it is so good to know you...

This Sunday's service was about believers/givers and non-believers/non-givers. There were basically two kinds of people those who give and those who don't. I once read a book that prescribed this medication for depression : to get over your depression, serve others for one week. In an effort to be a little more selfless, I will make an attempt to post more freebies on a weekly basis. I hope all will be inspired to do the same. For the above print, print here .

Mi teoria es que un hogar debe ser un lugar sagrado y la decoracion facilmente logrado con toquitos personales y una gran variedad de ideas gratis de parte de la comunidad de la internet. Es mi honor poder subir ideas que facilmente pueden ser colocados en un cuaderno o con un brochecito colocarlo en su pared. Este fin de semana pasado, en misa, el recado era sobre las personas espirituales clasifacados en dos categorias: los que dan y los que no da. Con este tema en mente, es mi intencion tener un freebie (algo gratis) semanal. Al igual, espero que usted tambien sienta el orgullo de poder dar algo, no importa que pequeno, estas celebraciones navidenas. El diseno arriba puede ser imprimido aqui.

Freedom Friday...er, Freebie Friday

What does freedom mean to you?

Whether it means living a minimalist lifestyle, decluttering, purging yourself from non-necessities or excess weight (physical or menta), or political ambitions, we are all one in the same striving for independence of some sort.

As a tribute to our desire for freedom, enjoy a free print here.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Book: Don't Feed the Monster on Tuesdays!

When I first noticed one of my little boys exuding melancholic tendencies either due to moving a thousand miles away from 'home', losing a beloved pet and/or repeating a grade, I knew I had to find every means possible to nip it in the bud.  When I was pregnant and undergoing some major life changes and depression, my mother-in-law gave me some sage advice, "depression is a choice."  It really struck a chord because, despite not finding reasoning behind the comment then, it makes perfect sense now.  Depression was a choice. I was choosing to feed my melancholic thoughts. True, motherhood poses some changes that would loosen up screws in just about everyone: sleep deprivation, time-managment overload, MAJOR responsibility but, ultimately, it was up to me to choose happiness or choose depression.

Don't Feed The Monster on Tuesdays! explains in a very simple format the way self-esteem can be eaten away at, and conversely, how you can feed your self-esteem...by NOT feeding the monster. It's a wonderful little read for both child and adult.  So many times when we want to understand something we reach for the largest most in-depth book when all we really need is the very basics to form the foundation for our wellness pyramid.

I've created a simple little print as depicted in the book, available here, to remind yourself, child or loved one to NOT FEED THE MONSTER ON TUESDAYS...

LOVE in the midst of chaos (aka To Do's)

Excuse the lack of freebies as of lately.

You know Maslows Hierarchy of Needs, where psychologist Abraham Maslow explains a humans need to first fulfill the basic needs such as secure shelter and food before proceeding on and eventually self-actualizing?

I'm kind of at that point DIY speaking.

I've had a chunk of "To-Do's", or actually, a chunk of Honey-Do's , To-Do's. I proceeded and created this list at my husband's request.

I listed about ten things that needed to get done, eventually.

But there's something about being told it's going to get done, and not see it get done, and see that list grow, and see your patience diminish... that just doesn't add up. So I got busy.

So far I've mended a water hose, gotten rid of three rodents, repaired the gnawed cable and replaced a broken shelf in my closet {after living on a to-do list for, um, two years).

As for you, enjoy your free copy  here.

Stay Calm.

My work station is a collection of things made and inspired in the moment, usually inspired by how I was feeling at that point in time. Although I wasn't exactly feeling calm, another poster I'd made reading : happy in neon pink wasn't exactly evoking the sensation of being at peace. And I wanted to feel at peace.

Hence, my little calm design. And now you can feel calm too, or at least visualize it:  visit here.

Calm Monday.

Freebie : I Will Act Now.

Scroll IX: 

I will act now. I will act now. I will act now.

There is no better solution to accomplishing our dreams than action.

Freebie here.  Read the scrolls here.

Festive Tuesday!

P U Lazy Bones

What is the number one reason you haven't accomplished your dreams (I'm talking to myself here, but feel free to relate this to yourself if applicable). One word: LAZY

I think Lazy is the new Fear. Think about it. Why didn't I answer all of my calls on my birthday. Was it the fear of speaking to somebody I hadn't spoken to in a while, or was it laziness. The thought of having to manage the kids and a call. The thought of having to get up, answer the call and think.

Laziness impedes our progress. The laziness to take the one course which would introduce to us to our dream job. Laziness to put in the hours to practice practice practice the same routine.  Laziness impedes our growth.

"A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing." Proverbs 20:4

We can't possibly expect to reap that which we have not planted.  So say we're looking for love, but haven't planted seeds of love, we can't expect a harvest of it. Or say we expect great sales but we stand idly by expecting for things to attract themselves.

The law of attraction is part of the equation, it's like prayer and the "planting" is the action involved in achieving the thing desired.

So in an effrot to greet these summer months with action (and planting), I propose we create an anti-lazy campaign in our own lives.

Use the above template available here, or create your own and place it wherever it will be seen and acknowledged. Put a pair of exercise sneakers in a box at work or on your dining table with the template glued to the outside. The template should be a reminder that being  lazy will impede your growth.

P U Lazy, you stink. ;)

Peadot...

There has been so much going on that I haven't had time to devote to scrapbooking but until then I can gather (or make) inspirational backgrounds to use as strips or as backgrounds for photos.



Inspiration can come from various elements: an old page in a book, an old map (or a new one), graph paper, lined paper, colored tape, giftwrap, foil, etc.



Sometimes we get so caught up in the hype of craft stores such a Michaels that we limit our own capabilities of gathering inspiration all around us, or creating one of our very own such as the image above.  



I adore Michaels and with the ease of availabilty of coupons I can't help but feel as though I'm getting a heck of a deal, more reason to go, but sometimes we need to find the inspiration around us. A strip of the ol' blankie (complete with blankie fumes), real mementos.



Please enjoy a copy of the above image here for your scrapbooking endeavors, or frame it up. 



Happy Crafting.

Freebie Friday + Something Pink

Some news: 

Something went awry with Blogger yesterday and erased yesterday's post. It's as though yesterday never happened, it's good to know we can pretend some days never happened. ;)

Enjoy your link here for use as a scrapbook page or frame it up.  Enjoy a wonderful weekend.

-Jennifer

A Word, or Two, On Scrapbooking

Howdy.

It's been a while. I had a personal matter to settle; nothing big, nothing small, just something.

That, and the fact that I've managed to get myself all tangled up in the affairs of scrapbook dreaming. As I said here, I am not a scrapbooker, at least I never thought I was.

Ever since the children were little, I've kept a journal about them; their birth, their quirks, their charms. I've compiled a collection of little love letters for them which I hope they'd appreciate in the future. I just never knew how to present it. I really never knew that scrapbooking was all about that, and more.

When I was a teenager, I would sneak out to the shed where my parents stored all the old mementos. My old dollhouse, my Little Pony, some old Transformer toys. But what I treasured most was my old homework collection, old school notes, old journals: the captivating moments of a little girl in a vast world chronicling the emotions relevant to a school-aged kid.

And now, as an adult, all I continue to care about are those positive, emotional connections linked to my most beloved: my little family. And what better way to chronicle our many adventures than scrapbooking!

I've included the above design here in hopes that it would spark your interest in crafting a page of your own starting today, and if you already have, clue me in with some pointers? ;)

Cheers to a wonderful weekend!

DIY + Restaurant Kit (For Kids)

Everything is a little funner when it's got some allure to it. 

Think Target vs. Walmart debate. Do I prefer pretty pink/pastel overhead decor or navy-blue-with-yellow-color-combo-and-smiley-face. I can see where Walmart thought smiley faces might conjure up festive shopping but....pretty beats smiley anyday, at least in my book. A true win-win: pretty and smiley.


For this DIY, the clear plastic pouch (girls version) I picked up from my local thrift store, circa 1997, seemed to work best as it holds the paper design securely.

Upon searching through my beloved Amazon site, I came across nothing recognizable. There were, however, some pretty looking pouches ready-to-go leaving you with only the goods stuffing, which I bet you're pretty awesome at.

Tools + Materials:

+pencil pouch (clear plastic works best for above design)
+boy or girl template (to achieve the above design)
+crayons
+scraps of paper: plain, lined, graph, construction

Optional:
+mini coloring pages (or take inspiration from this)
+mad libs
+mini chalkboard
+kid-safe scissors
+Bendaroos or pipe cleaners ( a much cheaper alternative)
+play-doh

Directions:
01. Stuff away
02. Stuff in purse
03. Never leave home without it
04. Enjoy watching the little ones get creative

Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for sharing this week with me.

Love your babies, kiss your hubby, tell your mom (and dad) how much you love her (and him) and mail that card, even if it's "too late".

Is it just me or are you also absolutely loving Super Targets everywhere?

Freebie Friday + Feeling Nautical

I usually provide freebies to decorate the home but today I'm dressing up my stationary, or otherwise plain white envelopes.

Who sends traditional mail anymore?  I do. My boys are always making little cards and dinosaur pictures or learning how to spell new words and I find these the perfect little articles to send to grandma as evidence of these milestones, and keepsakes.

If you don't have children, send a group of true friends special photos not plastered all over Facebook. Or a poem you've written.

I like putting forth some effort into making it a signature piece that at first glance your distant mail buddy (mom, dad, sibling, friend, cousin, lover) will know this message came from you.

Just knowing a package was handled by a loved one makes  it all the more special.




Materials:
+template
+envelope (fits a legal or letter; cut to fit, if necessary)
+scissors
+glue
+optional: print additional copies to decorate the face of the envelope

01. Cut out desired template.
02. Fit to size. Don't cover adhesive.
03. Glue template down to interior.
04. If desired, use scraps to decorate the face of the envelope or letter.

Happy Mailing Friday!

This post was not sponsored by the USPS. ;)

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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly (comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LaTendedera and a link back to this original post. And please, do not duplicate material for sale. All rights reserved. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.

Freebie Friday + Bunny Hop Pop

Last year we got our little guys those pre-packaged easter baskets. Normally I'd call them tacky but since they served their purpose in bringing total joy into their day and week, I'd say it was successful.

However, some years ago, when my kids were 1 + 3, I bought each of them a large basket which would later be re-used for toy storage and selected a few age-appropriate toys and books such as teethers, stuffed animal body pillows and snacks.  I scurried the floors of Walmart for about two hours trying to find the very best suit for them.

Lucky for me, they still appreciate a nice homemade gift toy so I'm hoping to make them a mask (which I mentioned in yesterday's post), bunny cupcakes and possibly the new Crayola Metallic paper where the commercial shows the kids dancing in rave fashion. I'm convinced my five-year old thinks it'll make him feel like a rockstar.  For starters, you can download your free bunny card here to give to your co-worker, lover, neighbor or little ones.

Write them a little note, place it in an envelope and sprinkle the interior with homemade confetti (hole- puncher discards) and jelly beans.

Happy Friday, we made it!

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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly (comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LaTendedera and a link back to this original post. And please, do not duplicate material for sale. All rights reserved. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.

( A Pinkier ) Freebie Friday

Laminate + fill in the blank daily with ONE thing you are grateful for. Whenever a 'crisis' arises in your day-to-day activities meditate on this ONE thing you thank your Creator for.

Adopt this mantra as an apple a day to keep the doctor away.

Available here.


For a more grown-up version, click here. Chalk your way to gratitude.

Hey, Happy Friday!

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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly (comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LaTendedera and a link back to this original post. And please, do not duplicate material for sale. All rights reserved. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.

D.I.Y. [ featuring puppy love ]

      

I've been itching for a new project to undertake but presently I'm limited to the confinement of a work desk and computer.

Materials:
+download template here (makes 2)
+glue (or tape)
+scissors
+straw
+ [optional] coffee (milk, nescafe and sugar to taste, add ice cubes and enjoyment to the mix. Blend it up  or enjoy it a la rocks)
+ music (may I suggest some Miles Davis )

Glue sides of two circles together to create a snug fit over straw. Next, allow your straw to "slip into something more comfortable". Enjoy.
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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly ( comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LaTendedera and a link back to this original post. And please, do not duplicate material for sale. All rights reserved. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.

Freebie Friday + puppy love

Two consecutive days into the gym game again and I get a compliment. For that you  get a freebie. See, compliments go a looong way.

The link here.

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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly (comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LaTendedera and a link back to this original post. And please, do not duplicate material for sale. All rights reserved. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.


Freebie Friday ( on Monday)

The week in review:

I survived week one with our four-week old puppy on my spring break vacation. I went to the park about 12 times. I cooked about 20 meals. I saw the hubby about three different times throughout the day (hence the 20 meals). I didn't go to the museum once. I didn't tackle anything on my to-do list except re-order new glasses for the boys. We planted  blood orange, papaya and tequila lime trees. I planted some bell peppers, basil, grapes and I prayed they'd survive my neglect this year. I ate at McDonalds about six times. I didn't exercise (gasp!), and I didn't blog, read blogs or sit in front of the computer for more than five minutes at a time. I was a total mom all week long...

And you know what? It was sweet bliss (except for the sleepless nights with puppy). Being a mother and wife truly are the most important jobs in the world. If you haven't children of your own, adopt a puppy or cat and indulge in their love.

All that being said, please treat yourself to your free copy  here. It was inspired by the dyslexics in my life. If you feel your child or someone else in your life is having difficulty learning to read while exercising intelligence, out-the-box thinking, reversing numbers and letters with great frequency past the age of five, please consult Dyslexia Teacher site for future research and have the school test them for dyslexia, and practice a TON of patience.

God Bless you this Monday and all your days.

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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly (comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LaTendedera and a link back to this original post. And please, do not duplicate material for sale. All rights reserved. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.

Freebie Friday

{ photo by JC }

Hello Sunshine!

I can only hope this print portrays the immense joy I am feeling due to today being Friday and the official kick-off day to my spring break vacation!

I'm inspired to post more DIY and before and after's for the following week considering I'll have { hopefully} sufficient time for projects and such in between taking the kiddos to museums, and water parks and such.

In the meantime, please enjoy your copy by clicking your link here.

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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly ( comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LaTendedera and a link back to this original post. And please, do not duplicate material for sale. All rights reserved. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.

Freebie Friday

        
MI HOGAR ES UN DULCE HOGAR I MY HOME IS A SWEET HOME

It's been a crazy week here, full of high expectations and nonsensical systems but one thing is for certain, home is where my heart is and there is nothing more luxurious than coming home to a haven away from all the chaos, away from  the 12 + hour workdays, workstations and classroom settings, unless, of course, you work from home, in which case, it should be a haven 24/7.

Enjoy your copy here.

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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly ( comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LaTendedera and a link back to this original post. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.

Freebie Friday + Ode to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom



{ Photo by LT }



"a said to b, "That darn coconut tree."/ drama

This is more of a tribute than a parody of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

It's a wonderful little book but as an adult, we can only imagine what those little letters would truly say when m elbows k, "k said to d, m elbowed me in the knee."

The joy of being an adult. Enjoy your free copy here.

Have a wonderful Friday + weekend!
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 ::Terms & Conditions::



I believe sharing is caring. I believe design should be fun, friendly ( comedic if the occasion calls for it) and affordable. I believe everyone has an equal right to make their house their home & haven. That being said, please feel free to share but always do so giving due credit to LT and a link back to this original post. I thank you in advance. I'm glad we're friends.