Saturday, July 31, 2010
Yay for Diane!
For those of you who know my fellow Canadian PSF Diane, I just wanted to let you know she got her long-awaited liver transplant yesterday! Yay!
Tristan's Trees
Made another scrap page...this time of Tristan and his trees (he is an avid gardener). Used Basic Grey Origins to make it as masculine as I could...
Positive note of the day: Told you I sold the house...guess when the possession date is? August 10th! Guess what we are spending our long weekend doing...yep! Moving and cleaning!
Positive note of the day: Told you I sold the house...guess when the possession date is? August 10th! Guess what we are spending our long weekend doing...yep! Moving and cleaning!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Au Naturale Scrap Page
Long time readers of this blog will remember this hilarious photo of C. She loves being naked (even now) but esp. when she was a toddler. This picture is from when she was close to two and decided to go out in only rain boots on a warm fall day (however there was still snow on the ground from an early snowfall [which is typical for this area]!). When I saw the stickers "au naturale" from this Basic Grey Go Green set, I just had to use this pic. Loves it!
Positive note of the day: Spent lots of time with Ave tonight since we were on our own. She is fun but everytime I tried to put her in her car seat, she would arch her back and protest. My solution was to start counting in a direct and pointed way. By the number ten, she was usually smiling and submitting to the belts!
Positive note of the day: Spent lots of time with Ave tonight since we were on our own. She is fun but everytime I tried to put her in her car seat, she would arch her back and protest. My solution was to start counting in a direct and pointed way. By the number ten, she was usually smiling and submitting to the belts!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Penny Black with SSD Sketch
It totally is necessary for me to work out...if nothing else, I need to stop being so sluggish when it comes to my health. However, there are just not enough hours in the day! Even when I make these cards after the kids go to bed, I wonder if something has to give...
On that note, I just got a notice from my boss about a job I should probably apply for. It would mean more visibility and responsibility (but I am pretty sure I could handle what it entails...). I have been writing for eight years for this company now and I have been running in one spot for a long time. On the other hand, my job (and the relatively few brain cells it requires) allows me to be flexible, get time to work out and take the kids (esp. Ave) to all their appointments and school/extracurricular commitments. Brad told me he really couldn't get more time off due to the kind of work he does (and the fact that he has only been there for six months). Although the nanny can certainly do more this year than last (she didn't do any of the ferrying of the older two last year), she cannot take Ave to all her appointments. I really feel like I am responsible for Ave's speech and physiotherapy development so I NEED to be there. However, part of me thinks I should expand my role in the work-world. Ugh. Gotta think today... I am in a real quandary.
Anyway, here's a card I made with the Skipping Stones Design sketch...peace out homies.
Positive note of the day: For those who did not catch my FB pic, here's Ave practicing with her walker. She loves this thing (and I mean "loves"!) and, in the last couple of weeks, has turned quite crotchety when you tell her it is time to stop (although if she gets tired, you better be ready to pick her and the walker up and cart them both home!).
Some Gorgeous RAKs!
These are some birthday RAKs I received that I have failed to post until today...bad me! (I don't think I have ever been good with getting them up as soon as I should!)
From Chris (I had to use her pic since my MIL snatched this card for her stash already...she liked it's apple-y goodness too, I guess!)
From Nancy (my fellow Cal-gal and July birthday mate...she even let me have July when we did our Cal-gals calendar!):
From Tess, a member of the SCS BRAK group!:
From Chris (I had to use her pic since my MIL snatched this card for her stash already...she liked it's apple-y goodness too, I guess!)
From Nancy (my fellow Cal-gal and July birthday mate...she even let me have July when we did our Cal-gals calendar!):
From Tess, a member of the SCS BRAK group!:
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Today's SCS SC
This is today's SCS sketch challenge (slightly altered!). I tried out one of my new PTI sets (love these trees) with sapphire embossing powder and lots of silver!
Positive note of the day: Took the kids to see Toy Story 3 yesterday (I had promised them forevah ago and felt we better go before the guilt overwhelmed me!). They sat through most of it without complaint (only towards the end since it was close to two hours). It was a really well done movie and I didn't feel bad about the crazy costs of going!
Positive note of the day: Took the kids to see Toy Story 3 yesterday (I had promised them forevah ago and felt we better go before the guilt overwhelmed me!). They sat through most of it without complaint (only towards the end since it was close to two hours). It was a really well done movie and I didn't feel bad about the crazy costs of going!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Garbage Truck Card
My nephew Parry is in love with garbage/recycling trucks (he watches them on the You Tube...who even knew that people filmed garbage trucks?). He will be three this August...I cannot believe he is three already! He is super cute and sweet but at least half WJ (wild jackal for you newbies)...his mother might even claim that he is full-on WJ!I found this awesome coloring page and created this tall card with the CPS sketch this week.
Positive note of the day: Picked up my PTI order from Merlie (and it was a big one!)...stay tuned!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday Weight Confession...
Weight today: 161. One pound...sigh. Was not as diligent with the workouts last week (only two of four since I had Avery appointments to deal with) and had pizza on Saturday.
- Tried this gingerbread cake recipe...good.
- Got another one of these Lulu tops for 19 bucks. Cheap and recommended for busty chicks like myself. Plus, in this and a pair of cropped workout pants, there is just no hiding from that Buddha belly I need to get rid of! (P.S. Got bangs that drive you crazy when you work out? I bought this two-part headband and I love it!)
- Lastly, we sold the house today. We took a loss (but so much of this is "paper money") but nothing is moving in this market so I guess we should be happy. As much as I will wistfully miss my garden and wide open spaces in the other house, those kids delight in the cul-de-sac here and we will be digging out of debt soon...that is very good.
LPS Monday - Color Challenge
Today's LPS Monday challenge features the colors of pink, blue and celery. Now that just screamed "baby" to me so I created this CAS card featuring the little bear from {Swell News} and a sentiment mix from {Little One}. To make this quickie card, I stamped the image on the three colors of patterned paper, punched them out and applied them to kraft CS with a punched edge. I added an embossed line to the top of the card (~1/4" in) and then some simple white grosgrain ribbon. Once I was sure all my elements were placed appropriately, I stamped the sentiment directly on the card. Then, I attached it to a white CS background for a little more punch. Voila, I am done! (Note: This sketch from CraftyJC Challenge allowed me to finish in record time!)
Positive note of the day: Working on a document requiring UL standards...I am slowly but surely meeting all the regulatory requirements!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
A Quickie Blog Tip
Want to add a scrolling bit of text to your blog (like mine which states: "This is a music-free blog!")? All you have to do is add an HTML/Javascript element to your blog (for most of you, this would likely be in the header section) and in the code section enter: <marquee>your text here</marquee>.
If you want to customize your marquee further, look here for additional ideas...
If you want to customize your marquee further, look here for additional ideas...
Cutter Freebie Sites
Bumping this to the top with my latest finds...
- Super Link Up Site: Cutting Time
- Super Site: ScrappingTable.com
- Stacy's Free SVGs
- A Southernbelle's SVG's
- My Cricut Scrapbooking
- Crafts by Rowena
- Clips-n-Cuts
- SVG Cuts
- Denise's Scrapbooking Room: Cricut/Sure Cuts
- Patterns by Sher
- SVGShop.com Blog
- Free SVG files
- DigiFree: Cutting Elements
- Amy's SVGs and Other Scrap Stuff
- My Adventures with Cricut, SCAL and Inkscape
- Cricut Creations by amkscrap
- scale-files
- Imagine That (CUT files)
- Paper Creativity
- LA's Cricut and SCAL creations
- Precious Memories Scrapbooking & More (CUT files)
- Paper Pastime
- KLDezign
- Clever Someday
- Brittany's SVG Files
- All Things Crafty and Delicious
- Susan Bluerobot
- Penny Duncan Creations
- CRAFTY, le Craft Robo
- Craft Edge: Sure Cuts A Lot Forum (Fonts, SVG and CUT files)
- Images by Heather M
- Miss Vickie's CuttingCrazy Blog
- CRI'ative IDEAS
- Let's Be Scrappy
- EINNEJ
- Quilling Patch Crafts
- Freebies 4 U
- Me-Bear Creations
- L.D. Limited
- Tracey Mason's Studio (See Sidebar)
- Scrappin out loud
- Crazy for Crafting (DS and Gypsy)
- MeFlick's Cut Files & DazyCutr's Cards
- Penguins in Pink (See Sidebar)
- Sassy Lady's Gypsy Files
- The Gypsy Spot
- Busy with the Cricky (See Sidebar - SCAL and Gypsy)
- Scrapbooking Grandma Crafts (SCAL and Gypsy)
- Creative Cowgirl (Tutorials here for the Quickutz Silhouette)
- Design~Create~Inspire (Gypsy)
- Fun and Mental Changes (Gypsy)
- TheBugBytes (Gypsy and DS)
- Bits of Paper (See Sidebar - CUT)
- A resource for GSD Junkies!
- Enchant Art (GSD and SVG)
- MyDieCuts.com (This link is for GSD files but there is lots more there to investigate!)
- Designs by Sky
- Joanne6523
- Lisa's Precious Piecings
- Accents by Eddita
- Carrie’s Creations
- Beloved Keepsakes
- Forever Memories for You
- I Scrap Designs / Here too.
- Shelly’s Art
- tHE cRAFTY mAMA's *SCRAP*
- Okieladybug's Scrap N' More (Look in the sidebar for a complete listing of CUT files)
- Little Scraps of Heaven
- JustYolie
- LuLu Belle Designs - Luanna
- Tammeys Tidbits
- Digital Designs by Stephanie
- BittBox (Vectors)
- GoMediaZine (Vectors)
- Paper Crazed
- The Project Girl
- Designing with Die-Cuts (Check here too)
- A Little This A Little That
- A Day in the Life of Craft Fairy
- Liverpool Lou
- Carina Gardner
- Super Site: Monica's Creative Room
- Craft Robo Megastore
- My Pretty Little Things
- Bains' Bits
- RSMobleys Designs (Files Expire After a Certain Date)
- ALL THAT IS SCRAP
- Wendy Todd
- Scrapbooking ---- Passion or Obsession???
- Paper, Scissors, Ink (SCAL and SVG)
- Extreme Cards and Papercrafting (This link is for GSD files but there is lots more there to investigate!)
- Mommy Mel's Addiction (SCAL, SVG and MTC)
- Pieces of Me (DS)
- Froggaritaville (CUT - Check sidebar.)
- Craft Robo - Tutorials (GSD)
- Everything Cricut (CUT)
- Dianas Designs (AI, GSD, KNK and WPC)
- Craft Robo Support.com - Forum & Files (GSD)
- PabykinCreations.com (GSD)
- Crafty Club Templates & Projects (GSD)
- Charlene Stevenson (GSD)
- Great Scrappin Designs (GSD and WPC)
- Hinkeltje fotografie & scrapbooking (GSD)
- SCRAPi by BGlad Papercrafts (GSD, SVG and EPS)
- Invincible Summer Cricut Design Studio Cut Files (CUT)
- Cricut lovers guide to Design Studio (CUT)
- Ukscrappers - Craft Robo (GSD)
- Mes Fichiers SVG (SVG)
- Jayrewcraft - GSD Downloads (GSD)
- My Crafty Life... (GSD and SVG)
- Risalenee Creations (GSD and WPC)
- Paperthreads (AI, GSD, KNK and WPC)
- Designs by Duchess - Wishblade Files (GSD)
- JennieBean Crafts (AI, GSD, KNK and WPC)
- Wyatt's Scrapping Mommy (CUT)
- Capadia Designs (CUT)
- Cricut Softcuts (CUT)
- Creating in Carolina (SVG)
- Cutting Up Design
- Darcy's Designs (Files Expire After a Certain Date)
- Bee's Hive O'Drama (SVG)
- Free SVG and MTC Files (SVG)
- 3 under 3 and more (GSD - Added 3/5)
- Digital Cuttings (GSD and SVG - Added 3/5)
- Inkscape Cutting Design (Forum - requires registration for downloads - Added 3/5)
- SKhedr Designs (SVG - Added 3/7)
- BeaOriginal (SVG - Added 4/2)
A Boy Card
I seem to never have a boy card when I need one! T has a birthday party today so I made this in the wee hours last night...cute with Max and Whiskers! And I will never tire of this retired SU! set Toy Box...the images are so sweet!
Positive note of the day: Going out this am to get a small fridge for the basement until our replacement part comes in for this one. It works only intermittently and I am tired of living like I am camping!
Positive note of the day: Going out this am to get a small fridge for the basement until our replacement part comes in for this one. It works only intermittently and I am tired of living like I am camping!
A Sue Update
Since many of you asked me to keep you updated on Sue, I will let you know that she was able to post to her blog to keep us all apprised of how she and John have been doing the last few days. Thanks for checking in with her.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Mojo-Less Card for my Bro
This was one of those cards where I didn't know where I was going or when I was even done. Since I had to finish it already for my brother's birthday dinner yesterday, this is what I ended up with...a mix of thickers, paper clips and Basic Grey's Lime Rickey. And my bro doesn't speak in "text speak" so I ended up having to explain it to him!
Positive note of the day: Had a step class this morning with one of my regular instructors who was more uncoordinated than I was! Here's looking to Monday morning and the weigh-in ritual!
Positive note of the day: Had a step class this morning with one of my regular instructors who was more uncoordinated than I was! Here's looking to Monday morning and the weigh-in ritual!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Card Request
One of my very best PSFs Sue (who does the EONAC challenge with me every Friday), has had a terrible upset. Her husband John (who she writes lovingly of all the time) had, from what I gather, quite a debilitating stroke last night. It would please me to no end if you could send her a card to cheer them both at this time. Please e-mail me at allison.fillo at gmail.com and I will send you her address straight-away. Thank you.
EONAC27 - Heat Emboss It!
This week's challenge is heat embossing and boy, has it been a while since I pulled out my heat gun! I used Trees Three (another rarity [esp. since I am so bad about solid image stamps) with peridot and copper embossing powder. I paired it up with some Basic Grey Wassail and this week's CPS sketch.
Positive note of the day: Avery did well at her check-up today...50th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height. Too bad Mommy didn't remember the appointment until five minutes before it started! Had yummy sushi (I didn't eat the rice!) for dinner and then went shopping. How good is that?P.S. Dixie, please send me your deets so I can send you some stamps! And Charlene, you can have those stamps I was cleaning out of my stash earlier this week if you send me your deets! Thanks!
P.P.S. Today's LPS Friday feature is Nature's Garden should you like to take a peek!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
One Bright Mojo Monday!
I hadn't used any of my A*muse stamps for awhile so I pulled out this cute little scooter and paired it with this week's Mojo Monday. I was inspired to use these colors after Charlotte and I checked out the color challenge at the Children's Challenge Corner. Of course, while Charlotte grew inattentive quickly, I went with the colors to inspire my paper choices (now if only I were four like her, I could enter! Ha!).
Positive note of the day: Didn't get to work out yet this week but I will go this morning (since Ave's speech therapy got canceled). Made this banana bread recipe. Not bad and filling at only 140 calories a serving (certainly a selling feature!).
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Baby Congrats
I made a quick baby card for a family friend with Mercy's Tuesday sketch (I really like this one but I made it an A2 instead of a square). I don't think I will ever tire of this cutie of an elephant!
BTW, I am cleaning out my stamp drawers (very slowly!). I will mail this batch out to anyone who wants 'em. (Some are not used at all, some are gently used and some are well used!). If you want 'em, just leave me a comment by Friday. If more than one person wants 'em, I will draw a name.Positive note of the day: Went back to school shopping with the kids last night. Tristan got a new hockey jersey (since his Grandpa sent him a belated gift card) and some Team Canada hockey runners. C got a new backpack and indoor shoes for when she starts kindergarten. Tristan was super-sweet once he got his new jersey (almost didn't recognize him!) and C was so cute in the various shoe stores we hit. She loves all the metallic shoes and any one she could find with a heel. She is gonna be trouble once she hits her teens!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tomatoes!
I made another scrap page the other night from a Stampede a couple years back. One of the places that we enjoyed was the greenhouse with all the hydroponic tomato plants (I wish my tomatoes grew like that!). Outside of the greenhouse was this fun Dora stand-up for C to stick her head through. Hence the fact that Dora is a cowgirl draped in tomatoes and the "Tomatoes" title for this page!
Positive note of the day: Today I learned a trick that made me so happy! For some reason, I suck at making apple sauce. Every time I make it, Tristan (my chief apple sauce critic), tells me it is too sour, too sweet or, in far too many a case, too burnt! Today, I burnt the first batch (with only a bathroom break to blame...damn that too hot electric stove! I miss my gas!). Anyway, it was plain scary...I was not looking forward to cleaning that pot. After a little research, I found that boiling just a 1/2" to an inch of hydrogen peroxide on the bottom of the pan will have it lift right away. I had to do it twice but huge chunks came up after only a minute of boiling (watch the fumes!). I cannot tell you how this discovery pleased me so! And saved me hours of cleaning and/or chucking an expensive pot!
Positive note of the day: Today I learned a trick that made me so happy! For some reason, I suck at making apple sauce. Every time I make it, Tristan (my chief apple sauce critic), tells me it is too sour, too sweet or, in far too many a case, too burnt! Today, I burnt the first batch (with only a bathroom break to blame...damn that too hot electric stove! I miss my gas!). Anyway, it was plain scary...I was not looking forward to cleaning that pot. After a little research, I found that boiling just a 1/2" to an inch of hydrogen peroxide on the bottom of the pan will have it lift right away. I had to do it twice but huge chunks came up after only a minute of boiling (watch the fumes!). I cannot tell you how this discovery pleased me so! And saved me hours of cleaning and/or chucking an expensive pot!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday Weight Confession...
What I learned this week: It might be hard to confess my weight on a Monday after all the distractions of the weekend. Family outings, celebrations and just a lack of a schedule makes it hard to keep to a routine. Nonetheless, lots of furniture moving and cleaning can sure make up for that extra hamburger (homemade though) I downed! My muscles hurt more this morning than after some of my boot camp classes.
Weigh-in: 162 lbs. Three pounds lost.
Motivation for upcoming week: Add one extra aerobics class during the week (although not today since I had to get a crown and I think all the bouncing would be more than I can bear!).
ETA: Quote from an article at the NYT: "The body establishes its optimal weight early on, perhaps even before birth, and defends it vigorously through adulthood. As a result, weight control is difficult for most of us. And obesity, the terrible new epidemic of the developed world, is almost impossible to cure." Now ain't that depressing?
Another interesting tool: The Hunger Scale. (P.S. I think I could keep eating all the time!)
Weigh-in: 162 lbs. Three pounds lost.
Motivation for upcoming week: Add one extra aerobics class during the week (although not today since I had to get a crown and I think all the bouncing would be more than I can bear!).
ETA: Quote from an article at the NYT: "The body establishes its optimal weight early on, perhaps even before birth, and defends it vigorously through adulthood. As a result, weight control is difficult for most of us. And obesity, the terrible new epidemic of the developed world, is almost impossible to cure." Now ain't that depressing?
Another interesting tool: The Hunger Scale. (P.S. I think I could keep eating all the time!)
LPS Monday - My Sketch!
Today's LPS Monday is a sketch challenge that I drew up forevah ago (don't even remember when!). I pulled out this Earth Love DP from Cosmo Cricket (which I quite like but find hard to work with) and {Flyin By} (which is a steal at eight bucks!). If you want to try out the sketch yourself, head on over to the Little Paper Shop blog (I love to see how people interpret the sketches I draw up!).
Positive note of the day: Sorry I haven't blurfed much around your blogs this past week...I have been super busy working around the house. I moved Ave out of her crib and into the bottom bunk so she and Charlotte now share a room. Tristan has his own room again which makes him a happier kid (he has already personalized his room with hockey, shark and aircraft posters). Ave has yet to make a peep out of her room (and she didn't think to get out during the bedtime ritual) so hopefully this is all a good sign!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
A Layout That Avoids the Obvious
This layout features a picture of Charlotte at last year's Stampede. Although I could have gone with a "midway theme", I decided to make it rather neutral because she just looked so pretty from this angle. I love mixing it with Basic Grey's Green at Heart...
One of my fav scrappers to derive inspiration from is Kelly Goree. I love what she does for Basic Grey...if you want to drink some mojo today, have a peek at her gallery (she does cards too!).
Positive note of the day: I love it when a page comes together like this!
One of my fav scrappers to derive inspiration from is Kelly Goree. I love what she does for Basic Grey...if you want to drink some mojo today, have a peek at her gallery (she does cards too!).
Positive note of the day: I love it when a page comes together like this!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Easiest Card Evah...
This has to be the easiest card evah. I cut an 8 x 8 scrap page in half, added some ribbon, a Michael's dollar stamp and I am done!
Positive note of the day: I went out with Paula tonight and got some new Lulus! Yay! Then I hung out with she and my bro...my face hurts from chatting and laughing!
Positive note of the day: I went out with Paula tonight and got some new Lulus! Yay! Then I hung out with she and my bro...my face hurts from chatting and laughing!
Friday, July 16, 2010
EONAC26 - Button It!
Sue had sent me a challenge (thank gawd she keeps up...I am lucky if I remember to shower each day!) but I didn't have the supplies to make it. As a backup, she sent a challenge of "buttons"! This is so not a challenge since I love buttons (just ordered a whole bunch of the PTI sets for these!). So you can imagine how with no mojo and too much work, that I was very grateful that I could whip this out!This weekend, we have an anniversary party to attend so with these pretty buttons, some BG Eva paper and a little sentiment from the Little Paper Shop set {Flourished Dove}, I made this card. Hope the crazy palette doesn't scare off this older couple (I only see these super pale anniversary cards at the Hallmark store)!
Positive note of the day: Thinking of "Button it" as a phrase tonight. When Tristan was two, I would say this to him often since he talked ALL. THE. TIME! After a while I could just say to him, "Tristan, what am I thinking?" To that he would dejectedly reply, "Button it."If you wanna play along, just add some buttons to your creation and link yourself up below. I am even gonna throw in some stamps and pick a winner for this one!
ETA: LPS Friday features Jungle Fun...a super cute set!
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