Life's little details...

Weight Watcher Update...

2012-01-26T10:13:00.004-05:00

Weight Watchers is going strong! I am down 2.6 more lbs. for a total of 12.6 since the beginning of the year! So excited to be making headway! I feel invigorated! I am starting to notice the difference in my clothes and boy does it feel good. Is anyone else out there doing a program?

I have a project over on the Design Team blog...a cute little notepad project...great for a hostess gift, neighbor gift or even teachers gifts. The instructions are listed on the DT blog, but here is a little sneak peek, wink. TTFN

busy busy...

2012-01-22T20:51:00.004-05:00

Here is a peek of one of the projects I will be teaching at Donna Downey Studios in March!!! So excited to be going on my first traveling teaching adventure! This little mini is about 6 x 8 in size and is made using Teresa Collins Carolina Breeze Collection. I love the colors is it, and Scattered Straw Distress Ink is the perfect match. So we will be adding some inky goodness to the insides!

Registration is available at the above link for Donna's Studio.

I have also been really busy creating some more minis with Teresa's newest collections! Let me just say I am in love with them. They just keep getting better and better. I can't wait to be able to share them...but for now they are still top secret, wink.

I know it's a tease, but I had to get one in!!!

I will be updating Weight Watcher info weekly now on Thursdays. That is my meeting and official weigh in day. So far down 10 pounds! Loving the Weight Watcher way. I think I have finally found what works for me.

Project share...

2012-01-16T21:50:00.004-05:00

Here are some projects that I haven't yet shared. Just wanted to get them on the old blog. Hope it inspires you one way or another!

This was my 25 days of Christmas countdown album. I have the pictures waiting to go in it...just haven't gotten around to adding them yet. The one below is just a fun memory of my Mother-in-laws Dinner table for Christmas. I know Christmas is over...but some of you might just be starting on your layouts, wink. They are both featuring Teresa Collins Christmas Home collection! Hope you enjoy!

2012-01-16T21:21:00.002-05:00

I have signed up.

I have committed.

I am determined.

I am loving it.

I have joined with two other friends. We are each others support.

We are going to meeting one time weekly together.

I will keep you posted.

I am so excited.

I have never been this focused or determined.

I am embracing!

hi again...

2012-01-10T20:46:00.005-05:00

Well, I have been such a blog slacker. As hard as I try to post more it just doesn't seem to be happening.

First let's start off with OLW. One Little Word is the inpirational idea that Ali Edwards started. I love the challenge of finding a word to live by for a year. I thought I had my word but it just didn't feel like the right one. I was driving to work Monday it it just came to me. Embrace. I think that is the next step to take. Faith really worked for me last year. It wasn't anything about my faith in God. It was more geared toward learning to have faith in myself. It led me to some of the most exciting places. So this year I am ready to embrace. Embrace whatever comes my way. Embrace the journey this year will take me on. Embrace...yep it feels right!

Second, I have to confess. Pinterst in a full addiction. I find myself searching through pinterst any time I have a chance. Have you joined Pinterest yet? It is amazingly fun, full of inspiration...but fair warning highly addictive!

And Last, I have a project to share. This is a tag that I made using the LE Fall Distress Ink colors. I blended all the colors together then did some water flicking. I stamped one of Tim's sentiments, cut it apart and added Glossy Accents to give it a pop. The butterflies are stamped and "fussy cut." Crackle accents was the last thing I added. I wish it showed up better in the picture, but I love the crackling on the butterfly wings, it really adds a little something something, wink.

Hope you enjoyed...till next time.

2012...

2012-01-01T17:24:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! I just typed out 2012 for the second time here and it feels good. I'm ready! I am ready for this to be the year!

Finally!!!

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

I hope each and everyone of you is having a blessed Christmas and enjoying time with your loved ones!

Project share...

2011-12-23T22:48:00.001-05:00

This is a mini book I made for Bre's 16th birthday. It is filled with things her Dad and I want her to take through life. Somethings that we want her to always know. I loved using Teresa Collins World Traveler line for this project because of the old world feel, the relation to traveling through life. After all, that is what this life is...a travel to find out who we are, why we are here, what our destination is...life and living it to the fullest. I wanted this book to kind of feel like an old journal...so it is distressed a little, with a Blingage magnetic clasp to hold it shut.

It is hard to believe that today is Christmas Eve. I feel so very blessed with many experiences and friends I have had and made throughout 2011 and am looking forward to embracing every experience of 2012. Thanks for taking time out of your day and visiting my little blog! Until the next time...

Great ideas...

2011-12-23T14:36:00.003-05:00

If you would like to see an amazing list of must have tools...check out Teresa Collins Blog today...she has her top 10 favorite tools listed...and she is debuting her new cool adhesive tool from Xyron! And it's PINK!!!! AND as usual, Teresa is sharing her love with some amazing give-a-ways...so what are you waiting for...

Random tidbets...

2011-12-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

Okay I have to admit it...I am addicted. I cannot stay away from Pinterest. It is full of so much inspiration. I just hit 1000 pins. Do you Pin? If not what are you waiting for? Just be warned, you might find yourself pinning instead of cooking dinner or doing the laundry, wink.

Today there is now only 18 days left till Christmas. I guess I better get on the ball and finish my shopping. I am however further along then ever before. Now if I can just keep myself on track.

I am currently trying to come up with my word for 2012. I think it's narrowed down to about 5...but all of them are speaking to me.

My inks are calling me. I have some ideas buzzing around in my head, but I need some of that fleeting stuff known as time, lol.

It is raining and blowing here. Weird weather. It was not suppose to rain today. Hmmm.

I have started a smash book...kind of excited about it. Loving the different way of scrappin'.
Pretty random today...but hey it's an update! 'Till next time.

So excited!!!

2011-12-03T10:53:00.003-05:00

They're up...my classes at Donna's went on sale. I know it's next year, but if you would like to get signed up...they are ready to go! Click on over here and take a peek (there are pictures posted on her site). I am over the top excited about teaching at Donna Downey Studios! I have some very inky classes lined up! Can't wait to get inky in North Carolina!

My baby...

2011-11-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

What an amazing group of young women this is. This is The Villages High School Colorguard.

Breanna has grown up so much this year. She is so confident, hard working, goal oriented, and so caring with her friends. They say she is the one the always go to with their problems, the one they can trust to keep their confidence, they one who helps anyone who needs it. I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. This was her first year on the Colorguard and within no time she was made Rifle Captain! She says she wants to go out for Captain next year. Even though Colorguard is over for the year, she is still practicing and keeping her eye on her goal! I am so happy she had the opportunity to be part of this group...not only the Colorguard but the Band. They are a great group of kids who have their heads on straight....have goals....have plans for their future! I am so happy she is enjoying her final years of her High School Career with this group. I am so thankful for Mr. and Mrs. Riddle. He is the Band Director and she is the Colorguard director/Mom. The girls love her and it is very obvious she loves them.

Way to go Breanna...you are making your Momma and Daddy so proud! We love you and are so very grateful for what you have brought into our lives. You are my total sunshine! You are my shining star!

Going on the road!

2011-11-12T08:26:00.008-05:00

Pinch me please! I am going to be teaching a weekend at Donna Downey Studios!!! I will be teaching three technique filled classes March 16 and 17, 2012. Registration will start Monday through Donna Downey Studios website. I am so excited and honored! This will be my first "On the road adventure" and I am hoping to make new friends, maybe see some familiar faces and just have a great time! Teaching has become one of my passions. I love it when there is excitement in the air, learning, sharing and light bulb moments! It has become a true passion and I am over the top excited that this will be where I spend my first "on the road adventure!"

Distress Ink Techniques//Butterfly dreams canvas

Life's Journey Mini Album

Pocket Full of Sunshine (featuring Teresa Collins new Carolina Breeze)

More gratitude book...

2011-11-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

Here is another view of the cover. I just love this book! I took the pictures before I started entering things in it because some of it is, well personal, wink.

Page 1- there is a pocket behind the sentiment to use for memorabilia or extra pics. Page 2-I have a little journal spot along with picture room.
Page 3 and 4-room for pictures along with lots of pockets for journaling and what not.

Page 5 and 6-There is lots of room for pictures as well as a flap where I could add hidden journaling. Sometimes I don't want my journaling to be right in view.

Page 6 and 7-There is a match book pocket to put something that I might want to make a little discrete. As well as more journaling and picture room.

Here is a closer look at the little extra pocket from page 4. It is actually what I call a flapper pocket. It is kind of an extra page on a page.

And finally the last two pages, which have extra pockets on each page.

I have started adding little things here and there that I am grateful for. Not only the things which are very obvious such as family, my home, my job and stuff like that, but the little things that are just everyday little things that sometimes get overlooked in the chaos of the everyday! I hope this will inspire you to create a book to remember those things. It is really given me new perspective that I am sure to carry with me for a long time! Thanks for stopping by.

Supplies used: Teresa Collins Giving Thanks Papers-diamonds, black damask, gratitude, thankful, tags. Giving Thanks Chipboard album, Giving thanks chipboard frames, Giving Thanks Diecut tags. Other: Bazzill black cardstock, TC Blingage, ribbon, tulle, charm, pop dots. I will also be adding some inky goodness!

organizational fun...

2011-11-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I am very much addicted to all things inky. I am now collecting all the Distress Stains and I love them. I am really hoping to share some techniques with them very soon. But I wanted to share with you what I did to be able to see the colors fast and grab what I need. I bought these little plain white dot stickers (by avery) and stained each one, put it on the top of the cap for easy viewing and instant organization and easy to find. Just a quick little share, but I thought it might be a good one!!!

I will be back very soon with very exciting news...stay tuned!

November!

2011-11-01T15:27:00.003-04:00

Can you believe today is 11-1-11? It seems a bit surreal to me, but here we are, headed full speed ahead in to the holidays!

November is one of my favorite times of the year because the weather is starting to cool and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. We always spend Thanksgiving with Kenny's parents. The cousins get to spend the day hanging out and we just really get to enjoy being with each other.

After those festivities we head to my Mom's where we plan and stratagize and head out for the craziness that is Black Friday! Fun times are coming!

With all the festivities that go on, sometimes it feels as though life turns in to a whirlwind. It's very fast paced and sometimes it feels as though we are just barely hanging on. I am determined this month to start my Gratitude Journal. I am so excited about taking moment each day or week and focusing on what there is to be grateful for. For me, it is so very important to keep this in the forefront of my mind. I have let the spirit get a way from me and I am determined that this is going to be the year I fully enjoy, embrace and feel the holidays! So, with all that being said I wanted to share my Gratitude Journal. It is made using Teresa Collins Giving Thanks line from last year! I still love it! I love the colors and the classiness! I will be posting some more in depth pictures throughout the week...Today is just a teaser of what is to come!!! I will be filling out some in my journal tonight when I get home! What are you thankful for today?

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T10:14:00.008-04:00

I cannot believe it is this time of year again. Time seems to be slipping by faster and faster. I am excited to welcome in the holidays this year. I am trying so hard to revive my holiday spirit. Working in the retail world can put a crimp in it, but I have to remind myself I have the power to put in back. So I am going to enjoy, and savor this holiday season. To kick it off, here are a few Halloween projects featuring Teresa Collins Haunted Hallows line.

The first two are some cute little cards to give include some Halloween fun for the older kiddies in my family. I love Teresa's line for this reason. Not only does it really capture a Halloween feel, but it's classy and sophisticated. It is so fun to work with! In the layout, this a picture from last Halloween. Wesley and Breanna had fun dressing up and including Peyton in their fun. It was her first Halloween. They all looked so cute. Miss P, as we call her, has her Uncle Wesley wrapped around her little fingers! Breanna adores her as well, what's not to adore? If you would like to see a little more Haunted Hallows fun, click on over the the DT blog...I have a few other projects featured over there! Hope you have a very spooky Halloween!

Inky fun!

2011-10-23T15:11:00.004-04:00

As you can see, I have been having lots of fun with the new Distress Ink Limited Edition fall colors. These colors are amazing together and blend into pure beauty! All the backgrounds are made using Ripe Persimmon, Seedless Preserves and Gathered Twigs.

The first tag is made with Tim's gear dies, I used Silver Dabber Paint to give the gears a metal look, then sanded them and added some Distress Ink, added another tag with a stamped verse and some film strip ribbon and there you have it. I love the masculine feel to this tag. It is waiting to be framed for a gift for a certain nephew.

The second tag is using some of Tim's tickets from his idealogy line, elegant flourish die, and butterfly stamps from his Papillon collection of stamps from Stampers Anonymous. (one of my favorites, wink) I also used his fabulous flourish stamp set (a must have) and added one of his sentiment stamps. Icing on the cake is the glossy accents added to the cut out butterflies.

The third tag is using the butterflies again from Papillon collection, elegant flourish die and one of his verses. I also used Crackle accents on these butterflies and love what that added to the look. I think I have almost every verse in his line...and I am waiting for more to be released. They are always so inspirational!

Just wanted to share what I have been up to. I have a ton more to share and hopefully will be back very soon with more!

New....

2011-10-03T07:17:00.005-04:00

Oh my, I have wanted to share this since I found out about it! I have to say I think this is my favorite yet!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on this...so many ideas spinning through this brain of mine. Beautiful....

Love everything about this new line...if you would like to see more of it and some REALLY fabulous projects...go to Teresa's blog. She really has outdone herself yet again!

Getting ready!

2011-09-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

This weekend is our last retreat for the year! I am so happy with the project...I love the paper line, wink. It is using Teresa Collins Giving Thanks line. I hate it when GOOD lines are considered old just because there has been new introductions. This one has been one of my very favorites! Coming in to the time of year where things get hectic and our lives seem rushed, I thought is would be a great idea to have a place where we can put things that remind us to be grateful. To remember the important things and not take them for granted. I myself have had a very hard time stopping long enough to enjoy the holiday times of year and this book is going to be a place that I keep things in perspective so to speak. I am really excited about teaching it!

I am really looking forward to spending a weekend with women who have a passion for this industry. There is such excitement in the air, camaraderie, laughs, good food, more laughs and just fun way to spend the weekend.

I am still finishing up the move. With my hubby being incapacitated so to speak, it has been a real job. But I can finally see a light at the end of that tunnel. Now the move of the store starts in t-minus one week. Looking forward to being in our new place, but ugh, another move. The new building is coming along. It is going to be gorgeous! Can't wait for everyone to see, wink.

Okay, must get some things done. TTFN.

That long?

2011-09-13T10:06:00.001-04:00

Wow...has it truly been almost a month since my last update? I am becoming very neglectful of my little blog. In my own defense, I have been swamped with life.

My hubby has been in and out of the hospital. He had a pacemaker put in about three weeks ago and has been back in the hospital trying to get the meds tweaked. I think he is finally starting to do better, but I have a feeling he will still have to have the Ablation done before we are past the big hurdle. The doctor has told me that there are many Americans with A-Fib and most live with it just fine, but there is a small percentage that have tremendous difficulties. Guess my hubby was one of those lucky percentage. I am just very thankful they have the technology to help him. I feel very blessed for that.

Also, the same time he was having the pacemaker put in we were scheduled to move. I have been driving a good 45-55 minutes every day each way to work for the last two years. We had been looking and then kind of givin up. Then "THE" house fell into our laps. That is always the way it has worked for us. We still have the old house up for sale, so keep your fingers crossed. We have had a couple of nibbles. I am absolutely loving the new house! It is my favorite Kenny and I have been in. It reminds me of where I grew up. We have a great view and it "feels" like home! But with him being out of commission so to speak the move has been going slowly. I still have some boxes to get from the old house...I am so looking forward to being done. I think if we ever move again, I will go on vacation and let someone else do the moving, lol.

And....it is back to school time. Bre is in her junior year of high school, on the color guard team, still dating Wesley, getting ready for homecoming, and taking an extra class online. Here they are at their first performance. Sadly their cute little outfits didn't make it in time. But they carried on and did a fabulous job! She is a busy girl and making her momma really proud!

I have almost gotten my new scrap area under control. I am going to take some pictures of the new house this weekend and try and get them posted. I am working on some TC projects and trying to get them sent off this weekend as well.

Hopefully I will be able to be a little bit better about updating now that I have broken the ice with myself, lol. Hope I didn't put anyone to sleep with my rambling! TTFN

exciting news...

2011-08-18T20:40:00.006-04:00

What better way to kick of blogging again with the new of Teresa Collins newest Cricut cartridge release! And if you go on over to her blog she has gorgeous inspiration using "Chic and Scary"!

And if you follow the directions on her blog you could be the winner of one of these new cartridges!!! OK, what are you waiting for??? Go to Teresa's blog now! Good luck!

I promise I will be back soon and be back to blogging more regularly. I have some fun things to share...soon! TTFN

Birthday in the house...

2011-07-19T21:20:00.005-04:00

It is hard for me to believe that my baby is now 16 and a licensed driver. Kenny and I cleared our schedules and took her to get her license this morning, took her out for birthday lunch and a little shopping. I think while we were waiting for her to get back from the driving test I was more nervous than Kenny. I was praying and keeping my fingers crossed. She is a very cautious driver so deep down I knew she would be fine...it was just very nerve wracking, lol.
I love the fact that she was completely happy spending the day with us and just enjoying some family time. That is what she asked for. We will be having a party for her friends this weekend...so the party continues!
I wanted to share how proud I am of her. She is an amazing young woman with so much more of a head on her shoulder than I had. I love being her mom and thank God everyday for sending me her. I feel so lucky to be her mom. I am so thankful she still wants to spend time with me.
SO....Happy birthday Breanna...you make your momma proud! Love you!

MIA...

2011-07-10T18:48:00.005-04:00

I have been up to my elbows in my scrapbook room playing with all the new Teresa Collins lines. Love...I love them all. Teresa just keeps getting better and better. With each new line I think..."How can she surpass this one?" and then we are all waiting excitedly to see what she comes up with...and I am left amazed. She has three new collections
This is "World Traveler" and it is GORGEOUS!!! I love this line because it is fabulous for travel...but oh so much more. I just finished a mini...it is for Bre...can't share yet...but let's just say it makes me giddy! Love this paper. The colors and textures will knock your socks off!

Haunted Hallows is next in line. It is a very classy Halloween. It is so easy to work with and will tie in with whatever you do for Halloween. I am having so much fun working with Haunted Hallows!

And now here is Christmas Home!!! It is beautiful...it is on heavy cardstock with a little texture. It is the perfect way to showcase your Holiday memories! I have been working on another mini with this one and can't wait to share it with you and put it to use. I think we might have a 25 days countdown here on the blog! hint, hint....just can't share just yet! Teresa is also showcasing some of the DT work on her blog as she in introducing the new lines. Make sure and stop by often and take a peek. You will love what everyone is doing and you will find so much inspiration! Hope you all have a good week...ttfn.

introducing....

2011-07-02T15:47:00.003-04:00

One of my dear friends has launched a photography business! I met her through my daughter years ago. She was my Breanna's second and third grade Art teacher. She did a photography class for kids that summer and I enrolled Bre...she learned so much, even how to develop in a dark room! Needless to say we both loved Polly! She has many gift, one of them being an eye for photography. I was lucky enough for her to "practice" with Bre and I am absolutely in love with the shots she took. If you are in our area...north central Florida...look her up. You will love her as much as I do. If you would like to see some of her work go here! Here is just one of the shots she took of Bre...now go see some others she did!

some favorites...

2011-06-30T09:41:00.003-04:00

CHA is coming...right around the corner. I am starting to see sneak peeks of all the new products that are about to make their debut. All very exciting stuff, but it leaves me a little sad at the same time because the product that was released just six short months ago becomes "old news." I still love some of that product and am not quite done using it...so I thought I would showcase some of my favorites from the last couple of months.

"My girl" featuring Teresa Collins "Timeless" Collection.

"Time 16" featuring Teresa Collins On the Edge Core'dinations.

I must like the subject of Time, lol. "Time" featuring Teresa Collins Timeless Collections.

And one of my favorites...I think because I just love these pictures. "She makes her own Music" featuring Teresa Collins On the Edge Collection. Hope you enjoy. I will hopefully share some more favorites later this week!

Weekend Adventures...

2011-06-19T18:22:00.005-04:00

We kicked off the weekend at She Scrapbooks with tons of inspiration from Donna Downey. I love her excitement. She taught three classes, one Friday and two on Saturday.

I took her morning class on Saturday and loved it. We made a 4 x 6 canvas mini album. I absolutely love it. I already have some very special photos to put in it too, more on that in a bit.

Donna also brought with her Pan Pastels. I had watched Christy Tomlinson play with them in her Three Hearts class and had already decided I wanted to give them a try. So perfect timing. I bought two sets and started playing while Donna was teaching her third class in between customers. Love. Pan Pastels are basically pure pigment in a powder form, so you get very vibrant colors. You apply them with a sofft tool that came in the sets, you can dip into colors without cross contaminating! Amazing new medium. I am hooked. I have already started a Pastel Art journal and love the fact that I only need my pastels, my book and a pen. Great for taking all sorts of places that I might have to do some waiting, plane trips, car trips. I am starting to do some research to learn as much as possible about these little babies! Donna is also offering some online workshops. Check it out if your curious.

I have been lucky enough to take quite a few online workshops as of late and have love all of them. I have taken workshops from Christy Tomlinson and Amy Coon, and they have been totally fabulous. I was feeling a bit of a slump, but I have been newly inspired and I'm ready to start creating!

Today is Father's Day. Bre and I were going to take Kenny out to celebrate, but he wanted a quiet day at home with a home cooked meal...so that is what we are doing. He requested Pork Chops, rice, gravy and green beans with banana pudding for dessert...so that is what I made him. It sure felt good to just spend the day together, at home, enjoying the chance to have a quite day! I thought a lot about my grandfather today. I miss him. He was my role model, my hero, my best friend growing up. I find it hard to believe he has been gone 24 years. I can still hear his voice and see that magical twinkle he had if I close my eyes and think hard.

I hope everyone had the chance to spend the day with their loved ones today. Have a great week!

TC Newsletter...

2011-06-16T18:27:00.003-04:00

Have you seen it yet? It is SEVEN pages filled with amazing inspiration. If you haven't signed up, go do it now. What are you waiting for? Anyway...just wanted to share some of my layouts from the newsletter. I love what some of the other design team members have done. It's amazing to me we can use the same paper and it comes out so different. Love the diversity of Teresa's lines. I absolutely love On the Edge. It is great for boys...but so much more. The cute dog in the layout below is Stephanie's Pickles. He is such an adorable dog and oh so photogenic, wink. Of course I had to showcase one of the layouts with my beautiful baby. I can't believe she is almost 16...only one month. Lord help me...I am so not ready, lol. Anyway I hope you enjoy the inspiration. Make sure and sign up for the newsletter so you can get the newsletter delivered to your inbox each month!

Have you seen???

2011-06-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

I just got this little book of goodness...Oh my is it filled with total scrap studio yuminess! I love seeing how others organize their spaces. I love to take a little idea from some of my favorites and implement them into my own space. It really helps sometimes seeing another persons perspective. Teresa Collins also shared her space...wow is it amazing!!!

Time to share a new layout. This is my middle nephew Logan. I cannot believe he is 16. He is spending his summer working at Publix to save up for his car. I am so proud of him and the young man he is growing into. I don't know where the time goes. My sister in law and I were pregnant at the same time...Logan is three months older then Bre. I love looking back through pictures and my scrapbooks and seeing them grow up together. I miss his mom so much. I know she is looking out for her boys though and I know she would be so proud!!!

Thank you...

2011-05-30T12:46:00.005-04:00

Thanking all the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in a country with the freedoms we have. Thinking of all the men and women who still do. God bless our Military and our great Country.

Vacation!!!

2011-05-27T18:58:00.004-04:00

I am officially on vacation! It was also Bre's last day of school. You know what that means...no more 6:00am mornings for the next two and half months! WooHoo! It will be so nice to not have to rush in the mornings!
I think I have decided that I am just going to stay home and enjoy! I am so ready for no schedules, just getting up and doing whatever. I have some things to accomplish, but it seems that sometimes life is so busy, that we don't really get to enjoy our home. So, Bre and I might go to a movie or have a lunch date...but mostly we are just going to stay at home and chill! I have some things that I want to do in my Scraproom, fun things. I want to play with paper and ink and paint and get lost in the creative zone again. That's our big plan.
I have been changing things around on the old blog this week and think I really like the new look. Thank goodness Blogger has much more to choose from then when I first started blogging. There are a ton of new templates and layout features...even new fonts. What do you think? I love the handwritten look. The new banner is one I downloaded from Shabbyblogs.com. I love this site! They have some really cute stuff and the best part-it's free. If you haven't checked them out go on over. They also have lots tutorials and fun free downloads.
Bre just came in and said I should write something about her and Wesley because they are so cute together. SO Congrats to them...they are now officially a Junior and Senior! They have also been dating for a year and a half. They are really best friends and I love the fact that they have found a sense of safety with each other! Thanks for being such great kids!
I am off to find something else to blog about...TTFN.

Notations Album Kit...

2011-05-18T17:00:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share with you "My Story". I used Teresa Collins Notations Album Kit to make this album. I love this kit because it is so diverse, elegant, and totally inkable. I love to be able to alter things, to make it my own and this was the perfect kit to do that. I inked all the pages with Worn Lipstick, Brushed Corduroy and Antique Linen Distress Inks. I allowed me to throw in pops of my own color choices. After I inked all the pages, I then went back and started embellishing. The kit comes with a ton of die cuts and tags. The Blingage line was the perfect way to add a little sparkle and bling here and there. Love that! If you noticed the texture on the cover, it is done by adding gel medium with a foam brush in a circular motion. I absolutely love the texture that this adds as well as the instant protective coating on the cover of the book.

This book is also a total work in progress. It is meant to tell my story. I think as scrapbookers we are so busy telling everyone else's story and so intent on making those perfect layouts, that we forget to tell about us. We are after all our families story tellers, but in the process we have lost the importance of telling out stories. So this book is dedicated to my story, my life, my thoughts, my dreams, my goals and any other things I want my family to know. My Story was shared in the Teresa Collins newsletter today along with some of the other albums created by the design team. If you haven't gotten the newsletter or signed up for it you can go here to do that. There is a TON of inspiration in there. I loved seeing what each DT member did with their album. I hope that it has inspired you to think about telling your story. It will be part of your families history one day!

Oh and make sure to stop by Teresa's blog today...there is a Core'dinations blog hop going on...lots of fun and inspiration and even a really nice give-a-way!

Some Distress Ink fun...

2011-05-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a fun layout I did using Distress Inks. I started with the 12 x 12 Manilla cardstock from Ranger, and just layered the Distress Inks. I used Tea Dye and Faded Jeans inks and I think a little Brushed Corduroy. I also used some of Tim's Idea-ology line...his game piece spinners, lavish trimmings and timepiece watch faces. Oh and we cannot forget the stamps from Stamper's Anonymous. Also thrown in was some dictionary book pages and a shipping tag. I loved that I created this whole background from just a plain piece of cardstock and customized it to look the way I wanted it to. I tried to get in close enough for you to see that I smeared some Rock candy Distress stickles to give it a little shine. The Lavish trimming was dyed with Distress stain! Almost forgot to mention that...and yes Distress stains are my newest ink addiction. I cannot wait for them to release more colors! I am keeping my fingers crossed for that one!

Update...

2011-05-15T16:40:00.007-04:00

Where have I been for the last 12 days? I have been trying to get back into the swing of regular life. Ranger U left me completely on overload. I also really missed the people that I had spent all that time with learning, having light bulb moments, and laughing with. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I made life-long friends who I will see again. I look forward to that day.
I also came home to getting ready for National Scrapbook day at the store, Bre's Dance recital, deadlines, and a plethora of other things. It's not that I haven't wanted to blog, just haven't found the time. I have really been wanting to share a few things too.

First, I wish I could share what I have been up to with Teresa Collins Designs, but it's still under wraps. So be watching for the TC newsletter, her blog as well as the DT blog. Some pretty fun stuff is soon to come!
Second, I have been trying to reorganize my scraproom a bit. Had to make room for all the new Ranger goodies. That is still a work in progress, but I will share pictures as soon as I can. I do however want to share with you the way I organize my Distress Inks. It is really working for me and oh so easy to get at. This is just the first of sharing the organizing process so I hope you enjoy.

Did you know that you can print out color charts for all kinds of Ranger products? Just go to their website and click on tips and techniques and then print labels. It's that easy. I keep an inventory of what I have that way. As you see I have a lot of Distress Ink...love Distress Ink! The bin is one I found at Target. It was $4.99 and fits all the Distress Inks as well as the ink blending tools and foamies. I store all my used foamies in a ziplock that stays in this bin. It makes it nice and easy to find it all in one spot! I also use the color chart to match the inks to the project I am working on. It really works well when trying to match a specific color! I will be posting some more Distress Ink goodness in a bit!

Ranger U...

2011-05-03T18:24:00.013-04:00

Here is the Ranger Class 2010. I spent last weekend getting to know them, learning with them, and growing friendships. It truly was an honor to be included with these very special men and women...yes, we had two men at Ranger U.

I really fell down on the job the last day as photos go...the group shot was borrowed from Ranger's blog. I do however have a few things to share.
The last day of Ranger was taught by Tim...all Adirondack...so much information...my brain is still trying to absorb everything I learned. I am dreaming about inks, paints and all things grunge, lol. It was an experience I will remember forever. I am working on coming up with a weekly blog something that would involve techniques-challenges-inspiration using the information I learned while at Ranger U. I am hoping to get this going in the next couple of weeks so keep a look out. In the meantime I have to take the time to talk about a very special group that took a little piece of my heart with them. They are my Ranger sisters...or the "airport girls"...
I would like to introduce you to Cheryl...this was my roomie for Ranger U and I feel so lucky that she came into my life. It is a rare thing when you meet someone and just know that this person will forever be your friend. She is an amazingly talented woman who I am very proud to call my friend. Pictured above are the "airport girls" (this is what we named ourselves). These girls...each and every one of them has touched my heart. (Hels Sheridan, Cheryl Grigsby, Me, Candy Colwell, and Linda Ledbetter) After many travel woes, including cancelled flights, rerouted flights, delays (texting through it all) we all met at the airport and finally made it too our hotel 1:30 am Friday morning. I think sitting in the airport waiting for our fellow Ranger sisters it allowed us to bond. Like I said each of these women took a little piece of my heart with them. Without a doubt, I know we will stay in touch. We will remain each others cheerleaders!
This is Linda Ledbetter...she was my table mate the entire event(also one of the airport girls!). She is a total doll and does some very fun things on her blog. Check it out and you will see what I mean!
This is Sarah and Cheryl. Sarah was the youngest at Ranger U and had many of us mothers watching out for her. She is such a sweet young woman and has a very good head on her shoulders. I wish I had been as on top of things at that age. Such a sweetie.

I also want to send a HUGE thank you to Ranger, the Ranger Family, Tim, Mario, Claudine, Patty, and everyone who helped put Ranger U together. Every detail was thought out, every little thing was taken care of. This weekend was filled with so much fun and inspiration...I feel like a gushing school girl, wink.

Ranger U-Day Two!

2011-04-30T22:06:00.007-04:00

The day started with Claudine Hellmuth. She is so sweet and funny and looks like a supermodel. She definitely has a great understanding of paint and all the mediums that go with it and does a great job sharing that knowledge. I really had some light bulb moments in this part of the class and have such a better understanding of why mediums work the way they do. Below are some tags we created with her line of Studio paints and mediums. The pictures really don't do the techniques justice. I really love her line of stamps as well. Foam and clear that are designed to work together and compliment each other. Lots of fun.
After we finished off Claudine's portion of Ranger U...we headed to the lunch room for some famous square pizza. Mario is always there to make sure we have everything we need. He was sweet enough to pose with the pizza.

After lunch we headed back to the classroom and it was time to DISTRESS! Oh...I was in Distress heaven. A pad in every color, all the distress stickles, embossing powders, reinkers, crackle paints and stains. All for us to play with and learn new techniques! Total heaven, that's the only way to describe it! Here are a few of the tags we created. I swear Tim is a genius. He does things with this ink that is just totally amazing. Techniques, techniques techniques!!! Having my hands covered in Distress ink was a perfect way to end the day!

I cannot believe that this weekend is almost over, tomorrow is the last day of Ranger U. We are going to be covering the Adirondack line. I am sure I will learn a ton tomorrow and I can't wait.

I am hoping to get some pics of the girls tomorrow. I have made some really good friends and I am going to miss them so much. My roomie is the best...I know we will stay in touch. Will share more tomorrow but right now I need some sleep.

Ranger U

2011-04-29T21:11:00.004-04:00

Today was the first day of Ranger U. This experience so far has surpassed anything I could have even imagined. First, let me say the women I have met here are extraordinary. There are five of us who met at the airport (after all of us experienced many travel woes) and have become fast friends. I am so thankful that I am sharing this experience with them. They are so sweet, talented and genuine. I feel so very lucky to have found some new friends that I know will be lifelong!

This is how the morning started...with Tim giving us a little welcome speech and insight into what the next three days are going to be all about. The work that goes into this function is truly remarkable. We even got a complete tour of the facility...no pics where allowed but believe me it is amazing. Not a detail has been forgotten.
After the tour...we settled back into the classroom and started the day off with Perfect Pearls. I love perfect pearls and own almost all the colors, but now I have new insight and some new techniques to share. The shimmer is just pure yumminess!
Here is a little peek at the technique tags that we made today using Perfect Pearls. The possibilities...let me just say utterly amazed me!
Just a fun picture of some of the stamps we were using. Ranger has this fun wall of stamps and you can just go "shopping" for whatever your heart desires to create with. I need one of these walls in my scraproom! I have a honey-do for my hubby when I get home! He's going to love this, wink.
I couldn't wait to share some of the fun pictures with you from today...hope you enjoyed. I will be updating tomorrow as well. Claudine Hellmuth is teaching first thing in the morning. We saw a little sneaky peek of some of her samples before we left Ranger...looks like it is going to be a lot of painty fun! After lunch we move into my favorite realm...DISTRESS!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T07:06:00.002-04:00

Picture from photobucket

Wishing you all a very happy Easter. We are going to enjoy the day with family, good food, Easter egg coloring, and remembrance. How do you celebrate Easter? Big hugs to all.

Some Posh love...

2011-04-23T18:33:00.004-04:00

This is a cute little mini book that I made using Teresa Collins Posh collection. I absolutely love this line...my favorite color combinations! This mini is made with one sheet of paper, the die cut page and a few other embellies. I made it for Bre, highlighting our Mother-Daughter relationship! The one below is just a fun layout using the Posh collection again. I love these pics of Bre...she is such a fun-loving girl and loves to pose for me!!! My girl is one of her nicknames and the way I refer to her most of the time. Hope you enjoy.

By the way...if you would like to see the new Cricut cartridges designed by Teresa, click over here to take a look. You won't be disappointed...they are GORGEOUS!

Getting Giddy...

2011-04-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

I am giddy with excitement. I don't know how my family is going to put up with me for the next NINE days! I will be arriving in New Jersey NINE days from now and spending the next THREE days at Ranger U! I have wanted to do this since they started the combined class in 2008, but I could never get myself together, get the application in and so on. This year I decided I was going to try. I sent the application off and waited. It seemed like forever, but finally the deadline date rolled around. I anxiously checked my email that first week, but no email ! So I figured I wasn't accepted...I would try again for the fall Ranger U. But....that next Monday I opened up my email and there it was. An email from TIM HOLTZ!!! I opened the email to find a "Congratulations" You have been accepted to Ranger U!!!! Screams were screamed and happy dances were danced(I am so glad noone was around)!!! It has been the longest three weeks, making plans, and waiting! Now the time is almost here...well NINE days away and I feel like a kid at Christmas! I have been chatting with some of the other girls who are attending and I have to say I can't wait to meet them...FUN girls...I can tell!!! I have a feeling that I will make some good friends!

Scraproom...

2011-04-14T19:48:00.005-04:00

Also known as the happy room in my house! I thought I would share how it is coming back together. I have been purging and making room at the same time. It was long overdue. It was not really making me happy when I went in there and definitely not inspiring me, but it is really starting to come together. It is still a little cluttered, but I am pretty happy with the way things are coming along! So here it goes... This is my work surface...A little messy but that is kind of the way I work...actually this is very clean compared to the way it usually looks,

This used to be my computer area, but now it is home for the Imagine!!! I want to add a bottom to the table and put casters on it so I can pull it out and make it easier when I am cutting. So a little more work it required here.

This is my new shelf to make organizing a little more easy. I went for practicality verses prettiness. I will be looking for something pretty though to replace this eventually. I just want to really make sure it will be as functional. I do love a good hunt and this will be a fun one! Oh and I almost forgot my collection of Y's, I'm always on the lookout for cute and different ones.

I love this shelving unit. Kenny picked it up from a yard sale, he did really good with this find! I keep all sorts of things here, for me this is total eye candy. I also love the cabinets where I can keep things organized in bins, but keep the bins out of sight. I also have my vintage camera collection displayed here. The TV will eventually go away too, for Christmas I was lucky enough to get a flat panel, but I really can't figure out where I want it yet.

These are my paper towers where I store all my design papers. I keep my Teresa Collins papers on the left so when I am working on deadlines and such it is really close and convenient. I love these towers, the left one has a hidden peg wall on the far left side, this is where I keep all my cables and such. Very practical and out of sight. Love that. Hope you enjoyed the little tour. I will post more as I get things accomplished!

Climb...

2011-04-11T21:19:00.002-04:00

Here is a quickie to share...this is using Teresa Collins Sports Edition II papers. Bre loves climbing and every time she gets the opportunity she goes all the way to the top. She is a natural. It amazes me, because I have such a fear of heights! She takes her time and climbs like she has been doing it forever. We are allowed to start sharing some of our layouts, so I will be sharing all this week.

New Notations!!!

2011-04-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

Be still my heart...Teresa has done it again. She has a new release! Notations is now available in 12 x 12 papers with two die-cut sheets! It is my new favorite! When I saw it my head was swimming with possibilities! The possibility of mixing two of my loves. This paper and Distress Inks!!! I could just squeal with excitement, oh wait, I did that! Wink. And wait there is more! Go to Teresa's blog and leave her some love...she is giving away THREE Notations collections. THREE chances to win! Go now, what are you waiting for?

Prize Alert!

2011-04-05T08:19:00.003-04:00

Look at what Teresa is giving away on her blog today...you can even watch a little clip of her when she was on Good Things Utah yesterday! All you have to do is leave a comment on her blog and you could win one of these amazing machines! I have one and absolutely love it! Great for doing gifts and special memories books!

Sports Mini Album!

2011-04-03T16:07:00.003-04:00

Quick share...Just thought I would post a teaser picture of this cute little clipboard album I am doing. It is featuring Teresa Collins Sports Edition II papers. Wesley was gracious enough to let me take some photos of him golfing. I found the mini chipboard in the dollar spot at Target and just thought it would make a cute foundation for a mini! I have to upload it to out DT gallery and when they decide to use it I will share the rest of the album! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Soul Restoration...

2011-03-28T10:34:00.004-04:00

I am still working on Soul Restoration from Brave Girls Club. It was so very eye opening to me. I loved it so much I will be taking Soul Restoration II. It is something that I think we all need. It is something that we deserve. I struggle with some things, things from my childhood and younger years. I think we all have things that we struggle with, just different things. I try very hard not to focus on those things. I try very hard to be a positive happy person. Most days I succeed, but some days I don't. For me Soul Restoration was just what I needed to hear. I think Melody has a true gift. She has such a way of connecting with people. Soul Restoration was a gift. For me Soul Restoration was a reminder that I need to take care of my soul, that I need to accept that I am going to make mistakes and fall, but that is okay, it is part of being me. It is part of learning. I am learning to embrace my weak self and strive not to be to hard on her. I am learning to put the shame behind me, to be me. I cannot put into words all that this restoration is giving me. The caring and genuine feeling of love for all of us who participated was so evident. It has made me feel like I am part of a community. Soul Restoration is definitely something you should do for yourself. It will change your life. It will change the way you look at things. It will feed your soul. If you are on the fence, jump off. If you are scared, don't be. If you think it won't be worth it, you are wrong. It will change you. You are worth this. I am a Brave Girl for life. I cannot believe the peace that Soul Restoration has brought into my life. I have a new way of looking at things. There were somethings that I needed to hear, even though deep down I knew it now I heard someone else say it. I believe 1000% in Brave Girls and what they stand for. What are you waiting for...go now...go here and check it out for yourself!

must have tools...

2011-03-18T20:02:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite tools. I really never thought that I would NEED a scoring board, but this one changed the way I felt about that. Besides scoring perfectly, it has a little compartment to hold your bone folder as well as a spot on the back that the envelope triangle can be stored in. Never again will I be looking all over for the missing pieces. Nice and tidy, and with the mess I create when creating I need this! It took me quite a few years to find the perfect trimmer, but I believe I finally did. This little baby cuts straight, has a guide line so you know exactly where you are cutting, has a latch so that when you are taking it to crops it won't swing around and break. The measurements are in nice black print, so it's not hard to see, even on the swing arm. This trimmer has made me hear the angels sing! Love it, and it's very reasonable at $30.00 suggested retail!
Now if you haven't tried these scissors, what are you waiting for? I think they have a little bit of super scissor power, wink. They cut like butter, they have very nice comfy handles, and are perfect for cutting through things like grunge board, chipboard, wire, paper, fabric, etc. These are always on my desk within my reach!
For more fine cutting, I like these. They get into the tiniest of places and are great for precision cutting. I also love the fact that they are non-stick. Even if you cut through sticky adhesive they won't gum up. Love that feature.

Fun new stuff...

2011-03-17T19:01:00.009-04:00

I have been wanting to do a post for a while now on some of my favorite new scrapbooking items... Distress Inks are one of my absolute favorite things. I have every color, multiple ink applicator tools, my non-stick craft mat and a color chart (downloaded from Ranger) in the bin with all my inks. I love love love these inks. They are amazing for blending, adding color and dimension. They are a must have in my papercrafting tools. Now they have added Distress Stains! I cannot even tell you how excited I am about these! I am building my collection of these now. Thanks Tim for another addiction, lol. The only complaint I have is they are only available in 12 colors as of yet. I am hoping that they will introduce more colors at the next CHA.

Another one of my favorite new things is "Butterfly Garden" from Pink Paislee. I haven't gotten my hands on this yet but I am waiting patiently (not), lol. It is just beautiful. I love the natural look of it. The earth tones, the butterflies, oh it's just yummy! Here is just one of the lovely papers! Stamps...I love stamps, and I have quite the collection. I am going to have to add these to my growing collection as well. Tim Holtz's stamps are just lovely and I cannot wait to get these and play with the Distress Inks and stains!

I have more that I will share tomorrow...Hope everyong is having a fabulous St. Patrick's Day!

March???

2011-03-02T11:00:00.003-05:00

Where did February go??? It's hard to believe we are already in the third month of the year!
I have been so busy cleaning, organizing and then purging...and the sad thing is that you look in my scrapbook room and can't even tell. I am going to be spending this weekend working on some assignments and then cleaning and purging that room! I really feel as though it is time for some changes in there. I have even thought about emptying the room completely and starting with a blank canvas! I don't know if I can squeeze that into my schedule, but I think at some point it's going to have to be done.
I can't show you any pictures of what I have been working on just yet, but soon I hope. This month we will be showcasing the Sport Edition II line on the Design Team blog. I know a lot of my friends have a need for this line. I have created a mini book that I just adore...hopefully I can share soon! Don't forget to check out the blog.
Teresa is also the guest blogger for CK today. Go on over and leave her a comment and let her know that you stopped by...she has created some amazing flowers with the Cricut! I am loving them! Go here to check it out!

wishes for you...

2011-02-15T20:31:00.006-05:00

Here is a layout I did a while ago using the Teresa Collins Celebrate line. The picture was taken around Bre's 15th birthday, but I wanted to convey more then just Happy Birthday so I titled it "Wishes for you." These are some of the things I want her to know that I want for her. I used thermoweb's supertape and Teresa's glitter from Blingage to add some sparkle to the page.

By the way, have you heard about the new TC Design Team blog? If you haven't check it out, it has a really sweet project on it from Stacey, with more inspiration to follow!

Hope you enjoy!

soar...

2011-02-04T19:06:00.005-05:00

I love this little quote...I can finally share this little project. I made this using Teresa's new Timeless line (there is also a little Posh). The wings are from the Blingage line...one of my favorite pieces! I am so excited about all of Teresa's new lines, can't wait to scrap this weekend. I am claiming tomorrow as a creative day and I intend to lock myself away in my scraproom and play all day!

Just in case you are curious I found this cute little frame at TJ Maxx and loved the double matting with the shadow box feature and new I wanted to dress it up and add a fun little quote. Hope you enjoy.

Home!!!

2011-02-02T18:00:00.001-05:00

I back home! We were lucky that we didn't have any connecting flights because we might not have made it out of LA...the blizzard has a lot of people stuck right now and I am so glad I am not one of them.

I am so glad to be back with my family and be able to hug them. I miss them when I am gone even though it's nice to be away from the daily grind occasionally, wink. Bre usually runs out and practically attacks me, but I guess she is getting to old for that now...she met me at door and hugged me, but no squeals, sad face. I know she was glad to see me, she is just older now and we have moved on to the next step.

I have some pictures that I will share from the show..probably tomorrow...but I did want to share these.

This is Teresa's new Timeless line...totally love...but if you look closely to the top right corner you can see one of my layouts!!! It is Miss Bo, Nita's youngest...now she thinks she is famous...so funny. She said something about 1000 people are seeing me...now I have to run!!! She is to darn cute!

I borrowed this one from Maridette's blog, hope she doesn't mind, but mine was very blurry! This is Maridette, Teresa, Me and Sesil. CHA was the first time I met Maridette and Sesil and they are the sweetest. Sesil is so dang organized and really has it going on! She is our design team coordinator and I totally see why she is...she is on the ball, sweet, funny. Maridette is so talented and sweet. I was able to meet Laura later, but didn't get a photo, darn it. I really feel so fortunate to be on such a friendly DT for the first time...all the girls are amazing, I hope to get to meet them all!

I have so much more to catch up on, but I will save that for another post! Off to catch up.

leaving on a jet plane...

2011-01-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Steph and I are LA bound! CHA here we come! I will try and post some pictures from the show and keep you posted as to our adventures! I will be facebooking and updating the blog as much as possible so stay tuned!

test...

2011-01-24T07:57:00.001-05:00

Trying to blog from cell phone.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

life's little whirlwinds...

2011-01-20T20:31:00.003-05:00

The last few weeks has been very eventful here in our little household...but things seem to be calming down to a more normal level. I am keeping the "faith" and plugging along!

We had our She retreat January 14-16. I feel as though it was one of our best yet. I love the opportunity that these retreats bring to meet such amazing women and I feel very blessed to be able to call many of them friend.

I did a mini album with Pink Paislee's Queen Bee line and I think it was one of my most favorite yet. We also did a two page layout and a card portfolio. The girls seemed to really enjoy the projects... I will try and get a few pictures posted before leaving for CHA!

Friday Stephanie and I leave for CHA...LA bound! I am so excited to go to this show! Can't wait to see and pick out the new product for the store...the sneak peeks are looking pretty good...Have you scene Tim's new stuff!!!!...and I cannot wait for Teresa's news to be revealed...big news...she has been SO busy! I am definitely on the countdown! I am looking so forward to getting away for a bit!

Bre will be doing her first performance of the year while I'm away, I am bummed that I won't get to see her, but I have been promised pictures. It is the first time I haven't been at one...but she knows I will be with her in spirit!

Will try and catch up before leaving for CHA...keep your fingers crossed, wink.

On the Edge, reveal #3

2011-01-14T11:54:00.004-05:00

I so love this line...I love the versatility of it...Teresa designed this line with inspiration from her boys Ty and Zach...but I have used some it to create some layouts with Bre and I absolutely love how they turned out. I will share when I can...if you haven't stopped by Teresa's blog click on over and see some seriously awesome inspiration from the DT!
Oh and Teresa will be appearing on HSN this coming Tuesday and Wednesday...tune if you can...she is sure to leave you with a ton of inspiration!
Wednesday Night January 19 at 1:00am EST
Thursday January 20 at 12:00pm EST
I will be setting my DVR for the 1am time, wink.

reveal #2

2011-01-13T14:26:00.002-05:00

OMGosh...can you hear me squealing??? This is my favorite I absolutely LOVE this line...when I first saw this I had palpitations, lol. PINK, Black and white...what could be better??? Well, all of Miss Teresa's lines are fabulous and I have to say that I got giddy over all of them but if you know me and my love of these colors...and the designs are just to yummy. If you haven't stopped my Teresa's blog, click on over, she has some amazing projects from the Design Team!!! Can't wait to share the rest...LOVE these new lines!

The reveal starts...

2011-01-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

Teresa started the big reveal on her blog so that means we can finally start sharing what we have been so excited about. This is her Sports Edition 2 and it is fabulous...there is such a need for this line in the industry and as usual she hit the ball out of the park, wink.! She has also shared some fabulous inspiration by the DT on her blog, go check it out!

Love this time of year when all the new scrapbooking stuff starts rolling out...so exciting!!!

p.s. Hubby is doing much better and should be coming home soon, woo hoo...thanks again for all the prayers!

random tidbits...

2011-01-10T13:11:00.008-05:00

I just got home from the hospital checking on my hubby and I am happy to report he is doing much better, it seems we have turned the corner! I was able to speak to the doctor today and he said that my sweetie is responding nicely to the new medication. They want to monitor him for a little bit longer just to make sure that he stays on the right track and get a couple more test results but it is looking much better then yesterday! I didn't realize when I chose my one little word how quickly I would have to put it to work. Faith...it is a good feeling! So I decided to share a couple of random things!

Do you ever check Pantone to see what the official color of the year is...well, I do, and guess what it is this year!!! Yep, it's a beautiful pink called Honeysuckle. I love this color and think you will be seeing a lot of it in the coming months!

Tomorrow begins a journey I have been looking forward to for quite a while. Soul Restoration...the online course from Brave Girls Club! I don't think I knew exactly how much I would need this when I signed up for it. I am ready! You still have until midnight tonight to sign up but if you just can't swing it or you are on the fence you should at least sign up for the daily truth emails??? Brave Girls is such a positive force and we sure need more of that in the world...what are you waiting for...go now!

faith...

2011-01-10T12:21:00.004-05:00

After this weekend this is my new motto...I am living with faith and hope and trying to stay calm. My husband is still in the hospital and it looks like he is going to be there for a few more days. I am so thankful for all the messages and prayers and I hope each of you know that you touch my heart and give me strength. He is going to be just fine...I have complete faith. The doctors are working hard to find the right medication and hopefully they will....if not then we will have to get ready for the next step. I just wanted to check in and really say thank you for all the well wishes! It really does mean a lot!!! I will keep you posted.

busy, busy...

2011-01-05T22:03:00.003-05:00

Bre went back to school Monday and I went back to work. I have been crazily kitting the projects for the SHE retreat weekend...NINE days and counting! That was pretty much finished today...now just to tie up all the little loose ends and we will be set.

Mentally I am already preparing for California...Steph and I leave the end of the month for FIVE fun and work filled days attending the CHA-W trade show! This is my 11 year attending and I still get excited! Love seeing all the new products and getting to catch up with friends, make new friends and focus on what product we will be bringing in to the store for the first part of the year. There are already some sneak peeks cropping up and it looks like it is going to be a GREAT show!!!

Oh, did you see the little sneaky peeky Teresa did??? FUN, that is all I can say right now...but I will say it is totally fabulous!!!

1.1.11

2011-01-01T19:49:00.002-05:00

I am so excited about the new year!!! I have a little cold but I am not going to let that bring me down. I see so many possibilities for 2011 and feel it in my heart that this is going to be a good year.

Today the tree came down, the house was rearranged, cleaned and a lot of organizing was done. Tomorrow I am going to tackle my scrapbook room and get that ready for all the work I will be doing in there! I would take a picture of my desk (the HUGE mess) but I cannot because you might see something you're not supposed to see just yet, wink. Soon though! I cannot wait for you to see Teresa's new lines...they are spectacular!

I have been thinking about my new word for 2011 and am ready to share. Faith.

Pure and simple. I sometimes struggle with applying this little word to myself. I am going to embrace all that this word means. I was reminded last year that this little word has huge power and I am going to really focus on having faith and not getting lost in doubt. Let me say that I have never lost faith in God and he has been what has pulled me through the dark times. But I also realize that I am supposed to have faith in myself. Faith...I really like the sound of this word!

I am also going to be taking the soul restoration workshop through Brave Girls! I know that this is something that I just need to do for myself. I think this will definitely go right along with my "one little word" for this year.

So here is to 2011...I am so excited to see what it brings and discover all the possibilities it has to offer!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T20:54:00.007-05:00

It's that time...

yep...

the stockings are hung...

the presents are wrapped...

the casseroles are baked...

scrapbooking has been done...

It's been a great day!!!

I had such a great time with Bre preparing the Christmas food and she helped me wrap the gifts for the rest of the family. It's nice that she is at the age that she wants to help and she even does a better job then me, lol.

I made a couple of layouts today with the new Teresa Collins lines and I can't wait to share...her new lines are phenomenal!!! Her best yet...she has some HUGE things brewing and I can't believe I am lucky enough to be part of it. So exciting...I can't wait till CHA!!! It is going to be FABULOUS!!! By the way have you signed up for the TCD Newsletter yet...If not go here and get it done...Sesil does a fabulous job putting it together and the inspiration will knock your socks off, wink. It is over the top good!!!

I wanted to share a cute little card I made with Teresa's Noel line...on the inside is a little pocket that I can slip some cash or gift card into. I love this line so much and cannot wait to scrap my soon to be Christmas pics...

I hope each and every one of you have a very merry Christmas and enjoy the day with people you love. Love and hugs!!!

Almost here!!!

2010-12-23T15:12:00.002-05:00

Still not done...

Picked up last minute things tonight on the way home from work...

Still have wrapping to do...

Still have baking to do...

Not to mention the piles of laundry!...

But I am excited!!!

Can't wait to see and spend time with family...

Tomorrow will be full of baking, laundry and scrapbooking...

Don't forget to visit Teresa's blog...day 23 today and she's working up to something HUGE on Christmas!!! Go here now!

Five days left...

2010-12-20T10:54:00.003-05:00

Only FIVE more days until Christmas...

I am feeling blessed...

I am accepting the fact that it will be what it will be...

I am not quite ready yet, but that is okay...

It will be what it will be...

The important thing is that our family will be together...they are such a blessing in my life. They are my strength, my joy, my safe spot in this world! I am so very thankful for them!
We will spend this holiday season together...

I have been thinking about what my word for 2011 will be and have narrowed it down to three. 2010 was very challenging in some areas and very blessed in other areas. Looking back on it, that really is what life is about. The challenges are there to help us grow, to help us be grateful when they pass. 2010 also brought some exciting opportunities!

I am over the top excited about being on Teresa Collin's design team! I still pinch myself every once in a while, wink. I have such admiration for Teresa and feel very blessed to have this amazing opportunity. Her designs are so classy and make it so easy to tell our stories...love that! She is also one of the most down to earth and sweet souls I have met! Make sure you visit all the girls on the TCD team...we have a very sweet group of girls on the team full of amazing talent! I'm excited to get to know them throughout this year!

She Scrapbooks is another exciting thing in my life. "She" has brought more amazing women into my life. Women I feel very lucky to know and call friend. This is one of the many reasons I love the scrapbooking industry so much. I have truly made life long friends that mean the world to me. I also get to spend my days surrounded by paper crafting goodness!!! What could be better? Nothing in my book!

With all this said I am welcoming 2011! Bring it on...let's see where this new year takes us!

Tree layout...

2010-12-10T13:13:00.008-05:00

OK...it took me a week...but here it is...the Christmas tree pics and they are even already scrapped!!! I used Teresa Collins Noel line, of course, wink! I love her papers and how classic the designs are! Usually I struggle with Christmas themes, but this paper has made it so easy!!! I also used Gentry's glitter from the blingage line with Thermoweb's super tape. I love being able to create a glitter border with no mess! I have some more projects planned with the super tape!
(the sticker letters are thickers from American Crafts)

Don't forget to click over to Teresa's blog as she is full swing in the 25 favorite thing giveaway!!! Today she has teamed up with none other then Donna Downey...you won't want to miss out on the chance for this one!!!

TGIF...

2010-12-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's Friday!!! I have to say I am so looking forward to this weekend...for the simple fact that I will finally have a chance to get the tree up. I am looking forward to sitting in front of the tree watching the twinkle lights and my most favorite...the bubble lights!!! As a child I wanted bubble light SO bad...but my grandparents said they were to expensive and so we never had them. I loved being able to go to my BFF's house and admire hers. We would lay under the tree coloring, doodling, and just giggling. It is one of my most favorite Christmas memories! So when Kenny and I started our Christmas collection of whatnots...let me tell you bubble lights were at the top of the list! I am happy to report that they adorn our tree every year. It's the little things like this that make my giddy! I will share some pictures once the tree is up.
By the way, don't forget to click on Teresa's blog every day...she is doing a giveaway a day until Christmas...today she is giving a Soul Restoration workshop from Brave Girls away!!! What a prize!!! Those of you who know me know I adore Brave Girls, the messages, the women behind it, everything. What are you waiting for go here now!!!

December 1...

2010-12-01T16:11:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it...here we are. I have no idea where this year went...it has been one thing after another and bam, here we are in December!

Have you read the newsletter from She Scrapbooks? If not make sure you do...there are some things you really won't want to miss...just saying!!!

Have you been to Teresa Collins blog yet today??? If not you should, she has a really cute project posted and will be posting more each day along with A GIVEAWAY A DAY until Christmas!!! Really cute stuff too!!! If your looking for some really beautiful Christmas papers, we have them in stock at the store, some of my favorites, I think you will agree...aren't they just gorgeous!

I have a pretty full calendar this month. I think we will be running from one thing to the next until Christmas, but I am going to try to maintain the old blog and get some new inspiration on here. I have so many ideas whirling through my head it's making me dizzy! Laundry and dinner is calling my name...oh, and I am still working on the rosette tutorial...maybe, just maybe it will be done by this weekend!

new layouts...

2010-11-29T20:10:00.009-05:00

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Thanksgiving...We spent the day at Kenny's parents. I was able to snap some pictures of Bre with her cousins and I can't wait to get them printed so I can scrapbook them. Bre and I left late in the afternoon and headed to my mom's. We went to bed fairly early to wake up at 3:00AM for the Black Friday madness. We were pretty well done by 11:00 and headed back to the house where I proceeded to take a nap...so all in all it was a really nice holiday weekend. My mom says we are going to keep the tradition of Black Friday shopping going...me...I am starting to rethink it...although I am sure in 360 days or so I will be totally up for it again. Here are some layouts I did in the early part of November. Just never got around to sharing. Anytime I take pictures of Bre nowadays, Wesley isn't too far away, wink. The layout with with Bre and Wesley is using Teresa Collins Noel Line and Friendship line. I love the fact that it is so versatile. Just one of the many things I love about her designs! I had to throw in some shipping tags, thickers, one of Tim's dies and Distress Inks!

The next layout with just Bre is using Parision Anthology from Pink Paislee and Distress Inks. I love the resist on this paper. Some Prima lace, MS Monarch Butterfly punch, shipping tags, thickers, a doilie and a stamp.

If you haven't been to Teresa's blog today she has some real cute things made with the Blingage line. You know I love the Blingage!!! And the ornament designed by Sesil is totally adorable. I love it and will be making my own to add to our Christmas tree!!!

Plus she is doing a give-a-way!

Holiday menu layout...

2010-11-23T20:52:00.006-05:00

Here is a layout I made using Teresa Collins Noel line. I also used a piece of her Family Matters line that I had in my stash to cut out the journal box. The letters are grunge board colored with Distress Ink and Glimmer Mist. Of course, I had to add some doilies and shipping tags. I also used Distress Inks and Distress Stickles to add some dimension along with some MS punches.

In our family we have the same dinner every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Without fail the menu is always the same. The table might be set differently but the menu is one of our favorite traditions. I think if we tried to change something the kids would boycott, lol. Don't forget to take pictures of your Holiday food and table, I love the fact that Breanna will have this to look back on and appreciate the dinners we spent with our family celebrating the holidays!

More news...

2010-11-22T19:32:00.002-05:00

Did you know that Teresa Collins Designs has a newsletter...the first one went out today...if you aren't signed up go here. They are filled with inspiration!!! Don't forget to check out Teresa's blog either...she is featuring a DT member each day!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week. I work tomorrow then I am off for FIVE days...woo hoo. I am going to be baking casseroles Wednesday, Thursday we will be visiting the in-laws and my Mom, then my mom and I are going to brave the Black Friday craziness!!! Should be an adventure! I hope to share a layout or two before Thanksgiving...stay tuned!

sharing....

2010-11-20T14:04:00.014-05:00

Here is a look at what I submitted for the Teresa Collins Design Team Call...Hope you enjoy!

I love Teresa's Freestyle line! I made this book just so I could remember my life right now. I think it is very important to take stock of where we are in life every couple of years. This little book was the perfect way for me to do that and be able to look back on it and remember where I was and who I was at this particular time in my life. I will be doing a tutorial later this week on how to make these, so make sure and check back.

The next two pages are pictures of my baby's 15 birthday. I wanted to journal some things I thought would be important for her to read later. The Friendship line as what I used to do the first layout. The next layout was done with the Welcome Home and Mr. and Mrs. Lines. I love how versatile these two lines are.

I am still so excited and honored to be on Teresa's design team. It is a dream come true. Not only do I love Teresa's lines but I have been inspired by her for years. I can't wait to get to work and get to know the other Design Team members. I am thrilled to be a part of this. If you get a chance click on over to Teresa's Blog, she is introducing us, the new DT, today is my day! I want to say thank you for all the sweet messages and emails I have gotten...it has been a fun week to say the least!!!

Pinch me now!!!

2010-11-18T18:25:00.002-05:00

Just go here and read all about it...still floating on cloud nine...I can't wipe the smile off my face.

I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity. I cannot wait to get started. I cannot wait to get to know the other designers. I would write more but my brain just isn't functioning well enough for me to write coherently, wink.

Exciting news...

2010-11-16T20:53:00.002-05:00

I am over the top excited...I haven't said anything until now but I submitted for the Teresa Collins Design Team. I really didn't think it would go anywhere, but I wanted to give it a shot. Follow a dream. Today I found out I am one of the finalists! Imagine my surprise to click onto her blog and see my name as a finalists!!! Yes, happy dances were done, squeals were made and lots of giggling and pinching. No, it is not the final list yet, but just making the list has been a huge honor. There are 23 other fantasticly talented ladies on that list and being there with them, well, I can only say I am honored, excited and giddy. I wish all the girls luck and will be excited for whoever makes the final list! But I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed, wink.

Homecoming...

2010-11-13T20:06:00.003-05:00

It is so hard for me to believe that this is my baby girl. It is hard to believe that she is a sophomore in high school and she has been dating Wesley for almost a year now. They sure do look cute together, I might be a little partial though, wink. She has been so excited for the past month waiting for today. I am so glad that she is embracing her days in high school, she will have some great memories to look back on. I am so glad that she has such a sweet boyfriend. He is so sweet to her and is very respectful. Thanks Wesley!

I have a ton more pictures but I need to edit them a bit because the lighting was pretty hard to work with, but I couldn't wait to share a few. I needed to get a few up for the family...her cousin Christopher was promised photos would be up tonight!

Thankful Thursday...

2010-11-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

November! This month I am working on my Gratitude journal I made in Teresa Collins class. I really have been focusing on being thankful more and more and it feels so good. I was so inspired by her line of "Giving Thanks" papers that I made a few cards. Love the colors, love the design, it was so easy to work with. I'm waiting for more to come into the store so I can purchase a few more sheets. I need some for my Thanksgiving layout, and I have depleted my stash!

Today being the first Thursday of the month means it's time to share some things I am thankful or grateful for.

...My scrapbook room is clean again!...

...I have been feeling very creative lately!...

...Breanna received an Academic Letter and her first gold bar pin...

...Kenny and I have made time for a few date nights...

...I have been purging and minimizing, what a sense of accomplishment...

My family and friends mean the world to me. The thing I love most about the upcoming holidays is getting to spend time with people I love. I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving and visiting the family, taking some pictures and just having some down time. I am even making the casseroles this year! I hope each and every one of you have a fabulous month and enjoy the holiday season!!!

TCR Challenge...

2010-11-02T19:49:00.004-04:00

Loved the colors this week...and I so love these pictures...I knew as soon as I saw the colors these were the ones I was going to use. These pictures are a couple years old, but I absolutely love them. I used My Mind's Eye and Prima paper, some brown burlap, prima flowers, lace and bling, some vintage Heidi silhouettes, Naratives (Karen Russel) word strips, and Hambly transparency. Oh and a little bit of paint for an added something something, wink. Hope you enjoy!

new pics...

2010-10-30T17:30:00.003-04:00

Bre and Wesley wanted me to take some new pictures! Needless to say I was all for it because I need some new photos to work with and she is my favorite subject, wink. I absolutely love the way these turned out! Now I am off to get some printed so I can get some scrapbooking done!

The Color Room challenge...

2010-10-27T20:54:00.003-04:00

Here is the latest...I have to say joining The Color Room has been good for my scrapbooking, wink. It has given me desperately needed inspiration. Sometimes we just hit a block and I have been there, but I feel my mojo making a return and it feels good. I have even been able to use some of my stash! This page consists of some vintage Karen Foster-narratives line that I absolutely adored but didn't want to use. Silly, I know! It also has some Prima paper, Prima flowers and some bling (what's a layout without a little bling, wink). So have any of you checked out The Color Room yet? Let me know, if any of you have joined look me up and friend me!
P.S. There is a blinkie on the right with a link if your interested!

2010-10-26T15:46:00.005-04:00

I have been working on some fun things...but I can't share just yet. Hopefully soon! Isn't Roxie just the cutest...she keeps my company in my little happy place...aka my scrapbook room as I am working on projects. She is such nice company too...perfectly content to just watch what I'm doing or just sleep.

Life has been percolating along at a pretty fast clip...can you believe it is almost November??? Crazy, we are right on the edge of the holiday season.

I have to say I am a little fearful, but I am sure I will survive just as I have every other year, wink. I am really going to try hard to enjoy this year's season. The holidays are just so commercial now...it has really taken the joy out of it.

However, I have some ideas brewing to make it less stressful, I will be sharing as the time gets closer. I am going to be making most of our Christmas gifts this year...as I complete a project I will be sharing here...maybe it will help out a few of you too!

Hope you all are having a great week. Thanks for stopping by!

The color room...

2010-10-21T20:41:00.005-04:00

I joined a challenge website this week. I haven't done one of these before but I like the fact that you can use product out of your stash, they give you color combinations and a sketch. The thing that got me is the color combos. These are definitely not colors I would use in my everyday scrapbooking so it really made me think outside my box. I had a good time creating this layout and it came together much faster then I thought it would. I used some vintage Heidi Swapp invisible paper with Distress Inks. Added some punches and embellies and here you have it. If you haven't heard of The Color Room go check it out. Give it a try, you might just like it.

some tag love...

2010-10-18T21:14:00.003-04:00

As promised here is some inky goodness that I promised...I love distress ink! I have almost every color now and will finish the collection in the very near future. I must say that if you really want to work with distress ink, the inking tool with the foam applicator and the non stick craft sheet are necessities. I am also in total love with my Tim Holtz stamps. I am collecting those as well and am very excited to say some new ones will arrive Wednesday at the store!!! Woo Hoo, looks like I will be shopping this week, wink.

Were to begin...

2010-10-18T10:33:00.004-04:00

Wow...what a weekend. We had Teresa Collins at the store Friday and Saturday. It was such a great weekend. It was so much more then what I was expecting. It was one of those "food for the soul" events. I worked but I also giggled, created, shared, connected and enjoyed the time (which went extremely fast). If you came you now what I am talking about, If you didn't I would highly recommend taking classes from Teresa if you ever have the opportunity! I am sure SHE will be visiting SHE Scrapbooks again, just not sure when, but I already can't wait! She is such a down to earth, beautiful soul, caring, sweet, amazing business woman, fantastic Mom! She brought little Ty with her as her helper and he was such an amazing young man. He is her youngest, but you can tell her children have been raised with love and guidance. He is an amazing young man and hope he gets to come back with her when she does come back!
I was fortunate enough to be able to do two of the workshops...the Life Moments album and the Christmas Daily album...and I am working hard to finish them up. I absolutely love them. I am so looking forward to being able to just add the pictures and journaling to the Christmas daily during the month of December. I am so excited to have it done and all ready to go!
I am going to be sharing as I go through the month of December, so keep a look out!
I was listening to Teresa speak about the thoughts behind her Gratitude Album and have decided to do this one on my own. I have created a gratitude book before (actually taught one at one of my retreats) and she just reminded me how important it is to keep focused on the positive and loving things in my life. So thank you Teresa for making me open my eyes and heart to this again. I really want my family to know who I am or was. I want to impress upon Breanna how important it is to live a life thankful for what we have, thankful for the people who guide us and inspire us, thankful for each other, thankful for the non material things in life. I am, for the first time in a really long time, looking forward to the holiday season! Looking at it with excitement instead of dread. Right now I am so thankful I was able to have such a weekend, that Steph and I are doing this together, reconnect with women who have visited before and connect with new women who visited us for the first time. I feel like a very LUCKY woman!

Believe...

2010-10-08T15:28:00.003-04:00

I am reading "1" by Compendium and I had to take time to share this.
Believe...
The start to a better world is our belief that it is possible.
Believe in your dreams.
Believe in today.
Believe that you are loved.
Believe that you make a difference.
Believe we can build a better world.
Believe when others might not.
Believe there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Believe that you might be that light for someone else.
Believe that the best is yet to be.
Believe in each other.
Believe in yourself.
I believe in you.
-Kobi Yamada.
If you haven't read any of Compendium's books, I highly recommend them.
Just had to do a quick share.

Late again...

2010-10-08T13:35:00.007-04:00

Image from the internet

Where does the time go? Even at once a month it is hard for me to get here on the first Thursday of each month in a timely manner. I am not this way in life, usually at least 15 minutes early for everything. But I am determined to keep my commitment for Thankful Thursday even if it gets here on Fridays, wink.

...I have a full weekend off this weekend...
...The mini trade show Steph and I went to was filled with inspiration...
...Bre is doing really well in school...
...the cool mornings of fall...
...my friends who share their babies, wink...
...new episodes are finally back for my TV show, silly as this is...
...Kenny has really been helping out with dinner and stuff...
...SHE had her first birthday...
...phone calls from my mom...
...phone calls from my mother-in-law...
I have so much more to be thankful or grateful for, but these are the things that stuck in my mind as I was typing this out. I hope to be back with some pictures of some things I created after our weekend of inspiration. Till then...Hugs.

Fun to share...

2010-09-28T15:54:00.005-04:00

Over the last five days I have been at a mini trade show and I am now filled with inspiration. I feel like my head might explode from all the creative ideas buzzing around in my brain. I have so many ideas, I just hope I can bring them to fruition before they escape. It was so nice to get away and hang out with people who love this industry. The high point for me was being able to pick Tim Holtz's brain a little. I took a class from him, Claudine Hellmuth, two from Hero Arts, two from Copic, and quite a few others. It was nice to go be the student for a change.

Stephanie and I were fortunate enough to be able to have lunch with Tim, Mario, Alain (owner of Ranger), Sharon from Prima, Lu from Prima and Lindsay from Cosmo Cricket. It was a fun table to be at, we laughed a ton, shared travel experiences, and just were able to get to know each other. Fun, total FUN.

These were the only pictures I took...and they were with my phone. For those of you who do not know who Mario is...he is Tim's business manager and makes sure that all Tim's classes are prepped and kitted, things are shipped to venues on time, organizer of all things Tim. He also keeps us in the know by tweeting what they are up to, so if you are not friends with him on Facebook, I would recommend seeking him out. If you tweet, look him up on Twitter. (he even gives away some fun prizes from time to time. He was also gracious enough to pose for a picture with Steph and I.

Yay...

2010-09-21T14:51:00.010-04:00

photo from "My Sweet Savannah"
This weekend Steph and I are off to a small show in Orlando. One of our rep groups puts on this amazing intimate little show of their vendors for retail stores. I am so looking forward to it. I need it. Steph and I have been on the countdown for what seems like forever! Today is the day, we leave after work! It will be full of classes, visiting with other store owners and designers, and lots of creative inspiration. Four full days of it! Woo Hoo! I will try and share some while we are there, but if not when I get back for sure, wink. We are taking a side trip to Ikea, The Mall of Millinia where there just happens to be an Anthropology...total eye candy. We also have some plans to meet up with the girls who own a scrapbooking store down south. They came to our retreat and we just hit it off. Great group of ladies...looking forward to getting together with them. I hope each and every one of you has a great weekend and gets to do something that makes you happy!

TGIF...

2010-09-17T09:51:00.005-04:00

This little sentiment has been a lifesaver for me this week...sometimes we just need a little reminder. It has been one of those weeks. I realize it is not just me...there seems to be some underlying currant of negative energy. Well, it is not going to claim me...I am staying on the positive side of things...staying happy. I have put up my bubble shield, wink. Nothing but happiness and positivity is allowed in. This has been one of those weeks that will make me appreciate the smooth running one that is surely on its way. So I will persevere, and move on. So on a positive note...I have noticed a crisp feeling in the mornings when I take Roxie out for her little walk. It is fall saying it is right around the corner, and I cannot wait. I am so ready for some nice cool mornings, and those nice cool evenings when you can feel the magic in the air.

I have the weekend off and I am going to embrace the downtime, embrace quite moments, embrace the next two days and allow them to recharge my battery, lol. What are you doing this weekend? I hope whatever it is, it is filled with fun and positive energy.

life as it is...

2010-09-09T12:33:00.004-04:00

I am fascinated by life...

there are such cycles to life...

there are good times and bad times...

I think the bad times come so as to remind us to really enjoy the good times...

there are challenges...

I think they come just to show us what we are made of...

there are easier times...

So we can relax and recharge for the challenges that are to come...

there are blessings...

Such sweet blessings...life, family, friends,

none of these being material things...

there are noisy times...

when you feel like you cannot even hear yourself think...

there are quite times...

so you can reflect on the joys and blessings in your life...

there is strength...

I believe it is a gift...we just need to realize we all have it...

there is love...

unconditional love is the truest form of it, we are all made different and we should embrace that.

there is faith...

something you never want to loose...

these are things I have been thinking about lately, something I needed to share...

And a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Kristy, Stephen and Mason who welcomed Rance to their family today. So happy for you all, and I cannot wait to meet the new member of the Taylor family!

new pages...

2010-09-06T18:36:00.005-04:00

I know the pictures aren't the best, but I forgot my camera so I took them with my phone. So please excuse the pictures they aren't the best, but I couldn't wait to share any longer. I used Glitz Designs on the first two and Prima papers with Bazzill flowers on the last two. Hope you enjoy.

thrifting...

2010-09-06T15:09:00.004-04:00

I was able to find the time today to go to a couple of thrift stores. Love it...for me it is all about treasure hunting. I love to find vintage things that I can put to use somewhere else. I have been on the hunt for a few different things and hit paydirt at one of my local haunts! I absolutely love what I found today. I am still looking for more of the Blue Ball Mason jars, but I finally found one reasonably priced. I got all this for $5.00. The vintage lace is hand made. Really beautiful in person. I can't wait to go again, but I usually only have the time to go every couple of months. On another note I will be sharing some scrapping creations later today...so don't forget to come back and take a peek, wink.

thankful Thursday (wink)

2010-09-03T12:53:00.005-04:00

image found on the internet
Guess what yesterday was and guessed what I missed. Yep, thankful Thursday came and went without a post. I will however be making up for it today. So here it is...

...this hobby called scrapbooking, it has brought so much into my life and really changed me as a person. From the friends I have made to traveling, finding a creative outlet, working a dream job. I really feel truly blessed...

...the weather is starting to cool a bit...

...found treasures, even if it valuable only to me...

...ice cold sierra mist first thing in the morning...

...the inspiration that seems to be all around me...

...being able to sleep in on Sundays...

...getting my hair cut tomorrow...

...hair dye...

...starry nights...

...Brave Girls now has a blog!...

There are really so many things to be thankful for, even when we are going through rough patches. If you look you will find blessings. If you focus, you will see positives. If you allow yourself to be happy, you will be happy. If you embrace life, it will embrace you right back.

I choose to embrace life. I am 43 and I feel like I am turning into a butterfly. I am shedding that cocoon that has kept me a prisoner for so many years. I am amazed by life. I know the best is yet to come. I want each and every one of you to feel this way too. If there is something holding you back, let it go, I promise it will be worth it.

2010-08-31T18:48:00.005-04:00

I do not know who said it or where it came from but I absolutely love it. It is so true. This has inspired me to make scrapbooking a priority again. I find utter joy in playing with paper, creating home decor as well as scrapbooks. Creating little books that help me remember special times or sentiments. I was so inspired this weekend...women creating, laughing, connecting, enjoying...just being happy. It felt good to be a part of this.

Laura and Ginger (two of the fabulous Glitz Girls) are phenomenal women and I am so fortunate that I was able to spend the weekend with them. They are so fun and down to earth, love this industry for bringing such women into my life. Steph and I had so much fun we can't wait till we can get together again and share some more laughs!

p.s. Can't wait to share what I have been creating...must take pictures in daylight though.

Glitzy goodness...

2010-08-27T11:32:00.006-04:00

Tonight I am at the store soaking in the inspiration. The fabulous Glitz Girls, Laura and Ginger, are here teaching classes and they are so MUCH fun. Love them, feel like I have made some friends for life. It's funny how this business brings us together, it truly is a blessing to meet other women who are just as passionate about this industry. Will post pictures later. Toodles for now.

Be...(warning thinking)

2010-08-23T15:48:00.009-04:00

This is an actual image from Hubble.

Isn't it beautiful...I just love this image. I had to share it. I am one of those people who sits and thinks about the hows and whys of the world. I am one who can definitely get lost in my thoughts. When I saw this image, I did just that. It made me think about spreading my wings and giving into the desire to be more then what I am. I can feel changes happening within myself. I can also feel the me that is still locked away inside but about to break free. For the most part I am who I am and I truly feel very blessed to be where I am, with the family I have, and the friends I have. I have come along way...but you see there is still a part of me...a very lost, lonely, scared, insecure little girl. But she is rapidly being replaced by a found, secure, brave, loving, woman. I think it has a lot to do with my age, the things I have been through, loss, the people that I have crossed paths with. Some of those people becoming life-long friends who write on my soul, others just staying for awhile but leave an imprint on my soul. I am so excited to see what the future brings. I know there will be challenges, and I know there will be blessings. The thing I know for sure is that whatever it may be, I will face it head on. Make the most of it. Be happy. Be Kind. Be the kind of person that can rise above the mistakes and hopefully help someone else with the knowledge I gain. Be brave. But most importantly be who I was meant to be.

I hope that each and every one of you have a happy week and that the good things outweigh the challenging ones.

"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked.

"You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a catepillar."

time...

2010-08-19T16:50:00.005-04:00

Time seems to be slipping away so quickly these days. I don't know whether it is because we are back on a schedule, school has been back in almost a week, or the older I get the faster it goes. Regardless life has been a whirlwind.

We have been getting in so much new product in at the store, I have been back logged for about two weeks, getting it checked in, pricing, inputting (which Steph does) and then finding it a home. Rearranging to make everything fit. Clearing out the old, which requires it going back through the system (also Steph) and then moving it all to the clearance section. Wow...lots of work. Finally, I have caught up and had a chance to actually play with some of the new stuff making page examples. Love it. Love this part of the job. So fun and starts my mind racing with all sorts of projects...FUN.

We are still looking for a house, I don't even remember if I updated that the one we thought we had fell through. It just wasn't meant to be. When things like that happen, I think it is definitely a sign...so I am back on the hunt. I hope to find one soon, I am really ready to move and get settled. I am itching to nest and I can't do that when I know that a move is imminent. So keep your fingers crossed, we really need to find something closer to work and school. This drive is exhausting me. Maybe I am just a wimp, but facts are facts, wink. I thought I would leave you with a picture I found online somewhere...it just inspires the heck out of me.

Excited...

2010-08-08T11:57:00.003-04:00

I am the lucky winner of this new stamp set. I have lots of ideas swirling through my head. I left a comment on Tim's blog and as luck would have it, he did a random prize give-away! Thanks to Mario who collected some products at CHA to do some give-aways this little baby is now added to my Tim Holtz stamp collection. (and it is even his 100th stamp set). I came home Friday and found this nice treat in the mail. Love getting happy mail. Have you checked out Tim's blog lately, he has tons of new stuff on there including a new video! So thanks Tim and Mario, you made my day!

random thoughts...

2010-08-07T18:18:00.006-04:00

Like this idea...saw it on Kristy's blog so I thought I would play along...
listening...to Breanna talk and sing

drinking...berry-limeade

wearing...pj's

feeling...happy

weather...hot, but a storm is rolling in

wanting...cooler weather

needing...more time and a little vacation

thinking...too much

enjoying...spending time with Breanna

wondering...will I ever really feel like a grown up?

Bre and I had such a good day. We slept in, went school shopping, went to lunch, school shopped some more, and now we are home resting our weary little feet. Nice to be able to come home and put the feet up and sit back and rest for a bit. I don't think that is going to last long because something called laundry is calling my name, wink.

retreat project...

2010-08-06T21:19:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to share one of the projects I did with the girls at the retreat over the weekend. I used the Paper Girl line from The Girls Paperie. I love how this little happy book turned out. I also did a tutorial on the paper rosettes and everyone seemed to really like learning that! Hope you enjoy. Sorry about the picture quality in the last two posts, I need to remember to take the pictures during daylight, wink.

Thursday rambling...

2010-08-05T16:16:00.008-04:00

Today is the first Thursday of August...hard to believe, but I have to say I am ready for summer to be over. At least the heat part of the summer. It has been extremely hot and humid here in Florida now since well probably April. I think we went directly from winter into summer temps. I cannot wait for those lower temperature days and cool nights. Something definitely to look forward to! Many of you, I am sure, have read how passionate I am about Brave Girls! I have not been to Brave Girls Camp yet, but it is on my bucket list. I wonder about what it will be like attending their camp since just receiving their daily emails has been such an eye opener for me. It has given me new perspective. It has been an absolute spirit lifter. If you have not signed up for the daily emails, I urge you to. What have you got to lose??? It is so nice to open up a daily inspirational email, that most of the time seems written just for me. (The friends that have signed up say the exactly the same thing) I even have created a "Brave" book compiling all the emails, or at least the ones that touch me, into one place so I can thumb through the pages when I feel as though I need a little brave nourishment, lol.

And today is the first Thursday of a new month...so here is what I am thankful for.

...my hubby has meds now that will keep him healthy...

...Our retreat weekend was a success. I reconnected with some old friends and made some new friends...

...my car is finally fixed and not overheating...

...I am able to pick up the phone and talk to my mom anytime...

...new compfy pillow...

...being able to sleep in on Saturday mornings...

...my "Brave" inspiration book...

...that I have lots of scrapbooking supplies to play with...

...my faith has been renewed..

...forgiveness...