Monkey Milk

I'm way behind on my scrapbooking, so I've been trying to catch up here and there. My sister, who is really an amazing photographer, took these photos of Little Man when she was sitting for the boys a few weeks ago.

I just loved these shots, few things make this child as happy as food! Searching through my paper collection, I ran across this fantastic paper collection by Reminisce that I picked up in January. Having two boys, whenever I see something different and unique for boys, I always have to add it to the stash.

The journaling reads:

"Little Man just loves what he calls "ooh ahh" (drinkable yogurt.) We started calling it monkey milk because there is a little monkey on the package. I actually even have to hide them in the fridge at this point. But just look how happy they make him."

Levi Doodle

I loved Doodle This in the catalogue, but once I got it in my hot little hands, I was afraid of it. I'd seen so many amazing cards, that I didn't think there was an original thought in my head. So, it sat in my stamp cabinet, untrimmed, for several weeks. (yipes!)

But then, I finally got brave.

I used my new favorite Cowgirl paper from Crate Paper that I got at Eclectic Paperie. I thought this red polka dot would look outstanding with Buckaroo Blue. I went to one of my favorite sketches from the weekly sketch challenge on SCS - SC119. A perfect opportunity to use my little stash of twill tape and hodgepodge.

The corner flourish on the craft layer didn't come out how I had planned, tucked away too much behind the cowgirl layer, so I added the linen background (stamped off once first) with choc chip to fill in the blank space.

Then, I must have been feeling REALLY brave, because I decided this flower needed to be aquapainted, which I hadn't done before. But, it was SO easy! I think this is going to be my new favorite technique. Each of the flowers is popped up on a different number of dimensionals so that each one is at its own height.

Then I thought, "Oops, I didn't leave any space for a sentiment" when I had the a-ha moment. The Technique Challenge for the week was to use a "levi tab." So I popped "Thanks" onto a tab, and tucked it under the buckaroo blue mat.

This was an exercise in learning alright, but in the end, I LOVE how it came out.

New Fundraising Blog Candy Donations

I'm pleased to announce that Jody a.k.a. "Confessions of a Ribbon Addict" and Gina K have both joined in on the Fundraising Blog Candy!

Jody is sending a spool with 50 yards of Pink May arts ribbon from one of her amazing ribbon shares. Please visit Jody's blog where you can see a photo of this stunning donation. You will of course be tempted with all her ribbon and Prima shares, and she's giving away blog candy herself at the moment!!

Gina K is donating a three-pack of her Rubber Stamping Techniques DVDS which sell for $39.95. Get this, Gina heard about this fundraiser and contacted ME to see what she could do to help. How awesome is she?

To have a chance at these prizes, please visit my original post Fundraising Blog Candy.

Lifesaver

My mom and dad are famous for the "pop in visit." I love when in the middle of a crazy day, they call to say they're dropping by. Sometimes its a total surprise, and as I'm feeding the kids lunch, I look out the window and they're at the deck. There's really nothing better.

Well, today, my mom knew I was having a rough week, and she called to say she was stopping by for a visit. Even better, it wasn't only a visit, but she sat with the boys for an hour and a half so I could run out to do some much needed errands. I was simply amazed at how quickly I could get things done without carseats to be buckled, emergency breaks for the bathroom, drinks, prizes etc etc etc.

Thanks Mom for being just the best!

A Word from the Bride - and A Blog Candy Winner

Thanks to everyone that played in this week's Blog Candy Contest. My sister, my mother and I all loved reading through comments. There were so many great ideas in here. Here's a note from my sister, the Bride announcing her favorite!

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First of all, thanks to everyone for the adorable ideas. I was especially surprised how many people mentioned taking care of the munchkins at the wedding, because I was just thinking today about how to make arrangements for that.

My favorite was Melanie aka Batgirl’s advice to focus on one item per week. Hopefully I can at least try to follow it! I think I loved this advice not only because it’s sensible (a real challenge for me), but because it sounds just like what my fiance would say if I started to flip out (which I inevitably will!) He has great perspective and always reminds me to take a deep breath and be peaceful about things.

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Melanie aka Batgirl, please contact me via email basilefamily at comcast.net with your snail mail address and let me know which of the Basic Grey 6x6 packs you'd like from Eclectic Paperie!!

Gratefulness Journal from Julie

Julie emailed a picture of her gorgeous creation for the Fundraiser Blog Candy this morning, and has just posted it to her blog. Isn't it SO pretty?

I'm just so excited about all the stunning pieces everyone has created for this fundraiser. With more than 3 weeks to go, and more items to be added to the prize packages, we've already raised over $900.

If you'd like a chance to win some of these fantastic prizes, all you need to do is make a donation at my friend Sarah's Fundraising site. You can find all the details on my original post Fundraising Blog Candy.

Tagged Again!

Julie tagged me again! This time, it involves sharing 7 things about myself. Here goes:

1 Before having children, I was in account service in advertising. I used to joke that my job was adult babysitting, making sure everyone did what they said they would, when they needed to do it. Its funny that my job really is babysitting- I operate a home daycare.

2 Despite the fact that as an adult I love all things girly and pink, when I was a teenager, much to my parents dismay, I wore pretty much only black and listened to alternative rock. (Right now we're listening to Disney's Little Einsteins)

3 I was the president of my sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, in college.

4 Gross party trick is that I can fit my entire fist inside my mouth.

5 I talk way too much, and have a problem with interrupting. (sorry)

6 I drink a ridiculous amount of diet coke daily. I remember my supervisor stopped me on my eighth one day when we were attending focus groups (but come on, we were in a dark room for HOURS, I needed an IV drip of caffeine to stay awake!)

7 My husband and I got engaged at sunset in Aruba on a Royal Caribbean Cruise. We will be married seven wonderful years this June.

Now here's who I'm tagging:

Suki's Blog: I just love her really funky style... lots of bellas, lots of amuse cards. fun new combinations... I've been enabled in a few purchases from this blog... now I just need some time to try to use them!

Crafty Mom of 2 - PaperCanteen - my best friend from college, who has joined me in this crazy papercrafting venture. After coming by to borrow my bug last week, both she, and my friend Sarah, immediately ran out to get one. This sickness is **catchy**

Jenn Shurkus - I'm dying to take a class with Jenn. She's the local Amuse instructor for New England, but the timing just doesn't work this month. But hopefully soon. Crafty Mom of 2 and I have already agreed that we're going to escape and head down to her store in Hyannis for a fun filled day of PURCHASING!

Beate - crazy talented, makes me say WOW every single time I read her blog. can't believe she hasn't been tagged with this one yet?

My Sister - A Happy Bella - Wedding Advice for Blog Candy

So, my new job is that I'm the M.O.H. for my sister! She just got engaged this weekend! I just can't say "matron" because at 34, I don't feel very "matronly" even if I am married!

My sister is really such a pretty girl. She's tall, she's got this beautiful long neck, and gorgeous curly hair. She's going to make such a pretty BRIDE! I'm bouncing with excitement!!

So, here's my question to you. What's your best piece of wedding advice? Or if you've recently been married, been in a wedding, or even attended a wedding, what was the coolest thing you saw (shower ideas? favor ideas? etc...) Gotta switch gears into wedding planning mode, and I'm WAY out of the loop! My sister will help review the ideas collected here, BLOG CANDY will be awarded to the winner.

This contest will run through Wednesday night at 10pm E.S.T. My sister will review all the comments and pick her favorite. The winner will recieve their choice of one Basic Grey 6x6 Paper Pad from Eclectic Paperie. I'll have it shipped directly to you!

Stamping for Fun

So, I finally had some time last night to stamp just for fun. I just love Michelle Wooderson's work and I borrowed her idea of using the SU circle punches for the sentiment.

The sentiments from the Faux Ribbon set from Paper Trey are just so cute, and fit perfectly in the SU punches. I had this all finished last night, and ready to assemble, when I ran out of adhesive. Aargh. A quick trip to the craft store today, and voila!

You know you want it......

Julie Ebersole (yes, Her Royal Rubberness herself!) will be donating a pink ensemble (3D pair of pink paper slippers, with maribou trim, matching card and gift tag) which is currently featured in print, of the CardMaker Magazine, May 07 issue, p. 28-29.

For contractual reasons, I can't show you a picture of the ensemble, but honestly, it is from Julie Ebersole! Do you really need a picture? You **know** you want it.

Remember all you have to do to enter this contest is make a pledge at my friend Sarah's Avon Walk website. You can find all the details, and a list of all the other items in this giveaway at my post Fundraiser Blog Candy.

Simply Stunning

Emily Giovanni posted yesterday showing the goodies she's created for the Fundraising Blog Candy. It's beyond stunning. Wow. She's so talented though, so why should I be surprised. Come on, you know you want to win this!!

Then last night, Gina K emailed me to see if she could help out with donating something to the prize packages! How great is that? Stay tuned for details!

The weather finally improved around here. What a beautiful day we had. The boys had such a fun time playing on the swings, and riding the John Deere tractor around the back yard. I was so busy taking pictures of them for scrapbooking, and didn't realize how close they were, it was a near collision (as you can see by this crazy picture!!)

Today we're off to see my son's favorite children's artist - Steve Songs. And then I've got a find a crafts store on the way home. Really hard to finish the cards I've created when I ran out of adhesive! Sigh.

Scrapbook Challenge

My good friend Erica is my Stampin' Up Demonstrator. She's the one who got me hopelessly hooked on stamping and is running a scrapbooking challenge for her clients. She posted a sketch for a two page spread and is looking for submissions. I tried hard to follow the layout she'd posted, but my photos didn't quite match up with the sketch. So here's my loose interpretation instead.....

My older son, is a huge ham. Loves the camera, and is the king of funny faces. He's at the perfect age to have just SO much fun in the snow. Too bad we've just had a cold icky winter, not a ton of the white stuff to play in. He did however have a half day of ski school and loved it. The pocket on the right hand page holds his "report card" from ski school.

The photos of this page aren't the best because I'm taking them at 12:30 AM E.S.T. What is wrong with me anyways? Honestly, I've had these pages in my head for days, fooling with them on paper, and finally got it to work out the way I had envisioned it. Maybe NOW I can sleep.

details: background "Snowflake Spot" stamped in craft white on bashful blue. "Snow" is bashful blue big deal alphabet which I then overstamped with the little snowflake from the snowflake spot with craft white "fun" is whimsical alphabet in old olive. Old olive and always artichoke used for matting the photos. Scraps of the Holiday Mini Designer Paper (of which I have a lot in my "stash") used as accent paper.

Fundraiser Blog Candy Grows Again

I'm so pleased to announce the following additions to the Fundraiser Blog Candy:

Cindy Lyles from StarLit Studio will be donating an assorted collection of hardware including brads, oval holders, triangle and oval picture frame hangers and a 7gypsies kit too! (While I was emailing with her, I couldn't help myself, and of course, had to buy myself some new May Arts Ribbon!)

Joy and Daisy from Eclectic Paperie have donated a $10 gift certificate. The lucky winner will get to select their own amazing treats from the oustanding assortment over at E.P. If you haven't been - wow, you've gotta go check it out. I have **quite** the wish list generated for myself over there.

Two of my best girlfriends came over for a stamp night, so much fun, lots of chatting and of course stamping too. I'd love to post photos of the make and take we did tonight, so stinkin cute if I do say so myself.... but its a gift for someone who reads this blog, so that will just have to wait. Sorry!

I'm furiously trying to complete a few things before bed. (Birthday card for my brother, scrapbook pages for a challenge my demo is running) I'll update the master list tomorrow with all the latest additions and hopefully have photos of some new work!

Thanks again, to each and every one of you!

Donation Blog Candy - Grows Again!

Beth Silaikia of Freckled Fun Designs contacted me today to add a Custom Watermark Design for your work to the donation blog candy. Beth will create both a pink and a transparent version of the image to protect your artwork online. Beth also maintains a separate blog Freckled Fun where she shares stories from her life with five kids (a sixth on the way!) and her amazing cards too! Beth runs the Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS which I just love! Thanks Beth!

I hope none of you mind, but I'm going to be breaking the Fundraising Blog Candy into multiple prizes giving everyone more chances to win! Each dollar you give will still give you that many entries in the drawing, but you will only be eligible to win one prize package. Once all the entries are in - the week before the drawing, I'll divvy up the goodies, and announce what the packages will be. I've sent out several more emails looking for additional prize donations - hopefully I'll be back with more exciting announcements later today!

Tag! I'm it

I'm so excited that I got tagged! Hooray! My blogging friend Julie - who is so nice, and who I think comments on every blog post she reads daily (and its many from what I can see - wink!!) was tagged and then tagged five of us that she reads daily. I'd tag her back because I love her work and I think we have similar tastes, but that's not how it works is it?

So, I'm tagging five other blogs that I love:

Taylored Expressions - the first blog I read that really kicked all this off for me

Beate's Fresh and Fun - where would SCS be without her? She's super nice, pokes her head in here once and a while and always has something so nice to say (ok - as I write this, I see she's already been tagged today, but man - I'm tired and I'm posting this anyways - and besides, I've learned a TON in just the last few weeks by pushing myself to do her tutorials and try to move out of my comfort zone.)

Confessions of a Naptime Stamper - I love her style, and like Kirsten, I'm a naptime stamper too!

Stamping it Up with Kendra - One of the first people to drop in to see me here! She has really great work, fun and funky with lots of cuttlebugging (which I have and l-o-v-e)

Of course I read a zillion other blogs too, as there are so many great artists out there... these are just a few of my favorites.

I'm Speechless

When I started this fundraiser for my friend Sarah, I knew that everyone would be supportive. But between the generous giveaways I've received, and the numerous donations that Sarah has collected through her website, I've just been floored.

Today, Taylor posted about the fundraiser on her blog. Her card, like all her work, blew me away. This beauty is apparently in the mail, on its way to me, to give away to one of you!! Where I will drool over it. (Careful of course not to actually drool ON it.)

Then, the email comes, from a woman I've never met, with an extremely generous donation. Yosha, I'm in awe of you.

The fundraiser will continue for the next three and a half weeks. If you haven't seen my original post, you can find the details here: Fundraiser Blog Candy

I'm going to send more emails tonight looking to grow the prizes even further. If you have any ideas - please let me know!

Thanks again everyone. Lets keep it going!

Post Script: After I posted this earlier this evening, I was informed of an another extremely generous donation that came through this blog. "Anonymous" you are amazing. Thank you so much.

Thank you for the Thank You

What a nice surprise I got in the mail yesterday. A card from Nancy who won my first Blog Candy contest, the Peeps in a Jar! Its so vibrant and bright, I just love it. I can hardly believe she wrote the "create" herself, its so perfect! My handwriting is a total mess. I hardly ever journal in my scrapbook for just that reason.

This cheery card is sitting by my laptop on this rainy, rainy, day and cheers me up every time I get a glimpse of it. Thanks Nancy!

**I'm trying to include a photo, but now my laptop is being wonky. I'll try again in the morning. If not, please follow the link to Nancy's fabulous blog to see this card, and all her other work!!**

Cross Your Fingers

My husband and sister have a longstanding joke, whereby he reminds her to "Save her work to a separate folder." I think its an SNL reference or something. So, the fact that I've actually LOST all the information on my desktop pc's hard drive is sickening considering that the two of them joke about it ALL the time.

Obviously what I'm most concerned about are all the JPEG files of my two boys. Lots is saved on shutterfly, and some of it was saved to an external drive, but -- I'm not sure how much might be unaccounted for and lost on that hopelessly old PC.

Then there's the things that can be replaced, but what a pain in the neck!! All my daycare client contracts, invoices, emergency card information and then the various excel spreadsheets created to track my income and expenses. Eesh. Countless emails and contact information. I'm gonna be sick.....

My husband, hasn't said a word, because he knows I'm about to crack. It was a six year old computer and a dog. I should have seen it coming. But, busy busy busy. He's now taken "the dog" over to visit a friend who can hopefully work miracles to recover the files. CraftyMomof2, as I've mentioned, is my bestie from college, and her husband - computer genius. Cross your fingers though.

Special Delivery! And a designer paper challenge

Today was a good - scratch that - great mail day. A big old box came from Eclectic Paperie today containing two of the newest lines of Crate Paper and two of the clear Stampendous paint tins.

Can I just say that Daisy and Joy are so nice to buy from, I love that there is always a little hand written note from Daisy on my packing slip. I love how fast the shipping is, I love their unique collection of goodies. Thank you ladies!!


I have to admit that I found myself literally smelling the paper. Geek! But really, it **does** smell good. I vow to actually use this paper, rather than just collect it!

Between my use of Au Chocolat Last night, digging into my Friends and Flowers Scrappin Kit and now this, I've become brave in the last 24 hours. I'm issuing a challenge to YOU. I've you've got DP you haven't used yet, please drag it out, use it and post me a link. I'd love to see!

details: Stampin Up - Polka Dots and Paisley stamp, Paisley background on cert celery cardstock, So Saffron layer is underneath main image on v vanilla and Crate Paper Brunch collection striped paper. Ruby Red, Cert Celery and Old Olive SU markers

My Favorite Things has been added!

I'm so excited to announce that Kim Van Der Sanden has donated the Hearts Galore set from My Favorite Things to the Fundraiser Blog Candy!

The My Favorite Things stamps are SO adorable, and I just love working with clear stamps! Makes it so easy to get the image RIGHT where you want it! Personally I have my eye on Going to the Chapel and Take Charge. If you have joined the Splitcoast Fan Club you can see the fantastic card that Julie Ebersole has made with the Dino-Mite set - that's on my list too!!

By the way, if you haven't joined what are you waiting for - wink!! The instant uploads alone are worth the cost. And the DD creations - that you only have access to as a fan club member are amazing.

To have a chance at winning this awesome set from My Favorite Things, please visit my original post about the Fundraiser Blog Candy. Thanks so much KIM!

Into the stash

I've been wanting to use the striped paper in the Friends and Flowers kit for a while. And haven't been brave enough. Since you can only get your hands on it by hostessing, I've got precisely four pieces of this lovely striped paper, and that's it.

There are so many color possibilities with this paper, but I picked up on the Cool Caribbean and the Cranberry Crisp - using some of my C. Crisp stitched ribbon. I played and played with this to see what else I wanted to use... paisley on the caribbean? (too busy) Big Thanks instead of happy birthday? (seemed too manly with these colors once I had it stamped out) add some flowers from the scrappin kit? (seemed too crowded with the DP and the size of Happy Birthday)

I think I'm going to paper pierce a little along the bottom but wanted to throw it out for your ideas. Come on stalkers, let me know what you think, what would YOU do?

A thank you from my friend Sarah

As you may have seen, I'm running a blog candy contest to help my friend Sarah raise donations for her upcoming Avon Breast Cancer walk in Boston on May 19th and 20th. You can help Sarah raise money, and earn yourself chances to win the blog candy by visiting this post

Here's a quick note I got from Sarah just this morning!
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Thank you so much for the support and encouragement!! I really appreciate the overwhelming donations. This is a wonderful cause and something that touches everyone of us.

As you know, I am doing this walk in memory of my mom, Sallie Reed. She was an unbelievable mother and friend to all that knew her.

I can't explain how touched I am that so many people have reached out.

Thank you !!! Sarah Scaletta

Oh Chocolat

I have a package of Au Chocolate paper that I've been hoarding. Afraid to cut it. Its just so pretty, so elegant. I love it. And, being from the Spring Mini, when its gone, its gone.

I was brave enough to use some on a card, but then it was just so pretty on its own, I didn't want to cover it up. So, I made use of the little scalloped edge I'm seeing everywhere right now, and then highlighted the scallop with the reverse of the paper I used on the top.

I really like how clean this card is, but I feel badly that I didn't do more actual "stamping" with it. Well,at least it came out of the shrink wrapped package at last! HA!

A chance to win a creation from Beate!

What a nice surprise arrived in my email box this morning. The lovely and talented Beate has created a coaster book for the Breast Cancer Fundraiser I've been running. Visit Beate's Blog to see details on how she created this chipboard coaster book with her new Bind it All for this amazing cause!

And, if you'd like to own this cute little pink item, please visit my original post to learn about (and hopefully enter!) this fundraiser to see all the other awesome prizes that are available. Remember, for every dollar that you donate to my friend Sarah's fundraising efforts, you will get one chance at this ever growing blog candy collection!

Beate - I can't thank you enough!

Getting to play

The little guy always seems to cooperate on Fridays and take a good nap. Lucky for me because it gave me enough time to create a baby card with my new Bundle of Joy set. I've had it about two weeks, and haven't had time to trim it up and play.


This card also uses my new Crate Paper Cowboy paper. I love the vintage feel of these papers and the distressing around the edges. I also love where I got it - Eclectic Paperie. If you haven't checked it out, please see the link on the right hand side of the page. Their selection is fantastic, and Daisy and Joy are SO nice.

I "borrowed" the layout from Valerie's Card on Splitcoast. What a great layout. I'm sure I'll be using this one a lot. In fact, I pretty much cased her card last night to make a sympathy card.


Have a wonderful afternoon. I'm going to clean up the mess I made!

Here comes the cowgirl

You may remember that I had shown a post of my new cowgirl crate paper from Eclectic Paperie? (see the link on the right hand side of my blog to check out their awesome selection) Well, I finally had some time to dig into it today.

I really liked the sketch challenge from yesterday on Splitcoast. SC119. I always have a hard time using my designer paper WITH a stamp, usually I'm so worried I'll create something too busy that I either stamp, or use DP instead. I managed to three different stamps sets on this card and the designer paper. And for the first time in probably weeks, I didn't use my cindyribbon. (trust me I love it, but now I'm running low, so I must conserve.)

I'm so glad I decided to regularly try the Splitcoast Challenges. I'm becoming more comfortable designing something myself rather than always just CASEing something I like in the gallery.

I'm Droolin'

I'm drooling looking at my friends new business website. I can't bake. Its really quite pathetic. I even ruined muffin mix this morning. I mean really, its a mix, how hard can it be? Yet I still managed to ruin them. At least the kids don't mind.

However, my former roommate happens to be a fantastic baker, and I don't just mean in comparison to me, she really is talented. She's started a new business selling Whoopie Pies! Yum.

Now, if you're not familiar with a whoopie pie think of two cakey cookies with yummy marshmallowy filling tucked between them. Growing up, these were my favorite, and my poor mom would have to make whoopie pies for me on my birthday. Looking back, I feel badly, because it seems like so much more work than just baking a cake.

If you like tasty delicious treats you don't have to make yourself (and come on, who doesn't?) check out www.freewebs.com/makinwhoopies Kristin has several different flavors available and can ship anywhere in the U.S. via UPS. Or, if you live in the south suburbs of Boston, she can deliver them to your house. Like the ones I'm getting next Thursday! YUM.

Thank you so much!

I'd just like to thank everyone that has stopped by to check out the donation candy below, and thank you so much to everyone that has already placed a donation with Sarah.

For anyone lurking, please know that you don't have to post here publicly how much you donated, just that you did. I can verify the amounts with Sarah afterwards to to figure out how many chances you have in the lottery at the end.

Every single dollar counts, just think, if 100 people give even just five dollars, we've raised 500 for the cause! So, please pass word along to your friends to join us raise funds for this worthy cause!

In keeping with the theme around here....

Today I put together two "pink" cards to fit in with the theme around here. This was another "designed in my sleep" card. What's up with that by the way?

So, the first one was better in my mind than once I actually did it. If I had it to do over again, I would have stamped Happy Birthday in black, but I was trying to stick to pink and white. Have to say I love that Happy Everything set! One of my best purchases.

Then I played along with today's awesome sketch challenge on SCS. A really great layout that I'm sure I'll be using again and again. I really like how the second card came out. The only thing I'd change, in retrospect would be to do the background in paisley, but man did using the wheel make for such a speedy background. Was trying to stamp speedily to enjoy the good weather with the boys!

Thanks to everyone that has donated so generously to Sarah's Avon walk in my Fundraising Blog Candy list below. The value of the goodies in the drawing is definitely over $100, and remember, in order to play, all you have to do is donate even one dollar to Sarah's fundraising efforts.

Why I love my job

The weather was finally cooperative, as was Little Man's health (he's been sick again this whole week, poor baby!) So we went for a walk.

As we were walking down the street, the Big Boy saw a little girl run out of her house, so he yelled "Hello!" I said "Her name is Cassandra." So he proceeds to yell "Hi Lasagna!" No lie. Lasagna.

HA!

Summer Sun - The Color of Daffodils

I haven't used Summer Sun before, it just never spoke to me, but boy was it perfect for this project!

My parents have a home in Nantucket, and the Daffodil Festival is the official "opening" of the season. This is one of my absolute favorite events on the island and really exhibits what I love about the island, its small town charm.

Its usually still cold,but the daffodils are in bloom everywhere, and there is a parade of antique cars, all loaded up with daffodil decorations. The parade of people is even better though. Ladies with daffodils tucked into their hats, men in bright yellow pants, dogs decorated with daffodils. So silly, but really stinkin' cute. It makes for some really great people watching.

This card is a little early, but I could really use some "Summer Sun" right now.

Details: Summer Sun, Whisper White, Basic Black Cardstock, Craft white and stazon black ink, SU marker for "May", PaperTrey sentiment, Whimsical Alphabet, Prima, Brad, Cindyribbon, Dimensionals

Donation Blog Candy Grows

I'm so excited to announce some new additions to the Breast Cancer Fundraiser Blog Candy!

Nichole Heady has generously offered up the not yet seen "May Release" from Paper Trey (www.papertreyink.com) It will be shipped directly to the winner - the package will contain a hand stamped project by Nichole made with this new set!

Nita has donated a custom scissor charm, so helpful at workshops so that you don't loose those snips!

Emily Giovanni will be custom creating a pink tin for this fundraiser, and will be filling it with "pink goodies"

Julie Masse will also be providing a pink card to be included with the pack of pink cards made by some of my favorite stampers!

So, all you have to do, to get in on these fantastic goodies is follow the link to Sarah's Avon Walk website (in my original post below) and make a donation. Then post back here letting me know. Remember, every dollar in donations you make earns you one chance at the goodies!

Fundraiser Blog Candy

So, is it actually Blog Candy if I'm asking you to do something? I hope so, because what I'm asking is easy. Would you consider giving even just a dollar to a breast cancer fundraiser?

My friend Sarah Scaletta is participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on May 19th and 20th in Boston. The weekend consists of marathon length walk on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday. Sarah is participating in memory of her mother Sallie Reed who passed away in February of 2005 at the age of 62 after being diagnosed 6 years earlier with breast cancer breast cancer which later metastasized to her liver and bones. She was an incredible person that touched and inspired everyone she knew.

With your help, I'm sure that Sarah can meet, and hopefully exceed her goal of $1,800.

If you'd like to enter the giveaway all you have to do is visit Sarah's Avon Walk website and make a donation, in the comments section please add "Stamping Contest" and then comment on this post letting me know that you've done so.

For every $1 that you raise through this blog you will receive one "chance" at the prize. A winner will be selected the day of her walk - May 19th. The more money you pledge, the more chances you get to win!

So far, this giveaway includes: (list updated April 22nd)

As the donations have grown significantly, I will be dividing this up to have mulitple winners. I will announce how many prizes, and what is in each prize package the week before the drawing!!

Your choice of any one $25.00 Stampin Up set (donated by Sarah D. - my dear friend and Sallie's niece)

One Mel's Bracelet - http://www.melsbracelets.com/

Assorted Pink ribbon - donated by CraftyMomof2 from http://www.papercanteen.blogspot.com/

One Causabella Stamp donated by Emily of Stamping Bella

The upcoming "May Release" of Paper Trey from http://www.papertreyink.com/ including a project stamped by Nichole Heady herself!

Hearts Galore set from My Favorite Things donated by Kim Van Der

Assorted collection of hardware including brads, oval holders, triangle and oval picture frame hangers and a 7gypsies kit too! From Cindy Lyles at StarLit Studio

Eclectic Paperie $10 gift certificate.

A pink "ensemble" created by Julie Ebersole including 3D pair of pink paper slippers, with maribou trim, matching card and gift tag. This ensemble is currently featured in print, of the CardMaker Magazine, May 07 issue, p. 28-29.

Beth Silaikia of Freckled Fun Designs create both a pink and a transparent custom watermark design to protect your artwork online.

Nita will has donated a custom scissor charm, so helpful at workshops so that you don't loose those snips!

Emily Giovanni has created a pink tin and filled it with assorted pink goodies. See it here.

One Bakers Dozen Traditional Whoopie Pies - with pink frosting - by Makin' Whoopies Includes shipping via UPS, or personal delivery to suburbs south of Boston.

Pink Cards created by some of my favorite stampers including:
TayloredExpressions, Confesssions of a Naptime Stamper, Inkin' It up with Kendra, Stamping with Julie. Beate has created a stunning chipboard book with Fancy Pants paper and her new Bind it all.

(stay tuned for more to come)

....and hopefully even more to come!...

I will continue to add new items, so please check back often. Remember, for every dollar you donate to Sarah's fundraising efforts, you will get one chance at this awesome, and ever growing, blog candy!

Please help me support Sarah, and women everywhere, in the fight against breast cancer. Please pass this post along to your friends and ask them to join in because, together we can make a difference.

What the Easter Bunny brought me....

My mom bought Mel's Bracelets for all the girls (my sister, grandmother and me) for Easter this year. It is so beautiful and I love it. I know that it is going to look great with every single thing in my closet and will get a lot of wear, but the best thing is knowing that the proceeds from the sales of these beautiful bracelets go to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in memory of Mel Simmons to fund cancer research.

So, if you need a little gift for someone, there are lots of local shops in MA that carry them, and you can also buy them directly from the website. Hope you like them as much as I do...

Naptime Bella

She isn't taking a nap, but the kids were while I got this quick card done! This was a card I was supposed to get done last week, but Easter goodies took every spare minute that I wasn't taking care of a sick baby.

This was fun to do, and feels like spring. Its sunny today, but still windy. Little Man learned the word "outside" today and has said it one thousand times. He's very proud of himself, and why shouldn't he be!

I am now officially in love with my Paper Trey Ink stamps. I'm always so nervous stamping a sentiment just directly onto designer paper, because I always goof. These clear stamps make it so easy. Green Thumb will be on its way to me post backorder. Can't wait! Julie, thanks for the inspiration, Jen, thanks for the push for me to use the ones I already had!

Easter Festivities......

This weekends Easter festivities absolutely made up for having such a rotten week last week.

Yesterday, during an egg hunt, my older son inspected the Easter Bunny and announced quite loudly "Um, its a costume. I see a zipper." Later told me that he knew it wasn't the real bunny because it had a hair braid sticking out in back. Sigh.

As the children all rushed across the parking lot, tromping through the "not even really hidden, just strewn about eggs" my younger son stopped to pick up the broken eggs and happily put the broken ones in his bag. "Eggie! Eggie!" Then, my dad and I found him an intact egg and he discovered that the eggs actually had candy inside. I was quick enough to catch the look of amazement on his face with my camera and the shot is hilarious.

Last night, I told the big boy that I thought I caught sight of the real bunny heading to our neighbors house. He's usually QUITE the dawdler, and I've never seen that kid move so fast. He ran upstairs, made quick use of the bathroom and couldn't get under his covers fast enough. Insisted that there was no time for a story and would I please just go to bed. I had to bite my tongue to not laugh.

All day today, the boys were pretty much on a sugar drip. A constant stream of smarties, jelly beans, peeps and Hershey Kissables (my oldest has a nut allergy, so the Easter "regulars" are pretty much off limits)

Unveiling my favorite card!

Last week, I'd mentioned that I'd done a card for the Featured Stamper Challenge, but couldn't post it until tonight. The card was for my Mom's birthday and now she's got it in hand, so I can post it here. I've got to say, it is one of my favorite cards I've made to date.

Happy Birthday MOM!

Details:

Paper: Cameo Coral, Cool Caribbean, Whisper White

Ink: Same as paper, plus Apricot Appeal and Black Stazon

Stamps: FlowerBella and HB sentiment from www.stampingbella.com; Polka Dots and Petals and Paisley Background from SU,

Accessories: Giga Oval Scallop, Oval Mega punch both from Marvy Uchida, Coral ribbon from SU, various SU markers

Jen's Paper Trey Ink Challenge

Jen at i{heart}2stamp.com issues a Blogger's Challenge on Saturdays. I wanted to play so badly last week, but didn't have the stamp set she'd selected. This week, the challenge is to use any Paper Trey stamp set, and I've got one. It was a little tricky though because the one I have is mostly sentiments with this one little flower. So, I had to get creative! I'd love to get the new Green Thumb set, but its on backorder. I'll have to get my name on that list because the cards I've seen with them so far are really adorable.

Using these stamps was so easy. Being clear and all, you can line them right up, exactly where you want them. Nichole, great work, these stamps are amazing! Jen, thanks for using these for the challenge so that I really got some time to play with this set.

My Favorite Things

I picked up the My Favorite Things princess set a few weeks ago, but haven't had a spare moment to use it. Lucky for me, I needed a little girl birthday card for one of my daycare clients! As the mom to two boys, I love when I get to buy a birthday present for a little girl!

These clear stamps are so easy to use, being able to see right through really makes it easy to place the image right where you want. The little castle and cake images made for a cute background, and "iced" the cake with my white gel pen and my sakura stardust pen. The sakura added a little glitz to the princess crown and the wand as well.

I also have my eye on the new Paper Trey set Green Thumb its adoreable. I'm in LOVE with the cards that Julie has posted on her blog. Julie - you're a crazy enabler you know that? (wink)

Before you can scrapbook....

...you have to have pictures!

It isn't the taking of pictures that's my problem, I have SO many. Its the actual printing of the pictures that is the problem. I load them to shutterfly, but then never place an order. Then I'm annoyed when I get to my six month club meeting to build pages, and I don't have any photos on hand. So, I've ordered a SLEW of pictures. Still won't have them in time for my scrapbooking meeting on Monday night, but at least they'll be here soon.

With the sickening amount of stamps, paper and ink I own. You'd **think** I could get around to a scrapbook page now and again.

I'm going to set a goal for myself of posting one scrapbook page here at least every other week. I'm just a nervous nellie about having my boys photos up here, so I'm going to have to hunt for some crafty ways to post the pages. Any advice, what do all you blog stalkers out there do?

Flowers Inside, but outside still brrrrrr.

One of my daycare clients arrived yesterday with a pot of flowers for Easter. It was a perfect surprise! They've been brightening my kitchen all day and the boys have had fun smelling them. I think we're ALL ready for a little spring. Thanks so much Janine!

Easter Fun

My boys and I had fun making and delivering some Easter Treats to their buddies today. I wanted this "Little Bunny" from Amuse so badly, and I had seen somewhere someone out there glitter them up so that they really looked like Peeps.

You can find the recipe for them here: Peeps in a Jar

This was way more fun than cleaning my house, doing dishes and laundry.

I am an enabler. In a big way.

Anyone who knows me in real life, knows that I'm chatty. In fact, probably even super chatty. If you've dropped by this blog before, you know that I'm chatty. Well today, I started chatting it up with strangers in the store (my sister and mother are probably rolling eyeballs reading this) And not only was I chatting, but I was encouraging a purchase!! LOL. What am I a salesperson? OMG. Mortifying. Well, they were looking at the Cuttlebug, which of course rocks. And, it WAS 30% off, so wouldn't you enable as well??

Then, to make matters worse, I passed out business cards with my email and blog addy because they were super nice, and I always like meeting other crafters. And, then we realize that two of us went to high school together. I'm SO embarassed to say, that I was a real jerk in high school, so whenever anyone says they know me from high school, I cringe and say "I'm SORRY!" I think I make a much nicer grownup than I did a teenager, but I'm guessing I'm probably not the only one that looks back on those years and thinks "WHAT WAS I THINKING?"

Then I came home to check email and got the nicest surprise. My very dear friend (the one I mentioned running into at "Wallyworld"last week) has started her own crafty blog! CraftyMomof2 has just started her own blog. So, please stop by the Paper Canteen and welcome my bestie to the big old world of bloggin'.

I'm off to make some Easter treats, and laundry. Hope to make some cards tonight!

Snap Stamps have been Found!

Many thanks to Boastie for knowing where my Snap Stamps were! Hooray! They had been tucked away with some pieces of Petals and Paisley Designer Paper. Boastie - you're so smart!

If you stamp and you don't have these, let me just say ... You Need Them. They really rock, and they're totally inexpensive to boot!

A fun challenge!

Today's challenge on Splitcoast Stampers was to use a set that you haven't inked up yet!

Well, as I mentioned last week, I bought some Bellas and haven't had any time to ink em up yet. So, this was the perfect excuse! Lets just say that today was a tough day and I really needed a night to just stamp and not think about what a crummy day (week!) I've had.


I also recently picked up some 6x6 packs of Basic Grey paper, and I love, love, love the Lilly Kate pack. If I saw this dress in a store, I'd buy it, and HOPE that one day I had the occasion to wear it. I'd love to wear something cutie for Easter this year, but its going to be cold. I'll probably wear a sweater instead. Blah.



This project also gave me the excuse to trim up a few stamps from Warm Words - my first thought was to use "Giggle" because she's so cute, and girly, and then I used "Happiness" instead.

Sakura stardust pen (of course - its my standby!) for her flowers, and her little hairpin. Any advice on where to find bling for her hairpin? I know I've seen it on projects and blogs, but I've never seen it in the stores...

Happy Feet

So, my 4.5 year old has "Happy Feet." After seeing the movie the other night, he's been tapping and dancing all around the house, in the car, at the dinner table and just generally cracking me up.

Last night, I put on the video for my husband and it was a struggle not to laugh. The tears were flowing. He's so serious, trying to copy every single dance move that the dancers do. He kills me. I've got to set up the video camera tonight and tape the dance show, because when he's a teenager, he'll be mortified.

I swear that boy gives a serious dose of comic relief every single day. Last nights dance party was worth every penny of the $13.95 I paid at Wallyworld for that video last Friday.

Yee - Haw!

My 22 month old is obsessed with Toy Story. We have a varied assortment of Cowboy and "Beyond Beyond" (what he calls Buzz Lightyear) toys all around my house. Today, he found a stash of cowboy hats that we've had around since my older son's second birthday and he's been wearing a hat all day. Now, he's insistent that I wear a cowboy hat too. So here I so here I sit, wearing a child sized cowboy hat, looking quite foolish! However, the poor baby had an allergic reaction today, I *believe* to the antibiotics he's on for his ear and eye infection, so I'm happy to appease him by wearing the hat.

Ironically enough, my order from Eclectic Paperie arrived this afternoon, featuring none other than the Cowgirl Collection paper from Crate Paper. How fitting! Daisy and Joy are the nicest ladies to work with and have a stunning collection of treats! And, SUPER fast shipping. I'm ready for bedtime for the boys so I can get started.

Alas, I have 24 Easter treat bags to make, so it might be a night filled MOSTLY with Easter stamping, a little bit of new paper use and a glass of wine too.

Thanks Everyone!

Hooray! 2K views. Thanks for looking everyone! Looks like I better start thinking about 5K blog candy!

Lilly Kate SellaBella

My aunt is a mortgage broker and needs lots of "Congratulations on your new home" cards to send to her clients. Poor Bella, now that I'm looking at this, she looks a little washed out, but IRL she looks cute. Celery colored shirt and khaki pants.

I dipped into my new "stash" of Basic Grey paper. This is the 6x6 size, which is great for making cards. You get the full effect of the pattern, even on small project like a card.

The certainly celery layer has paisley as the background. Its hard to see here. The inside reads "congrats on your new home" sentiment, and Sellabella from StampingBella. I'm making another new home card to go along with this, just waiting on my ticket corner punch (should be arriving tomorrow - woo hoo!) and I'm MISSING MY KAREN FOSTER SNAP STAMPS. I can't believe I've misplaced them. They're only the handiest things! I'm going to tear my stamp room (aka - corner) apart tonight. I'm sure I put them someplace "safe" and now - missing. Ugh. So, you'll see that card tomorrow night.

Featured Stamper Challenge

I got a few minutes to play today, and made a cute card for this week's Featured Stamper Challenge. This week, the Stamper was Emily and her gallery is amazing. Ordinarily I'd say it was hard to pick which card to CASE, but I've had a card of hers in my favorites forever that I've wanted to work from. This gave me the perfect excuse. Alas, the card is for one of my readers, so I can't post it just yet. If you're curious to see, you can look for me on Splitcoast Stampers searching by FS08 FlowerBella. I'll post the card in a few days once I've been able to hand it off to its new owner!

I'd love to play in this week's color challenge, but I don't have Kraft Paper. If I can get my hands on a piece, I'll be playing.

Why there's been no bloggin'

I took my little guy to the doctors this morning after a rough night last night. Poor thing has both an eye infection and an ear infection. Poor baby! He was running around again like a crazy man this afternoon chasing his brother around, and laughing hysterically, so he must be feeling a little better. Tomorrow, should hopefully be even better.

The other reason I haven't had anything new to post is that any moment little guy is sleeping, I've been SO busy with all of this... four client packs of assorted Cool Caribbean cards, one set of assorted birthday cards for my grandmother, and 12 Easter Goodie bags.

My mom popped in for a visit today (can I say, I love the pop in, especially on a rainy, dreary, sick baby day) and ordered a few things too! Thanks MOM!! I actually have a few remaining client orders to catch up on, before I can play with my new stamps, but since I needed to create a thank you card, I had an excuse to pull out one of my favorite stamp sets!

I used this set a LOT around Christmas, but its been sort of "unloved" with all my new Sell A Bration and Spring Mini goodies. Yet another color that Cool Caribbean looks great with - Cameo Coral. I have a scrapbook page in my head for this set, so hopefully you'll be seeing it soon. First I have to actually print the pictures!

The weather here this weekend was SO nice. We took the boys to a local nature preserve, and they both had such a nice time. My big guy was thrilled hunting for turtles with dad, and laughed hysterically watching the ducks pop their feet up in the air as they searched under water for food. Little Man was thrilled with all the freedom to run around, walked every inch of the trails, and picked up a new word "pine cone."

However, little man is now sick. Last night, his fever was up to 103.3. He's clingy to start with, but now he's like a fifth appendage. Not so much stamping will be done today. I got a few client items made yesterday while he napped, and worked on another project after he went to bed, but its not done yet.

With Easter coming up this weekend, I've got a lot projects to get finished this week. I'm itchy to play with my new Bellas (who arrived Saturday) and my new princess set from My Favorite Things. But with a sick baby at home, and some paid work I need to finish, realistically those won't see ink till probably not till next week