Retail Therapy

One of my favorite things to do whenever I am stressed is go SHOPPING!!! It is so relaxing to me to wonder around looking at pretty things. Actually, I could be browsing for anything and it makes me happy. After a rough day at school, I will often look up a recipe on my phone and go to the grocery store and wander around picking up the supplies for dinner.

I was feeling stressed a couple of weeks ago and I found myself at Target. I didn't need anything. I didn't have the money to buy anything. I just needed some retail therapy. I needed to browse and touch the textures and take my mind off the things that were bothering me. I did not buy one single thing (usually I end up with something!) on this particular trip.


I decided to make a photo list of all the things I wanted so that if there was something I couldn't live without, I would be able to go back for it later. Here are a few of my favorite selections. I am so excited to start getting out my spring clothes. I spent some time last weekend organizing my closet, but I haven't quite put away my sweaters yet. Enjoy the pretties!!

I actually went back for that blue dress last weekend...I couldn't stop thinking about it!

Aren't these umbrellas just lovely!!

I actually went back for a pair of those awesome glasses--I needed them for my trip!

Happy Friday!!

Photo Essay: {Christmas Cards} the process....

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, I spent the entire morning preparing my Christmas cards to be sent out. Creating the cards is an entire process, and mailing the cards adds many additional steps to that process.
It is a labor intensive endeavor, but I think it is important.
Special.
Oh-so-very-me.
I thought it would be fun to photograph the process this year.
Reflect.
Provide details.
Record.
You can pretend you are watching an episode of 'how it is made'. :-)
Enjoy!

I like to use some kits and some of my own designs. I love to make each card a little different! After making the cards, I try to take a picture of each one.

I like to choose a silly photo from earlier in the year and I always have wallets made so that I can include it in my card. Sometimes I use a school picture.

I keep a book with all my addresses and the cards from the previous two years. I love looking back at the messages from my family and the pictures that they sent. The cards and photos are on display the entire month of December, but I hide them away in this book once the month is over, so that I can remember who sent what last year.

I write all of the addresses in pencil so that I can make changes. The book is filled with little scraps of paper that I try to update once a year so that I can have current addresses for my family. On the edge of the paper, I keep track of who I sent cards to each year. A circle around the line means that I have mailed or distributed the card. A single line means that I need to distribute the card or I need to update the address information. No line or circle means that I did not give that person a card this year.

Ah, the free labels from all those companies that know I need them for my cards.

Okay, this year...I did not have any Christmas stickers in my house. How is that even possible??? My two favorite things: Stickers AND Christmas. I have been buying so many Christmas stamps that I haven't been buying many stickers lately....SOOO, I am using some stickers that a friend gave me...They are those old black and white pictures of little kids holding red roses and kissing. Cute, but not super Christmasy....all well....

Add the stamps. Mail with love.

Thanks for reading!!
I am feeling really on top of things this year with my cards done. I hand out some to family members, pass some out at work and I mail the rest. I have it all DONE! Yay! Now, it is time to kick back and relax.

Photo Essay: {Thanksgiving}

My Thanksgiving was gorgeous....Hope yours was too! xoxox


{hugs}