My Wish for You in 2009

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like cold cream. May laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires. May happiness slap you across the face. May your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words . . .May 2009 be the best year of your life!!!

Many people make Resolutions this time of year. Many wish to break bad habits. The physical and mental pain can be grueling, whether you're trying to exercise more, eat healthier, spend less, drink less, quit smoking.....it's never easy.
But the benefits to your health and to your attitude can be priceless. Breaking a habit starts with courage, ends with discipline, and is fueled by desire.

I saw this recently, and thought it worth sharing.

I am your constant companion. I am your greatest asset or heaviest burden. I will push you up to success or down to disappointment. I am at your command. Half the things you do might just as well be turned over to me, for I can do them quickly, correctly, and profitably. I am easily managed, just be firm with me. Those who are great, I have made great. Those who are failures, I have made failures. I am not a machine, though I work with the precision of a machine and the intelligence of a person. You can run me for profit, or you can run me for ruin. Show me how you want it done. Educate me. Train me. Lead me. Reward me. And I will then...do it automatically. I am your servant. Who am I? I am a HABIT.

The author of the above is unknown, but the words are right on target. If you make good habits, they in turn will make you. But like the weeds in the garden, bad habits can take over your life. Make a decision today to pull those weeds.

Happy New Year!!

Challenge for the Year 2009

Here's a great challenge for everyone for the year 2009! I did this last year and it was fun & inspiring! All you need to do is choose a word....one word.....and make that your word for the year! You can scrap about it, blog about it, or better yet make it your daily mantra!!

A few years ago Ali Edwards posted this wonderful idea on her blog. She has a huge selection of words listed here to help get you started.

Last year I chose simplify. This year my word is 'Learn'. I need to learn and accept the fact that I cannot do some of the things I could 6 months ago, but I can learn to do them in a different way. I need to learn to balance my life better. I can't be all things, for all people anymore. I need to learn to say no. I intend to learn more about photography by taking a class with Karen Russell. I plan to learn new techniques to apply to my scrapbooking. I will continue to learn more about humanity through volunteer work, and in the process I will learn more about myself. I hope to learn more about another culture by traveling there.

It's amazing how one little word can make such a difference in your life!! Join me wont you, and choose a word......just one word, and Live it!!

Cheers! ♥ ♥ ♥

Cosmo Cricket Giveaway

Wow!! Check out this phenomenal giveaway Leah is offering!!! All of these fabulous Cosmo Cricket goodies could be your......or mine!!! I love Cosmo and I think it would be so awesome to win all of this scrappy goodness!!! Be sure to visit Leah's blog for more details and to see her wonderful minibook tutorial!!
Cheer!!

Graphic 45 toot!!

Woohoo!!! Graphic 45 has the spotlight on me this week as their featured artist!!! I am so excited I could just squeeeeeel!!! On a whim, I submitted some of my work to them, and they chose me..... yes me, to be a featured artist! I am SO stoked! I am SO Honored!! Squeeeel!!!!
These are the layouts I submitted.






I was so thrilled the day I found some G45 in my LSS. When I saw these papers they reminded me of home, as I love antiques and all things vintage. It was love at first site!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Five Faves Friday

I'm posting this a day early as more snow & ice is expected and we may lose power once again.

All week we have been dealing with a wicked Arctic Blast! Bitter cold temps, tons of snow, ice, wind. Brrrrrr!! I do love the cold crisp air, fresh snow & bright clear blue skies, but when it becomes windy & icy and single digit temps.....well, that's just a bit toooooo chilly for me!

Here are a few ways I love to stay warm!!


♥ Hot Cocoa and a blazing hot fire

♥♥ Uggs Keep those little piggies toasty warm plus they're so cute!

♥♥♥ I could lounge all day wearing these soft & snuggley warm Jammies

♥♥♥♥ A toasty warm jacket

♥♥♥♥♥ I love to snuggle in a bed covered with Flannel sheets

Five Friday Faves

These are just a few of my favorite sites & sounds of the Holiday season....

1. Christmas Carols playing on the radio.....The Little Drummer Boy is my all time favorite carol

2. The sound of bells ringing

3. The yummy smells of Holiday baking

4. Feeling the cold crisp air on my face

5. Snow birds on the front porch

Scrapping with Karen Russell

Friday night I spent scrapping with Karen Russell! It doesn't get much better than this!! Karen held her *10 Reasons* workshop at my LSS. The project was to build an album documenting the things that mean the most to you in a list form. We used the newest products from her Narratives collection. The Antique Cream line is so beautiful.

The evening was filled with learning new techniques, sharing wonderful stories, lots of laughter, and of course great door prizes!

Karen is one of the sweetest and warmest people you'll ever meet. By the end of the evening you will feel as if you have known her forever...she is your friend! She will inspire you!!!

"Oh Joy"

Oh Joy, a darling Christmas Mini album and a little blog Give-a-Way!!!

You can have yourself a merry little Christmas, and make a mini album with Leah Killian! She has a wonderful step by step tutorial posted on her blog.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas over at My Creative Scrapbook! The December kits at MCS are up and going fast....so hurry on over because they will not last! This month I had the pleasure of designing with the add-on kit with features Cosmo Crickets 'Oh Joy' collection. I love this kit, but we all love Cosmo Cricket, right!! Be sure to visit the Design Team Gallery for some wonderful inspiration!

My Bucket List

My Bucket List:

When the girls at Forward Progress posted this challenge to scrap your Bucket List, I thought oh wow, this is a piece of cake...I have so many things I want to do! But then it hit me. The things I want to do, are physical things. Not a big deal for most people....but for me it now presents a certain challenge. You see, several months ago I had foot surgery, and the end result has not been as expected....something terrible went wrong. Facing the possibility of not being able to walk again is a major life altering experience, but I am determined to resume my life and all it's activities. I think most of us take walking for granted...walking, like breathing, it just comes naturally, we do it without thinking. Now I have to work hard every day to build my strength so I can walk. Last week, for the first time since July, I was able to go grocery shopping without my crutches! For now my top priorities are to walk & ride a bike. Then I will tackle the items on my Bucket List and knock them out one by one!!

Liz Qualman sketch
Graphic 45 papers

My Bucket List:

* I dream of visiting Africa
* I plan to one day hike the Grand Canyon
* I hope to return to the Yukon Territory and visit Dawson City at Christmas time
* I want to walk the beaches of Brazil
* I hope to one day travel across the entire United States
* I want to travel Europe & visit Australia
* I want to drive a race car at 200 mph
* I would like to base jump off the Perrine Bridge
* I wish I could really play the piano
* I would love to own & operate a B&B

Five Friday Faves

These are my all time favorite Holiday films!!

It's A Wonderful Life
This is one of my personal all time favorite movie ever!! This sentimental favorite by Frank Capra, small-town banker George Bailey (James Stewart) contemplates ending it all as his life teeters on the edge of financial ruin.





Miracle On 34th Street
The 1947 holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street is transplanted to the 1990s with few changes in this family-oriented remake. The screenplay by the prolific John Hughes sticks close to the original outline, centering on Macy's executive Dorey Walker.




The Family Stone
A woman meets her future in-laws and discovers they don't much care for her in this comedy from writer and director Thomas Bezucha. Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) is a successful young businessman who is dating Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker).



Polar Express
Starring Tom Hanks and based on the enchanting storybook written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg ('Jumanji'), this Christmas story reaffirms every youngster's need to believe.





Babes In Toyland ~ March of the Wooden Soldiers
March of the Wooden Soldiers is the 1952 reissue title for Hal Roach's 1934 film version of Victor Herbert's Babes in Toyland. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy star as Stannie Dum and Ollie Dee, bumbling apprentices to the master toymaker of Toyland.

I am thankful for........

I am thankful for the many little things in life. The simple little everyday day to day things....as it's the little things in my life that make a big difference. Today I thankful for......

* my loving husband
* my children....I am so proud of the remarkable adults they have become
* the ability to finally walk without the aid of crutches
* a physical therapist who encourages me
* snuggley PJ's
* a warm & comfy bed
* my new oven
* a tank full of oil, as it means we will be warm throughout the winter
* mashed potatoes & gravy
* warm fuzzy slippers
* my dog's slobbery kisses and muddy paws
* Burt's Bees lip balm
* good friends & laughter
* late night phone calls
* lavender scented lotion
* orange gatorade

Happy Thanksgiving!

Canned Food Drive

Cocoa Daisy is conducting an online canned food drive and is looking for help. Please check out their web site for details. In exchange for your donation, Cocoa Daisy will be giving away some fabulous prizes. Click here to see the incredible prizes that you could win by just making a small food donation!

Click here for additional details!.

I just love things like this!!

Sometimes, a hug is all that we need!

Free Hugs is the real life controversial story of Juan Mann, a man whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger put a smile on their face.

In this age of social-disconnection most all of us lack that simple human touch from another, the effects of the Free Hugs Campaign are now felt around the globe. As this simple gesture of kindness and hope spread across the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs Campaign BANNED.

What we then witnessed was the true spirit of humanity as people came together in what can only be described as something awe inspiring.

In the spirit of the Free Hugs Campaign please pass this video to a friend and HUG a stranger! After all, you CAN make a difference.

Music by Sick Puppies. Their album was release on April 3rd and is titled "Dressed Up As Life". http://sickpuppies.net





The response to this video has been nothing short of overwhelming and touching. Hugs to every single one of you who messaged. There has been thousands of emails from all over the world from people seeking to participate in the Free Hugs Campaign and asking for permission. You don't need permission. This is the people's movement, this is *your* movement. With nothing but your bare hands you CAN make a difference.

5 Faves for Friday

Today it's time for sharing my Friday Faves!

1. I LOVED this Martha Stewart idea the moment I saw it on her TV special! The Kids Thanksgiving Table Placecards/Coloring Books - I think the Turkey coloring book is just the cutest ever!




2. A friend sent me the link to these little treats, and I just have to share them as they are so cute!! I love to cook and thought these were just the cutest little pies ever!! I know my Grandkids would enjoy making these!! Even if you aren't the Martha Stewart or Betty Crocker type, these little pies in a jar would be fun to make & eat!!

3. Canine Culinary Cuisine! My dog Miss Riley is extremely allergic and I'm always on the lookout for treats & recipes that don't contain allergens.
These two sites, The Poop & Daily Drool, offer really great recipes for homemade treats for your pampered pooch!!













4.These are my new favorite physical therapy item. The noppy texture is supposed to help desensitize the damaged nerve in my foot. Cute Birkenstocks huh!













5. I'm in love with this Amy Butler pattern and her fabric! So far I have made 5 of these bags and have a few more to finish!

The infamous Fastenator

The infamous Fastenator! How many of you girls bought this and love it?? I thought it was a must have item when it first came out, and I have seen some really cute projects & ideas using it. But for me, I just never did use it that much and it takes up a lot of space.....and space is not something I have much of. So in an attempt to share the joy.........Denesa is now the proud owner of this bad boy!!!! It will arrive on your doorstep any day now!!! Congrats girlie!!!

Tag

I've been tagged by Irene Blue Banana. Check out her blog.....her work will blow your mind!

So, if I have tagged you, these are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I'm tagging the following babes.

Vel

Debbi aka Her Royal Highness

Manda

Dee

Mel

Theresa

Holly

Random factoids:
♥ I love to be outdoors
♥ I rarely sit still
♥ I shower with my dog twice a week
♥ I enjoy cooking
♥ Lazy people annoy the hell out of me
♥ Listening to music is my favorite form of relaxation
♥ I eat dark chocolate every week

Pink Chenille & Cherry Blossoms

♥♥♥ Just because he loves me!♥♥♥ My husband surprised me with a beautiful new Pink Chenille Robe and some wonderful L'Occitane Cherry Blossom spray. He's such a sweetheart!! ♥♥♥♥

Friday's Fabulous Find

I love to reclaim, reuse, repurpose, & recycle. When I found this site I knew it was just too good not to share. I Love this bag!!

Junk Revolution will launch it's on-line store November 10th.
To celebrate, Ki is having a great give-away! One of the products that Ki will be offering in her on-line store, are wonderful hand embellished vintage Messenger Bags.


They are made from military messenger bags, and embellished with fabric from vintage aprons, and other misc vintage trinkets; and made exclusively for Junk Revolution. You could actually win one of these bags. Simply visit the Junk Revolution website and leave a comment.



The winner of the messenger bag will be chosen at random on November 10th.
So spread the word, and best of luck to all of you.

November's kit is here!!!!

It's here!!!! November's kit's from My Creative Scrapbook that is! And wow are the kits this month ever gorgeous!!! The Main Kit features Crate Paper's Prudence collection and the Mini Kit features Fancy Pants Daily Grind. The add-on kit features Webster's Pages and Zva crystals. All the kits are packed full of goodies and offer a terrific value! You can see all of the Design Team creations here.

This layout was created using the Main kit. The Crate Paper line offers elegant papers and shimmery shapes.



These layouts were created using the November Mini Kit which features the new Fancy Pants Daily Grind collection. I must say these papers were a blast to work with!!






You can find more inspiration by visiting the MCS gallery. And while you're there, stop by the message board and say Hello!

Origami Gift Box

The Holidays are fast approaching and gift giving & baking will soon be on everyone's mind.
Packaging your homemade treats in a special handmade origami box like this is a snap! This box measures 4x4x4 which is perfect for those tasty goodies like Fudge & Brittle's. You can also use these boxes to hold gifts, party favors, cookies, etc.

For this project I used the new Basic Grey Wassail line and Prima Poinsettias.

- 11-1/2" x 11-1/2" piece of patterned paper (this will be the top of the box)
- 11" x 11" piece of patterned paper (the bottom of the box)
- 2" x 11" piece of card stock (scored at 1-1/4", 3-5/16", 7-1/2", and 9-5/8"
- 2 pieces of ribbon cut to approx. 12"
- misc. embellishments
- adhesive

Here is a wonderful video tutorial on how to make origami boxes.

Happy crafting!

Delicious Blog Candy Giveaways

Who wouldn't love to win one of these beautiful items? Be sure to check out each of these incredible blogs for your chance to win.
Good luck!

Threads of Friendship is having a fabulous giveaway. Kylie is giving away a stylish Short and Sassy Pleated Bag by artsy-crafty babe, and to top it off.... YOU get to select the colors & fabrics! Deadline to enter is Nov.9th, so hurry on over for your chance to win.

Who wouldn't love to curl up in this lovely quilt this winter? Abbie from the Handmade Quilt-er is giving away this gorgeous quilt! She is doing this in the spirit of giving and you can read her story here. Deadline to enter is Nov 12th.




Jodi over at This That and The Other is giving away this beautiful Cute as Peppermint Sticks table runner. Perfect for the upcoming Holidays. Check our her amazing blog and you can enter to win it for free! The deadline to enter is November 6th.




Katie over at See Katie Sew is giving away all this fabric!! Wow!! I see some Amy Butler in that stash! Time to get out your sewing machines! Deadline to enter is Nov.5th.

Fun with Basic Grey

The other day I had several hours in between doctor visits, and since I was a long ways from home, with time to kill, I decided to visit a LSS. I just couldn't resist this adorable card kit from Basic Grey. I love their new Wassail collection. I actually made these cards while sitting in my car waiting for the time to pass. This kit was super quick & easy!!
This week over at the Basic Grey challenge blog, the challenge is to make a Christmas card! Wow!! How fun is that!!

I've been Tagged!

I've been tagged!!! Not once, but twice! By my dear scrappy sisters Jane & Julie!!!


So here are the rules!

1. If you've been tagged, you can put the logo on your blog.
2. Link the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you've nominated.

This was a hard choice since there are a ton of blogs that I enjoy. I love these girls & admire their amazing talent. So, I've tagged my fellow MCS DT Girls because I {{HEART}} them and they Rock!!!

1. Gabrielle
2. Robbie
3. Susan
4. Julie
5. Liz
6. Laura
7. Cindy

October's kits from My Creative Scrapbook

This month I had the pleasure of working with 2 kits from My Creative Scrapbook. The "Main Kit" and the "Creative Kit"; both of which are awesome!!

For these projects I used the Main kit which features papers from the Bo Bunny Splendor collection. The tags were perfect for making this little recipe booklet. Zva crystals, Kaiser Rub-ons, and a Scrapworks Font Folder (these rock btw), plus tons of ribbon are also included in your kit.








The wonderful warm colors of Basic Grey's Ambrosia are found in the "Creative Kit". This kit also includes some gorgeous Zva crystals, chipboard alphas and much more. I love these warm colors and think they are perfect for Fall.





We have several really fun challenges taking place at My Creative Scrapbook. I hope you'll stop by to check them out and say hello!