Blog Planning Notebook Tutorial & Printable

Organize your blog posts with this super cute, fun to make, blog planning book.





1. Download and print off the worksheet, found below.

2. Cut each page in half (5.5 inches.) I ran 125 copies giving me 250 pages for my book. Set aside.




For this planner I used paper from My Minds Eye be.loved collection.

3. Cut two pieces of cardstock measuring 6x9. These will be your front and back covers.



4. Cut patterned paper to 4x6 and adhere to the top of your front cover.




5. Cut coordinating patterned paper to 5 1/2x6 and adhere to the bottom.




6. Cut a strip of paper to 1 1/2x6 and adhere just under the top patterned paper.




7. Cut a 6 inch length of matching ribbon and adhere to center strip.



8. Cut two ovals: 2 1/2 and 3 inches. Adhere 2 1/2 oval to larger one. Use stickers, rub-ons, die cuts, or your computer to spell out the name of your blog and adhere to top oval.



9. Cut or punch 4 flowers: 1 1/2 and 2 inches. I used the Walk in my Garden Cricut cartridge to cut these.



10. Adhere title oval using pop dots to the right of the cover. Arrange the flowers around the oval. I used pop dots on 2 of mine. Bend flower petals up slightly for added dimension.

11. Cut a length of ribbon, tie in a bow, and adhere to left side of page as shown.

12. Now that you have a super cute cover, layer your worksheets underneath, then add your back cover.

13. Have spiral bound at your local copy center.

See, told you. Easy and cute!




Blog Planner

Submit Your Posts!

If you would like to be featured here on Simply Savvy, and have a blog post on one of the following topics, email your link to jenni{dot}savvysolutions{at}yahoo{dot}com:

Recipes
Craft Tutorial or Projects
Handmade Gift Ideas
Activities for Kids
Organizing Tips
Family Fun

Fab Feature and Giveaway: Debbie from KringleBerry Kottage

I am super excited to do my first feature! And even better, the feature is on one of my very favorite people; my mom! My mom, known to most as Debbie, has a rockin' Etsy shop KringleBerry Kottage. In her shop she sales everything from cute wallets to handy note totes to crazy fabulous diaper bags.

When I asked my mom to tell me about what inspires her creativity this is what she told me: The thing that inspires my creativity the most has always been NEED. If you need something, you figure out a way to supply that need. When I was 12, my mom told me I could have all the clothes I wanted, IF I learned to sew them. So, she would buy some fabric, I would try to follow a pattern, all the while asking her questions as she was making dinner or cleaning house after she got home from work.

Even though I have a pretty good idea what my mom's typical day is like, I asked her anyway!
My typical day? I'm not sure. They're all different. Some days I do nothing but sew. Other days I enjoy playing with the grandkids, or playing the piano, or about a hundred other things. I enjoy trying all kinds of different crafts. Through the years I've done tole painting, oil painting, knitting and crocheting, and just about every other kinds of craft imaginable. When I actually have time (and when Christmas is coming on) I enjoy making my river rock Nativity sets.

She doesn't have a lot of free time, but when she does she loves to read a good book or bake.







Here is a look at KringleBerry Kottage's one-of-a-kind note totes.

I asked my mom what item from her shop she couldn't live without, and she told me:
The one product in my shop that I could not live without, on a personal level, would actually be two things. I love the note totes and the wallets. I carry them with me everywhere I go. Sometimes if I don't want to carry my entire purse with me into the store, I throw my debit card and phone in my note tote, push my purse under the seat, and run in the store with everything I need in hand. Other times, I simply rely on my wallet for my Sam's card, debit card, money, checkbook, etc. etc. etc. I love them both! And even though I don't personally use one any more, I love my diaper bags, if I do say so myself. They are REVERSIBLE! You can turn them inside out and back again as many times as you want. You get 2 bags in 1. And I make changing pads, diaper clutches and note totes as sets to go with the diaper bags. I wish I had thought about making one for myself about 33 years ago when I first needed one.

These diaper bags are an original of KringleBerry Kottage and super fab! Here's a peak:



Now for the exciting part! Debbie has graciously offered to give away a wallet from her shop. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite item from her shop is and which wallet you would choose if you are the winner. Simple!

For a second chance, become a follower of Simply Savvy and leave me a second comment letting me know. If you already follow me, leave a comment for your second chance.

The giveaway will close Wednesday, June 23 at 10:00 pm. A winner will be randomly selected and announced Thursday morning. Good luck!

Stuffed Jumbo Shells

12 oz. package jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package directions
3 cups cottage cheese
12 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
sprinkle of garlic powder
sprinkle of oregano
26 oz. spaghetti sauce ( I like to use Hunt's brand for this recipe)

Mix together cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir in eggs, garlic, and oregano; mix well. Stuff mixture into shells.

Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Place shells open side up, and close together in pan. Spread remaining sauce over top and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Served with garlic bread and a green salad or canned green beans, this makes a yummy and easy dinner!

School Work Binders

This is a super simple way to keep the school work clutter under control! At the beginning of each year I fill a large binder full of page protectors. When Jaxson brings home papers that we want to add to his binder we just toss it in. I've heard a lot of people say that they take pictures of art projects, toss the actual project and just keep the picture, but we like to have the original. We just fold those up and slip them in a protector as well.

I attach a picture of him on the first day of school to some cardstock and I have him write his name. I love seeing how his handwriting improves each year! Then I write the year on a slip of cardstock and put it in the side pocket and wahlah! A cherished keepsake.

Father's Day Gift Idea: Treat of the Month Club

Here is a fun and easy gift, perfect for any man on your Father's Day list this year. After all, what dad wouldn't want a year's worth of yummy treats? Here's the how to:

1. Obtain a cute container. I found this one at Michael's for $3. Then I just cut a piece of scrapbook paper down & slipped it inside of the pail. Next, attach a few lengths of ribbon to each side of the handle.

2. Fill with a stack of dad's favorite cookies or other treat.

3. Print out the recipes and the gift tags found below.

4. Attach the gift tag with ribbon. It reads: "Congratulations! You have been enrolled in the Treat of the Month Club! As a member, you will receive a delicious, home-baked treat each and every month for the next year! Happy Father's Day!

The next page has the months listed along with the corresponding treat and the day of the month dad can expect his treat.

5. Give to dad and watch his eyes light up with joy! OK, maybe not, but it is a nice change from the standard necktie.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

3/4 cup margarine or butter
1 3/4 cup flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 t. baking powder
1 t. vanilla
1/4 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
2 cups rolled oats
1 package milk chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl beat butter or margarine with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add flour, brown sugar, sugar, egg, baking powder, vanilla, baking soda, and cinnamon. Beat till thoroughly combined. Stir in oats. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-12 minutes or till edges are golden.