Day after...

Merry Christmas----Happy Holidays!!!

How is everyone doing on this fine morning????

Did you have a joyous holiday with your loved ones?

At our house, everyone was pleased with their gifts. My daughter lost interest during the gift opening....we can only expect so much attention from a 2 year old! She wanted to play with her new dollhouse and dolls already. My sons liked their gifts---phew!!! :) They're not difficult children, but they do have many things, and this year with money tight, it was a challenge of what to get them. But I think Mom and Dad succeeded.

They didn't receive toys this year....which was a jagged little pill for me to swallow. It's hard for me to see them grow up.And grow up did they ever!!! They've both surpassed me in height, and I'm 5'8!!! Raymond is 1 inch from 6 feet, and Robert is 5'9. And the worse part?? They're only 14!!! But I'm proud of them, they're good boys! So, for Christmas this year, they received 'older' toys...video games, DVD's, clothes, posters, etc....They seemed very content with that!

Christmas was sent quietly at home....just us. I don't know about quietly....with DD playing very loudly, and the boys trying our their video games---which can get very loud!! :)

So, with the turkey cooking, the kids being busy, I got a chance to clean up my scrapbook room. FINALLY!!! It's been a busy few weeks, with me sewing up a storm, getting Christmas cards done and sent, and just general crafting (with DD), the room looked like a cyclone went through!!

Afterward, Mom (that's me!) and April went sledding. With all the snow from last week's storm, there's quite a bit. Let me re-phrase that---there's more snow now than we had in total of last year AND the previous years!! It actually reminds me of the winters of my childhood. We weren't out a long time, as it was bitterly cold....but we had fun, and that's what counts!

So, after a very long day, it was ending. April was asleep at her regular time, and I sat down to watch a DVD with my hubby---a rare occasion these days. It was nice....even though the DVD was NOT a 'romantic' or even a comedy. It was the Walking Dead, season 1. I am NOT a zombie fan, and refused to watch it on TV, however, I got pulled into it. Well acted, well scripted. I had to cover my eyes a few times, for the gory scenes. But it was good...which surprised the heck out of me. Because I didn't want to watch it. :Z

Anyways, what are your plans for this week???

We're taking it day by day....going with the flow, I guess. Hubby's sister and mother are having Christmas parties next week---so, I should be recovered beforehand. I'm burnt, I think!

Anyways, be safe.Get crafting!

Laura

30+ birthdays and counting...

Happy Monday!

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?? We have snow--LOTS of the white stuff! So much that it's a snow day for the kiddos. I made a boo-boo this morning. Woke up my teens, made them get dressed, fed them, and sent them off to the bust stop. 30 mins later, they were back! OOPS! Mom didn't check the website to see if there was snow or not. Nope, no school. :S

How was your weekend?? Mine, nice...very nice. I don't know if it was because it was my birthday or not, but everyone was more pleasant than usual. It was really nice....! The kids and hubby were much more attentive than usual. I'm not saying that I'm deprived or anything, just that they went that extra little mile...which was much appreciated!!  I received lots of presents...many of them crafting related! They sure do know the way to my heart!

I did not get a chance o get any crafting done, well, scrapbook wise crafting done. I am working on a felt dollhouse for April, and that took the time  did have for crafting...so hopefully I'll get something done today for Crop Chocolate's challenge.

14 days left until Christmas!! Believe that??? I can't ----and it's bothering me that I haven't finished my shopping yet---which is not me! I have to get it done this week---next week will be too busy for hubby to take me to the city to shop. oh well.

So, have a great snowy/sunny/pleasant day. Until next time.

Be safe, get crafting.

Laura

Out of the mouths of babes...big and small!

HELLO!!!

Wanna know a secret?? It's December 5---20 days until Christmas! Can you believe it? This year has flown by---literally! I had no idea how it happened except that perhaps I blinked! ;)

I'm looking out my window, and I am seeing the wind blowing the snow---YEP! SNOW! Yesterday, we had rain and extremely mild temps, and today, the temps have dropped and we have snow...again!

I had a good laugh this morning...around 6:30 a.m. which is pretty early to start laughing. But it's a great way to start the day! :)

I have 3 kids---2 teenage twin boys who are 14, and a little princess who's going to be 3 in January. So, my life is never dull...definitely not!

My boys get along pretty well...always have, for which I am grateful and fortunate. And are similar, yet complete opposites at the same time. Robert is my 'comeback' kid. he speaks is mind, tells the truth, says how he sees it. Other people besides the family or close friends may think he's a smart ass...he's not really, he's just being himself...lol. Raymond is my protector of the family, and quick for a laugh. He's also my giant---he's almost 6 feet tall! They are great boys--OK--I may seem biased because they're mine, but they are!!!

So, this morning, as they are eating their breakfast, Raymond tells us that he wishes they (Ray and Rob) had a twin connection. You know, where twins can communicate with their minds? (or so it happens!) Anyways, he tells us that he and his brother tried the day before to see if they could read each other's thoughts. Raymond told his bro to concentrate and to try to catch what he was thinking. So, apparently, after a few seconds or minutes of them 'concentrating', Ray asked Rob if he was getting anything. Robert says that he was getting something..yep getting something...that his brother was an idiot! I know that it's not the nicest thing to say, and we condone name calling in our house, but it was totally unexpected, and I almost choked on my coffee with laughter! Good grief! Raymond took it all in stride, and said that they do not have the twin connection---good to know!

Anyways, that's just a sampling of what happens in my household---never a dull moment, I tell you!

I was pretty busy crafting and mailing out parcels this weekend. I had made my 3D tree with DD (which was featured on CC crop--TY CC!!) ad I also finished up my gift for crafter's anon. gift exchange. First time I had ever participated---and probably the last. I liked it, but it was pretty stressful, for me anyways, of what to make for a person I did not know.
So, I ended up making this:

The person I had drawn was Becky, and she's crazy about poodles, likes pinks, purples, with a splash of turquoise. So, I made this for her dogs. I hope she likes it!

Anyways, that's done!

I have to start on my gifts for my kids----We decided this year for everyone, except the baby, to make at least 1 handmade gift for someone. We drew names, and I drew Raymond. I am making him an Ipod touch case featuring Domokun--the Japanese monster. He's cute, and it looks relatively easy. So, I'm giving it a shot. I'll post it once I'm finished! I'm also making (or trying to)  sock puppies for all 3 kids....even though my boys are bigger than me, they still have a soft spot for stuffies! :) For DD, I'm making her a little felt doll house that she can carry with her into the car, and puzzle blocks. Probably other things too, we'll see.

Until next time!

Relax. Be safe. Craft!

Laura

3D Christmas

Hello Sunday!

It's an early Sunday, and my household is still sleeping.

Can you believe that it's December, ALREADY????? Looks like December outside. Cold, snowy, grayish....

Yep, that's right, we have snow in my part of the world.

Have you all put up your Christmas decorations yet? Our tree is up and decorated, along with some decorations in the house....still have to put more up. I have to make some, as little critters got into our boxes in the garage and made themselves a nest or two or three in our decorations. The nerve!!!!

I don't know about you, but I am a little stressed this year...actually very stressed. There's a lot of crap going on in my life right now that is affecting my jolliness at this time of year. I hope it gets resolved---and then there's the whole Christmas thing that I am stressing about.  I am usually finished my Christmas shopping, but not this year. I practically haven't even started!!! Which freaks me out!

Anyways, I'm hoping I calm down a bit.

We did see Santa Claus yesterday  in Loblaws. I was so proud of DD---she did not cry!!! YA!! Of course, I took a picture....and wouldn't you know it--I was having problems with my phone! I didn't know how to work the camera on it! Which is so not me! When I finally got it working, DD was pretty much finished with Santa...grrr!But the store is giving us a copy of the visit!

 

Last night, DD ,who will be3 in January, came to me  and said she was bored! What??!! So, I asked her if she wanted to make something with Mom...to which she said yes! YAH!!

So, we made a3D tree. Let me say this about my daughter--she as really good fine and gross motor skills! I was really impressed with her  work! Maybe I'm being biased because she's my daughter! ;)

 

I  realized afterwards that this project works for CC's weekly challenge! Woohoo!

So, have a great Sunday. Relax. Enjoy. Be safe!

Until next time--

Laura

Paper Bag mini----my first mini EVER!!!

Hiya!!!

How has everyone been??

Where as time gone to, I ask? It's already the weekend, the end of it. I did not see the week fly by!!

Things are a little hectic here, but I did manage to get something done that I've been ..'admiring.. from afar for awhile. A mini album. Yep. I have never, EVER done a mini before. But I can cross that off my list of things to do. Because I have ACCOMPLISHED that!! (I'm still ...'intimidated'..by them, though! lol) I guess the reason I have never done one is that I don't like to work in 'small' spaces. I like working in lots and lots of space. Claustrophobic I guess. is that possible?? ;)

Anyways, I made a mini. I went pretty basic, as I had not a clue as to what to do. I had found a paper bag album that I fell in love awhile ago..........and, with a deep breathe, I decided to make one. lol.

I think the clincher for me was that on CropChocolate.com, te weekly challenge has been extended until this coming Friday, the 23rd November. Seeing as I look forward to doing these challenges, I was disappointed to learn that there wouldn't be a new challenge for the weekend to accomplish. HOWEVER! On Instructagram (a new venture from CC's owners) there are 2 contests...one is for a Cameo (le sigh!) and another for a Kitchenaid mixer (double sigh!) The one for the Cameo calls for ....get this...a mini tutorial.!!! Yowza! BUT I did it (Insert happy dance!)

 Here's my mini!

This is the cover----LOVED doing this! It was so fun! AND Easy Peasy!!

This is a sample of my pages.

I absolutely loved doing this. I may make some more. I just need to figure out what pictures I want to put in there now.

To see it more, here's the link:


http://instructagram.com/igrams/563

Have a great week!

Laura

Just another Manic Monday

Hello fellow readers!

Did you all have a nice weekend? Eventful? Got crafty?

How about a moment or two of silence for our war heroes on Remembrance Day (or Veteran's Day, if in US)? There was a lot of coverage on television yesterday---I have a hard time watching or listening, as I get very emotional, and once the tears come, I cannot stop them.

I had an eventful weekend---well, it started off eventful! I broke 2 of my toes (same foot), all because I was in a rush, pulled open the drawer too hard/too fast, and the drawer fell on my foot. I'm thankful that it was my foot, and not my daughter's, as she was right beside me. So, a small blessing, I guess. It hurt, and still does. I am now known as 'Two Toes' in my household. nice. lol. I had my MIL and SIL over for supper on Saturday, and I managed just fine. I had called our Info-Sante on Friday, and they told me that I had to keep my foot elevated. (Apparently there's not much to be done for broken toes!) Yeaaaahhh....wellll...I kinda have a problem with that! I'm not one to sit still, and I am always bustling about. But I do elevate it when I sit down---even if it's for a few moments. I kow, stubborn. Never said I was perfect! ;)

I have a technique on how to get upstairs to my craft room. Very carefully---but pretty quickly too. lol. There's nothing that's going to keep me separated from my scrapbook room!!!!!

And then I got crafty! This week's challenge on Crop Chocolate was to incorporate more than one color  in your background using ink or paint. I wasn't sure of what I wanted to do. But I did do something I had wanted to do for a while. Just swipe the ink pad onto my paper. I used TH Distress ink in Picked Raspberry (great color) on my background which is (surprise, surprise!) MME, the So Sophie collection (LOVE this brand!). And just swiped. I actually like the effect. Then I positioned my pix and other elemets onto my LO. I'm broadenig my horizons. Not being so 'afraid' to use my stash! (sort of!)

Yep. I kinda like it!

I was wowed! this weekend. My sons go to a great school, where they have many opportunities to explore. One of these opportunities is Music class. And what a music class it is! Robert is taking bass, and brought home his bass guitar this weekend to practice at home. He put on a little show for me, and I was blown away!!! I was amazed on how much he learned in class. He has a good ear for music, it seems. Obviously, he did not, I repeat NOT get the music gene from me or my side of the family!!! lol It's his dad's side! (thank goodness!)
Here's my boy:

Don't mind the lamp --PLEASE!--DH will NOT let me get rid of it! eww!

Anyways, that's one of my boys! Momma's so proud! :)

Have a great day y'all!

Be safe.

Laura

Inspiration.......with a few cards

Hello everyone!

How was your week?? The weather? Here, in my neck of the woods, it's snowing. Yep, snowing. I guess it's acceptable because we are in November---wow! Christmas is coming!

Sooo, I got crafty this past week. I finished up my cards for the Christmas card swap I am part of, over on Crop Chocolate. I had fun doing these, and I will probably continue on making more Xmas cards, for my own  personal use.

 You know, I mention Crop Chocolate quite a bit in my posts. And you may roll your eyes at the mention of it. But it is a great site. Seriously. And the talent that is there is unbelievable. I am always learning, am always inspired by these creative ladies. They certainly get the creative mojo going !

Here are my cards, in no particular order. I went outside of my box, and became more adventurous---and all is due to the creativeness of CC. Seriously. Lol.

 

My next project I am going to attempt is for the ornament swap. I have a couple of ideas of what to make----but I need to research some more, as these will be new techniques! Yep, I'm expanding my creative horizons!

But I am also going to tackle this week's challenge on Crop Chocolate. To quote,

 

I have an idea, or two. So, I'm going to try these. I'll post these once they are done.

I have a house full of teenage boys today. My boys have 4 friends over; they've slept over, and all I can say is that I am eternally grateful that I only have 2 teenage boys to deal with . 6 is way over the top. Lol Boy, can they eat!!!!!!!! Yeesh! Lol

So, until next time. Be safe.

Laura

Happy Hauntings!

Happy Halloween!!!

How is the weather where you are? For us, in northern Quebec, it's rainy, and mild. Not as severe as it was on Monday or Tuesday, after Hurricane Sunday. Wasn't that something?? I still haven't had contact with my good friend who lives in NJ, which seems to have had the brunt of this storm. I hope she is alright, her and her little boy.

Not the perfect temperature to go trick or treating tonight. But we'll see how the weather is later on in the day.  Hopefully Mother Nature will have a soft spot for all the kiddies, and have it clear for tonight.

It's kind of bittersweet for me. My 2 boys, whom are 14, are not as excited for Halloween as they used to be. :( One is not dressing up at all (party pooper) and the other is going as a ghost..........? It was fun over the past few years, getting their costumes ready. We made their costumes together. One year, Ray went as a Heinz Ketchup bottle! That was cool! He ended up in our local paper, along with his mad scientist brother. Another year, they went as salt and pepper shakers. Good times.

But I do get to experience Halloween with my DD . She's almost 3, and is now into princesses and mermaids and ballerinas. My SIL lent me a dress for her, so DD is going to be Ariel, from the little mermaid, with the big pouffy dress. I had to hide the dress, because DD wanted to wear it ALL......THE....TIME! Literally. Lol

Halloween is going to be different for us this year. We usually go to a little town closest to us, where the Main street is blocked off by the FD  on both ends, and the kids can roam safely door to door. Not this year. The road is being re-done, so this poses a danger to kids, so no Trick or treating there. The City hall will be the haunted house this year, and it's encouraged to give candy there. We will probably stop off there on the way home. We are planning to go the next town over, where there's a huge Halloween parade scheduled for 6 :00 p.m. And kids get lots of candy there from the patrons. Should be fun. I'm thankful that my kids are not candy crazy , meaning they are content with a 'normal' amount of candy. We are usually out for an hour max. That's it. I'm happy with that! My nieces and nephews are out for hours, and they never seem content with the amount of candy they get---which I never understood! But whatever! Lol

I got crafty again this past weekend!

This is for this week's challenge at Crop Chocolate----texture! I use corrugated paper (had that sheet for so long! Almost got rid of it many times--good thing I didn't!) and used my red Jillibean corrugated letters---love those!

I also received my cards from the Christmas card swap I participated in at Crop Chocolate. These, my friends, are from some VERY talented ladies!!

 

Anyways, be safe. Have a safe Halloween---Happy Hauntings!

Laura

Happy Thursday!

Good morning---or afternoon, wherever you are!

How has your week been going??

Mine--pretty darn good! For someone who was in a crafting slump a little while ago, I sure got bit by the crafting bug. It seems like I just want to craft, specifically scrapbook, all the time!

I also made a decision. A very BIG personal decision, it's big for me anyways. Let me explain. I receive many emails every day, mostly updates from scrapbooking/crafting blogs. (Love those blogs!) Anyhow, some of those updates are from companies like MME, Authentique, etc. Get the picture? And there are usually challenges being offered. I usually did the challenges for Crop Chocolate, which is fun---at times challenging, but fun. Sooo..My decision is to submit some challenges for other company/site's challenges. Which is a HUGE thing for me. I guess because it seems I lack confidence. I don't know why. Maybe it's the fear of rejection...who knows? But all I do know is that I have to conquer that crutch.

So,my first attempt is for the MME October challenge.

 One of my handsome men this past summer.  Love this picture...well, the one on the left, anyways. The second  is not so bad neither, it shows his goofy side---gets that from his father, I swear! :)

So, that's my challenge submission. I hope it's ok. I think it is.

Until next time.

Laura

Monday morning blahs?

Monday blahs!

Who needs them?? Not me! I think the weather  has a lot to do with our mood. If Mr. Sun is rising, and his rays are coming through the widows, our mood is more uplifted. If the weather is damp and rainy , like today, then our mood is kind of blah! Which is a shame, because in all honesty, I love this time of year. Where I live with my family is absolutely beautiful----we're surrounded by nature. I will take pictures and post them just to show you what I see everyday! I am very grateful to live where I do. But today is a slow start for the week for me.

I did get some crafting done this past weekend.

I did the weekly challenge for one of my favourite websites--Crop Chocolate. The challenge consisted of making a project using neutral color (white, black or brown) and 3 bright colors. Sounds easy, right?  Well, maybe because I was in an inspiration slump, and just couldn't grasp a great idea, but I had difficulty coming up with a project. Soooo....I went through this fab site---maybe you heard of it?? PINTEREST!! So many beautiful projects on that site! Also very addictive! Lol

But I accomplished that challenge!! Simple, but I kinda like it. I know, we are our own worst critic!

 

I also did another card challenge for another site that I like to frequent. Their blog is great---I like! Crafty Steals! The challenge appealed to me because of the cause, I think. A 2 birds with one stone, kid of challenge. The card that we make can be sent to this  organization which will then give the cards to  centers and clinics for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. And since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought this would be great! If you want to check it out, here's the address:

girlslovemail.com  I am going to make more cards to send. Here's my card, to start:

 

I also did another challenge (Yah me!!) This time, for October Afternoon. I *LOVE* this line! I think it's because of the whimsy, playful  elements of their products. Just love it! And I did this months' sketch. This is my first time submitting a project for them. I am still unsure of my LO. I feel it is missing something. Not sure. But I still like it! Lol

 

So, that's my weekend in a nutshell. Now time to go for a walk with my DD and our dog Thunder. I'm sure he'll give us a few laughs, as usual. He loves the falling leaves---he chases them, and DD cracks up, which in turn, make me laugh! It's all good!

Until next time, which won't be as long as a wait. I do have to become more consistent with this blog business!

Keep smiling!

Laura

Got my craft on!

Good morning  to you all!

Happy Wednesday!

What will today bring? Who knows?

Yesterday I got crafty. With so many birthdays in October, I've been busy making cards. My nephew's 3 rd birthday is this weekend, and so is his party. A small get together for the younger kids. My DD, 2 3/4, is pretty excited---it's her first 'real' kid party, besides her own. She wants to make her cousin Royce a birthday card also. I think I'm also going to have to make another card like Royce's here.

So, I recently purchased the Cars cartridge for my Cricut machine, at a great price. (Thank you Brit!)

And Royce likes Cars--sooooo! I made him a card! Let me say this, though, I had difficulty with this cartridge---cuts so much better in bigger cuts, and there are many, many small pieces. The picture for the design is very small, so one must squint! Yeesh! Lol. But other than that, I think it turned out pretty good!

 

And so, his card is done! It'll go great with his gift--we bought him the Cars DVD. Can't wait to see his reaction---he's a cutie!

I also realized last night that Crop Chocolate has another challenge up, besides the Instructagram one. I will have to check it out, as it's due tomorrow.

Until then. Be safe. Get crafty. Love one another.

Laura

CC blog hop entries

Hiya!!

Happy Thanksgiving for my Cdn. friends, and happy belated World Cardmaking Day! 

A little late, but better than never! :)

I got some cards done for the Crop Chocolate blog hop....and it was great! These are super duper talented ladies!!! Some challenges were more challenging than ever for me....probably because I was in a creative slump, and I had so much going on here.

 So, without further adieu, here are my cards, in no particular order:

So those are my entries!

I had fun! I wish I was able to do more---but alas! Life happens!

Until next time.

Laura

Friday......and stamping problems!

Good morning!

How was everyone's week?? Mine---kind of out sorts. I've been in a creative slump, I guess. Or it could because my recent CC order as bee stuck in customs...again!! And this is such a small order---I don't understand. I think I'm going to have to stick with Canadian companies to avoid customs charges. But we'll see what happens!  I feel like nothing is going right---ever feel like that?? Anyways, I'm sure it's going to pass...soon, I hope.

So, last weekend was the start of the Crop Chocolate DT blog hop. The DT members issued challenges for us chocolatiers to make cards for OWH.  I must admit, some of the challenges are more challenging than others!! I did a few cards last weekend, and some this past week. Not as many as I would have liked--but did get some done. I haven't taken photos yet---will do as soon as I get new batteries for my camera.

Last night, I was determined to get some stamping done. I am really new at stamping, and am really excited to do this. BUT! I haven't a clue of how to get colors onto my stamps to make beautiful creations. Dang frustrating!! lol I think I need stamping markers. I have lots of ink pads---have no idea if they are right or not. :S I think I need help! HELP!! I was talking to hubby about this morning, and he suggested I get stamping markers. Yes, I know I do ---but it's to get those markers! Which ones, where, etc. I have the Distress markers, and although they are nice and great, they don't seem to be the ones I need. Grr!

Anyways, until I get some help or some stamping markers, I guess I am at a road block. Which stinks, because I recently bought some Phyllis Harris stamps from Unity, and some Kraftin' Kimmie stamps. Very excited to get these!

So, that's my dilemma!

I have to share this. My DD (2 1/2) and I were getting ready to go for a walk . She had to get ready!!

She's ready! You have to know, we live in the country---deep in the country! You should have seen her shoes!!! lol. She's a character! Love this kid!

So, that's it for me for now. I'll post my cards soon.

Take care.

Laura

Only Thursday???

It's Thursday....only Thursday.

<sigh!>

How has everyone's week been going?? Mine, alright except for this darn cold or allergy...! Whatever it is, it is kicking my butt!!

Wanted to share a few things today.

First, is something that my DD, April, who is 2 yrs and 8 months, asked me. She is a character!!! :) Never a dull moment with this one---definitely keeps me on my toes! Anyways, she talks, and talks, and talks some more. I never know what she is going to say or ask! Today, she asked me about her belly button:

'Momma, Momma!'
'Yes April?'
'This is my belly button!' (Pointing at her belly button)
'Yes-that's right!'
'Momma, if I lose my belly button, will me bum fall down?'
(Me, stunned,) 'Uh..no! Your belly button can't fall off and your bum is staying where it is.'

Question: Where do these kids get these questions from??? I'm still laughing and shaking my head in disbelief!!

I made some cards this week, 2 actually. This week on Crop Chocolate, the challenge was to make an easel card, with 2 patterned papers, a stamp and some bling.

I never made an easel card--so research I did! LOTS ad LOTS tutorials out there. I think I got it...or so I thought! Confident, I tried.....and tried....ad tried again. FINALLY succeeded! lol

My oldest nephew's birthday is coming up in a few short weeks. I made this one. I thought I had it down for CC's challenge....BUT! No patterned papers...and I think it's missing a little something something!

It's alright---but I'm not 100% pleased with it! ESPECIALLY since there's no patterned paper for the challenge! D'uh!!

Second card I made is with my SIL, Jen, in mind. Her birthday is also coming up, and I wanted to give her a card. So, I made this one, and am actually quite content with it. It's bright, cheery....great for Jen!

This one is my submission for CC's weekly challenge. You should see some of these submissions!! Fantastic cards---very creative girls over there!

There's something I'm definitely going to be doing this weekend, along with making cards for the blog hop over at CC. And that is making Kathy's delicious looking chocolate cake!! It makes me drool!! lol
She posted her recipe over on her blog---definitely worth a shot! http://upinthenightwithkat.blogspot.ca/2012/09/fudge-lovers-cream-cheese-cake.html

Anyways, until next time, which will probably be this coming weekend!

Ciao!

Laura

Good Morning (Sun)day!!

Happy Sunday!!

The sun is finally out---after 4 days of dreariness and rain, Mr. Sun is out!!! 

What a week! I hope you all had a better week than me...or is I??

I was very emotional this week, had problems with Canada Post and customs, and just generally felt like crap!

I FINALLY received my order from Crop Chocolate yesterday. I had to go to the Post Office to pick because, surprise!surprise! I had to pay customs and duties. On an order that cost just a tad over $100, I had to pay a charge over $40. I don't think it's right, and it's very annoying!!

BUT! The box was so worth it. This box contained all my warehouse grab bags  and paper grab bags---All I can say it that I was in heaven!!!! :)

I should have taken pictures, but, alas, I'm one of those types that has to put everything away...I love to organize!!

Here's what I received:

WRMK pliers
MM pliers
Fancy Pants brads---lots!
Fancy Pants ribbon---lots!
WRMK Sew Easy heads---lots (I have the whole collection, I think, just not the handle! :S)
Authetique die cuts
Sizzix embossing folder--love set
Lots and lots of paper
Diecut shapes (Fancy Pants, I think!)
stickers from MM
Imaginisce snag em stamps  (these are all doubles, but that's great as DD has discovered stamping, and wants Mom's stamps--these are a good alternative!)

Among those lovely things, which I'm sure I have forgotten some things, I received EP country Drive collection, my regular hot chocolate (little random goody bags--awesome value!!), BG brads, pearls.

Great order!! Love my chocolate sweets!

It was a pretty good day, in all. I had went to Walmart with hubby and MIL (whom is awesome!) and one son---DD stayed with my other SIL and her kids (first time for that--Mom was freaking out!lol) and the other son stayed home (video games--yeesh!lol)

So, DH went to the blood donor clinic to give platelets, and while that was occurring, we went to Walmart. I found a Cuttlebug Embossing folder set for 3$!! And some glitter glue for DD, 2$, and a scrapbook album kit for 8$! Not bad, not bad at all! I wish I had more cash--but!!!! Darn customs!! lol

Anyways, I hope it's a great Sunday for you. I'm hoping to get some scrap work done. This week's challenge on CC is making an easel card---never did this. I'm gonna try!

And next weekend, if I'm not mistaken is the OWH CC blog hop. So, if you haven't stopped by there, do so. Great products, great prices, great people!!! :)

Best,

Laura

Monday...blech!

Hi y'all!


Monday already?? Where has the weekend gone to??

How was your Monday? Mine was alright, as Mondays go! :) I was a little bummed out that I didn't get to go to church yesterday. But I really was not feeling well at all! I haven't been 100% health wise lately, but I'm holding on, and it's not holding me down. But there are days where this darn illness is kicking my derriere!

My DD and I got crafty this morning. She's 2 1/2 years old, and she's recently discovered the joys of a glue stick! Oh joy for mom! :)

There is a scrapbook website that I like to frequent...quite often!..cropchocolate.com.Great products, great prices, great people, and a whole lotta fun! They have weekly challenges, and this week's challenge is consisting of 3 circles, 3 patterned paper, and 3 folds. I had already submitted 3 challenges, it was that fun!

I am unsure if I am going to submit this project, but it does meet all the requirements. And it is too darn cute!

DD glued the strips onto the back of this turkey, and then added her own personal touch to the eyes (smudged!) but she is proud of it, and so am I!

Very simple craft---paper bag, various papers, glue, a whole lot of fun.

The original turkey came from BGH Scrapbooks etc. magazine, December 2011 issue. The 'tail feathers' were originally colored papers described with what one was thankful for. Either way, it's a great craft.

That was this morning. Great way to pass the morning.

This afternoon was spent mostly in the car, driving with hubby and DD to the DMV, which is almost 1 hour away, to register DH's  new truck, to be told that he doesn't have all the proper papers! WHAT?!? So, we drive back to the dealership, almost 2 hours away, to be told that DH did have the proper papers, and that the dealership would take care of it. This has been going on for 22 days!!! (Insert eye roll here!) So, hopefully all should be taken care of this week. Yeesh!

Other than that, all's well. I did receive some sweet mail today!!! I received my Unity stamps today, along with a surprise package of 4-6x6 Authentique Paper pads!! I didn't buy the pads, but thank you. I don't recall winning anything on a blog recently! So, it was some sweet mail. I am very anxious to receive my Crop Chocolate order, which should be arriving this week!! I love chocolate! :)

Have a great night!

Laura

This is a test...

So I think I have this blog thing figured out. It's not as easy as it seems--for me anyways!

Why did I decide to start a blog? Well, it's been on my mind for a while. I guess I was procrastinating. Last night, yesterday actually, I wanted to do a challenge for Unity stamps. But to upload your project, it seemed like one needed a blog. Maybe not, but I finally had enough I guess. And I started one---or rather tried to start one. After complaining at the the computer because of MY errors, I went to bed without starting one. But this morning, I was determined to get this done.

So, here it is.

I think it's going to consist of a little bit of everything: crafts (I *heart* crafts, especially scrapbooking!), music, books, opinions, recipes, a little of this and that, and of course, my everyday life living in a household with my hubby, my 2 teen sons, and a rambunctious toddler! :)

Have a sweet day!

Laura