at this moment in time

i'm reading one thousand gifts by ann voskamp.

 

 

i'm addicted to watching portlandia on ifc. jimmy and i say "put a bird on it!" about 19283298 times a day. we lived in olympia, wa for a few years and this is SO what it was like there.

 

making up a mother's day wish list from one of my favorite stores, red envelope.have y'all been there? i've been ordering for years. i love the necklaces, frames, okay all of it. and how cool is the story of a lifetime? sigh. maybe j will get all of it for me. HA!

 

working on a new giveaway with gussy. you are going to love this one. i'm so glad i was introduced to maggie...i think her beautiful bags and my readers are a match made in heaven. :)

 

i'm always looking for things to eat, make, learn with my girls. sometimes it's hard coming up with new "curriculum" even though i'm a former teacher.

i found this AWESOME blog, teach your tot, and i LOVE love it. everything is in one place, theme by theme, and everything is planned and put together for you. i'm sort of obsessed with it.

 

really thinking i want a slice. i've been contemplating it for way too long. :)

 

desperately looking for a floral cardigan for spring. love this one from jcrew, but they only have xxs left, and that ain't gonna fly with the triple muffin top, sister!

 

i've also been thinking lots about teaching an online class or workshop of some sort. is this even something y'all would be interested in? if so, what type of class would you like? it's purely in the brainstorming period right now, and i know y'all will let me know your thoughts since you are, after all, the best. :)

 

happy wednesday!i'm headed to harper's kinder orientation today. how is it that she's going to KINDERGARTEN? sigh. so proud of her.

xxo

 

 

Comments

[Antonia S-H]

I'd definitely sign up for an online class with you, Stephanie! Maybe something based on sketches would be good. Or tips on how to scrapbook as quickly as you do. Please, please do us an online class.

[Jessica @ The Mom Creative]

We just completed One Thousand Gifts online for Bloom (in)courage - if you haven't been watching the videos of us chatting with Ann, you should check them out. Ann takes the content to a whole new level. http://www.incourage.me/category/bloom

[Debby Schuh]

I'm reading that book too... I think it's transforming!

[Melissa C]

I would LOVE an online class/workshop. I have actually scraplifted a few of your layouts and would love to see your process.

As a SLICE owner there are pros and cons as I am sure that you already know. PRO-it doesn't take up much space. Many beautiful design cards (ebay has them whoa cheap) CON- If you don't hold it perfectly still the blade cutting moves the whole thing and you get a slightly wonky letter. and it takes FOREVER to cut out long titles! :)

I like it but would probably invest in the smaller Cricut looking back. Just my thoughts. I shouldn't complain, i'm just excited to have something cut my letters out for me! haha!

[Jen Benoit]

I think you totally want a Slice! I've been wanting one since they first came out and finally got one for Christmas. I love it. I'm a newbie when it comes to die cutting machines; I don't know much about any of the machines out there. But I cannot complain about my Slice at all. I've enjoyed playing with it.

Kindergarden already...Wow! Your girls are growing up so fast.

[Vera]

Hey Stephanie! You can buy my Slice if you want! I've got the hands-free mat too. I have too many die cutters, so I want to sell mine.

On another note, I'll go check out that book. It sounds like a good read.

Put a bird on it cracks me up too.

[Julianne]

That book is sooooo good!! I have almost finished reading it, and plan on reading it again as soon as I am finished so that I can take notes and fully absorb all the wonderful things it has to say. And you do need to check out the Bloom book club videos...they are great!!

I would definitely love to take an online class from you!! As another commenter said...maybe a class on how to put layouts together quickly :)

[Meghann]

Online classes are great. Maybe you could teach us how to scrap faster, since you're a 15-20 min. per page scrapper! Lol. I'm definitely a 1-2 hour girl.

The Slice is pretty good. I think the new ones probably have the kinks worked out that the earlier ones had. MM customer service is amazing, though, so if anything goes wrong, you're covered.

[Debbie Servantez]

Oh my, I would TOTALLY take an online class from you! Whatever it is. Your LO's are consistently gorgeous...so a "techniquey" class would be great. Embellishing or how you decide where to put things. Or maybe something more "themey." You're amazing at capturing the individuality of each of your children. I don't know!

I am so with you on the kids growing up so fast thing...my youngest is on the home stretch of her kindergarten year, and it has been so great. When I think about it being over and moving on to first grade, it just makes me want to cry! I hope I don't break down and start blubbering and hugging her teacher on the last day of school! Ha ha!

[Jessica]

Please do an on-line class!!! It would be so amazing, I love your style of scrapping. I agree with Melissa, I would just love to learn about your overall process, and get some of your classic layouts down.

[tara pollard pakosta]

I think you deserve all of that stuff from the REd Envie, say maybe about 2-3 gifts from each daughter, that ought to cover it! lol!!!
an online class from you would be cooL>!
tara

[Gussy]

good morning, my favorite Stephanie Howell ;]
love Ann's book... am reading it now and am taking it slow.
i'll be writing you back today. so check yer email, i don't want to see you holding up this ruffled show any longer! {snort}

XO

[Jen]

Thanks you SO much for linking up Teach Your Tot. I've been looking for learning activities to do with my toddler son when I am home and this is perfect!

[Julie]

I would love to take an online class with you! Your layouts are all so classic and elegant. I could use a little of that in mine ;-) Can't wait to see what you offer for a class!!!!

[Jamie]

OH MY GOSH! I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to take a class from you! You've got to share your make-it-quick page tips! I LOVE your page designs and your home decor too! Please do a class!

[JulieHollis]

I would take any class that you taught. Maybe you could teach a few layouts with techniques and your process. Or maybe a class on scraplifting yourself. Love your work.

[Mom2munchkinz]

Would love to do a class with you. quick pages would be great but whatever you decide I am in! Love your work!

[Corey Brock]

Stephanie, thank you soooo much for linking Teach YOur Tot! You are AWESOME!!!!!!!!! I would LOVE LOVE to take a class. Maybe something about getting a page done in a short amount of time!

[Pidgen]

I think I've said it a million times, but I would love to watch you create a LO. TwoPeas has these new monthly classes and I love that the teachers are actually in videos ... I always learn somehting, even when they mess up! :) I would SO take a class from you. Everytime I take a scrap survey and they ask, "Who would you like to teach here at ***?" I always put STEPHANIE HOWELL! {All in caps! LOL!}

[Kristyn G]

Please put together a class!! I'd love a peek into your process. And I think a "scrap timelessly in less time" would be great. You always talk about how you brainstorm then put it together in bits and it only takes about 30 minutes. It takes me forever to get a layout together (like 2 hrs) and it still doesn't have the depth and "lots of stuff on the page" feel that your layouts always have. And I want my pages to have that feel. You could highlight some of your "flexible templates" like you did a few posts back where you showed all of the layouts with the same general design.

[Kristin Kanner]

I would take any class you taught b/c I think you're hilarious and hold out for a silhouette (or however you spell it)...I have both and think the sil. is more versatile. Although the slice cards are irresistible on sale.

[Kat Layton]

I would sign up for your class in a heart beat! I love your style and your layouts are the first ones that I go to each month. YES, YES, YES that would be so cool!!! Did not realize that you had once been a teacher, my Momma taught for over 40 years and loved each and every day. Harper is old enough to start kindergarten? omg! Be sure to journal the things she says and does, cause one day this will mean the world to you. My baby girl is now 29 and is a police officer in Valdosta, Ga and I worry about her every day but try to support her choices.

[Kimberly L.C.]

I'd love to take a class from you learning your tricks for coming up with and scrapping such cute pages in little spurts. Anything to help with that would be much appreciated!

[Beth Holmes]

I like the idea of teaching how to scrapbook so beautifully -- yet quickly too! I'd take a class from you for sure -- even though I mostly do digital now.

[Kristy]

An online class? Yes please. But can you wait until my husband is deployed so I have something to look forward to? haha jking but yeah that would be awesome.

[Ally White]

Oh Please Oh Please teach an online class!!! Sign me up NOW!!!......Does that answer your question :)

[Cathy]

I'd be in for a class! Sounds awesome!

[yvon calkhoven]

I love a online class from you, what a great idea!!!
This way i can join without the long journey to the USA.

Hugs Yvon.

[Erin R.]

Thank you for sharing the "Teach your Tot" blog. That is just what I needed. Also, I too have been contemplating a slice for way too long and am kicking myself for not going and getting it on Black Friday when it was a super deal (although, I was oreggo and sick with the stomach flu, so I guess I had a good excuse).

[Misty]

ummm....Slice? DEFINATELY!!! I soooooo "need" one for myself right now :)

Stephanie Howell Class? FOR REAL!!! Sign me up :)

[Victoria]

Hi Steph,

I'd def sign up, i love your scrapping style! As long as it's available for us Aussie visitors :)

Thanks,
Victoria

[Jo]

I'd sign up, love your style.

[Kimber-Leigh]

one thousand gifts is next up on my stack of books to read. (currently finishing up the ministry of motherhood.) i can't wait to start it!

thanks for sharing the teach your tot site...looking forward to looking through it more!

[Mary Louise]

What a great idea. Have you contacted Stacy Julian at Big Picture, that might be a match made in heaven.
They do all the technical behind the scene stuff and you get to focus on teaching.

[taniawillis]

i *adore* ann's blog and have also been wanting to read her book. thank you for reminding me.

[Karen Malloy]

you should totally check out forever 21 for a floral cardigan. i think i saw one there this weekend. xoxo

[Norma]

I would love a class with you! I never seem to have any time to scrap, but if you can manage to find time to scrap I should be able to also-maybe you can teach me how to do it!! (I also am a mother of 4, but mine are a little older so the challenges are different...that,and working outside the home full-time!)
I am reading One Thousand Gifts also, and I think it is truly life-changing!
Have you read Heaven is for Real? I highly recommend it if you haven't.

[Susan Beth]

Wonderful book! Enjoy it!

[Erin]

A class sounds awesome! I definitely scrap differently now since I've started reading your blog. The biggest difference is in how I journal. You have such a gift with words - and I've made it a point to be more creative and honest in how I tell the story behind my pictures.

[Kim Boken]

Yes!! I would love to an online class!! It wouldn't matter what it was!!

[Juanna]

if you have an online class, i would definitely sign up! (: i live in Singapore so its kind of hard to actually be physically where you're ): you're my favourite scrapper!

[Linda Trace]

I would absolutely positively sign up for a class with you. I like the idea of a sketch one but to be honest, I'd rather a 'from start to finish' kind of one. I never feel like I know how to match papers without being overly 'matchy-matchy'. Your layouts always incorporate (what I would consider) really unusual combinations (as in, not red stripes with red solid with red polka dot lol) but they work really beautifully together, so I guess maybe a 'how you choose your products' class?

Also, that book is next on my reading list--have you read "Buddhism for mothers" by Sarah Napthali??

IT's not really at all religious (though the writer does practice buddhism), but the thoughts and overall themese in her book(s) are really amazingly helpful and supportive (important for us mummies don't you think?!)
I really recommend it-it helped me through my daughters TOUGH first 2 years and made me feel a LOT more confident in myself as a mother.

[Rita]

I'd do a class!!! I wish you'd do a sketch to go along with your pages.....I think someone already mentioned that.

[Teresa Scheff]

Hi Steph, Another blog reader out there from a farm in Minnesota with two kids and a barn full of farm cats who loves your blog and your scrapbook projects, vintage finds, oh! and your girls are adorable too. I usually link over daily from JBS. Anyways I just wanted to comment on the little food trays you make for your girls and I don't want to freak you out or anything, but even i worry about this and my kids are 12 and 15. I wondered if you cut your grapes or if many people even know they should. They always say you should cut hot dogs but not necessarily grapes or even baby carrots for kids. In Mankato, MN last summer a 4 year old girl choked on a grape at daycare and died. Her parents had just been on the news recently again talking about her and trying to pass Hannah's Law(all daycare providers need to know CPR) and it made me think of you and other bloggers whom i've seen make these trays for little kids. My kids take after me and like to partially freeze grapes before eating them(double panic here because some grapes are huge)who would think that one of the best snacks for them can actually get lodged in the throat and choke them. If you want to read more about it you could bing or google it but I have read other stories about other children as young as 2 choking on grapes and losing their lives. Maybe you could even mention it on your blog since you have alot of followers with littles.
I know this is a long comment, sorry but I also wanted to let you know that I have a cousin in Jacksonville, FA who actually has five under five years, 3 girls and then twin boys last year and her mom actually just retired I believe from Fort Stewart where she has worked for eons of years! I don't see her much because her parents divorced but it made me giggle to read your 4 under 4 challenges! I've never taken an online class but I think it would be fun and also wondering if you watch Army Wives(the show women made popular) on Lifetime(this season is just so heartwarming and heartwrenching)!

[Teresa Scheff]

Forgot to ask If you've also seen the new show Coming Home after Army Wives! Very heartwarming and makes me think of you and J and when he comes home to all of you and the sacrifices a soldier makes.

[Stephanie Howell]

a. thanks for the grape advice! we actually always cut them, but i didnt till after the photo. i just wanted to take a photo of it all purdy. ;)
and yes, we love coming home. a video of j surprising harper will actually be featured on the show sometime this season!

[Teresa Scheff]

I'll be sure to watch with my kids Steph! That will be super exciting I'm sure for Harper to watch!

[Beki]

Stephanie, I have a barely used, Pink Slice with a few design cards that I'd be happy to get rid of...let me know if you're interested!

Beki Ward at msn dot com

[Stephanie Howell]

ive got a slice on the way but would love to chat about cards...email me! harpersmama8 (at) gmail (dot) com

[Abbeyviolet]

I thought about this overnight and came up with a couple class thoughts (alternatives probably): tips on speedy, but beautiful scrapping as that seems to be part of your forte OR how you excel at giving one layout so many different looks without them seeming at all repetitive. I am actually OK with repetitive bases and even exact repetition in its place, but I like the variety of looks you are able to create without changing the foundation too much.

[Jenny Brannies]

I waited and waited to get a Slice and finally found a major deal on one at Crop Chocolate dot com. I think mine was $49.99 but I could have sworn they had them for $39.99 one day (I think). Then I later got the hands free kit. It was pretty cheap too. And they are selling the older cards for them for $14.99. Can't beat that! Hope you get one!
Love your blog!

[Kimberly]

I love gussy sews! How cute are those wristlets for diapers! I bet five diapers doesn't last you long tho, with TWO!
I would love a class by you about blogging! You are such a natural!

[Jen D]

yes i would love to take an online class from you! would love a scrapbooking related one

[SAMANTHA]

I agree with the how fast you scrap. I would love to hear/see how you make your choices and put it all together so quickly. Sometimes I only get one layout done at an all day crop... o.k. so maybe I talk to much:)

[Carrielyn]

I have been on the "hold" list at the library for that book for AGES it seems like... I'm about to break my rule and buy it! Too many people have said how wonderful it is!

I would love an online class... Love your style, but I really love how you work your journalling in. It just seems so much a part of the page, but still very much from the heart!

[Amy K]

I would definitely be interested in a scrappin' class or a live Ustream with you!

[Keshet]

I would totally sign up! I think you would rock a class about "authentic journaling" or something like that, since you're so good at writing from the heart. I'd love it:)

[Helen Tilbury]

I would be on board for an online scrapbooking class with you if it had a simple/adaptable supplies list (being in South Africa it could take up to a month to get hold of something specific as I have to order from US online) but I subscribe to SC so if that could be an option (but always the kit from the month before as it takes a month to get to me & by that time you would have sampled it all up so that may not work either) would love a class on how to be inspired by your photos, churn out the layouts in record time, simple but effective, time-conscious...something like that. Did one a couple years back with Iris Babao Uy & it was awesome. She had a prize-pack sponsored by Prima that I won - which was wonderful! Perhaps you could have some SC sponsored ones :)