Hiya! So...about this winter thing. Its cold. And kinda dreary. 

It is however an awesome time to explore creativity and new projects. I like to make as much stuff as possible during the winter months, since I know I won't have as much time when summer rolls around. 

Recently, I just finished creating a new office supply collection on Zazzle featuring an owl motif I illustrated. (I'll be post about that next!)
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So I've meant to do a "What's in My Bag" post for ages. Not because there is anything interesting in my bag, but because its that one fun post prompt that shows up on nearly every list. 

I've never gotten around to it because, well...there isn't usually anything interesting in my bag! 

But, for Christmas this year my parents surprised me with a gorgeous sugar skull purse in my favorite shade of teal. 

So I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July? 

And you didn't get set on fire? 

I'm only asking because, ya know...we did. 

​We've sort of made a family tradition of going to the a nearby lake, where they host a free fireworks display every year. ​

So this year I let my kids talk me into adopting a dog. 

I'm not what you would call a "dog person". I like dogs okay, but the ones that steal my heart have to be a very special kind of dog. 

(Please give me all the cats though!) 

I've put off adding a dog to our family this long because I knew it would mean a lot more rules--both for people and pets. 

Raise your hand if you want more pantry storage. 

Or  just "better" pantry storage. 

I hear ya. 

After seven (seven!) long years, we finally got around to turning our pantry/utility room into a room we aren't ashamed to show off! 

A lovely, organized pantry that looks so clean. And has plenty of  (smarter) storage!

I promised myself this year that I would not only get a lot more DIY projects done, but I would also document them and blog about them for inspiration. 

I did (sort of) document the making of my new floor-to-ceiling bookcase (if a few hasty photos count), but I'm only just now getting around to sharing. 

Because, I'm busy trying DIY projects! Or at least researching which ones I want to do and trying to convince my husband they are all a good idea and need to be done today. (It's a full-time job.)