Note Pad Tutorial

     I just love having a little note pad on hand to jot down little ditties.  Of course, I am a stationery nerd, but note pads truly are great for business promotion, or a thoughtful little gift for a friend.  Here's the cheap and easy way you can make yours at home.

1. Start by formatting a document in Microsoft Word.  Decide what shape you would like.  I chose to maximize my paper use by selecting an A2 (quarters of one piece of letter paper) size.  You could choose whatever size or shape you would like.

 2. Cut paper. I used my handy guillotine paper trimmer, which I couldn't live without.  Then stack paper neatly.

I just wanted to show you some of the detail of my note pad.  I chose to make one as a promotional item for my Etsy shop, Dragonfly Papers.

3. Flip paper over, and lay a cut piece of cardbord or chipboard on the back.  This will provide stability for your note pad.

4. Place pieces of text paper on front and back.  This will serve as a protectant for your pad since smearing on the sealant will get a little messy.  Clip paper together with binder clips.  These can be purchased at any office supply store.  The ones pictured were purchased at Michael's bargain bin for $.16.

5. Smear a silicone based sealant (found at Lowe's or Walmart) across the top of your note pad.  Smooth with your finger.

Here is a picture of the sealant I used.

6. Allow to dry overnight.  Peel protective pages away, and behold your cute note pad, perfect for promotion, gift or just your own personal doodle pad.  Pages will tear away cleanly.

Other suggested ideas for note pads:

Make your own mat stack pad out of scrapbook paper for a friend.

Make a design with your monogram.

Make a pad of tear away coloring pages for your child.

Make a note pad for your shopping lists.

My Favorite Valentine Items

     Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's time to think about cute decorations, scrumptious desserts, and that special someone.  Here are some of my favorite finds from my fellow Etsians.

 

This precious onesie is by codysboutique, and perfect for Valetines, or anytime!

This cutie is from our shop, Dragonfly Papers, and all of our greeting cards ship FREE!

This delicate necklace features your love's monogram.  Made by laurrose, it is sure to make your Valentine one happy girl!

 These tags by Dragonfly Papers are perfect for card making, gifts and favors.

I adore these accent pillows, made to look like Scrabble tiles.  Made by chunkymonkeyluv, they are the subtle touch your home needs for the Valentine's season.

My Steal This Week 1/30-2/5

     People are always asking how I get my deals.  There's really nothing to it.  Couponing is a bit like problem solving--matching up the perfect sale with the right coupons and/or rebates.  Below is my best score of the week, and how I did it.

$21.07 PROFIT!!

      I got this awesome score at Rite Aid.  Their new Video Values for February were just posted.  These are short video advertisements you watch to earn dollars off your next purchase.  This month there are an outstanding $9 FREE to earn by watching these videos, along with valuable coupons as well.  Rite Aid is also running a "Heart Health" campaign where they will give you a $10 Up Reward for every $30 Spent on marked items, or an awesome $20 Up reward for $50 spent.

  

So here's the breakdown:

Coricidin                              $5.99

  -$2 Video Value Coupon

  -$2 Manufacturer's Coupon (Sunday paper)

  +$4 Up Reward   

Coricidin x 2                        $11.98

  -$2Man. coupon (was on Coupons.com)

  -$2 Man. coupon(")

  +$4 Up Reward

  +$4 Up Reward     

Afrin                                     $5.99

  -$2 Video Value Coupon

  -$3 Man Coupon (Coupons.com)

  +$4 Up  Reward

Colgate x 3                           $8.97

  -$1 Man coupon (Sunday Paper)

  -$1 Man coupon (Sunday Paper) 

  +$2 Up Reward

  +$2 Up Reward

  +$2 Up Reward

Other Coupons:

  -$4 off $20 Video Value

  -1 VV

  -1 VV

  -1 VV

Total Cost:                                     $32.93

-Coupons:                                     -$22.00

+Up Rewards                               +$22.00

Bonus Up Reward (when you      +$10.00 

spend $30 on Heart Health promotion)

                                                   

Total  out of pocket                     $10.93

 and $32 Up Dollars for another day= $21.07 Profit!

      Now you may be wondering if I'm going to need all these items.  I give away whatever I don't need to friends and family, and donate the rest to local shelters.  The point is, you can be saavy enough to MAKE money to buy the products you do need, such as toiletries, diapers, etc.  Because of this deal, I now have $21 extra to buy whatever I want!  Stay tuned for next week's deal, and an awesome tutorial on making your own note pads coming soon!

Black Friday Sale on Dragonfly Papers

Head on over to Dragonfly Papers this weekend to get a sweet deal on presents for loved ones and yourself!  Enter code, "BLACKFRIDAY20" to get 20% off EVERYTHING in the shop!  This deal will be good Black Friday through Cyber Monday (November 26-29).

Letters From Santa

Last year's Letters From Santa was a big success, and I am hoping for even more interest this year, because the cause is so near and dear to my heart!

The Cause:Let me tell you a little about a family that is such a total inspiration to me.  Their names are the Ackermanns, and they left literally everything behind to follow their calling to El Salvador where they work with orphans and homeless.  (See website: http://keafamily.org/Home_Page.html) They have lost everything (but gained as well!).  They believe so much in their cause and these children that they have used their own savings to help the project, and have even emptied their 401ks.  Their lives are total self-sacrifice.  In order to keep their mission going, they themselves go through trials, such as having their power shut off.  Would you help me in supporting their cause, and help the children of El Salvador?

The Letters: They will be made with cute Christmas stationery, and will be personalized with your child's name and special accomplishment for the year (ex: Honor Roll, potty training, getting along with sibling, etc.). It will be postmarked at the North Pole so it looks like Santa himself sent it. This year you can choose either a Christian or general message.

-100% of the profits will be donated to Susan and Kurt Ackerman for their orphanage and daily expenses!

Here's what I need from you:

1.Each child's name and accomplishment

2.$5 per child

3.A contact # for you (just in case I have any questions)

4. Let me know if you would like a Christian or general message.

Please send info and payment (cash or check) to:

Mackenzie Boothe 2282 Kings Creek Lane Newport News, VA 23602

I need to receive these by December 5th. If you would spread the word about this project, I would appreciate it.

Thanks so much for your help!

My favorite place to Shop for Christmas

     Well, Halloween is over which means every retailer in America is bombarding us with holiday music and threatening countdowns to Christmas. My husband and I have sworn that this is the year will be celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by spending more of our time and money on people in need, and my family is toning down the over-the-top festivities as well, but that being said, I cannot give up shopping altogether.  I just love picking out the right present for a person, and the anticipation is so great that I've been known to give presents away way before Christmas!  This is not to mention that absolute joy I have buying my kids presents, and watching them tear through the wrapping paper.  As long as we remember our Savior and his love this holiday season, a little shopping never killed anyone, right?
     Over the years, I have developed a tried and true method for Christmas shopping.  Years ago, I actually saved the festivities for Christmas Eve day, but looking back that seems absolutely crazy.  I now start plotting around Thanksgiving, and try to catch some of the awesome sales that start then.  Being a military family, we are always traveling over the holidays, and I have learned that buying stuff online and having it shipped to our holiday destination works the best, especially when we visit so many branches of the family. So the last two paragraphs were just a ridiculously long way to say that today I will be sharing some holiday shopping tips with you.
1. Black Friday- If you can handle it, the deals on the day after Thanksgiving can be absolutely amazing.  That being said, take it from someone who semi-seriously considered suicide while standing in line at a Children's Place last year: sometimes it is just not worth it.  If you live in a somewhat rural place it may totally be worth your while.  Newspapers reveal flyers for the event a day early, but searching many websites will give you sneak peeks way early.  Here are some: 

www.bfads.net

www.blackfriday2010.com

www.blackfriday.info
 www.Gottadeal.com

2. Overstock.com- I have never used this site, but people rave about it all the time, so I might give it a shot this season.  They feature $1 shipping, no matter how much you buy.  That can really come in handy on those heavy items.
3. Bidz.com- this website is kind of like Ebay on crack.  I have found some EXCELLENT deals on this site, which features bidding on jewelry and more.  It is very fast-paced, but I have found that if you stay up late at night there is less competition.  Get high-quality jewelry for a fraction of the price!
4. Etsy.com- This website is like Ebay, only everything is handmade.  Support local artisans, or get a one-of-a kind piece from someone across the world.  They offer everything from jewelry to stationery, to clothing, toys, furniture and more! Prices are generally very reasonable. Support the handmade movement!
5. Ebay.com- since I mentioned two sites "like" Ebay, I might as well give credit to the real McCoy.  I have found so many heartfelt gifts on this site over the years.  I think many people shy away from it because it may seem slightly tacky, but I can't tell you many awesome finds I have had on here.  Not only do I find awesome prices on crafty things like Cricut cartridges and accessories, I one year found an antique pencil box that so closely resembled my mom's childhood one that it brought tears to her eyes.  You could search and search through every antique store in your area and not find what Ebay has a hundred of.

     Well, this article either seemed horribly obvious, or gave you some new ideas.  Either way, I wish you the best in your shopping, and hope you avoid the homicidal urges which so often accompany the joys of the season!

A Tribute to Nancy Drew

     Growing up, I just couldn't get enough of super-sleuth Nancy Drew and her adventures.  Still to this day when I see a well-loved, yellow covered book, the little girl in me wants to flip through the pages and see what capers Nancy will encounter.  While it is not exactly socially acceptable for a grown woman to devote hours to reading childrens' books by herself, what is all the rage are vintage items that conjure up that reminiscent feeling in us all.  Pair that with the green movement and you see a lot of vintage items being upcycled. Upcycling is the process of changing a vintage item into something with a totally different use.  It is a great way to hold on to the old while incorporating a new, functional item.  There are many great items out there, however today's tribute is to Nancy Drew, a wholesome girl who never aged over the ages, and will continue to find her place in the lives of women young and old.    

This secret hideout for your valuables is by Secret Safe Books on Etsy

This typewriter key necklace features a tiny picture from a Nancy Drew book.  It was made by lizzybleu on Etsy.

This Nancy Drew book was made into a clock, and was made by teamawesomebaby on Etsy.

This book has been turned into a journal intermixed with blank pages and pictures from the original story.  It was made by yours truly, Dragonfly Papers.

This book has actually been made into a purse!  Genius!  Made by retrograndma on Etsy.