I got this link from a blog friend from Hawaii (thanks J!!), and I had to share too! What an amazing. simple. awesome. mini book this woman had made telling about her trip to NYC.
http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2009/07/nyc-album-on-the-road.html
I. LOVE. IT! Definatley going into the scrap inspiration folder! I can't wait to go to NYC and DC myself...hopefully in the next couple of years. I may even do this for my last 2 trips to Hawaii- Haven't decided whether to combine the 2 or keep it seperate since the trip had 2 different meanings, and people. The first one, is quite painful to look back on at this point of time.
Anyways, I just had to share. So very cool...and the fact that you can take this book along with you, fill it up (to keep everything in its place until you got home) and journal every day at the end of the day while the thoughts and memories are fresh. Later fill in with pics after you got home.. I love the full page pictures. :)
**EDIT**
Here is the link to how she prepared her book before the trip. FABULOUS.
**EDIT** again (LOL)
She made a similar book for her trip to Kauai - where I went both times! HA! Cool beans.
Donna Downey is coming to Oregon!! Whoo hoo! I just booked my spot in her 3 workshops that she will be teaching about 4 hrs away (Grants Pass) in August . It's pretty much a 1 time thing, since most of her classes seem to be on the east coast, in the south or out of the country. I have been wanting to learn how she creates. So very out of norm for me. Yikes, I need to get my creative mojo on to get some "practice" ;0)
(for those of you who have living under a rock: here alittle bit about Donna:
Donna Downey is a bestselling author, instructor and all-around creative force in the crafting industry. In 2000, she got into scrapbooking as an extension of her paper product and photography addiction. This was only the beginning. From working as a popular columnist for Simple Scrapbooks magazine, to traveling the world inspiring women to push the boundaries of their own creativity, to developing her first fabric scrapbooking line with Prima due out in the Spring of ‘09, Donna is consistently on the leading edge of all things cool related to memory preservation art.
As a craft-media artist, Donna is a born experimenter, blending and transforming both traditional and unexpected items into meaningful pieces of self expression. A former elementary school teacher, she has synthesized her first love of teaching with her passion for craft and brings this to women via workshops at scrapbook stores and events, writing books, and through her popular blog and website.
Donna lives in North Carolina with her husband, and is a mother of three exceptionally blonde children, and one blonde dog.
Here are the classes she will be teaching: Complete with sample pics click here
{the 3 workshops that is scheduled are: fabric scrapbooking- the everyday, bloom, and paint.watercolor. doodle.}
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My life is in a absolute unneccesary mess. Be back soon.
I am at my grandparent's house watering their flowers. I love their backyard. Its huge and a ton of flowers every where. Its so nice this time of day where there is shade and its cool with a really nice breeze. The dogs are running around playing. So good for them. You can see another pic of their back yard in the Sept 4 or 5th 2008 entry. Nice :)
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I am so sorry for the delay. Time and Life got away from me...I will be photographing and posting kits (there's a TON) ASAP. So please keep checking back in. I am in a real need to make a little moola, so this will get done. I just got to figure out the best way to post the kits (and i will be requesting paypal or money orders for pmt) online----any suggestions?
Here are my girls, as I like to call them, sharing a vanilla ice cream cone. They have never had ice cream before... And loved it! They were so good in the car today as I did errands for the restaurant so I figured they deserved it. Cute right? :) Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Father's Day cards for my dad, step dad and grandpa- nothing too fancy - just something (semi) fast since I was doing these at the last minute.
For my dad-
As you may already know, we own an old fashion burger/ice cream shop,{see here and here (scroll down a bit to see the article) so this was perfect. Stamp from Unity Stamp Co. - June KOTM. The distressed polka dot background is also from Unity. I stamped the image onto 2 different Bazzil textured (dots) cardstock, and cut out each layer, and did the same for the cherry on the red cardstock. Then added pop up glue dots for the 3-d effect on all 3 layers. The cone part was colored in with a lighter color of the ink (both pen and ink is from Stampin Up!) Punched out a 3in scalloped circle and inked all the edges. The inside just has a stamped sentiment of "Happy Father's Day" (all 3 cards do). I wanted to keep these simple as I was in a time crunch and had 3 to do..plus these are for men so I don't they would want too much of a frilly card, right? :)
My step dad's. He is big golfer, and us kids are giving him a gift certificate for a round. I think the stamp is from Hero Arts. I don't really remember. I've had it for a awhile- and bought it off ebay. I also embossed for the first time- the background is a image of a golf ball and I used the clear embossing powder. I think I am really going to use this technique alot LOL Pretty cool. Distressed and inked the edges.
My gpa's- I used the Branch Out set from Stampin Up! This set is so cute! Click here to see it. If you need any SU products, please contact my best friend, Angela as she has started up her new business!! Here is her website. Used the new glitter emboss from American crafts for the butterflies. Stamped on textured cardstock. I think I like the smooth cs for stamping...hmm, I don't know, maybe the textured is growing on me. (Although I prefer textured cs for scrapbook pages). Distressed and inked the edges.
Have a great weekend! I'm going to be sad on Sunday as we are taking my baby brother to the airport as he leaves for college (early) to start training with the football team. :*(
Ok I find this totally hilarious. Seriuosly. 2 packs of Cookies and a walking magazine? These cookies are actually for my dad! Lol wonder what the cashier thought hahaha :) off to lunch with dad for a early dad's day since I will be gone all weekend for my brothers special football game.
I made fathers day cards and I will be showing them next week. Have a great weekend! :)
(Posted from the grocery store ) Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
I had to share this...and I wasn't even aware that my brother's high school lets the seniors do this every year- apparently its tradition... Was your school as cool as this? "Sick"!!! (as my brother and sister would say. For those of you who have been living under a rock, or don't live with/hang with teenangers, this is slang for cool, rad, awesome LOL.)
My little brother's graduation was this past Thursday night...can't believe its come and gone already! While I had the camera in my face most of the time, I didn't have time to cry and reminisce as I was trying to be sure I got the shots of him (as well as other parent's kids that asked me to...and I was also having lighting and technical issues with my camera. So frustrated.)... Besides, i'll have my chance when he leaves for college in a couple of weeks! 18 years sure did pass by really quickly... Congrats little buddy. Your family is so proud of you! You have so many promises for the future. Follow your dreams and don't forget who you are and your beliefs. Love you kid :) If you want to view his senior pics, go here.
I absolutely love this one. Brady, the real tall one!! LOL, is Pat's walking partner- one of his best friends since 3rd grade. I think it captures the boys' excitement and happiness about this day...
I think the boys found their parents :)
National Anthem
Student Body President Address
The seniors doing their last "roller coaster" (Bryon was talking about the roller coaster of life)- this is famous for at our school sport events known as the "Black Hole" for more on this here .
Battle Hymn of the Republic sung by the choir. Mr. Rick Plants is retiring this year, so this was his last performance. Awesome guy :)
Thank you parents!
Pat receiving his diploma and a hug :)
Congrats Class of 2009!!!
Oh yeah, he's outta heeerrre!
with the proud family!
proud girlfriend who graduated last year (finally huh!?)
At the grad party- one of the events was the hypnosist- this was hilarious! I think he had them hypnotized for a good hour and half. I had never seen this, so I went about 12 am to check it out. So glad that I did! This is right after he had them sit up, say some things and out again. There were alot more scenes that were much more funnier than this! (Brady is the one in the very back, next to the girl with her red grad gown still on- with his head in the chair. HA! HA! Patrick apparently was too cool to go (j/k) - he had done this before, and was out doing the other events at the party . lol Afterwards, the kids were so confused hahahhaha
decorations from the open house my mom and step dad hosted at their house, for friends and family.
some of the food (thanks to my cousin, aunt and uncle who helped set up)
My step dad, the grill king :)
the cake.
the grad with Gpa B.
all of us with Gpa.
Gpa with most of his kids.
And Annie, the dog, who constantly gave me near heart attacks all day when she ran out to the road twice, almost got run over once, and ran away. I joke that I am the only one that cares about her and that I am going to rescue her from her evil family ;0) What can I say? LOL
We get to do this all over again in 2 years when this one graduates.
I will be back with graduation pics. Hope you had a great weekend, and enjoying the beginning of summer. Me, I am attacking a list of to do's and trying to get better after getting sick saturday night. Nothing serious- just allergies and TOM. What timing when I need to get things done....blog later!
Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. — Unknown
Happy Mother's Day to my mom, mother in law, step mom,grandma, aunts, cousins, best friend and scrap/blog friends :)
I cooked breakfast for my grandma & grandpa this morning and then going over to my mom's later to hang out with her and give her gifts :) Hope you all had a great weekend and Mother's Day :)
Ps-
Here are the cards I made for my mom and grandma. I wanted to make more for a couple of people but I ran out of time...and plus I was spending alot of time helping other people make cards for their moms..so...
Stamps from Stampin Up(mom's day and tweet bird), butterfly from Pier 1 (its actually table confetti that comes in a pkg), ladybug ribbon from Micheal's (on sale for $2!!) The bird one took alittle longer (from cutting out the stamped images and piecing things together- this one was actually a similiar lift from one of SU mini catalogs) than the butterfly one (5 min tops!) :)
Btw, I had to share...I was looking at my embellishment center that I am using to store my paints, glitter, ribbons, etc and I was not liking that I couldn't see all of the colors. I got the bright idea (i'm being sarcastic here lol) to lay them down, bottoms out (lol) and viola! Color galore! AND, I have made room for more-believe me it was filled to the gills! See told ya it was a good idea :) Why didn't I think of this before? Duh.
**I have edited the last post -added more pics :)** Go look!
I don't think she'll read this today but just in case---MOM if you are stopping by the blog- please don't read any further until later :)
**EDIT** added more pics- scroll down to see.**
This is so fun! Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Patrick, Rylie and I went to a pottery painting place to make something for moms and grandma for Mother's Day. I will do this again very SOON, for sure! So...we found out that we would have to wait 5 days before we could pick these up..OOPS. SO, we improvised with pics of our creations that will go into the cards we made so they could see what they were getting!
Patrick with his picture frame -pretty good for a boy ;0)(this will have a pic of us 3 sibs)
Rylie with a latte mug and coaster for her mom.
and me with a coffee mug for my grandma ( I was already giving mom other gifts) My colors are sposed to be a darker peach, lavender on the inside of the mug (with a black hand drawn heart on the bottom inside), and the darker purple polka dots. So we will see how it turns out color wise after it has been glazed and finished. I hope they come out as these are my grandma's favorite colors and she loves polka dots :)
My sister didn't make it today with us- but hopefully she'll come next time! :) So fun ! I may even bring back my grandma as she used to do this kind of stuff when I was a kid :)
I was on the way to a restaurant that my brother and his friends were having dinner for prom and this is inside a gated garden at our local park downtown. Then I saw this...kinda cool... (is this weird? lol)
Prom pics coming...
So I saw the cover of Glamour, and on it, one of my fav actresses- Katie Holmes...I have been admiring her hair style for awhile now. I finally got brave and got it done today... Its a bit more choppier than I'm used to..but its short for summer and something different...I think once I get used to it, I'll like it more and more (maybe when the color fades just a bit too! lol) :)
Have a good weekend!
{**edit** added 3 more at the bottom of the post}
Mini shoot for my brother's girlfriend- she needed headshots so we got together at my mom's house. Isn't she pretty? I loved how they turned out :) Probably some of my best work. So, I am posting same images in color and B&W...b/c I just can't decide which I like best lol ! ;0)
These didn't make the cut but I still thought they were cute. THe first two are in mom's kitchen-loved the color of the walls and the afternoon sunlight.
Did a LO about some of the things about me right now...love playing :) But playing comes with a huge mess! LOL
{click pic to enlarge}
UGH. How does the above layout create such a mess as BIG as this. Seriously?
Off to go to my brother's Mr. MVHS Cougar pageant. Should be a riot. (Plan on taking the camera so possible pics later! ) Have a good night!
I just wanted to let you know if you are a reader and want to follow me on twitter, please let me know- I usually block people I don't know...esp those who are just trying to promote a business (that i don't support-these are usually just weird or porno types), or they don't have a profile. Does anyone else do this? Thanks for reading!! :) Hope you have a great weekend!
I just made it through my first week on Jenny Craig. I have lost 4 lbs so far. I can't believe it was so easy! What I like about it is, that all I have to do is open up my freezer, pop the meal into the microwave, add my fruit or/and veggies, and I'm done. No counting calories, figuring out the fat or the carbs, (blah blah), or trying to figure out what I am going to make for my meals. Easy peasey. Not to mention, I get to have dessert every night! Oh yeah, you heard me! Dessert such as brownies with walnuts, lemon cake, and i've added cookies and cream cheesecake and double chocolate cake to try this week. The food is so friggin good! I had things like mac n cheese, chicken alfredo, cheesy enchilada, fish and chips, cashew chicken to name a few. I can have milk with my meals or snacks (although, I am pretty sure that 2 tbl of choc syrup isn't allowed but HELLO!)...I can eat up to 6x a day...its insane. I lost 4 lbs! just by what I am putting into my mouth, and moving just alittle. Makes you think right?
I have been on a million different diets, including a 1200 cal "diet" that my trainer put me on. I'm on the 1500 plan right now (they will move me into 1200 once I reach a certain weight- which is after I lose about 50 lbs). In fact, i lost more weight on JC, in 1 week than I did with my trainer, in the first week. Yes, you read that right. I worked my butt off with him, and with JC, all I did was eat smaller portions, with dessert, had my 1 can of pepsi ( you will never get me off that! lol) a day, (i'll admit, I cheated and had a couple of dove dark chocolates and/ or chocolate truffles every night, but you will never take the chocolate away from this girl! ;0) Maybe I could have lost a couple more pounds, which would have been great, but I don't do well with deprivation...and JC teaches you that you can splurge (well its every once awhile lol). For me, I am realizing that I can do the 80/20 thing. 80 % good and 20% not so good, and I'll be ok...as long as I am moving everyday. As long as I control myself and do things in moderation....Could I have done better? Sure, but its a learning curve, and I hope to get even better at this. :)
I was active by walking my dogs for 15-20 min for 3 or 4 days this week, did one day of power walking video, and running around at work at the restaurant for 2 days. In just 1 week! WOW. Oh, i'm sure I'll run into problems and have plateaus, but I get the point. Its the choices I make,how much I am eating (which is more not less like I usually do- if that makes any sense to you lol), how active I am...it really works.
I won't be on JC forever. Eventually, when I reach my halfway point, they start working with you to start eating your own food. Great, but I may be just like Valerie Bertinelli (have you SEEN her in the new JC commercials? Holy bikini batman!), and just incorporate the JC foods here and there (b/c its convenient and yummy). Her blog was what convinced me to try this program. Who knows what I will do? I mean i'm only heading into my 2nd week..and I am this excited! Not that I'm excited that I will fit into a bikini one day (that is NOT even going to enter my brain!), but just that I will hopefully finally lose this weight battle, that I have been fighting with for the past 12 years. Just feeling confident, pretty, and like who I am in my own skin. And, definitely being healthy and active. A huge thing for me will be that I am able to face my physical fears and saying yes, I can do this or that. That will be the day I will break away from the chains that my weight has pinned me down and kept me from living my best life. That will be the day I will be free. I can't wait for that day.
So, I'm aiming for 2-3 lbs lost, more active days this week. I've been wearing a pedometer. Its pretty cool to see how many steps I actually take in a day. The past few days, I've been in the 3,000+ each day, and it seems that each day, I do more steps than the day before. My goal this week is to reach at least 4,000-4,500 steps a day. Eventually, I should be able to reach 10,000 a day (which is what pros, experts, say you should try to reach). Wish me luck!
I am beyond excited! I have been waiting since Donna Downey's announcement at Winter CHA, of her new fabric scrapbook line! Do you know how long that is for me!? HAHA ;0)
It's the 1st thing I did this morning when I woke up (ok, I fed the dogs first, poor things lol). Ordered right from Donna's website. Here is a few inspirational (and drool enabling) pics of her samples. (photos by Donna Downey from her site)
Comes like this...
Can turn it into these...
Now, please tell me how you can NOT get this? :) So, I am thinking I might incorporate this into my year in view journal that I blogged about last night ..I have a feeling this is going to be my most favorite thing EVER...if only I could learn how to sew better(no sewing involved with this line but it looks cool if I could add my own sewing to it..know what I mean?! But first...I gotta figure out to thread the damn machine LOL How about get the courage to just play with the paints and such for the canvas? To learn more about this product go here or here.
Gotta go! Working today (booo!)...just when inspiration hits...gotta go be an adult. ;0)
I am so excited! I am going to do something different with keeping a year "journal". I used to journal all the time when I was in high school. Its funny to go back and see what I wrote- hilarious and lots of "what was I thinking?!" or "I did not just say that"! LOL
Anyways...so I got this art journal kit from Evalicious on Etsy...and just went thru it today- I am INSPIRED! I thought I would turn this into a year in view journal. I won't do it everyday - as my life isnt all that exciting LOL...but I thought I would put in the important things I want to remember:photos, journaling, random thoughts, memorabilia...whatever. Now, since its the middle of April (can you believe it?!),I will go backto my blog, facebook, and twitter to get my daily-isms for the last 3 months :) Pretty cool, right? I can't wait to get started on it!! I loved this idea so much that I bought her "love journal"...solely b/c my marriage is going to get back on track, and I thought this would be a good place to record the good and the bad- what a thing to look back at years from now right?
You can make your own by collecting odd and ends, scraps, etc...I'll share mine in a few weeks :) If you're not keeping a journal, or used to, or even if you do, go and create yourself alittle something very cool :) If you do, let me know! I'd love to see it!! :)
Another layout for my baby album. My two tiny feet :) I originally wanted to do machine stitching on this LO, but it just wasn't happening for me. I will get it eventually dang it!!! ;0) So, I had to get creative and think of a way to cover up some major machine mishaps. On the notepad journaling, I just put my birth stats- your eyes are not seeing weird things, I intentionally smudged (in photoshop)some of the info that I didn't want to put out there in the world wide web :) {remember, click on images to view larger :) } **edit** i ended up moving the half circle striped border peice onto the edge of the photo, not like it is shown in this photo. I saw it, and it was buggin' me so I had to make it right. maybe eventualy, I'll retake the photo in the way that it is, but i'm too lazy (and busy) to do it right now lol :)
A new thing for me- using fabric(the blue polka dot background). If you haven't used fabric in your LO's - do it!
I am loving the new trend for ribbons- Pleating it up, and either staple it down, sew, or use a tape runner. I used the runner ( i LOOOVE the dot roller by Kokuyo- only complaint is getting it to work just right sometimes!!)
Used bazzil card stock, AC thickers,vintage ribbon (the ivory lace)- unknown, vintage buttons, blue brads, twitter bird brad, fabric, notebook paper, paper clip and SassaFrass- that came in a kit from Freehandscraps.
Its been a looong time since I had been included in the family pic with my mom, stepdad, brother and sister. Last time I think was 1x in the last 20 yrs LOL Why? I am guessing that either I wasn't living with them or I am always the one behind the lens...so tonight, at the last minute, we took some with the help of my brother's girlfriend. Thanks Rylie :) *edit* YES! Patrick's ears are pierced now. I didn't think he was going to actually do it. Brave boy ;0)
with Annie, the dog :)
What a goofball! But this is how Terry always takes pics- and this is actually pretty decent- usually its really goofy faces- not a smile!. LOL
My brother Patrick was in the play Beauty and the Beast. He played Lumiere (the candlestick). I loved it! I think we all did! :) He did a great job (being that this was his first play ever). He was funny and had the coolest french accent :)
He rocked the tights and the eyeliner ( we couldn't stop staring at him hahaha)
Below is the slideshow of the pics I took. THis was the 1st time I had ever dealt with low light conditions- NO FLASH allowed! Not my best work , but decent and scrapworthy! I had 2 cameras with me, with 2 different lenses. It was difficult to see half of the time to see what my dials were lol Mom was able to snag me a front row seat- my 2nd time around seeing the play so I knew what to expect. They all did a great job :) So, enjoy the show :)
ClickHEREto see the slideshow.
or HERE if you would like to see the slideshow with music :)
Just wanted to say hi to everyone :) I know that I have been slow on getting those kits up. I know that there have been aloft of you that have been patiently waiting- so sorry! They will get up! I need to make some $ lol :)
It has been so insanely busy for me- I'm not sure how LOL, but alot of projects -birthdays, and helping my mom put together a Basketball book with articles and pics over the years, and this last season for my brother and his senior team mates. The banquet is on Monday night- so we have been working like crazy to get 50+ articles, 72 pics and all things creative put together for this book.
cover for the BB book- all the following images by me.
I will miss this.... "ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh!"
Getting pumped up before the game- Quist, their team manager, gets the boys dancing to "I like to move it, move it" (song from Madagascar). LOVE this.
the "black hole" - these guys are awesome- what amzing team spirit :)
and the inspiration...
All in the midst of trying to get the tax stuff done for the business...I am about to receive photo orders for my seniors as well. My brother is in a school play- Beauty and the Beast- playing the Candlestick. Opening night is this coming Friday. He will also be in the school's senior class "Cougar Pageant" towards the end of the month- that should be a riot. Can't wait to see him in those two events!
I plan on having a garage sale, too. Looks like April is going to be a busy month. Which is good. I need to be busy. Things on the personal front are looking up. I hope to see my Husband soon, and that we continue to work on our marriage. Its been a hard road, still painful, but as long as we are communicating and working hard together, I think we'll be ok...and better for it. Still alot of work to do, but I am hopeful and positive.
I will also be working again at our restaurant and continuing to do book work 3 days a week, starting tomorrow so I will have to get a new routine set up for myself. I have included walking the dogs at least 1x a day- would like to work up to 2x a day now the weather is getting better. Sometimes, I have to just force myself to just get outside, take a breather, and its great for the dogs too. They LOVE their walks. Doc says they gotta lose weight too, just like their mama ;0)
This pic is from last year in their skinnier days :)
Last but not least, CONGRATS to my baby sister, Hopper! She got her license yesterday! Ok, so I am scared too hahaha ;0)
Alright, enough blogging for today- need to get back to work! :)
(not sure why this is coming up in the white strip? weird.)
My brother's bday was last week (same day as my best friend!!), but I didn't have the chance to post pics of his bday and the project mom and I worked on. 2 days before that, was his girlfriend, Rylie's birthday. Here is the card we made together. It was intended for her to frame later in a 5x7 frame....she loves butterflies and I love the 3d effect :) Here's her card:
My brother's bday dinner:
FELIZ COMPLEANOS PATRICIO! ( I think i spelled that right? lol )
Patrick, Hopper and Rylie. I wanted to do this again bc when my brother had his 13th bday (same place), we did this(minus the g/f lol), and i wanted to have a comparison. I'll post that as soon as I find a copy! :)
the typical family photo (except my sister was being pretty good that day lol).
His nice watch from our parents and my sister. His nickname is Cash money (as well as my sister), or Cash (goes with the last name, which I won't reveal but you see where it comes from). Such a pimp.
My mom and I made this together. It originaly was sposed to be a 2 sided card and turned into a mini book lol She pieced together the front cover, and tied on the sprocket gear , placed the wording and I ended up finishing the rest of it. I used Tim Holtz's masks for the first time. Loved the effects :) The white card stock holds 1 pic on each side of my brother growing up...from baby to 18. We still need to add more pics in between the ages (ran out of time!). But it was cool to see his face when he was looking thru the pics :) I came up with the idea to have each of us (mom, dad, my sister and I) write something for my brother. Mom came up with the title. Love it :)
This is what he was doing when Rylie and I were finishing up the book (after we had to kick him out a couple of times)- thank god for her help! I had her cut out the cardstock and pics- she did a awesome job and a was definately a life saver!!
Ok, I have had some people requesting pics of the cut and color I had the other day. I learned a new trick for a styling hair style from Rylie with twisting part of the side part and hiding the end with a clip underneath. SHe also braids that part as well, which I have tried and love it :)
Ok, back to creating some more! I have been adding walks with the dogs and gma into my day so I am staying plenty busy...and I will be adding more hours of working starting Sunday. I am trying to get myself into a routine, and making sure I get at least 1 layout a day in. Anyways, hope you are having a good day/night....blog later :)
Another LO for my childhood album project. Decided i'm not going to go in order as I create...just do which ever I want first lol :) Didn't turn out as "trendy" as I wanted, but hello, its done! :)
Inspiring video...I hope I am happy as this man is, one day. Click here to view the video.
ps-does anyone know how to put youtube videos on the blog?
This is me on the day I was born :) I used the Sassafrass Lass 'Fawned of you- my dearest' and AC rainboots- puffy stickers for the letters. This is was the first time I actually cut out images from these papers. They used to terrify me {ok they still do, but i'm trying to "go with it"}! LOL Sassfrass is becoming a favorite :) I am sooo HAPPY that I scrapped today!
Happy 18th Birthday to my little brother, Patrick. Man, time flies. So proud of him! He has worked really hard all these years to get where he is today. I know he'll go far, no matter what he does. He gets to go on a "grown up" trip to Seattle with his girlfriend and her family.
I know this will be a good thing for him...a chance for him to be a "kid" just having fun, one last time, before the real hard work begins and the many sacrifices he'll have to make to succeed. (He will be leaving for college, in San Diego, to start training for the football season within a week after graduation! YIKES!) I wish I had given myself that chance when I graduated, instead I decided to be a grown up and get a job, apartment- not so fun after the reality hits... LOL
Have fun buddy :)
Here are some of my favorite senior pics I took of him, that I haven't shared yet {and maybe a couple I already have?}. Note to self: make a mini book with his senior pics!
Thanks bud for going along with the many poses and hours, for me to get what I wanted! lol I can't wait to get those basketball pics. I just remembered that I still have the FB locker room and field/stadium ones to edit! :)
For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This persective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.
~Souza
Getting some heartfelt inspiration today. go here.
**edit** - this is rare that i have make up on when i am at home. i thought i was going to be going out and running errands....didn't happen. :) Also, I am adding a 4th person (yeah i'm breaking the rules!)
been paying bills -personal and business- ALL day! Ok, ok i've been blog hopping and facebooking all day too :) Off to watch crap tv :)
So sorry about the delay on the kit sale. It has been insane for me this week. Keep checking back please! Have a great weekend! :)
Thinking of turning them into fine art? Which do you like? Black and White or color...both?
I love this one. I'm going to blow this up and frame it in my studio. One of my favorites.
OK, time to stop playing and go do some creating {or something more productive lol}...maybe take a shower while I'm at it! Ooops, time flies!
I made this for my grandparents some time last summer, and had forgotten to show it on the blog (they read my blog so i couldn't share it until they had recieved it 1st! :) Enjoy! :)
{click on image to view larger}
Everyone, Don't you just LOVE my new custom banner and background? I love the colors, the polka dots, chandelier, the bird, the monogram 'L' {a total suprise!}-the word "smile", I love it all! I won this chance the other day (SURPRISE!) on her blog. I can't believe my face is on HS's blog hahaha! And check out her entry here from today :) If you haven't already, go check out their (Heidi, Rhonna Farrer and Janet Hoppins) new site {House of 3}. You can get awesome blog couture backgrounds, tutorials, digital kits, hybrid printables, design kits {coming soon} and inspiration. Seriously, you have to check it out!
With this, and my hard work I have put into the new scrap room- just to be able to do something and actually accomplish something the way things have been the last few months- today I was able to smile and be excited about something. I have a long ways to go, but you know, today was a good day. :)
Heidi, if you are reading this, THANK YOU so much! You are so nice and talented, and I hope to meet you one day! :)
Ready for the tour? {click on the images to view larger}
This is from looking into the room from the hallway. I love my new PB corner desk for my computer. Love that I have that space for work, and the table on the left for extra work space.
Again looking from the door way into the room. I love those stars above the window :)
The other side of the room.
I love this work table from Pottery Barn. Its huge, sturdy and great for storage. This time, I centered the table in the middle of the room so that I could sit on one end and if someone was over, they would be able to scrap on the table with me :) This side storage I have all of my stamps in either the Making Memories storage binders, Little Monkeys, or separated into the black canvas baskets (from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Aren't those big grommets on the baskets so fitting? LOL That BIG basket is filled with stamps. I have yet gone thru and separated them into themes. That will be a job for a night when I am watching tv :)
I LOVE these stainless steel shelving units. They really maximize the wall space, and tons of stuff! You can get them anywhere. I got mine at Lowe's.
On the right side, I am storing my foam stamps, larger alpha stamp sets in the larger baskets. Large jar from Target that is storing my large flowers. The strainer is (Martha Stewart -in my fave color of course!), storing my hardware pieces. The brown basket has my smaller paper flowers- all in glass jars-separated by either plain or printed, felt, etc. The green polka dot basket hold my some of my ribbons in glass jars as well. Originally I had them all out on the shelf but the clutterness of it drove me batty so that's why I had decided to put them into baskets instead. So much better, in my opinion. On the 3rd shelf, the brown box with the windows, is actually a bird seed container that I found at a local antique store. There are three compartments with glass lids that lift up. I store my favorite ribbon- the more unique or textured ones. The tin pail hold my little tickets. Turquoise flower box is from Target, and these are my albums I am using for my layouts. The black ones are for my family, the red used to be for my husband and I but I am going to use the red album for my little brother's birth- year 18 project (red is one of his high school colors). The apple green is for me, and will probably use one for my little sister's project :) The 4th shelf, hold my sewing machine, fabric is behind the machine, a jar filled with little odd things and memorabilia that I have collected to possibly use on layouts. The black drawers are what I am using for my LOM system. Extra ribbon on ribbon rings. The last shelf holds a basket of all my journaling things. Tags, pens, date stamps, etc. The 12x12 boxes hold my projects in progress (or ones I want to do). I love these boxes. I can collect things for whatever project I am doing, and so when I am ready to work on them, I have just about everything I need. My biggest project I am about to start is my childhood album. I cannot wait to get my hands on this. I have so many neat things. With all of the new releases lately, alot of vintage looking things that go back to the 70's and 80's :) Below the unit, I have 2 baskets. 1 is filled with products for a BPS technique class that I have yet begun (it was last summer!! LOL), and the other houses my different size page protectors.
I really do love these canvas baskets. Each of them have their own category for products such as felt items, bling, chipboard & clear, expression stickers, and etc, travel & time, rub ons & vintage, my AC thickers letters (color in one, black,white, ivory, and naked in the 2nd one). The 3rd shelf holds all of my punches from xtra small to xtra xtra large. 4th shelf holds my color card stock, kraft, transparencies, scalloped bazzil card stock, and 8.5 x 11 cardstock. 5th shelf holds all of my patterned paper by manufacture,theme and some color-each are all labled. Also my notebook scaloped papers, journal shaped papers, felt or textured, lace( shapes, letters and numbers), dictionary/word papers, and punch out die cuts. The last shelf in the large baskets store my monthly club kits. I am only doing Studio Calico right now since its hard to keep up on using these kits up...and because of my new budget, I had to choose, and SC was my favorite :) The 2 framed prints are from Ali Edwards (her cafe press site) and Donna Downey and I have another one from her that is on my paint cabinet.
I got this idea from Ali Edwards. This stand houses my fax/printer/copier, photo printer, and cricut.
This is in the middle of the 2 large units. I originally had one of those ladder shelves, but I had so much stuff I needed something better to hold it all :) Top shelf has my favorite Eiffel tower/artsy stamps, a couple of little things my little sister made me when she was little, little bowls of the tiny alpha stamps, and also other fonts, etc are stored in a antique box from Paris. A LARGE jar filled with mostly stamps from CatsLife Press. Love love these stamps! Little candy jar from Target filled with some Etsy goodness (mostly from evalicious). Jar filled with TONS of buttons. I have finally told myself that I think I have collected plenty! LOL The red tin buckets are filled with buttons too, but these hold coordinating products, antique, printed, clear, etc. I wanted to keep them separated from the others so it was easier to find. Do you not LOVE these mirrored stars? I got them at Micheal's last summer.
3rd shelf has all my brads, eyelets, clips, bling, etc separated by color(box from MM). Hope I never have to do that again...but its definitely worth it! {click on image to view larger}
LOL Green box with journal envelopes, tags, etc. Blue box holds my letters from my husband all the way back when I was 15 yrs old. The last shelf has some Atc stuff I haven't gotten around to yet, but is collected together and ready when I do :) The large basket, I found at a antique store- holds new stuff or things that I don't want to forget that I have. Another use for these shelving units that I love...hanging up my favorite products that I want to remember I have, my Tim holtz and Heidi Swapp masks, and will also be hanging up my Unity Stamps. These are so so cool. I wish they would hurry up and get here already :) I also can't wait to use these in Donna Downey's fabric scrap booking workshop. Seriously, have you seen her new line? O-M-G. {btw, I am using the clips from the clip-it-up system to hang up stuff onto the units.}
Just a close up :)
the jar of stamps, buttons and etsy goodness I mentioned above. :) {oh, that foam L you see on top of the jar? That is going to be a project ;0) You'll just have to wait and see!
In the closet,on a smaller shelving unit holds my LOM binders (these are where I am storing my pics that I think I will scrap)Right now, they are filed by the year and/or person). Extra albums. The white drawers I will eventually be putting my loose chipboard, clear letters and punctuation. They each will have their own drawer, or close to it :) The big black box is my "cold storage" from LOM. The top shelf I have my bind it all stuff in a basket and extra LOM binders. On the floor under the unit, I store my brother's sports articles in a plastic container {for now} and extra 12x12 plastic bags.
On the other side of the closet has my BPS class binders, photog classes. The plastic drawers contain either: stamping tools, ink, adhesive, scrap booking tools that don't get used alot, cutters, Stamps from Stampin Up, Hero Arts, glue, paint and foam brushes in the Memory Makers carousel. Yes I have 2. The other one I have on my work table :)
On the other side of my work table, I store my fave scrapbooking magazines (mostly special issues), books, cricut cartridge and all of my card stuff.
This is looking at my desk on one side from the work table. My MM unit holds all of my paint, glitter, ribbons, sticklers paint, flock,mists and embossing powder. That green tin bucket? Holds all my 7 gypsies stamps. The smaller inspiration board on the left side of the wall, and the other one is the coolest thing ever. I got it from Pottery Barn. Its HUGE and made out of a canvas material. I have always wanted one, and I love it. In the corner, on the left, is the PB antique carousel I got from eBay. PB discontinued it, hard to find, and I was able to snatch one up this last summer. I haven't decided what I am going to do with it. The original plan I had to put my letter AC thickers didn't work out. Maybe I'll store made cards or/ and pictures in it?
This is looking from the side by the closets. This is my work/computer desk. I really do love PB's desk units. I have enough file cabinets and drawers to store my restaurant business and photography business stuff separately, as well as my personal items.
I am really loving how this room turned out. Its nice to be able to walk in here without tripping or walking over stuff! Still have alot of office organizing though. Now, for the rest of my house, I couldn't really say that as of right now. See where my priorities lie? LOL Thanks for coming by for the tour! Check back soon for that sale- I am hoping by next week! I am also going to be starting on some projects, so excited to be able to find stuff to do it! :) Hope you all have a good weekend!
I spent most of yesterday purging my scraproom- club kits, patterned paper, and embellishments. Will need to photograph these kits (there is ALOT!) to have a virtual sale on here. So check back if you are interested in purchasing a kit :) **Edit** give me a few days to get them photographed ( i have to lay them out and get them loaded up) :)
HaPpY BiRtHdAy to my little sister! :)
I know I have posted a entry a long time ago about opening up a scrap store- but not sure if I didn't have very many readers then or what but I'd like to ask again. I have always wanted to open one. (I have 12+ years of business experience, but this is a different type of business, so it runs a little differently) Now, with the economy the way it is, its kind of scary! But, I do think that it will get better soon :) **edit** due to the personal finances and the economy, I won't be opening a store any time soon :( Besides, I am not even sure where I will settling down in the near future!) But one can dream and plan right? ;0)
So, readers...help out a girl? What would you like to see in your LSS (local scrap store), that isn't happening or that you do like? What irritates you the most when you go to their store? For me, its high prices and when they get new products in- you have to ask or search for them. I have a idea for that problem- adapted from one of my favorite LSS where I used to live in Eureka. Hi Sondra, Terri and Natalie! :)
Do you like to see the products stay with their manufactures or do you like spread out by color or things that go with it? I prefer that the products stay with in their lines, and themes stay with the themes. Some things by colors obviously. What do you wish that your store had more of? or less of? Would having child care be a good thing for you? A cafe? Sitting room to chat with friends or/and a place to get away and scrap? More classes??- what types of classes? Would appreciate anything and everything from you all. Even if you have never commented before, would love to hear from you as well. If you have friends/family that are blog readers, and have never been to my blog, please direct them here. The more opinions I can get the better my research will be. Thanks everyone ;0)
Ps- the new scrap room pics are coming soon I promise!! It seems every time I am ready to take pics, I have more stuff coming in or I mess it up again..so keep checking back! :)
Just thought I would say HI, and that i'm alive (barely) :)
Library of Memories (LOM) started today over at BPS so I hope to see some new readers stop by :) I'm looking forward to starting where I left off from last year, and actually getting some projects started (or finished). Its been awhile since I have actually created on a regular basis. I do plan to start blogging again...not sure how cheery I will be...since the latest is that my marriage is in the beginings of a unwanted and painful divorce. I really am trying to deal with it in a way that it doesn't get so ugly and even more painful than it needs to be. So much advice from everyone, and from the one I love, making it all difficult to know or do what the best thing is. I know I need to protect myself, but how do I go after the one I love, even if he is the one that made the mistakes and the bad choices? ANyways, I will try to keep the sad feelings out of the blog as much as possible. Who wants to read that? ;)
I am almost finished with the new scrap room/office, so look for pics of that to come soon.
Donna Downey is so friggin creative and talented when it comes to using fabric and doing cool stuff with paint. Check out her new product that she is showing at CHA. I wish I was going to see this in person. I have a feeling this is going to be a BIG seller. Click here.
I am still unpacking the house- can you believe it??!! I was sick last week (not to mention bouts of depression) and busy with basketball the last few weeks. Will hopefully be finished by this weekend to the middle of the week. (Then again, I still have the garage to organize) Be back soon (and with pics i hope)!
Wow, not so good news...For our little scrapbooking community. Simple Scrapbooks mag will not be publishing after the May/June issue...they are going to however be folded into Creating Keepsakes mag (like they did in the beginning 8 years ago. So, its not gone entirely. But, its still sad. I guess I didn't realize how bad the economy really was. I mean i knew it was bad, but wow.... I just had a hit of reality. One of our local scrap stores is going out of business as well. I really hope that things start to look up. I have hope in our newly elected president though...
The link to the SS's blog for the offical announcment here .
