Acknowledge and Move On

February Goals

Good Morning from Sunny California! I have spent the last few days here at the CHA Trade Show looking for new crafty must haves and visiting with friends.  I am ready to head back home today and take advantage of all the inspiration I have received while here, it has been truly amazing.  While I did not see anything that I was completely blown away by, I did see lots of papers and embellishments that I liked and of course, when you watch the Ranger Artists you cannot help but be inpsired (They make it look SO EASY!)

I am one of those kinds of people that tend to reflect on many things when one month ends and another begins.  February is a short month (although this year we get an extra day, yeah!) and a busy one for me with family and work obligations.  I am going to try and do something crafty every weekend in February and by that I mean try something new every weekend.  I also would like to update the blog a little more frequently and share the projects that I am able to work on.  I WANT to get messy and create.

 

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Happy Wednesday!  The last line that we (the design team) are working with is One Fine Day and it is One Fine Paper Line!  I really like the soft feel of these papers and the line makes me think of Spring which is rapidly approaching (although probably not quick enough for some of you!).  When I first saw this line and all the pieces, I IMMEDIATELY knew that I wanted to use the small Vellum Silhouette, "because the little things are the big things after all" and found the perfect picture to go along with the saying.  The picture is over 5 years old and I have been holding onto it because it is truly one of my favorite pictures of my two girls. 

To help embellish the photo, I used the Heart Circles Nestabilities set from Spellbinders along with the Donna Salazar Creative Page Tabs Die set.  The small hearts that are all around the page, are the hearts that were left behind when I cut the large Heart Circle.  I added some light blue brads and light blue Thickers that have been in my stash.  I also used the Brand new Lemonade Powder Puff Ink Pad on this page to ink around the edges of the circles and the zig-zag border along the top of the page.  This is a GREAT Color and I am so looking forward to using the other two new colors that are coming as well, Baja Blue and Biscotti!  Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check back tomorrow for another project using One Fine Day.

In Just 18 Days

I will be on my way to CHA!! I am so excited for this trip to see not only the new products and be inspired by all the projects but also to see lots of friends that I have made over the years and can usually only see during the tradeshows (due to busy schedules, geography etc).  The sneak peeks of new products have definitely started and you can see lots of projects made with new papers from Quick Quotes at the Quick Quotes Blog.  There are three new paper lines being released: Dreamscape, Summer Samba and One Fine Day.  Here is a card I made using the Dreamscape Paper line

and because I cannot just make one, here is another card

I am excited to see the new products from several companies, including My Mind's Eye (Which I have seen online and LOVE), Graphic 45, Basic Grey, Echo Park, Crate Paper, American Crafts and Sizzix (There are MANY MANY more of course!).  What are you looking forward to seeing from CHA???

 

I love a challenge

ESPECIALLY when it deals with Scrapbooking.  I do a lot of lurking on scrapbook websites and sometimes I will post (not very often though!).  I have not been able to be very active over the last month because of the holiday and other things going on so it feels good to get back into it.  At Scrapbook.com there are a TON of challenges that anyone can participate in.  I have decided to participate in the January Lyric Challenge which was to use Katie Perry Lyrics on a layout

The title I used is a small portion of lyrics from a Katie Perry song "I think I am ready" and was perfect for this picture of my daughter and her boyfriend, since he brings her flowers regularly for no reason (so sweet!).  I used the new line from Basic Grey "Kissing Booth" which you can get here.    I am also planning to participate in a few other challenges as well, it is a great way to get your mojo back and creative juices flowing!

WELCOME 2012!

What a great day to start a new year!  I have been enjoying the last few weeks with the holidays, the kids out of school and lots of time to reflect on the last year.  2011 was for the most part a great year for my family and one that I will remember fondly.  In 2011 we experineced many things, I bought a "new to me" car, we made it through our first season as parents of a High School Lacrosse player (and a boyfriend I might add), there was of course lots of travel on my part (both for work and personal vacation!) during the year and for that I am very thankful.  My husband started a new role at Disney in October (which has taken a lot of getting used to for the rest of us!), Our youngest daughter started her last year of elementary school.

There are a few changes on the horizon for 2012.  I will continue to work from home in the Scrapbooking Industry as the administrator for ScrapAce, however I will no longer be traveling as an instructor for Quick Quotes.  I have been blessed these last six years to work for Quick Quotes (A GREAT COMPANY) traveling and teaching the wonderful projects designed by Patsy at events all around the country.  It has been an amazing experience, meeting people all around the United States who share my passion for Scrapbooking and being able to share with them the many things I have learned along the way.  Who knows though, I may show up at a location or two, but as of right now there are no confirmed dates.  As mentioned in a previous post, I have also taken on a part time role at my local scrapbook store, Scrappy Boutique.  I will actually teach my first class there on January 13th (If you are local or ever in the area, please be sure to stop by and say hi!) and I have already been able to play with some great new product at the store...

I am looking forward to having more time to play with my scrapbooking supplies and maybe even take a class or two myself!

I have also chosen my "One Little Word" for 2012.  I have chosen Mindful.  A few weeks ago, my daughter and a group of kids from her high school, spent their Saturday morning volunteering for a local organization that helps less fortunate home owners with home repairs, cleaning and anything else that they may need help with.  Before going to the actual homes, the volunteers were given a few simple guidelines.  One of them, was to be mindful of their words while working on somebody's "Home" and it really struck a cord with me.  I have decided to make "Mindful" my word of the year as there are many things that it can relate to, be mindful of words, mindful of finances, mindful of others, mindful of how I nourish (or don't nourish) my body, and it goes on and on.  Each month I am going to focus on one thing.  For January, the focus will be on finances and organization.  I have already started on this effort with the cleaning of my scrap space (which is still in progress) and setting up a budget. 

I am going to try and be a more faithful blogger.  I love coming to the world wide web and reading other blogs, seeing projects, taking a peek into lives of others...and I like to share as well.  I wish each of you a happy, healthy and blessed 2012.

Worst Mother of the Year Award

Scratch that..Worst Mother of the Decade award..I (along with my husband's help) Lost my child at Disney World...it was the LONGEST 2 minutes of my life..She did exactly what she was supposed to however and found a cast member and said "My family left me behind" without shedding a tear..UNTIL she saw us that is.  I left to use the restroom and told her to go to her father, he left the shop thinking she was with me.  It truly was only two minutes, but felt like forever and was the worst feeling in the whole world.  She eventually recovered, but held it over our heads for the rest of the evening.  Overall, we had a great day spending part of it at Hollywood Studios where we were able to see the Osbourne Spectacle of Lights and then finishing the night at Epcot watching Illuminations.  I love going to the parks when they are all decorated for the holidays, it always makes me feel very festive.

I recently was able to play with a new paper line from Echo Park "Yours Truly" which is being sold at my local scrapbook store, Scrappy Boutique.

Oh, and I don't think I have mentioned yet that I am also working there part time...WOOHOO.  I am loving being a part of the Scrappy B team and if you are ever in Orlando, be sure to stop by the store as it is WONDERFUL! (and if you don't ever make it to Orlando, we do have online shopping!)

It's the most wonderful time of year

Which really means it's the busiest time of year.  CRAZY busy but in a good way.  We have had lots of activities to attend the last two weeks but I am happy to say, for us it now slows down.  Last week alone we had three Holiday parties and my husband's 20 year anniversary party at Disney (which was AMAZING) plus all of our regular going ons~ School, lacrosse, birthday parties etc etc etc.  It has been a whirlwind for sure and I LOVE every minute of it. 
This is definitely my favorite time of year.  I love to listen to Christmas music (in small doses which is key~), the lights, the hot toddy's and the shopping.  Usually by this time of the month I am done with all of my shopping.  This is not the case for this year but that is okay it will get finished and if it doesn't, well the season is about more than gifts.  Funny how the older I get the more I see the truth in that statement. 

The New Club Q Ships tomorrow and if you haven't become a member yet, THIS IS THE MONTH TO DO IT!!! This kit is FANTASTIC and includes one of our brand new paper lines, Verry Merry.  Here is what you will get if you join or are a member:

If you get the layout kit this is what it will include:

And if you get the Altered Kit:

Here is one of the project I made with the kit:

I embossed the card base with My Grand Calibur Machine and an embossing folder.  I used the Tahiti Powderpuff Ink Pad and a scrap of paper form the kit for the card front.  I added a Making Memories Tag and the My Mind's Eye wooden flag.  I also used the I Roc tool from Imaginisce and I have to say, the tool is AWESOME!  I have been loving how easy it is to add bling to anything.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Final Day for QQ Blog Hop and a Card

Today is the final day of the Quick Quotes Design Team Blog Hop!  Be sure to visit the main Quick Quotes blog to see where today's journey will take you.  There is another giveaway so be sure to follow the hop and it isn't too late to hop along on the first two days either to be included in ALL THREE PRIZE Giveaways.

This Past weekend I went to a wedding and had an amazing time.  This was the first wedding I have been to in a long time and I was SO EXCITED to make a card.  The Wedding Colors were yellow and grey so I used Teresa Collins Carolina Breeze Paper (Which was PERFECT!).  Here is the card

I embossed the front of the card with a Sizzix embossing folder and my Grand Calibur and then added the pearl circle and heart accents (From Making Memories).  I inked the edge of the Carolina Breeze paper with a new Tim Holtz Seasonal Distress Ink (Iced Spruce).  The bride/groom sticker is from American Crafts, the Stamp is from Stampin' Up (I have had this one FOREVER!) and then I added the flower trim.  I was so pleased with the card that when I was buying the supplies to wrap the gift I almost bought a card (I did not do this though I was close) to give them too so I could keep this one!

Quick Quotes Blog Hop Day 2

Hello and Happy Sunday!  This is Day two of the Quick Quotes Design Team Blog Hop.  If you just happened upon my blog you will want to start at The Main Quick Quotes Blog.  If you are hopping along already, you should have arrived from Adora's Blog. 

Here is my project for the blog hop.

I cut a Kraft Card Base (4.25x5.5) and layered a piece of our BRAND NEW Very Merry Paper on top of the card (It is inked with a Maraschino Cherry PowderPuff Ink Pad).  I used my Grand Calibur Die Cutting Machine and Spellbinder Dies to cut the small snowflakes (which are attached with pop dots creating dimension) as well as the frame.  I added a Seasons Greetings Vellum under the frame and attached to the card with four Glittered Brads.  This new paper is included in the December Club Q which will start shipping on December 15.

Don't forget about the SWAG!  Start at the Main Blog and follow the hop commenting along the way and return to the main blog and be sure to comment there as well to be eligible for the giveaways!  There is a giveaway for each day.  Today's Prize is a Miss Morgan Paper Pack and 2 Ink Pads. 
Here is a project I did with the Miss Morgan Paper...

Thanks for stopping by, good luck on winning the SWAG and be sure to head on back to the Main Quick Quotes Blog and let us know what you think!

Happy Thanksgiving and A Blog Hop

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!  I hope you had a great holiday with family, friends, great food and possibly some shopping!  We had a very LOW KEY day, spending it at home with just our immediate family.  We watched the parade and some football, put up and decorated our tree and outside of the house as well.  My husband is a trooper and we left the house in the evening to brave the Black Friday Crowds.  A lot of the stores changed their opening times to Midnight and I think that it made a HUGE difference in the amount of people out and about shopping.  We were lucky and got all that we had set out to get, probably because we didn't have any large electronics on our list!  I even got some crafting time in over the holiday break...I am just about finished with our Holiday cards (I will be sharing them throughout the week!) and this year I did something a little different.  Usually, I make all the cards the same but this year I was inspired by my good friend Kate to switch it up a bit.  She makes EVERY Card DIFFERENT, just like snowflakes, no two are the same.  While I like her idea and was inspired by it, I made about six of each design (I couldn't do EVERY Card different, I tried..lol).

Also This weekend, there is a Quick Quotes Design Team Blog Hop.  Head on over to the main Quick Quotes Blog which will tell you all you need to do to be in the running for a prize.  The Blog Hop is three days long and there is a PRIZE for EACH DAY!  Be sure to check back here tomorrow to see my project for the blog hop!  Also, Quick Quotes has a BRAND NEW WEBSITE and it is AWESOME! To Celebrate and show how THANKFUL we are for ALL OF YOU there is a SALE going on RIGHT NOW!

 

**ALSO I would like to Say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Mother In Law, Pollie.  Happy Birthday Pollie, I hope you have a great day!