You Look Smash*ing, Dear!

It may be the teacher in me, but I suuuure do love me some organization!
I also drool over the Erin Condren planners just as much as the next girl....

BUT I am not about to spend $50 on a planner that isn't exactly what I want.
That makes me sound like a bitch....but what I mean is, don't you also love when your planner is unique to you?
Then perk up and listen about my new purchase that is smash-ing if I do say so myself ;)


SMASH Journals (not a journal at all, though, sorry Judy Blume types)

I was out at different craft stores with my sister and momma bear to look at wedding supplies (for my sister, not me, silly ones) when I saw this section of "scrapbooking" items that ended up being filled with all of these goodies:

{all of the items before tearing them open and crafting --

how freaking adorable, am I right?!}

They have over four different types of "journals" to choose from. I myself got the "pretty style" but others include "eco" or "retro" which are other great options. The pages are filled with random drawings, cardstock in different print, and different "titles" -- it's more or less an organizer for your life rather than a day-to-day planner with calendars. I posted some photos of the pages below:

{the bottom right photo is one of the pockets I bought --

comes in a set of four & you can glue them in with the

attached glue stick! & of course I added the cute polka-dot tape!}

The great thing about this company is that a ton of accessories come with it (well not with the book, but for the book you can buy separately)....and if you don't already know, I have a slight problem when it comes to accessories. You can buy tabs, post-its, pockets, and other items to make this "planner" your own....and all of them are so damn cute. I chose some solid tabs, others with designs, and two straps that keep the book compact when in your bag.....this is how mine looks when closed:

{I chose to use the black&white closing strap -- 

OH and those are my keys for my classroom....also cute.}

SO how is this book unique? Well, I wrote on a bunch of different tabs, glued them in with the pen/glue stick that comes with your chosen style of journal and made it entirely my own. I even took a piece of paper from the "pad" I bought for it and made a nice little label on the inside:

{very circus-like, love the old-timey feel!}

I chose to create tabs for things I always tell myself I will write down.....but never do. What is that you may ask? Well, an exercise page, a section for books I want to read, an "important" things to do page, and even a goals page that I have been meaning to start fo'eva now! Some of those pages look like this:

{tabs include sayings like "exercize is power" and "2 read is 2 learn" --

love how you can write whatever you want for the tabs!}

So, like I said, this is the planner/journal/organizer for the gal who already has a day-to-day calendar -- OH, and I should note that I found all of this at Michael's Craft Store after seeing it at Jo-Anne Fabrics first and it was cheaper AND 20% off......meaning ALL of the goods you saw in the first photo were $24 total. YES. I kid you not, of course, because that would just be mean.
The 20% deal runs until the 20th of February at my local Michael's, so you should run (not walk) to the closest one to you and grab these goods! I plan on going this weekend again to get even more tabs and fun items for my book.
If you decide to do the same, please post photos and let me know! I was beyond excited to bring all of my items home to make my customized book and I hope you have just as much fun with yours :)


It should go without saying, but this is not a sponsored post. I was just that excited about this new find! If you're more of an online type, check out this site to search for your own goods ;) ALSO check out their blog for some ridiculously awesome inspiration on how others have made their SMASH books entirely unique to them! (It is truly amazing....)


Until next time, I'm going to go and write down goals or draw some awesome doodles, have yourself a fantastic weekend................

Christmas Crafts with a GUEST BLOGGER

Considering I have very few crafty bones in my body (& the ones I do possess are pathetic, at best), I've asked one of my dear blogging buddies to conjure up some holiday crafts to get everyone thinking of snow, sugar plums (what are these anyways?!), and Santa!

If you've never had the pleasure of checking out her blog, please do so to thank her for giving you such fan-tabulous craft ideas to make sure your holiday is bright ;)

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Hello everyone! I am so excited to be a guest blogger on SS's amazing blog! I am the writer behind Little Ramblings. I love fashion, makeup, music, movies, etc., and you can find all of this and more on my blog! Today, I will be sharing some of my crafty DIY centerpieces to help you prepare for the holidays!   

Cranberries & Pebbles.

This first centerpiece is my favorite. It is simple and so elegant. Another plus about this centerpiece is how affordable it is! I bought the vase and glass pebbles at The Dollar Store, so that's a grand total of two dollars. I picked up the cranberry branches at Jo-Ann Fabrics last year so I am not certain of the price, but I believe they were on sale for about one or two dollars. They can be found at any craft store, too!

{This decorative piece would be a great centerpiece, but it could also be placed 

on a mantle, side table, or even in a bedroom for a sleek and simple decoration.}

Pinecones & Ornaments. 

These two items are not just for the trees. I love the idea of incorporating the outdoors...indoors. There are so many options when it comes to this decoration. You can use a variety of containers (vase, basket, tin box) and mix & match what you put inside of each!

 {I love pinecones and the rustic feel they provide. By adding simple, solid colored ornaments, a chic and simple ensemble is created. My favorite design is the vase with pinecones and ornaments. I love mixing gold and red together. They are the perfect holiday colors for anything and everything. This would look gorgeous on a table with a couple candles surrounding it. Very romantic! You could also place these decorations on a bookshelf, side table, or any nook and cranny that could use a little holiday cheer!}

Bright & Beautiful.

I love the bright and cheerful colors of this decoration. It might be the simplest project because you probably already have what you will need lying around your house already. All you need is a giant bowl and ornaments of your choice!

{The colors and designs on the ornaments remind me of something Cindy Lou Who would put together in The Grinch. The giant glass bowl makes just as much of a statement as the bright baubles. I picked up these beautiful ornaments at The Dollar store, as well! That place has some great stuff if you spend some time looking. I picture this piece in the middle of a table filled with snacks and treats to add a little extra glam. It would also make for a fun centerpiece!}

I hope you enjoyed this little DIY post! I would love to see your versions of these centerpiece ideas! I hope you have a great holiday season! Thanks again for having me SS!

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Thank YOU so very merry much, Little Ramblings, for spreading holiday cheer on my blog today. I love these ideas and will do my darn best to incorporate them into my Christmas decor! My personal favorite decor item this season (aside from presents under the tree!) is a Christmas tree candle! I absolutely love the scent of a fresh tree and am glad candle companies jar that shit up so I can have it before our actual tree is cut down and put into our home! (Which is happening later today, woot!)

Until next time, check out my blogging buddy's page and have a very merry time utilizing your Christmas crafts...........