Sibling Rivalry????

(Thankful on Nov 4th) Sibling rivalry is something I don't ever remember having with my sister. I only ever thought of her as my baby sis. I am fortunate to call her my friend, my prayer warrior, my partner in crime (when we go shopping) and my soon to be business partner. She is the one person I can call and she will drop just about anything to come to my need. I say just about anything because she is a remarkable wife and mother also. She is creative and artistic beyond immaginable. She is humble when it comes to herself, but will start a rumble if a family member or friend are being challenged. She's loyal and trustworthy. I have always believed that it is important for people to know how you feel about them while they are still here and it's extremly important that she know's just how thankful I am for her. The uncountable times we have pee'd our pants laughing over the silliest things. We all have that someone in our life that allows us to be "ourself" whether it's good or bad, they choose to hang in there with you when the rest of the world walks away. Take the time to let them know how thankful you are for them. I love you Shawny....xoxox... for that special creative inspiration you need, check out her blog www.kissingtinyflowers-shawn.blogspot.com

Oh what a beautiful morning...

(Thankful on Nov 3) In 1621, a feast took place that was shared between Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians to celebrate the harvest and to give thanks for the bounty of their crops. This month we are to celebrate Thanksgiving and I wanted to take time everyday to reflect upon something that I am thankful for. So many times I get busy with my schedule and do not take time to give praise where praise is due. This morning I awoke to a beautiful morning... the sunrise, the coolness in the air, and something that is rare with me, "a good nights sleep". It's amazing how much energy you have when your body has been rested. I had time to make my pot of coffee and go outside and water all my rose bushes. Then sit a bit and play fetch with my puppies. What a difference a goods nights sleep does for you. Thank you Lord for resting my body and then the gift of life to awake for a new day awaiting.

It's all in the accessories...

Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo Put 'em together and what have you got Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo. Had to post this picture that I took of my little ones. They are so very patient with me. NO.... this is not their costume, it's not Halloween yet. You'll have to wait to see that. Everyone have fun looking for that special accessory for your Halloween duds....

"LOST MY HEAD OVER YOU"

This was a fun project...... I puchased a paper mache body form and wanted to do something a little different with it. With Halloween right around the corner, it inspired me to do something a little "creepy"....lol...I used G45 "Fashionista paper for the main dress, and also SEI suede paper for the bodice. Added lace and Glimmer misted it with "Sandy Beach" to change up the color, also used Ranger alcohol ink in raspberry to highlight pieces of the hair.
The head was cut off a doll and grunged up a bit, because after all this lass did loose her head over someone special in her life.Added some trinkets, of angel wings, beads, ribbon, heart made from grungeboard and embossed with glitter as well as sign made from Tim Holtz fragments. But I think the most fun I had was using an old Simplicity pattern I had from years back...Made ruffles for the back of the dress as well as the collar and puffy sleeves.
A blog that I frequent had a challenge to do something with ruffles....Moxie Fab World. I would encourage you to check this blog out to see other amazing projects to inspire your creativity. It was fun doing something different and out of the box. It's always good to extend yourself, never know what your going to learn. TFL

7 Gypsies week @ Blue Moon Scrapbooking

Everyone wishes they were a gypsy sometime in there life. Just throwing there cares to the wind and seeing where life takes you. Well Blue Moon Scrapbooking is having a 7 Gypsies week. Check out their blog for details to some great 7 Gypsy product giveaways.

Believe....Joy....Prayer

Been down with the flu lately and haven't had a chance to do much blogging, but came upon these pictures I recently took and they so inspired me to write something down. Having something or someone to believe in is so important to me. Can't imagine my life if I didn't have the Lord Jesus in my life. So very blessed to have a heavenly Father that I can go to about everything. Which leads me to the next picture... Joy.... we all have those times when we just don't feel like pulling ourselves out of bed. Recently I've been faced with having to make alot of difficult decisions...Yes, being human, I do tend to worry and stress, but their is a sense of comfort and joy deep down inside that I know is only there because of the Lord. He never promised me that I wouldn't have trials in my life, but He has promised to never leave or forsake me. Which brings me to my last photo...Prayer
Wow, what can I say, do you know the power of prayer? How thankful I am that I have a heavenly father that I can go to anytime day or night and talk to him. Even times I don't know quite what to say... God knows. It is such a comfort inside to know that God hears all my prayers & every prayer is answered accordinging to His will.

"YOU ARE THE BEST THING"

Scrapping the Music has a challenge every week, where they provide a song to inspire a layout. Well this week the song was "You are the best thing" by Ray LaMontagne... great song. I had been working on this layout of my mother, sister and myself, and was torn on the title of the layout. Well this song couldn't be a better title. Can't imagine my life without my mother or sister. When we get together, you would think we were best friends, and that's probably because we are. The strength, determination, and independence my mom taught me, softened by the faithful, trustworthiness love of my sister, makes my life well rounded. I am a better person because of them. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't appreciate the both of them. Mom and Shawn..... "YOU ARE THE BEST THING" xoxoxox

Successful weekend

This last weekend was the Ontario Scrapbook Expo. You would think after scrapbooking now for several years, and having just about every little gadget or paper around, what more could I need or "want". Well, once again the Expo did not disappoint. So glad to see our crafty industry is brewing with wonderful new designers that provide new technique as well as products. Starting off the weekend, my sister (Shawn, check out her amazing blog) and I worked at the crop til about midnight. Crazy, fun, ladies, full of energy and loving every minute of scrapping their family and friends memories. Then onto Saturday morning, it's our day to shop and feast our eyes on all the pretties. So much fun to see how many people are just learning about scrapbooking and are so excited. My sister and I met many wonderful vendors, and saw old friends. Got to purchase some new product that we have been wanting to try out. Can't wait to play with Melissa Frances mica flakes & Smooch ink but I think our pick for the best vendor was a company from Canada "Local King Rubber Stamp" selling these unbelievable rubber stamps. Now I'm not much a stamper, but couldn't resist the detail on these great stamps. The price was also great. Check out their website . Then onto the crop for Saturday nite. Tired... are u kidding me, just getting started. The crop lasted till 11:30. Hey I got 3 pages done. Quite an accomplishment for even me. All and all, this weekend was a blast and a success .

Let's have church

We all get those crazy emails that are just a waste of our time. We just simply hit the delete button and don't bother to watch. Well this morning I received an email with this attachment and I'm so glad that I didn't hit that delete button. For all of those out there that believe in the "grace of God"... enjoy this video...be sure to turn off my player first at the bottom of my blog.

BOO-ti-ful HALLOWEEN

Halloween is not one of my most favorite holidays... but I really enjoy decorating and the weather and the candy...etc. etc. Lately I've been out and some of the local stores are really decorated quite cute. I would consider this the "Boo-ti-ful side of Halloween". Loving the colors and textures. Make no bones about it (NO PUN INTENDED) skullys come in all shapes and sizes, and even lil ol' me has one or two of these lying around my house. Hope you have a wicked time decorating your home. bwahahahaha

We're big kids now !!

Yes I know, we love our babies... the amount of joy they bring to our lives is Priceless. Many many happy years we are going to have together. Big wet smooches for our 2 birthday babies.

Dear Santa...

Yesterday I shared a teeny tiny project I was working on for a "Bad Girls" challenge www.badgirlskits.com/ . Well this is my finished project. Every Christmas time I end up with a ton of papers and notes in my purse, compiled of my list of presents I want to buy for everyone. Recently I came upon these cute little note pads at Michael's... $1.00 bin. Thought this would be perfect for me to carry in my purse and keep track of the Christmas gift list. They just needed to be glammed up abit for Christmas. Paper used was My Minds Eye the "Frost Christmas" line. For the "no peeking sign" I used grungeboard and alcohol inked it, then topped it with distressed stickles "Vintage Photo". Gesso'd and painted with acrylic paint inside and applied a good dose of glimmer mist just for that extra sparkle (I don't ever think you can have too much sparkle) Added snowflake buttons for additional texture and wimsy... With this little note pad keeping track of my purchases I should have more room in my purse for $$$$ :)

It's lunch time... eat food or make a project ???

Ok... so one of my most favorite places for inspiration and to spend money is http://badgirlskits.com/ and they are having their monthly reveal party tonight @ 10:00 pm. Wendy Rago, ( the unbelieveably talented owner) always has little ways to get us inspired while waiting to see the products that are going to be released that month. Tonight, she is asking you to get your crafty on and make a tiny project. Can't be any larger than 4 x 4. So, there goes my brain.... hummm what to make??? Having to go home at lunch to take care of an errand, figured gee, I should have a little time to get some of my project done. So out comes the paper, scissors, glue, gesso, glimmer mist etc. etc. lol... what a mess I can make in about 20 minutes. Well didn't get it finished, but a good head start. Come back here this evening to see the finished project... And by the way, come by Bad Girls http://badgirlskits.com/ go to the Parlour and join in the VIP party reveal. Oh yea, it's also a costume party, so be sure to dress up...:)

TODAY....just a quick thought

MODGE PODGE of Wonderfulness

Recently stopped by one of my favorite stores, Tai Pan Trading Co. in Rancho Cucamonga. It's that kind of a store that gives you goose bumps when you walk in, or in my case causes me to have a hot flash. You have to put several hours aside just to be able to visit all the nooks and crannies filled with goodness. Their decorating team does such a great job of placement and merchandising. And the prices... well let's just say you get a darn good bang for your buck. Both of us LOVING the holidays, my sister and I were enthralled at the decor for the upcoming holidays. From whimsical to country from dramatic to every day use. Can't wait to start decorating for the holidays... guess I better start saving up those pennies for some more trips to Tai Pan. I'm sure I can use another pumpkin or two somewhere in my house.

orange, brown, gold & bronze... COLORS OF FALL

.."Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."- Elizabeth Lawrence

It is still warm during the day, but I can smell autumn in the air. Last night it was a bit breezy, someone in the neighborhood actually had their fireplace going and I could smell the wood. I love everything about fall...the colors, the clothing, the food, family seems to spend more time together. Such a comfort time of year. I bought some flowers at the local craft store to make a wreath for my door and Bubba and Noelle thought it was just the right place to sit down. I think the wreath looks prettier on them then the front door. May you take the time to sip on a cup of your favorite warm drink, take a gander outside your window, and enjoy the splendor of the turning of the leaves.

CD HOLDER MADE FROM RECYCLED PRODUCTS

This was a quick and easy project I made using a cardboard box, which I cut into equal sizes, then covered with paper of choice. Then I used coffee sleeves for the cd holders. I covered them and glued them in place. And just had fun embellishing everywhere. On the front cover I used a piece of plastic that was from packaging , which my sister saved to later use for altering, but I scavenged it from her.....hee hee. I inked it with Ranger alcohol inks "caramel" for that aged photo negative look. I'm going to use it to store my photo cd's that i have collecting in my desk. My daughter thought this would be a cute Christmas gift idea for her girl friends who have lots of music cd's just lying around. Remember.... think twice before throwing out that trash.... hummmm what treasure can I make from that.... Have fun

Confessions of a sugarholic

Well it's that time of year when the store aisles are full of bags of candy... yummmmmm. One of my biggest weaknesses is SUGAR, any way, shape or form, could be baked, sprinkled, dipped, doesn't really matter. I have always had this insane sweet tooth that I inherited from my daddy. And now with the holidays approaching, well, what can I say. So here is a glimpse of a couple of bags to start of the season, even though, these bags will never make it to October 31st for the little trick or treaters... bwahahahaha

Been getting my hands dirty lately....

A simple way for me to bring my family to work with me, I made this to have on my desk at work. I work for Verizon, so Graphic 45 line of "Communique" was a perfect choice of paper to use for this project. Loaded all kinds of embellies which include, rhinestones, lace, grungeboard, crocheted flowers (made by myself), chipboard, Tim Holtz fragments, ribbon, engraved metal labels made on my Pazzles machine, dew drops, and a whole lot more. Doused with a good supply of Tattered angels spray and frosted the edges with my fav distressed ink (black soot)... What fun this was... The Scrapping Lounge/Montclair, CA hosted a scavenger hunt, which required items be located and then you were given a week to create a project with the items. I chose to make a book with a niche which provided a home for some special pictures of my brother. Some of the items that were on the list were, bobby pins, nails, washers, nut & bolts, wire, jewelry, popsicle stick, toothpicks, doily, Starbuck coffee sleeve, corrugated cardboard, paint brush, coffee filter, aluminum foil, hook & eye, snaps, brads, binder clips, paper clips, postmarked stamp, envelope, concert tickets, and a whole lot more. The book was found at a local junk store, in which I cut a niche in both sides, used distressed inks to complete that grundged, aged look. Ranger alcohol inks were used to provide staining. I used glimmer mist to the doily and sheet music for added sparkle. Engraving of tag was made with Pazzles machine. ...hope you enjoy as much as I enjoyed making it. For "YOUNIQUE" my daughter can be a girly girl at times so this paper bag for her had to be sprinkled with glam. Just had fun being a little crazy with this. Lots of little pockets and pull outs to display special moments with her friends. xoxoxo

WARMS MY SOUL

What a great morning... cool & breezy out... I can feel autumn right around the corner. Working on some projects, but 1st...had to make a stop at my favorite coffee place. I mean Starbucks is o.k., but I "heart" The Coffee Bean. So many franchises closing down though, so I had to drive thru the valley and over mountains to get a cup. But it was worth it. Something about a good cup of coffee that warms your soul. "Prailines and Cream" are you kidding me...yummmmmmm. Whatever it is that warms your soul, take the time to find it... Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present.

love love love this... needed some muse for the weekend ahead... hope y'all grow wings, imagine how high (or low) you can fly...saw this on house of 3 blog... check it out... http://houseof3designdistrict.blogspot.com/

ON OUR KNEES

Today marks the 8th anniversary of the tragedy that should have forever changed the world. I think for a few months, maybe a year it did. But I think as time has gone by, we have forgotten what took place that September 11th or how it impacted our lives.

I remember getting ready for work that morning, and the news was on. And the broadcast came over of what was taking place. I remember standing there staring at the tv, I think my heart stopped for just a moment. Gazing with confusion. Feeling I really needed to be with people to confirm what I had just seen on television was real. Their was an eery quietness in the office when I arrived. A feeling I will never forget. People standing around with a glazed over look in their eyes. I remember a few of us gathered together right away to pray for what we weren't sure was taking place, but remembering how comforted I was after the prayer... I'm not sure how people endure trials or terrifying situations without Jesus but I am so glad I have him. The comfort He provides that no one else can possibly understand..

The tragedy that took place 8 years ago should remind us how we need to be "On our knees" way more than we are.

But mama I wanna scrap too !

The last couple nights has really taken it's toll on my furry children...especially Bubba. He is such a mama's boy. Computer issues have been taking up most of my time the last couple nites, so quality time with my little ones has been scarce. Tonight, I not only finished cleaning up the problems on the p.c. but then (the nerve of me) thought..... gee maybe I will just play a bit with my paper and scissors. Well, not sure if anyone has tried to scrap while having 2 puppies on their lap. Doesn't work real well, glue glider got stuck to Noelle's fur, and well... alcohol inks don't mix well with puppies either. As I concluded, enough is enough, I got up to go clean myself up and when I came back Bubba had decided he was going to guard the craft table from anymore use. No more playing was going to take place, unless it involved throwing a ball. My immediate reaction was OMG....you can't be serious, you are laying on my "ART"....hahaha....but soon that passed and I knew I just needed to grab my camera and take a couple pictures. Not sure what I would do without these little ones. How wonderful it is to be loved by these precious creatures. I thank God that they are a part of my family now. XOXOXO to my furry ones...

Summer is almost over...

Well, summer is almost over and I'm so glad of that. I remember when I used to lay out for hours, rubbing that baby oil, and cocoa butter on me. I remember using nail polish to paint a design on my leg or arm, then peel it off after sunburn set in...homemade tatoo....lol... Well those daze are gone. My favorite time is spring and fall... gee my flowers don't look as pretty now as they did a few months back. But fall is right around the corner. It will be time to go searching for just the perfect round plump pumpkins to decorate my front porch. I can already smell cinnamon & vanilla candles in my home. Sorry Mr. Sun... but it's time for you to leave now...