living artfully

2011 layouts: sep-oct

In the last two weeks, I have shared my scrapbooking layouts from the first 1/4 and second 1/4 of 2011. Today I'm sharing even more layouts! Here are the pages from the third 1/4 of our 2011 scrapbook, which covers September through October.

This was a busy and exciting time of year for us! Within a month's time frame I travelled to Chicago, Atlanta, Charleston and Connecticut. And one of my dearest friends had her first baby: a beautiful little girl.  




sketch by supermomm 








sketch by unknown designer



If you're looking for more sketches and layout inspiration, check out my scrapbooking board on pinterest.

hugs, sharyn

pumpkin cream cheese bread

As the weather turns cooler and October approaches, I definitely get the itch to bake more. There is just something about the drop in temperature that makes me want to turn on my oven and get to baking! If you love seasonal baking like I do, then you must try this pumpkin cream cheese bread.



Rather than having a frosting or glaze, this pumpkin bread features a line of cream cheese baked down the middle. It adds the perfect hint of sweetness to the spicy bread. 

ingredients

for the bread
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/16 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted and returned to room temperature
1/2 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree (approx 3/4 cup plus 1/8 cup)
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

for the cream cheese filling
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/6 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 egg (beat slightly, then divide) 

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and lightly flour a 9x5 bread pan.
2. Melt the 1/2 cup butter and set aside to allow to return to room temperature.
3. To prepare the cream cheese filling, using a hand mixer, in a small bowl beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. 
4. Add sugar, vanilla and egg to the cream cheese. Beat just until smooth. Set aside for later use. 
5. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Whisk until evenly combined.
6. To the flour mixture, add the chopped nuts and stir until evenly distributed.
7. In a second large bowl, whisk the eggs until beaten. 
8. To the eggs, add sugar, melted butter and pumpkin. Stir just until combined.
9. Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Do not overmix. 
10. Divide batter in half and spread half the batter into bread pan. 
11. Pour the cream cheese filling over the batter and ensure it covers evenly, taking care not to mix the cream cheese into the batter.
12. Top with the remaining batter, taking care not to mix the batter into the cream cheese layer. This can be done by carefully placing dollops of batter onto the cream cheese layer using two tablespoons.
13. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 
14. Place pan on wire cooling rack and cool for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and serve warm or allow to cool on cooling rack. 



hugs, sharyn 

baby style: fall favorites

If you had asked me a year ago, I would have told you that baby boy clothes are boring. But soon after I started shopping for Jude's wardrobe, I had a total change of heart. Shopping for boy clothes is just as fun as shopping for girls - maybe even more so!

Our style for Jude leans toward neutrals, with a "little man" look to them. It's like shopping for my husband, but in miniature sizes! Stores, especially those focused on baby clothes, abound with animals, silly sayings, and brights. We aren't in love with about 90% of baby boy clothes out there, but with a little searching we have found some really great outfits for Jude. 

Now that the weather is cooling, I'm on the lookout for long sleeves, sweaters and vests for layering, and light jackets.  Here are some great fall choices for baby boys.

 1: stripe longsleeve bodysuit from carter's
2: kimono bodysuit from gap 
3: elbow patch bodysuit from gap 
4: side-snap onesie set from h&m 
5: cardigan from h&m 
6: cardigan from h&m 
7: sweater knit cardigan from carter's 
8. shoulder-snap sweatshirt from h&m 
9: twill slip-on sneakers from gap 
10: bear hoodie from crazy8 
11: twill toggle vest from gap 
12: hooded woolen toggle coat from crazy8 
13: organic printed hat from gap 

It takes serious restraint not to buy every cute piece of clothing I find! What's your favorite from this style board? I think mine is #6, the striped cardigan from h&m, since I've never seen anything like it elsewhere... and Jude would look like such a little man wearing it.

hugs, sharyn 

2011 layouts: jul-aug

Last week I shared my layouts from the first half of 2011. I'm back today to share with you the next 1/4, which covers July through August. The second half of the year is always busier for us in terms of birthdays, holidays and events, so 3/4 of my 2011 album is July through December. 

I relied a ton on sketches and other layouts for inspiration. It's a favorite trick of mine to get layouts done quickly.  


inspiration layout by sophie crespy


inspiration layout by diane payne


inspiration layout by kelly noel




sketch by scrapping day


sketch by scrapbook and cards today



If you're looking for more sketches and layout inspiration, check out my scrapbooking board on pinterest.

hugs, sharyn 

how to start a book club

In the summer of 2009, I was searching locally for a book club to join but was unhappy with the options I found. So with a little forethought, I jumped into establishing my own book club with friends. Three years and 25 books later, we are meeting tonight and still going strong. Putting together a successful book club is easier than you might think.


the 25 books my book club has read

1. Determine who you are going to invite. I sent a wide invite to friends and coworkers, not making any assumptions about who would be "readers" or not. Our initial group was about 10 people; given people's schedules, this guaranteed attendance of at least 5 people for each meeting. Don't worry if your group starts small at first. As members enjoy themselves, they can start inviting their own friends and coworkers and your group will grow.

2. Determine the frequency of your meetings and set the schedule. I'd recommend evaluating your group and your sense of their schedules to set the right frequency. For us, every month seemed too frequent and every two months not frequent enough. We meet every 6 weeks or so and I set the dates a year at a time, avoiding holidays.

3. Find a meeting location. We have an incredibly easy solution for this within my book club: everyone is asked to host in their homes on a rotating basis. Based on the size of your group and frequency of your meetings, this could mean that everyone only needs to host about once per year. Coffee shops, restaurants and even community centers could be wonderful alternatives, as well.

4. Determine how the books will be selected, and who will be doing the deciding. The most fair and agreeable approach for my book club is that the host selects the book. This gives everyone an opportunity to participate in the selection process. 

5. Narrow the focus of your book club. If you'd like the possibility of exploring reoccuring themes, or just want to help your participants to narrow their choices, consider establishing a theme or other guidelines. For example, my book club typically only reads 20th and 21st century novels, with the rare non-fiction mixed in. For even more focus, you could select a genre like mystery, chick lit, or even young adult fiction. How fun might it be to meet with friends to discuss old favorites like "The Babysitter's Club" or "Nancy Drew"?!  

6. Establish ground rules. Consider establishing a rule around what types of books are not allowed. I established a rule that while non-fiction is allowed, we will not be reading non-fiction that focuses on politics, religion or business. Our only other rule? That we ask you to still read along if you've already read the book selection. 

7. Set the structure for your meetings. Will they be structured and guided by the host? Will you allow more "open" discussion based on the interest of the members? Or a blend? There are wonderful resources online to find discussion questions to help guide your book club discussion. My personal favorite is Lit Lovers; and Book Clubs Resource has also been very helpful. 

8. Lastly, determine how you will send invites and collect RSVPs. An easy and free solution is to use FaceBook; we have a private group where everyone can post messages and through which I can send the invites. evite is another great electronic choice that only requires your members to have email addresses. Don't have a tech-savvy group? Paper invitations are always an option.


Tonight, my book club meets to discuss Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, an absolutely thrilling read. If the weather cooperates, there will even be a bonfire! We all have very busy schedules, but we value this time together and appreciate the push to find the time to read. It's truly been a fulfilling experience participating in a book club. If you love to read, I'd definitely encourage you to jump in and start your own book club.

hugs, sharyn 

christmas album

I know it's only September, but I totally have Christmas on the brain. What pushed me over the edge was the reveal of the December Daily kit by Studio Calico and Ali Edwards.

 

I've made a December Daily album every year since 2008 and it's become a tradition that I love. With this being Jude's first Christmas, I want to make sure the album is special... but also doable. So I went ahead and pre-ordered! I'm excited about the Studio Calico kit being a 4x6 size. I've traditionally done 8x8 and think the smaller 4x6 size will be easier. And of course having the kit should save me the time of obessessing over what supplies to use.

Before settling on the kit, I was planning to pull together supplies on my own like I've done in the past. When all the manufacturers were introducing their new products for CHA Summer 2012, my favorite lines to look at were the Christmas / winter collections. This year my favorite is Studio Calico's Wonderland collection.



I also think the Sleigh Ride collection from Crate Paper is GORGEOUS. But I'm not sure it's the feeling I'm going for.



Maybe I'll have to pick up a few items from Wonderland to mix into the kit. At the least I still need supplies to scrapbook Christmas for our 12x12 album, right?! 

In case you weren't watching the Christmas / winter papers during the CHA reveals this summer, here are links to the lines by some of the top manufacturers:
American Crafts: Kringle and Co
Basic Grey: Aspen Frost 
Cosmo Cricket: Jolly Days
Crate Paper: Sleigh Ride
Echo Park: This and That Christmas
Fancy Pants: Home for Christmas
Jillibean Soup: Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup
Lily Bee: Christmas Cheer
Making Memories: Believe
My Mind's Eye: All is Bright
October Afternoon: Make it Merry
Pink Paislee: City Sidewalks
Studio Calico: Wonderland

Confession time... My 2011 album is not done yet. I've been itching to work on it the last week or so, and plan to soon. I'm a firm believer that it's okay if things take a while; years from now no one is going to care or know that I didn't keep up with the album in real time.  Maybe working on my 2011 album will help hold me over until the Studio Calico kit arrives :)

Are you planning to make an album this December? Have you started thinking about supplies?

hugs, sharyn 

2011 layouts: jan-jun

You know that feeling of being "behind" on your scrapping? Yeah, no matter how much I try to tell myself that there's no such thing, my type-A, chronological, perfectionist brain can't stop thinking about what's not done. I'm usually scrapping events from about 6 months back, but it had gotten to be a year's worth of layouts to do. So early this year I set out to "catch up" on my 2011 book. 

I tried something new and scrapbooked 2011 backwards, starting with New Year's Eve and Christmas. Scrapping the events when they were recent was the jumpstart I needed to get me in the groove to scrap the older stuff. And this summer I was able to finish out the last of my 2011 layouts. 

I'll be sharing my 2011 layouts in 4 posts. These layouts cover January through June, which is a quieter time of year in terms of events and holidays. The next 3/4 of my album covers July through December.


inspiration layout by jen jockish


sketch by janna wilson




sketch by sketch support 


sketch by kinsey wilson 


 
When I have a lot to catch up on, I love turning to a sketch or another layout for inspiration. I just visit my scrapbooking board on pinterest to get started - it could not be easier! 

hugs, sharyn 

10 things

On the tenth of every month, Shimelle Laine invites bloggers to share ten things. Doesn't matter the topic, as long as it's ten things. This month, here are my 10 favorite ways to celebrate fall.

1.  Drinking pumpkin spice lattes. There is a reason everyone in my Facebook newsfeed is talking about them; they really are that good. They came to the Starbucks in my area on September 1st, and I've already enjoyed a pumpkin spice latte twice. A tip for those of you who don't like super sweet drinks. I order my grande PSL non-fat, no whip, 2 pump. Using skim milk and having less syrup helps the drink still taste more like coffee without overdosing on sweetness. 


2. Baking... especially if it includes pumpkin. I absolutely love pumpkin paired with warm fall spices. These pumpkin scones with cinnamon ginger glaze are a favorite. Pumpkin ginger buttermilk bundt cake has been known to appear at Thanksgiving. And I prefer my pumpkin brownies with a cream cheese swirl over the traditional chocolate.


3. Taking a fall color walk. Every year since we started dating, Steve and I have a tradition to hike up Holy Hill to see the leaves turning colors. 

4. Having crockpot chili for days and days. We've tweaked over the years until reaching a great recipe that's complex and spicy. It includes a fresh jalapeno from our garden, beer and bacon. 

5. Lighting pumpkin and fall-scented candles. I love when it's finally cool enough to light candles. I don't like when candles are too syrupy-sweet, so for me Leaves and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin from Bath & Body Works are perfection. 


6. Hitting the roadside farmer's stand for apples and fresh cider. Nothing you can buy at the grocery store compares to an ice-cold glass of fresh local apple cider.


7. Having cool-weather bonfires with s'mores. I used to only associate bonfires with the summer, but I think my favorite are actually in the fall when you can cozy up to the fire for warmth. Plus s'mores?! Perfection.

8. Wearing scarves and knee-high leather boots. I'm over my maxi dresses and am ready to pull on my boots!

9. Making crockpot caramel for apples. It's soo easy and addictive. Just unwrap and throw into your crockpot a 14 ounce package of caramels (such as Brach's). Add 2/3 cup heavy cream, set to low, cover and let the caramels melt for about an hour. Then add 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and 3 teaspoons rum. Stir well, cover, and let melt for another 30 minutes. I love to drizzle this onto sliced apples... or eat by the spoonful!


10. Dressing up for Halloween. For the last five years we've gone to a costume party for Halloween, and have done a group costume with the same friends. Any guesses what we're going as this year?

You can visit more bloggers sharing their ten things by clicking here.

hugs, sharyn

currently...

listening to baby Jude's tiny little wimper as he falls asleep, but isn't sure he wants to

eating a bowl of my husband's delicious spicy turkey chili - the first of the fall season 

drinking yet another oversized glass of ice water

wearing pajamas... I may have changed into them at 3pm 

feeling creatively energized but physically exhausted 

wanting to find the right way to capture time and live with more intention

needing sleep. yes, more sleep, please.

thinking about unfinished projects 

enjoying this new season in my life and the wonderful new people it has welcomed in 

hugs, sharyn