Beneficial Thinking

Now that I've caught back up with everything after our big trip to South Dakota, I'm ready to get back to blogging! More about my trip later, but for now, here's my top 10 for the week.

1. Mason Jar Soap Dispenser from Moody Girl Projects
   Not only do I think this soap dispenser would be cool, depending on your decor of course, what I think is even cooler is the basic idea of making a "To Make" folder!
2. The Multitasking Sleeper Chair from Unclutterer
   Love the JCPenny Sleepy Sleeper Chair! Think I may be picking one (or two) of them up soon!
3. Assembly Line, Me — The Abridged Version from Elinjanne's Weblog
   I am itching for the start of Cathy's class... need to pick papers and keep writing.
4. Messy Monday #24 - Circus Week from Clean Mama
   So sweet, and kids would have hours and hours of fun with this big top!
5. Bento Box Basics For Back-To-School from Alphamom
   Thank you to Wendy from Wendolonia for more Bento! I cannot explain my infatuation of these bento boxes, so even though my Ben does not get a packed lunch yet, I am going to start doing it for me. For some of the history and instruction on how to create a balanced bento, check out Pangea's website. Hopefully I'll make it to their store next week to do some bento box shopping!
6. One Person's Story: Making Use of Storage Space from Jeri's Organizing & Decluttering News
   Although those boxes aren't big enough to hold many of the things I currently store, this is a great idea for a tight space.
7. Inspired by Pottery Barn from 38 Degrees North
   Love, love, love this bed... including the spot for Major, the dog (see other bed post).
8. Brookstone Headboard from Knock-Off Wood
   Another great bed! I'm not sure if the plans are up for the entire bed, or just for the headboard, but love the look.
9. How-To Pack a Car Safety Kit from Marta Writes
   I am so bad about keeping safety stuff in my car, especially during the summer months. However, now that I've moved up to my mommy minivan and have a kid in the car, I'm thinking I should be more responsible. Thanks to Kami for giving me the information to get started.
10. Never As Easy As It Looks from Better in Bulk
    I've included this not only because anyone with children can relate, but those babies are so cute, I just want to kiss them!

This recipe, with very slight adaptation, is from Taste of Home.

After seeing the final product of other scrapbookers, I have been anxiously awaiting the news that this class was being offered again. So when I found out that the class was starting in September, I signed up immediately! If you are interested in finding out more about the class, check out the workshop description for Me: The Abridged Version at Big Picture Scrapbooking.

I am so excited about this class that I have already begun the pre-class assignment, creating a tag book. I didn't use the template that was provided by the instructor, Cathy Zielske, so I thought I'd share what I did.

	Cut white cardstock to 5 3/4" x 3" (I used 5 12x12 sheets to make 30 tags) Punch a hole in each tag (I put mine in the center, and 1/4" down from the top)
	Round the edges of all the tags
	Ink the edges of the tags Set aside 4 tags
	Line all but 4 the tags that you have set aside
	Add a letter, A-Z, to each of the lined tags (I used the stamps from 7Gypsies Monogram Stamp Set)
	Add embellishment to dress up the tags (like the Laundry Line Natural Aspire Clear Stamps from My Mind's Eye)
	Crumple up two of the tags that I had set aside and distressed with Antique Linen Distress Ink Flatten the crumpled up pieces and glue each to a second tag
	Decorate one of the distressed tags the front of the book Put all the tags on a binder ring

And, on top of having my tag book done, I've already starting making notes on what I want to document. Already loving this project!

As I mentioned in my Thursday's Top Ten this week, S from Snaps & Snippets posted her 5 Favorites - Scrapbooking and that I would be choosing my 5 Favorites as well. I had a really hard time with this, as I am *that* person who brings EVERYTHING for a crop. Anyway, after a lot of deliberation, here's what I came up with.

With Monday being a holiday, I have been running behind all week. Here's my Top 10 for the week!

1. How To Clean Your Paint Brushes... from A Girl and a Glue Gun
   I am also horrible about cleaning my paint brushes, especially when crafting. When I finish a project I don't want to clean up because I'm ready to walk away from it (and it's usually past a reasonable bedtime).
2. Sewing 101: Supplies from Noodlehead
   This is a great resource to check out before starting a sewing project. I was delighted to see that I had quite a few of the supplies already in my stash.
3. Favorite 5 - Scrapbook Products from Snaps and Snippets
   I love S's list and will be adding my own sometime today. Still can't decide which 5 things I'd pick!
4. Summer Is For... Updating Kids' School Albums from Bits&Pieces
   I love this simple, clean, and classic look. What an easy way to keep up with the yearly documenting.
5. Long Time No Post from Cottage38North
   Check out the dishes at the bottom of the post by 10 Strawberry Street. I love them and am considering replacing the horrible set we have now (I'll save this rant for any other post).
6. 30 Ways To Live A Life Of Excellence from Marc and Angel Hack Life
   Love this list. I know it was posted on May 31st, but I was just turned on to this website yesterday. I can't wait to dig into this site and read some of the other posts, like #7.
7. Top 40 Useful Sites To Learn New Skills from Marc and Angel Hack Life
8. New Kicks from Bits&Pieces
   I have been following Cathy's running and trying to follow in her footsteps. But I have to say I LOVE THESE SHOES. I know runners aren't supposed to buy shoes because of their look, and I guess I wouldn't buy them if they weren't right for me and my running (if you can call what I do running) style, but I really do love these. Keep it up Cathy! I hope you decide to do the 5K this weekend.
9. Your Local CSA: 3 Reasons to Join from Simple Mom
   I have always wanted to join a CSA. Unfortunately with a small family and lots of out-of-town time, it just wasn't going to work for us. Although I still hope to try it in the future.
10. Bucket List from Better in Bulk
    I think with all the talk of bucket lists, I may try to make one myself. But whether I do or not, I still like reading other people's bucket lists.