Beckie Needs a New Bag

These days, my busy job has me moving a lot – meetings at different locations, working on-site at my clients office and doing a lot of work from home.  I’m actually really enjoying the variety, but my back doesn’t share my enthusiasm.  Problem is – you know me – any ordinary black leather laptop bag won’t do.  I’m looking for a functional, professional looking bag that is also stylish.  The last word in that sentence poses the real challenge.  I called out to friends for suggestions of where to find this elusive bag.  Thanks to their great suggestions and a lot of internet research, I’ve found a few bags that I really like.  Now I need help choosing.  Each bag has a unique style and personality and I love them all.  Please take a look at my selections below and let me know your favorite:

#1:  McKlein USA Glen Ellyn Laptop Brief: I love the ladylike shape of this bag, especially in winter white.  It’s charming and professional.  It’s a versatile piece that features a removable wheel and handle system, so the bag can be carried over the shoulder as well.  It features an organizer section for media gadgets, a front zipper pocket for miscellaneous items, a removable laptop sleeve and a retractable handle.  My challenge with this bag is that I love it most in white, which isn’t really practical for Michigan weather (it comes in black, which is pretty but not quite the same as this one).  Also, not sure it has a lot of room to hold a laptop AND tons of files. 

 

 

#2:  Clark & Mayfield Quimby Rolling Laptop Tote:  This bag has a perfect combination of stylish quilted fabric and a beautiful blue shade (my favorite color).  It has a professional feel, but is fun and less conservative than most business bags.  It has a nylon body and rubber coating on the bottom, so it should stand the test of time with wear and tear and easy clean ups.  The interior features a handy large fan-fold section to keep files and papers organized and pockets in the front and back add extra storage.

#3A:  Mellow World Lotus Rolling Laptop Bag in Brown:  Some might say this looks like a granny bag….but I think it has a lovely vintage style.   The tapestry fabric is different than anything else on the market.  The unique design features a large open compartment inside with one zipper pocket.   The handle stores in the zipper compartment when not in use.   While researching this bag online, I was a little disappointed with the lack of photos of the inside, so I have concerns about how much room really is inside, although its described as large and open.  As much as I love this bag, I wonder if it might be more appropriate as a handbag (the company does carry them)?   Below is the bag in a different color, which I also like.  If you choose this bag, let me know which color you like best.    

#3B:  Mellow World Lotus Rolling Laptop Bag in Beige

Sweet Valentine’s

A couple of quick examples of work with the Dear Lizzy line.  I made Valentine’s cards for my nieces and nephews.  The lighting on these photos doesn’t really do the cards justice (where is my sister when I need her?), but hopefully you can get a sense for the whimsical materials in the collection.  I’m looking forward to working more with it soon. 

The Birthday Boy

My nephew, Owen, turned one yesterday.  My sister, mom, Lilly and Owen met me for lunch in Greektown at Pizza Papalis and afterward we stopped in the delightful Astoria Pastry Shop for birthday treats.  Owen started walking a few weeks ago, so it was adorable to see him walking up and down the aisle, his eyes bugged out in amazement at all of the colorful desserts. 

We had a wonderful time together, but I think what means the most to me about the day is that it was all about Owen.  I woke up thinking about him and his big day and I went to sleep smiling about our fun time together.

A year ago, I hoped, but wasn’t sure what to expect of my emotions each year on this significant day.  You may remember that Owen was born on the 5th anniversary of my dads passing.  At the time, our loved ones helped us focus on the blessing of Owen’s arrival and comforted us with the thought that he would bring  new meaning to Feb. 17 – a reason to smile instead of shedding tears. 

I was certainly aware of the date yesterday and I thought of my dad often.  But I thought of him when I looked at Owen, and how much he reminds me of my dad with his blue eyes and cute little smirk…and how proud I know he would be of him, and of Wendie…who is the most wonderful, loving mother I know.  Instead of being sad, I was full of joy and pride in his legacy. 

I am so thankful, to God and my dad, for sending us this precious gift.  Owen is our treasure  - and really – could he be any cuter? 

 Happy Birthday, Owen!

Dear Lizzy

I was like a kid in a candy store today when I stopped into Scrappy Chic (the big girls candy store) to see the long-awaited Dear Lizzy line from American Crafts. 

Dear Lizzy is an adorable collection developed with Elizabeth Kartchner, arguably the most talented scrapbook artist around.  I have long been a fan of her work and a loyal follower of her fun blog…..I knew it was just a matter of time before she got her own line of scrapbook products.  Dear Lizzy is spring-themed and inspired by the concept of an outdoor tea party.  The collection features new and unique products like fabric paper, crocheted flowers, patterned paper, specialty ribbon and much more.  

I adore flowers, ribbons and all things feminine, so this line really appeals to me.  I fell in love with the pretty pink floral ribbon (featured in Elizabeth’s first layout below) and I love the fabric flowers she created in the second page.  I plan to use the pink ribbon on Valentine’s Day cards for my sweet treasures, Lilly and Avery.  * Note to self…I might need to look for something a little less girly for my little fellas, Owen and Jack. 

If you’re craving a little “scrap candy,” head on over to Scrappy Chic to check out Dear Lizzy.  Chris wisely has it displayed on the front end cap so you can’t miss it when you walk in. 

I’ll post pictures of my cards and other Dear Lizzy designed projects soon!

 

My Idol

I was inspired to create this page because of the special bond my husband has with his nephew, Jack.  It's really wonderful to see the two of them together - to hear them talk and laugh and play.   They just really enjoy each others company.  Typically, not more than a week will go by that they don't see or talk to each other.   Jay is an amazing Uncle and tries not to miss a thing that the kids do.  He comes to most of Jack's hockey practices and rarely misses a game.  He is always there and for that I think Jack idolizes him.   I don't think there is anyone that can make him laugh quite as much - or who he wants to disappoint less - than his Uncle Jay.

The photo in the layout was taken last fall and the pictures below it were taken this past weekend (look at how much his hair has grown!) at an event at Joe Louis Arena.  They had a great time skating together and touring the Wing's locker room.  (Note: Jack really does have teeth, he just doesn't like to show them.  We think he's a little sensitive about the growing back stage)

Not only is my husband Jack's idol, but he's mine too.

It's Been TOOOOO Long!

So the other day I was talking to a new colleague of mine who said "Hey, I really like your blog."  Flattered of course, I said thanks and appreciated that he had taken the time to look at it.  He even said his 12-year-old daughter liked it as she had recently taken up scrapbooking.  Then it hit me.  I had not posted a new blog entry in a really long time....months in fact.  Some blogger I am!  Truth be told, I've been so busy with work and redecorating my bedroom that I haven't found much time to scrap or blog. 

I aim to change that beginning today.  This is just a quick entry with a couple of new pages of Lilly.  First one is a silly picture that my sister took of her - I just love it.  The second are pictures of her baking for her Daddy - she pronounces Cupcakes "Pupcakes," and always calls her dad "My Daddy."  It's important to capture these funny little things about kids.....they change so fast.  I can only imagine what its like to be a parent watching your children grow up so fast.

Off for now...promise I'll be back soon. 

Scrappy Chic - Mega Meet Designs

The weekend of May 8 and 9 brought the long-awaited Scrapbook Mega Meet at Rock Financial Showplace.  And I'm not kidding when I say long-awaited.  I and my friends look forward to this event every year...I've even been known to plan vacations around it!   Well....this year, I had to miss it.  I had a great time traveling to NYC for a conference (I'll post on that trip soon), but I was so disappointed to miss out on my favorite event. 

Although I wasn't able to be there in person, my work was on display at the Scrappy Chic booth.  My sweet friends took photos of the booth and emailed them to me, so I was able to live vicariously through them while listening to seminars at the conference.  See below for the layouts and photos of the display:  1.) Lilly 2.) Owen 3.) My Aunt Lee & Uncle Al 4.) Me in Greektown 5.) My Dad's Cousin Janet 6.) My Grandpa headed to work in downtown Detroit 7.) My Aunt Lee on her honeymoon in Mackinac Island 8 &9.) Display photos.