Journals, Spiral Notebooks, and Planners

 What are the sizes of spiral notebooks?

The most common one in the USA is the 8.5"x11", the same as our general paper size.  However, you can have also get the 6.5"x8.75", the 5.5"x8.5", or a square one at 8.5"x8.5".  These are common sizes, but even crazier is the cute, heart shaped one from Zazzle.  They usually put all of these on sale around Christmas and back to school, so be on the lookout for discounts!  They actually have 10 different styles to choose for the paper type inside too!  You can get: practice writing, combo of wide ruled line+sketch, college ruled, sketch plain, wide ruled, graph, bullet, checklist, combo of practice writing+sketch, and a nice recipe style.  The covers are softcover, but you can upgrade to a hardcover for extra $ if you need it.  The seven spiral colors can be coordinated to match a design choice too.  The colors are gray, white, red, green, black, blue, and gold.  

Spiral notebooks has advantages and dislikes both

They open up flat to help you write in them, and they're lighter weight than a binder because they have a certain number of flat pages in them.  Binders can have multiple page insert sheets and when loaded with different types of paper and any number of items it becomes bulkier.  The dislikes to spirals is they can snag other items, like inside backpacks and with other spiral notebooks.  To assist with that you can bend the ends inside the rings, so it doesn't stick out.  Other dislikes include writing on the left side, but usually you can fold the right side under and it makes a nicer surface to work with.  Lastly, you make think pages are easily torn out of a spiral notebook, and yes, they are.  To some this an advantage and others dislike it.  Just purchase a bound writing book if you don't want to have the ability to tear pages out.  

Birthday Party Supplies for Young Adults

What are essential birthday party supplies?

Something unique for your honoree that they would like and is customizable and personalized.  Start with the invitation theme.  Then surround that theme with bunting flags, cake toppers, disposable paper plates and napkins, photo yard signs too!   

What are good party favors for young adults?

Fun and unique items would include custom buttons, custom t-shirts for the everyone to wear on their special day, and for younger children, coloring pages with small box of crayons, as well as party treats or a slice of birthday cake.  Do not put small toys!  And, also know if any child has any allergies!  Do create customizable favor bags or boxes for those attending, as this is a finishing touch and one that they'll remember. 

Hosting a teenagers birthday party?

There are many game ideas, but having something for everyone to do is worth planning ahead.  Include these in your invitations, like having a scavenger hunt, escape room, or spa day.  Outdoor topple tower and other games are a fun activity during a day event.  You can also do all day or overnight themes like movie night, pool party, or backyard camping.    

Tips for Manifesting a Beautiful Wedding Photo Album

 Overwhelmed with all the photographs from your wedding?  

How you pull them together in your photo album is like telling someone an amazing story all about your day, so that is the first recommendation.  I've been married since the late 1980s, and I had the best photographer at my wedding.  I remember the entire day, thanks to my photographer.  He knew exactly what to capture and how.  He did my sister's wedding too, who is 9 years ahead of me.  But in my case, in '80s, the wedding albums, photography, and technology, were all driven by consumerism.  In the era of "I want my MTV", was all about image, so, I knew a thing or two about self preserving.  Think Steel Magnolias, the movie, and you're there.  Also, a new gem of advice, beforehand, have that one of a kind photo or pose that you dreamed of, and plan it with your photographer or planner. That's the best photo!  Here's how my photographer captured the day for me and my husband: 

• Break your photographs down into segments, and pic the best ones.

• The morning of your day and getting ready.  Hair, makeup, etc.(~ 10ish)

• Pre-wedding photos taken with bride with her maid of honor and bridesmaids.
• Pre-wedding groom photos with best man and groomsmen.

• Pre-wedding photos of bride with mother and with father, if possible.

• Pre-wedding photos of groom with mother and father, if possible.




• Moments before wedding.  First look at venue, guests, etc. (~ 3ish)




• Father or mother and daughter coming down the aisle.
• Groom waiting for the bride with his best man and groomsmen.




• Wedding ceremony.  The procession, candle lighting, etc. (~ 10ish)




• Here's where having a professional videographer comes in.
• The First kiss.
• The grand march exit together as bride and groom.  




• After the ceremony, still at venue.  This is the time for all the portrait posing together as bride and groom, the bridal parties, and with grandparents, if living. (~ 10ish)




• Candid photos of the youngest family members, nieces and nephews.
• In a vehicle or limousine going to reception.




• At the reception.  Candid shots of family and friends is always a must. And here's where the photographer really matters, because so much is going on, and it goes very fast. (~ 15 to 20ish)




• The wedding cake, and splendor decor photos.
• Grand entrance of bride and groom.
• Toasts and first drink.
• First dance.
• Ring photos and if possible, invitation photo.
• The Just Married car, and the car decorators.  
• Family photos with the bride and groom on each side of the family.
• The grand send off exit of couple to the car with bubble, rice, confetti, or sparkler throwing.  




• And, don't forget that one of a kind photo!  Begin your photo album with it or end with it, it's up to you.  

Wedding and Wedding Anniversary Photo Albums
by 3Cattails

Productivity and Organization with Post-it Notes™

Productivity versus Organization

Beyond using sticky notes for creative and diy uses, is productivity and organization.  Without which, I am a lost cause.  Sticky notes, or the other version, Post-it Notes™, is something I've relied upon for years while at the computer.  I inherited this kind of "quick note" taking, and often see it as a way to link to the note, knowing full well it becomes a bit of clutter on my desk later on.  I just don't know when to stop and declutter the oodles of "scratch work art" that becomes me.  Perhaps one day, it becomes 'noteworthy'.  In the meantime, a pile of them, written with good intentions float about to remind me of something important to remember.  I basically learn from the writing it down part.  That is productivity!  All kidding aside, it's the organizing that baffles me the majority of the time.  The good news about this is how easy it is to drop in the trash, if it's lived out it's life term.  That's part of organizing, right?  Stickable or not, does not matter, but I prefer the glued back paper without leaving the hardened glue at the top.  I tend to yank that off and find myself with loose papers again.  So, good invention, yes, and if you haven't seen this quick trick, you'll love it.  Use a binder or chip clip to make your sticky notes stand up.  That way your note will reflect back to you while you work.  

Post-it Notes
by 3Cattails

Island Vacation Binders as a Travel Themed Gift?

Customizable travel themed binders are a wonderful idea to make an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind keepsake for you or your loved one.  Capture your memories and experiences all in one place!  

What is a Vacation Binder used for?

This is where you keep mementos, photos, and small souvenirs from your trip in.  Like scrapbooking, but use photo pages or inserts that can hold your 4"x6", 5"x7", or 8"x10" pictures from your trip.  You can take them from your phone, download them to an app, website, or in-store kiosk, like Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS, and have them printed.  The photo pages or inserts can hold multiple size photos, ticket stubs, and small souvenirs, and they offer acid free, affordable, quality long term protection for your photos.

How do I prepare before buying a binder?

One of the very unique things about a binder, is using it as a vacation planner.  Collect all your planning notes in one spot.  Look for on-line trip deals as well as safety ratings and find out what they offer to compare to others.  Set up a journaling area to write notes before, during, and after to document how you either liked or disliked something.  Writing down cool spots you'd like to return to, or to avoid the less than desired ones is a good idea.  This takes the guesswork out of future trips as you go along.  This also helps when you realize that this binder can become a special gift for someone, and preparation is key!

How can make my binder unique and special?   

Record your activities, collect any ticket stubs, as well as journal your thoughts to complete your trip.  Island themed souvenirs, local guidebooks, and maps are an easy way to scrapbook visual senses.  Yet, as you vacation, look for fun quotes and sayings from the locals to document your memoir.  Others will then get a sense of being there with you, too.  Look for binders that align with your trip.  Is it a cruise vacation?  Is it a travel destination?  And make sure you can customize the cover!  You'll want to decorate the cover as well because what you document on the inside can be reflected on the outside as well.  Customizations can include a special photo you really love to show off, and deserves that special attention to details.  

Island Vacation Binders
by 3Cattails

Sweet Be Mine Fox Classroom Valentine Note Card

 

Pawsome fox sends love and fun for new classroom friendships this Valentine's day. This cute, red fox with rosy cheeks and black paws sits holding a glittery, red heart with "BE MINE" in black on white sign. Red and pink roses and rose petals lay at her feet. A red, gray, and silver watercolor swash with drips and splatters in the backdrop.

by 3Cattails

Cute Be Mine Skunk Classroom Valentine Note Card

 

Stinkin' cute skunk sends hearts and love for new classroom friendships this Valentine's day. This cute, black and white skunk sits holding a glittery, pink heart with lace border and inscribed with "BE MINE". Written above left, in black cursive is also "BE MINE". White and pink roses and rose petals lay at her feet. A pink and gold watercolor swash with drips and splatters in the backdrop.

by 3Cattails