Happy Friday

I am so glad it is Friday.  Tomorrow is National Scrapbook Day and I am really hoping that the family allows me some uninterrupted time to play.

I did manage a bit of play earlier this week, but since I have cut back on my responsibilities..... It just seems I haven't had as much time to create.

I wanted to share with you a few cards and a layout I did using the last of my Bouquet kit from Catch the Moments Kits.

The first two cards I made using sketches over at Sassy Lil Card Sketches.  With Cheri's help, I will become a card maker yet.  lol

 Some of my favorite things on these two cards....flowers, lace, dyed seam binding and pink!  lol

And here is Ainsley with all the hair pretties.  She is such a goof!  And with that long hair, she sure can pack those hair clips on.  hee hee  I used a sketch from my good friend Heather.  You should totally check her out if you get a chance.

I can't believe how many projects I was able to make with this kit.  I really enjoyed working with Devon and am going to miss her great kits.

Well, Hope you have a great weekend!!!!!

Hugs.

Nancy

It's Official

Catch the Moments Kits is closing.  Devon has some upcoming life changes (congrats are definitely in order) and has decided that maintaining the store is just too much.  That said, everything is on sale!  So be sure and check out what is going on over at her blog!

Best wishes to Devon.

Hugs.

Nancy

Friday

It is still crazy busy around here.  Lots going on with cabana season rapidly approaching, testing, school.  Ainsley is doing a bit better getting her work done.  But it is hard going and she just flat out refuses some days.  How do teachers do it?  Dang...how did I do it with the other two.  It isn't like I have never schooled a 9 year old before...heck, I have been doing this for 9 years....

Anyway, on to bigger...better and brighter.  A few new projects with Echo Park papers.

This first one is using the For the Record papers that are available at Catch the Moments kits.  I really loved the colors and patterns in this collection.  They are a little less geometric than other collections I have played with and even have a bit of distressing.  Right now you can get this kit for only $12.95!  What a great price.

I have had this photo of Ainsley and some swim friends on my desk since last summer.  It was taken at the cabana club the night of the overnighter.  Not sure if I should have pulled it out afterall as thinking of the overnighter...staying up all night chaperoning, dealing with...well...100+ children all night and then cleaning up the mess...... But such a cute photo and the new Playground papers were perfect.  I mixed in some Ruby Rocket chipboard, my favorite Thickers, a felt from Basic Grey. That blue flower???? it was made from a doodlebug paper frill.    This was one of my sample pages over on Ideas for Scrapbookers for layouts with no squares or rectangles.

Well, lots to do this weekend.  Fun stuff.  I can't believe it, but Phil and I are going out, the two of us...on a date...with another couple we know.  This will be the second time this week we have gone on a date!  We went to a friends vintage release dinner Wednesday and now this tomorrow.  Amazing huh.  lol  And I have tickets to tonights ballet.  Woo hoo!!!!  Adult stuff.  hee hee

For now though...back to the children and the housework.

Hugs.

Nancy

So Much Going on Today

Hi everyone!  I am back!!!  And I just had to share a few more things that are going on today.

The first one is that it is reveal day over in Sassy Land!  Yep, there is a new layout sketch and a fabulous card sketch.  Be sure and check them out for your chance at some great prizes!

Also, over in Catch the Moments news.....So many new, gorgeous things are coming in from Winter CHA!  Not only the new Crate Paper, but today gorgeous new kits with Basic Grey!

Hello Luscious

Life of the Party

You don't want to miss out on these great products at great prices!

Well, be back tomorrow with a few projects.

Hugs.

Nancy

Won't You Be Mine?

I recently received the beautiful Be Mine kit from Catch the Moments Kits, and let me just say I am in love with these Sassafras Papers.  I know that they were originally a Valentine line, but the colors were just so fun and festive I couldn't resist using them for these photos of 2 of my favorite girls, my niece Lili and Mackenzie...sorry Ainsley, not today.  hee hee  

I mixed and matched the fun edge strips from the different papers to add interest to the page.  The first adding a border and the second became my rosette.  I added some buttons from the "Love" kit, one of the stickers from the Be Mine add on, and a few older felt embellishments I had in my stash.  I tied it all together with a bit of machine stitching.

I loved the patterns in these papers and was just heartbroken to cover the beautiful designs.  So, I cut the centers out of my papers to save for later.  This is a great way to stretch your paper dollar.  I again used some buttons from the "Love" collection and this time some "Merry" Thickers.

And finally, because I loved the pink floral paper so much I made this little card with a bit of the scraps and a handmade flower. 

I hope you can find some inspiration today.

Hugs.

Nancy

Fun Friday!

Hooray for Fridays!  And this one is extra special because I am headed out to a scrap book class at my lss.  I can't even remember the last time I took a class at the store.  The last time I took any class what at CHA over a year ago.  And this class is taught by Marion Smith, whose work I love and adore!  I am totally excited.

Of course, before I head out, I wanted to share a few projects with you...and also show you a kit I just got from Catch the Moments.  I hope to play with it this weekend.

Isn't this kit adorable?  This is the Bouquet Kit from Catch the Moments Kits.  And it is just gorgeous.   You know I had to get the kit with all the add ons.  hee hee 

And here are a few layouts I have been working on.  Ainsley, when she was 3, playing dress up.  We have her as Harry Potter and a magician.  You wouldn't believe the box of dress up clothes my children had. 

Echo Park- Walk in the Park patterned papers and stickers, American Crafts rosette and alphabet.

And here is Ainsley, learning to sew.  She really enjoys using the machine and is getting quite good at it.  

My Minds Eye-Quite Contrary patterned papers, Cosmo Cricket - Material Girl cut outs, Prima flowers, American Crafts Alphabet

Well, off to the ballet, and then my class.  Hope you have a great weekend.

Hugs.

Nancy

Hooray for Friday!!!

Yep, it is Friday and I should have some time to play this weekend...and I should be getting a box of yummy Prima goodies today!  So, who cares that it is cold (mid 50s) and raining.  I will lose myself in the beauty of my new goodies!  lol

Speaking of new goodies...Did you see this over at Catch the Moments Kits?  Love!  Can't wait to get my hands on it.

And I guess some other people are with me because Devon said she has already sold quite a few.  If you love this as much as I do, you may want to hop right over and take a peek.  Filled with yummy Stella and Rose papers and goodies from American Crafts.  There are even Prima flowers in the add ons (which you know I had to have).

So, with lots of Prima and kits and yummies on their way I am a most happy girl.  You know what else makes me happy?

These....

I made this layout with the last of my big sheets of my Scraptastic Boys Will be Boys Kit.  And yep, not a boy in sight on this one.  lol  Why should boys have all the fun with these fun bright patterns?  They were perfect for Ainsley and her chocolate covered strawberries.

Echo Park Patterned papers, prima and Maya Road flowers, American Crafts and Pink Paislee alphas, Webster's Pages Eyelet trim.

Here I mixed a bit more Echo Park paper, this time from Wintertime, with some Bo Bunny.  Mackenzie was having such a good time on the tubing hill.

Echo Park patterned paper, Bo Bunny die cut paper and embellishments.  Making Memories alpha

Well, there is a have finished project on my desk (Your Memories Here) and the children need help with their work.  I need more coffee...and with this cold and rain, I see chicken noodle soup in my future.

Until then....

Hugs.

Nancy

Thursday means....

Well, that besides my life being crazy, it is my day to post over at Catch the Moments Kits.

I have two layouts today made with the fabulous grab bags that Devon has available at the Catch the Moments.  These grab bags are such a great deal.  Less than 50 cents per sheet and such a gorgeous selection of American Crafts paper.  You can even request certain lines.  These are from the Dear Lizzy Enchanted.

First up, Mackenzie.  I used lots of flowers and pearls to highlight my photo.  This is her waiting to see Woody at the California Adventure Park just a few months ago.  Why is it that waiting doesn't seem to be so bad when you are at Disney?

 

For this layout, I decided to really let the photos and the papers shine!  My adorable niece.  Ainsley gave Lili and older baby doll and carrier.  Lili just adores it!  She has such a good time carrying the baby around and will even share the occasional bottle.  hee hee

Well, off to my crazy busy life.

Hugs.

Nancy

Valentine's Day, Already?

It is hard to believe that 2011 ins't just upon us, but it is already February!  Tomorrow is Groundhog's Day and I know that many of you are desperately hoping the little guy predicts spring!  I can't imagine how many of you deal with those icy temperatures.  I know I am cold when it dips down into the 50s.  hee hee

Oh yeah...Valentine's Day.  I have been working on a few cards and other goodies for my little darlings and thought that I would share.  Please forgive me....I am not a card maker.  Any helpful hints on taking photos of these in the future would be greatly appreciated.

I made the card and the little tin for Ainsley using some papers from the Catch the Moments Grab bag.  The tin is holding some small treasures she received for Christmas.

American Crafts Dear Lizzy papers, letters, brad and trims.  Maya Road Trinket Pins. Prima Marketing flowers

This card I made with a sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches.  I think I will be sharing this one with Mackenzie.  I also used some of the grab bag papers here.

American Crafts and Fancy pants patterned papers, Twisted Papers vintage image, Prima Marketing flower, Websters Pages trim

Well, I need to get some more cards made...this time for the men in my life.  And maybe a few other projects.

Stay warm and safe.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Hump Day

It is another gorgeous day today.  Do you think the weather has anything to do with the children not wanting to do their school work?  Spring Fever in January perhaps?

Well, that's ok, I will make it work.  We did manage to get everything and then some done yesterday, it is just slow going.  sigh

Enough about me....How about some projects?

I recently was cruising through my photos and came across this one of Mackenzie when she was 5.  She still shoots me that look occasionally.  hee hee....My fellow IFS artist Cathy designed the sketch...it was so cute.  I busted out the Cricut for the mushrooms and some ancient Prima flowers.  The Cosmo Cricket paper usually isn't my style, but I just loved the colors...and I think the style may be changing...becoming a bit more simple perhaps?  hmmmmmm

Cosmo Cricket patterned papers, Bazzil Basics cardstock, American Crafts Thickers, Prima Marketing flowers.

Brighton was one of the ones who was just to die to make holiday cookies.  Of course, when the time came, he really couldn't be bothered to focus on the task at hand.  lol  He is watching TV and listening to his iPod.   I used a Pagemaps sketch for this one.  I love sketches....have I mentioned that before?  hee hee

Bazzil Basics cardstock, Echo Park patterned papers and stickers, Paper Bliss layered embellishments.

And finally, Mackenzie working on cookies.  This is another Pagemaps sketch and a layout I really struggled with.  I love the colors from the Catch the Moments kit.  And I really liked the sketch.  The problem was...so much white space.  I still just can't get used to it.  I guess it is an acquired taste?

Bazzil Basics cardstock, Basic Grey patterned paper and flowers, American Crafts Thickers, Prima small resin rose, Unknown trim.

I have a few more things done or in the works...but nothing to share yet since it is DT work.  Speaking of DT work, guess I should go get busy!  Reveal day at Sassy Lil' Sketches on Friday...Catch the Moments post from me next Thursday.

Oh, and don't forget to guess who didn't like the sweet potato fries last week for your chance to win some fun  goodies.  You can see him here.

Hugs.

Nancy

Menu Monday

I have decided to stick to love, hate is too great of burden to bear. MLK. 

Hi everyone!  I hope you are enjoying this lovely day.  The children and my husband are both off today for MLK day!  Such a great holiday,  a day to remember a man whose message of tolerance and love.

Last weeks menu was pretty simple.  We actually had a night we could sit down and eat together as a family.  Goodness that was nice.

Monday we had Gyros.  We had made a leg of lamb over the weekend when my sister and niece were here, and the leftovers were sitting in the fridge screaming for tzatziki sauce and pita bread.  yum!!!!!

Tuesday was the night everyone was home...and you know what the children wanted?  Hamburgers!  Telling when the children's idea of a special, can have anything because I am home to cook, and we can all eat at the same time dinner is hamburgers.  lol  I won't bore you with a photo of a hamburger today.  But they were tasty!  We found some brioche buns at Whole Foods that totally rocked!

Wednesday I made homemade chicken noodle soup.

Thursday was homemade lasagna.  I still don't know why I let the children talk me in to cooking these things that take all day with lots of chopping and many dishes for dinner.  lol  I think I have shared photos of lasagna?

Friday...well, Friday was super easy (I guess to make up for the lasagna, hee hee).  It is crab season here, so cracked crab and caesar salad!  How easy is that?  Phil picked them up at Whole Foods and they were so tasty.

That is obviously not me in the photo and not our crabs.  The five of us couldn't eat nearly that many in one sitting.  hee hee...It is a stock photo I found because, well, they didn't look so pretty once they were cracked and cleaned and in a big bowl.  sigh  But they sure did taste good!  Crab season isn't nearly long enough.

Ok, well, a recipe for this week?  How about Tzatziki sauce?  It is delicious, and somewhat nutritious.  I love to eat it on pita bread for a snack.  This recipe comes from Food Network.  It is a Barefoot Contessa recipe.  I love her stuff.

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 pound (1 pint) plain yogurt (whole milk or low fat)
• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled and seeded
• 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon good olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place the yogurt in a cheesecloth or paper towel-lined sieve and set it over a bowl. Grate the cucumber and toss it with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt; place it in another sieve, and set it over another bowl. Place both bowls in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours so the yogurt and cucumber can drain.

Transfer the thickened yogurt to a large bowl. Squeeze as much liquid from the cucumber as you can and add the cucumber to the yogurt. Mix in the sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. You can serve it immediately, but I prefer to allow the tzatziki to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours for the flavors to blend. Serve chilled or at room temperature

I found some time over the weekend to work on quite a few projects.  Be sure to stop back in to check out the craftiness I have been up to.

And don't forget to check out the forums at Catch the Moments Kits and Sassy lil' Sketches.  Catch the Moments Kits has some huge news!  I know you already love CTM because of the low prices and great products. Well, things are about to get better! Starting now, all new kits will be $15.95 and add-ons $5.95! And the best part, they will include the same amount of great product...just a little savings for you!

See you later.....

Hugs.

Nancy

So....

I started to blog last night, but then we had another Earthquake (3 now in 5 days) and I just wasn't up to it.  Well, really, just wasn't up to many things yesterday.  The dreary, cold weather is getting to me I guess.

Well, I wanted to stop by for a few minutes with a more layouts using some fabulous sketches I have found. The first one is from my good friend, Heather, over at Ideas for Scrapbookers.  She has a digital template as well as the sketch if you are into that type of thing, which I am not....  lol  I just can't get past the love of paper.

I am trying to work my way through some of my older papers to make room for new.  lol  And the colors in the Basic Grey Fruitcake line were great with the tint of these photos.

Basic Grey Fruitcake, Making Memories sheer embellishments and flower, Maya Road trims

And this time I even managed to stick pretty close to her sketch and not junk it up with all kinds of flowers and embellishments.  hee hee

This one I did with the Catch the Moments Love Kit that has been laying on my desk (well, was laying, it is gone now...cry) and a sketch from Ally Scraps.

Catch the Moments Kits - Love Kit, American Crafts...everything!  lol

Ainsley loves opening presents, Christmas is the best in her book!  She can't wait to dig in.  hee hee  And she was thrilled with all the pink Barbie goodies.  shhh, don't tell, she still loves Barbie!    Probably should have gone with something more pink...but I love these papers.

Lots of fun cool things going on over at the Catch the Moments forums!  Sneaks, sales, chatting, fun! maybe even a challenge or two!

Well, gotta run!  Tomorrow is the end of the semester for Brighton's online classes and this weekend is our huge Zones swim meet (1800 swimmers).  We are busy, busy, busy!

Hugs

Nancy

Back to the Routine

It has been a very long week around here.  After almost a month of vacation, travel and holidays; going back to school, swim, and ballet has been quite the adjustment.  Brighton is rapidly finishing up his semester with finals this next Friday.   Then, the following week he starts with his classes being moved back to Apex Learning.  Long story there, I should share sometime.....

Well, but for now, how about if I share some scrapiness!  While I haven't loved getting back into all the driving, I have enjoyed time playing with my paper!  lol

This one I did using Sassy Lil' Sketches January 7 sketch.  I love Cherie's sketches.  It is also using the fabulous Love kit from Catch the Moments kits!

American Crafts Papers, Thickers, Trim (pink), Jouranling Sticker, Martha Stewart Doily Punch, Seam Binding, Stickles, Cricut

I made the cute little bird banner using my Cricut and the Give a Hoot cartridge.  Since we were travelling most of December, or so it seems, we ended up making cookies over New Years.  hee hee

Here are my two gorgeous girls.  Again, I used the Love kit from Catch the Moments Kits.  The colors, the flowers, the buttons, the trims....oh my!

American Crafts Papers, Thickers, Flowers, Buttons, trim, Sassafrass Flower, Cricut, Fancy Pants stamp.

And of course, broke out the Cricut yet again to cut the tree from the Cindy Loo cartridge.  Not sure I love the green in the tree, but I couldn't bear to cut a teal/turquoise tree.  lol  Oh, well, I tried.  hee hee

Well, that is all I have time for today.  My sister and niece are here to play.

Hugs,

Nancy

Oh So Much

Yep, you can tell the holidays are over because there is just so much going on right now....

Where to begin...

Let's start with the new Prima Picks for January!  Gorgeous!!!!  If you have been here before, you know exactly how much I love flowers...and these new colors are fabulous!  Eeek, I can't wait to get my hands on some of these new products!  Be sure and sneak over to the Prima blog to see what the incredible design team did with this.

There is a new sketch over at Sassy Lil' Sketches today.  Loves!!!!  I think I see that sketch in my very near future.

Oh, and how about a sale????  Remember that Festive Kit I shared some projects from yesterday?  Well, the kit is even more on sale!  There are 5 kits on sale right now!  Hop over to Catch the Moments Kits for all the fabulous deals on kits this weekend.

And finally, I was reminded of this today on the Pioneer Woman blog.

Free Rice!  A fun vocabulary quiz that helps add hunger.  As soon as I donate a bit of rice, I think I may have Ainsley play for a while.  I am sure she would love a vocabulary quiz as part of her school work today.

Well, I guess I should do something more constructive today than read blogs.

Hugs.

Nancy

Festive Kit from Catch the Moments

Today I have a blog post up over at Catch the Moments Kits and I wanted to share the layouts with you.

Right now, in the Etsy store, the Festive kit is on sale for only $14.50.  And, if you become a fan of Catch the Moments Kits on Facebook or join us over in the new forums, you can get a code to save even more!

The papers in the Festive Kit are such beautiful colors and just because this kit came from a holiday line, it doesn't mean it has to be used that way.  The greens, reds and yellows are perfect for outside shots.  For this first layout I used a few of the sheets (front and back sides...don't you love double sided paper) and a bit of seam binding from my stash with an old chipboard ornament.  The colors were great for these outside shots.  I also used some Thickers from an older kit.  The seam binding of course was dyed with some glimmer mist.

 I had this photo of my oldest daughter from the same day and the colors blended so perfectly with her sweater, so you know I just had to use them.  I made the die cut paper with the Cindy Loo cartridge and my Cricut.  Lots of inking in this one, Distress Inks in Fired Brick.  You know how much I love flowers, so all the Primas had to come out to play, I even through in some ancient Prima bling.  lol  I love the coordinating buttons, they tied in so well with the floral cluster.  

I think I am starting to feel like I am catching up.  I have a few more projects to share soon.

Hugs.

Nancy

Dear Sad, Neglected Blog

I am sorry to have abandoned you so these last few weeks.  But with the holidays, illness, travel, and my new addiction to Cityville on Facebook, there just aren't enough hours in the day.  I do have some fun new projects to share, but not until reveal day over at Catch The Moments Kits tomorrow.

Speaking of Catch the Moments Kits....


If you enjoy chatting with and getting to know other paper crafters you should check out the brand new Catch the Moments forums right here. There will be challenges and all kinds of fun. Plus, if you register for the forum by Friday you get a special coupon code for the Catch the Moments Etsy shop.

Also, if you become a fan of Catch the Moments by this Friday on Facebook you also get a coupon code for the shop.There’s a brand new kit from Catch the Moments called Sugar. This kit is full of yummy Pink Paislee Sweetness!

There’s also going to be a deal of the weekend every Friday at Catch the Moments. I know you’re going to like it! Be sure to check out the CTM blog this Friday for the weekend sale news. Better yet, add CTM to your blog reader or sign up for email updates so you never miss a thing!  There are some fabulous guest designers stopping by in the next few months!

But wait….there’s more! There’s a promotion going on all year at Catch the Moments. It’s the new customer loyalty program. For every $150 you spend at Catch the Moments in 2011 you will receive a discount code for the shop. If you refer a friend and your friend makes a purchase, you receive a discount code too!

I know, I know

I have been an incredibly bad blogger this week.  But, I have a good reason!  I snuck off with the family for a few days at DisneyLand!  Woo hoo!!!  It was so much fun!  I can't wait to scrap some of the photos.

Brighton was having issues with some of the characters.  First he got in a fight with Chip about sports...you know, Sharks vs. Ducks, Giants vs. Dodgers, etc.

And then with Captain Hook, something about Hook being taller...well, when he wears his platform shoes.  hee hee

This is the night view of the California Adventure park!  So pretty and the World of Color was fabulous!  If you get a chance, it is a must see!

Can't make a trip without seeing the big guy himself.

Phil has decided he is so over the villains and has decided to have a thing for "hot fairies".  I try not to get too jealous.

The kids let me ride Small World twice!  They know it is my absolute favorite ride.

And how beautiful is the castle all lit up for the holidays.  Now if only I can get Phil to do our house.  hee hee

We weren't able to see all our favorite characters this trip.  We missed Pooh every time, and Cinderella and Snow White were busy performing.  We did get to make some new friends tho.  Tiana from The Prince and the Frog.....

and Jack Skellington and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas.

I know some of these aren't the best photos.  I just grabbed them quickly to update the blog.  But, not to worry, with over 450 photos taken, I am sure I will find the right ones to scrap.

Well, a few quick updates before I sign off....

Catch the Moments Kits is having another Big Sale!!!  Devon really wants to make room for all the new goodies she will be getting after CHA!  So be sure to check it out!

And my friend Sara is having a DT call over on her challenge blog, Scrap Fit.  Check it out!

Hugs.

Nancy