Cathy Zielske's Blog, page 230

April 14, 2011

Chocolate Cheeks

Chocoloate


I'm re-doing the photo wall in my kitchen with a new stock of IKEA frames, and as I was going through all of my digital photos (dating back to 2003) I found this shot. It's not even a great photo, but I forgot I had it. I was shooting kid portaits in my garage, with a black velvet background (oh, those were the days) and Cole must have held still for about a nanosecond and then he was off.


And I think I offered Aidan cash for this one:


Focus


Indeed. Those were the days.

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Published on April 14, 2011 07:27

Spring training of a different sort

SpringTraining


I know I talk a lot about Moving More and Eating Less to get into shape, but my friends and colleagues over at Ella Publishing are talking about getting into a whole different kind of shape with their new online event, the Ella Spring Training Extravaganza.


That's right, shape up your scrapbooking this Spring with the talented team at Ella.


Included in Ella's Spring Training Online Event:


• 12 exclusive video coaching sessions
• 4 expert coaches
• 12 hands-on training exercises
• 20 minutes a day
• daily challenges, downloads, sponsor prizes, and more


All of this adds up to 1 amazing online event that includes a minimum of 240 minutes of scrapbooking fun.


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From journaling to inspiration to photography to techniques, the Ella Spring Training Extravaganza will get you in tip top scrapbooking shape.


Some of what you'll learn:


Expert lighting tricks for your photographs
• Single-sentence journaling: four simple strategies
• How to create a gorgeous stenciled page background
• Adding inspiring tricks to your design toolbox
• Paint and poetry: a tutorial you'll never forget!
• Creating photo-booth effects for your photographs
• Distressing 101: paint, sanding, and beyond
• Discovering and embracing YOUR signature scrapbooking style
• How to "get the shot" that truly captures your subject's personality
• And MORE

This event is $40 but you can save $8 now! Use code 8ELLA to register for $32 through April 15th.

Questions? Check out Ella's site by clicking here.

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Published on April 14, 2011 03:00

April 13, 2011

Front door goodness.

I love opening my new front door to happiness.


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Seriously? I saw this doormat in a recent issue of Real Simple and said, "It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine."


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It's just a little placemat of happiness on my new front porch. (Note: as soon as our house is painted, I promise to share a series of before and after shots. We're still plugging away on lots of finishing projects.)


But maybe you can't top front door happiness like this.


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You know what was in the boxes? White cardstock baby. Pure, simple, orange peel textured cardstock.


And the final dose of happiness just outside of my front door? The loss of winter.


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The final vestige of a snow bound winter is officially gone.


Sure, we have a dirt front yard, courtesy of our remodel, but hey, at least it will be iceless dirt!


Happy Wednesday.

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Published on April 13, 2011 03:00

April 12, 2011

What a difference 7 years doth make.

This picture was taken in 2004, overlooking the Sparky the Seal Ampitheater at the Como Park Zoo.


2003


The kids and I decided to hit the Zoo for old time's sake last week, and recreate at least one photo from our glory days of years gone by. The Como Park Zoo (just a few blocks from our house) is one of the last free zoos in the country and we spent many a day there back when the kids were smaller.


This picture was taken last Friday, overlooking the Sparky the Seal Ampitheater.


2011


Try as we might, we couldn't get the exact same angle, mostly because the boy has almost doubled in size.


But we did manage to get at least one Awkward Family Photo worthy moment on digital media:


Awkward


I told them to be as stiff and awkward as possible. I think Aidan took the cake on that one.


And Cole took the prize on this one:


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Time does fly when you are having fun.


Piggyback


2005


(Photo taken at the Zoo in 2005. Sigh.)


 

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Published on April 12, 2011 03:00

April 11, 2011

When the going gets tough, the tough might go a bit slower, but make no mistake, they still go.

Movemore


Spring has finally arrived in Minnesota. I say this with an enthusiasm not previously felt in past years because the idea of actually being out and active in the Springtime was not exactly on my daily list of things to do back in the day. Let's just say I admired Spring from behind screened windows.


But becoming a runner changed all that.


I started running in January of 2010. It started out very slowly. I'd walk four minutes, run one, and then repeat, all at approximately 3.2 miles per hour on my basement treadmill. By April of 2010, I'd built my endurance up to being able to run 30 minutes without stopping. This in and of itself? A veritable revelation for a formerly inert adult whose idea of exercise had been doing laundry and pressing buttons on the remote control.


Once I'd hit that 30-minute mark in April, I decided it was time to step out the front door and give running outside a whirl.


First, you have to understand a few things about me.


1. I used to be moderately afraid of nature. Oh sure, I'd take an occasional walk on a gorgeous 65-degree day, but usually as soon as the bugs and heat came on, you wouldn't see me outside again unless I was on a grocery run, or the leaves were falling off the trees in October.


2. I like Kleenex and water within my reach at all times. When I'm working out, I get really thirsty and my nose runs like a faucet. When you're on a treadmill, you have everything you need right at your fingertips. The idea of toting all that stuff for outdoor runs? Well that just seemed like far more work than its worth.


3. I like routines. Knowing I would get up 4 days a week, get on the treadmill and make it worth the price I paid was something I liked. I liked the predictability of knowing exactly where and how I would be running.


But that day last April when I stepped out to run the roughly 4-mile route from my front door, around the lake and back, I was feeling strangely bold and adventurous. I thought, "What's stopping me from acting like a real runner?" So for shits and giggles, I headed out on a gorgeous 45-degree morning and ran the route.


Later that day, I could barely walk due to my screaming quads, and my sore calves. I was all, "Really? Really? I workout for 4 months, building up my endurance for this?" I could not believe that running on the pavement could be that much different than running on the 'mill. But apparently, my body thought otherwise.


So I decided right there and then. No thanks. I'll stay in my basement.


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I'm not sure what happened during the following weeks, but my inner athlete kept whispering in my ear to get back outside and give it another go. It said things like, "Wasn't it gorgeous outside?" and "Didn't it make you feel just a little more connected to the natural world?" and "You didn't buy all these cute running clothes just for your basement, now did you?"


So I went out again and found the second run didn't take nearly as much out of me as that first one did, though I was still a little shaky on the idea. I mean, I had to stuff tons of tissue into my sports bra to whip out at a moment's notice for the old nose blow, and I hadn't made the connection that you can take water with you on a any given run. Still, those were simply small obstacles getting in the way of the fact that I could actually get outside and run.


Once I hit May, my feet only saw the treadmill when the snow fell hard, fast and deep the following November.


The only thing that kept me from running in the ice and snow of a Minnesota Winter was the ice and snow of a Minnesota Winter. I'm no fool to know I have zero balance on ice and I decided that I didn't want to risk an injury from slipping and wipe out all the training and endurance I'd built up over the previous year.

So I ran in my basement all Winter long.


Now I know there are runners who absolutely cringe at the thought of being tied to a treadmill for any amount of time. I'm not one of those runners. Once I made the transition inside, I checked my check list to see if what I was hoping to achieve with running was still happening. 1. Sweating? Check. 2. Breathing hard and bringing my heart rate up? Check. 3. Getting a workout done and feeling really good that it's off my list? Check. 4. Contributing to my efforts to Move More? Check.


I had good tunes playing on my iPod, water and Kleenex aplenty. I settled in for a long Winter.


But there was still a longing to get back outside. A pining for just a few more degrees so I wouldn't have to run just to stay warm. A wish for the ice to finally melt so I could hit that lake route that literally transformed my athletic life last year.


When it finally hit 40 degrees, I got back outside and much to my surprise, the first few runs I've completed have literally kicked my ass. My muscles have ached in places I haven't felt since last summer. My pace is slower than it's been in months. And the worst part? My confidence as a runner has come down a few pegs on the pole as I'm wondering, "Where is the Cathy from last summer? The one who almost felt like each run had the potential to become a religious experience?"


My point for today's post is that exercise seems to have an ebb and flow. It's not always easy or automatic, and sometimes, you have to adjust your expectations, as I'm finding I'm having to adjust mine right now. I'm not a Speedy Gonzales. My muscles don't always want to respond the way I'd like them to. But I'm not giving up. I may go a little slower, or I may decide to hit the pool an extra day and drop one of the runs, but I'm not giving up on Moving More.


I might even reach a point where running no longer works the way I'd like it to, and if this happens, then I'll try a new class, or dust off my bike, or anything to make sure I'm honoring my commitment to my body to give it a little effort and keep it in the best working condition that I can.


If you're out there, Moving More, just remember: things do ebb and flow. Just like food and weight, sometimes the Moving part does too. I'm right there with you, scratching my head and wondering when my lake runs will feel glorious again.


For now, I'll keep plugging away.


Movemore2


What about you?


 

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Published on April 11, 2011 03:00

April 10, 2011

The winners of the giveaway are…

The winner of a spot in Get It Together, Keep It Together with Molly Newman is:


Winone


The winners of their choice of any five of my templates are:


Winthree


Wintwo


Ladies, contact me at czdesign@comcast.net to claim your prizes! Thanks everyone, and have a great rest of your weekend.

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Published on April 10, 2011 18:16

April 8, 2011

Sponsor Giveaways: a workshop from ReneePearson.com and templates from CZ Design

GTKT_banner


One blog reader will win a spot in Get It Together, Keep It Together with Molly Newman. Organize your digital lifestyle with ACDSee Photo Manager or ACDSee Pro.


ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Get a handle on your digital photos, scanned images and digital scrapbooking supplies once and for all with this hands-on class. Using ACDSee Photo Manager or ACDSee Pro, you'll learn how to design, step-by-step, an organizational system that works for you and the way you scrapbook. Get the encouragement and motivation you need to create a system you'll actually enjoy keeping up to date. Scrapbook more and faster than ever before when you know just where every holiday snapshot, vintage family photo and piece of digital paper is located.


The class runs May 4-31 (4 weeks). Register today and get the early discount!


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  CZ_LayeredTNo84PREV CZ_LayeredTNo68PREV


CZ_LayeredTNo71PREV CZ_LayeredTNo70PREV


Two blog readers will receive their choice of any five templates from my layered template collection. This includes my Monthly Template sets as well. Templates are for use in Photoshop Elements or Photoshop.

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Published on April 08, 2011 03:00

April 7, 2011

Sigh.

Az


She slays me, this one. In all the good ways, of course.


She puts together really cute ensembles.


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And sometimes she lets me in on the shots.


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Kids. Sigh. So much more than just great accessories, don't you think?

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Published on April 07, 2011 03:00

April 6, 2011

Meatless March Memories + Project Life

Meatlessmarch


Well, fellow omnivores, herbivores and friends, it's April now which means that my experiment known as "Meatless March" is now officially over.


I held off from ingesting animal protein for a few April days, until Monday night when I whipped up a batch of Lighter Beef Chili and I'm not going to lie: it was tasty.


Here's what I learned in March:


1. I adore vegetarian cooking. From the handful of new recipes I tried throughout the month, I found a few that I will be coming back to again and again. I love how my kitchen smelled of garlic and peanut oil almost daily. I loved discovering new things to cook with (quinoa…who knew?). I love the idea of using plants and grains to create a nourishing, delicious meal.


2. Meat isn't required to make an awesome meal. My family has never been super heavy on the protein as the center of the nightly plate, and luckily I have a hubby who also agrees. (Or at least he knows where the nearest White Castle is for a six-pack of sliders for a pre-meal nosh.)


3. I thought by not eating meat I would magically lose more weight. I didn't. In fact I gained, but I can't blame that on vegetarian cuisine. No. That would be from numerous bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios, for starters. And Honey Nut Cheerios are loved by meat-eaters and veggies alike!


4. I will change where and how often I buy meat. While I am still an omnivore, I'm pledging to only buy meat from stores who buy from farms supporting healthy animal welfare standards, including no hormones and antibiotics. This will mean either my local co-ops, Whole Foods or local farms.


5. I will commit to two nights of meatless main meals for my family. Of course, this doesn't guarantee that everyone will eat them and be happy, but that is what Cinnamon Toast Crunch is for.


6. I love oatmeal. I realize this doesn't flow with the list. I just really wanted to tell you that.


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I have been eyeing the Project Life concept by the lovely Miss Becky Higgins since its original launch. I've been watching what my friend Ali's been doing with hers as well, and I finally decided I wanted to jump in and play with this weekly concept.


I've got The Monthly, which is my own approach to documenting my family's memories each month, but I have fallen off the upkeep, and presently find myself 5 months behind (gasp! say it's not so!).


So when my box arrived last week, I jumped in feet first and got down to the business that is Project Life.


Here's a peek at my first week.


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I added in one extra page protector from We R Memory Keepers, and simply cut it in half to be able to add a few more birthday photos of my girl.


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My favorite save of the week? Capturing Facebook Status updates from my various family members. I used the Mac app "Grab" to do screen captures, then compile them into one Photoshop doc to print. I think this is a cool idea for saving a bit of everyday life from our online worlds. (Okay, so maybe I'm more prolific than the rest of the family when it comes to Facebook. Still, fun idea.)


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So far, so good. I ended up printing all of my photos at home on my trusty HP Photosmart 8750. However, I decided to place an order for some Ilford Gallerie Smooth Pearl 4 x 6 photo paper. I can't deal with printing all of my photos on 8.5 x 11 and trimming. I'm needing to simplify the process and 4 x 6 home printing sounds good to me.


I will keep you posted on my thoughts with this project. I like the idea that already, it's keeping me a little more aware of what's going on in our lives, especially how I can incorporate more of the daily ephemera of life.


And I'm remembering to take more pictures. Ain't no complaints on that one.

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Published on April 06, 2011 03:00

April 5, 2011

Project File: The 10 Things Mini-Album

MainShot1


Last week I got my crafty on and decided to revisit a mini album I'd made back in 2006. The album was called "10 Things That Make Me Happy" and yes, you guessed it, the contents listed 10 things that made me happy. Each spread of the 4 x 4-inch album contained one item and one corresponding photo.


I wondered how things had changed during the past five years. How many things still made me happy? You know, perennials versus trends. So I copied the design by creating a new template for the pages, and started writing. Within about a half hour, I had 10 new items and I was ready to find photos, papers and get down to making the album.


I wanted to show you my finished pages for this very simple hybrid scrapbooking project. (Click on any of the photos to see them larger in a new window.)


1-2


3-4


5-6


7-8


9-10


Repetitive, simple, small, and oh yeah, adorable. It has been so long since I've made a little album that in and of itself, made me happy.


I saved all of the templates in a new set available now at Designer Digitals for anyone who wants to create a similar project.


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You provide the patterned papers, cardstock, jump rings, cardboard and basic scrapbooking supplies, and this set gives you the template pages which are set up as layered PSD files (for use in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements) to create an album of 10 things for yourself.


In this set, I give you ideas for a handful of different "10 Things" themes as part of an illustrated 6-page step-by-step How To PDF that walks you through the production process. The themes that come as part of interchangeable PNGS are:


albums that changed my life
moments I want to remember
movies that mattered to me
of my most favorite photos
people that I most admire
places that are close to my heart
songs I will never get sick of
things I love about you
things that make me happy
things you might not know about me
tv shows that rock my world


You just need to add the "10" either with chipboard numbers, stamps or stickers. If none of these appeal to you, you can create your own with a customizable title strip template.


Note: Even non-Photoshop users can use the templates, as there are printable PDFs included for both title strips and pages. (Non-PS users must handwrite their journaling.) Fully layered digital files are inlcuded for digital scrapbookers as well.


This album took me about an hour to make in all. I think it could be a really charming idea to make a "10 Things I Love About You" gift album for a child, a friend, or a partner as well.


If you have any questions about this album or the template set, don't hesitate to ask.


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ALBUM SUPPLIES: 10 Things Mini Album Layered Template set (Cathy Zielske) • patterened paper (October Afternoon) • cardboard • jump rings • cardstock (Bazzill Basics)


 

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Published on April 05, 2011 03:00

Cathy Zielske's Blog

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