Stephanie Howell

Top Ten Reasons I Love This Is Us

September 26, 2017

THAT’S RIGHT!!! THE DAY IS FINALLY HERE!

Grab your giant wine glass, chocolate, snot rags, and cozy blanket. This Is Us Season 2 premieres tonight on NBC. I spent every Tuesday in a glass cage of emotion last season.

And Jimmy loves it too! It’s turned into a great weekly “date night” for us. We love watching together and then talking about it afterwards.

Now…my love for this masterpiece is not new. You guys have heard me rant, rave, and blabber about this show since it was created. I love it so much I even memorialized it in my planner this week!

I remember watching the pilot, and grinnning/sobbing at the same time at the end. I knew it was going to be something special and it hasn’t let me down yet!

In honor of tonight’s episode, I thought I’d talk about why I love this show so much. And yes. If you aren’t watching it…YOU SHOULD BE! You can catch up on Hulu.

Okay, in no particular order, here are the top ten reasons I love This Is Us.

1. The depiction of parenthood- I haven’t loved a show this much since…well…Parenthood. This is the first show in a long time that just nails what it’s like to be a parent. And a child. And a sibling. The dialogue is pure perfection. Witty, flawed, self-deprecating, and emotionally convicting. I nod my head almost the entire time.

2. The depiction of adoption- I identify with Randall in so many ways. I identified with William in so many ways. And you bet I can identify with Rebecca and her fear. Such a great depiction of adoption without making it something negative.

3. The flaws- No one is perfect. They all mess up. Rebecca lied to William. She says not very nice things to Jack. She can be selfish. Jack drank too much. Kevin can be self-absorbed and needy. Kate can be a mess. Toby can be a jerk. Randall battles anxiety. I could go on and on…but it’s real. No one is perfect. And it can be maddening to watch in the most dead-on way.

4. Randall and Beth- Oh my goodness I LOVE these two together. At least once an episode Jimmy and I look at each other and say “They are so us!”. My favorite scene (and one that might have been stolen from my actual life, minus the outcome) was when Randall and Beth were on the bathroom floor taking a pregnancy test. Again. Written perfectly.

5. Kate- Chrissy Metz deserved an Emmy for her depiction of Kate. Watching her struggles with self-worth, happiness, and watching her come to terms with the fact that she deserves to be happy…it’s been a joy to watch. And it also quite often leaves me feeling raw. And like I’ve watched something so private, something I wasn’t meant to witness. One of the hardest moments for me in Season 1 was the episode where Kate watched football with her dad every week. I had a swollen face for hours.

6. Jack- Ohhhh Jack. Jack Jack Jack. Jack reminds me so much of Jimmy Howell and the way he is as a dad. He speaks to his daughter with so much conviction, love, and protection. He would do anything for his kids. He approaches parenthood with a sense of humor and yeah…he messes up too. Sometimes I see some hero worship for Jack and some painting Rebecca as the shrew. I don’t think that’s right or fair. He messed up too. And although he was by no means perfect…he was the best dad and husband he could be and I adore him.

7. The time period- I was born at the end of the 70’s and the Big 3 actually have my birthday- August 31! Although they are a few years younger than me, I identify so much with their childhood and have lots of flashbacks watching the show.

8. Randall. Randall. RANDALL.- I can say it a million times and it will never be enough to let y’all know how much I love Sterling K. Brown. I’ve been a super fan every since his days as Roland on Army Wives. The man.can.ACT. And break my heart into a million pieces. There is nothing emotionally manipulative about him. He plays every emotion in a way that is simply just right on. And I swear you can see his heart in his eyes. He is magic.

9. The casting- It goes without saying that this show is perfectly cast. The ONLY character I don’t like is Miguel, and I have to say he was growing on me by the end of season one. The supporting characters are also incredible. Gerald McRaney and Ron Cephas Jones specifically. To be perfectly honest I’m still not happy with the fact that they age Rebecca and Miguel with makeup to play them in the present day. I find it distracting every single time. BUT. I know that no one else could have played those characters.

10. The love- There are so many relationships in this show. And they are all depicted so beautifully. When Kevin left his debut to comfort Randall on the floor, the bond that Kevin and Kate share, the complicated and tenous relationship between Randall and Rebecca…the pure love Rebecca and Jack had for each other…yeah. That’s what it’s all about.

I know this season is going to wreck me. I’m not quite as fixated on how Jack died as everyone else seems to be, but I’m still dreading finding out. I’m most looking forward to watching Randall’s journey. I’m least interested in Toby and Kate. I hope she learns that she is worthy whether or not someone loves her.

What about y’all? What are you most looking forward to?? ? HAPPY THIS IS US DAY!

xoxo

Monday Morning Authenticity

September 25, 2017

Guys. I’m doing that thing again.

The thing where I look at Instagram and feel like a disaster.

You know what I mean. I see the flawless white homes, perfectly wavy Victoria’s Secret hair, and the sun flare.

I see the painted toes and the glossy lips and the perfectly accessorized children.

And I start to feel less than.

WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT ANYWAY?

I am 40 freaking years old. I’m not an insecure teenager. But man…she’s still in there and she still comes out. Nothing can lure her like a perfectly applied IG filter.
So let’s talk. Friend to friend.

This morning I stuck my hand deep into a poopy diaper. DEEP. Like two knuckles deep.

I spilled an entire container of salsa fresca on the kitchen floor. There were chunks ON THE CEILING.

I drove the girls to school in the shirt I slept in and no shoes.

I’m battling Cora over the binkie, Harper over social media, and myself over getting ready to move to Alaska.

I don’t like pumpkin spice lattes.

I’m not wearing makeup. I actually don’t wear makeup unless it’s a special occasion.

My hair is in a ponytail, as always, and I still have thinning spots and gaps.

I’m on my last day of prednisone and I am a speed-talking, speed-cleaning mess.

Cora watches Elmo on a YouTube loop sometimes. I don’t feel bad about this.

I have a load of clothes in the washer that I’ve restarted THREE times.

Harper referred to wings as “bird arms” this weekend. This concerns me.

I just lost a job I really loved and I’m having to make some changes and moves to replace the income. I needed the money- Northern VA with five kids is no joke.

I’m working hard to make my Thirty-One business succeed but I refuse to be agressive, insincere, pushy, or make people uncomfortable.

When Jimmy was out of town this weekend I made the deployment special. This is pasta. With butter. And chunks of ham. The lunch meat kind. We also ate “sister soup”. That’s ice cream with marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and candy corn on top. And then I let them zap it in the microwave. And slurp it down.

I wear yoga pants every day. I have no fancy skin care regimen and I don’t get manicures.

I tried to take a fall picture this weekend and Cora ripped up my mums in the process.

I haven’t been to the gym in three weeks. Last time I went I ended up hiding and reading instead of going to class.

Does any of this make me better or worse than my beautiful IG friends? NO. No it doesn’t. I’m assuming that they aren’t that different from me. I bet they are hot messes too. It’s just hard to remember that when facing the perfect beauty. Many of those accounts are brands. I’m not a brand. Or if I am…it’s a unique brand. HA!

Does any of this have any bearing on my worth as a woman or a mother or a human? NO.

I also choose the pretty parts to show. That’s what we do, right?

No. I don’t want to see the proverbial poop or salsa or arguments on IG. But let’s talk about it more!

Never compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.

So, tell me. How are YOU today? How are you truly? What are your struggles and insecurities and hidden disasters?

I’m not the only one…right?

xoxo

How I Use My Happy Planner™ for Daily Memory Keeping

September 22, 2017

Happy Friday sweet friends!

I’m back today with another blog post related to memory keeping. A couple of weeks ago I blogged about my love for the Heidi Swapp Storyline collection for documenting memories and occasions. You can find that post HERE.

I use that system in conjunction with the Happy Planner™ Memory Keeping system and these two brands/systems work PERFECTLY for me. Between the two, I’m documenting everything.

So…let’s talk. I know y’all have a lot of questions about this system and I’ve heard plenty though my social media channels, as I’ve been sharing for a bit.

Here are some of the main questions I’m often asked. Throughout the questions I’ve scattered the photos of the pages of my album.

Q: Why are you using a planner for memory keeping? Are you writing down your appointments? How is this different than scrapbooking?

A: It’s not. This isn’t a planner. It’s manufactured by the Happy Planner™ which is a planner brand, but this is scrapbooking. It’s everyday memory keeping. It’s another form of PL, or pocket scrapbooking, or journaling. This is not my planner. This is an album, a way for me to document every day. To learn more about how I use actual planners, read HERE.

How I Use My #HappyPlanner for Memory Keeping // via Stephanie Howell

Q: What size is this book?

A: Covers – 9” x 11.25” Pages – 8.5” x 11” Rectangles- 1.89″x 2.95″ (close to 2×3 but not quite. That’s why this punch comes in handy) . This means I’m not putting HUGE albums on my shelves. An entire bound book covers a year.

Q: What if you need more room to document?

A: There is a pre-punched cardstock pad I use to add extra room for documentation (see kraft colored page below) . There are also page protectors/photo inserts and you can add ANYTHING to your book using this border punch.

Q: What do you use to embellish your spreads?

A: I use the sticker packs that match this system. They have everything you could possibly need to make your spreads pop. The labels are from my own stash.

How I Use My #HappyPlanner for Memory Keeping // via Stephanie Howell

Q: What do you do if you don’t have enough photos and memories to fill all of the spots?

A: Sticker packs to the rescue! I can add quotes, decorative boxes, borders, etc.

How I Use My #HappyPlanner for Memory Keeping // via Stephanie Howell

Q: What do you use to print your photos?

A: Until recently I was exclusively using my Polaroid Zip . I loved it because it prints photos almost the exact right size for the boxes and you just print and stick. HOWEVER. Recently the prints have been coming out realllly crappy. I’m not sure why and I’m not pleased. I did start a new pack of film the other day and the prints were better so who knows what is going on. I also use my HP Envy printer but I don’t really love it and I’m in the market for a new printer- suggestions welcome!

How I Use My #HappyPlanner for Memory Keeping // via Stephanie Howell

Q: Where can I buy the Happy Planner goodies?

A: Directly from The Happy Planner website or at Michael’s.

Q: What do you do if you get behind?

A: I’m more than three weeks behind right now. EEEEK! I add sticky notes (these are from the Target Dollar Spot) and quickly journal on them to jog my memory later.

How I Use My #HappyPlanner for Memory Keeping // via Stephanie Howell

Here are some detail shots so you can see how I embellish. I LOVE to layer stickers directly on the photos:

If I have a photo that is too small, I just use a sticker from the sticker book as a frame!

Again, all of these cute embellishments come in the sticker packs!

I also filmed a little flip through for y’all. This will give you a good idea of how it all flows together. If you have ANY questions, ask below. I’d love to help!!! I’m so thrilled to be back to documenting!

Happy Friday!

xoxo

Legacy Magazine Launch

September 21, 2017

I am SO HONORED to announce that I’m a contributing writer for the inaugural issue of Legacy Magazine. This is a groundbreaking publication that is intended to uplift, celebrate and inspire servicemen and servicewomen and those who love and support them BUT I really truly believe that ALL of you will find inspiration in the pages of this magazine.

Right now we need y’all to help. We have a Kickstarter Campaign open so that we can get this magazine published and distributed and in the hands of women everywhere!

Legacy Magazine is a substantive, aesthetically-pleasing publication for service member families and their surrounding communities. We believe that every individual is designed on purpose and for a purpose, with the ability to better their communities and themselves through unique experiences, qualities, and strengths. Through a strength-based approach, we incorporate elements of personal narrative, self-development, and creative expression to further equip and inspire individuals in their endeavors. We seek to offer the voice of a friend and mentor during times of celebration, transition, and growth. We believe truth is attractive and that individuals are hungry for substance and depth amidst all the noise. Let us come alongside one another and encourage each other in embracing the season we’re in while we sculpt and refine our messages, missions, and professions.

Okay. So that’s the official blurb from the Kickstarter Campaign. Let me tell you in my own words why I believe in this publication.

It is SO needed in the military community.
It was conceived, implemented, written, photographed, and published by women in the military community.
It’s visually STUNNING.
It empowers women. And military families.

I got to pen a reading article!!! Yes. I’m biased. But IT’S EXCITING.

Did I mention it empowers women? Especially those in the military community?

So many heartfelt articles that I identify with. This one especially.

SWOON- the artwork is amazing.

If you want to see more, so that you can understanding what you are buying and supporting…here is a quick (unedited and awkward but whatevs) flip through I did of the inaugural issue.

I honestly can’t put into words how proud I am to be a part of this and how much I believe in it.

To all of you who have supported and encouraged me along the way…thank you SO MUCH.

I adore you!

xoxo

Heidi Swapp Storyline and Re-Discovering Memory Keeping

September 12, 2017

I have a little story to tell you. It’s about a girl who started scrapbooking 12 years ago and her journey. Spoiler alert: She got WAY too caught up in what everyone else was doing and what she was “supposed to be doing”.

She became obsessed with magazines and design teams and what everyone else thought about her.

She made herself try stamping and misting and painting and all kinds of stuff she didn’t like. And she ended up MISERABLE.

The STUFF became too much. It paralyzed her. Honestly, it was pretty ridiculous looking back on it. The good news is…the story has a happy ending.

She finally got out of her stupid slump and stopped caring what everyone else was doing. She happily went back to her flowers and doilies and labels and started writing the stories down again.

This happened largely in part to Heidi Swapp’s Storyline collection (and also because of The Happy Planner Memory Keeping but I’ll get to that on another day- it SO deserves its own post).

So, ahem, excuse me while I switch from third person to first person.

Like I said, my sweet friend Heidi is a big reason I’m rediscovered memory keeping. I was at Michaels one day and her new Storyline collection was on sale. I’d never heard of it but I was immediately drawn to the D-Ring albums and embellishment sets. They contained cards and stickers and die cuts…and everything I needed to make a page. I’ve always loved everything Heidi makes (remember those fuzzy damask rub-ons? OMGolly Gosh). And, excuse me while I go off on a side monologue, I think she is such an amazingly strong, inspiring, and transparent woman. I love her and her strength. And her vulnerability. She makes me want to simultaneously hug her neck and clap. She is brave. And wonderful.

Sorry, but it had to be said.

Anyway.

I started churning out pages and sharing them on IG. My joy was apparent. And probably repetitive and annoying too but I didn’t really care. HA!

Somewhere during this entire reawakening, Heidi contacted me via DM on Instagram and asked me if I’d be a guest designer for her. This? Was a no brainer. I wanted to tell my story. And share how much Storyline has changed my creative life.

I won’t tell you the whole story here. I want you to head over to the Heidi Swapp blog and read it there.

I hope it will inspire you to try documenting again, if you are in the same rut I was.

Here are a few of the pages, there’s much more on Heidi’s blog.

It brings me SO MUCH happiness to be able to share something like this here today. I’ve wanted to get back to documenting and memory keeping for so darn long. I just couldn’t find the right fit.

Hope you’ve enjoyed my post today- I’m so grateful you dropped by!

xoxo

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