Do you get the Lizzie Anne Newsletter? If you do, then you saw THIS Santa tin, using their Holiday Cheer,  Santa  Simply Single image, and the Snow Flurry. In it fits 4 Ghirardelli Chocolate squares. It was a clear top, magnet tin from Target $1 spot. 3 in a pack! Now don’t run there cause this was a while ago. See, I thend to HOARD things, for occasions such as this

Occasions, what occasion.

Tomorrow is THE day!

I mean the day that Santa Claus comes to pay a visit to our home.

He will be bringing each child their MOST cherished and wanted toy! How cool will that be?

So, now I have to whip up some candy cane style sugar cookies for him, and make another cocoa cone for Mrs. Claus. How exciting.

I think I am more excited than the kids Tomorrow is also Amber’s Christmas Dance recital at our local nursing home. The residents just LOVE it. So, I should have a bunch of Smileboxes to do.

As for right now I am swamped with stuff to get done. Because we got the dog, we didn’t wrap gifts OR get out our cards! What is the point in getting them done so early if I dont mail them out ??

DOG UPDATE:

Thanks for the well wishes Daisy is such a lovey dog. I’m extatic. Don’t worry I’m not going to go all crazy dog lover everyday on ya! This is just an adjustment period

I am EXHAUSTED. Daisy was not happy to be in her crate last night. After hearing much praise from the video, the Dog Whisperer I am having Jason rent it tonight. I am a CLUELESS dog owner. I mean REALLY clueless. I want to do what’s right and make no major boo-boo’s. Like last night I kept telling her it was ok, go to sleep blah blah blah blah, while she barked, whined and cried. Finally at 3 am I looked online and read NOT to do that! GREAT!!!! I’m on my way to being a fabulous dog owner already.

She is really good and sweet, just does not want to be alone-at night! LOL! By the sounds of it, this is normal.

outside. I don’t know.

Tomorrow I have tons to do, and hope she will be up to it. I miss my stamp room.

Ok I’m off!

Thanks for looking.

Make a scrapbook!

Oh what a day! Or should I say weekend.

Jason had been on a dog kick for a few months. Lots of online hours. After MUCH research we found a cockapoo (cross between a cockerspaniel and poodle) would better suit our family, wants and needs for a dog.

I didn’t want a big dog, too high maintenance, and it had to be good with other animals and of course KIDS. Also easy to train. That equals a cockapoo. We did meet other breeds of dogs as well, but the meeting confirmed our wish.

So I told you how Saturday we spent the day at the puppy place looking for dogs. I didn’t really care, till I met this one. Its so true what they say “The dog picks YOU.”

 I fell in LOVE with this one, I named Daisy, while on our visit.

NOT A GOOD THING TO NAME A DOG IF YOU AREN’T SURE YOU CAN HAVE IT.

From the second I saw her she was adorable, but more so, SWEET. She instantly sat in my lap, and nuzzled my neck. She got on her back for me to rub her belly. Im mean seriously turned me into a mushy gushy moron I was in love.

Then, to only to have Jason say ‘No, I don’t know if I want a dog”. After 2 1/2 hours of debating-we left without her. I thought I would cry.

What he REALLY meant was he didn’t want to spend $1,000 for a dog.

I was so upset we left without her. I thought I’d get over it, but totally could not. I was really upset. Even more so when we made several appointments today to see some other dogs (same breed), but a little cheaper. He said IF I didn’t like the others, he would consider calling to get “Daisy”.

I was already worried, as another couple was considering her while we were there. PLUS I didn’t want to settle. What is the point?

I had my heart set, and mind made up. Why even look at another dog, if this was the ONE I needed?

So, while on the phone with my mom, she told me she would help me get the dog How could Jason say No right?

I was over the moon happy! Jason was also happy cause he could actually get me the dog without really stressing. (Which WHY look at an expensive breed if you don’t plan on BUYING it?)

MEN!

So I called the breeder, and there was a family there looking at her. She asked if I would DEFINITELY be buying her, and if so I had to come within 45 min. Good thing they are 10 min. away.

Now imagine if I waited? That other family MIGHT have bought MY dog!

So thank you so much MOM! You are the best! Also, thanks Jay for finally caving. Next time don’t bring a family to meet dogs, if you aren’t ready to pay up! SERIOUSLY!!

So I would love you all to see my Christmas gift! I decided to get her instead of a fancy camera, photo editing software, and a graphic program. Well worth it I think

I named her Daisy-cause she is so sweet,  soft,  gentle, and loving.

Jason wanted to name her COSTALOT-get it “cost a lot”. I did laugh  at that one!!

For the record, Noah tried his best to sway daddy by saying “Daddy I think you need to buy mommy that doggie. She is really sad. She might cry. I think you are being mean”

For Amber to say “Mommy daddy can’t buy you the dog. Its thousands of dollars. Do you have thousands of dollars. No one has thousands of dollars, so you can’t have it”

And she is THREE. A girl after her dad’s heart! LOL!

Thanks for reading my non-stamping related post. Also for the support.

Now I hope to get some eye candy done for ya!

OK I did NO STAMPING yesterday. We were going to buy a Cockapoo puppy. I know, where did that come from?

 Long story short-we didn’t buy this ONE particular dog that I feel in love with-I already named her Daisy :C. I hope to get over my emotional issue and get creative. I want my Daisy. She was expensive, but seriously, you don’t drag ME and 3 kids kids to the place for 2 1/2 hours to then say “I don’t know if I want a dog.” Its wrong!

So no wrapping, no stamping, just me being sad.

I did do this on Friday.

 Garden of Friendship

This is veggiebella.

I used my SEI paper to get the idea for the colors I wanted to use.

Oh how I love the Bella’s. Even my MOM, who reads my blog says “I love those girls you use, who makes them?”! LOL! They are so ME:D I’m sure they are so a lot of you!

Did you see the NEW! Bella’s? IPODABELLA, SAVVYSHOPABELLA, and MWAHBELLA

OMW! I know I want a butt like that-LOL!  They are such a cute new look!!!

She (EMILY QUEEN BELLA) is having a FREE SHIPPING SALE, on order’s over $25!

 Here is the code  11b49b .

 Its only till today though. So If you have been waiting I guess now is the time. I will hunt down these Bella’s soon too.

OK I’m off to pout at my husband. Wish me luck.

If I looked like Amber it might work! LOL!

Till later-I hope I’ll have dog photos! ;D

Several  weeks ago you may remember that I made an ornament to send to Paper Crafts for the Festival of Tree’s!

If you don’t, well here is the ornament

Proceeds were to benefit the families of sick children, who may have a hard time financing the cost for their child’s treatments/care.

I can obviously relate, and was MORE than willing to help out.

Brandy sent me a photo of the decorated tree!! I copy/pasted the email with it. I found MY ornament I took the liberty of circling it. If you wonder HOW I know it was mine-the photo I was sent was HUGE! So I could see all the details!

It came out gorgeous! I hope you enjoy the view. Someone was very blessed to get it, as are the children who benefit from this event.

Happy Holidays!

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Merry Christmas Lauren,

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation to our Festival of Trees project.  The Paper Crafts tree was a wild success and was auctioned off for a significant amount of money.  In turn, all of that money went directly to help the patients at Primary Children’s Medical Center.  Our tree was in such high demand that several people participated in a bidding war in order to purchase it.  The woman who won the bidding war and took home the tree is an avid scrapbooker and was thrilled to be receiving such a vast supply of products and such a beautiful array of paper-crafted items.

This project could have never been possible if it weren’t for you. As I mentioned last month, I wanted to send you a photo of the tree in all its glory; this picture is attached. For additional information about the Festival of Trees and for photos of the tree-decorating process please check out the Paper Crafts blog at www.PaperCraftsMag.com/blog.  

Thank you again and happy holidays,

Brandy Jesperson and the rest of the Paper Crafts team

Green Grass Stamps ran some ads over on SCS this week! Did you notice? She has some great sets. Especially if you are a sentiment and alphabet lover

Well, she has a SUPAH cute NEW! set called THANK YOU, that is on Sale lookie ——-HERE

It only runs till the end of today.

Just in case you need some ideas of WHAT to add to your cart (HE!HE!HE!)

 Cupcake wishes

The cupcakes are from her Holy Tomoli set (one of my faves of hers), and the sentiment was from a retired set of hers (insert sad face). I colored with Copics and added some glitter! YUMMY!

I used some Junkitz paper to get inspired for this one! Do you see the acetate tag on the side? Cute isn’t it??? Its a great way to add a sentiment to what appears to be a “busy” card. I love that it just sorta POPS-Hey you-Birthday Wishes! LOL!

This idea for the cupcakes is GREAT for those TINY images that seem to never get used in our sets. TRY it out. Put those little images to use. NO-3 X 3 cards-that’s cheating

Here are some more ways to use those TINY images on a LARGE card, yet make them the FOCUS!!!

  Thanks

Now would you EVER think this tiny butterfly would POP on a large card? But, it does.

I used my rectangle nestabilities for the embossed border on the flower layer-a simple, subtle touch of elegance!

Butterfly is from Card Greetings II. The sentiment is also retired, but with this NEW set (which I am patiently awaiting) its can be substituted!

The paper is my lovely Martha Stewart. Patterned paper is by K&Co. I use it ALOT!

Now for yet another idea

 T is for thanks

This is yet another way to pair up those alpha’s and monograms!

By surrounding it with a patterned layer, and placing it in a circle it really draws your attention. This is similar to a card I posted using Paper Trey. Sweet Baby Jane alpha is the T, the thanks was retired. The border stamp is from Sweet Baby Jane.

OK Thats all I got for now cause Im finishing my Christmas shopping today!! Just need those final Gift certificates, and to MAIL my Christmas cards!

Till tomorrow

I may be out of commission, but I still have stuff to share! Make sure you check back later cause I have MORE stuff, plus info on the MFT Stamps New Release party tonight

Winter Wonerland Dreams

Love gourmet cookies? Think white chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nuts.

Last year I made these cookies in a jar. I cannot even tell you how many emails I have received asking for the recipe! Even THIS year. I got the cookie holders at the dollar store, and were a nice touch I think.

I heard back from every recipient that they were YUM-AZING!!! (another Lauren word!). This is a gourmet yummy cookie. It won’t disappoint. I will say the ingredients are a little more pricey than some cookies in a jar, but it makes a great gift since they aren’t your run of the mill type of cookie in a jar gift. Great for the Hostess of a Holiday party or teachers, and teacher’s aides! I gave them out to a dozen people, and were a HUGE hit!!

Sorry the photo is small and blurry-it was when I was an newbie camera moron! LOL!

So here you all go!

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Layer bottom to top, and pack down each layer tightly!!! It will fit snug! Make sure you use the BALL canning jars, so you can seal this AIRTIGHT, to ensure freshness!

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour (mix in 3 TBSP white sugar,1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp baking soda, 3/4 tsp baking powder)

1/2 cup of chopped Macadamia nuts

1 cup of white chocolate chips/chunks

1/2 cup of flaked coconut

Then cover with fabric, and print your tag!! Leave some room to stamp your image

Due to my computer challenged nature, I have NO CLUE how to attach a file for you to download and print! Maybe someday I will learn! LOL! You can copy/paste this to your word document! 6 should fit per sheet of cardstock!

This is what you will need to include on your jar so the recipient knows how to make it, and what is left to have on hand.

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I cannot tell you how honored I am that you all read my blog. I mean really. You all “know” me. I know that by things you remember, and questions you ask. With all the amazing blogs and life I am so honored that you even bother to READ, let alone retain any personal info about me.

I get so many wonderful, and personal messages, I’m just in awe. So again-thank you for thinking I’m reading worthy!

I get the coolest things. Today Staci asked me if she wanted me to have her send a $1 coupon of Dunkin’s coffee! She thought of me immediately! LOL!

I also got a email from a reader/friend here named  Bee. She had nominated my blog for a Blog Favorites section at Scrapbooks.com Newsletter, and I was featured as a favorite this week! What can I say to that?? WOW! Thanks so much! How honored I feel.

I have another email I got from a woman named Ann Williams. She sent me some great info, and a book she wrote! I want to TRY her info before I post it, and HOPE to do that soon.

Its nice to get to know you all. I also got some great cards from my friend Robyn (who I am late saying thanks to-shock!), I also get some great cards from my PSF’s!! MWAH!!! You girls are all amazing

Sorry I have really been out of commission these last few days. You have NO IDEA how much that KILLS me.

BUT, I know you all know with all 3 kids sick, Jason’s appointment, my Flu, and now I have the stomach bug, how it is. So not my week. Alexa got through her part of the bug really great. Thank goodness. I am so greatful for that. I’m still keeping her home tomorrow, and she has her School Christmas Concert Wednesday! SMILEBOX!!! Cannot wait. I want her to be well rested for that.

Jason’s appointment went great BTW!! Nothing serious! Just needs to take some meds YEAH!!! You know that man knows NOTHING about himself? Thank goodness I was there to provide ACCURATE info. He doesn’t even know what meds he takes!

We always have these little “issues” because he will go to the doctor and not ask questions. Half the time he doesn’t even remember what he said, only it was followed by “You probably don’t have to worry”. OK PROBABLY is NOT good enough for me!

He will have orders for tests and not know why. Does  your husband/boyfriend/father/ MALE anyone in your life do this? Drives me INSANE.

This stuff is IMPORTANT! Maybe its the nurse in me. Not sure. But good grief.

OK so even though I feel like crap I still hafve stuff to share. So stay tuned.

Just wanted to update and thank you all.

I hope to post when I feel better-God willing. This stuff is really kickin my but.

Make a slide show, scrapbook, or ecard

Ok I know I promised a Smilebox of my kids at Thanksgiving. So here are the photos, and the pictures they drew for what they are Thankful for!

You REALLY have to view Alexa’s drawing of each of us! Its too cute! She even made us in our favorite colors. That the kind of stuff you save FOREVER!! I cried when I read her whole book. Especially when she said she was most thankful for Mrs. Darling! That is her teacher aid. HELLO ! Alexa what about MOMMY?!

Amber had a laminated place mat-on the back were photos of the family , and what she is thankful for. Like pocketbooks, and Dora stuff! LOL!

Noah’s class didn’t do anything except color Turkey’s! Um, unsure WHY! No Harvest Feast-nothing! Good thing is sent in cupcakes anyway

He said he loves and and XBOX! SHOCKER!!!

Thanks for looking

Ok so my last post for the Ghirardelli Boxes left for MANY questions!

So I will answer them here. Hopefull it answers questions you may have had as well.

 Q. Where do you get your acetate?

A. I get mine a Walmart! Just $3.99 for 10 sheets! NOTE: they are called something like project projector sheets. You find them in the office section. They so have a white line in the side-I just chop it off. Same thing-a little thicker (which I personally LOVE), and ONE side has a slight “texture” to it. I find it helpful and more able to help my ink ”stick”. Also Staples sells them but in like a pack of $50! So more pricey. I say do a SHARE! If you do, count me in! Now those of you in the Concord NH area, please remember me, and leave some for me to buy! LOL! I’m running low.

Q. Can the Scor-Pal score acetate?

A. YES the Scor-Pal can easily score acetate! It is (obviously) difficult to see the score lines-but put your finished scored project on a darker piece or cardstock, then use the Scor-Tool to crease the box score lines.

Q. What tape did you use?

A. Shame on ME for never mentioning this! I LOVE this tape! Its called Terrific Tape. A MUST have. I love it because you can just rip it off the roll!!! PLUS you get a lot. Its cheap, and holds AWESOME. AND its clear! It actually has many uses, so I suggest you read about it Its also more affordable that Red-line tape. And , yes red-line tape also works for any of these projects!

Q. Can you see the tape?

A. Just barely. Like anything with adhesive, if you look hard you see it. But if you stamp the box you will hardly notice! The KEY to any good project is strategic placement of ALL seams

Q. For the first project, I looked at the site you linked, and didn’t see that stamp set? Where is it?

A. The set for the first container is by C.C. Designs. Its called Winter Playtime. It will retail for $11. You cannot view them—YET! They are being released on the 7th.

 If you LOVED Lucky and Lulu but didn’t want to invest in “holiday” images, then the next 2 sets are for YOU!!! They are more “winter” themed, and WAIT till you see Playful Penguins! OMG!! Think affordable, adorable PENGUINS!! OMW the wheels are churning. I got my set today. Oh YIPEE!!!

Q. What size was the acetate you used?

A. It was cut to 8 1/2 X 9 1/2.

LASTLY , let me say I truly appreciate those of you who read my blog,  and even more so, find time to comment.

I don’t want to sound RUDE-but seriously, I don’t need anyone to critique my way of wording things, abbreviations, or my punctuation and whatnot.

I am here as a crafter, to share THAT with you.

 I am myself 100%. I will say, I am shocked that a lot of you read every little word, and some even proof read my posts. I think that is, in some way, beyond flattering.

So every little thing isn’t always perfect. So what. I am not perfect, nor is my typing, wording and whatnot. I hope that is not what you come here for. Also, I’m not changing it. This is me. Take it or leave it.

Till tomorrow.

Ok let me be straight with ya!

I LOVE making my own boxes, and giftlets (thats my lil word for them).

So if you visit me here-especially like the past month-you will see I have made alot of different styles of gifts, and boxes or bags. I TRULY believe it makes the simplest things WOW people. It also shows how much time and effort went into the easiest gifts.

I know BLAH BLAH BLAH-but to me its SO true.

I also figure I have saved quite the penny on designing the holder’s that I do. Plus I have FUN doing it. People are SHOCKED when they find you not only MADE it all, but designed the box as well. Sometimes the gift doesn’t live up to the packaging right! LOL!

Today I am sharing a FAVORITE of mine. Rather a lightbulb moment.

I LOVE chocolate! What woman doesn’t right? If you don’t, don’t admit it here! We chocolate lover’s DONT GET IT! NEVER will.

Anyway, alot of people seem to like the Ghirardelli Chocolate squares (as do I – raspberry filled being my personal fave, GODIVA Raspberry Starfish-Oh HEAVEN!!!!), as they come in quite the little assortment now! So I got several assortments.

 I bought some-on sale $2.33,  for a good sized bag. I thought how YUMMY they would be for my mail woman or Jason’s co-workers. I don’t know how about ANYONE that breathe’s. Just a great little gift PERIOD. Any occasion.

I also thought-I can’t just leave them in this bag. I wish I had a cute lil box-AH HA! Thats when it hit me.

MAKE ONE!!!

So I did. I got out my Scor-Pal (yes I use it THAT much), and away I went scoring like a fiend.

I wanted it to house 10 little squares. Obviously the box can be altered for more or less, but 10 was good for me.

So I did all the necessary measuring, and came out with THIS (PS the ribbon really does match in person)

 LuLu LOVE’S Chocolate.

This box uses a stamp set that is NEW from C.C. Designs. The New! Little Bits Kits that sell for ONLY $11!!! This set will be on sale the 7th. Oh and wait till you see them. WAY too cute. I have more coming with them, so stay tuned. I’ve truly fallen in love with Lucky and LuLu!!!

I HAD to use my NEW! Large scallopnestability. You can see that it really makes any single layer SPECIAL.

I used the raspberry wrapper to draw my color combo from. Inside this are 5 raspberry, and 5 caramel squares.

Colored with myCopic markers (of course, what else right!! Hey I get my monies worth), and added strawberry ice stickles to the trim of the coat. You can’t see by the photo, but I also used my Atyou Glitter Pen, to make it all glittery.

HINT-honestly you don’t NEED all the coolors of the glitter pens! Just get the CLEAR one! It doesn;t change the color you put it over-just gives it a perfect touch of BLING. So, save your money for the ACTUAL Copic’s!!!

I stamped the window sheet with Snowflake Serenade by Papertrey Ink, in white Stazon. I filled in the bare area’s with the little snowflakes that come in the Little Bits set.

Here is the template-click for larger view. WAY TOO EASY.

Score per the guidelines.

On the bottom you will cut down the 2 flaps as shown, so the box will fold together perfectly.

Not for the top. the 2 side panels fold down (I secured them with my tape), and the front and back flaps are tied together. EASY PEASY!!

Any questions, let me know. And send me the link HERE if you try it out.

Now here is what Ilike to think of the same idea-only ALL occasion!

 Spiral Blooming square holder

Isn’t this so pretty?

I used ALL the same elements as above. I just made it EVERYDAY themed. This was done using the Papertrey Ink set Spiral Bouquet (LOVE IT)!!!

I stamped the flowers on the box and used my Poppin Acetate technique—–>HERE, for the design. My Pebbles Pearlescent pastels were PEFECT for the extra shimmer on the box. I also outlined the flowers with my atyou glitter pen, but didn’t capture it well in the photo. Oh well.

OK another rambling post.

Maybe this will be JUST what you needed for an idea for that “someone”.

Enjoy the day. The week is HALF over.

Stay tuned tomorrow-MORE ideas FUN FUN