Wow! My layout was on the O'Scraps newsletter

I have to admit that I do get a thrill when one of my layouts get some kind of recognition. Now, it doesn't always happen, but when it does...such a great surprise. So can you just imagine when I'm opening my O'Scraps newsletter and I see my layout along with two others on the front???? I was over the moon. I admit to scrapping just for myself, but WOW!!!! The layout featured is my layout of the day here on my blog. I just LOVE it. You can check out my O'Scraps gallery HERE.

Other happenings. Hmmmm...been relatively quiet, but the days have been beautiful here. Right now it is 62 degrees and just lovely. I've felt so tired from all the fresh air. My son absolutely loves being outside so needless to say he's been a very busy bee lately. Heck, he'd rather have bubbles than a regular toy. I'll take that any day.

I do have another item going into the shop on Monday. So I have my Descriptive Words and my Colorific Sticky Bits. They'll be on sale for 20% off on Monday so take advantage of that sale.

Nothing much else for today. Lots of playing outside, birthdays, baby's being born (congrats to my sister-in-law and baby Ben), bubbles, Family Fun Fairs, grilling outside (yummy pork tenderloin tonigt).

Oh, I do have my spring/summer boyfriend back. I have a red cardinal that sings to me and whistle back. Poor thing is in love and I just string him along. It's pretty funny because my son calls him my boyfriend too.

Lastly, my son tells me, "Mommy, I don't love you one time, or two, or three. I love you a million times." How sweet is that? My little cuddle bunny:)

American Idol and schtuff

I am in such a good mood because it is such a lovely day today. It's 72 degrees in the Chicagoland area and I am loving it!!!

So what else put me in a good mood...American Idol. I was really worried about Mariah Carey week, but dang!! those guys just did great. The ladies...eh. David Cook keeps getting better and better. That man keeps getting hotter and hotter. Such a showman...he will definitely be a star. If you haven't seen David Cook's performance you have to check this out.



I am loving Jason Castro too because he's not afraid to change a song to suit him.

1. What's going on: My son will be "graduating" from pre-school in a month. Just too freaky. He was a baby not so long ago and now he's into Lego's *sigh* my baby is growing up.

2. What I have coming *new product* - I am just loving descriptive words so I made some plain ones to go into Sophia Sarducci on Monday.

3. Favorite Product....Ok, I play no favorites. If I like it, I like it.

Check this out from Leora Sanford....funky and cool


All of her Apron Strings are winners.

I also picked this up from http://www.wearestorytellers.net/boutique/product.php?productid=16331&cat=258&page=2


4. Song I'm in to: I have two actually....

Paddy Casey's "Fear" I heard him on David Letterman and just loved it. Letterman has the best new musicians out there.
http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/live/index/php/950892.phtml?play=1


AND I am loving Madonna and Justin Timberlake's "4 Minutes"


5. Three favorite things:

-Febreeze Vanilla Lavender scent
-green grass
-funky vintage


6. Favorite Sites

Right now I am into www.cnn.com because I have become a political junkie. I feel lucky that I live in a country where I can vote. So all you US residents that are not registered, go and register today. Your vote does matter.


Peace Out!

What IS my problem???

I have to admit to totally not doing this blog. I mean, really, how hard is it?!?!?!? It's just taking time and doing it. So here I am doing. I'm working on a freebie for my blog. Hopefully that will be sometime this week :).

Some news, Christina Renee did disband her team. Then she asked me to stay on as a Creative Partner. What is so great is that CR is letting us link to our stores, blogs, etc. plus we get to write articles, tutorials, post freebies and more at Authentic Artistry. People can bash her all they want, but she has helped me as a designer and is so helpful. Also, she'll tell you like it is. Don't get the hatin' on her, but that's those peoples problem. Life is way to short to worry about crap like that.

I hope to have two new things at Sophia Sarducci next week, but I won't have anything tomorrow. My son had spring break and he was with his dad sooooo mom got a little break and I didn't worry about anything else. Woo hoo! I've been so inspired lately by clean graphics AND old, vintagey stuff. What the heck?!?!?! LOL Now, I just have to fit them in together. :)

April 10th new The Office episodes. Yes, I'm doing a happy dance. Just a bit more to keep me going until fall. Saw The Other Boleyn Girl which was good, but depressing too. Lots of good previews though. On my list to see:

Sex and the City
Mama Mia
new Patrick Dempsey movie too

I'll be coming on this week to show some really great stuff that I've found along with some great stuff from the designers I CT from.

Peace Out!

Spring, Lace, Jewels and ooops forgot!!!

Boy oh boy am I ready for spring. I just got my cold back and now I have no voice. Ugh! I want 60 degrees, green grass, hyacinth blooming, kids playing outside....no more gray snow, cold, snow blowers or scarves. It's seems the older I get them more I want winter to end and spring to start. Is it spring fever or am I becoming an old fart, or both?


As you know I love all my CT's. This month I am lucky enough to have been asked by Rachel Young of Funky Playground Designs to be on her CT for March. It just amazes me how great these designers are. Each one brings something different, but so lovely. Since we are on the subject of CT's ;) Christina Renee is having a fabulous sale. She's basically clearing out the old stuff in order to get the new stuff out there. In fact, lots of stuff will be gone forever so grab it now. Her new stuff is just starting to come into the store. She now has:



Lace-Worn & Torn. Fabulous ripped, worn, tattered lovely goodies. So pretty and I used them on a boy layout so it can be done :)



Treasured Jewels. Just great vintage goodies. I used them on a layout of Hampton Court. The vintage goodness goes perfectly with my layout.


Christina has a bunch more stuff to come so keep your eyes open.




I have a freebie, but here's the thing LOL. This was supposed to be for Valentine's Day, but I forgot about it. It is pretty basic. Lots of transparency hearts and a broken, black heart for when love just stinks. You can grab it HERE.


So what else....Top Chef starts tonight. Woo hoo! I just love that Tom Colicchio. What can I say? American Idol. Could Kristy Lee have sung that song any worse? No. Prediction...she's outta there. Have you seen the preview for "Leatherheads" with George Clooney (yummy), Renee Zellwegger and the the equally scrumptious John Krasinski from The Office? Looks pretty cute. Hmmmm....I'm on Facebook now. Pretty cool and I honestly like it more than My Space. I think that's about it. I promise to do this more. I'm just sick of being sick.



Oh!!!! Here' a new favorite of mine. These bobby pins by Mira Designs @ Scraphead are just toooo cute.

Later gator!!!

Bad blogger...bad!!!! and Happy Birthday

I have not been in the mood to blog or design. How bad is that? Sometimes the stuff just flows, but not lately. I'm trying to kick my butt into gear. Argh! BUT I have been all about scrapping lately. I've been so inspired by some great stuff coming out.


Oh my gosh! Lovely stuff out there. I am just in love with {we are } Storytellers. Great stuff. Great site. Just look at some of this stuff:








Go check out this site. The best part is the stories section and then education. They tell you how they do what they do. Awesome tips.

Also, check out Holliewood Studios newest kit. This kit is absolutely fabulous!!!!!!



One last shout out. I just love Natali Designs basics. They are just fabulous. I am now in love with her Chains. Check this out.





This is going to be a short blog LOL. Lastly, I just want to say Happy Birthday to my little boy. I can't believe he's five years old. The time goes by waaaayyyy too quickly. Mwah baby!!

get your lighters out....."FREEEEEE bird"

Ok, mine's out and lit because I have a new freebie for everyone. I just LOVE Adobe Lightroom. You can have fantastic photos in just a couple clicks. My new freebie is Cloudy Day Brighten Presets. How did I come to think of these presets???? Welllllll, I'm still working on my UK layouts and I've had great pictures that lost their vitality because it was a windy, cloudy day. The hero of the day....Adobe Lightroom! These presets give a punch of brightness and just makes the photo.


HERE is the link to the Freebie....enjoy!



1. What's going on:

I had parent teacher conferences today. My son is only four and in preschool, but yes, he is brilliant. LOLOLOL Actually, he IS doing fantastic and they highly recommend an all day preschool instead of a half day. BUT my son is still a boy....case in point:

"Mommy. Here's a booger."
"Billy!! Go get a kleenex and throw that booger away."
"That's ok Mommy. I just put it back in my nose."

BWAAAAAHHHH!!! Gross, but oh so boyish.

What else??? Getting over my second flu go around. Aches, stomach pains, etc. Hit the whole family too. Grrr. But at least it's done in 48 hours. Feel a cold coming on though. We're a bunch of sickies here.


2. What I have in new product:

I have a BUNCH of new things coming next week:

HUGE frames. Literally 12 x 12, 8.5 x 11, 8 x 8. I love frames!!!
aged and grungy photo masks
Lil' Diva Mini kit that will coordinate with A Boy Named Trouble kit
mini black paper alpha
round circle white and black alpha
paint mats

I'm also retiring a bunch of stuff from my store. It'll be 50% off and then gone! Making room for new stuff.


3. Favorite Product:

I am in love with Ah! Designs Bracket Frames. Just Awesome!!!!


4. Song I'm in to:

Lately I keep playing Travis's "Sing". Just a great song. Plus, Jim and Pam from The Office sway to the song.

Keep an eye on this singer. Adele has a FANTASTIC voice.


5. Three favorite things:

aqua and red color combo
Curel lotion
Dove hand soap...the thick stuff is great


6. Favorite sites

I'm just loving good old You Tube.

It's Saturday

This won't be that long of a post, but I've got to keep up with blogging LOL.

Crazy week this week:

-lunch with my ex-in-law's who I just adore!!! Wonderful people who still make me feel like family
-field trip for my little guy. Their class went to Petland and I was informed that he wanted another dog. Ummmmm...not with a huge dog and six cats.
-trying to get those things out of the corners etc. So hard with a four year old boy with stuff all over.
-designing stuff....most will be out Feb. 4th
-staying off Hello a bit. It's so much easier to do things around the house. I'm soooo chatty that I have to do this LOL

Curious to see who wins today in the South Carolina primary (go Barack). A very interesting political year.

May go to the Florida Keys with my internet pals. We've been friends for a year and half (a group of 6 of us) and we met up last year and had a fabulous time. If I've got the money I'm going. Sun, water and booze...a good combo.

I just love my Project Runway. Personally, I thought Rami should have won this past week. Ricky's dress was cute, but Rami's just had imagination.


More next time :)

Life is good :) I'm a Little Dreamer Dream Girl

Yipeee!!! I am a Little Dreamer Dream Girl. I just cannot believe it. I have to thank the wonderful Leora Sanford for putting my name out there. This is one of the BEST gigs in digiland. I'm truly lucky for all my teams. Big shout out to Christina, Hollie and Shady. You ladies always inspire me with your fantastic designs.


1. What's going on:

Well, besides my Little Dreamer gig...my son is with my ex for four days. Kind of nice having a bit of a break. I miss him like crazy after three days, but it's still nice having that time off.

It's funny. I have made more friends on the internet. It's crazy. My Most Haunted Forum friends (we don't watch the show, but we still talk)talk almost everyday. We actually met in Philly last May and we got on soooo well. It was great meeting my forum friends. This year we're planning to meet up in Key West. Friends, water, waves and booze...ah perfection! Seriously, shout out to my pals: Sue, Traci, Karen, Siobhan, and Jackie. Cheers!

Yesterday, my OTHER internet friend Mimi aka Meems met up with the kids at Pump it Up. My son knew no one, but made friends quickly. He's a friendly little guy. Mimi, she good people, and the kids had a blast. Hmmmm...maybe a Pump it Up kit.

I'm really looking forward to Feb. 5th. That's primary day here in Illinois. Got my voting card and it's burning a hole in my pocket.

Lastly, I'm still loving my Sherrilyn Kenyon books. Fun, fast reads. :)


2. What new product do I have:

I'm working on some stuff, but for now, I have a freebie. Yep a freebie. I have had these on my hard drive. They're kind of simple, but I like them: Black Glitzy Grids. Get them HERE.


3. Favorite product:


I've just been into actions lately. I really want the ones from Nichole V., but we'll see


4. Song I'm in to:

Very sad, but I like Blake Lewis's "Break Anotha" :)


5. Favorite things:

Target Shutterfly books
grunge fonts
aqua and brown

6. Favorite sites:

For inspiration:
I love Studio Calico's gallery. Lovely stuff.

Note to self...Never do two kits back to back

1. What's going on:

Welllllll, stupid me decided on doing two kits at the same time. Am I crazy????????? I do have to say that I love them both. The firs is my Bohemian Bliss kit.


I LOVE it. It's got yellow, pink, orange, green and brown. Lots of elements, cool papers and I am in love. This will go into the Sophia Sarducci store on Monday. Love the preview and not everything is in there.

Next, I did a boy kit. I've wanted to do one forever. My son is such a goofy, dirty, know it all lololol that I just had to do a kit based on him. I think it turned out soooo great. Great boy colors: light blue, blue, red, green and yellow. Fun and again, tons of elements with great papers. Both previews are above.


2. What I have new:

See above :)


3. Favorite product:

Right now I am on such a Leora Sanford kick at Little Dreamer. Her stuff is awesome and she is so underrated. Love her stuff.


4. Song I'm in to:

I'm liking that song by Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day . The video streams on their site. Not happy and violent FYI


5. Three favorite things:

Craig Ferguson on CBS
Sherrilyn Kenyon books still....the year of Acheron :)
Alex O'Laughlin on Moonlight. Yummy!


6. Sites I like:

Jenni Bowlin's blog
Jamie Walters blog...man can that girl scrap
Again, Kirsty Wiseman's blog. Funny and I love the UK lingo


Hopefully a freebie coming soon.

Finally recovered from Christmas

1. What's going on:

I am almost recovered from Christmas LOL. If I had to read one more set of directions I think I would have snapped. At least Leapster, which was the favorite, did not have any little pieces. Never again will I get a Spongebob Lego set (actually from my friend) for any kid until they can do it themselves. It took over 3 hours to put together. Yuck.

I got a new winter coat, scarf, hat and a Barnes and Noble gift card, already used ;), for Christmas. Though my iPod nano was part of my gift too. It really was a good Christmas. My son just loves his Leapster and the game Don't Break the Ice. Too cute.


2. What I have - New Product

Check out Monday. I have New Year's papers coming up. :) more stuff too.


3. Favorite Product:

I am just loving the Jolly Jingle kit at Little Dreamer. I got it on sale SCORE!!!!


4. Song I'm Into:

I love, love, love Rogue Wave's Lake Michigan.


5. Three favorite things:

1) You Tube
2) BBC News
3) the color green


6. Favorite sites:

Just Yankee Candle today

I REALLY should be wrapping presents AND another freebie

It's Christmas Eve and I'm just lounging so far today. My son is with my ex-husband so I won't see him until tonight. The house is almost completely clean. The only thing left are the floors and my room, but the dog will be in there ;) locked up. Lastly, presents. Usually I do the elaborately wrapped presents until I realized last year that my son doesn't even care if a bow is on there so why do all that stuff. PLUS, it makes life a whole bunch easier.

Christmas is going to be very small. After my grandmother passed away two years ago, the glue to the foundation of the family kind of fell apart. Instead of a huge Christmas, everyone is with their immediate family. It's kind of nice to have relaxed Chrismas' now, but chaos was fun too.

Now for my freebie. I'm just in a giving mood. I've had these stars sitting there and I figured I'll just give them away. You get these stars **link expired**. Please enjoy!!!

No six points today, just free association:

Christmas...presents are great, but it's the spirit of Christmas and celebrating the birth of Jesus. :) Presents are an added bonus.

My Chicago Bears....winning against the Packers WAS great, but win all the time grrrrr

to all my internet friends....Merry Christmas. Even though I haven't me a bulk of you, I still consider you my friends.

I cannot wait to see my sons reaction to what he's getting for Christmas. It really does get better as they get older.

My cold is better. Phlegm though...ick!!

Christmas dinner....just give me sweet potatoes, stuffing, rolls and cranberry sauce and I'm a happy girl.

Life is good. I'm alive. I have roof over my head and I have a laptop. Life is good.

Doesn't the smile of a child just warm up your heart? It does mine.

I need more scrap paper. I'm in real need of some more :).

I want to travel more: London, Paris, New York, San Francisco, Italy....

Christmas Spirit

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!

I really am feeling the Christmas spirit so today I've been working on some freebies. :) I am going to try and give one out for the next couple days. Today I have some Shaped Grunge Masks. These are so fun to use and so versatile. I have others in my shop at Sophia Sarducci, but these...I love the heart and the bird. You can pick them up **link expired**


1. What's going on:

Wellllll, my head cold is better. I can finally breathe after three days. Good gravy I hate a cold. Today, I've been scrapping, designing, and cleaning most of the day. It's amazing how dirty a mirror can get in one day with a four year old boy in the house. :) I've been trying to find my design groove. I have to admit I'm eclectic and go with it. I like so many styles so why pigeon hold myself???


2. What I have - new product

Two cool items coming in the store Monday. A basic and one "precious". You'll have to see for yourself :).


3. Favorite Product

I'm REALLY into red and green Christmas stuff right now. So I am in LOVE with Kate Hadfield's Santa Doodles at The Lily Pad. Just gorgeous!!!!


4. Song I'm in to:

Somebody to Love - George Michael and Queen.....just a great song
Drivin' Me Wild - Common w/ Lily Allen


5. Favorite Things:

1) Haagen Daz's Sticky Toffee Pudding Ice Cream
2) basic scrapping stuff
3) flourishes


6. Favorite sites:

www.foodnetwork.com
www.bravotv.com good blogs there
My pal Barb's blog...fun read

Vicious Head Cold Ho Ho Ho

1. What's going on:

Well, I have a terrible head cold. I can't breathe, my nose is STILL dripping and sneezing all the time. I only hope that it will be gone by Christmas because I definitely don't want to deal with this NOW..grrrrr. Why does this happen before big holidays???? Other than that, I'm hanging in there.

Yesterday I actually got to scrap and design. More design stuff below :). Sometimes my creative juices get going and I can scrap like nobody's business. I did two layouts that I just love. The one I forgot my shadows because I have to think about breathing with this cold and not shadows LOL.


2. What I have - new product:

I was on a tear this week. I have paper flourishes and basic backgrounds that will be in the store on Monday. Love these.


3. Favorite product:

right now I'm into any kind of papers. the paper makes the layout.


4. Song I'm in to:

Apologize by Timbaland
When You Say Nothing At All by Ronan Keating (Notting Hill)


5. Favorite things:

1) Rice Krispie Treats
2) holly
3) Christmas Spirit


6. Favorite Sites

nothing comes to mind today because I feel like I'm in a fog today LOLOLOL

Closer to the holidays

1. What's going on....

It's all craziness for the season...i.e. family Christmas, friends Christmas, Santa, gingerbread houses to be built, presents to be wrapped and so much more. So needless to say my life is on fast forward for now.

I've also decided to not be on the computer as much. It's not easy, but what' more important a. what's newest on the internet, etc. or my four year old son. Son by a long shot. I'm still designing, doing layouts for my teams etc., but slowing down the internet time.


2. New Product

I have a new kit called The Queen's Jewels in the store at Sophia Sarducci today. My CT girls were saying how much they like rich, deep colors so here you go. :) Preview is above.


3. Favorite product

I just love Christina Renee's new Abused Film Borders. I just LOVE brushes and frames so the best of both worlds for me. check them out HERE.


4. Song I'm into:

Right now I just love One Republic's "Apologize" with Timbaland. Does Timbaland have the midas touch or what? Heard the song he did with Madonna. Just awesome.


5. Favorite things:

1) Coca Cola Vanilla Zero
2) iTunes
3) ankle slippers because my feet are always cold


6. Favorite Sites

Colour Lovers...gets my design mojo going

Thesauraus.com....great to get coordinating words

Gutters, Colds and Word Art...oh my!

What can I say??? It's been a crappy week so far. Let see first the furnace on Sunday. Then on Tuesday the ice in the gutter started to bring down the gutter...on top of the electric wires. So while it's raining and cold we had to fix it. Then today, complete congestion and my sinuses feel like they are going to blow up. ARgh!!! I'm just hoping it gets better before Christmas. That's my "what's going on".

2. What I have ...new product.

I have some Word Art that I just love. It was inspired by my pal Catherine aka Chud23. Take a look above.


3. Favorite product

I am really liking anything by Jofia at The Digi Chick. Take a look at that too.


4. Song I'm in to....

I'm going old school and picking Depeche Mode's "Stripped". Love it still.


5. Favorite things

1) Again, Julie Garwood books, but the modern ones.
2) antique tin tiles
3) McDonald's Cinnamon bun things....awesomely good


6. Favorite Sites

I really like The Drudge Report for all my news.