Busy, Busy, Busy...

Life has been a bit busy lately.
With my gig on the NoelMignon.com dt, working on CraftCritique reviews (I have one up today), working the office slave job and raising an upstanding citizen...I have barely had a moment to breathe lately.
I completely forgot to post these RAK cards from some great gals...

This one from Lynn, this is soooo me. Love the sentiment.

And this little Bella from my buddy, Donna. She also sent me a little skull, this gal knows me so well.
And a huge thanks to Paula for sending me just a little more sunshine. While you are all warm and toasty, we are having a high of 55 degrees today! She may not be a regular blogger at the moment but it's nice to know we are still buddies.

And there is big news here at Max Central.

We got the letter on Friday that Max has been chosen to attend the High Jump program for (according to the acceptance letter) 2 years of rigorous education.

So out of the 400 kids who applied, Max was one of 65 who will be attending a 3 day overnight outdoor education course followed by 6 weeks of summer school and then Saturday school during the school year.

I'm thinking the same as you...what kid WANTS to do this??!

Yeah, that's my kid.

Totally switched at birth, nothing like me as a child.

He has had his heart set on going to Northside Prep since 4th grade and now that it has climbed to 14th place on the list of best high schools according to Newsweek, this program will greatly increase our chance for a spot in the Class of 2014.
So, to award the kid for his amazing accomplishment and to keep tabs on him while he is studying in the city all summer, I broke my cellphone rule that he had to wait til his 13th birthday.

He's pretty happy.

I was out at the new store, CraftFancy, on Saturday attempting to make all the baby goodies fit into the baby section of the store, which is nearly impossible.

The great news is that we passed the Village inspection today and will be opening our doors on June 9th! {I am working on editing a video I took on Saturday for a sneak peek for everyone this week}

I have officially quit my office slave job with corporate america and have my last day of sitting and typing on June 7th.

I am ecstatic about this and kinda stressed at the same time, trying to tie up loose ends before I am gone.

I've pretty much run the business on my own for the past 9 years, so I need to teach my boss how to use a computer before I leave in two weeks.

This explains my lack of comments on my favorite blogs and the reason I have yet to fix my blog banner that I broke last week.

But I hope to check up on all my blogging buddies real soon.

And I truly hope this is not a peek at the way things will be once I am not sitting in front of a computer every day and don't have time to surf the web and chat online with my friends...that could take some major getting used to.

Winner!

It took the kid three times to pick a number between 1 and 38.
He's gifted alright.

But finally he said 28 and so the winner is.....

Stephanie said...

Vacation, I sit for teachers and get the summer off to travel and see my GD... I love everything about summer, warm nights, bird watching, long walks on the beach.

April 30, 2008 12:34 PM

Email me your info Stephanie and those summer goodies will be sent out to ya on Monday!

Come 'n Git It!

Man, after the 45 minutes of flurries we had yesterday, I am doubting whether we will get summer at all this year?
Here's just a little something to thank everybody for reading and commenting for the past 3 years...just a little summer delivered right to your door.

Just lemme know what you love most about summer in your comment and I'll pick a winner on Friday morning who's gonna get all this loot...
These will come in handy for a challenge over at SYC in a couple weeks!

Spring RAKs

Just a couple of great RAKs just in time for spring.

This first one is from Melissa using this cute little chick.
It even came complete without glitter, my arch enemy.
Thanks Melissa!
And Michelle is one of my bestest blogger pals, she always sends a cute card when I am least expecting it.
And always in a style that I absolutely LOVE, like these cherries.
I love this card, those cherries are perfect, thank you.

Hope everyone has a lovely Easter Sunday, we are still sick in my house and got a few inches of snow yesterday, so Easter will be spent indoors doing just about nothing.
Back to business on Monday!

Dear Prudence...It's a Brand New Day!

What a nice relaxing weekend.
Went to see my buddy Michele on Friday night, beer and pizza was had.
No stamping was done.
Get the two of us together and you can't get a word in edge-wise!
I did tape a little video of her awesomely full room 'o crap. (coming soon)
She gave me an awesome birthday present, tons of scrapping goodies, none of which I already owned and plenty of skullz and rockin' embellishements!
And a card.
You may remember my rant about these stamping images a while back.
Well, Michele used one to make up a birthday card for me, but added the nose and mouth herself.
Thank God!
Now the poor little dear can smell and eat!

On Saturday, it was warm here and wet.
So we stayed indoors, in jammies and played the day away.
I scrapped up a storm and got all 5 challenges done over at Scrap-diner for their CHA Challenge...woo Hoo!
This one was the hardest of the challenges.
The countdown challenge.
Use:
6 brads
5 ribbons
4 patterned papers
3 flowers
2 chipboard
1 stamp
Yeah, it was a real stumper!
But I got it done.

Saturday night, we watched Across the Universe....
This movie was awesome, beyond awesome.
The music, the photography, the trippy effects...I loved it all.
I haven't stopped singing Beatles tunes since.
Mimi, if you haven't seen this one, add it to your list pronto!
It had everything I love in musicals too, I am a fanatic about musicals. As a kid I had always hoped that people would spontaneously break out in synchronized song and dance.

On Sunday, we laid low again.
It was very wet and miserable outside.
More scrapping was had, Max was enthralled with a video game that came from his gamefly subscription.
I made some porkchops in the 'ol crockpot for dinner, gotta love 5 minute prep times.
And we were in bed relatively early, even thought today is a non-school day.

I was awakened a few times last night by a rumbling sound coming from above me!
I am not a light sleeper.
I was when Max was a little guy but in recent years I have become increasingly good at sleeping through just about anything.
Which is why it is so shocking that something woke me up about 4 times last night between the hours of midnight and 6:30am!
I am on the top floor of my building.
The sound was definitely coming from above.
I am thinking there is a vermin in the crawl space/attic....or several.
Tonight will be the test.
Then someone's gotta come out and git 'em.
I can't lose any beauty sleep, I am not a happy camper when I don't get my 8 hours!
Fingers crossed there are no more mystery sounds tonight.

There is a new challenge up over at Scrap Your Crap...it's the holiday paper one.
Great challenge for card makers, scrappers and crafters alike!
So come on over and join the fun.

Page details: PP by Dude Designs, Cardstock by Bazzill, Chipboard by SU, Letter stickers by Doodlebug, Stamps by KI memories, Flowers by MM, Prisma and the $1 store, Brads from Target $1 spot and Heidi Swapp

VD

I love referring to today as VD.
Makes me giggle and amuses me to no end.
I am not a Valentine gal.
My man gets off scot-free today and Sweetest Day for that matter.
I just don't like the whole obligation part of these Hallmark holidays.
I am a simple gal who loves a simple lovenote on the third Wednesday of April, just 'cuz.
Forced romance does nothing for me.
But these showed up last night with an apology that they came from the grocery store with the gallon of milk I had requested.
Are you kidding me?
I love you because they aren't from a florist and they came with milk!
I love romantic guestures that have grocery essentials attached.

I don't usually buy any sort of Valentine for the kid either.
He doesn't care because he knows his mom will buy him candy or a Weekly World News in a checklane any 'ol third Wednesday.
But last week, I bought one of these because it reminded me of those necklaces that were so popular back in 1985.
Remember?
Half a heart for your BFF, half for you.
Well, he offered me half of his BFF kitkat.
More evidence I am raising that kid right!
And see the picture of the roses?
It was taken this morning.
People, we are having a heatwave today...40 degrees! (and sunny...woo hoo!)
This was the first morning in a very long time that I didn't have to brush snow from my car or try to pry open frozen doors and the kid didn't have to suit up like this...
Lucky for me, my Valentine loving friends still send me cards for VD, so I've gotten a little happy mail in recent days.
This little Octi came from Miss Elizabeth.
She drew this little guy...cool, huh?
She had some available in her etsy shoppe at one time, you can go there and check it out, they may have sold out because they are awfully cute.

And my buddy Paula sent me this little non-Valentiney looking greeting and I love it!!
She usually sends me a little sunshine in my greetings which I always appreciate but from now on, if you could send pure HEAT, it would be great!

And this is a leftover Birthday greeting I totally forgot to post, sorry.
Awesome Rita sent it to me and I love the shopping bags...looks like me coming outta the Target. She also tagged me with an Excellent Blogger Award which I greatly appreciate and am flattered.

I am resolved to lose a little pudge before my tropical getaway, I just have to.
I am not a person who is happy being scantily clad when I am not looking my best and if I am uncomfortable in a bathing suit it will make for a very long miserable vacation.
We are talking beach, poolside vacation....me in shorts the whole time.
Not gonna work.
So I will make an attempt to eat more often, that is actually the majority of the problem and maybe workout just a tad.
I'm sure full reports to follow.

And about the videos....
If anyone knows anything about Youtube, .mts files, conversions, Sony Vegas Pro, formatting...oh heck, videos in general....shoot me an email.
If you can help a techno moron out, there are gifts involved.
Retrieved the videos off the camera now, look great on my screen, then I post them and they look like total crap!
So if you're looking for a video, that explains a little of my current headache.

Happy VD People!

Birthday Goodness

Here's the parade of birthday goodness that has flown my way...
Can I say again how lucky I am to have made so many blogging buddies?

This first card is from my dear friend Connie who always gives the best gifts.
And the reason they are always the best is because it reminds you...Hey! Somebody knows you!
I can't tell ya how many times I have gotten something from a family member and thought to myself, "When was the last time you saw me wear leggings??? Never!"
But Connie always sends off things that make ya misty just because....she listens and knows ya.

So not only did she send off the skull card because well, I just love skulls.
But she also sent me the most amazing fabric (yes, I forgot to take a picture) that I love beyond words.
Ask Max how I slung it around my shoulders and twirled like Julie Andrews in the sound of music...I did!
Then came this awesome card from Paula, who isn't having the pleasure of being in the center of this crazy blizzard that is happening right outside my office window, because she is in sunny Florida.

And the best part was the extra sunshine she sent along!
If anyone hears about my winter woes too much, it would be Paula. This card comes from one of my oldest blogging friends.
I think she may have been my first pal in fact.
We are very much alike, although she reads more, isn't as spazzy and eats way better than I ever do...so jealous.
Mimi and I are like seperated at birth sisters, although she would be the good one and me the evil twin.
Well, this card had the kid in awe.
He wanted to know if I could make this.....Ummm..no!
He loved the collage feel, he's more artsy than crafty, and I do too.
But he did whip me up this little number all by himself last week.
He used my Copic Markers (with permission) and diligently worked on this baby for like an hour and a half.
Once it was all done, he decided it needed a skull because mom loves skulls.
But then hated what he drew.
Tried to remove it with the blender, but failed.

Which is why there is a smoodge in the bottom left corner.
I told him, "Love the smoodge, reminds me you tried to make what I love."
This sparkly gem is from Donna down in Austin, Texas.
This year Donna, we have to meet up when I am in Austin!

It is so detailed and look at all that sparkle...love it!
Then this box showed up on my birthday and I was totally surprised.
It's from the Felt Mouse.
And her packaging skills are right up there with Connie's.
Inside was a little light set she made!

With a string of Ikea lights, the batteries and a couple chocolates for good measure.
(sorry for the blurry picture)

If you have never seen her blog, you are really missing out.
And she should be happy to know, I now carry a reusable bag in my purse for trips to the store...you got me going a little green girl!

I love getting things in the mail that don't have an invoice in them!

Today in My World

I am totally feeling like this...

Thanks to Noel who sent me this handy mood indicator for my fridge as a nice little birthday gift along with a few other goodies.
Everyone who now enters my apartment can refer to it before approaching me to ensure it is safe.
Max can refer to it to ensure that I won't go bonkers when he trys to give me advice on how to cook dinner.
Very helpful.

But I am seriously feeling exactly like this lady looks.
Just indifferent about everything.
It may be because my "aunt" is scheduled to come to town and I am pretty sure that yotch will make her appearance for my birthday or maybe it's because I am coming to the realization that I am getting closer and closer to 40.
Egads!
Or maybe it's because the windchill here was 25 degrees below today.
Whatever the reason, it is making my loved ones crazy who keep calling with the last minute..."What do you want for your birthday?" question.
"I don't know.....cash?"

I also got some great cherry themed fabric from Maryann, who also sent along this little notebook she made...isn't it cute?!!

One of the things I love about blogging for sure is the cool friends I have made and not only was it super generous of her to send off that fabric but the little book makes it even more special, she's just fab like that.

And this little card came a couple days ago from my buddy Carol.

It is super cute, look at all that bling!

And the "frosting" on the cuppie cake is perfect, liquid pearl? or white ep??

Do tell!

The kids are off school tomorrow, so I have taken off work as well.

I don't normally take the day off for my birthday but it is a Friday and the kids are off anyways so I figured...why not?

What I will be doing??...haven't a clue yet.

But tomorrow I am looking forward to a nice dinner with just my immediate family at one of my favorite spots, just a small group of 12.

I'm sure I'll be back tomorrow...but in case I am not....

Have a super lovely weekend.

More Xmas RAKS

A few more cards to share with everyone...

This one is from Paula who I am sure is enjoying a warm pleasant day in Florida today while I am freezing and trekked through the snow freezing my booty off.
Truth be told, I was hoping to get one of these babies because I got a little sneak peek of it while she was assembling a while back and it is as I expected...Amazing.
See the piece behind the clear? That's cuttlebugged!
And even better yet, it looks wonderful on my garland with the lights sparkling through the transperency, everyone who has seen it has Oohed and Ahhed over this one.

And this second baby is from my buddy Michele.
This is one of her amazing 4 hour cards, as I like to call them.
I mean seriously people, look at all the layers, stitching, glitter and Copic coloring...she puts my cards to shame.
And see the pink? That's a felt layer!
Michele doesn't fool around when she makes a card, everyone is a masterpiece and looks like she spent hours on it, which she admits she does.

Michele brought this little penguin over on Saturday, when she came over for a little holiday visit and some vittles.
She is officially now my prompt friend.
I was still in the shower when she arrived because, well, I'm her slacker friend.
But I didn't mind a bit because she came bearing gifts, forgot to take a picture of those...dang!
And my buddy Carol came and of course she brought a gift too...Can I be any more spoiled??

And if you are wondering about the production of my cards...
Well, as of today, I have an idea, I stamped a few pieces of the card yesterday and put together a mock prototype to see if it is workable and I think I may be on to something.
Now, my goal...Finish at least 30 cards in 2 days, not impossible but it will be slightly chaotic.

RAK - Xmas Kitty

I've gotten a few Christmas cards already and I love them so much as well as the little reminder they are providing me that I should probably get a move on with my own.
This first one is from the super fabulous blogger extraordinaire, Allison.
She is the girl in the "know" on the web when it comes to all things stampy.
Love all the flowers on this card and the little kitty with the evil eyes on skates made me giggle.
Thanks Allison!


Stamp from The Cat's Pajamas

An Amusing Freebie!

Anybody want this?

2 A muse stamps
Assorted A muse papers
Assorted A muse cards
Pack of A muse cards and envelopes
A plethora of stamped A muse images from my collection

Just let me know what kinda stamps you prefer....rubber? clear? unmounted? mounted?
What's your fav?

This is open to ANYONE.
A winner will be picked Monday at noon central time.

It's Alive....Alive!

Is she dead?

Naw, I am alive and now well.
Thanks for all the concerned emails about whether or not I may have fallen off the planet or died...I appreciate it.
Rest assured, if I were dead, I woulda posted on my blog from my afterlife and apologize.

I got extremely sick a week ago and was out of commission for a few days, no work, no cohesive thoughts. Just me, worshipping the porcelain god for a while.
And after I was once again able to consume liquids, it still took me a couple days to shake that walking dead feeling.
Then, when I was back to me, I had to deal with the aftermath of what happens when the mommy and solo employee is dead to the world for a while.
It wasn't pretty.
My house coulda been condemned, easily.
Imagine...an 11 year old boy who suddenly has all the freedom in the world to throw dirty socks into every corner of the house, never rinse a plate and just leave things where they lie for about 4 days.
It was a nightmare.

So, I am still catching up at home and at work.
I am not liking this actually working at work crap, for sure.
And my house is pretty much back to normal, although the black bottoms of Max's socks tells me I need to mop...bad!

Lucky for me, while I was on my deathbed, I got so many presents that really cheered me up.
Some came and I was so sick, I didn't even open them for a couple days.
(that's how sick I was)
But when I did, it truly made my day.
THIS is why I love Halloween so much.
A holiday when people sent me presents I love and I didn't have to make a list for them, tell them what I like, where to buy it and how much it costs.
And when I opened the boxes, it was a surprise and a feeling like, "Wow, how did she know I would like this? That was so nice of her. I can't believe she thought of me."
Maybe your Xmas is like that in your house, but I can honestly say, only Halloween is like this in our family.

So....THANK YOU.
And I promise, pictures are coming of all my wonderful goodies.
Hopefully, it will stay sunny today and I can get some.

In the meantime, I wanted to thank Michelle, for this wonderful card for Halloween.
I was totally surprised and touched that you thought of me.
Michelle has to be one of the nicest bloggers I know, if you don't know her, you want to...trust me!!
And a big thanks to my buddy, Connie who not only sent me this cute card (I love it!) but also a wonderful Halloween package and some envelopes because she knew I needed them.
The envelopes made me cry.
Well...cry dry tears because I had no fluids left in my body.
And she sent Max a little addition to his spooky town. He loves Connie and always tells everyone how "Connie knows me."
Cracks me up every time.
Connie is truly my nicest IRL friend and I am so lucky to call her a friend. I could blab with her for hours (and have!) and we have the same obsessive personality when it comes to crafts.
Again....don't know Connie??? You should!
Check out her blog....HERE.
My Halloween swap package came from Jessica and it was amazing (pictures to come!) and Tracy sent me a package of all things skullz...OMG....loved it so much. I swear I talked about these things for days with everyone.
Most people just looked at me and nodded, not understanding the coolness of great paper or a new stamp.

Oh and
HAPPY HALLOWEENIE!!
(heehee...weenie!)
It is supposed to be chilly here tonight for the tricksters but as long as it is not wet, they should be fine.
I was told that at the ripe 'ol age of 11, the kid is "too old" for that kinda thing and if he wants candy, "I can buy it myself."
Yep, broke my heart this morning.
I trick or treated through high school!
But I guess I wasn't as cool as he is.

So I'm back.

I think the Malaria is over.
I hope. (really hope!!)
And to make it up to all of ya....A giveaway is coming!
And it is a good one.
Let's just say that most of you will find it amusing.

Thanks for sticking with me during my long, long, long absence.
Have a spooktacular day!!

RAK- Halloween Penguin

I got this little guy in the mail from my friend Carol, she knows I LOVE Halloween.
Said it gave her an excuse to buy this little guy.
Always happy to enable!!

He is so cute. Stamp from Memory Box.
If you've got a penguin fetish, this is the way to go, they have a whole slew of these little waddling fellows in all kinds of themes.
This is the Vampy Penguin.
See his little cape?
It's a little piece of black velvet paper!
I love the simplicity of the design too, a perfect card!

RAKs

Got a lovely card from Michelle the other day, which is really what inspired me to bust out the new Halloween stamps and make my card.
So thanks Michelle, for the card and the kick in the behind!

It's hard to see but the letters on the Batty for You stamp are actually glittery.
She tells me it is embossing powder from her local shop.
Love the colors, purple and orange are my favs for Halloween.

This second card is made by Trish, she sent it to me because I sent her some A muse images for her to work with.

The petals are all oval punches and I know the sentiment is from SU, but not sure about the other stamp on the petals. Sorry it took me so long to get that picture Trish, life seems to get away from me from time to time.

And I got this today too!

My buddy Carol sent me this little guy in the mail, he arrived today.
Love that stamp!
Really...She rocks!!
Totally!

Coolest Apron you've evah seen!

While I was in the middle of my move to the second floor (still feeling a little silly about that!), I got the most awesome little gift from Jen that made a whole Friday of cleaning and lifting actually tolerable.
Seriously, the timing on this package couldn't have been better!
I won a RAK over at her blog The Felt Mouse for her anniversary and when I heard that it was for a handmade item made by the Crafty queen herself...I squealed with excitement.
I am a major stalker of Jen's after Elizabeth pointed me in her direction.
She is probably the craftiest person I know.
And her skillz are very diversified.
She does it all.
So on that exhausting, stressful Friday, this is what made my day....
A cherry printed, ruffled apron with matching headband!
Hard to see the cherry print in this picture, but the kid took it and well, this is as good as it got.
After he obliged me and took about 5 pictures he told me, "looks like you should be yodeling mom...that hair!"
Thanks!
There was also baking treats in my package which included a small whisk that Max promptly claimed as his new egg scrambler.

So that's me and my new apron.
Love it.
Thank you so much Jen for the awesome RAK and your packaging skills really put mine to shame.
And seriously, check out her blog, she has tons of ideas and cool projects.

Recent RAKS

I have received many lovely cards lately and just now am getting around to posting them, sorry!
This first card is from my friend Carol and uses A muse stamps, which she knows I love.
The scalloped square and those little hearts are just a perfect touch.
And she is always the queen of layering, look at all the paper on this card...amazing.
This second card is from Michelle Sturgeon. I won a little RAK from her and she sent this lovely card and some origami shirts, so cool.
Michelle's blog is called Come Stamp with Me and she always has beautiful cards, check it out.

This sweet little card is from Lorrie, LorrieTorri's Stamp Spot.
Love the new zoofari stamp set on this card and it should be here tomorrow, so I can't wait to play with it myself. Lorrie's son Dakota is the proud recipient of our old VHS Disney flicks and I am thrilled that they went to a happy home.
Bonus...I got this card! Thanks!!

This last one is from Jenn, Stamp Your Heart Out!
She is a local gal, well she is from Illinois too. She has TONS of Stampin' Up!© projects on her blog and today's is wonderful.
Thanks Jenn, you reminded me, I own this set and paper too!

RAK- Kathat Stamps

Got this great RAK card from Kathy the other day and I love it because not only is it one of the American Art Stamp chicks (this one actually looks like a girl!) but it uses the cuttlebug and as a girl that owns no "bug machines", I love to see what people are making with this nifty gadgets.
How cool is it that she inked over the embossing?!!
And she wrote the nicest little note too, love that personal stuff.

Kathy's got a great blog, Kathat Stamps, which has great projects and weekly eye candy. I also love a glimpse into the Cali way because as a midwest gal, it seems like a million lightyears away and wonderful.
Thanks Kath- Love being bloggie buddies too!!

Don't forget to check out all my freebies and sale stuff, they are going fast...Thank goodness!

RAKS

Got two RAKs this week and couldn't be happier, love good mail!
The first is from Debbie Fisher, apparently I sent her a card and completely forgot about it, not even sure what it was but I guess she liked it which is really the most important thing, right?
Her blog is called Snickerdoodle Dreams and she has some really great projects, you really have to check out the accordian folder...so cool!
This little purse is adorable and opens up to reveal a message. It even has a velcro closure, so great.
Thanks Debbie!
The second card is from Diane Gilbert, her blog is My Little Stampin' Spot and apparently this is the first RAK card she sent out. And you sent it to me?? Oh my, I am so touched!
This card is a beauty, I LOVE the colors and the sparkly centers of the flowers are the perfect touch. Plus it uses one of my favorite sets lately. You have til June 30th to get this set, so act fast if you don't have it yet!
Says here you have been reading my blog, thanks so much and I absolutely love the card.
Thanks Diane.

Blogger RAK

Just a couple great cards I got the past few days from some amazing women!
The first card is a gorgeous little number by Susan Liles. Her blog is called Susiestampalot and is a must see. You really have to check out her tiara card, now I want that stamp too.
The colors on this card are amazing and the textured background (probably cuttlebugged, if I was guessing) really completes the whole look.
Thanks Miss Susie, I love this card, and now want the stamps too!
This second card is truly from an amazing woman because not only did she send this card, not to me, but to little Max, but her timing couldn't have been better. It arrived yesterday after he found out he would have to stay home from school for two days.
Every other year in his school career he would dread school but this year, he dreads missing it. He has only missed school 3 whole days now and all because of strep (everytime!)
When he got this card it totally perked him up and made him smile because the thought of a nice girl in Canada knowing about him and his great grades just tickled him pink.
So run, don't walk over to Stephanie's blog, Steph's Stampin', Scrappin' and Stuff and please let her know just how wonderful this card it.
She used this stamp because of Max's ballroom dancing...isn't she clever.
Thank you a thousand times over, he even wanted to see what you looked like and where you live in Canada. (he thinks he has a fan)
Thank you ladies, just when I was losing faith in my fellow Blog Rakkers and Max was feelin down...Poof! Cards to make the world right again.