Friday, November 11, 2011

Tis the Season - Documenting the holidays and a weekend giveaway!

The details:

Around my house are a couple of half finished December Daily albums.  Every year I make this big plan to do it, and then the holidays get here and I'm too busy enjoying them to document them daily with photos journaling.  Then the holidays are over and it's that post-pardum period, and then it's on to something else and the album cover gathers dust.

Last year I made a commitment to myself that 2011 was the year.  I HAD to do one this year.  I had several winter assignments in the winter issue of SCT, so I had a lot of Christmas/ winter product.  I decided to save the leftovers for my 2011 album, and as the year has gone by, I've been gathering products to my stash to use.  I'm already off to a great start!

Again, SCT set me up with another great idea when I was asked to do a mini album for the summer issue using the Fancy Pants brag book.  For the summer issue, I used it to document all the fun we had in the summer of 2010, and as I put it together, I knew I had to use it again. 

The album:

The Fancy Pants brag book is the ideal December Daily album, in my opinion.  It has journaling pages, pages with pockets, and page protectors.  It has a thick chipboard cover, and coil binding.  Coil binding with perfectly spaced coils which just so happens to work beautifully with my much neglected Bind-It-All.   I'll be able to add color and fun with my envelopes and memorabilia.  The coil binding also allows me to arrange the album as I think best. 



You could say it is a match made in heaven.

I am SO excited.



I'm calling my album "Tis the Season" because I plan to start it next weekend when we are at the beach for a few days with my family celebrating Christmas, just before Thanksgiving.  This yearly gathering always speaks the holiday season to me, and I didn't wnat to exclude it just because it didn't happen in December.  With my kids in public school now, it was getting difficult to schedule a December date that worked for everyone, so I think a late November gathering will be the norm from now on. 

I'm keeping the cover simple, using stamps and minimal embellishments.  I my experience, my mini albums get used and abused, and I wanted the cover to withstand the test of time.  In saying that I also wanted it to be timeless, so didn't want to get too crazy with the cover.

I plan to share my progress with this album here.  I'm hoping it'll go as smoothly as I envision, because I also plan to carry on in 2012 and do better about documenting the day to day.  I'll share more about that with my next Project 12 post. 

In the meantime, I wanted to share my excitement about this album with a blog reader.  Leave a comment letting me know what you did at 11:11 on 11/11/11 and I'll draw a winner for your very own Fancy Pants Designs brag book and announce a winner Monday morning.  Sound good?  My girls were in the Veteran's Day parade at 11:11.  They are Girl Scouts and were really excited to carry flags and waive to the crowds. 

Speaking of the holidays, though, there is something else new in my home that I'm also pretty excited about:








If you haven't heard of it before, it's called The Elf on the Shelf, and I can't wait for him to join our family.  I have wanted to use him in year's past, but I always forget about him until it is already into the season.  Not this year.  He's already found his way to our home and he's going to be the first book in our book Advent for December.  I can't wait to have fun with him.  If *I* am this excited to create mischief with this little guy, I can't wait to see what my kids think.  I have pinned zillions of hiding place ideas on Pinterest already.  Fun times ahead!

Have a great weekend!  Davinie

Supplies: _______________________________________________________



77 comments:

  1. I took a photo with my baby as she was the only one home with me! So fun!!

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  2. At 11:11 I was at Michael's with my friend looking for bargains! :) Now, I need to check my receipt to see what time I checked out- would be cool if it was at 11:11! Ha!

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  3. I was sitting on the couch with my kiddos sipping my coffee and listening to the sound of freedom...the F-15s from my husband's base were flying overhead for a parade flyover...doesn't get any better than that.

    P.S. Our elf Carl will be here in 2 short weeks. This is his 4th year here and we look forward to it every year.

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  4. Anonymous11:03 AM

    I have to admit ::blush:: that the time passed me right by! I think I was working on the finishing touches on a custom PhD ornament for my Etsy shop at the time, though!
    ~Natalie

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  5. i totally forgot! and i hate that, i had this whole thing lined up to do!!!!!

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  6. This is boring... but I just got home from running errands and a pediatrician dr appt.... i was unloading my truck!

    This FP book does look like a great idea for DD.... It's Cool to see you exited about it!

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  7. I was eating a pop tart and checking my email, google reader! Thanks for the chance to win. Looking forward to seeing your album! It's a great idea.

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  8. I was sitting at my computer looking at inspiring photos ... thanks for the chance to win ... and for the reminder that our holidays are what we make them.

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  9. I was singing lullabies to my daughter as we got ready for nap time. Not exciting but a memory I am sure I will treasure when she gives up napping.

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  10. at 11:11, my oldest and i were at hobby lobby in the christmas aisles! :)

    love your idea for the DD!

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  11. I was at mum's and tots with my 2 boys!

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  12. I was at my moms group. Love the idea of using this album!

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  13. I was just at home drinking a cup of coffee and putting stray items away.

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  14. We'd just done the two minute silence for Armistice Day, which put the lecture on British Wild Flowers by Sarah Raven on hold, and then she carried on with her beautiful meadow photos and interesting stories.

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  15. Anonymous2:55 PM

    I was beginning my holiday shopping at 11/11; 11:11 a.m.. What a wonderful time of the year!
    Traci from Ga.

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  16. I missed 11:11!! I was at work and got busy and by the time I looked at the clock again it was 11:22. I was crushed!!

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  17. Thanks for the chance to win. I was actually napping with my boy at 11:11. ;)

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  18. What a fun way to celebrate 11/11! I just finished up a private tour of the kitchens at Petco park (the Padres baseball field)! I am a food and nutrition major so it was pretty cool looking/hearing about how they process/cook ALL that food for each game! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  19. At 11:11 on 11/11/11 I was returning and replacing a pair of boots with both of my kiddos.
    I too have an Elf on the Shelf (and I hope this next part doesn't remove me from consideration for the giveaway), but I have always thought it was a little creepy. But seeing all the fun ways to use him (instead of lurking on a shelf) really has me inspired this year! I'm coming around to him.

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  20. At that time today I was on my way out the door with my son and husband. We went to the strip (we're in Vegas) and went to a conservatory that was decorated for fall, went outside to see a water show and then walked around for a little while. I love getting extra time with my family! Especially so since I didn't realize today was a holiday until Wednesday.

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  21. I was sitting in Starbucks with my friend having a latte and catching up.

    Thanks for the fun give away.

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  22. Hahaha - I was at the doctor's office where he was aspirating a ganglion cyst on my foot. i had stuck my camera in my purse since I wasn't sure what I would be doing at 11:11. I did not think he'd appreciate a photo!

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  23. I was at Chili's enjoying my free lunch for being a veteran.

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  24. Nothing special really. But something that I really enjoy. I volunteered at my kids school. I was sub-ing for another mom who couldn't make it

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  25. janet chinn4:27 PM

    in the rain watching the laying of wreaths at our local cenotaph and watching my daughter as part of the parade

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  26. At 11:11 I was unfortunately getting an estimate to have my car fixed. An older lady smashed into my car as it was parked in front of my house. Boo hoo, I love my car. Not fancy, but I love it... sharon dot gullikson at gmail dot com

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  27. I was snuggling with my baby girl on the couch. I totally meant to take a picture but forgot. Maybe I'll take one this evening at 11:11. Does that count?

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  28. I stood outside with my eldest daughter and watched the planes from the local Remembrance Day ceremony fly over head. That lone plane leaving the formation always chokes me up!

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  29. I took a photo right at 11:11:11 on 11/11/11 and was finishing up some homework. Can't wait to see your DD album!

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  30. I worked today. Nothing too special, but my oldest dd sang in the school choir's Remembrance Day assembly. Now she's at a Brownie (girl scout) sleep over at a log cabin at a museum. She will be coming home in a very cranky mood! LOL! I'm looking forward to seeing your album! I keeping eyeing The Elf on The Shelf too! He's so cute. I might need to get one. :-)

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  31. I was eating an early lunch with my husband. Great food, and a nice time.

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  32. I took lots of photos today, but I am gonna scrap 11 of them on one page and do an 11/11/11 layout.

    And I have to tell you that a week ago I went to my LSS and picked up one of these brag books for the SAME reason you did....for my Dec. Daily! It is a perfect size, can accomodate lots of photos AND has journaling pages! LOVE IT!

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  33. I was at work...but I did announce to some co-workers that it was 11:11 on 11/11/11!!!

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  34. Your Tis the Season album sounds fabulous!! I too am a Brag Book fan!!!

    What was I doing at 11:11am?? I was with my class at a Remembrance Day ceremony.

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  35. I was just working. Got to listen to music on my iPod so that was good!

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  36. I was at work =( Our boss does not think this a holiday worthy of getting a day off. Meanwhile he himself did not come to work.

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  37. I was painting my living room...thanks for thie chance to win!

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  38. I was making a set of gift cards for a door prize for a craft night with the girls, reading blogs and answering emails. Love your idea! Diane

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  39. I was sitting at my table scrapping at 11:11 today. Everyone had left for the day and I was all alone. It was very peaceful!

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  40. at 11.11 i was sitting quietly in the shopping centre having a minute of silence as they played the military bugle over the speakers. I was with my mum, sister and all the kids, we were about to part ways as i took my eldest to speech therapy and my mum took my youngest to the park with my sister and her kids.

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  41. I can't wait to see how you document the holidays. Love the album.

    At 11:11 we were hiking in the pouring down rain... fun but cold and very muddy.

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  42. I spent 11/11/11 at 11:11 with my favorite veteran, just sitting on the couch enjoying each others company.
    Great journal!

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  43. I was watching Fox News, sipping my coffee and reading. :) Thanks for the opportunity!

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  44. Oh I've added that brag book to my wish list, looks so fun to play with! And I agree, seems perfect for December Daily:)

    On 11/11 at 11.11 I didn't do anything special tbh.. I was sitting at home having a late breakfast and surfing the internett, chatting a little on irc (I'm a nerd I still use irc:P). We don't celebrate Veterans's day or anything like that in my country so it was just an ordinary day for me:)

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  45. I was already asleep by 11:11...zzzz...!

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  46. We love our elf on the shelf! So fun during the holidays with him!

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  47. Happy Now4:36 AM

    Looks awesome! Let the good times roll!!

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  48. Love it! I am now following your blog to see how this turns out!! At 11:11 I was making a chocolate milk for my son and missed the picture taking opportunity! Ah, a mothers work.

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  49. I was sitting as proud as ever with my daughter in her 5th grade student conference. I am blessed.

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  50. I was listing baby clothes for sale on ebay. How boring of me! I promise if I win, I'll fill the book with something more exciting! ;)

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  51. ohh that sounds grrrrrrrrreat!! love your idea!!!!!

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  52. Nicole6:29 AM

    I was working, but with a patient who suffered in a car accident 20 years ago and who lost his father this year. Thankfully his mom can still keep him home.

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  53. we were eating lunch. :)
    I think you will like having Christmas in November. We do it the day after Thanksgiving every year with my side of the family, and it is SO nice!!!

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  54. I was taking my sister to work at 11:11 on 11/11/11

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  55. At 11:11 on 11/11/11, I was at the hair salon getting my hair cut after getting highlights. I totally didn't think of taking a picture until I watched the evening news at 6pm! Drat! I can't wait to see what your DD looks like. I have one of those brag books and I'm saving it for our Disney trip next month.

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  56. Ooo I've been looking for the perfect book to do my DD and that might be it! okay, I'm a total dork... at 11:11am on 11/11/11 I was in the shower. Totally forgot to make a wish. And at 11:11pm I was at a friend's house and we were having so much fun that we lost track of time. So I made my epic wish @ 11:11pm PACIFIC time! hehe. Hey, it still counts right?!

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  57. Anonymous3:51 PM

    oh... can't wait to see what do with it all! ... so what I was doing at 11:11am - standing in line waiting to pick my son up from preschool. 11:11pm - snuggled on the couch watching tv with my parents and hubby (and taking a picture of it)

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  58. Well I wish I could say I was doing something great at 11:11 but the truth is that I was at a conference. I was going to try to take a photo of what I was doing but totally forgot because I was learning at the conference. It was an exhausting day as I was on a panel discussion for the first hour and a half. My plans to take photos of the girls at 11:11 p.m. fell through also because I fell asleep. I guess I just have to become better at journaling.

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  59. At 11:11 I was at home (with a cold). so I took a picture of the clcok in the living room and the tv show I was watching.
    As for the shelf on the elf...what fun he creates at my sister's home. He's always in the most interesting spots!

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  60. Great idea, to use the Fancy Pants book!

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  61. I was on my way to the hospital to meet my new baby niece born on 11/11/11!!

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  62. I was at home with my daughter, she was sick that day !
    Thanks for the chance.

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  63. I was so engrossed at work that the special moment passed without me knowing :(

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  64. I didnt know about the Fancy Pants brag book, that looks really neat. On 11/11/11, 11:11 i was at work buried deep in files.

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  65. Samantha L.7:59 AM

    I slept in that day! Totally didn't realize it would be 11/11/11 that day! Terrible I know :(

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  66. I just ran across my incompleted December daily album from 2008! so sad :( it was so pretty, too. let's see...I was at work and I just happened to look down at clock on the computer and it said 11:11. I yelled out to my friend; she wasn't impressed. lol!

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  67. I was in a Ross Dress for Less store at 11:11 on 11/11/11 and I found a really great pad of glittery scrapbooking paper for a really great price! I'd LOVE to win this prize.

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  68. Anonymous7:32 PM

    I watched the national ceremony on tv at 11 am and saw the helicopters fly by near our home. I am interested in the elf story. I just heard about him this year but he seems like an interesting character to have around the house. Jeannine H.

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  69. 11:11 I was getting ready to go to a Remeberance Day Ceremony with my eldest.

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  70. At 11:11 I was getting ready to leave for a Rememberance Day Ceremony with my eldest.

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  71. We were counting down at the office!

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  72. I took a photo of me, in front of a mirror.!!!!

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  73. Vitoria B2:26 AM

    I don't really remember, but i think i was with my 2 boys playing UNO.
    thanks for the chance, i love this book.

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  74. I live in France, so I was cooking with my big son !
    Thanks for the chance Davinie

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  75. Terrie Allison5:31 PM

    I was at a 3 day crop and my friend set her alarm both times so we would know when 11:11 am and 11:11 pm was.

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  76. at 11:11 i was remembering our veterans with a picture challenge, which i took a photo of the US flag && at night, celebrating with a friend :]

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  77. Ooooh, love your tis the season 'kit'! The Elf on the Shelf has really captured my imagination, I'm off to Google what it is!!! LOL. And on 11/11/11 @ 1111 hrs, I was actually sleeping cuz I am on the midnight shift ;)

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