Wednesday, April 29, 2009

April's Challenge

It's the end of the month already, can you believe it? I can't. We have been rushing around doing Kindergarten registration and all the appointments: doctors and dentists. Plus, there is Preschool graduation preparation and end of year field trips - nerve wracking. Plus, now is the time to prepare for summer. Last summer DD went to art camp and it was a little pricey...this year she wants to attend again and I've been saving for it since Christmas in hopes of not causing too much damage to my budget: Mission Accomplished. I checked this week on the registration to ensure the class was still going and not another victim of the Economy and...(drum roll here...) they lowered the price! So, I have a few bucks left over. Quite proud of myself but it's going to stay in savings just in case something comes up during the summer.

Anyway - the point: This month's challenge was to be Bunnies. I was quite excited initially because it gave me a great excuse to order two C.C. Designs stamp sets: Hunny Bunny and Kisses & Hugs. Absolutely adorable. However, LIFE happened, and by the time I got to my challenge projects - I entered into it half-hearted. I am pleased with the outcome but know that I could have done A LOT better. Either way: I hope you enjoy what came in.

First, is my mom's cards. She does amazing things considering she is as gimpy as I am...you will see. I am trying to get her to use brighter colors...one step at a time.
(I love the butterfly, making a small entrance on the card...)
Next is Bonnie. I have been told that she absolutely adores Bunnies.
And last, is mine. I used the Summer Mat Stack and picked out some bright colors for the card. I used a layout that I found in the back of the May CardMaker, my Circle Scissors Plus, the word window punch, and dimensionals. I envisioned something else and this is what came out. By the time I started I had already received Bonnie's card and my mom's and was feeling a little pressure to get my projects done. Lesson: DON'T RUSH!!
I also altered a notebook I found in the dollar bins at Michael's. I wrapped it in Tea Party DSP, Certainly Celery and Almost Amethyst paper, Basic Black Ink and a little Pretty In Pink, used my Scallop Oval and Regular Oval Nestabilities, and added a So Saffron Ribbon for a place holder. After all the measuring and cutting and ripping and eventually throwing away two attempts, I figured out that SCS has a tutorial on how to make your own. Oh, the frustration I could have saved! But, it did turn out pretty cute!


May is a Forrest Theme. I'm interested to see what comes out of our heads this month...

Saturday, April 25, 2009

HAVE TO SHARE - AMAZING BLOG CANDY!!!

So, I'm doing my usual blog hop - checking out new posts and links on other blogs and I run into this while searching Katie's blog from Paper Makeup (I'm itching for some new toys!!) and I saw the most GLORIOUS PICTURE EVER:



All you have to do is post a comment here and link it to your blog and cross your fingers, wish on a shooting star, throw a penny in the fountain, whatever you do to make dreams come true!
Can you believe it?!?!!?

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A Day at the Beach

With DH finally on a budget (6 weeks and counting) I have been searching for cheap and fun things to do to keep the family occupied. Our latest fave? Going to the Beach! It is quite a drive but fuel is not an issue (Thank Goodness!). So, I pack a large cooler with snacks, sodas, lots of water and sunscreen (forgot the last time!), some beach toys we got for $1.00 at Michael's, and off we go. The kids have a great time, DH usually sleeps, and I enjoy the scenery.


This trip, we passed Thomas the Train! Can't believe it! The kids were so excited and we had to pull off the road to wave at all of the riders. I will have to figure out how we can do something similar because everyone seemed to get a huge kick out of it.

We also found a ton of ladybugs while looking for interesting rocks and shells walking on the beach.


Oh, and here is some visual stimulation: some stuff that just washed ashore that I thought was beautiful.


Small, simple things in a huge, complex world.

My Bellas Are HERE!

Yippee! Yay!! Woohoo!!!!

A group from Cafe Mom decided to do a group order from Stamping Bella a few weeks ago. I received the post that they had arrived, been distributed and shipped, and I have been impatiently waiting for them to arrive.

TODAY THEY CAME!!! I can't wait to use them!

Motivation to Endure and Spread Cheer

Many of you know that I am trying to follow the Total Money Makeover - change my spending habits, get out of debt, and change the lives of my children. In doing so, I listen to Dave Ramsey's radio show archives throughout the day during the week.
Yesterday, I heard him cite a reference by Tom Peters, a motivational speaker geared towards companies. I did a quick Google search and found a lot of interesting statements he has made. One, in particular, has motivated me. I thought that I would share it with you, in hopes of changing your outlook and hopefully start a small ripple effect on others.

44 “Secrets” and “Clever Strategies” For Dealing with the Recession

I am constantly asked for “strategies/ 'secrets' for surviving the recession.” I try to appear wise and informed—and parade original, sophisticated thoughts. But if you want to know what’s really going through my head, see the list that follows.

You come earlier.
You leave later.
You work harder.
You may well work for less; and, if so, you
adapt to the untoward circumstances with a
smile—even if it kills you inside.
You volunteer to do more.
You dig deep and always bring a good attitude
to work.
You fake it if your good attitude flags.
You literally practice your "game face" in the
mirror in the morning, and in the loo
mid-morning.
You give new meaning to the idea and intensive
practice of “visible management.”
You take better than usual care of yourself and
encourage others to do the same—physical
well-being determines mental well-being and
response to stress.
You shrug off shit that flows downhill in your
direction—buy a shovel or a “pre-worn”
raincoat on eBay.
You try to forget about “the good old days”—
nostalgia is self-destructive.
You buck yourself up with the thought that
“this too shall pass”—but then remind yourself
that it might not pass any time soon, and so
you re-dedicate yourself to making the
absolute best of what you have now.
You work the phones and then work the
phones some more—and stay in touch with
positively everyone.
You frequently invent breaks from routine,
including “weird” ones—“changeups” prevent
wallowing and bring a fresh perspective.
You eschew all forms of personal excess.
You simplify.
You sweat the details as never before.
You sweat the details as never before.
You sweat the details as never before.
You raise to the sky and maintain at all
costs the Standards of Excellence by which
you unfailingly evaluate your own performance.
You are maniacal when it comes to responding
to even the slightest screwup.
You find ways to be around young people and
to keep young people around—they are less
likely to be members of the “sky is falling”
school.
You learn new tricks of your trade.
You remind yourself that this is not just
something to be “gotten through”—it is the
Final Exam of character.
You network like a demon.
You network inside the company—get to know
more of the folks who “do the real work.”
You network outside the company—get to
know more of the folks who “do the real
work” in vendor-customer outfits.
You thank others by the truckload if good
things happen—and take the heat yourself if
bad things happen.
You behave kindly, but you don't sugarcoat or
hide the truth--humans are startlingly
resilient and rumors are the real killers.
You treat small successes as if they were
Superbowl victories—and celebrate and
commend accordingly.
You shrug off the losses (ignoring what's going
on in your tummy), and get back on the
horse and immediately try again.
You avoid negative people to the extent you
can—pollution kills.
You eventually read the gloom-sprayers the
riot act.
You give new meaning to the word "thoughtful.“
You don’t put limits on the flowers budget—
“bright and colorful” works marvels.
You redouble, re-triple your efforts to "walk in
your customer's shoes." (Especially if the
shoes smell.)
You mind your manners—and accept others’
lack of manners in the face of their strains.
You are kind to all mankind.
You keep your shoes shined.
You leave the blame game at the office door.
You call out the congenital politicians in no
uncertain terms.
You become a paragon of personal accountability.
And then you pray.
This weekend I read somewhere that Happiness is not a Destination - It is a Mode of Travel.
I hope you are inspired, if only for a minute, to look up, Smile, and change just a minute of someone else's life. You might make their day.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sharing Blog Candy!

So I must share that Marie is offering some great blog candy ("Boot Loot"). I am greatly inspired by the things she creates and try to visit her blog weekly. I must tell you, the Boot Loot is in honor of her daughter, Emma, who is turning 6 (such a great age!). All you have to do is tell Emma Happy Birthday in the comment section and cross your fingers! Good Luck!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Get Connected!

Through the end of April, if you order $40.00 or more from the Mini Occasions Catalog or purchase $150 0r more from the Idea Book and Catalog, you will earn a free product from the "Under $10" category (p. 208 of the IBC). Great deal!

I especially love the Note Card Kits - what a great way to get someone started in something you love! It comes with note cards and envelopes, a double-sided stamp, and a Chocolate Chip Ink Spot. For fun, throw in some ribbon in a coordinating color and maybe a few scraps of DSP and you have the makings of a great gift to help show your friends why you enjoy SU! so much.




Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Free Catalog Until April 30th!

Yes, I know, two posts in one night! Watchout!! Actually, I have a minute because DH made dinner (yes, perfectly fine and edible). So, here goes:

If you purchase from Stampin' Up by April 30th, you will get a free catalog!! That's a $9.95 value! And come on ~ who doesn't want an extra catalog to mark up with ideas ~ or better yet, share with a friend?

Thank You and Happy Birhday

It's been a busy couple of weeks! Last weekend DH took me dancing at a night club! "Mr. I Don't Dance" danced, something we haven't done for almost eleven years. We were a little nervous when we first got there, dressed like young teenagers and pretending to be wallflowers...after awhile, and a few drinks, we were on the dance floor proving that a mother of two and her husband can shake their groove thangs. The amazing part? Neither one of suffered from a heart attack or needed oxygen afterwords. Although, both of us did complain the following day that our calves, thighs, low backs and sides hurt more than we remembered. We had a GREAT time! (Note - take Motrin before bed next time to lessen the muscle pain...)

The weekend before? We went to Ventura for the Car and Bike Show. Beautiful weather, great cars. After the show we walked to the beach, chased the waves, found a crab, and then decided to splurge at Joe's Crab Shack. Again, we had a great time. We can't wait to go back to the beach.
So, da-da-da-dah! Here are the cards I made for this week:

The first one, is for a very sweet, dear woman. I work in a law office and I specialize in personal injury. A case I'm working on is regarding a woman who was hit by a vehicle at high speed, was given a very poor future plan, and, by the Grace of God alone...she has made a miraculous recovery. I can't go into details, however, let me tell you, where doctors have thought she would not be able to function like the woman she was before - she has proven them wrong. Watching her improve on a daily basis is literally watching a miracle take place. She reminds me every day that I must be thankful for whatever life throws at me, because it all can be taken away in a heartbeat. ANYWAY, she has taken to providing the staff with homemade treats...and this was the Thank You card I made to show her how much I appreciate her thinking of us.


Stamp Set: Sweet Stems, Matchbox Messages
Paper: Tea Party DSP, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron and Whisper White
Ink: Basic Gray, Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron and Certainly Celery
Tools/Embellishments: So Saffron, Dimensionals, Scallop Edge, Circle Scissor Plus

This second card is for a co-worker who has been a great motivation to me. She has been supportive of my card making and was very impressed with the improvements I've made. So am I.
Stamp Set: Hero Arts Clear Design Cupcake Set,
Paper: Candy Cane DSP, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Basic Black
Tools/Embellishments: Silver Brads, Word Window, Silver Glitter Copic, Pink Paislee Pixee Stix in Bubble Gum (not SU!)

Oh, and here is a picture of the crab we found while walking on the beach...I absolutely cannot wait to have another day away with my family.

Friday, April 3, 2009

For Marcy's Baby Shower

So, a girlfriend of mine is having a baby shower tomorrow. First baby - a little boy. I'm quite excited for her, since she is finally having a baby. I've known her for about 4 years and when I first met her she definitely did not want children. She was quite happy with her fur baby, Meyer. But, as we all know, LIFE happens. And to hear the excitement in her voice and to see it in her writing, is almost like creating the miracle myself.

I giggle when I hear her complain about how she can't sleep because she's uncomfortable, how she has to go pee again, how she cannot believe how much her body changes...I tell her to remember this, because soon it will be over. And if she thinks she's tired now, she's got another thing coming.


Stamp Sets: Bundle of Joy, Polka Dot Punches

Paper: Delicate Dots DSP, Bashful Blue, Going Gray, Whisper White

Ink: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, So Saffron

Tools/Embellishments: Diamond Brads (Michael's), White Satin Ribbon, 5-Petal Flower

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Occasions Mini Is Now COMPLETELY Available!

So remember that teaser I had posted on the right, well I took it off and replaced it with the FULL VERSION!!! From April 1st to the 30th, spend $40 on products in the Occasions Mini Catalog or host a $150 workshop and get a FREE item from the “Under $10” page in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog (p. 208). This mini catalog has some super cute stuff and some amazing ideas. Plus Filled with exclusive, brand-new products, the Occasions Mini has the products you need to connect with friends and family! I am so excited, the Matchbox Sizzix die is a blast and the kids are having fun with their little boxes. Contact me if you have questions, or just want to show me your creativity!