Brandi Kay Designs Blog

Goodies That Have Caught My Eye

Brandi — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:19:18 +0000

I really really really want one of these! The book junkie in me is super excited! The “trying to get out of debt” me reminds me that I won’t be splurging for a long time! Bummer. Definately worth looking at though.

Dickerson Family

Brandi — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:29:50 +0000

Just found this site that makes video slideshows. Pretty cool. http://www.Animoto.com

Cards for Heroes

Brandi — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:41:50 +0000

CK has teamed with Cards For Heroes for their Mesa convention. I thought it would be a good time to tell a little about CardsForHeroes and what they are about. You can visit their site at http://www.cardsforheroes.org

MISSION
To support our nation’s armed forces by sending blank greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them.

CURRENT TOTAL 4/12/09
126,731 cards have been sent to our heroes so far!

CARD DEADLINES: Father’s Day: May 8

From a recent press release…

Small beginnings

This project began by surprise in the spring of 2007; crafters had online discussions on the Two Peas in a Bucket Stamping Message Board about what to do with all the creations we had in our homes for which we couldn’t find enough occasions to use ourselves. It so happened that one member of the community was, at the time, stationed in Iraq, and we began sending her cards. Another member provided contact information in Afghanistan, then another in Korea . . . then searching Any Soldier produced unlimited contacts for sending batches of cards.

The discussion thread as well as our personal blog posts began generating more and more interest, and thousands of cards were being mailed out regularly by our shippers.

Growing
In November of 2007, this project became more official with a website, in an effort to consolidate the information and provide an easy way for people to get involved. More and more card makers were finding out about the project, and appreciated the regular updates and reporting done through the website. A print shop donated the printing of our brochure, and those began to get mailed out. Blog challenges, promotional help by bloggers and company websites kept the enthusiasm spreading.

Reputation in the military
As more and more thousands of cards made it to the battlefields, CFH was added to a Chaplain training program for those transitioning into war zones. “They told me to contact you for cards,” said one Chaplain. “I heard they’re great for morale!” Requests for cards continue to come in, and it’s an honor to meet those requests with such incredible cards.

Goodbye Galore, Hello…..Couch?

Brandi — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:08:36 +0000

Our honeymoon in L.A. (the house is Dr. Phil’s)

Many of you know of the scrapbook store that I have worked at for a few years, Scrapbooks Galore. Sadly, Emily has closed the store as of the new year. I was already transitioning into working from home, but this sealed the deal. I have officially been a stay-at-home (actually, work-at-home) mom for a couple months now. I wish I could say I had this great routine and do bunches of work while keeping our house spotless, exercising , cooking nutritious meals…you get the idea. But, well, if you know me personally you are probably cracking up right now.

I am trying to FLY with FLYlady, but sometimes I don’t even get past the getting dressed with shoes. And after getting up super early to get John’s breakfast (just oatmeal…not a big deal) and lunch ready and packed, then getting Cali up and ready for school and sent off…that bed just calls my name. Most days I sit on my little end of the couch and work on my computer all day (between “will you play with me?”, chicken nuggets, and “can I –insert a question that the answer is no—?” anyway). Balancing all of this stuff has been interesting. Lol.

I am so thankful though that I get to stay home with Cali. She may be changing schools and going where her half sisters go next year. We would have her half the week and her mom would have her half the week. My little heart is breaking:( I love waking her up and picking her up from school and cuddling on the couch with her. She said she wants to keep things like they are-school here and mom’s on the weekend, but I have a feeling it isn’t going to turn out that way.Besides driving 30 minutes to school instead of one minute, I worry about her having someone to go through her schoolwork and being attentive. Her mom has 4 kids total, one being a baby, so I know even if she was super-mom her attention is still divided. And that is after she comes hoome from work, exhausted I’m sure. Have I mentioned how blessed I am to stay home?

Enough rambling.

I have been doing Project 365 so I will try to post some of my pics. I’ve neglected this blog for months, so I really need to get going. When I see the hundreds of visits on my blog I feel bad….what are they reading? NOTHING NEW! I’ll try to do better. Cross my heart and pinky swear.

Check this out…

Brandi — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:10:13 +0000

I just downloaded the trial to Smilebox and I’m playing around with it.

Anyone use this? Comments on it?

I know a lady who does all her digi layouts this way….some of them were super cute. Anyway, just an FYI if you wanna share your pictures, videos etc. Let me know what you think.

A video I love

Brandi — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:16:38 +0000

I watched this video today. Having spent two summers in Africa as a teenager, it really moved me. Hope it touches you too.

The Girl Effect

A Sneak Peak

Brandi — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:08:29 +0000

Here’s a sneak peak at the guestbook for my wedding. I made it through Heritage Makers. The guests will sign or write a message in the areas without photos.

I am ready to get the wedding over with! Not in a bad way, but there’s so much to do! I am looking forward to afterwards being home in the evenings without a mile log to-do list. (for the wedding anyway,lol)

A Phone Call from Oprah

Brandi — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:44:03 +0000

Many of you know that I LOVE the Heritage Makers books. I am technically a consultant, but mainly design books for my custom clients rather than sell them to others. Another consultant made this book for Oprah about the passing of her dog Gracie. Oprah personally called to thank her! How cool is that!

I am in the middle of designing a heritage album for a client. I’m trying to get all of the pictures and documents of his father, an apellate court judge, to fit within 100 pages. I am also making an album for myself of the trip we just took to the dinosaur museum.

Time flies…

Brandi — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:31:09 +0000

I keep meaning to write…but I feel like I’ve been running in circles! I can’t believe I didn’t post at all in August.

We took Cali to the dinosaur museum in Norman over Labor Day Weekend. She LOVES dinos. Not the cute little girly ones either…the big scary mean ones are her favorite.

In August Cali turned six and wanted a dragon party. My stepmom helped make this awesome cake. It is a football cake with cookies for the rest.

All I have time for now….

I can see!…….now that I’m 29

Brandi — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:43:52 +0000

So many things going on right now. This last Tuesday I got lasik. I am so excited to be able to see!

I finally found dresses for the girls to wear in the wedding.

John and I have been having a blast swimming with the girls in the pool! At the beginning of the summer she was so proud because she could hold on to the side, lift her hands up for second and grab it again. Before I knew it she’s running and jumping off of the deck! Things change to quickly…..she is getting SO big. This is her and her daddy as he throws her across the pool. Pretty cool shot think.

Convention is coming soon…so much to do and so little time!

Today is my 29th birthday. John and I spent the day with his mom, Cali, and Gabi. We ate lunch at Teds Mexican place and then look Cali to get some new shoes for school. Grandma took Gabi shopping by herself since we don’t get to have Gabi over much.

School starts August 14th. I am SO EXCITED! I’ll be taking Cali Jayne to kindergarten and I am really looking forward to being a part of her school. I’m afraid I’m going to have to tey really hard not to be the overly involved mom! Lol!

All for now….