A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME....

you all are awesome!!! Thanks so much for all the great comments about my new craft space (see below post) - I was really excited to share it with people who understand - LOL! My husband was teasing me, he says I am like a kid with imaginary friends - I quickly corrected him and told him my bloggin' friends are as real as he is!!!!! So, I actually DID stamp and I enjoyed my new room immensely. I made a card for a new friend who is a sweetie! She is new to stamping and wants to learn more so I am going to send her some stuff and include this card. This card is the sketch challenge Beate posted on Friday and I really like it and think I will use it again. I actually did the inside too although sorry, that pic is not as clear as I would like it - if anyone has any tips on take the pic of the inside, please feel free to share. I used the stamp set A Little Birdie Told Me, I totally love this set! And, the background is stamped using the Stitched Background stamp which has quickly become my favorite. The base of the card is Kraft card stock which is layered with Old Olive card stock. The striped DP is from the Old Olive Prints Series - I actually used this from the Level One Hostess Pack of Prints, what an awesome Hostess Gift!!! I then used Certainly Celery and Natural White Card Stock for both the image and the ribbon piece. All the paper is punched using my Ticket Corner Punch. I did do some faux stitching and paper piercing - I just can't help myself!! I also sponged the edges of the card stock with Old Olive Classic ink to soften it and blend it together. The little birdie is stamped in black stazon. And, of course no card is complete without my Jumbo Pewter Eyelets which perfectly match the vintage brads that I added to the main image! I threaded Wild Wasabi Striped Grosgrain ribbon through them. The inside of the card is Naturals White card stock that I also sponged and used my punch on. Then, I added the little flower and the saying "your the best" and was done. I hope you like it and are having a wonderful day!!
FACT#31
I have struggled with my weight for most of my life - I have always had to watch what I eat and exercise everyday in order to maintain a healthy look. A recent surgery has really thrown me off that track, and I must get back on it but have not managed to do so yet. I am headed back to the gym tomorrow and will need to get back on the wagon since summer will be here before you know it!

SO WHAT HAS ALEX BEEN UP TO????

Well, I have NOT been creating BUT I have been feverishly working to totally finish my stamp/scrap room because I had only done one side and I was tired of looking at all the stuff stacked up. So, I took yesterday and today and went to town organizing, sorting, labeling, filing, etc. I am VERY happy with the way it turned out and feel great creative things coming soon - LOL! I thought I would share pics of my room now that it is done!!! I am REALLY excited and plan to play a TON tonight!!! So, here's the grand tour: The first pic shows the french doors as you walk into my room - I love my big windows, they let in so much natural light! And, the puppies do too, you can see Clyde all curled up on his big pillow! The next three pics show where I actually sit and work - I may have shown this before, but now it has all my SU! stuff right at my fingertips! I love how much room I have for everything - it is really a nice workspace. And yes, I do have a few SU! punches - LOL! Then, you see my tower of storage - it holds all my rub-ons, chipboard, non-SU! paper, adhesive, stamps, and lots and lots of embellishments!These two show where I do all my computer work (right where I am sitting right now!) and print my pictures, etc. And, of course ,the ever present diet coke over ice! Also, I have several storage containers that hold embellishments, paper scraps, and some of my dies for my sizzix machine. And, I have my card wall where I hang all the beautiful cards I receive from wonderful folks like you! These next three show the huge wall cupboards that Tony built for me to store all of my SU! stamps and some of my SU! business supplies. They are in the top cupboard. The bottom wall cupboard stores more stamps, all my Cricut items, my light box, extra ribbon, more sizzix dies, and more stamps. Then, there is a nice workspace in between the two cupboards where my Cricut machine, sizzix machines, Xyron, and Bind-it-All are kept. Also, I have my embossing trays there for now although I have other ideas for those *wink* So, there you have it - my craft room. I love it - it is all mine, I have all my stuff exactly where I want it, there is a tv, dvd player, radio, and phone - all I need is a fridge and I will never have to leave - LOL!

FACT#30
In keeping with my post, I love to organize things. I am always reorganizing my drawers, the kitchen, cupboards, my craft things, you name it - I like it to be totally neat and uncluttered. No small feat with three kids and well, my husband *wink*. In fact, tomorrow I am going to redo HIS office - HAH! Can't wait to see what that brings!

A PROUD MOMMY!

Good morning all! It has been CRAZY around here the last few days - both my kids had awards ceremonies, my son is trying out of a club basketball team so that three hours every night and we are installing electric line at the house for the garage - so lots of things going on and no time for my stamp room :-( I actually WILL have something to share later today or early tomorrow but right now I want to share pics of my daughter receiving her Principal's award for straight A's - whoohoo Kayla! This was her second report card since we moved to CA and she was always on the Principal's list in Florida. Well, she missed it by one point last time (she got an 89 in math) and was really upset so this made her totally excited! And of course, mommy and daddy were both at the awards ceremony to clap and cheer and embarrass her (so she says although she was smiling so it could not have been THAT bad - LOL!) So, here are a few pics of my little girl receiving her award. the first one shows Kayla receiving her award from her teachers with the principal on hand to also congratulate her. They are both awesome people and we are thrilled she is in such an awesome school! The lighting was not the greatest in there so I apologize for the poor lighting on them. Thanks for indulging a proud mom - I just can't help myself! As for Tyler, he won the citizenship award and made the honor roll but as it turned out, we did not get ANY pics because the note we received gave us the wrong time and it was over before we got there - I was NOT a happy mom! But, we are proud of both of our kids for doing so well and adapting to CA so quickly (much better than their mom, I might add!)
FACT#29
My favorite type of movie is a thriller. Not a horror, but a really good mystery thriller with lots of action. There have been some good ones lately and I am anxiously awaiting for a few more to come out - I actually enjoy the ones based on books I have read if they are done well - which the James Patterson series (Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls) was. I also like a good romantic comedy if it is not too cheesy. In fact, I am hoping to go see Fool's Gold tonight if all goes as planned!

I will be back later - enjoy your weekend!!!!

PINCH PROOF!!

Howdy all! Okay, for the first time EVER I made a St. Patty's Day card! I actually bought the set Pinch Proof from the catty because I love that little leprechaun - teehee! And, I decided to use this set to do Jen del Muro's sketch from Saturday. I have always been a lurker on her blog - she is mad talented, but hey, I decided I could do the challenge so I did! I enjoy her blog because she has wonderful creations so if for some reason I am not the last person to find her blog, go and visit her, you will not be disappointed (but wait until you are done here - LOL!) So, this first one is for her sketch challenge. I really liked the sketch and I was happy with the end result! Yep, lot o' green, but that IS what it is all about right??!! Here is the recipe:

Card Recipe

Paper - Garden Green card stock, Gable Green card stock

Stamp Sets - PinchProof

Inks - Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories - Mat Stack and Paper Piercer, Corner Ticket Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Scallop Circle, Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Jumbo Pewter Eyelets, Wild Wasabi Double Striped Grosgrain Ribbon

This next card is also made using the Pinch Proof stamp set and is basically the same color scheme except I added some Naturals White card stock. I love this little guy and will be sending this card to my son at the Naval Academy in his next care package. I rounded the corners on this card for a softer look and sponged and distressed each piece of card stock. I also cut out and popped up that bottom four leaf clover although it is kind of hard to see in this picture. IRL it looks pretty cute! Here is the recipe for this one:

Card Recipe:

Paper - Garden Green card stock, Gable Green card stock, Naturals White card stock

Stamp Sets - Pinch Proof

Inks - Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories - Corner Rounder Punch, Paper Piercer, Key Tag Punch, Sponge, Gable Green brads, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

FACT #28

My favorite type of clothing is pajamas! I love them - not gowns, pjs. I totally could wear them all day everyday if allowed - LOL! I probably have 20 pairs of all kinds of pjs and will sometimes take a day on the weekend (usually one where it is raining) when I know I don't have anywhere to be and nobody is coming over and I will stay in my pjs all day- or I shower and change right back into pjs! I have passed this trait to my daughter who has asked me on numerous occasions, "can I just stay in my jammies?" YIKES - I am breeding laziness, LOL!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

TODAY, IT'S ALL ABOUT ME - LOL!

****EDITED TO ADD**** A lot of you have been asking how old Kayla is - she just turned eleven in January! And, she has already completed a scrapbook of her own! I love it, I tell ya!
Hi all! I want to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to all of you who posted for my daughter's cards - she was totally tickled and made me check a million times to see if there were any more comments - LOL! You guys made her day - thanks so much, you are all so very awesome!

Today, I am actually going to post a card that I made*wink*. It is for Julee's Mojo Monday Sketch challenge and this one was a little more difficult although I totally loved it because I knew it would make me think! I used my SAB set Merci because I am in love with the whimsical images of this set! I don't think I will ever grow tired of it. And, if you want this set, you only have to place a $50 Stampin' Up! order and this is your for free - isn't that awesome?? But, this offer is only good until the 17th of March, so if you want it, you better hurry! So anyway, I will leave the recipe below and as always, if you have any questions, please ask me!!

Card Recipe:

Stamp Sets - Merci (SAB set)

Paper - Night of Navy card stock, Nearly Navy card stock, Bashful Blue card stock, Naturals White card stock, Western Sky Designer Series Paper

Inks - Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad, Black Stazon, Stampin' Pastel Chalks

Accessories - Stampin Dimensionals, 1 1/4 Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Corner Ticket Punch, Blender Pen, Blue Bayou Double Stitched Ribbon, Ice Blue Rhinestone Brads, Vintage Brads

FACT #27

I love the beach! I love the salty smell in the air, the warm sand, the waves, the feeling of relaxation I get from just being there. There is something very peaceful about the beach to me and has always been one of the things that can make me feel good no matter what is on my mind. I love to vacation in warm, tropical places like the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Caribbean, anywhere where the sun is hot, the water is clear, cool, and refreshing, and I can lie on the beach and leave my troubles behind!

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE GIRL!

My girl, that is! My daughter Kayla asked me if I would post her cards on my blog - you should have seen her face light up when I said yes! She did two cards last night, and just melted my heart when she asked me for advice and said, "you're a professional mommy so I want your help". Aren't kids the greatest!!! So, today's post will be all about Kayla and her two beautiful creations. If you would please leave a comment for her, I would greatly appreciate it because I know she would be tickled to think someone took the time to view her cards and tell her about it! Thanks in advance - you guys are the best!!

FACT#27

I love to talk on the phone. I can spend hours chatting with all my friends scattered across the United States - it is why I have unlimited long distance on my phone plan - LOL! I literally will settle in for a long chat and it is like heaven for me! It has become my social life since moving since I have no local friends. Thanks goodness by girlfriends like to chat on the phone as much as I do!

LOOK AT MY PAY IT FORWARD GOODIES!!!

Howdy all!! Sorry for the late post, but I was busy, busy, busy today!! And, I fit a little bit of shopping in *wink* When I got home and checked the mail, I had the BEST surprise waiting for me - a box of goodies from Kathleen aka My Happy Place! Kathleen had asked me a few weeks back if I would participate in a Pay it Forward - she sends me some goodies along with two other lucky gals and now I need to pick three that I send stuff to! Of course I said yes - who wouldn't want one of Kathleen's FABULOUS creations - I am drooling over the ones I got! I love that little wooden purse, just look at the awesome layers of flowers, beautiful paper, and gorgeous ribbon. The binder clip is adorable with the build-a-brads and all that ribbon - YUMMY! And, how thoughtful is she - the beautiful oversized clothespin has my initial on it, some yummy flowers and rhinestones - gott love that bling! I love these Kathleen and will proudly display them in my stamp room! You are awesome girl -BIG hugs to you!!!! And, as if that isn't enough, she sent me this really stinkin' adorable card and some awesome ribbon!! WhooHoo - I am a LUCKY gal!!!
FACT #27
I love shoes. Yep, all kinds of shoes - I probably own over 100 pairs and it drives Tony crazy! I can't help it, I adore all the different styles and colors out there and let's face it, shoes are something you can always try on no matter how much weight has been gained or lost - LOL! Once when we were getting ready to transfer from California to Italy, Tony lined up all my shoes end to end and told me I had to go down the line and get rid of the ones I don't wear. So, I went down, selected one pair that were old and tattered and told him I was done. He just rolled his eyes at me and walked away! And, of course moving to Italy did not help my shoe love because the Italian shoes are amazing and I had to have them all!! Gotta love a patient man!