I started my day with a conversation with Jason that went a little like this.
Me - It's Wednesday isn't it?
Jason - Yes (in a are you going mad tone)
Me - Damn! I thought it was Thursday...I'm really hating work right now.
Jason - I think it feels like Sunday. I'm so tired.
Yeah, life has been feeling that way of late. I think our little trip to Savannah in a few weeks is going to be a good thing for us both!
After that non-inspiring conversation I pulled myself out of bed, looked at the clock and decided to actually go for a walk. I think I'm going for a walk every morning when I wake up...but today I actually did it. I have some online digiscrap friends that are working on Couch to 5K (which I'm trying to get my 11 yo daughter to try)...here I am working on bed to 1 mile walk. LOL!
My mind was all over the place this morning during my walk but I managed to focus long enough to come up with a list of 5 things that made me smile today -
1. The sound of water rushing through the storm drains - this means no drought this summer and everything is so green and beautiful because of it.
2. A gorgeous pink and purple sunrise peaking through the roof tops of my neighbors' houses. (Is this out here every morning? Maybe I should walk more often?)
3. The lake behind my subdivision looked like a vacation get away with white ibis feeding in my neighbor's law and white egret flying by. The gorgeous sunrise was reflecting in the still water - it was so pretty and peaceful!
4. The partial rainbow peaking through the clouds as I walked to the West.
5. Little birds jumping from limb to limb having a cute little conversation with each other. Tweet, tweet.
I've gained 4 pounds in the last week so I'm really glad I got up out of bed today. Something has got to give! I tried having a conversation with body while I walked. It went a little like this -
Hands - I know you have the need to stay busy and that along with the rest of my body you are not totally in to work right now, however, it's time for you to find something else to do other than giving food to mouth. Please take up knitting or even finger tapping and stay away from food.
Mouth - Just because hands gives you something to eat does not mean you actually need to eat it. The hands don't ever get fat so they don't care about the rest of the body. You are supposed to be the goal keeper - so help out the team and stop chewing already.
Head - I know you have this issue that you feel the need to make me dizzy if we don't eat constantly. Stop. It. Now. I promise we aren't going to starve and that eatting little bits of heathier food will make the whole body feel better. I'll get you some head massages courtesy of thighs and butt if you'd knock of the dizziness and let us all go longer without eatting.
We'll see where this goes - I have been eating much healthier this week. Unfortunately I'm just adding the healthy foods to my normal consumption instead of swapping out...but I'm working on it. One moment. One day at a time.
Note to self: Refer to things that make me smile list above when you are hating life at 2:30 today. The inspiration and drive to work has to come back...maybe it's just on vacation right now.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tie One On for Father's Day
Not sure what to give your Dad or your honey for Father's Day? My favorite gift to give is a gift card (especially to my step-dad!). For the man that has everything - here's some money to go buy something fun to tinker with - really, is there a better gift? I don't think so.
Finding a unique way to give a gift card can be a daunting task. I like to be creative and find something different so the reaction is - oh, a card...great I bet there is a gift card in there...how thoughtful. Bleh! Inspired by some bags I saw at Twig and Thistle, I create these tie bags using my digital scrapbooking/digital hybrid supplies. I just know these are going to be a hit!

Supplies -
He's The Man digital kit by Traci Reed and Dani Mogstand at Sweet Shoppe
Fancy Bag template by Kelleigh Ratzlaff at The Digichick
Ruler, scoring tool
Scissors
Double stick tape
Gift Card
1. I opened the Fancy Bag template in my photo editting software. To make the collar looking flap I modified the wavy flap edge by creating a basic rectangle to go over the flap. I merged the rectangle to the base template layer to make a new template.
2. I placed the tie element from He's The Man on to the bag to size. Once I had the tie sized correctly I rotated it and placed it in the open spot above my bag template so it could print on the same sheet of paper with my bag.
Here's a little peek of what my revised template looked like:

3. I used my newly revised bag template created in Step 1 as a clipping mask. I used the papers from He's The Man for the base of the bag and chose patterns and colors that would compliment the ties I chose.
4. I printed my project on to white color laser paper (my printer still won't take a sheet of cardstock -phooey!). I cut using scissors and then scored with a ruler and scoring tool.
5. To make the collar out of the flap, I eyeballed what I thought was half way across the flap and cut up with my scissors about 3/4 the way to the fold. I then made an angle cut from the left edge of the flap up to straight up the middle cut and then repeated on the right.
6. I quickly assembled the box using double stick tape. Inserted my gift card and then attached my tie.
Seriously - it took about 10 minutes to make all together and it's a totally adorable and unexpected little something for Father's Day.
Finding a unique way to give a gift card can be a daunting task. I like to be creative and find something different so the reaction is - oh, a card...great I bet there is a gift card in there...how thoughtful. Bleh! Inspired by some bags I saw at Twig and Thistle, I create these tie bags using my digital scrapbooking/digital hybrid supplies. I just know these are going to be a hit!
Supplies -
He's The Man digital kit by Traci Reed and Dani Mogstand at Sweet Shoppe
Fancy Bag template by Kelleigh Ratzlaff at The Digichick
Ruler, scoring tool
Scissors
Double stick tape
Gift Card
1. I opened the Fancy Bag template in my photo editting software. To make the collar looking flap I modified the wavy flap edge by creating a basic rectangle to go over the flap. I merged the rectangle to the base template layer to make a new template.
2. I placed the tie element from He's The Man on to the bag to size. Once I had the tie sized correctly I rotated it and placed it in the open spot above my bag template so it could print on the same sheet of paper with my bag.
Here's a little peek of what my revised template looked like:
3. I used my newly revised bag template created in Step 1 as a clipping mask. I used the papers from He's The Man for the base of the bag and chose patterns and colors that would compliment the ties I chose.
4. I printed my project on to white color laser paper (my printer still won't take a sheet of cardstock -phooey!). I cut using scissors and then scored with a ruler and scoring tool.
5. To make the collar out of the flap, I eyeballed what I thought was half way across the flap and cut up with my scissors about 3/4 the way to the fold. I then made an angle cut from the left edge of the flap up to straight up the middle cut and then repeated on the right.
6. I quickly assembled the box using double stick tape. Inserted my gift card and then attached my tie.
Seriously - it took about 10 minutes to make all together and it's a totally adorable and unexpected little something for Father's Day.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wishing my life away
I've found myself wishing the days away this week. You see, it's almost spring break! We are taking the girls on a 7 day cruise and I'm so freakin' excited. I'm not sure if it's the whole being away from work thing, or the no housework or cooking for a week thing...but I really can't wait. It's like being a kid a Christmas time all over again. Makes concentrating at work really hard.
I've been spending my time at Cruise Critic reading the boards for ideas and getting to know some of our fellow passengers. If you are planning on going on a cruise, Cruise Critic is an awesome site to visit before you book and then while you are waiting to cruise - careful, it's addicting!
In between now and our vacation departure it's field trip season. Katie has 3 field trips in the next week and a half. Each one requires her to be at school early or for me to drive her, plus world drum practice every Monday. She's getting to the age where I'm becoming a professional driver for her. (Well, minus the sparkling clean car and drinks and snacks - he,he). I can't believe she is in 5th grade - graduating from Elementary school. Where do the years go? (apparently with me wishing my life away to get to my next cruise)
So in between doing piles of laundry, driving kids, going to work, making dinner, yadda, yadda, yadda - I got some scrapping done this week. Here are a couple of layouts done with some new releases at the Digichick (coming tomorrow, April 1st).
Pool Fun - featuring Seasons of Change by Karen Lewis and an awesome new template pack by Nikki Epperson

Birthday Girl - featuring Cuppycakes by Jennifer Fox and that adorable alpha is by Sarah J - who I am so glad is back at The Digichick!

Stay tuned folks! If you haven't voted on your favorite Hybrid Project for Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Blog Hop then see the post below - hop along to all the blogs and vote for your favorite project. You could win $10 to Kelleigh's store.
I've got a few new Traci Reed hybrid projects coming up next week for you. Off to search for some inspiration. Have a great day!
I've been spending my time at Cruise Critic reading the boards for ideas and getting to know some of our fellow passengers. If you are planning on going on a cruise, Cruise Critic is an awesome site to visit before you book and then while you are waiting to cruise - careful, it's addicting!
In between now and our vacation departure it's field trip season. Katie has 3 field trips in the next week and a half. Each one requires her to be at school early or for me to drive her, plus world drum practice every Monday. She's getting to the age where I'm becoming a professional driver for her. (Well, minus the sparkling clean car and drinks and snacks - he,he). I can't believe she is in 5th grade - graduating from Elementary school. Where do the years go? (apparently with me wishing my life away to get to my next cruise)
So in between doing piles of laundry, driving kids, going to work, making dinner, yadda, yadda, yadda - I got some scrapping done this week. Here are a couple of layouts done with some new releases at the Digichick (coming tomorrow, April 1st).
Pool Fun - featuring Seasons of Change by Karen Lewis and an awesome new template pack by Nikki Epperson
Birthday Girl - featuring Cuppycakes by Jennifer Fox and that adorable alpha is by Sarah J - who I am so glad is back at The Digichick!
Stay tuned folks! If you haven't voted on your favorite Hybrid Project for Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Blog Hop then see the post below - hop along to all the blogs and vote for your favorite project. You could win $10 to Kelleigh's store.
I've got a few new Traci Reed hybrid projects coming up next week for you. Off to search for some inspiration. Have a great day!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Blog Hop Monday!
It's super, hybrid blog hop day! So if you are in the mood for a ton of great hybrid ideas using Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs' fabulous templates you are in for a great day. Grab a cup of coffee and come hop along! Did I mention there's a prize? Make sure you hop to Kelleigh's blog and comment on which of the projects you liked the best (vote for me!). You can win a gift card to Kelleigh's store at the Digichick and I could win too!
My project features Kelleigh's Toolbox Template (The Digichick) turned into a makeup box party favor. I mixed it up a bit and made it all girly!

I used Traci Reed's and Meghan Mullen's Girl's Day Out (Sweet Shoppe) kit to decorate the box. To make this easier on me - I opened Kelleigh's template in Photoshop Elements and colored the box black. To figure out how big to make each of the paper pieces I used the shape tool to make a template for each section by making the box just smaller than the actual box. I then moved all the pieces to a printing sheet. I printed on glossy presentation paper and trimmed. I pasted the decorative pieces on to the box before assembly (makes things much easier!!! I added a simple ribbon handle, a button and some little bows on the side to make this extra girly. What little girl wouldn't love this as a birthday favor??
For the invite I used my Cricut to cut the 4" scalloped paper for the background. Everything else was done in Elements.
Here's a few close up shots for you.



For more awesome hybrid ideas hop along and check out a few more cool projects on the blogs below.
Kelleigh
Tracy
Sally
Laura
Julie
Christy
Dana
LuAnn
Jacinda
Viva
Dalis
Holly
Sharyn
Karen Lewis
Linda
Alice
Meg
Sunghee
Carolina
Debbie
Kim
Have fun hopping! Oh yeah and as a bonus for my readers today....come check out my post on Eva Kipler's Blog for a step by step on how to make this adorable Chick Candy Dispenser using another of Kelleigh's rocking templates!
My project features Kelleigh's Toolbox Template (The Digichick) turned into a makeup box party favor. I mixed it up a bit and made it all girly!
I used Traci Reed's and Meghan Mullen's Girl's Day Out (Sweet Shoppe) kit to decorate the box. To make this easier on me - I opened Kelleigh's template in Photoshop Elements and colored the box black. To figure out how big to make each of the paper pieces I used the shape tool to make a template for each section by making the box just smaller than the actual box. I then moved all the pieces to a printing sheet. I printed on glossy presentation paper and trimmed. I pasted the decorative pieces on to the box before assembly (makes things much easier!!! I added a simple ribbon handle, a button and some little bows on the side to make this extra girly. What little girl wouldn't love this as a birthday favor??
For the invite I used my Cricut to cut the 4" scalloped paper for the background. Everything else was done in Elements.
Here's a few close up shots for you.
For more awesome hybrid ideas hop along and check out a few more cool projects on the blogs below.
Kelleigh
Tracy
Sally
Laura
Julie
Christy
Dana
LuAnn
Jacinda
Viva
Dalis
Holly
Sharyn
Karen Lewis
Linda
Alice
Meg
Sunghee
Carolina
Debbie
Kim
Have fun hopping! Oh yeah and as a bonus for my readers today....come check out my post on Eva Kipler's Blog for a step by step on how to make this adorable Chick Candy Dispenser using another of Kelleigh's rocking templates!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Hybrid Stuff!!!!
Welcome Blog Hoppers and anyone else that happens to stumble on in for some hybrid inspiration today! I have a few projects finished that I've been working on that I'd love to share with you.
Refreshing Soul Birthday Bag

Supplies:
Refreshing the Soul Digital Kit by Karen Lewis at the Digichick
Digital Template - Treat Bag: Pointy by Kelleigh Ratzlaff at the Digichick
DCWV Cardstock (Yellow), Buttons and Lime green paper flower
Basic Directions:
Using the Pointy Treat Bag digital template - create your basic bag using your photo editting software and Refreshing the Soul digital kit. (Brown background paper and the Happy Birthday decoration are all digital) Print on to presentation paper, cut out. Using the cut out bag as a template trace the pointy flap on to yellow cardstock. Cut out using scissors and apply to the folded over flap. Cut 3/4" strip of paper for handle. Attach handle with glue and then adhere buttons over the handle. Attach flower and button on front pointy flap for decoration.
Here's a closer look at the side and the flap

Penquin Scalloped Bag

Supplies:
Winter Kiss Digital Kit by Traci Reed and Scrapkitchen Designs at the Sweet Shoppe
Digital Template - Treat Bag: Scalloped by Kelleigh Ratzlaff at the Digichick
Glitter
Season of Joy Cricut Cartridge and Cricut
Purple and Blue paper
Basic Directions:
Same as the bag above, use the digital template and digital kit to design your bag. Print and cut out bag, score on lines as instructed in the template. Use the Cricut and cut out two different shaped snowflakes (1 1/4" and 1 3/4"). Use a glue pen to apply glue to penguin's hall brim and ball - sprinkle with navy glitter. Use glue pen to apply glue to the round ends of the smaller snowflake and apply purple glitter. When dry, glue snowflakes together and attach a complementary button to the assembled snowflakes. Assemble box. Instead of folding flaps over, bend flaps up so they meet, gently bending in the sides of the box - use glue to adhere top together and then attach assembled snowflake.
Here is a closer look at some of the details:


Looking for some more hybrid projects? Check out these fabulous blogs today - you never know what you might find!!!
Kelleigh
Sunghee
Laura
Christy
Refreshing Soul Birthday Bag
Supplies:
Refreshing the Soul Digital Kit by Karen Lewis at the Digichick
Digital Template - Treat Bag: Pointy by Kelleigh Ratzlaff at the Digichick
DCWV Cardstock (Yellow), Buttons and Lime green paper flower
Basic Directions:
Using the Pointy Treat Bag digital template - create your basic bag using your photo editting software and Refreshing the Soul digital kit. (Brown background paper and the Happy Birthday decoration are all digital) Print on to presentation paper, cut out. Using the cut out bag as a template trace the pointy flap on to yellow cardstock. Cut out using scissors and apply to the folded over flap. Cut 3/4" strip of paper for handle. Attach handle with glue and then adhere buttons over the handle. Attach flower and button on front pointy flap for decoration.
Here's a closer look at the side and the flap
Penquin Scalloped Bag
Supplies:
Winter Kiss Digital Kit by Traci Reed and Scrapkitchen Designs at the Sweet Shoppe
Digital Template - Treat Bag: Scalloped by Kelleigh Ratzlaff at the Digichick
Glitter
Season of Joy Cricut Cartridge and Cricut
Purple and Blue paper
Basic Directions:
Same as the bag above, use the digital template and digital kit to design your bag. Print and cut out bag, score on lines as instructed in the template. Use the Cricut and cut out two different shaped snowflakes (1 1/4" and 1 3/4"). Use a glue pen to apply glue to penguin's hall brim and ball - sprinkle with navy glitter. Use glue pen to apply glue to the round ends of the smaller snowflake and apply purple glitter. When dry, glue snowflakes together and attach a complementary button to the assembled snowflakes. Assemble box. Instead of folding flaps over, bend flaps up so they meet, gently bending in the sides of the box - use glue to adhere top together and then attach assembled snowflake.
Here is a closer look at some of the details:
Looking for some more hybrid projects? Check out these fabulous blogs today - you never know what you might find!!!
Kelleigh
Sunghee
Laura
Christy
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
365 - Week 2
I'm home from work today recoverying from some outpatient surgery yesterday. I'm feeling way better than I had expected (Yipee!). Seemed like a good time to update some pictures before I start working on some new hybrid projects.
This week's day markers are from Traci Reed and Meghan Mullen's 27365 Kit available at the Sweet Shoppe. Not only are their date markers, but there are some kick butt frames and templates included.

Day 8 - Well, no one is perfect. I didn't take a picture on day 8, quite frankly I forgot. I did go to an old fashioned crop at a local scrapbook shop with my good friend Kirsten. We had fun chatting and I finished all the basic layouts in my mini sisters book. Now I need to journal and embellish but I'm leaving that for this coming Friday. :)
Day 9 - The cold snap continues!
The high was 39 degrees in Tampa for the day. It was the first day Hannah took her new ADD medicine and she did awesome on it. Only one little dizzy spell and she wasn't very hungry - but no other side effects. We took Katie out to visit the IB Middle School to see if she was interested in trying something different next year. I forgot to take my camera, bleh. It's a really neat program and Katie has signed up for the lottery. We're crossing our fingers and hoping for some good luck that she will get chosen to attend. After a yummy lunch we dropped Katie off at her girlfriend's house and Jason, Hannah and I went to Wal-Mart to do some shopping. Jason bought a bread machine (saved me from having to buy it for him for Valentine's Day). Our day rounded out with some homemade chili, Jason and Hannah making bread, and watching the movie Up while snuggled up under one big blanket.

Day 10 - Money, money, money!
Holy Guacamole Batman - Hannah is rich! It seems the ADD medicine has a side effect of liking to organize things (I'm so hoping this side effect stays and I can get Hannah to organize my cupboards in the kitchen - does that make me a bad mom?) So Hannah and I spent the morning in her room cleaning and low and behold I found $50+ in Hannah's closet. So for the next hour or so Hannah counted down to the penny and realized she finally had over $100 in cash. She had been trying for months to get to this goal all because Katie got a $100 bill for her birthday. So, one very excited girl brought all her money to the bank of dad and asked for a $100 bill. Thankfully Jason happen to have the $100 bill Katie got for her birthday in his wallet (it was on it's way to the bank). So here's Hannah with her first ever $100 bill in hand. Now it's time for it to go to the bank where she can't lose it!

Day 11 - Make a Wish!
While helping Hannah study for her spelling test she asked me why we never break the wishbone when we have chicken or turkey. (wishbone is one of her words this week) With a little twinkle in his eye, Jason sauntered over to the sink and grabbed the wishbone from the Christmas turkey breast he smoked. The wishbone has been sitting there drying for weeks but with all the comotion of after Christmas we had forgotten to have the kids break it. So Katie took one end, Hannah took the other and Hannah won - but she forgot to wish before it broke so she was upset. There always has to be some kind of drama! I wonder what she wished for.

Well, I'm off to do some hybrid creating before I have to shower and pick the kids up from early release day. I'll be back tomorrow (I hope) with some projects for you all - finally!
This week's day markers are from Traci Reed and Meghan Mullen's 27365 Kit available at the Sweet Shoppe. Not only are their date markers, but there are some kick butt frames and templates included.
Day 8 - Well, no one is perfect. I didn't take a picture on day 8, quite frankly I forgot. I did go to an old fashioned crop at a local scrapbook shop with my good friend Kirsten. We had fun chatting and I finished all the basic layouts in my mini sisters book. Now I need to journal and embellish but I'm leaving that for this coming Friday. :)
Day 9 - The cold snap continues!
The high was 39 degrees in Tampa for the day. It was the first day Hannah took her new ADD medicine and she did awesome on it. Only one little dizzy spell and she wasn't very hungry - but no other side effects. We took Katie out to visit the IB Middle School to see if she was interested in trying something different next year. I forgot to take my camera, bleh. It's a really neat program and Katie has signed up for the lottery. We're crossing our fingers and hoping for some good luck that she will get chosen to attend. After a yummy lunch we dropped Katie off at her girlfriend's house and Jason, Hannah and I went to Wal-Mart to do some shopping. Jason bought a bread machine (saved me from having to buy it for him for Valentine's Day). Our day rounded out with some homemade chili, Jason and Hannah making bread, and watching the movie Up while snuggled up under one big blanket.
Day 10 - Money, money, money!
Holy Guacamole Batman - Hannah is rich! It seems the ADD medicine has a side effect of liking to organize things (I'm so hoping this side effect stays and I can get Hannah to organize my cupboards in the kitchen - does that make me a bad mom?) So Hannah and I spent the morning in her room cleaning and low and behold I found $50+ in Hannah's closet. So for the next hour or so Hannah counted down to the penny and realized she finally had over $100 in cash. She had been trying for months to get to this goal all because Katie got a $100 bill for her birthday. So, one very excited girl brought all her money to the bank of dad and asked for a $100 bill. Thankfully Jason happen to have the $100 bill Katie got for her birthday in his wallet (it was on it's way to the bank). So here's Hannah with her first ever $100 bill in hand. Now it's time for it to go to the bank where she can't lose it!
Day 11 - Make a Wish!
While helping Hannah study for her spelling test she asked me why we never break the wishbone when we have chicken or turkey. (wishbone is one of her words this week) With a little twinkle in his eye, Jason sauntered over to the sink and grabbed the wishbone from the Christmas turkey breast he smoked. The wishbone has been sitting there drying for weeks but with all the comotion of after Christmas we had forgotten to have the kids break it. So Katie took one end, Hannah took the other and Hannah won - but she forgot to wish before it broke so she was upset. There always has to be some kind of drama! I wonder what she wished for.
Well, I'm off to do some hybrid creating before I have to shower and pick the kids up from early release day. I'll be back tomorrow (I hope) with some projects for you all - finally!
Thursday, January 07, 2010
OMG - I lasted a week *Thud*
Three more days of taking pictures - it must be a record!!! he,he
Day 5 - Panini's!

I bought Jason and Katie a panini maker for Christmas. I wasn't sure how much they would use it but I really shouldn't have worried. We've used it pretty much every other day since it was opened. It's fun, fast and easy to make a sandwich and we are enjoying trying new fillings. This morning I made Katie two little ham and provolone sandwiches for her lunch with the little pieces of left over bread. I was really tempted to eat one of these for breakfast, but I held off in the name of my child needed a full stomach after lunch.
Day 6 - A New Haircut
After growing her hair out for quite some time. Katie decided it was time for a change with her hair - eeek! The last time she got her hair cut she complained for weeks it was too short. I was really nervous she wasn't going to like the cut she chose, but....she loves it and so do I.

So what do you think of the new Katie? Jason immediately said she looked older and he wasn't letting her out of the house. The days of boys calling is just around the corner - sigh! Where does the time go?
Day 7 - Brrr!
The cold snap in Florida continues. This morning we woke to a heavy layer of frost on the grass (well not in our yard because we don't really have any grass) and the cars. We had to scrape the frosty ice of the windshield of the car so I could see enough to drive. Of course every parent decided it would be a good day to drive their kid to school, with it being in the 30's I guess I can see why. In any event, we are looking at least another week of cold weather and hopefully our herbs and flowering plants will make it through. Thank goodness for heated seats in the car (well at least for the driver.)

Tomorrow night I'm off to a crop...yeah, I know...how old school. LOL! Hopefully I'll have some new hybrid creations to show off over the weekend. With the high only being projected at 39 for Saturday I don't think I'll be leaving the house. Watch out kids - I'll be after your Snuggies!
Day 5 - Panini's!
I bought Jason and Katie a panini maker for Christmas. I wasn't sure how much they would use it but I really shouldn't have worried. We've used it pretty much every other day since it was opened. It's fun, fast and easy to make a sandwich and we are enjoying trying new fillings. This morning I made Katie two little ham and provolone sandwiches for her lunch with the little pieces of left over bread. I was really tempted to eat one of these for breakfast, but I held off in the name of my child needed a full stomach after lunch.
Day 6 - A New Haircut
After growing her hair out for quite some time. Katie decided it was time for a change with her hair - eeek! The last time she got her hair cut she complained for weeks it was too short. I was really nervous she wasn't going to like the cut she chose, but....she loves it and so do I.
So what do you think of the new Katie? Jason immediately said she looked older and he wasn't letting her out of the house. The days of boys calling is just around the corner - sigh! Where does the time go?
Day 7 - Brrr!
The cold snap in Florida continues. This morning we woke to a heavy layer of frost on the grass (well not in our yard because we don't really have any grass) and the cars. We had to scrape the frosty ice of the windshield of the car so I could see enough to drive. Of course every parent decided it would be a good day to drive their kid to school, with it being in the 30's I guess I can see why. In any event, we are looking at least another week of cold weather and hopefully our herbs and flowering plants will make it through. Thank goodness for heated seats in the car (well at least for the driver.)
Tomorrow night I'm off to a crop...yeah, I know...how old school. LOL! Hopefully I'll have some new hybrid creations to show off over the weekend. With the high only being projected at 39 for Saturday I don't think I'll be leaving the house. Watch out kids - I'll be after your Snuggies!
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Picture Pages, Picture Pages....
time to get your picture pages, time to get your crayons and your pencils. he,he Do you remember that song? You're old! ha! So am I. Wa!
Well Happy New Year! I told myself and several of my digiscrapping friends that this year I wasn't even going to attempt Project 365. I lied. I realized last night that I had taken a picture a day for 4 days in a row without even trying to I mine as well just see if I could keep it going awhile longer. My original goal was to take a picture a week and scrap about that one picture and everything that happened that week. For me that goal in and of itself is huge. So...instead of making a promise or resolution I'm just going to go with the flow and see where this whole Project 365 and Project 52 take me (hopefully not over Insanity Falls, I'm already on a boat headed that way with work and motherhood).
On the to the show....
This week's date markers are from a kit called Spring Anticipation by Karla Dudley coming the Digichick on Thursday, January 7th. She's also releasing 3 new Digital Element kits that are perfect little add ons for any page - check them out. I really like Karla's style (and no, she didn't pay me to say that - but I did get her stuff for free cause I'm on the Digichick CT.)
So what have we been up to...let's take a look and see.
January 1st - New Year's Day
Let's not talk about my sister's dog that stayed over night or my neighbors blaring salsa music - okay? Let's talk about a day in our PJ's, eatting yummy food, playing games and with Christmas toys, visiting with good friends and eating more yummy hubby smoked food (needed a little variety). The Gators won Tim Tebow's last game - it was a great day! My highlight of the day was Hannah taking her new Rescue Pet Swim To Me Puppy for a swim in the pool. Yeah, it was cold here by Florida standards, but that's okay - the puppy is plastic he won't catch a cold.
As you can see yo the left, Hannah was wearing her new favorite boots from Aunt Michelle, her Christmas PJ bottoms from mom and her Philly T-shirt inside out (no idea why). She is trying to fish her swimming puppy out of the pool without falling in. All while Olivia is watching from the swing on the patio. After the puppy was rescued from the chilly water Hannah wrapped him in a towel like any good mom would and snuggled him up. Thanks for the swimming puppy Grandma Sue - she loves it!
January 2nd - The coldest visit to Disney evah!
We met my parents at Hollywood Studios for a day of Disney fun. Hannah was chosen to announce the Voyage of the Little Mermaid before the show - she was nervous and a litte shy, but did a great job.
Katie rode the Tower of Terror for the first time and loved it. In the evening my brother and his wife joined us so we could all go see the Osbourne Lights. It's always so nice to have the kids together and to spend some time with my sister-in-law. The picture of the day is of my girls and my two nephews. These cousins really don't get enough time together, but we were happy to enjoy the short visit we had on Saturday!
Janaury 3 - Another cold day at Disney
After a warm, hearty breakfast, we ventured out to Animal Kingdom with my parents. Katie was super excited to ride Exbidition Everest and even got Papa Ken to ride. :) We alternated between trying to stay warm inside by drinking hot chocolate and walking between rides. The picture of the day is of Katie and Hannah in front of a giant snowman in Dinosaur Land. We only made it until 3pm and then we had to head back home because it was so cold (even though we were thoroughly bundled - thanks mom!)
January 4 - Getting back to normal
The girls went back to school. Jason worked from home and I headed to work loathing the fact Jason was working from home (all snuggly and warm). I went and got my haircut after work (yes - I just updated my avatar last week with a new pic and now I look totally different). I came home to find Jason at the kitchen table trying to help both girls with their homework. No dishes done, no dinner cooking...grrr. So while I whipped up some dinner Hannah headed to the couch to do her reading for the night. So instead of a picture of my new hair cut you get a picture of Hannah and Cali snuggled on the couch just as it should be. Life is good!
Well Happy New Year! I told myself and several of my digiscrapping friends that this year I wasn't even going to attempt Project 365. I lied. I realized last night that I had taken a picture a day for 4 days in a row without even trying to I mine as well just see if I could keep it going awhile longer. My original goal was to take a picture a week and scrap about that one picture and everything that happened that week. For me that goal in and of itself is huge. So...instead of making a promise or resolution I'm just going to go with the flow and see where this whole Project 365 and Project 52 take me (hopefully not over Insanity Falls, I'm already on a boat headed that way with work and motherhood).
On the to the show....
This week's date markers are from a kit called Spring Anticipation by Karla Dudley coming the Digichick on Thursday, January 7th. She's also releasing 3 new Digital Element kits that are perfect little add ons for any page - check them out. I really like Karla's style (and no, she didn't pay me to say that - but I did get her stuff for free cause I'm on the Digichick CT.)
So what have we been up to...let's take a look and see.
January 1st - New Year's Day
Let's not talk about my sister's dog that stayed over night or my neighbors blaring salsa music - okay? Let's talk about a day in our PJ's, eatting yummy food, playing games and with Christmas toys, visiting with good friends and eating more yummy hubby smoked food (needed a little variety). The Gators won Tim Tebow's last game - it was a great day! My highlight of the day was Hannah taking her new Rescue Pet Swim To Me Puppy for a swim in the pool. Yeah, it was cold here by Florida standards, but that's okay - the puppy is plastic he won't catch a cold.
January 2nd - The coldest visit to Disney evah!
We met my parents at Hollywood Studios for a day of Disney fun. Hannah was chosen to announce the Voyage of the Little Mermaid before the show - she was nervous and a litte shy, but did a great job.
Janaury 3 - Another cold day at Disney
January 4 - Getting back to normal
Friday, November 06, 2009
The Perfect Little Box and lots of new things
I came across the perfect box today - it's the most awesome size and will fit lots and lots of goodies for the holidays. I can see this decorated in all sorts of pretty papers for just about any occassion.

I used this adorable new kit called What I Like About Me designed by Traci Reed and Eva Kipler over at the Sweet Shoppe. It will be on sale today so go check it out!

I found the template for this cute little box here
Here are some closer shots of the project so you can get the full idea of what you can do with the project.


Now...what can you put inside? It was designed to fit an 8oz canning jar, but I can think of lots of other things that would fit inside like
- Yankee Candle Tarts
- A Small Yankee Candle Jar Candle and some hot cocoa or tea
- Fill it with lots of different kinds of teas
- A little kinz Webkinz would fit inside for a child's gift
- Homemade cookies
- A couple pair of fuzzy socks
- and much, much more!
Don't forget about all the Digital Scrapbook Day fun around the web! I'm hosting the Gallery Hunt Game over at Polka Dot Plum. I'd love it if you would come play along!
The Digichick is having a HUGE sale this weekend. There are some gorgeous kits over there including some kick butt grab bags for next to nothing. Here's what I played with this week.

Using the following:
Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Nov Grab Bag - 3 cool digital templates. I used the silhoutte box to create the project above.
We Can Build A Snowman by Elise and Michelle

A layout featuring a picture from our vacation.
Herbarium by ViVa Artistry
I used this adorable new kit called What I Like About Me designed by Traci Reed and Eva Kipler over at the Sweet Shoppe. It will be on sale today so go check it out!
I found the template for this cute little box here
Here are some closer shots of the project so you can get the full idea of what you can do with the project.
Now...what can you put inside? It was designed to fit an 8oz canning jar, but I can think of lots of other things that would fit inside like
- Yankee Candle Tarts
- A Small Yankee Candle Jar Candle and some hot cocoa or tea
- Fill it with lots of different kinds of teas
- A little kinz Webkinz would fit inside for a child's gift
- Homemade cookies
- A couple pair of fuzzy socks
- and much, much more!
Don't forget about all the Digital Scrapbook Day fun around the web! I'm hosting the Gallery Hunt Game over at Polka Dot Plum. I'd love it if you would come play along!
The Digichick is having a HUGE sale this weekend. There are some gorgeous kits over there including some kick butt grab bags for next to nothing. Here's what I played with this week.
Using the following:
Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Nov Grab Bag - 3 cool digital templates. I used the silhoutte box to create the project above.
We Can Build A Snowman by Elise and Michelle
A layout featuring a picture from our vacation.
Herbarium by ViVa Artistry
Friday, October 30, 2009
Lots of Digi Treats!!!
Happy Halloween all you Digi Scrappers! Welcome to the Digichick Blog Hop. As promised I have my Digichick Freebie all ready for you to grab. I've created a small gable box featuring Golden Harvest by Mari K and Danielle E at the Digichick. The Gable Box Template is by Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs at the Digichick. All the instructions you need are in the file. So download, print, cut, assemble and give to a friend!!! (Or hoard for yourself)The link is below.
Make sure you check out these other Digichick CT and Designer blogs for more freebies!!!
Tiffany
LuAnn
Cheryl
Mel
Kelley
Sinead
Tracy
Pam
Elise
Jill
Jacinda
Jenn
Kara
Heather
Juli
Mari
Julie
Linda
Dani
Cheryl
Kelleigh
ViVa
The Hybrid Chick
Don't forget that Polka Dot Plum is hosting their Halloween Party tonight at 8pm Eastern. Come join the fun!
Now here's your treat - Thank You Gable Box. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Getting Ready for Some Treats!
I am back from vacation (which was incredible!) and I've been a frantic mess this week. Lots of projects due, a huge test I have to take a work, trying to get the house ready for a Halloween party on Saturday (who's insane idea was that?)...etc. Good news - I get an extra hour of sleep Saturday night and we have zero plans for Sunday - sounds like heaven to me!
I love Halloween (at least the cute stuff). This year there are lots of treats out there for you digi and hybrid scrappers! Come back tomorrow for a little treat here on my blog and make sure you check out The Hybrid Chick because the Digichick CT and the Designers are all handing out treats on their blogs!!! Free goodies for us moms!!! Woot! Woot!
There is going to be some fun things going on at Polka Dot Plum tomorrow too! Hope to "see" you there!

I'm joinging their site CT as a hybrid contributor(thanks for the invite Suzy!) on November 1st. So make sure you come over and say hi.
I have a super cute project for you that's perfect for Halloween. Meet my boy Drac...

Isn't he just adorable? I found the coffin box template here. All the directions you need to assemble are included. I was kind of surprised how thing the box was, but in the end it's perfect for just a little card and treat. Even a gift card would fit inside. :)
The kit I used is call Frankie and Jackie by Traci Reed at the Sweet Shoppe. I'm on Traci's CT and let me tell you... she packs her kits full of great stuff! It's a great kit for Halloween pictures and some last minute crafts (come on you have two days till Halloween).

Finally I'll leave you with some Fall layouts. There are so many adorable kits out there this year...you should go ahead and pick up a few and just take more pictures this year (he,he - scrapbooker rationalization can be fun!).
Pumpkin featuring Penny Springmann's A Little Kooky

Autumn Bliss featuring Golden Harvest Collab by Mari K and Danielle E at the Digichick

Ahoy Mates featuring Spooked by Zoe Pearn at the Sweet Shoppe

So come back tomorrow and get your freebie (I promise it will be a good one) and I'll have some more Fall/Halloween layouts and projects for you to enjoy.
I love Halloween (at least the cute stuff). This year there are lots of treats out there for you digi and hybrid scrappers! Come back tomorrow for a little treat here on my blog and make sure you check out The Hybrid Chick because the Digichick CT and the Designers are all handing out treats on their blogs!!! Free goodies for us moms!!! Woot! Woot!
There is going to be some fun things going on at Polka Dot Plum tomorrow too! Hope to "see" you there!
I'm joinging their site CT as a hybrid contributor(thanks for the invite Suzy!) on November 1st. So make sure you come over and say hi.
I have a super cute project for you that's perfect for Halloween. Meet my boy Drac...
Isn't he just adorable? I found the coffin box template here. All the directions you need to assemble are included. I was kind of surprised how thing the box was, but in the end it's perfect for just a little card and treat. Even a gift card would fit inside. :)
The kit I used is call Frankie and Jackie by Traci Reed at the Sweet Shoppe. I'm on Traci's CT and let me tell you... she packs her kits full of great stuff! It's a great kit for Halloween pictures and some last minute crafts (come on you have two days till Halloween).
Finally I'll leave you with some Fall layouts. There are so many adorable kits out there this year...you should go ahead and pick up a few and just take more pictures this year (he,he - scrapbooker rationalization can be fun!).
Pumpkin featuring Penny Springmann's A Little Kooky
Autumn Bliss featuring Golden Harvest Collab by Mari K and Danielle E at the Digichick
Ahoy Mates featuring Spooked by Zoe Pearn at the Sweet Shoppe
So come back tomorrow and get your freebie (I promise it will be a good one) and I'll have some more Fall/Halloween layouts and projects for you to enjoy.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Blog Hop Friday!!!!
It's time for another blog hop with Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs Creative Team. The team has been super busy all week working with 3 new templates being released this week.
I had the pleasure of working with two of Kelleigh's new templates this week, her Perfect Pumpking Templates and her Top Heavy Bag Template.
Acorn Box
Made using Kelleigh Ratzlaff’s Perfect Pumpkin Template and Life Has A Story Collab Chapter 1 – The Digichick. I used the medium sized template and I actually have this displayed just as photographed in my entry way because it's so stinkin' cute.

HINT: The trick with this box is to make sure you print the score lines on the box and take the time to score every line accurately so you get good crip folds.
No More Monsters Bag & Monster Spray
Made using Kelleigh's Top Heavy Bag and Traci Reed & Christy Lyle's Silly Willie being released at the Sweet Shoppe on Saturday 10/3 (you get a special sneak peek!)
Front of Box

Back of Box

Now the fun part! Hop on over to the following blogs. When you get to Kelleigh's blog leave a comment about your favorite project (go ahead and vote for me - I don't mind!) One lucky person will be drawn to win a free Perfect Pumpkin Template. Good luck!
- Tracy
- Julee
- Julie
- Christy
- Dana
- Sunghee
- Laura
- LuAnn
- Kelleigh
I had the pleasure of working with two of Kelleigh's new templates this week, her Perfect Pumpking Templates and her Top Heavy Bag Template.
Acorn Box
Made using Kelleigh Ratzlaff’s Perfect Pumpkin Template and Life Has A Story Collab Chapter 1 – The Digichick. I used the medium sized template and I actually have this displayed just as photographed in my entry way because it's so stinkin' cute.
HINT: The trick with this box is to make sure you print the score lines on the box and take the time to score every line accurately so you get good crip folds.
No More Monsters Bag & Monster Spray
Made using Kelleigh's Top Heavy Bag and Traci Reed & Christy Lyle's Silly Willie being released at the Sweet Shoppe on Saturday 10/3 (you get a special sneak peek!)
Front of Box
Back of Box
Now the fun part! Hop on over to the following blogs. When you get to Kelleigh's blog leave a comment about your favorite project (go ahead and vote for me - I don't mind!) One lucky person will be drawn to win a free Perfect Pumpkin Template. Good luck!
- Tracy
- Julee
- Julie
- Christy
- Dana
- Sunghee
- Laura
- LuAnn
- Kelleigh
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Hybrid Craziness!
Fridays and Saturday mornings are always crazy for me. I work with three designers that release on Saturday at the Sweet Shoppe. Heaven and craziness all in one! Friday night dates with a glue stick instead of my hubby, heck I don't really mind.
So here's what I've been up to this week:
Traci Reed's - My 'Magination
Mini Composition Books - the perfect size for my purse!! Love it! I also love this fun and funky paper and the sayings in this kit.

To make the books I simply measured the size of the notebook plus about 1/4" around to have room to trim. The spine is a seperate piece that is about 1.5 to 2" wide. For the Reality notebook I used my new scalloped edge punch to dress it up.
Penny Springmann and MandaBean's - Anticipation
I just love this kit - the little tops and pants are just adorable. I think this would make an awesome shower theme. The finished product is 5"x7". Some cute little favors and cupcake toppers would be the perfect accompaniment to round out this party!

Eva Kipler and Lliella Designs - Ladies Night Out
Hybrid Gum Favors - what a fun thing to give out prior to a Bachelorette Party, Girls Night Out or a really fun birthday party. I'm thinking that after you use the gum you could use the wrapper as a cover for a mini album with pictures from the party. Hmm...going to have to try that!


So now that I've overworked my glue stick - it's time to do some calendar pages. Oh- it's going to be a fun day of college football and my computer. If only my computer was powered by the treadmill, maybe my diet would be doing better.
So here's what I've been up to this week:
Traci Reed's - My 'Magination
Mini Composition Books - the perfect size for my purse!! Love it! I also love this fun and funky paper and the sayings in this kit.
To make the books I simply measured the size of the notebook plus about 1/4" around to have room to trim. The spine is a seperate piece that is about 1.5 to 2" wide. For the Reality notebook I used my new scalloped edge punch to dress it up.
Penny Springmann and MandaBean's - Anticipation
I just love this kit - the little tops and pants are just adorable. I think this would make an awesome shower theme. The finished product is 5"x7". Some cute little favors and cupcake toppers would be the perfect accompaniment to round out this party!
Eva Kipler and Lliella Designs - Ladies Night Out
Hybrid Gum Favors - what a fun thing to give out prior to a Bachelorette Party, Girls Night Out or a really fun birthday party. I'm thinking that after you use the gum you could use the wrapper as a cover for a mini album with pictures from the party. Hmm...going to have to try that!
So now that I've overworked my glue stick - it's time to do some calendar pages. Oh- it's going to be a fun day of college football and my computer. If only my computer was powered by the treadmill, maybe my diet would be doing better.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Matchbox and a prize
I'm participating in Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Blog Hop today - I'm so freakin' excited! Just to celebrate this fun occassion I tried out one of Kelleigh's new templates - Matchbox Template Set. This is the large version and it came together really quickly. I can see lots of potential for this box!!!
Here's my Happy Birthday version featuring Traci Reed's Happy Go Silly kit (Sweet Shoppe)


I simply used Kelleigh's easy template as a clipping mask to digitally cut out the box template from the brown bag paper. I then created a seperate accent rectangle for both the bottom box and the outside wrap. I printed all items on presentation paper and then used a paper trimmer to cut out. I used a piece of light green cardstock and my new scallop punch to create the green border for the wrap. The happy birthday to you circle was created in Photoshop Elements using pre-made circles and the alpha from Happy Go Silly. For assembly I simply used glue stick and double stick tape. Really - a cute project that can be done in little to no time!
Check out the Matchbox template at The Digichick. It's on sale for only $2.97 - what a steal!
I plan to tuck an I-tunes gift card inside so Katie (10) can give this to her BFF Erica for her birthday this weekend. Do you think this is cute enough to impress an eleven year old? I hope so...I wouldn't want to be the "uncool" mom!
Would you like to win a $10 Gift Certificate to Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs? If so, go check out all of the Creative Team Member's projects, then head over to Kelleigh's blog and leave a comment. Tell Kelleigh which project you liked the best, or which project you can see yourself doing next.
Want another chance? Twitter about the blog hop and leave another comment on Kelleigh's blog! Facebook it, and leave another comment for another chance! Kelleigh will pick a winner by this Friday evening.
Kelleigh
Tracy
Julee
Julie
Christy
Dana
Sunghee
Here's my Happy Birthday version featuring Traci Reed's Happy Go Silly kit (Sweet Shoppe)
I simply used Kelleigh's easy template as a clipping mask to digitally cut out the box template from the brown bag paper. I then created a seperate accent rectangle for both the bottom box and the outside wrap. I printed all items on presentation paper and then used a paper trimmer to cut out. I used a piece of light green cardstock and my new scallop punch to create the green border for the wrap. The happy birthday to you circle was created in Photoshop Elements using pre-made circles and the alpha from Happy Go Silly. For assembly I simply used glue stick and double stick tape. Really - a cute project that can be done in little to no time!
Check out the Matchbox template at The Digichick. It's on sale for only $2.97 - what a steal!
I plan to tuck an I-tunes gift card inside so Katie (10) can give this to her BFF Erica for her birthday this weekend. Do you think this is cute enough to impress an eleven year old? I hope so...I wouldn't want to be the "uncool" mom!
Would you like to win a $10 Gift Certificate to Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs? If so, go check out all of the Creative Team Member's projects, then head over to Kelleigh's blog and leave a comment. Tell Kelleigh which project you liked the best, or which project you can see yourself doing next.
Want another chance? Twitter about the blog hop and leave another comment on Kelleigh's blog! Facebook it, and leave another comment for another chance! Kelleigh will pick a winner by this Friday evening.
Kelleigh
Tracy
Julee
Julie
Christy
Dana
Sunghee
Monday, September 21, 2009
Some fun new hybrid stuff
I've been on a "neglect my blog and make some hybrid goodies streak" recently. So...check out what I've been doing instead of actually writing on my blog.
Hannah's 7 Badge Book and Keep It Box
Featuring As Good As It Gets by Eva Kipler and Penny Springmann (Sweet Shoppe)

Brown Bagging It Hybrid Style
Check out Eva Kipler's Blog for instructions on how to make all three of these fabulous brown bag projects using Eva's awesome kits!

Perpetual Babysitter Note Board
Featuring Baby Steps by Traci Reed and Meghan Mullens (Sweet Shoppe)
I hear this might be a freebie on Traci Reed's blog this coming weekend *wink, wink*

Popsicle Thank You Cards
Full instructions on Penny Springmann's Blog - you know these are super simple and make you look brillant with other crafty moms!

As for some whitty comments and pics of the kiddos- maybe tomorrow, or maybe not. Depends how much time I get with my glue stick tonight! he, he
Hannah's 7 Badge Book and Keep It Box
Featuring As Good As It Gets by Eva Kipler and Penny Springmann (Sweet Shoppe)
Brown Bagging It Hybrid Style
Check out Eva Kipler's Blog for instructions on how to make all three of these fabulous brown bag projects using Eva's awesome kits!
Perpetual Babysitter Note Board
Featuring Baby Steps by Traci Reed and Meghan Mullens (Sweet Shoppe)
I hear this might be a freebie on Traci Reed's blog this coming weekend *wink, wink*
Popsicle Thank You Cards
Full instructions on Penny Springmann's Blog - you know these are super simple and make you look brillant with other crafty moms!
As for some whitty comments and pics of the kiddos- maybe tomorrow, or maybe not. Depends how much time I get with my glue stick tonight! he, he
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