Good Things Utah

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Most people know I absolutely avoid camera's like the plague and certainly don't post them if I do end up in a shot. But, today my best stamping friends, Vicky, Missi, Julie and I sat in the studio audience of Good Things Utah (thanks for getting the tickets Julie!). Shelli Gardner, the cofounder of Stampin' Up was there to showcase SU's new decor elements line and was very gracious to have a photo taken with us after the show. Those who are demos know that if you went to convention, you would have to stand in line for hours to get a picture taken with Shelli. But I think we were the only demos there today and she was very kind.

This photo is also going to stand for my "before" picture. (And standing next to a very skinny Shelli doesn't help much) I'm going to start a weight loss challenge with my Liv sXinney pals on Friday. The challenge ends December 31st so my hopes then are to show another photo of a thinner me! Time to get 10 years of "baby waiting" fat off!

Camera DOWN - blog giveaway!!!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

My camera has been put in it's final resting place. Can't say this was the first time, but it was dropped and this time with fatalities. So, next week is camera shopping week. I would love to hear suggestions on what kind of camera you have and what you love about it. Make sure you list your name in your comment and I will use a random selector on Friday, the 19th, to pull a number!

Oh, the prize, a stamp set! Of course, I can't take a picture of it, but I actually have about 15 different ones which have never been opened or assembled, so I'll let the winner choose!

Thanks for the suggestions!

Edited to add - the random selector chose the number 1! Jen, I sent you a message!
And as much as I wish I could get the Canon Rebel (and afford it!) I chose a Sony Cybershot. There were a few recommendations on it and it was rated the highest in Consumer Reports. Hopefully I can get some new posts and picts up soon!

Country Living Magazine - Free stamp!

Stampin' Up has partnered with Country Living magazine to design the Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit that will be featured in the December 2008 issue of Country Living. As an added bonus, Country Living is offering Stampin' Up! customers a special magazine subscription rate.

Subscribe to a year of Country Living for only $12 and get a FREE mini stamp kit! For just $1 an issue, you'll receive great craft projects, articles on collecting, makeover features, recipes and entertaining ideas-all delivered to your home each month. PLUS, Country Living will include the exclusive Stampin' Up! mini stamp kit including a double sided stamp, a ink spot, 4 notecards with envelopes packed in a clear reusable box.

Click here to subscribe.

Just another day in paradise...

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

So Jackson started preschool today. I've been a bit sad as my baby isn't a baby anymore and don't feel like loosening the apron strings just yet. How I played it out in my mind: We would walk down the sidewalk (thankfully it's only a few houses away) hand in hand and I would tell him about all the great things he would learn. Then when we would arrive, he would be clinging to me and asking to go home and I would reassure him that it will be fun and he'll make some new friends and then give him a big kiss and leave, hoping his new teacher can handle his sadness.

Ummm, No. As soon as I opened our front door, he tore down the sidewalk and arrived there minutes before I did. I had to tackle him to get a picture of his first day before he ran into his class and disappeared. I went in and interrupted his immediate find of the toys to make sure he knew where the bathroom was and tell him to listen to his teacher. I don't think he even knew I was there. The nerve... I wonder if Miss Angie will be able to handle my sadness!

Tribute to all Mothers!

So, I know many people might find this a bit queasy... Yesterday, I witnessed the birth of my new nephew, Shawn Scott. My awesome sister-in-law, Erin, was very happy to let me be a part of such an extraordinary occasion. And since I don't have any biological sisters, and never gave birth myself, I was excited that she was so willing! It was so different than you usually see in the movies (go figure). But I am left with such an admiration of all mom's! She was in a lot of pain and endured it so well. (Thank goodness for the epidural that took forever to kick in!) I know for her it may have gone on forever but the whole process seemed to go so fast and he was here! What a miracle that happens every second of the day! And she was already planning the timing of her next one - WOW! Erin, you are one incredible lady as all mother's are! I know that most people don't find photos after giving birth too attractive but either do those after running a marathon - and I think she looks amazing! Happy BIRTHday Shawn!

Technically, a weed is any plant where it isn't wanted...

Thursday, August 28, 2008

So, a little Jacksonism... I had a little party and was being all fancy by leaving the stem on the strawberries I had cut and spiraled. Jackson comes to me with one and asks me to take the weed off of his. So glad we spent time in the yard this summer...!

Card class

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

I will be teaching a monthly card class outside of my normal clubs and stack. These are all acetate/clear cards. No, I'm not getting away from SU, just broadening my horizons...

Baby Boy diaper cake

Finally got this on my blog... Ohh, my beloved River Rock, how I miss you...

Lagoon

Sunday, August 17, 2008

We went to Lagoon on Friday with my Squire work party. Scott and I couldn't even remember the last time we went there. (He says before we were married, she says while we were married - who knows - at least 10 years). Back then it was a bit podunk but it has improved 100 fold and we had a blast! And we ran into my sweet friend, Melissa, and her family whom I've known since I lived in South Dakota over 20 years ago! Jackson had a blast riding the rides with Zoe and Jake! And Melissa and her parents watched Jackson so Scott and I could ride a "Big Kid" ride. We went on Wicked. Not what I thought it was when I'm standing in line. The beginning of the ride shoots you straight vertical for 110 feet in the air and then straight back down again. There was this 10 year old kid in line next to us that told me that if I was to ride with the big boys I better buck up. Buckle up was more like it! - I wanna go again!

Photos from Lagoon - Click the X in the right top corner to view slideshow again
Jackson won the safe driver award on the bumper cars. He was driving around the outside of the area so no one would bump into him and was a bit confused when they did. It was so funny! He rode some of the bigger kid rides and loved them all!

Apparently, I like cake..

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I have a baby shower to go to this afternoon and love making diaper cakes. I think the Bella Rose paper is so cute and perfect for a little girl. And a card to match. I will be making a baby boy one as well to give to one of my club ladies so stay tuned...

August Stamp Club sneak peek

Monday, August 11, 2008

My stamp clubs are this week and this is what they will be making. A gift box, a magnet bookmark and a cute birthday card (have to admit, this one was a version of one of my convention swaps. I had all the supplies mostly prepared but just didn't have the time to put them together before convention!). Our theme this month is birthday. I will be posting later this week the cards my clubs brought to swap. (Bummer that Eat Cake is retiring but it's the only one I had that would fit this project - fortunately my club ladies don't worry about those details! Wish we could have preordered some of their new birthday sets, they are so cute!)

August Stamp-A-Stack

These are the cards I'm offering this month for my stack on August 23rd. Many of them are inspired from swaps I received at convention. But I came up with the football one myself - cool huh? I usually do a male birthday, female birthday, a thank you and then whatever occasions are usually happening that month. Not much going on in August so I went with a few generics. Contact me if you would like to sign up. (I don't dare list what I charge because I practically give them away!) Enjoy:

New, New, New and loving it!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Stampin' Up has gone all out for the new! On the right are the new Sizzix diecuts line, new vinyl for your walls and home decor, new catalog sampler with new sets and promotions to go along with it, and a discount for the first time on new stamp sets! Not to mention their great new in colors for the next year. You can check out the new catalog here on August 11th. A bit overwhelming all at once but they now have something for everyone! For more information, check out my Stampin' Up Website here. Something else new...? Online ordering coming soon!

Oh my, my list is large! How about yours?!

More Convention Highlights

Friday, August 8, 2008

This is a nameframe my stampin' bud, Vicky, made for me. It's so classy looking. (And has Jackson's favorite saying on it - "Life Is Good!") My version below I made for a convention swap. I personalized all 10 and one lady, Pam, didn't show. I don't normally have a lot of things around the house with my first name on it. But to make use of Pam's frame, I rearranged a few letters and added a Y. Voila!

Ingenious shaker card.Most who know me, know I hate to cook but check out this recipe box!
One of the swap cards I made for the "Cards that Move" swap. I stamped on shinky dinks, added some colored pencils and put them in the gel.
Another stampin' bud, Julie, made this intricate suspension card. Isn't it beautiful?

This is a card, I think, made out of acylic coasters. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a card but it's darn amazing. I love the colors!
I met this amazing and super fun lady at the SCS dinner I helped put on. It was a stressful event to coordinate but Anne was the highlight of my evening. She made this for me with her awesome Hawaiian flare. Love ya, Anne! I will take you up on the offer to come visit Hawaii!

My version of a paper glass slipper. What do you think?

Tag, You're It!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

1) As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot, if we’ve actually met in person or not, anything you remember!

2) Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.

Convention Inspiration

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

So my camera battery died and I can only post photos I took before that happened. When I get it charged up I will take some more photos of swaps I received as well as the ones I made. These are some of my most favorite ideas I came across:

This is an ABC book made from the On Board Bitty Book. Each page has a letter of the alphabet which can be used with a dry erase marker to practice the ABC's. So Cute!

Magnet set made with All in the Family - Genious! Most of what I was attracted to was boy stuff, because well, I only have a little boy. But I thought the curtains on this card was so sweet.

A cute diorama card - will have to figure out how they did this one.
Loving this Uncle Sam!
Check out this awesome teacher gift ensemble. My 3 year old will be starting preschool in September and I will be definitely making one of these for his teacher!Totally impressed in the work on this October book. I LOVE Halloween!!

Saving this one for last because (ready?!), Stampin' Up has partnered with Sizzix and will now be selling the Big Shot diecut and embossing machine and dies! I'm SO Excited!!! Many of the dies will be SU exclusive and this is one of them. The banner die and basket die - they even used it to make masks for a birthday party! Wahoooo! Time to break open the piggy bank!!