Melz Place

Quiz Time - Which Movie Star Are You?

2011-04-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Just got this in an email. I love doing these little quizzes. Why couldn't school have had more fun quizzes like these ones? I mean, really who needs to learn x & y graphing when you can learn which movie star you are more like?

So, take the quiz if you like, and if you really like, share your answer in the comments section. I got Debbie Reynolds who is in one of my all-time favorite movies - Singin' In the Rain. And is the mother of none other than Princess Lea from Star Wars. She's just such a cutie.

Here's some fun just for the girls... DON'T read ahead, please, or it'll spoil the fun.

Ladies Only ... Which Movie Star Are You? This is kind of fun!
Ever wonder which movie star you are most like?
Well, a team of researchers got together and analyzed the personalities of movie stars.
The gathered info has been incorporated into this quiz.
There are only 10 questions so it doesn't take long.

Number your paper from 1 to 10, then answer each question with the choice that most describes you at this point in your life , and then add up the points that correspond with your answers.

Don' t look ahead or you will ruin the fun!
1. Which describes your perfect date?
A) Candlelight dinner for two
B) Amusement Park
C) Roller blading in the park
D) Rock Concert
E) Have dinner & see a movie
F) Dinner at home with a loved one

2. What is your favorite type of music?
A) Rock and Roll
B) Alternative
C) Soft Rock
D) Classical
E) Christian
F) Jazz

3. What is your favorite type of movie?
A) Comedy
B) Horror
C) Musical
D) Romance
E) Documentary
F ) Mystery

4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these choices?
A) Waiter/Waitress
B) Sports Player
C) Teacher
D) Policeman
E) Bartender
F) Business person

5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
A) Work out
B) Make out
C) Watch TV
D) Listen to the radio
E) Sleep
F) Read

6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
A) Yellow
B) White
C) Sky blue
D) Teal
E) Gold
F) Red

7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
A) Ice cream
B) Pizza
C ) Sushi
D) Pasta
E) Salad
F) Lobster Tail

8. Which is your favorite holiday?
A) Halloween
B) Christmas
C) New Year's
D) Valentine's Day
E) Thanksgiving
F) Fourth of July

9.If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
A) Reno
B) Spain
C) Las Vegas
D) Hawaii
E) Hollywood
F) British Columbia

10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
A) Someone who is smart
B) Someone with good looks
C) Someone who is a party animal
D) Someone who has fun all the time
E) Someone who is very emotional
F) Someone who is fun to be with

Now total up your points on each question:
1 a-4; b-2; c-5; d-1; e-3; f-6
2. A-2; b-1; c-4; d-5; e-3; f-6
3. A-2; b-1; c-3; d-4; e-5; f-6
4.. A-4; b-5; c-3; d-2; e-1; f-6
5. A-5; b-4; c-2; d-1; e-3; f-6
6. A-1; b-5; c-3; d-2; e-4; f-6
7. A-3; b-2; c-1; d-4; e-5; f-6
8. A-1; b-3; c-2; d-4; e-5; f -6
9. A-4; b-5; c-1; d-4; e-3; f-6
10. A-5; b-2; c-1; d-3; e-4; f-6
NOW . Take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:
(10-17 points) You are MADONNA:
You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but you may take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though, and are much in control of your own life . People don't always see things your way, but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others.
(18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY:
You are fun, friendly, and popular! You are a real crowd pleaser. You have probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are very important to you, but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray.
(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS:
You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free.
(35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY:
You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself. You are serious about all commitments and are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday, and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the real thing.
(43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN:
You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from anyone. You have only a couple of individuals that you consider 'real friends'. You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them, but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.

(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR:
Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it. You have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is your bond. Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the bank. You attract the opposite sex. Your intelligence overwhelms most. Your memory is the next thing to photographic. Everyone admires you because you are so considerate and lovable. You know how to enjoy life and treat people right.

Favorite Find - For Hair

2010-12-16T00:23:00.000-08:00

It's Favorite Find Time! Are you ready?

This is a product that I read about a few months ago, tried and have been using it ever since. It's Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner.

And I love it!

Why is that you ask?

Well, first of all, the bottle design is ingenious! The conditioner comes out of the bottom of the bottle just by giving it a light squeeze. There is no top to pop off and put back on - after you have conditioner in your hand. Just lightly squeeze and then place it back on the shelf! EASY!

But really, I like it for how soft and manageable it makes my hair. Great stuff. And it smells really yummy too. Just a little bit does a lot of work. And the price ain't all that bad either. Give it a try and see what you think . . .

Music Monday - Wrong in the Right Ways

2010-12-13T00:27:00.000-08:00

I am so in love with the new song by Pink. I've enjoyed her music over the years, but man this song is just plain fun! I mean you cannot help tapping your toe to the beat, not to mention the desire to just start singing along. I think that the lyric - "Raise your glass if you are wrong in all the right ways" is destined to become a favorite for years to come. And really, that sums up Pink - she tends to not take herself to seriously and laugh at all the "stupidity" of celebrities. This is a great rebellious song. Enjoy listening to it on the Music Monday pick of the week section to the right.

And, I must apologize for missing updating Music Monday last week - I kept waiting for my brother Kelly to give me a hard time about it. He seems to enjoy seeing which song I have singled out for the pick of the week. But, he also knew - as I'm pretty sure most of you out there did not - I was sick last week with a winter cold that wiped me out pretty good. So, I'm sorry for the delay and hopefully you didn't mind having such a great song as 100 years on for two weeks instead of one.

And Another One Goes Down

2010-12-10T00:27:00.000-08:00

Or at least off the list! Woohoo! It feels so good to be taking things off that "To Make" list I started the other day.

Today, it was making these really fun home decor items. And please don't hate me, but I cannot share them yet. I'm giving them to my family this year for their Christmas gifts. And since I do have some family members as readers, I just cannot bring myself to share them with you. I will however share it before the holidays are over!

I "borrowed" the idea from Diana, who "borrowed" the idea from Tiffany, I think? I'm hoping I got the name right. Sorry if I did not. And, I have to tell you, it was so much easier to make than I thought it might be. I completed five projects tonight in less than an hour. And the best part, I was able to work on it at the kitchen table with the rest of the family there as well. So, I wasn't holed up in my craft room working away. It was nice.

And since I cannot share that project, I thought I would share some pieces of another holiday project I've been working on this month.

Round and Round

The Face

I also have a website for my photography work and this year have vowed to create and present holiday themed images during December. I have been having a really great time shooting and working on these images, and thought you might enjoy seeing what else I do with my time. If you like what you see, visit my photosite and sign up for the daily photo email.

Well, this girl is going to bed to get some reading before it's lights out. Feeling pretty tired from all the fun work today - and really, I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings - and how many more items I get to cross off that list!

I Got To Remove One From My List!

2010-12-09T00:32:00.000-08:00

And boy did that feel good!!! But then my OCD kicked in and feels the need to fill the empty spot from where I removed the Idea Book from my list that I showed you yesterday. When will it ever end? At least it's an ongoing list of fun things to do - and not something terrible like clean the toilet.

Okay, okay, so I found a moment of time this evening after dinner and was able to finally sprinkle on some glitter. Let me back up just a little bit.

I found an old sketch book that was practically new. I took a computer art class many years ago. The very first thing that the instructor had us do was get a sketch book and "carry it with us to be sketching all the time". Well, I bought the book and I think I attempted to sketch a few things before I said forget this and promptly dropped the class. You see, I cannot for the life of me sketch anything! I have never really understood the need for sketching when you are dealing the photography. I mean I'm not going to go out and sketch a shot I would like to take before I take it. That would be a little strange.

I have decided to put this book to good use. I collect images. I always have. I collect them and use them for inspiration. Now, I have a home for those little images that I cut out of magazines. You know a pair of shoes that I like, or color combinations that look good, or soft lighting that I would like to try in a photograph someday. Now, they will all go in my brand new Idea Book. Yeah!

And, this project used several items from my newly reformed hoarding ways. Two birds with one stone . . . or some such thing.

It has already taken up residence on top of a file cabinet next to my desktop file organizer. I love it and cannot wait to start putting in some great ideas.

I Am A . . . Hoarder?

2010-12-08T00:54:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched any of those shows on hoarders? Wow, they kind of freak me out. And, I'm sorry to say, but I am a bit of a hoarder.

Okay, okay nothing at all like those people. But, I do tend to hold onto things and "save" them for just the right project. So, they sit and do not get used at all. And really, what is the point of that?

For example, I have so many pieces of beautiful decorative paper that has been sitting in a pile, not getting used because I do not want to "use it all up". Because if I did that, I may never be able to find another piece of paper for another project some other day. Give me a break. There are companies out there specifically coming up with new products every day. And so no, I may not ever find that particular piece of paper again, but I'm pretty sure I will find many more that I love just as much.

So, I have decided it is time to get to work and start using up all that stuff that I've been saving for just the right moment. They are getting used - as they should!

I have so many projects that I would like to get made for the holidays. I'm not sure if all of them will get made this year or not, but I'm going to give it my best. So, I made up a list on my dry erase board that is posted right above my computer monitor where I will see it every single day. That should be some great motivation, don't you think. Let's get crafting!!!

A portion of what I'd like to do. Some things I
could not add on here - it would spoil the gift
for family members.

A sneak peak at another organizational project I've
been piecing together for weeks now. I work on
it between projects. Tonight it got worked on
while I was playing a computer game with my son.

Finally

2010-12-07T00:47:00.000-08:00

So sorry I've been a little absent. UGH! I got the winter cold that has been going around here for a bit. Funny thing is, I don't really go around people that much. Or at least that is what I thought. I mean I work at home. And then my husband pointed out to me that I do go shopping on Black Friday, and went to a movie that same afternoon, and then to another movie the next day. But, wait before the movie, we had dinner at Johnny Rockets - where it was pretty packed. So, okay I guess I have been around people. And really does it matter? Not really, not at all. All that matters is, I think it's been at least two hours since I felt the need to blow my nose. PROGRESS!!!

So, I haven't felt up to working on very many of the projects that I do need to get done before Christmas. Like my cards - that I still need to shoot a photo for, the presents that I am giving my family and a present that I am making for my son, to mention a few. And that means, there should be lots to share over the next few weeks. And then it's on to, or back to, however you would like to look at it, the projects that are not holiday related at all.

In the meantime, enjoy this absolutely gorgeous card made by Becky Roberts.

A LIttle Ribbon Fun

2010-12-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! How are you doing out there? Has it been as cold in your neck of the woods as it has here? I hope not, unless you like that sort of thing and then you can have ours too.

I just have not been able to get warm over the past couple days and woke up in the middle of the night last night with a wonderful winter cold. Nice. Oh well, what can you do? Stay warm - which requires lots of cuddling with my dogs - and taking it easy.

Tonight I thought I would share some photos I took of this beautiful black lace in Stampin' Up!'s 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog. Isn't it fun?

BRRRRR!!!

2010-11-30T00:42:00.000-08:00

Normally this cute little snowman is as close as you will get me to snow, or even cold weather. And for me cold weather is anything below 80 degrees. Well, today it was well below 80 degrees here. What a windy and cold day. So, if I have to endure the cold here, I might as well enjoy looking at this totally cute snowman. Don't you think?

This card was created by Jamie S. Thanks for sharing such a cutie with us! Card is using the stamp set - A Cute Christmas and Candy Cane Christmas Designer Series Paper - all from Stampin' Up!

100 Years - Music Monday

2010-11-29T00:03:00.000-08:00

So, I spent some time in my car this long weekend doing a bit of driving. That is when I spend most of my time listening to music. As much as I love music and am completely inspired by it, it's not on at home all that much. My "day" job keeps my ears occupied and unable to listen to what I would like to. And then when the family is home, the music just doesn't really get put on very often. So, when I drive, it is on all the time. It's like my little sanctuary on wheels. I love it.

While driving during this past weekend, a favorite song came on. You know, I love those songs that just blow you away - that give you goosebumps. And that can give you those goosebumps time and time again. Well, this is one of those songs. And, even better, it really makes you think. And I love that.

This weeks Music Monday pick is 100 Years by Five for Fighting. Enjoy.

And after you have listened to this weeks pic at the right under the Monday Music Pick of the Week section, enjoy this card created by my good friend Amy Smith. I love the color combination - beautiful. Thanks Amy for sharing this with me.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T00:08:00.000-08:00

On this evening, before we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you for your support and for coming here to see what I am up to. I appreciate the visits and the comments and am glad we have this experience to share. Thank you.

Untitled

The Countdown to Turkey (and Ham) Is On

2010-11-24T00:29:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's just a few more days until we are enjoying our Thanksgiving Day? Hopefully you all have plans to share this day with loved ones in whatever traditional activities you enjoy.

I'm sorry to say that at this point, I am unable to add pictures to my post. I was already to share another fall type card with you. I guess it will have to wait until tomorrow. Sorry. Check back again tomorrow for more creations.

Fall Foliage and Some Great Offers

2010-11-23T00:24:00.000-08:00

We don't get much of that here, where I live. The changing of the fall leaves. I do miss seeing those amazing colors in the trees, but I do not miss what follows that - snow. Brrr! Makes me cold just thinking about it. I guess it's a good thing that I can stamp fall foliage to get those beautiful colors.

This is a card that I received in a swap. And because the card is not labeled, and my memory is not what it used to be, I cannot give credit to the wonderful stamper that created this card. Sorry. If you know who this card is by - please let me know so that I can give it a name!

I love the colors in this card!

Stamp Set: French Foliage
Paper: Peach Parfait card stock, Autumn Spice DSP, Concord Crush, Old Olive
Ink: Concord Crush, Old Olive, Peach Parfait
Accessories: Concord Crush, 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch

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Let me know if you have any questions at all. I look forward to hearing from you all!

A Free Music Monday

2010-11-22T00:08:00.000-08:00

The other morning, I was listening to my favorite morning radio show. Johnjay and Rich. I don't get to listen to them very often between getting as much work done in the early morning hours and getting my son ready for school, there just isn't time to listen. Plus, now that I think about it, we don't even have just a regular radio anywhere in the house. Strange. We have lots of music options but they all use either CD's or iPod's. There are two places I do listen to the radio - my car and very, very rarely on my computer.

Anyway they do this bit called remember the time where they "mush" together ("mush" is their term for it, not mine) songs, movie and TV clips all together and a contestant has to guess what year it all happened. Some of them are so easy, but most times it's pretty hard.

The other day, they did the year 1991 and a favorite song of mine, that I have not listened to in quite awhile was on it. So, I immediately came home and played the song all the way through - a couple times - and knew right then and there that would be the pick for Music Monday.

The song is Freedom by George Michael. He had some really great hits in the late 80's early 90's after going solo. And whatever your view on him and his personal life . . . the boy can sing. So, be sure to click on the song in the Music Monday section to the right of the post. And remember you have until next Monday to listen to it before it will be replaced with the next Music Monday pick.

Freedom (Cd Cover Artwork) by George Michael

Now, wait just a minute, we've already seen this before . . .

2010-11-19T00:52:00.000-08:00

You're right you have. This was featured a little bit ago. A fun project to make. And now it is time to put it to use. But, first, I have to organize some things. OH NO! Do I really have to?

Well, yeah I do. You see, there are three specific areas of my life that are going into that file organizer. My creative endeavors - stamping and paper crafting; my photography bits & pieces - customer info, wonderful locations to photograph and visually inspiring items I have collected from magazines and books and cards and anywhere that I find visual stimulation (which is pretty much the entire world); and then items that I would like to try out - cosmetic items, websites to visit and the like. So far that is the beginning of the breakdown that I have come up with.

I have been collecting papers, and more papers and more papers with ideas, and images and directions and all sorts of things that I desperately need to get organized. And now, they have a place to call home. Or at least very, very soon they will.

As I sit here tonight, I have three piles of papers to sort through. And those three piles have already been sorted once. I have some really cute file folders that are just ready to be labeled, stuffed and put in the organizer.

If only my eyelids could stay open just a little bit longer. That will have to wait for another night. Instead, I think I'm going to try to read one chapter in my book before calling it a night.

Goodnight everyone!

A Little Over A Week

2010-11-16T20:25:00.000-08:00

And we will be eating Turkey ( and hopefully ham - since it's more of a favorite of mine than Turkey). Where on earth did this month go too? And before we know it, we will be eating Turkey & Ham for Christmas! Yikes! Good thing I've already started my Christmas shopping, have you? One of my hiding places is already full.

But before, I get ahead of myself, let's take a look at a wonderful Thanksgiving Card. This was stamped by Jane Tellier. Thanks for sharing such wonderful talent Jane! Love the card!

Stamps: Day of Gratitude
Card Stock: Confetti White, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, More Mustard, Early Espresso, Autumn Spice DSP
Ink: Cajun Craze, Old Olive, More Mustard, Early Espresso
Accessories: Pinking Hearts Punch, brads, dimensionals

A Magical Music Monday

2010-11-15T00:42:00.000-08:00

It is only natural that I am dedicating this Music Monday to Harry Potter. For a couple of reasons. First of all, I just spent the last four days enjoying the marathon on ABC Family channel showing the first five movies. I didn't watch them all in a row - and some of them I didn't even get to watch the entire movie of. But that's okay, because I have seen them all before - many, many times. And love them just as much this weekend as I did the first time watching them. The newest installment hits the theaters this coming Friday and I know that is reason for the marathon. I don't mind it one little bit.

Another reason for this choice - the original score for the Harry Potter movie is written by a man that has composed just about every memorable musical score for movies - at least in my opinion. I have been a fan of his since I was a young child. I am speaking of John Williams. He has this amazing talent for writing music that helps to define certain characters or moments in those movies. And every time you hear that particular grouping of notes, you are transformed to that moment or to remember that character.

If you are not familiar with his work - well I should say, if you don't think you are familiar with his work, let me give you some examples. There are many more than this, I am naming the ones that were moments in my lifetime.

Jaws (1975)
Star Wars entire series
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Superman (1978)
The entire Indian Jones Series
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Presumed Innocent
Home Alone
Jurassic Park
Harry Potter 1, 2 and 3
The Terminal
The 1984 Summer Olympics

Just to mention a few. Amazing body of works he has. And, he tends to use some pretty unique instruments as main instruments - including one of my favorites, the French Horn. Be sure to give a listen to Hedwig's Flight by John Williams on the Music Monday Pick of the Week area to the right before next Monday when it will be changed to another selection.

Coke & Books

This photo was taken as an assignment for a photo class. We had to work on a self portrait project. Well, I do not like having my picture taken, so came up with an idea of placing a coke bottle in different situations in place of me. This photo was taken to represent a favorite hobby of mine - reading. And those are my Harry Potter books in the background. At the time we were only up to number five - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

And on to the rest of the project

2010-11-11T00:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the whole purpose of this two part project, my new desktop file folder sorter (thingie).

The finished project.

I finally found a home for my M. Do you remember this?
I made it at the distressing class and have been waiting for just
the right piece to add it to. Well here it is. Love it!

An M with a knot. How can you go wrong?

Gotta add some bling - pearls, chunky glitter and rhinestones
on buttons the perfect touch!

I just had to sneak in some purple! Love it with these
wonderful metal accents.

Both finished projects.

And for the smaller piece first

2010-11-10T00:41:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to share these finished projects with you. But, first I must talk. Because that is who I am. A talker.

I've been looking for a way to organize some of my officey type items. You know file folders and such. I am in big need of organization. That is not my strong suit at all. I've decided that something that would really help me would be a stand, of sorts, to sit on my desk and hold some key file folders. You know keep everything in one place but do it very stylishly. I've been looking for months and nothing was really appealing to me - in my budget. It's really hard to find anything other than those black plastic containers, silver mesh or faux leather. And to me all of these say snoozeville.

And then finally, I saw the one I wanted to get. I mean it wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it was a good start. A teal colored desktop file sorter! I was out shopping for Halloween supplies and there it was - and on clearance no less! It was my lucky day. And then a few days later, I saw the cutest matching pencil holder - and it was on clearance also. I must be doing something right!

Now, teal is not the first color of choice, but I knew that I could make it work. All it needed was some Designer Paper and some embellishments and we would be in business.

I redid the pencil holder first. It was smaller and easier to work with. Whenever I am creating like this, I pull out all the supplies that I might possibly want to use on the project. Set them all on my desk and then just start mixing and matching until I get it just right. What do you think? I absolutely love it!

Add a flower, a stamped tag, some bling and you are good to go!

I am loving the idea of adding Rhinestone or Pearl Jewels to
buttons. It really jazzes them up.

A little personalized tag of black glitter attached with
black Shimmer Brads.

This was super fun to make. After I completed the pencil cup, I was so ready to get going on the file folder organizer, but ran out of time for stamping. That was the hardest part - waiting until the next day to get to work on it.

And because I took tons of pictures - well would you expect anything else? - I'm going to share the rest of it tomorrow.

I hope you took some time to find some creativity in your day today! See you tomorrow.

What Do You Get When . . .

2010-11-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

Question for the night:

What do you get when you add this . . .

And this . . .

With a little bit of this?

You get a whole lot of fun. And a couple of projects that I will be sharing with you tomorrow. I need more daylight to photograph the larger project properly so that you can really see what it is. So, sorry, but you will just need to wait a bit longer. Can you make it?

Secret Music Monday

2010-11-08T00:22:00.000-08:00

It's not really a secret - the posting that is. But the song is . . .

I love it when artists use instruments that are a little out of the norm for their style of music. But yet do it in such a natural way. That you would not imagine that instrument not being there. I love when pop, or rock, bands use string instruments in their songs. It add such a different element. And today's band choice does it brilliantly. Probably because every member of this band plays several different instruments. They are extremely well rounded.

I have had this CD since it came out about a year ago. And every so often I pull it out and enjoy listening to the great mixture of mellow melodies and songs that really get you inspired. The band is One Republic, the song I'm choosing to share today is Secret and the CD I am referring to is Wake Up, their second CD that was released in 2009. (Their debut CD, Dreaming Out Loud is fabulous too. I recommend them both.) I hope that you will enjoy it.

Be sure to listen to the song on the Music Monday Pick of the Week section on the right.

It was a pretty busy weekend. Lots of fun family activities including a fund raiser at my son's school and a visit to the State Fair. I spent most of Sunday taking it easy and even got to watch an entire football game. That was nice. And it felt good to be a bit "lazy" for a day. You need those every so often.

And in honor of taking an easy day, I thought I would share with you two other loves of mine - my photography and one of my beagles. Hope you have a great Monday!

The Guard

And here it is . . . A Little Joy

2010-11-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

So, I'm hoping that you don't hate me too much for my little tease yesterday. And hopefully it was well worth the wait for here is the finished project.

My tabletop Joy display.

I initially planned on making it all red, black and vanilla. But once I got started, I really liked the idea of sticking with just black and vanilla with some sparkle added in. A little bit of ribbon, glitter, silver and pearls. All the things any crafting girl needs to have on hand.

I love all the textures here. From the chunky glitter to the embossed card stock (from the Big Shot - lovin' it!) to the ribbon.

And for the O I just felt like a lot of circles were in order. The ribbon slide and the 3 black brads were just the perfect items to add on here.

And the Y was a little trickier so I decided on a "dot" at the end, made out of paper flower, button and some pearls for the center of that flower.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my Joy project as much as I enjoyed making it. Happy crafting everyone!

Don't tell Santa but . . .

2010-11-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little naughty. This is a family show, so let's not go there, but I am going to be teasing you a little. Or, I guess I should say I am going to be giving you a tease in just a moment.

But first, a little bit about my week so far . . .

After my super busy end of the week last week, which kept me very busy over Halloween weekend and still on Monday (something that does not make this Halloween crazy girl all to excited - to be super busy during that time). I am so happy to say that things seem to have settled down - like totally. Of course I did just jinx myself. But it would seem that I have gotten a pretty good handle on my new work load for my "day" job and have actually had an opportunity to get some other, more fun projects going. Some have just been started, some are in the thinking stages and some are actually completed. And I am very pleased with the outcome of the completed one.

You know, there is nothing more satisfying than feeling like you have accomplished something during the day. And still have energy left over for some reading before your eyes are just begging you to go to sleep! And what is even better is that I accomplished several things that I enjoy doing. I have completed all work for my "day" job in a very timely manner - yeah! I worked on some photos for the week, processing and have even booked a family portrait session with two other inquiries on the table - double yeah! And I crafted a fun Christmas project that I really look forward to displaying in my house - triple yeah!

And so now for the tease . . . I am going to share the Christmas project . . . well sort of . . .

Do you remember me talking about going shopping and to lunch with my friend Diana? Well, she is such a wonderful crafter and very inspiring. I love checking out her projects and seeing what she is up to. (And love sharing caramel apple pies that almost set off the smoke alarms at the restaurant.) We went to a local craft store. Dare I say where? Sure why not. We went to Michael's. She was looking for a specific frame for a project she was going to be working on - and I will be making a little bit later too (so check back for that beauty!) Anyway while there, we saw these totally cute place card holders. You know for putting on your table to let people know where to sit? Well, c'mon, I live the in the Southwest, we don't get that formal here. So, we decided on another use for these totally cute decorative items. And that is where the tease comes in. I'm going to show you what I used to create mine . . . and then tomorrow you will get to see the finished product. I know, I'm totally mean, but you still love me anyway don't you?

A closeup look at one of three place card holders

The set as they came right out of the box.

Does this inspire you?

So, I started pulling out embellishment items that I would like to possibly use on this project. Most of them did not get used, but that does not mean they did not help to inspire me. Any guesses as to which products got used and which ones did not? I'm not telling. But, be sure to check back tomorrow and see the finished project for yourself. See you then . . . for I am off to read for a bit before I go to sleep!

Another Holiday Card to Get You Inspired

2010-11-04T00:46:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful card from Amy. I love the change from "traditional" Christmas colors. I love the pop of red with the black, gray and white. Really puts your focus on those ice skaters.

It's Never Too Early

2010-11-03T00:43:00.000-07:00

It's Never Too Early to start planning for your Christmas Cards. And so I thought today I would share a totally cute card that I got to make at my friend Amy's house. So simple and yet really cute! Thanks for the great idea - and for letting me stamp it at your house.

Be sure to mark down November 11 and 13 for my upcoming Christmas Card Class. We will be making projects using the Deck the Hall Designer Paper in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Can't wait to see you there!

Time to get Caught Up!

2010-11-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

My oh my . . . I am so sorry it's been a long time since posting. And hopefully it won't be this long again! As I believe I've mentioned before, my "day" job was a little overwhelming this past weekend. And I am very happy to say that I am all caught up. Well, with my work that is. Now to get caught up on all the pictures I took over the past week or so and get caught up on posting and such as well.

But, before all the madness took place, I actually had scheduled a day off from work for some much needed girls time. I met up with Diana for a day of light shopping and lunch. She had been telling me about this really yummy Mexican restaurant for like weeks, maybe months. And so we made the plans to meet up there. She had some errands to do and I joined her for those as well - I mean after all they were fun shopping errands. And one of them included a stop at Best Buy for some camera supplies.. That's always fun for me.

And, as usual, we were so busy having fun that I totally forgot to get out my camera and take any pictures . . . that is until this:

But, don't let me get ahead of myself. We made it to the Mexican Restaurant - Cantina. It was so yummy! They make guacamole - one of my favorites - right there at your table for you. It was fab! I could have stopped there. I did however force myself to eat my wonderful avocado and artichoke enchilada. My mouth is watering just remembering it. And then for the best, we decided to split a desert - an apple pie that they fix right there at the table. YUM! Although it did smell as if the butter was burning a little bit, and we were a little afraid that the smoke alarms were gonna go off with all the smoke pouring off the dish, but it was very very good. And we enjoyed every single morsel. Here's a couple more fun pics for ya'!

A Little Something To Look Forward To

2010-10-30T00:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-20T00:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-18T00:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-15T00:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-14T00:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T00:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-12T00:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

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 . . .

2010-10-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-10-05T00:51:00.000-07:00

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 . . .

2010-10-04T00:07:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-01T00:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Don't Look Now, There's a Big Ol' Bat

2010-09-30T00:16:00.000-07:00

Well, my friends, I know it's still early. I'm typing this up just after 9:00 pm. I am all kinds of tired. So, I'm going to keep this very, very short and sweet. One of my dogs woke me up this morning at 3:30. Yep that's right 3:30 in the a.m. Barking. At what I have absolutely no idea. And I could not go back to sleep for like an hour. Honestly, it just threw my whole day off a little. I got tons of stuff pretty early on in the day. Including a much needed supply run to Target. For, you know, things like facial cleaner and toilet scrub brushes. I bet you never thought you'd hear those two terms in one sentence before! But now, my pillow is calling my name. I hope you don't mind, but I am going to turn in early this evening.

This is a card that I got at a swap at the beginning of Sept. And, I'm so sorry, I cannot remember who's card it is to give them credit. So, if it's yours - please accept my apologies and know that I loved the card and that is why I'm sharing it! It's using the stamp set - From the Crypt.

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday - with more energy than mine. And look forward to a terrific Thursday!

Fangs for the Memories

2010-09-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a girlfriend's day! Woohoo for wonderful girlfriends! I met up with some wonderful friends - Diana, Rhonda and Marlene - today for a brunch/lunch deal. Some of us had breakfast, some of us had lunch and one of us just had tea (Rhonda!!!). We went to Paradise Bakery. I love that place. Their sandwiches are so yummy - but huge! Luckily, Diana and I enjoy the same sandwich there - Chicken Walnut - so we split the sandwich, each got our own chips and 3 cookies. Well, I mean it was buy one get one free so how could you say no? And the meal comes with a cookie. Besides, when you are eating with your girlfriends calories do not count, didn't you know?

So they had a business meeting planned, and I crashed it. Well, okay not really. But it makes me feel all rebellious to say so, so I'm just gonna keep on saying it. 'Cause really I was invited. And, we ended up visiting for like 2 hours. It felt like 15 minutes. Don't you just love those kind of friends?

After the "meeting", Diana and I set off to do some shopping. She's getting ready to make a trip back east where it's quite a bit cooler than here so she wanted to get some fun new clothes to take along. We had a great time (don't we always darling?)

As a little surprise - and I sure hope they liked it - I gave them a fun little gift. Nothing big just something that I saw and wanted to share with my "Twilight" friends. These three gals are a part of the group that I go and see the Twilight movies with on opening day. Too fun!

While I was at Target with my family the other day, we were looking at the dollar items. They always have such interesting things there. And they have added in some Halloween goodies. Not sure if I've mentioned it or not, but I really, really, really (okay you get the idea) love Halloween. Well, I saw these totally cute little Vampire erasers and a cute skull and crossbones mini notebook and I just knew that I had to get them to share with my friends.

All in all it was a great day. Thanks for stopping in . . . see you tomorrow night!

Music Monday begins

2010-09-28T00:33:00.000-07:00

It's Music Monday. Time to share some of my musical tastes. Not sure if any of you checked out last weeks recommendation - The Pursuit of Happiness by Nuno. Great song. And if you missed out on it, I'm sorry.

I've been listening to the new Linkin Park CD - A Thousand Suns - for a week now. And have fallen completely in love with a couple of the songs on it. It is a good buy for those that like them. To me it is a cross between their older angrier stuff and the mellow tunes of the last CD - Minutes to Midnight. That one took a bit of getting used to - although I do absolutely adore Leave Out All The Rest on Minutes to Midnight. There are quite a few change- ups, one song will be very aggressive with a heavy drum beat and then the next one is full of piano and a softer singing voice.

As always, I love the combination of the two different styles of singing in their two lead singers. The best example of that is their song In The End from Hybrid Theory. Great mixture of rapping and singing. So, back to A Thousand Suns, it seems that there is more of that mixture than we saw on the last CD and it still works.

I recommend getting this CD, but suggest the clean version if possible, for one song in particular (and that happens to be my favorite one right off the bat).

I guess if I had to sum up how I feel about this CD it would be this. It is a great mixture of the old Linkin Park with the polish of maturity and a budget to record with. Their sound on this one is very full bodied.

Prescott Stamping

2010-09-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I was able to go up north for some stamping fun. My family and I, plus one of my son's friends, piled in the car early and headed up north for the day. I was going to stamp and the boys were going to have fun. Ryan likes going up north to this stamping friends house because they have the cutest dogs.

Lisa, Me and Lynn

I had such a wonderful time stamping. We did something called a shoebox swap. Basically everyone attending creates a project and then they bring along enough materials, cut and ready to go, for everyone else attending to make their projects. These are so fun. It's always great to see what everyone else comes up with.

First, I will show you my card. You may recognize it. It's from my Christmas Card Class. I did have to change up the accessories a little bit by using a gold Glimmer Brad and the Pearl Jewels.

Lisa was so sweet, she actually made two cards for us all to make.

And here is card #2 from Lisa.

And the last project is from Lynn. I do love shoes so this one was very fun to make.

After we got done stamping and on the way home, we decided to stop at Cracker Barrel for dinner. I love that place and we really don't eat there that often. Not one too terribly close by I guess. Of course while you are there you have to look around in their fun store. All kinds of fun things to look at. I couldn't resist these glasses.

Are they me?

Doug and I decided to split a meal and to go for the country fried steak. He was nice enough to let me pick two of my favorites - Lima beans and okra. It was so yummy!

And who can go to Cracker Barrel without buying something in their store? Wonder what it could be. Did I get those beautiful glasses?

Nope, I got some candy. This is one of my mom's favorite treats. She usually gets it while we are at Cracker Barrel, so I just had to have one for her. Originally there were four, but one of them got eaten before the picture could be taken.

All in all a fun day. Thanks to Lisa and Lynn for such a wonderful time. I look forward to stamping with you again soon!

Favorite Find - Eyeliner

2010-09-25T00:31:00.000-07:00

Having grown up in a family of all boys. And now living in a house of all boys - even our two dogs are boys. I've never thought of myself as a girlie girl in any way shape for form. I've always strongly believed that girls are just as tough as boys - and some of us are even tougher. And I've always been very proud of that.

As I have gotten older, I have also realized that tough can also be pretty and look good and enjoy all the fun things that girls get to do and enjoy. Now, don't get me wrong, I am so not calling myself pretty and looking good. I just mean that I have to come a realization that I enjoy wearing makeup and jewelry and heeled shoes. I still don't wear skirts, but definitely could see one making it's way into my closet without me breaking out into a cold sweat. Just kidding.

I have found it very interesting in talking with several of my girlfriends, how many out there only wear black eyeliner. I find that kind of funny. Because one of my very favoritist things in the world is bright colored eyeliner. For those of us out there that lived through the 80's, how many of you remember the bold colored mascara? I had mascara in bright green and bright blue. And I loved them both. I always put them on my lower lashes because I could never find eyeliner that wasn't down to my jawline before the day was over. So the mascara was perfect for adding some fun color and not having to worry about it smudging.

Well, I have a Favorite Find for you! Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils.

I tried this eyeliner about a year ago and have been hooked ever since. For several reasons. Let me give you the low down:

1. It goes on so smooth. It has the words Glide-On in it's title for a reason. They really do glide on. Smooth as butter!

2. They do not smudge. Let me repeat myself - they do not smudge. That is unless you are going for the smoky look and intentionally smudge them. I mean man, these stay put all day long. Now, let me clarify something here, I do put on some eyeshadow primer type stuff. You know the liquid that you can smooth on all over your lid (and I put a dab under my eyes too) to keep your shadow from creasing. So that could be part of it, but I am telling you, the combination of the two and I have eyeliner that stays where it should all day long!

3. The most wonderful selection of colors. Now don't you worry. Those ladies that are black only - and I'm not exactly sure why you would want to be - black has it's place, but it's so fun to wear green or blue or gray or brown. I love to change it up everyday.

I got this totally fun sample pack yesterday. It comes with 10 fun travel size colors and one full size black. Love them! I already tried one of them today. It's called Stash and is kind of a brown/green color. Oh baby did I love it! Too fun!

So for those of you that are a little worried about trying something new, I absolutely say GO FOR IT! You never know what you might really like until you give it a try!

I'm off to bed tonight. I have a busy day tomorrow. I'm going for a two hour drive to stamp with some really fun ladies. It's been a couple years since we've stamped together and I am so very excited to see them and have some fun. Don't worry, I will be sharing lots of pictures when I get home.

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!

Another part of me

2010-09-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

Something else that I really love is photography. I've loved it ever since I can remember. I love looking at old pictures. I love the way the camera feels in my hand. And they sound of the shutter - at least on the old school cameras. I love the idea of forever capturing a moment in time. I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos.

Bench

Cowboy

Bamboo 2

I have often been accused of having a very different personality when I am photographing. And I think to some extent that is very true. Once I get that camera in my hands and am looking through the lens, I just get all excited about what I see and cannot wait to capture the world around me. I hope you will enjoy these images. I will share more another day.

I have finally finished reading Return of the Jedi. I have not returned it yet because I want to copy down some quotes. I loved reading all three books. They were very enjoyable. And so I started another book yesterday and have already read 200 pages. Diana loaned this one to me and I cannot put it down. Thanks for sharing with me Di! It's the second in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. So, I'm off to get in a little more reading before I absolutely cannot keep my eyes open.

I Believe...What goes Around...

2010-09-22T00:14:00.000-07:00

That what goes around comes around. Truly. I have a motto that I try to live my life by - leave any given person or situation better than how you found them. Whether it be through laughter or an ear to listen. Whatever the case may be, there is always an opportunity for you to give more than you receive. There is always an opportunity for you to enrich or lift someone up. And sometimes it's as easy as projecting some positive energy. And sometimes it's a lot harder than that.

So, what did you think of my song recommendation from yesterday? Did you like the song? Is this something that you would like to see more of - songs that inspire me? I hope so, because I like sharing.

Today's pictures come from my stamp class on Saturday. I had a really great time sharing my afternoon with some really fun ladies. It's great to watch each participant grow in their craft.

The group from the class

Vicki and Brittany

Brittany working on her Santa

My mom water coloring her snow

Brittany made the yummiest cupcakes for the class - Lemon Raspberry. They were so good. Thanks for sharing your baking talent with us!!!

Pursuit of Happiness

2010-09-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

There are many things that get me really excited about getting creative. I love to look at things. I mean really, really look at things. One of my brothers has accused me of seeing the world as if through a camera lens. And he's right. I do, do that. When I am driving around I look at things as if I were taking a photo of it, mentally trying to remember where I am so that maybe someday I can come back and capture it properly.

I also love to listen. There is very little in this world that can move me as much as music does. We have had a wonderful love affair for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are of listening to my brothers records and 8 track tapes. Being around 5 years old, riding in the back of my brother's Chevy Nova and singing all the words to Moody Blues or The Who. Music has always moved me.

I've added a little something that I hope you will enjoy. Today is Music Monday. In the top right side of the blog, there is now a link to a YouTube video. Really, I just want you to check out the song. This particular song gives me goosebumps. And, it will only be on the site until I decide to share another song.

The song for today is Pursuit of Happiness by Nuno. He's from a band that was pretty popular in the early 90's called Extreme. (They did a little song that some of you may remember called More Than Words.) Anyway, check out the song. I think the best one to listen to is the top choice there, with a picture of four guys. So, let me know what you think.

Last Friday I was able to go stamp at my friend Marlene's home for a class. We made four really fun cards. Well, I don't have those cards ready to post yet. Instead, I'm going to share another of Marlene's cards with you. First of all, here's a close-up of the card. I love this paper, from the Holiday Mini Catalog - it already has the glitter on it! How great is that?

Marlene & I stop for a picture moment during class.

Her full card. Too cute.

Stamp Set: A Cute Christmas (Winter Mini Catalog)

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Garden Green, Real Red, Whisper White, Candy Cane Christmas DSP

I still have a little photo work to do before going to bed, and my eyes are getting a little droopy. I hope everyone had a wonderful Monday and will see you tomorrow!

An Unplugged Weekend

2010-09-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

And getting reconnected. Sorry I didn't get a chance to post anything over the weekend, but honestly, I hardly had my computer on at all during the past three days. It was great to spend time doing other things that do not require a computer, a keyboard, the Internet . . . but I did miss posting.

First, I spent Friday at home with a sick child. And, ooops!, we did play a computer game for about an hour in the afternoon. After that, we watched cartoons and rested. In the evening, I had the opportunity to visit with some friends at a stamping class that I attended. It was great fun to reconnect and to meet new friend - and to stamp at the same time.

Then on Saturday was my Christmas Card class, and it was almost a full house! Love it! I had a great time sharing and visiting with those that attended. And this time I did remember to take some pictures of the class.

Sunday was family day. We spent the afternoon just hanging out, catching up on some favorite TV shows and even watched the movie Prince of Persia, which I enjoyed very much.

And now, here I sit winding down the weekend and knowing that tomorrow it is back to business as usual. That's okay. You have to have the work days and the busy times to help you realize just how nice it is to just veg out on the couch every once in awhile.

Now, I owe you some pictures. And don't worry they are coming. Pictures from this weekend and to show you the beautiful cards that I got to make at Marlene's house on Friday night. But first, there is still one more card that you have not gotten to see yet that we made in my Christmas Card class yesterday. So, here it goes...

I love this totally cute little Santa. Isn't he just adorable? This is my very first stamp set using the clear blocks. LOVE THEM! They are easy to put together and easy to use. I can see a very bright future for me and clear stamps. OH, and did you notice the Glimmer Brad? I may have mentioned this before, but I just love them! Gorgeous!

Stamp Set: Holiday Hoopla, Curly Cute
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Jolly Holiday Designer Paper, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla
Accessories: Regals brads, Glimmer brads, Rhinestone Jewels

And finally, here are all the cards that we made in class on Saturday. Aren't they fun?

Well, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I'm even going to hit the sack before getting any reading in today. Just too tired. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. See you tomorrow!

Favorite Find - Rhinestones & Pearls

2010-09-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

What more could a girl ask for? Take a look at these . . .

Now admit it, those look like tons of fun don't they? I'm here to tell you they are! What a great way to ad an accent to anything. They are so beautiful, I want to wear them! I know they might be a little hard to see in the above picture so how about some close-ups? Well, here ya' go . . .

I finished making the last project for my Saturday stamp class. Fun stuff. I'm really enjoying the new stamps, new ribbons, new colors and the new embellishments. They are too fun! Can't wait to see what everyone thinks of them at the class.

Now, tomorrow I get to finish prepping for it. Lots of cardstock to cut. I love to cut cardstock. I find it very therapeutic and relaxing. Maybe I can skip the meditation portion of yoga tomorrow. No way - that's the best part of yoga, getting to meditate at the end. Very, very relaxing.

And it's getting late for me. One more early morning before the weekend. I want to get some reading time in before I turn out the light. I'm really enjoying my book, Return of the Jedi - even better than the movie. But aren't they always?

So, it's off to sleep, well reading and then sleep . . .

Let's Keep This Short & Sweet

2010-09-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna start off with a bang:

And then I'm gonna finish pretty quickly. It is definitely Wednesday. Halfway through the week - and I am feeling it. Lots to do to get ready for my class on Saturday, along with all the other stuff life is bringing my way. Been a pretty steady week and I am tired and ready for some sleep. So, instead of rambling on and on, I will show you another card that is a possible choice for my class on Saturday. I really like this card. I have fallen completely in love with these new Glimmer Brads from the Holiday Mini. If you haven't gotten them yet - you must! They are beautiful! Since I already gave you a sneak peek, here's the rest of the card. Enjoy!

And I hope you are having a great week. See you tomorrow!

I Believe That Drama...

2010-09-15T00:49:00.000-07:00

Is so self-destructive. And I don't mean going to the movies and watching a drama genre show. I mean the Drama that some people just cannot seem to help but create in their lives. What is that all about?

So, today started out just as any other normal day in our house. We all got up at pretty much the normal time. We ate breakfast, we brushed teeth, we verified that everything was in the backpack and ready to go. And then, we remembered that it was picture day. Oops. The shirt that Ryan wanted to wear really could use a little ironing. Guess I should have done that yesterday. Well, needless to say, that started a small domino effect with the end result being that Ryan was about 10 minutes late for school.

Really not a big deal. He's never late. I think in seven years of attending school, I have only had to sign him in late one other time. He hardly ever misses.

Now, this could have been a major meltdown. I mean really it could have. And had it been a few years back, it probably would have been. I've never been a morning person. So, my emotions - and temper - are a little quicker in the morning. And really who on earth does that benefit? Absolutely no one.

So, few years ago, I decided to take better charge of myself. For you see, you cannot change the things that happen around you, you can only change how you react to them.

I had a Child Development teacher in college talk about emotions. And this has stuck with me for all of these years. He explained to his totally packed 300+ students classroom that emotions are pure. They are genuine. They are not wrong or right. They are just what they are. What makes them wrong or right is how you react to them.

Hmm, let that one sink in for a moment.

Emotions are not wrong or right. Wow. It is so very true.

Back to this morning. It could have been handled with some yelling and getting all worked up and frustrated with the fact that we were running late. But what would that have accomplished, except to get us all off to a terrible start. Instead we just did the best we could with what we had to work with. And we both started our day off on the right foot.

And so I say - Drama - Who needs it? Not me, that's for sure.

Now, I can't leave you with all that and not share a card now can I? This is a Christmas card that I made while trying to get the creativity flowing for my upcoming class. It is still in the running and may be made in the class. I'm just not completely sure yet. I received the order I was waiting for and will work on two project ideas. Then will decide which of the final two cards will be included in the class. Let me know what you think.

Stamp Set: Loads of Love
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Real Red, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Pearls, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Colored Pencils

A Way to Some Sweet Dreams

2010-09-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

I was given a gift card for my birthday, way back in January. I kept meaning to get to the store and buy some goodies and just never quite made it. And finally about a week ago, we were at the mall - going to the Lego Store. We love that place. Making things out of Lego's in our house is an ongoing project. They never seem to get cleaned up and put away. But that's okay, it's using imaginations in the most wonderful ways!

Well, across the hall from the Lego Store was Bath & Body Works. I love that store even more. They have some of the yummiest scents around. One of my favorites, and I'm ashamed to say, I've been out of forever and desperately in need of. I mean how can you possibly go to sleep without their Pillow Mist?

Really it has been a pretty long time since we've had any in the house. Just became one of those things that we ran out of and didn't rush right out to replace.

That's not gonna happen anytime soon. Man oh man! I have been sleeping so much better ever since picking up another bottle. I keep it right on my nightstand. Next to my alarm clock. And every night before getting in my bed to read, I spritz a little on the pillow and the top portion of the sheets. Love it! My personal favorite flavor is Lavender Vanilla. Very subtle.

I am pretty tired tonight and probably wouldn't need it to fall asleep, but I'm not going to give that a try! Sweet Dreams everyone!

You Might Have to Excuse Me

2010-09-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

I have a headache. It's been here pretty much all day and is in full swing right now. So, if I am not making much sense, that's because my brains are having a hard time conversing with each other. There is just too much arguing going on in there. I am sitting here with a vanilla coke in hopes that that will take the headache down a notch or two.

Other than the headache, it was a good weekend. I know that most of you probably spent yesterday 9-11 in some form of remember the day from 2001. And it does come to mind here in our house. I remember very distinctly what I was doing and the events of those days. But, in our house September 11 is a day of celebration. It's our anniversary. We celebrated 17 years together.

And so that day is full of two types of memories. The ones of getting ready for a wedding - that include ironing one of my brothers shirts, while in my wedding dress and burning my arm in the process. I can't be trusted with an iron on a normal day, who on earth thought I could it on that day? Oh yeah, that was me. I volunteered to iron his shirt.

And memories of my mother calling me early in the morning. Earlier than most would dare call me - for I was very far from a morning person at that time. And asking me if I had the TV on. Which I thought was a very strange question. Of course it was on, it had Blue's Clues on. She insisted that I turned on the news because something had happened to the Pentagon. You see growing up in the Washington DC area, it was the Pentagon that really struck home to us in the first hours of that day.

So we spend the day remembering the good times and celebrating that which we do have to celebrate.

I hope that everyone had a good weekend out there and celebrated in your own way as well.

And on a great note, on Friday I received some fun stamping goodies. This means I can finish up creating the last two projects for the upcoming Christmas Class. There are only three spots left. Hurry and sign up if you are interested in coming!

Glitter, glitter everywhere - stamping and nails - such fun

2010-09-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

And, speaking of glitter and things that sparkle . . . here is a card that has plenty of shine. But first, a teaser:

I redo my nails at least once a week. And sometimes two or three times. It just depends. You see, I am really hard on a manicure, so it's a good thing that I do them myself. I couldn't afford it otherwise. And sometimes I get just plain bored with the color that I have on at the moment. At this particular moment, I am wearing a beautiful silver sparkly color. I'm not sure what it's called. It's from OPI and was a part of their Christmas Collection. They are the cutest little bottles of polish. And at the time I thought they were just perfect for trying out some new colors. All the colors were glittery, and it included red, silver and purple. Now, I could not possibly be expected to turn down a purple shade, could I? I really do wish that I had bought full size bottles, but oh well what can you do.

Since I was wearing glittery silver on my nails, I guess I felt inspired to add some glitter to a card that was sitting on my desk. It is the glitter that I showed you yesterday. Fun, fun stuff. On this card I attached it with Sticky Strip. Man oh man do I love me some Sticky Strip!!!

But, before I get ahead of myself . . . first here are what my nails look like currently. I'm pretty sure they will get changed sometime this weekend.

Please don't be too critical of my polishing job. I love this color. Mostly because it looks like it should be rough to the touch like glitter is. But it isn't. It's smooth, smooth smooth! Love it!!!!

Okay on to the card. I do believe this card will be made in my Christmas Card class next Saturday. If you are in the area, and would like to come you better get yourself signed up. It will be a fun one.

Here's the info if you need it again:

Christmas Cards Here We Come!

Saturday September 18, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
RSVP by Thursday September 16.

Join me for a Christmas Card Class!
We will be making 4 wonderful Christmas cards. Stamp Sets include Big on Christmas, Holiday Hoopla and Curly Cute to name a few. We will also be using these accessories Jolly Holly Designer Series Paper, Jewels, Glitter Brads and much more.

Sign up early, with payment to secure your spot.
Bring a friend and you take the class for only $10!!!

Email me for more info or to sign up - mlharper@qwestoffice.net

And, if you missed it, I already shared one card from the class. It was posted on Tuesday September 7, 2010. Titled - September Stamp Class - a break from Halloween cards.

Now these are the only kind of snowflakes that I like. That's why I live in the desert. I know I'm a wimp, but it's true. I do not like the cold temperatures. I lived in them for over half of my life and now that I'm the grown-up, I get to say no more!

And here it is, the full card. Lots of embossing shine, and glitter shine and some fun ribbon.

Thanks for checking in with me. I'm getting a little tired and will be turning in soon. But first, to get some reading in. It's getting really good in Return of the Jedi. That's my favorite movie of them all and so far the book is too. Although, I only just began chapter three.

I Am A....

2010-09-10T00:06:00.000-07:00

(Gasp!) Blogger! When did this happen? How did this happen?

I've been rethinking things a bit here and came to the realization that I am a blogger. Never in a million years did I think that would happen. But here I am. And what's even better, I actually enjoy it. So much so that I have a couple blogs going. That's right more than one. What on earth am I thinking?

A little background.

I also realized that I started this blog and sent out an email to friends and family telling them to check it out. Well, I have others that have been viewing this sight, coming to see my stamping samples and such. And so I thought, well maybe I should introduce myself a little more. Would you like that? Maybe get to know the person putting these posts out there. So, I think it only logical to start at the beginning. Not the very beginning . . . I was born blah, blah, blah. But at the blogging beginning.

I have been blogging for just over two years now. I started a blog for my family. Well, more specifially for my in-laws to see what was going on with our lives. To be able to watch their grandson grow up. To see what kind of activities he was into and such. And I have been posting on that sight ever since. It's personal and for close family and friends. It's been very fun to look back over the past few years on that blog.

At the same time I started blogging my photography work. And have since launched my own website for photography work and blog. And that has taken on a life of it's own but is all about photography stuff and how it relates to everything in my life.

And that leads me to this new blog. I started it to be about everything in my stamping life - since I have just recently become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator again. I was one for over eight years and took two years off. And this July became one again. But, that didn't feel quite right to me. I mean, I do want to have a place to share my stamping ideas and creations, but I would like it to be more than that.

And so here I am. After almost two months of blogging here at Melz Place, I am changing it up a bit. I want this to be a place that I can share all my creative endeavors, my thoughts and finds in this world that we all live in. To - Embrace Life Through Creativity.

I hope that you will enjoy this new change. Because it's all just a journey and a learning experience.

And so I will begin with something that makes everyone just a little happier! GLITTER. Doesn't adding a little sparkle to your day make things just that much better? I think so. If you don't agree with me, or understand what on earth I'm talking about than I say to you - TRY IT! Sprinkle a little glitter on something and then try to tell me that it didn't make you smile at least just a little bit.

This is Stampin' Up!'s new Silver Glass Glitter. It's chunkier than other glitter. Has a little more substance to it. It is in the new Winter Mini Catalog and available until January 3, 2011.

Here it is on some black circles. Totally Glitterlicious!

And, so I leave you for today. Until tomorrow...

I Almost Forgot

2010-09-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Remember about a month ago I teased you with this picture? Well, I almost totally forgot all about it. I was sifting through my samples, deciding which one to post for this evening and there was this one. I tell ya', you got to let me know when I get a little absentminded and forgetful. Just give me a little shout and say "Hey you forgot..."

So, here is the original teaser:

And here is the rest. This is using the same set I've been so crazy about lately - Dark & Dreary from the Winter Mini Catalog.

I got my swap cards back and now have even more goodies to share with you. First, I must get them all photographed. That shouldn't be too hard for me to do.

I've been thinking about changing a few things on here. Toying with some ideas that have been rolling around in my brain. So, don't be too surprised if you come back for a visit and things are a little different. More personal I think. Hopefully something to look forward to!

Back to the Grind - It's so Spooky

2010-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today it was back to business after everyone went back to school and work. Well almost everyone, my husband had today off as well. Which turned out to be not such a great day to be off because I actually had more work than usual - and it totally wiped me out. I think halfway through the day my brains were turning to jelly. After taking a break from my computer I re-energized and was able to finish my work before school got out. Yeah!

But, way before that I got my morning walking in with my fam. That was nice. I don't usually get to walk on Tuesdays it was a nice surprise to go this morning since my hubby was off work. It's always good to begin your day with a little exercise. And since I let myself slide all weekend long with the health challenge, it was definitely time to get back to business today. Keeping track of calories and getting that crucial exercise in!

And now, on to stamping . . . here is a card that I made at last weeks stamp get together. It was designed by Marlene S - a really fun stamper and friend. She will always put a smile on your face.

Stamp Set: Dark & Dreary, Wicked Cool
Paper: Wicked Fun Specialty Paper, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: White Staz On, Basic Black
Accessories: Raven Lace Trim, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Jewels

September Stamp Class - a break from Halloween Cards

2010-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Christmas Cards Here We Come!

Saturday September 18, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
RSVP by Thursday September 16.

Join me for a Christmas Card Class!
We will be making 4 wonderful Christmas cards. Stamp Sets include Big on Christmas, Holiday Hoopla and Curly Cute to name a few. We will also be using these accessories Jolly Holly Designer Series Paper, Jewels, Glitter Brads and much more.

Sign up early, with payment to secure your spot.
Bring a friend and you take the class for only $10!!!

Here is one of the projects we will be making in class. This card includes some watercoloring and glitter. You will learn about shadowing to bring your watercolor projects to life!

Stamp Set: Big on Christmas

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Basic Black, Brushed Silver, Watercolor

Accessories: Black Brads, Aquapainter Painter, 2-way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Holiday Weekend - Yippee!!!

2010-09-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

First of all an announcement - I have reached over 1,000 hits on my site here! Wow. I don't know what to say since I just started it a month ago. Thanks to everyone that has enjoyed visiting here. I hope that several of those 1,000 hits are return visitors. If you enjoy my site, please feel free to share with all of your friends!

I took full advantage of the holiday weekend by deciding to take it easy and have fun. I set work stuff aside and spent the past two days relaxing with family and friends. And since, it's only Sunday, I look forward to one more day off.

Friday night, after all school activities were taken care of, my family spent the evening with my niece Brittany and her family - Ben, Baylee and Payton. We went to eat at Sweet Tomatoes and then went to a free show at the planetarium at the local community college. It was a final project put on by a student. Very well done showing the massive size of the Universe by showing our planet and surrounding planets, and going on to show all the known planets and galaxy's pretty darn cool.

On Saturday, I spent the day with my friend Kim. It was her son's birthday last week and he had invited a few friends from school to come over for the day, including my son. So off we went. I tagged along for the day to provide another vehicle and to have a fun time hanging. We had a great time. The boys all had fun & got along really well all day.

Sunday was my day completely off! I decided it sounded like a great day to do a whole lot of nothing. And so I did. Actually I didn't do nothing, I spent most of the day on the couch getting caught up on America's Got Talent. I don't even want to say just how far behind I was, but now all the recorded ones are gone and I am ready for the new shows on Tuesday and Thursday. There are a few acts that I am totally in love with & don't know who I want to win yet - still too many really good ones on there.

I find that show really inspiring. It's amazing to me how many people have found something that they are passionate. Even if they don't make it to the end and win, they are winners. And I don't want that to sound too cliche, but it is very true.

Don't worry, I will not be leaving you without putting up a new card to view. This one was designed by my friend Rhonda M. She is a very talented stamper and all around wonderful person. So, thank you Rhonda for such a great 3D project. I have enjoyed looking at it, as it sits on my desk for inspiration.

I really loved this totally clever way to secure the ribbon handle. Very cute!

Stamp Set: Wicked Cool

Great Time at the Game

2010-09-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

It's official - I really loved going to an NFL game. Even if it was preseason. Even if the team I wanted to win lost. Oh well. Thought I would share of the pics from the game.

My favorite picture taken from the evening, as featured on my photo website. MelzDezines.

Best Witches to you!

2010-09-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

The more I look at these wonderful Halloween projects, the more excited I am getting for it to be here! And really it will be here sooner than we think. And in my neck of the woods, that means temperatures under 100! Although I do really like the warm weather.

As I am writing this, I am getting ready to head over to the other side of town. I am going to my first ever NFL game. I guess I had to move from Virginia, to Arizona in order to get to see the Redskins play. I just wish it was back in the day when they had some of the greatest players. It will be fun anyways.

So, I leave you with another card swapped on Monday night. I'm not sure how made this one, but I really love this cutie pie of a witch:

I hope you all have a great Thursday and I will be back tomorrow to let you know what my experience at the game was like.

Wicked Cool

2010-09-02T01:14:00.000-07:00

After I was able to get the sleep out of my eyes, get some of my necessary work out of the way, I met my fam for our morning walk. They go six days a week. I, however am only able to get a walk in two days of the week. The rest of the week, I workout at home. I enjoy my time walking, but also enjoy being able to do different activities as well. There are always good conversations when we walk. Today was a little quieter. I think none of us were fully awake.

Here is the first card that I got to make the other evening. It was designed by my friend Monica. I had such a great time sitting with her the other night. We got to laughing so hard! It was great! Thanks Monica!!!

I just love these boots! Aren't they the cutest?

And these rhinestone jewels are to die for! You must pay attention to them when you are applying them, but they are so worth it!

Stamp Set: Wicked Cool

Love My Swap Cards!

2010-09-01T03:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was just a very smooth day. Everything seemed to just move right along quite nicely. I got my work done for the day in a great amount of time giving me the opportunity to do some other things. Like yoga. I love when you feel yourself making progress. It's so nice to be able to hold poses for just a little bit longer and not feel the strain. That means progress! (Although I still have not gotten any better at remember to be consistent with getting on that darn scale!)

I was also able to pull out and really enjoy looking at the swap cards from Monday night. Boy oh boy, they sure are great! I really enjoyed the ones that I got the opportunity to make. The ones that I brought home are just fabulous.

I'm sticking with a theme here and showing you more Halloween ideas. This card is stamped by Diana Gibbs. I love it - great colors and of course a really great stamp set!

Stamp Set: Dark & Dreary, Tiny Tags

Paper: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Whisper White, Wicked Fun Specialty DSP

Ink: Cajun Craze, Basic Black

Misc: Spritzer tool, Old Olive marker, Square Lattice embossing folder, black taffeta ribbon, 1/2" lace trim Raven, jewelry tag, vintage trinkets

It was a Dark & Dreary Night...

2010-08-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

...That's how a friend from college would start out every story. The first time he did it, we were all huddled around a campfire in the middle of the woods. It was a fun group of gals and guys - all just friends that went and did all sorts of things together. Well, Jim, who was a really great friend, decided that we needed to tell ghost stories around the campfire and that was what he said to get the mood going and then get the other guys to tell scary stories. He was one of the last to tell a story and he started out the same as all the others...It was a dark and dreary night...only his story took a funny turn and ended up with his shoe getting caught in the escalator at the mall and how he had to pull his foot out of the shoe at the last minute as everyone watched the toe of it being stuck in the and of the escalator. He was great at telling stories and had us all laughing.

Wow, that was quite the trip down memory lane there. And what does it have to do with stamping & stuff? Well that is the name of the stamp set that I used for the fun dinner/swap/stamping evening that I went to last night. Dark & Dreary. I really have enjoyed using this set. And will be using it in my Halloween class in October.

If you didn't know, Halloween is my favorite time of year. I love everything about it! And have always loved stamping for it. So, this is a time you will not want to miss.

Last night was great fun. It was so good to meet up with stamping friends and laugh and stamp and have some really yummy food! Diana and I even got the Creme Brulee - which I have never tried before. It was fab - thanks Diana!!!

Here is the card that I took to swap and have others stamp last night. Okay, it was a bit confusing, but I will see if I can explain how things worked last night. We met for dinner at Keegan's. The food was great and the staff was so wonderful for letting us loud and giggly ladies take over an entire room of the restaurant. I got an open-faced veggie sandwich. And honestly, I have no idea how anyone could have eaten that as a sandwich. It was definitely a knife and fork event and even then, I could not eat it all. YUM! Then we came prepared with materials for 8 people to make our cards. Since there were 19 people attending total, we pre-made the rest of the cards and just swapped with the other 11 people. So, I got to actually stamp 8 projects but came home with my 19 new samples to share! Woohoo!!! What a great evening. I was so excited about it that I couldn't wait to share with you and am posting this morning instead of tonight.

The larger version of this card did not photograph as well as I would have liked. There is glitter in certain areas and if you look closely you can see it on this card. Just enough to highlight the baubles on the candelabra and the spiderweb.

I was going for a monochromatic look in the beginning. At the last minute decided to add the red for the candles. It made me think of all my Twilight friends, which made me smile.

Stamp Set: Dark & Dreary (winter mini catalog)
Paper: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Silver and Whisper White
Ink: Basic Gray, Real Red
Accessories: Black lace ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter and Aqua painter

Well, I am off to get some yoga in before finishing up my work. There were so many great projects from last night and I will be sharing those over the next few days.

Stamping Tonight

2010-08-30T23:54:00.000-07:00

In a little over an hour from now, I will be heading out to dinner and stamping with some friends. And that means I will have some great samples to start sharing very, very soon.

Today was back on track for the health challenge. I let myself slide just a bit over the weekend, meaning no exercise and I enjoyed a wonderful hamburger from a favorite restaurant - Joe's Farm Grill with family and friends. It was very yummy & I'm glad I could enjoy it guilt free. I still haven't been very good at getting on that scale regularly, but my clothes are getting looser and looser everyday. I have a pair of "goal" jeans. These were a pair of jeans that I love and have not been able to wear for quite some time. I'm planning on getting in them comfortably by December.

So, this morning I went for my 2 mile walk with family and after getting showered and ready for the day, decided to give those jeans a try. I got them pulled on and zipped up - and probably could have worn them all day, but they would not have been the most comfortable. That means progress is being made! Woohoo!!!

Oh, and before I forget, check out the clearance rack at Stampin' Up! They just added new items. Check them out and be sure to get them ordered. It's so easy, you can order directly from my website. Here's all the places you need to go:

Clearance Rack on My Stamp Website

Be sure to click on the Clearance Rack on the left hand side of the screen to check out all the great deals!

Hope you had a great Monday!

Joy

2010-08-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

I am attending a stamp event tomorrow. Meeting up with some really fun stamping friends and making each other's cards. I'm very excited to be going. And so, today was spent creating the Halloween card that they will be making from me. I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do. So, I sat and down and just started stamping random stuff on random cardstock. And then all the sudden it just kinda started piecing together. It was pretty fun to work on. I was able to get them all completed and ready to go while the rest of my family was outside tending to some yard work.

I can't wait to show the card to you, but will wait until tomorrow since I want it to be a surprise for the ladies tomorrow night. So, be sure to check back tomorrow for a look at what I came up with.

In the meantime, since I was digging around in my stamp stuff for items to use on the card, I came across this framed piece that I made a few years back as family gifts for Christmas. You know, it's never too early to start getting ready for some Christmas stamping. As a matter of fact, I have already started on my Christmas shopping. Gotta hit the sales whenever they come about!

Season's Greetings?

2010-08-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

It's never too early to have the Christmas spirit right? And it's definitely never too early to get a head start on your Christmas cards.

I kinda got off track a little on my health challenge over the weekend. Nothing terrible, just wasn't being as good about getting my exercise in. Well, Monday I started over again. I did get a good walk in on Monday and Wednesday. Tuesday was a bit of an off day again. Lots of work that needed to get done and I just wasn't feeling my best. So I took a nap instead. And let me tell you I felt tons better afterward. I have been watching the amount of food I'm eating and still feel pretty good about the whole challenge.

Today's card is from my day of stamping at Amy's house. It was so sweet of her to share her wonderful projects with us.

Stamp Set: Many Merry Messages
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Very Vanilla, Jolly Holiday Designer Paper

Health Challenge Update

2010-08-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

I got to walk with my brother and my father yesterday. That was so fun. Don't get me wrong, it was a workout, but it was a fun one. And, I finally did weigh myself pretty consistently over the last week. And by the end of the week, not only are my pants feeling a tad bit loser, my shirts not so snug, the scale even confirmed it - down a pound and a half! I will take it. Any movement in that direction is wonderful in my opinion.

I am busy planning my next stamp class. Mark your calendars now - September 18. And it is going to be Christmas stuff. I'm thinking cards, but not 100% sure! So, within the next week, I will be making the announcement.

In the meantime, enjoy this card using the shadow stamping technique.

Stamp Set: Baroque Motifs
Ink: Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Shimmery White

From Okay to Great

2010-08-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend was kind of a long one for me. There were lots of activities planned. And that was great. But, I had a bit of a personal issue that has taken me for a bit of a blow. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, because it's still pretty fresh and I have not decided how I would like to handle the situation. I do know that it does need to be handled, just not sure what the best option is.

I was looking forward to a dinner and movie planned with a couple of girlfriends all week. Only to find out that not all of us were going to be able to make it. And that's fine, life happens. So we decided to reschedule for another time. Well, at the last minute, three of us decided to go ahead and meet for lunch. And I am so glad we did.

We met at Liberty Market, which is one of my very favorite places to eat. We got to talking and catching up and really just enjoying the afternoon. Before we knew it an hour and half had gone by. One of the gals, Amy, had just had a stamp class this past Friday and brought along the projects they made. So darn cute! Robin and I loved them. Amy suggested we go back to her house and stamp them. Trust me, you do not have to ask me twice! So off we went. It was so great spending the afternoon with such caring and wonderful friends. Thanks gals for such a great afternoon. Let's do it again real soon!!!

After I got home from fun stamping, my health challenge friend, Kim contacted me to go for a 2 mile walk. Woohoo! I hadn't gotten my walking in for the day and was more than ready for some chatting and exercising at the same time. It was great to get that walk in. I am now really pumped up to get another walk in tomorrow with my family. Should be fun!

Here is one of the five cards Amy let us make this afternoon. I simply love it! The design is so simple and yet beautiful. And, of course I love it because it's mostly purple! How can you go wrong?

Stamp Set: Medallion
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Basic Black, Whisper White

I hope you all had a great weekend and look forward to chatting with you tomorrow!

One Day Left

2010-08-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on this great day. Contact me right away to get your order placed!

Place an order by August 21, 2010 for these special prices.
Order $50 and receive 10% off your order.
Order $100 and you receive 20% off and a free catalog.

This offer is only good through me and must be placed with me and not on my website to receive my special pricing(for US customers only please). All orders and payments must be received by August 21. To place an order, email me at mlharper@qwestoffice.net

Click here to view the online catalog.

All Neutral

2010-08-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

Another day down, another day beginning. And another day of exercise in. I love it when you can feel your hard work starting to pay off. I'm not sure if I've lost anything yet, but like I said yesterday, I do feel better. On Tuesday when I was doing yoga, I did notice that I could hold the poses longer and a little deeper and that my breathing was much more even. That's a great sign to me!

Towards the end of the day, I settled down in the couch for a few minutes of down time. I was looking through some magazines and came across an article showing all brown paints. Like five different shades. I think they were getting their inspiration from coffee. And I got my inspiration from them. It was interesting to see the different shades of brown together. I decided to create a card in all neutral colors.

Stamp Set: Baroque Motifs
Paper: Sarah Sand, Chocolate Chip, Confetti White, Basic Black
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla craft
Accessories: Chocolate Chip satin ribbon, Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon

It was fun pulling out only neutral colors and trying to come up with a way to make it not all blend together. I really wanted to add an accent color, but none of them looked quite right. Instead I added just a touch of Basic Black as the bottom layer on the word Cherish. I'm still feeling the neutrals and think I will play with them again to see how very different I can create something from this card.

Middle of the Week

2010-08-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Well good morning all! At least, I hope it's a good morning. We are smack in the middle of the week and so far it's been a good one! Don't forget you have just 3 more days to order saving either 10 or 20% off your order! Contact me right away to get your order in before it's too late! mlharper@qwestoffice.net
Read the entry on Sunday August 15: Special Discount valid through August 21 for more information.

I have forgotten to update you on the health challenge for the past couple of days. Sorry about that. On Monday, I was so excited because I got to return back to walking after having to take a few months off. For a little background...my dad walks every morning (except for Sundays) and has for years. I couldn't even tell you when he started walking, it's just something that he always does. If I had to venture a guess it would be in the early 90's. But it could have been even earlier than that. He walks for health reasons and we, the family, can see that he has benefited from it over the years. He walks at the local mall. It's great, you go in early before the stores open and make a few laps around. And it's not boring, we are constantly entertained by the ever changing displays in the windows. One lap around our mall is a quarter mile. One of my brothers walks with him. My brother's original goal was to get his endurance back up to be able to start running again. (I think we have enjoyed walking so much that I'm not sure he is still wanting to run anymore - I can't be a runner so that's not an option). Last year, when my son started band, he had to be to school an hour early two days a week for it. So, at last, I was finally able to walk too.

I really wanted to start walking to help with the terrible shin splints that I had gotten from doing karate. I had the shin splints for almost two years, been to the doctor, had inserts made to retrain my ankles to keep my feet from rolling in. Wore those, felt better but still wanted to be able to get some good exercise. I started walking at the mall for two reasons, to get that exercise and to consciously make the effort to retrain my feet to walk properly to avoid shin splints. Well, it worked great. I haven't really had any shin pain for a year.

Once school got out, I had a pretty rough summer and was unable to walk. Well, band started up again this past Monday and I was at the mall with my dad and my brother ready to walk. The three of us really enjoy getting together. I mean the physical exercise is great, but the chance to get together and chat and such is even better. I'm so glad that I am able to start going again. And even prouder of the fact that I was able to jump right back in to my old pace again. Even if I do have three brand new blisters on my feet. That won't prevent me from going again this morning!

I would like to say long story short, but I guess I can't. I am a bit of a talker after all. I have not weighed myself for a few days. I do however feel better already - more energy and all that good stuff. I also feel stronger since I've started this challenge so that is a good thing. I will try to remember to weigh myself today and see how that goes. I just don't want to see no change and get discouraged you know?

Okay, so on to stamping. Here is a card I made a few weeks ago. I think I wanted to get something going that was using the color Rose Red. I stuck with colors from within the color family for easy coordination. I am still getting use to the new color groupings and really am finding some of those colors to be quite fun together. I hope you enjoy.

Stamp Set: Priceless
Paper: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Rose Red
Accessories: Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, dimensional

Thanks for stopping in! Have a great Wednesday!

M is for...

2010-08-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

Meatballs...yum! Or Mashed potatoes...even yummier! Or peanut butter M&M's. Wow, I must be hungry. Which is weird, it's only 6:00 in the morning.

M is actually for Me. That's one of my nicknames. Given to me by a nephew many years ago. He is almost 21 now. Most of my nieces and nephews call me Aunt Me and even some of my brothers and sister-in-laws refer to me as Me. It's pretty funny to watch people's reaction to someone yelling "Hey Me!" in a crowd.

I love my M that I made at Diana's. It is perched right up against a favorite card (from my upcoming September stamp class - I will be sharing this one later on) on my stamping desk. It looks so cute there.

I'm not really a floral type person. If you have ever visited my photography website you will probably be disagreeing with me right about now. There are tons of flowers on there. And I do enjoy photographing flowers, but here's the thing, I like to photograph them for their texture and their shapes. Not necessarily because I really love flowers. And because my mom really enjoys my photos of flowers.

But, this is a flower I really enjoyed. It was so fun to make - and so easy too! I loved the feel of the cardstock in my hand after I wet it down and mushed it around to make the soft petals. So very fun!

Thanks for checking in with me. And don't forget only a few days left to take advantage of discounts on your orders. Let me know if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer!

Have a great Tuesday and see you soon!

A Distressing Day

2010-08-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, actually it was not a distressing day. Not at all!

Yesterday I got to be the stamper. I attended a class at Diana's (thanks for a great day yesterday) using Stampin' Up!'s new distressing kit. What a bundle of fun that is! We made three projects. It was really fun using that kit to add "wear and tear" to the projects. I think the blank stamp is so fun, and very relaxing. The way you work it in on the edges of your projects. Well, it just takes all the stress out of distressing. And if that isn't enough, the sanding tools let you really work out some aggressions - that is if you have any to work out!

Anyway, it was real fun going to class and enjoying the company of other stampers that were learning this new technique just like I was for the first time. We had a great time gabbing and stamping.

After class was over, Diana and I headed out to do some shopping. I'm always up for shopping, but this was right up my alley. She's been wanting a new camera. So off we went to take a look at different styles. She had two picked out two that she was interested in looking at. We went to Costco first. I haven't had a Costco membership in years, so wasn't really sure what to expect. Really, their camera selection was pretty limited. There seemed to be either pretty high end or low end. And nothing in the range that she was looking for. So, off to Best Buy we went. It was just down the road a bit and they had a much better selection. Immediately we had it narrowed down to two, but really it was looking like the one. And it turned out to be one of the two that she was originally wanting to take a look at. She did buy that one. I think she's going to have a lot of fun with it. It's got a lot of options and will be as simple as she wants or will allow her to "expand" her horizons if she decides. After that we grabbed a quick bite at Paradise Bakery. Yum! Love that place. And then I decided it was time to head home to see my family since I had been gone most of the day. I finished the day out playing computer games with my husband and son. We had fun.

Now, I'm off to take my son in for his first before school band class of the school year and then I am getting to walk the mall with my brother and my father for the first time since school got out in May. I'm really looking forward to that. The exercise is great and so are the conversations that we have!

Don't worry, I'm not leaving you without any pictures to check out for the day. Just a couple from yesterday.

Here I am getting ready to go to the Distressing Class.

The distressing Kit in it's cute little pouch.

Here are the contents all laid out. We all joked that the sticks on the bottom were weapons. But they sure made distressing things easier. And everyone fell in love with the cute little sanding block. I didn't even use mine yesterday, it's just too cute!!!

Here are the three projects that we made in Diana's class. She had put her initial on her Distressing Kit. I love my M. It's so darn cute and those flowers were so easy and fun to make. I'm not sure where I'm going to put my M yet, for right now it's on my stamping desk ready to help inspire me to create.

Special Discount valid Through August 21, 2010

2010-08-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Good morning! Looks like today is a two for. Meaning you are getting two posts for the price of one. Since I apparently did not check a simple little box, my post for last night did not go through and I had to manually send it this morning. I also did not want to miss out on getting my sale info out, so you are getting two posts today!

This week only (for US only), when you order you can take advantage of a discount on your stamping supplies. But, hurry, this offer ends on Saturday. I accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

Place an order by August 21, 2010 for these special prices.
Order $50 (before shipping and tax) and receive 10% off your order.
Order $100 (before shipping and tax) and you receive 20% off.

This offer is only good through me and must be placed with me personally and not on my website to receive my special pricing. All orders and payments must be received by August 21. To place an order, email me at mlharper@qwestoffice.net

Click here to view the online catalog.

Contact me with any questions you may have.

Well, I must get ready for the rest of my day. I am attending a stamp class this afternoon with my good friend Diana (can't wait to see you and stamp with you). I will be learning how to use our new distressing kit. Can't wait for that!!! And then, she is in need of a new camera so I am going to help her pick one out - since I speak camera language! Have a great rest of your day and I will have some fun samples to show you later from class today.

First Official Stamping Event

2010-08-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Today was my first official stamp events. I setup my sale items this morning. Lots of wonderful memories of stamping items here that are looking for a good home - to be used and loved. I had some stamp friends take advantage of these great deals, but do have lots of items left. If you are interested in a list of what's left and prices send me an email mlharper@qwestoffice.net.

After my sale, I had my first class. We did three cards. I wanted to keep things a little simpler for my first event. We did use some bleach, some glitter and ribbon of course. It was fun. I think everyone had a good time stamping, chatting and just enjoying a little girl time. Thanks for supporting me in my new adventure. I can't wait for next month - Christmas!

After the class, several members of my family went out to eat. For me, it was kind of in celebration of getting back into stamping. It's been a fun experience. I look forward to challenging myself again and reconnecting with this side of my creativity. We went to eat at a Mexican restaurant. We had plans to eat at a local Olive Mill, but decided at the last minute since it was so hot out (it's an outside tour and stuff that you go through) and they have an event planned for today that we did not want to participate in, that maybe we should save that for another day. Thanks to my mom & Brittany for the support with stamping today and to their families for joining us for lunch today.

All around a fun time! I took some pictures as I was setting up and fully intended to take more during the class and such. But, I was distracted with the actual stamping and forgot to even get my camera out. Next time I will be much better. So here's the garage sale.

Spots, spots and more spots. Oh and some cardstock too. This is what was left at this point, after having sold several unopened packs and loose sheets as well. Before the day was over, several more packs of paper and spots left as well.

A look at the stacks of stamp sets.

Various accessories. Items needed to add that special touch.

My day ended with a very nice surprise. My health challenge friend, Kim, and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. This was no leisurely stroll. We had a good pace from beginning to end. I just wish it wasn't quite so humid out. The heat no problem, but I am so not used to the humidity. I'm glad she asked me to go. It felt great to get out there and get in some exercise after a non-stop day. It was great company, great conversation and all working towards a better me. Gotta love that.

Now I'm gonna put in some quality time with my book - The Empire Strikes Back. Yes I have seen the movie more times than I can count, but the books are way better. Aren't they always?

Tune back tomorrow for my ordering special announcement. I know I said today was the day, but I'm still working out all the details so tomorrow it is. See you then!

You asked for it...

2010-08-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Well kinda. I had a few people let me know that they would like to see my swap card. Well, I'm just not ready to show the whole thing. So, instead I will give you a sneak peek.

Ain't I a stinker? I just love these new brads. They are very fun and beautiful. I'm trying to figure out how on earth I can add them to my clothing or jewelry somehow.

Let's see, it's day five of the health challenge. I've been pretty good. Sticking to my calorie intake and have worked out everyday. Today's workout was a little bit lighter than I had anticipated but that's okay. Sometimes you just have off days. Maybe I was too excited about seeing a couple friends this morning that I rushed a bit. It was fun to visit with them and share goofy stories about our kids.

Now, I need to finish getting everything ready for my Stampin' Garage Sale and Welcome Back to Stamp Class in the morning. I'm looking forward to both and hope to see some fun stampers tomorrow!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a special for ordering that is being announced tomorrow! And to see some fun pictures from tomorrows events.

This just in . . .

2010-08-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday came the most wonderful knock on the door. It was the UPS man coming to bring me some new goodies. I mentioned the other day that I joined a swap. It is featuring items from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog. One of the items that I ordered in include on my swap are these beauties right here! I couldn't wait to share them with you.

I designed my swap today and am pretty excited to get going on that. I also already cut out all the cardstock for it too. Now comes all the fun - stamping, stamping and more stamping! And sorry, you are just going to have to wait until after I get the swaps back to see the final card. Although, I may be enticed to show you a "sneak peek" of it, or part of it before then. But, you will have to let me know you'd like to see it. So, leave me a comment and let me know if you'd like to see something of my first official swap. I can't wait to see all the wonderful cards that I will be getting back too.

So, it's been a fun week so far. My health challenge is going well. I haven't lost any pounds yet. But I feel better. More energy. And even better than that I feel in charge. Like I'm actually doing something good for myself. I have been easing back into working out. I am one of those weirdos that really enjoys working out. I mean it. Strange, I know. But true. I look forward to them. This week I have worked out with weights and a stability ball on Monday and Wednesday and have done yoga everyday this week. On the weight days, I did a lighter yoga. Tomorrow morning the plan is to get an hour in before I shower and meet up with a wonderful friend for some much needed girl chit-chat time. Hopefully I will at some point lose some pounds. I just really want to have to go shopping for new clothes because the ones I have now just do not fit anymore. Wouldn't that be awful.

And, my little boy started 6th grade yesterday. That's been pretty exciting. He's a smart kid, schoolwork isn't a problem for him. But, he really does not enjoy school. He loves learning things. Discovery channel and the likes are always on at our house. I'm not sure what it is either. Well, his first day went really well. He came home with a smile and in a great mood, so I will take it! I'd like to keep that trend going. Here he is on his first day of school.

Thanks for stopping in. See you soon!

Looking forward to Saturday Stamping

2010-08-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Phew! I finally have everything ready for my stampin' garage sale. That took some serious sorting and pricing and moving around. But, my stamp area is looking very nice and clean - and almost empty! The horror!!! Anyway, here is a copy of the email that I sent out to my email list.

A friendly reminder about upcoming stamping events this weekend. I have openings in my class on Saturday and would love to see you there! Please sign up by Thursday so that I can be prepped and ready for you that day.

I have three great projects planned. You can view one of them on my blog. Just check out the entry for Thursday July 29 titled Unique.

As always please contact me with any questions you may have!

Welcome Back to Stamping Class
Saturday August 14, 2010
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost $10 for 3 cards
Class special - bring a friend and you stamp for just $5
Recommended bring your own Snail adhesive

Stampin' Garage Sale
Saturday August 14, 2010
7:00 am to 9:30 am
Whether you are needing to add to your stampin' collection or you are ready to start a collection, you will not want to miss out on these deals. I have boxes of items that are priced to sell. Items including stamp sets, ink pads and refills, full packs of paper as well as individual sheets, and lots of accessories including ribbon, brads, buttons and much, much more. Get here early for the best selection.

Here's an idea of what to look for at the sale:
25+ stamp sets - all marked at over 50% off
Over 10 different styled punches
Glitter and embossing powders
Brads, eyelets and beads
Over 15 different ribbons - some brand new
Coloring tools - pencils and more
Over 30 cardstock colors some brand new - never been opened
Retired stamp pads and ink refills

The stack of cardstock that is ready for the garage sale. Tons of colors here and several have not even been opened yet!

On a personal note, today started my health challenge. Kim approached me the other day with the idea of tracking our calories and workouts for 14 days. I was so excited to jump on board. I love this kind of stuff. I'm not a very competitive person. Actually competitive people drive me crazy. Mostly because I am not. I have never felt the need to compete with anyone else. I can only do better than myself. I have always heard that you should automate your meals and such. I guess I am going to be hardheaded about this though. I am going to eat as I normally do with minor tweaking - and with keeping track of the calories as I go. This way I won't feel as though I have missed out on the things that I love. The biggest thing I am looking forward to (that's right I said looking forward to) working out again. I have always enjoyed a good workout and miss them when I don't do them. There's just something about getting the good physical workout to get the brain cleared out. So, today I got out my weights and my stability ball and went to town. It was really fun and set such a great tone for the rest of my day.

And now for tonight - some yoga! I know I'm gonna feel it but soon I won't and that will be awesome! Wish me luck!

Getting Ready for some Stamping Fun

2010-08-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

Since school starts on Wednesday, this weekend was all about family fun. And that left little time for my computer. Sorry for not posting. We spent a bit of time with family and friends. Went to movies and out to eat. Thanks to everyone that made our weekend so much fun - The Halls, The Higgins and The Andersons!

I did manage to get a little stamping in though. Mostly, getting things organized and ready for my upcoming garage sale. Please don't forget to come. I am pricing things low- most more than 50% off. I really want to see my supplies find some really good homes. Keep an eye out tomorrow, there will be some postings to remind you of upcoming activities. And for those of you on my email list, watch you inbox too!

Okay, enough about all of that. Here's the sample for tonight:

Stamp Set: Priceless
Paper: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White
Inks: Chocolate, Baja Breeze, Rose Red
Accessories: Dimensionals, Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon

Two of my Favorite Things . . . and then one more!

2010-08-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

What a crazy busy day - but what an awesome one! I got to do two things that I absolutely love! How can you go wrong there?

My day started nice and smooth. I was up and getting things done earlier than I needed to and that makes for a happy me. Then, due to a communication issue, I was suddenly an hour behind. Oops! I hate being late. But, what I was late for was a good thing. I was taking my oldest brother's family pictures. I got there at about 8:40 in the morning. And already it was hot. I finished up all the photos in about an hour. Really, I was doing my best to get them done before we all melted. I haven't had a chance to look them over yet, but hopefully there are some fun ones in there.

After that I had to do my "day" job. I work at home, so really I cannot complain. I get to work at my own pace and schedule for the most part. There are some parameters that I must follow, but really it's not bad.

Just before I sat down on my computer just now, I spent the past hour or so stamping. My husband and son are outside getting some much needed yard work done and I was informed that that would make a great time to get some stamping in. You don't have to tell me twice. I jumped right on that. I was feeling a little bummed because I hadn't had a chance to get to my stamp desk for a couple days. So, it was a good day all around!

And since today was a double good day for me, the item I have chosen to share with you combines these two things - and another "thing" that I love. I made this a few years ago and so some of the items have retired and are no longer available, but you will get the idea and hopefully be inspired nonetheless.

This used to sit on my desk. It's fun to look at. I have moved it to rest on my dry erase board for the moment, or until I can find another place for it. Don't you just love all the attitude in the last picture. He is definitely my child. I can't get mad at him for all that attitude because I know exactly where he gets it from!

Some good, some not so good

2010-08-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today were a bit of a whirlwind. Yesterday being a little better than today. Today had me fighting a headache all day long until finally around 1:00 I gave in and took a two and a half hour nap. Waking up with an even worse headache than before. I am very happy to say that after some Advil and some caffeine, the headache is finally gone. However, I think I'm going to take the rest of the day pretty easy and catch up on some recorded television shows while chilling out on the couch - maybe with a yummy bowl of ice cream.

One highlight of the day yesterday, I placed my first order from the new catalog. I have joined a swap - my first one in years. For those of you unfamiliar, a swap is real fun. Here's how it works. You commit to make one card for the number of people that have joined the swap. You complete your card, making the same design that many times. You get those cards to the swap hostess by either hand delivering or mailing. She then swaps them out by making sure that each participant receives one of every participants card. These are so fun. Not only do you get samples from many different stamp sets and accessories, but you also get to see many new ideas and sometimes techniques. I will be sharing what I get back in my swap after it is completed!

In the meantime, here is the card that we made at the stamp meeting I attended the other evening. Thanks again Rhonda for creating this card - and thanks Diana for taking me there! I had a great time!

Stamp set: Birthday Bakery (Level 1 Hostess set)
Ink: Basic Black
Markers: Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Baja Breeze
Paper: Pumpkin Pie and Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Pear Pizzazz 1/2" stitched-poly ribbon, Scallop Circle punch and circle punch

Surprise

2010-08-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning started off pretty well. It looked like I was going to have time to get some fun crafting in and then as the day starting going on and on and on and on, it started to look like that was not going to happen. Bummer.

So, late in the afternoon, we were getting ready to go get Ryan's (my son) school supplies. Which he was not even remotely interested. I told him that if he didn't want to go I would be more than happy to pick out everything for him. It would be all matching and in fun me colors. He said that was fine. He was not fooling me at all. Well, just before we left, I got this text from Diana, my upline, inviting me to go to a stamp meeting that night with her up-upline Rhonda - who is also a friend of mine (Twilight buddies, a story for another day). As far as I knew she had not yet been informed that I was once again stamping and definitely had not been told that I would be coming. So, I worked it out with the boys - hubby and son - to be able to go.

It was such a nice surprise! I had a really fun time. Not only did I get to see the fun new items that Rhonda had already ordered out of the new catalog and to see the fun things that they did at convention. But, the best part was seeing some wonderful stamping friends again. It was a nice surprise for me and for them!

We even stamped. I don't have it ready for posting yet, will be taking the photo later today for that. So, instead I'm sharing my favorite card from the stamp class that I went to at Diana's house last month. This card is so cute. (And I understand she "borrowed" the idea from Marlene - another wonderful stamping friend).

Have a wonderful Tuesday and see you soon!

Let's Stamp Together

2010-08-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

I have been planning and stamping and cleaning and getting ready for the very first stamp event! I can't wait any longer to let you know all about it!

Welcome Back to Stamping Class
Saturday August 14, 2010
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost $10 for 3 cards
Class special - bring a friend and you stamp for just $5
Recommended bring your own Snail adhesive

Stampin' Garage Sale
Saturday August 14, 2010
7:00 am to 9:30 am
Whether you are needing to add to your stampin' collection or you are ready to start a collection, you will not want to miss out on these deals. I have boxes of items that are priced to sell. Items including stamp sets, ink pads and refills, full packs of paper as well as individual sheets, and lots of accessories including ribbon, brads, buttons and much, much more. Get here early for the best selection.

I have been trying to get a little stamping in every day and this weekend was great for it. With all the rain and such, it was nice to have some quiet time to stamp. I'm thinking this is going to be a card for the first stamp class, but can't promise that I will not come up with something that I like even better between now and then. When it gets closer to the class date, I will definitely let you know what projects will be included. One I already know for sure, but will save that for a later date!

Stamp Set: Inspired by Nature
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive and Crumb Cake
Inks: Old Olive and Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Early Espresso Satin Ribbon, Paper Daisies, Metallic Brads and bleach

Unique

2010-07-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

I took a break from cleaning out my stamp stuff. And let me tell you, there is quite a bit that is ready for pricing and selling!!! While taking a break, I decided to do something fun - and what could that be? Stamping of course!

I broke out my favorite colors - purple, red and black. I swear someday I am going to have a room decorated in those colors. Ahhh, what a dream. Anyway, back to reality. I was feeling a little sparkly so threw in some chunky glitter. A simple card, yet fun.

Stamp Set: Define Your Life
Paper: Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant and Shimmery White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant and Real Red
Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Fire Rhinestone Brads and Red Chunky Essentials Glitter

Cleaning Day 2

2010-07-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Another day of cleaning, sorting and organizing. I decided I needed to tackle my accessories and find out what I have that is current and what has been retired. Boy, oh boy, what a job that turned out to be. I'm not sure that I'm completely finished, but I am done for tonight. It's time to spend a little time with the family.

Here is what I sorted through tonight:

Craft Pads
Ink refills
Punches
Eyelets
Brads
Ribbon (I have quite the selection of retiring ribbon)
Coloring items including pencils and watercolor crayons
Glitter
Embossing powders
Wheels - both regular and jumbo sizes
and so much more

I must admit, it did feel really good to get stuff cleaned out. You should see how wonderful my shelves are looking. And now, I have two boxes full of accessories and paper and a rather large stack of stamp sets. All of them will be looking for a loving home to reside in & to be used! I will let you all know when I have everything priced and ready to sell. And, let me tell you, they will be great deals - because I need the room for fun new items to start using in upcoming classes. So far, I am planning the following for stamp classes: Christmas, Birthday and Halloween. I'm getting more and more excited about new stamp sets, new papers, new colors and new accessories! WOOHOO!!!

I love the phrase included in this stamp set:
Inspired by Nature

Some Stamping Fun of a Different Sort

2010-07-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

It is time to get organized, or at least get a start on getting organized. Since, honestly, it seems like getting organized is an ongoing process for me. It has been a couple years since I was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator so I really need to clean house.

First things first, I really need to see what current stamp sets I own. So, with the new catalog in hand, I turned to the Index page and began pulling out sets that have retires. There were many that I was sad to see go. Some that I didn't think I would ever see go - Itty Bitty Backgrounds comes to mind! I'm thinking that I may start with a garage sale to help me clean house better.

My stack of retired stamp sets. Wow, over 35 sets that have retired and are in need of a good loving home:

While I was cleaning out my stamp sets, the doorbell rang and a few minutes later, my son came up to my office to inform me that there was a box from Stampin' Up! waiting for me downstairs. Woohoo! My starter info has arrived:

A peak at what was inside the box! Fun times here tonight:

After sorting out my retired stamp sets, I decided it was time to sort through all of my stamp colors. I know that Stampin' Up! did a major color overhaul this year and couldn't believe how many had changed. These are my retired stamp pads. Wow! But, I must say the new colors are beautiful. I can't wait to start working with them!

And you just can't overhaul your stamp pads without updating the paper as well. I went through all of my folders, updated the names and moved them around according to their new color families. There are a few colors that I'm going to have to order so that I can get completely updated.

I think tomorrow will hold some more organizing for me as well. For tonight, I am ready to call it a day.

Have you ever had one of those days?

2010-07-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like you've been so busy, but you don't really know with what? It seemed pretty non-stop for me today, but I'm not sure what got accomplished. So, let me see if I can come up with a few.

Played Lego Star Wars with my son for a bit. That's a good one. We always have fun playing and it's good to spend time on activities he enjoys (even if I really do enjoy it as much as he does.)

Had a follow up doctors appointment. That was a good one. Had to have some surgery on my big toe about a month ago. It was fine. The medication they used to numb my toe had a pretty funny side effect. Every time anyone touched my toe, I could not stop laughing uncontrollably! My family loved it! I did have some complications and those have officially cleared up! Yeah, I am on the mend and can now wear shoes that do not have to accommodate a bandaged toe. Yippee!!!

Finished reading my book! That's a good one. And, I did most of my reading for today waiting in the doctors office. My son has gotten me into one of his favorite series of books. The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness by Michelle Paver. They are pretty good. The second one was definitely more intense than the first one. This also means that I can take another book off the large stack of books waiting to be read - and get going on a new one.

I did not get to work on anything creative. Maybe that is why it felt like a whole lot of stuff went on but nothing that really stuck out in my mind.

On a good note, I should be receiving my starting material tomorrow. This means more fun stamping stuff to look through and start planning some fun classes. I have got a rough idea of the first three that I want to do. I'm not ready to share just yet, but trust me, you will be the first to know!

This is another card from Diana's class. It was pretty quick to make, but tons of fun. I really love the wood background!

Good Day

2010-07-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a very good day & weekend for that matter. I have been sending and receiving emails from several stamping friends telling me how excited they are to learn that I have returned to stamping. It warms my heart. Thank you to each of you that have been so encouraging! And it has made me even more excited about my decision!

I wanted to share another card from the stamp class that I attended the other day at Diana's. This is a simple card yet elegant. It used two of my favorite things to do - embossing and sponging!

Created by Diana G.

Feeling the Love

2010-07-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone that has replied with such enthusiasm about my decision to get back into the stamping game. I'm even more excited now than I was before!

I meant to get a post in last night. I was looking forward to stamping at my friend (and new upline) Diana's house for a masculine card stamp class, and since I got in a little later than I thought, the post is coming at you today.

I've been looking forward to the class for over a month. Diana & I always have fun together and now we get to have fun together stamping again. And even, better a newer friend, Kim went with me. Which was great. It's a bit of a drive to Diana's house and since I don't get out there as often as I used, I needed directions again. So, printed them off on the computer and Kim was my navigator. She knew the area pretty good and got us there in great time & with much ease (thanks Kim!).

It was especially nice to have someone to chat with on the drive as well. As most of you know, I am a bit of a talker, so that made it nice. Otherwise, I would have been listening to my iPod and just singing like mad, probably getting strange looks from other driver's.

Kim & I having fun stamping:

I had a great time at class and learned some new things. Nope I'm not gonna tell you what they are. You will have to watch here, or better yet join me in some upcoming classes to learn all about them!

This is one of the cards that we made in Diana's class. I love the tire tracks and the texture - not to mention the pop of that orange motorcycle! Beautiful.

Stamp Set: Motorcycle, Fabulous Phrases

Paper: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Watercolor Paper

Ink: Jetblack Stazon, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Basic Gray
Misc: Neutral brads, Square Lattice embossing folder, Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Texture wheel

Thanks for stopping in.

Just got the word!

2010-07-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

No pictures on the very first post. Shocking to some, I know. But I am too excited to get a photo ready to go.

I just got the word . . . it's official . . . I am back with Stampin' Up!

You see, Stampin' Up! has made a great offer to those of us that used to be demonstrators with them, but no longer are, a great deal to come back. After encouragement from a wonderful friend (Hi Diana!), I decided it was time to get back in the game! I still have all my stuff from the good old days and am ready to put them to good use again.

Once I get my starter package, I will be ready again for some fun stamping classes. I have spent several nights drooling over the new catalog and planning things I would like to offer to anyone that would like to stamp with me! I think I'm going to get that catalog out again & look it over one more time, or one hundred more times! My hubby is watching a Clint Eastwood movie right now, so it's the perfect time to get it out and start making my lists again.

A list for class ideas. A list of stamp sets that are just calling my name. And a list of accessories that need checking out.

I just have one final word for you all:
WOOHOO!

Oh, and it's good to be back!