Stacy's Art Studio

2012-01-16T21:06:00.001-05:00

Follow me on Pinterest!
I'm addicted!

Yes, I'm still around......

2011-08-28T19:08:00.002-04:00

So, you noticed I've taken a long break! he he! Yes, indeed! I'm still around and crafting here and there....just when ever I can. You know as the kidos get older they take up more of my time. So does my wonderful full time job! Follow my rants and raves on facebook and every once in awhile you might catch a post here.

BOLO Alert!!

2009-09-02T18:51:00.003-04:00

Be On The Look OUT!! CX's Big Birthday Bash is just around the corner........like this Friday!!
They always have great sales and rumor has it this year will be no different.

A little birdie told me Cricut Carts will start at $21.oo. That's right Twenty-one......just like the legal drinking age! (Friday - Monday only)

All paper packs 40%off!!
Whoa! I'm putting some goodies in my shoppin cart now!! Hope you get some too!

Hurry on over to CreativeXpress.com

Another Year!!

2009-08-16T23:04:00.002-04:00

Thank you CreativeXpress.com (i.e. Provo Craft) for giving me the opportunity
to design with the Cricut and Cuttlebug one more year!!!

That's right folks, I made the Design Team again for the 2009-2010 year. I can't believe I have this fabulous job!! Its the coolest thing ever!! I'm tellin ya this past year has been FAB~U~Lous!! I've loved every assingment!! There's not another team I'd rather be on!!

.....If only my other job was this much fun!...(you know, the one where I get to stay up all night and wear a tricked out name tag and lovely figure flattering scrubs...not even playin' with new born babies is as cool as the Design Team, lol!!)

Another look into the Gypsy

2009-08-12T15:13:00.000-04:00

Creative Xpress Blog Take a "backstage" look into the Keynote address
from Provo Craft President, Jim Thorton at the CHA.

Back to School!

2009-08-07T09:09:00.002-04:00

And they're off!!! 179 mornings left

This house is too quiet! Erie!! The dog and I are ready for the kids to come home. ((Take that back.......the dog's gone back to sleep and looks very content in his bed)) So, its just me and for the first time since school got out for the summer, I'm sitting hear listening to the refrigerator run. Wow, its quiet!!

Happily Ever After Cricut Cartridge

2009-08-05T22:09:00.007-04:00

My assignment this month from CreativeXpress.com was to play with the Hap. Ever After

Cricut Cartridge. he he.....tough assignment! lol!

I'm thrill to have the opportunity to show off a little of what this cart can do!!

I mean, ......Who doesn't love a Disney Princess? Okay...so there are a few

witches and ugly step mothers out there that tried to do them some serious harm, but I know I love them all.

There's so much more to this cart besides the 4 princesses. The cart has

an amazing selection of fun stuff to cut out. Directions for making these will be posted on the CreativeXpress blog. I'm not sure when, so keep checking it. Also, be sure to hop on over to the CreativeXpress store and check out their great sales!

Back to School!

2009-08-05T21:57:00.002-04:00

Its back to school time.
Tonight was open house and we met the kids' teachers!
I pray we have a better year this year than last year!!!

Mark and I are not ready for school to start......I've really
enjoyed this summer and time with the kids. I don't
want our lazy fun summer days to end! Even the dog misses the
kids when they are gone all day!

I still have to take DD shopping for school clothes.....ugh! We have such
different taste.....and I've learned to never say the word
"Cute" around her. Its an automatic "NO!" if I say it!
Anybody want to take her shopping? Anybody?

Finally........it's here!!

2009-07-28T22:47:00.001-04:00

No More Lugging the lap top around........I can't wait to get a Gypsy that will fit in my pocket!!
Sweet!!

Gypsy <~ Read all about it here

Provo Craft

2009-07-28T17:56:00.001-04:00

Provo Craft
4 new carts!!!

29-1055cricutcricut cartridge, designer’s calendarcartridge
29-1071cricutcricut cartridge, superman activitycartridge
29-1072cricutcricut cartridge, batman activitycartridge
29-1074cricutcricut cartridge, elmo's partycartridge

Back to the Gypsy

2009-07-13T21:13:00.002-04:00

This little hand held black device is what the Buzzzz is all about in Cricut land!
And Its worth Chirping about again!
Sounds like its a portable Design Studio.......I'm thinkin' something along the lines of
Design Studio blended with my kids hand held computer game, Nintendo DS. Hopefully, this means the laptop can stay at home and I don't have to bring it to the crop.
You can feed the carts you own into the device.....(Gypsy will have a Thanksgiving feast with all 50 something carts I own now) The Gypsy "ingests" (i.e. clones) the carts, but does not remove anything from the cart (wheww). You'll still be able to
use the carts with your Cricut, but you won't be able to use them in any other Gypsy. Ratherwords, no sharing carts.
Now the bad news......this baby is going to set you back $299.00 bucks........that's the rumored suggested MSRP.

I can't wait to get my hands
on one to see how it works!!!!! (Hint, Hint ;) Provo Craft!!)
((Gulp))

Sweet Revenge!

2009-07-12T05:47:00.002-04:00

Love this video! That'll teach United to mess with a guy and his guitar!, lol!

Got A Gypsie Soul?? Provo Craft Does!!

2009-07-11T09:31:00.003-04:00

Operation: Rogue Gypsies - About

What in the world is Provo Craft up to???
They have something new for the Cricut call the Gypsie!
Here's all I know.......

Features:
Size – 8” x 3” x 1.5”
Weight – 11 ounces
Screen Size - 4.7”, 16:9, 480 x 272
Stylus Length – 3.75”
Storage – ~4000 Cartridges, 10000+ Designs
Battery Life – 4 hrs cont. 18 hrs int.
Compatible with all Cricut Machines and Cartridges
Weld, size, slant, rotate, stretch, preview
2 Full content cartridges preloaded
Benefits:
No computer required
All CDS functionality on-the-go with no PC
Interfaces with CDS when connected to a PC
Stores All Content
Stores All Overlays
Stores All Manuals
Stores CDS Projects

T-shirts!

2009-07-11T01:15:00.007-04:00

Looking for the perfect Summer Boredom Buster???

Then you have to try this with your kidos!

It was a rainy day in Georgia.....so I had to do something to keep them from picking on each

other!! (Oh man, can they pick a fight with each other at this age......ughhhh!!)

We had so much fun making these and their was peace, love and harmony at our house (for a little while anyway)!!

The hardest part was deciding what image they wanted on the shirts.......or maybe

the hardest part was not having enough T-shirts on hand!

Chandler loved the Paper Pups "Huntin Dog"...perfect for him!

and Lauren fell in love with Indie Arts Cart (Can you say Indie Arts Cart 10 times real fast? he he he!)

I cut the images out of vinyl scraps and then removed the "negative" image from the sticky mat with transfer tape. I then removed the backing from the vinyl and adhered it to the T shirt.

I handed the kids fabric markers and let them "do their thing"!!

When they were done coloring, I peeled off the Cricut Vinyl stencil to reveal an awesome T-shirt design.

They loved it......and now, according to them, I'm the coolest mom ~ ever! (till the dishwasher needs to be unloaded...ha ha)

Sneaky Peeky!

2009-06-29T15:20:00.002-04:00

Love this sneak peek by Kaiser!
Go check it out!!

http://www.kaisercraft.net/sneakpeek/

So who's going to the Super Craft Show in Orlando next month?
I wanna go.....I think its time to take off and have some more fun!

Back from Vacation!

2009-06-20T14:44:00.001-04:00

All good things must come to an end.....so back to real world, **sigh**.........
I had an amazing 2 week vacation at the beach. I've been looking forward to
this vacation since I booked it a year ago!!

We spent our crazy, lazy summer days combing the beaches for sea turtle nests and fossil shark teeth (Found over 150!!),
fishing for sharks and crabbing for blue crabs off the piers, hiking through the maritime forest (amazing), riding bikes along the beach and watching the dolphins play in the water at sunset. Evenings were spent playing football games at the park, flashlight tag with the raccoons (sneaky little boogers) campfires and of course....smore overload!! We had short (15-30 minute) thunderstorms everyday, but that's to be expected......just a minor inconvenience.

We also took advantage of the "you pick" farms on St. Helena island. We enjoyed some of the juiciest blueberries I've ever had! Yummmy!
Hunting Island is an amazing place!! This was our 4th year camping on the island. I could live there all summer long. I really didn't want to come home.....and I can't wait to go back again next year!

Tada!!!!

2009-06-01T00:10:00.001-04:00

HEY!! Guess What....I did something!! Finally...
Now, I'm off to the beach to be the Queen of Corona and party with Captain Morgan.

Is she hugging him or choking him?..ahhh, that's siblings for ya!!

Just a sweet little pull out card

Happy Birthday ((.......whatever)) I've stopped celebrating those things!

New Cuttlebug Folders are out!!

2009-05-04T20:57:00.000-04:00

Just what I've been waiting for......New Cuttlebug embossing folders!
Got to have them! I love these little versatile boogers!! There are so many fun
ways to use them.
Run over to CreativeXpress and check them out.

Today, the little owl is my favorite....Tomorrow.....who knows what I'll pick! They are all fabulous!

2009-04-28T08:17:00.000-04:00

CreativeXpress Design Team projects for March! My Assignment was to play with Bazzill Swiss Dots and to create 2 Summer invitations.

I designed this alligator using the cricut design studio (Carts: George, Wedding and Graph. Speaking). He's cut from one 12x12 sheet of Bazzill Swiss Dotts.

Pool Party anyone? This invitation was cut using the Cricut Wild Card. I designed the flamigo and sun glasses with the Design Studio. (George)

Who doesn't love movie night? This ticket stub invitation was fast and easy using the Cricut die cutter!

My Mind's Eye has done it again! They've stolen my heart with their new line of pattern paper. I love every single one! The colors are vibrant, fun and fabulous!

Have a great day!

Arhhhhh!! Hi Ho.....It's A Pirate's Life For ME!!

2009-04-09T16:55:00.000-04:00

When they say "Everyone Loves a Parade!!"......they really mean that in Savannah on St. Patricks Day!! Holy Smokes....look at this Irish crowd!!

And there's nothing like having a sea of blue IRISH MEN to rescue you....just in case you need it. Some of these guys here are from Dublin
Mr. Irish Pirate, Huebert Keller and Son here.

Lame self portrait!! I think if we were marooned on an island, I would a good "Ginger" pirate., lol!

What ever floats your crazy little boat, Hue!

My Ship has come in!!!

And what would a parade be like without the Budweiser Dalmation and the Clydesdales! I bet he doesn't get to drink any of the good stuff!!!

Ahhhrrrrr!! Let's get this party started!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lou Lou!!!!!

Ho Ho , Oh where's A Bottle of Rum........Its an Irish Pirates Life For Me!!!

(Now hurry up and take the picture, will ya!!! <--- Note the fake smile)

....well, at least it was one very special Birthday for this lil' Lassie.

whoooo hoooo for St. Patricks Day in Savannah! What a Partaayy........I mean Parade!

Almost 5 hours long! You know how much beer Irish People can drink in 5 hours!!

I'm tellin ya...There's nothing like it...(Well, maybe Marti Gras)

It was a thrill to be a Piratess in this huge event!!

CX Projects!

2009-03-31T09:23:00.001-04:00

I'm working hard these days to keep the lines clean and simple and not throw every new gadget and bling on my pages......Trust me...Its not easy!! As you may have noticed, my "style" has matured a tad bit and I'm working towards a more "classic" look. When I look back on the pages I've created, I don't want to have that "......ewww, what was I thinking........Why did I ever think that was cool" moment. Thankfully, I've always pretty much done my "own thing" and I love all the pages I've created. I really want them to be book about "real life" rather than "real artsy creative style".

So each page is made with a K.I.S.S to myself......Keep It Simple Stupid!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-03-27T15:20:00.000-04:00

Whooo hoooooooooo!! (TIC) I'm a year older!

I'm 39 years young today!

You know that saying about sliding into the grave with one Margarita in one hand and a box of chocolate in the other....I was just thinkin' I'd rather slide into the grave with an empty box of chocolate tossed carelessly over my shoulder, a bottle of red wine from Columbia Valley in my right hand and a bottle of Botox in the left......At the very least, I'd look good as I wipe the melted chocolate from my mouth with my sleeve; pull the cork out of the wine with my teeth; and slide into the grave with style all the while screaming "What a ride!!" LOL!!

.....And Speaking of Rides.....Guess what I want for my Birthday? He He........I was hopin' for a new car! A GMC Acadia

This is the fabulous work of Scrap Book Designer and Extraordinaire , Michelle Hubbartt !! Isn't she awesome! I've known Michelle, ((or Shellieh)) for several years. I first met her online when she was a designer for CreativeXpress and this past fall I finally got to meet her person. She is so delightful and talented!
This LO made me realize how much I love my CX friends and miss them dearly! (Maybe I should have asked for an airline ticket to Utah) I wish my time in Salt Lake City was longer and we could have visited more!! Thanks for making this great LO, Shell!!

2009-03-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

This is day two of Sea World.........I'll get day one up soon.

I have no idea what the name of these yellow flowering trees are.......Do you? I'd love to have some in my yard!!

We're finally here...yeah!!His feet rarely touched the ground.....bounce, bounce, bounce!!
They're ready to RUMMMMMBLLLLE!!

Y'all ready for this........!! awe

I love this roller coaster......its so smooooooooooth!

L has a way of taming even the most wild beasts!!! Isn't the polar bear sooo cute!!

2009-02-28T05:05:00.001-05:00

I found this on Dee Gallimore-Perry's Blog!!

Bahahahahah.........too cute!!

Sea Island Retreat & Creative Xpress Design Team Assignments

2009-02-26T13:28:00.000-05:00

Fresh new look for the blog! I'm trying to make up for the neglect. I'm so sorry to my friends for neglecting their blogs too.... I love to visit so many of you and I haven't had time to do my blog crawls.

On a brighter note, Spring will soon be here.....and you know what that means!! Summer is around the corner!! YES!!!!

Bring on the heat wave, baby! I'm ready for ya! Sun, Sand, Surf and lots of tropical smellin' sun screen!! I've got my beach vacation already planned....(Now, if I can only get the time off and Kenny Chesney to run off with me.......oh details, details)

This is BFF LaMuir and I having wayyy to much fun!

Speaking of the beach, I spent the weekend at Sea Island, Ga with some fabulous and talented ladies!(A HUGE thank you to Beth F. and LaMuire for organizing this retreat!!) My three most favorite things are my friends, scrapbooking and the beach. What a treat to have all three together!! It was so good to get together and have my creative energy renewed. These fabulous ladies were all amazing stampers.....And I do mean AMAZING. Each one of them brought a talent to the table and shared it. I learned and absorbed so much information and ideas........and you know what?? They may have worn off on me! I think I can add "Stamper" to my creative resume. (Gasp!! I know!! its Exciting news, isn't it! ...not so exciting if you're my bank account, but its cheaper than therapy, right........bahahahah...No way!!)

Cheers!! To all my stampin sistahs!! I love you guys!
BTW, This was our beach "cottage" bahahahah..... And if you're lookin' for a Stampin Up Rep, just let me know, I can hook you up with some GOOD ONES!!

And speaking of creative resumes, with the new month came all new assignments! Every designer on the team was given a "rule of design" assignment. I've never been one to study the color wheel. I've always just gone with my instincts but my assignment this month challenged me to use analogous colors.
So what in the world is analogous colors?? If you think of the Rainbow colors as ROYGBIV. Analogous colors are colors that are next to each other in the rainbow. For the first card and layout I chose Green, Blue, and Indigo. This is my favorite color combo because it reminds me of the beach and water!! (Is it summer yet?) For my second card I chose Orange, Yellow, and Green.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Heads Up, Buttercup!!!
Next months assignment is going to be gorgeous and elegant!! And I get to play with some new papers released at Winter CHA!!

Stay tuned......I'm workin' on it!

Disney Storage Box

2009-02-05T08:46:00.000-05:00

December's Creative Xpress Design Team Assignment was to alter a We R Memory Keepers storage box into something a child would like to use. When the box arrived I knew immediately this would be the perfect box to store the kids' Mickey Mouse Ears hats. I used the design studio to create the film strip. You can download the .cut file here and make one just like this one!! You'll need the Disney Cart.

I should be the healthiest woman alive!!

2009-01-24T03:07:00.000-05:00

GREAT NEWS ABOUT COFFEE!
Do you want to stay healthy? It’s human nature to want to
feel good, have lots of energy and avoid illness and pain.
There are many ways to boost our health profile, including
good lifestyle habits, diet and exercise. But there’s another,
surprising source of health benefits sitting right on your
table or desk – coffee. No kidding! And, here’s the
scientific skinny:
Type 2 diabetes
We’ve all seen the news that America is on the verge of a
diabetes epidemic. But scientific studies have found that
coffee lowers the risk of getting type 2 diabetes.1
Researchers say a special antioxidant in coffee helps the
way our bodies process sugar. It has nothing to do with
caffeine, so if you drink yours decaffeinated, you get the
same protection.1
Liver disease
Scientists say coffee protects our livers. Coffee drinkers
show much less liver damage, even if they’re at higher risk
due to cirrhosis, hepatitis or alcohol abuse, according to
research. Other studies have found that coffee reduces the
risk of liver cancer as well.
Breast cancer
Coffee may protect against certain types of breast cancer
in some women, say scientists. Additional studies are
underway to uncover more details on this good news.
Parkinson’s Disease
Research tells us that coffee may help prevent Parkinson’s
Disease. Other studies show that coffee helps protect the
brain in other ways too, such as preventing cognitive decline
in older men and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Muscle pain from exercise
Several experiments have found that caffeine levels equal
to about 2 cups of coffee can reduce muscle pain during
and after exercise. In fact, one researcher says he makes it
a point to drink coffee before he goes running!
Energy
Many studies prove that coffee boosts energy and helps
people do what they do. It’s good whether they’re driving,
working, exercising, studying, or even doing a crossword
puzzle.8 In fact, evidence shows that coffee enhances
thinking performance, enabling test takers to score higher,
particularly when under stress.

2009 Cricut Carts

2009-01-22T00:06:00.000-05:00

Here's the new (Hum hum....rumored) releases for Cricut Cartridges at the Winter CHA.......I've got a few must haves on my list!

Don't Puke!!

2009-01-18T07:49:00.000-05:00

Before you read any further, run to your medicine cabinet and take some anti emetic pills......you know, those last few phenergan pills you've been saving "just in case" you get nauseated again.

Why?.....did you take them yet? I'm warning you!!

Paris Hilton, the air head heiress has her own scrapbooking line...........I warned you!!

Apparently she will be at the Winter CHA.........Need I say more?? Barf!!

Ready, Set, SHOP!!

2009-01-11T18:07:00.000-05:00

Stamps only $2.39.....I've got to get one of every set!!!

A very nice Mini album with 30 cardstock pages!....so cute!! $ 1.58 I think that's the best kept secret!!

Another stamp set that's a good deal!!

How about some cute stickers pefect for cards for only $ .79

One of my favorite papers to use in my Expression is the large 12x24 Cricut papers. Perfect for fun projects!! $11.84 Need another Cricut Cartridge? how about one for around $31.00.

Its time to spend that extra Christmas money!! The CreativeXpress store has 21% off everything in your cart. You can find some real bargains in the clearance section

I'm Waiting........

2009-01-10T07:24:00.000-05:00

For the NEW Cricut Home Decor to come out..........this little solutions cart is packed with some fantastic goodies!! It has vinyl revolution written all over it!!
The wheels of creativity are turning and turning inside my head!! I've got to have it!! But in the mean time, let me catch you up on what's new in my life.........
I went back to work at the hospital. At first, I was part time night shift....Now, I'm full time night shift. I'm still working at the Surgeon's office at night too......As a matter of fact, I just got off work. Not much construction going on these days, so there's nothing for me to do to help DH run a construction company. I just get to watch that beautiful heavy equipment just sit and sit and sit some more....
I hope 2009 will be a great year.....or at least better than 2008!!

Anyhoodle, give me a shout out and let me know what's new with you in 2009!!

2008-12-29T18:28:00.000-05:00

Wow....time flies when you're so busy busy busy!!

This is not my normal posting season, so things are just slow on the blog scene. Not to worry, I'll catch up.

Here's two layouts from my latest Design Team Assignments over at http://www.creativexpress.com/

If you haven't been over there recently, you're in for some BIG CHANGES!!

I mean BIG.......the forum is all new. It has a lot of great new features that make keeping up with your friends quick and easy. Its the ultimate scrapbooking hangout now!

The store is getting a major face lift too. Remember how slowwww it use to be. It was a joke trying to shop there........BUT not anymore. When the store reopens it will be lighting fast, better organized and easier to shop!! And if you don't like something, just let them know! I think they have the best Customer Service out there!! I'm not sure of the exact date they will reopen....should be around the first of the year. They have so much merchandise, I'm sure they are trying to do inventory and get the new store up all at once!! Save those Christmas $$ for the grand re-opening,......should be worth the wait.

Go Elf Yourself

2008-12-12T10:02:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

DT FLashcards

2008-12-08T12:11:00.001-05:00

Here's what you've been waiting for....October's DT assignment...Lots of details in these flashcards. I think I've mastered the Cricut Xpression after doing these shape flashcards. They were a lot of fun!
I've done some more cool stuff, I've now got to find the time to get the pics off the camera and posted here on my blog. This is always a super crazy time of year for me (and I'm sure everyone else too), so I'll be guilty of blog neglect for the month of December. January is usually a bit slower, so I'll be back in full swing with lots of goodies I've been hording to post. Deal? Okay, its a deal. See ya next year!
Merry Christmas everyone!!

All work ~ Not much play

2008-11-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

All work and no play makes me pretty darn boringggg!! And you didn't come here to be bored!! Sorry about dat!!!

Nada a lotta going on.
I've been working a lot of nights, and trying to keep up.
For the first time in a very long time, I haven't finished my Christmas shopping.....Heck, I haven't even started. You know what that means.........you aint' gettin nuttin' for Christmas in your mail box from me! ;)

Check back with me in a few weeks. I'll have a little sumptin special for ya!
I've been workin' hard on my DT projects!! Merrrcy me! They're suckin' the life out of me!

later gator!

Prayers Answered

2008-11-18T11:13:00.000-05:00

Meg and her home are fine! Praise the Lord!!
The fire came within an uncomfortable quarter mile from them.
Today looks so much better than Sunday!

Please keep the California communities in your thoughts
and prayers. Its so sad, esp. in these hard ecomonic times!

Terrible news to share...

2008-11-16T13:11:00.000-05:00

My dear friend, Meg is in the line of wild fires in California.
I'm afraid it doesn't look good for the canyon she lives in.
She sent me an email last night saying that she was packed up and
ready to go as her canyon was under siege by the wildfires.
Please keep her in your prayers.

Meg is the kindest and thoughtful person I know.
She's always sending beautiful cards to everyone in the CX community.
She's an amazing friend, wife and mother!!
When she came to Savannah this past spring, we became instant friends.
And I was so excited to see her again in Utah, this fall.

I'm just devastated that this is happening to her and her community.
I have that hard dry lump in the back of my throat just knowing she's going
through this. So, please pray for her and her family.Meg and I tried to win "Big Money" for our scrapbooking adventurere in Utah.....I think we won enough for a cup of coffee. But we were blessed with so many great bargains we didn't need it.Here's Meg with Merideth (Couch Diva) Nat (Scatty) and Shellie (Shellieh) at the Die Cuts with a View Company.

Latest Must Haves!!!.....

2008-11-10T09:03:00.000-05:00

What's my latest must have?......So glad you asked!

Basic Grey Fabric! I've got to get me some!! Aren't these the

"purdiest" lush fabrics! Love these colors too. These

are the colors in my house so I can't wait to use them.

Hopefully I can fulfill my quest in Savannah and not have to order it online.

It's a little less than $10.00 a yard, so I'll be making some throw pillows out of

it....don't expect a major over overhaul on my house decor..... just yet, anyway!

But a girls got to do, what a girls got to do!!

I've been working my butt off on the latest CX DT projects!

I have a confession to make.....I've never been a good KISS'er

You know......Keep It Simple Stupid! Lots of details!

But it will be worth it in the end!

That's all for now Folks!!

Make it a great Day!

Be Happy!

Be Crafty!

(Like my new mantra? I need that on a T shirt!!)

Stacy

UN BeL IEv AbLE!!!~ 2008 Election

2008-11-02T21:44:00.000-05:00

In honor of the Election on Tuesday.....
Please listen to this......Unbelievable
I promise.......Its short and worth listening too!
((No radical right or left wings are allowed here!!))

Its funny and yet it makes me very very sad too!!
This is not a reflection of either candidate, but rather just how DUMB the
American public is!! I'm sure it's true no matter which camp you are in!!
I could no doubt go out right now and duplicate this same thing ~ for either side.

I don't know about you, but I'll be saving Wednesday headlines and scrapping them.
No doubt this will be one of the most important elections and something
I'll talk to my kids about when they get old enough to understand. It's one of those
things they are going to ask me about, and ask me why I voted for this one and not that
one. I need to write it down so I can remember the details......and double check my
facts while I'm at it!!
How about you.......Are you Scrappin' anything about this Election of 2008?
This was the first election I paid any attention to. It was 1980... sumptin'!! I was about L's age. Looking back it would have been very cool to see my parents thoughts and reactions during that time. I wonder what the "hot topics" were besides the hostages in Iran. (That'll jog your memory)

I know who my Mother voted for because she still has the political button pin!!

So get those scissors ready! You're not going to want to miss this Scrappy opportunity! Even if you don't have a photo with your favorite candidate....Scrap your thoughts anyway!!

Design Team Projects are UP!!

2008-11-01T19:11:00.000-04:00

Here's a link to the Creative Xpress DT Gallery. Check out the Team's assignments this month.
Everything is so dang cute!!

2008-10-27T19:42:00.000-04:00

Meg and I are like Peas and Carrots!!!

Smooches Everyone!! Kisssy kissy!!

We are the hottest scrappers around!!!

Here we are with the Super Talent and former Savannah Girl......Jen Gallacher!

The Girls of CX........Leslie, Meg, Stacy, Kristy, Shellie and Nat!!

2008-10-27T17:54:00.000-04:00

I'll have some pics to post from Utah soon!!!

Here we are at the Harley Davidson store picking out a new HOT ride! Girls just want to have fun, right? We stopped here one morning on the way to the crop.....it was so cool!

5 Cricut Carts Coming today!

2008-10-25T12:14:00.000-04:00

Fed Ex truck........hurry up! I've got 5 Cricut Carts on the way!
I can't wait to play with them!!

The long anticipated WILD CARDS is among them! I can't wait to play with that one.

I'm already busy on my next CX Project.
I can't wait to show you some of the pages I did from my crop in Utah. As usual, crops aren't very productive for me. The whole creative process goes out the window with the laughing and constant chatting, constant interruptions......not to mention we were up late every night.

What have I DONE??!!??!!

2008-10-21T14:36:00.000-04:00

This is the insane purchase from ONE store. That's right....ONE warehouse sale. DCWV opened its warehouse for the crop and WOW......did we go wild. Actually, I was pretty mild compared to a few of the other girls. The prices were so cheap!!!!! I don't blame them for loading up!
DCWV........I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! I really enjoyed touring the warehouse and meeting Angela and Larry. We participated in a focus group for some very cool home decor products they have out now or will be coming out soon. This was definitely one of many great highlights. Plain Cardstock about 150 sheets, $5.00
25 colors/ 3 sheets of each color/ sticker cardstock $5.00
More cardstock, glitter paper, metallic paper, pattern embossed paper $2.00 each (my first paper "stack"!!)
Cards with envies, mat stacks, stickers.........dirt cheap
If you could measure happiness in the number of inches of scrapbook paper, I would say I was one pretty happy gal right now. More than 6 inches of paper purchased while in Utah........INSANE!!!! Absolutely INSANE!!
What have I done? What was I thinking......Why couldn't I stop myself!!! Oh Heavens, I can't believe I purchased this much paper in !!
But it was soooo cheap!! Who could resist. I did my part to give Utah an economic boost!!
Needless to say....... I had the world's heaviest carry on!!

I also enjoyed touring Provo Craft and meeting all the wonderful people who work there. It's nice to be able to put a name and a face together now.

Sooooo many more details and stories to share. This is all I can do for today. I'll post about all the wonderful people I met from CX on my next post.
Right now.......I have some paper to play with!
Tootles.....and so on and so forth!

Home, at last

2008-10-20T21:35:00.000-04:00

I'm home from Utah.......safe and sound.
I'm exhausted beyond words.....so I'll update you later!
I can't think or type right now!!!!!
bottom line.......I had the time of my life! And I hope
to go back soon.

Check back soon for some details......

Half Packed!

2008-10-11T14:35:00.000-04:00

I'm packing for Utah this weekend. I've been throwing clothes in a suitcase at the bottom of bed for a week now, only to discover its S N O W I N G this weekend there. Ha ha.....this flip flop loving girl doesn't own many warm clothes. I'm sure I can come up with a few things. I'm having serious issues with my wardrobe these days....lots of malfunctions! I'm down to a size 8 in some brands and in other brands a 10. I forgot to pick up a belt yesterday while I was out shopping. I was soooo disappointed to find a beautiful black and white suit on sale at Dillards for 75% off (WOW...great savings) and the skirt (size 10) fell off of me. I couldn't get it tailored if I wanted too!! I'm so thrilled to be having these kinds of problems....it's been a long time coming. Last year at this time I was a size 16 and miserable. I'm just amazed at how much God keeps changing my life. Every 6 months and/or every year it seems like I turn the page and start of new chapter. (more on that note in a second..but back to packing)

Do you ever feel like you have everything you need when you pack to go off?? or is it just me. I never do....lists of items run through my head. Potential scenarios always feed into my need to take everything I own. Seriously, I may not need the proverbial "kitchen sink", but I'm thinking about ripping the handles off the facet. Oh yeah... I hate packing...its always been stressful. I think it goes back to my childhood days where I spent many many days on the road traveling the entire United States with my Air Force family. I was either born in the wrong family or the good Lord has a sense of humor.....I think its the latter...He definitely has a sense of humor!!!

Here's another update for my friends! I went to my final interview this past week for a new job at the hospital. I've been an employee at this same hospital for 16 years! Actually, longer than that if you count the years I was a candy striper. As many of you know I work at a high risk pregnancy doctor's office for many years that's connected to the hospital, thus I've stayed a hospital employee while enjoying the best of both worlds....staying home with the babies and working just a little bit here and there. I can't tell you how blessed I am to have kept my foot in the door and built strong bridges. I start back to work (night shift/ part time) as soon as I get home from Utah. Thankfully, they were very understanding about how important this Utah trip is to me. I'm so nervous!!! I don't want to be away from my kids any more than what I absolutely have to! but I know I'm doing the right thing by getting benefits (health insurance) for my family especially in these uncertain economic times. I'll continue to work at the Plastic Surgeons office. I absolutely love working there....its the best job I've every had and I can't say enough nice things about the people I work with and my patients. They are precious to me!!

I can't leave you without a tease photo of my CX projects. These are subject to change as I have been know to say "I hate it!!" and start all over again. With one of these, there's a pretty good chance of that happening.

See some of y'all soon!!

Love,

Stacy

Voices of America....

2008-10-06T10:41:00.000-04:00

Have you been keeping up with the election? The big Presidential election is Tuesday, Nov. 4th!! I have to admit I'm a bit of a News Junky. I have the news on for background noise in my house. I've been watching the candidates as they make their speeches and political "stomps".

There's one thing I've noticed with both of these candidates.......People passionate about a subject make interesting homemade signs to hold up at these rallies. Some of these signs are cute, some are clever and funny, some are down right mean. But, these are the voices of America speaking to their candidate, hoping to get their attention or the attention of the media. Now if you want to exercise your "freedom of speech" right and want your sign to get attention, you have to be creative and it has to look good!! That's something most of these midnight sign makers have not learned.
I can't help but think these sign makers need an intervention. A Cricut Intervention. Imagine for a moment a sea of signs that all used the Cricut !! They would be easy to read with 6 inch letters, designed with passion and no doubt communicate a message to the candidate they are trying to influence!!

So, if you or a friend are going to a rally and y'all are going to hold up signs, don't just smear some paint on a poster board. Get a Cricut!!! and Do it right!

And if you don't like either candidate or you haven't made up your mind yet, feel free to write my name in....lol!!
((!!!TIC!!! Tongue in cheek)) just having some fun. Don't take it serious! ;)

I'm going to Utah to crop with the CX Girls!

2008-10-02T11:06:00.000-04:00

Wow...it's been a little while since my last post.
I've been sooooo busy with work and the kids, that I forgot to tell you my
big news! I'm going to Utah in a few weeks to crop with my friends at Creative Xpress.
My dear friend Meg and I are meeting up in Vegas (quick pre crop party, lol)
and then were off to Salt Lake City where our adventure will begin!!
I'm so excited and I just can't believe I'm going all the way to Salt Lake City
to crop!!!
I know we'll get to do some serious shopping!! We'll also be touring the DCWV and
have lunch there too. Cool, huh. I'm feelin' like a Scrap Diva more and more, lol!!!
woooohoooooo!!!

Remember those little Battle of the Bat pins I made for my friends softball team? Well, the loved them soooo much. She asked me to make 90 of them. YES 9o!!! (Lesson here: be careful about giving your non-crafty friends gifts! They have no idea how much time this hobby can consume!!) I had to tell her NO, to the 90, but I'll make her 45 more....which is a pretty huge task. So far, I've finished 21. Hopefully, today I'll finish.

I've also been working on my
Design Team projects!! Ohhh! I can't wait to show them off!!
Got to run!! Bye

Are you smarter than a 5th grader??

2008-09-23T21:02:00.001-04:00

My 5th grader has been bitten by the bug (YIKES!!)

She made dividers for her binder using the Cricut DS. I showed her once.....that's all it took!!!

Oh Boy.........there goes my card stock stash!!

(I don't care, .....I'm very proud of her!!)

Guess Who's Been Married 18 years!!

2008-09-23T12:36:00.000-04:00

Mark and Stacy!! Yep. Us.
I need to find an old picture of us to post here.....huh!!....none in the 'puter, but I'll work on it later.
Just use your imagination......big poofy blonde hair girl with bright lipstick in love with tall skinny guy with the sweetest brown eyes. See....I don't need to dig for a pic!!

18 years ago yesterday, I married my high school sweetie! He's still my man after all these years.
We didn't do anything special to celebrate. It was just another day in Paradise around here. He surprised me with a cake and a plant. awe......

Got Chocolate? Yeah!!!! I do!

2008-09-23T12:19:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love a pretty little box of chocolates??
This is my second Cricut Design Studio project. I used Storybook and Tags, Bags and Boxes to make this along with Cuttlebug!! It was easy peasy, folks! Just weld the scrolls from Storybook to the window of the box. Hit the cut button....that's pretty much it!!
My head is dancing with sugar plum ideas for Chirstmas goodies in these cute little boxes!!
Pattern Paper is Martha.............yeah, I know.....I actually love this paper. Its perfect to use with the Cricut. Not to flimsy, not to stiff...just right!!
Pattern Paper is Martha......I actually bought Martha Stewart Paper. And you know what........Its perfect for the Cricut! yeah!! I bought the whole enchilada, fatabulada pad!!
(Say that 3 times real fast)

Soo, right now I'm sitting at home waiting on the phone to ring.....(((I might just have to start eating these little devils. mmmm mmmm. I hate the wait)))
I'm waiting on a phone call from the nurse manager at the hospital where I use to work. Buying your own health insurance really stinks.....and its very very expensive.......and to top that off... they don't pay. (I hate you Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ga!!!) So in addition to all the gigs I have now, I'm going back to work at the hospital and get some benefits for the family. I think that will alleviate some stress in my life. I doubt it will fatten my wallet, but steady work is always good. Women can't live off of chocolate boxes and scrap supplies.....or can they? I guess not.

Get out and Vote!

2008-09-23T08:47:00.000-04:00

No...Not for the President...not yet anyway.

Simple Scrapbooks is holding a stamping contest.
Go!!! VOTE HERE for your favorite stamper. ((((Of course I'm a little partial to WendyP81)))
But vote for who you think is the best.
Round 2 ends Thursday........so what are you still doing here?
I'm done with this post......shu! shu!.....get out and exercise your right to vote for the best stamper!!

BYE!!!!

Razzzle Dazzzzle ~ I won something!!

2008-09-18T23:14:00.000-04:00

From my email box today:

Hi Stacy Armstrong,
Congratulations! We have selected your project to be featured in the Project Corner and Spotlight section of the CHIRP! newsletter.
Please email your prize selection and shipping address to Becky . Thank you for sharing your talents and have a wonderful day.
Lonna Joy- Editor, Cricut CHIRP!

How about them apples??
I get to be featured in the Cricut.com newsletter and I get any
Cricut cart of my choosing......Oh my....which one should I choose?
Decisions, Decisions!!

I have my good friend Meg, to thank for this
honor. She encouraged me to enter......she said something
about being the "bee's knees" (isn't that cute!!)
THANK YOU MEG!! I should listen to you more often. You give
great advice!! I love you, dear friend!!

So, you're probably wondering which project I submitted?? Huh?
Well, if you don't subscribe to the Cricut.com news letter, RUN over there
right now and subscribe. You don't know what you're missing!!...and then
you get to see my very special project.
Pssst! I'll give you a hint........You've already seen it!!!

First Cricut Design Studio project!!

2008-09-17T15:25:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all! I finally opened the box on my Cricut Design Studio. I've been so nervous about it. Well, guess what? It was a breeze to install. Now, there is a learning curve.....and boy do I still have a lot to learn. But Looky what I made today.......and it didn't take hardly any time at all. And you want to know the coolest thig about making this little bag? I used 2 different carts! I used Home Acct. for the butterfly and Plat. School. for the bag. Yeah.....so cool!!
This is the back

A glimps in the inside....no goodies yet!!
And from the side! Okay, friends....that's it for now! I've got a wedding reception to host. ((Lucky Me.....NOT!!)
So I'm going to be busy busy busy!!!! Want to help? I need some volunteers........come on..you know you want to help me!!!!!

Battle of the Bats......

2008-09-16T16:05:00.000-04:00

I made these pins for a girls softball team. They are having a "Battle of the bats" fund raiser in October. Catchy title...huh?

I use Cricut paper dolls to cut the bats out. I used Bazzill cardstock and glued 3 bats together. I ran it through the Cuttlebug to compress the layers. You don't have to do that, but it makes me feel better.

I then heat embossed the flying bats using Versa Mark and embossing powder. I did the same with the baseball bats.

I finished off with some ribbon, a pin to the back.....and Abra Cadabra!! Bat pins!!

Creative Xpress Design Team

2008-09-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

Things are moving very quickly over at Creative Xpress.
My Bio page is up. Check it out! Bio pages are always so goofy!

My goodie box is on the way! Oh Yeah! They were much too generous is all
I have to say!

have a great day

Ever feel like these guys?

2008-09-11T21:50:00.001-04:00

I can totally relate to them.

I've been running like a race dog every day it seems. So much to do, so little time.

I'm not complaining.

Life is good that way.

Only it makes for a boring blog entry.

I've been busy getting ready for the CX Design Team.....Wow! Talk about an amazing experience so far! I'm getting spoiled, fast!

My brother's wedding is coming up soon too! (he he....I'll be glad when that's over!...I've got tons of work to do for that)

I've got a business trip in October to get ready for too.

Conferences with Chandler's teachers.....Oh man.....is it going to be a difficult year!!!

And all the usual fun stuff: band, piano, football, etc...........

I've worked on some cute Halloween projects. I'll get those posted soon.

Ta Ta for now!!

Cedar Key, Florida

2008-09-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Labor Day weekend was eventful with out trip to Cedar Key, Florida. We went to visit my Mother in law and her boy friend, "Mr. Charlie" . Mr. Charlie owns a fishing camp on the Suwannee River. Its gorgeous! We loved riding on the river in the Air Boat, skimming across the marsh and wet lands to get an up close look. I took over 500 photos.........how on earth do you decide what to scrap with over 500 pics?!?!? .......I'm sure I'll manage, somehow!! ;)

Lets turn our focus on to something else....

2008-09-04T08:42:00.000-04:00

Like Fall!! I changed my blog background this morning. I'm getting ready and I'm excitied about Fall this year. (Enough of these damn Hurricanes!!....... but it Looks like we still have a lot more to worry about)

In the deep south, We don't have much in the way of beautiful leaves and crisp weather, but I love fall all the same.
Here's your fall fashion colors. You can keep these in mind when you look for new fall papers.
Of course, being a "Maverick" and doing your own thing is always fashionable in my book, lol!!

Now its Wednesday....Lookin a little Better for us...

2008-09-03T16:21:00.000-04:00

Yes!! Its looking better for us (not so good for our neighbors to the North). But all this can change by Thursday morning. Hurricanes have a mind of their own. This morning all the news stations were sure Hanna was going to hit Savannah.....This is why so many people don't take getting ready serious.

We are so overdue for a major storm.....The BIG ONE as we refer to it ...is still out there.......its just a matter of time.

In 1896 there was a Cat 5 that hit this area. My grandmother told me a few stories about that one. Somehow they could read the clouds and tell a hurricane was coming. Isn't that fascinating!! I wish knew how to read the clouds now!!

Man I wish we knew for sure what was going to happen this weekend.

Tueday.....What a day

2008-09-02T17:21:00.000-04:00

So.....I ran to Wally World to pick up some gallons of water, scooby snacks and some other supplies. $330.00 and a Major headache later.......I remembered I forgot to buy dog food and tarps. Good Lord, I've got to get those!!
I saw a lot of people buying beer today at Wally World...Hmmmm....wonder if they know something I don't, lol!! I'm sure that's going to help!!
And Good News Ladies!! Chivalry is not dead!!! I had a charming young soldier help me with my overflowing buggy. (thank you soldier, wherever you are!)

So it looks like a Cat 1. and its slow moving. I think that means F L O O D I N G on a massive level. A lot of that will depend on if its low or high tide when it hits. I wasn't here in the late 70's when Hurricane David hit. That was a Cat 1. I've heard stories and Oh man......I just don't want to think about it. I wish I could be as calm as Mark is about this. He's so layed back, ...I'm jealous!! I guess I'm a nervous nellie for both of us. (Where's that beer?)

......And Meg, don't frett about the Chickens. Chandler can catch them and we'll put them in a huge dog carrier. They'll be okay in there till the storm blows over.

Oh No! oh No! ........Say it aint so!!!

2008-09-01T19:48:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess this means T R O U B L E.

I just got home from Cedar Key, Florida.... and this is what I come home to. I wish I could have just stayed put.
Obviously, I'm not going to be around much. (Hate that)

I'm packin' up folks!! I'm packing the studio and my house in the morning and then I'm rushing over to my parents house to help them pack up. (what a nightmare to help them, lol....I love my sweet parents. They are the best.......but oh! Man! They live in a glass house....with countless sliding glass doors facing the river and they think they are still young enough to handle it all themselves...ugh)

Don't worry about me. Mark will take good care of us. He's pretty darn good at this kind of stuff.

My thoughts are with Karen and Heather in LA as I'm packin up!! Hope you girls and your families are safe.

You know......This is all my brothers fault. He just had to plan a wedding in the middle of Hurricane season!! I warned him this could/ would happen!! LOL......Its just easy to blame him for everything. That's what big brothers are for, right!! (Love ya, bro.!!!)

Well, Well, Well,.......LOOKY LOOKY Who's on a DESIGN TEAM!!!!

2008-08-26T21:56:00.000-04:00

The Creative Xpress Design Team!

Returning Members:
Elizabeth Carney
Nikki Hobbs
Melanie Douthit
Jen Nichols
Kara Henry
Becki Adams
New Members:
Stephanie Ackerman
Heather Carpenter
Andrea Amu
Joy Hager
Stacy Armstrong <~ Hey! That's me! That's my name!!!! (okay, I'll quit being a dork now)
Laura Mendoza
Karen Pinsonat
Megan Peacock
Meridith Watson

Congratulations to each of you.

Can you believe it?? The girl who never tries out, never submits, doesn't even like to post pictures of her work on her own blog......yep.....is now on the CREATIVE EXPRESS Design Team. WHAO!! Somebody pinch me!
Seriously, ME???? I can't believe it! My first DT thingy!
I'm so honored to work with these amazing girls. It just doesn't seem right to see my name listed with them. I have no idea what I'm in for!!

I want to give a big shout out and some serious {{{{HUGS}}}} to the girls who applied, poured their hearts into their entires and are now feeling the sting of dissapointment. I've been there with ya, and I know it hurts. I almost didn't enter this year because I just didn't want to go through the emotional roller coaster and feel the free fall of rejection. (Its not really rejection, but kind of feels that way)
Y'all are so talented and your entries were amazing. I hope you'll hang around and be an active part of the community. You know I LOVE you girls and It wouldn't be the same without you.

I guess I'll have lots of SCRAPPY HAPPY things to post now, huh?
No excuses!!

I have something to "crow" about........

2008-08-24T21:28:00.000-04:00

****We interrupt this blog to bring you an important message: I have no idea what this has to do with scrapbooking, but sometimes I just need to use my blog as therapy. We will continue with our normal scrapbooking stuff soon****

"I love my husband, I love my husband, I love my husband......deep breath...Suck the air in........blow in all out.....repeat, repeat, repeat"

...Sometimes I just have to remind myself that I really do love that man!!...lol....Especially when he comes home with 5 more chickens, $200.00 worth of chicken wire, lumber and "stuff" and grinning from ear to ear. (I think it cost more than that......it was a truck load!!) (((( Seriously, Mark......what in the world are you thinking?!?!!? ))))

Oh yeah, he thinks its so funny. I'm sure he's laughing at me as he's reading this. I admit I like the chickens, and I like to hear the rooster crow first thing in the morning....... And its kind of neat to have fresh eggs. But do 5 hens and a rooster need 1/2 acre of land and a Pent House for a home?? Apparently so!!! He loves his chickens, that's for sure!! (Its kind of cute and kind of annoying all at the same time)

I'll just have to get over my jealousy by buying more scappy supplies on an upcoming trip!! That'll teach 'em....((mmm.....not!!!))

Scrambled eggs anyone???

2008-08-22T07:51:00.000-04:00

Hello again! Have your kids ever brought home homework and you just look at it and say "whoa......I've never heard of that!.....I've never seen that before.....they want you to do what???" Its just amazing the amount of work kids do in school these days. Today, I'm just blown away by how much homework/ projects my 6th grader has to do over the weekend. School just started a few weeks ago and they are in full swing now! So much to do, So much to scrapbook! I can't wait to get started!

Still recovering

2008-08-21T08:05:00.000-04:00

Last Friday I had some cosmetic surgery done and let me tell ya......recovery has gone well but it's been a booger!! Its taken a lot more out of me than I thought it would.

I was hoping to spend some time scrapbooking, but I just haven't been up to it this week. Hopefully, I'll catch up on everything this weekend and get scrappin and have some stuff to post. (hopefully, lol :) )

Not Good!!!

2008-08-19T04:16:00.000-04:00

Anyway you look at it....it's not Good News! ***Update*** Looks like we are going to avoid the brunt of this storm (as of Wed evening). For those of you who aren't so lucky, my thoughts are with you!!! Lets hope its the last. I think we have around 100 or so more days of the season!

Kicks and giggles

2008-08-13T23:56:00.000-04:00

It's a very sad day today.....

2008-08-11T19:22:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry to say it's not a good day in Stacy's studio. My friend, Gay Sollosi, lost her fight against breast cancer. She was diagnosed in March and we knew then it would be but a short time before Heaven called her home. Gay was one of the most loving, kind and inspirational women I know. Even when faced with great difficulties she always had a smile on her face...always felt blessed by the Lord. She was never in a bad mood, never sad and always thought of others first. She was a rare earthly Angel. She trusted in the Lord with all her heart and I know she is with Him right now. No doubt Jesus welcomed her to heaven by saying "Well done my good and faithful servant".

I'm happy to know that her suffering on Earth is over . I just wanted to share this news with you since I've mentioned her to so many of you. Please don't be sad for me. My sorrow is very selfish and its a great comfort to know her suffering is over. Our seperation on Earth will only seem like a blink of an eye when we reunite in Heaven for eternity. Until then, I will miss my dear friend.

More boxes

2008-08-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

2008-08-03T13:14:00.000-04:00

Its back to school on Friday. We don't have year around school, but it sure feels like it. I made these little fishes the other day. They are so cute with the Doodlebug shimmery paper. This is the first box I made to sell on my new Etsy shop. Its slow going getting everything together, but I working on it. Its a lot of fun to make these! I, of course, need to take more photos so you can see the 3D effect of the beads against the glitter. Its very cool. I'll post some from my Black & White collection and Christmas collection soon.

Have a great weekend!

You Never Know Where the Cricut Will Show Up!!

2008-07-30T10:57:00.000-04:00

This morning I was shopping Overstock.com for Mark's Christmas gift. Yes, its a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but I was thinking about getting him a nice fishing reel and its prime season to get one on sale. There won't be a good selection it I wait a few more months.

So while I was surfing the Hunting and Fishing supplies, I look down and find Cricut Mats for sale. That's right! They put Cricut mats under Hunting and Fishing supplies!! Bahahahaha!! I guess they don't have any scrapbookers over there!!

I wonder if I can convince Mark to shop over there, and while he's there just put a few of those mats in the basket!!

Online Shopping > Sports & Toys > Camping & Outdoors > Hunting & Fishing > Hunting Gear

I'm going Etsy!!

2008-07-29T09:58:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all. I've been wanting to make an Etsy shop for some time now. I've almost got my shop set up. I want to finish a few more things before I have my grand opening.
I'm so excited I just had to share with you before I opened it.
My store's name is Giggle Boxes.
Here's a link to the store. http://www.giggleboxes.etsy.com/

I'm probably jumping the gun by announcing this so early. (yikes)

I've altered some really cute wood boxes and made some paper boxes that are perfect for party favors or small gift boxes. I love making these. Every time I look at them, they make me smile and giggle a little. My husband makes fun of me for doing that. lol. I can't help it. They are just so dang cute! So that's how I came up with the name Giggle Boxes.

Stay tuned. I'll post some pics later.
I hope you'll come visit my shop when its open. I'm trying to get it opened by Aug 15th.

Sorry to be such a tease!!

One last thing for you Cricut Lovers! Did you see where M's has their carts for $40. Not only is that a sweet deal, but Provo craft has made it even SWEETER! Buy 3 carts and you can get the Design Studio for FREE!! Go to the Cricut.com for all the details. It ends the first week of August so don't wait if you want that DS.
I went to M's Monday ~ selection was still good. I got paper dolls (I didn't think I wanted that one till I seen all the cool stuff that comes with it. I know Lauren will LOVE it) and JOTS (Joys of the season) I like the more detailed Christmas stuff and its far different from Christmas Cheer.

Now if you've been wanting the Jukebox and the DS, Creative Xpress has a fairly good deal where you get both for 127.00 no sales tax and free shipping.

I'm wondering why Cricut all of sudden wants to dump the DS (I know what you're thinking Meg, lol). Most likely, IMHO, is that a newer, hopefully easier to use DS is on the way.

I can't wait to get my hands on the Cricut stuff coming out in October. We'll soon be able to emboss and cut our own stamps. Yeah!! whoo hooo! That is just flippin amazing!!

Show and Tell from Hunting Island, SC Vacation in July

2008-07-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

Hurray for Day Camp at the State Park!! The kids had a blast and I got a break!
The path that leads to happiness is paved with soft sand! This is the path at the back of our camp site. We were 120 steps from the beach!

Sand Bars that seem to go for miles and miles and miles at low tide. You have to be careful or you'll get caught when the tide comes in.

Sea Turtles lay their eggs on the island almost every night.
See that little bench on the right? That's where I drank my coffee every morning.......ahhh!! peaceful easy mornings!!
Camping life is the best in a 30ft camper, lol!!

Summer Waves!!

Spinning Card

2008-07-22T12:50:00.000-04:00

Since I've been too busy for words, enjoy this tutorial on how to make the cutest spinning card. I'll catch up with you later!

I've got sand between my toes and I love it!!

2008-07-07T04:07:00.000-04:00

Just got back from 2 weeks at the beach! I haven't had a tan this dark in several years, lol!! But right now I could do a commercial for Red Lobster! A little too much on the last day trying to soak in as much as I could....oh, well.....It was a blast!!
I LOVED it!! I didn't want to come home at all. I literally wanted to cry when we packed up.

For the third year in a row, we camped on an island off the coast of South Carolina, Hunting Island State Park. And when I say camp, I'm not talking about a tent in the woods, lol!! I'm talking about a 30 ft camper that has everything but a washer and dryer, Internet service and satellite TV, but we get the 4 major networks on regular TV. I even have a screen porch. Mark was so sweet, he bought me an ice maker this year. The camp ground is very family oriented and very very clean. They have lots of programs for the kids, although we didn't take advantage of them this year.

We had the perfect camping spot. We were nestled under gorgeous oak trees with lots of palm trees for privacy. It was a huge lot! And the best part.....120 steps to the beach! The sand dunes and palms broke the strong winds so we didn't have sand blowing constantly, but yet we were so close to the beach. I got up every morning before the kids woke up. I made myself a cup of coffee and sat on a bench to watch the sun rise over the ocean, the dolphins playing and watch the shrimp boats head out to sea.......ahhh! If only every morning could start that way!!!

We had perfect weather the entire time too!! It rained the first night Mark and the kids set up camp (I was at work) but that was no big deal, just an afternoon thunderstorm and it didn't rain again until we left. We had a few days with rumbling thunder and clouds in the late afternoon which is very typical, but rain never came our way.

This year we fished from the pier at the Fripp River inlet~ didn't catch anything but it was fun; Chandler used a metal detector and found a few chunks of change on the playground ~ about enough to buy a slupie every day; I found tons of fossil sharks teeth ( I can't believe I've been going there for years and never found any, but a sweet 'ole lady showed me what to look for and I was hooked!), We looked for sea turtle nests early in the morning with the conservation volunteers~ lots of nest this year!! and of course we played in the sand and surf!! The deer came out to play with us in the evening. I never had my camera ready this year....grrr. The one time I did, it fogged up! The raccoons were a bit pesky this year too. Who knew they loved Mountain Dew so much! They broke into the cooler everyday, even though nothing was in it, but canned drinks.

On the down side, I lost my cell phone.........what a pity!! I hate that damn thing ringing all the time anyway.
So as soon as I got home, I made reservations for next year!!!
Now if I can just close my eyes and click my ruby red flip flops three times, " I want to go back, I want to go back, please take me back!!

****These are not my photos, just some I found on the web and I'm "borrowing" them till I get a chance to download mine.
'

I knew it!!! The Cricut Rumors were true!!!

2008-07-01T17:37:00.000-04:00

2 more New Cricut Carts (That's a total of 4 for those of you who are counting)

Cricut Cartridge - Calligraphers Collection ...I've been hearing rumors about this one for sometime now. Yeah!! Add it to the list

Cricut Cartridge - Wild Cards .....Oh my word! WOW!! ....... Wow, wow, wow! I'm in love again!

........But there's a catch. You know there's always a catch right!
You have to go to New Zeland to get them. My bags are packed!
Anybody want to join me!!! ahahahahaha

*****A special thank you goes to Stamin' Meg for alerting, ahh hum..."enabaling me" with an email about these New Cricut Carts!! You're a great friend!!

Gallaria Time!!

2008-06-22T20:53:00.000-04:00

Isn't this the cutest Kitty!! Wish it was mine, lol!! He belongs to my niece and "somehow" he came as an univited guest with my niece when she came over to spend the night. Now, S has been through a lot, so I couldn't be too mad that she and Lauren smuggled a kitty into her overnight bag! Chap on the other hand, wasn't too sure about the whole thing. We didn't tell Uncle Mark about the kitty. I don't think he'd care, but keeping it our secret was too much fun!!

Poor Chap....If only we could read his mind.....

Now you know what I looked like as a little girl.....kinda freaky to see a little me looking back at me. Does that make sense??

100% GUILTY!!!

You Scream, I scream , We all scream for Ice Cream!!
I made 14 of these birthday party favor boxes. They are so cute!! 2 Hershey mini bars will fit inside perfectly. I used a Cricut cart to make these.......Not sure which one. I'm not much on the details tonight! Sorry. I could run out to the studio and look, but I hate walking out there at night!!!!

Some more little candy boxes/ party favors! So sweet!

I forgot to post pictures of the wedding favors.....so cute. Sorry! I'll get them up later......err umm.....much later!!

Birth Announcements I made for a friend. .....And just when I thought I was finished with the first 30, she ordered 10 more!! Only problem is, the LSS didn't have enough paper to finish the last three. They ran out of cardstock! Oh well, I'll come up with something else!

Inside. The baby's picture is missing on the bottom part. I was hoping to get one to show you, but you know how that goes!

Group picture (He he ......I took this one at work about 3 am!! Shhh, don't tell anyone I was scrappin' on the clock!)

Card ( made with Wedding cart......I think.....don't quote me on that one)

Card I made for friend who has been in the hospital for quite some time! Lots of different Cricut carts were used to make this one! George, Walk in my Garden, New Arival.. Somethin' or another.....If you really got to know, email me!! I'll look it up just for you :)

~ I obviously didn't take the time to photo shop the other two photos~That kinda sucks!

Anyone lose a flock of flamingos! I found them. They decided to leave sunny Miami, Florida and head for Georgia.......ah, who can blame them!! Rednecks are more fun!
lol.....these were in my mother's neighbor's yard! So funny! It was somebody's 50th birthday, so they got 50 plastic pink flamingos in the yard!

Hey! This is me.....got big 'ole tricked out name tag to prove it. Okay...so its not so tricked out, get over it!!

Don't I look fabulous after being awake for 26 hours!! Here I am at a fashion show, struggling to stay awake. I had a great time and it was very nice. By the way, that's BFF LaMuir behind me. She's such a non blogger, but one fabulous stamper. If you haven't been to one of her classes, you should! Oh my word! Yummy Yum Yum.....and you better hurry cause rumor has it that her DH will be coming home, from the battle field half way around the world, very soon!! He'll be home to stay!! And that's great, but he'll take all my scrap buddy's time away........snif, snif.

Happy Mother's Day to me! Lauren made the world's best waffles! Whoo hooo....that girl sure can cook!!, lol!! I just had to take a picture of the batter running down the side of the waffle iron. If you make waffles, I'm sure you've done this too!!

And here's my girl again! She was 4H BB gun rookie of the year! I think we're on to something here!!
This girl's steady aim is AMAZING!!!

I know I'm her mom and it's my job to brag, but seriously.......her scores are extraordinary ! Go Lauren!!

Did you catch all that! Whew! Lots more I left out, but this is long enough! Have a great week. I'll be back in a few weeks!!

Going Green on a whole New Level...

2008-06-16T11:32:00.000-04:00

Okay, all you animal lovers listen up! This one is for us!!
I can honestly say I have never heard on paper made from Elephant pooh!! Have you???
This is so cool!! I've got to get some!!

Mr. Ellie Pooh is a new eco-friendly, innovative company that sells 100%
handmade journals, stationery, crafts, scrapbook/photo albums and various
grades
of paper made of 75% Sri Lankan elephant dung (Ellie Pooh Paper).
Mostly, elephant orphanages supply our product Pooh, while Maximus makes our exotic
paper. Mr. Ellie Pooh distributes throughout the U.S., Canada & Puerto
Rico.

A pack of paper 12x12 (12 different color Sheets) will cost around $8:00! Not too bad. And you can purchase 2 packs for $15.00.

So now you can feel good about helping animals, saving the environment, and going green all from your little scrapbooking table.

Cricut Alert!

2008-06-14T20:05:00.000-04:00

I got an email from Meg yesterday with a link to the cricut board!!!!

Thanks Meg for being a wonderful enabler to my addiction.

Apparently, in July there will be two new cricut carts that I need to add to my

collection: Storybook

and Graphically Speaking

Both of these are awesome.

Rumor has it there will be a Calligraphy cart too, but I can't find any more information on that.....I'm still digging!! Doesn't look like it will be here this summer. Oh well, I have enough to buy for right now!!

Now.....should I pre order or wait for them to go on sale!! Decisions decisions

At Last!!

2008-06-12T15:53:00.000-04:00

Well, well, well.....what cha know! I finally went and had my follow up mammogram. Nothing like being 10 months late.....but better late than never. Good News! No changes over the past 16 months! Still have to watch those little "dots" on the big 'ole black and white computer screen every year. But at least that's out of the way!!
These are not my boobs by the way. Just something I found from Google.

I also took Lauren to have her hair cut short yesterday. She wanted to donate it to Locks of Love. But both she and her hair dresser (BFF Desiree) couldn't do it. They chicken out!! bahahahaa!! That was okay with me too. ((Daddy O' was happy too. he said "I don't care".....but you know how men are!!)) She got a good 6-7 inch trim and Lauren is very very happy with it. I think it looks wonderful too!

The Whole She-Bang

2008-06-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

I'm finally spending my birthday and Mother's day money!! And what better way to spend it than on Cricut stuff!!

AC Moore had their Cricut Carts on sale: buy one get one free this past week. I wasn't planning on getting anymore. Seriously, I wasn't. But the sale sign hung right in front of the 49.99 carts. Hmmmmm......$25.00 a cart is not too bad, right?? That's not a whole lotta moooolla out of the 'ole pocket, right?? Why pass up a great deal??? I mean.....I'll eventually NEED it, so why not get it now....So I picked out Stone Script and the Wedding cart. Well, I'm not sure if they were supposed to be on sale for that price or not when I went to the register to check out. I told the girl "double check to see if these are on sale because I think the sign was in the wrong spot".... AC has cricut carts in 3 different spots in the store. Crazy, I know but they are not Cricut or scrapbooking fans over there..........They don't have a clue about Cricut or the carts. I, by all means, did NOT want to take advantage of the store by buying something that was not on sale. But the manager insisted, if it was a Cricut cart then it was on sale. So I said, " Okay!! Its time to play!!!" and of course, I had to call LaMuir and tell her about my good deals.

So BFF, LaMuir, has caught the buggy fever too. Last week her Cricut Xpression that she ordered from Custom Crops came in. She bought 4 carts on sale from AC last week too. And, just like a BFF, without even calling me or knowing what I had, she bought 4 carts that I didn't have. (And that's kind of hard to do considering the amount that I have) She bought Jasmine, all dressed up, Basecamp and Zoobaloo. Kind of brings tears to my eyes to think that two scrapy friends complete each other like that. lol!! Let the sharing begin!!

My order from Custom Crops came in yesterday. ((((Don't go there if you're a Cricut lover and want to keep money in your wallet!!)))) They have Cricut Cart for 38.99......so I had to put some in my shopping cart!! 3 more to be exact. I'm the proud owner of Stretch Your Imagination (not on sale, but had to have it), Fabulous Finds (the perfect compliment for boxes, bags and tags) and Cursive (Sweet!!). I also ordered some more Cuttlebug embossing folders!!! 4 more of those beauties! Got to have them. Only 3 came in. I'm waiting on Swiss Dots.....that is the most elusive embossing folder. I also pre ordered a few items that will come available in August!! Finally, I'll be the first to get my hands on something!!

But you want to know the best part??? I bought a Score Pal. Weird name......Kind of reminds me of my brothers best friend in college. uhhh ummmm... Lets not go there....back on subject......How did I live with out this. This morning I made all kinds of little projects just playing with paper. (Sorry, no pics.....I know that's a shame and makes me an 'ole bore. I'll have a pic galleria posting hoopla spaloosa day soon). Its so much fun and so helpful!!! It seems kind of pricey for a few pieces of plastic, but man is it ever the perfect scoring tool.

Fun Fun FUN!!!!

Where have I been?

2008-06-06T21:27:00.000-04:00

Man what a week!! Out of the past 9 days, I've worked 7.... All of them being 14 hours night shifts. That's a lot of time away from the scrap studio and from home! Good news is that I brought some projects to work on each night. I even brought my camera. Now I just need to be home long enough to download them.

The kids went on a mini vacation with MeMe (aka grandma) while I have been working so much. I'm so grateful that she took them or otherwise I wouldn't have seen them much at all. They went to Cedar Key, Florida. They had a blast!!! They went fishing, boat riding, swimming in the springs......and they drove Me Me CRAZY!!

I've got lots of other things going on too. I'll share all that with you later. Hope you are doing well!!

Today, I managed to pry myself out of bed an hour early so I could shop the International Greeting Card Warehouse sale in Midway, Ga!! I wanted to be there when they opened the doors at 10 am, but THAT just wasn't going to happen, lol!...there wasn't enough coffee for that! So I went an hour before they closed (and an hour before I had to be back at work tonight) and found some KILLER bargains. I shouldn't be disappointed at all that I was there late! I got my future SIL a wedding planner (Gorgeous) and wedding guest book, a wedding album, some thank you cards ....ALL of that for less than $20.00. The cheapest retail price was 22.00!! They are all so beautiful too! There are top quality albums that you would find in a stationary stores. I found all kinds of amazing bargains......4 trashbags full. (yes, trashbags....that's what they give you which is better than most warehouse sales). I only spent a little bit of money too! They just wanted to get rid of "this stuff"!!! wooooo hoooo, I love a bargain!!
((((Pictures coming soon, I'm at work as I type this)))))

A little bit of something to share today

2008-05-22T08:36:00.001-04:00

Just a few things to share this morning. I don't have much time (as usual-- I've got to be at Lauren's school soon)
I made this Thank you card for someone very special. I used Basic Grey papers and Cricut home accents (LOVE that cart~ its so cool), Martha Stewart punch for border. ( I don't care for her too much but her punches are awesome... they are the best, smoothest punches I've ever used!)

These are the worst photos, but I don't have time to retake them ( Oh well.....that's all part of being a mom) They are soooo much cuter in person. lol!! These are wedding favor's for my brother's wedding. Its little white buckets lined with tissue paper and then filled with Hershey Kisses wrapped in tulle. The tags (stickers) will be attached later. The back of the tags will have their Monogram and "Thank you for sharing our special day".....or something like that. I think you can get the idea!! I think they're precious and will look great!! When they are bunched together, they look like flowers!! ( I know you can't see that from my photos)

I've been working on birth announcements too. I'm about half way done with those. I'll be sure to take some photos when I'm done. I've also got some more cards in the making!!

Okay......no time to edit this. I've got to run!! See ya

How a Redneck Skateboards In Georgia

2008-05-13T20:16:00.000-04:00

Here's my son at it again. He took his dad's leaf blower and made a ..um..uh...um...a.....well, I don't know what you would call it. Just watch the video!! I wonder if we can make this an olympic sporting event?? Like a summer luge!!

I've got video of the crop....this is only half my pictures

2008-05-08T17:14:00.000-04:00

Our Crop at Fort McAllister....here's the rewind you've been waiting for

2008-05-01T23:05:00.000-04:00

(Pictures are coming soon.....be patient!!)

I can honestly say there has never been a crop quite like this crop!

We had an incredible time. Some of us were able to get a lot of pages done, some of us didn't. But that's okay. We had a great time together!!!!

So here's our crop chronological rewind for those of you with inquiring minds!

By Thursday afternoon most everyone had arrived. Meg from California was first to arrive on Tuesday. She stayed at a gorgeous Bed & Breakfast near Forsyth Park. Fink and her daughter flew in on Wednesday. Everyone else arrived Thursday afternoon.

My dear sweet husband found quite a few women hanging around my house waiting on me. I think he got a little nervous wondering if we would all stay at our home for the weekend. LOL!

Poor Leslie wasn't there. She had a lot going on with school and her family.

After the tables and chairs arrived, we didn't waste any time getting the crop started! I think some croppers stayed up till 6am! It was wonderful getting to know all my friends from Creative Xpress.

Unfortunately, my kids were still taking the CRCT tests (That's the big tests they have to take in order to make it to the next grade....I'm always a nervous wreck that week even thought my kids make honor roll....I'm just psycho that way I guess) I felt obligated to my kids to make sure things ran smoothly as possible for them. [Interpretation: Do you really think I trust Mark to handle it.....yeah right]

I knew I would only be part time at the crop from the get go, so that was okay with me. Remember, I hate crops and wasn't planning on sticking around much. I didn't even want to plan this crop, but I wanted to meet the girls at CX so I agreed to help find a place and advertise the crop. You know, ....Its just not my thing and crops bore me to death!! LOL. ~~Only this one may have changed my mind.

Friday we cropped all day and night. I don't think Meg and I stopped to eat lunch. The Savannah girls Gina, Barb and Tiffany joined us. Naturally, all the nurses gravitated together on one end of the room. As nurses, I guess we are weird lot because we will talk and say just about anything without much reservation. 5 of us bonded instantly!! And the conversation was, well..... Good and normal for nurses.

We were having an amazing amount of fun. Even if I can't get anything done at a crop, I was still having fun at this one. We had lots of fun with prizes and give aways. Kudos to my friend, Natalie for jumping right in and organizing the give aways. She's so thoughtful and was always willing to help. Later that afternoon 5 of us made a run to Wal Mart and to a few other stores. That's when the lady in the red Mercedes tried to have a head on collision with the driver's side door! (Thank you concrete curb for stopping her).... So nice of her to smile and wave goodbye when the light turned green. True Grit Southerners are still polite, even when they try to kill you!!

Natalie and I had a blast shopping together. We made a great team and found a few bargains!! Now that's my kind of fun too. Heather and Amy purchased "fixens" for the best home made salsa! Yummy yumm yummm! Whoa, that was the bomb!!

By Saturday morning some of us were feeling the effects of staying up all night and cropping, but that didn't stop us from cropping till we dropped again!!

Early that afternoon we loaded up and headed into Savannah. Meg fell in LOVE with Mr. Keller's flea market cow. She is quite the little dressed up heifer.......the cow, not Meg! lol.

Our first stop was the new Scrapbooking Boutique. It was their grand opening too. I've been without an LSS for over a month so this was great treat. They had the cutest cupcakes and the yummiest cookies there too!! mmm mmmmmm!! I think everyone made some fantastic purchases!! So after our little scrapbooking store adventure, we headed north to downtown.

We drove by the river front on the cobble stone streets taking in the sights and sounds of River Street. Poor Charlene almost burned her clutch up trying to get out on the steep incline.

We had a mini adventure trying to find parking, but we finally found a garage that wasn't full. (How many traffic laws did we brake, girls???? bahahahaha~ I lost count)

So we walked down Broughton Street, hit a few stores (Paris Market), Leslie and Bunny hit a bar for a quick adult lemon flavored nerve soothing refreshment. (Those crazy girls)

When we arrived at Lady & Sons, the girl scouts were taking too long to eat and were holding up our reservations. We offered to buy cookies, but they still wouldn't come out. We shopped the gift shop for a little while. Finally, Lady & Sons were ready for us and the food was worth the wait!!

That's where we met David Venable, the QVC host that Lisa B slapped in February. (oh, he's so cute!!) So, if we couldn't meet Paula, David was a great substitute. Seriously, I didn't mind, but then again I've met Paula before.

After dinner we planned to go to the beach, but we didn't make it. The ladies of the Red Hat Society from all over were waiting for their table when we left. Their Red hats were made from Red Bras!! How Funny!! They were all deck to the nines in red and purple! We shopped City Market for souvenirs. We did some people watching and saw a few sights on our way back to the parking garage.

When we got into my car, Natalie plugged in the orange caution construction light that I use when I visit DH on our job sites. She wanted to make it easier for Charlene and Leslie to follow us back to the cabins. "Foooolllllooooowww the light”!! ...I was laughing so hard, I couldn't drive. I kind of had a discombobulated moment trying to get out of that garage!! I scrapped up the side of my passenger mirror--That was soooo embarrassing~ But who cares, we were laughing too hard. So, imagine if you will, a big 'ole Yukon XL with an orange strobe light going down the interstate with 6 giggling girls and two other cars right behind them. We looked like a funeral procession that was lost and we got a few strange looks too. (I'm sure we broke a few more laws)

Somehow on the ride home we got on the subject of alligators..hmmmm. Well, did you know that alligator eyes glow red when you shine a flashlight on them?? These girls actually wanted to test that theory!! Well, I can't tell you the rest because that would incriminate all of us. You see, it’s against the law to harass wildlife and I don't think we need to admit to breaking any more laws. We had broken enough for one night, lol!! ~~~Even if we were just looking for Meg's lost earring!!

We had more fun than the law allowed! I can assure you of that, friends!!!

Sunday was much quieter. I made biscuits and grits for breakfast. The consensus was clear: either you loved grits or you could leave them! Charlene and Nancy left in the morning. I hated to see them go ~ I wanted to visit with them some more and get to know them better. I found out that morning that Nancy is a nurse too!!! They are so sweet!! {{{I'm starting to think I should open a scrapbook store inside a hospital gift shop!!??!!))

We toured Fort McAllister and said a very sad Good Bye to Melissa and Leslie. Natalie, Heather, Amy and I looked for some badness to get into. We found a marina with sail boats, a house with a light house attached, an over priced house for sale that we toured, my SIL's house and some Fabulous old oak trees at the Kilkenny Marina on Belle Island. (Natalie was in tree photography heaven!!) It was entertaining just watching her take photos of trees.

Soon after we got back, my DH showed up with the kids and he started a bon fire for us. Making smores was a nice break from cropping. I think Chandler ate 10 marshmallows... that's cause for a huge tummy ache. I had to run the kids back home that night and pull some tax papers from the computer for Mark to take to the accountant.....grrr, tax stuff.

Heather, Amy and the girls were busy getting some of the 40 hamburgers and some of the 80 hot dogs ready to grill when I left. I'm sorry I missed out on the camp fire cooking. I know it was good!!

Sadly, I started packing up that night.

Monday was a very busy morning. We had to be out of the cabins by 11:00 am. There were a few "hick ups" that morning which caused some change of plans. However, I think everything worked out okay. Fink and Taylor stayed at the cabin for one more night while everyone else left for home. I had to work that night.

Get this....I actually wanted to cropped some more!!!!
{Miracles never cease}

I'm sure I left some things out, but hopefully, I hit the highlights of our crop! Now you know.....the rest of the story.

The BIG Crop starts Tomorrow

2008-04-23T23:37:00.000-04:00

That's right! Tomorrow is the big Creative Xpress Savannah Crop! Man, I'm so excited!!!

I picked up Meg from the airport yesterday and took her to a gorgeous Victorian B&B. WOW...that place is so elegant. I know she is going to have an amazing time in Savannah.

Tonight, I picked up Sheri and her daughter from the airport! I wish we could have talked all night long, but I'm pooped!, Dog Tired!! and if we talked all night the kids would ease drop an wouldn't get an ounce of sleep! That's not a good thing during CRCT week!!

Thursday, I pick up 3 more people from the airport. Gather some tables and chairs. Run around town and, oh yeah, pack for the crop!! That's just a little detail I've been forgetting to do!!
Wooo hoooo!! I've got to get a few more pics printed too. Oh man....lots to do!! But its so much fun! Can't wait to cut loose!!

I hate drunk drivers!!

2008-04-19T18:14:00.000-04:00

Today I went to the beach with Lauren and two of her friends.
We met a bunch of friends there for a Hawaiian Laua Party around lunch time!! Oh Boy! Was it a blast! We even had a DJ spinning all the tops hits.
Have you seen these girls doing the Soldier Boy dance! Way too funny!!
I had such a crazy morning trying to get out the door that I forgot my camera!! So we'll have to do it again so I can get some great pics!! LOL

Around 3:30 we left Tybee Island and headed for home. I was telling Lauren, "When you get old enough to drive, you will never be allowed to drive on this road at night. Its just too dangerous!!"
"Why is it sooo dangerous??" she asked with an attitude.
I said, "Because there are too many drunks on this road"
"oh, so people like drink all day at the beach and then decide to go home" she said.
I said, "Yes, something like that".
I just crossed the Lazaretto Creek bridge when in my rear view mirror I see a white truck two cars back swerving back and forth. At first, I thought he just wanted to pass. So a few miles up the road the single lane turns into two and the black car right behind me passes. Then the white swerving truck is behind me. I'm in the slow lane thinking, "Go ahead and pass!!!" But he just stays on my tale, swerving back and forth. I speed up to try to lose him......he stays right there on my bumper.......back and forth....kicking up dirt from the shoulder and scarring the heck out of the on coming traffic. Its only a matter of time before the passing lane ends and then a long narrow bridge is ahead. The girls are watching him, freaking out with every near miss. I'm dialing 911, waiting for the connection to the operator and I see a tiny place to pull over. I know my odds are better if he hits me and I go into the marsh, rather than being pushed into the on coming traffic or have a pile up on the bridge. So about the time the operator says, "911, what's your emergency" I'm whipping over to the side of the road to stop to let him pass and all I see is the gold Chevy symbol filling up my rear view mirror. The girls are screaming, I'm screaming and I just know he followed us right off the road and we are about to get creamed!! I keep moving over as far as the marsh would let me. I had a split second thought, "should I take my foot off the brake?? That might lesson the impact....Its just an awful feeling waiting for the sound of metal to crunch in that split second, ... I'm thankful I'm not on the bridge, I'm not going to be pushed into the on coming traffic and I'm in the Yukon XL (not the rag top Jeep). The idiot pulls to the left, back onto the road, just in the nick of time and just barely scrapes by my car. I don't know how I still have my rear view mirror attached to my car!! He's swerving everywhere now. The 911 operator is saying, "where are you, mam" "Where are you??" Poor lady....she has me and 3 girls screaming/ shrilling in her ear as all this is taking place!! I finally catch my breath and tell her what happened. She asked me if I got the tag number...."Um well, I was kind of busy screaming and I had my eyes closed when he finally passed...sorry"
Oh man! Those poor girls were terrified!!
I called my police officer brother who works that area. He's on duty later today....so maybe I'll find out if they caught him. I hope they did before he had the chance to wreck somebody else.
I give thanks to the Lord for keeping us safe!! Whewww......its good to be home!!
I guess Lauren now knows her Moma knows what she's talking about! The timing of all that couldn't have been more ironic!

Taylor Swift - Picture to Burn [ Official Music Video ]

2008-04-17T17:49:00.001-04:00

This is Lauren's favorite song. Yesterday morning, just out of the blue, I hear this little voice just belting this song as loud as she could in the back seat on the way to school. Its just so unlike Lauren to sing without the radio on, much less belt out "I hate that stupid old pick up truck you never let me drive" She was too funny!!

GOOD NEWS!!

2008-04-15T14:57:00.000-04:00

Have you heard the News?? I have 17,400 more days to scrap according to my "life expectancy calculator". I should live to the ripe old age of 85 and my "virtual age" is 27. Hey!! I'll take that anyday!! With a little help from Photo shop, I can look 27 too....lol!! What's wrong with that?? Okay okay....a lot of things are wrong with that. We won't go there.

Besides, if you know me~like some of you do~ you know that what you see, is what you get, honey!!! Aint no two ways about it. And, ummm, since August there's 35 lbs less of me to see!!Now if I can just get this last 25 pounds off, maybe I can add a few more days to that life expectancy calculator.

Now The bad news: I'll never use up the scrap supplies I currently have in those 17, 400 days I have left (Thank you for helping me with that Jamie~ I better get off the computer and into the studio.

Check out your "Life Expectancy Calculator" and the Wold Clock too. Pretty cool stuff!!

I Know I'm MIA!!

2008-04-09T08:20:00.000-04:00

Oh Man!!! do I want to get in the scrap studio and make some cards and create some LO's!! At the very least I need to get my photos out of the 'puter! Grrumba, pheweee....I'm always on the move.
No luck car shopping. What a pain in the rear! Before you buy a car, Confessions of a Car Salesman is a must read!!!

Seriously, I don't understand how SUV's smaller than my big humongo Yukon XL are getting the same gas mileage. I thought they were supposed to be getting better. And I would love to go Hybrid Green......but Hello!! Even if I wanted to pay the ridiculous amount more, You can't get them. They are not on the car dealer lots. I'm not ordering one without a test drive~ get real!

So what do I want: hmmm.....something that looks good, gets good gas mileage, high safety rating, can tow a trailer, lots of room and is quiet~ and heated leather seats would be nice. I'm not sure how much I'm going to spend...Value for every dollar is more of a priority. And I don't care about sunroofs, 6 cd changers and DVD players.

Okay, some good news to share: (I think I forgot to mention this little detail)
WE SOLD ONE OF OUR BUSINESSES!! YESSSSS!!!! That's just one less thing for me and DH to worry about. I think of all the businesses DH and I own, this one was the one that we had the most disagreements. It was always a clear case of Men are from Mars and women know how to run a retail business on Earth, so shut up and just trust me. But we're done with that now. It was a good business "flip".

Just 2 Quickies this morning

2008-04-04T09:05:00.001-04:00

Just 2 things to share with you this morning....

Then I've got to go back to bed. I've worked 4 14 hour shifts this week. (I'm going to get the Credit Card paid off!!)

I miss my family and my bed!! And, of course, you too!!

Happy Birthday to me......a little late here. My birthday was in March. I wanted to keep it simple so DH bought me a cake and we went out to Dinner at Long Horns Steak House. Lauren took this picture of me as we were walking out the door to go to dinner.

Oh....and I'm 28 years old......bahahahah. Actually, I turned the ripe old age of 38... shhhh!!

This is my entry for the CX Design Team Contest. We had to use 5 colors, Doodlebug Sugar, Coluzzle, Cuttlebug and the Cricut.

I love the Doodllebug Sugar!! So much fun. I had to use the flash inorder to capture the Bling from the sugar. And the Flower was inspired by my friend, Lynn. She makes them so much better. (Mine is El Chepo knock off) Go to her Etsy shop and get one of her flowers. They are HOT!! I've always admired her work!!

Peek into my Scrap Studio!!

2008-04-01T14:43:00.000-04:00

This is what you have been waiting for!! Take a little peek into my scrap studio.

Sorry I didn't clean it up and make it look perfect. But I wanted you to see how it really is and what it looks like when I'm working in there. I love spending hours in there. The world just goes away completely and before you know it, it's 3am!!

Thanks for stoping by!!!

Just 3 weeks

2008-03-30T22:40:00.000-04:00

The CreativeXpress Savannah Crop will be here soon!! I can't wait!!
I'm counting down the days.

I'm just so dang busy!
I've been working a lot of days ( nights too)

Our company from Kansas is leaving Monday morning. We had a nice visit.

Lauren is sick.....again!

It's time to start car shoping. (Oh Boy!)

I've got to take a break from the blog and get some things done. So much to do, so little time.
You know how it is.
Its just a short hiatus. I"ll be back soon.

Let's move on to something more positive!!

2008-03-21T01:40:00.000-04:00

Spring Break is going by way too fast!! We haven't done anything but clean.....yeah, boring I know!! But cleaning while the kids are at home, has been like trying to shovel snow is a blizzard. I'm just not getting anywhere!! Grrrrrrrrrr

I was going to take this week off from work. I had it in the plans. My name was off the schedule.....But somehow, I've worked 2 nights this week! I know I should never answer the phone! Never, never, never!! But I love my job and they pay me pretty good, the little extra benefits aren't so bad.......so I try to be good to them too! I hope my kids will forgive me! At least they got to go over to a Friends house (Thank You LaMuir) and play one night and to grandmas the other night.

I spent 6 hours in the hair salon yesterday. Yes, 6 HOURS!! Why so long. Well because, My BFF ,Desiree, is working in a swanky salon, B Street Salon (Studio B) downtown Savannah and she did my hair yesterday. Neither one of us can shut up for very long.......so there was more talking, giggling and goofing off than cutting and foiling. What is a day at the salon for anyway, but to do just that!!! I got my hair cut short, then decided I wanted it shorter. I'm sporting a short little blonde bob! I'm the blondest I've been in years! (No blonde jokes please!)
And then I wanted it highlighted, then I wanted some hip chunky blonde, make that very blonde highlights in front to give me a spiffy chic new look. I think the Easter Bunny will like it!! LOL

I know I know.......Where are the pictures! Its so unfair to mention this and not post pictures.
Like everything else...........I'm working on it. Go back up and re-read the first paragraph about shoveling snow! That seems to be my life.

I've got lots of night shifts and tons of work to do in at the home office next week and for the month of April. I guess that's good and bad! Better make the money to pay off all the scrap supplies I just bought at J's store and all the stuff on my wish list.

The CX Southeastern Crop at Fort McAllister, Richmond Hill, GA is just a few short weeks away!!
~~~~4 non stop days of scrapbooking, laughter, and girl talk!~~~~
Oh, and then there's dinner downtown one night, camp fires and smores, and all kinds of fun stuff! Its going to be an unbelievable amount of FUN!!
I'm like a little kid.....I just can't wait!

I'm still working on getting the scrap studio back together! Maybe when I'm done, I'll be able to make some kits for the crop!! I've got to get it organized, but work and kids keep getting in the way. Ya just got to go with the flow!!

I can't believe it! We've been planning this for months! I get to meet 9 of my fellow CX'ers in person and get to scrap with some fellow Savannah Scrapbooking friends.

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!

I didn't know I was White Trash.....Did You???

2008-03-18T01:42:00.000-04:00

Apparently there are some misguided women who think that we (scrapbookers) are White Trash, Fat, Need to get a Life bunch of Loosers. And Martha Stewart is here to save us from ourselves, and take on this white trash hobby. (Sweet)
Here's the article:
Martha Stewart To Take Another White Trash Hobby Upscale
It's sort of a top-secret fact about America that between the coasts, pasting family mementos into books and then surrounding them with decorative ribbon borders is a huge deal—ergo, books like Motif for Murder: A Scrapbooking Mystery. But the "problem" with the $2.6 billion/year scrapbooking industry is, as the SVP of marketing for Michael's craft stores tells the Wall Street Journal today, "It's not a very sexy business." Enter sexy, sexy Martha Stewart!
The domestic guru has a plan to make American's time-frittering ladies more productive, or at least to get them to spend more money. She's rolling out a line of scrapbooking products that make those cutesy little Mrs. Grossman's stickers look like such lame cheese! But not everyone is buying her upscale-crafting schtick.
In January, the company dispatched Ms. Stewart and a dozen executives to Anaheim, Calif., to give a group of "elite" private craft dealers a sneak preview of the line ...The dealers, who had started lining up for Ms. Stewart's demonstration two hours in advance, reacted positively to most of the products. But some references to Ms. Stewart's deluxe lifestyle didn't play as well. When Ms. Stewart described how she converted an entire floor of her "winter house," located on her Bedford, N.Y., compound, into a craft-making studio, several dealers rolled their eyes.If only she'd played it safe and stuck to just mentioning the decoupage shed! —Emily

Is your blood boiling yet??? Read some of the comments left about the article and scrapbookers.
If this is how the world views us, then we're doomed! Unfortunatly, I think its rather acurate in the way the world perceives us.

Comments
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by hhpeterson13 at 02:42 PM on 04/25/07
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Scrapbooking is Nascar for fat women.
by Glittersauce at 02:46 PM on 04/25/07
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I interviewed for a job that was supposed to be part of this "craft project". My interview included HR bragging about how Martha had a scrap booking room in her house. I sat there and lied about how much I loved stickers and pasting photos for 45 minutes. Anything for health benefits and a steady paycheck.I didn't get the job.
by Cheezus H. Rice at 02:47 PM on 04/25/07
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One of the best Upright Citizens' Brigade skits involved Amy Poehler portraying a midwestern housewife with a scrapbooking obsession... she kept household trash and made special editions, e.g. "My Favorite Dental Floss Memories." Also kept used condoms... they reminded her of "all the babies she never had"

And this is why so few people join the craft and so many are leaving it. They don't want to be associated with being white trash.....excuse me, Fat white Nascar lovin trash.
----------------------------------------------------
We know this is all a lie. One big fat huge lie!! Can we do anything about it? We can prove they are only partially right by shooting them the bird and keep on scrappin! But quite frankly, that's not the best route. I'm holding my head up high. I'm a very classy educated woman who loves scrapbooking, I have two college degrees, I own my own businesses, I work, I exercise, I have lots of friends who keep me busy. I am a person who loves being creative and who knows why its important to preserve family memories. And I love Jimmy Johnson (go #48). And that does not make me white trash or needy of Martha Stewart.

And to the SVP of marketing for Michael's craft stores who said "Its not a very sexy business".......Ha! You only think that because you've never met me! And you don't understand women.
I suppose you want Martha to sing I'm bringing sexy back with Justin Timberlake. yeahhh, I'll pay to see that!

Stacy's Book Wish List!

2008-03-17T07:33:00.000-04:00

It's Lauren's Birthday today!! All of Savannah celebrated with a parade on Friday....bahahhaha
A decade ago she was turning one,
the past 10 years have been so much fun
I can't believe our little gift from Heaven
Will be celebrating Birthday number Eleven!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

Here's my little wish list for books. Not sure when I'll get around to ordering them, but at least I have them on a wish list.

I love playing in the kitchen just as much as I love scrapbooking and photography. I came across this book : Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking

In just five minutes I can have my house filled with the warm smell of baking bread. How excititng is that!! No more kneading and messy flour boards!!

Editorial Reviews
From Publishers WeeklyWhile the phrase artisan bread typically evokes images of labor-intensive sessions and top-notch ingredients, for authors Hertzberg and François it means five minutes. An intriguing concept—high-quality, fresh bread in less time than it takes to boil water. The authors' promises of no kneading, no starter, no proofing yeast and no need for a bread machine is based on the concept of mixed and risen high-moisture dough stored in the fridge for up to two weeks (dough is cut into pieces and popped in the oven for fresh loaves as desired). Note: for those tracking minutes, the five-minutes doesn't include the 20-minute resting time for dough or 30 minutes for baking. After concise, introductory chapters on ingredients, equipment, and tips and techniques, readers are presented with the master recipe, a free-form loaf of French boule that is the model for all breads in the book. Three main chapters—Peasant Loaves, Flatbreads and Pizzas and Enriched Breads and Pastries—are filled with tempting selections and focus on ethnic breads and pastries including Couronne from France; Limpa from Scandinavia; Ksara from Morocco; Broa from Portugal; and Chocolate-Raisin Babka from the Ukraine, but the basics (Oatmeal Bread, Bagels, White Bread) are all here, too. A smattering of companion recipes such as Tuscan White Bean Dip and Portuguese Fish Stew are peppered throughout. While experienced bakers and true gourmands will skip this one, those looking for an innovative approach to making bread just might find it in these recipes.

Book #2 The Best of Becky Higgins' Sketches (Spiral-bound)

Editorial Reviews
Product DescriptionBecky Higgins is well known for her beautiful page designs, classic and timeless layouts, and her easy-to- follow scrapbook-page sketches. Becky states that it is so much easier to start a layout when you've got a great plan in place. It's easier to complete more layouts when you don't have to create your own design from scratch. And, it's easier to be creative with your page accents and color choices when you don't have to worry about whether or not your design is solid.

Isn't Becky just the greatest when it comes to Sketches!! I love her creative spirit. It would be nice to have a handy reference of sketches in the 'ole scrap studio.

Book #3 A Lifetime of Secrets: A PostSecret Book: This book is for the curious side of me. People write secrets on post cards that they creatively make and mail them to Frank Warren, the author of this book. The post cards are thought provoking and shocking. Its a window into our social structure and subjects that we often will not discuss with our best friends or in public. It has a lot of shock value!Editorial Reviews
Book Description
The award-winning PostSecret project's most profound and stunning postcards to date
For the past three years Frank Warren has invited people of all backgrounds and nationalities to send him creatively decorated postcards bearing secrets they have never before revealed. He has shared these PostSecrets on his award-winning blog, www.PostSecret.com, in an internationally traveling art exhibit, and in three electrifying books: the bestselling PostSecret, My Secret, and The Secret Lives of Men and Women.
Now, in his most extraordinary book yet, Warren again delves into our collective confessions, presenting a never-before-seen selection of provocative and moving PostSecrets. A Lifetime of Secrets lays bare our private fears, hopes, regrets, and desires, from people as young as eight and as old as eighty. From painful admissions of infidelity to breathtaking revelations and endearing sentiments, Warren's latest collection will shock and move readers of every age, revealing secrets that have haunted their creators for a lifetime.

I've spent the entire weekend in the scrap studio!

2008-03-16T22:17:00.001-04:00

And what do I have to show for it??? 4 cards......that's it!!!

WHY??? Because I've been Spring Cleannnning!! Oh man, did it need it too!! The unorganized disarray of scrap supplies was driving me nuts! Not to mention, I just purchased a decades worth of supplies from Jamie who just closed the doors this past week (snif, snif....and you know there's more I want Jamie!!) and I didn't have a proper place to put my newly purchased little goodies......surprise, surprise@@.

So I finally got my butt in gear and went out to the studio. Oh! I just want to shut the door and run!! Nothing but memories of chaos and hectic days filled that room! I'm guilty of the throw and go.
I've been painting furniture that I never finished from last year's renovation and moving things around a bit. Every year it gets a little better!! Hopefully, I'll get El Marko (aka Hubby) out there to hang some shelves for me. I know how to bribe that man!

Today I went through every piece of pattern paper and organized it according to brand or subject matter, sometimes color.......confusing I know, but I know what's in there!! And with the help of future MM, HOFer Mr. Chandler (lol) I was able to finish in No Time!! Mr. Chandler is an awesome organizer even though you can't tell that by looking at his room. He loves pattern paper as much as I do, and giggled himself silly at the names of the paper lines? How do they come up with those names anyway?? We had a great time in there together~ perfect one on one time!!

I will take some photos and update you!!!

So after going through all my scrap supplies, I feel like a gluten. A horrible hoarder and a waster of hard earned money. So what do I do..............................I compare myself to somebody who is much much much worse then me. Now I don't feel so bad anymore. So while I was checking out scrapbook space I came across some dreamy places, some Yummy places and some interesting places. Check these out!!

1. Gorgeous space in black and white be sure to check out parts one and two.

2. check out the glass door on her dest.! (Gasp....so beautiful)

3. This room is amazing.......Seriously, I would never leave!! Check out Val Salmon's room....to die for!

4. No, this is not a scrapbooking store....... and don't forget to see the other half here

5. This lady has amazing organizational skills (and a ton of supplies) Be sure to check out her blog for some cool tips on how to keep those computer cords looking neat!

6. The Archiver's home version

I'm feeling Better already. how about you??

7. This scrap space is so chic! I want here center island. That will be next years project!

8.Another Prima overload. what is it with the Prima flowers??? Hey, I love the cute bottles too, but not that much!!

9. And then there's Martha. She's the epitome of clean, graceful lines, soft colors and extreme organization. Her craft room, or creative refuge as she refers to it, is so clean and sterile that a surgeon could perform an operation in there.

Spring Break is here!!!

2008-03-15T01:11:00.000-04:00

YEAH!!!!!!! Spring break is here!! whoo hoooo............errr, uh, ummm....what am I going to do????
Well, little Miss L is still sick (going on week 2 now). She will miss her very important 4H BB gun competition. Did I tell you she was good? She's dang GOOD!! She's never really practiced shooting a BB gun (or any gun for that matter) before, but she's a natural sharp shooter. She's 4th in the county right now. I just hate it that she's too sick to go to the regional competition. I know she would place and go to state. Ughhhhh!!! Maybe next year! She's sure to take them by storm next year.

I'll be sending the little Mr. C to work with his dad every morning! That is one hard working 9 year old.....and he loves to get paid too!! Need your lawn mowed, he's the man to call. I'll pay YOU to hire him. How's that for a bargain!! Seriously, the little man can't be kept idle for too long!!

I started Spring Break out right by making some cards tonight with my friend, LaMuir. She's one talented SU rep that knows how to work those stamps! She's amazing. I'm not much of a stamper, but she's converting me very quickly!!!!
Here's a sample of her work: