Yeah, my favorite day-Saturday!! I love creating for my Saturday Sketches because I try to make sure I just have fun and play.

I am teaching classes today, so I am stamping ALL day! LOL! It will be fun to get together with some girls today. I have a few “regulars” and I just love each one. They keep me going, and on my toes, and love to tease me when I say the wrong thing. Sometimes my brain is moving faster than my mouth, and believe me, I can talk so that is pretty crazy when they battle each-other! LOL!  They all really crack me up and my 7 hour day seems like its only been 20 minutes long (I kid you not). I guess if I HAVE to go to work this is definitely the “job” that I want to have.

OK back to the sketch. This was another pool side sketch I did, and had no idea if it would work out or not. I know I am dying to see what the Sketch Team did with it. many possibilities with this one I think.

Here you go!

Now we are going to start (as suggested) a keyword for those of you who upload to galleries. It will me mytimess1(that stands for mytime Saturday sketch # X) I am starting with 1 since this is the first time we are doing a keyword.

Now time for my sample!

 Owl be your friend

Now seriously! Do you not love this owl? I think it is apparent that I have a serious Owl addiction. I LOVE my Unity stamps, and wanted to use them on this, and I am just bouncing at how my vision for it actually turned out!

The sets are from the July Kit of the Month Its the Little Things. Sorry to say that it is not longer available :C Which is so tragic because I think its the most adorable thing ever!!!

I think I am going to sign up for the Kit of the Month Club because I LOVE every kit they come out with! I am no longer a design team member for Unity, but I {heart} Angela and all the Unity girls. I still LOVE their stuff, I just didn’t have the ability to work for everyone. So that will most likely become part of my happy mail! LOL! I adore the August set, and think it’s giving me that push to join! That and the set is GONE after that month (which I can’t believe :C).

I really loved that journaling block, but don’t like to write on stuff, so I turned it into a tree for my owl. I used the shimmer bridal flower petals (colored green and cut apart) for my tree leaves.

In case you can’t tell the owl wing is popped up on dimensionals, and the belly is paper pieced. Little details.

I also love the Poppy, Craft and Chocolate combo on this as well, with a touch of pink, and the pop of green.

I hope you like the sketch and get to try it out. Send us a link here, if you do so we can all view your take on it OK!!

Also don’t miss the sketch team samples!! They have been knockin my socks off.

Thanks for reading Hope you have a super weekend!

Later-

PS the Papertrey Special post has been delayed and I think it will go Live Monday. I also have some special posts this week, so you will see ANOTHER reason why I have been busy!!

Did you all have fun at thePapertrey Ink party??

I always have a blast with each release. It’s so exciting sharing our projects for the first time. Every month I usually have a top favorite for my projects, but this month it’s a hard pick for me. There is something I love about each one, that the other doesn’t have.

I always love hearing your feedback on what is your favorite and why.

I promise I won’t be as long winded as yesterday! I think some of you just glanced at the length of the post, and quit there! LOL! SORRY!! I don’t blame you, I was just in a chatty mood

Before I start I also want to thank you all for the love & support you give when  you visit It always makes my day.

NOTE: ALL SUPPLIES CAN BE FOUND IN MY GALLERY HERE

ALL SUPPLIES FOUND-www.papertreyink.com

Remember

This set is just stunning!! It was designed by Lisa Johnson, and I’m sure you will agree she did a fabulous job making the elements of it very versatile. I had no idea there were so many varieties of Poppy’s! I wish I had seen her tips before I got creating!

 Pop of Red

Would you believe I designed this card after seeing Barbra Walter’s on 20/20? She had on a simple white blouse, and a bright red flower, pinned at her upper shoulder. I was so inspired I jumped off the couch and created this!!

I am just in love with the clean and simple look, with little details-like the scallop top, the flag, and the brads.

Stamps- Remember
Cardstock-basic black, red, PTI select white
Ink-Pallete black, Poppy Red
accessories- red brads, scallop punch

Bath Scents Box -a- Bag

OK this one was so much fun!!! I used my new Tall rectangle nestabilities to create this tall box -a- bag. I LOVE it!

I used my tag nestabilities for the labels, and spelled out what was contained in each using Simple Alphabet

The best part is that it was PERFECT for the tall test tube containers I got at Michaels, that are by Martha Stewart! I got a pkg of 8 for $7.99! Not bad (use a coupon and you are golden!!). I purchased some $1 bath items at Target, and simply put then in the tube as a nicer way to present the bath salts, body wash, and foot scrub. The loofah is in the bottom of the box -a- bag.

I created a matching designer band using the Limitless labels set with the Remember set!

Lots of dimension on this too! The girls who take my classes know you NEED to bring lots off dimensionals when you take my classes!!! LOL!

One more photo, just because

Stamps- Remember, simple alphabet, limitless labels
ink-sweet blush, chocolate, berry sorbet
cardstock-sweet blush, chocolate, berry sorbet, white
other-stitched ribbon, Spellbinders tag dies, flower brads by Making Memories, page pebble by Making Memories, circle punches, tubes by Martha Stewart, bath products from Target $1 spot, hemp

First Fruits/ Warm Hospitality set

As you all know Becky collaborated with Nichole to get her designs into acrylic!! I really fell in love with this set. I have never owned anything like it, and can see pulling it out time and time again.

We all will be sharing a special project with this set tomorrow!! So check in again.

Now I was quite happy with my project for this set. It is a card, and matching gift box. I LOVE the way the top is rounded on my design in both the card and the gift box. I am quite happy wih this one too

 Box of Gratitude

I love all the scallops, and the repeated scallop in the stamped border and bottom of the box!

I stamped the image in versamark, then used clear embossing powder. Now it looks like a expensive, dry embossed set with that bit of shimmer!! The words were stamped in place of the tie

Doesn’t it look similar to the expensive invites you may buy for a wedding or some other very special occasion?

Stamps-First Fruits
Cardstock-PTI select White, Linen vellum, Gray
Ink-versamark, gray ink
ribbon SU! gray, silver organdy
other-scallop square & circle nestabilities, coluzzle, clear embossing powder, heat tool, scor-pal, cellophane roll by EK success

Now we have the matching card-

The white and gray are so pretty together. The linen vellum is my FAVORITE thing right now! I am in LOVE!!!!!!

Stamps-First Fruits
Cardstock-PTI select White, Linen vellum, Gray
Ink-versamark, gray ink
ribbon SU! gray, silver organdy
other-scallop square & circle nestabilities, coluzzle, clear embossing powder, heat tool, scor-pal, cellophane roll by EK success

Don’t forget the Candle I created for the countdown. You can view that HERE

Now we have Rustic Branches

This is Heathers First set. I was dying to see what her style would be like. I love the clean lines and simplicity of it. With NO effort, you can get some really beautiful creations.

Here is my favorite of mine.

 Thankful Branch Box

This is a card box I created. I am so happy with it because its not like anything else that has been done with it. I LOVED layering the solid leaf in various colors in the linen vellum window of the box. I also had to use the super adorable birdie from the Birds of a Feather set! So soft.I also love the dimension it all has.

I used unknown paper for my box ( I know that is awful).

Sorry.

Here is a closer view for the little details

Stamps- Rustic Branches, birds of a feather
Cardstock-vintage cream, Sahara sand, lined vellum cardstock
shimmery paper unknown
ink-Sahara sand, colorbox vanilla
ribbon by May Arts
other-making memories page pebble, nestability rectangle

Now for my uber simple Christmas wreath

 Wreath of Peace

This one was so fun & simple. I just stamped the leaf ring, then without re-inking, move it, and stamped it again. See the light leaves? Too fun. Isn’t this a super cute Christmas design for mass producing? The middle frame is up on dimensionals, as is th border. I LOVE doing that.

Stamps-rustic branches
cardstock-vintage cream, red
ink-poppy, spring moss
other-scallop/straight nestability square, ribbon by May arts

Now onto the Spooky Sweets II set

I kept my card super duper simple, bit I think the little string the spider hangs from is a simple and cute touch.

stamps-Spooky Sweets II
cardstock-lemon tart, black, pti select white
ink-black pallette ink, white craft ink
other-circle punches, silver cord

Now don’t forget about my Halloween treat of Edible Eyeballs!

Well I hope you enjoyed the reveal. I’m dying to know what everyone’s favorite sets are products are!! Share if you have time.

Tomorrow is another special post, and don’t forget the Saturday Sketch!! I hope you can play along.

I am also teaching 3 classes tomorrow!! Should be fun.

Later.

It’s the Papertrey Ink Release tonight!! Will you be there? I will. 

I’m coming back to the top of this post, after typing to say I have NO IDEA why I am so chatty today!!! Sorry-skip the banter if you want! LOL! I do have samples.

I don’t think I am EVER done, ever caught up, or as much as I sometimes feel “ahead”, I really am never that either! LOL! When I do have extra time (does that really ever exist??) then I usually agree to do something else to quickly fill that gap. I know, especially as a parent I am not the only one who does this!

Anyway, I am super happy to report Amber had a great day (even though Alexa wasn’t there. She stayed at her fathers :C Its OK cause we are going to have an actual party in Sept), and my exercising is going awesome. I already notice a difference. I know, you think HOW??? Well my jeans slid up quite nicely, and I have been doing an hour of cardio a day. I BETTER see some difference! LOL! Hey, even if its in my head, I’m OK with that.

Amber’s birthday yesterday I resisted any cake, we went to Friendly’s and I gave up my fries, no “happy ending” sundae for me. Jay made egg sandwiches for breakfast and I had shredded wheat (yes it is the sugar coated, but give me a break!!). Instead of drive thru on our way out for the day I packed a whole wheat pasta salad I made with all fresh veggies, and a granola bar, and I am drinking lots of water, to replace that 3 cups of coffee, and diet soda I normally drink.

As doctor Phil would say “Don’t say you have to lose X pounds, say I have to lose 1lb.”Each day is new and I am not looking at the big picture. ONE STEP. Just like my bracelet says “The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step” Hey I think I need to find a way  to add that to my blog permanently. Its like my life motto

Anyway. Always a bunch going on here. Counting down the days till school starts! LOL!  Noah & Amber will start soccer soon, Amber will also begin another year of dance classes, Alexa will be in Girl Scouts, and Alexa is enrolled in Cheer-leading! I know. Weird. At first I thought NO WAY!!

Alexa’s father’s wife teaches it at a school. So she enrolled Alexa. I was kind of put off at that thinking it wasn’t for her. Well Alexa goes to the practices and does love it. When I mentioned my thoughts of it to Jay he said “I think its a great idea! She loves to dance. You always say you hate when people limit her, so why are YOU doing it?”

WOW! Did that ever shut me up!! I guess I didn’t see it as limiting her, but I really was. If she enjoys it, then I guess that is all that matters!! What was I thinking, not wanting her to do something she may like? I guess I want her to be able to keep up with all the other girls her age, and I get scared when I think she may not be “as good”. That is so wrong!!! Who cares? All that matters is that she is HAPPY and likes what she is doing. She may even surprise me! She often does. I can’t believe ME of all people, was about to do the one thing I hate other people doing. But I acknowledged that (thanks to my honest husband) and will hope to be more concious of that in the future.

Why am I blabbering about this? I’m not sure. I guess so many of you have taken this journey with me of having a child with special needs, that I feel OK sharing my good and bad parenting moments. The important thing is to learn by them, and don’t be a hypocrite! I was doing something without even realizing it. So there you have it. Alexa WILL be in cheer-leading as long as SHE wants to be.

OK so you would never believe my main post was suppose to be about short on time and deadlines! LOL!

I got this  Sweet and Sassy Kit from Katie at3 Little DReaMs. The kits is available for Pre-order until August 15th.

She asked if I’d try them out, and give my thoughts! Well I am just sliding in under the deadline! LOL! I have to say I have NEVER gotten any kit, ever, so I had no idea what to expect.

I did make 3 samples so far. Unfortunately this just arrived the other day, and my time was quite limited!! I can tell you I made all 3 cards I am sharing today, early this morning, using only items from the kit (well minus my sewing machine, and a piece a vellum -don’t shoot me! LOL!), and was done in 1 1/2 hours, including photographing/editing.

  Just sing

(The card is placed on a angle onto a piece of chocolate card-stock to photograph)

This one was my favorite, and my first one. Its all asymmetrical, yet balanced I feel, and I just love.

I used some of the paper for a tab. Lots of distressing, and some sewing on this. The flowers, ribbon and brads, all part of the kit.

Next up is card #2

 Chirp Up!

I actually colored the bird with some shimmery paints and its really so soft and pretty in person. The papers are distressed, so I distressed most of this too. It has a real nature feel. Again, remember I don’t do real nature well. I am certain you could get someone else to work with this set and it would rock your world! LOL! I just loved the little bird image and wanted to step out of that comfort zone!

Lastly card 3

(not bad for a mornings work eh?)

More layering and distressing. I didn’t want to use the entire bird. I think its cute. Not my best card, but not too bad. I do love the papers she chose in the kit though. They are super cute.

I can see WHY people enjoy the whole Kit thing. I know my Kits have done really well too (thanks to all of you!! ).

Depending on the kit you choose, you get a stamp or stamp set with all the matching cardstock, and patterned paper to make some projects.Then there are add-on choices. No brainer!! I like that. Especially when you LOVE happy mail, and need some incentive to get stamping, I think these are great. Many people seem to like things put together for them.

I think you get more than enough paper/cardstock to create several cards, then have some leftover.

So the Sweet & Sassy kit I got to use was $28.00. She dropped the shipping this month too, to $5.50, which is really good too.

Katie has a Yahoo! Group, and starting September 1st will have a rewards program. It will benefit new members, and anyone who spreads the word, and those who subscribe. She’ll post that info soon. I think its great when any company rewards stuff like that, that helps get them business. After-all its all word of mouth!!

The consumers can make or break a new company. I know I take my fellow stampers word over an advertisement any day.

So I IF you are still with me WOW! You must be really bored today to read my ramblings! LOL!!!  I wish I were a tad more interesting but I a stamp crazed SAHM, with not much of a life these days.

Tomorrow I will share ALL my PTI release peeks, so I hope you come back!

Later-

Well I hope you are all enjoying the few weeks we have left of Summer.

Many find the time to read a good book. “I” am not one of those people. I wish I were. I always saw Oprah’s pick list and thought “Oh, maybe someday”. Yeah right. I use to read Danielle Steel novels. BEFORE KIDS. That mainly gets your hope’s up of a tragic life turned fairytale happy ending. My life is pretty good but who has time for all that over the top romance-especially when you add kids?! Not one, or two, but 3. Someone is always needing something, and if you actually set to PLAN a romantic evening, you can bet one of the kids will fall ill or have some sort of crisis. I know when we went away the highlight was the fact we could actually take a nap without being awoken by anything! LOL! I’m sure Im not alone on this. If I am then please share HOW you manage with small children.

Reading makes me sleepy, and in all honesty I’d rather be stamping. I know, its a sickness, but I know my husband is happy that I found a hobby that I not only LOVE but will stick too. I have been stamping for 4 years now! (Minus the year Alexa lived at Dartmouth Hitchcock hospital) I can’t tell you how much I love it. More so now than ever. It’s opened a whole new world to me, and relieves my stress. Even when I have a ba-jillion things to do, I just thrive on it.

So anyway, I figured I’d share some samples today. This one is the What’s The Story Flopsey?

 Whats the story

I made my main image just like a book! I layered a cover, and a few pages!! They are held open with a paperclip I made using what else but a paper clip and a epoxy sticker, with some ribbon! LOL!

The flowers are done using punches. I love the colors and the book idea. Just too cute. This set is fabulous for library stuff, or reading programs too. Think like a reading challenge chart? I think Im going to make that!!! Better jot that down in my book

Now another card, in honor of the Sugarplums release last night. I didn’t get to the party because my Internet was out :C We had some pretty nasty thunderstorms here. It’s been on & off all day.

Did you get your Sugarplums last night?

 You put a song in my heart

OK I know its hard to see the sentiment but thats what it says. I love it. The birds in this set are just UBER cute. This paper is a old collection from SEI. I just adore it to pieces. Berry sorbet ribbon from PTI. The little gray bird is flocked and all cute and fuzzy.

Well that is all for me.

I’m off to actually do some exercise! I know, don’t fall off your chair.

Both Noah & Amber are in my Uncle’s Wedding on the 24th, and that has really come up on me quick. I wanted to lose like 15lbs by then, when I suddenly realized that it is the 12th! WHAT?! Already? Where did the time go? I guess getting HOT for the summer idea is off the table. Summer is OVER! LOL!

So Im busting my hiney doing cardio everyday till then. Down to ONE cup of coffee, and only drinking water. No Diet soda. Eatting healthy, and not until I’m full, but satisfied. I usually drop weight fast when I actually work out, so I’m positive. You have to be in a good mind set to start a life change.

Now here lies my question. WHY when Im on a diet and trying to get healthier does it seem all I see is yummy food?! It’s everywhere! I was browsing the new SU! Catty that my friend mailed me, and there was some sort of delicious treat on every page. UGH!! Its a real killer! Worse is my hubby doesn’t get it because he truly doesn’ like sweets! How tha tis possible is beyond me.

Oh well. I am on a mission. I just have to remember that I CAN do it. I have done it before. The thing is after a workout I feel awesome. Then around 3 pm I feel like I need a nap. Then after dinner, somewhere after 7:30pm Im starving!! But that is the worst time to eat!! I even wake up hungry in the middle of the night! But come morning I have to force myself to eat breakfast. Weird.

WOW! Bet you weren’t expecting all that were you? I guess if you go through all the same stuff you know you aren’t alone I’m here going through the uphill battle with you.

Tomorrow I have a super post for you, so come back OK!!

Later-

I have received many emails from people looking to see the new C.C. Designs Sugarplum collection stamp sets! Tonight is THE night!

Make sure you sign up for the newsletter! That will keep you in the KNOW. If you already have ,then you would have seen this project made by ME Using all 3 of the new Sugarplums stamp set that are being release tonight @ 10pm EST. The party starts in the forums @ 8pm EST

 Wishing you sunny days

I really love the new sets. They allow you to create a scene! It’s so much fun since the images are whimsical!! Like I said before Im not a good realistic nature stamp person, so these are so up my alley. Every month Christine just out does the last. Wait till you see the next release! OMW!! Love it. I know, let’s get through this one first! That is one of the most difficult things about design teams. You are all just getting excited over one release, and we are all ready to jump in and “work” with what is next to come. Too funny.

 Hope to chat with you later at the party!!

Supplies

This cards uses-Sugarplum scenery, Olivia’s Birdies, & sentiments. Paper by Basic Grey, rectangle nestabilties, Sizzix button die. Copic markers.

For MORE info ,and samples make sure you check out the ATS blog , and the design team blogs I have more to share but figured I will spread it out a bit!

I’m running ragged here lately. I have had multi-posts for the last few days or so. I think I need a nap! LOL!

Well its Saturday, and that means it is time for a sketch!

I hope you get some time this week to try it out. Use your creativy liberty

 Here it is!

Love that it is more professional looking using the Photoshop. Dawn fixed this one for me and I have next week’s ready to go Having a team keeps me on schedule!

I plan on using this one again (don’t I always say that?!)

I hope you all like it. Now remember I now have a team of players to share some more sketch inspiration!! They really did a fabulous job last week, so check out their blogs (on my sidebar under Saturday Sketch team!!) if you are feeling stumped and need more eye candy!!! AND if you get to play, send us a link here so we can check it out

Now for this one I decided to use a much loved, but un-touched stamp I had in my Bella collection, from the chichibouile line : Wendy Papillion. I love her!

 Time Flies

I’m sure you can see why-butterflies!! She is just beautiful. I am now realizing (upon linking her) that I need more from this line

I know my sentiment has nothing to do with time, but that is what I think of when I see butterflies. Plus this card is WAY late going out as a thank you note. Like the butterfly, time flies.

SUPPLIES

The sentiment is by SU! Stem Sayings. The button are various SEI collections. I picked up this paper at The Paper Tree. Colors are teal, guava and a real red (can’t tell well by the photo-sorry)

 I just love it. Great colors for this set. No idea who makes the paper  (help me out if you know), and just fell for the un-Lauren like colors. Challenge yourself to get out of that comfort zone!

I went to M’s yesterday and they has some new Martha Stewart and many other fall & Halloween collections. I did get some punches-happy dance, but otherwise not much more to report from there.

Lots to do this weekend. Amber’s birthday shopping, and lots of other family stuff.

I hope to see some of you next weekend! I have my trio of classes on Saturday the 16th!!

Thank you again for checkin in here. I think its great that with the little time you have, many of you stop by for a peek and even take time comment.

Thanks again!

So get off the computer, get inspired and get stamping!!!

Enjoy the weekend

 Birdie-ful Day

OK be honest! How cute is this card? OMG! I love her. I love the colors, I love the layout, the paper, the flowers, and I love the birds. I love it all. Now I know there isn’t anything in particular that is special, I just like it.

This is the first of a new line from C.C. Designs called Sugarplums. She will be released on the 11th. Check out the blog for more samples, and a chance to win her!

I really strive to use many different layouts on my cards. Don’t know if you all notice, but it’s this weird “thing” I have. When a new layout falls together I get so happy. I like to keep things fresh and fun. Not the same ole, same ole. BORING! Don’t get me wrong, I have my “standby” layouts, and sometimes some just work for everything! Overall though, I like to mix it up.

Now I am trying to get better at listing what I use. Im awful with that, and I apologize. I’m more of a talker, and focus on the why or how the creation came to be, or my thoughts, and not all the tiny details.

Supplies

Olivia from Sugarplum collection. Flowers and grass from another set-being released on the 11th!! The paper is by Imaginesce. The cardstock and ribbon is Papertrey Ink in the Aqua Mist & Spring Moss color collections. She is of course colored with Copic markers. Flower made using a punch I have from Punch Bunch-medium Daisy. Circle punches. Michaels faux dew drops.

OK now I am off to Michaels. Wish my wallet well please I have several designs that I NEED to get done TODAY! My brain isn’t sleeping at night because I have these CRAZY ideas in my head, that won’t stop until I complete this task!

Till later-I have some MFT samples to share (maybe that will be Sunday…………) Come back tomorrow because we have our weekly Saturday Sketch challenge!!

Can I get a great big AWE!

 Baby Bear Hugs

supplies: Baby bear hugs set, bashful blue, white-chocolate-spring moss- sweet blush & berry sorbet cardstock (bypapertrey ink), wide ribbon by Strano, clear button by foo-fa-la, copic markers, white singlo gel pen, ribbon by Martha Stewart

That is what I said when I saw the newest set Bear Hugs by Christine from All That Scraps.

Then again when I finished this card.

Christine is releasing 4 new sets on the 11th. Over the next few days you will get to pre-view more samples for these sets HERE! As well as enter to win a free set, so check it out.

So when I saw this UBER adorable bear (I love cutesy bears but have never found the perfect cutesy bear till Christine’s sets) I thought “she” looked so sad. All I could picture was a baby bear, dragging along her “blankie”. How wouldn’t want to hug her.

I have many of these large and wide ribbons that often go un-used because of their width, which is a shame since they are just so pretty. So I took the opportunity to use my wide ribbon, and some redline tape to create this blankie!

Then, go from the design of the ribbon I created my own bkgd paper, just using scraps of papers I have in my bin. I added the button for that super baby feel. I adore the layout of this too. The little flower in the corner is an altered clear button, using another set being released.

Now we have another sample.

No bear set can be complete without bee’s!

 Cute as can bee

supplies-bear hugs set, barely banana, basic black, circle punches, velvet brads by doodlebug, flowers by bazzill, copic markers, 2 way glue pen, dazzling diamonds glitter

Look at this chubby wubby bee face! How flippin cute is he? You cannot tell but the wings have glitter on them (of course). I went with the bee stripes to be inspired for my design. Its clean and simply detailed- I love it.

The flowers are by Bazzill, and the brads are fuzzy velvet brads. This just came together so easily.

Make sure you check out all the peeks!

Now how about that MFT release party? Did you go? Did you get anything? I shared a few peeks there, and will post them later today, or tomorrow.

Thanks for the love on my blog for my new look! Im so happy about it.

Be back later for the blog candy winner!!

Guess what! The Release for Pink Cat Studio is today! So hop on over to pick up your new sets!

LOOK HOW CUTE!

Can you seriously even believe how many images are in these set, and the possibilities? The design team had just touched the tip of the ice berg of possibilities. Seriously.

Now for another card to share

Back to School

How sweet is she? I totally love her, and her back to school look.

I once again used Bethany’s idea and colored her in a partial scene. I made that sidewalk using my marker & a ruler. I was impressed! LOL! I don’t have a artsy bone in my body, so being able to actually draw in a SIMPLE sidewalk was a big deal for me, I swear.

The lunch box is 3D, and I made the little flower on it to match her dress.

THEN I took some $1 clips I got last year at Target $1 spot, and took the original image out, and using my EK success flower punch and some PP I made my own little clippie to match! That was fun.

Here is the close up of my art! LOL!

I also love that I did the apple green rather than red. It’s a simple touch but I almost forgot apples ARE green too! LOL! That helped keep it all matchy matchy.

The sentiment is from MFT Back to school set, and the lined paper bkgd is CHF ( I so love that bkgd!).

Can you believe its “Back to School” shopping time already? That is what I started yesterday. I spent a pretty penny and felt like I walked away with not so much.

Noah got 5 pairs of jeans and 8 shirts, back pack, lunch bag, socks, and a zip up heavy sweatshirt for those “start cold, but end up hot days”. Target had a super sale on boys jeans!! Noah is in a size 7 (yes and he is only 5 1/2) and I got them for $3.74!! Not the cheapie jeans with no pockets, the heavier style Wrangler and a few other brands. I try not to buy him expensive jeans because he just tears through them, and grows so fast!

I have much more to do before the kids go back to school. Alexa’s last day of summer school is tomorrow. It will be nice to have a few days of no rushing out of bed and getting someone ready and out the door before my coffee even kicks in.

I think we need to hit the Tilton Outlets this weekend. I LOVE shopping at Carters for Amber, and anywhere I can get the girls matching outfits. Annoying, I know. But I think its just so cute. Alexa is small for her age, and Amber is bigger so it usually works out.

OK I have to run. I stayed up till 2:30 am last night! Something I NEVER do, but was inspired so said WHY NOT? Now I remember WHY I stopped doing that. I’m not 21 anymore. I can’t stay up till 2am and get up and run around with 3 kids. What was I thinking?

Well it paid off in the respect that my mojo was so happy and I whipped out like 7 big projects! GO LAUREN! LOL!

More on that later.

DONT FORGET-

Don’t miss the chance to win It’s My Party HERE

More blog candy this week

Wednesday…Kimberly www.itssoprettyitssocute.blogspot.com

Wednesday…Leigh http://sunflowerstudio.typepad.com/sunflower_studio/

Thursday…Debbie http://debbiedee.blogspot.com/

Thursday…Kathie www.justaninkling.blogspot.com

Friday…Susan www.susiestampalot.blogspot.com

The MFT release is tonight!! Hope to see you there! Ill be sharing my peeks with you.

Being released are:
Totally Witchin’

Monster Squad

What’s the Story? Flopsey

Nature Calls

What’s Your Sign? - 3 x 4 MINI that works with Nature Calls

My Favorite Things (www.mftstamps.com) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, August 6 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. This month there are FIVE new sets (see above) being released and some great new ribbon added to the store.

*The Girl Who Wants It All special for the The Aug Collection, which is one of each set being released, is $65.

Head over to the MFT forum on www.splitcoaststampers.comto find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer.

PRAY I am awake and I will see you there.

Later.

NOTE: This is post #2 for today. Scroll down so you don’t miss the Pink Cat Studio peeks! 

Well it’s that time again!

Storage Units, Ink & More is sponsoring another give away here! Thanks Denise!!

So who wants to win the super cute: Its My Party set?

I love this set.

I made this little oragami pocket party pouch. I will stick Amber’s lipgloss or something in there. Im testing out party favor ideas too. This is a super easy one.

Don’t you think she looks so cute?

If you want to have a chance to win this set-Leave me a comment here, telling me what YOUR best birthday gift was, or anything to do with birthdays, that you would like to share.. Oh, and a hello would be great too!

My best party was probably my 10th birthday. My grandmother and mother took me on a shopping spree at the mall. I felt all grown up. Then we got lunch and everything. I skipped school and we made a day of it. I loved it.

On my 18th birthday I got a car for my birthday. My ex-husband bought me a light blue Geo Storm. It was a standard, and I didn’t know HOW to drive a standard. It was like getting a plastic birthday cake!  I learned quick by practicing back and forth in front of my house (which was on a huge HILL!!!). I didn’t get my license till I was 18 because I was so afraid to drive! LOL! But, getting a car gave me that push. I still think you should be 18 to drive! (I say that before I hit teen years and being a personal taxi right?!)

Then there was my cabbage patch party when I was 7 or 8. They were the big thing, and mom made me my Cabbage Patch Kid cake (she always made our cake every year!). Whatever the theme was. It was so cool. All my friends were over. It was great. We always had some sort of home party.  I remember getting the Michael Jackson THRILLER record album! LOL! OMG! Do you remember that. I bet it would be worth money! MOM! Where is that album anyway?! That was long before he got weird.

My mom worked hard to make our day special, and I think that is why birthdays are so important to me, when planning for my kids. I want them to feel special and remember each year. I even took cake decorating classes to learn to make great birthday cakes. You know I have bought every single one since!! LOL!

Here are a couple I made over the years PRE cake decorating classes

 Crayon Box

Idea came from Parents magazine-what a nightmare to make!

Then there was Noah’s 2nd birthday I made a fire truck cake

Front view-

Side view-

Those are just a few of the disasters I have created! LOL! No more! Store bought is a good thing.

Amber turns 4 next week on the 13th! I cannot believe my BABY is going to be 4. She is very OLD for her age. I think our life situation, and the fact she is the 3rd child, made her grow up so fast. But I want to freeze each child right where they are right now!!! They are perfect ages. I can’t believe Alexa is going to be 9!!!!!!!!!! I don’t feel old enough to have a 9 year old.

Oh boy-so here is what Amber asked for, for her birthday.

Her birthday wishes are (in her words)

A Pretty Pink Princess doll that looks like me (she saw the American Girl doll) I wanted to get her a My Twinn doll (ever heard of them?). I read some bad reviews so who knows what Ill do. A lot of $$ to be disappointed.

A mermaid doll that swims in the water (Oh lord where am I going to find one of those?)

Nail-polish that sparkles, and lots of pretty makeup.

Pretty rings and bracelets, oh and a new pocketbook.

Dora doll

A Princess wand.

I think that was it. I don’t remember the rest. Too funny she is. She wants DORA again!! She has loved her for 3 years in a row. She will have her party when she goes back to school, but on her day we may go to Canobie Lake OR a Mommy & me spa day. But since she will have a Spa party I think that would be overkill. We will let her decide I guess.

OK I gotta run. Good LUCK!!! And the drawing will end Thurday noon EST time.