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Lemon Cupcakes
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 214,965
July 2005
Posts: 2,004
Layouts: 43
Loc: Under The Stars
 |  Posted: 2/20/2013 8:29:48 PM
I know, it's a to each their own thing. I'm trying to find "my own". 
We have a very set routine in my house with both parents working and kids in school 5 days a week, plus sports practices Tues-Thurs & Sun and all day sport events on Saturdays, sometimes all weekends. We also have band practice Mon, Tues, Thurs and competitions on Saturdays. We don't get much time for "life". I started PL and then thought that I really didn't want to document the boring stuff we do week in-week out. I thought maybe monthly format would work, but there are weeks when we have some really cool stuff going on, like visiting San Francisco the first weekend of February.
I'd love to see some examples of middle of the road PL's. Or how you spice it up when there ain't much happening. I thought we could make things happen, but I rarely have all my kids with me at the same time and with softball, football and cheer on the horizon, it's going to get worse, lol.
The flip side is maybe someday down the road the kids will love seeing how involved they were in activities and how much commitment was involved.
A couple of ideas I had were weekly odometer readings and our set schedule printed out with "extras" penciled in, lol.
I'd love some more ideas or thoughts. |
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PolarGreen12
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 319,638
May 2007
Posts: 2,697
Layouts: 24
Loc: Tulsa, OK
 | Posted: 2/20/2013 8:34:12 PM
I'm not a PLer. But what about just doing a 2 page monthly highlight spread? That would still capture their day to day lives but wouldn't be so repetitive. |
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Momof5Rats
PeaNut
PeaNut 520,755
September 2011
Posts: 179
Layouts: 0
Loc: Ohio
 | Posted: 2/20/2013 8:43:13 PM
I feel the same way. I'm single, work 3rd shift, no kids, all I pretty much do is sleep, eat, watch tv, get on Pinterest  , and play with my 4 rats. And I scrapbook, make cards, photography when I'm in the mood. I'm wanting to start PL but no blue where to start.
So I'm in the same boat. |
Proud mom to 4 very loving RATS!
Velma, Frieda-Fred (Plumpy, Harley & Davidson
www.Pinterest.com/ratsrme
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journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,526
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
 | Posted: 2/20/2013 8:45:47 PM
I have a similar lifestyle and don't find it boring at all  I guess I'll just list some things I've included photos and/or journaling of and see if they spark anything for you:
- sign at the carpool lane I see many times per week
- random photos of sports practices including child w/coach (which is hard to get during games because they are busy)
- full grocery cart at Costco w/receipt tucked into journaling slot
- scenery from the country roads I drive each day
- funny signs and license plates
- a car covered in bumper stickers that is the total opposite of my views (it gave me a chuckle)
- weather (raindrops on the window, screen capture of our forecast when it showed 70, 70, 70, and 70 for the next 4 days, striated ice on my car hood this morning, etc)
- kids holding an award they got
- cows out on the road
- a traffic accident I witnessed
- new shoes
- a list of errands we ran after school
- coffee and a book on the table as I killed time between appointments at a coffee shop
- new recipe I made up (healthy pizza) with a pic of it
- store we went to the opening of
- the anal way I hang tee shirts in color order
- stacks of laundry from an average day
- a favorite new wine from TJ's
- flowers on the table
- view from our back patio
- deer on the roadside
- weekly We Read and We Watched list with each family members' books and the movies we watched together
Okay, I'll stop now. You get the idea I guess these things don't sound all that "exciting" but boy do I love paging through my album already. I'm capturing all these little details of our lives. They will come and go and that's what keeps life interesting!
I don't think you have to create events or have the whole family present. Just take photos that represent your real life. That's what I'm doing anyway |
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journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,526
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
| Posted: 2/20/2013 8:50:44 PM
I wanted to add something: I notice as I look and read through my PL that it's really revealing my personality. My sarcasm, sometimes cynicism, humor, love of nature, efficiency, and what a busy schedule I deal with. Not only does it kinda' make me proud  , but I hope it will be something of a gift to my kids. I'm not just "mom" the chauffeur and cook. I'm a whole person, kwim?
So maybe recording all these "boring everyday" things is quite the favor to ourselves and to our kids. |
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MississippiScrapper
PeaNut
PeaNut 478,124
August 2010
Posts: 309
Layouts: 1
 | Posted: 2/20/2013 9:41:48 PM
oh my goodness Journeyfan....I love your list and will keep this handy for my PL weeks that are a little "skimpy" this years |
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tallyscrapper
PeaNut
PeaNut 323,845
June 2007
Posts: 681
Layouts: 3
Loc: north florida
| Posted: 2/20/2013 10:19:31 PM
Journey Fan, I love your list also. Thanks for posting, I was just about to talk myself out of continuing with PL. I just needed to read your list. My kids are both in college and don't live with us so I kind of feel like we are a little boring. I did do PL for 6 months the last half of my son's sr. yr. in high school and wish I had stuck with it or even better yet wish it was around when my kids were younger. I am determined to at least do 1 year of our everyday life. I do try to get a picture of the highlight of day. Like yesterday my daughter had concert so that is picture from yesterday and today my nephew's picture was in newspaper so that will today's picture. I will have to use some of your ideas for days where there isn't much going on. I'm going to keep with it. |
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Lemon Cupcakes
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 214,965
July 2005
Posts: 2,004
Layouts: 43
Loc: Under The Stars
| Posted: 2/20/2013 10:57:53 PM
That is a good list. Thank you!
I have some weather screenshots. I work from home and the kids ride the bus to/from school, so the only time we're driving is to practice at night mostly. I'll have to get my DD to take pics for me if we see something interesting on the way.
Ironically, I just got my notice that I'm off the wait list for Studio Calico's PL kit. Maybe that is a sign? 
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Chihuahuax3
PeaAddict
PeaNut 431,254
July 2009
Posts: 1,183
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/20/2013 11:01:38 PM
Awesome list! I may have to try PL again...failed last year. | |
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spoonpea
PeaNut
PeaNut 175,983
November 2004
Posts: 165
Layouts: 0
Loc: Ohio
 | Posted: 2/20/2013 11:13:57 PM
Tallyscrapper
My daughter is in college as well, and I told her I would really like her to be part of my PL as she is a part of the family whether at college or home. So she sends me pictures via text or I steal some off of FB. I told her I really only needed one picture a week from her to show what she was doing in life, but would take as many as she sent!! Lol. I love that she is included!!
Fran | |
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KatyLouWho
You Wanna Peas of Me?
PeaNut 249,656
February 2006
Posts: 4,986
Layouts: 94
Loc: New York
| Posted: 2/21/2013 1:44:25 AM
Wait, wait,wait. JourneyFan. You said a new wine you liked from TJs? Please share! |
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desflo
BucketHead
PeaNut 35,086
April 2002
Posts: 982
Layouts: 0
Loc: New Braunfels, TX
 | Posted: 2/21/2013 1:46:07 AM
Thanks journey fan. I've bookmarked this post. Those are really great ideas and you have a nice view as well. I agree that what seems boring to us now will likely seem interesting by the end of the year. Imagine if your mom or dad did PL when you were growing up. I'd give anything for that. We have so many life occurrences on a daily basis that go forgotten. With Project Life we can archive those memories and really provide family members with a true book down memory lane. |
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NickiT83
PeaNut
PeaNut 560,243
July 2012
Posts: 47
Layouts: 4
| Posted: 2/21/2013 1:53:44 AM
@Journey fan - thankyou for a great list! I will be using some of those ideas for sure | |
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FLCindy
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 154,236
June 2004
Posts: 5,089
Layouts: 0
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 2/21/2013 7:15:46 AM
Have you scrolled through Becky's blog to get ideas? Have you posted this question on the Peas PL facebook group? You'll find many more ideas if you do those things.
2 PS Facebook Group-Project Life |
Cheers from Southeast Sunny Florida!
Cindy
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ScrappyJac
BucketHead
PeaNut 433,506
August 2009
Posts: 650
Layouts: 2
| Posted: 2/21/2013 7:48:50 AM
I actually think this is exactly the beauty of PL....those things that we see as "boring" are the everyday things that truly make up our lives. I am married with no kids, work full time, and typically have a usual routine. However, PL has taught me to appreciate and look for the beauty in that. I find that I am seeking out the everyday moments more than the "big" events, because those are likely to be the things that are forgotten and lost in the shuffle of life. I started back in 2009 with a picture a day format. After doing that for two years, I did decide to step back into a monthly format but give myself the flexibility to use as many/few page protectors as needed.
It is already incredible to look back to the everyday stories from 4 years ago. Everything changes so quickly! I was on the fence about PL back then, and now I am SO glad I jumped in. I LOVE this collection of albums! I know these albums will only get more valuable with time, both for myself and my future children. They are a more accurate view of our life than anything other scrapbooking I have done. Regardless of how "boring" or "exciting" our lives are...it is OUR life and that is worth documenting! | |
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mommamoonrn
PeaFixture
PeaNut 128,766
February 2004
Posts: 3,399
Layouts: 39
Loc: in my scrapbooking room
 | Posted: 2/21/2013 7:57:19 AM
I wish PL had been around when my kids were young. THey are all grown now and well I still scrapbook them, but not like I would have when they were younger. I am scrapbooking my granddaughters and doing them a PL album and really enjoying that! |
Becky
The greatest gift of all was given at Christmastime....
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amom23
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 108,542
September 2003
Posts: 6,366
Layouts: 0
Loc: ND
| Posted: 2/21/2013 8:30:38 AM
I don't do the photo a day approach. Instead I use PL as an easy way to document the photos I do take. I love using divided protects to speed up my scrapbooking. |
_________________________________________________
"When was the last time you did something for the 1st time?" | |
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MeMovieGal
PeaNut
PeaNut 408,786
January 2009
Posts: 472
Layouts: 57
 | Posted: 2/21/2013 8:32:12 AM
PL just does not work for me, although JourneyFan I think your list is great, and I do think that capturing those everyday moments is extremely important for memory keeping. I tried the P365 back in the day, that got me interested because it was more based on the photography rather than the story, but I just have such a routine life and really don't go anywhere on a daily basis - I live across the field from where I work, very small town, no kids. So there just was not enough to take a photo everyday. With the PL project I can see how this works really well for the documentation of those everyday events that we want to remember, however for me, I really don't see how my descendants will care much about my drive across the field every day (by the way I do have that scrapped as a regular 12 z 12 page so it is already clearly documented). I have to say my regular 12 x 12 pages will provide my descendants with a pretty clear picture of who I am.
I must admit, I get kind of jealous of the PLers out there, and all the nifty products geared toward this project. I am so glad for those of you who truly enjoy the process. It is good that for all our varied personalities in this world there are all types of ways to express and document ourselves.
Maribeth
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elphalba
PeaNut
PeaNut 31,845
March 2002
Posts: 460
Layouts: 53
Loc: Poconos PA
| Posted: 2/21/2013 8:45:53 AM
Journey Fan:
I think you just convinced me to start PL! I have been debating it and think it would be fun to start on my birthday. We'll see! |
Erica
Mom to six kids, two pugs and a cat
2013 Layouts Completed: 131
2012 Layouts Completed: 219
MY BLOG
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nesser01
BucketHead
PeaNut 397,756
November 2008
Posts: 542
Layouts: 31
Loc: Massachusetts
| Posted: 2/21/2013 8:56:16 AM
I was thinking about doing project life. I even made a few layouts. My life is far too boring as well. We are a very low key non busy family so I think if I started doing it every week it would get monotonous.
what I've decided to do was just do it on the weeks I feel like it. No strings attached. I'll include those layouts with my yearly albums. I've included things like, the weather, grocery shopping, what happened at school for my son. Etc. |
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melanell
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 26,836
January 2002
Posts: 14,480
Layouts: 86
| Posted: 2/21/2013 10:30:22 AM
Here is someone who does a modified monthly approach to PL.
PL January 2013
She talks about adding pages for the months when there is a special event to include. |
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tortagialla
PeaNut
PeaNut 436,934
September 2009
Posts: 200
Layouts: 152
Loc: Tuscany, Italy
| Posted: 2/21/2013 10:45:57 AM
I know a lot of folks feel that way, that Project life would be too much for their routine life, etc... but I think it's important to note that it doesn't have to be daily... could be weekly or monthly or just whenever you have something to document. It's just another way to get ephemera, journaling and photos documented.
I really like the idea of project life, but don't actually follow the system exactly. I sort of create layouts, but do a mix of smash bookish type thing... that is sort of project life-ish, but not so structured. I like the freedom! |
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crimsoncat05
PeaFixture
PeaNut 273,602
August 2006
Posts: 3,298
Layouts: 99
Loc: Phoenix, AZ area
| Posted: 2/21/2013 10:52:03 AM
I tried to do it last year, the '2-page per week approach' and I lasted through approximately 4 weeks. It was just too much pressure on me, lol! I have a couple things pinned on Pinterest (I'll see if I can find the original links) where the person is doing it more 'randomly' meaning, not by the week, not by the month... just, if something seems interesting, it gets included (and dated). I think that's how I'm going to do mine-- I take random photos now and then, save business cards here and there, random odd stories / notes, etc. but these things aren't 'SB-layout worthy' in my opinion, if you know what I mean. To me, using the divided page protectors sounds like the way to go for this sort of 'random' stuff.
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"Accepting anything without question is the antithesis of critical thinking and education. ~wren*walk, 8/20/12"
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papergoddess
PeaNut
PeaNut 529,899
November 2011
Posts: 179
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/21/2013 11:19:06 AM
I don't have kids and I still do PL just for fun. I'm a no pressure, non-strict scrapbooker, so I just do whatever feels good in the moment.
Some ideas for you...since you have 3? kids? you could almost take up a month just highlighting one child's events a week, plus you and spouse. Add in conversations you had with kids, funny words they are saying or jokes they are telling.
What tv shows you watched, movies you saw, book you read. Your own thoughts/reactions to news stories in the world. What you ate that day.
Another interesting approach would be to use it more like a journal just for yourself and add your thoughts about what your kids/family is doing at the moment, would be a nice keepsake for them in the future.
To not make PL overwhelming, I'm just doing a 6x8 format, so I only need like 1 or 2 pics a week. I posted my first few weeks on my blog, but of course I am not up to date, but not worrying. I at least record the week's events on a google doc to make sure I don't forget.
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Superscrapilicious
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 292,039
January 2007
Posts: 2,489
Layouts: 40
Loc: Southeast Texas
| Posted: 2/21/2013 11:22:18 AM
Lemon, I work from home and I think I live a boring life. My daughter is a Junior this year...here is a list of pictures I wish I took:
. Her back pack in elementary school (it was soo huge)
. Kept a typical homework page that reflects her handwriting
. a picture walking into the school when I dropped her off
. a picture of her waiting in the front car rider line when being picked up
. a picture of the boy that had a huge crush on her (who ended up being the hottie in high school).
. a picture of where she stood for the bus stop when she wanted to ride the bus stop
. a picture of a typical breakfast for her..it changed through the years
. a picture of her as she woke up or going to bed
. typical dinner (she loveds mini sausages in bbq sauce..she denies it now)
. wearing her soccer uniform (so big but the smallest they had)
. riding her bike on the trails near our house
. her car booster seat that she used until 3rd grade because she was able to sit higher and see more
. the car we had for the first 5 years of her life
. Her eating pudding while she sat on the edge of treadmill
. her playing with her friends in her room or outside
. at a cookie shop in girlscouts
. her very messy room with cars all over the floor
. her praying at night before she went to bed
. her shoes
. her plastic high heels that she wore around the house
. lying on the couch watching tv
. a picture of our furniture
. her bedroom (we moved twice)
These are just a few of the things that I remember that I would love to have pictures of. I am sure there are so many memories and images I have forgotten.
If you work form home, what about a taking a picture of your desk from your view (I sat in my chair and took a picture of my desk, computer, one notes on the screen and my coffee mug...my morning ritual at my desk) There was a time it would have been a real notebook but now I use a virtual one
Anyway just a few ideas. |
I am a child of the most high God. He has promised me a plan of hope and a future (Jer 29:11)
He is enthralled with my beauty (Ps 45:11)
He rejoices over me with singing (Ze 3:17)
He bestowed on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning (Is 61:3)
You see my beloved is mine and I am his. (SOS 2:16)
He can be yours too. Just ask. MT7:8
Canon Rebel T4i
EFS 18-55mm
EF 75-300mm
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Cinderelly
PeaNut
PeaNut 566,536
September 2012
Posts: 255
Layouts: 1
Loc: Land of Eternal Snow aka MN
| Posted: 2/21/2013 11:23:16 AM
I haven't been able to get into it either even though I really like the concept. My sister does it and I love looking at hers. I think part of mine is that we don't have kids yet so I don't spend as much time searching out those "everyday moments" that you want to remember. I know a lot of people without kids do PL but between that and the fact that I'm not a big journaler, PL hasn't been a big draw. Maybe someday... |
"When smiling, the whole world smiles with you."
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thegirlx
PeaNut
PeaNut 556,496
June 2012
Posts: 27
Layouts: 11
Loc: Vancouver, BC
| Posted: 2/21/2013 11:36:44 AM
Sorry this is going to be a long post but I hope it'll help out anyone who might be stuck!
Don't worry about your life being boring. Trust me. This was a major thing for me when I decided I wanted to start PL for 2013. I'm single, I hate going out, I work all day and mostly watch tv at night. And sleep? Boy, do I love to sleep. I also don't have a computer and I don't use a core kit (so my PL is all done with my iPhone, Canon Selphy and of course various papers, embellies and whatnot).
I don't plan anything out, I don't write down what picture is going to go where, I don't do a lot of journaling, I don't usually keep things in order.
Starting off the year I thought to put less pressure on myself I would only do a one page spread for the week, two if more exciting things happened. I'm working on Week 8 now and I have managed to do two page spreads the entire time. I also went to NYC a couple weeks ago and used 8 (yes, eight) inserts.
I have a few "staple" things I do each week that help fill up pockets. I use BH Design A pages. I use a date card in the same top left spot, I use an Elise Joy quote card, I have a piece of corkboard paper in a bottom left pocket where I add random things from the week (reciepts, etc). I do a lot of 3x4 (printed on 4x6) photos. My bottom right pocket is what I call "the good stuff" or "so this happened" and in point form I write out things from my week. I find that if I have consistency it's easier for me to fill up a week, even if nothing exciting happens.
I also include pictures of things I'm really digging that week. Like an album, a tv show I'm hooked on or a book I'm reading. It's not my picture but it's still something that's apart of my life for that week. If I go to a movie, I include the ticketstub on a 3x4 card and I'll print out a picture of the movie poster and include that.
I work on it throughout the week and each spread takes me, maybe two hours if I put a lot of detail into it. I've been doing this for 8 weeks now and I love it as much as I did when I first learned about PL.
If you want to check out photos of my spreads, you can find me on Instagram at @tracyxo_ - hope that helps some people out (if you read it all!)  | |
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JoanneW
BucketHead
PeaNut 81,992
April 2003
Posts: 678
Layouts: 21
Loc: Jersey
 | Posted: 2/21/2013 12:20:26 PM
Lemon cupcake if that isn't living I don't know what is, your life is packed, I feel so dull now. We live for weekends here. But there is always something to represent your life. I am apparently doing project life monthly but I haven't actually started yet  | |
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crimsoncat05
PeaFixture
PeaNut 273,602
August 2006
Posts: 3,298
Layouts: 99
Loc: Phoenix, AZ area
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StoryAngel
PeaNut
PeaNut 457,046
February 2010
Posts: 152
Layouts: 14
| Posted: 2/21/2013 12:33:29 PM
Loving this thread.
In addition to what's already been said, I think people put a lot of (unnecessary) pressure on themselves by thinking they have to categorize "what kind of PLer" they are going to be - weekly, monthly etc. That's fine if that works for you, but I think the more important thing is, if you want to do it, HOWEVER you want to do it, then just do it! And it doesn't have to be the same, either. If you want to do a layout that shows just 1 day - fine. If you want to cover 3 months in another layout - also fine. Of course, some people do like the uniformity of everything being the same, but I'm just saying that the "timescale" used shouldn't be a barrier to getting started.
I'm firmly of the opinion that if you want to do some type of PL album, whatever timescale you use, whatever you want to put in there, it's totally ok. It's all "memory keeping" and ultimately further down the road I think most of us will just be grateful that we did something, and won't worry too much about the things that stress us out right now.
(Oh, and for the record, I'm married, no kids yet, work full time, and doing a sort-of monthly PL but # of layouts depends on what's going on) |
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journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,526
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
| Posted: 2/21/2013 1:16:30 PM
Glad you guys found my list helpful! I'm getting so many ideas on this thread too. As I was driving home from dropping kids off this morning, I thought of even more. To me, the possibilities for this project are endless and I'm having a blast with it.
Wait, wait,wait. JourneyFan. You said a new wine you liked from TJs? Please share!
Well, I don't know if they're new to TJs but they were new to me. I love Italian whites and here is what I got: Gaetano D'Aquino Pinot Grigio and Villa Sonia Pinot Grigio Venezia. Yum! |
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Pinkalicous
PeaAddict
PeaNut 515,180
July 2011
Posts: 1,525
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 2/21/2013 2:18:14 PM
..: swoon :.. this thread!! |
Queen of Pink in my house of blue.
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sorfammom
PeaAddict
PeaNut 418,377
April 2009
Posts: 1,138
Layouts: 26
Loc: SE Wisconsin
| Posted: 2/21/2013 2:49:29 PM
We don't get much time for "life".
All of the things you're doing every day IS life. It's your life right now and will differ from your life in 5 years, 10 years... Why not do a monthly format, that way you can capture the details specific to your life now without feeling like you're documenting too much boring stuff. I'm now an empty nester and wish I had documented our "boring" every day life of when my kids were small. | |
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thegirlx
PeaNut
PeaNut 556,496
June 2012
Posts: 27
Layouts: 11
Loc: Vancouver, BC
| Posted: 2/21/2013 6:16:24 PM
Hey crimsoncat05, I could post my PL spreads up on my account here but I'm not sure how to do that or what kind of category they'd go under
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angelbretsmom
PeaNut
PeaNut 364,931
February 2008
Posts: 13
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/21/2013 6:38:24 PM
I have been on the fence about doing project life as well, I have one daughter and she is away at University... and when she comes home she spends most of her time with her BF... Just not sure if there is enough for me to do a day to day PL with just hubby and Myself and our animals..lol
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nerdnest
PeaNut
PeaNut 537,584
January 2012
Posts: 42
Layouts: 78
| Posted: 2/21/2013 7:05:15 PM
Everyone who just listed their life as "boring" then listed a TON of interesting things that they do! I think it's just hard to look past your routine to find things that don't seem too repetitive to you. I try to think in terms of what will be different in a few years. Sure, my daughter fills out a reading log for school every week, but she won't be doing that forever! Her abilities and the level of books she's reading will change. Scores of games will be different. We'll re-arrange our house. Our neighborhood will change. The technology we use will change. The things we read and watch and are interested in will change. For me, it's much easier if I think of what will be interesting to look back on a few years from now vs. how everything seems the same right now. | |
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Pat in Ohio
PeaNut
PeaNut 127,992
January 2004
Posts: 300
Layouts: 11
Loc: Ohio
| Posted: 2/21/2013 7:13:18 PM
I'm about as boring as they get. My days and weeks all feel the same. That said, here are some of the things I add to my PL week:
- New foods from the grocery store
- Changing seasonal decor around the house
- My weekly progress at weight loss and gym accomplishments
- 52 Lists
- What's blooming or growing in the garden
- Home improvement projects
- Events from the news and my thoughts (i.e. Pope steppin down, meteorite hits in Russia)
- Quotes I want to remember
- What I'm reading, what I want to read
Just a few ideas to add to the list. | |
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*kaleidoscope*
Leader of the Banned
PeaNut 52,171
October 2002
Posts: 17,509
Layouts: 105
Loc: Froogville
| Posted: 2/21/2013 7:13:58 PM
I don't get it. (ok, first of all, I hardly think being busy is boring)
Project Life is about recording everyday life, isn't it? (IDK - I don't do it but that's my guess.) Well, if your life is boring and basic - well, that's still a snapshot of a year of your life, isn't it? It's not about swinging from one party to the next so that people will find it interesting. |
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Sunny1213
PeaNut
PeaNut 386,078
August 2008
Posts: 119
Layouts: 12
| Posted: 2/21/2013 7:16:01 PM
PL just does not work for me, although JourneyFan I think your list is great, and I do think that capturing those everyday moments is extremely important for memory keeping. I tried the P365 back in the day, that got me interested because it was more based on the photography rather than the story, but I just have such a routine life and really don't go anywhere on a daily basis - I live across the field from where I work, very small town, no kids. So there just was not enough to take a photo everyday. With the PL project I can see how this works really well for the documentation of those everyday events that we want to remember, however for me, I really don't see how my descendants will care much about my drive across the field every day (by the way I do have that scrapped as a regular 12 z 12 page so it is already clearly documented). I have to say my regular 12 x 12 pages will provide my descendants with a pretty clear picture of who I am.
I must admit, I get kind of jealous of the PLers out there, and all the nifty products geared toward this project. I am so glad for those of you who truly enjoy the process. It is good that for all our varied personalities in this world there are all types of ways to express and document ourselves.
Maribeth
Hey Maribeth I'm right there with you! I love what you said about "It is good that for all of our varied personalities in this world there are all types of ways to express and document ourselves." Amen. PL is not for me. I tried and tried to like it but those darn divided pages stiffle every single ounce of creativity I have in me. I can't stand it! Those lines drive me nuts! Also, worrying about finding something to take picture of drove me insane! We don't have kids, I have no one to pass my scrapbooks onto. For me it's about the process of scrapbooking, not the actual memory keeping. No need to keep the details of those daily activities. But, PL did help me start doing one layout a month where I take a picture of me and my husband and journal what happened, what decisions we made or what we didn't do that month. I found that we didn't have any pictures of us together, this way I get one of us every single month. So thank you BH for sparking that in me. But please, all you companies that are going to PL supplies, don't forget about those of us who aren't doing it. | |
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Lemon Cupcakes
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 214,965
July 2005
Posts: 2,004
Layouts: 43
Loc: Under The Stars
| Posted: 2/21/2013 7:32:08 PM
Wow! There are some great ideas here. I need to get on the computer and read them all but what I just skimmed on my phone was pretty neat. I did a screen shot of the weather and my cozi calendar this morning. I'm not giving up yet,lol. |
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paperandglue
BucketHead
PeaNut 320,572
June 2007
Posts: 577
Layouts: 1
Loc: MA
| Posted: 2/21/2013 8:13:20 PM
I am loving this thread and have many thoughts on the subject so please excuse my rambling.
PL is not for everyone so if you don't do PL no big deal. Not everyone likes mists or wood veneers or whatever else there is either.
I call my project "Project MY Life"-life from my perspective. My life is not filled with outings,family get togethers and perfect children. My life is me and my husband and our daughter,19,who is away doing a national volunteer program.
If nothing else, PL has made me more aware of all the bits and pieces that make up my "boring" life-where I go,what I actually do all day and what happens in the world around me.
No weekly or monthly layouts for me. My style is more journal like. Some days (like New Year's) have a bunch of pictures other days nothing. The pictures and journaling go into whatever is the next available space in the pp so it is chronological. That way there is no stress about having enough to fill a certain size layout.
Some things I've included-gas station sign every few weeks (It's gone up 30 cents in 5 weeks!),business card from the dentist and pic of building,desk in my studio-messy after a project then cleaned up, funny things that someone says,car mileage on Monday and again on Sunday,menu from our fave take-out place and the receipt,the people in my life-even took a pic of my doctor ,whatever pics my daughter texts, posts on Facebook and what's going on, who and where (She has stayed in 5 states and traveled through many more since September),a pic of my new mittens. Lots going on in my boring life!
I have a list where I jot down ideas for things to include. A few ideas including some inspired by Lemon Cupcake-
favorite/most frequently made dinner
anything about your pet
price of that prescription you filled
business and appointment cards
price of staple foods-pick a time frame-weekly, monthly-to take pic
favorite anything
pics of the grocery store,post office,any place you regularly go
pic or package from your fave snack or indulgence
your friends/coworkers
where you work/tools of the trade
inspired by OP-
kids in sports uniforms,with teammates,on practice/game field,when is practice?where? what is their record? the coach,team name
what time are music lessons?A pic of the clock at that time,pic of instrument/child with instrument,teacher,why that instrument
pictures of and with their friends-candid and posed
pick a question (fave food,TV show,holiday etc) and pose it to each family member-include their pic and response in their handwriing
I could go on,the more I write the more I think of. These are the things that make up life. I think how cool it would be to see and read these things about someone whether my mom or in a book I bought at a flea market."wow! Gas only cost $3.75?","look at sister's ugly outfit,fashion was so bad in 2013!"can you believe I looked so young?","gramma played softball?"
You get the picture. Whether you are married with a dozen children or a shut in,you have a life worth documenting.
Again,sorry for the extra long post
Sharyn
ETA-Sunny1213,you are doing PL-your way . No one says you must use divided page protecters! | |
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shannaholmstrom
Baby Pea Step
PeaNut 510,909
June 2011
Posts: 1
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/21/2013 8:16:59 PM
I think you may be confusing Project Life with a Picture a day approach. Project Life can be anything you want it to be. You can do a two page spread every month, every event, every week, etc... I love Project Life. I am currently doing a weekly spread but I have already decided the next one I probably won't stick to weekly, but will do more of an event based one with some every day stuff mixed in. I love the simplicity of Project Life and no matter what else I have going on in my scrapbooking journey I think I will always have some sort of Project Life album going on.
And your life does not sound boring at all! You sound like you are super busy with your kids and I bet your kids would love to look back on what they have going in their lives. | |
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HeatherPrinspea
PeaNut
PeaNut 343,772
October 2007
Posts: 397
Layouts: 780
Loc: Alberta, Canada
| Posted: 2/21/2013 8:44:04 PM
Pl doesn't have to capture just "fun" or interesting stuff. Capture your thoughts, currently watching, reading, thinking, wishing, etc. How are you feeling today. What do you wish for? It can be a documentation of you , your life as you see it, not just what happens from day to day. I remember Ali E saying a long time ago something about mundane things, or the things we think are mundane. She said what if you found a scrapbook by your great grandmother? And it was filled with bits of her day, pics of her coffee cup, a piece of her favourite apron, her favourite quote or tea bag wrapper? Wouldn't you cherish it, wouldn't you just pour over the pages to see more, know more? Your life may seem mundane but its your life and it will change and you may wish for this very mundane routine back again. You don't need a picture a day or any pictures some weeks, or maybe you will have lots of pics and a little journaling. There are no rules, so make it whatever you want. |
Heather
creating for
Anna Aspnes
Creashens
Vinnie Pearce
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LydiaInk
PeaAddict
PeaNut 268,590
July 2006
Posts: 1,903
Layouts: 171
Loc: middle of a 3-boy circus
| Posted: 2/21/2013 11:13:34 PM
Great thread! Thanks for starting it, Lemon Cupcakes. 
I'm a newbie at PL and still feeling my way around and setting my 'rules' and the things that I want to capture. I am loving the way it is starting to shift my perspective on everyday life, even in blah February. It is helping me notice the important little things that I often overlook in my rush to follow the daily routine. Like my middle son's current saying "Somebody's ______ under the collar!" (insert almost any random word). I'd have never scrapped that, buy PL gives me a place to put it.
I wish I had started when my boys were REALLY little. I wish I had started before I got married and had kids. I'd love to have little mementos to remember who I was then. |
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scrapcatz
BucketHead
PeaNut 1,038
July 1999
Posts: 749
Layouts: 0
Loc: In the middle of Mississippi, in the middle of the Deep South
 |  Posted: 2/21/2013 11:37:27 PM
I used to think that too since I only have furry children. But, I've found doing PL makes me look more closely at all the little things around me so I scrapbook those. I also include a lot of quotes and snippets of conversations that I have with friends and family. It's my life - sometimes it may take a few pages, sometimes not. | |
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theshyone
I'm Alive!
PeaNut 266,636
June 2006
Posts: 10,133
Layouts: 37
Loc: Alberta
| Posted: 2/22/2013 6:23:22 AM
I don't know what's sadder: that you don't have time for "life" your words or think you have nothing going on.
Oh my. |
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My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. Jack Layton
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lancene
PEAlicious
PeaNut 65,875
January 2003
Posts: 328
Layouts: 0
Loc: Central California
| Posted: 2/22/2013 11:06:34 AM
Amen. | |
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Lemon Cupcakes
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 214,965
July 2005
Posts: 2,004
Layouts: 43
Loc: Under The Stars
| Posted: 2/22/2013 1:18:44 PM
lol.. been waiting for the snark. Nothing about my life is sad, but thank you. Monotonous, yes. Sad, no. Might want to look in the mirror though.
Now, moving beyond that, big THANK YOU to the other posters. Seriously. It's all about perspective. Even though we do the same things everyday, we do have little things going on that I just completely overlooked. I snapped a photo of dinner a couple of nights ago. It was a new recipe that no one liked, but it was different. Normally in my rush to get between work and practice I would have tossed it and not thought twice about it.
I really like the "what are we into now" ideas as well. I wish I'd have thought of that as the older kids were growing up. But I made a list of things that we might be into so I can have the kids tell me... music, tv shows, etc. I think I know, but I could be missing out on some things and it will be fun to capture their thoughts in their writing.
So really, thanks for the great suggestions. I was up really late last night thinking about it.
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treyaut
PeaNut
PeaNut 427,211
June 2009
Posts: 507
Layouts: 3
Loc: in my scraproom in PA
| Posted: 2/22/2013 1:39:10 PM
I am not a PL'r (per say), meaning I refuse to invest in all the PL product, page protectors, cards, binders, etc. Esp, since I have enough product on hand to open a store and I see 1/2 used kits, etc on this board for sale. I am however a non-traditional PL'r in that I do a traditional 12x12 layout about our week or a special day in that week. It my way of completing 52 layouts in a year and documenting our daily life. Step outside the box, and come up with you own way to document you busy "non-boring" life...come on you can do it. LOL!! |
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2013 - Layouts Completed - 82
2013 - Mini Albums - 5 | |
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Ursula Schneider
BucketHead
PeaNut 97,497
July 2003
Posts: 993
Layouts: 94
Loc: Southeastern Arizona
| Posted: 2/22/2013 5:13:21 PM
I document literally whatever comes across my path. Today, I took a photo of my bible study and my tea cup which is something I do everyday. Or my hubby as he's designing a bracket for a speaker (why, because it demonstrates who he is and what's important to him. Its' not fancy, or exciting, but it is him)
I document the sky, sometimes more than others, or a blooming flower, or the pile of dirty dishes, or laundry, or the tissue box and all the medicine I'm taking while I'm sick, or the color on my nails, or my son covered in snow, my schedule for the day, the food we eat, the places I shop/run errands, the people I see/visit, my pile of paper work, that I had to take my car to the shop, the dentist.
Truly, whatever I am doing is fodder for my PL. In addition, I sometimes use it to journal my thoughts about my life that day, difficult issues we're working through as a family, life philosophy, my playlist that week, what tv shows or movies I watched. The workman who are helping do work at my house/office. The lady I great at the receptionist desk.
I just started in January so there is only the one month up yet, but I'll be continuing to document it. You can find my first completed month
here. |
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