Anything Goes!

Matt and I had the pleasure of going to see a production of Anything Goes this past Thursday evening at the Porthouse Theater. It was just fantastic. Not only was the acting great but it was so funny! And the music.... wow! (I really LOVE musicals)

This was my first play at the Porthouse and it definitely wont be my last. The cool thing is it is an outdoor theater! Next time I will be packing a big picnic so we can go a bit early and enjoy the scenery. They have boxed dinners you can buy, but I think it would be oh so romantic to pack my own and bring a bottle of wine.

I cant wait for the next play which is based on Alice in wonderland. too cool!

Ive had some time to create lately and Ive had some fun playing with my supplies. I made this funky pink card for the latest Caardvarks challenge. Ive been loving the cardboard look that's been poppin up. I ripped a box top in half and then inked it pink. Then I added some black ink to the edges. I then had to glitz it up The birdie is a stamped image that I turned into an epoxy chipboard embellie.

Unfortunately the photo really washed it out. I need to take a picture is daylight. Im really proud of it... it looks so much cooler in person. I need to rip up boxes more often (its not like I dont have any with all the ripped open priority boxes in my hallway)

I also got to make a few ATCs. I havent played in this medium for probably 2 years. I dont know why I ever stopped. (well I never really got started I only made a few and they sucked!) I think Im hooked. Its a good way to use my stamps (which is a good excuse to buy more) I cant find my precut cards and I was too lazy to cut more, so I just used a deck of playing cards I had laying around.

A croppin I will go

Why is it every time I go to my mother's to crop I feel the need to somehow shove every bit of everything I can possibly fit into my suitcase and then panic that I will need something I didnt bring? I mean seriously... Im going to maybe a 3 hour crop. That is usually 3 layouts most of which are created with my current dt kit. But I obsess! I obsess AND make a mess of my scraproom in the process. Im digging out stamps and paint (like it will have time to dry.. hello) punches and tools. I could stop the insanity right now just by zipping up the bag... but I wont.

Fathers Day was so nice. I stopped to see my stepdad for a bit then headed over to a cookout at my brothers. I got to hold my wiggly lil nephew for awhile and enjoy the food and sunshine. My brother lives close to the municipal airport where there was an airshow. We had our own private view of all the planes from his backyard. We didnt need to hear what they were... my dad already knew and would tell us as they flew by. (he really loves anything with an engine) It was a wonderful day.

Here are a few layouts using the last Poppy Ink kit. Sassafras Lass (my favorite!!) and heidi swapp! Hello... how can you go wrong there?? Dont my nieces look sweet covered in MUD?

Camp!

I had the privilege of working in the crafts area of a camp for childhood cancer this past weekend. We created framed 8x10 "About ME" layouts to send home with them. It was so fun working with the kids. I just loved watching the create and play with the papers. I didnt give them an example on purpose. I didnt want them restricted to a certain look. I designed an About Me journal block for them to fill out and the just let them loose. Its interesting how some automatically went 8x10 and how others quickly chose 10x8.

Thank you so much to my tally girls, Sara R., Leah and Julie for their generous donations. It was so fun watching the kids dig through the piles of embellishments and get excited when they find the perfect thing.

Speaking of tally... its almost time for the June kit "Sweeet Emooooootion" to go on sale. (the song is soo in my head at the moment) You dont want to miss the Aerosmith inspired goodness of this rockin kit. (and I cant tell you how much I really LOVE Aerosmith.... I grew up listening to them) Here's 4 layouts I finished in the last 2 days using the kit




It goes on sale at tallyscrapper on June 15th!

da da dun daaaa

dun da daaaaaaaa!

Lemme tell you a secret...... I have a wicked case of the HOTS for Indiana Jones. (well Harrison in anything... but most of all as Indy) Needless to say I was first in line to see the midnight showing last Wednesday night. It was packed. They had 2 theaters holding over 600 people each full of crazy Indy fans in hats with whips and everything. I was SO po'd that I left my camera at home. I loved the movie. It was packed with action, villainous commies and close calls. It wasnt the best movie ever, but it totally caught the spirit of the series. I really enjoyed it and it was the perfect way to kick off the summer blockbusters. I a movie fiend. I have a list that Im waiting to see including Sex & the City, The dark knight, Hellboy2, You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Get Smart and The Happening.

Im behind on blogging and forgot to show you the creations from the oh so pretty May kit from Simply Obsessed! Here they are!! I Love the Crate Paper sweet branch line (and I dont usually like soft colors)



Crud... I cant find my picture of the card I made... Oh well I'll edit it later! Hope you all have a grand Tuesday! Im off to work. (ick)

Good news and sweet tally fun

Yippee!! We now got all the $$$ back that was stolen from my husbands account Part went in yesterday and I just looked and we got the rest of it back today.

Thank God there were no problems getting it back. I am blessed that I have an understanding landlord and we have seperate accounts. I cant imagine how bad it could have been under different circumstances. I didnt really lose anything.

Its time for another Category Stories challenge! This one is all about the sweet stuff. Candy. My ass wishes I didnt love it but its so damned good candy. Ive been trying to be good and keep this junk out of the house so I snagged the box of milk duds at the movies last weekend. Matt cracked up that I had to buy candy for a layout. You'd think he'd be used to my weirdness.

I used the oh so fabulous arent you upset you missed the sold out May tally kit for this layout. Actually for ALL of these projects. I just couldnt stop!



and another shout out to the Cleveland Caveliers who kicked Boston's booty tonight in Game 6!! Here's hoping they can do it again in #7!! *fingers crossed*

A spring fling!

I just cant stop creating with the May tallyscrapper kit "Spring Fling"

Holy crap its fabulous! Its so happy and fun. I have had it for 3 days and Ive already completed 4 layouts and Im itching to play some more. It calls my name from across the room. Its a must have kit if ever there was one. Did you see the handmade feltie mushrooms and the ribbon roses?

It doesnt go on sale til May 15th but you can stalk it here. Its a steal at $27 (there is a a mini book, a rollerdoodle, hambly.... seriously cool stuff) and for the first time EVER tally is shipping internationally so you gals across the seas can join the tally fun.

Here are a few of my examples. Another one is coming for the new Category Stories that will be up May 15th!


So far its been a pretty good week. My mom was away for Mother's day so we postponed it til next weekend. I was on my own on Sunday. Since it was a dreary rainy afternoon Matt and I decided to use a $20 gift card to go to to 2 matinees. We saw Baby Mama (my choice) and Iron Man (his choice) Both movies were great! Baby Mama was so funny. I love Tina Fey and Amy Poehler together. Iron Man was an awesome comic book action movie with great graphic and an actual plot (imagine that)

and one more thing..... GO CAVALIERS!!

All bets are off

We spent Monday at Mountaineer Casino in West Virgina. Its only about an hour and a half from us and one Matt's clubs was organizing a free bus trip! We even got food and gambling vouchers.

We started the morning by getting up early enough to go breakfast... then it was Bloody Marys on the bus. I think we were a bit tipsy by the time we got there and it wasnt even noon. We sobered up super quick when we found out they actually charge for drinks. (Ive never seen a casino charge for drinks when you are playing the tables)

It was a fun trip though... we didnt win much but we had fun playing. We played some roulette, slots, blackjack and then went over and bet on the horses. I got some great photos to scrap. It was the perfect amount of time. We never got bored and when it was time to go, we were ready. (Next time I want to go to the SPA and hang out in the whirlpool though) I saw that Blondie is going to be there in June and I really would LOVE to see her! Tickets arent bad... its gas I worry about. Ick.

Its also time for a NEW Caardvarks challenge! This one is HOT HOT HOT! Here is my flaming hot card for the challenge, but hand's OFF... It belongs to the Lovely HO as part of our Tallyscrapper card swap. Winner will receive a prize package from our sister site Itty Bitty Scrap Shack! Show us how HOT you can be.

Scrappy happiness

Im trying scrap therapy to make me stop obsessing about money. It seems to be working for far. I think it helps that I know in my gut things will be okay in a few weeks. Im such a worrier that Im surprised I am this calm. I know that its temporary.

There is a new Category Stories challenge up and it is a FUN one. (and you can win a SIStv giftcard) I actually used a page from Japanese Vogue that came in a kit (I think from Story of my Life) for this layout. I believe it was an ad for Louis Vuitton. I just loved the wicked vibes of the black and white and since there are no photos here, there was no need to worry about acidity (if you follow that rule.... I dont always)

Its going to be a fun weekend for crops! I get to play at both TallyScrapper and Simply Obsessed. If you are around and want to win some cool shiznit stop by either site. I promise you a good time. Tonight is my early night at work (I *should* be home by 10) and I plan on chatting and scrapping. (I already have my bottle of wine in the fridge chillin) I cant wait to check out the challenges.

To the assholes in Cali who took my money?

You are the lowest form of scum. How dare you steal my husband's debit card number and steal my money. Why do you think you are entitled to something that isnt yours? Do you think its a victimless crime? We arent made of money. That was our rent money you stole from us. Why am I paying for $800 of your gasoline? How are you doing this without the card? Do you work there? Are you running my card and filling up your friend's tanks. Dont think you will not be found. We have spoken to a detective. Gas stations have cameras. Since you were there 7 times a day for 3 days Im sure they will identify you. Was it worth it?
****************

The bank says we should recover most of the money, but not for 3 weeks. The account is already in the negative. Unfortunately my husband has direct deposit so we also lost his paycheck to the overdraft fees as well. The bank wont credit those until after the 3 weeks. Its going to be a sucky month. I just pray I am busy at work and can make enough money to cover and that my landlord is cool about the rent being late. (I think he will be. He's a pretty cool guy) Hopefully I can pick up and extra shift or 2 to soften the blow.

My Anniversary

*Imagine little doodled hearts here*

hehe! Tuesday was our 2 year anniversary.... and even if it didnt go as we planned it was fantastic! Matt had to his building certification exam that morning and was supposed to go back to work afterwards. Instead he was home at 3, just as I was getting dressed to go get the food for dinner and his present. (I wanted to make Carmela's chicken rigatoni. I found a copycat Macaroni Grill recipe that I had already perfected.) I just threw on jeans and my crocs.

Anyways... we didnt end up leaving right away. He wanted to go with me and needed to eat lunch first. 2 hours later we are out the door, but had to stop at his dad's. An hour later we left to go get our presents... we had decided on his and hers cotton bathrobes (to stay with the traditional 2nd anniversary gifts)

Of course it hard to find nice bathrobes in April when its about to get hot so we went to several stores. (I did get some great bras!) Finally we found some at Bed Bath and Beyond. By then it was 8:30 and we were starving. So instead of cooking dinner we went to Outback Steakhouse. The food was fabulous as usual.

So instead of my romantic candlelit dinner at home on our wedding china, I went out in my jeans to Outback. Instead of going to the movies, we stayed home and watched big brother in our new bathrobes. Instead of having a drink out, we made alcoholic snow cones with the little machine we also bought at Bed Bath and Beyond. It was a fantastic night. I wouldnt trade it for anything.

Category Stories :)

Category Stories is UP!!

Make sure you check it out. We are giving away a Paper Pixie kit this month.

I chose the category this week and well... I did it as an excuse to make me scrap my crocs. My hideously ugly but oh so comfy crocs. They truly saved my butt in Vegas (we walked at least 10 miles a day) I always swore I would never own a pair. Im a shoe girl and I usually go for style over comfort.... but damn if Im not wearing them to work, to the grocery store, to run errands. Damn.

Anyway... please come and play along with the challenge! Its all about SHOES. Im giving max points to any tally gal that does one and links it to the blog. :)

A busy weekend.

Yay Wyatt! Im done with my antibiotic now so after the chaos of this weekend Im going to come snuggle you. I cant wait! :)

Its going to be a busy one. I actually need to start packing and trying on dresses. Matt has a big all weekend convention for one of his volunteer organizations (and he's in charge of half of it) Its about an hour north of us. He is already there and checked in to the hotel. I work until late late tonight and then I have to drive up. Im just hoping I get out of work before midnight so I can get a little hot tub time.

Saturday morning I get to go to a tools class my tallygal Fiskateer Sara! Its super psyched to meet her and Alicia and learn all about fiskars tools.

Other that is convention time until Sunday evening. I think Im going to take a little scrappy stuff in case I get bored. I know Matt is going to have to work most of the time (except banquet and party times) and he is the only one there I will know. *fingers crossed* I can find a few ladies to chat with :)

oh and just a hinty hint... you may want to watch Caardvarks tomorrow.

Welcome Spring

I love the way the air smells in the springtime. I love to fling open my windows and let the freshness in. The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and the grass is getting greener. There is just something about spring that makes me happy!

I got out of work super early tonight and went outside with my canvas and began to paint with bright happy colors. My creation is a little crazy (and still unfinished) but made me feel so good. My hands are still a little painty. I love it. I love being HOME in time to watch Big Brother live while I scrap. I love that I get to spend time with hubby tonight. Yes... today is an awesome day.

Last week I got to play with the springiness of the April Simply Obsessed kit. I finally got my hands on the NEW pretty pink paislee stuff. Here are a couple layouts and my "Welcome Spring" wall hanging (made out of a piece of cardboard) I cant wait to make cards with my scraps.

What a week!!

So many good things have happened to me this week and as part of my effort to be MORE POSITIVE I am going to share them.

It begin with the birth of my newest little nephew Wyatt Lee. He's an April Fools Baby. That is special because 4/1 is my late grandma's birthday. Isnt he the sweetest little guy ever? Unfortunately my mom took this photo because Im a little sick and cant go see the baby yet. I want to wait til Im done with my antibiotic.... just a few more days.

I also found out that I made the April - June Design Team at TallyScrapper (which is one of my favoritist places ever) The points are like crack.... You have to have more and you have to share(not that Ive tried crack mind you, but you get the picture) I should be recieving the vintage inspired April kit any day now. Im going to make my grandma dig out the old pictures!

Thursday I got to spend lots of time with my niece's rough housing and playing around. I love watching my husband dazzle them with his magic tricks. (yes I married an amateur magician)

On the way to my SILs house I found a cool scrapbook store. Now I'll be dragging Matt in there everytime we go over.

Then I found out that this layout <---- won the Glitz designs contest over at Create My Keepsake. I am getting this ginormous pile of glitz gorgeousness! I seriouly cant wait! It had lots of frosting and a rollerdoodle!

Other than work this is been one awesome week! Here's hoping next week is 1/2 as good :)

My Monday Night...

Its almost 5am and I just got home!

At 9:30 pm my mom and I were cropping away when our phones started ringing. Mindy's water broke (my SIL). At that point we dropped our scissors and said goodbye to the guests and started calling the phone chains.

By 10:00 we were off to the hospital. My mom is already crazy tired and all we'd eaten for dinner was chocolate and sun chips. We manage to find our way around the hospital late at night and find my lil sis and other brother already waiting. She was still in triage so we had to wait.

After another hour we got to go in 2x2 and visit for a bit. She just wasn't dialting. At 2am they gave her the drug to give it a push. By this time Im dying with cramps and my mom is looking mighty tired. She'd been up for almost 24 hours.

At 4 my brother comes out and tells us the nurse says he'll probably come between 8-10am. At this point my mom had to go home and get a little sleep. If she didnt I was going to make her anyway. I drove the 45 minutes home to do the same.

Now Im up wired from all the caffiene I chugged earlier and so wishing I was kissing my sweet little nephew's chubby cheeks! But NO... he has to be like his daddy and take his sweet a$$ time with things. hehehe

Here's to hoping Im and Aunti when I wake up :)

Here are the 3 layouts I finished before our crop was interrupted....The 2 here at the bottom use the March kit from TallyScrapper.

All things buzzy and purple

Late last night while my husband was sleeping I was in my scraproom creating with the beautiful Pink Paislee kit from Simply Obsessed and flipping thru the tv.

I came across an infomercial. Normally I change the channel, but this wasnt any ordinary infomercial.... and if you are easily offended please dont read any further.....

This one was selling *cough* Vibrators.... Seriously. Not a joke. It was either on Oxygen or the WE channel (I cant remember). I just started at it dumbfounded for a minute... like is this for reals? Who buys one of those things from the television in the middle of the night? I mean I know people buy them. Ive bought one in college (sorry Mom) but from the TV?? At 3am? Yikes!

I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants. I almost woke Matt up and made him look, but I really didnt want a grumpy hubby today. Please tell me Im not the only person who has ever seen this!! It was hysterical.

Today is MICRO day at Caardvarks. You girls know what that means... You only have 1 day for your chance at the prize! Get your purple shmurple cards in before midnight tomorrow. If you are new to Caardvarks... you must go over... iof only to see Lauren's Purple People eater card. (and yes Im singing it too Lauren) Here are mine:

Hoppy Easter!

Happy Happy Easter. (yes Im a few days late) Its been crazy around here. Im working overtime due to March Madness Basketball but I still managed to have a fun holiday with family.

I actually didnt feel rushed this year. We always go 4 places because both of our parents are divorced. (and drive too much) I made it thru the entire day on 3 hours of sleep. I was out the moment I hit the chair in my living room. At 10pm. That is like a normal person falling asleep at 4pm for the night.

I have managed to squeeze in scrapping to the wee hours of night a few times this week. It stinks not having my normal day off (where I get to scrap/clean most of the day) The extra $$ is good though. It means I can can buy some new stuff. :) Here are a few of my recent layouts :)



Road Sign stamp (stop sign) is Penguin Press.

oh and my super funky Caardvarks fruits & veggies card! Check out the blog for our most recent spotlight Rae Brathel.

Oh and watch for a micro soon!

Happy St Patty's Day

Happy St Patty's Day! This is one of the craziest days in my world. Being a bartender I have to be the sober voice of reason. Most days that isnt a problem... but St. Patty's day.... well... Its a whole other animal. Perfectly respectable normal people go completely wild and irrational. I will probably be sworn out at least 5 times for cutting people off. I end of going home angry and tired with green stained fingers and a pretty full wallet. If I make a good amount Im seriously splurging!

In honor of St Patty's Im going to give you a drink recipe! These shots are green and really yummy!

Scooby Snacks
1 oz Midori Melon liquer
1 oz Malibu Coconut rum
1/2 oz Pineapple juice
1 squirt of Redi Whip

Pour all over ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into 2 shot glasses or take it all yourself.

Its also time for a new Category Stories challenge. This one's theme is "If I had a million dollars" I cant help but sing the Bare Naked Ladies every time I think of it (havent you always wanted a mon-key?)

I used a real $$ bill for my photo because well... I couldnt think of what else to use. lol

This awesome challenge is sponsored by Kitty Robot etsy shop. Jodie seriously makes the cutest sculpy buttons and bits for your pages. I think the winner gets one of her rockin kits. Ive got to figure out Austrailian time to EST so I can make sure I get one.

I also found out I won a rak at SIStv yesterday. I won the coolest Skullie stamp from Angie Delarie Stamps She makes unique and edgy acrylic stamps. Check her out. She had lots of fun sets in her etsy shop.

Stamps & Snow

Its a blizzard around here. Im buried in snow. Its been a long time since Ive seen snow banks as tall as me. (Im 5'10) It reminded me of my childhood. It had snowed so much we couldnt leave the house on Saturday or 1/2 of today. Our lot wasnt plowed and we couldnt get the car out.(believe me, we tried) I lucked out that work called and told me I didnt have to come in because I would have had to walk. I swear we got at least 20" of snow. I loved it. :) It was beautiful to watch it fall.

Of course getting snowed in is a good thing. I got to spend some romantic time with my guy and I got to play a bit in my scraproom. The other day I got a caardvarks envelope with 3 darling sets of Penguin pants stamps and Ive been stamping myself silly ever since. I just cant get enough of these. Now I wont show you the card I made for the fabulous upcoming caardvarks challenge, but I will show you some of the other things I made with these fabulous stamps.



Do you want a chance to win a Big RAK?? and help children with Autism?? My girl Christine is working hard and raising money for Autism Speaks. Stop by her blog and check out her giveaway!! She will draw the winner on April 1st so you have plenty of time :)

Election Day

I voted today. I dont know why it is really, but voting makes me happy. It makes me feel like an American and very grateful that Im given the opportunity. Ive always been interested in politics. It was even my major in college. I love watching election coverage too. Although I didnt get to watch much tonight due to a power outage.

There is a huge ice storm going thru the area. Its super windy and cold. There have been many power outages today. There were several polling locations that were rushed generators so they could keep the machine up and running. I was only without power for a little over an hour. I spent the time stamping with my headlight on and surrounded with tap lights.

The DT projects and newsletter went up for Simply obsessed today! I am in love with this kit. When I first got it I was quite intimidated with the brightness of the Tinkering Ink Wild Woodland, but the more I played with the papers to more I absolutely loved what I was creating. They are so vibrant and fun. I used a Slick writer to add definition to the KI chipboard. I also used the ribbon add on (that black ruffly stuff is worth the $ alone!!)

Speaking of Simply Obsessed... we are having a March Madness crop March 14th-16th. Come join us for lots of challenges, prizes and games. I'll be hosting Sunday at 1pm. :)

Here are a few cards I created with the kit. The last one is for the Caardvarks Caard Trip challenge! Come check it out!

Marching on

I seriously cant believe its March already! Before I know it spring will be here! (which is really hard to imagine at the moment considering the 7 inches of show on the ground and the frigid temperatures)

I love spring. I love watching the tulips and daffodils poke their way thru the dirt. I cant wait til I have a yard and can plant then and watch every year. Downtown living is awesome, but I miss the little things... like the dirt.

Some fun news! I have joined the fabulous Category Stories challenge blog. Have you seen the lineup of funky fabulous scrappers they have here including 3 of the NEW SIStv fashionistas! Im so honored to get to play with them. Check out the new challenge Best Day Ever over at the blog.


Its alsoCaardvarks micro time! *** picture that with me singing and dancing like peanut butter jelly time***
You gals know the drill... these are fast & furious. Make sure you get your cards in before tomorrow night! The winner is getting some of the super cute stamps from Penguin Pants and let me tell you... they are super high quality acrylic and they are totally cute. There are so many on my wish list. (because a girl can never have too many stamps)