Trying Times

I am sorry that it has been a few days without a post.  It has been a crazy weekend and start to the week.  A colleague lost her husband and a dear friend lost her brother.  It has been one of those times that you really stop to cherish the people around you and let everyone that you know that you love them.

It also solidified to me how important preserving memories are.  At times, it can even be a comfort to look through photos and tell the stories that go along with them. This has also made me realize that I want to create as many good memories as I can with those who know me so that they have good stories to tell!  

So to anyone who may be reading, I hope that you will preserve all of the great stories and memories of your life.  Others will care and will want to read them!  Start creating your legacy today and tell those around you how much they mean to you!  

Live Life...Inspired!

A Photo A Day

Today is a day that I am reminded how precious life is and that if you don't take the time to tell those around them that you love them, it is time lost.  I also know how precious it is to live in the moment and make every moment count.

If you have kids, you may be like me saying "where is the time going?"  My kids are growing up at a lightening speed!  So, I am stealing an idea from a friend of mine who is a photographer (and an amazing one at that!  Check her photos out at www.shportraits.com)  She had posted a blog a while ago where she challenged people to take at least one photo a day for the entire year.  Yes, that means at least 365 photos!  I thought that the idea was amazing, but like everything, have slacked off.  However, I am recommitting to doing it starting today!  

Just think of what you can do with all of those photos.  If you are like me, you are going to think of all of the great projects you can make.  I think that my project for this year is to simply make a book called "365".  How awesome will it be when I can present a book to my kids that documents an entire year of their life with simple photos. 

So, I challenge you to do the same!  Break out that camera and do not save the photos for only special occasions.  I am sure that we will all have our share of sad, happy, and miserable moments.  I am really excited about this challenge and know that I will be even more excited about the outcome!  

Great Gift Ideas For Mom

Mother's Day is one of those holidays that should last all year.  I say that not because I am a mom, but rather because my mom is THE BEST!  Now that I have my own brood, I appreciate my mother more now that I ever thought.  I find myself saying "mom I am so sorry for everything that I have ever done" more and more!  I feel that Karma will help me in my own journey of motherhood!

So, I want to give you all some ideas for spoiling your mom this year.  All of these projects can be created through your own FREE Heritage Makers lifetime publishing account!  If you are like me, I am always looking for something different.  Here are some ideas that any mother will love!

1.  Create a cookbook with the recipes you love the most from mom!  Add pictures of you with your mom to make it more special!

2.  Make a deck of playing cards with photos of you and your kids.  Mom will be the hit of her bridge club!

3.  Get her a gift certificate for her favorite hair and nail place.  Moms love to be pampered!  Include a heartfelt card with special photos of you together.

4.  Create a book that lists the 50-100 things that you love about mom.  Capture the great moments with photos from childhood on up!

5.  Make mom breakfast in bed (but let her sleep in too for an extra gift!)  

6.  Create a deck of "mom coupons".  Include things like "will do the laundry" or "will cook dinner" or even better "free hugs"!

7.  Create a wonderful gift sake for mom to display all year long.  Take a special photo and make it into 12x12 scrapbook page.  Then, modge podge the page to a 12x12 tile. Get a plate display stand and you have a precious keepsake!

8.  Make mom her own set of note cards!  Create the cards with her initials or photos of her favorite flowers, favorite quotes, or any favorite at all!

9.  Make her a personalized planner!  Include favorite photos so that she can show all of her friends her kids (and grandkids)!

10.  Give her a Heritage Makers gift certificate and let her creative juices flow!

Remember, Father's Day is also coming up!  Many of these great ideas can be made for dad too!  It is never too early to start thinking ahead!

I am back!

WOW! It has been a while since I have posted a blog. I have to admit that I have gotten myself into so many different avenues that I have not been able to concentrate on one thing in particular. However, after taking a short "hiatus" in the month of April, I am back!

While still being very new to this whole blogging thing, I am seeing the potential and the benefits of it. That is why I am committing to be being a better blogger and really "beefing" up what I write about. So, please stop back often!

My goals are to not only write about how to preserve your own memories, but also about some of things that I am preserving with my own family as well. I am also going to be looking to write about one thing that has inspired me each day. I have found that with so many busy schedules, it is sometimes hard to take a step back and really see what is going on around us. My goal is to be more "in the moment" and learn to be thankful for the great things around me. I am so blessed to be surrounded by an amazing family, great friends, and really great inspirational people! In the process, I hope that I can inspire you to do the same! So here is to a wonderful and inspiring day!

Live Life...Inspired!
Kelly