Scrappin' the Details

What's in the Box? {Christmas Surprise}

Two days prior to Christmas, I received this at my doorstep:

This little package was definitely a sweet surprise for me! Trust me, even at my age, the child in me, wanted to open it, that same day! However, we have a tradition that presents are not opened until Christmas Day. With my children home from school, I never had time to hide from them! LOL

Let me just add, that "what was in the box", was on my Scrapbooking Wish List! So imagine my surprise when I finally opened it! (or rather Macie opened it for me) I am so very thankful, and feel pretty lucky to be on the My Mind's Eye Design Team! I love, love the product! The team is beyond talented, and oh so very nice! Yes, I feel very blessed to be on this team. I just want to thank them again for this wonderful surprise! I cannot wait to open its contents, and start creating!!!

I will share its contents soon. I will give you a hint: it has something to do with a technique I enjoy including on my projects! If this surprise was not enough, two days ago, I received another fabulous goodie  box from Cricut!!! Yes, Cricut. Thanks Amber for giving them my address!! I loved, everything inside!!

Time for me to get back to my scrapbook desk! Have a wonderful start to your morning!

 

Suzanne's Top Ten {of 2010}

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite pages, and home decor projects, from 2010. I did a similar post last year, too. I have enjoyed seeing past creations of my favorite bloggers, too.

Here are the details of some of my faves: (in no particular order)
Pages:

  

my favorite card-on that note I do not create many cards. However, in 2011, I hope to create more of them!

some of my favorite decor projects for the home:

(I really enjoyed making these tiny pieces of art.)

Okay, I have changed my mind. I think this is my FAVE from 2010. 

I know I am drawn to bright, and vibrant colors in my scrapbooking! If you follow my blog, you will see that I am a one snapshot kind of gal! This is not done intentionally. Sometimes, I feel that just that one snapshot is all you need to tell the story. I do need to create more Boy pages. I may even try, and go out of my comfort zone, and scrapbook a double page!! After all, that is exactly where I began when I started this hobby.
Thanks for taking a peek at the past, and here is to more playing with paper in 2011.

It was a very rainy day here in the OC, so I could not photograph my Dec. Daily. I will be back with the finished pages sometime this week.(If you purchased a kit from me, a PDF with instruction was emailed to you)
I will have Valentine's Day Decor, Valentine's Findings to share,(yes, Valentine's Day is around the corner), and a Fancy Page, too. So hope to see you soon!
Have a wonderful, and happy Tuesday!

p.s. I am in the middle of working on my blog, so there might be a little moving of this & that.

Camera {Couture}

Seven days, and my children are back in school! I know, I have written this before, but this summer went by at such a rapid speed. It was almost as if I blinked, and the last couple of months are now a blur. What happened to Summer 2010?
So for my family, this week is all about trying to organize, and settle back into a routine. The days of staying up late, and lazy days are sadly going to be missed. I love, love having my kids  with me, and next week it will be time to adjust without them during the day! My sweet Miss Macie will be in Kindergarten! I am not certain how I will react to her absence, and the realization that it will be quiet. It may take a few days for me to adjust, so I am thankful I have a Scrapbooking retreat to look forward too.
Along with organization, we have a wedding to attend at the end of the week. I decided it was about time to organize my camera lenses. I now have more than one, and my old camera bag needed to be retired. I want to be able to care for my lenses, because as you know, lenses are so expensive. I want to ensure they are safe, and make it convienent for me to take with me. 
 

I purchased the above camera bag from JoJo Totes. I fell in love with this vintage bag, and love the compartments inside. Just enough room to take a couple of lenses with me. I originally had the black camera tote, but after seeing the new bags on my Best Friend's Blog, I returned the black for this one. I am happy with my purchase. 
Then I saw the Organza Camera Straps at Timeless Treasures, and purchased this {one}. Definitely, visit their website, Capturing Couture, to see all the different styles available! You will have difficulty deciding! LOL   
Okay, I hope you are enjoying the day! It is so hot over here, and look forward to cooler weather in the future!
Roman has football practice, and Miss Macie has a Daisy meeting tonight! (We are going to see if this is something she wants to be involved in!)
Have a fabulous evening,

The Twinery {Things I Love}

One night, while I was blog hopping, I came across this wonderful site, called The Twinery! You have probably seen twine on scrapbook projects, and cards! I was lucky to have won a few colors of baker's twine, on my friend's blog. (Samantha Sibbet) Now, I am happy to know that there is a site that I can order some for my very own! These are definitely a must have for the holidays!

 

After contacting them, they were kind of enough to offer my readers 25% off their entire order! How generous of them!

If you would like your own twine, please use the code below:

SCRAPPIN25 

This code is active until August 12! Click {here}, to begin shopping!!! 
The Twinery is also on Facebook, too!!! You can find their page here, The Twinery on Facebook!  
 

Happy Shopping,
 

 

Wordless Wednesday (love my punches)

 

What is Wordless Wednesday?
From Wiki Answers
On Wednesdays all over the internet, bloggers post a photograph with no words to explain it on their blog. Hence the ‘wordless’ title. The idea is that the photo itself says so much that it doesn’t need any description. 

  
 

a few {new] scrappy things.......

I wanted to share a few "new" scrappy things, I am anxious to use! I was hoping that during the summer,  I would have more time to create!  LOL However, it has been extremely busy! Our days have been filled with summer school, cheer practice, tutoring, football parties, camps, etc. There has been little downtime, and in about nine days, our days will become longer!  Football practice for my little boy, will begin soon. Roman will be practicing five days a week, for two hours a day!  However, I will let you know, I am so ready, to see him on the field!!! I am grateful that I am able to stay home, and be a part of my children's activities. Sometimes, I feel like I am in my car all day long!  LOL However, I would not trade it for anything! I am feeling pretty blessed that my children have found something that they enjoy! (Though, I wish Roman would not use me, to practice his tackling skills!!! LOL) He will be a force to reckon with, on the field, of course!

 
{I know I am!!!!}

Today, I had about thirty minutes in the afternoon, so I headed over to Michael's. (I needed a couple of things for a quick project.) I found a few "new" things, and I thought I would share them with you!

I always said I would never buy this, because of its size. I have a smaller version, and do love the gliding motion. So when I saw this at Michael's, I immediately put it into my basket. I was able to use my coupon, so I felt a little better in my decision. (FYI: The one at Foothill had one left when I left there today) Just saying...(now I am sounding like my friends, Deena, and Sarah) (:

{Advanced Tape Glider by 3M}: I really think the color "PINK" sold me!!! I love the color pink! Most importantly, 3M is donating to the Susan G.Komen foundation with each purchase!

 

Stamps, stamps, and more stamps! I love stamps, and love using them on my projects. I picked up the following today, to add to my stampin' inventory!    

(I could not get a great photo, so sorry about that)

1. {Music Score by Stampendous} I think this is my favorite!!!!! I do not know why I am being drawn to the stamps with music. However, when I saw this large background stamp, I did not hesitate! How fun will this look on chipboard letters, cardstock letters, etc. I cannot wait to have a chance to play! I do have this one by Prima Marketing, too.
2. {From My Heart by American Crafts}
3. {Birds of a Feather by Hampton Art}-I love owls, and thought this was too adorable to pass by!
4. {Remember this Background by Hampton Art}-Anything with the word photographs, story, etc., I am going to love
5. {Vertical Clouds by Hero Arts}
6. {Cupcakes by American Crafts} Now, who can say, "No" to a cupcake???

 I thought these were so fun! I love stick pins! They are fantastic embellishments, and these were                         just so colorful!
  

   
 

{Martha Stewart}-I love so many of her products! (I was hoping to find her new Halloween punches, but nothing yet.)  The bottom scissors are my, "go to" for cutting ribbon.
You can find them {here}. The top scissors are new ones, I have not seen!! They are fringe scissors!!! How awesome is this??? I know you can use regular scissors, but these are really fantastic. Easier too. You can read about them {here}, too.

Finally, always looking for that extra something special to add layers to my embellishments. I thought these would be great for layering flowers, or journaling spots. (They were on clearance, too.)
I did not get any scrapbooking done today, but I did find some special items! I am going to a crop on Friday, so maybe I will take a few of them with me!
It is almost midnight, so I am going to try and glue down a few things, and hope to share that "Summery" layout with you tomorrow!
Good night,
 

{CUP}Cake Art Love

Happy Tuesday! 
It is a rainy day! The perfect weather for a day of board games with my children. So far, we have played Twister, Scrabble, Candy Land, and Go Fish. We did take a small break, and headed to the Yogurt shop.
The kids wanted to ride their bikes, today. I thought the ground was too wet, for riding. (Secretly, I was glad!) We did go on a bike venture yesterday, and rode to the park. Well, I actually walked behind them. Where we live, there are many areas of steep hills. Since, I have not exercised consistently, it was real workout! We do plan on going again tomorrow, if the sun is shining. We did purchase a new bike for Gabi, so she is anxious to use it! 
Today, I wanted to repost my blog post on the following project. I was blessed to have it featured on the cover, of Scrapbook Trends, {For the Home.} You can also read about it, here, too.
(When a project is published by Scrapbook Trends, they ask that you remove the project from your blog, and galleries. Thus, the reason for reposting.) It is one of my favorite Pebbles projects from last year!
Thanks for stopping by, and have a good evening!
 
I wanted to share a project I designed for Pebbles.  This project was part of last week's Hand stitching challenge on the Pebbles Blog.  I took an 8x8 frame and created a very SWEET project.  I really do love the way it turned out!  It is my current favorite project.  I have an obsession with cupcakes, not eating them, but using them in my projects. However, a cupcake sounds good about now!  My best friend,Jeannette,has a bigger obsession with baking, and designing with them.  For now, I will stick to papercrafting with cupcakes embellishments! 
The challenge was to create a project using hand stitching as an element. Okay, when I saw this challenge, I did not hesitate to sign up!  I love  hand stitching on my projects. It is such a great detail to add to any project, no matter how big or small you stitch. This is what I created for Lynn's  Hand stitching challenge for Pebbles: 

"Life is sweet" 8x8 Altered Frame:

Supplies:
Cardstock: Pebbles Downtown Collection, White Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Pebbles Downtown Collection
Candy Dots: Pebbles
Stamp:Hampton Art
Chipboard Flowers: Pebbles Chips
Note die and small scallop: Quickutz
Safety pin: Making Memories
Button: Basic Grey
Ribbon:Offray
Cupcake punch:  The ever favorite one by McGill!
I have used Downtown Collection on my last two projects.  I love the color.  Go Here  
to view the entire collection!
Few more details:

I "hand stitched" around the note to make it pop!  

Detail of the cupcakes.  I love the way the cupcake liners turned out.  I simply used the same portion of the paper to get it just right, on all three! The tops of the cupcakes were also embossed with my favorite Swiss Dots folder from Cuttlebug!
This frame will hopefully find its home in my scrapbooking area very soon!
Lynn shared hand stitching tips, and techniques last week.  You can find it all here. The other designers shared their projects, and I know I keep writing this, but they are all inspiring!!!

 
 

Macie's last day of Preschool

Today, was Macie's last day of preschool. (Well, technically, yesterday was supposed to be her last day!) 
You may recall, that I have mentioned, how much I love summer. I look forward to the lazy days, and spending time with my children. Well, it seems, I decided to go on a "vacation", a little earlier than planned!
The kids and I, had lunch with friends yesterday. It was about 1pm, and one of my friend's daughter, begins singing a "Bumblebee" song. Well, as soon as she started singing, Gabi, and I look at one another in shock! I realized that Macie, missed her last day of preschool! More importantly, her end of the year picnic, and singalong! I could not believe that I forgot about this special day! This was Macie's last day of preschool, ever! I was so distraught over this the entire day. As I am writing this, even more so. I do not pretend to be a perfect Mother, because I am not. I just try, and be the best Mom for my kids. However, I am so upset with myself! Macie, (I know is only five), but she was not sad. She kept telling me, that it was okay. We could still say goodbye to her teacher, on the next day. So we went today, and Macie took her teacher these: 

 

Of course, I walked in with my head down, so embarrassed about it all! They understood, and were happy to see her. They invited her to be a part of today's singalong! Macie was happy,her teacher was happy, and I am slowly getting there! 

Macie saying goodbye to her teacher, Mrs. Duval. I loved her teacher, because she was so patient, creative, nurturing, and loving! We will miss her, and the preschool. It was an amazing experience for all of my children. (I also met one of my very best friends, here at this school.)
Well, now we are "officially" on summer vacation! I do not believe anyone else will be missing an event, anytime soon!  LOL To make certain of this, I ordered myself one of these! I have always used this planner. However, in the past few months, I have tried to get "rid" of paper, and rely solely on my phone. (Obviously, this did not work!) I had Macie's picnic entered into my phone, with two alerts scheduled. However, this does not work if the sound is turned off!  LOL (My kids are always borrowing my phone for games, so I am always reminding them to turn down the volume.) I am a visual learner, so I am going back to my Momagenda! 
Something else that I have recently purchased, were this yummy rolls of ribbon:    
They are by Amercian Crafts, and are sold by the yard!! I did have a few colors on hand ,but was so happy to see the other colors! These just make me happy, and I cannot wait to use them on a project! They were a little on the expensive side, so I will have to hide them from the girls! (They love creating with my ribbon, or using them for their hair!) I found this ribbon at Timeless Treasures, so hurry on in, before they are all gone! 
Thank you for stopping by my blog today! Enjoy the afternoon my friends!
Hugs, 

Busy, Busy, Busy {as a Bee}

Happy Thursday! I know it has been quiet around here this week. It has been a whirlwind of events for my family.
It has been a fun week, but I have had to do a little adjusting with our schedules. Both of my girls are back in Cheer. However, this season, their schedules are further apart, and longer. Gabi does not finish until very late. This has adjusted our normal dinner time. One of my steadfast rules, is that we eat as a family every night. We have always done this, and I value this time with my family at the dinner table. I know my children will be busier with homework, and activities as they get older, but we will always adjust to have dinner as a family. 
We usually eat around 6:30, or 7:00pm. However, a couple of days we will now be eating around 5pm. This has definitely made me plan better, and ensure our dinner is made by 4:30. So far everyone, has adjusted well with the new time. Some of us are a little hungry at 7pm!  LOL 
The girls also had  activities that were scheduled at the same time yesterday. Gabi had a choir concert, and Macie had an Open House at her preschool.

(Gabi getting ready for her concert)

(Macie ready for Open House)

Steve, and I decided that one of us would have to attend one, and miss the other. it was a difficult decision not to be able to do both, but the two events were very important to the girls. I went with Miss Macie to her preschool Open House, and it was bittersweet for me. I knew this would be our last Open House at this school. All of my children have attended the same preschool, and I will miss them dearly. They have been so good to my children, and my family! I know I will be crying at the Year End Picnic.
Let us see, Roman had a field trip, and has a baseball game tonight. He has two more games, and cannot believe the improvement he has made. He is also a BumbleBee in a class play tomorrow. I think I spent the most energy on finding his costume. I will not go into the details, but I felt like it was my wedding dress nightmare, all over again! Let us just say, we now have two Bumblebee costumes!  LOL
I have been busy preparing for Gabi's classroom scrapbook album. I was in charge of putting together packets of supplies, so the  children could put together their pages. I was very surprised that it went so well. The boys really enjoyed scrapbooking, and I think they had the most fun! One of the boys, even asked me,if he could have a few of the star brads. I am not sure for what purpose, but let us hope it is for a good one! Tonight, I will be spending a few more hours, scrapbooking a couple of more pages for the book.
Now I have been so busy that, I have not had time to open this:


My IPad has arrived! I did not expect it's arrival, but my sweet husband surprised me with one! I cannot wait to open it, and play with all the features! One of my favorite things to learn, was that all my books on my Kindle, can be transferred onto my new gadget. I was relieved because I am an avid reader, and have dozens of books saved. 
I hope you are having a good day! I am off to make lunches for my children. We had a late start this morning! (:
 
 

Favorite Five {5} & Giveaway

Happy Monday!!! I hope you had a wonderful National Scrapbooking Weekend! I was hoping to find some time for creative play, but the weather was gorgeous! I spent some time with the kids outside, enjoyed a Disney Marathon, and it was a weekend of birthday parties!! I also enjoyed a delicious dinner with my family at my favorite restaurant. It was a weekend of nonstop activity, but wonderful. 
Today,I thought I would share with you my Favorite 5 scrapbooking items. Every now, and then there are scrapbooking items that I find myself using over and over. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Glimmer Mists by Tattered Angels-I only have a few in my collection, but I am having fun, adding a splash of color to my projects.
2. My new tool caddy that sits on my desk! I used to have the Pottery Barn tool carousel, but my tools kept falling out! I love the deepness of the inserts, and can find everything quickly, while I am scrapbooking.  (Best part is that I was able to buy it at 50% off at Michaels!) It is also fun to give it a spin! LOL  
3. The Treehouse Collection by Pebbles- I love the colors, and the cute owls on the paper! The flower additions to their lines, are just gorgeous. I cannot wait to play with this collection! (I do have an assignment due on Friday, so I will have my chance.)  (: 
4. Martha Stewart Scoring Board-I love this new board, and it is so much easier to use, than my old one. It also has a great little compartment at the top, to store the scoring tool.  
5. Finally, you know I love my punches!!! I cannot scrapbook without them! I have been an avid collector for a very long time! I love layers on my projects, so I am loving all the new border punches by EK Success!
      Now, I just happen to have an extra one of these:
   If you would like an opportunity to win this fabulous border punch, simply leave me a comment. I would love to hear one of your favorite scrapbooking items! I will draw a winner on Wednesday morning! 

Have a wonderful day,