A Little Something To Look Forward To

As I mentioned yesterday, it has been a pretty busy week.  I think I got myself all squared away and caught up with my work load - or at least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I'm actually hoping to get some fun time in this weekend.

I went shopping with a friend the other day, Diana, and we bought something that we both are going to craft as a part of what we bought.  I think it will be fun to see what we both come up with - I know that they will be very different.

And then yesterday, I purchased an item, I'm not sure what it's called, but I've been looking for an organizational item for my desk.  There was one on sale so I couldn't pass it up.  It's not exactly what I was looking for - in design - and I already know what I am going to do to it to make it exactly what I want.

And that is something I would like to get started on this weekend.   Something to look forward to! 

In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful Halloween card that I received in a swap.  I don't have the name of the swapper - whoever you are, thanks for the beautiful card - I love it!!!

Favorite Find - Shampoo

So Sorry, please bear with me on my lightness of posting over the past few days.  You see, my "day" job has kept me quite busy.

You see, I am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to work from home. (Well, okay I have three jobs that let me work from home - stamping, photography and then my "day" job that gives me a steady pay check.)  I love this because it is very flexible with my time and I get to perform probably about 80% of it in my comfortable jammies. And the best part of all, I truly enjoy what I do. But, every so often there are times when there is quite a bit of work that needs to be done. And right now is one of those times. And since I do all of my work on my computer, I am in no hurry to get back on it in the evening. My whole body needs a rest.

And since I have not had a chance to stamp, or photograph, or process new things that I have photographed, I am going to share a Favorite Find that I've been wanting to talk about for a few weeks now.

John Frieda Collection Root Awakening Shampoo and Conditioner.  Love it!  And when it says root awakening, let me tell you it means it!

First of all is the aroma.  It's got a mintiness to it.  And just one whiff gets the senses going.

And then, when you use this shampoo, you can feel it tingling (thanks to the eucalyptus) all over your scalp.  I like to let it sit on there for a couple minutes just to feel it.  If you are having a hard time waking up this will get you going.  And not to mention, I love the way it makes my hair feel once I have finished drying and styling. 

Give it a try & let me know what you think.  And now, I am off to bed.  No reading, no nothing, just sleeping for tomorrow is another early one for me and then hopefully after this weekend, I will be back to business as normal.  Keep your fingers and your positive thoughts flowing in my direction so that I can get back to other things that I love doing as well.

Move Along Music Monday

After a surprisingly good, yet busy weekend, it's good to sit down and put some thought into the next Music Monday share.  I haven't come across anything exceptionally exciting in new stuff over the past few days, so I will be sharing an older song.  It is a favorite.  Not as old as the past few from the 80's.  This one is only 5 years old.

But before I go into that one, did you get a chance to check out the Sting song Fragile.  Man, I love that song.  It still gives me goosebumps to listen to it.

Okay today's song is by a favorite band of mine The All-American Rejects.  Not only do I love the name they chose for their band - too funny if you ask me.  But I really love their music.  I have all three of their CD's and they get listened to very regularly in our house. 

The song choice for this week is Move Along.  No matter what kind of mood I am in, if I am feeling down, sad, depressed or overwhelmed with too much to do, I put on this song and in no time I am tapping my foot and feeling as if I can indeed take on the world!  The drum beat is very infectious and makes you just want to get up and dance - and then go take on the world.

So, go ahead and give it a listen on my YouTube link on the right hand side.  And see if it lifts you right up.

We were able to see them at a local music festival  a little over a year ago.  They were so fun on stage.  It was a great night, even though we did freeze.  Here are two pics of my son at the concert.

I hope you enjoy your Music Monday selection and have a toe tapping great start to the beginning of the week!

Too Cute To Pass Up - Favorite Find

Okay so I dare you.  That's right, I d-a-r-e you to tell me that you do not think these buttons are just so fun!  They are so big and chunky and fun.  And the colors are totally beautiful.  So, go ahead and enjoy the view.  I know I am.

Big Designer Buttons featured in the Winter Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up!  Too cute to pass up!

So Many Things to Have Fun With

Where to begin?  I mean there are so many things to have fun with.  I am loving the Rhinestone Jewels.  They are so fun to apply, beautiful to look at and just all around fun.

And you may remember that I recently was able to get the Big Shot.  Love it!  There is just something about putting plain old card stock in it and then by simply turning a handle you have an embossed piece of card stock.  Too fun.  Even my husband was having a great time running the card stock through it.  You should have seen his grin with the first try.  So, here is a pretty good look at a piece of card stock after it has been Big Shotted!

So, I totally "borrowed" this card from a wonderful friend and even more amazing stamper - Diana.  I borrowed the basic idea and changed it up just a little - some different paper, ribbon and adding some fun embellishments.  Too fun.  Thanks Diana for always providing such fun inspiration!  (And when are we going to that Mexican restaurant you've been talking about?)

I thought I would end my entry with this cute little bow.  All tied up nice and pretty.  Hope you had a wonderful Wednesday.

The End of the Bits & Pieces

After sitting on my desk overnight, I was finally able to assemble the final project.  This will, most likely be a project in the upcoming Deck The Halls Christmas Class.  I borrowed the idea from my Stampin' Success.  This is a magazine that I receive monthly from Stampin' Up!  It's full of great ideas.  I saw this card, loved the idea of the bow and so I tweaked it a little by changing the colors and the stamped greeting and such.

 All those bits & pieces that were sitting on my desk, went together to make this totally cute bow.  Now, in the sample, they said that they sewed it together.  Well, I don't sew.  My mother is the amazing seamstress.  And that is something that I never grew to love as she did.  Sorry mom.  So, instead I glued it all together.

Loving the Pearls!  How fun are those to look at?  And my distressing kit came in very handy to get an aged look on this little tag.

Well, I am gonna call it an early night.  I decided today was the day to tackle some ironing.  I called my mom - needed to chat with her  about a school event coming up.  I got to my ironing while catching up with her.  I hope she doesn't mind that I multitask like that.  I do not like ironing.  I would rather do just about anything.  I love doing laundry - weird I know.  But ironing no thank you!

Anyway, that ironing had been needing done for quite sometime now.  I think it took me over an hour.  That's right an hour of standing and ironing.  Pretty boring and pretty tiring.  But, on the bright side, I do feel as though I just gained almost a new wardrobe!  Between my newly ironed items and the great deals we got at Old Navy today, I cannot complain!

Bits & Pieces

I had so much fun coming up with my Halloween class projects that I am already very excited to start planning my next class in November.  It's going to be on November 4th or 6th.  We will be making some great Christmas projects.  Here's a little sneak peek of one of the projects I was working on today.

Doesn't that just get you all kinds of excited?  I'm sure you are thinking that maybe just maybe I have finally done it.  I have lost my mind.  So, have another look at more bits & pieces from the upcoming project.

Deosn't that just clear it right up?  I know I"m sorry I wish I had one completed for you to look at, but alas you will have to wait until tomorrow.

I will tell you this though.  I have fallen in love with the Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper.  It's gorgeous.  And that is what we will be using in the class.  Every single project will come from that pack of paper.  How fun is that?  All nicely coordinating and such.

Deck the Halls Designer Paper in the Holiday Mini Catalog

Fragile Music Monday & a bonus

I can't believe it's another Monday upon us.  I never know what song I'm going to pick for my Music Monday's until the moment I sit down to start typing it up.  I completely leave it to the mood that I am.

So, I started this blog as a means to share my stamping items.  But I decided that that was not enough.  I really wanted to have a place to share all my creative endeavors.  For, I have come to realize that all of life should be approached creatively and with lots of care. 

I would have to say that music is a huge part of my daily inspiration.  Music speaks to the soul in a way that nothing else really can.  If you will let it, it will touch your heart in ways that very little can.

I do feel the need to give you a little background on today's music pick.  For there is a bit of history with me and the featured artist.  Today I have chosen a song by Sting.  And, I will tell you right now, there will be more selections by Sting to come.  I find his work to be highly inspirational and beautiful.  But, there is more than just the musical connection for me.

I remember in the 8th grade, Sting did a documentary about making his first solo album called Bring on the Night.  (Which happens to be one of my favorite Police songs).  I went to the documentary with my best friend Jae Kyung.  We loved it.  Both of us being big Sting fans already.  There was one moment that really stuck with me all these years.  In one scene they have a photographer come to shoot the band for artwork on the album.  And I remember sitting in that theater and thinking to myself, "that's really a job?"  And I fell in love with photography at that moment.

I have had the pleasure of seeing Sting live several times over the years.  And had my lifelong wish of seeing The Police together a couple years ago when they reunited for a tour.  Made my year!

So the song selection for tonight is a beautiful song titled Fragile.  Listen to the words.  Amazing.  This song will be featured on the video bar to the right.  Don't let a week go by without checking out the song.  It's beautiful.  The most amazing version of this song I am unable to find recorded.  It was performed with Sting and Yo-Yo Ma at the Utah Olympics some years back.  Just remembering that performance gives me chills.  A truly inspired song.

Over the weekend I had my Halloween class.  It was a great time & thanks to those that attended.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  In preparation for that class, I started looking into other Halloween projects I could work on.  I found the cutest Halloween item at Walmart and went to town decorating it.

I know that these little candies are intended to decorate baked goods - cookies, cupcakes and such.  But they are packaged so cute that I want to keep them as is.  Besides, I totally love that the white ones are bones.  How fun is that?

I applied Stampin' Up!'s Spooky Night Rub-Ons on each "test tube".  I was a little nervous because of the curve of the tube.  But the rub-ons went on wonderfully.  Then just added a bit of ribbon and I have a great decoration.

Halloween

Just a few hours until my Halloween stamp class.  And, I have been looking over some ideas for next months Christmas class.  I hope you will be able to join me for the class.  Should be a fun one!

This project uses the Spooky Night Rub-Ons from teh Holiday Mini Catalog.  Rub-Ons are so fun to use and beautiful.  I mean look at that detail.  And it doesn't really show well in the photo, but they have a metallic finish.

Bad To The Bone

Last month, I got the opportunity to spend the evening with a friend of mine who now lives in California.  Hi Lisa!  It was great to see her - although too short.  Next time we get together for lunch or dinner - okay?  Anyway, she showed me some pics on her camera of some really cute Halloween items that a friend of hers did.  I absolutely loved this little candy holder.  So, I borrowed the idea and changed it up just a little bit.  Different paper, added a tag and such.  So easy and fun to make.  I'm thinking about making some for my son to take to his school class.

We will be making this as a part of my Halloween class on Saturday.  Too cute!

Stamp Set - Batty for you
Paper - Nite Owl Designer Series Paper
Ink - Pear Pizzzazz, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories - Pear Pizzazz ribbon, Silver Glass Glitter
Miscellaneous - Pixie Sticks

I also whipped up another one using some retired paper from Stampin' Up.

Just two more days until my class.  I will be showing another project tomorrow so be sure to check in for that!  Happy Thursday to everyone.

I Am A . . . Star Wars Nerd

That's right full on Star Wars nerd.  And proud of it!  Ever since I saw the first movie when it came out in the theaters, I was in love.  There was just something about it, the story, the characters, the fantasy and yet something that really made sense.  It was more than just the battle between good and evil.  So much more.

I saw this bucket at Target (in the dollar section can you believe it?).  And just knew that I had to have it to sit on my desk.  It makes the perfect holder for some of my essentials - watercolor pencils, adhesive, Aquapainter . . .

So, back to Star Wars.  I recently read the original books, based on the movies.  Thanks to my brother Kelly.  I can remember seeing them in his room when I was a kid and knowing that someday I would love to read them.  Well, he just reread them and then gave them to me to read.  I was so thrilled to get the chance to hold those glorious books in my hands and actually get to read them.  And yes, I have seen the movies many, many times.  I mean we own them all on DVD.  We have the soundtracks to each movie on CD - and listen to them often.  They were a great read.  More than the movies.  Thanks Kelly for sharing the books with me.

Me and the original Star Wars books.

One of my favorite moments in the movies - from The Empire Strikes Back:

Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship. - Yoda

And this exchange:

Luke - I cannot believe it.
Yoda - That is why you fail.

My son being taken prisoner by a snow trooper and Boba Fett
at Star Wars In Concert last year.  An amazing show!

And today, I received something that I've been waiting for.  Saved up my money and finally was able to order it - along with supplies for upcoming stamp classes.  I finally got to play with it a little bit tonight and can't wait to have more fun.  Can you guess what I got?

The Big Shot!  I can't wait to play and have some creative fun with it.  And I can't wait to share it at my class on Saturday.  Happy stamping and crafting to all!

Take My Breath Away

Ryan's Ghost

I just had to share.  And some of you out there have already seen this picture.  And guess what?  You get to see it again.  I'm not sure if I mentioned this here or not but I love Halloween.  Okay, just kidding, I know I've mentioned that before.  What I really lvoe about Halloween is all the fun things that we do.  It's a very busy month for my family but one that we look forward to every year.

This past weekend, we went to a local Pumpkin and Chili Festival with my family and my niece and her family (we love going with you all - Ben, Brittany and kids!)  I love going there for all the fun we get to have and all the pictures I get to take!  So, it's a double bonus for me. 

My son, Ryan, does not really enjoy having his picture taken.  I started studying photography before he was born.  He has spent most of his life being photographed.  His second word, Daddy was the first, was camera!  He will help me out in projects that I am working on, especially if it includes something like blurred images or cool lighting or such.  And he really enjoys setting up scenes for me with his toys to photograph.  That usually involves some sort of battle or such.  But taking his picture snap shot style, not his favorite.

Battle

Soldier

I am so glad that on this occasion he allowed me to be a mom and take a picture of him after he got his face painted at the festival.  Okay, maybe he knew that I would put my own little twist on the photo.  All I'm saying is that when I finally got this up loaded onto my computer and pulled it up full screen, it literally took my breath away.

Favorite Find - Facial Cleanser

Okay, it's been a little bit since I shared a Favorite Find.  And I have been wanting to share this for one for a couple weeks.  I am in love with this cleanser, and for several reasons.  So, here they are . . .

It's so easy to use!  Let's be honest here, if cleaning my face in the morning or the evening takes a gazillion steps, well I'm just not that committed.  I mean, it shouldn't be that complicated to clean the makeup off my face, should it?  So, I was reading an article about this cleanser by L'Oreal, the go 360 Clean and I had a coupon and thought I'd give it a whirl.  And I am so glad that I did.  Like I said, it's so easy to use.  I keep mine right outside my shower and use it in the morning.  It comes with a built in "scrubber".

Except the scrubber is made out of rubber.  It's so gentle on my face.  I get the scrubber wet, dab a little drop of the cleanser on the scrubber and apply it to my face in gentle circular motions.

And a pleasant little surprise is the aroma.  There are several different varieties to choose from and I picked citrus.  I'm not sure why because I'm not a citrusy person.  I love orange blossoms.

They smell so good (even though they drive my allergies crazy) and they are truly beautiful.  But I knew when I bought this that they were referring to the citrus scent as in oranges.  And that I am not particularly crazy about.  Well, here's the surprise part, that citrus scent is actually very invigorating and dare I say stimulating in the morning.  I find that it really perks me right up and gets my day started out quite nicely.

Now, I'm sure you are thinking . . . well that's all great and dandy, but how does it perform?  I am here to tell you that within a week of using this product, I have noticed a change in my skin.  It is much smoother, and the pores across my nose and into my cheeks appear to be much smaller. 

I am sold.  And you don't use very much so one bottle will last you for some time. 

And that is today's Favorite Find.

Music Mondays . . . Blue Man Group

Okay, when I am looking for some music to increase my energy, I think of the Blue Man Group.  Have you seen their show?  It's so fun and energetic and entertaining.  The music is great as is their sense of humor and the message they are trying to deliver. 

As I am typing right now, I am listening to one of my favorite songs by them.  Time to Start.  Really gets your toes tapping and you just want to get up and dance.  Or at the very least, get up and do something, anything!

Be sure to give it a listen on the right hand side under the You Tube section.  Good stuff.

And while listening, here's a pic of my very own blue man.  Well, kinda . . . this is my son before a planetarium show we went to.  The entire room was lit up blue.  Fun.

My Very Own Blue Man

And, don't forget, my Halloween class is coming up this Saturday.  We will be making four really fun projects.  I should be getting my order in the next couple of days and will be posting the projects then.  So, check back often for more stamping fun.  Here are the class details:

Halloween is almost here - and I can hardly wait. I love the decorations and all the fun that comes with this time of year.


And that includes my Halloween Stamp Class
Saturday October 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Class fee: $20

We will be making four fun Halloween projects - including a framed decoration (as is or add your own photos), candy jar, card and a mystery.

Items to be used in the class -
Big Shot
Rub-Ons
Lots of Designer Paper

RSVP by Thursday October 14 so that I can be sure to have all the materials needed for you in the class.
Click here to sign up or for more information.

Did someone say candy?

No, no I'm not eating any just loving the phrase from this stamp set.  I think after yesterday's post, I would get in a bit of trouble if I was already looking for some candy.  I don't know about you, but yesterday I got back in the program.  Tracking my calories for the day, getting in a decent yoga workout.  And I'm telling you, if you haven't tried yoga you should.  I know that some of you are out there saying how can that be a workout?  It is!  Sometimes I sweat more doing yoga than I do walking 2 miles!  So, it was a good day for staying on track. 

And now, back to the cute little witch.  Isn't she adorable?  She's in the set Fang-tastic from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Too cute.  This card was created by Terri Mongeon.  Thanks Terri for sharing your talent with us!

I Would Really Like . . .

To Lose 50 pounds.  Really I would.  I've been saying that for quite some time.  And a few months ago, my fun friend Kim - hello darling! - very nervously approached me to do a little health challenge with her, her mom and some of her friends.  Well, I gladly jumped on board.  And it went great . . . in the beginning.

But isn't that how it always works?  I'm still working on it.  You know, watching what I'm eating, exercising more regularly.  All that stuff that we should be doing anyway and somehow just don't seem to do.  What I haven't been doing lately that I was extremely dedicated to in the beginning was tracking my calorie intake every single day. 

I know that sounds utterly dreadful.  Tracking calories.  It's horrible isn't it?  Except, Kim pointed me in the direction of the Livestrong website.  They make it so dang easy.  I mean really, you start typing in what you had to eat and it searches for tons of possibilities.  If you ate out somewhere, chances are it's on the site and you just type it in, how much you ate and voila (love that word, don't you?) it calculates how many calories you consumed.  And then, even better, you plug in your workouts and it deducts that from your calories.  So, bottom line, I need to get more serious about it.  And really track those calories!

I've even set a goal for myself.  Now, before I get to that, I do need to make one HUGE disclaimer.  I think that scales are evil!  They drive me nuts.  They are so discouraging.  So, instead, I subscribe to the if my clothes are getting looser and I'm fitting back into things that I couldn't wear before, and my energy is better, than I must be losing weight.  Now, I am a pretty honest person.  I don't believe in fooling myself.  And someday, when I really start losing, I will get on that scale and see what it says.  But in the meantime, I'm okay knowing that I'm able to move my belt just one more notch tighter and noticing that the sleeves on all my shirts are getting looser and looser.

So, back to my goal.  I have this pair of jeans that I have not been able to wear for awhile now.  And I really, really, really want to get back in them by Christmas.  And, I know that the holidays are coming up.  And I have a serious chocoholic issue.  But, I will make the commitment to stay within my caloric intake and if I cannot do that then I will just have to up my exercise for the day.  So, okay I have made my commitment to you.  And I am sharing with you a small portion of the jeans that I am getting in by Christmas!

Don't they just look so comfy?  I love these jeans and cannot wait to wear them again.  And, if any of you are wanting to join me on this one step at a time get healthy challenge, then let me know.  I would love to have the support and to share this adventure with each of you.  I really make a great cheerleader, I promise!

Clearance Rack

Wow!  You have got to check out all the sale items on the Clearance Rack at Stampin' Up!  Be sure to visit my stamp website to get some preferred pricing on items and check out all those great sale items!  I've been drooling over them myself!

Click here to go right to my site.

And then click on Clearance Rack in the upper left corner!
Happy Shopping!

It Was A Dark & Dreary Night...

Oh wait, we've already been down this road before!  I told you the story about the fun college friend who liked to begin his stories that way and then he would switch it up and have us all laughing so hard it hurt.

So, we won't go down that road again.  Although in all fairness, I will probably repeat myself at some point, so hopefully you won't mind too much.

Have you had a chance to listen to my musical selection yet?  When I went for my exercise walk with my dad and my brother this morning, my brother - Kelly, informed me that he had spent a good portion of the morning listening to a-ha before meeting me to walk.  If I remember right, he ws the one that had that original album - Scoundrel Days and I just had a copy.  That is until I got my own copy!

Tonight, I am going to share a swap card from my good friend Diana.  And then it's beddy bye for me.  Diana loaned me a couple books.  And oh my, they are so good I just cannot put them down.  I think I've read like 500 pages in like 3 days or something.  And I just don't read that fast.  So, my eyes are a little tired and are telling me that it is definitely time to take it easy tonight and get some much needed sleep.

Here is her beautiful card using the Dark & Dreary stamp set in Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini Catalog.

Goodnight to all & see you tomorrow night!

Music Monday - An Oldie . . .

Let's go back in time a little.  It's the early 80's and this young, unknown band from Norway blasted onto the music scene with their amazing animated video to a very catchy tune titled Take on Me.  We just couldn't get enough of the song and video.  And unlike the video from Beyonce for Single Ladies that Kanye West so rudely declared "the best video of all-time (not sure where he got that idea from).  This particular video was amazing to watch. 

A-ha had the most success here in the US with their debut album, Hunting High and Low, which contained Take on Me among other hits.  And yes, there are many songs on it that I still enjoy listening to to this day.  But, for me, their second album, Scoundrel Days was the better choice.  And, my favorite song by a-ha was on Scoundrel Days.  It remains one of my all-time favorite songs and is one that I listen to often almost 20 years later.  The song is titled I've Been Losing You.

I hope that you will take listen to this song.  I have added a link to You Tube on my site and will keep it there until my next musical posting.  It's a song that I have listened to all of my adult life and have gotten much inspiration from it, it just puts me in a great mood.  I love how music can do that - uplift you.

Would you Believe it?

Something I thought would never happen, I have no pictures to share.  Sorry.  I spent my day at home with a sick child.  Nothing serious, just an upset stomach.  And since he wasn't achy all over or feverish, he felt pretty great.  That is except for the rumbling in his tummy.  So, that means computer games!

My husband has connected all of our computers together locally so that we can play some really fun strategy games together.  We use the intercom on our phones to chat with each other since my computer is in a completely different area of the house.  We have a great time playing the games together.  And, honestly, part of me figures, as long as he wants to play those games with me, I am willing to also.  (Although I do really enjoy them too!)

So, that was my day.  Tomorrow hopefully we are back to business as usual and I will have more fun things to share.  Oh, wait a minute . . . I do have a picture to share one of me and my son from our trip a few years ago to Sea World in San Diego.  This was definitely a happier day than he was feeling today.

I hope you all had a great Thursday - with no upset stomachs.  And look forward to the weekend!  Thanks so much for stopping in.