The Life Adventures of Mrs. C.

Zimt und Zucker

2012-02-27T22:53:00.001+01:00

Sunday was so relaxing… we spent the day in a little café called “Zimt und Zucker” in downtown Stuttgart which in English roughly translates to “Cinnamon and Sugar.” With hearts on the window, and an interior filled with whimsical cuckoo clocks, comfy sofas, little gnomes and a kind attentive staff the café achieves an edgy modern look yet still makes you feel as if you are sitting at your grandmas. This to me equals a comfy fun place to hang out with friends and work on my current DIY projects the lace shawl cold mountain and my embroidered new years clutch .

And the food! So great! We had lavender punsch, homemade bagels with rucola pesto and the best waffles which live up to the café’s name of cinnamon and sugar. One of the best parts of the café is their gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan options. A definitive plus for a girl who is not supposed to eat gluten but is constantly doing it anyways!

If you are in downtown Stuttgart and looking for a fun place to knit, stitch and enjoy a afternoon with friends make sure you visit this the Zimt und Zucker café!

P.S. The lovely iphone pictures are courtesy of Sydney!

Valentines Blog Hop Winner!

2012-02-19T13:33:00.001+01:00

Good morning everyone…I wanted to let you know that the winner of the blog hop bingo card giveaway from Pretty Little Studio is Candace, from http://scrappin2littleprincesses.blogspot.com/. Congrats Candace!

I also want to say thank you to everyone that visited the blog or joined as a follower last week. It is great to meet new people with similar interests and was a great start to my week!

Happy Vday Blog Hop + Giveaway!

2012-02-12T14:27:00.001+01:00

I have a fun project to share with you today…

And a blog hop + giveaway!

Presenting…Druuummm Rolll!!

If you stopped here after visiting Leanne Allinson’s blog then your next stop is over at Jen Chapin’s! Of course you can always visit the girls in any order using the handy list below

Have you seen the cute Valentine’s Day items in the Pretty Little Studio…(P.S. all valentines day items are 14% off today only!) shop? I went a little crazy with them to create a special mini-album for each of my sisters to show them how much I love them this year!

The first mini-album is for big-sister Mimi…

And there are four more for the little sisters featuring fun family photos, washi tape, doilies and of course Pretty Little Studio goodies.

To see each mini-album in all of it’s glorious detail check them out at my twopeasinabucket gallery!

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/user_profile/508695/

Are you inspired to create your own mini-album? Leave a comment for a chance to win a set of Pretty Little Studio Valentine 3x4 Bingo cards…I really wish I had these little cards for the mini-albums I created!

And if you like these projects, remember to become a follower using the sidebar link. I will be leaving the Pretty Little Studio Design Team to pursue my next adventure at the end of this month, so becoming a follower means you will stay current with all my future Pretty Little Studio projects!

It Has Been A Long Sick Week!

2012-02-11T23:30:00.001+01:00

So sorry to be so quiet this week! I have had the worst cold ever this week. I think it has something to to due with a horrible flight out of Vienna...Actually I know it had something to due with a horrible flight in Vienna!

But no worries! I am on the mend and have a big surprise and smile for tomorrow...the picture below is me and Mr. C. (I can feel my mom smacking me for not saying “Mr. C. and I” haha) practicing my smile...come on... a girl deserves a little "sick" humor when she isn't feeling well..right?

One Little Word: Enjoy

2012-02-08T12:02:00.001+01:00

Sorry for no travel post this week. Life has been overcome with work it seems. Which leads me to a quote, a quote that reminds me of the One Little Word Mr. C. and I have chosen to live our live by this year, Enjoy.

I keep repeating this quote through my head on long days of work…because I truly enjoy my work…and even though it is taking a lot of time lately I still feel that I am keeping a good balance in my life. So on days when I am tired and maybe my good attitude is failing I think on this quote…and this picture of Mr. C. and I at a work function last week…living out our one little word and the true meaning of this quote.

Looking at this picture would your first assumption be that one of us is working in the photo??

Nightsongs for Grandma Rita

2012-02-06T07:40:00.000+01:00

Nightsongs, before blocking…

Grandma Rita is turning ninety-five years old this year…and since we have moved overseas I miss knowing that we can stop by to say hello whenever we want. It also makes it harder to let her know that we love her by not being their to give hugs or comfort her if she is ill. For her birthday gift I really wanted to let her how much she means to us and decided to make her a knitted lace shawl.

I chose the lace pattern for two reasons. One, I wanted a shawl so that whenever she uses it she is wrapped up in hugs, and the happy wishes and prayers I knitted into each stitch. Let me just say that knitting happy thoughts into each stitch was really hard when I had to spend five hours ripping out a section! Mr. C. laughed hard at my attempts to crack jokes and stay positive when he knew that I wanted to complain!

I cut the deadline of mailing it so closely that I had to take the finished photographs in the my work office!

The second reason I chose a lace shawl pattern was because I wanted the pattern to be hard an complicated. The more complicated, the longer it would take me to make and how can you prove love but with time?

The reward for the time and effort? A happy grandma, calling to say how much she loved it! I wish I was there to see her wearing it in person.

Come back later this week to find out details on the pattern, where you can find it for free and tips on choosing patterns and yarn for lace projects…

Have a wonderful day!

Smash Books?

2012-02-05T09:42:00.001+01:00

As promised I gave a peak into my smash book while on-site traveling here in Bratislava Slovakia, you can see the post here. You can see my other Slovakia posts here. I realized that while some readers can talk about Smash books and understand each of their products some of you may be a little confused at the term “Smash Book” so get ready to be schooled!!

Smash books are a fun spiral bound notebooks and you can “smash almost anything into a smash book, in fact that is the whole idea. Tickets, receipts, photos and musings from the day. This video from K&Company:

Some people just don’t get the idea of a Smash book, why not just use a note book? Why is this product so popular? I think it is popular for two reasons. The first is that we like to buy things, and we like things to be cute, fun and easy. Why use a plain notebook and colored pencils when I could buy a fun Smash book? Two, I think that the idea of smash book is very liberating. If you are a scrapbooker who reads about color placement, balancing a layout, yada yada yada…then there is something exciting about literally taking anything and “smashing it” (I always visualize a giant hand doing this) without concern for anything but recording the memory.

It took me a little while to get excited about the Smash book…it wasn’t until I was in the States to visit my family and I bought the Smash book for reason number one that was mentioned above…in fact I went a little crazy!

Which is why…I spent last week sitting in cafés, the hotel and a street corner in Slovakia collecting items, taking instax pictures and smashing!

By the have you checked out the new Paperclipping video on the new Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Winter 2012 release? Baby, weddings and 8.5x11 Smash books are some of the fun items on display.

Check it out!

Hope you have a “smashing” day! I love saying this…so corny…

Empress Sisi Museum

2012-02-02T19:18:00.000+01:00

Hi friends and readers! I am taking the train to Vienna today for a day of fun cake and museums. I will be the crazy girl in the city who decided to try and navigate the city with no map as an adventures...Let's see if I still think it is an adventure when I check back with you all tomorrow!

International SMASH: Slovakia

2012-02-01T12:00:00.001+01:00

This week has been pretty stressful. Working, playing, working more and hanging out with Mr. C. But no matter what happens good or bad I want to make sure I record it!!

Memory keeping on the road can be really difficult. We have a tendency to want to bring all of our supplies and if we don’t have something, can be over critical of our results. Often when I travel I have 3 different journal systems that I choose from depending on the trip type. You can read about these systems in my December Daily post on site in Lithuania here.

This week, for my Slovakia trip I decided to only bring the following:
1. My International Smash folio, Bon Voyage Travel Journal + pen

2. Three mini smash journal spot books

3. Scissors + washi tape

4. My instax and a few Studio Calico kraft butterfly stickers

Bringing limited supplies helps you to think more creatively…reach outside of the box and STRETCH your imagination.

For example on this Opera night page I used paper I bought at a little art store in downtown Bratislava and…yep…the hotel sewing kit!

Two minutes later after a little cutting, a few stitches and a couple laughs with Mr. C. I have a fabulous journaling block that only cost me about .10 cent euro and was made with completely found local items.

Another thing that can help you to be creative when traveling is to remember the importance of a pen. If you look below you can see that this page with the butterfly’s is a little boring and the items look disconnected.

A few minutes of sitting on the train or relaxing in the hotel room can create this…journaling captured in a series of doodles representing butterfly flight paths.

Don’t you love the instax photo on the above page? Accidental shot!

I hope you enjoyed this quick little look into my International Smash book and tips on travel journaling!

P.S. Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Mimi today!! You can read all about her birthday here.

The Slovak National Theatre

2012-01-31T15:38:00.001+01:00

Mr. C. and I attended our first Opera last night, La Fille Du Regiment or in English The Daughter of the Regiment. I cannot say that Opera as a music form will become a favorite for us…or that the music transported us to a new plane of culture and enlightenment but I can say it was an experience we will never forget.

I just love the cover of the program!

Throughout the day several locals I spoke with told me how lovely the theatre was…the coat room, the bar and the lovely theater. When we first arrived we were pretty surprised. The bar, bathrooms and coatroom had a very dated look to them. We thought, why have all the tourism books recommended attendance so highly?

Mr. C. is such a ham, he made sure to crinkle his eyes in this photo because the show Lie to Me says a fake smile never has wrinkles (he was proving them wrong).

Then we entered the theater…it was so charming. I felt like I had stepped back in time as I looked at the various boxes and when we climbed to the very top floor it was gorgeous! More than even the architecture of the theater was watching the locals in attendance. In a range of different colorful outfits some they laughed and clapped while the Opera went through it’s libretto and arias on stage. I realized that while the theatre had some older portions that the performers were having such a wonderful happy time that they brought joy to their craft that I often find missing in many live performances. And the voices and costumes! So perfect. I cannot also forget the audience though strange to see children (as an American) at the theatre it was wonderful that the old were passing this art tradition to the younger generation.

I give you the Opera from the very top! (at least during intermission!)

If you have the opportunity to visit Slovakia I agree with the tour books and recommend that you take a visit to the old Slovak National Theater. If possible, dress in layers and buy a ticket for the main floor and after Act 1 climb to the very top to watch the theater from above for Act 2. I recommend layers as it was very hot in the top portion of the theater even during the Winter! Most importantly when visiting the Slovak National Theater cast out judgments on what makes a performance or theater perfect and enter with a heart and mind ready to receive the enthusiasm, joy and beauty of the Slovak National Theater. Enjoy!

To find out more about the Slovak National Theatre or La Fille Du Regiment you can visit:

Daughter of the Regiment: Wikipedia

Watch part of the Opera on YouTube!

Slovak National Theatre

Come back tomorrow to check out my Travel Smash book updates and new smash book releases from CHA!

Hello Slovakia!

2012-01-30T07:29:00.004+01:00

The adventures present this week on the Mrs. C. Life Adventures blog will be coming to you from the heart of old town Bratislava in Slovakia! Armed with my new instax camera (did I share that Mr. C. bought me this for Christmas!), my travel smash book and an abundance of washi tape I will be recording my travel musings and adventures!

Slovakia is country number 19 in my 30 countries before 30 years project. That means 11 more countries to experience in less than 4 years??? I better get moving!

You can read about my adventures in the other 18 countries I have visited by going to the travel adventures page on the navigation bar above. Have a wonderful day experiencing your life adventures!

Recycled Travel Journal 2011

2012-01-28T09:49:00.000+01:00

Sometimes I think Mr. C. might find me just a slight bit crazy. Scraps of paper, pieces of string and my favorite corrugated boxes. I keep them all stored flat behind the sofa in my art room just waiting for inspiration to strike…Luckily this week it did and I proved just how useful an old box can be!

Introducing… “See the World 2011!”

Made of old boxes, travel receipts and the fun October Afternoon travel collections this little book was made in about 3 hours during a scrapbooking play date. I was so excited to finish it so quickly! The speed is dedicated to two factors. The first is a lack of pictures. Do you find that adding pictures really slow you down? I print my own photos and I can never decide the best pictures to include. It was so much fun to just journal my thoughts!

The second reason why this book was completed so quickly was because of my new friend Julie. Meeting Julie was a little crazy…I had signed up for a scrapbooking class but found that I was flying to Germany the day after. I went to the class with my mother to pick up the kit and while talking to the teacher (Julie) found out she was moving overseas, to Germany and to the exact same town! What does that mean? We had to become friends.

So how does this new friend help me scrapbook faster? By being super positive, a friend to chat with and someone to bounce ideas off. Julie is my new go to girl for scrapping, chatting and fun. Did I mention we are planning a scrapbooking trip to Paris this spring? YAY!

So what have we learned? Sometimes craziness is good…especially cardboard cravings and receipt storage…and it might just be the reason Mr. C. ~~likes~~ loves me so much!

Check back later this week for more recycled travel journal fun…and here is hoping that you are having fun with your scrapbook friends this weekend!

The Egg Rebellion

2012-01-26T07:33:00.000+01:00

There has been a lot of girl time going on in this house…days spent with friends knitting slippers, watching British turn of the century dramas and hours spent scrapbooking in the art room. Last weekend during another fun knitting marathon with E.P. she decided that Eggs would look super cute with ribbons from her tiny owl knits slippers…Eggs was a good sport but I think this picture sums up his thoughts on all the girl DIY time.

Enough!

For those of you who can never get enough DIY (like me!) then stop by the tiny owl knits pattern shop to grab your own free Amy March slipper pattern inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s book, "Little Women.”

{Image Credit: Tiny Owl Knits}

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

2012-01-24T06:46:00.000+01:00

What a fun little town! Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a town in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany along the Romantic Road. Surrounded by a large city wall it is a well preserved medieval town full of cute little shops, museums and cobblestone streets and beautiful walks. The best part? Hardly any cars in city downtown area due to traffic restrictions which makes it a joy to walk through.

The name "Rothenburg ob der Tauber" means, in German, "Red fortress above the Tauber". Tauber is a river in the region and the views of it our magnificent from the Rothenburg ob der Tauber walls.

We visited RothenbUrg ob der Tauber as a member of the Stuttgart-American walking club…you may be thinking what… a walking club?? Walking clubs or Volksmarching is actually very popular here! What it meant during our day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber was a fun day of walking, well actually walking a teeny-tiny bit and then detouring to all the antique stores. Even though the detour was great we still made sure to head back to the fest tent for home made German treats, food and live music.

My personal favorites from the day? Antique shopping, the doll and toy museum and schnee balls aka snow balls! These little dough shaped treats taste delicious and in Rothenburg ob der Tauber you can find every flavor imaginable. Strawberry, Grand Marnier, Fudge, cinnamon and the list continues. Check out this site to see pictures of the schnee balls and learn a little more about how they are made, http://wokandspoon.blogspot.com/2007/06/schneeballen.html

I also loved the Dolls and Toy Museum…I love tiny little dolls…and old dolls with whole wardrobes of mini-DIY items?? LOVE! As a frequent visitor of doll and toy museums, this particular museum is definitely worthy of stopping to take a little adventure.

If you are interested in taking a trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber then check out these great sites to help you plan your trip.

Tourist Office

Bio-Hotel zum Baeren

Romantic Road: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Now go out and have your own adventure today…but make sure you put a few chocolate schnee balls in your pocket in case a bear attacks!

Camera Love

2012-01-20T08:19:00.002+01:00

Have I mentioned how much I adore my new Nikon Camera lately? If you already read about it here, I am sorry but I have to post about it again! Simply amazing. This picture was captured by Mr. C during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day fireworks at the Eidelwiess Lodge and Resort in Garmich-Partenkirchen, Germany.

Love the Man...Love his pictures...Life is good....

P.S. Click on the picture to see it enlarged to view all the details!

Yarn Shopping in Dublin, Ireland

2012-01-17T05:52:00.006+01:00

Yesterday was spent organizing part of my yarn collection, the word “part” is used because I think there might be too much to organize in one day!

The best part about organizing a stash is remembering what you have, like the alpaca lace weight yarn by the Dublin dye company I bought in Dublin at the store, This is Knit in fall of 2010.

If you get the chance to visit Dublin or live nearby I would definitely recommend a stop by the store. A lot of the time when I travel and look for unique local items at the area’s arts and crafts stores I often leave disappointed as many of the items are international brands, this won’t be the case at This is Knit! While the store is tiny they had 2-3 local brands which were all gorgeous and the staff assisted me in finding patterns by local designers. My only disappointment? There were no green dyes…boo… My St. Paddy Day scarf yarn will have to wait for another year.

The store is located in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre near Grafton Street. While the Dublin guides called it a mall, it is more like a multi-story market hall and you can sit under the glass in the middle enjoying the sunshine. In addition to the, This is Knit store the downstairs has a great trim and millinery store. I walked around this store just staring at the beautiful lace trims for what felt like forever I could not get enough of the ribbons, laces, buttons and feathers. Don’t spend the rest of your money at the millinery store, save a little but don’t spend all your money here (. When you have taken your fill of shopping (or emptied your pockets done shopping head upstairs for a yummy gelato cone and cart all your great local purchases back to the hotel. Check it out!

And when you arrive at the hotel you may find that while you were working hard shopping for yarn your own Mr. C. found the mall flower shop to bring you a surprise!

Embroidered 12x12 Layout

2012-01-05T15:58:00.001+01:00

Have you checked out my outside the box inspiration layout for this month over at Pretty Little Studio? Check out these sneak peaks!

You can see the full layout and other Pretty Little Studio goodies here at the Pretty Little Studio blog. Have I said before how much I love embroidery? Especially on paper? Best.thing.ever! Check back this month for a paper embroidery tutorial.

Top Ten Travel: Brugge, Belgium

2012-01-03T10:11:00.002+01:00

So you found out your taking a trip to Belgium and want to do something original and exciting, how about a trip through Brugge with stops to sample taste and experience all the local beer brews…and the local local’s!

In May of 2011 I did exactly that. On a spur of the moment with a couple I had just me I decided to take them up on their generous offer and headed on a Belgian Beer tour with the destination…Brugge. What is life if you don’t stop and take an un-planned adventure every so often? We had a blast, so much fun in fact that I had to make a top ten travel list of the city so that you can experience the fun too!

Top Ten List for Brugge, Belgium

1. Hop in car and start driving! You will quickly be amazed to see a beautiful brick walled city surrounded by yes…a moat!

2. Drive through the winding streets and arrive at your home away from home, Hotel Cordoeanier. This unique small hotel features all the amenities you could ask for, breakfast a nice little garden and a hotel owner who really understands Belgian Beer.

3. When at the Hotel Cordoeanier make sure you take the time to have a drink at the hotel bar. They have a great selection, good conversation and the owner can give you the details on where to find the local beer markets outside the city for really great deals.

3. Make sure to stop in the main town square and to buy some authentic Belgian fries. Did you know french fries actually originate from Belgium? And that the map of the city features icons for…can you guess? French fries!

4. Slow down, and talk to people around you. I was amazed at how much fun I had conversing with the locals and other visitors. We were lucky enough to talk Belgian politics with the locals and meet the best British WWII veterans imaginable. Dressed up in their white linen suits, out to see the world (or at least parts of Europe) while grieving over the recent loss of both their wives. Marriage advice from two gentlemen who had been married for 60+ years and best friends even longer (they were groomsmen at each others wedding’s) is some of the best relationship advice you can receive!

5. Stop to visit the Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren for a unique dining experience, truly local trappist beer and beer ice cream…so delicious and a gorgeous view.

6. Use your GPS, and get lost in the area surrounding the city. Nothing like being lost in the midst of farm fields and dirt one lane roads when you need a restroom!

7. Sample a Belgian waffle, eat a bar of chocolate and stop at the local outdoor market if in the city for a Saturday morning.

8. Buy an embroidery kit at one of the many needle craft stores, did you know DMC embroidery floss is produced in Belgium?

9. Check out the night life and dance the night away in one of the unique day pubs turned clubs with people from all over the world. But make sure if you go you remember two things…your party ring aka wedding ring (and yes a drunk girl did think that the ring below was my wedding ring!) and directions on how to navigate back to your hotel at four in the morning, otherwise you may end up circling the city for several hours before finally resting your head on you comfy bed.

10. Have fun, and most of all take the time to simply pause and enjoy the beauty of this unique gem on your next Belgium or European adventure. And…buy a lot of beer to take home with you!

Loading up the beer cart, it’s great to be able to drive home!

My supposed wedding ring (haha!)

Note: This top ten trip is based upon my trip to Brugge in May 2011. If you have any questions about the trip please feel free to contact me as it is a great city and I would love to help with recommendations!

- Katie

New Years Resolution: Paper Style

2011-12-31T11:04:00.001+01:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about new years solutions, recording the best things about 2011 and what I hope to be the best things about 2012. Which means with all of this thinking I have been searching on the internet for inspiration…a lot… and I wanted to share some the great paper projects I found with you!

{Image Credit: Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store}

If you have a New Year’s Party every year then how great are these letterpress drink coasters? Guests can fill them in as the party happens and you can place pictures and journaling on the back and bind them with a small hole in the corner to make a tiny mini-album. Great to bring out at next years party for laugh’s, and possibly a little crying (ha-ha) as you talk about what everyone experienced in the past year. They are available in packs of 8 from Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store.

{Image Credit: Design Sponge}

This is a fun, and easy way to create a “Best of the Year”or 365 Calendar developed by the Design Sponge for vintage fans. Each index card represents a day of the year to record your favorite daily happenings on with each month separated by a vintage post card. I thought, why not even add little photos, ticket stubs and other favorite things? You can read more about the project and directions at the Design Sponge.

{Image Credit: Brenda Weaver, at Sweet Paper Treats}

How about a New Years Resolution mini-album like this 2010 album by Brenda Weaver? Take a visit over at her blog Sweet Paper Treats to see all the great pictures and project notes she has developed to make your own great mini-album.

{Image Credit: Run Lucas Run}

I love this New Years Printable kit by Lindsay over at Run Lucas Run! It features several printable downloads designed to get you thinking about new opportunities for 2012 and also where you are in the present. The image, dear me is a letter to yourself on what is special to you on New Year’s Eve 2011 to be opened on New Year’s Eve 2012. All I can say about this letter writing is what a great idea! Make sure you head over to Lindsay’s blog to read about this project, and download your own free kit!

{Image Credit: Ashley Ann, Under the Sycamore}

I discovered Ashley’s site via Pinterest the other day and love it! Under the Sycamore is a great place to read about adoption, family and fun DIY projects. Her Best of My Days 2012 notepad is a great project to start and track one statement that captures your day every day of the 2012 year in a fun printable download. Best part? The download is free! So check hop on over to her blog and grab your own Best of My Days Notepad.

{Image Credit: Ali Edwards}

If you are not into the idea of making resolutions, or are perhaps disillusioned by all the resolutions made and never fulfilled you should really check out the One Little Word project by Ali Edwards. The idea is to choose one word to live your life by for the year. You can choose Peace, Love, Reality, Go, Adventure the word is completely up to you. In 2011 Mr. C and I chose the word Eliminate. This word was chosen because our move overseas and the subsequent stuff both physical and emotional that accompanied us was just too much and was preventing us from living our lives the way we wanted! If you want to read more about our Elimination project you can check it out on our blog here.

{Image Credit: Pinterest}

To help you get started with ideas, and inspiration to reflect and think on where you are in life and your goals for the new year then take a look at Anna Lants Pinterest board for some needed inspiration. Have you used Pinterest before? If not feel free to look around and visit my pinboards at http://pinterest.com/mrscadventures/ and request a Pinterest invite!

So now that we have all been inspired I just have one thing to say…

2012 BETTER WATCH OUT, WE ARE COMING!

Happy New Years Eve from Mr. C., Katie and our little puppy Eggs.

Happy New Year’s 2012 Projects

2011-12-30T00:56:00.001+01:00

I am still so surprised that the new year is coming! This last year has been full of so many changes, adventures and love that I sometimes feel like my heart wants to burst with happiness.

Do you ever feel so happy that you feel scared? Scared that you will become used to this feeling and then one day it will disappear and you are left with nothing but thoughts of how happy you once were? This is where I smack myself. If you feel the self negativity of the above statements oozing into your computer screen feel free to reach out and smack me (gently please!) as well.

I smack myself because happiness is something inside of yourself. It is sometimes hard to find, and sometimes so hard to find you are positive that you have lost it but it is there. And one lesson I have learned the hard way? Looking back on some of the happiest times in your life and feeling depressed because you feel like those times are gone and will cause only one thing…unhappiness. So as you read this message know that I am writing it for one purpose to remind myself as we welcome the year 2012 to keep this wisdom close to my heart and to simply…

Be Happy.

One thing that makes me happy? Pretty girls dressed in New Years Day duds! Have you decided on your party accessories for the your New Years Eve Bash? You may be thinking “Katie, I plan on welcoming the New Year by laying on my sofa, eating a giant cheeseball and watching cartoon re-runs…” and I will say…

I hope your laying on that sofa wearing your giant purple 2012 tiara!

Our home party last year included these fabulous numbers below, stitched by my little sister Emily.

The barrettes are so easy and fun to make! All you need is felt, embroidery thread and a small barrette, the metal kind that clamp closed flat. The first step is to stitch the front of your New Year’s Eve felt and then using thread attach the barrette to the back piece of felt pulling taught to ensure it is secure. Finally, attach the front embroidered piece to the back piece of felt using a decorative stitch.

The barrette above used medium blue for the back piece of felt and aqua blue for the embroidered front. The decorative stitch used was a blanket stitch with purple embroidery thread.

You can find more about my sister Emily’s and other family members arts and crafts projects at Five Sisters & Co. And remember…

Champagne even when drank out of a plastic cup on your sofa is still champagne…

Happy New Year!

- Katie

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-25T11:20:00.001+01:00

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season, and that your Christmas morning is as wonderful and warm as possible!

- Katie

Paris Field Guide Travel Journal

2011-12-21T21:36:00.001+01:00

So I shared yesterday my absolute and surprising love of Paris. One of the things I really loved about the city was the shopping! A shop I really enjoyed this little shop…

The shop was full of washi tapes, scrapbook papers, books and other fun paper items. It was in this store that I found most of the items that I used in my Paris Field Guide travel journal.

For the cover of the travel journal I found a reprint of an old cashier book and altered the front with mists and washi tape collected from the trip. Our you a Studio Calico fan? Do the other elements look familiar? They are from the Studio Calico Field Guide kit, I thought that the Field Guide kit was appropriate for my one day travel guide of Paris.

This journal was so fast and easy to make. I took the found book and removed the staples holding the pages in. I then used various sized papers from the Studio Calico Field Guide kit along with the pages that were removed from the book and painted, misted and stitched to my hearts content! I then reassembled the completed pages within the book cover by stitching a center seam to form the binding. To help stabilize the binding I applied washi tape along the outside binding. I also used washi tape to cover the insides of the front and back cover to hide my stitching and it ended up looking great.

My favorite part of the Paris Field Guide travel journal?

I love the personality I was able to convey in the book. Even though some pages don’t have words the color choices and photo finishes are all soft, and romantic like our day in Paris. I also was able to add humor to the book such as this page with the little puppy in the corner, reminiscent of how he looked waiting for his owner.

Next time I go to Paris? I am bringing my sisters!

(see example below *grin*)

- Katie

Must. Love. Paris.

2011-12-20T20:46:00.001+01:00

Will I have readers boo if I state that I have never really had a dream to go to Paris? I want to walk the Great Wall of China, go on Safari, stand at the top of the Grand Canyon and marvel at the wonder of Russia. Paris just seemed…slightly over-done.

Can we say I am now eating my words?

Mr. C. and I went on a 24 hour day trip to Paris and were so impressed! The architecture, the history, the perfect tree lined streets and warm croissants.

You may now be wondering if we had no real desire to see Paris why go? Well …

If an adventure presents itself then go on the adventure!

We had such a wonderful time, we cannot wait to go back! The best part? While the moving overseas process was hard I love that we can now leave home in the morning, visit Paris and be back home on the same day!

When we returned home from this fabulous city I just had to create a custom travel journal with all of the little finds from the city…washi tape, vintage journal prints and fun little travel items. Make sure you to stop by the blog tomorrow to see all the travel journal details!

Mr. C. and I together…enjoying the best croissants ever and enjoying a day simply being together.

- Katie

In the Madness of the Moment

2011-12-14T08:09:00.002+01:00

Do you ever find yourself at an event, or in a store when something that you never thought you needed or even wanted suddenly becomes your most immediate desire? Like the girl who goes to a party where all the women enjoy reading mysteries and immediately stops on the way home to buy a mystery book. She awakes the next morning only to wonder, why did she buy a mystery book when she hates mysteries? Or the girl while content and happy with her $20 purse at home, upon travel to Milan, Italy realizes that her life won’t be complete without a designer bag. Suddenly her nose is pressed against the glass staring at the Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci stores brimming with delights that she is sure will fit the bill instead of seeing the beautiful city sights she had been waiting for.

Why do we do this? From the time we are kids wishing, hoping and pleading on a whim for the Barbie our girlfriend at school has, to the future where we are still repeating the same pattern of behavior. Is it because not having these immediate gratification items causes us to feel less “worthy” than the others around us who possess them? Is it because standing out from others makes us uncomfortable? Or is it simply us, becoming lost in the beauty and desires of the moment?

Whatever you call it jealousy, group think, ego, pride, lack of will power it is something I want to fight. The feeling inside when I leave an event where I compromised my values simply because, “Everyone else was doing it!” The sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when I realize the immediate gratification purchase put me over budget for the month. The simple fact that my need to stop at the store for some momentary need caused me to be late for someone important to me. These feeling are,

just. not. worth. it!

Me holding up my $20 purse in front of the Louis Vuitton store, a visual aid to always remind me of what is really important. Family, love, kindness and living your life by your values and dreams…not by the madness of a moment.

Fiber Shopping in Lithuania

2011-12-12T11:42:00.002+01:00

I was excited to visit Lithuania, one because it’s a foreign country and a member of the Baltic states (can we say beautiful architecture?) and two because of this article Lithuanian Knitting Traditions in Knitting Traditions 2011 by Interweave Press. The magazine features patterns of Lithuanian origin and details the travels of Donna Druchunas and her fiber shopping adventures. Have I mentioned how much I love knitting?

I immediately visited ravelry.com, checking their knitting store database for places in Lithuania…reflecting back on this, it was unnecessary. Upon arriving at the airport I picked up a city map and on it saw a big advertisement for Vilnos Namai. This store is great the color selections, and raw wool was great…but the best part was the price. We are talking over 1 kilogram (which is 50 gram skeins x 20) of various wool types and colors for less $45 dollars (35 euro)!

I visited the first day, and the second day and really wanted to go back the third day but managed to hold myself back. I could make the excuse that the location was the main reason I was attracted, sitting right in the heart of the old town next to the Vilnius Cathedral and the beautiful Christmas tree but this would be a lie. I am simply very, very obsessed with fiber.

If you are a not a knitter but love the look of wool garments and art you should check out the various wool art shops. I spent a good hour (ok probably hour and a half) in one of these shops laughing with a friend and according to the shop girl exclaiming “oh wow,” at crazily frequent intervals. Hats, jewelry and even clothing are on display for amazing prices.
In the end I am very thankful that I was able to visit this wonderful city to see their wool fiber crafts first hand. If you have the chance to visit this city make sure that you take the time to stop in some of the stores for a wool adventure!

- Katie

Pretty Little Studio Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-07T06:20:00.001+01:00

The winner of the Pretty Little Studio Holiday Blog Hop giveaway, picked by random.org is…

Number 22, PerezMom

perezmom said...

Great project!

December 4, 2011 8:13 PM

Thanks to everyone who came by for the blog hop and left a nice comment, and especially to everyone who started following, I really appreciate it!

If you did not get a chance to check out the great projects in the Pretty Little Studio Design Team blog hop you can check it out here.

Have a wonderful day, and congrats to Perezmom at Some Scrap Sugar!

- Katie

December Daily on the Road

2011-12-05T15:49:00.001+01:00

I find that taking the time to record your day, is always a challenge, but taking the time to do it every day while traveling?

It’s extra-challenging, super-dangerous and really fun!

Ok, maybe not dangerous though the security inspectors at the airport may find some of the sharp scissors I own dangerous so I am not stretching that far, right?

December Daily on the Road, In Progress

While not entirely dangerous journaling on the road can limit your creativity in the traditional sense. No large craft table, sewing machine or paints available. You log into the internet using free internet at the airport or hotel and find the multitude of beautiful December Daily journals being created…and you feel…discouraged. This is not the time to be discouraged! Journaling on the road is a great way to take your creativity to the next level and think outside of the box. So if you are on the road a lot this December, or are simply feeling discouraged looking over other December Daily creations don’t give in, keep creating.

The important part of this project is not to create the perfect December Daily, but to record your daily activities and traditions to laugh over, reminisce and reflect upon in future years.

Here are some ways that I have used to create and journal on the go:

1. If you are really limited on time and luggage space use your computer to type a quick summary of your day, or record a conversation with a local national that meant a lot to you. File the jotted notes into the same location as the photos you are taking. When you arrive home you can print or hand-write the items into your scrapbook.

2. Leave your supplies at home…only bring the basics, a scissor and a pen. This will encourage you to scour the city looking for items to use in your creation. My recent trip to Paris resulted in a old Post ledger, washi tape and some postcards, I will be posting the awesome creation I made with these supplies later!

3. Create a pre-made journal, such as my Italia week journal and bring washi tape, scissors and a few pencils and pens to create a travel smash book/art journal.

For my December Daily entries this week I chose to bring my completed ring binder, washi tape, hole punch and scissors to Lithuania. My goal is to journal on the go and hole punch various brochures and tape in receipts and other fun items I find. Then when I arrive home I can add pictures and it will be complete!

Some items I have collected so far include the brochure from the Prague Christmas market.

I did not hole punch this one as I need my sewing machine to complete this page! For the time being it is carefully tucked into the album while traveling.

I also picked up several great items here is Vilnius, Lithuania. You can see in the photo below that the top ten Vilnius book was hole punched and added.

By the way, we are having a great time in Lithuania so far…I even got my picture taken with a Lemur! At least I think it was a Lemur, poor stuffed little guy!

- Katie

Prague Christmas Markets

2011-12-03T08:41:00.000+01:00

Wow…I cannot believe how many of you stopped by during the Pretty Little Studio Blog hop… If you have not had a chance to check it out, please go here and enter to win a Pretty Little Studio Gift Card by leaving a comment. You have until December 5th to enter!

Today I am out walking the streets of Prague with my friend Elizabeth… we will have bags with knitting, a thermos with cocktails and pockets full of money for Christmas market shopping fun.

Have I mentioned how much I love the city of Prague? I am pretty sure I have…in fact I think my post during my last visit to Prague, here about sums up my feelings. I have never been to Prague for the Christmas markets before and am super-excited! If you want to learn more about the Prague Christmas markets visit the Prague Experience or My Czech Republic or come back to visit my blog later this week for lot’s of fun photos and reviews.

P.S. Next time I post will be from Lithuania next week, cannot wait to share!

- Katie

Pretty Little Studio Blog Hop + Giveaway!

2011-12-01T14:47:00.000+01:00

Mr. C. and I are going to be traveling a lot this December. Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Italy and the list continues. To capture all of these adventures I decided that it was time I catch…

…December Daily Fever…

Are you familiar with the December Daily concept? The idea, developed by Ali Edwards is a small book meant to contain a journal entry, photo or scrap from each day in December to remember how you spend the days leading up to Christmas each year. The variations on this idea or as vast as the imagination. Journals, digital books, binders and handmade papers. For my book I chose a 7x9 binder, two 12x12 papers by Amy Tan, various letter stickers and the Pretty Little Studio Jingle Bells Collection.

Day 5

Days 11 & 12

Days 13, 14 & 16

Days 17, 19, 20 & 21

Ready for some more Christmas inspiration from the Pretty Little Studio Design Team girls and chances to win?

Visit each of these blogs for additional holiday projects, and be sure to leave a comment at each stop. Each Design Team member will be giving away a $10 gift certificate to the Pretty Little Studio store, and there will be a grand prize $25 gift certificate awarded to one lucky person who comments on the Pretty Little Studio blog http://prettylittlestudio.com/blog/!

Leanne Allinson Blog: http://www.leanneallinson.blogspot.com
Irit Shalom Blog: http://www.iritshalom.blogspot.com/
Elise Lindsey Blog: http://www.lovelisy.blogspot.com
Kate Codina Blog: http://www.kraftwithkate.blogspot.com
Robyn Schaub Blog: http://www.dreaminginscraps.blogspot.com
Jen Chapin Blog: http://www.jenchapin.blogspot.com
Katie Cavanaugh Blog: http://thelifeadventuresofmrsc.blogspot.com
Karen Lim Blog: http://aichakucreates.blogspot.com/
Laura Achilles Blog: http://lauraachilles1.wordpress.com/
Celine LeGuay Blog: http://scrapdemarianne.blogspot.com/
Mary Jo Johnston Blog: http://www.maryjojohnston.blogspot.com

While you’re here remember to check out the other Pretty Little Studio Projects + Tutorials here on the blog. And remember, if you like what you see please follow!

- Katie

Italia Week Day Four: Florence

2011-11-25T21:43:00.001+01:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Ok…I know technically this post is a day late…but if you have a chance to dance with your husband in Italy vs. working on a blog post…what would you choose?

Thanksgiving this year was different, no turkey

…just flaming beef at the "I tre pini” restaurant. Live Italian music, singing, dancing unlimited wine, food and fun.

We spent the first part of our day in the city of Florence (Firenze in Italy) and it was beautiful!

Brunelleschi’s Dome in the Duomo was simply awe-inspiring.

The statue of David, the tombs of Michaelengelo, Galieo, Machiavelli and the “Doors of Paradise.”

Then we took a trip to a local leather store, where the demonstrated various leather techniques. Did you know Florence it known for it’s gold and leather crafts? While they tried pretty hard to sell us on items I was asked to be their “model” for the store which was fun,

how many girls can say they modeled clothes in Italy?

Some of the tombs in the Santa Croce were so poignant and tragic, simply beautiful.

Happy Thanksgiving from Italy!

- Katie

Italia Week Day 3

2011-11-23T19:24:00.002+01:00

The clock is ticking…only a few more hours until Mr. C. begin our trip to Italy! If you missed day one and the start of the Italia art journal tutorial please check it out here, and if you want to catch up on the second part of the tutorial and our trip itinerary with links to great places in Italy click here.
I have to say that while packing today I was really surprised,

did you know that it is only 50 degrees farenheit in Venice at the moment?

I think the cold may put a damper on all the cute outfits I wanted to bring, or it may just be time to break out the leggings!
Packing is so tedious…though I have to say with all the travel I am getting much better at it, but seriously…does anyone like to pack? I often find that it does give me an excuse to create lists…I love lists.

Love Lists – Hate Packing

Must have list for Italy:

Art Journal

Washi Tape (to tape in all of my fun finds!)

Colored pencils

Kindle…did I put my Kindle on the list? I cannot forget this!

Tylenol

Money!!

Passports

IPOD

Nikon Camera + Extra Lens + Battery Charger (can you believe I forgot my charger on one of our last trips?)

Blackberry

Laptop

Cute dresses!

Ok…now that I am done whining about my packing it’s time for the next tutorial steps!

Step 5: I used the coptic book binding to attach all of my pages together as shown below.

Step 6: Cut two pieces of dark brown felt approximately 10” x 6 1/2”. Line each piece up together and adhere a fabRips 2 1/2” x 7 1/4” folding the extra on each end over onto the other side. Then stich the fold lines.

Step 7: Stitch around the entire outside of the two pieces of felt to hold the edges I place. Stitch close to the edge on the long sides, and about 1/2” from the short edges, use your best judgment with your own book. Then trim the short ends with your pinking shears. Finally stitch down each side of the fabRips and every 1/4” across as shown in the photo below. This creates a nice effect and helps the cover flex more.

Step 8: Cut two lengths of your favorite ribbons and side the art journal into the cover, then wrap and tie the ribbons. This will protect the art journal on your adventures!

Step 9: Your Done!

Please come back tomorrow to read about our fabulous adventures in Florence…now it is back to packing… *sigh*.

- Katie

Italia Week Day Two

2011-11-22T11:25:00.001+01:00

Today is the second day of our Italia Week here at the Life Adventures of Mrs. C. If you missed Day One, then go check it out here to read the first part of my Italia art journal tutorial!

Day two of this week featured more planning, and art journaling fun. I took the time to go over our itinerary and research places that I am really looking forward to visiting! Here is our Thanksgiving in Italy itinerary:

November 23rd – All aboard for Italy!

November 24th – Arrive in Florence, I am looking forward to seeing the statue of David, the dome of St. Mary with Brunelleschi’s cupola and the masterpiece that Michelangelo called the, “Porta Dell Paradiso.”

November 25th – Venice baby! I am so excited I cannot wait to ride in a gondola, which I was corrected this morning by a friend in my pronunciation. Gondola, as we say it in the states is used to refer to the ski gondola’s…the correct pronunciation is gondooola with a long o (thus the extra o vowels in my written form to remind me). I should find lot’s of fun things here for my art journal.

November 26th – Verona, home of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. On this day I think a love letter might find it’s way into my art journal… When I am finished with my romantic musings then we are off to visit the amphitheater.

Then we head home! A short, but sweet trip to the land of Italia and the perfect start to my art journal.

So on to the next steps in the Italia Week Art Journal…If you missed the first part of the tutorial yesterday, remember that you can find it here.

Step 3: Once you have stitched, scribbled and painted on your Italy panels you want to cut them each into pages that measure 4 1/4” x 5 3/4”. I ended with approximately 24 panels of Italian cities.

Step 4: I used fabRips by Studio Calico to bid my pages together. Each fabRips strip is cut 1” x 5 3/4”. I carefully attached two pages together using the tape to hold them together, one page face up and one page face down. Be careful when applying the tape to leave a small break between the two pages to ensure you can close the pages later. See the picture below as a guide.

Step 5: ??? will share with you first thing tomorrow on Italia Week Day 3!

- Katie

Italia Week Day One

2011-11-21T20:34:00.001+01:00

This week is Italia week! Mr.C. and I are prepping for our adventure this week by researching places we will see, packing items and creating my latest art journal for the trip!

The paper for this album was purchased in Budapest at a little store called Papirbolt earlier this year. It came on a large roll, wonderfully wrapped…until customs crushed it…well it actually became lost on their imaging machine, you know the conveyor belts where you place your carry-on luggage? *sigh* but no worries, it is all part of the memories right?

To start my “Italia” art journal I cut the large sheet into pieces for each city. My plan is one city per page, and one page of art journaling per city.

Step 1: To start with, I adhered my journal pages onto cardstock and then stitched around the edges with clay brown thread.

Step 2: I then used my faber-castell mixed media supplies to color, scribble and alter the edges.

Step 3: ??? Cannot wait to share with you tomorrow!

By the way, remember my missed Berlin adventure that I shared on Friday? Mr. C. and I did find a fabulous adventure we headed into Downtown Stuttgart Germany to watch them set up for the large market while watching ice skaters and enjoying gluhwein at the small Winterbaum market. It was such a wonderful time.

Another great part of our downtown Stuttgart adventure? I found that in Germany department stores like Macys…have yarn sections. Have I mentioned I really like living here?

- Katie

Studio Calico Layout Fun!

2011-11-17T22:58:00.001+01:00

This week has been long, but brightened with the fun of my new kit from Studio Calico, “Handmade!” Check out these fun layouts.

“Uncle,” this picture was taken on our recent visit to the States. It was the first time that Mr. C. saw his nephew, the day he became an Uncle. They were so cute together in their Detroit Tigers gear!

I love documenting everyday life. These pictures were taken in downtown Stuttgart, Germany outside of our favorite Doener place, “Beykebab.” Doener’s (in German there is no e next to the o) are a form of Turkish food which has been altered to a German friendly, delightful pita filled with meat, cabbage, lettuce, cream sauce, onions and other goodies depending on the location. I don’t know how I am going to be able to go without them when I move back to the States some day!

What would scrapbooking be without documenting the Elimination 2011 project? For the background of this project I used masking and various colors of mists to create the pattern. I love using mists!

I think I am addicted to my sewing machine lately. I love the look it gives.

Do you have plans for the weekend? Mr. C. and I were taking a trip to Berlin but just found out it was cancelled! Now it is time to plan again because no matter what we do this weekend, I am looking forward to an adventure!

- Katie

Remembering Pain

2011-11-15T05:28:00.000+01:00

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

- Charles Dickens

Often when we document things, Birthdays, Christmas and wonderful vacations…

we often only document those things that society tells us are happy…this can be a mistake.

Those darker adventures in life are often pushed to the cobwebs of our consciousness brought out occasionally, but rarely embraced. What we forget is that while the good things in life make us happy and loved…

it is the dark adventures that define us, the often sad things that if we let them bring beauty, change and wealth to the world.

The dark days when getting out of bed seems to be an impossible task, when the grief overwhelms us and we feel like we are flying through life the wind whipping in our ears and yet we don’t seem to see any of it…just a blur…hoping that for a few blissful moments we can forget the pain.

These are the times that teach us caring, empathy, perseverance and patience. Sometimes these lessons take years to learn.

I spent a number of my years living perhaps one my greatest adventures. Injured in highschool I spent the next seven years of life in and out of a wheel-chair, on disability leave and trying various procedures to diagnose what might be wrong and facing a possible life of chronic pain. I am not sure what is harder, knowing what illness you have or going through years of tests and still not knowing.

Chronic pain is so difficult.

It is like being a child and the feeling that the monster in your closet is so strong you shiver in fear, you know it is real! Then, your parent arrives opens the closet door to find nothing and admonishes you for your fantasies. As the door closes, you are once again left alone knowing that the monster is there, and deep down knowing that your parents came in the room already believing that your monster was simply in your imagination.

I often think of this period of my life as possibly my greatest adventure because while it was painful, hard and at times seemed hopeless it shaped me as a person.

It made me stronger, increased my understanding of others and made me look at the world around me in different colors and emotions then I would have known if I had not been injured.

I find now, even years later I am still discovering things about myself that I learned during that period in my life and documented them in this layout.

While pain never really goes away, and I still struggle with the remnants of that period of my life both physically and emotionally I cannot regret it.

This dark adventure has brought so much more beauty and love to my life then I would have ever thought possible during the darkest of days.

If you are struggling with your own pain at the moment know that I am thinking of you, hoping for you and praying that you will also find the beauty in some your life’s deepest, darkest adventures.

- Katie

Buttons…Buttons and More Buttons!

2011-11-12T09:43:00.001+01:00

Elimination 2011 is going great! I cannot wait to post the pictures of my new art space. By the words new I mean cleared of all the junk and clutter that was my creative arch-nemesis.

One thing I have learned going through boxes of items is that I have a lot, did I just say a lot of arts and crafts items? I think moving overseas has helped inflate my number of items because I now order in bulk to save on shipping and trips to the States involve buying massive amounts of stock that is either not available or much more expensive here in Germany. Such as these buttons:

I was so excited to buy them, bags of buttons for only $1.59. Then I had to find a place for them and organize them by color. Needless to say it made me question my buying enthusiasm!

I am now off to finish sewing my new curtains. If you are just now joining the blog please check out the Elimination 2011 post here: Elimination 2011 and remember to follow if you like what you read!

Happy Birthday Mini-Album

2011-11-10T05:32:00.000+01:00

Time flies by when you are having fun! Isn’t that what they say? Last month we celebrated Mr. C.’s birthday and had a great time. Our initial plans had to be cancelled due to an accident on the stairs of our new home. Instead of our awaited dinner on the town I hobbled to a birthday dinner much closer to home with the help of this amazing gym sock to match my dinner dress (plus cover the bandages!).

Do you think I will start a new trend?

Dinner, though a second choice location was fabulous and I was able to give Mr. C. a mini-book that captured memories from his 30th birthday celebration at our old house.

I used the Teresa Collins, “Celebrate” mini-album kit with a lot of changes to achieve the perfect look. I really like the Teresa Collins mini-album kits because in addition to wonderful ideas, there are plenty of extra papers, and accessories to go in whatever creative direction you choose.

For my book, in addition to the bracket pages I used scraps and extra paper (included within the kit) to create pages of various sizes and types to create depth in the book. You can see the diversity in pages by looking at the good times page shown below and the smaller bracket page shown above.

Instead of using the included ring binding, I used my zutter to create the spiral bound binding. Why? The zutter is great option to bind your mini-album if you plan on including birthday cards received at the party!

I included journaling that describes the events leading up to the party because this is important when capturing party memories.Showing these details reminds you of the excitement, craziness and joy of planning a party for the people you love and is a large part of the party memories, don’t forget them!

Mr. C. loved the book, and we finished opening the gifts with fresh, hot apple fritters. Sometimes in life we find that the second-choice life adventures become the best life adventures, like our lovely birthday dinner.

Hot & Fresh Apple Fritters!

- Katie

Happy Halloween Tutorial

2011-10-31T12:48:00.001+01:00

Happy Halloween everyone! To celebrate I want to share a lovely, fun Halloween tutorial for you to create the Pretty Little Studio papers and some old-fashioned elbow grease!

When I was visiting the states a few weeks ago my sister and I found these cute little wooden coffin boxes at Michaels. They measure around 7” long and 3.5” wide and are unfinished pine*.

Supplies Needed:

InLinkz.com

*note: the coffin in the supplies list is slightly larger than the one used for this project example.

Step 1: Paint the inside and outside of your box with the selected acrylic paint color, I used orange for the first box and black for the second.

Step 2: When the paint is dry, used the box as guide to make a cutting template for your inside pages.

Step 3: Accordion fold your cardstock leaving the first and last page slightly longer than the inside folded papers. The outside pages should be large enough for the template, and the inside folded pages should be slightly smaller so that when you cut around the template you do not completely cut the folds that hold the pages together. See the image below as a guide. Then lay the template over the folded cardstock and cut out the shape.

Step 4: Cut the Pretty Little Studio Scaredy Cat Collection paper to fit each cardstock page. Don’t worry about being precise, ragged edges add to the spooky look. You can also cut a paper to make a lining for the inside of your coffin. Attach your photos, and a Pretty Little Studio Scaredy Cat Collection lemon slice to the bottom of each.

Step 5: Coat the top of the outside of your box with glue and liberally apply glitter, make sure that you allow the glue to dry before shaking off residual glitter!

Step 6: While the glue attaching the glitter is drying on the lid of the box, accordion fold your crepe paper and attach the ends with tape to form a circle shape.

Step 7: Once the glue is dry, and all remaining glitter has been shaken off the outside of the box attach the crepe paper circle and the Pretty Little Studio Vintage Circle Tag to the front with a hot glue gun.

Step 8: Use a white pen, I like the sharpie poster paint pen to journal on the back of the mini-album cardstock paper (optional) and enjoy!

I love using my boxes for decorations around the house, it is so much fun when someone comments and I open the closure to show the little album containing our holiday memories! The little black box is heading to my sister back in the states…but secretly I really want to keep it…

- Katie

Burg Frankenstein

2011-10-31T00:01:00.001+01:00

Last weekend I spent the day with 100 guests at the Burg Frankenstein in Darmstadt, Germany. It was so fun to be able to experience a Halloween event in a castle, especially an old, decrepit castle that may have sponsored Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein. The castle has been known as Castle Frankenstein since the 13th century when it was built by the Frankenstein family (which has since died out). During the 1600’s an alchemist by the name of Johann Conrad Dippel was born in Castle Frankenstein which was then being used as a hospital. Dippel was made famous by conducting various experiments and breaking from the church leading to rumors of him making deals with the devil, and other accusations. Some of his beliefs included the thought that a soul could be transferred into another body through the use of a funnel. Dippel’s birth in the castle may have been what linked the idea of a scientist creating new life through experimentation with the name Frankenstein. Whatever inspired the 19 year old Mary Shelley is unknown to me, but I really enjoyed viewing the castle and imagining the possibilities.

If you are planning a visit to the castle during the Halloween season with your family please be advised as some parts are really scary! I tend to be more of a ‘cute’ fan than ‘blood’ fan so while I really enjoyed the visit I cannot say that I would take my children. Enjoy the pics and stay tuned for my Paris re-cap and mini-album!

- Katie

Happy Saturday, Love Paris

2011-10-29T10:45:00.000+02:00

Mr. C and I are currently roaming the streets of Paris…eating croissants, drinking espresso, and madly in love.

Image Credit {Pinterest}

While we are gone check out my quilted tutorial project at the Pretty Little Studio blog for paper inspiration.

Can’t wait to share stories from our fabulous day when we arrive home!

- Katie

A Little Introduction…

2011-10-28T05:45:00.000+02:00

My name is Katie aka Mrs. C. and I am an American who dreamed of living overseas and found that dreams can come true as I now live in Germany with Mr. C., my little puppy Eggs.

…I spend my nights…

Dreaming of faraway places, recording my memories, having cocktails with friends and creating fabulous DIY projects.

…I spend my days…

Working hard in the corporate cyber world, moonlighting as a volunteer USO tour guide on the weekends, and seeing the world with my best friend Mr. C.

…I believe…

That everyday can become a life adventure if you view it through the right lens.

Thanks for visiting my blog and click the link below to check out the other great blogs in the follower hop!

- Katie

Elimination 2011

2011-10-27T12:51:00.001+02:00

Have you ever had an epiphany…when you realize that the way you are living your life is not the way you want to live? When Mr. C. and I moved to Germany we assumed we did not have much stuff…we were wrong.

Imagine having a group of strangers come in to your house, pack everything up and then give you a weight… a weight that declares to the world just how much crap you own. It went something like this,

“Mrs. C. we have weighed all of your household belongings and you have 9,000 pounds of household goods".”

I was shocked! How had two people and a tiny little dog accumulated so much stuff? Then friends who had moved overseas told me,

“Only 9,000 pounds? That’s barely anything! My household goods weighed over 18,000 pounds”

This made me compare 18,000 pounds to 9,000 pounds and my feeling of embarrassment and shock about the amount of stuff Mr. C. and I owned turned into a feeling of being comfortable, satisfied, self righteousness,

…“I only have 9,000 pounds, I am doing great!”…

until my reality check when they dropped all 9,000 pounds of goods in my German house.

The true horror of all of this stuff did not really hit me until my parents came to visit. We had this big, beautiful house and no where to put anything! Before the dust had settled on their suitcases I had a plan…

Elimination 2011

I have to say after only a week of Elimination 2011 Mr. C. and I are doing great. We now run around the house declaring loudly, “eliminate!” as we add another item for removal to our foyer. This declaration prompts much laughter and encouragement because we each know how hard eliminating really is.

The best part of Elimination 2011? That we are eliminating the things from our life that hold us back, the unorganized pieces of our past that we think hold the keys to our memories, rather than realizing that this 9,000 pounds of stuff is really preventing us from making new memories in our lovely new home. I am not saying it is easy…but it is liberating…and eliminating with your best friend? Simply amazing.

So here is to the future, a future where a moving man looks at me in shock when he loads my items and tells me how much it weighs…a future where I know each and every box that is loaded into the moving van and can say that I truly need and want every item in those boxes…and I look the moving man (or girl) in the eye and respond proudly, “it’s called elimination buddy!”

Do you have items in your home that are keeping you from living life and experiencing your adventures? Remember this phrase,

“Eliminate 2011 , You Can Do It!”

- Katie

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Part 3

2011-10-24T23:42:00.001+02:00

Ok…here it is…the final chapter regarding our happy days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Splashes of memories containing the Zugspitze, the Partnach Gorge, a kind man named Freddie and an amazing Italian spaghetti. Do you often find yourself on an adventure and when it is over the memories seem to blur and blend until all you remember is the emotions? I think the emotions from this trip will always be with me.

The Partnach Gorge

I will remember awe at the sight of the mountains and lakes…I will remember compassion for a man who lost so much…I will remember the awkwardness, sadness, joy and laughter while visiting family I thought was lost to me. And I will always remember how thankful I felt to be able to bring my parents to Germany to visit with their family and friends, to bring back their childhood adventures.

The Partnach Gorge

Have you been on an adventure lately that leaves you with so many emotions even reflecting back on it gives you the chills? Perhaps a happy memory like the birth of a child or a sad one due to the death of a loved one. We often think of adventures in terms of happy exciting things rather than realizing that we have adventures every day, both good and bad. That moments when our emotions cause the breath to catch and the heart to beat faster, the moments that form our everyday adventures of life.

This is what I try to remember…not to scrap and document each and every small moment of memory but to scrap the emotions that make up my life adventures.

Have you been reading all of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen posts? Check them out: Garmisch-Partenkirchen Part 1, Garmisch-Partenkirchen Part 2, A Chilly Family Walk.

- Katie

Animal Crackers for Max

2011-10-20T22:09:00.001+02:00

Poor little Max…he has to chew on his shoe! Doesn’t he have some super cool wool toys? I think Aunt Katie and the Wild Olive etsy store need to come to the rescue!

My little nephew has plenty of toys as all little first born children do (as a middle child myself…trust me on this lol)…but I could not resist this cure little Animal Crackers pattern in the Wild Olive etsy store.

Image Source: Wild Olive Etsy Store

I am working hard to embroider these cute little crackers! Love how these look but are thinking you are not great at embroidery and don’t really want to start a big new adventure without help? Then check out the Wild Olive blog for embroidery tutorial goodness!

Have you made handmade toys for the little ones in your life? I would love to hear if you have and why they are special!

If you reading my Garmisch-Partenkirchen series, Part 3 is still coming so stay tuned!

- Katie

A Chilly Family Walk

2011-10-18T20:53:00.001+02:00

Brisk winds, a sweet little dog named Cindy, a rusty turn style and an ice cream stand serving “American” pizza…closed due to the cold. A garden full of bounty and a cellar packed with hard work and smiles…lot’s and lot’s of smiles.

Tall trees, a rocky beach and a monastery in the distance cresting above a hill. My Aunt in broken in English tells me my Grandparents visited that monastery…I now want to visit. So many memories trapped, stolen and forgotten…we all listen in close concentration while we visit. We know and understand so little of our family that we do not, will not miss a single breath of what she says…because her breath is filled with precious memories.

World War II stole so much from my family. It caused my family to regard their memories not as old friends to be remembered with laughter, warmth and the occasional embarrassment of youth and folly…but as enemies.

What makes a memory an enemy? Is it the nightmares? The remembrance of loved ones lost? The sight of a missing hand or the glance at a photograph of the home you watched burn to the ground. Is it the recollection of the baseness to which humanity can fall or simply the refusal to look your past in the eye and accept what happened?

This generation of my family is slowly leaving, going to a place where I hope these memories will be washed away but sadly this leaves a hole in my life...my heart. So I continue listening to each breath…even when the language barrier is difficult. Each breath gives me a greater understanding of myself, a girl trying to understand where she came from. Each breath describing how my family survived and how the memories never spoken of shaped my life. Each breath intensifying my respect, love and admiration for the women who came before me. These women did not simply “scrap” their memories, they battled them, on a battlefield of the mind we can only imagine.

- Katie

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Part 2

2011-10-16T23:02:00.002+02:00

Have you been reading about our recent vacation to the Germany Alps? Check out Part 1 if you would like to read about our adventures from the start of our trip!

We started the morning with of course the necessary list:

1. Iced Coffee, don’t usually like but the resort coffee was great!

2. Ensuring the camera was ready, with battery charged…

3. Checking the blackberry for work updates

Then after a few quick shopping stops we made it downtown. The night before it had rained and the alps, which had been green and brown with tree and earth were now covered with snow capped peaks…it was amazing…but also so cold!

While downtown we found this amazing store, Grasegger. They specialize in traditional and quality clothing according to their signs and if you sew…this store is a dream! They have bolts and bolts of fabric, trims, buttons and zippers all in traditional patterns with assistants to help you create the perfect dirndl. Unsure of what a dirndl is? Check out this site: Destination Munich to learn about this traditional form of Bavarian dress. In addition to the fabric Grasegger had beautiful clothing for men, women and children including little baby lederhosen! Don’t you just love the jackets in the picture below? I am trying to get Mr. C. to buy one of these, he would look so handsome in the green.

Mom and I stopped for at a lovely café before meeting dad and Mr. C who were drinking in the sites of the Partnach Gorge. I had my first taste of an Aperol Spritz and it was amazing! My best friend has been telling me how great it is for a while, so I don’t know why I waited so long. Would you like to try your own Aperol Spritz? Check out the recipe below, and if you can’t find Aperol visit their web-site for more information.

Aperol Sprtiz, for 1 drink:

Ingredients:

3 ounces Prosecco (or any sparkling wine)
1 ounce Aperol
splash of sparkling water
garnish of orange
ice

Directions:

First, pour the Prosecco over the ice and then add the Aperol and splash of sparkling (or soda) water. Go easy on the Aperol! It is slightly bitter and too much almost guarantees you will frown when you take a sip *grin*. Finally float a thick slice of orange on top, while not necessary to the drink it adds a little freshness. Next time I make the drink? It made not be quite the “thing” but I may try a sprig of mint.

Did I mention my parents went with me and Mr. C. on this trip? In fact they kind of inspired this trip for us. My dad, born in Munich used to vacation in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area and we still have family in the area. Visiting the family was hard, and very emotional. They talked and reminisced with us about old family hurts, what we lost during World War II but most importantly shared laughter, acceptance and love. I am very glad that we were able to visit.

I have one more post to conclude are lovely trip, thanks for reading and let me know if you try the Aperol Spritz!

- Katie

Garmisch-Partenkirchen Part 1

2011-10-14T13:56:00.001+02:00

As promised by Frankie and I earlier this week, here are the details on our trip!

We left the Stuttgart area and took a beautiful (luckily no traffic) drive down through the alps and into Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The view from the car was of snow capped mountains, alpine cows, castle ruins and even a glimpse of Neuschwanstein. We thought we had booked a beautiful cabin for the week and were surprised upon arrival, it was beautiful but only big enough for a gnome (not a 6’5 man like Mr. C.)! We quickly booked a room in the hotel, and I think the front lobby desk had a good laugh at our almost immediate change of lodging.

Views from the car passenger seat…a wonderful sight!

What a hotel! Referred to as a resort, the Edelwiess Resort and Lodge had everything you could wish for and more. Great stores, outdoor pool-sized hot tub over looking the alps, several restaurants and most important wonderful views of the majestic alps.

Morning sunrise from our hotel room balcony, can you believe this view!.

We were so blessed with lovely weather and were able to visit the Zugspitze. The views were so spectacular. Called the highest point in Germany at 2962 meters you can see for miles. They even had reference points for New York city which made us laugh…somehow I don’t think we were able to see that far!

Can you spy Mr. C. waving in this picture?

We were pretty tired at the end of our Zugspitze visit but still made time for a nap and visit to the Partnach Gorge and downtown Garmisch-Partenkirchen that evening. Stay tuned for the details in part 2 (hey, don’t complain my fingers are exhausted!!).

In other news my Studio Calico field kit arrived today…can’t wait to open it and start playing!

- Katie

The Scaredy Cat Collection

2011-10-12T08:29:00.000+02:00

Have you visited the Pretty Little Studio blog lately to see my and the other great design team members projects? This month I have been playing with the new Pretty Little Studio collection, “Scaredy Cat.” Here are a few sneak peeks of the layouts you can find on the Pretty Little Studio Blog!

Halloween Cookin’

Halloween Love

- Products I Used -

Scaredy Cat 8x8 Paper Pack	2" Ghostly Vintage Circle Tags	Halloween Word Flashcards	1" Ghostly Vintage Circle Tags
Black Love Notes Journaling Cards	Mini Candy Corn Shipping Tags	Black Notebook Fancy Bracket Journaling Cards	Halloween Doodle Twine Spool
9''x12'' Felt	DMC Floss

InLinkz.com

- Katie

Frankie + Me At The Zugspitze

2011-10-10T22:32:00.001+02:00

Mr. C. and I have been spending the week in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the parents. Which means Frankie (my camera) and I have been having a great time taking pictures of the mountains! Stay tuned for the full report later this week. While you are waiting check out this site on the Zugspitze.

Oktoberfest Parade 2011

2011-10-02T10:28:00.017+02:00

Flowers, ox, horses, dirndls and keg after keg of beer. Some would say that these few things seem to sum up much of the Oktoberfest Parade but I disagree. It’s the little girl sitting on her father’s shoulders, the women counting down in German with her sons to listen for the official start of the fest. It’s the tourist with the crazy drinking shirt stating, “I survived Oktoberfest” even though the fest has not truly started, and the only thing the shirt really means so early in the day is, “look at me I bought this in a tourist shop downtown!” It’s joining together in the “oohs” and “ahhs” as the wagons progress down the road and watching the polizei laugh as they enjoy the sunshine and sounds of the marching bands.

For me my first trip to the Oktoberfest parade means a tired arm as I hold my phone to video tape, hugs from Mr. C. and the sound of our friend Bill’s camera clicking away. It brings back a stalled wagon on the parade route that caused other wagons to roll so close to us to avoid the stall I thought I could touch them. It means a beautiful horse, decorated in it’s parade finery that I was able to reach out and pet as he eyed the crowd cautiously.

Supplies: Studio Calico kit Glee Club, white buttons, Martha Stewart butterfly punches, October Afternoon Boarding Pass sprinklers.

It is day’s like the Oktoberfest Parade that remind me of life’s beauty, of the happiness that can be found when we pause to look at life through the eyes of a happy glow. It’s easy to look at someone and think she must be happy because she has this, or he must be happy because he has been there…and these reflections can go on forever. If there is one thing I learn as I see more and more of the world it is that places, experiences, and possessions do not make a person happy. The soul, the core of who a person strives to be is what brings happiness. Sometimes I have bad days where happiness seems more difficult to grasp, we all do… but then I stop to think of being in the midst of a crowd of thousands and pausing with a horse in the sunshine to reflect on the happiness of life. I realize that while sometimes difficult happiness is always within my reach if I simply reach out to take it.

A Beached Themed Reception

2011-10-01T08:19:00.004+02:00

My sister and her husband are celebrating their 1st Wedding Anniversary this month and I wanted to celebrate by posting pictures of their casual beach themed wedding cocktail reception we held at their apartment’s community house last year. The decorations and food took a lot of effort but my sister Stacy and I made it work with a lot of help from friends, Mr. C. and the Bride and Groom.

Fresh Hydrangeas and Burlap and Linen Covered TablesSea Urchin Meringues Fairy lights and FriendshipA Warm GlowHand Painted Chocolate Sea Shells Candlelight Sea Themed Desserts

We Did It!

Little Tales Mini Book Tutorial

2011-09-28T07:29:00.000+02:00

Supplies:

- 12 x 12 kraft cardstock

- Nursery Rhyme Cards (Pretty Little Studio)

- Cording, Embroidery Thread (6 strands) or other binding thread

- Acrylic Paint

- Cardstock Alphabet Stickers (Studio Calico)

- Wood Grain Alphabet (American Crafts)

- Embellishments (Sassafras)

- Black Marker, Awl, Double Stick Tape, Paper Cutter, Scissors

Step 1: Cut the cardstock into the following pieces: 1- 4 1/16”x 7 1/16”, 4- 4 1/16” x 3 1/2

Step 2: Use your awl or scoring blade to make the following score lines: for the 4 1/16” x 7 1/16” score directly down the center of the long side to make the cover of the book, and then score 1/2” to each side of the center score line. Score the 4 1/16” x 3 1/2” pieces along the short edge 1/2” from the edge. Fold along the score lines of each of the four pages. These score lines will enable the book pages to turn.

Step 3: Assemble the pages between the cover, do you see the score lines faintly shown on the front of the book in the photo below? If the book does not line up properly use the paper cutter to make any adjustments needed.

Step 4: Decorate the front cover however you like and paint the spine with the acrylic paint. I like a messy look for the paint and just used my fingers!

Step 5: Once the paint has dried re-assemble the book. Use your awl to punch 9 evenly spaced holes down the cover of the book about 1/8” from the score line. Don’t let the inner pages shift or the book will not align properly. I found it useful to punch the center hole, then the outer two holes first to help me gauge the alignment, of course you could always use a ruler but it would not be as much fun!

Step 6: I used the Japanese stitch to bind my book with embroidery thread, if you have never done this then check out all the amazing video tutorials available online to help you along.

Step 7: Select your nursery rhymes. The Pretty Little Studio pack comes with five boy cards and five girl cards which are the perfect number for the little books.

Step 8: Assemble the photos that will tell your story. I chose to print in various sizes and used black & white photos to help unify the story book.

Step 9: Use the double stick tape to attach the nursery rhymes and photos and decorate to your hearts content!

Step 10: This last step is the most important, make sure that you take the time to write a lovely little story for the special little person in your life!

Thanks for taking the time to read my tutorial, I would love to see what you are inspired to create!

Milano, Italia: El Duomo!

2011-09-25T00:36:00.008+02:00

Two weeks ago I took my first trip to Italia + my first trip as a tour escort in training! Have I mentioned I am training to be a tour escort? I am super-excited travel is one of my favorite things to discuss and I will soon have busloads of people to talk “at” now (just kidding lol).

On the rooftop of the El Duomo.

Highlights of my Milan trip:

- Meeting a great group of ladies to spend the day with.

- Having an Italian waiter “shush” us because we were too loud.

- Listening to a street musician playing themes from the Godfather.

- Spinning on the bulls… ahem… man parts for good luck (hey it’s in all the guidebooks!).

- Drinking wine, lemoncello and caipirinhas (which was super strong).

- The El Duomo!

If you get the chance to go to Milan you have to visit the El Duomo. According to my sources (super-secret cannot be shared, just kidding google it!) this Milan cathedral is the 4th largest cathedral in the world. You are probably thinking okay, big cathedral maybe I will check it out if I make it to Milan…this is where I say… they let you climb the roof! Now you may be thinking like I was before visiting the cathedral that there are lot’s of big buildings and churches with tiny staircases that let you climb and climb and climb to take pictures of the city skyline, but this cathedral let you walk the entire roof (except for portions under construction of course).

You are right next to the gothic architecture, the gargoyles and can walk across the stone shingles. The experience was so surreal I had to stop in awe and simply stare up, down to the right and to the left. Everywhere I looked were details so unique and intricate it would take hours to see even a portion of the detail and artistry.

I and a brand new girlfriend (we met on the trip, our husbands had both skipped out!) spent close to an hour exploring and I still do not feel like I saw everything. I cannot wait to go back, maybe bring a picnic lunch this time or simply recline against the stone shingle peak and rest and reflect in the sunshine. This was such an appreciated experience. If you would like to visit I would highly recommend this spot, they even have an elevator if your tired tourist feet do not feel like climbing the stairs.

More Milan Pictures to Come this Week!

Little Tales Mini Book For Max

2011-09-23T06:27:00.011+02:00

My little nephew Max is growing so big! During our visit to the States a few weeks ago I learned first hand how much he loves to be read too, and how he loves to hold his little board books. I was able to see how before a page is read he recognizes the picture, associates what it means and begins to laugh. I love how at six months has has already discovered what his five aunts and mommy already know… that books are important.

To record my thoughts I wanted to give little Max his own little book about…well books.

Journaling: This book belongs to Max D., Nursery Rhyme: Little Boy Blue

Journaling: Books Can: make you Laugh…, Nursery Rhyme: Simple Simon

Journaling: help you to Sleep…, Nursery Rhyme: Baa Baa Black Sheep

Journaling: and fill you with wonder…, Nursery Rhyme: Jack Be Nimble

The last page has my personal note to baby Max, about how happy I am that he is learning to love books and that it will hopefully be something he can share with not only his mommy and aunts but his entire family. I let him know how much I love him, how I cannot wait to see him grow even bigger and of course how is Aunt Kate will always love him. I am so excited to send this little book to the States so that my sister can read baby Max his nursery rhymes and the little story just about him.

I am currently drafting up the tutorial to be posted later this week and of course if you would like the cute little nursery cards then head on over to visit the Pretty Little Studio!

An Anniversary + Party (of course)

2011-09-22T07:40:00.003+02:00

I am having a hard time believing that Mr. C. and I have been married for 4 years today…it seems only yesterday I was writing my wedding vows and my littlest sister was saying I should just let him know that, he was my Prince Charming, and I loved him. In the thoughts of a 9 year old, what else needed to be said?

Photo Credit { Vince Verna Photography }

Here we are 4 years later and I could never have imagined how much fun and blessings we would have in our first years of marriage. I know that they say after the 3rd year of marriage you are no longer a newlywed but I cannot imagine this newlywed feeling ever going away. Of course we have the rough days and sometimes rough week but Mr. C. always seems to know what to say and how to say it, sometimes without words, to make me feel like a girl still in the midst of falling in love with the best man ever.

In closing, tonight we party…more details to come on the big party event soon!

Prague, Our City of Love

2011-09-20T11:40:00.001+02:00

I. Love. Prague.

Mr. C. and I first visited this city in 2009 and after our visit last Monday have once again agreed that it is one of our favorite cities in the world. I love the way the streets wind, the wide open spaces, the multiple bridges and the way the cityscape is not broken up by one ugly concrete block building but is instead romantic rooftop after romantic roof top.

When visiting make sure you take time to walk the Karlovy (Charles) Bridge and visit Wenceslas Square. If you don’t know much of the history in the Czech Republic over the last 70 years I would recommend a visit to the small, campy but informative communist museum. I would also make sure to visit the Old Town Square and peek into the various churches. The main train station in New Town, while old is also worth a view for the fantastic, crumbling architecture as well as the hidden Wallenstein Garden on the senate grounds near the castle.

Mr. C. and I saw so many things that were unchanged since our last visit, but were amazed at how much had changed via the drive of the city residents to improve their surroundings. If you live in Europe, or are taking a trip to Europe make sure you plan a day or two in this wonderful, relaxing city.

(What a pretty picture, except for the part of my dress that should not be showing *sigh* lol).

$100 Pretty Little Studio Giveaway!

2011-08-28T14:46:00.002+02:00

So I have posted about how much I love Pretty Little Studio often here on my blog. I love using their products! Lately I have been creating items with their cute vintage images at an alarming rate even though I have been back in the States visiting with the peeps and working hard.
Have you been to their site to check out their fun paper and scrapbooking items? This weekend may be the best time to check out their product line because they are having a $100 Givejavascript:void(0)away that includes the following items:

5×7 set of A is for Apple Flashcards

5×7 set of Animal ABC Flashcards

Mini Love Notes Papers Collection

4″ set of 26 Baby ABC bunting flags

Mini Hopscotch Paper Collection

Mary Paper Doll Set

Jelly Bean Brights Journaling Cards

Rough and Tumble Cookie Cutter Labels

Mini Little Boys Journaling Cards

A-Z Animal Mini Bunting Flags

Fruit Punch Mini Bunting Flags

Valentine Mini Paper Ribbons

5×7 set of 2011 Vintage Calendar Cards

$10 – worth of our new Scaredy Cat Collection

Interested in winning? Head over to the Pretty Little Studio Blog and leave a comment by 8/31/11 for a chance to win! While you are there check out some of the great design team projects, tutorials and layouts. Good luck winning!

Monday Inspiration: 30 Days of Lists

2011-08-23T05:07:00.001+02:00

I love lists! On average I would say I make at least 3-5 times a day. I find the creation of a list helps to calm my mind, helps me to prioritize and simply makes me happy.

If you love lists you should check out http://30daysoflists.blogspot.com/. I found their site a few weeks ago and just had to sign up for their September program! The concept is 30 list prompts that are completed one day at a time. At the end of the 30 days you will have a wonderful snapshot of your life and opinions at the time of creation.

To get ready for the September 1st start date I have been working on assembling the book that will hold my lists. I decided to use a kolo album I purchased several years ago in South Carolina (Hobby Lobby, yay!). I am so happy to finally put the album to use *grin*.

To complete the inside papers I used spray mists by October Afternoon, Studio Calico and Tattered Angels with masks and American Craft Thickers. For the writing and details I used black India ink and a paint brush. I am looking forward to adding a lot more detail as the month goes on. I have to say that I am really impressed at the quality of the kolo pages. Even with the large (ok enormous!) amount of mists I used their was no bleed through to other pages and very little curling of the paper. I would definitely recommend for your own art journal, mixed media or scrapbook.

Are you thinking of joining 30 Days of Lists? Or are you already participating? Be sure to look me up on the private list forum on the 30 Days of Lists web-site.

Have a wonderful day! – Katie

Out of the Journal Challenge, Mermaids?

2011-08-13T16:50:00.001+02:00

Last night Mr. C. and I headed out for a night on with friends and co-workers. It was a blast! Have you ever had a tequila shot with cinnamon instead of salt? I experienced it for the first time last night and have to say…I did not really like it… While working on work projects while taking the train for the night out I could not resist drawing a few quick sketches and doodles just for fun.

The quick little sketches inspired me to create the 2nd canvas for week two of the “Out of the Journal Challenge.” For my second art journal page on canvas this week I wanted to create something fun and relaxing. My first thought: Mermaids! Now readers, some of you may be thinking a mermaid is fun and relaxing?

Yes! Yes! Yes!

When I sketch a mermaid I think of being a little girl pretending to be a fish in the bubble-bath. Seeing how long I could hold my breath underwater in swim class (just to see if mermaids were possible) and as an adult floating on my back in the water staring at the sky. When meditating in yoga class and they say to go to your relaxation spot…my first thought is water and sunshine. So when working to create something relaxing mermaids and water are always close by in my head.

{The Completed Canvas}

Instructions

{Picture 1}

First apply a layer of gesso (we are going to be adding lot’s of water!) to your canvas. When dry sketch out your layout with pencil, and adhere paper scraps with gel medium. I used scraps from the paper I used to protect my table when stamping and painting. Wet your brush and apply a wash of blue paint as shown in picture 1.

{Pictures 2&3}

Use misters to apply various shades of color to the wet color wash. I used Mr. Huey’s by Studio Calico in lemonade, blue-grass and calico cream. Blend colors using brush and water adding additional layers as needed.

{Picture 4, close up of completed background}

{Picture 5}

I found it useful at this stage to trace a rough outline of my initial sketch that I could refer back to as I added additional elements as shown in picture 5.

{Picture 6, 7 & 8}

For my mermaids hair I wanted something bright and colorful. The orange crepe place I purchase from a recent shopping trip to Idee was perfect. I tore a strip from the crepe paper roll and crinkled it. I then tore the wrinkled crepe paper into tiny pieces and used gel medium to apply the crepe paper to the hair in the sketch using the traced image for assistance.

{Picture 9}

{Picture 10}

For the mermaid fin I cut a section of canvas (with gesso already applied) and use pink and purple Tattered Angels glimmer mists with a little bit of the Studio Calico lemonade mist to color. The application of the mists can be seen in picture 9. For the mermaid tale I painted it using a paint brushed dipped in the purple glimmer mist as shown in picture 10.

{Pictures 11 & 12}

{Picture 13}

I used peach colored with titanium for the skin, added features and doodling in pencil and then traced over with black ink as shown in pictures 11, 12 & 13. The final step was the addition of lip and eye color and white accents as shown in picture 14.

{Picture 14, the finished product!}

I had so much fun creating this art journal page canvas! You can see my earlier canvas this week here See...Speak...Feel...and my canvas from last week here Art Journal Remix and Out of the Art Journal on a Bad Day! If you have not heard about this challenge yet head over to www.journalgirl.com or http://dinastamps.typepad.com/ to join in the fun.

Off to find my Puma’s and skinny jeans to head downtown for drinks and sushi (veggie rolls for me haha) with friends. I am really getting into the relaxation theme this weekend!

Out of the Journal Challenge Week 2

2011-08-11T21:58:00.001+02:00

As a talkative, inquisitive person by nature I have been told for as long as I can remember to please not talk so much. To be careful because words can hurt. To please lower my hand in class (as a very young child) so that others can answer the questions too. Now that I am an adult I find that too many people don’t talk. They sit in a business meeting and don’t speak out, see an injustice and don’t speak out. What does this mean? This natural bent towards speaking and curiosity that as a child was often frowned upon has become a sought after commodity now that I am an adult.

How did this happen? Why did this happen? Then I realized it’s because talking to talk…is just talk. Speaking is the ability to combine what you SEE around you, what you FEEL inside and to SPEAK out to persuade and share with others. This week for the challenge I created this art journal page on canvas to remind me that it is always ok to talk as long as I remember to SEE, SPEAK and FEEL.

To complete the canvas background I first added a layer of gesso to the canvas background because we are adding a lot of water! Once the gesso dried I mixed scarlet red, titanium white and pink glaze to mix a bright pink for the background. While the bright pink was wet I cut circles out of various scrapbooking and magazine paper and applied to the canvas using the wet paint to hold in place. When the bright pink was almost dry I used gesso and water to lighten the color and add dimension.

When dry I added charcoal markings, light blue and yellow accents, journaling and the magazine cut outs. Once applied I added hand painted accents, black ink journaling and details.

To get the drip look for your ink add a little water to the background prior to applying the ink with a paint brush.

The final touch was feathers, silver accents and cute little skirt from a cupcake liner! Did you notice that it uses elements from the last two Monday Inspirations? Pink and papers from a Studio Calico kit? I love displaying this canvas in my house to always remind me to speak out.

Monday Inspiration: Pink!

2011-08-08T21:46:00.001+02:00

Summer is winding down and the air already feels like fall here in Germany which makes me dream of Spring time! This week I have really been inspired by pinks, yellows and pale blues. Check out these beautiful pink flowers that I captured on film earlier this year at the Keukenhof in Holland during the Tulip Festival.

Are you inspired yet? Check back later this week to see what this pink inspiration as helped me create!

Sunday Golf & Pretty Papers

2011-08-07T23:44:00.001+02:00

How does the week fly by so quickly? One second you are listening to the alarm clock ring Monday morning and the next you are preparing for bed on Sunday to start the week again. That is why I treasure the weekend time I am able to spend with Mr. C. traveling, loving and experiencing life.

Mr. C. after he hit his target, the cart collecting the golf balls lol.

This weekend we were able to go to the Sommerfest in downtown Stuttgart, catch hangover 2 at the theater play on the driving range and still have time to play with paper!

Batter up! (hey I didn’t say I had skills…)

Sommerfest downtown was so much fun! We met up with folks from work and danced the night away. Well…friends talked and I snuck away to dance in the Latin tent with strangers in Jamaican style beanies and mad dance skills. I love that Germany has so many free festivals and fun times.

A blurry pic inside one of the drink tents at Sommerfest

I also took the time to photograph my recent layouts from the Studio Calico, “Mind the Gap” and “Petrol” kits as promised earlier this week. I hope you enjoy looking!

Love of Northern Ireland

The photos in this layout are from our visit to Northern Ireland last year. The Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-rede Bridge are amazing! I used the exclusive Studio Calico patterned paper and used Mr. Huey’s to highlight the title. Ink was used for doodling, outlining the various green scraps and letters and detailing my favorite memory triggers from the Northern Ireland trip.

The Tower

This is my favorite tower in the Tower of London, which actually consists of numerous towers. When I visited back in 2006 my sister captured a photo of me in this same tower which became one of my mother’s favorites. So when I visited the Tower again in 2010 I had my friend Nikki try to re-capture the moment. I felt pretty silly asking but am so happy I did because this photo turned out so gorgeous with the lighting from the window!

For the layout I painted the background paper with gesso, metallic water colors and Studio Calico Mr. Huey’s. For the banner I used the Maya Road chipboard pennants which also came in the Studio Calico, “Petrol” kit and painted them with metallic watercolors. After stamping the Studio Calico images I adhered the photo with machine stitching and stitched the line to hang the Maya Road pennants from.

I finished the layout by attaching the pennants along the stitched line and punch details from My Minds Eye and silver accents from 7Gypsies. I love this layout, it is so soft and pretty!

More layouts, travel stories and life memories to share next week after my week begins with you guessed it, the alarm clock and kisses good morning from Mr. C.!

Fore!

Art Journal Remix

2011-08-06T17:14:00.001+02:00

So you saw my first stab at the out of the journal challenge in my last post. I have been staring at it thinking it does not really scream me, my style or the message I wanted to convey. Sometimes when we create that is fine because we are re-defining our style or trying out new techniques but this time? I think I was just tired and wanting to make sure that I made “something” for the out of the journal challenge.

The out of the journal canvas I completed earlier this week.

This afternoon I grabbed a German magazine I have been saving from back when Mr. C. and I were living in the hotel and started flipping through it for ideas. I knew that I wanted to keep the same canvas and elements and capture the craziness of the day. Success!

Same canvas from earlier this week; no elements were taken away from the original canvas however gesso, magazine clippings and faber-castell pens were added.

I am so much happier with the way this canvas turned out. I captured my style and the message I wanted to convey. That sometimes life is crazy circus, people try to take you down but you can rise above, reflect inward and find your own inner peace. I love this canvas, especially how the magazine font on the elephant talks about one day in Germany. While I love the results the constant critic in me think’s I may need to add some cute little felt headbands, a girl has to have accessories right?

On a side note, did you see I misspelled circus? Or perhaps I should say I was distracted in dream world and accidently wrote an o instead of a u since I cannot figure out how a person can misspell circus! I started to fix it and Mr. C. asked me why? Isn’t that why we create art? So we can look at the past little mistakes and laugh about what happened to cause it? I started thinking about what he said and it’s true…that is why I like having art on my wall because it’s one of a kind, riddled with mistakes and possibilities and vision just like life. I have such a clever husband!

Out of the Art Journal on a Bad Day!

2011-08-03T21:15:00.001+02:00

I love the creative process because it get’s me thinking, remembering, analyzing and feeling my daily adventures. Today’s daily adventure consisted of nasty comments at work, a few tears husband hugs and a trip to my favorite place to eat for lunch (Mr. C. thought I needed some spoiling). Lunch was followed by more work, thankfully no more tears and the execution of a creative dare Mr. C. issued to make me feel better. The creative dare can be found in the picture below, yes that is highlighter make-up as in paper highlighter make-up…on my face.

What possessed me to turn my face into a highlighter canvas? My crying jag which seemed to last longer because I was upset I was crying which made me cry harder (why do we do these things?) made my make-up almost non-existence. After talking to Mr. C. about how to fix the things at work that caused the tears of frustration in the first place I began to whine (yes readers it was whining) about my make-up disappearing. Silly Mr. C. rather than commiserate thought I should simply use what was available and handed me an ink pen in place of lipstick which really made me laugh. So before I left work tonight I gave myself the sharpie make-over you see above Mr. C. laughed so hard at the surprise!

While Sharpie make-up is a great cure for what ails you I still felt hurt and frustrated by the days events and thought I would start my first canvas for the Dina Stamps and Journal Girl challenge, “Out of the Journal.” The goal of this month long creative process is two create two art journal layouts a week on canvas for the wall rather than art bound in your journal.

Here is the process I used to create my first art journal on canvas creation.

Misted canvas with Studio Calico Mr. Huey in lemonade, blue-grass and barnwood.

Quickly did a rough sketch of a heart with charcoal on bristol board.

Painted heart and wings with gesso, acrylic and these fabulous water-based glimmer paints. I bought them at a convention several years ago and love them but sadly cannot remember the brand name! One of the best $5.00 I have spent.

Added charcoal accents to wings and heart and cut out roughing the edges. I wanted it to look like the heart was shining outwards and used the water- based glimmer paints to begin painting rays coming out of the heart.

I decided that I wanted to journal how when the actions of other are interpreted as mean-spirited or things hurt us our first reaction is to want to close our hearts. I changed my mind on the position of the wings to demonstrate this instinctive reaction.

I added the remaining rays of color, charcoal accents and journaling. The journal message states, “Don’t allow the actions of others teach you to hide your heart.” The imagery is meant to show that even if you feel like closing yourself off from the world your heart still desires to give, to love and to experience. These three things are too important to allow others to control them based on fear.

If you are looking for a fun project this month I really encourage you to take the, “Out of the Journal” challenge. The canvas I made today was quick, fun and a great was to express myself.

Thought I would end today with one more look at the sharpie-makeover and the hope that if your adventure today was as raw and intense as mine it gives you a laugh as well!

Monday Inspiration: Studio Calico

2011-08-02T23:20:00.001+02:00

I have been looking at monthly scrapbooking kit’s for a few years but never actually ‘signed up’ to participate with a kit club as a member. It seemed expensive, and too large of a commitment when I could simply run to the craft or scrapbooking store to grab the same supplies. The whole adage of, “you never know what you have until you don’t have it” has definitely rung true for me since moving overseas. Now that I can no longer run to my local scrapbooking store, opening up the mail for a big box of SURPRISE! is definitely helping to keep me motivated.

Have to drink the Pimms when in London baby!

As always Mr. C. helped me to finally make the decision to join the club. Last month’s theme was, “Mind the Gap” which made me think automatically of London.

The best crepe place in London (South Kensington)

I. Love. London.

Mr. C. first noticed me as a girl (ok a girl he was interested in lol) in London, I took my first overseas trip to London, saw my first castle in London, visited the home of my favorite author (Jane Austen) in London and had a wonderful time with one of my closest friends (twice!) and baby sister.

Since the Studio Calico kit brought London to mind I decided to only scrap photos from my various trips to the U.K. can we say challenging? Only using kit supplies and limiting my photo options? It sounded hard when I first talked myself into it (the inside voices were really chattering last weekend) but once I started creating I found that it really focused my efforts and I completed over six layouts in a matter of hours!

I love the layouts I created. Northern Ireland, Tower of London, Stonehenge,, Dublin, Bath, Buckingham Palace, pubs, tours, the White Cliffs of Dover, Hampton Court, Covent Gardens and the list goes on. Stay tuned over this next week to see the full layouts with tutorials!

Will I really post the layouts and tutorials later this week, ask yourself am I holding up this castle? If you believe it can happen! *grin*.

30 Days of August

2011-08-01T21:50:00.001+02:00

As promised here is my first August blog post! I bet you are all thinking…

what?!

It’s true, after the long July Summer blog drought I am back with fresh creative ideas, travel tips and tricks and the daily activities of living, documenting and creating my life adventures!

What’s new for August?

- Travel Top Ten: My top ten favorite things to do in each city I visit.

- Move to Typepad: The Mrs. C. adventures will be traveling to a new location on cyberspace this month!

- Pretty Little Studio Design Inspiration coming weekly!

I hope you are ready for this!

To all my Monday Inspiration readers, no worries the Monday Inspiration will be up tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Summer Flies By…

2011-07-28T23:42:00.001+02:00

I have not posted in a few weeks and my only excuse is the Summer is flying by! While I have not been posting online Mr. C. and I have been traveling, working and enjoying our life of adventures.

Starting August 1st I plan to be online again full time, and you can look for posts about our Summer adventures…here is the preview of what’s coming up!

Stay tuned for the upcoming adventures this August!

Monday Inspiration: Your Own Backyard

2011-07-19T00:20:00.001+02:00

We have a houseguest this week which means I have had a lot less time for my normal routine. Usually a houseguest does not cause so much upheaval but when the houseguest is your first in a new home, first in a new country and is staying for a week it takes more time to prepare. You may be thinking, does she not like house guests? Not true! I love them. I especially love how a guest can cause you to look around your surroundings with fresh eyes.

Instead of simply riding the train, you are realize how cool that must seem to someone who doesn’t take it every day. Instead of rushing to the store to buy what you need you stop and look at the beauty of you every day. Having a houseguest reminded me of how cool the city I live in, Stuttgart, Germany is and how we need to find things to remind ourselves of this fact. Mr. C and I have only been here a few months and I already forgot!

I took these pictures while showing our guest the city. I love the clouds and clean lines. Have you taken pictures of your own backyard to inspire your art? Maybe a restaurant logo, the flowers in your garden or simply the rays of the sun this Summer?

Monday Inspiration: Jenn Olson

2011-07-11T20:21:00.001+02:00

I found Jenn on twitter last week, then her blog and then her ravelry account. I also found that Jenn makes amazing art journal pages. Unfortunately Mr. C. and I are working on the house hard this week (he is staring at me with pictures to hang at the moment) so no studio time for a while, but Jenn’s inspiration will be waiting!

Jenn’s Blog: Jenn Olson: Evolutions

Make sure to visit Jenn’s blog!

World Cup 2011

2011-07-10T21:15:00.002+02:00

Mr. C. and I drove out to the FIFA Women’s World Cup game in Augsburg today, we had a blast. I have not been to a Stadium in Germany before so a new experience is always and adventure!

Lessons Learned:

Arrive early if going to the Augsburg stadium, really early or better yet drive to a nearby train station park, and ride the train from there. Parking was horrible!
Don’t expect numerous food options, like sushi and Thai along with your hotdog vendors like we do in the States. The stadium had a lot of food stands but they all sold the same thing some really good pork sausages that Mr. C. and I enjoyed.
Same goes for memorabilia. Multiple stands, all selling the same items (at least at the World Cup games). If you find what you want in the size you need buy it. Don’t keep walking hoping to find a stand with different items as they might sell out while you look!
The crowds are really, really excited. Scream, stamp your feet and go crazy excited. I have been to a lot of games in the States but this was definitely one of the rowdiest, which made it a lot of fun.
I really like going to games with my best friend, Mr. C.

Elle’s Studio Savoring Summer Kit

2011-07-08T21:33:00.001+02:00

I posted a few weeks ago about how excited I was to receive my Elle’s Studio, “Savoring Summer,” mini-album kit. Now that summer has officially started I have begun journaling our summer activities! The page below was based on a sketch over at www.shimelle.com hop on over to check out the other entries!

Studio Calico Pinterest Challenge

2011-07-07T19:43:00.001+02:00

I had a lot of fun last week working on a page for Glue Stick Girl's challenge on the Studio Calico Forum. I chose the following two pin’s as my inspiration:

Using these two examples as inspiration… I created this layout from our recent trip to Portugal.

The layout was created on Stampin’ Up Whisper White card stock and I used ink, pencil, oil pastels, crayon, acrylic paint and hand embroidered felt to carry my feelings and memories. Rather than traditional journaling I used little clouds to represent the thoughts that flitted through my head that day: Joy, Happy, Fun, Love, etc… It was such a peaceful and relaxing day. I wish we were there now!

Pretty Little Studio Design Team Member, Me?

2011-07-06T22:22:00.001+02:00

YES ME! For those of you who read my blog post Pretty Little Studio Design Team post you will remember that I put a lot of work into my design team member submission and it paid off! I am really, really proud of myself. Why? because I almost gave up.

I almost gave up when I first decided to start sharing my passion for memory art.

I almost gave up when I realized I was still unpacking from an overseas move and my studio was a mess.

I almost gave up when I tried to create but was completely exhausted after my second week at a new job in a a foreign country.

I almost gave up when the sewing machine ripped my submission’s background paper, and the felt lace I was embroidering ripped.

I almost gave up when the little voices in my head said are you really good enough?

I almost gave up….

Then Mr. C. said, “Why don’t you just give up?” Hearing him say the thought that had been swirling in my head gave it real meaning. And I knew that giving up meant giving up on myself. I could not give up.

Inspired I ran upstairs to adhere gaffer tape and applied button’s to hide the seam where I attached additional felt. I spent hours taking photo’s, editing and revising my application. I submitted and spent the next few weeks wondering…then I found out…I was a new member of the design team! I was so happy…happy that I won and happy that I did not quit because not quitting is the biggest victory.

Monday Inspiration: Pretty Little Studio

2011-07-05T22:26:00.001+02:00

The first time I visited the Pretty Little Studio store it made me want to create. I love their bright colors mixed with cute vintage graphics. It seems that a lot of the time vintage=brown not vintage=rainbow! (click on the below images to see more of each collection).

Why is it good that these products inspire me? Because I was just picked to be part of the design team!