Cause I can hardly believe the news I have to share with you today! I'm a member of the Imaginisce Design Team! Look I even got a cute little badge to prove it!

I'm so excited to be working with this super talented team and the fabulous Imaginisce products!
We've got a Fan Page at Facebook here and you can sign up to follow the Imaginisce blog so you'll get email notices of what's new!
Congrats to all the girls who made the team! I am so excited to get to know you all!!!

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It's Friday and along with my exciting news I've got another fantastic Get Sketchy sketch to share with you from our very own Dora

And my take

We'd love for you to play along with this week's sketch so link your creations to Mr. Linky here. And don't forget we've got another fabulous sponsor!!

That's right the maker of the Oh So fabulous Glue Glider Pro is giving you a chance to win one and some other fabulous goodies!!!

So grab your stash and some stamps and create something fun with this week's sketch!
Thanks for stopping by today!

A little bit of everything today...

For someone who's been relatively healthy most of my life, having this cold for 6 weeks has been physically and emotionally draining. I've come to the realization that I do a great job of taking care of my family and a terrible job of taking care of me. It's evident in so many areas of my life. I don't take time for me anymore. So after lots of reflection, it's time to make some changes.

I'm hoping this cold stuff will find it's way back into the medicine cabinet and off my nightstand really soon!

Here's a peek at something I'm playing with for later...stamping on recycled craft Prima packaging. Gotta love that!

My take on Monday's color challenge at the Hero Arts blog
Supplies:
Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses 6X6 paper pad
Nestabilities label one die cut
Hero Arts snowflake stamps from two sets
American Crafts Thickers
Hero Arts Bling
Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch {have you seen the new punches? click here}

My husband's mom was kind enough to let us borrow her Nikon D60 for a few days on Halloween so we got some amazing photos of Lily trick or treating and I took these shots outside in our courtyard. I love how her hair has a waveyness to it. She hasn't had a first hair cut yet and it doesn't look like I am planning one anytime soon.

Wow what a difference from my Fuji finepix

I love this one! She is so cute and talking so much now. Full sentences even. Just the other evening she climbed in daddy's lap with her Magna Doodle and exclaimed "what you gonna draw?" So fun!
I can hardly believe it's November. I love this time of year, so much to reflect on and be thankful for. I am thankful for capturing these moments with my daughter. What are you thankful for today?
Thanks for stopping by today!

Jacksonbelle Tuesday!!

Welcome to a new challenge for Jacksonbelle Embellishments! This week the team has a sketch challenge for you! Create a card based on this sketch


Here's my take on the sketch


Supplies:
Patterned Paper Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Melissa Frances chipboard
Dress it up Snowman & Snowflake buttons
Misc aqua ribbon from Michaels
Queen and Co foam letters
Doodlebug Designs bling
Martha Stewart Jumbo border punch
We'd love for you to play along with our challenge this week so link up your creations to the blog here or if you post on Splitcoast ot Paper Craft Planet use keyword JBE078. Now check out what the Jacksonbelle Rockstars created:

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

Have a fantastic day!

Today I'm hosting a challenge...

at Paper Posies! The DT and our Guest Designers host a challenge each Monday for our members for inspiration and ideas for our monthly kits. This month's kit features lots of Bo Bunnys lovely Delilah! Today I am challenging you to alter something plain and make it beautiful! I picked up this cute little bird house at Michaels for $1, took some paint, patterned paper, Prima felt, flowers, pearls and Basic Grey felt embellie from this month's kit and VOILA!

I cute strips of patterned paper and used a Martha Stewart punch on the ends and folded them up to create my shingles. I can't wait to see what you create today! Join us in the forum and post your creation here or link it up to my blog on this post. I hope this inspires you to take something plain and make it pretty.

Here are a few cards I made for the 2 Sketches 4 You DT call. Sadly I was not chosen but congratulations to the new DT. With so much talent out on cyber craft space it must be such a hard decision to choose just 4 girls!

Supplies:

Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses patterned paper

Merry and Bright stamped image Unity Stamp Co.

Snowflake images Hero Arts

Doodlebug Designs and Hero Arts bling

Martha Stewart Border punch

I love reading the Moxie Fab blog and Cath has been encouraging us to create projects based something that we find that "triggers" us. I was browsing Etsy and came across these cute felt stockings here that triggered the color combo inspiration for my card above.

Supplies:

Basic Grey Porcelain collection

Bazzill Basics cardstock

Stamped Image Hero Arts

Misc: ruffled ribbon

Hero Arts pearl bling

And finally I made this card for last week's Hero Arts Simple Christmas challenge last week With patterned paper from Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses. I hope you have a fantastic Monday! Join me here tomorrow for another fantastic challenge with Jacksonbelle Embellishments!

Just a relaxing crafty Sunday, lots of photos

Ahh nice to have a Sunday to relax and craft. I finished up a layout I was working on with my November Paper Posies kit.

These pictures were from last weekends birthday party for Harley in Santa Monica.


I went out yesterday for a quick trip to Michaels while Lily and Daddy were napping and found all the Halloween items on sale for 50 percent off. I got the supplies to make Lily a special Trick or Treat bag for $2!!! The ribbon and pumpkins I already had in my stash. She carried it around the house all evening before we left and many people gave her compliments. I love being a crafty mom.

Halloween was lots of fun, Lily was a bit shy about Trick or Treating but that quickly wore off when she would try to take the entire bowl of candy and at one point tryed to go inside our neighbors homes...giggle. Ah kids huh. Here's some highlights from Halloween.

I wanted a daylight shot so I took this one on our porch

Here we are an Nana Virginia's house

Mom and Lily, we couldn't get her to smile...

First trick or treat of the night

Waiting in line for hot dogs, fries and a soda at the Mini Mansion. This family has been serving up a meal on Halloween to the Westchester community for 20 years and counting...all I can say is WOW.

Dad giving the family "thumbs up" stamp of approval on this years Halloween fun!
I can only imagine how much candy Scott will be coming home with from his dads house this evening. He went out with his buddies for the first Halloween without mom and dad. It's hard to see your kids grow up knowing soon they'll be holding jobs and celebrating Halloween with their own families before you know it.
I hope your Sunday was a relaxing one!

2 Sketches 4 You and a special birthday wish!

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!