This is an important update about my business and family. Please take a moment and read.

As of  late I have received MANY emails, and comments about “where” I have been, as since my move to a new home, posts have been scarce.

Many have said I am/will lose my “customers” or followers with my lack of posting. Maybe, and most likely that is, or will be true. Nonetheless I feel I should explain my reasoning’s.

Now all the wonder, with the questions and comments, leads me to explain something I was going to keep personal. I am always an open book anyway, so why not now too!

Well its not just MY life that is on a HOLD so to speak. A pause, or standstill. It is my entire family that is in this state of pause.

Unknown to the world I’ve been juggling many BIG things, that have required my full attention.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, while most are focused on shopping, cooking. getting gifts made/wrapped and ensuring everything is done on time, I have been through the beginning of a grueling journey with my mother. A journey I have been on before, and must go on once again.

My mother (who is my rock and my best friend) was diagnosed with Cancer. She is ONLY 54. We all know cancer has no age, no prejudice. It can happen to anyone, anytime.

 She has already undergone so many various painful tests, seen innumerable doctors, and now we arrive at the beginning of this new journey. The journey and fight of her life. 

I have many feeling about this. First and foremost I trust God. I am at peace with the path we are lead on so far because I know God has a plan for her. I know in my heart she will be healed. I have faith that he will see her through this.

Hebrews 11:1

All that being said, my added lack of posting has had more substance than you all knew. If by my initial statement that I made a few weeks ago, with NOT having a complete December Release, that I wanted to take some time off this holiday to catch up on things and make the most of this time with my family, has put some of you off,  I’m sorry you feel that way, but I make no apologies for keeping my priorities where they need to be first-and that is my FAMILY.

Family is ALWAYS my top priority, and I am doing by best to balance it all.

I will not let my drive to succeed, doing what I love, ever overshadow what is most important in this world, and that is my FAMILY. I want to keep the primary focus of my life on my family, always. I am a wife, mother, and daughter first.

I don’t only care about papercrafting and/or making money. My first job is my family. This business is a way for me to share what I love to do with others, and enhance their creativity too. I enjoy it, and am thankful to be able to do what I love. While my customers/reader/friends (near, far and cyberlike) are important to me, keeping focus on my family is as well.

I have a store and gallery full of inspiring ideas from myself and my team if people need some inspiration. My team has been a huge help and will provide lot’s of inspiration. I will do my best to continue with expanding my company, as time allows, but ONLY as it doesn’t interfere with what is most important.

I WILL be having a January Release, projects beginning January 1st,  and probably a February one too (as I have worked months in advance on all of this) , however I will only spend as much time as I can, without sacrificing family, doing so until the journey with my mother is complete. Until she is healed of this ugly Cancer.

Thank you for letting me share what is going on.

Happy Holidays to you yours, and may you all have a safe, &  healthy New Year!

Tomorrow (or today depending when you read) we finally close the deal on our old house, and we celebrate the joy of having our new house!

It seems so surreal. This is the house Jason and I drooled over 2 years ago! Now WE actually live in it! God is good. It’s like it waited for us to be ready.

So here is a photo slide-show!

Create your own free slideshow design

I’m so blessed and so happy to have our new home, where we can happily raise our family, and grow old.

It's not the most fancy or elaborate house in the world but it is HOME for us We aren't over the top kinda people. I don't need a bajillion rooms and everything else that goes with it.

I have 4 amazing announcements! Given the last 2 weeks I’ve had it is wonderful to be able to say that!

1) We are home!!

One thing I can say is my life is ever ANYTHING but BORING or DULL!!

Alexa is home and looks amazing, just in time for her 11th birthday!!

No one really had any idea how bleak the situation was just a week ago. I have to shout it from the roof tops that Alexa was truly healed by God, once again. 

It is truly a miracle by God’s hands, because the doctors told us they didn’t think she’d pull through this. Nor did they anticpate she do so, and so quickly. It was anticipated she’d get worse, before better, and they weren’t giving me anything to hold on to. They were playing this second by second. It was definitely THE scariest time for me because they always TRY to give you a positive statement, and this time they had none. Obviously as her mom, I had to refuse to believe that, and remind myself she has a purpose in this world. Alexa IS a fighter. She is truly the strongest person I know, and has touched many lives.

I prayed like never before, and reminded God of his promise to me years ago (read Alexa’s story), when I know he actually spoke to me. At that time, he promised me Alexa would be taken care of by him. That she was his child and I needed to keep my trust and faith in him. I was told “Do not believe the words of man”, but the promise of him.

He often brings me to knees, and reminds me of his power, and unending love. Alexa has been a walking testiment since before birth, and had the eyes of every person she came in contact with during this time, in disbelief of her recovery. We do have some possible complications that can arrise, but we are being both cautious and hopeful.

MORE happy news!!!

2) Tomorrow Alexa turns 11!! What a celebration of life that will be for me! I can’t even get into it, because I am still quite emotional about everything.

3) Im over the moon to say OUR HOUSE SOLD!!!

We priced it to sell and it did within one month!! With this market that is a true miracle. All our hard work and prayers paid off. The inspection is tomorrow (on Alexa’s birthday) and we fully expect everything to go well! Our house is all newly renovated/updated and everything looks good, so I think it will be OK. The family buying it is expecting thier first baby soon too! Our home is perfect for them I have a very good feeling about everything.

4) The today we heard back from the bank that they accepted the offer on our DREAM HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we are closing on that house the end of October!! I can’t even wait. We have 4 bedrooms so each child will have their own space! We have an amazing yard, and amazing neighbors. We couldn’t feel more blessed. The house is perfection. Everything I had on my wishlist

So needless to say things are really looking up! I feel so blessed because everything seemed to all fall apart, thenin the same turn suddenly all fall into place, just like it was all in God’s hands!

I will admit it was hard dealing with house negotations while Alexa was in the hospital. I am a control freak about that stuff, and God really showed me what was important, and again to trust in him, and what is meant to be, will be! We just prayed about everything, and handed it over to him.

Well thanks for letting me share all the good. Its nice to be able to return with so many positive things to announce! I hate when things are ALL negative.

LASTLY the October Release peeks begin tomorrow!

I have busted my HINEY to get my projects completed and blog posting/samples done. So please keep that in miund this release! It was/is very difficult for me to swing everything and I’ve done my best to be SUPER WOMAN! LOL!

So I hope you enjoy!

Dear followers of My Time Made Easy,

First and foremost we would like to thank you profusely for your prayer requests. Alexa is a shining example of the magnificent power of prayer. It looks like Alexa is on the road to recovery since entering the Pediatric ICU a few days ago. The day before yesterday, they removed her oxygen mask to allow her to breathe room air (GREAT sign of her progress). The doctors are amazed at how well she is doing and how swiftly she is improving. Yesterday they moved her to the regular Pediatric ward to finish her recovery. She has a puss pocket in one lung that could cause serious complications so they’re observing her closely.

Lauren said that they’re not sure when they will be discharged, but she’s thinking maybe next Tuesday. We hope for their sake that happens because little Miss Alexa has a birthday coming up! She will turn 11 on Wednesday :] How great would it be for her to be able to spend it at home with her family?! Lauren sent a picture of her today in the hospital gift shop holding a gigantic fortune cookie. Doesn’t she look great?

Lauren is also on the road to recovery and starting to feel much better. She’s has been pretty tired from tending to Alexa throughout the night, but seeing her improve is helping her own recovery and also helping her to sleep the past few days :]

We would appreciate you keeping Alexa and Lauren in your prayers until they’re completely out of the woods.

Also, keep an eye out for the October release! Peeks start on Wednesday also. You can get in on one of the new sets now by placing a pre-order or purchasing the digital set. The pre-orders are set to ship on October 1st, but you may notice that if you already placed an order yours might arrive before the 1st. Some of the shipments were already mailed! That’s just a small example of the stellar customer service you can expect from My Time Made Easy.  You can check out Lauren’s blog post about the Spooky Surprise PRE-RELEASE!! <–It can be found here.

Thank you for checking in and continuing your prayers for Alexa and Lauren.

~My Time Made Easy Design Team~

Well its back to the hustle and bustle of the regular work week.

If you haven’t be sure you submit your projects for our Guest Designer Contest! We are also  looking for 2 permanent team members. See our AD on SCS for details! –> HERE!

Did you have an enjoyable holiday? Feels like summer is officially over once Labor Day comes and goes.

Today I’m feeling sentimental and a bit long winded. So bear with me here!

Today you will want to visit Tracey Cuccia for a super sweet project.

Here is what Tracey has to say.

“Here in NY, it’s back to school time.  In fact, today is my daughter’s first day back.  I started last year, getting her a little ‘something’ to start off the school year.  A treat just for her…now to most it may not be a big deal, but she loves all sorts of yummy smelling goodies, so I got her a thing or two to take to school, and some for use at home…see how I packaged them up to mark this special day…”

Make sure you stop by to visit Tracey

The kids are back at school, ALL full time, and I can’t even believe how much I can accomplish with a 6 hour block of time. My house is spotless and I’m creating up a storm! Next month’s release will be HUMONGOUS, because my mojo is in FULL SPEED AHEAD. I really start gearing up for the holidays once the 2nd week of September comes.

The kids (Noah & Amber) started Soccer season, and Alexa is starting dance class again. She use to dance a log time ago, but once she got Cancer, that came to an end. She is finally feeling better enough to start again.

I haven’t posted photos in a while….so here you go!

Alexa Grade 4

Age: 10 (almost 11)

My miracle. I can never get over how amazing she is, and  her personal growth in all areas, year after year! She is not a baby anymore. It is hard to try and remember that.

Noah 2nd Grade

Age: 7

He looks *just* like his dad. He is becoming quite sweet & charming. SO tall too.

Amber 1st Grade

Age: 6

My baby. Enough said.

Amber also got glasses this summer…..

I think she looks REALLY cute in them, even if she hates them.

How time flies! All 3 of my “babies” off to school. Soon it will be college, then their own apartments. I tear up at the thought.

I took them to the park yesterday, and as I watched them play, I tried to burn that memory into my head. My children, still young enough and full of innocence, yet old enough to be independent in so many ways. I want to remember the images of them running through the park, trying to do the monkey bard, and sliding down the slides. I want to remember their little dirty faces, and thier little voices. I want to remember the energy and excitement they have, the sounds of their laughter. I sat there watching, and remembering when they couldn’t play in the park with out the help of my hand, or a push on the swings. Now every now and again I get a glance over the shoulder, and a smile with a wave! Or a look at me! Oh how I cherish those days.

So as I try to settle back into a routine, which is new to me, with the quiet that come with the week, I am hoping to re-do my special video tutorial. Its been absolutely crazy here this week, as I am sure you can all relate. I have SOOOO much I want to get done, and am hoping I can actually achieve all I have on my to do list this week.

OK, sorry about getting side tracked!

 How about a SWEET project?

Now use your imagination……I used the Shop Around Mega Template, to create a Cupcake Themed Sweet Shoppe.

Now I say use your imagination because this was designed to look just like a CUPCAKE. When I showed my husband he said’ That’s suppose to be a what? Its doesn’t looke LIKE a cupcake, but it IS cute.”. SO he didn’t see the cupcake idea at all. So use your imagination. My kids “got it”. Oh well!

So, while I failed miserable at that, I still think its’ adorable. Here is how I tried to get it to look like a cupcake……

See my base of the Shop Around Mega Template was made from Kraft (to be like a chocolate cupcake-without the overpowering brown of a chocolate cardstock), and then I used the Picket Fence paperto print my pattern on some vellum cardstock to imitate the look of a cupcake wrapper, complete with scalloped border.

For my roof…..again going with the CUPCAKE theme, I printed the polka-dot pattern from the Shopping Shirley’s Candied Thistlestalk collection. onto CANVAS cardstock. Yes it looks and feels like canvas! I wanted some obvious “texture” for my “frosted with sprinkles” look.

I added the bow-with a Button to imitate a cherry on top! You can’t really see it, but I used some embroidery floss to even make a “stem”.

In the Pop Up Window I used the face of the clock image (punched out with a  inch circle punch) from the On Display 1 set so it looked like a real Shoppe with the clock at the top! I think its a super cute option instead of a window!

Anyway……my Shoppe Window is of course 3 D! I stamped the window panes on a acetate layer for the realistic look of an actual Shoppe window.

As you see IN the window I have my Shoppe Counter (made using the wood grain image from Home Improvement), where I stamped 3 cupcakes from the On Display 1  set, and colored them to match.

My Boutique sign has the sentiment “simply sweet” instead of the “boutique. That was done with the digital version of Shoppe Window & the On Display 1 set.

For some more details I stamped colored and cut out the dog from On Display 1 .

Now my lil’ bushel in the corner was created my stamping the smaller bush image from the Home Improvement, multiple times, then using the solid gumball iamge from On Display 1, as my “flower/berry” buds.

The right side of my box had the Shoppe door from Home Improvement.

I made sure I DRAGGED my ink across the door so it appeared to be a woodgrain pattern. I stamped/colored/cut the lantern.

In the “attic” windows I stamped a heart from You’ve Got Mail stamp set. I love that little touch!

On the left side of my Shoppe I used the main image from the You’ve Got Mail stamp set!!

 I just used that same cute cupcake from the On Display 1 set on my mailbox! It personalized it even further, and I think it’s a super cute addition to this template.

Now for the back.

The simplest part, but it may be my favorite! LOL!

I just stamped my Homemade sentiment from the Sign It set, and back to the You’ve Got Mail stamp set, I used the little house image to create my label! I love it. Sometimes its the little details that make a BIG deal.

I love using older sets with newer ones! If there is anything I can tell you it is to ALWAYS go back and try to mix, match and coordinate! It feels great! You really feel like you got your monies worth. I was even thinking that this could be SUPER SWEET as a Jam/Jelly Shoppe using the Well Preserved set, for wrapping your jams and jellies, or fruit flavored/scented/themed gifts! Basically ANY older image set would be a great Shoppe!!!!!!

When I say this Shop Around Mega Template had limitless possibilities I MEAN IT!

If you are tight on time check out our super cute Simply Sensational Shoppes! They are amazing. You can quickly and easily color, print, and cut. Perfect for mass producing gifts too.

Video coming SOON!!!

Supplies from My Time Made Easy ™ LLCPretty Packaging Templates: Shop Around Mega Template

Pretty Impressions Stamp Set (digital & acrylic): Shope Window, On Display 1, Sign it, Home Improvement, You’ve Got Mail

Pretty Printable Digital Paper: Shopping Shirley’s, Picket Fence

Pretty Pieces Cut File: Home ImprovementWell thank you again for stopping by!

I hope you are feeling inspired to create your own little “homes” or a village of Shoppes for  gift this upcoming holiday season. You really can’t BUY the feelings these will give to those you make them for!

See you again tomorrow.

Hi everyone

I have so much to report upon my return to reality! So if you have a minute I’ll catch up with you here.

Well first and foremost any stamp set orders put in while I was away will be shipped tomorrow If you were waiting to order, then go ahead Also I am all caught up on any/all customer service emails.

I thought I’d share a quick card I made right before I left for vacation. It was my favorite from this past release.

The earth laughs in flowers

This is a simple layout with MANY possibilities. I wanted to keep it simple.

For this I used the flower shilouette from the Killer Curves set, and the Tending the Garden set from the July Release. I used a singlo white gel pen to add to the details.

The butterfly was actually colored using some pigment inks and a Fantastix stick.

Now onto the “other” stuff.

While I was away on vacation I left for part of the day on Thursday to meet my mother at court. We had to have a hearing to see if her husband would be released from jail until his actual trial.

 If you haven’t read the story-view it here

 The short version: it was determined by the court, based on all the evidence (as I said there is a lot you all DON’T know) and attorney arguments, that he is definitely too dangerous to be out of jail! He will be staying there until his actual trial.

I cannot tell you what a relief this was to me. I’ve lost much sleep over this, especially before this actual date, as it was vital to my mother’s safety and well being. Now I know my mother will be safe for a while.

 We still have his trial to go through but given the various charges we know he will serve some sort of sentence in jail, and hopefully when his sentence is completed they will deport him back to Portugal.

My mom is experiencing a wide range of emotions from this.  She would be terrified if he was out, but at the same time still sees the man she loved. My heart breaks for her but the man she thought she knew really never was.  I am very proud of my mom, that she has stuck through his insanely draining process and despite her heartache has continued to fight. I hope my mom continues to be strong and moves forward.

I found a frame for her that I found so profound. It read ” When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” -Helen Keller

I just want her to know she WILL be happy again. She can and will move forward. She is stronger than she thinks, she just needs to dig deep.

OK on a lighter note…..

The DAY before we left for vacation Amber decided Alexa’s bangs could use a TRIM! So she would be her hairdresser and fix them. So, off we begin our vacation with Alexa having bangs a 1/2 inch long!

My family and I had a wonderful vacation at Point Sebago Resort in Casco Maine. What a WONDERFUL place to go for families We will certainly be returning there soon. They offer so many wonderful things for families to do, and plenty of “camps” for the kids to attend.

We were able to spend time with the kids and even have a few much need “date time”!

We went to the beach daily, participated in Arts & Crafts where I tried my hand at ceramic painting, we went to shows, used the paddle boats, Jay & I went Kayaking for the first time, and really just enjoyed literally every second there.

While we were there Alexa SHOCKED us the first night by getting into the middle of the Welcome Party by dancing in the middle of the crowded dance floor! Given that she is VERY shy we were in awe! When she was done she got an standing ovation from several tables, telling her what a great job she did, and I thought she would run off the floor, once she realized what was going on, but instead she took a bow! LOL! VERY unlike her so it was such an amazing thing to see.She even followed the choreography for a line dance!!  I seriously couldn’t believe she was picking it all up. I was certainly flooded with emotions when I recalled her early days of leukemia when she could walk for 3 months, and every step was painful. She had to re-learn to walk all over again, and stairs weren’t even an option. Here she is 3 years in remission, and line dancing! God is good.

In the fall she wants to start taking dance lessons again here in town. I think she is definitely ready again

One of the camps for her age group had morning dance classes given by the trained dancers they had there for various shows from NY. Alexa attended each one and REALLY enjoyed herself. The Camp staff was awesome at making some accommodations for Alexa when certain activities would be a little too much for her, especially in the heat! I couldn’t say enough about them all.

I could go on for hours about all our adventures.

While we were there we were also able to check out Camp Sunshine! This is a “camp” for families of children with life threatening diseases. It offers families like ours, an AMAZING experience, and this camp was developed by the owners of Point Sebago! So I was obviously pleasantly surprised to find all this out upon our arrival. What better place to support. I love supporting a place that so openly uses its funds to help make a difference in the lives of others.

Long story short it was a wonderful place for our family to take a vacation, and we were sad to return home to reality. We are already planning of returning year after year as it was THAT amazing, and not too far from home

I’m too tired and have way to much to do upon my return, so I have yet to edit/share photos. I will this week ( I hope )

Well I will be taking off the next few days to spend time with my family. It is very much needed.

In the meantime here are some photo of my sweet dog Daisy.

She is a cockapoo and is almost 3 years old.

She weighs 14lbs and is the SWEETEST thing on 4 paws.

I can’t get TOO close cause she starts licking my camera! LOL!

Her face is still dirty from the bowl of Spaghetti O’s she ate, courtesy of Amber who left them on the sidetable unattened too long!!

I thought I’d share some recent photos of her Its been a while. I do have photos of my poor kitties but I can’t bare to share them yet.

Daisy has been sad since they have been gone. She use to slee with them each afternoon  :C

Be back soon!

Thanks for all your warm thoughts and prayers.

I am taking a few days off before the next release begins. It will be a much needed break.

Alexa has bad allergies-or so I am told. Not sure yet how I feel about that diagnosis. She has been congested for some time and on all sort of other stuff that seems useless. We will see. I’m keeping my eye on her for now.

As for family life-Court on Monday was a HUGE emotional roller-coaster and waste of time.

 Her husband’s new lawyer wasn’t ready to plea his case for the endangerment hearing so it was continued till POSSIBLY Monday. Yes-possibly. His lawyer was “too” busy to even confirm he can show up that day so it will be a last minute notice!! Me living about 2 hours from court, that stinks to have to wait till the last minute! I need to be there for my mom, and don’t want to have to RUSH. I have such anxiety each time when I’m NOT rushed, let alone when I am.

My poor mother has to keep going through all these court appearances and its getting ridiculous. Every time we go it sets her back emotionally, and plays out on her physically. I can see why women choose to NOT testify because it is so drawn out and difficult to keep going over everything over and over again.

I don’t know WHY you need SO MANY various court dates for every little thing! Its not wonder the courts are always backed up! We wasted several hours in court for NOTHING on Monday. Family member took time out of work, not to mention TAX PAYER $$ to transport him for the jail where he was to superior court! Why can’t they consolidate stuff and get it together. Who needs like 6 to 8 dates to make a decision. Every little thing needs a court date, and every time she has to tell someone her story over and over again. Or go through seeing him in shackles and wondering how it will go. We ALL lose sleep I’m certain.

Monday she will have a choice as to whether or not she will want to testify against him, in order for them to decide if they should hold him until his trial (which can be set for anywhere between a few months to years away). She is getting worn down, and can’t take much more. She needs to continue this. I know she can do it.

 Sorry its a long vent but this last trip really affected my mother and I’m doing my best to convince her she needs to keep plugging forward, and that she CAN do this. Its heart-wrenching for her, and then me to watch her endure the pain. I know how “I” feel when we are sitting there awaiting him to be called in, I can only imagine how much worse it is for her.

This time in court he made eye contact with her and looked at her in a way to suggest “I’m sorry”. Last time we went to court he was ANGRY and glared and her and even GROWLED at her! It was a horrible thing. It did make it easier for her to KNOW she is doing the right thing. But after his puppy face….long story short she feels bad for him, and conflicted about what to do.

 I’m not saying it was easy seeing the exchange, but she needs to keep her focus on what happened. This wasn’t a one time thing either. There was a build up of violence and this event could have been far worse had she not begged for her life. She knows he is dangerous and is still so very afraid of him, yet the part of her that loves him can’t bear to speak an ill word against him. If he had actually killed her, all the I’m sorry looks in the world wouldn’t hold a drop of water with me. I wish I could jump in her body for her and testify.

I think he is sorry for HIM. Not HER. Sorry he is caught. Sorry he has to possibly serve time for his actions. He viewed this situation (as does his family) as my mother’s fault. If she didn’t call the police he could be free. If she could have only kept her mouth shut (those are others words, not mine) Now he has to pay for what he did. You know after he attacked her he went out with his brother to a Flea Market, then to a friends house, laughing anf joking like nothing ever happened! CRAZY.

 I just pray my mom keeps sight of the reality. Think with her head, not her heart. He has no love for her. If he did he would never have abused her in any manner.

I could go on and on. Anyway, just an update for those of you wondering.

Well I hope you are enjoying what is left of the weekend.

I hope you were able to take advantage of the SALE!

My Time Made Easy ™ LLC is having a SUPER SALE!

DON’T WAIT! LIMITED TIME ONLY!Enter the coupon code –> PATRN2420  to get $4 OFF your purchase for BOTH the Puckered Up Patterns and Paper Pattern Pieces © .Details: Coupon is good from NOW until MIDNIGHT (Eastern Time) May 24th  . Supplies are limited. No rain checks. Limit: one use per customer.Coupon not valid on previous purchases, and/or the purchase of any other Pretty Impressions stamp sets. Offer does not include shipping charges.

Now how about another sample using the Puckered Up Patterns and Paper Pattern Pieces ©

When words just aren’t enough

Here are some colors I LOVE! Gray, Sahara, pink and fuchsia. A very striking combination, that I RARELY ever use. This is also a very simple and clean layout.

I used the single circle pucker pattern from Puckered Up Patterns to create my border image. I layered the largest pucker X in between, so mimic a flower. 

In between the puckered pattern, where it creates a diamond, I pierced a diamond in the center! I very simple touch that is sure to WOW! I really love the effect it has. You can do faux stitching in so many ways to get a whole nother variety of looks.

The pattern in particular reminds me of these little dresses my mom would put me in. They were called smock dresses I believe. They had a gathered and stitched pattern in the top. They were so cute (some of them). She ALWAYS put me in a dress! Usually a huge poofy dress. One day, I was maybe 5, I put my foot down. I said NO! I don’t want to wear that big poofy dress to school, I don’t like it, and I;m not wearing it. I really felt so strongly about it, and I remember sitting in the doorway of my closet crying and pleading with her to not make me wear it. All I wanted was some jeans and a shirt! Well, after what seemed like an eternity, there I was marching to school in my poofy dress. I was a strong willed little girl, and my mom was determined to win that fight.

I was so mad at her, that once I was in school, I went into the bathroom, then I took the laces out of my shoes, and tied them around my waist! LOL! To make like a “belt”, so my dress wouldn’t be so poofy. I can ONLY imagine what I looked like, but I was at least happy that the POOFY dress was now more “fitted”, if I HAD to wear it. I looked/felt like a umpaloopma every single day. Once I came out of school with my shoelace belt, I think that was the day my mom finally realized how much I hated them. I swear that is why I RARELY wear dresses or skirts! I’m a jeans girl all the way.

She also use to make me put curlers in my hair everyday! I think that is why I hate curly hair! LOL! It was pure torture. She would also use “rags”. You cut up your hubby’s old t-shirt, and roll and tie the hair in those. I think they did this in the 20′s? Anyway, while I look back on photos I always looked adorable, and I applaud my mother’s efforts, now that I have my own girls it’s a lot of work keeping up with that stuff. I think that is why I’m more willing to not MAKE my girls wear their hair certain ways (even when they look SO cute-unless its for a very special occasion) was because the years of “torture” hair curling, and frilly dresses.

Ah, the things we do to our children sometimes! LOL!

Sorry I got off subject, I just got taken back to the “old days”.

Back to the card….

The butterfly is my fave It is from the All A Flutter set. I stamped the solid butterfly onto pink cardstock, then stamped the grid wing print in the fuchsia ink. My sentiment is from the Just For You © set. Lots of great sentiments in there.

Its a SIMPLE yet striking card. I like when things go together quickly!

Well I am off, thanks for stopping by!

Until next time.

Ah! So much to share so little time!

Today I’ll be brief since the first week of the month is generally INSANE for me. OK maybe I should say the last and first weeks of every month! While I’m busy sharing details from this release I’m also usually finalizing details of the next one, and am also working on the month after that!!! Throw in a family and you have a crazy week! I am the queen of multi-tasking I think. I generally have at least 3 major things to do daily, and several “appointments” for something during the week! LOL! Not complaining, I’m just sayin.

Now I have a couple other projects to put finishing touches on, then there is another counseling appointment for Noah and I have to go back to finish my hair straightening after that-so I’ll be brief.

(PS thanks for allowing me to share about my son. I have heard that this isn’t an uncommon problem, so that helps hearing from others too :D)

He *just* came home with a heart shaped card for me that reads:

The most important thing about my mom is

She is nice

She feeds me

She keeps me safe

She gave me a life (LOL! that cracked me up)

but the most important thing about my mom is she loves me.

Love Noah

AWE! This is the FIRST card I ever got that says nothing about Daddy! LOL! I usually get Happy Mothers Day! I love my dad. I love playing games with my dad. I love you Noah

Every book or poem he writes is about his very best friend: dad! They have an amazing relationship that I am so happy about, but it is nice to get some sort of mommy love once in a while! LOL!

OK back to the peeks!

I just got a fancy NEW! video camera for my birthday, so I can do even better videos for you, so I really hope to find some time to do one soon Maybe on backgrounds?! If there are any requests, let me know! I’m out of ideas at this point.

In the meantime to whet your creative pallet Tracey Cuccia has a peek!

Here is what Tracey has to say about her project:

“My daughter Shannon is my crafting buddy – she loves to come and ’play’ with Mommy.  She has her favorite items she likes to use, glitter pens, glue, scissors, flowers…so I decided that I would make her her own little caddy to keep her crafting goodies together at my table.  There will be NO mistake that this is for her, fun, bright, and cheery, just like Shannon…”

So be sure you stop by and visit Tracey

Now for my turn.

You all seem to be LOVING the NEW! Puckered Up! Patterns ©! They are simply fun and easy to use. The layering possibilities are just endless. You can make so many various patterns it is great! I designed this because I thout it to be a perfect addition to the Pucker Up template! The puckered shapes were perfect together. Plus you can never have too many background builders!

This could make some simple rockin guy stuff too!

I was recently inspired by the design on some of my most FAVORITE raspberry cookies when I made this!

When I showed this to my husband, inspiration in hand, he honestly said “What?! I don’t get it. Where do you see cookies?”

MEN! They just have no creative vision sometimes! LOL! I pointed out the cookie pattern and he STILL didn’t get it. Oh well, I got it! LOL!

Now the Pucker Up template is a great size and can hold lots of googies! I wrapped 8 of these cooloies to fit in here, not even problem! The tuck in sides allows you to easily access what you put inside too without ruining the packaging.

As I said, inspired by my YUM-O cookies, I stamped the largest pattern in the Puckered Up! Patterns © , stamped in a raspberry like ink from SEI (I recently bought like every color in SEI ink!). I then stamped the same style open pucker pattern in a green ink by Momento. Then, I added ONE more! The paler pink filler center! I have to admit I fell in LOVE with the look of this!

Now for my center piece!

 I thought that pairing the solid pucker circle with a stem from Sensational Stems would create the PERFECT retro flower for this! I finished off the flower center using a spiral like flower from the Puckered Up Patternsset. I then added a page pebble and a lil’ bling center. Complete with a perfect sentiment  from Sensational Sentiments: “Grow old without growing up”

I’m really in LOVE with all the New! All Tied Up! frame/tags/ribbon holders we just released! They fit the sentiments and images perfectly-plus you can re-size them with the click of a button. Here I used the All Tied Up! Oval. It was the PERFECT addition to this.

Supplies:Pretty Packaging © template – Pucker Up!

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Pucker Up PatternsSensational Stems,  Sensational Sentiments

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Blushing, Sweet heart, Brandenburg

Ink: Momentoand SEI

Pretty Pieces Cut Files- All Tied Up! Oval

Page pebble

Well that is all for today.

Tune in tomorrow because we are not done sharing yet!

In the meantime thank you all for the kind comments, emails and support you’ve ALWAYS offered to me and my family! It is always appreciated