moving!

Hi everyone (yes, all 6 of you. *lol*),

I'm officially making the move to TYPEPAD.

Update your bookmarks and Google Readers - you can now find me HERE.

see? I told you.

Lots of cards...

No supplies list because it would just kill me to type it out. And I made so many cards that instead of individual pictures, it's in slideshow form. :)

Enjoy.

there are also 2 more cards that I didn't include in the slideshow. :)

what was once lost, now is found...

I've gotten in a groove recently and have found my once-lost mojo.

When Carl's at work, I can get both kids in bed by 930pm. If I have done all my measly chores - dishes done, laundry folded, etc. - I find a little time to scrap and make cards. I usually get about an hour before I turn into a zombie... Then it's time for me to get ready for bed, time to feed Malia, wake up every few hours to feed her and then it's up by 8:30-9am to start the day with 2 kids.

Then repeat.

Sometimes when they nap at the same time during the day, I find some creative time too. But sometimes all I want to do nap along with them...

And once a week my in-laws come to help me (hubby works nights, usually in a succession of 3 in a row) so I get more time to scrap.

Since last week I've made a TON of cards. I haven't taken pictures (still need to do that), but believe me, it's a TON. I've also scrapped 4 layouts (darn my stupid scanner. I'm having problems with it!).

Go me. :)

layouts!

Once in a while I get a chance to sit down and scrap... Sometimes layouts only take me less than an hour. Sometimes layouts take a few days. Creating layouts isn't the problem sometimes though... I just don't have the energy to scan them to post here.

The computer that's hooked up to our scanner is an almost 5 year old Windows based PC. It's sometimes a little finicky, sometimes slow, and most of the time ANNOYING since I'm used to my trusty Mac Book Pro.

I guess I could use my camera to take a pic of my layout and upload that instead... I just can never take the picture right...

Anyway, here are the layouts I've worked on these past few weeks... I'm pretty proud of myself because I used what I've had in my stash. Go me!

patterned paper: Fancy Pants
tranparency: Hambly Studios
pen: Sharpie
rhinestone title: Me and My Big Ideas

patterned paper: Fancy Pants
jounaling tag, title: My Mind's Eye
felt numbers, bracket, plastic flowers, brads, pen: American Crafts
stamping Ink: Crafter's

Stampin' Up!
cardstock: Pacific Point
patterned paper: Good Morning Sunshine DSP
lace cardstock: KI Memories
pen: Uniball Signo
vinyl letters: American Crafts

Stampin' Up!
cardstock: Bazzil; Whisper White (SU!)
patterned paper: Hand Drawn DSP
lace cardstock: KI Memories
stamp set: Big Bold Birthday
ink: Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, So Saffron
font: Century Gothic

It's just been so cathartic to create again. I'm going to be bummed when I have to go back to work and divide my time. Why can't I just be a millionare and a stay at home mom and scrap all day??? :)

finally... some cards!

I finally found some "me" time and was able to throw together 2 cards. I found a tutorial online on how to create a slider card and had to try it out! It was actually fun putting together - and super easy too! :)

All supplies Stampin' Up!
paper: Good Morning Sunshine DSP
cardstock: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss
inks: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss
stamp sets: Big Bold Birthday, Birthdays Count
accessories: ribbon - Kiwi Kiss 5/8" grosgrain, staple

I made the next card for Carl's goddaughter for her confirmation. The Special Blessing stamp set was perfect! It's hard sometimes to find religious stamps that are versitile... This one is pretty cool because there are sentiments for Baptism, First Communion, Marriage, and a generic one (like the one I used) that can be used for any other religious event. So pretty!

Anyway, this card served as a little money holder... Super easy! :)
All supplies Stampin' Up!
paper: Walk in the Park DSP
cardstock: Baja Breeze, Cameo Coral
ink: Baja Breeze
stamp set: Special Blessing

The supplies I marked in RED are retiring at the end of the month! I'm pretty bummed about it too. This season's In Colors were really fun to play with and I'm sad to see them go.

BUT, the good news is.... the NEW In Colors that will be debuting on July 1st are SO NICE! I can't wait to get them in my hands and PLAY!!!!

To order from the current catalog and get a chance to get your hands on these items and more (before it's too late) go to my Stampin' Up! site! :)

Last Chance!

1) The "Last Chance" (formerly called "retired") lists just released yesterday! These are the stamps, accessories, decor elements, etc. that will only be available until the end of the Stampin' Up! year. That means, they'll only be available until June 30th. If you've had something on your wish list for a while now, but didn't know if you wanted to buy it, now is a GOOD time because once it's gone it's gone. They will only be available until June 30 or until they SELL OUT. So hurry!

Click on the links below to see the lists:

- Decor Elements Last Chance list
- Last Chance list (alphabetical)
- Last Chance list (numerical)

To view the Decor Elements catalog go HERE. To view the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book And Catalog go HERE. (these will take you to .pdf documents for download. Just FYI).

If you plan to order any Last Chance Accessories, I suggest you order them immediately through my website. I hesitated for just 12 hours and one paper set I wanted (actually TWO OF THEM) sold out before I got a chance to order them! Ugh. I regret that I didn't order it immediately!

The Last Chance list seems to be changing daily with new things being added or moved to the dormant list... Here's the latest as of 6/2/09:

Item # Product Description Price Discount Sale Price Availability 112735 RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN BLOSSOMS 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available 112970 LO MEJOR DE TODO 19.95 0.5 9.98 Available 105143 DAYS TO REMEMBER 6X6 FR 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available 113888 RUB ONS MANY OCCASIONS 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available 109044 PUNCH SNOW BLOSSOM 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available 111364 RIBBON POLY TWILL SO SAFFRON 7/8" 8.95 0.5 4.48 Available 106961 STAZON REFILL WHITE 4.95 0.5 2.48 Available 114341 COURDUROY BUTTONS PACIFIC POINT 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available 114316 RIBBON ORIGINALS PIG TAILS 13.95 0.5 6.98 Available 111414 RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN 10.95 0.5 5.48 Available 114351 DESIGNER HARDWARE HOORAY 4.95 0.5 2.48 Available 114338 COURDUROY BUTTONS KIWI KISS 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available 114019 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLEURETTES 9.95 0.5 4.98 Available 114317 RIBBON ORIGINALS DRESS UP 12.95 0.5 6.48 Available 102875 HEMP TWINE RED 2.95 0.5 1.48 Available 101259 HEMP TWINE BLACK 2.95 0.5 1.48 Available 113979 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS CANVAS CUTS 7.95 0.5 3.98 Available 114350 DESIGNER HARDWARE SOHO 4.95 0.5 2.48 Available 111363 RIBBON GROSGRAIN PINK PIROUETTE 1 1/4" 7.95 0.25 5.96 Available 111365 RIBBON TAFFETA RIDING HOOD RED 6.95 0.25 5.21 Available 111847 RIBBON DOUBLE STITICHED BAJA BREEZE 1" 8.95 0.25 6.71 Available 111371 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED TANGERINE TANGO 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 111373 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PINK PIROUETTE 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 111372 RIBBON GROSGRIAN STRIPED KIWI KISS 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 113884 RUB ONS FASHION DISTRICT 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available 114318 RIBBON ORIGINALS VALET 12.95 0.25 9.71 Available 111374 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED RIDING HOOD RED 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 111370 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PACIFIC POINT 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 111415 RUB ONS GREATEST MOMENTS 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available 113887 RUB ONS BRIGHT DELIGHTS 11.95 0.25 8.96 Available 111416 RUB ONS CHATEAU BELLA 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available 111338 NOTES TEXTURED LOVE ASSORTMENT II 12.95 0.25 9.71 Available 111879 RIBBON SATIN KIWI KISS VERY VANILLA 7.95 0.25 5.96 Available 111277 RUB ONS A PERFECT DAY 10.95 0.25 8.21 Available 110730 DIE CUTS POCKETS & PIECES 8.95 0.25 6.71 Available 107272 PUNCH KEY TAG 15.95 0.25 11.96 Available 113980 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER CANDY LANE 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 111375 RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED BAJA BREEZE 5/8" 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 112010 DIE CUTS BLOOMS AGAIN 8.95 0.25 6.71 Available 113991 TASTE OF TEXTILES 9.95 0.25 7.46 Available 101399 STIPPLE BRUSHES 6.95 0.25 5.21 Available 112092 BUTTON BOUQUET 7.95 0.25 5.96 Out of stock 112139 NOTES CAROUSEL II 11.95 0.25 8.96 Available 111336 NOTES SCALLOP II 11.95 0.25 8.96 Available 111840 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PACIFIC POINT 2.95 Available 111841 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL TANGEIRNE TANGO 2.95 Available 111843 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PINK PIROUETTE 2.95 Available 111839 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL RIDING HOOD RED 2.95 Available 111842 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL KIWI KISS 2.95 Available 112161 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS KIWI KISS 9.95 Available 112042 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN GARDEN 9.95 Available 112156 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PINK PIROUETTE 9.95 Available 112150 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PACIFIC POINT 9.95 Available 112153 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS TANGERINE TANGO 9.95 Available 111844 CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL BAJA BREEZE 2.95 Available 111836 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD RIDINGHOOD RED 5.95 Available 111838 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PINK PIROUETTE 5.95 Available 113966 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE 9.95 Available 109123 STAMPIN WRITE JOURNALER BASIC BROWN 3.25 Available 113981 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA BIRDS 9.95 Available 112157 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS BAJA BREEZE 9.95 Out of Stock 113975 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RASPBERRY TART 9.95 Available 114037 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY SWEET SLUMBER 11.95 Available 113978 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN OASIS 9.95 Available 112041 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA ROSE 9.95 Available 112468 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SWEET ALWAYS 9.95 Available 111834 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD TANGERINE TANGO 5.95 Available 114039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY ROCKABILLY 11.95 Available 108590 CARD STOCK NATURALS ASST 12X12 8.95 Available 111337 NOTES GIFT ASSORTMENT II 9.95 Available 112471 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RAINBOW SHERBET 9.95 Out of Stock 112464 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MANCHESTER 9.95 Available 112006 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLOWER FUSION II 14.95 Available 111837 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PACIFIC POINT 5.95 Available 112461 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WASHINGTON APPLE 9.95 Out of stoc 113993 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY PARISIAN BREEZE 11.95 Available 112155 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS RIDING HOOD RED 9.95 Available 111353 CARD STOCK KIWI KISS 8-1/2 X 11 5.5 Available 111348 CARD STOCK RIDING HOOD RED 8-1/2 X 11 5.5 Available 112172 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE BOY 19.95 Out of stock 100900 GIFT SACKS WHITE 2.95 Available 114605 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT MORE THOUGHTS 42.95 Out of stock 102264 COLUZZLE STARTER KIT 19.95 Available 111346 CARD STOCK IN COLOR 12 X 12 8.95 Available 111835 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD KIWI KISS 5.95 Available 111350 CARD STOCK PACIFIC POINT 8-1/2 X 11 5.5 Available 105668 TATTOO KIT I 13.95 Out of stock 111349 CARD STOCK TANGERINE TANGO 8-1/2 X 11 5.5 Available 109231 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT SENDING HAPPY THOUGHTS 54.95 Available 111351 CARD STOCK PINK PIROUETTE 8-1/2 X 11 5.5 Available 112165 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE GIRL 19.95 Out of stock 113950 DIE CUTS BUILD-A-FAIRYTALE 8.95 Available 111345 CARD STOCK TEXTURED IN COLOR 12 X 12 11.95 Available 105669 TATTOO KIT II 13.95 Out of stock 111833 CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD BAJA BREEZE 5.95 Available 113936 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN HOPPY MEMORIES 19.95 Out of stock 111347 CARD STOCK IN COLOR 8-1/2 X 11 7.95 Available 107288 ENVELOPE WHISPER WHITE EXTRA LARGE 5.5 Available 104310 CRAFTERS TOOL KIT 39.95 Available 111352 CARD STOCK BAJA BREEZE 8-12 X 11 5.5 Available 113943 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN 2 SWEET 19.95 Available 113925 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SWEET NOTHINGS 19.95 Available 112179 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN LOVE STORIES 19.95 Available 113911 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUNSHINE GARDEN 19.95 Out of stock 112054 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN BEST EVER 19.95 Out of stock 111253 Blooms & Bulbs 6.5 Available 109684 Doodle 8.5 Available 111257 Happy, Happy Birthday 8.5 Available 109692 Love 6.5 Available 109568 My ABCs 6.5 Available 109682 Perfectly Pretty 6.5 Available 109687 See You Around 8.5 Available 109683 So Swirly 8.5 Available 111260 Something Fishy 8.5 Available 111262 Stems & Silhouettes 8.5 Available 105516 Watercolor Joy 6.5 Available 114528 Embosslit Flower 11.95 Available 116209 Note of Thanks 9.95 Available 116210 Birthdays Count 9.95 Available 112966 Curly Label Bundle* 33.95 Available 115535 Hand Drawn Bundle Available * The punch which is part of the Curly Label Punch bundle will carry over into the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog

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Anyway, my blog seems to be turning into a SU! blog hasn't it? I'm thinking of doing a couple of things... I'm not sure if I will do any of them yet. I may move to Typepad and move this blog over too... I *think* they have a way having multiple blogs and there's also a way of linking them together. It might be a good move too since they have templates that might make it easier for me to manage a SU! dedicated blog (to help promote my business), a scrapping blog, and a private family blog...

I'm still not sure of the move yet since Typepad is a paid site... I might just have to wait until I'm back at work and have regular paychecks coming my way.

We'll see. :)

Summer Fun!

I can't believe June is only a couple days away! Half of the year is almost over... And come the week of July 19th my maternity leave is over and it's back to work for me. :(

In other news...The new Stampin' Up! 2009-2010 catalog comes out on July 1st! Such an exciting time. I'm used to receiving 2 catalogs a year! How can I live off of one? Should be easy though... I have a TON of items on my wishlist that I would LOVE to check off.

I'm starting to think about being a serious SU! Demonstrator. It makes me nervous to think about and I don't even know if I'll have enough time to do it - 2 kids, running a household, full time RN job but I'd like to try.

So if you're local and would like to hostess an SU! workshop and wouldn't mind a newbie demonstrator - EMAIL ME! :)

Or, if you would like to reserve the new catalog that's coming out on July 1st, let me know. I'll keep a list and as soon as the catalogs are in my hands, they'll be out in the mail to you! Each catalog is $10. I'll pay for shipping. :)

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Dates: June 1-30, 2009

Promotion Details:

• Customers who either host a workshop or place an on-line product order from $250-$399.99 will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• Customers who either host a workshopp or place an on-line product order of $400 or more will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

With the release on June 1 of Stampin' Up!'s Last Chance Stamps and Accessories (formerly referred to as "retired"), you can stock up on your favorites and earn additional hostess free merchandise with the Summer Fun Promotion.

Stampin' Up! May update

Well, like I've said before, I'm mostly a hobby demonstrator, but I thought I'd pass along the latest deals Stampin' Up! has to offer this month!

Scrapbooking Promotion!

1. Buy any 3 packs of Designer Series Paper (including Specialty Designer Series Paper) or 12x12 textured cardstock, and get one pack free!

2. Buy a sneak peek stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog--Jumble Alphabet (set of 52; double-mounted)--at a 20 percent discount. See a sneak of what the alphabet looks like HERE.

There are so many great deals (I'm especially excited about the paper!) that I have to pace myself in ordering what I want! *lol* So bad for the wallet, but SO nice for the STASH! *lol*

AND, in celebration of National Scrapbooking month, SU! is offering an awesome deal to become a demonstrator for only $75 with the limited time scrapbooking starter kit that includes:

Item Code	Description	Retail Value
113510	Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set*	$42.95
113059	Simply Scrappin' Petal Party	$19.95
108697	Earth Elements Assorted textured card stock (12" x 12")	$11.95
105240	Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad	$7.50

*Substitutable for any stamp set up to $43.95 value.

Please note: Each of the products listed above may be substituted for like items. Please see the Scrapbooking Starter Kit Order Form for details.The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit:

• Getting Started DVD
• Getting Started Guide
• Guest Invitation Postcard (100)
• Idea Book & Catalog (8)
• Occasions Mini Catalog (8)
• To My Hostess Envelope (10)
• Recruit Folders (5)
• Recruit Brochures (20)
• Hostess Brochure (20)
• Hostess Benefits Form (10)
• Customer Order Form (50)

Awesome deal if you ask me!

To place an order online, go to my Stampin' Up! website HERE. :)

recipe: flourles Peanut Butter Cookies

Yes, please. :)

I got this recipe from a couple of places. I guess the foodie/baking/cooking & blogging community is intertwined somehow. I have 2 blogs saved in my Google Reader and this recipe was posted within days of each other.

Understandable, really. It's really good. So I'm sharing it here...

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
(from Joy the Baker and Honey and Jam)

1 cup all-natural chunky or smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with butter and set aside. In a mixer combine peanut butter and sugars until well combined, about 2 minutes. Add egg and baking soda and mix for another 2 minutes. Roll into walnut sized balls and create a cris-cross pattern with a fork. If you’d like, add a few chocolate pieces to the top of the cookies. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on a baking sheet for two minutes, then transfer to… your mouth.

-----

This recipe is SO GOOD it's DANGEROUS. I've already made 2 batches since discovering the recipe a few weeks ago. And each time I've had to give half of the batch away because I had consumed the other half in a matter of hours.

And just a warning though: since there's no flour, the cookies are pretty delicate. And I used old-fashioned PB - it works just fine. There's already a ton of sugar in it anyway!

Enjoy! :)

feeling crafty.

Now that my mojo is back, it's hard to use it now that I barely have any "me" time. Between chasing a toddler and tending to a newborn, when I do have some free time, all I want to do is SLEEP! *lol*

Over the past few weeks though, I managed to bust out a few cards here and there - an easy way to utilize inspiration and feel productive. :)

I made a couple of cards for my mom and mother in law for Mother's Day...
(supplies: Candy Lane Designer Series paper, ribbon, All Holidays stamp set, stamping ink, scallop oval punch, scallop border punch: Stampin' Up!)

(supplies: patterned paper: Making Memories, Stampin' Up; All Holidays SU! stamp set; ribbon: SU!; scallop oval punch: SU!)

I made this card for my BFF... :)
(supplies: Stampin' Up! - cardstock: Baja Breeze, patterned paper: Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper, stamps: Great Friend set, ribbon: So Saffron, ink: Blue Bayou (retired), Groovy Guava (retired), Versamark, clear embossing powder)

and another card for my BFF's birthday. I just *heart* her. :)
(supplies: Stampin' Up! - patterned paper (Hand Drawn Designer Series paper), stamps: Big Bold Birthday set, scallop edge punch, wide oval punch, ink: Only Orange, cardstock: Tangerine Tango)

Her birthday happens to be 2 days after her 1 year wedding anniversary. Since I was in her wedding party and since she was so nice enough to remember my 1 year wedding anniversary 4 years ago with a present, I thought I would do the same. I made her a wedding slideshow using her engagement and wedding pictures and burned it onto DVD. And then I made this little envelope.
(supplies: Stampin' Up! - patterned paper (Candy Lane Designer Series Paper), ribbon: Rose Red, scallop oval punch, ink: Rose Red, Close to Cocoa; stamps: Congrats set)

So, even though I haven't been creating scrapbook layouts like I would like, I've been keeping myself plenty busy creatively. :) It's a nice feeling.

Happy Saturday. :)

Happy Belated Mother's Day...

Sorry this post is coming so late. It was a long weekend for us... We spent Sunday at my family's house and we spent a low key Mother's Day with them and my in-laws.

And my husband, who is notorious for dropping the ball on holidays and special occasions and gift giving, gave me an awesome Mother's Day-Belated Valentine's Day-push present wrapped up in one:

His name is Louis and I'm in LOVE. *lol*

It's too expensive and extravagant and I told him that... But he knew I had been eyeing it for a LONG time so he got it for me anyway. Major points scored there!

It's my 3rd Mother's Day and I've loved every celebrating every single one. I'm reminded of how lucky I am to be a mother to 2 awesome kids. Yes, I'm tired all the time. I get impatient. I get frustrated. And I no longer have the "me" time that I SO need to just breathe... But I wouldn't change it for the world.

My BFF sent me this forward and I thought I'd post it here. It's so appropriate.

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom ...

I hope all of you out there had a beautiful Mother's Day weekend... Whether you're a mom, a step-mom, a fur-mom, a godmom - you all are special and should be celebrated. Thank you for all that you do for everyone around you! :)

recipe: One-Pan Chicken and Potato Bake

4 bone-in chicken pieces (1 1/2lb)
4 large potatoes, cut into wedges
1/4 cup Italian Dressing
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400F. Place chicken and potatoes in 13x9-inch baking dish.

Pour dressing over chicken and potatoes, sprinkle with cheese.

Bake 1 hour or until chicken is cooked through (180F). Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Makes 4 servings.

-----

I found this recipe in one of my old Kraft Food and Family magazines (I'm such a pack rat!). It looked really good in the picture... But when I made it, it was just ok.

I only used 3 potatoes (do you see how big those suckers were?) and I just used whatever chicken I had. The dish itself was tasty, but it was missing something. Hmmm...

I do have to give it props though... Super easy to make and it required just a little bit of time. If I ever made it again, though, I'd probably tweak it somehow.

Happy Friday!

5 weeks old.

Time is FLYING. I can't believe that Malia is already 5 weeks old!

We celebrated her first Cinco de Mayo yesterday here at home. Low key and didn't do much, but it was such a nice day to be chilling at home. :) I'm learning how to use our Nikon and shoot in MANUAL mode. Kind of daunting, but thankfully, my DH has really been into photography (his knowledge about photography surpasses mine) and he gave me a quick-bare-bones lesson on how to shoot in manual.

Here are a couple pics I took with our Nikon D200, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 in manual mode (and I didn't do any post processing).

It's been really really fun learning something new. I don't expect to be an awesome photographer like Caroline, Maria Grace, Ali, Tara, or Kelly, but I just want to step my game up a little bit.

And since I can't find any ME time to do anything crafty, I've rediscovered my love for cooking and baking again. I tried doing a cooking/baking blog and that didn't work, so I'll incorporate my food here in this blog (wish I started a while ago - I have been cooking up a storm!)

------------------

EASY CHICKEN & CHEESE ENCHILADAS

1 can (10 3/4 oz) Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup Pace Picante Sauce

2 tsp chili powder

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

6 flour tortillas (6"), warmed

1 small tomato, chopped

1 green onion, sliced

1. Stir the soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in a medium bowl

2. Stir 1 cup picante sauce mixture, chicken and cheese in a large bowl

3. Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and place them seamside up in an 11x8" shallow baking dish. Pour the remaining picante sauce mixture over the filled tortillas. Cover the baking dish.

4. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes or until the enchiladas are hot and bubbling. Top with the tomato and onion

---

They didn't come out like the picture in my magazine showed, but they were still pretty good! And they were super easy, so I'll be making these again! :)

Have a great week!

3 weeks old

This picture was taken a couple days ago by Carl. It's one of my most recent favorites.

We're so lucky that Jonah loves being a big brother!

Malia is already 3 weeks old today and we can hardly believe how big she's gotten! She eats all day and sleeps a TON. Her pediatrician says she's going through a growth spurt.

But even though she's sleeping a ton, I still haven't found any ME time yet to sit down and scrap some pictures. Both of them don't seem to sleep at the same time during the day and when they do, I seize the opportunity to sleep too! Can you blame me?

Have a good week y'all...

welcome to the world.

Meet our beautiful baby girl Malia Noelle... Born just yesterday. (I'd put her stats here, but since this is a public blog, I'd rather keep it quiet)...

Yes, I have a chance to blog. Proud Daddy is holding her while she's asleep and we get free Wi-Fi in the hospital.

Hooray! :)

cricut cartridge storage: mission COMPLETE!

I admit it. I'm terrible with completing projects. My mind has so many projects I'd like to tackle and I'm good at starting them, but I'm terrible with the follow-through.

Anyway, I came across this little project that seemed easy enough... It's a storage box for Cricut cartridges. How convenient! Kudos to the ladies who came up with this (I'm nowhere NEAR that creative!)...

Instructions can be found HERE...





I got the Snapware ribbon storage box from the Container Store when I made my trip with DH today... There's also a coupon going on for 25% off so I got it for a little over $8. :)

I got the plastic canvas from Walmart. $1.97 for 6 sheets. WAY more than I need. I don't have that many cartridges and don't know if I plan to buy more since I have SCAL now.... so if anyone wants me to cut the sheets to size and mail it to them (we'll discuss reimbursement later), let me know! Just leave me a comment here...

Isn't it cute?

I'm so proud of myself. As for the original boxes that the carts and booklets came in...I haven't decided what to do with them yet. I don't want to throw them away just yet... And if ever I decide to sell them or give them away, I'm sure the buyer would like the box. So, for now, they're shelved in the closet and away from my main scrap area. We'll see if I change my mind...

I've been getting a lot done...

I've been doing pretty good while waiting for this baby to make her appearance. I've been scrapping and cleaning and just trying to do some crafts. It doesn't feel like she'll make her appearance any time soon so it seems like I'm getting a LOT done...

Here are some layouts and cards I've made recently...


supplies: patterned paper, letter stickers, die cut shapes: Sassafrass Lass; letter stickers, pen: American Crafts

supplies: patterned paper: (unknown, will update later); felt border: KaiserCrafts; letter stickers, chipboard letters, chipboard shapes, pen: American Crafts; rubber stamp: Cat's Life Press; stamping ink: Color Box, Versamark; embossing powder: Stampin' Up!

supplies: cardstock: Bazzill; patterned paper, bingo card: Jenni Bowlin; letter stickers, journaling pen: American crafts; chipboard: Scenic Route; transparency frame: My Mind's Eye; other: ribbon

supplies: cardstock: Bazzill; patterned paper: (unknown, will update later); rub on sentiment: American Crafts; circle cutter: Coluzzle

supplies: cardstock: Bazzill; patterned paper: (unknown, will update later); rub on sentiment: American Crafts; oval punch: Marvy Uchida; die cut label: Top Note Die for Big Shot - Stampin' Up!

So, as you can see, I'm making the most of my maternity leave. I'm hoping the mojo will stick around after she arrives!

(I couldn't remember the name of that patterned paper I used in the layout and the 2 cards... Preggo brain, I swear! *lol*)

a layout

I should have been putting my feet up and laying on the couch when Jonah was napping. Instead I scrapped a page.

supplies: patterned papers: Making Memories, Flair Designs; Letter stickers, journaling pen: American Crafts; heart punches: Stampin' Up!

Used what I had lying around... Including a piece of patterned paper that was an impulse buy (and I have a hard time using patterned papers that are too busy!)

Professional photos are my achilles heel. I have a hard time scrapping them... and big events that have tons of pictures - birthdays, christmases, etc. Ugh.

baby update...

We are officially 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant.

This picture was taken last week when we were about 37 weeks.

I'm having contractions every so often - still irregular, but my doctor said I'm about 2cm and 70% effaced.

I'll take these contractions over back labor (like I had with Jonah) ANY DAY.

I downloaded a Contractions app for my iPhone. Yes, I don't know how to count and tell time. Seriously though, it's because Carl is working every night until Saturday and I'm very afraid of going into full blown labor without him.

I still have scrapbooking on my mind (as you can see with my previous post!).

I'm excited that the hospital where we're delivering has got Wi-Fi (they didn't have it 2 years ago when Jonah was born.)

I'm anxious about going into labor again. They measured her and said she's about 8lbs 5oz (give or take a pound). Leave it to her to already be kicking her brother's ass (he was born at 7lbs 7oz at 37 weeks and 6 days). *lol*

wish list...

You know, I really should stay away from scrapping messageboards. All they ever do is enable me... and make me want things I cannot afford right now, but SO WANT. I'm a tool junkie. Besides idea books, new scrapping tools make me weak...

On my list?

A Making Memories Slice. They now carry it at Michaels. But of course, you can't use the coupon on it. I guess it's because it's still a new item?

I still want one.

It's cute. It's portable. And the the images and fonts on some of the cartridges are too adorable!


Another thing on my list? Stampin' Up's exclusive Big Shot. I know I can get the Big Shot anywhere... But I like the sleekness of the all black SU! version. And I know that I already have a Cuttlebug and a Cricu - what do I need a Big Shot for?

There are some dies exclusive to SU! that are just so cute and I'm not sure that my Cuttlebug will accept them without breaking. I think I'll buy this next quarter though to help me with my minimum sales...









Nestabilities Dies! Aren't these labels so CUTE? I never knew about Nestabilities until last night while hanging out on the 2Peas board. AND then I found a Google video on how to use them in the Cuttlebug. I SO want them all.

But it's a bummer because I JUST bought a bunch of punches. These would have been better. I would have saved some money AND space!

**edited to add** - Ok, I caved and bought this set online at Cut@Home. If you join their mailing list, every month you get a 40% off coupon to use on one item. So I used it on this label set. I couldn't resist the price!

There's also a sale going on for a few days on Nestabilities at Joann.com. But if you're patient (like me), I'd just use the Cut@Home coupon once a month until I collect all the dies I want. It'll take a while but it'll be worth saving the money in the end!

been busy...

We've been busy preparing for the little one's arrival, who, according to my OB, can arrive any day now. I know it's early (I'm only 37 weeks!) but with my previous history with Jonah (he was just shy of making it to 38 weeks) and my gestational diabetes, there's a chance she'll want to make her appearance sooner or she'll be too big for me to carry to full term. We will see...

So, I've been frantically trying to organize the house, the scrap room, and get everything ready for her arrival. It's been busy to say the least!

But I've had time to scrap a little! Yay me!

supplies: kraft cardstock (Stampin' Up!), patterned paper (Candy Lane Designer Series Paper - Stampin' Up!), font die cut letters (Fling font cut with Cricut and SCAL)

I finally got SCAL loaded into my laptop and I'm having a lot of fun with it! No more investing in new cartridges... Well, maybe it will decrease my desire. I can't promise anything! *lol* It's so easy to use. I love it. I just hate how it cuts so SLOW. But I guess that's the price you pay for the value...

Anyway, I made 3 other similar cards.. And I made this one:

supplies: American Crafts patterned paper and cardstock; Thank You rub-on: 7 gypsies; stamping ink: ColorBox; scallop and circle punches: Marvy Uchida

I made the cards for some co-workers at work who gave us some awesome baby shower presents. :)

And there were a couple of group gifts from some units so instead of cards I made layouts to display in their report rooms:

This one was an 8x8 layout... I hadn't scrapped in this size in FOREVER. I love how liberating it is! supplies: cardstock, silk flower: Bazzill; patterned paper, brad: American Crafts; scallop border punch: Stampin' Up!; font: 2Peas Sailboat; die cut letters: Alphalicious (Cricut)


And this is a 12x12 layout I did for my unit... supplies: patterened paper: Sassafrass Lass; cardstock: Bazzill; silk flower: Prima; font: 2Peas Sailboat; die cut letters: Alphalicious (Cricut); felt letters, pen: American Crafts

And finally I made a card for my MIL's birthday this past Tuesday. Super simple! supplies: patterned paper: I can't remember what set, but it was a hostess set from the Spring/Summer 2009 catalog from Stampin' Up!; fabric label: Making Memories: scallop border punch: Stampin' Up!

Whew! I've been busy, haven't I??? I want to use all the scrapping mojo I can before the baby's arrival. I doubt I'll have time after that!

Have a great rest of the week!
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book review: Get Creative with Type

I finally had a chance to go through the book a little better and I do have to say I'm pretty impressed.

Pros:
- lots of great ideas for using fonts in titles and journaling!
- lots of tips on how to use them effectively on layouts.
- I loved the different examples they gave. Lots of fun artists in there!

Cons:
- While I do love fonts, I love them FREE. I really hate paying for fonts. I mean, WHY should we have to pay for them if they'll be used for personal stuff? Most of the fonts showcased in the book are PAID fonts. (I googled most of the ones that caught my eye.) And these fonts AREN'T cheap. They run anywhere from $29-49 each! Insane!
- The book doesn't go into detail about how fonts actually can slow your computer down. My husband told me that a while back - Especially if you're using a Windows based computer. Fonts take up a lot of the hard drive and actually slow down the way Windows runs (I'm not sure about Macs)...

Anyway, I have a gift for you... I found the Fling font online for free when doing my research... It's the font that's used in the title of the book "Get Creative"...

Follow this link... You might want to hurry too. I'm not sure how long the link will be valid!

take a guess!

Anyone want to participate in our baby pool?



Anyone want to take a guess? No official prize, but I'm curious to see what you all think!

Here's a little info:
- We're having a GIRL.
- She's due April 1st.
- Jonah was 2 weeks early.

Good luck!

no photos... but...

I made 2 cards the other day. Both were birthday ones and I must say they were really cute. I didn't get a chance to take pics of them because I was rushing off to my baby shower and I already gave them away! Bummer. So take my word for it, I made 2 more cards. :)

3 more shifts left of work (tomorrow, Friday and Saturday) and I begin maternity leave. Can you tell I'm excited???


I swear the UPS guy is going to kill me. *lol* I've had more packages delivered these past 2 weeks than ever - I know I said I'm on a strict budget, but I'm trying to get the room organized and I need help with that! Anyway, here's my latest purchase. It's a hard carrying case for my still unused sewing machine. It's such a shame. My mom was a seamstress before she retired. She worked for the for quite a bit when I was growing up as a kid. She can make sleeping bags with one hand tied behind her back (well, not really, but you get the point. *lol*)

Anyway, she got me a sewing machine a couple years ago for my birthday because I asked her for one - to try and learn some simple sewing and perhaps sewing on scrap pages, but the thing is STILL in it's box and sealed. *hangs head in shame*

So I got a carrying case so I can get it out of the box and out in the open. Maybe seeing it out of the box will convince me to use it someday.

Or maybe it'll just be more convenient for my mom to use when she comes over so I can ask her to alter my pant hems. *lol*

nesting instinct?

I don't know if it would be considered nesting instinct if it has nothing to do with the baby or cleaning the rest of the house, but I think the nesting thing is starting to kick in - HARDCORE.

DH put my Expedit together and I have to still organize it and the rest of the room.

We're planning to make a trip to Home Depot one of these days for some wall shelving. We've had a gift card for a while and while it was for DH for his birthday a year or so ago, he hasn't used it yet so I'm claiming it as MINE now. *lol* I can't wait to start storing stuff vertically and OFF the floors! *lol*

And I got 2 new idea books recently (I'm a sucker for idea books, you all know that)... I haven't had a chance to look at them in their entirety yet, but they both look promising. I don't know why I have an addiction to idea books - maybe the pictures? The guidelines? The actual IDEAS? Who knows... I just can't get enough of them. Thank goodness for Amazon and their discounted prices and free shipping. I can't see myself paying whole price for one of these things.

Keep on the lookout for a future post. I may advertise a virtual garage sale here on my blog after I'm done purging my stuff... I'm thinking of making kits with the stuff I'm getting rid of (Thanks for the idea Ady!), getting rid of some older idea books and magazines, some wood mounted rubber stamps I don't use anymore, etc...

But that's a WHOLE 'nother project to take on aside from organizing the scrap room and pictures so that's going to have to wait.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'm off to celebrate a baby shower honoring me and our baby girl. :)

new look?

After almost 2 years of this blog, I thought I'd give it a facelift and try something new...

What do you think of the new look? Love it? Hate it? Too bright? Too busy? Lettering and such too small?

Hmm... I'm usually a minimalist, but I like how fun and vibrant this is... I may leave it this way for a while...

Here's where I got the template:



Oh and I guess if you follow my blog via Google Reader, it doesn't affect you much, does it?