Randomness

Christmas is done...Wondering what is in store for us in the new year...Will our resolutions stick for once...Where will we be financially this time next year...Will I ever get that crocheted jacket done...When is RV going to announce the next kit...I am soo jones-ing for hot chocolate with baileys...I forgot to water the christmas tree today...I'll miss the christmas decorations when they are all packed up...Is it ever gonna snow...Ugh, I have to go back to work tommorrow...I ::heart:: the color pink!!

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! We spent this evening with family, at my mother's house. It is our tradition to do Christmas Eve and have dinner and enjoy being together. It was fun and it brought back memories from when I was a kid!

Here's a picture of our tree taken tonight after all the presents were put under it!! I am obsessed with putting bows on everything!! They make me smile!

Tommorrow I start an official list for 2008 of the things I hope to accomplish. I have never been very good at resolutions so I am no longer calling them that! :)

Merry Christmas!
Heather

Christmas Cards!!!

Here are the scans of my homemade Christmas cards for this year. Everyone should have received theirs by now so I can finally post a picture of them. I made 30 all together from my stash. These little babies count as number 2 of 50 for my stash diet challenge!
I hope everyone is done with their shopping. I got the last of the presents wrapped on Friday and the stockings are stuffed and ready!! 3 More days to go!!!! YEAH!!!
Hugs and Happy Creating!
Heather

Time and Resolutions

Wow! It is hard to believe that it is the 18th of December already. Seven more days till Santa!! Time is just flying by!! It has gotten me thinking of New Years Resolutions and Planning for next year...It has me buying new day planners to keep track of my time and thinking about this past year and all of the changes we have gone through.

Our #1 new year's resolution this year is to save money over the next year. I have been trying this for months, only purchasing things out of need, and for the most part I have stuck to it. I admit, there was 1, maybe 2 moments of weakness, but I am back on the wagon!!! On that note....

I came across a challenge "The Stash Diet" posted here and I am happy to say I am jumping on board and doing it!

The challenge is this:
1. Create 50 layouts using only products, tools, and supplies we have on hand.
2. Cardstock and adhesive can be purchased when needed. Who can make many pages with no adhesive?
3. Gift certificates, RAK's, DT kits are not included -those can be used.
4. Larger altered projects count as 1 layout.

This sounds like the easiest "diet" I have ever tried to follow! If I can do this, it will give me a jumpstart on the New Year and NOT spending. Here is my first layout from my stash! Only 49 more to go. I'll keep you all posted and I will be posting each and every layout and project so stay tuned!!

Hugs and Happy Saving!
Heather

Happy Tuesday

Morning! I think I am almost over my bout with Strep! Still drinking the tea with honey though. Going back to work tonight! Hopefully I will get a full shift or two in before I get sent home! HaHa!!

I read several blogs a day and today on Bling, they asked what our favorite site for art and culture was. For art and inspiration I turn to Flickr. ::flickr love::

There are so many things on there and when ever I need a cheer up or want some inspiration, I can always find it there.

Another sourse of inspiration is {A}!! I am truly in love with the December daily album that she is making!

Come on May!!!

May seems so far away right now! Can't wait to see this one! Anyone else a fan?

Oh the bright lights

Found this while searching you tube for a video. It's synchronized Christmas lights. Very cool! Wish I knew of one like this in our area. Enjoy!!



Hugs and Happy Hilidays,
Heather

things I am LOVING!!!

((Sorry about all of the links..I really wanted to share some pictures with you all but....blogger isn't letting me upload any of them. Seriously thinking of switching to typepad))

What do you do when it is December and you still have pumpkins sitting on your steps? LOL...you add glue and glitter and call them Christmas Pumpkins!! I had to do something with them and I wasn't ready to get rid of them yet. I'm really thinking of making them a Christmas Traditions.

Few pictures of things I am loving right now...
1. Target has these cute wooden ornaments for 99 cents and I am sooo loving them. Found the hearts and stars a few days ago and scored the tree's today!! SWEET!!!
2. This little baby was an early present from my dear husband...here's another one
3. My favorite spot here in town. Captured this picture with my new camera. It has a cool panoramic feature where it stitches two photo's together. SWEET!!
4. Our NAKED tree!! We decorated it yesterday and I'm gonna get some pictures tonight.
5. The US postal service for delivering this little baby!! Can't wait to create with it.
6. Flickr...need I say more!!

Hugs,
Heather

3 little MEN from NJ

These little babies are going out in the mail today to my 3 swap partners. They are part of the Red Velvet ornament Swap. No matter where I put them or hung them, I couldn't get a good clear picture of them. I really need to tone up my photo taking skills!! Help is appreciated from anyone willing. LOL

Hugs,
Heather

Altered Photo Frames

I just put the finishing touches on these frames that I altered.


These are simple 4 x 6 frames that you get at any Michaels or home store. I took the glass out and made a background using paper from the September "Reform School" Red Velvet kit. I then added a small gold picture hanging as a hook. These are going on the wall by our entry way for us to hang our keys on. Thanks for looking!
Hugs and Happy Scrapping,
Heather

Baby it's getting cold outside

...So I made myself a scarf. So simple and easy it was (just call me yoda now). Here's the pattern:

Yarn: 1 skein of Lion Brand Wool-Ease thick and quick in wheat

Hook: S size speed hook

Ch 12
Row 1: In 3rd ch from hook hdc, hdc in each ch to end (9 hdc)
Row 2-74: Ch3, turn, hdc in each ch.
(row's can be adjusted to desired length)

Tightly fasten off and weave in ends. There ya go! I'm off to be!
Hugs and Happy Crocheting!
Heather

Christmas Decorating

I recently started decorating the house for Christmas. Here are a few scenes from the house...This is the little scene next to our tv. The gingerbread house is a tart burner that I purchased at The Candle Factory in Beachwood. I am burning Evergreen Scented Soy Beads in it. The house smells sooo good right now. I was hunting around for some cute picks to go in my plants and I found this little guy...isn't he cute!! The plants that he is sticking out of is on the ledge between our living room and kitchen, and it happens to be right next to Blue's cage. I think the bird is too small for her to notice. I thought it would be cute for her though.
I visited a web page a few days ago that showed me how to make this .it is a Styrofoam cone that I wrapped in fancy yarn. So fast and soo easy to make. I purchased three little wood star for the top and I hot glued them together to form a circle. I made a second smaller one too. They are both sitting amongst the plants on the ledge. I also added a few pom pom's to the top of it to give it color. Wish I could find that site again. If I find it I will share it with you guys.

No tree pictures to show you yet. We are getting a real one from the local fire department here in Beachwood and they aren't in just yet. Did anyone notice, these aren't camera pictures? Yep, my camera is fixed. The part came yesterday and I did surgery on it and put the new battery cover on.

More later!
Hugs and Happy Creating!
Heather

p.s. OMG, it took me almost an hour to do this post. The door bell is ringing off the hook today. I had to keep going to answer it. I am soo not that popular usually. Chinese food guy, mailman with goodies from RV were ok. but the third, someone from the election board for someone running. I shooed her away!! Bye for now. Off to work!!

Do you feel what I feel..

Lately I have been doing alot of other crafts besides scrapbooking. Crocheting and working through this holiday week has been taking up my time. Today I plan on sitting in my scrap area, and after a quick clean up, I am going to make something!

I am feeling the need to get back there! I have always said that scrapbooking is my outlet, my therapy. It's the cure all for what ales ya! LOL

This is also an area where I have WIP's (works in progress..a crochetville abbreviation for ya). They all get done in their own time. I am think of making a goal to get one of them done soon.

Here is a really bad picture(from my camera phone) of those photo holders I mentioned a while back. I got them at Pier One months ago and I plan on making little scrap pages to go in them for Christmas presents.


I am still waiting on that battery cover for my camera, so please bear with me as I share a few more camera phone pictures. Apples and Clemintines from my counter...hubby likes clemintines now too so i can buy them without them going bad.


Some nuts....Hubby's family always has a bowl of mixed nuts and a cracker out around the holidays...it is something that they have always done, so I got these for him. It's a tradiotion for us now too!!

Hugs and Happy Crafting!
Heather

I ::heart:: Crochet!!!!!!!!

I was searching the internet for crochet and I came across this great site! If you crochet, you must visit the Crochetville site! It's a great message board for getting help and meeting others.

I spent a good amount of time on there and found some great patterns. Here are a few of the items I bookmarked to make after the holidays.

1. City Girl Cap

2. Giselle Fingerless Gloves

3. Granny Square Purse (I was thinking different colors)

4. Snowy Owl Toy (So harry potter)

5. Steering Wheel Cover (of course, it would be in black and yellow to match bee. Do you think it would be too much to add little bee's on it? I am obsessed!!!)

6. The Crocheter's Messanger (perhaps my favorite) Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3

I was reading the holiday issue of Crochet Today and found this coat! WOW!! I am soo in love with it. This is number 7! Can't wait to give it a try.

Just added this little guy, Bo the Snowman, to my christmas to make list.

Update on my current crochet project...I have 4 pairs of fingerless gloves completed and one stocking! One more stocking to go!!! yeah!!
Hugs and Happy Crocheting,
Heather

I wanna hear from YOU!!!!!!!!

Soooo, I got this cute little holiday themed questionnaire in my email today and I thought I would share. Feel free to copy and paste your own answers in a comment to me. In the spirit of giving, I'll pick a name from those that submit answers and send them a small Christmas prize!!! Enjoy!!!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrapped

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Yes

5. When do you put up your decorations? I start the day after Thanksgiving

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? anything my mother makes

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Christmas

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? we lived in an old farm house when I was little and there was a small round opening in the floor of our bedroom (how they heated old houses back in the day). We used to peek down it at what was going on downstairs. My bedroom was right underneath the living room. That's what I remember so I am guessing that is how I found out.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? lots of lights and handmade ornaments

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? love it when I don't have to go out in it. hate it when I do, especially since I no longer have 4WD

12. Can you ice skate? only on my butt..LOL

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I got a speak and spell when I was little and I remember not letting go of it until it finally died. Funny thing is I really cant spell. Go figure!! Also, the year I got a cabbage patch kid. (they were big in my day)

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? family

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? grandmas cookies and pumpkin pie

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? opening one present on Christmas eve, making grandma's cookies, hiding a present in the tree.

17. What tops your tree? angel

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I'll be home for Christmas

20. Candy Canes? YESSSSSSSS

21. Do you feel Christmas is too commercialized? Yes

Going Green

With all the talk about going green this past month, I had to throw a post in there.

We do as much as we can to be green. We recycle everything we can, we use reuseable bags at the supermarket and the other stores we go to. We save power and lower our heat when we go out. I stopped using the aresol hairspray. We are doing what we can.

I wanted to share this site that I just came across. I am so in love with CRAFT. I found this cool how too section about reusing plastic bags. People are crocheting, knitting, and making cloths out of recycled bags. It is incredible. I plan on trying out something from this and making something out of my recycled bags. If you have done this or try it from reading this post, please let me know. I would like to post all of your creations!!

Hugs and Happy Scrapping,
Heather

p.s. my camera part is on it's way!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!

Ughhh

I really wanted to share a few pictures with you all but....my camera isn't working! ::pout:: The battery cover cracked a few weeks ago and it broke all of the way a few days ago. I'm hoping to get a new cover from Kodak. Cross your fingers for me.

::pout::pout::

Darn Darn Darn!! I missed the November Paper Kit from RV. ::pout::pout:: I blame it on the doubles I am forced to work to keep up this fabulous life style I have (yeah ok)!

Been busy here with stuff around the house and work. Been patiently awaiting the arrival of my October project kit. I have such an idea for it....has anyone guessed what it may be?

I am off to relax on the couch and wait for Grey's to come on.

Yumm

Can't wait to get my hands on some of this stuff. Watch the video!!! Please...LOL

I said "YES"

The last few days have been a interesting few. Saturday I worked a double into Sunday morning. Left work at 730AM and promptly broke down. Long story short, I traded my car in today for this cute little number. I have affectionatly named her "Bee". You will see why by the picture below. I wanted a car in black, don't ask me how I ended at this. It just called out to me and I said "YES".



The thought of trading my truck in today brought me to tears at the dealership. I have had my truck "Winnie", a Jeep Wrangler, since 1991. I truly love it. There comes a time where you have to move on and I guess that was today for me. Goodbyw winnie! You will be missed!

((Ok....yes, I may sound like I have lost it. It has been a trying day at the dealership.))

Hugs and Happy Scrapping!
Heather

just a LAZY day..seriously

Today me and hubby were both off and it was nice to hang out and be with each other. We spent most of the day inside due to the torrential(sp?) rain we are experiencing here in Jersey. Seriously...I don't think I have ever seen it rain like it did today.

We did venture out to go to a few stores...I had to drag the man out. Seriously...I think he thought he would melt. :) Scored a few new Ranger Distressing Inks from A.C. Moore (thank you honey) to satisfy my ink need and then we wandered around target for a bit.

I am sitting here checking a few of the blogs that I stalk regularly and reflecting on life around me. I was reading this blog post, and I must agree that I too am in a funk of my own. I won't go into all of the reasons I am feeling "funky" because it may depress a few of you, but just know that I am working on getting out of it. These lyrics were on the same blog and it made me smile "When I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don't feel so bad". Words that will make me hold my head up higher (and inspire me....just worked out a sketch for a layout).

Enough rambling! I think I am ready for bed now.
Hugs and Happy Scrapping,
Heather

Oh the pretty flowers

Just wanted to share these flowers that I just got done with. These are my first completed felting project. I crocheted these flowers and then felted them myself.



I added a pin back to them. They came out cute...if I could get a better picture of them, I would put them on etsy. One day I will master taking pictures of my projects. (Think I need a new camera...yes, I AM blaming the camera LOL)

My "Soft Landing Place" found

Here is the project I just got done with. The front of the book was created using the RV "my soft landing place" kit.



I just finshed up the inner pages using this months RV kit.











I have soooo much left over from these kits, that I am going to see what else I can cook up. I really encourage you all to try a RV kit! They are a true inspiration!!
Hugs and Happy Scrapping!
Heather

Scenes from a scrap desk

Just a few pics to start off the day! Scenes from my desk right now...

Yummy buttons...


Mmmmm fiber...


Sweet stuff from the latest RV Kit...


Some cute little squares I cut for a project I am in the middle of...


My little stickles...love these babies!!...


and of course what I am drinking...I know it is only 6AM, but a gurl has needs!!


Hope this helps to start your day off!! I received my Oct kit from RV yesterday and I couldn't wait to break it open and create something...soooo that is what I am going to be doing this morning! Page 1 is already done sooo more to come!! (that rhymed....why do I rhyme in the morning???)

Yahhh, it's Monday

That was a sarcastic yahhh! LOL!! Thought for this monday I would share a funny and a pic!!

My dear husband comes to me this morning holding up his favorite jeans and said that he washed and dryed them with a pen in them. I smile, because it was so cute the way he held them up. Then we rush to the dryer to see what else we find with pen on it. Luckily, nothing was damaged! Everything else was too dark for it to matter. So we try to wip the dryer to see if it would come out and it is stuck there. Oh well! There is a first for everything. I asked Dh if we could scrap this and he said sure!

Here is the picture I promised....a few random ones for ya..


This is our furry flying baby....Blue!! Isn't she cute!!!



My favorite place in town...alot of people get married and take their wedding pics here!

That's all for now! More later folks!!
Hugs and Happy Scrapping!
Heather

album share

I know it has been a week since I posted anything, but to me it feels like forever. During my spare time this past week I have been hold up in my scrap area getting some projects done that I haven't had the time to do. I wanted to share this album with you all that I just made. It was a challenge, but was well worth it.



When we were in Vegas, I purchased these souvenir license plates with the intention of making a purse out of them...they evolved into this 12 x 6 scrapbook! I cut the pages out of 12 x 12 chipboard and punched the holes. It is being held together by 2 inch binder rings that I got from staples!


Here is a peek inside...

I included our real ticket stubs from the airline at the bottom of the page. I ran them through my xyron laminator before attaching them. The sign at the top has stickles around it. It is sparkly when you look at it, but my photography skills don't really show it. There are round page pebbles over the letters spelling "welcome".


On the bottom left of the page, I included our hotel key from the luxor. You can't see the journaling, but what it says is "This is the key to our room from the Luxor. We were given an extra at check in and I was going be sly and take it home with us as a souvenir. I found out at checkout that the give all of the guests the keys to take with them. So much for being sly".


The word Vegas on the right page is a rub on! This was my first time using rub on's and I LOVE THEM!!! The rub on already had the yellow dots in it, I accented them with yellow stickles. They are all sparkly!!!


I used rub on stitches on the right page and for the first time I stamped on top of a photograph! The round journaling spot on the right page was stamped and it took forever to set.


Another new thing that I tried thanks to my friend Gretchen (I scraplifted the idea from her)...the picture along the top looks like one photo, but it is actually 2 that I pieced together! Thanks for the cute idea Gretchen!!


The white box on the left page has journaling in it but wouldn't show up in any of the pictures! :(



I went old school on the left page and cut around one of my pictures. Of course, it is accented with stickles (I'm obsessed with them)!!



That's it! It was soo fun to break away from the 12x12 size and experiment with this. It really makes ya think!! I think I am going to make a magnetic closure for it...still brainstorming on that part.
Hugs and Happy Scrapping!
Heather

Where's my mixmaster!!!!!!!

Today was a blah day for us. We stayed in the house and vegged all day. I was able to make a nice dinner for us and we were able to get the much needed down time we were craving!

I am sooo excited to tell you that I scrapped today and I finished our wedding album! There is nothing like the feeling of finishing something! I am starting on our honeymoon pctures now but I am contomplating whether I am getting a new album or if I am going to put them behind the wedding pictures. Any suggestions? We were married and honeymooned in vegas so it was like it was combined...I dunno...I am open to suggestions!

Grey's was just on and I am loving it! When is it gonna be George and Izzie's time? I so want them together and I was soo excited that they ended it last week with him on her dorrstep. Although I don't care for Callie....I feel a little sorry for her. I couldn't believe Mama was there and I have to say I cried for Christina...where is my mixmaster? I sooo would have got rid of mama for her for the mixer!!!

I made Chicken Kiev tonight for dinner from one of my scrapbooks and it was sooooo good! If anyone would like the recipe please let me know. It was yummy!!!!

Hugs and Happy Scrapping,
Heather

Sweet Surprise

A few days ago a sweet surprise landed at my doorstep! I received a RV project kit and it inspired me to make this:


Here is the inside cover. I am putting our address on the little tag:


The album is 6x6 and I got it for a dollar at Target. I have alot left over from this kit so I am going to start another one for pictures of our old place! I sewed everything on it by hand because I am still afraid to break out the sewing machine that mom gave me. I have no idea how to use it but I can tell you one thing....it probally would have made making this cute little book much simpler.

Latley I have been watching the show Knitty Gritty on the DIY network. I love to crochet and I have been wanting to try knitting. I can honestly say that I am done with wanting to try it...LOL...and I give all the credit in the world to anyone who can do it. I tried to pick it up and it is hard!! Think I will stick to my other crafts for now.

Just checked out a few blogs and today I am drolling over the new RV paper kit for this month. Hope I am able to get it before it is sold out! It would really go great with the cute little album!
Hugs and Happy Scrapping,
Heather

14 hours till....

...Grey's Anatomy is back!!!!! I know there are a few of you out there counting down with me! Can't wait for it to start!!

I watched the private practice spinoff last night but wasn't really impressed. Not counting it out yet though! More later!

Heather

Bad Blogger

I'm such a bad blogger. It has been 6 day's. Sorry guys!

The past few days I have spent in bed most of the time. I came down with a cold and it is kicking my butt. I can't take anything real for it because I am waiting to pee on a stick again so it is the all natural approach for me.

I was reading this blog early this morning when I was awake for the umteenth time sneezing...MJ's Blog...and she talked about how if you google your name followed by wants or needs, that it comes up with some interesting things. Of course....the natural born follower that I am....I did it (or it could have been the fever).

Here it goes (commentary included below):

1. Heather wants to grab his booty (I am always grabbing my hubby's butt)

2. Heather wants to know why some people are stupid (ok...I changed it to some are because I dont believe everyone is)

3. Heather wants to get into the act (have no idea what this relates too...I just found it funny...the fever again)

4. Heather wants another baby (well duhhh...refer to peeing on the stick and previous posts...LOL)

5. Heather needs to start wearing a brassiere (NEVER!!!!!!! HAHA)

6. Heather needs your help (yes I do)

7. Heather needs two therapists (did my husband write this?)

8. Heather needs some bodyguards (this is a whole other story that I didnt tell you all about, but I may need one)

9. Heather new boobs (once again....I think my hubby wrote this)

10. Heather needs to be in the loop more often (no comment needed here).

So there you have it...my wants and needs according to Goole. I am off to bed...I have stopped sneezing for the time being and I am going to take full advatage of it!
Hugs and Happy Scrapping!
Heather (aka sneezy)

a Day of Rest

It was sooo nice to be off for a change! I was able to sleep late and recharge. I got some things done around the house...mainly, I was able to put my scrap room back together. I packed up all my toys to go to Scrapvivor and I unpacked them today.

Hubby and I ran out to Target when he got home from work because I made a little booboo when we were shopping last week. I had to go get this...



beacause when we were there a few weeks ago, I got some on clearence to make a create for my wall. My mind must have been somewhere else that day because I got C-R-E-A-T only! LOL

This is better...



Here is a few pics from the house...

Some sugar cookies that I made tonight for hubby(his favorite)...WE start a diet tommorrow....again..


My new fall tart burner...with a few little pumpkins & leaves around it for the season...


...a little friend hanging out in my house plants....



..Favorite tart burner by far....my little chimaera (think I spelled it wrong)...


Hugs and Happy Scrapping,
Heather