Pie Safe Paper Goods

Sadness

2011-11-12T10:02:00.003-06:00

Some of you will remember me talking about Katie Renz's blog at our last crop. I began reading it about a month or so ago - right around the time they had the "Swimming for Katie" fundraiser. Needless to say, I began to go back and read older posts and felt like I got to know her, well, as much as you can in a month. It seemed like a big part of the paper crafting world got to know her and love her as well.

So, despite the fact it was more than likely inevitable, it was still sad to learn Katie Renz lost her hard-fought battle with stomach cancer on Monday, 11/07. She left behind her husband, Kevin, and sons, Hunter, Nate, and Will. I am positive they miss her tremendously as do many other family and friends.

From reading blogs of those who were far closer to Katie than me, I have learned her husband and sons all have birthdays within the next few weeks. These celebrations will be difficult, I am certain, as they will be the first since her passing. I know I have some great friends out there that this will also touch their heart. If you would like to send cards to the family, you may do so at the following address:

The Renz Family
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Please note Katie's funeral is scheduled for Monday, 11/14. Her huband's birthday (Kevin) is on 11/17. Her twin sons'(Nate and Will) birthdays are on 11/19. They will turn 6 this year. Her oldest son (Hunter) has his birthday on 12/01 and he will turn 12.

I am grateful for the short time I was able to "know" Katie through her blog. Her courage was amazing, but her devotion to her family was truly inspiring.

52 Weeks of Mail - 2nd Week - Going Strong!

2011-10-18T05:39:00.003-05:00

Let me repeat, I think 52 Weeks of Mail is a great idea and I am committed to seeing it through. Here is one reason it is a good thing to do.

I told you last week I was mailing a card to our neighbor, Ms. Bartlett. I was home over the weekend and she saw my car. She made a specific point of calling and asking to speak with me. She then told me she had received my card and how much she appreciated it. Ms. Bartlett went on to say she was so glad I had "chosen" her to receive mail and how much it meant to her. She added she was looking forward to getting her next card!

SO - see how easy it is to make someone happy! Mailing two more cards this week!!

Back to work

2011-10-17T06:09:00.002-05:00

for me! I enjoyed my time off. As usual, I did not accomplish all I ever want to do, but really, when is your house ever totally clean and organized? On a more serious note, I had three things I wanted to accomplish and I managed to get two done - so that was good progress. The really going through and cleaning out all through your house just takes more time than I had. However, I managed to craft some, visited Grandaddy, visited Mom and Dad, went to fall arts and craft show with Mom, rode in Dad's new four-wheeler (that was fun), and just relaxed. Now, back to the daily grind once again!! My 52 Weeks of Mail cards will be going out tomorrow! I have a cute story to share about that project.

Have a great Monday!!

Sneak Peek for our Halloween Crop

2011-10-14T08:34:00.007-05:00

I have a group of friends that I crop with on a fairly regular basis and we have done so for several years. We are having a crop next weekend that has been deemed our "Halloween" party. We have never had a crop dedicated to Halloween. . . . .and I am ALL over this!!! I am not a huge fan of Halloween, but I LOVE making crafts assoicated with this holiday.

This is a little sneak peek of one of the goodies I am making for everyone. I am going to have to do some trim work, I see. Of what I have shared, I used a|muse studio slate woodgrain and heather cardstock - so far and that you can see. Of course, there is more to show, but I will have to share it with you later. I can't ruin the surprise!!!

I hope everyone has a great Friday. I am off to do some errands and such.

52 Weeks of Mail - Week 1

2011-10-11T14:38:00.015-05:00

If you are looking for the Studio Stampers blog hop, please go HERE.

As I mentioned in this post, I have decided to participate in the 52 Weeks of Mail challenge. I think it is a wonderful idea and a great way to provide someone with a little happiness each week. This week I am mailing two cards. I made both of them a couple of years ago when I regularly attended a card class put on by a Stampin' Up demonstrator. We met once a month and made at least four cards each time. I am just now beginning to get low on my card stash. I would love to tell you what stamps we used or more about the cards, but I can't. I just made what was put in front of me.

This week I am mailing cards to my Grandaddy and to our family friend, Ms. Bartlett.

This first card will go to Ms. Bartlett. She is elderly, but still lives at home. In fact, she lives across the road from my parents. I am not sure of her age. I know she used to do my Grandma's hair and she had her "salon" in the back of her home. I know she will appreciate getting some mail this week. I think she will like this card.

This second card will go to my Grandaddy. He was moved into a nursing home last week and I know it has been an adjustment for him. It is somewhat difficult to watch him age. When I was little, I was so scared of him. He was huge to me and he always said a prayer at dinner in German (I think). I also knew when he told me to do something, he MEANT it. When my Grandma passed, he and I became VERY close. I thought, and still think, my Grandmother hung the moon - she was everything I wanted to be and all of those great things Grandmas are. However, Grandaddy has moved pretty high up too since that time!! He and I really do lean on on another for support. I believe he will like this card. I also thought it looked more masculine. I know though, without any doubt, he will LOVE getting some mail.

I am going to do my best to mail a card to at least one person for the entirety of this challenge. I am going to strive for handmade cards each week, but have given myself permission to mail store-bought cards in order to be able to stick to the challenge. Wish me luck!!! Why don't you take up the challenge too?

Studio Stampers October Blog Hop

2011-10-10T08:28:00.011-05:00

Welcome to the Studio Stampers October Blog Hop!!! If you are participating in the hop, you should have arrived from Kathy's blog. If you are just joining us, why not start at the beginning with Karen's blog and work your way back to me.

I am still in the Halloween spirit - maybe because the group I crop with is having its first Halloween crop in a couple of weeks. I am really looking forward to this crop and have been having a lot of fun coming up with my goodies to give way. I will post pictures of those later - I can't give up that secret right now!!

I think Halloween is just fun irregardless and I really enjoy making things for this holiday for some unknown reason. This is not a super scary card, but rather a very simple and cute card that I will probably mail to my Grandaddy. The card recipe will be listed at the end of my post.

Next on the hop is Kristen's blog. If you get lost along your way or if there is a problem with a link somewhere, the complete listing for our blog hop is as follows:

Karen Crisp
Angie Schellenberg
Kathy Hatzke
=====>You are HERE!
Kristen Watson
Veronica Zalis

My card is made with products available from a|muse studio unless otherwise noted. Please feel free to shop at my store anytime!!

Cardstock: slate woodgrain, sleepy hollow, sugar, wasabi, pumpkin
Ink: french roast, lemon whip, papaya, memento tuxedo black
Stamp sets: Too Cute to Spook, Owl's Well
Other supplies: paper trimmer, circle punch, my grandmother's old pinking shears, adhesive

What GREAT ideas!!

2011-10-08T07:36:00.002-05:00

I have taken to reading this blog, Simplicity, as part of my required daily computer readings. She does beautiful cards! I also find her very inspirational. When I saw this first post, I definitely agreed with her ideas on gratitude. I do believe we, both as individuals and as a society, tend to focus on the negative and forget how much a simple "thank you" or other showing of gratitude can mean to someone. I have yet to make a gratitude card yet, but there are plans in the works for one this weekend!! Here is more information about her challenge:

"Thanksgiving here in the United States gets lost between Halloween and Christmas. It's become just another day to over-eat and watch football. Sadly, its original purpose--to celebrate and give thanks for the blessings of a plentiful harvest--has been lost. The Gratitude Challenge asks you to make cards and send them to people for whom you are grateful, to those who have contributed to the plentiful harvest of your own life.

Thanksgiving is a good time for Americans and Canadians to do this, but really, shouldn't we ALL express our gratitude for those people in our lives who have made a difference through their love, friendship, kindness, and generosity? You don't have to be in a particular country or faith to do this. Show those whom you love how grateful you are to have them in your life by sending cards. It's easy, and we're making them anyway, right? "

Seriously, what a great idea, right? As soon as I get my first gratitude card made, I will be sure to post it.

Then this morning, I find she has this new post:

She heard about it from another blogger and, in essence, this is a challenge to send at least one card a week for a year beginning October 9th (this Sunday). It's sponsored by Etsy Greetings Team. Here's the FB Info blurb from their page:

"52 Weeks of Mail, brought to you by Etsy Greetings Team, is designed to encourage people to be more intentional about relationships and keeping in touch with friends and family by sending out a card or letter each week, for the next year. I don't know about you, but I LOVE getting a personal, hand-written card or letter in the mail.

"Throughout 52 Weeks of Mail, we are asking everyone to commit ...to sending just ONE card or letter each week. You can send more than one, of course! 52 Weeks of Mail BEGINS on October 9th, 2011, and ends on October 7th, 2012. Please feel free to blog about this event, or share it on your Facebook page. Share it on Twitter, or any other social networking site too!"

Again, what a wonderful idea! For those of you that don't know, I still have a grandparent living. He turned 96 this past September and has recently had some health issues. I am committed to sending him a card a week without a doubt. Then, I remembered an elderly lady who lives across the road from my Mom and Dad. I am going to add her to my weekly mailings. My mind kept on going and I am also contemplating "adopting" a nursing home or a similiar type facility and sending them mail each week. I am going to ponder my third idea a little more, but my main goal is to make a complete stranger happy.

Doesn't this sound wonderful? If you would like to purchase handmade cards or to encourage non-cardmaking friends to do so, here is the link to Etsy. I don't have many cards in my shop, but this will spur me to add some more. I also have a very talented friend who has her own handmade cards for sale on Etsy and you can find her here: Debbie's store.

But I also assume several of you will also make your own cards too. I would also challenge you to use this to inspire you to use those stamps that have never seen ink. You know WE ALL have them!!!

Celebrating World Card Making Day!!

2011-10-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to World Card Making Day!!! Thank you for celebrating with us!!

Below is the card I made especially for our blog hop! I have had this idea running through my head, but I am not positive I executed it quite the way I had envisioned. Irregardless, I am pleased with the end product. The main thing is I thought outside the box and was able to put my idea on paper.

If you have not figured it out, I used the a|muse studio's adult female cameo from the Victorian Charm stamp set to make my Bride of Frankenstein. It took several tries - primarily because I was too lazy to cut out a mask. I used the a|muse studio sugar ink with a q-tip to give her her iconic hairdo! I would encourage you to always look at different ways of using your images. Just for the record, I have never seen the movie or television show or whatever media involved the Bride of Frankenstein.

All supplies unless otherwise noted are from a|muse studio: slate woodgrain cardstock, sleepy hollow cardstock, wasabi cardstock, pebble cardstock, sugar cardstock, memento tuxedo black ink, sugar ink, spooky fence die, creepy hollow stamp set, victorian charm stamp set, q-tip, paper trimmer, adhesive

Please keep hopping!! Here is a complete list of participants in this particular blog hop:

Amber Smith
Veronica Zalis
Jennifer Corson
Karen Crisp
Jeanette Cloyd
Sherri Thacker
Seleise Barrett
Pamela Fredrickson
Carissa Fulkerson
Melissa Roell
Angie Schellenberg
You are HERE!
Heather Scott
Suzanne Dahlberg
Dana Vincent
Julie Dylingowski

I hope you find some time in your day to make a card in celebration of World Card Making Day!!!!

World Card Making Day!

2011-09-30T05:55:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!! Hope you are off to a wonderful start!!

Did you know Saturday is World Card Making Day? I am happy to tell you a|muse studio has an AMAZING offer for you to celebrate!!!

First: Host to win!
Host a qualifying World Card Making Day Workshop (with 4 customer orders) and you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win one of five $100 a|muse studio Shopping Sprees! And, every Hostess will receive a free set of a|muse studio 4-bar notecards with envelopes - 10 pack ($6 value).

Second: Free Gift with Every Purchase!
Something for everyone! Each customer that places an order at a World Card Making Day workshop, will also receive a free set of a|muse studio 4-bar notecards with envelopes - 10 pack ($6 value).

Third: Facebook Fun!
Celebrate with us all weekend long as we post fun World Card Making Day challenges and award prizes to our Facebook friends.

AND. . . . ..I will also be participating in a blog hop on Saturday with my fellow a|muse studio consultants. Please stop by and check it out. Hopefully you will be inspired!!!

Please contact me if you have any questions! Have a great Friday!!

My Scrappy Saturday!

2011-09-25T10:58:00.000-05:00

Good Sunday morning. I was fortunate to be able to spend my Saturday crafting with my friends in Franklin! What a great way to spend a day!

On Monday I am teaching my second of two training classes for work. We are implementing a new computer program that will assist us in writing our reports without having to rewrite data wepreviously obtained. It sounds complicated, but it is a great program and I think it will be wonderful for us! However, people are by nature somewhat resistant to change. SO - I decided to "sweeten" the pot and attempt to make the change less threatening. I used esesntially these same items during my first class, so I just tweaked them some for this one.

Before my coworkers could take the class, they had to complete some online training. I thought it was easy, but, again I like the program and was excited about it. This group I am training tomorrow will use the program more, but for somewhat different reasons than those of us who write reports daily. To say I fielded several questions, chats, and calls as my coworkers tried to complete this prerequisite is somewhat of an understatement.

So, to reward their completion of the online classes, as well as to recognize it took them some time, I will be doing some drawings for Subway gift cards for a lucky few. One of my friends has been in an envelope making frenzy! She has made the most unique envelopes out of calendars, posters, scrapbook paper, etc. When I purchased the gift cards, the cashier said they did not have any envelopes to put the cards in. LIGHT BULB! I asked if I could have a couple of the wrapper they use for the sandwiches. TA - DA - instant gift card holders were made unter the tutelage of my friend and with the help of my Martha Stewart score board.

Then when class starts, sitting along side each participant's folder that contains the training guide and cheat sheets will be this cute little pencil. I was suprised how well these went over with the first group. They are made from Mentos fruit candy with a Hershey's kiss adhered to the end. This idea was modified from a picture I saw as part of a|muse studio's August spotlight. The stamped saying "You're the best!" is from one of my a|muse studio sampler sets that you receive if you sign up to be a consultant. The rest of my supplies are from Hobby Lobby (because that is the only place we have to shop here and I could get my supplies immediately!)

The class will last all day. That is a long time for people when talking about a soon-to-be implemented change - even if you are looking forward to it. So, when they "graduate" at the end of the day, they each will receive an honorary owl. I made six different designs just to have some variety. Each bag contains an assortment of minature chocolate candies such as M&Ms, Snickers, Twix, etc. Again, this idea was taken from the a|muse studio August spotlight and modified. I used paper bags and a paper pack I purchased at Hobby Lobby along with my nestabilities and cuttlebug.

I will spread out the remaining candy that I did not use in the center of the table for my "students" to snack on during the entire class. That way, I don't have to worry about taking it all home and getting any fatter!!! Because if I take it home, I know I won't let it go to waste!

Also on Saturday, one of the girls instructed us on making a paper pumpkin. This turned out way cuter than I imagined and it was fun to make. She gave me some more ribbbon, twine, and buttons to decorate my pumpkin with, but I just have not added those things.

If you stuck with me this long, thanks for taking the time to read this lengthy post. I hope you were able to have some fun time as well this past weekend!

a|muse September spotlight

2011-09-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

Every month a|muse studio highlights certain products and offers them at a discounted price for a limited time. I have to admit I have not been good at getting this information posted to my blog. Since I own three of the five stamp sets featured this month, it is pretty obvious this is a favorite spotlight of mine. For those of you I cropped with this weekend, you even saw me use one of these sets.

If you see something you are interested in, please contact me or click on the link to the left and shop my a|muse studio store!!

Blog Hop Winner!

2011-09-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

Here it is:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

5
Timestamp: 2011-09-16 22:03:14 UTC

That means INDY you are the lucky winner. I have sent you an email as well.

Thanks for hopping with us this month!

September Blog Hop!!!!

2011-09-10T08:47:00.000-05:00

I think maybe fall has arrived or at least the cool, brisk mornings have gotten here. I think I will miss summer. It seems like it went by SO fast!! I know I feel like my life has blown by here recently (which kind of explains my blog absence!). I have to share that this week I was honored to celebrate my Grandaddy's 96th birthday with him!!

Anyway, on to the wonderful blog hop!! You should have found me after visiting Veronica's blog. I hope you are enjoying your hopping!!!

Don't forget to leave a comment on my blog - I will be giving away some blog candy!!! The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, 09/16. All comments must be made prior midnight CST on Thursday, 09/15.

I actually have four cards to share with you today. Let me know what you think! All card ingredients will be listed at the end of the post.

The first card is very simple and has mutliple uses.

I made the mistake yesterday of shopping at Walmart after I got off work. By the time I made it home, I was ready for a martini!!!

The third card is essentially a variation on the first one I showed you. I was having fun using that stamp set!

My last card is done from a stamp set that I adored from the minute I saw it in the calendar. This idea came about just while playing around with my stamps and ink.

I hope you enjoyed what I had to share with you. Now, keep hopping. If you have lost your way, here is a complete listing of all who are participating in our blog hop starting at the beginning:

Studio Stampers Blog
Krystie Hersch
Kristen Watson
Kathy Hatzke
Karen Crisp
Kari Bell
Lisa Wakabayashi
Veronica Zalis
You are here!
Lianna Vigil
Angie Schellenberg

Enjoy!! Remember you can always shop with at my webstore which is always open!!!

Card recipes:

Card 1: fern and lichen inks, just because stamp set, shell cardstock - all available from a|muse studio

Card 2: fern and lichen inks, lichen and sugar cardstock, labels die set, just because stamp set, vintage labels stamp set - all available from a|muse studio (adhesive, a die cutting machine, and scissors were also used to make this card)

Card 3: fern, lichen, and french roast inks, lichen and sugar cardstock, just because stamp set - all available from a|muse studio (adhesive was used as well as a paper trimmer and a card base made from vintage green previously available from amuse art stamps)

Card 4: bubblegum and lichen inks, sugar and lichen cardstock, labels die set, vintage labels stamp set, let's chat stamp set, and bubblegum ribbon - all available from a|muse studio (a die cutting machine and adhesive was also used to make this card)

And the Winner Is. . . ..

2011-07-15T06:17:00.001-05:00

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

10
Timestamp: 2011-07-15 11:15:27 UTC

CONGRATULATIONS Babe!! I have sent you an email for your mailing address!

I would like to introduce you to

2011-07-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

the Studio Stampers blog! This blog will feature cards and challenges made by me and my amuse|studio "cousins." You also get the chance to "meet" our team. This week you get to meet Veronica (Ronnie) Zalis. I have a feeling the Studio Stampers blog is going to be a great place for you to get some ideas and inspiration for your amuse|studio stamps! There is a challenge already posted, so come play along! I know I will be! (But first, I have to get prepared for the crop I am hosting at my house this weekend, so you probably won't see my card until some time on Saturday.

Also, don't forget our blog hop I told you about in my previous post. Here is a complete listing of all who are participating in our blog hop starting at the beginning:

Kathy Hatzke
Karen Crisp
Kari Bell
Lesa Wolfe
Lisa Wakabayashi
You are here!
Veronica Zalis
Ida P. Krause
Lianna Vigil
Kristen Watson

Remember I have some blog candy to give away. You have until midnight CST on Thursday, 07/14, to leave a comment on my original blog hop post (Blog Hopping. . .Again)for a chance to win the prize! Comments must be made on that

Blog Hopping. . . Again

2011-07-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the July Blog Hop. You should have found me after visiting Lisa'a blog. I hope you are enjoying your hopping!!!

Don't forget to leave a comment on my blog - I will be giving away some blog candy!!! The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, 07/15. All comments must be made prior midnight CST on Thursday, 07/14.

WOW!! It has been awhile since I have blogged. SO much has gone on to include computers issues which took me out of the loop for longer than I intended. BUT - I am back now and will be trying to be on a more regular blogger (keep your fingers crossed!)

I am excited to be back blogging and, in my absence, I have played with my amuse|studio stamps!! Aren't they the best?? My first card is a generic/any occasion card.

Card made using: orange gingham cardstock, bubblegum shimmer couture cardstock, sugar cardstock, orange satin ribbon, french roast stitched grosgrain ribbon, and the Owl's Well stamp set. All these items can be purchased from amuse|studio. The card was colored with Copic markers which can also be purchased from amuse|studio.

My second card is from a stamp set I adored the moment I first saw it. I had to do it in pink. It is also a generic/any occasion card. Although it is difficult to see, I stamped a second image of the hair spray can, hand cut it out, and then used a pop-up adhesive to place it on top of the original stamped image. I also added a little glitter to the "spray" from the can with a glitter pen.

Card made using: bubblegum shimmer couture cardstock, sugar cardstock, bubblegum gingham cardstock, onyx cardstock, the ticket strip die, large dots from Polka Dot Patterns stamp set (also part of stamp set assortment included in consultant kit), and the Glamour Girl stamp set. I also used the classic rectangles - small - from Nestabilities. The image and sentiment were stamped using Momento Tuxedo Black ink (another favorite ink) and colored with Copic markers. Everything used to make this card can be purchased from amuse|studio.

If you have lost your way, here is a complete listing of all who are participating in our blog hop starting at the beginning:

Kathy Hatzke
Karen Crisp
Kari Bell
Lesa Wolfe
Lisa Wakabayashi
You are here!
Veronica Zalis
Ida P. Krause
Lianna Vigil
Kristen Watson

Enjoy hopping!!! Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance at some blog candy!!

Blog Candy Winner!!!

2011-04-03T18:14:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS DANA K. - You are the winner of the blog candy. Please send me an email with your address as soon as possible, so I can mail your prizes to you!! Thank you for participating in the blog hop!!

True Random Number Service
Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2011-04-03 23:12:39 UTC

Blog Hopping Today!!

2011-04-01T16:45:00.000-05:00

WARNING - this is my first blog hop!! I am having fun and I just hope you do the same. Any mistakes, typos, hard to read ingredients are completely mine and mine alone!!

All my items were made with materials, unless otherwise noted, from the deluxe starter kit. This first card is simple as simple as can be. The middle dandelion (that is what this looks like to me) has been glittered so it stands out as "one of a kind."

It is made from sugar cardstock, bubblegum and orange ink, and diamond glitter. The stamps are from the studio sampler sets 1 and 4.

This next is a tag. I LOVE to make tags. Now, the tag is not from amuse studio, but is one that I buy from a lady who makes them herself.

The ingredients for this tag are: a large, grungied shipping tag (only thing not from amuse studio), harlequin background, orange ink, sugar cardstock, bubblegum ink, diamond glitter, guitar and sentiment from studio sampler 4, creative candy that was colored with my Begonia pink Copic marker (RV14).

This card did not photograph well and I assure you that the stamping on the ribbon looks FAR better in person that it does in this picture. The stamping on the ribbon is not anywhere as blurry in person as it came out in the picture.

This card was made with buttercup polka dot cardstock, sugar cardstock, cherry gingham cardstock, cranberry ink, cherry ribbon, stamps from studio sampler 1 and from the essential sentiments set, and black tuxedo momento ink.

The next two image show how this is a gift card holder. The card tucks under the flap which holds the gift card in place.

Ingredients for this gift card holder are: cherry polka dot cardstock, cherry gingham cardstock, sugar cardstock, black tuxedo momento ink, and the image and sentiment from studio sampler 1. Copic markers used to color the image are BG10 - Cool Shadow, RV14 - Begonia Pink, BG05- Holiday Blue, YG23-New Leaf, Y17 - Golden Yellow, and R29 - Lipstick Red.

I will be giving a blog hop prize to a comment randomly selected from those left on my blog. The winner will be chosen at 6p CST on Sunday, 04/03. Remember, Krystie, as well as other consultants, are each also offering some blog candy as well.

Next on the hop is Lesa's blog. But, if you lose your way, here is the entire list:

Krystie
Kelly
Lianne
Kari
Lesa
Veronica
Lisa W.
Kathy

Thanks for playing and hopping along!!

Blog Hop Alert!!!

2011-03-31T20:39:00.000-05:00

My upline, Krystie, my fellow amuse studio consultants, and I will be participating in a blog hop tomorrow, Friday, April 1st!! It will start at 5 p.m. CST. Krystie has advised she will take a random comment from one of the participating blogs and that person will win a prize! I have also decided I will offer a prize to a person who leaves a comment on my blog. Get ready for the fun!!!

My Webstore

2011-03-31T20:14:00.000-05:00

is scheduled to go live at 2:01 a.m. CST! You can find it at:

amuse studio (Pie Safe Paper Goods)

Check it out and let me know what you think!! Please contact me if you have any questions.

Note that if you place an individual order which meets the $150 qualifying workshop minimum and you wish to take advantage of the Hostess Rewards, please contact me so I can process the order for you.

I will also keep track of your orders. Once you spend $200 with me, I will give you $20 in free product!!

I am also open to workshops and/or card classes. I have a two to three options I can offer at this point. Just contact me if you are interested!!

Thanks for supporting me in this endeavor!!

Counting down. . . . .

2011-03-31T05:15:00.001-05:00

Less than 24 hours and my amuse studio website will go live. I will also be participating in a blog hop tomorrow. Yes, I realize tomorrow is April 1st, however, neither my website or the blog hop will be a joke!!

I will post later with my website address. Be on the lookout for lots of pics of things I have made with my new goodies too!

Be back soon!!

Exciting. . . .

2011-03-28T17:09:00.000-05:00

isn't it??? For those of you who know me well, you recognize this is also one of my least favorite restaurants. SO - what could possibly be in that box that is exciting?? You know it has to be good. Any ideas??

Well, I have signed up to be an amuse studio consultant!! I am very excited about this. I will have my own website which will go live on Friday, April 1st (no fooling - it's for real)!! You will be able to order right off of it should you want to do so. I am also willing to do parties, stamp camps, card classes, etc. I have been given some great ideas for classes/workshops that are very economical too. You will be seeing A LOT of new creations on my blog related to amuse studio!! I have a wonderful upline who has sent me beautiful cards to show off the products and my fellow consultants in my group, as well as in general, have a TON of amazing ideas and are providing just as much inspiration! I hope you will join me in some amuse studio fun!! Contact me about any questions you may have in regards to classes, workshops, buying, or becoming a consultant. I can help you out!!

The box above contained my new starter kit which was just FULL of wonderful goodies!! I have to finish off some work and other chores tonight, but I hope to maybe get to stamp with my new items tomorrow!! I will post my creations as soon as possible. I will be in a blog hop soon that I will be sharing with you as well.

Hope you are as excited as I am!!

Such a beautiful Sunday

2011-03-20T17:19:00.001-05:00

. . . and I have spent most of it working inside. I had to laugh at one of my neighbors earlier. He is probably one of the worst on the block about mowing and keeping his yard up in the summer, but he mowed today!!! The only other people in my neighborhood who have mowed this early are the ones who have the pristine lawns to start with. Then I realized why - he had a new mower and I guess he could not wait to try it out. The sad thing is that it really is too early to mow and his yard does not look much different than it did before he took upon that task!! Oh, well. If it made him happy. . . . Personally, I am trying to hold off starting my mowing until the first of April.

I am getting ready to purge a bunch of stuff on eBay. It feels good to streamline things again. PLUS - it is also a way of getting in touch with my new, soon to be announced, venture!

I have typed up my final for my students this Tuesday. I was a nice teacher because if you only missed one class all quarter, you did not have to take the final. I have two that need to take the final and one student who I think is going to take it to boost their grade. It was fun teaching this past quarter, but I learned I have A LOT more to learn about teaching myself. Next quarter I will be teaching two classes - Police Report Writing and Legal Writing. I am kind of a nerd about grammar and punctuation, so I am very excited about both classes.

To my scrapbooking buds - I plan on having a crop at my house this summer. Let me know if you would rather it be the weekend of July 8th or a weekend in August. I had planned on doing it a different date, but that is the weekend of graduation and they want all the teachers there that evening. I will also need to know exactly how many are coming because I have SURPRISES!!! I will let you know more details later. And, yes, I DO need to plan this far ahead because I will probably still be doing everything at the last minute any way!

Back to the work around here. Oh, how I don't wish I could snap my fingers and everything would just go in its place!! Hope you each have enjoyed a great Sunday and a wonderful weekend!!

Reflections

2011-03-18T21:58:00.000-05:00

The work week has winded down and I am absolutely spent. It has been a long week. I have had court twice and worked in another office in another town on one day.

I know I have said this before on my blog, but always remember your family and cherish them while you can. My coworker called on Sunday night. She and her family had been celebrating some birthdays with her husband's family that day. About 20 minutes after they returned home, they got a call that her husband's father was being rushed to the hospital. Her youngest daughter, who is 3, and her cousin, who is 6, were with him when he fell. They thought he was playing "dinosaur." To make a long story short, he never regained consciousness and on Tuesday evening he passed away. He was only 55 years old. A positive thing about this is that the family had had a great day of being together and celebrating. She also said he loved his granddaughters dearly, so playing with two of them is the last thing he did. The family has some comfort in those things. His service is tomorrow. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

WOW - Part Two!!!

2011-03-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

1. A second blog post in as many days - shocking, I know!!

2. My scrapbook friends will understand this next statement. In all my cleaning, organizing, and purging, I managed to LOSE my Gypsy! Thankfully, I found it. It was in my rolling tote with my baby bug - just one of two spots I usually keep it. I don't know why I did not think of looking for it where it should be instead of in some random spot!!

3. Not that I don't have enough to do, but I have a new adventure I will be sharing soon. I am excited about it and will share when I can!!

4. Now, I have to run and make 40 hanging paper Easter eggs!!

Hope you all have had a wonderful weekend and have had some time to get outside and enjoy the weather!!

WOW!!!

2011-03-12T13:49:00.000-06:00

Have I ever neglected my poor little blog!!! While I am listening to UK's game (because I can't get it on my TV), I am working in my scrapbook room today. I am purging and getting rid of a lot of stuff. I just have TOO much stuff. Plus, I am fitting in a little, just a little, crafting time as well.

I am going to try to be better at this blog thing. I have some new ideas and potential adventures I want to share!!!

Wanna' win some Halloween Cupcake Picks?

2010-08-13T18:39:00.001-05:00

Then check me out at The Hip Hostess blog:

http://www.thehiphostess.blogspot.com

Ashley is the sweetest person and I have loved working with her in the past!

After you comment on her blog, don't forget to vote for my cousin (see below post!)

Vote for My Cousin!!

2010-08-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

She wants to have shot in the "Mad Men" casting call. Vote for Jennifer from Prospect, Kentucky.

http://madmencastingcall.amctv.com/browse/detail/RB7PYP

You may have to copy and paste the link.

Thanks for helping her out!

** edited for a better link **

(Thanks for voting too!)

How cheesy. . . .

2010-06-22T20:57:00.000-05:00

but fun to note I am included in this treasury on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=135170

How sad is it. . .

2010-06-13T16:43:00.000-05:00

that it has almost been two months since I last posted? I don't, unfortunately, have any good reasons for being so behind in blogging. I will try to get better, I promise.

So, what has happened? Well, let's see:

1. I know we have been busy at work, but that is not really new. There used to be kind of an ebb and flow to how our work was assigned and now it is pretty much feast or famine. I seem to be staying on the feast side of things.

2. We had a horrible flood here locally the first of May. No one I know personally was hurt or suffered any damage thankfully. However, there were others that did. I was in a client's house the other day and she had suffered flood damage and was still driving a rental car due to hers being damaged in the flood.

3. Speaking of water, it has rained a LOT this year.

4. We kind of skipped over spring and went straight into summer heat. I will NEVER complain about the heat as I would rather it be hot than cold.

5. My Mom and Dad have an absolutely adorable new fur baby, a shihtzu, whose name is Bruiser. He is all of about 5 pounds right now and is just under 3 months old. He got his name because he is tremendously stubborn and does not back down which means he should fit in well with at least me and Dad! For example, he will get between Dad's shoes and, instead of backing up when he gets stuck, he just keeps butting them with his head until he moves them and he can get through. One of his favorite things to do is for Dad to pick him up and roll him, literally, like a bowling ball. He comes running back for me. Bruiser has a TON of energy, but he is a cutie!

6. Grandaddy is doing well. Dad has also recovered from all his ailments and is doing well too.

7. I got a promotion! Yeah for me!! I am excited about this new position and really want to make it something my peers want to take from me. The writers (which includes me) have not had anything to look forward to in years in the way of moving up in our organization. My new position is that of a Sentencing Guidelines Specialist. It is not management, but there are facets of it that are great training opportunities to advance to management. We have not had this position filled in our district for the past six years or so. I was glad to be selected. Of course, this will mean some extra work, but that is definitely ok with me!

8. I am headed to New Orleans soon for training for work. It is Guidelines Training which is held annually at different places, typically in the south somewhere. I am looking forward to this trip. It will be a short one, but I have a feeling it is going to be a lot of fun. Mom was going with me, but she bowed out due to having to take care of Bruiser. I think they are going to baby-sit my house for me while I am gone though! That ought to be interesting.

9. I have managed to maim my riding lawn mower and it is down for repairs. I almost completely push mowed my just over an acre lot last week. Now my neighbor is going to take care of my grass until I get my mower back. I am kind of liking the break!

And, really, not a lot else has gone on. I am trying desperately to be more crafty and make more stuff, but I just have not had the time I need to create what I want. I am hopeful that time will be available soon and I think it will.

Hope all is going well for those of you who may have remembered I actually do have a blog! Again, I will try to get better!

What would you do. . . .

2010-03-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

if you were told you had six months to a year to live? How would you feel? How would you cope? How would you keep a positive attitude? How would you not be angry?

When I was growing up, I think it is fair to say I was a pretty active member of our church's youth group. We had a GREAT time. We always got together on Sunday nights after church, had a prayer group, and then, quite often, headed to Noble Romans for breadsticks! It was a great support group made up from a variety of kids from three different high schools and multiple backgrounds. Our youth leader was bigger than life to me. I truly thought the world of him. I went college and our youth group splintered as we all went different ways after high school. I thought often of our youth leader. I graduated from college, went on to grad school, and began working. Again, I thought often of that youth leader. I continued to do so as I went about my life and, at one point, either Mom or Dad ran into him somewhere and caught him up on what I was doing in my life. He was married when he was our youth leader and I don't want to slight his wife. She was (and is) very sweet, but she was also very quiet. They complimented each other. He was the "cool" youth minister, you know? You truly could talk to him about anything and know he would listen.

Fast forward to the past year. I joined the Facebook crowd and one day found him there! I was SO excited and thrilled. We "friended" each other. I fired off a long e-mail to him and, to my disappointment, I did not hear back from him. To be honest, I was a little upset. To be truthful, I didn't know where he had gone with his life and I don't know that I ever truly expressed to him what an influence he was on me. When I read his blog and saw where he was at and what he was doing, I understood why I did not get a response and I am completely ok with that. I know it was not a slight or anything because I know he was doing far more important things. I was still happy we could keep up with one another via Facebook.

Fast forward to this past December. He had been feeling ill and learned he had a brain tumor. He had surgery on Christmas Eve. Somewhere around this same time, he published a book he had written.

Fast forward to this past week. His wife posted on his blog that his cancer was aggressive and he had been told he would live six months to a year. What a shock. I knew it was serious in December, but I also just knew he could beat it, you know? He is strong in his faith and is not afraid of dying. In fact, his wife said she feels as if he is dealing with it much better than she is (which you can understand). She said he went through a period of depression, but is fighting for each day and is, thankfully, in no pain. She said she tries to be there for his every need. He does get upset because he doesn't want his life to be over at 53 years.

It is just a shock to me. I know people deal with this daily. I just can't imagine. He has SO much more to offer to SO, SO many people. I am still reeling somewhat from his news and I have not talked to him in years. His death, which is inevitable, will be difficult.

Add to this, my room mate in grad school has been diagnosed with tongue and oral cancer. She recently had a feeding tube inserted and is going through radiation and chemotherapy now. I am hoping for the best for her as she has a hard struggle ahead of her. Her cancer is beatable, but, from what I understand, it will be a difficult and ugly fight. I worry about her each day. She is only a year younger than me. She is trying to keep everyone up to date via Facebook too, but you can tell it is getting harder for her.

So, tell those people close to you how you feel about them. Don't be afraid to live or care. My life is better because of each of these people. Tell someone they make a difference. I don't what to sound like I am on a soap box, but both of these persons have weighed heavily on my mind since I learned what each was going through or dealing with. It certainly makes you put life in a different perspective. It certainly makes you appreciate things.

WOW - we need to crop more often!

2010-02-28T15:02:00.001-06:00

I had a great time this weekend. Believe me, it was some relaxing, stress free time I know I sorely needed. Great to see everyone who was there. We had great food as always! Sorry, some of you could not make it this weekend, but I have a feeling you all still had a good time too!

For those of you who were there, first thank you for eating my food and not spitting it out while choking uncontrollably. As you all are well aware, the kitchen and I have sort of a love-hate relationship, so me making even the littlest thing to eat is a major undertaking! Since you all survived, I am taking the leftovers to my unsuspecting coworkers tomorrow. There is far more left than I can eat. Although I will say I had it as a topping for a baked potato for lunch and is was pretty darn good.

Second, for those of you who were there, you might remember the ornaments above. I listed five sets of this earlier today and they have already sold out. I only had two more sets of four and one set of three, so I have them listed now. If they keep selling like this, I may have to make a trip back up the interstate and get some more of that paper! That just made me happy, so I had to share. I am going to try to get the rest of what I made listed today and . . . . . well, I am thinking I may just push aside all the stuff and create a bigger mess making more new things!

I hope we all have a good start to March! March is good - beginning of spring, March madness, flowers, the smell of freshly cut grass - gotta' love the weather that is coming!!!

Happy Sunday!

Today has been a nice day

2010-02-21T15:38:00.000-06:00

FINALLY! We got to enjoy warmer weather after somewhat overwhelmed by wintry muck, cold, and snow. I think the weather really got to me for the first time. Seriously.

My year has been off to a crazy start. About mid-January Dad was hospitalized and, to turn a long story into a short one, he had an aortic stent put in due to an anuerysm near his kidney/liver. There were several tests, several scares until the final diagnosis, and then there has been the recovery period. He is doing fine now which is a blessing.

Grandaddy is doing well also. During the same time Dad's health was all up in the hair, the assisted living home where Grandaddy resides was placed on quarantine due to the flu. I am sure he loved being restricted to his room. He did not have the flu, but to be safe, when they are quarantined, they have everyone just remain in their respective rooms to keep any germs from spreading.

Work is still work. Not a lot I can say since I can't be all that positive about it. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job. My issues are not there at all, but rather with how some of the management issues are handled. I will just keep plugging away.

I am desperately trying to get organized and it should not be this hard! I am working on my scrapbook room today and realized it had been almost TWO months since I blogged. GASP! So, I thought I had better check in with the few who still may be reading and give you a very quick snapshot of what has been going on. I will try to do better in the future!

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T17:24:00.001-06:00

First to the picture. I know it is not the most "ringing in the new year" photo, but it is an example of Mom's decorating for Christmas this year. She did a great job and don't be surprised if I share some more photos with you later on in future posts!

O.K. I am also a few hours early posting this wish, but it is still just as heartfelt! Here is hoping 2010 brings us each what we desire of the new year!! Everyone stay safe tonight! See you next year!!

Boy, when I disappear. . .

2009-12-21T13:33:00.000-06:00

I disappear! I can't believe it has been so long since I updated my blog. Life, both the good and bad, gets in the way!

Quick updates - Grandaddy is doing well. He is back at the assisted living home, a place he calls his "home" and where he wants to be. It may not have been the best decision for him medically, but it was definitely the best decision for him mentally. At this point in his life, the family agrees his mental health is just as important as his physical health. Despite the insistence he go to a nursing home, the assisted living home is the best place for him. They can help him with what he needs (which is minor as he is still ambulatory, has a clear mind, and can do several things for himself). Plus, at the assisted living home he gets to continue living in his "home" which is equivalent to a studio apartment. He would not be happy in a nursing home. I am happy and at peace with the decision for him to stay at the assisted living home. So is he.

Dad is healing quite nicely from his surgery. He will be reevaluated as to therapy this week. They are telling him he is progressing well and that is definitely a good thing.

I am off work until the first of the year and am very thankful for that. I am looking forward to the holidays and spending quality time with both family and friends. If you are reading this, please don't forget what even the tiniest gesture can mean to someone. I just got back from visiting my elderly neighbors (who probably wouldn't like to be called that). I was so touched by how grateful they were that I came to visit them. I visit them fairly regularly in the summer and try to speak with them no less than every two weeks when the weather gets colder. This morning they made a big deal out of telling me how much it meant to them. That touched my heart. I knew they enjoyed the company, but I did not really understand until today how much it meant to them. What a Christmas gift for us all!!

Please keep. . .

2009-12-04T08:11:00.001-06:00

my Grandaddy in your thoughts and prayers. He fell this week and has broken his pelvis. Any fall at age 94 is serious. However, Mom has assured me he is in good spirits despite this mishap. You may send my Mom some good thoughts and prayers as well. She would appreciate them also. We do know his break will not require surgery (at least that is what we have been told to date). I just know it will probably be a long recovery simply due to Grandaddy's age.

Just a note on my Dad as well. He is doing very well recuperating from his rotator cuff surgery. He can put his hands behind his head without any problem which, evidently, is a big thing. Seriously, I am very thankful he is healing like he is. I know it is not as fast as he wants, but he gets being patient (which is hard for him) is best for his recovery despite his frustration and desire to move faster and do more!

Poinsettia Gift Box Party Favors

2009-11-29T15:35:00.000-06:00

Just listed on both eWillow and Etsy. I am thrilled with how these came out. They will hold about 2 ounces (or 10 Hershey minature candy bars). These were made using the Sweet Treat cartridge and some imagination on my part!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I had a wonderful time with family and friends. Now, I am back in the real world and trying to do fun things like getting my house straight and laundry!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T08:14:00.000-06:00

to all my family and friends! I hope you each have a wonderful day! Don't eat too much (which is always hard to do!) I am definitely thankful for each of you and am blessed to have the life I do!

Picture from Veteran's Day

2009-11-15T13:10:00.000-06:00

This was the group picture of all the veterans at the celebration. Grandaddy is the one standing to the left of the stars on the flag. The lady in the front was the only female present who served and she was enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. I think there was one male veteran who was out with his family on this date and did not get in the picture. It was a nice celebration and I think all the veterans enjoyed it. We sang several songs including all the different theme songs, if you will, for each of the branches of service.

I am out of sorts today and am not accomplishing much at all. I think I just am not thrilled about going back to work after being off a week. I also probably should be doing some work I brought home, but I am not too excited about that either. We will see what I get accomplished today!

For my scrapbooking buds, Mom sent me the recipe for the ham for our Christmas celebration so I am good to go with that. Looking forward to it as we always have a good time!

In honor of Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T05:27:00.000-06:00

I won't be accomplishing much creative today as I plan on spending the day with my 94-year old Grandaddy. He is a World War II veteran. The assisted living home where he is at is having a program for their veterans this morning. I am going to it, then eating lunch with Grandaddy, and hanging out with him (which means playing gin rummy) the rest of the day. Please try to take time today and remember our veterans, both past and present.

Pink or Red and White Polka Dot - How to Choose?

2009-11-10T16:35:00.001-06:00

Another image from one of my most favorite Papertrey Ink stamp sets - Holiday Button Bits. I am telling you - I don't think you can go wrong with this set. I have had so much fun creating tags with it. I haven't even started on making cards using these images!

Stamping on Wood

2009-11-10T15:59:00.001-06:00

I saw on Michelle Mathey's blog about how she made a card using basswood veneer. (Check her blog out at http://msmathey.blogspot.com) I thought the card was beautiful, simple, and just classic. Then I thought about making tags using the same wood. These were not the original stamps I intended to use for this endeavor, but I am pleased with how they came out. The images (2 different trees) and sentiment are from Papertrey Ink. I found out I enjoy using this medium to stamp on and you probably see it again soon!

Vintage Buttons and Santa Claus

2009-11-09T20:44:00.000-06:00

This is one of my most favorite stamps sets EVER! It is by Papertrey Ink. These tags, a set of four, just got listed on Etsy. I used vintage buttons too! How cute is this?? I have made 3 different sets of tags using this one stamp. I just think this Santa is too adorable!!

A Sneak Peek. . . . .

2009-11-01T12:55:00.000-06:00

Of what will be popping up in either my Etsy store or my eWillow store or both!! There is a very good chance some may arrive later today!! Some pictured above are done, other items are a small part of something bigger! Plus, I still have many more surprises to come! There are already several Veteran's Day cards as well as paper goods related to Thanksgiving and Christmas listed now at my Etsy store (see link to left or go to http://ljc3.etsy.com/). These items are to be shipped to your home!

eWillow is new for me and I literally just joined 10/31/09. I am really excited about this site. It is SOLELY for paper crafters. I do have one scrapbook album up there, but I am sure I will get this store filled with more items soon! Check it out by clicking the link to the left or go to http://piesafepapergoods.ewillow.com/).

Back to my works in progress. I just had to give you a tease. . . . .

Let's see. . . . .

2009-10-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

I had my hair colored yesterday (I am anal about some things and I go every six weeks for this). My hair dresser, who I think the world of, asked me if I had been stressed. (Think work, think yes, most definitely!) Anyway, I asked her what prompted that question and she said the hair near the crown of my head was turning . . . white . . . . not grey. . . . white!!!!!

She did impart some good news. Evidently the hair at the nape of my neck is a dark grey so my hair dresser, after asking questions about my parents and how their hair has changed as they have grown older, has determined I will have that pretty white hair (when I get old because it will continue to be colored for some time) with the pretty dark roots underneath!

Now, truly things like that don't bother me at all. I have had grey hairs since I was in my 20s. I had to share because, honestly, I think it is funny my hair is beyond white at this point. I guess since it has gone from grey to white in less than 2 decades (now that word makes me feel old), I wonder if I should worry about growing bald. Isn't that the next step after white hair?

Dad is doing great. He has his 6-week post-surgery check-up next week and we all think he will get raving reviews. He has done really well.

I am LOVING my Cricut!!! My brain can't keep up with my ideas and there is not enough time in the day to make everything I want to make (and go to work so I can buy what I want to buy!)

Nothing else to report. Back to cleaning and creating!

My Cricut. . . .

2009-10-09T21:54:00.000-05:00

has arrived!! BUT - I am not allowing myself to start playing with it until I get certain things done around the house. Plus, I brought home work this weekend that has to be done by Tuesday! I will make something by Monday night with it, I am positive!! I will be sure to share it with you all, no matter how terrible it might be!

Have a great Columbus Day Weekend!

First Cartridge Has Arrived. . . .

2009-10-08T05:55:00.001-05:00

But alas, my Cricut has not gotten here yet. First, as I have already mentioned, it the epitome of irony that this is the first cartridge I purchased. BUT - I just love some of the images. Yes, you all can make fun of me - I opened it up and have read the entire little book that came with it already! And, just to reiterate, I love the images, but not so much that I will be using them to make recipe pages! If I loved to cook, I would be all about this. I just don't think a recipe page about how to open a can of soup or tuna is all that exciting!

For those of you who have asked, I bought the Cricut Expression. I am thinking it will be here today. I know it has been shipped. I got it from eBay for a good deal (I believe). You can get into some good bidding wars and get things fairly when you are off from work and have plenty of time to check on bids and/or pending auctions. This resulted not only in my Cricut, but several cartridges. I am exercising my right to remain silent when it comes to how many cartridges I own. I will say, I won another (Doodlecharms) last night on eBay.

As I mentioned I have been busy listing on eBay and am making up some of the money I spent there recently. Those auctions will start going off this weekend, so. . ..

I have been good and stayed out of Mighty Dollar, but. . . . .I have a feeling I may make an appearance there today or tomorrow.

I can't wait until the weekend!!! And it is a holiday weekend at that!

WOW. . . .

2009-10-05T18:01:00.000-05:00

am I tired after going back to work today! In my defense, it was a hectic day with several people reporting in. We have court tomorrow, Wednesday, and again on Friday. SO -the work week is going to fly by!!!

It amazes me how much work tires you out. I worked 8 hours today. Last week, I was home with Mom and Dad, was getting up every 3 hours to give Dad his pain medication, never rested during the day, did that routine for almost 4 days straight, and NEVER got tired. I guess it just goes to show you home life is so much more relaxing - no matter what you are doing!

Don't know much today. I am listing a bunch of stuff on eBay and trying to finalize my fall items for Etsy. Waiting on my bug to fly in. . . . should be here by Friday at the latest. I will not admit how many cartridges I have already purchased. I have already shared this with one person, but it is somewhat ironic the first cartridge I purchased was "From My Kitchen." And, this has already been asked, but to reiterate, this DOES NOT mean I will be making any recipe pages!!

Off to more listing and picking up!

Catching up. . .

2009-10-02T16:26:00.001-05:00

Let's see. . . . .

one week ago, Dad underwent surgery to repair his rotator cuff. The tear was not as bad as the doctor originally thought, which is a good thing. However, his bicep muscle was "trash" to borrow the medical term used by his doctor. It was released during surgery which means it is no longer attached to the bone at the top of his arm near his shoulder. Amazingly enough, the bicep will find a new place to call home, reattach itself somehow, and Dad will now have a lump/bump probably somewhere down around his elbow. From what I understand, he doesn't necessarily lose strength, but the muscle does have to rebuild and regrow some.

Continuing on to other amazing things, Dad has had very little pain. We had heard how horrible this surgery is, but he has done very well. Thankfully, the nerve block took just prior to surgery which I am sure helped out immensely. He is down to taking pain medication only at night. Dad has said what pain he has felt since surgery is not really comparable to the pain he was experiencing pre-surgery, so that is definitely good. He begins therapy next Monday and has his stitches removed next Tuesday. The only problem now is that he is already bored. . . .

Visited briefly with Grandaddy while I was home. He is now the proud owner of a shiny Kentucky blue motorized scooter. I am sure he put off purchasing this as long as he could. I didn't talk with him much because they (the residents) were playing Flippo and they all take that game seriously, let me tell you!! I also had to rush home because Mom sent back a bunch of food with me and we didn't want it to spoil. I promised him to a marathon day of playing cards soon!

I am back at home and have been busy cleaning. I mowed and got the yard looking good. I still need to work on my shrubs and flowers. If you saw the inside of my house now, you would not call it clean as I have stuff strung out all over the place. But, I am making headway. . .

I have been having several sales on Etsy for which I am very grateful! Thank you customers!

I went to a new scrapbook store in my hometown and loved it!! It is called Scrapbook Haven and she carries some great products! What I bought certainly has inspired my creativity this week! I can definitely see returning here as often as I can.

For those of you I crop with. . . . . . well, I have been bitten by the bug! I NEVER thought I would succumb and purchase a Cricut, but I have! It should be here in about 10 days. I will be hitting you all up with questions I am sure!!

Lastly, but certainly important, be sure to keep Betty, her father, and her family in your thoughts and prayers right now.

Back to cleaning and listing and creating. . . I would probably get more done if I only did one thing at a time, but . . . what fun is that??

In with the Old and Out with the Old

2009-09-22T17:48:00.000-05:00

You are welcome to come sit for a spell anytime! On the left are my three "new" old chairs. Mom and I found two of them here locally (the first two). She then found the other some where some other time (the one with the pillow). Anyway, the chairs traveled to Dad's shop and he stripped them all down to the metal before priming them and repainting them black. I was not sure if all three would work on my front porch, but I think they do! They are definitely comfortable to sit in. Dad and I tried them out when he brought them over this past Sunday. I just love the design on the chair on the far left. It is stamped in the metal as being made from a company out of Philadelphia. I had not seen a chair like this stamped before with its manufacturer. Please ignore my wild and bushy shrubs as well as my water deprived plants! I did not trim shrubs this weekend, but I promise I did water my plants!

After we got these displayed, I had to decide what to do with my old wicker settee. My first thought was to send it home with Dad for the burn pile! However, my friend Sheila was out walking and she likes "crap" (as another one of my neighbor calls it) as much as I do. She had the brilliant idea of painting it another color and putting it out in my shade garden. It is pretty much ruined and would probably cost more than it is worth to be repaired at this point. It is old wicker and, because of its age, the seats have decided to just give out. I thought putting it in my shade garden was a great idea!! So the picture on the right shows its new home! This was a good idea for another reason as well. Dad is scheduled to have rotator cuff surgery on Friday. This saved him from having to deal with it at all, saved him some bother to his arm, and gave him one less thing to feel like he had to complete by Friday!

I have been listing some new tags and bags. I have a few other surprises to list soon. It won't be long!! I hit the "crack" store (as some of my friends like to call it) on Monday and would you believe it crossed my mind to go again today . . . . just in case something new was put out! I think the addiction has gotten me!!! I had a great relaxing time this weekend with my scrapbooking friends!! Thanks ladies!! I needed that!!

CHECK ME OUT!!!

2009-09-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

to borrow an old phrase from Betty. . . .

http://www.fabulousfunfinds.blogspot.com/

You might even win!!!

Contest runs through Sunday, 09/20, at midnight PST.

Happy 94th Birthday to my Grandaddy!

2009-09-07T16:54:00.000-05:00

My Grandaddy turns 94 today and, would you believe, I have not been able to speak to him yet because he has not been in his room when I called?? I thought I had timed it when he would be there, but obviously not. He lives in an assisted living home, but he is involved in practically every activity they do. This is my Mom with Grandaddy a couple of years ago. Thankfully Grandaddy is in good health, both physical and mental, for his age. He is so determined and has such a good attitude about things! I say this all the time, but I truly hope I have his attitude when (and if ) I get to his age. Can you imagine all the things he has seen in his lifetime? He is a WWII vet and served overseas. Once he returned to the US, he was hired as a postal carrier and worked there, as well as farmed. So, I am mailing his birthday present tomorrow (yes, I am a little behind). Here's hoping he has had a great day . . . . and that I can find him in his room later to tell him Happy Birthday!!! Love you Grandaddy!!

McClard's Fall 2009 Festival

2009-09-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

These are some pictures from our show this past weekend. Mom made the ghosts to the left and she sold out of them!! I thought they were pretty cute myself! The pictures to the right both just show bits and pieces of our booth. Several items shown sold. We had a good day overall. We have learned out we can set up and not get on each other's nerves. We have gotten better about loading our vehicles - which is a very good thing! There were several people out and about. We received multiple compliments on our booth which was very nice. It didn't seem like we had a lot of sales, but, if I remember correctly, this was our second highest selling day! It did get hot and I got burnt . . .again!

Mom and I did good while she was here and didn't really go on a major shopping spree. She purchased a couple of things from the antique mall on Friday (we did do some shopping before the show), but nothing big. She bought two Scottie dog planters at the show because they matched some she has at home. I bought two wire baskets. We went out Sunday and went antique shopping again, but neither of us bought much that day either. We just didn't have that thing (or things) catch our eye this trip. Which is ok. We don't have to have huge shopping trips all the time! We did get caught out in a bad rain storm Sunday afternoon (heard it didn't rain here), but, thankfully, we were sitting on a couch at the antique mall going through about 8 to 10 boxes of postcards and/or pictures. We were happy to sit the storm out that way. Plus, I had been wanting to really go through those boxes for a long time!

I am sure I will be back later to post more!! I have a couple of other things to

share today!!

Happy Labor Day!!

And another card. . .

2009-09-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

WOW!! I am on a little roll right now. I do have another card made, but I don't like how the pictures came out so I am going to have to retake them.

I have added SEVERAL tags to my Etsy store and, I am quite pleased to say, I have a slight run on some sells. I am not getting rich, but I don't do sell for that reason. It is fun and creating my tags, cards, and stuff actually relaxes me (well, at least when I am organized and know where stuff is!)

I have relisted tags I made last year that are geared to being attached to homemade goodies, treats, candies, baked goods, etc. You get the picture. The week of 09/14, you can have a chance to win your own set of each of the 4 designs (6 tags in each set so 24 tags total). Plus, I have included some other Halloween-themed tags to be sent to the winner. All you have to do is to check out http://www.fabulousfunfinds.blogspot.com on the week of 09/14. She will be promoting the tags and having the contest and will notify me of the winner. Her blog features an e-tailer each week that includes a giveaway and/or promotion. I was excited to be asked to contribute.

Sorry, I did not post a picture of my September sample for Out of the Box. I am working on my October samples now. Think 3-D, coffins, and tags!!! How is that for a hint!

Mom will be here shortly and we have our show tomorrow. I don't think either of us are as prepared as we would like to be, but. . . . we still have fun. I am sure we will fit in at least a little antique shopping while she is here as well!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!!

Yes, I made a card. . . finally!!

2009-09-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

A very simple card, but a card still! I am pleased with how it came out. I made a couple of others as well, but I will wait and save them to post later!

Mom will be here tomorrow and we will do our second show of the year at McLard's in Scottsville. We always have a lot of fun doing these shows. I don't have as many old things to sell this time, but that is ok. It will be a good day irregardless!

I am having a great time making all this fun Halloween stuff. That is somewhat ironic considering it is not necessarily my favorite holiday. Oh, well! Back to making cards. . . .

More tags listed today. . .

2009-08-30T22:55:00.000-05:00

at my Etsy store. This is one of my favorite. I just love the vintage images. I posted six new Halloween tags and one primitive image fall and/or autumn tag.

Today was beautiful. I hope everyone had a chance to be outside, even if for only a short time.

Had a great time yesterday cropping at Debbie's! I know my hand was sore today from coloring so many tags!! The food was GREAT also!! Thanks again!! It was great seeing everyone!

Off to do a few other little things before calling it a day. There is a lot going on this week for me!

Just listed . . . .

2009-08-23T17:06:00.000-05:00

One of the three sets of gift tags I just listed on Etsy. There is a similar set with light polka dots as well as a set done with a light brown tin plate background.

I am trying to get my house picked up. This will be a busy week and it may be the weekend before I post again. I have a new goal of trying to share more of what I make, so. . . . we will see.

Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weekend we have had!! Thanks for not giving up on my blog and coming back. . . just in case.

I have a NEW roof. . . .(finally!)

2009-08-09T10:33:00.000-05:00

Doesn't it look GREAT?? I am so thrilled to finally have this done! I mean, the damage was sustained on April 2 and it has taken over 4 months to get to this point. Learning curves of this included (1) my insurance company was less than stellar and I now know certain things I will ask and/or watch for if I ever have to file a claim again and especially if I stay with my current insurer; (2) a certain adjuster - who remain nameless - will never step foot on my property again - even though the insurance company doesn't think I will remember their name - they obviously do not know me very well at all; and (3) random people who come to your door to solicit your business may be the best thing ever.

Just a short post for right now. I have a ton of things going on and need to stay productive. Oh - and yes, I realize my shrubs need trimming, but I am waiting for a little bit cooler weather!

Here is my sample. . .

2009-08-03T20:10:00.001-05:00

This is what I sent in for my sample for the box for August! It contains about 2 ounces of wild song bird seed. I had already posted similar birdhouses at my store for sale, but I these were made for the box and the box alone! My business cards were made by a fellow Etsian as well! I hope people that get these in their box like them. I didn't get the tag on the house in this picture. It is of two birds facing each other with the saying, "You are so tweet." The birdhouse template and the stamps used to make the tag are all from Papertrey Ink (http://www.papertreyink.com/). The cardstock used to make the birdhouses is from AMuse (http://www.amuseartstamps.com/). The bags and leather ties were random supplies I had at my house! Thanks for letting me share!

Out of the Box Sampler. . . .

2009-08-02T16:44:00.000-05:00

goes on sale on Tuesday, August 4th! Check out the following links for more information:

http://www.outoftheboxsampler.com/ (website)
http://www.outoftheboxsampler.etsy.com/ (Etsy shop)

From the above website's homepage (not the Etsy store), click on the "who's in the box" link on the left to see my ad button as well as the write up about what I submitted. You will have to scroll about 2/3 of the way down before you will find me. I will post pictures of my sample tomorrow. I have to let some anticipation build up!! I am really excited about participating in these boxes! I am already working on my September samples!

Just for the record, I do not get any monetary profit from the sampler boxes. My participation does get me free advertising and exposure! That is the same for all of the e-tailers who submit samples! I think it is a GREAT thing!

On my vintage front, I have developed a serious adoration for the "Dick and Jane" vintage readers/books.

I am working on new Halloween items that are soon to be listed on Etsy.

If the weather cooperates, I should be getting a new roof come Wednesday. Don't ask me for a referral for an insurance agency as we are continuing to battle some things. However, I will gladly share the name of my roofing contractor should you need one!

Not much else going on here. I am trying to straighten, organize, do laundry, cook (which by itself is scary enough for me), create, and watch TV all at the same time. I am headed out to water flowers now and then back to all the multitasking!!

Hope everyone has had a great weekend!

More Flowers and Other News

2009-07-19T17:12:00.000-05:00

This is what is on my front porch - white geraniums, red petunias, and an ever-growing potato plant. (I don't think I named the wrong flowers, but if I did, please correct me!) I love the color green of the potato plant and I am not a fan of green in general. My settee has seen better days. I am trying to look for something else, but I can't really find anything else I like. I am headed out to water flowers now - it takes me about an hour.

I listed some paper witches brooms on etsy today and have my photos ready to list what I sent in for my first OOTBS sample. I made the ones I am listing earlier this year. The ones I sent in were all done alike. These are much more random!!

Mom e-mailed earlier and said Grandaddy fell again. He does not always pick his feet up and he tripped over one of those metal strips that help carpet, tile, etc, lay flat when the floor surfaces change. Does that make sense? Mom has been out to the assited living home to see him and said he looked fine. She thought they were going to the ER, but Grandaddy said he had already been. I don't know for sure if he went. Mom said he has some new bruises and cuts and evidently a bit of a black eye. Otherwise Mom said he is fine and is acting fine. She is going to try to talk to him about getting a motorized wheelchair, but that is going to be a HARD sale! Grandaddy told his doctor just a few months ago he was working out on the recumbent bike (or something very similar) and doing several thousands of steps in the hope of not having to use his walker any more! Besides being almost 94 (his birthday is in September), Grandaddy has also had 5 different hip replacement surgeries!

It is ALREADY July??!!

2009-07-12T13:24:00.000-05:00

WOW!!! Summer is just flying by isn't it?? This is what you see as soon as you turn the corner around my garage. I just LOVE all my flower beds and I LOVE them looking a little wild and untamed. Although there are some goose neck that need to be tamed for sure!! I will post some more pictures of the beautiful flowers my Mom planted for me later. The pink minature zinnias above are the only ones that are planted in this spot that are not an annual flower. We have gotten this side of the house to almost be all annual plants which is wonderful. There is also a yellow and red theme in this garden (save for the pink minature zinnias). I should add that not all of my blooms on the black-eyed Susan have opened yet! It is SO full! to give you an idea how tall it is, it is about 2 to 3 inches to the ground from the door out of the garage. The black-eyed Susans are as tall as the doorknob and are every bit as wide as the door. I swear I think this plant would grow on the concrete if it could! For those of you who may not know, I can not stand to put my hands in dirt. The deal is that my Mom comes over and plants my flowers and then I will water and weed them the rest of the season. My cardinal has faded, but I can not repaint it without it looking worse. Cardinals have a special meaning for me personally! It takes me right at an hour to water all of my plants each evening, but I get so much enjoyment from them!

Work is fairly better. My coworker is back, but there is still going to be some rough days ahead for them. The extra work I got is not seeming as daunting as it first did. Quite honestly, it was how I was told I was going to do this extra work that was more upsetting that the work itself. The good thing about my new duties is that I am going to have to stay on top of my job more than ever which I really think in the long run will be a HUGE benefit to me. Not to say I didn't do that before, but there were certain aspects of my job I would procrastinate about doing (i.e. chronos). That never really mattered or impacted anything all that much. However, my new duties require me to make sure some information is entered into the computer very timely because it CAN have an impact if it is not there and I am not available. So, I am just doing this part of my job as it happens which has made for some busy days, but, again, in the end, it will benefit me. Thanks to all who e-mailed and/or offered their support some way. It was and is very much appreciated!

Still in the work theme, my supervisor announced they would be retiring by the end of the year. That means there might be a chance for a promotion. . . . . I will have to seriously give it some thought. We will see. The job announcement has not come out yet and it may not for a few more weeks.

Onto other exciting news for me. . . . I have had some great sales on Etsy lately!! I have also been asked to be a member of the Out of the Box Sampler team. I was very honored by this and will be participating in the boxes beginning with the August box. I will be contributing some samples through at least the end of the year. The idea behind this store is that they gather samples (no less than 25) from various Etsians and then make sampler boxes they offer for sale. The boxes sell out quickly. It is great free advertising for me. I think I may have gone a little overboard on my "sample" for the August box, but. . . . I will say it is not something I have made for sale in my store yet, but similar items are coming for sure!! Check out their store: http://www.outoftheboxsampler.etsy.com

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th!! I went home and went to a terrific fish fry and then to a picnic hosted by family friends. ALL the food was good of course and it is always great to spend time with family and friends.

My Grandaddy fell just before the holiday. He was trying to use the table to help push himself up and managed to flip the entire table over as well as cause himself to fall backwards. He will be 94 in September. Can you believe that he had NO serious injuries in regard to this incident? Not a broken bone or anything. Don't get me wrong, anything that happens to him at this stage in his life is serious, but from this fall he just sustained some deep bruises, has been very sore, and was hospitalized for a couple of days. Much to his chagrin, he is having to use his wheelchair more just because he is so sore. He normally uses his walker and has a goal of being able to not even have to use that some day!! I hope I have his attitude if I make it to my 90s!

I have scored some great vintage stamps lately and I can't wait to share some new creations using them!! I have SO many ideas and am just having difficulty in finding time to "play." I have done some serious purging in my scrapbook room and that has added fuel to my desire to create!!

It is July and I am STILL waiting on my roof to be repaired. Yes, that same damage that was done the first Thursday of April. I have a new roof contractor that really seems to be on the ball and I have had a second inspection by the insurance company of the damage! The adjuster met my roofer out at my house last week and I hoping to hear back from the insurance company this week. I do know the adjuster acknowledged there was more damage than he initially noted, so. . . . .keep your fingers crossed.

I am back on my low-carb, low-sugar diet and have lost over 14 pounds so far!! This is really an easy diet for me to do. Now, I just have to get my exercise routine back up to par with my eating habits!

Enough of a break for me for now!! Back to finishing my samples, making some cards for some special people, and creating new items for my store!!

If I didn't have to work . . . .

2009-06-29T16:59:00.000-05:00

I could get SO much more accomplished. AND - unfortunately work has hit an all-time worst case scenario right now. Last week was an absolutely horrible week. It didn't help that two icons from my preteen and teenage years passed away and that I only slept for two hours one night and not much more any of the other nights. I am trying to stay positive on the work front, but I don't know. I have a bad feeling it is going to be very hard to stay positive and there is virtually no relief in sight - definitely not for the near future. So, I just had to vent a little. . . . . maybe this will make me get in my craft room more to relieve some stress!! Cross your fingers for me as well as for all my coworkers. It is definitely a difficult time. I can't go into a lot of details. Sorry. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Taking a break from . . . .

2009-06-20T13:03:00.001-05:00

cleaning out my scrapbook room. I am making GREAT progress today!! I can see the end!! I will be SO thankful to get this room done where I can come in here and just create! I am purging like crazy. Of course, I still have tons of other stuff I have taken out of here and put in another room to go through. BUT - I will be done with this room by the end of the weekend which will be a wonderful feeling!

I finally broke down and turned on my air conditioner last night about 10p. I don't know why I hate to turn it on. I seriously had not been uncomfortable at all until yesterday . . . and there was a heat warning out yesterday. I still had a great breeze coming through the house, but it just wasn't enough. Oh, well.

I am going to try to post some pictures of my flowers later today. Mom worked so hard in them and they are so pretty. For those of you who may read this, but do not know me, I don't dig do dirt. I will water and weed and take care of these flowers for the rest of the season, but I am not putting my hands in the dirt to plant them. So, my very nice Mom comes and does that for me. I am excited that she planted hollyhocks back by my bedroom window. They probably won't grow a whole lot this year, but they should be really nice next year. Anyway, I am trying to figure our Picasa so I can post several pictures at once. We will see how that goes!!

Back to cleaning and sorting and organizing (and making a huge mess)!

Welcome to my new front porch!!

2009-06-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

I am absolutely thrilled with how the columns changed the look of my front porch. If you don't recall, I did have three posts and a railing with spindles. I love the open look so much better. Dad did a GREAT job!! I just had a neighbor stop and tell me how wonderful the columns look as well!!

Dad came on Monday afternoon and stayed through Wednesday afternoon. It was probably one of the best visits ever. Usually he comes and I have so much I want him to do that he is rushed and we don't get much time to visit with one another. Also, because he is trying to do so much in a short time, it is easy to get irritated and frustrated with things. This time there was no rush because he stayed longer, we got everything done we wanted to do (met with the roofer, got the columns up, sprayed, mowed, repaired the siding where the hole was made - well, sort of, trimmed trees, hoed down weeds), we were able to sit and talk, we grilled out for at least 3 meals, and we even did some shopping!

Thanks again Dad. I love you!

Yes, I am still here. . . .

2009-06-12T20:25:00.000-05:00

despite what you may think. Work has been busy and that is the main thing that has kept me away. However, I am taking off next week and you should see lots of interesting things on my blog. Mom has been here and my flower beds are looking beautiful (pictures to come). I have been working hard on my scrapbook room and am ready to create (pictures to come as soon possible - I plan on making a lot while I am off). I have made a few new vintage finds since my last post and Mom has put some vintage spin on my garden (of course, I will share pics of those as well). Dad is coming some time while I am off and I should have new columns on my front porch (pictures to come). Hopefully, I will make some headway on my roof (yes, it still has those lovely blue tarps - very long story). I will be visiting my Grandaddy and Garden Glory Days at the Garden Patch is coming up as well!

BUT - first things first. Yes, I am technically off work now, but I have to work in the morning. I know - that doesn't make a lot of sense. I said I would help out and I don't mind. The good thing is I will be earning comp time, so it all works out. Then I am headed to card class, then back to the office, and then a pedicure!! At that point the vacation is ON!!

So, don't give up on me. More to come!!

Our Treasures

2009-05-31T17:42:00.001-05:00

The finds Mom and I made are not listed in any particular order. These are just pictures of what all we couldn't live without last weekend when we went shopping. We pretty much just shopped here around town. It was Sunday, so some of the spots we wanted to it were not open. The picture above is a very pretty blue quilt that was really in good shape. It had a very, very fair price as well. Mom took it home with her. Notice my old kerosene heater on my porch? It has now moved back into my garage, but it is in great shape. I found out when we were loading things to take to the show it still had kerosene in it - that was not a good thing!

The vintage postcard on the left was my single purchase at McClard's show. It came from a vendor who comes every year and who, evidently, does several shows a year. The little puppy's face is truly priceless.

Pitty Pat: The Fuzzy Cat has a little story behind it. I am always telling my Mom she is a cross between Prissy and Miss Pitty Pat from Gone With The Wind. Of course, Mom does not agree with me. She has a "fuzzy" black cat book that I have no idea how old it is that she has in her house. So, when I saw this and then saw the title, I just HAD to buy it for Mom.

I am all about vintage and/or primitive pictures right now, so the festive dressed little boy just had to come home with me.

All of these items are things Mom brought to sell and I now have claimed. The far left is an old glass ketchup bottle. Remember them? I barely do. In fact, I had forgotten they were ever in glass until Mom told me what that bottle was used for. The next is an old glass cottage cheese container. I never knew cottage cheese came in glass - it has always been in a plastic tub for my life. The blue drawer is something Mom picked up somewhere, maybe from a hardware store, but it will love even more adorable holding cards for me. Then, I had to have the unusual shaped flower frog for me. I have a fairly large collection of them as well. They are great to stand pictures in. If you have ever looked at my Etsy or Artfire stores, you can see I use them all the time in my pictures.

Mom is all about feed sacks right now. I was holding this one up for her and had this side facing me (it is the back). I immediately told her she had to buy this feed sack no matter what. I mean, seriously, how adorable is that little girl??

Didn't I say Mom was all into feed sacks? This is the stack of the ones she bought that day. The scale was given to me earlier this year by someone who knows I like old things.

Last, but not least, is a red and white quilt Mom bought. I had seen it right before Mother's Day and had thought about buying it for her. I thought it was fairly reasonably priced, but I did not buy it for her. Honestly, I didn't want to pay what it cost and then have her cut it up to make stuff. I thought it was in better shape than that. I should mention, Mom and I are GREAT quilt hunters, and we find some GREAT buys (as low as $15) on them. Anyway, this quilt was still there and Mom snatched it up.

One of my most favorite things to do is to go antique shopping with my Mom. I can barely remember going to garage sales with my Mom and my Grandma when I was little. They would give me change and I would buy depression glass. I am sure I got some other stuff because I am pretty positive I acted up a little and I kind of think Grandma may have spoiled me just a little (I was the first grandchild in my defense). It is always fun to find a bargain or some other great find, but some days just going and looking is just as much fun. We both enjoy old things, so it definitely something we enjoying doing together. I am much more into primitives than my Mom and we have distinct tastes. I am very thankful we are able to do this together. It is amazing she still shops with me after she has to put up with me. Love you Mom!!

McClards Show

2009-05-30T07:30:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures, finally I know, from our show last weekend. The top left is a full view of our booth. The other two pictures are just some closer shots of what we had to offer. This time last Saturday we were still setting up and getting ready. It was a beautiful Saturday. I actually even got a sunburn! I think it is fair to say Mom and I were both pleased with how we did. There were a steady stream of people all day long. I don't know if she had as many vendors as before or if it just seemed that way because they changed where the booths set up. There were some great items there, but I showed restraint and only bought a vintage postcard (I will post our finds later!) It was a lot of fun and I know I try my Mom's patience at times, but I am glad we do this together! McClards will have another show in the fall! I will keep you posted.

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-27T18:36:00.000-05:00

to my Dad. Here he is doing one of his most favorite activities - riding the tractor. This was taken in November, so he is probably taking hay to the cows. I know Dad did nothing special on his birthday, but I still wanted to wish him well. He got his gift from me early this year - it was a bottle jack that would hold 20 tons (I think). He liked it and I received stern orders to "not buy anything else!" Happy Birthday Dad!! I love you!

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T14:06:00.001-05:00

In honor of the Memorial Day holiday as well as in honor of all the veterans, including my precious Grandaddy, I am hoping you each are enjoying the holiday and are thankful for all veterans, past and present, on this day. This is a picture of my Grandaddy taken last November. He is a veteran of WWII and is 93 years old in this picture!

I will post pictures later this week of our show. Mom and I are pleased with how we did. We did our on shopping after the show around town and in Franklin, Kentucky. I will also post some pictures of our "finds" later as well!!

Take care and enjoy the holiday!!

To Motivate Me. . . .

2009-05-15T18:13:00.001-05:00

This was how Mom and I set up this past fall at Rock Garden. I had to look at some pictures to get me motivated tonight. I have SO much to do before next weekend!! For those of you who might be coming to the sale at McClard's Antiques then, I will post some pictures later this week of their event last fall.

Bumper Card, Flowers, and Exercise

2009-05-12T18:35:00.001-05:00

This is the wonderful Bumper Card from Penny in Pennsylvania that was waiting for me in my mail box today!! I think it is just stunning. If you enlarge the picture, please know the card does not have the spots - my camera lens has them! Penny was clever enough to write her note on a post-it so I can reuse this great gift!!

I have totally forgotten the name of this flower. But, I do know Mom planted it for me last year and it came back so it is an annual? I tell you, Mom does my flowers because I have no joy for digging in the dirt and then I take care of them for the rest of the summer. Anyway, this flower sits at the corner of my house. The church birdhouse was left by the people who I bought the house from and it is sitting on a large rock. If you enlarge this photo, please know I have not mowed and the grass is a little scraggly.

I do know this is clematis. I think it is supposed to be "red" in color, but this is how it has looked the last two years. This is on the side of my house. I am hoping it does not pull down my trellis. I can't believe how full the blooms are this year!! It looks so pretty next to the white siding. Along this side of my house (which borders the garage), I have several other flowers. I know one is a black-eyed Susan, I have a gerber daisy that the bunnies eat on, some type of ground cover, a lily, some hostas, and a plant that I think is an air fern, but it is not. I am sure Mom will tell the correct name of it soon. It has yellow blooms. Mom and I both put a variety of old things in with all the plants. We we get it all pretty looking, well, Mom actually, I will take pictures and show you that.

This is just a close-up picture of two of my clematis blooms. They are SO pretty. While I was outside, there were at least two bunnies. I tried to coax them to their salt lick, but they were not very cooperative. I wanted to get a picture of them, but I did not have my larger zoom lens on the camera, so what pictures I did get were not very good. I have one peony bud that is still all balled up. Last year I got a multi-blooming hydrangea plant and it is coming back (yay!!). I have another hydrangea bush that is starting to fill out. I can't wait for Mom to come and do all my flowers. I know it is a lot of work for her, but I ask her to do it because I think she enjoys it and I know I do. Plus, there is that dirt thing I don't like!

On to TaeBo - I went to class tonight and it was SO hard!! But, it was a great workout. Yesterday, I tried Zumba. I see where people really like Zumba and that it is fun, but me in that class was like a very low-end and very bad rap video. I guess my body is supposed to move like that, but it wasn't happening. A black girl in front of me told me to "Move it, girl!" and my response was that what I was doing was me "moving it." She just laughed at me and, honestly, I laughed at me, too! This was my second TaeBo class and it was much harder than the first. I do think I am really going to enjoy these classes. I won't be challenging Ali or anyone else soon, but it is fun. I can't work out tomorrow because we have a late afternoon training session in Louisville that doesn't end until 5pm EST. I need to get busy and get ready for our show. I made three sets of new tags this evening an dI might color them tonight. . . . and maybe not!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T16:49:00.000-05:00

First, and foremost, Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mom!! Equal well wishes are sent to my family and friends who are mothers!

I spent yesterday with my Mom at the primitives show at Cinnamon Creek in Centertown, Kentucky. It is in Ohio County. It is one of my most favorite shows ever. If you like primitives, it is well worth the drive. There are dealers from all over - including out of state - and the displays are just great to see. They have an old-timey band playing each year and you can buy bar-b-q from Hadley, Kentucky, for lunch. Believe me, you don't just rush in, look, and leave. We usually spend the better part of a day looking around.

We were a little bit worried due to the amount of rain we have had lately. When we arrived, we were motioned into the parking lot where we always park. However, we very quickly became mired down in about 6 or more inches of mud. It took 4 guys/men (who were very, very muddy by the end of the day) to push us out and we ended up parking in an "overflow" field. They had golf carts to ferry you to the show, but it was not that far of a walk.

Mom and I usually just take a "first" tour and take it all in. We make note of what we could not live without and then make purchases on our "second" tour or "third" tour. Mom made one trip to her car with purchases before we made our "second" tour. She bought a bunch of old cutter, quilt pieces (for her crafts) and some blue swirl Granite wear (for me for Christmas) from a lady we know, hence, the first trip. We both bought each other gifts for our birthdays (both in November) and/or Christmas. Mom always buys flax at this show and this year I got it for her. There were some very reasonable deals and, of course, there were those items you just drooled over, but knew you would not purchase.

I asked if I could take pictures and was told I could. However, horror of horrors, I did not take a single picture. I will try to remember next time. There are people that make primitive things and you don't want to take pictures of their items without their permission. I just got caught up in the looking and forgot about pictures. Anyway, here are some of the things I brought home with me:

This was an unusual shaped wire basket with a long wire hanger. It had a geranium in it (still in its plastic pot) when we bought it. Mom got this for me. I have a thing for wire baskets. I have not decided what to do with this quite yet. Right now it is hanging empty from a hook in my kitchen.

As I mentioned earlier, I collect blue swirl granite wear. I bought these two pie plates for myself. The rectangular frog was outside with me to take pictures for Etsy and/or Artfire. Both of these pie plates were very reasonably priced and are going to go great with my growing collection!

The Luzianne tin is for me. I also have a huge penchant for old advertising things. I have not decided what I am going to do with this yet either. It is in really great shape so I don't want to do something that will damage it. The green bait bucket tin is for my Mom for either her birthday or Christmas. It has metal hooks (like a belt loop) on the back because you were supposed to wear it on your belt and keep your bait in it. Although you can't see it, it says "Old Pal" on the front in raised letters. My Mom's dog when she was little was named "Pal." Now, you know why I wanted it! Mom approved of it and said she had an idea for it. I guess we will all have to wait and see what that idea turns out to be!

This is one of my favorite purchases - an old pair of a child's shoes. Flax has been stuffed in them. The shoe on the left is missing one button, but the shoe on the right has all of its buttons. I think these shoes are too cute!! I have no idea what Mom wants to do with them, but she said she wanted a pair. These were very, very reasonably priced compared to similar pairs that were available, so I grabbed them up.

Well, this has been a LONG post and kind of picture heavy. Hope you enjoyed my purchases as much as I did. I will get the hang of Blogger eventually so I can make a better presentation, but this was all I could do for today!! Thanks for looking and reading!!

New Tags - Just Listed

2009-04-27T18:44:00.001-05:00

For those of you who I will be spending the upcoming weekend with - you will probably see me coloring lots of these tags as well as other similar stuff! I am looking forward to it - just hope I can come somewhat organized! ( I gave up on being organized!)

I am still around. . . .

2009-04-14T19:21:00.000-05:00

I am still waiting to hear about my roof.

Good news has been received on the Dad front and his condition is not as serious as we were first led to believe. He is back to his old self, however, he has still slowed down on some things that were/are bad for him.

Work has been kind of busy, but manageable.

I started a new exercise routine and it is kicking my rear (which is a good thing).

I am working on some new creations tonight, so look for something soon!!

I will also be glad when the weather gets warm for good!!

Now, guess what. . . .

2009-04-03T19:52:00.000-05:00

I have a banged up roof (and I am hoping that I am told to just go ahead and get a whole new roof). The tarps are over, horror of all horrors, my scrapbook room. I woke up this morning and noticed I had water damage that was about 8 to 10 feet in length (almost the whole length of the room) and it was about 3 to 3.5 inches in width. Now, I have an insurance claim pending, but my roof is patched and ready for any weather in the interim. As I sat down to send Mom and Dad pictures of my room, I noticed I have two other water stains (both much smaller though) on this side of the ceiling. I meet with the guy who did the emergency tarps on Monday to see what he says. Obviously he has already been up on the roof and, on Monday, he is going in the attic and checking out the ceiling damage from there as well as from inside the house. Now, I REALLY do have to clean up my scrapbook room!!

Did lightning strike today??

2009-03-30T20:34:00.001-05:00

My Dad actually went to the doctor. He had been feeling dizzy since being prescribed some medicine for his shoulder. He drove here last Friday (again) and once he arrived, he immediately went over to my neighbors to get aspirin (because he had no idea if I had any and if I did where I would keep them). He sat over there for an hour and told them he had felt dizzy driving over here too. Dad also told my neighbors he had felt dizzy Thursday as well. According to Mom, he got up Saturday, said he was dizzy, and was going to the doctor, but of course, he did not go. When I talked to him Saturday night he told me he was "fine" all day. Mom told me he was dizzy again Sunday and he slept pretty much all day. OH - and I forgot to add I fibbed and told him my nursing friend (Debbie - that would be you) told me it was not normal for that medicine to make someone dizzy and he should be checked out. I didn't talk to Debbie, but I knew he didn't know that so. . . . Well, I was trying to make a point to him. Anyway, he woke up dizzy again this morning and he actually went to the doctor. They ended up doing a cat scan. The scary part is that he has had a small stroke some time in the past (who knows when) because it showed evidence of that, but there was no bleeding or significant damage from it . That he had had a stroke DID get Dad's attention as well as the idea that they thought he was having one this morning which was causing him to be dizzy (for right now). The good news is that he is dizzy due to an inner ear infection and a sinus infection. He now has new meds and is supposed to take a baby aspirin every day. I am VERY thankful this is all it was. . . Oh - and for those of you who have heard me talk about my neighbors, Dad called them and told them about his day before either he or Mom told me about it!!

Well, not to let Blogger beat me. . . .

2009-03-28T21:01:00.001-05:00

here is one of the set of 12 notecards I made for the bride-to-be. Her wedding invitations, made to be absolutely gorgeous by her mother, were in these same colors - which I also understand to be her wedding colors. Again, a very simple card. I cut a strip of red paper and used a Martha Stewart edge punch to give it a little something extra. Then I cut a strip of patterned paper and a strip of cream paper. I adhered these to the card in the same order as I cut them. I used my Nestabilities to make the red circle. I stamped the monogram and its border on cream cardstock using my Just Rite stamps and then punched it out with an old circle punch I have had for years. I placed the cards in a clear plastic box I had purchased just for this type of gift. Since the edges of the box folded in, I punched two circles of the patterned paper, put adhesive on them, and adhered them to the edges of both closures to ensure the box would stay secure. I purchased coordinating black envelopes for the cards, but did not do any thing extra to them. This is really only the second time I have played with my Just Rite stamps, but I LOVE them. I now have a million ideas running around in my head!!

To Clean or To Stamp???

2009-03-28T20:53:00.000-05:00

Well, stamping won out today for sure. But, it was all done for a good cause - a wedding shower.

This card was what accompanied my gift to the bride-t0-be. It was made using A Muse's new Latte notecards, new Juliette Latte paper, the new cherry blossom stamp 2-4136F, and the new "Congratulations" stamp (9-8545C). Simple card, but I love how it turned out.

I also made the bride-to-be a set of 12 notecards with her soon-to-be monogram. I will post those later as Blogger is not liking me much right now and I don't feel like trying real hard to figure out why!!

Ever been hit on at a convenience store?

2009-03-24T18:14:00.000-05:00

Well this morning was a first for me! The guy was nice. . . . . . and persistent. . . . . . very persistent. In fact, he was a little too fascinated when I told him what I did for a living (thinking it would make him back down just a little). I literally just shut my car door (with the window up) and he drove away from where he had slightly blocked me in. I certainly never thought I would make it this far and still be single without a family, but . . . . after this morning I can say I was kind of glad to be single. I even thought about taking off one of my earrings and using it as a wedding band, but I don't think that would have deterred him at all. I guess I have to find a new place to make my morning stops. . . . . or I could tell him about a blue bucket. THAT would make him run I am sure!! (Just kidding Betty, but I couldn't resist.) I am sure this guy was nice, but he was definitely not my type!

A Restful (Sort Of) Friday

2009-03-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

Above are pictures of my front porch. My Dad and one of his friends visited my house today. One of my gripes about my house from the day I moved in was how narrow my porch was. I "used" to have railings across the front and I thought they emphasized the narrowness of the area. Now, as you can see, I no longer have railings. I think it really opened up the front porch. As you can also see, there was a slight incident and my house now has an unintended new hole! For Christmas, Dad got my columns that will eventually be on my front porch and will look much prettier than my current beat up posts! OH - and the hole will eventually go away too!!! By the way, my Dad is not the person who made the hole!!! (John doesn't read my blog, but I can't help but rub it in anyway!!)

I have had a recent small surge in Etsy sales despite the fact I have majorly slacked off from making new items and/or listing them. This little surge has me excited again and I have created the following new tags that will be showing up for sale this weekend. Some of them have the new coloring techniques I learned at my Copic class in Henderson. I don't have the technique down pat, but I am pleased with how these tags turned out!

Off to bed. I chose not to attend a crop tonight because I needed rest. . . . . and I do. I can barely hold my eyes open now! I will be at the crop tomorrow though and I am looking forward to seeing my friends then!!

Items used in tags: Twigs and Sprigs rubber stamps, A Muse Art Stamps, Red Lead Stamps, Papertrey Ink stamps, and Cornish Heritage Farm rubber stamps, glue, glitter, and an assortment of Copic markers

It is Saturday. . . .

2009-03-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

and I continue to be amazed at how fast time is flying. Why? I just don't seem to have as much time in the day and I am not doing as much as I was before. I don't get it.

Anyway, Dad came today and fixed my oven door. The hinge broke from "old age" I am sure. It is not like I cook on a daily basis. We hung out a little and visited with my neighbors as well. He is going to redo my front porch this spring - so I will have a new look!!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend! Hope Barb is recovering and getting stronger each day!

I am off to finish cleaning out my closet while watching some basketball. There are two things I want to accomplish this weekend: get my closet straight and work on my scrapbook room. I have some cards I must finish and get in the mail before Monday. I also want to get some pictures uploaded from the NY trip. The victim to the 9/11 Tribute Center was amazing in so many ways!!

So, I am off to get busy!!

Time Flies

2009-03-08T12:17:00.001-05:00

WOW!! It has been a month since my last post!! Time certainly does fly by!! I have not purposefully neglected my blog. I have been sick (again), have gone to NY for work for a week (in which both the departure and arrival flights were delayed so it was a longer trip than anticipated), had a dear relative pass away, have been home (O'boro) twice (for the funeral and then a second trip), and have been to Henderson where I visited Serendipity and took a wonderful class.

I will try to post some pics from NY, what we made in class yesterday, and my attempts at recreating what I learned as well later today. I am also trying to make some items for my even more neglected Etsy and ArtFire stores as well as do what I need to do around the house!! Wish me luck!!

Thank You & Notes on Operation Hero Mail

2009-02-08T20:42:00.000-06:00

First of all, my parents got their power back today!! They lost power on Tuesday, 01/27. They braved it out until 02/01, at which time they broke down and purchased a generator. So, they have been getting by and they are definitely thankful a generator and some hard work clearing trees is all the significant damage they have to deal with when compared to some others. A huge thanks goes out to all those persons who have been working LIKE CRAZY to help all the people get their power back. Dad said he was up and outside around 5A this morning and spoke to a Kenergy guy who was looking at the poles with a spotlight!! I went home earlier this week for a funeral and the closer I got, the more damage I saw. It was truly amazing to see. Mom and Dad still had at least 3 inches of ice on their deck and this was a week after the storm!! Dad said the Kenergy guy told him they had to hire a security firm because people were threatening them because they did not have power. How crazy is that? Anyway, again. . . . a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thank you to those workers!!

The past two weekends I have been primarily working on making cards for Operation Hero Mail. This is another A Muse challenge using an absolutely adorable stamp set (see here: http://www.amuseartstamps.com/CartGenie/prod-2883.htm). The idea is to make cards for our troops. The coordinator, Geeta, will ensure they are sent to the company who gets them distributed. I think it is a great cause!! I did double philanthropic work this weekend as the crop I attended on Saturday was an annual event where the proceeds always go to some cancer-related cause. This year the proceeds went to a local hospice. Anyway, above are my two favorite cards that I made over the course of the past two weekends. The first card is supposed to remind you of a parade on Main Street and the second was inspired by Sherry C. (see herblog here: http://littlestampsbiglife.blogspot.com/ - the card that inspired me is from her 01/25/09 post).

Here is hoping everyone starts off to a great week tomorrow!!

I am back. . .

2009-02-01T16:09:00.000-06:00

from Barren River from our retreat and I am TIRED!! Thanks everyone!! I had a great time!! Special thanks to Betty for organizing this and to Betty (again) and Terri for helping to make sure I didn't starve (not that it would happen over the course of a weekend. . . ) OH - and I also need to send a special thank Michelle for tolerating me! I am glad we all could make this and I am glad we take the time to share our stamping and scrapbooking hobbies!

I will try to e-mail pictures later, but it may be tomorrow. I made a detour to Wal-Mart in Glasgow before heading home. Then, once here, I had to visit with my elderly neighbors to let them know about how Mom and Dad are doing (because they would worry and will ask). I finally got my car unloaded and all the stuff is in my kitchen. I also picked up branches outside because, honestly, it was too nice to stay inside.

On the Mom and Dad front, they finally broke down Saturday and purchased a generator. They have no idea when they will get power back, but Mom said the lights flicked off and on several times last night. So, they are hopeful they may get their electric soon. As bad as it is, Mom said at least they still have their house, clothes, etc. which are usually lost or badly damaged in other types of storms. She said there was at least an inch of ice still covering things and that it is supposed to snow again on Monday. Mom also said that the power poles were snapped in half and that they had heard it would be easier the rebuild part of the power grid that was damaged instead of repairing it. It is absolutely surreal that they are going through this since I am so close and I drove home from the state park with my sun roof open. They are doing well though and I am definitely thankful for that!

Thanks again everyone for the great weekend!!

New Items Just Listed on Etsy

2009-01-25T17:13:00.001-06:00

I just listed two styles of Valentine's Day gift bags on my Etsy site. This is one of them. The other is the same except it has a different sentiment. It says "I'll love you fur-ever" and is on a bigger label that has been adhered near the bottom of the gift bag. I just love this vintage image stamp!! I got it from Red Lead. Both sentiments are A Muse.

I am glad I have finally posted something new in one of my stores. I feel like I have neglected them so much. Well, truthfully, I have. I am hoping to get back into making more for them soon!

(Late) Wednesday Weigh-In

2009-01-22T06:14:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note because I really need to be getting ready for work. I gained a pound this week. BUT - I have been hitting Hot Yoga faithfully so I am saying this is muscle more than food making its appearance. Having said that, I do realize I need to be making better food choices or I am working hard at yoga for a LOT less. So, I guess my message is you have to keep faith, know your body, and that results aren't always shown on the scale!!

Have a great Thursday!

Righting a Wrong

2009-01-19T17:11:00.000-06:00

Here is another card I made for the A Muse Something New challenge. The new stamp that I had not inked before today was the Sweet Shop (7-7068D). I also used the Sweet Friend sentiment (8-8371B). I initially got this card out and ran the edge using a Cuttlebug embossing folder (a really small one). However, when I was done I realized the embossing was raised on on the inside of the card (meaning the white side instead of the bark side). I sat the card aside and did nothing with it for several days. Until now. I turned the card inside out and then punched out a window. I stamped the Sweet Shop in the window and used the punched out part to stamp my sentiment. I added some ribbon and strips of some Scenic Route pink paper and a punched out heart. Then I just doodled to add some more interest. Very simple and quick. Now I have to finish putting up laundry. I probably won't have time for any more stamping tonight!!

Making Cupcakes

2009-01-19T08:32:00.000-06:00

I absolutely LOVE my A Muse Cupcake Set (2-CUPCSM)!! I played with it yesterday and these are just a couple of the cards I made. I used scraps of paper I had laying on my counter (shocking for those of you who know me, huh??). I also opened my Lil' Davis Glitter Glaze Brownie paint for the first time so my cupcakes could have chocolate icing. The purple card also has the extra bling of A Muse Mini Star Twinkle Stickers.

I also had a mental block yesterday because some of my stamps from this set no longer wanted to stick to either the sheet they came on or an acrylic block. I asked for help at the A Muse Lounge and was quickly reminded how to remedy this. Soak your stamps in warm water with mild dish detergent. If you do several at once, drain them from the water using a strainer to ensure you don't look those little ones down the drain. Place them on a paper towel to dry or pat them dry gently. Presto!! They stick again like magic!! Why I couldn't remember that I don't know!

UGH!!!!

2009-01-19T08:25:00.000-06:00

Yes, I realize there are those of you who probably love this white stuff called snow. Personally, I could care less if I ever saw it again. Yes, I realize I live in Kentucky and I am subject to four seasons. However, my least favorite of them all is winter and I absolutely detest snow. I admit it is pretty if I don't have to go out in it (and I don't today), but I would rather not have to deal with it in any way shape or form. Yes, I would rather have snow that ice, but in my perfect world, you never have to deal with either! Yes, I realize the tempartures are going to stay warm enough that this sticking should not be an issue, but, again, I have no love for this side of Mother Nature. Give me the heat of summer any day!!!

I took this picture from my deck in my gown tail this morning. Yes, Mom, I did not wear a coat and I had on my flip-flop house shoes. I wasn't bundling up to only be out there long enough to snap one shot. OK. I am done ranting about something I can not change and will now return to doing my laundry. Thanks for letting me vent!!

Another card for the A Muse AMC01 Challenge

2009-01-15T17:25:00.000-06:00

As I have previously blogged about, the A Muse lounge is having its first challenge. The idea is to use a stamp you have not used before. On Monday I had my annual mammogram which inspired this card. It is supposed to remind you of a Susan G. Komen "Race for a Cure" walk. I had participated in these when I lived in Fort Worth. The inside of the card has the A Muse Awareness ribbon stamped beside the sentiment " Thanks for your support." I colored the ribbon in to make it a solid pink. I had used those two stamps before. I had also used the Curly Girl stamp as well previously. The new stamps I used are Mother, Girl, and Cityscape. I contemplated coloring in some of the clothing of the walkers, but I kind of the the "starkness" of how it turned out. I have at least two more activities I can use new and never-been-inked stamps on that I will be making cards for soon!! Thanks for looking!!

Look what I got in the mail today!!!

2009-01-15T17:00:00.000-06:00

What beautiful cards I received in mail today!! You can click on the image to see them more closely. These were from a winter-themed swap I did with the A Muse Addicts. I am completely humbled by the talent and sincerely hope the people who received my cards liked them!! This was a very fun swap. You make five cards and send them in and you receive five different cards back. I had fun doing this and only making five cards is so manageable - even with a busy schedule!!

So, thank you to each of you who made the cards I received. They are very beautiful and I am amazed at your respective work!! I could not be happier!! Thanks again!!

Weigh-In Wednesday

2009-01-14T06:01:00.001-06:00

Well, some progress is always better than none, correct?? As of this morning I have lost one-half of a pound!

Truly that is good. Especially considering Tuesday was the first day I stuck to good foods all day. I also have to add I am back into my excercise routine and will make it to Hot Yoga at least 4, if not 5, times this week. Let me tell you, I can TELL I got out of my exercise routine. So, I feel positive about things to come.

Thank you to all of those who gave me breakfast tips last week. I appreciate all your help and support. I have been having a small peanut butter sandwich for breakfast and it seems to be really keeping me full. I went to the grocery on Monday and have some of the items you suggested to try out as well. Thanks again!!

I hope everyone has a great day!!

Something New Challenge at the A Muse Lounge

2009-01-11T20:25:00.000-06:00

These are my first two submissions for this challenge. In celebration of the new year and the new lounge, the challenge was to create a card using a virgin stamp (one that you had never inked before). The brown and red card features images from the Saltbox Studion February Banner set (SBS206). The blue and red card features the A Muse Celebrate stamp (9-8063B) and the A Muse Lemonade stamp (3-7031C). However, my "lemonade" is supposed to be a strawberry daquiri. I am not sure if the latter two stamps are still available for purchase. Both of these cards were super simple. Seriously. It took me longer to gather my supplies than it did to actually make each of these. Both cards are also made using A Muse's 4-Bar notecards (I love the polka dots, can't you tell??) I have LOTS of new and unused stamps and this challenge goes until 02/07. Plus, my order from the new release has not gotten here yet. . . (If you haven't checked out the new A Muse releases, you really ought to do so. They are ADORABLE!!)

Thanks for looking!! Off to create some more!!

2009-01-11T20:05:00.000-06:00

Aren't these bangles just too cool?? My friend, Jenn from Etsy, made these for me. They are made from old maps. I can't wait to wear them. She has a ton of different options and designs in her store (I like the ones made with pages from an old dictionary as well). Check it out: http://www.newfangled.etsy.com These make wonderful gifts and are very well priced in my opinion. Thanks so much Jenn!! I am thrilled with them!!

Just a quick post:

2009-01-10T06:06:00.000-06:00

check out my A Muse blinkie on the left? How cute is it that the lamp goes off and on??

Anyway, A Muse has released their new Valentines Day stamps this past week and they are ADORABLE!! Check them out at: http://www.amuseartstamps.com/ Also they have started a new message board/forums. When you go to the site, look for the "A Muse Lounge" button up at the top. The lounge is great. You will want to find a comfy chair and stay a while!!

Off to work at the Hot Yoga booth at the Health Fair and then to a SU Card Class. I will try to post some pictures later this weekend!!

Have a great day!

Weigh-In Wednesday

2009-01-07T17:14:00.000-06:00

. . . . is not a very good day for me!! Besides the holidays, I have not felt well and allowed myself to eat whatever. Literally, I mean whatever. I weighed today and I am paying for that as I am up 3 pounds from when I joined the sisterhood. With being sick, I have not gotten into my Hot Yoga routine as much as I would like either. I am hoping to limp through the rest of this week. My plan is to take it easy, try to finally get rid of this crud, and buy much more healthier food so when Sunday rolls around I am actually working off of a plan.

For those of you who don't know, I had lost 75 pounds. It is now more like 55 and it is very frustrating to be going the wrong way. But, I did it once before and I will get back on track.

Here is one of my biggest challenges and I am hoping maybe some one out there can shoot me some ideas. I LOVE breakfast. It seems if I don't eat a good, filling breakfast, my day potentially can go downhill fast. If I eat a good breakfast, I tend to stay on track better. My problem is I don't always have time to fix much in the morning and you can only eat so many boiled egg whites. Does anyone have any good breakfast ideas??

2009-01-04T18:24:00.000-06:00

Well, happy 4th day of the new year!! Today is the first day I have really felt like my old self. So, when I would accomplish a task, I would make a card. These are what I got done today. Note, however, I did get more than two tasks done!

The card on the left has a cupid stamp I purchased on Etsy I believe. I will have to look that up. The scalloped base it is mounted on is a vintage piece of paper from some old college book I bought at a local flea market. I colored the Cupid using my Copics markers and glitter markers. The sentiment is from A Muse!! The ribbon, believe it or not, is some I have had around for years and I thought it just worked on this card.

The second card I couldn't resist making. Those of you who know me have heard me talk often about my Dad and his cattle. I bought this stamp because of those cattle. I don't know if it was meant to be a hereford, but it sure looks a lot like one. We have polled herefords (means our cattle do not have the horns). Anyway, I colored the bull to match a hereford's hide using Koh-I-Noor woodless colour pencils. The sentiment matched the stamp perfectly. It is from A Muse, of course! The bull stamp was purchased from Cowtown Stamps (thanks to Debbie H. for telling me about this site!)

Back to work for me tomorrow. We have court and the last time I checked we had 12 sentencings. Therefore, I fully expect to be in court ALL day! I have enjoyed my time off, despite being sick. Like Betty mentioned on her blog, I am kind of looking forward to having some structure back, but I am sure I will be muttering about work by Tuesday!

Off to do some more computer work - like list these cards on Etsy. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T08:11:00.001-06:00

Here is wishing each and every one the New Year that you want to have!!

I am still fighting my cold, but am feeling better. I am hoping I am able to actually get some things accomplished today.

See the card to the right?? It is a bumper card I received this week from Pamela. If you have been around me lately, you have probably heard me talking about A Muse stamps (http://www.amuseartstamps.com). I am completely and utterly addicted to these stamps. This, in turn, led me to their message board and forums aptly entitled "A Muse Addicts" (http://www.amuseaddicts.com). One of the activities I signed up to do was to participate in a bumper card swap. I had no real idea of what that was when I joined, but essentially you sign up, are given a name, and then you are given a deadline to make and mail a card to that person. It only costs you time and one postage stamp. The upside is you will randomly receive mail, a card made especially for you (versus junk mail). It was fun to do. This is the card I received. I love the color combination of pink and green as well as the touch of glitter. For those of you who know me, that is not a big shock. I think Pamela did a great job and her card certainly made my day when I received it!!! My card is done and has been mailed. I hope the recipient likes it!! Not to enable anyone, but A Muse is releasing their new stamps for Valentine's Day tomorrow, January 2. Personally, I can't wait!!

The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans

2008-12-31T12:03:00.000-06:00

. . . . has a blogroll that I just joined. The name was too cute to pass up. Seriously though, I need to get back on that weight loss path I was on earlier this past year. After reading through this blog, I think this will be a great site to help me with my goal. Check it out and see what you think: http://shrinkingjeans.net/