn't celebrate till the new year. I had a New Year's Day run the next day so kept it lowkey for NYE. Made a last minute new year's eve hat for Bear. :D Yup, went with another free printable (here). Thought the stars would go well with the photos.

Thought a good place to keep all the Christmas card we received this year all in one place would be with the album.  

Last PageInserted a plain sketchbook paper and added Martha Stewart ribbon paper and sticker. Wrote, "See you next year December!"  

To view all the weeks of December Daily, have pulled all the links for your conveniece:

Week One, Week Two, Week Three, and Week Four

And that completes December Daily 2014. It has been a wonderful first experience working on this album and look forward to doing it again next year!