I'm up on the Elle's Studio blog today with a layout I created using Elle's brand new Christmas collection - 'Tis the Season...


You guys...this collection is so fantastic!


Elle is always spot-on in her color choices and designs...and this beautiful collection is no exception.

Click here to check out the rest of the 'Tis the Season items...

We're headed into my very favorite time of year!

The next few months is full of celebrations...and I couldn't be more excited!

To help you document all of your upcoming holiday events, Elle's Studio has just released two (2!!!) new collections:

Halloween...


...and 'Tis the Season.


So fantastic, right?!

My VERY FAVORITE things are the new 'Tis the Season Washi stickers (you can see just a little peek in the bottom right corner of the above image)...oh my GOSH! So so cute!

Find all of these brand new items here...

...and don't delay! The holidays will be here before you know it!

It's never too early for Christmas, right?

Well, maybe it is...

Let's get through Halloween first, right?

While it may be too early for this Christmas, there's nothing wrong with revisiting last Christmas, right?

I was going through some photos the other day and I came across this picture I snapped during one of our favorite Holiday traditions...Gingerbread House decorating!


I love that little guy's pretzel arms!

I knew right away that this photo had to be scrapped...


So I grabbed some of the brand new Heidi Swapp Oh What Fun papers and embellishments and set to work!

Here's what I created:


That black & white Buffalo Plaid! GAAAAAAH! There was no question that was the paper I was going to use for my background. And because I loved so many of the other papers, too, I chose to use them in my hand-cut title...

...and that wood veneer geotag is the perfect finishing touch.


Creating this layout gets me so excited for the holidays! But I'll still wait until November before I start decorating the house...probably.

This wonderful new collection of papers, embellishments, ephemera, glitter stickers, alphas, washi tape and MORE! is coming soon to a Joann store/independent & online retailer near you!

And get excited! Christmas is less than 70 days away! yayayay!

SUPPLIES: Heidi Swapp Oh What Fun Collection: 12x12 paper pad, 6x6 paper pad, Die Cuts, Ephmera, Glitter Alpha, Washi Tape, Transparent Stickers, Wood Veneer, Chipboard, white cardstock, American Crafts Precision Pen .01 Black, Sticky Thumb White Glue

Today I'm bringing back some printables I created for the 2012 Independence Day celebration...yay!

Use these toppers and banners to decorate your food, drinks, dessert, anything!
Just print on cardstock, cut & go!

Enjoy!






For more printable inspiration, check out my original blog post here...

So...here we are just 10 days from Christmas and I'm.still.not.done.

Oh, yeah. You read that right. Not done.

Not done with my shopping. Not done (or even started) with my wrapping. Not done with my Christmas cards.

And my kids aren't helping the situation. If you saw my Target Instagram post a few days ago, you know that my 3 little darlings haven't nailed down definite Christmas lists yet. So, basically, I'm just winging it.

And, until a few days ago, I thought I was gonna go nuts...and then, Target contacted me...and asked me if I would be willing to put together a Kids' Gift Guide. Hmmm...a gift guide, huh? For Target? WELL, HECK YES! Done, and done! And what a perfect way to finally get focused on what to get for my kids!

Now, if you know me, you know that I am at Target at least 3 times each week. It is my go-to one-stop shopping destination...and I'm sure a lot of you guys are right there with me.

So, without further ado...My Kind of Holiday Target Gift Guide...







The best part? I can get ALMOST everything online! And, because I have a Target REDcard®, I get 5% off every.single.purchase I make with it AND free shipping on EVERYTHING! What?!?! So awesome!

And, as if that wasn't enough...did you know you can get coupons for Target here, you can get coupons texted to you (!) AND you can enroll in Cartwheel,  for EVEN MORE coupons! All of which can be used together to save you tons!


Soooo, I was a wreck...and I was starting to get concerned. BUT, now I'm cool. I've got it under control. And I'm not going to go broke.

Now...how would you like to do a little more Holiday Shopping??? Target wants to help you with that by offering a $25 gift card to one of my readers! How can you enter? Easy peasy!

Simply visit Target.com, select the perfect gift and leave me a comment letting me know what the gift is and who you would like to give it to! Leave a link to the gift, too, if you would please...

I will pick a random winner on December 20...and I will notify the winner by email - so please make sure to leave me your email address.

UPDATE! The winner has been picked!

So, how did you like all of the amazing recipes our fantastic guest-bloggers brought you yesterday?

Have you linked up your own summer food & drink recipes yet? The link parties will be going on all week, so make sure you do! We can't wait to see even more amazing inspiration!

Today's theme is Crafts & Printables...so I decided to make some fun Independence Day printables...yay!


I've created everything you'll need for your 4th of July party...invitations, mini flags, cupcake toppers & tags...


Just add the food & fun and you're all set!


Wouldn't these cupcake toppers look great attached to a handful of sparklers for your guests?

You are limited only by your imagination...



Just click on the printable image (below) you would like to download...



...and ENJOY!

I would LOVE to see how you use your printables! Share your photos in my new flickr group!

For more summertime crafts & printables, make sure to visit these amazing blogs today!