Happy Halloween!! We're busy getting ready for tonight's haunts but I wanted to post my card for this week's 2Sketches4You. Here's Kazan's fab sketch!


And my take. I made this card for my son's teacher Ms. Butler. She's the tops in our book!


Sometimes you have an idea in your head and it doesn't turn out quite the way you saw it but that's what the creative process is all about in my opinion.
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Today is my scrappy friend Heidi's birthday! How cool is it to have your birthday on Halloween! So here's to you friend. I'm so glad I stalked your blog and found out you only lived 15 minutes from me! I hope you enjoy your special day! I'm so glad to call you friend. We've has some really fun times since we met and I look forward to many more. Thanks for coming over to decorate my daughter's Wubzy cake when you had a cold!

And thanks for going to see the Season Finale of So You Think You Can Dance with me!

You're a special person Heidi and I hope you enjoy your special day friend!
I hope you have a safe and happy Halloween! I'll be posting pics of my sweet Lily in her costume.

Shut up it's true! Let's Get Sketchy!

Hello friends! It's Friday!!! Hallows Eve!!! This week we've got another fabulous sketch for you at Get Sketchy and a fantastic sponsor!!! I know you Bella lovin ladies are going to be excited about this week's sponsor. Shut up it's true!!! Stamping Bella is this week's sponsor!!!

Here's this week's FAB sketch from our own Dora!



Here's my take with some super fab ruler print ribbon I picked up in the $1 bin at Michaels

I used a Stampin Bella image I got from a swap a few years ago, Teachabella! I love these fun stamps!
So here's the deets on how you can get your hands on this week's prize. Create a card based on our sketch and link it up with Mr. Linky at Get Sketchy. You have til Thursday at midnight to do so and that's it! One random winner will get a $50.00 gift certificate to Stamping Bella!
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Rumor is it's somebody's birthday tomorrow...hmmm wonder who that might be miss H?? Well we'll just have to give you a special shout out here tomorrow so everybody knows huh! Stay tuned...
Have a great Friday friends!!!

I've been busy today...

I was busy late last night and today working on some projects. I always say the messier my space the better the project. I'll show you what I created soon but it was for a special call and at first I wasn't going to try because I am still not feeling 100 percent better from this darn cold I got 5 weeks ago. I'm worried since I had a relapse and felt horrible all over again. After some sweet encouragement from my Flickr Hero pals I found my mojo to get some projects finished and submitted by the deadline.
"If at first you don't succeed try, try again..."

Most of my friends know I write a scrapbooking column online with the Los Angeles Examiner. I really enjoy having the freedom to write about what I want when I want. I haven't been able to write as many articles as I'd liked but right now there is a Faces and Places of the World Photo contest and they encouraged us to enter. So I picked a few shots I've taken with my little Fuji Finepix and gave it a go. I am pretty sure my little camera is no comparison to the Nikons and Canons but I think my pictures are pretty good. Stop on by here and vote for your favorite. You can only vote for 1. Thanks friends, as always for your support.

And finally, a pic from Saturday's birthday party for my friend Georgie's (in white) sons 3rd birthday. From the left is Joanie, Alexandra, Georgie and moi with my new haircut. I also wore my contacts that day so sans glasses too. I like my hair short, so much easier. Just blow dry and go.
Here's a little something I found surfing YouTube for my 80's music lovin sisters! Can you tell me who it is?? No cheating and searching the song title...giggle

Well that's it for today. Hope you had an enjoyable Wednsday!

Get em before they're gone and a 1...2...3!

Hi friends! It's Tuesday and time for another fabulous challenge at Jacksonbelle Embellishments! This week's challenge is to create a card using 1 stamped image, 2 embellishments and 3 layers! Here's my take

I inked up our cute little Stampavie friend Penguin and Tree from the store. I also used the Eskimo Kisses 6x6 paper pad . I added some fun Christmas twine and a Christmas tree button to finish off my card.
We'd love for you to join us in creating this week. If you upload to Splitcoast or Paper Craft Planet use code JBE077.
Be sure and visit our Rockstar Design team blogs to see their takes on this fun challenge!

Tobi Crawford ~ Tobi’s Place

Stephanie Hargis ~ Steph’s Stampin’ Stuff

Jimmi Mayo ~ Stamping & Shopping

Bethany Paull ~ It’s Not All Black & White

Michelle Philippi ~ Inside My Own Private Idaho

Carly Robertson ~ Paper in Bloom

Lynda Benden: Stamp Act

Jill Dunn: Ink Genious

Lindsey Botkin: Embellished

Trudee Sauer: Follow Your Bliss

Heather Lee-Reppen: The Best in Life

Keri Lee Sereika: Pink Lemonade

And one last thing! Get them before they're gone! ALL inkadinkado stamps and stamp sets are 40% off and all Martha Stewart punches are 30% off!

November Reveal at Paper Posies!!

It's time to reveal November's kit at Paper Posies! This month's kit is loaded with Bo Bunny's Deliliah and My Little Yellow Bicycle!

• Bo Bunny Delilah (double-sided)
• Bo Bunny Delilah Promise (double-sided)
• Bo Bunny Delilah Stripe (double-sided)
• Bo Bunny Delilah Pretty (double-sided)
• Bo Bunny Delilah Here’s 2 U (double-sided)
• Bo Bunny Delilah You and Me (double-sided)
• My Little Yellow Bicycle Blue Sky & Leaves/Blue Brocade
• My Little Yellow Bicycle Sweater/Brown Flower Dots
• My Little Yellow Bicycle Autumn Bliss Decorative Edge

This months embellishments are

• American Crafts Chocolate Rocketeer Thickers
• Pink Paislee Pumpkin Expressions Cardstock Alphas
• Bo Bunny Delilah Rub Ons
• Prima Say It In Pearls Brown/Pink Borders
• Basic Grey Indian Summer Woolies
  

This kit is beautiful and I loved creating this month's artwork.


I wanted to scrap a layout about my terrible cold and cut out the flowers from the cardstock to layer them and accented them with the Prima pearls.

For this layout I wanted to document the bond that's been growing stronger between my daughter and her daddy. She is just wild about him {so am I of course}


And a few fall themed cards


I always enjoy working with my Paper Posies kits! For more inspiration check out our Design Team gallery. I am so proud to be working alongside these talented ladies!
This month's Guest Designer is the amazing Amanda Probst! Be sure and look for her amazing work in the gallery as well. She'll be hosting a fun challenge this month in the Paper Posies forum so we hope to see you there!
Not a member? You can still sign up for our forum and if you're looking for a fantastic kit club get all your Paper Posies deets here!

Blogging Hiatus?

I didn't intend to go on hiatus from Blogging. I did my Friday post for Get Sketchy Thursday evening and lovely Blogger didn't post it. Then I got caught up in weekend plans and other things that came up and didn't realize my post was missing until tonight.
The stresses of life can weigh upon you at times and lately mine have been jumping on my chest. We try to keep a brave face for our kids and not let them know about adult stuff. It's hard for me because anyone that knows me knows I wear my heart on my sleeve.
Then there's the stress of being a good parent. I have been on my son about studying and being responsible for his work. I can see his grades and assignments daily from school and I know immediately when he messes up. It's so frustrating to keep repeating the same things over and over to him only to have him make the same mistake again. I know...this is part of growing up. Well I thought I did my job this week only to find that he got D's on both of his tests. Math I just can't understand, this kid is an amazing mathematician! There's simply no excuse. Now I'm forced to impose consequences and I hate having to do that.
So needless to say I had to take a step back from crafting and figure out my next game plan with my 12 year old.
Now on another note here's some Saturday fun! We were invited to Harley's 3rd birthday Saturday in Santa Monica

Hmm can you tell where we spent the day?

Another hint...

Yes the party was at the Santa Monica Pier Carousel. Oh how I love the Carousel. Unfortunately Lily wasn't too hip to it. Here's a shot of her and Daddy just before they got on.

Lily in deep thought as the kids in front of her scurry for candy out of the Pinata.

I love this shot of Harley (aka Birthday Boy) we hadn't even started singing yet and he was testing out his cake.
It was a nice day for us and my first real outting after being sick for the last 4 weeks. I feel like the cough is finally subsiding.
The weekend wasn't a total bust. I got a fantastic letter in the mail which I'm sure will bring a little more stress for me but it's been a long time coming. I do believe in Karma. You get back what you put out in this world. Never forget that. I have tried to live my life as a giver and I'll continue to give because what I've gotten back is worth much more than my own efforts.

More October artwork with Paper Posies kit

Hi friends! Well I am still using up my October kit for Paper Posies. When I saw this paper from Jillibean I knew I wanted to do something fun with it. So this is what I came up with. I think it turned out pretty cute.



A close up of the flower

Here's this week's entry for the Hero Arts paper tearing challenge.

It's Stamptoberfest at Two Peas in a Bucket and it's my first time playing! Here's a few of my challenge cards




Well that's it for today! See you tmr with a new sketch from Get Sketchy!!

Jacksonbelle Tuesday

Good morning friends! While I'm still not over last nights loss I am optimistic that my boys in blue can come back and win tonight to save themselves from being eliminated from a chance at the World Series.
So yes, I'll be back on my couch yet again hoping for a miracle...

This week at Jacksonbelle Embellishments it's sketch time. Create a card based on this skethc

Here's my take on the sketch using the new My Mind's Eye Christmas line from the store.

If you decide to play along this week and post to SCS of Paper Craft planet please tag your creation JBE076.
Now let's see what the other DT Rockstarts came up with for today's sketch

Tobi Crawford ~ Tobi’s Place

Stephanie Hargis ~ Steph’s Stampin’ Stuff

Jimmi Mayo ~ Stamping & Shopping

Bethany Paull ~ It’s Not All Black & White

Michelle Philippi ~ Inside My Own Private Idaho

Carly Robertson ~ Paper in Bloom

Lynda Benden: Stamp Act

Jill Dunn: Ink Genious

Lindsey Botkin: Embellished

Trudee Sauer: Follow Your Bliss

Heather Lee-Reppen: The Best in Life

Keri Lee Sereika: Pink Lemonade

Don’t forget that all Inkadinkado is 40% off and all Martha Stewart is 35% off right now at the store until it’s gone.

Have a great day!

Ohhh you Dodgers...

I'm so upset over tonight's game. I just crack myself up about how into my baseball I get. I was standing and pacing the floor in the 9th inning and to see my boys in blue give away another game just makes my cheeks red! I wanted to scrap but nope I gave up crafting tonight for the Dodgers and what did I get for it. A high fly ball into right field to bring in the tieing run for the Phillies and then another for the win. Sheesh!! And what's worse is we haven't won a World Series since 1988, the year I graduated High School for Peete's sake!
When I moved to LA in 95 I never thought I'd become a Season ticket holder but it happen in 2004. My parents and I split the 1600.00 package and we had 4 seats for every game. It was a special year for me and my Dodgers. We won the NL Division title and I met my husband. I went to 68 home games that year, yep 68! I watched Eric Gagne close out and save game after game. He set a record for most saves in a row and I was at the game he lost and broke the streak.
I've been following the Dodger since I was 7. Don Sutton was my favorite player and I started watching the games not because my Dad was a huge fan and the games were always on our t.v. but because the cute boy down the street loved the Dodgers...totally cheesy but true.
I'll get over tonight's loss I'm sure but it sure does leave a sour taste in my mouth.
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On a happier note...I'm hosting this week's challenge at Paper Posies. I'm challenging the girls to create a project of their choice using clip art. I made this fun vintage Halloween home decor using some free clip art from Vintage Holiday Crafts.com here.

We'd love for you to join our challenge! You can sign up easily to the Paper Posies message board and if you don't have a Paper Posies kit yet you can still purchase Octobers kit here.

See you tmr for the Jacksonbelle Tuesday Challenge!

Gettin Sketchy with Unity Flair!

Hi friends! Welcome to another fabulous challenge with Get Sketchy! This week's sponsor makes some of my favorite products!

I am a huge fan of Sakura Gel pens! This week our winner will win these!!!

Wow! What a great prize huh? You could be the new owner of these if you play along with our sketch challenge this week and link it up to the post here Here's the sketch

And here's my take using Unity Stamps! These images are from the August KOTM. If you don't subscribe to Unity's KOTM you can sign up here! Kits are only 24.00 plus shipping!

Now that's not all my Unity Fair today...yes I have more!

Oh how I love butterflies and this one was created from a Spellbinders die. I used Tim Holtz distress inks to add color and embossed the shape. I finished it off with Glimmer Mist and some pearl bling.

and finally a little harvest card using my September KOTM and some Kraft my pal Jen Buck loves so much. I embossed the cardstock and again used the Tim Holtz distress inks. If you don't own these you've got to get them! QVC has a great deal on 6 inks and a package of the blending the blending foams for only 21.75 right now! I know, enabler alert. And if you weren't temped by that then what about this??

I hope you have a great weekend! We're off to the punkin patch for Lily and Scott to select their punkins for Halloween!

PS I know i sp pumpkins wrong, I just love sayin "punkins" LOL

A Sneak peek at November's Paper Posies kit and a couple of challenges.

I've been busy scrapping the day away with November's Paper Posies kit. It's loaded with lots of beautiful patterned papers and goodies! I promise not to tease you too long. The reveal is coming up! But here's a little teaser


Now for the first challenge, I recently discovered Mojo Monday. What a fun blog and a great way to start the week. Here's this week's sketch.

And my take using some Eskimo Kisses from Basic Grey

I really like the cranberry colored wood grain pattern and paired it with some Melissa Frances glittered snowflakes.
Now here's this week's 2 Sketches 4 You challenge from Kazan

And here's my take with Bo Bunny and some Basic Grey felties

The sentiment is by Inkadinkado and I also used a Martha Stewart border punch

I'm working on some Hero Arts stuff I'll post this weekend. Come back tmt for the new Get Sketchy sketch and some Unity Friends with Flair!

Thanks for stopping by!

Randomness while I listen to the rain...

I'm listening to the rain beating down on the sidewalk outside my window and feeling pretty good finally. I think I may be turning a corner with my 3 week cold. I posted this on Facebook before I went to bed

I've decided that tomorrow I am going to wake up and BE well...I'll let you know how that's goin in the morning

When I get to wake up to this little face everyday, how can I not feel better :) Yes that is her finger in her nose. Not even going there...

She was in full snuggle mode this morning and wanting mommy to join her. You know I did {wink}


I also woke up to my daughter's favorite friends placed in my walking shoes. Now if that isn't love I don't know what is. Hopefully I'll be up to removing them and slipping my feet back into my early morning walks soon.

I wish this was my walking route every morning. With tonight's rain I really feel like it's finally fall here in Los Angeles. We don't get to see the season's change so all you crafty bloggers that post pics of your Fall beauty make me smile. I think I live vicariously thru your Fall posts.

I wish I could layout a huge picnic under this tree with my kids and then collect leaves to take home and decorate the house with after.

*So I ran out for some ink for my photo printer tonight before the downpour and as I was driving home noticed the planes coming in from over the ocean. It was totally weird to see the headlights coming at me as I drove down the 110 fwy. I forget in this weather they come from the West and not the normal East route.
Little funny about living next to LAX, I always know which celebs are in town by their private planes parked to the right of my exit. You can't miss John Travolta's Quantas colored 707 that he flies in himself.

I even found time to make a few cards but you'll have to come back for those since I lost the light and haven't photographed them yet.
Well that's it for my randomness tonight. I hope tomorrow brings you something special. Thanks for stopping by!

Jacksonbelle Tuesday

Hi friends! It's Tuesday and time for another fabulous challenge at Jacksonbelle Embellishments! We love your cards so please link up your designs here or if you post in Splitcoast or Paper Craft Planet use code JBE0725.
This week's challenge is to use velum on your card. Here's my take for this weeks challenge

Supplies:
Patterned paper: Earth Love Cosmo Cricket
Flowers: Prima bittles
Ribbon: May Arts
Velum: Grafix
Stamped image :Inkadinkado

Now check out the other Jbelle Rockstars and see what they came up with for this week's challenge!

Tobi Crawford ~ Tobi’s Place

Stephanie Hargis ~ Steph’s Stampin’ Stuff

Jimmi Mayo ~ Stamping & Shopping

Bethany Paull ~ It’s Not All Black & White

Michelle Philippi ~ Inside My Own Private Idaho

Carly Robertson ~ Paper in Bloom

Lynda Benden: Stamp Act

Jill Dunn: Ink Genious

Lindsey Botkin: Embellished

Trudee Sauer: Follow Your Bliss

Heather Lee-Reppen: The Best in Life

Keri Lee Sereika: Pink Lemonade

Thanks for stopping by!

More crafting with the October Paper Posies kit!

It's a gloomy day this morning and Mat and I were awakened to a loud banging this morning coming from our back yard and looked out our bedroom window to see what was going on. Here's what we saw

Our fence was gone and there were workers in our yard busily tearing down the last remnants of the wood fence that once stood there. Funny, we hadn't gotten a call from our manager telling us that anyone would be needing to get in our back yard this morning. After further investigation it seems the new owner of the building pictured decided the fence needed to be replaced.
We've only been here two months but we had discussed the fence and how it was leaning and what we were going to do. What a blessing that it's being replaced this morning. Here's what it looks like right now

I'm excited to see the end result! We have some plans to plant some flowers and I am looking for a Lilac tree like the one we had in our front yard when I was a kid. I think once this is finished we'll be ready to get it fixed up for lots of backyard BBQ's next summer.

So now onto some crafty things. I made these cards last night with my October Paper Posies kit while watching the Yankees and the Twins battle it out. So far the playoff games have been exciting and I can hardly wait to see if my Dodgers can shut out the Cardinals this afternoon.

Hello...I used paper from Jillibean Soup and October Afternoon. Jenni Bowlin sticker letters, Doodlebug bling and Prima Flower.

For this Harvest card I used more yummy October Afternoon and a Basic Grey Bling it.
I'm working on a few layouts I'll show you later. I am feeling a little better today thanks to cold medicine and a good nights sleep. Hope you have a crafty weekend!