Easter Pics

We had quiet weekend and a nice Easter.

Most of pictures are from our egg hunt around the yard. Even Paddy wanted to look for the Easter Bunny. The last photo was taken at our Las Madres group egg hunt the weekend before Easter.

Free Shipping, Washi Tape, & More

I have a few things to share, so let's start with a card. I love using washi tape on cards! I made this card for the Paper Players Challenge and for a card swap with the Fun 'n Crafty group of demonstrators.

After I finished this card, I found out the the Delightful Dozen stamp set that I used here and on other recent cards is retiring. You can shop the "retiring" stamp sets and accessories here. The good news is that Stampin' Up! is offering FREE shipping through Friday, April 25th.

If you are a paper crafter, please leave me a comment with what items you are sad to see "retire."

Introducing Project Life by Stampin' Up!

If you have read my blog long enough, you may have seen some scrapbook layouts here. I started scrapbooking in 2005 and blogging in 2007. In 2008, I started stamping and making cards. Even though I have not scrapbooked much in the last couple of years, I have tried some Project Life products. Recently, I was rethinking about how to preserve our photos, stories, and memories. It was like Stampin' Up! read my mind...



I am really excited that Stampin' Up! will be offering this simple scrapbooking solution! You can begin ordering some Project Life products on May 1 with more products coming on June 2. I will share updates here and on Facebook.

Thanks for Sharing

Last week I went to hear The Minimalist speak at a local Barnes & Noble. We sat front and center since the other seats were "Reserved." I had heard of The Minimalists before 2014, probably because they were two guys from my hometown with a growing blog. I had also heard of some other minimalists bloggers (Courtney Carver, Joshua Becker, and Leo Babauta), but I did not begin to regularly follow them until the beginning of this year.

I think that a turning point for me literally was January 1. We had a very long travel day from Dayton, Ohio to San Francisco. We were rerouted due to snow in Chicago (shocking!), so I wanted a book to read. I chose You Can Buy Happiness (And It's Cheap) by Tammy Strobel. I think that the title spoke to me.

My journey towards simplicity and minimalism kicked off as we returned from our holiday travels. I started regularly reading some minimalism blogs and read two books by The Minimalists. I enjoyed them both, and Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life really resonated with me.

At the beginning of February I got our free tickets for The Minimalists Tour. At that time, the event seemed far in the future, but now it has come and gone. At the end, they sign books and give hugs. My friend had her new book signed, and we got a group picture. In briefly meeting Joshua and Ryan, I said, "Thanks for sharing." At first it sounded silly, but I realized that it expressed my gratitude for those who share their imperfect journeys with the world.

A few months into 2014, I can see the focus on simplicity and minimalism starting to have a positive influence on my life. I am more willing to part with extra stuff and clutter. I am focusing on my priorities, goals, and living a meaningful life. I know that I still have a ways to go on this journey.

Gorgeous Grunge Birthday Card

Where did March go? This is the birthday card that I made for my husband at the beginning of the month.

The card uses the Gorgeous Grunge and Banner Greetings (hostess) stamp sets. This is almost a one layer card, but I put the banner on dimensions and added the heart embellishment.

Have a great week!

Last Call!

Two Stampin' Up! specials will end on March 31st.

When you sign up for the Paper Pumpkin kits by 3/31/14, you receive a set of 5 free markers with your first kit. I took my March kit (which I absolutely love) and added in stripes with a Stampin' Write Marker. This card was fun and quick to make!

Sale-a-bration will also end on 3/31/14. The annual sale give you free product for every $50 order. I have gotten some awesome freebies during this sale. I love the mini banner punch embossing folder! I got to share the embossing with some co-workers on Monday when we made a card at lunch. It was our spring break week, so it was nice to craft and catch up before we are all busy again. This card was inspired by one I saw on the DIY Royalty blog.

If you have any questions about Stampin' Up! products, you can email me at stampacrossthemiles(at)gmail.com. You can order online anytime at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/saragrafton/.

What have you been creating lately? Please leave me a comment below.

Weekend Fun

Last weekend we drove an hour South to meet friends at Capitola Beach. It was sunny, but not too warm in the morning. Alex was dressed in pants that roll up and a sweatshirt, but of course he was wet and sandy within 30 minutes.

He warmed up and enjoyed playing in the water and sand. We found a nearby restaurant for lunch and a break from the sun.

This weekend we drove an hour North to San Francisco. We took a bike ride around the Presidio and to Fort Point. It was a beautiful spring afternoon in the city.

We rode to Fort Point and explored a bit. We climbed to the top and saw awesome views.

On the way back, Alex wanted to explore the statues in Crissy Field. He climbed the statues and made friends. Once I walked over, I saw the "Please do not climb" signs. Ooops...

We have also managed to do some purging and organizing. Here is Alex's clean room:

We still have some books and games to sort. What are you up to this spring?

Birthday Weekend

We enjoyed celebrating John and Alex's birthdays over the weekend, and I am now the mother of a five year old.

I had started planning a simple birthday party at our house for Alex on Saturday, but the forecast did not look favorable for outside activities. Since California is in a drought, the rain was still welcome. We moved the party to a local pizza place with an indoor play area for the kids. The new location worked well, and we enjoyed celebrating with friends.

Alex chose a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cake. By the end of the party, he was barefoot in the play area with a new and gaping hole in the knee of his pants.

After the party, Alex loved putting together new lego sets with some help from John.

The rain continued on Sunday, so we decided to get grab some lunch and go see Frozen. It was very good but had some scary parts.

Happy Birthday John & Alex! I love celebrating with my boys!