FREE Friday: The Best Of Lists..........So Much To Be Grateful For

Write It Down

To top of yesterday's post, about 5 Quick Tips For Dealing With What Life Throws At You, I have one more to add. It's one of my favorites. Something we should do more often and a great way to start each day.  Honestly and truly. Each day.

As we near the anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, there are many interviews with the survivors and I find them utterly amazing and inspirational.  Instead of looking getting sucked up into the vortex of all that's gone wrong with their lives, they choose to look at what's gone right. In spite of everything, they find they are grateful for so much- both large and small, and that's part of what has gotten them through.  I watched Heather Abbot (who lost on of her legs from the knee down) this morning in an interview and she expressed how grateful she was for the support of the city, and the country, and from people worldwide. That there were some days when she didn't even want to get up off of the couch, but she was lucky that people - even famous people like Beyonce- who had reached out to her and according to Heather 'how do you say no to Beyonce?'. She was grateful for the strength that every one's support gave her to face the challenges of the last year.

Pretty amazing outlook, yes?

So, how do you incorporate that kind of gratefulness into your own life?

It's really not that hard. Write a list of 5 things you are grateful for at the start of each day. They can be big (I am grateful that I have a roof over my head), or small (I am grateful that I was able to enjoy a cuppa tea this morning on my back stoop), because you'll find it doesn't matter. You'll find that the simple act of recognizing how much you have to be grateful for changes your outlook on things.

I challenge you to start this ritual. To help you along, I designed this Free Printable Grateful List.  It prints 4 to an 8.5 x 11 page and there is enough room at the top should you want to punch holes in it and string a few together to make a pad.

Look at that, a blank slate each and every day.

This free printable grateful list makes it easy for you to take a moment and reflect on all that is right with your life.

You can download it here.


My 5 today?

Easy peasy.

1. It's Friday. I love Friday's. It's usually a busy day, but somehow it is a day to wrap things up, tie up lose ends and generally speaking it has a slower feel even if I'm busy. All hail Fridays!

2. The company of two office dogs today. We're taking care of our neighbors pooch and there's nothing like a little puppy love to make your day better.

3. G. My other half. I'm so glad I've got him.

4. The weather is fairly springlike at the moment. Though the sun isn't shining brightly, the warmth is quite welcome.

5. So many people around the world who take the time to be here. Thanks you guys!

BIG  Bonus..........

6. People and fellow Boston Survivors like Heather Abbott, Celeste, and Jeff Bauman who somehow find the strength to face huge life challenges head on and head held high.

What about you? What's your 5?


Freeform Friday

Well, I'm quite sure I've shared this before, but I think it's rather appropriate for today's post because each day is a blessing and it is a beautiful day. And honestly, it just makes me feel good. Thanks Ziggy.  Click here if you're reading via email.




No big plans on the horizon for the weekend, other than hopefully getting in a campfire out back at some point. Tonight isn't look great because there is some rain heading our way. Perhaps a game or Yahtzee or scrabble.....a drive to get some fresh air.....design work at my desk.....house cleaning. That reminds me, I have a load of laundry I need to hang out on the line.

Away I go.

Make it a great day and 'keep your head up high'.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: Printable Pastel Polka Dot Gift Tags

Make Someone Happy This Spring

Hello Spring.

Where have you been all Winter?

There is still a chill in the air here, but the sun is trying its best and beggars can't be choosers. Regardless, I've got spring on my mind and it conjures up notions of pretty pastels, hyacinths and tulips and daffodils scenting the air, and Easter celebrations.

So, what better way make your Spring gift giving even more memorable? Why FREE printable pastel polka dot gift tags of course. There is just something about polka dots that make me downright happy and I'm here to spread a little happiness with these free printable gift tags.

I simply combined them with some wrapping paper I easily created with white paper and sharpies. That sure was easy.  Happy, happy, happy!

They'd look equally sweet as Easter basket gift tags or chocolate bunny.

They are designed 6 large and 3 minis to an 8.5 x 11 sheet. Printing on a heavier paper stock, works great. I used 110 lb plain white.

I'm sure you can think of a bunch of different ways to make your presents pop with these free printable gift tags.

You can download them here.

And by all means, spread a little happy.



FREEFORM Friday

I am ready for the weekend. It has been a busy week.  One of the best thing about the weekend is letting your hair down and having a few laughs.  Check out this post by my blogging pal Diana over at exPresso. So, to join in, here's a laugh or two for all of you. Carol Burnett is one of my favorites. She always makes me laugh. This is a classic skit that I'm sure some of you remember.........."I saw it in a window and just had to have it."  Gets me every time.  Click here if reading via email.






Here's Carol taking questions from the audience. I love seeing comics interact with live audiences and you see just how quick they are. And the Maude ringer sleighs me. She rocks. Click here if reading via email.






I hope you have a lovely weekend planned. I can't say we have anything planned.  Perhaps a campfire out back tonight or maybe a little youtube dancing and singing. You know that's the way we roll around here. I'll surely be looking for a Sunday drive which gets me away from my desk.  Other than that, we'll take whatever comes our way.  What about you? What's hot for the weekend?

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday: Kickass Fonts & A Little Ridiculous Thrown in For Good Measure

FREE FONTS

Happy Friday gang!  Woohoo....the weekend is here. Although, with the work on my boards they seem to be running into my weeks a bit. However, it is still an opportunity to take things a little slower, so I'm pretty happy it's here.

I'm also happy to share one of my favorite things. Fonts!

Amen and halleluliah.

My job as a designer would be so much harder if it wasn't for the work of typeface designers. [On a side note: have you ever wondered what the difference between a font and typeface is? Check out this article on The Font Feed. Great analogies. Be sure to read the section titled 'origins' because - well, it's pretty cool to learn a little more about the history of typefaces and fonts and typography in general. It might be thegeeky designer coming out in me].  I love all the variations of the alphabet that typeface designers create, from a simple, clean sans serif font [that is to say, a font without curls or tails at the end of each letter], to a really decorative font that exudes an entirely different spirit.  As a designer, I come across a lot of fonts that are 'free' on the web. The caveat? A lot of them are free for personal use only.  As a designer, if I'm going to use them, I need them to also be ok for commercial use. When I find great ones, it's like hitting the jackpot.

The ones I've collected here are all free for both personal and commercial use. It may be suggested that you make a donation for some, and if you plan on using them, I suggest you support the designer in that way.  It helps them to continue designing awesomeness that they share with the likes of us!

So here it is. The KICKASS LIST of FREE FONTS volume #1.

I think you're going to love them as much as I do.  Hats of to the designers.

sources:

arvo / cantarell / bigmouth / cinzel / garton / dekar

cardo / hattori hanzo light / fjord one



Now, you may notice if you click on these links, that fontsquirrel is one of my favorite go-to places to find free commercial fonts. I love it. And in case you didn't notice, I've now just told you. Fontsquirrel is the place to go. So is fontfabric. Check it out. Great stuff. You will also notice fontspring, which has a wide selection of fonts for sale, many of which also have free versions among them.

So have a look around and start putting these beautifully designed typefaces to use in your next project.




FREEFORM Friday

I love a good laugh. I really, really love it. Who doesn't, right? Sometimes it's the seriously stupid.  The sublimely silly. It floats. My. Boat. That is why Will Ferrell can bust my gut. Pair him with Jimmy Fallon, and this video just cracks me up.  OK, it cracks us both up.  I got Gar hooked on it and now he keeps sneaking it on just to make me to laugh.  'Hey.....hey.....slow down there old friend."  I can't even get through the first few seconds of this utterly ridiculous video what cracking up.  The outfits just kill me. I'm not even sure how Ferrell is breathing enough to sing. Click here if you're reading via email.






So, what are your plans for the weekend? I am really hankering a campfire out back, but I'm not sure the weather is going to cooperate. I'm happy to report it's a little bit warmer, but I think there is supposed to be rain coming in. Such a bummer.  Tonight is crossword puzzle Friday night with the neighborhoodlums. Beyond that, other than working on designs at my desk and doing a little house cleaning, there is nothing on the books. Tell me you have more exciting plans...........


Ciao for now,

FREE FRIDAY: I'm Happy, Are You?

World Happy Day

What? You didn't know that?

Today is World Happy Day?

Did you get bit by the bug?

As my part, I designed this happy little mini notebook cover free printable!

This free printabale mini notebook is about the easiest DIY out there. Check it out.

-Print off the 4 to a page notebook covers,preferably on card stock or whatever heavy weight paper your printer will take.

-Cut along the two light blue dashed lines that run up the middle vertically and horizontally. You will now have 4 covers.

-Fold each in half vertically.  Punch two holes along the center fold, one at each end (I simply put my hole puncher flush with edge of paper so holes would be evenly spaced).

-Do the same thing with some plain cardstock: fold in half vertically, fold in half horizontally and cut along those lines to make 4 pages.  Fold each page in half vertically.  Punch holes along center fold, making sure holes are in same spot as cover page.

-Stack plain paper together, and top with cover.

-Cut a piece of string, approximately twice the length of the notebook.

-Put string through holes, with both ends coming from same side. Tie a knot, clip off the extra string and viola!

A tiny little notebook to keep in your purse or your pocket.  Holla!

I hope you like it.


Happy World Happy Day!


Freeform Friday

What? You not happy? The bug hasn't bit you yet?

Well, get ready.  'Because I'm happy clap along if you feel like a room without a roof. Because I'm happy clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth. Can't bring me down'.

Sing along and get happy.........the words are right there for you. And by all means, get up a dance and pump up the happy people!  Click here if you're reading via email.






There are so many places around the world joining World Happiness Day and putting their own twist on Pharrell Williams' hit song. I especially liked this one from the Bahamas. Two great dancers and it was shot in one take. Not easy.  Click here if you're reading via email.





So, what's hot for your weekend? We have absolutely no plans whatsoever. And that's OK with me. I'll be working on some design catch up, doing some laundry, a little cleaning, maybe some cooking.  Tonight I'm sure we'll just get HAPPY with a little youtube dancing and singing. Why not?

Make it a great day, because it's a great to have. Really and truly.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday

 Ever Had One Of Those Days?

Months? Year? Years?

Yeah, I know. We all have.

Sometimes, in the midst of the challenges that life throws at all of us, it is easy to get sucked up into that black hole.  Often life's challenges come with a lot of soul searching. New perspectives. We come out the other side knowing ourselves, even just a little bit better for it.

My friend came across a quote that speaks to that and thought it would be a keeper for a print.  I'm glad she sent it to me.

The quote by Eckhart Tolle combined with an absolutely stunning photo by Todd Quackenbush, (whose work I found over on unsplash) makes up today's FREE printable wall art.  [I know I've mentioned it before, but it is worth repeating.  unsplash is a site that shares work from photographers around the world, who have decided to offer their images royalty free, to do with as you please, for personal or commercial use. How great is that? If you haven't checked out unsplash yet, I highly suggest you do.  The level of work is amazing.]

Can I get a hell yeah?

Hey, did you notice the colors go perfectly with my kitchen back-splash? How serendipitous.

If you'd like to print it off yourself and hang it on your wall, you can download the pdf here.

And, if you feel like sharing on pinterest, that's cool too.

One more thing, Todd is such fantastic photographer, you should definitely pop over to his site and check out his other work. I love all of his work, but his pictures of NYC really capture the city in a way I can appreciate.  His perspective in some of his shots feels sort of  like 'a day in the life'.  His landscapes are incredible, and if you want to see a drool worthy food photo, check this out. I want a piece. Right. Now. I didn't even come close to capturing the deliciousness of G's pear bread, in comparison. Holy moly.


Freeform Friday

I was wandering around youtube last night and discovered a group I'd never heard of before. The Overtones. These 5 guys can really sing. You want harmony, they've got it up to their eyeballs and then some. On a side note, it sure is nice to see five young guys dressed like they want to be taken seriously. The Overtones are sharp dressed men. Kind of refreshing.  So is their sound.  Click here if you're reading via email.



How about a little something old school. A capella. Yup. The men can sing.
Click here if you're reading via email.



Any plans for the weekend? I'm going to be creating away working on some designs (including my own). In between housework, that is. No real plans I'm afraid.  G will be spending time working on his truck with the neighborhoodlums. I won't be joining them in that little adventure.  I know, I know. We're really pushing the fun-limit this weekend.  The good news? I think we've gotten above 30 on the thermometer today, and tomorrow we're supposed to hit the mid 40s.  This is incredibly exciting and welcome since we've been a frozen arctic tundra with no real signs of hope for spring. Except for my day in Boston, which was wicked lucky weather-wise. Then it went right back to polar vortex. So tomorrow, I will get outside at some point.

What's shakin' in your world?

Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks, as always, for being here.

Ciao for now,

Free Friday: Vintage Graphics

Ever Heard of the Locomobile?

That's ok. Neither had I.

Until I read this ad from one of my vintage magazine hand me downs I got from my parents (who have stacks and stacks!).

The vintage graphics I'm sharing today, are for you to do with as you please:  use them for crafts, diy, graphic designs, or what have you.  Or just print them and frame them. They're cool enough for that too.  Luckily, images from 1927 or before are considered part of the public domain and are able to be shared freely. These particular images are from a 1904 McClure's magazine.

Just click right on the images below to save.

 

 

Last but not least.........the locomobile!

 

Too cool, right? I love old advertising. Fantastic artwork.

Enjoy!

Freeform Friday

I was very sad to hear about the passing of Harold Ramis this week. Harold was a comic genius and I just love him. He was quite lovable. Whether he was playing the 'sort of straight man' to Bill Murray (not easy to do) in movies like Stripes or directing him and other comic legends like Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, you can't argue with the fact that he knew comedy inside and out.  Harold had a very sheepish, innocent-but-cheeky grin that just plain made me laugh. A lot.

Honestly? Can you imagine directing Bill Murray as Carl the groundskeeper in Caddyshack? 'It's a Cinderella story, he's come out of nowhere'. Painful.  Click here if you're reading via email.

Or working with Murrary in Stripes? I love this clip of Harold getting the whole troup going....'hey, we're walking' and then headlong into 'there she was'. Classic.  Click here if reading via email.

Harold will be missed, but the laughter will live on and on and on. Thanks Harold. Rest in Peace.

Any plans for the weekend?  I've got a to-do list that I'll be catching up on. Then dinner at the neighbors tomorrow night.  And Sunday.........well maybe we'll get out for a little drive.  We'll just have to see where the weekend takes us.

Ciao for now,

Free Friday: Some Of My Favorite Free Printables

You CAN Afford These

Oh yes you can. Because they are free. FREE I tell you.

Usually on Free Friday I feature a free printable that I've designed, but today I'm going to share with you some of my favorite free printables from other designs.  There is a plethora of freebies out there on the world wide web and they come in every shape,size and form. Damn I love that we're all different, have different ideas, different styles.........that's what makes the world go 'round. Or at least, my world.

Oh my, just look at these.....

* Clean and simple- just say thank you via oh so pretty.

 

* Happy cloud greetings from oh happy day.

* Pretty watercolor flowers for Mothers Day or whenever via the allison show.

* Tweet, tweet tags or labels via world label.

* I'm a little partial to french fries, so this one really makes me smile- via moapliving.com.

* Paris is always a good idea paper city, via made by joel.

 


* Prettiness overload in this free printable rose envelope from Sweetly Scrapped.

* and one of my oldie but goodies, choose happiness note card you can download here.

 

A little free somethin', somethin' for everyone.

Check 'em out!



Freeform Friday

Did anyone other than us and my parents watch The Beatles 50th Anniversary of Coming to America special a couple of weeks ago? It made me so happy. It made me smile, and when Ringo sang Photograph, it made me cry.  That song just makes me think of all the people I've lost. Kind of like Auld Lang Syne. OK, I admit it, I've also gotten a little teary eyed at commercials.  However, if I had to pick a favorite of favorites, it would be The Beatles. The tributes were awesome, but when Paul and Ringo get together and sing it makes a big smile take over my entire face. I just love 'em.  So here's something from the concert in case you missed it or if you watched it and want more.  Click here if you're reading via email.





Have any plans for the weekend?

I do! I do!  I'm heading into beantown tomorrow and I'm going to the Isabella  Stewart Gardner Museum. At least, that is the plan. I've never been and I'm looking forward to a little 'peace out' time among beautiful art.

What's happening in your world?

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday

First.................

Hey, in case you guys missed it, the first edition of the muse launched yesterday.

If you want to get a gold star for the day, might I suggest you check it out? I'd be pleased as punch if you did. And don't forget, you can visit the muse sponsors, just by clicking on their ads. How's that for easy.

Second:A FREE Printable That Will Make A Great Gift

Are you still trying to finish your Christmas and Holiday shopping? Are you perhaps on a tight budget?  I've got something for you to address both of those things. A free printable note card and envelope. Now, if you have a little extra change, you can buy some envelopes at someplace like Staples, but if you don't- this freebie gives you a matching envelope you can print off and make. It's easy peasy.

(Check it out.......that's my Great Grandma McGuinness in the photo)

Sweet. Yes?

From me, to you.

Enjoy.


Download here.


FREEform Friday

Knowing me, I've probably featured this for Freeform Friday before, since it is one of my very favorite songs. If I haven't, what the heck was I thinking? I find it to be quite beautiful and something I repeat in my head a lot.  I'm not especially religious so-to-speak, but I am quite spiritual and I'm here to tell you- Mary is my girl.  She comes through for me time and time again. Though this isn't a Christmas song, it somehow seems fitting at this time of year none-the-less. And now, Sir Paul and the gang, before he was a Sir.  Click here if you're reading via email.




What are you plans for the weekend? I'll be catching up on work, as fast as I can. Because, come Christmas Eve, I'm taking a few much-needed days off.  I'll also be 'making presents', which anyone who receives presents from me knows is coming, so it's not like I'm letting the cat out of the bag.
Beyond that, no real plans and that sounds perfectly wonderful.

Ciao for now,

FREE Friday

Free Holiday Wall Art

The world is a lesser place today with the passing of Mr. Mandela. A lesser place for having lost a man who despite all of the hate and discrimination exacted on him, was able to retain his dignity. Not only that, but who possessed a deep belief that peace must first come from within before outward change can happen.


I am utterly inspired by the stories and remembrances of Mr. Mandela, who incredibly held his hand out to those who held him captive for so very long, in order to initiate the change he and the world wanted to see for his country.  An amazing accomplishment in itself, but pale in comparison to the fact that he not only was successful in leading the change, but as President of his country no less.  Quite frankly, it's awe inspiring.

I remember where I was at the moment he was released, at my best friend Tina's apartment. I watched in joy as this peaceful man was finally been released back to his country and welcomed home by the entire world.

The world may indeed be a lesser place momentarily for having lost him, but it is a far better place for having had him here.

God speed Mr. Mandela. God speed.



A fitting free printable for all of you today.

Download let there peace on earth free printable here.


Freeform Friday

His imprisonment an affront to the those everywhere, many songs where written about Mr. Mandela. Here is just one. Click here if you're reading via email.






There's something about that song, that although it is about Mr. Mandela's lack of freedom, feels rejoiceful to me.

That leads me to this time of year when we rejoice in all that is important to us and is often take for granted.  This weekend we will be spending time with the bookclub/champagne ladies and their other halves.  The men will have to suffer through the karaoke-fest, a small price to pay for the feast of delicious food that will be spread before them. We are likely to spend some time with the neighbors this evening, close to home and perhaps with the fire roaring (inside).  I'd like to get our tree cut this weekend, but it may not get decorated until this coming week.  Most of the tree farms around here are only open on the weekends, so if we can pick ours, haul it home, get it in the stand and ready for some sparkle, I'll be glad for that.

Those are our big plans. What about you? Any holiday merriment this weekend for you? Or are you spending a cozy weekend at home?

Ciao for now,

PS- Great sponsors on board for the publishing of the first edition of the muse online magazine. For the rest of you, today is the last day to book an ad in the muse. If you're interested, let me know asap at pbate (at) speakeasyinfo (dot) net.

FREE Friday

Free Printable Wall Art

My walking pal and I have been taking to the field as much as possible since the farmer hayed again. So, so happy about that.

Last night when we took a walk at the end of the day, Sunset Meadows was just beautiful.

It started out very soft.

Minute by minute, it got more vibrant.

Changing in the blink of an eye.

Until I just had to stand there in amazement.

I only had my phone with me last night, but it did a pretty good job of capturing this beautiful sight.  If you're on instagram, you might have seen my post. And if you are on instagram and didn't see it, that's probably because you're not following me yet. In all honesty, I haven't done much with my instagram account in a long time, but now that I updated my phone app, I'm good to go and having fun connecting with you guys there.

I also took a video so you could come along with us.  It stretched around the entire sky. We're so lucky to live where we do.




This morning, we hit the field again only it was the bright light of the sun getting higher in the sky, that was shining for all to see.

So my friends, this is for you. Free printable wall art.

You can download, print it out, hang it on the wall.

Click here to download the pdf.

I hope you enjoy it and put it somewhere to remind yourself that you are brilliant. Shine on!


Freeform Friday

Just to bolster that thought, here's a tune for you. It's a happy little song and though it's from Take That, one of those 'boy bands' that all the teens love, I quite like it. Click here if reading via email.




Any plans for the weekend? It's a bit warmer here today and I'm hoping it stays that way all weekend. We have no plans other than working around the house winterizing, after the brutally cold weather that was with us for a couple of days this week.  Woke to high teens on Tuesday and Wednesday and today is gorgeous. Could hit 60.  We won't be fooled though. No time like the present to winterize, before it's too late. Maybe we'll be lucky and get a campfire in and a game of dominoes or yahtzee. That's about it here.

Enjoy the weekend.

Ciao for now,