hope your day is fabulous and all that...

i really do hope your day was fabulous... because otherwise, that just wouldn't be fun, now would it?

hehe... well, i'm ba-aack! i've been in Idaho for a week (got back Saturday after a long 12 hour drive) doing my last Vacation Bible Adventure of the summer with my church. it was good, it was HOTTT, it was tough, and i learned a lot.

i'll miss the busyness and the hardness of the VBA when school starts in two weeks, but right now i'm seriously just enjoying some down time. i made some cupcakes tonight, along with one layer of a cake that i'm baking for my brother's upcoming 24th birthday. i also made jell-o last night... first time in forEVER. it's been yummy.

oh, and i totally had some delicious burrito today with some shredded pork from the slow cooker that was just begging to be let out of the freezer for a taste :D

so yeah. my bits and pieces of summer have definitely been yummy.

now, on to the cards for today. they feature Dawn's PTI Signature Greetings and an Impress flower. there's also PTI's Polka Dot Basics II on the bottom of each of these stamped in VersaMark.

these cards were super fun and easy to whip up... all i did 'special' was emboss each flower image and add some matching ribbon to coordinate it all together...

hope that these bring a smile to your face... they sure look cute all lined up together :D

okay, i'm off to finish the icing for the cupcakes, and then i'm going to watch "Zombieland" which i normally wouldn't watch (especially on my own), but my sister, brother, and DAD all thought it was funny. so yeah. i'll probably put in a cute flick like "Confessions of a Shopaholic" soon after to soothe my mind while i polish off the remainders of the 12 cupcakes i just baked.

ack, my life. :D

thanks for stopping by! (please say hi... it makes me SOOO happy!!)

i love minions

hi all! have you recovered from your weekend yet? how was yours? mine was great, it started off with a movie on friday night. i went to see...

and it was HILARIOUS. rated PG (for those of you wondering if its okay to take the kids... i totally recommend it) and so funny/ sweet/ cute/ laugh out loud/ great! it was awesome. i went with a group of friends and you could hear us chuckling & chortling throughout the whole thing. i think that the 'minions' are my new favorite animated character :D they were just so yellow and cute, and CUTE! hehe.

i also went to a bridal shower for a long-time family friend, and also got to see my aunt from NY before she went kayaking with my mom (they're doing a pretty adventurous trip in the Pacific Ocean along Vancouver Island... and they're both 62 years old!), and also had some time to watch some DVDs here at home. this weekend i saw 'Man on Fire' with Denzel Washington, and then 'V for Vendetta' with Hugo Weaving & Natalie Portman. last night i watched 'Take the Lead' with Antonio Banderas, and 'Ever After' with Drew Barrymore. basically it was a great weekend. oh! and i went to the Container Store with a good friend and just had a good time looking around.

okay, on to the cards... these are cards i haven't shown you yet from the Impress Stamp Night... yes, i know, there were a lot of them (32!) and you may be sick of them (please say you aren't :D) but these are the last from that batch.

this first one was really simple. not sure i like how simple it is, but oh well. the banner stamp is actually just one really long banner that i stamped in 4 different colors of blue ink. makes for an interesting effect, eh?

the sentiment was supposed to be a little less crooked, but i tried out a new technique that i may have to use more frequently--scoring lines along the bottom. i thought it was a nice little touch to add (along with those pretty little gems).

and here i have some masculine?/ simple? happy birthday cards. i can't decide whether these would be appropriate for guys (i know they're green, but they're flowers) or not.

what do you think? again, it's the same stamp just in different colors. i love the 'happy birthday to you' stamp, and this is also the first time i'd tried the black frame around the edge.

well, that's it for now... i hope you enjoyed these! can't wait to see what this week brings from all of you! :D thanks for the comments and stopping by.

take care! xoxox

the randomness of may (and why the blog got shafted)

Have you missed me? I’ve been gone too long, I know that. I just want you to know that I love posting on here whenever I can, and I love reading your feedback and comments on whatever I make and share. You’re all so encouraging.

The blog has been 'shafted' lately because I haven't had a few necessary things for it to BE updated.

A) time (because I haven't had much lately, things like the blog get put on the back burner when you have school to teach, a water polo team to coach, and 3 chiropractor appts. a week... then there's church, small group... you get the picture :D)

B) no internet at home (this makes scheduling and posting to a blog very difficult, especially when you can't post at work either... library trips become essential, but hard to work into a busy schedule when 'A' is already an issue)

C) motivation (let's face it, I haven't made a whole bunch of cards since I went on a scrapbooking retreat before my bday [which was, btw, AWESOME] so yeah. Sorry!)

Anyway, enough with the excuses... let's get on to the other part of this post--some ramblings about me/ random things. Kind of like the stuff I posted HERE a while ago. Just, you know, for fun.

1. May is an awesome month—it’s my birthday month, it’s a great month to be teaching school because of all the shortened weeks, and it’s a GREAT month to watch new movies. Somehow, with summer coming up, and directors wanting to have a blockbuster hit, there seem to be tons more good movies to see… like, I’ve already seen the movie Iron Man 2, and I know that it’s going to be a *HUGE* hit. Then there's so many new chick flicks, action movies, and just plain suspenseful films that I want to see...
2. I've been finding out that my local library has a WONDERFUL selection of DVDs and movies, and it's been addicting to browse the changing collection.
3. I won a radio contest (just needed to call in to win a CD and a chance to win some concert tickets) and I NEVER win stuff like that.
4. I stay up late reading good books when I should be sleeping.
5. I like going fast in my car, but I haven't seen how fast my current car can go (have you found that out? Just curious :D)
6. I sleep with the bedroom window open ALL the time. LITERALLY. And I have a fan going... I like the noise and the forced 'coldness' of my room so that I can cuddle up in my blankets like a butterfly in its cocoon.
7. I fold my t-shirts, tank tops, and blouses a certain way... like the stores do. I hate creases down the center of my shirt, I think it's sloppy...
8. I haven't been to bed before 11pm any night for the last two weeks... horrible, huh? Looks like tonight won't be much different...
9. I like to wash my car. I like it nice, shiny, and clean :D I've gone to the 'self-wash' car wash place two days in a row because I didn't quite get it right the first time... hehe!
10. I just got myself a new computer--an Apple MacBook. Look at it! Isn't it pretty?

Okay, so with all that randomness said, I have missed talking and sharing with you all, and I plan on being back here on a more regular basis. There are a few things that I'm super excited to share with you--one of those things being my scrapbook pages that I made at the amazing Seattle retreat. No promises on a timeline yet, I'm coaching my girls water polo team at State this week (AWESOME!) but I promise to post a project soon...

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

moving + Moxie Fab + 2sketches4you!

somehow i feel like a lot has happened since i shared with you last... oh wait--there HAS been some busyness over here :D hope you haven't missed me too much!

first, i wanted to post a little about what i've been doing on the NON-crafty side of life, so if you just want the cards, scroll down a bit to get to those.

okay, so i've been seeing a lot of movies... not the kind that you get on DVDs, or see on TV, i'm talking the movie theater kind. most of the following were good, and some i *might* be embarassed to say i watched depending on the crowd i'm in, but really, you're such a great crowd, i'm not affected at all... i'll give you a score out of 5 stars for each of the following movies that i've seen recently (last month and a half):

3.5/ 5. if you're a twilight fan, this was MUCH better than the first one, but it's not my favorite movie EVER.

2.5/ 5 ...it was cute, but for kids.

5/5 AWESOME. i LOVE Robert Downey Jr.!

3/5 ...again, cute, but for kids.

3/5 *sigh* romance... but could have been better...

5/5 acting was the highlight. i mean, it has MORGAN FREEMAN and MATT DAMON. so yeah, 'nuff said.

4/5 John Travolta was great :D i like action movies

4/5 it was really long, and i was getting sick... so i'm sure i would have liked it more... but it WAS good. i would recommend it.

so there you go. i've been busy watching movies. BUT, don't blame me--it was definitely a stress-reliever. and recently there's been WAY more than the normal load of stress in my life.

you see, i'm MOVING.

yes, moving. (you're like, "i could tell that from the title of your blog post... DUH." haha, that's what my 9th graders would say.) moving means i've been packing, painting, and generally not sleeping enough, and not having enough time (well, enough for the movies :D)

now, i used to live 45 minutes from school. which meant i had a long commute. now i'll be +/- 20 minutes away from school. i'll have my own apartment (i've been renting from my parents, one room) with my OWN STUDIO :D and doing things all on my own... like cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc...

let me tell you. it's exciting, but it's scary too.

i've been making numerous shopping trips and doing all sorts of things to prepare. my move date is THIS SATURDAY, the 13th. it happened that i have an extended weekend from school because of President's Day in the U.S. so yeah, i'm packing all my stuff (and oh my LORD, i have a TON of stuff... clothes, furniture, basically a whole kitchen, crafty things, and more clothes...) and getting some friends to help me move.

i said that i've been painting... i got some furniture for free, and it just needed a facelift, like some new hardware and some lovely high gloss shine...

so, i present you with, my DRESSER!

(she looks like she's smiling, almost, don't you think? the pink paint color is Behr's "Orchid Rose" and it's AWESOME... bright and cheery, just like i LOVE it :D i got it from Home Depot)

because of this move, i've been absent from the blog-O here... my apologies. but, i'm back, at least for a little bit before i figure out my new apartment and get my bearings (and figure out where/ when i'll be getting internet!)

i'd love to hear about any "living on your own" advice that you have... from favorite recipe websites/ cookbooks, tricks about shopping, to how to speed clean your kitchen (:D), etc... just leave it in the comment section--it would help a lot!

anyway, here's a little yummy-ness compliments of the Taintor-tude Challenge at Moxie Fab World. i really enjoyed this challenge with looking for just the right combination of vintage images and sentiments with *SASS*.

isn't this the greatest sentiment? "Nope, not busy AT ALL!" hehehe! (kind of how i feel at the moment...)

i used some Sassafras and some cool lace i got from a local fabric store... i think i'll be hoarding this for a bit :D i think i know exactly who i'm going to give this card to though --> the sentiment fits perfectly!

and here's a little something i whipped up to go with the 2sketches4you sketch this week. it's Laura's #45, and it's pretty fabulous :D

as you can tell, i've rotated the sketch, but i still think it works... don't you love those pom poms and more of that lace? :D

anyway, i hope you have a great weekend, whether it's extended or not, and that your Valentine's Day is filled with love, in all sorts of forms!

thanks for stopping by :D

Kazan's #36 & Dawn McVey's #17

yay, a combo card challenge!

i finally got to participate in two challenges this week, which is major for me since i've been so busy lately with school (open house on thursday) and coaching the swim team (2 meets this week--phew!)

anyway, i was able to participate in the Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #17 over at Dawn McVey's blog (use the colors aqua, red, brown, kraft, and cream) as well as Kazan's sketch #36 over at 2sketches4you. hope you check both of them out as the participants have LOVELY entries :D

here i was able to make a super sweet "ho ho ho" Christmas card with one of my favorite stamp lines--DoodleFactory stamps... isn't that Santa the cutest? :D

well, i've gotta run--i'm going to see "Whip It" with my sister tonight--should be good.

also, please enter my BLOG CANDY above for a chance at some lovely goodies.

enjoy, and thanks for looking!

Love, Chickies, & Bachelorette Parties...

i have a friend who is getting married this weekend, and i am soo happy for her! she has been in a relationship with her fiance for about 8 years, and her big day is Saturday! i got to help kidnap her for a bachelorette party last night, and it was soo fun! (fondue, games, chocolate, and gifts, who wouldn't love it, right? oh, yeah--maybe a guy... oh well, that's why they're called BACHELORETTE parties :D) i made this card specially for her, and to hold the gift card i was giving her. the card has a built in pocket that was pefect for tucking something sweet inside.


Supplies: white and light pink cardstock, pink Impress card with pocket, Bazzill cardstock, textured & dotted; AC zebra print; Basic Grey "Urban Prairie" pp; DeNami Design button; twine; ribbon from Michael's - pink satin & and white w/ trim; Recollections lip embellishment from Michael's; $1 black fringe from Jo-Ann's, rhinestones from Michael's; Cricut cuts - Simply Sweet cartridge for the heart and "Love" sentiment; Making Memories stars and hearts - glittered chipboard embellishments, Fiskars "threading water" border punch.

i decided to use the Kazan's sketch #34 from 2sketches4you for the front, as well as the colors for the Caardvarks challenge, (even though i didn't meet the deadline: pink, black, and white, YAY!). it couldn't have made a happier marriage (ha, pun intended!) because i reallly wanted to keep this card for myself instead of give it away!

in the above picture, you can see where i wrote the note, and then the gift card tucked into the side pocket. i used some soft pinks as well as bright pinks, because really, that zebra print from AC needed some competition :D

oh, in other news, i went to see "The Time Traveler's Wife" with my sister (for free!) on Monday night. i was really surprised that i DIDN'T cry, because it was definitely a movie with themes that would normally make me tear up. but it was good, not something i'd see twice, or would recommend for *everyone*, but i enjoyed spending time with my sister :D

ooh, and speaking of love... i LOVE DeNami Design's chickies. seriously. LOVE them. i made a ton of cards recently using their stamps, and i have to say, there are so many possibilities, and i seriously doubt i will get tired of them, ever.

so here i used some tulle, floral stick pins with Maya Road butterflies, and a DeNami Design button with some blue polka dot ribbon and yellow twine for the embellishment.

the polka dot stamps are also DeNami Design, and the chickies are too... aren't those colors fun? i love the whole feel--it's very bubblebum-ish, but super sweet. also, if you have a hankering for more DeNami goodness, go check out my friend Paulina's blog... she just posted some really sweet designs using their stamps. PLUS, she's having a HUGE giveaway, and i mean, HUGE!

anyway, hope you enjoy, and thanks for looking!

movies, masking, and more!

yay, i got to participate in the 365 cards challenge blog again! it's been forever since i submitted a card! day 163's challenge was to try a technique; masking!

i've masked before, and i loved the results. this time i cut out two different trees from my Cricut Wild Card cartridge and stamped all over the negative space on the solid green area on my card. i used different ink colors, and placed them at different heights.

here's the cute little sentiment i made up using my mini alpha set and a "Birthday" part from another stamp. i added MM brads and some twine to the edge.

here you can see the trees layered, masked, and stamped, as well as the cute little owl. (i know Amy loves owls... hope she likes this one :D)

oooh, and tonight i'll be seeing this movie, G.I. Joe, for the second time tonight, with my good friend, Paulina. i've seen it, loved it, and know she will too! (it has Channing Tatum in it ;) hehe) despite many poor reviews i read before watching it on Saturday, i still liked the movie--it was action and adventure, and a lot of fun.

anyway, i really am going to pack now, so i've gotta go!

2sketches4you, Kazan's #24

wow, i can't believe how many sketches Kazan and Laura have created over @ 2sketches4you! 24 seems like a long time... and i'm almost even more amazed that i've gotten to participate in so many of them :)

i really like the colors of the paper and this was the first time i'd successfully used the gathered ribbon technique... i think it turned out well, don't you? so excited to see what you think. it was a fabulous sketch, was it not?

today was not my favorite day ever... i reeeaaalllly wanted to sleep in instead of going to school, especially because i had to proctor the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) today for round 1 of a six round routine for the next week or so.

anyway, i got up and got to school, and ended up giving a lecture to my 1st period about having "filters" for their thoughts and their comments--some kids just don't get it. i told them, "don't let other people know EVERYTHING you're thinking... you WANT to sound mature, don't you?!"

anyway, it was fine, not the best, but at least it turned sunny later today. and last night i did have some fun with Joey and my parents... we watched the movie "Get Smart" which i'd seen in theaters when it came out, but it was SOOO much funnier with my whacky family enjoying every stupid corny line and slapstick routines... i love listening to my dad laugh... literally makes me want to smile.

oh, and in other fun news, my sister, Cecelia has started a blog! she's not exactly crafty, unless you count the fact that she's FABULOUS with words. currently she's working on her Masters and Ph.D. in History (specifically of Latin America), and i've had the privilege of tagging along with her on many trips to Latin countries (think Spain, Brazil!) basically, she's hilarious, and normal. you can check out her musings on her blog HERE.

anyway, i'm off to coach a couple of water polo games... praying we WIN tonight! thanks for looking and for all your sweet comments!

sock monkeys & 2sketches4you Kazan's #18

wow, what a week! i wish it was the weekend so i could have more time to create, but somehow i've managed to make a few cards despite grading (*GAG*), school, library, FINALLY getting my car washed, and laundry. it shouldn't be so busy... i had Monday off!

i got to see the movie, Gran Torino, with my friend Paulina... it was good and we had some great quality time. if you're going to see the movie, expect Clint Eastwood's character to be vulgar and racist (you can kinda get the gist from the movie trailer over at www.imdb.com)

anyway, while i was creating with Paulina the other day, i was showing off some really cute paper from K&Co. it's double sided, and adorable. i really love the pages with the sock monkeys and the buttons--so great. well, i decided to bust out some new moves for Kazan's sketch over at 2s4u... which turned out to be a good thing. i covered cardstock with some really bright paper and glittered the edges; i also cut out the monkeys individually; added white dots to outline the paper; used my favorite yellow button (has built in bling... aka glitter around the rim); layered my flowers and topped them with a star brad doused in glitter; tied out the brightest green ribbon in the world onto the card, and also finished the inside of the card to match the front.
i'm sorry it's not the greatest picture, i'm going to try again tomorrow... we've been having a TON of really dense fog all day for a couple of days. almost depressing (even though fog is my favorite weather condition... don't ask me why, it just is.)


i am still trying to come up with a "punny" saying to put on the inside... something about monkeying around? or about your love knocks my socks off? any suggestions?



i hope these bright colors make your day a little happier--i know i'm super excited to give this card to someone special!