Day to Day

Lili of the Valley Giveaway

2012-01-09T10:51:00.000-06:00

Lili of the Valley stamps has a fabulous giveaway going this week. Check out the blog post HERE with the giveaway description. They have some really adorable images!

Saturday Spotlight at Paper and Such

2011-09-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Paper and Such Design Blog: Win it Before You Can Buy it Giveaway Time

2011-07-19T06:38:00.001-05:00

Paper and Such Design Blog: Win it Before You Can Buy it Giveaway Time: "Who doesn't love to win stuff....right? Especially when you can win it before you can buy it!! Time for a giveaway everyone! I have 2 stam..."

Check out Julie's store Paper and Such and see all the great stuff.

Trying to decide what to do so I'm...

2011-04-22T10:04:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a while since my last post and it is probably going to be a while longer. At this point and time, I am trying to decide if I am going to keep blogging or close/delete this one. I have not felt overly craft or creative lately and not sure what I want to post about so for the time being I am leaving it open. I keep going back and forth about whether to close it or maybe start a new one with a different format to it. Maybe if I could decide on several themes to post that would help me feel more like posting but right now my mind is all over the place.

I've been trying to find a part-time job which has been a challenge. It is hard to find something that I can still have time to be with my family when they are home. I don't want to miss out on this time. Working full-time when J (our oldest) was small I missed out on all the field trips and school activities. With M I have tried to be there for all the things I missed out on. He only has 2 more years of elementary school so I don't have much time left to enjoy these things with him.

I'm still trying to figure out how to dress myself. In my 20s I was stylish and always getting compliments on my fashion sense, in my 30s I just pretty much gave up after gaining about 60 pounds, and now in my 40s I'm having to relearn what is stylish and how to make it work with my body. I'm so afraid of dressing too old or too young and struggling with what is the right thing.

There is also a list of things we want/need to do to our home. I have gotten rid of a ton of stuff and know that I want to go with a more streamlined and clean decorating style. The list just keeps getting longer and longer. Our home is 12 years old and everything in it other than the paint on the walls is what the builder put in. We have only lived here for the last 6 years and have changed out nothing in the house except for the ceiling fans as they have stopped working.

I still think about crafting occasionally and I'm not sure where I want to go with it. The only crafting things I have worked on in the last couple of years has been to crochet several blankets for Project Linus and to make several cards. I keep saving projects to do but never feel like I want to do them. It can get overwhelming seeing all these projects online and in magazines & books that look so great.

I also spend a lot of time reading. Seventeen books so far this year with a goal of 70 by December 31.So see I have too many things in my head.

Everything I read about blogging says you should focus your blog in one directions whether that be fashion or crafting or whatever. The problem is my life and mind is not focused in just one direction. So trying to focus my blog on just one things is not working for me. If I am going to continue blogging then I need to figure out how to make it work for me. Please bear with me while I'm trying to figure out how to do this.

Footprints...

2011-03-08T12:57:00.000-06:00

Another card I made last week. Not sure which of my Splitcoast friends sent me the image but I really like how this turned out. The coloring and distressing don't show up well in the picture, in real life this looks so much better. I have got to figure out how to get better photos of my projects!

Image: unknown
Paper: cardstock unknown, Basic Gray
Embellishment: dotted organdy ribbon, Tim Holtz distress ink
Image colored with PrismaColor pencils.

CPS Sketch 207...

2011-03-05T20:43:00.000-06:00

Here is another card I made this week. I used this sketch for the layout. For the squared I colored 3 identical images and then randomly cut them out.

Images: Gina K. (I think)
Paper: Bazzill, Basic Grey
Embellishment: ribbon
Images colored with Prismacolor pencils.

Being creative...

2011-03-04T13:04:00.002-06:00

I have actually been quite creative lately. I finished another blanket for Project Linus and started a fourth one.

I found the Simple Ripple Baby Afghan pattern in Lion Brand's free patterns - here. I purchased these yarn colors for a different pattern so they don't match they colors used in the pattern. My teenage son said he didn't like the pink and green together, I on the other hand love them together.

I've also made several cards with some of the goodies that my SCS friends have sent me. Here is the first one and I'll share the others later. I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils.

Image: Cornish Heritage Farms Sisters
Papers: Basic Grey, Bazzill
Embellishment: ribbon

Baby Card...

2011-02-14T12:48:00.000-06:00

I actually made a card! I know shocking isn't it?! This is the first stamped card that I have made in probably 2 years now. Hubby's niece just had a baby and we need to send a gift and this is the card that will be going with it. My friend Julie sent me the die cut ovals since I got rid of anything die cut related 2 years ago. The jury is still out on whether card making is a temporary thing or if I am going to get the enjoyment out of it that I use to. It was actually a little stressful for me making this one.

Be gentle on the photo skills. I know that my photography skills leave a lot to be desired. I just cannot seem to find that best place to take photos of things and get good lighting.

Stamp: PSX
Paper: Bazzill, GP, PTI, Cloud 9
Embellishment: ribbon, Spellbinder die cuts, Stickles

Blankets for Project Linus...

2011-02-01T10:36:00.000-06:00

I actually made these several months ago but have not shared them on here. I guess better late than never with sharing huh.

In case anyone reading this doesn't know about Project Linus you can go HERE and find out what it is about. Every child should have there very own "lovey" and what better thing than a handmade blanket.

Creativity or Motivation...

2011-01-23T20:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not feeling either of these things lately. We have had a lot going on in our lives and many changes coming along this month. I think this is what has taken my creativity and motivation away. An online friend, Stacy, sent me a huge box of papers, stamped images, envelopes, and embellishments last week. It was amazing what all she sent and I just cannot find the motivation to go play with any of the goodies. I know they both have to be here somewhere. Posts on here will be few and far between while I look for them. Sorry!

One Little Word 2011

2011-01-04T14:07:00.002-06:00

I have been giving this some thought for a few weeks now and I think I have finally figured out what my word for this year will be.

REFOCUS

1: to focus again

2: to change the emphasis or direction of

There are so many things I need to focus on this year. Our finances, my weight loss and body image, my husband and our kids, and turning our house into a home. I'm sure there are more areas that need re-focused as well as these do but for now that is a huge start.

Life On An Even Keel...

2010-12-29T14:01:00.003-06:00

On An Even Keel is an idiom that means - calm and not likely to change suddenly, balanced. This is how I want my life to be. It use to be this way 15 years ago and I'm not sure exactly what happened to change that position. Everything about my life feels completely out of balance & so crazy and I cannot take it any more! Some way, some how we have got to turn things back around and get on an even keel again!!!

My plan for 2011 is to find that balanced and calm life again. I am working on cleaning out and getting rid of stuff. Only keeping what means something to us. I want to get started working on decorating our house and turning it into a HOME and not just a house. And I want to get our finances in a better place. As always I am open to any suggestions anyone may have to assist in this change.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

From Millan.Net

The Real Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-23T14:14:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite Christmas movie of all time. I always feel so bad for Charlie Brown.

Snickerdoodles...

2010-12-13T13:19:00.000-06:00

I did more baking yesterday and this time it was Snickerdoodles. I used the recipe that I found on the Joy of Baking. I think they turned out yummy and were easy. Not necessarily quick but definitely easy. They have so many awesome looking recipes on that sight and it is dangerous for the hips & thighs!

Cake Decorating...

2010-12-09T14:43:00.000-06:00

About 7 months ago I purchase a space in the fondant 1 class at Sweet Wise in Nashville. I finally went and took the class this week and this is what we made. I had taken cake decorating classes over 25 years ago but I hadn't done anything with it since then. This was the first time I had try using fondant and I actually enjoyed it more than I thought.

Here is a close up of the bow:

Christmas Cards ready for mailing...

2010-11-30T14:36:00.002-06:00

click on image to enlarge

This years Christmas cards are ready for mailing. I saw this idea from Deena Wuest in the December/January 2009 issue of Digital Scrapbooking magazine. It was just calling out to me to copy this for our family. I used PSE 8 to change the photos to B/W and to make the photo collage and then had them printed at the local Walmart. I used kraft cardstock from Hobby Lobby and the red is Bazzill. The fonts are Pharmacy, Century Gothic and Limehouse Script.

Homemade Ice Cream....YUMMY

2010-11-16T08:02:00.000-06:00

courtesy of Cuisinart

For a while now, I have been trying get rid of as much processed food from our families diet as I can. One area we were still eating processed was ice cream because I could not convince Joe that we needed one of these countertop ice cream makers. Last month I got lucky and found the little beauty above on Craiglist for just $15. I have already used it twice and I think it could be the best $15 I have every spent.

I have made 2 of the recipes that are in the manual and I can say without a doubt that it is so much better tasting than store bought. The basic vanilla only required 4 ingredients and 30 minutes to make. Even the strawberry was just 6 ingredients and 30 minutes. It is good the day you make it but oh man the next day is even better!

There are several companies that make these machines and I'm sure they all work equally well.This one make 1-1/2 quart but I know they also make one the makes 2 quarts as well. If your family loves ice cream and you are looking ways to clear you diet of processed than one of these is a great little addition to you kitchen.It is so easy to use and the results are fabulous.

Win a New Lens...

2010-11-14T15:27:00.001-06:00

I came across a contest on BlogHer this morning for a Tamron 18-270 lens. Go to BlogHer for how to enter and win. For reviews of the lens & what it can do and to get more chances to win one of these lens check out the following blogs:

Holly at Nothing But Bonfires
Nicole at Pinch My Salt
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality
Dana at Made
Jaden at Steamy Kitchen
Stephanie of NieNie Dialogues

I so want to win one of these lens! I've been telling Joe that I need a zoom lens for my D80 for quite a while now.

Inspiration Everywhere Class at jessicasprague.com

2010-11-08T11:04:00.000-06:00

Jessica Sprague is offer a new class for free on her website. If any of you crafty girls are interested in it click on the image above and it should take you to where you can sign up for this class. Looks like it is going to be lots of fun!

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheeese Icing

2010-10-21T08:55:00.000-05:00

I had some pumpkin leftover from last weeks cupcakes so I thought I would try a different pumpkin recipe. These are even better than the cupcakes were. I found the recipe for these here: Pumpkin Cookies . I again followed the recipe exact. These cookies are sort of cake like and because I didn't have a scoop the right size ended up with 24 cookies instead of the 18 it says.

I don't think that I would change anything about this particular recipe. Everyone like them and my son said he liked the better without the icing. So next time I will only put icing on part of them. This was also my first time of using parchment paper to bake with and I loved the ease of removal from the cookie sheets & the ease of cleanup too.

FYI - according to Libby's FAQ you can store opened pumpkin in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

2010-10-12T21:25:00.003-05:00

I stocked up on canned pumpkin last year when they were talking about a shortage and now I have 3 cans of it sitting in my pantry that I need to use. I found the recipe for the cupcakes and the icing here: Pumpkin Cupcakes & Cream Cheese Icing . I did follow the recipes exactly except for adding cinnamon to the icing.

The one thing that I liked about this recipe over others I found was that it doesn't have oil. Some of the other ones I found called for oil and butter or to use a cake mix. These are good but I think next time I will add more pumpkin to the cupcake batter and a little more cinnamon to the icing. I need to make sure I buy unsalted butter too.

I'm still here...

2010-09-08T19:25:00.000-05:00

even though I haven't posted in a while. Kids are back in school and I've been busy with one doctor's appointment after another in the last month. I have been contemplating crafting projects and have come up with a list of them that I want to do. On my list of things to do are: sewing more of the Jane Market bags, to crochet and quilt some blankets for Project Linus, sew a tote bag & crochet hook roll to keep my yarn & hooks together, beaded bookmarks, sewing a cover for my sewing machine and a new apron for my kitchen. I will be sharing all of these projects as I get them completed.

Guess who is Sewing...

2010-08-16T13:12:00.001-05:00


Jane Market Bag

Look what I made!!! I have not done anything creative in a very long time. Don't ask me what made me decide to give sewing a go again because I have no idea. The pattern for this bag is from Alicia Paulson and is called Jane Market Bag, you can find it on her website for only $6. It was so easy to follow the instructions. I would definitely recommend that you have a larger cutting surface and ruler to make it easier to cut the pieces out. My little 12x12 cutting surface and 6x13 clear ruler made cutting the pieces slightly difficult but not impossible.

Don't you just love the red fabric! I purchased the fabric at JoAnn Fabrics a couple of years ago to make an apron and since I had some left over thought I would use it for my first bag. The pattern calls for the use of 4 different fabrics but I decided to just use the 3. The inside of the bag is lined with the same black and white check fabric I used on the handles. These are so cute & are a great size so I will definitely be making more of these bags to use so that I can get rid of all the ugly cheap Wal-mart shopping bags that I currently use. I'm also thinking these will make terrific Christmas gifts too.

Happy 4th of July...

2010-07-04T18:51:00.002-05:00

glitter-graphics.com

Make money & Declutter at the same time...

2010-06-17T10:40:00.004-05:00

photo courtesy of educhoice.org

I love books! It doesn't matter the author or the length; if it is a book I will read it with just one exception. I do not read Sci-Fi. The problem is there is only so much room in my home to store all the books that I read and my library doesn't always have the book I want to read either so that leaves me to buy quite a few. Some of you know that one of my goals for this year is to declutter the house and turn it into the home we can love & enjoy. This means I am looking for ways to get rid of books on a fairly regular schedule. So I thought I would share with you what I have been doing to accomplish this task.

1. Local Public Library - I check my local library's online catalog to see if they have the books. (Our local library built a brand new building last year and they do not have a lot of money to buy new books. Also when I walked in to it the first time, I was absolutely amazed at how many paperback books it had compared to hardback. I've had a library card since I was 5 & in all our years of living in many different places have never seen that many paperbacks in a library.)

2. Used Book Store - We are lucky enough to have 2 used book stores close by and a few others within driving distance. (I trade paperbacks here in order to try and save some money not having to pay full price.)

3. Goodwill - I have donated many books to them over the years.

4. CKY Books - This is something new I just found and tried recently. I had several books that the library didn't need and was hoping to get a little money back from them. It was so easy. You go to their site, enter the ISBN and they will tell you what they pay for them. If you accept the offer, you then print out the packing slip & free mailing label, box up your books, drop the box at the PO and wait for payment to your Paypal account. I prepared them for shipping on June 6, mailed the box out on June 7, and received a deposit to my Paypal on June 15 for $22.68.

5. Paperback Swap - I have had a membership there for 3 years and have had 242 transactions. At Paperback Swap after you join, you list all the books you want to swap and then wait for other members to request them from you, when you receive a request you wrap up the book and mail it out. (Only cost to you is the postage to mail.) When you sign up and list 10 books to receive 2 free credits. You then use the credits to request books from other member. For each book you send to others you get 1 credit. According to them I have saved $427.50 trading books. It is super easy and with postage paid online you can drop the book in your home mailbox. The only complaint I have is the wait for books I want to read to be available. I may or may not possibly have issues with patience.

Currently my preferred way is the local library and the used book store, but I think CKY books may be a new favorite way.

Getting to Know Me...

2010-06-06T19:12:00.004-05:00

*To play..copy the questions..answer them..then go to Mannland5 and link up*

The questions..

1. If a person has a booger in their nose. and you can see it, do you tell them? That would depend on who it is.

2. What are you passionate about? Sad to say but nothing lately.
3. How long have you been blogging? Shockingly 5-1/2 years. My goodness I didn't realize I had been doing this that long.
4. What is your favorite "summer" drink? Ice tea. I'm a true born Southern so there is nothing better than a good cold glass of sweet ice tea.
5. What is your favorite type of music? Classic rock.
6. Something I do before I go to bed is......? Brush my teeth. Pretty boring huh.
7. My Summer vacation plans are...? We don't have any plans for vacation this year. I told hubby that we need to start planning 1 week of his vacation to travel to all those places we've always wanted to go but have never taken the time to.
8. My favorite must have, can't live without, beauty product is? I'm going to say nail polish. I never ever go without painting my toenails.

When it Rains...

2010-06-04T13:05:00.004-05:00

Why is that every time I start thinking about getting serious about getting out of debt something comes up that we have to spend money for and not small amounts of money either? Hubby called this morning from work and said he found oil on top of the engine so that means he is going to have to pull most of the engine out to fix it. Guess this weekend will be spent looking for hubby a vehicle he can drive while he fixes his car. So not how I was looking to spend a weekend or money!! When it rains it pours definitely fits at our house.

We have so got to figure out how to get out of debt and still be able for me to stay at home with the kids. Over the years we have made some really DUMB financial decisions and now we are paying for them. So far I haven't figured out how to get more money coming in without me having to go back to work. Sometimes I think we should sale our house and move to an apartment in order to cut back on some of our out going expenses but not sure we could get what we owe on it at this time. Not sure I could even convince hubby that it is a good idea either.

I have read blogs and websites and books about getting out of debt & finances and so far nothing is working for us. This is something I have so got to get a handle on and soon!

Getting to Know Me...

2010-06-01T20:40:00.007-05:00

This is usually posted on Sunday but this past weekend the kids and I were out of town. So here are my answers a couple of days late.

To play..copy the questions..post them..then go here and link up!

1. Have you ever snooped around someone else's house? Nope because I always feel guilty even thinking about it.

2. Can guys and girls be friends? Yes they can in most cases.

3. Can you curl your tongue? No and I've been able to even though everyone else in my family can.

4. Have you ever stolen anything? No...Never!

5. Would you rather talk on the phone or text? Text...with 2 kids and a hubby it is easier to text and not have to worry about all the interruptions.

6. Memorial Day plans? Spent the weekend in Greenville, SC visiting family & school friends.

7. What do you do to relax? Read. There is nothing like a good book to help you kick back and relax.

8. Do you do anything to honor those that have died fighting for our freedom? Nothing special. Hubby retired from the US Navy 5 years ago and we always have our American flag flying high and proud.

May Weight-In and Mesaurements...

2010-05-27T21:50:00.000-05:00

I went ahead and did my end of month weigh-in and measurements a few days early because the boys and I will be out of town for a few days and here are my results. I don't a have a photo to post this time but will try to see about getting one when I get back hom/

Neck: -.25
Chest: +.25
Tummy: +.25
Quads: +.25
Thighs: +.25 (L)
Calves: -.25 (R)/-.25 (L)

I gained 0.25 inch total this month but lost 1.4 pounds so I guess overall not too bad this month. When I get back from my trip this weekend I really need to get serious again about getting the last of the weight off. Still 19 pounds to go.

Getting to Know Me...

2010-05-23T19:59:00.007-05:00

It's that again. * To play..copy the questions..answer them..then to MannLand5 and link on up!*

1. Do you have a fetish? Ummm...none that I can think of.

2. Do you sing in the shower? Absolutely not!
3. Who was your first crush? IRL his name was James Forsythe and I was probably 11. If I remember correctly my first star crush was Shawn Cassidy (lord that was a long time ago).
4. What do you think is the best manly trait a guy could have? A good job to support his family.
5. Do you sleep naked? Not since giving birth almost 17 years ago.
6. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Hmm the only thing I can think of is pick my underwear out of my behind.
7. What's the first thing you do when you go online? My email.
8. Summer is.....? Hot days & nights and thunderstorms & tornadoes here in the South. On a happy note it is: bbqs, swimming, suntans, flip flops & sundresses.

Getting to Know Me...

2010-05-16T21:14:00.006-05:00

copy the questions..answer them..then go to Mannland and link up!*

1. The most expensive thing hanging in my closet is.....? Probably my leather jacket (which I need to replace with a new one.)

2. Have you ever played a team sport? Never! I am so do not have an athletic bone in my body; even though my martial arts instructors tells me that yes I do.

3. If you were a bug, what kind would you be? a Caterpillar that turns into a lovely Butterfly.

4. Where on your body is the worst place to get sunburned?. I'm going to say either your boobs or your butt. Both places are pretty uncomfortable to burn. I got both burned in a tanning bed years ago. You don't know how bad an itch can be until you burn your butt and can't scratch it in public.

5. Are you happy? Most of the time.

6. People are always abbreviating..are there any abbreviations that make your skin crawl when people use them? I think I have become immune to abbreviations at this point.

7. Do you love where you live..or could you live anywhere? I do like where we live but can't say that we love it. To be honest I really miss moving around every 3-4 years. I got so use to that being a military wife that it seems weird not to move.

8. What, if any, extreme measures do you go to to keep yourself from overeating when you're full? Nothing extreme. I have been trying to measure out all my food to ensure that I only eat 1 serving. I did really good with that for about 6 months and then fell off the wagon. I have got to get back to do it though so I can try to get the last of this weight off before my birthday in August.

To Blog or Not to Blog...

2010-05-14T09:51:00.003-05:00

That is the question. I know it has been almost 2 weeks since my last post and there is a good reason for that. 1) I haven't really had anything to share and 2) I'm debating on whether to continue even trying to blog. On the site reports I get each week I'm not sure there is even anyone out there that reads my blabbering and I'm trying to decide if it is worth continuing to post anything on here or not.
I've never been one of those girls who kept a diary, even as a little girl. I tried on a few different occasions to do it and just never could keep it up. My life has never really been all that interesting to me or anyone else. I'll keep ponder this and hopefully make a decision soon. Till then peace and love!

Getting to Know Me...

2010-05-02T13:38:00.008-05:00

1. Are you superstitious? No so much. Do I think unexplained things happen yes but I don't believe any item is lucky or unlucky.

2. If you were an animal..what kind would you be? I'm going with a cat.

3. You would never catch me wearing.........? Hmmm I've worn a lot of bad things in my time but I guess I would have to say mom jeans.

4. If someone posts a VLOG..do you watch it? Depends on what it is about.

5. Have you ever waxed your girlie/manly parts..or any other part of your body? Only my eyebrows & upper lip. I keep saying I'm going to get the "girly parts" done but always seem to chicken out.

6. Are you a spender or a saver? Now I am more of a spender than a saver. Years ago I use to be a big time saver, not sure what happened to change that trait.

7. If you were starring in a movie..who would you want to play your leading man/woman? Oohh that is easy either Sam Elliot or Sean Connery.

8. Smoker..never smoked..social smoker..or smoked back in the day? I started in high school and didn't quit until I became pregnant with our oldest. It took me about 8 or 9 years to get smart.

April's Weigh-in and Measurements

2010-05-01T14:35:00.000-05:00

This month's weight loss and measurements sucked! I know it is my fault because I have had a bad month where my eating is concerned. I did increase my fitness time by adding more classes at martial arts but obviously that wasn't enough to counteract the eating. Only 1 pound lost.

Neck: -.25
Chest: -.25
Tummy: +.5
Hips: +.5
Quads: R -.5/L -.25
Thighs: R -.25/L -.25
Calves: R +.25/L +.25

Total inches lost: -.25

A quarter of an inch is nothing. I have really got to get a handle on this losing thing and get it kicked back into gear.

Nothing Going on Around Here...

2010-04-27T13:49:00.002-05:00

Hubby and I decided that I would sign up for the XPT classes at martial arts so starting on Thursday night I will be adding a weapons class to my weekly martial arts classes. Every 3 months we will do a different weapon. They just started on bo staff so that is what I'll be learning first. This is not the exact form I'll be learning but you'll get the idea of what it looks like.

Getting to Know Me

2010-04-25T19:26:00.007-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts last week. I will try to do better but I can't promise anything. Here is the next installment of getting to know you from Mannland.

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action?
I think romance - something along the lines of Gone with the Wind.

2. Do you recycle? Not as much as we did in GA. Here you have to pay for the recycling to be picked up at your home. Our elementary school has recycling containers for newspaper & magazines that they earn money for so we do recycle those things.

3. Have you ever been to a strip club? Yes but it has been about 25 years.

4. Do you have a nickname? Yes but only my family uses it and I have always hated it.

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called? I can't think of one.

6. What are your Summer staples? Flip flops & sandals. I just love them when I cannot be barefoot.

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself? This pair of cute flats.

8. Are you happy with your boob size? NO! I want my cute little 36 full B's back. Currently I am a 32G - 34DDD. What the heck?! I don't want to be that size. It makes it so hard to find shirts that fit and I don't want to have to wear pullovers all the time because button ups don't button well.

Getting to Know Me...

2010-04-18T11:59:00.003-05:00

I discovered Mann Land 5 blog from another blog that I read and I love the getting to know you questions that she posts. Here is my first attempt at answer some of them.

1. Mens chests..hairy or hairless? Hmm...it depends on the chest.

2. How often do you run red lights? I try to never run them.

3. If you could raid any celebrity's closet..whose would you raid? Angelina Jolie's because she always looks so classically dressed.

4. Would you rather have more followers/friends on Facebook, Twitter, or your Blog? Blog.

5. What makes you feel sexy? Nothing right now. Hopefully this changes as I get rid of more of this excess weight.

6. I get excited when...........? Hubby and I get to go to a hotel alone even if it is just for 1 night.

7. Are you the "outdoorsy" type or more "indoorsy"? Definitely indoorsy! I hate to get dirty or sweaty and I definitely hate bugs.

8. Would you rather have your dream home or a million dollars? A million dollars...with the money I could buy my dream home and still have money left over to share and enjoy.

No Processed Foods...

2010-04-16T10:56:00.005-05:00

For anyone who has read my blog you know that I am trying very hard to get my weight back to a healthy level and to age as gracefully as possible. The problem is how do you completely change your way of eating and force your family to follow suit? Just let me say this is not an easy task to accomplish. Joe and I have been trying to get as much processed foods out of our family's diet as we can. I would love to say that after over 6 months we are completely processed food free but alas that is not the case. I would love to get rid of all HFCS, Saturated Fats (hydrogenated oils), and all those other chemicals that no one can ever pronounce in our diets. We have cut a large amount out but there is still just too much of it coming in the house. I don't care what anyone says I really believe that our bodies have become addicted to the chemicals in our food.

From a convenience point of view processed foods are just so darn easy and well convenient. Unfortunately they are also cheaper than good, fresh foods. I can tell you that we stopped buying soda almost a year ago now; however I do find that when we go out to eat we are still ordering soda with our meals. I am here to say that I am going to work much harder on getting all this crap out of diets and detoxing our bodies. The first thing I am going to work on is getting the HFCS gone. The television show The View did an segment today about foods that do not contain HFCS. You can check out the list of ones they showed here. I can't wait to find the licorice they showed. Maybe I will start doing product reviews on the different foods or make a list page of foods without HFCS that our family tries out.

Right now the only things I can think of off the top of my head that we eat that I know for sure do not have HFCS are Pillsbury Simply Cookies (these are so yummy and have no preservatives), Agave Nectar (this is sweeter tasting than sugar-I use it in my coffee & hot tea), Jif Natural Peanut Butter (it doesn't have the oily taste that the regular does), Arnold Sandwich Thins (my favorite is the multigrain ones-only 100 calories and 1g of fat in these and they work great for sandwiches or burgers), and Homemade Biscuits (we stopped buying canned biscuits 6 months ago and I have been learning how to make them from scratch). I hope there are more things than these but that is something that I am going to start getting on top of and getting out of our foods. I will add that sometimes it can take a little bit to get your taste buds to enjoy the change but I have found that the foods do taste much better once you get use to the change.

Laundry Helper...

2010-04-15T13:06:00.004-05:00

I came across an online ad for this detergent a few months ago and was very intrigued with the pump bottle as much as I was with the idea that the detergent is plant based. We are trying to not only clear out bodies of processed stuff but also to clear our home of excess chemicals. When I found this coupon on the Method laundry website I was even more excited to try it out.

I am 3/4 of the way through the large 50 wash bottle so I thought I would share my thoughts. The pros are that it is plant based, safe for my HE washer, cleans just as great as all the detergents with 2-3 times as many chemical ingredients, the bottle takes up way less room in my laundry space, and the pump bottle makes it so easy to get it in the washer with no drips. The only con I've found is that it is a little bit more expensive but the fact that is it suppose to be non-toxic makes it worth the extra expense to me. I am also planning on recycling the pump bottle once it is empty to put my fabric softener in to make it less messy too. So I give it 2 thumbs up.

Carrot Cake...

2010-04-07T10:12:00.002-05:00

I came across the recipe for this cake the day before Easter and knew that I had to try it out. It is from the McCormick Spice website. I will add that since we are trying to cut excess fat from our family's diet I substituted 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce for half of the oil and I left out the pineapple since I didn't think that we would like it in there.

Carrot-Cake

We decided that this was so much better tasting than the box cake mix and even better than the store bakery too. So I'm sure I will definitely be making it again sometime.

If you substitute the applesauce like I did then it drops the calories to 304, the fat to 15.9 g, and the carbohydrates to 37.4. I know it is still a lot of calories but I think even when you are watching your weight you still have to indulge a little bit.

Body Changes...

2010-03-31T14:45:00.004-05:00

Still working on life changes and one of the biggest was trying to get to a healthy weight & size. So far so good, I think, but there is still quite a ways to go. Today was weigh-in and measurements day. Ugh...I dread the end of every month now.

Anyway now that I'm down 17 pounds and 22.25 inches I'm having a new issue. I can't figure out how to dress my body not that I was having an easy time of it before losing the weight. I am in between sizes but if I don't find some clothes to wear than I'm going to have to go naked soon and that is a vision that no one wants to have. My problem is nothing fits right especially since I'm losing faster in some parts than in others. And don't even get me started on bras. You know when your band size gets smaller your cup size should too. It should be a law of nature that both bra measurements should shrink together. In my case that is not happening. In August when I got serious about the weight loss thing my bra size was 38D as of March my bra size is now 34DDD.

I need to figure out something to wear to have a picture made for the weight loss contest going on at the dojang. They want before and after photos. I don't have a current before photo and I can't figure out what to wear because I don't have any sport bras that fit.
This is a photo of me in October. I had lost 3.5 pounds and about 8 inches when this was taken. I let hubby talk me into buying this swimsuit. Don't know what the heck I was thinking and he must be blinder than I thought!

Still cleaning out...

2010-03-22T12:57:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe how much crap we have in this house!!! Yes I said crap. I have been sorting drawers and boxes and shelves for the last several weeks. Unfortunately I'm not finished yet either. It has felt so good to get rid of stuff. We have 24 eBay auctions listed right now of stuff we are trying to sell and some Craigslist postings too. I've also made 1 Goodwill drop-off and have started another pile of Goodwill stuff.

I'm also working on organizing ideas for the things that we do keep and I'm not planing on there being a ton of that either. Our goal is to turn the bonus room into a workout/martial arts practice/play room so I have really been focused on getting rid of stuff in that area the most. We still need to finish getting stuff out of there but some of it will be leaving as soon as our auctions end and our Craigslist posting run their course too.

Major Cleaning Out Going On...

2010-03-04T15:05:00.004-06:00

I have spent 3 days this week sorting through all of my craft stuff and have a HUGE list of stuff that is going away and actually I'm looking very forward to getting it out of my house. I actually think that if I could I would tilt the house and dump everything out of it. Then I could carry back in only those things that we absolutely love. There is just so much in this house and very little of it is something that I could even remotely say that I love. If you've been around for any time then you know that 1 of the changes I want to make this year is to clear out and organize our home and make it a warm & wonderful place to live.

Nothing to Wear!

2010-02-27T14:20:00.005-06:00

How many times have I stood inside my closet over the years and made this statement?! Way too many that's for sure. One of the things I am currently working on changing is the way I dress and my sense of style or lack there of most days. I don't know how many times I see other woman around town that are my age or older and thing wow they look so put together and cute/great. I want to be one of those woman just like when I was in my 20's.

Being thin all my life made clothes fun to wear and buy, but by the time I turned 30 I had gained a huge amount of weight and my fashion sense went right out the door. I think back on some of the things I have purchased and actually worn and it makes me shudder. To think I actually went out the door in some of that crap! Good grief what was I thinking. Anyway that is one of the changes I am working on making in my life.

I am trying to read books and magazines dealing with fashion, style, makeup, etc. Right now I am reading "Nothing to Wear?" by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo. Here is My Style Statement

My age group is: forty-something
My body type is: curvy/full (this is changing slowly though)
My lifestyle is: stay-at-home mom
My arena is: suburbanite
My personal style is: Classic/Bohemian
I want others to see me as: put together, easy going, stylish, and confident

I'm hoping to learn something about what type & style of clothing looks good on me and works best for my lifestyle. If I don't figure it out soon and find some clothes to wear I may have to go naked and trust me when I say this is a vision no one want burned into there brain forever...LOL.

Still working on changes...

2010-02-25T13:42:00.005-06:00

Goodness it has been almost a month since I posted anything here. Lots of changes going on and I have to say it is so not easy but I know that it is going to be so worth it in the end.
1. Not sure where I'm at with weight loss at this point. Weigh-in and measurement day is still a couple of days away.
2. Debt is still something that we are struggling with but are hoping to change.
3. Behaviors have their days where they are better than others.
4. How unfinished our home & yard look. I've gotten nothing done in this area yet.
5. I've been cleaning out and getting rid of so much stuff and boy does it feel so good!
6. Getting healthier & Eating better. I'm still trying to figure this one out too.
7. I have determined that I HATE clothes shopping! Finding things that fit is not easy and I'm really struggling with this area of change.
8. I have put out a few application but have not gotten any replies from them at this point.

Change....

2010-02-01T13:30:00.004-06:00

This is my word for the year of 2010. There are many scrapbookers that know all about Ali Edwards One Little Word and yes I know most everyone had their word chosen by the 1st of January but like everything else lately I'm behind. So here is my one little word of 2010...CHANGE.

Webster's Dictionary definition of Change: to make different in some particular; to make radically different; to give a different position, course, or direction to; to replace with another; to make a shift from one to another; to undergo a modification; to become different.

I use to handle and deal with change so much better. That is a definite must for a military wife. With transfers and relocation happening every 2-4 years you had better be able to handle change. Over the last 4 years with hubby's retirement I have had a harder time dealing with change.

There are so many things I want to change in our lives:
1. Me to lose weight.
2. Rid ourselves of debt.
3. Our kids and our behaviors.
4. How unfinished our home & yard look.
5. How unorganized our home & lives have become.
6. Getting healthier & Eating better.
7. My clothes and style.
8. Whether to homeschool our youngest or not and where I can find a job or not.

See there are many things that we are working on changing. 2010 looks like it is going to be a year of many changes both big and small. I just want to be able to Embrace all of the Changes with grace and excitement. We will see if I survive it or not. Wish me luck.

Struggles and Changes...

2010-01-30T13:42:00.005-06:00

Sometimes I think these 2 things go hand in hand. Most times it takes struggles to bring about changes in our lives. I know that most of you who have found my little corner of the world wide web don't know that I have struggled for many years with my weight and along with that my manner of dressing, among other things.

Last year I made a decision that enough was enough and that it was time to deal with these issues. I was never heavy or chunky or any of those other words we use for people who are overweight until I was about 28 or 29 and then the weight just started piling on. At my heaviest I was about 190. That weight might look great on a 6' tall man but not so much on a 5' 6" woman. When I started this struggle to get to a healthy weight and size I was down to 174 and had maintained that weight for a number of years. Still to heavy for my height and fame size. I'm working on this issue and hope that 2010 is going to be my year to finally succeed.

The struggle I've had with clothing is that when I gained all the weight my love of shopping & clothes went away and at times I have dressed like an 80 year old woman or a schlumpy, dumpy mom with no fashion sense. When I think back about the clothes I've worn over the last 10 years or so I'm horrified! I have been following a couple of fashion blogs we the woman look great and I'm hoping to take lessons from each of them.

And finally the other thing I'm hoping to work on this year is our home. I am 42 years old and in the 18 years that hubby and I have been together I have never had a completely decorated home. The biggest problem I struggle with in this area is being too damn picky and not having the ability to just pick things out. I have purchased so many thing that I thought I loved until I started trying to put them together in a room only to find out that I hated them. This year I must work on stopping this trend and start making definite decisions and follow through with getting our home finished. I would be so embarrassed for anyone to come in and see how unfinished our home is.

Sunshine's Stamps - Key to my Heart

2010-01-22T10:36:00.003-06:00

This great image is another one from Sunshine's Stamps and is called Key to my Heart. This card is again done 100% digitally.

I used a paper sampler from Lynn Grievson, Katie Pertiet's Rejoice kit, Pattie Knox's Brad Bonanza No. 03. The font is Arial.

Be sure to checkout what the other DT girls have come up with this week.

Thanks for looking!

Sunshine's Stamps - 71 Mustang

2010-01-15T09:40:00.003-06:00

It time for new images from Sunshine's Stamps. This little guy is 71 Mustang you will find him and others in the Movers & Shakers section.

This again is 100% digitally done using PSE 5. I did use the burn tool to kind of "dirty" the image up. Supplies used are Katie Pertiet's Naturally Krafty No. 07 & Classic Cardstock: Christmas, Pattie Knox's Brad Bonanza No. 01, and Liv Esteban Tabby Tabs. Font on tab is Jailbird Jenna.

Be sure to check out the other DT girls and see what they have come up with this week.

This stuff actually works...

2010-01-11T15:43:00.006-06:00

I have to start by saying that I am one of the most skeptical people there is when it comes to as seen on television items so you can image my surprise when I tried this and it actually works. I spend a lot of time barefooted and that leads to dry, cracked heels and trust me when I say I have tried everything from lotions to ointments to razors, etc. In last months Woman's Day magazine the Heel Tastic was listed as a must try.

I found it at Wal-mart for $9.88 and started using it at bedtime. My heels are so much unbelievable better looking and I'm thrilled! You put it on like deodorant so you don't even have to use your hands to rub it in. Which makes me even happier about using it. If you have dry, cracked heels you have to try this stuff. Oh and it smells good too.

Sunshine's Stamps Sweet Bee 4

2010-01-08T04:00:00.004-06:00

A new week is here for Sunshine's Stamps. This cute little image is called Sweet Bee 4. There are lots of new images for valentines so be sure to go check them out.

I used Sweet Sprinkles from The Shabby Princess. It is a freebie that can be downloaded here. The black background is from Katie Pertiet's Classic Cardstock Cleansing.

Be sure to check out what the other DT girls have come up with using these great valentines images.

Design Your Life class...

2009-12-23T15:47:00.002-06:00

Today I signed up for a new online scrapbooking class. It is Cathy Zielske's Design Your Life over at Big Picture Scrapbooking. I have looked at this class several times over the years that she has been teaching it but could never get signed up for it before. Hopefully this will put me on the path to getting all my scrapbooking back to being done. If anyone is interested there is a 10% off discount code here.

Sunshine's Stamps Snowglobe challenge...

2009-12-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

Once again this week Sunshine's Stamps is sponsoring a challenge at Show & Tell Cards and Scrap Pages. This weeks challenge is snowglobes and Sunshine gave us 4 images to choose from. This image is Sunshine's Stamps Waving Snowman.

As usual this is 100% digitally done using Photoshop Elements 5. The tutorial for the snowglobe is from About.com: Graphics Software. It has a zip file to download the snowglobe and then you just follow the instructions to fill and use it. I recolored the background that was part of the download.

The font is called Chilled and it can be downloaded at dafont.com for free.

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out what the rest of the DT girls have come up with for this challenge.

So much going on and nothing getting accomplished...

2009-12-16T20:51:00.003-06:00

I have so much going on in my head & life right now and feel like absolutely nothing is being accomplished. Christmas shopping is almost finished. Just a couple more things to pick up. Yesterday I made Buckeye and Glass Candy and today I made Peanut Brittle and Peanut Butter Fudge. The fudge went to the trash. Don't think I let it cook long enough. It is time for a new candy thermometer.

Be on the look out for the recipes as soon as I get the motivation to photograph the candy. On of the projects I want to work on soon is a recipe book of all of our family's favorites. Then as the boys grow up and leave home I can give them each a printed book with all their favorite recipes.

I have 5 or 6 classes at Jessica Sprague.com and Big Picture Scrapbooking that I am getting ready to sign up to take. So hopefully I can get started on them and will have lots of things to post here.

Still studying martial arts and hope to test up to brown belt in April. January will also be 1 year since I started studying Tai Chi and I started Yoga last month. I'm really enjoying the stretching that yoga gives. It feels so good.

And last but not least I am going to have to start job hunting soon. I'm hoping that I will be able to find something that works with me schedule wise so that the boys and I will still be able to do our martial arts training. We have some bills that we have got to get paid off soon so and the only way that is going to happen is if I find a job. One day we hope to be debt free and actually have an emergency savings too. More post on becoming debt free coming soon. I hope.

Sunshine's Stamps at Show and Tell Cards and Scrap Pages

2009-12-11T19:51:00.004-06:00

Sunshine's Stamps is sponsoring the day 12 challenge of the 24 Days of Christmas at Show and Tell Cards and Scrap Pages.

This cards is done 100% digitally using Photoshop Elements 5.

Supplies used: Pattern Papers from Jessica Sprague's Holiday in Hand class. Kraft Paper is Katie Pertiet's Naturally Krafty No. 7. Brads are from Pattie Knox's Brad Bonanza No. 3. Ribbon is from a OScraps kit.

Be sure to check out what the other DT girls have come up with for this sketch.

Thanks for looking!

Sunshine gave us this sketch to use to come up with our cards for this week.

Too Much Plastic...

2009-12-09T11:52:00.005-06:00

Since I've lived on my own I have always had a cabinet full of Tupperware, Rubbermaid, etc. The mess that has always come with it all has driven me crazy. Recently I absolutely couldn't stand it any longer and decided it was time to do something. Check out the difference! (You can click on the photo to see a larger view)

I filled up one box with all of the round and odd plastic containers and took them to Goodwill and then filled up another box with all the containers that were missing lids or just plain looked nasty and put them out for garbage pickup. Then we went to Target and bought some of theseand some more of theseAs you can see from the before and after photos it made a huge difference in space and clutter as well as the time in putting them away and finding what you need. They all stack so nice and neat and you can locate the right size container without having to empty the entire cabinet. An added benefit to these containers is that they fit so nicely in the refrigerator too. Taking up much less space then the round ones. Space inside my refrigerator is a commodity so anything that helps open up more room is always welcome.

Sunshine's Stamps is featuring Midnight Madness #30

2009-12-04T19:05:00.008-06:00

This week Sunshine's Stamps is featuring Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge. Be sure to go over there and see all the great stuff in the giveaway.

Here is the card I came up with for this sketch. It is 100% digital and done using Photoshop Elements 5.

The image and the sentiment are from Sunshine's Stamps . Meet Blizzard and the sentiment is called Blowin' By be sure to check out the other great images that Sunshine & Robbie have come up with.
Papers: Michelle Coleman Frosted and Wonderful; Amy Teets Whitie Tightie, Katie Pertiet Rejoice
Embellishment: Shabby Princess Celebrating
Other: Jessica Sprague Scallop Circle

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the other DT girls have come up with this week.

Sunshine's Stamps Merry Christmas Ornaments Cluster

2009-11-27T04:43:00.003-06:00

This week Sunshine's challenge to the DT was paper piecing. She didn't think I could do it...hehehe. Surprise Sunshine! We didn't choose our images this time. I received Ornament Clusters image and Merry Christmas sentiment.

This one is done completely digitally using PSE 5. One of these days I may upgrade to version 8. Anyway, I paper pieced the ornaments with some digital papers that Jessica Sprague gave her Holidays in Hand class as part of the class downloads. I used SCS sketch #254 for the layout.

Be sure to check out what the other DT girls have come up with this week!

Sunshine's Stamps - Christmas

2009-11-20T00:00:00.003-06:00

Sunshine's challenge this week to the DT members was to choose a Christmas sentiment and then she chose the image to go with it. I chose Angels Wings and I just love this sentiment even though I've never seen the whole movie it is from. Sunshine picked Poinsettia to send to me. It is a terrific image!

This was done 100% using Photoshop Elements 5. I used the paper to choose the colors to do the image. I used a paper sampler from Lynn Grievson. It's no longer available but you can see here that there are tons of other great papers to use.
I used a paper mask for the scalloped look. It's like a digital paper punch. The scalloped circle is a template from Jessica Sprague. The transparent ribbon is from an OScraps kit. It was in a download I received from one of the online classes I took from JessicaSprague.com but there are tons of great kits and elements available where you could find elements just like this one.

I am actually very pleased with the way this one turned out. Be sure to go see what the rest of Sunshine's Dream Team has come up with this week. Thanks for looking!

Holiday in Hand - Assignment 3

2009-11-19T14:04:00.005-06:00

I did not post anything about assignment 2 since that just involved printing. Assignment 3 is a little more complicated and requires us to fill in the prompt cards that Jessica provided for this class with things to do and things to make. I still have to go through and fill in the prompt cards but thought I would post my list on here too.

To Do
1. Visit a local light display
2. Watch a Christmas movie with popcorn
3. Go out somewhere special for dinner
4. Play board games
5. Have microwave s'mores
6. Have breakfast food for dinner
7. Commit to support a charity for a whole year
8. Adopt a new tradition
9. Add new ornaments to the tree for each family member
10. Advent calendar
11. Read favorite holiday stories
12. ICE!

To Make
1. Hot Chocolate & Hot cider
2. Peanut Butter fudge
3. Molasses cookies
4. New door wreath
5. Homemade soup
6. Make breakfast food for dinner
7. Make microwave s'mores

Jessica has given us prompt cards to use in the month of December the include Write & Photography & Remember prompts and blank lines for Do & Make Prompts. She has some interesting prompts for us to use.

Blue Belt Test - Passed

2009-11-17T20:53:00.001-06:00

I passed my blue belt test tonight! Yeah me!! Now on to advanced blue and some new stuff to learn. I wish they would do away with the advanced belts though and just go with the regular belts. Less test sure would be a money saver. There really isn't a lot of difference between what the regular and advance belts have to learn for testing purposes.

Since hubby didn't have enough days to test this time I tested by myself so maybe this time I will get some photos of me at belt promotion. Usually hubby & I test together and the kids don't like going to our belt promotions so there are never any photos of us getting promoted. If I can get photos I'll post them next week after the belt promotion on Monday.

Holidays in Hand Day 1 - Values and Goals

2009-11-16T20:28:00.008-06:00

Today is the first day of Jessica Sprague's class Holidays in Hand. Our assignment is to refocus on values and to set goals to reach them. She wanted us to journal or blog our thoughts so here goes.

First the values:
Tradition
Togetherness
Warmth
Gratitude
Giving
Memorable

Second the goals:
I have always wished for Christmas to be a memorable time for our children. For them to remember that Christ is why we celebrate it and that it is suppose to be a time for giving. I don't feel that we have always held that up for them to see so my hope is to change that before it is too late. I want them to have wonderful memories of tradition, togetherness, and warmth and I want them to find a love of giving to others and for them to become more grateful for all that they are fortunate to have.

1. This year we will spend an evening driving around looking at lights and attend church for the Christmas special like always. These will be a continuation of current traditions.
2. I think that this year I will try to add a new tradition of an Advent calendar and maybe new pjs for everyone.
3. Gift giving this year is also going to be different. Instead of trying to give the kids everything they want & wish for I will be following this idea: they will each receive 1 thing they want, 1 thing they need, 1 toy and 1 thing to read. I pray that it is not too late to teach them to be grateful for each and everything they receive.
4. I will also be looking for places where our family can give to others and getting the children involved in this giving as well. This will be a good year to start doing the "Angel Tree" and to get back to doing Operation Christmas Child.

God Is Already There...

2009-11-13T09:46:00.005-06:00

This week Sunshine challenged the DT to use only a sentiment and no other images. Here is what I came up with. The sentiment is from Sunshine Stamps and is named God is Already There and I just love it.

As usual this CARD IS 100% digital made with Photoshop Elements 5.
Papers: Grand Intentions kit by Jessica Sprague
Stitching: Straight Stitch by Katie Pertiet & ZigZaG I don't remember where I got that one.
Staples: Staple Its by Pattie Knox

Be sure to check out the other DT pages and see what the other girls came up with. Thanks for looking!

Not very good at blogging the day to day stuff...

2009-11-09T21:20:00.002-06:00

I know I named this blog Day to Day and boy do I suck at posting the daily stuff! The only thing my days seems to be filled with is weight loss & trying to figure out how to dress myself, housework, kids, and marital arts. I need to try and get better about journaling the day to day parts of life too.

I've been working hard the last couple of weeks to make up missed martial arts classes so that I can test this month for my next belt. Only 6 more belts to black. At the rate I'm going it is going to take me 2-1/2 more years. I really need to find the energy to do more than 2 classes a week.

My father-in-law passes away this past weekend. Even though he had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year we were hopeful that the chemo and radiation would work and he would be around much longer. My husband went home to be there for the funeral tomorrow. I hate so much that I am not there to hold his hand while he goes through the viewing & funeral tomorrow. Unfortunately due to the severity of Matthew's ADHD; I just did not feel that all the people and the need for quiet was a place that he could deal with and be able to control himself; I ended up having to stay home with the kids. We don't have any friends that we could impose upon to watch our kids for a few days and my family is too far away to get here quickly.

Emory you will be greatly missed!!

Sunshine's Stamps Waving Snowman

2009-11-06T10:29:00.004-06:00

Another terrific image from Sunshine's Stamps. There are lots of new images coming out for Christmas and winter so be sure to check them all out. This is another entirely digitally done card using Photoshop Elements 5.

All paper and elements are from Michelle Coleman's Wonderful and Winter Wonderland kits. Right now I can't find where to download them from but will keeping trying to find them for you all.

Layout is from SCS #249.
Be sure to check out what the rest of Sunshine's Dream Team have come up with and Thanks for looking!

New Jessica Sprague class and it is FREE!

2009-11-02T12:44:00.003-06:00

I just signed up for Jessica's new class at jessicasprague.com. She is offering this class for free. Go over to her site and all the information on how to sign up is right on the home page.

The classes over there are always awesome and worth the time and cost. I've never had a complaint about any of the 6 that I have taken so far. There is always so much information and lots of downloads with each class.

I love that all of the class information and downloads are available forever. A lot of the other places are not like that and I hate paying for something and then not being able to access it again later.

Gardener Bunny from Sunshine's Stamps

2009-10-30T05:00:00.004-05:00

Sunshine's Stamps has some of the cutest bunnies you will find anywhere! This one is Gardener Bunny. As usual I used Photoshop Elements 5 to color the image.

All supplies are digital.
Papers: Robin Carlton Squiggle It Add On and Katie the Scrapbook Lady Cardstock
Twill: Shabby Princess Holiday Sampler
Button: Shabby Princess Festival
Text Path: CK Oct. 09 issue
Font: Century Gothic

Layout is from SCS. It is sketch #252.
Be sure to check out the rest of Sunshine's Dream Team and see what the rest of the girls have come up with this week.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

2009-10-23T21:53:00.008-05:00

so meet Boobie Bunny from Sunshine's Stamps. I'm a little late with my annual reminder about doing breast self exams but I guess it is better late than never. Don't you think Miss Bunny has a bit of attitude?! This is another completely digital card made using Photoshop Elements.

The image is colored using PSE 5. I use Shabby Princess Shabby Mommy kit. Click on the link and scroll done to find it. Shabby Princess has some terrific kits. Flourish is from Mary Ann Wise and unfortunately I cannot find a link for it.

Thanks for looking and remember to go to Sunshine's Stamps blog and check out what the rest of Sunshine's Dream Team have come up with this week.

Sunshine's Stamps - Nurse Bunny in digital...

2009-10-17T08:03:00.007-05:00

Meet Nurse Bunny from Sunshine's Stamps. (You can click on the image and see a larger view.) Isn't she cute?! Sunshine and Robbie come up with some of the cutest images. This is card is entirely done digitally. I used Photoshop Elements 5 for everything from coloring the image to making the card.

I used the papers to select the colors I used for the image. The papers are from Jessica Sprague's Beautiful You and Echoes of Asia kits. The ribbon is from an Oscraps kit. The kit is a collaboration kit that I received taking an online class but they have a bunch of other great kits available. The pinned tag is from Katie Pertiet's Blank Safety Tags. Font on tag is Another Typewriter. Card Layout is Sketch #93 from Card Positioning Systems.

Today is the Grand Opening blog hop at Sunshine's Stamps so make sure you go check out the big event. I know all of Sunshine's Dream Team will have lots of great ideas to see and be sure to check out these blogs for the chance to enter for the Mystery Blog Candy that Sunshine will be giving away.

Sunshine
Chrissy
Tami
Heather
Jenny
KY
Kym
Stuffie
Jennifer H
Trinity
Sharon

Witchy Bunny & Zombie Sentiment

2009-10-09T09:43:00.005-05:00

Check out Sunshine's Stamps to see all the great new Sunny Bunny stamps and Sunny Bunny Sentiments . This week I chose Witchy Bunny and the Zombie sentiment for my card. Sunshine has some terrific sentiments.

I used Photoshop Elements 5 to color the image. The "papers" are from a Halloween kit that is unfortunately no longer available. The "eyelets" are from Shabby Princess Splash kit.

Thanks for checking me out and be sure to go see what the rest of Sunshine's Dream Team have come up with this week.

Christmas Planning in Progress...

2009-10-05T12:03:00.002-05:00

I WILL BE READY FOR CHRISTMAS BEFORE DEC. 24TH!!!!

Every year I say that I'm going to start early getting ready for Christmas and every year I'm still stressing on Christmas Eve trying to get everything finished. Well this year is going to be different. I found 100 Days to Christmas while blog hopping one day and decided to follow along.

Scrunchins What?!

2009-10-02T14:06:00.004-05:00

Meet Scrunchins from Sunshine Stamps . He just looks to me like he is say "what are you looking at?!"

Scrunchins is colored in using Photoshop Elements 5. All papers and embellishments are from Katie Pertiet's Seaside kit . Font is Clingy.

Be sure to check out what the rest of Sunshine's Gals have come up with.

Fumble by Sunshine Stamps

2009-09-22T14:30:00.007-05:00

Meet Fumble from Sunshine Stamps. I am definitely not a sports fan but this one was an easy one to do.

Image colored with PSE 5. Digital papers and buttons are from Ellie Lash's Halloween kit. It is a freebie kit.

Font is Hot Coffee.

Be sure to checkout what the other DT girls have come up with.

Stuey by Sunshine Stamps

2009-09-18T05:00:00.005-05:00

This is Stuey. He is the one of this weeks images from Sunshine Stamps.

Image was colored in using PSE 5. The "papers" are from Michelle Underwood's Tropical Breeze kit and the "safety pin & tag" are from Katie Pertiet's Blank Safety Tags . Used SCS sketch #246 for the layout.

Font is Comic Sans. This is a standard windows font.

Don't forget to check out what the other DT girls have come up with.

Grumpiness...

2009-09-17T13:38:00.002-05:00

I haven't been feeling very chatty or much like organizing or creating anything. This week has just been such a grumpy week around our house. Grumpiness seems to have hit all 4 of us at different points and times this week. I'm assuming it has to do with the dreary, rainy weather we have had all week long. We are all definitely sun loving people in this house.

Suzanne Swordfish from Sunshine Stamps...

2009-09-11T04:55:00.005-05:00

OK so I couldn't pass up using Suzanne Swordfish from Sunshine Stamps for this weeks card. As usual I used PSE 5 to color the image.

All of the "papers & embellishments" are from Designer Digitals Katie Pertiet 's Seaside kit.

Font is Century Gothic.

Be sure to checkout what the other DT girls have come up with this week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Herky Bird from Sunshine Stamps...

2009-09-04T05:13:00.003-05:00

Welcome to this week new image from Sunshine Stamps. Isn't he cute! I used PSE 5 to color this image. All the of the "papers" are from Peppermint Creative it's called Daditude and it's a free download. I used SCS sketch #151.

The font is Another Typewriter. This font is free at dafont.com.

Thanks for looking and don't forget to check out what the other DT members have come up with.

OOC Week 4 and Week 5 Goals...

2009-09-02T16:09:00.003-05:00

I know I was suppose to update this on Friday but well as usual I have lost steam on the organizing around here. I've been spending time trying to come up with a budget that we can live on and not spend more than hubby makes each month. It has been a big struggle.

I hope that soon I will be able to find my organizing mojo again and get started back. It probably won't be until next week. This week has been steadily getting crappier and crappier. I pray that is starts getting better soon. Trouble with oldest son and school again. It is making me crazy to have such an intelligent kid who refuses to work to their potential in school. Not so great news from my doctor or my dentist this week. HELP!!!!

Hank Hayseed from Sunshine Stamps...

2009-08-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

Meet Hank! Isn't he the cutest little tractor you've ever seen. This is one of the latest images from Sunshine Stamps. As usual I have colored this image in using PSE 5.

I used SCS sketch #213 for the layout. All of the "papers & brads" are from digital scrapbook kits by Katie Pertiet, Gina Cabrera, Amy Teets, Kellie Mize, and Shabby Princess. I think the grungy look of all the "papers" just fit with the old tractor image. I use the colors of the "papers" to select colors for the image. Font is Bleeding Cowboy.

I have tried to link to all the digital items if you are interested in trying them. Unfortunately some of the items I can no longer find online.

OOC Week 3 After and Week 4 Goals...

2009-08-21T16:15:00.004-05:00

I did not get the hall bathroom finished this week either. I found a mirror that looks great at Bed, Bath & Beyond so I did work on the bathroom. Still have to get everything out of the closet & paint that but it is getting closer.

I didn't select it as my goal for week 3 but I did clean out Matthew's closet & cleaned his bedroom. Pulled out all the yuck clothes & sorted school clothes from play clothes. This had to be done since my mom is coming for a visit and she usually sleeps in Matthew's room. I forgot to take pictures so I don't have any to share.

My goal for week 4 is going to be to finish the bathroom project. Here are the before photos: Hall Bath. I have got to get this room finish. It is making me crazy that it isn't finished. Look for the after photos next week. :o)

HockerDocker Helicopter...

2009-08-21T09:00:00.002-05:00

Here is HockerDocker Helicopter from Sunshine Stamps . This is a terrific image for boy's birthdays.

As usual this is done digitally using PSE 5. Everything on this one is from Shabby Princess. The "papers" are from Little Star, Urban Kiwi, and Celebrate. The brads from Holiday Magic. Amazingly I did not have any that were black so I had to recolor...they started out as red ones. The stitches are from Shabby Princess Shabby Stitches.

The font is Artistamp Medium.

Thanks for looking!

Today is my Birthday...

2009-08-18T14:34:00.005-05:00

I am 42 today and still not finding my body, mind, or life where I want any of them to be. I have got to really work harder on getting myself back together and finding where I'm suppose to be in this stage of my life. There are so many things I want to be different. I just don't know where to began in order to get there. This is something I will have to start thinking hard on and figure out where I want to go and how I want to fix all the things I don't like. Stay tuned...there will be further examination in this area.

I need a schedule...

2009-08-16T21:30:00.004-05:00

I am really thinking that I need to get myself on some kind of daily schedule. There just never seems to be anything getting done around here. I send 4-5 afternoons/early evenings running to & from the martial arts school. The kids are back in school so I have plenty of time during the day to get everything done and still spend lots of time on the computer.

I use to be so good at getting everything done without feeling stressed but over the last several years that has so gone by the wayside. I miss the days of having floors so clean you could eat off of and toilets you could drink out of. I need to get our home more organized and get myself back to organized. What I need is organization, more exercise, more reading, more crafting & less computer.

This is something that I have to start working on and see what I can come up with.

OOC Week 2 - Hall Bath followup

2009-08-15T20:58:00.002-05:00

I know I'm late posting this and I still haven't decided on the next challenge. OK so here it is...hubby and I have spent the past week working on our hall bathroom. We are getting close to being done still have to install the baseboards & paint the closet. I will be working on getting that done next week. Guess that means this will be a 2 week project. I will post the after pictures as soon as I get everything completed. Things are looking good!

Birthday Hot to Trot...

2009-08-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

The latest digital stamp image from Sunshine's Stamps . I again did this one digitally using PSE 5. The layout is from SCS sketch #239.

The "papers" are from Jessica Sprague's Home Away From Home kit. The "brads" from Shabby Princess Festival kit.

Be sure to check out what the other design team members have come up with!

Thanks for looking!

Getting the Bathroom ready...

2009-08-08T22:21:00.001-05:00

Hubby and I spent yesterday picking out paint, light fixtures & sink faucets for the hall bath. Now comes the fun part. We still have to clean & prep everything that needs painted. Then comes the painting. Finally decided which light fixture will be going in the bathroom. We went today after church and bought the paint. Tomorrow is the day for starting to paint. Wish us luck to get this done quickly!

OOC week 2 - Hall Bathroom

2009-08-07T19:20:00.009-05:00

On to week 2 with the organizing. Hubby is going to be on vacation the next so I'm going to take on the hall bathroom. We will be painting it from top to bottom. The teeny tiny closet and cabinet will be getting organized. I'm also thinking maybe a new shower curtain, faucet & light fixture if I can find some reasonably priced. Here are the before photos: Hall Bath.

This is the bathroom that our 2 boys use daily and the one that visitor also have to use. It was a hard decision on whether to do the bathroom or the bonus room. Hubby being on vacation is what made the decision finally. My mom is planning on coming for a visit in a couple of weeks so the bathroom redo will be more important than the bonus room right now. Wish me luck!

I Scream You Scream...

2009-08-07T19:02:00.007-05:00

This is Mr. Smoothie from Sunshine Stamps.
He is another cutie!

Again this was done digitally using PSE 5. The "papers" are from a mini kit call Lotsa Fun by Christy Heins. This was a free kit downloaded from RakScraps.com. I used SCS sketch #240. Font is Bell Bottom Laser.

Don't forget to go by Sunshine Stamps and see what the other Design Team members have come up with.

Thanks for looking!

OOC week 1 - Entryway Closet After

2009-08-06T14:51:00.008-05:00

Here is the after photos for my closet organization. It has been repainted and the shelf/rod have been replaced. I also edited out the coats and jackets. The kids stuff is now in their closets. the 2 drawer units hold all of our school & office supplies. I need to get the drawers labeled and get some new wheels for the 2 drawer one. I am calling this one finished!

Fly Me to The Moon...

2009-08-04T08:54:00.006-05:00

New and upcoming images at Sunshine's Stamps.
This is Space Shuttle. Isn't he just the cutest little shuttle you've ever seen?! Space Shuttle along with 2 other images will be available starting Aug. 5th. Be sure to check them out.

This card was done digitally using PSE 5. The papers are from Angie Briggs Chocolate Covered kit. I can't remember where I downloaded this kit but know it was a freebie. Font is Century Gothic. I used SCS sketch #118.

Thanks for looking!

OOC: Week 1 - Entryway Closet

2009-08-03T21:34:00.004-05:00

OK so I ran across this blog called Coming Clean: Confessions of an Imperfect Parent (definitely something I can relate too) and Melinda just started Operation Organization Challenge on there. Lord knows that my home needs all the organization help it can get and since the boys start back to school this week I thought why not try and see if this will give me some motivation to work on it. Perfect timing!

Since the challenge started on July 31 and I am joining in a few days late; my goal for this first week will be to finish the entryway closet that I started in May. It is about half way done so it should be a quick job to complete. This is what it looked like in May:

It has been emptied and painted and the shelf and rod have been replaced. I need to figure out the best way to organize all the stuff that needs to be stored in it. One thing our home lacks is storage. I will post the finished photos in a few days.

Girly Superbird...

2009-07-31T14:34:00.005-05:00

OK here is a girly superbird. The digital stamp is from Sunshine Stamps.
The digital supplies I used for this one all come from Jessica Sprague's Strawberry Lemonade kit except for the ribbon which is from OScraps and recolored to match the colors on this card. I used PSE 5 as usual.

The font is Storybook.

Thanks Chrissy for the sentiment!!

Superbird has entered the scene...

2009-07-27T07:47:00.007-05:00

Superbird is the last freebie from Sunshine Stamps . Cars are good around here since I live in a house full of boys. I just love this car too.

This is a digital card...I know a complete surprise right. The papers & brads are from Shabby Princess Our Little Star kit. This was done using PSE 5.

Thanks for looking!

An observation that would make life easier...

2009-07-25T15:53:00.003-05:00

For some reason as I was dusting & vacuuming 2 of the bedroom yesterday it hit me just how cluttered our home has become. A quick check of all the other rooms confirmed it...we have a piling problem! With the exception of 1 small shelf in out living room there is not a flat surface that does not have stuff piled or sitting on it.

There are 9 rooms in the house counting the bathrooms & laundry room (10 if you want to count the garage) and there is only 1 - 7"x32" shelf that is empty. I don't know why it never dawned on me before just how bad the piling problem has become.

I can't even blame it on just 1 person either all 4 of us are responsible for all the piling. The other problem I have is where to put or what to do with all the crap laying all over the place. Yes I said crap because frankly that is what most of it is. We have a few nice things but they are very few. I can look around my living room right now and count on one hand the things that I love and still have fingers left over. The rest of it makes me crazy and I'm sure it is the same in every other room as well.

Life would be so much easier and cleaning so much less time consuming if I can get all the piles & knick-knacks under control. The definition of knick-knack is a small trivial article usually intended for ornament. Notice the highlighted word in that definition.

Meet Malcolm Milk Truck...

2009-07-22T13:27:00.004-05:00

Malcolm is the latest image from Sunshine Stamps. Isn't he cute? The little sign on the side is blank so you can add any little sentiment that comes to mind.

As usual I used Photoshop Elements to color Malcolm. The papers are from Angie Briggs Tomboy kit. The brads are from Shabby Princess Celebrating kit. I used SCS sketch #237.

Thanks for the sentiment help Chrissy! Thanks everyone for looking!

2 more weeks of summer vacation...

2009-07-20T20:42:00.003-05:00

Just 2 more weeks til the kids go back to school. I think I am just about done with all the back to school shopping.

Need to sit down and figure out all the things I need to get busy working on around here. There is lots of painting and decorating that still needs to be done. And I also need to finish my resume so that I can look into trying to find a part-time job somewhere. After 8 years of being a SAHM, I think it is time to go back to work so that I can get out and be around other adults.

Tomorrow may be a good park day. We have been living here for 4 years as of Aug. 1st and we have never been to any of the parks we have around here. Will have to remember to take some bread to feed the ducks too.

My stamping epiphany...

2009-07-12T15:38:00.003-05:00

I think i finally realized what happened to my stamping enjoyment. I haven't stamped in probably 6 months or more and haven't exactly missed it either. I was thinking about it the other day when I was contemplating selling more craft stuff.

Before stamping became trying to keep up with all the new stuff and techniques & the people who were being published & getting on design teams, etc, I really enjoyed stamping. Then it got to the point where everyone and I do mean everyone (including me) was trying to outdo everyone else and the cards & techniques got more and more complicated. That is when my enjoyment of stamping went into the toilet and never resurfaced.

I tried several times to get published & tried a couple of times to get on design teams. Again in order to be part of the group & keep up with everyone. The one thing I learned about getting published or getting on design teams is that it is always the same people that are chosen over and over. It is extremely difficult for anyone new to get their foot in the door.

For Mother's Day I mailed store bought cards to everyone and did not feel guilty in the least about doing so. Well hubby's grandmother said thank you and it was nice but told him it was not even close to being as nice or pretty as the ones I had made before. I have to say that made me feel good.

I still think I'm going to sell some more craft things and clear out a lot more stuff and see if once I get back to the bare bones minimum stuff maybe the stamping bug bites me again.

Patrick Patrol Car...

2009-07-11T19:18:00.006-05:00

Here is the latest digital stamp from Sunshine Stamps. Isn't he just the cutest! Again I used Photoshop Elements 5 and Sketch #236 to do this digital card.

The digital papers are all from Shabby Princess - Moody Blues, Urban Kiwi, Little Star & Celebrate kits. The brads are from O'Scraps Moonrise kit. Fonts are Another Typewriter and Clingy.

Thanks for Looking!

Lenny Loader from Sunshine Stamps....

2009-07-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

Another cutie from Sunshine Stamps . This little loader is just so adorable!

I again did a digital card. I used Photoshop Elements 5 to color the image. Then I used Mindy Terasawa's Groovy Boy digital kit for all the elements except for the twill piece which is from Jackie Eckles' Twilled Phrases kit and the brads from Oscraps Moonrise kit. Font used is Tamlin.

I tried to find links to all the things used but unfortuately some of them I can't locate at this time. Thanks for looking!!