Back to School

I am so far behind this month! It's amazing how a vacation can set you back so far. The Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival theme this time is "Back to School" and I am just squeaking in under the wire getting this post done in time!!

Back to school was always a bittersweet time for me. The good things: going shopping for new clothes, getting back into a routine, and seeing my old friends again. The bad things: end of the summer and freedom from homework, and having to get up early again!

I loved getting new clothes the best. I am a self-admitted clothes horse and was so even in elementary school. It was fun to get new shoes and clothes, but once I wore them a few times I was ready for summer again.

My favorite back to school shoes were a pair of "Bug Off" brown leather boots (that was the brand name, represented by a little ladybug). The picture is the closest thing I could find to what they looked like. I absolutely LOVED them and wore them every day in second grade. They were so comfy and I wore them every day. I even tried to wear them in the spring as the weather warmed up, but my calves got so sweaty I had to abandon my favorite boots in favor of sandals. Image from Zappos.

My second favorite look was knee socks with a cute pair of blue leather buckled loafers with short skirts. It was way more comfortable than wearing tights. I wish I could still get away with that look, but I'm way to old to be walking around in knee socks with skirts! Image from LandsEnd

Featured Etsy Blogger

Memories for Life Scrapbooks!

She says:
"My name is Edi and I have been paper crafting for over 12 years. I started out making hand made cards with stamps. I then moved into scrapbooking. I love anything to do with paper and can make just about anything with it. I work as a machine operator at a semi transmission factory for a living while I get my MBA, but I paper craft for life. It truly is my passion!"

Memories for Life says she loves to do custom work, so contact her if you have something special in mind.

Also, to see her works in progress and where she finds inspiration visit her Blog.

Summer Vacation

Yes, I have been MIA for a while! If you're wondering where I've been...


Hanging out on the lake! My niece and my son on the ski bob.

The Ice Cream Boat coming, blaring Bob Marley's music across the lake!

Fishing. We throw them back. I personally don't like hurting the fish when they get stuck with the hook, but you can't argue with a determined man.

Chilling in the air conditioning. My son and his cousin watching movies. How do you like our TV?! Ha ha! The one that belongs inside the console cabinet died so we're using a tiny one. You have to watch it with binoculars.

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week

Is me!!

Much thanks to everyone for their blog posts about my shop and tweets! I tried to respond to everyone who blogged and tweeted, but if I missed you please know I truly appreciate your support!

Ok, I'm done being sappy now. :D
Here are my latest creations.


Pink and Black Trio Pocket Booklets

These were so much fun to design. I was inspired by the buttons and actually designed the books around them! I got some new scallop-edged punches and HAD to use them also.


The Marianna Mini Journal A small, pocket sized journal size 6x4"


This one isn't listed yet. I'll be listing it in a couple weeks. It's another small one, 6x4". The great thing about this project is it consists of all scrap materials. All little pieces of paper leftover from other books that were too small to use for my larger guest books. Of course, if you love the design but need a larger book I can design one for you.

So what do you all think? Are the new designs winners? Let me know what you think!

Thank you Voters!

Thanks for all your votes! My French Lace Journal made it into Etsy's Back To School Gift Guide!