April 9, 2008 - Accomplishment

So on Monday I swore that I would not turn on the monitor after work until I accomplished something crafty. Do you think I did it???






Well, of course I did!!! I made this darling little stationary box with 3 cards to go inside. I really love the colors and those stamped flowers are my newest stamp purchase. I totally adore them!!!

Check out my stationary box:



And the inside of the box w/the cards I made:



And the cards that goes into the stationary box:



I really enjoyed making this little set.

Last night I managed to whip out about a dozen more of the Post It note keychains but I haven't had a chance to get pictures of them to post but will try to do so tonite.

I spent last nite talking to a dear friend of mine from high school. I haven't sat down and talked with her in ages and we spent 2 1/2 hours on the phone last nite giggling like school girls reliving some of our crazy times and catching up on things in the last 10+ years that we've missed out on in each others lives. It was so great to talk to her - it really felt like old times as if we hadn't missed each other all those years.

Well, got work to do so I better get busy. A/R calls won't make themselves so I best get busy. Take care and have a great day!!!

Happy Scrappin'!!!

Over and out ya'll...........

April 7, 2008 - How fast do you type???

How fast do you type???? LOL I found this on a blog I was perusing and me being the perfectionist I am when it comes to typing was curious how fast I type these days. When I graduated high school I was easily 70 to 75 wpm but wondered if I could still keep my fingers moving..................

81 words

Speed test

I guess so huh??? LOL I was amazed to see that not only is my speed still up there, I've improved over the years a bit!!! Wonder how fast I really type if I try and focus on what I'm doing.....LOL

So, ever want to know your names hidden meaning??? I saw this while perusing another friend's blog the other day and forgot to post it...........

What Karen Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

So I wonder if the person who wrote that knows me??? For the most part it's pretty accurate!!!

I got a new pair of shoes this weekend - I must say they are rather comfy!!! Those who know me know that I am a total Crocs girl - they are so comfortable that I could care less if the majority of the population think they are ugly. Well, Rob and I went to the mall yesterday after watching Leatherheads at Alamo Drafthouse and I saw these new Skechers flip flops. They are darling - and comfy!!! They have the holes in them so you can "pop" little decorative buttons in and out to spruce them up a bit - I just love them!!!! Check 'em out!!!!



See all the little cute things on them??? Those can be popped in and out whenever you want to change them!!!

I am resolving to not turn on my monitor at my desk tonite until I have created at least one layout, two cards or one large altered item or two small altered items - I've been so lazy that it is just ridiculous and I need to get to making something, anything!!! So, wish me luck....LOL!!!

I also need to go touch base with my friends on a couple of the forums that I typically visit on a regular basis - I've been horrible about it. I just haven't had it in me to log in anywhere other than here every few days. I def need to get myself back into my groove. The haircut definitely helped - I'm a little more peppy lately and hope it lasts!!!

Well, that is all I can think of to bore you with - check back often, I actually accomplish something scrappy wise once in a while that is worth checking out!!!

Happy Scrappin'..............over and out ya'll!!!

April 4, 2008 - New "Do"

So, today was the day. We got out hair cut!!!

Cait and I got to the salon about 12:55 for our 1:00 appt and she got in the chair first. She chickened out on the total hair color but opt'd for some low lites and high lites in her hair w/a simple cut. She kept the overall length of her hair and just got some cute little layers put in to accentuate her new color - looks so cute!!!

Wanna see???








I told you it looks cute!!!


Now, for me.........there wasn't much left of my hair when she got done. But, I did tell her I wanted short and sassy and easy to manage cause I just don't do an hour on the hair anymore. Back in high school I'd spend an hour easy just on the hair and it had to look just right but now my hair is the last thing I want to spend an hour on.

So, I showed her an idea I had printed from the internet and she thought it would look cute on me. But she told me that since I was going that short I should go just another inch to inch and a half and donate to Locks of Love again. I thought what the heck, it's only hair and mine grows back super fast why not!!! Last August I donated 10 inches and today I donated 8 inches!!! Will be another year to year and a half before it is long enough to donate again but that's OK!!!

So, enough talking about it, you ready to see it???

OK, here is the before I took of myself last night:



Totally crappy picture I know but I was about to crawl into bed and thought it would be good to have a before pic!!!

So, on to the new "do":



And the back:




OK, be honest. What do you think??? I'm trying to get accustomed to not having a ton of hair on my head weighing it down. I love the back 110% and am getting used to the front. I'm just not used to having short hair - I only went this short (actually shorter) one time in my life and that is when Cait was little and I didn't have time to do the hair and get her ready and get to work on time. I felt so old with that hair cut though - I'm afraid this one makes me look older too and I don't need to look older - younger was my goal.......LOL

So, be honest - tell me what you think??? The new, short "do" or long hair on me, which looks best???

And here is one of the two of us:



Well, nothing else went on today as we spent the majority of the day at the salon. I'm sitting at my scrappy desk trying to decide if I want to dig into anything tonite or just call it a nite and go to bed, a little on the tired side. If I end up doing anything tonite I'll try to post it later or in the morning but most likely gonna go veg in the bed and watch some TV til I fall asleep.

Happy Scrappin' and Over and out ya'll!!!!

April 3, 2008 - Part Deux - PostIt Note Keychains.....again

So, all I managed to get done tonite were two more of the Post It note keychains. They are just so fun and easy to make I couldn't resist!!!

Check out the two new ones I made. The one with the owls is just so cute I can't stand to put anything on the front of it even though I used my owl stamp and cut it out to see what it would look like and nope, too many owls I guess but I adore the paper. Using K&Co. Berry Sweet line again, misc ribbon from my stash, Queen & Co. Felt flower and misc gem from stash. Thanks for looking!!!



Happy Scrappin'!!!

Over and out ya'll!!!!

April 3, 2008 - Happy Scrappy Mail!!!

What a great day - I got happy scrappy mail!!!!

My darling, sweet friend Stephanie from Canada sent me a yummy RAK!!!

As I opened my packages I found this precious card she made me with such a sweet sentiment inside:



And then my goodies:



What you see here is a Fun stamp, blue gingham ribbon, two flowers w/glitter, a Karen Foster chipboard book, a baggie of chipboard epoxy buttons/tags/ribbon slides and a piece of blue striped paper that is very textured (almost like wallpaper and I love it!!!)

How cool is that??? The scrappy mail days are the ones that you don't expect!!! Thank you for thinking of me Steph!!!

Other than that a rather quiet day today. I did hear from an old friend. We were best friends in school and kind of drifted apart when she got married and got back together and drifted some more. I've thought of her many times and wondered how she was doing and out of the blue today she popped up. I wrote her back and am hoping to hear from her again this evening. It's been a long time.

Well, off to get crafty on something before heading to bed early tonite. I have to get up extra early in the morning to get the kids to school, open the office and then pick up Cait at noon to go get our hair done!!! I've been thinking about going short and sassy so we'll see what Kim thinks I need done!!! Maybe some highlights, who knows!!! I'll take a pic and post tomorrow of the new me..........hopefully I will love the new "do" as I sure do need a pick me up!!!

Happy Scrappin' ladies and if I get anything done tonite I'll try to post it!!!

Over and out ya'll............

April 2, 2008 - Part Quatre - Daily Affirmation

OMG - check out this quote from the daily affirmation:

Criticism never changes a thing. Refuse to criticize yourself. Accept yourself exactly as you are. Everybody changes. When you criticize yourself, your changes are negative. When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive. ~ Louise Hay

I love it!!! I so need to live this one - I'm horrible at criticizing myself!!!

And who'd a thunk 4 posts in one day.......lol!!!

Happy Scrappin'!!!

Over and out ya'll............

April 2, 2008 - Part Trois - My New Blog to Stalk!!!

Well, I made myself do something tonite. I surfed the blogs out there in webland and wow, did I find a new source of amazing inspiration. This lady's stuff just absolutely rocks!!! I was so inspired by one of her creations that I totally lifted it!!!

Her name is Angie and her blog is known as Chic n' Scratch. Make sure you swing by and check out what she is doing - wow, I'm loving everything I've seen by her. She even did video's on how to make some of the things she has on her blog - really awesome stuff!!!

So as I was saying, I was so inspired by her Post It note keychains that I totally lifted them tonite!!! I have only gotten one complete that I like - the Post It notes I had on hand weren't the same size as in Angie's demonstration so I had to do some adjusting until I got the measurements just right.

Here is the one that I made - inside:




and out:



This one isn't near as darling as the ones she has made and posted but I just love the concept of it!!! I'm contemplating on what I can do to them to give them a little something more - not that they aren't just fabulous the way they are, but tossing this into my purse would get it ripped up right away. I'm thinking maybe a piece of ribbon that would wrap around it under the scalloped piece to tie it closed. I will have to give that a try later.

Anyway, make sure you check out Angie at Chic n' Scratch and leave her some love on her fabulous work - I know I will be stalking her blog from this point forward. I am so happy I found it!!!

Happy Scrappin'!!!

Over and out ya'll!!!!

PS................I forgot to mention my supplies, LOL: Patterned Paper by K&Co. Berry Sweet line, Cardstock Scallop cut with Marvy Uchida Pink Circle Scallop and edges inked with Colorbox Cats Eye Orange Pigment Ink, Felt flower by Queen & Co., Ribbon misc from stash.

April 2, 2008 - Part Deux - Notepad Holder Extraordinare!!! LOL

OK, here is what I made on Monday night that I mentioned I would post when I got a chance. It is a darling little notepad holder. I was inspired by an Archiver's make and take class that I did not get to attend due to my schedule being so hectic. So, I made one at home instead!!! I love it!!! I am thinking I will make quite a few more for quick last minute gifts and what knot. Tell me what you think about it!!! Thanks for looking!!!



Patterned Papers are Basic Grey Candy Stripe and Tickled Pink. Clothespin painted with Making Memories Sea Foam paint. Ribbons are misc. Felt flower from K&Co. Pink gems from Heidi Swapp (I think...hhhmmm). Pen by Sakura Gelly Roll.

The back has a magnetic strip so it can be stuck to the fridge, filing cabinets, wherever!!!

Thanks for looking.

Happy Scrappin'!!!

Over and out ya'll!!!

April 2, 2008 - Blah, Blah, Blah

Today I am feeling a bit blah. So much going on in our real life and our jobs that it is driving me to the point of almost insanity!!! I've neglected my crafting, my blog, my friends and my family. I've been used, saddened, flustered and ready to scream for the last few days. So, I decided to spruce up my blog. I've added a scripture box, daily affirmation, a clock and maybe a couple other things that I don't recall at this moment. I'm trying to brighten things up you could say!!!

I'm going for my hair appt on Friday and I hope that lifts my spirits as well - a new "do" always seems to make me feel better.

One thing that did touch me today was an email I got from one of the ladies who works for us. Here it is:

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'
And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands.'

The angel was astounded at the requirements.
'Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish.'

' But I won't, ' the Lord protested.
'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days.'

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
'But you have made her so soft, Lord.'

'She is soft,' the Lord agreed,
'but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.'

'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.

The Lord replied,
'Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate.'

The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.'

'That's not a leak,'
the Lord corrected,
'that's a tear!'
'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, h er pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride.'
The angel was impressed.
'You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing.'

And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take 'no' for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the lo ss of a family member,
y et they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Hoping to get something done tonite scrappy wise - I need my mojo, I've sat down the last two nights to try and work on something, anything, but alas........nothing. I've started two different greeting cards and BOTH went into the trash because I just didn't like them.

Oh yeah, I did manage to complete something on Monday night - I'll take a pic and post later tonite if I get the chance.

Happy Scrappin'!!!

Over and out ya'll......

April 1, 2008 - I'm no fool!!!

April Fools Day ya say??? Eh, I don't tend to get into this much as it used to get me into trouble quite easily. So, I behave and sit back to watch what all the other April Fools are out there doing!!!

On a sad note, my niece lost her baby yesterday. She was in the early stages of pregnancy. She was so shell shocked when she found out but naturally warmed up to the idea rather quickly. She is heartbroken right now and I wish I could be there to just hug her. I had bought all the items to make an album and had it all sketched out but I am going to pack it all up in a box for now and wait. Cait had said I should just finish the album and sell it but I just can't do that - I bought the stuff with my niece in mind and the album will be hers one day when she has a child.

On to more pleasant thoughts............

My Mom spent last week with me!!! That was such a blast!!! I went to pick her up last Wednesday and she stayed through Sunday. We had so much fun!!! We did a little shopping - yes, I only did a little believe it or not!!! I took her to my hair dresser and she got her hair cut - what a cute sassy cut she got too!!! Inspired me to get mine cut so I made an appointment with Kim for this week - I'm totally going to let her run with it and do WHATEVER she wants!!! Yeah, even short if that is where she decides to go. It's only hair - it will grow back!!! The funny part - Cait jumped on the bandwagon too and now we both go in on Friday to let Kim do whatever she wants with out hair!!! Short and sassy, spruce it up for the spring/summer with some highlights - WHATEVER her little heart desires!!! So excited - I need a change, something to lift my dreary mood as of late!!!

Every wonder what color category your life falls into or is it just me??? I saw this on a fellow scrappers blog and had to take it to see what my true color is - so weird because it really is my true color I think. I always lean towards browns - even though I say it isn't my favorite color - because I feel the warmth brings out the shades in my hair, compliments my skin tone and just feels right on me. So here is my true color results:

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Brown

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Take the test and tell me what your true color is, I'd love to know!!!

I've been on a bit of a creative hiatus this last week or so. So much going on with my Mom in town that we never got a minute to sit down and create - we had several projects planned out but we got so caught up in just visiting that we never made it to my scrappy area!!! So, I need to get those creative juices flowing and have decided to go back and do all the challenges listed on Card Positioning Systems. I went back to the very first sketch posted over there and have them all printed out ready to start creating. I'll be posting here as I complete each one - I'm hoping to start in on the current ones as well and will post them too!!! There are so many ideas floating in this little brain of mine and they never get the chance to come out and play - maybe this will open that creative outlet and get them out here to show the world!!! Wish me luck........LOL

Well, a novel I have posted I see and I didn't even touch on everything going on right now....guess that leaves me something to post later. I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted here - shame on me!!!

If you stop by leave me a comment to let me know you are here - I love to check out other's blogs for inspiration so don't forget to link to me!!!

Happy Scrappin'!!!

Over and out ya'll...............