Dancin' in Circles

Vote & Win a Gypsy!

2011-01-12T22:55:00.002-05:00

Hey there! I know I haven't posted in a while, but I am making a point to come on and share something very important to me.

A friend of mine has 3 amazing daughters, and her oldest, Hallie, is in a contest to be the next Fancy Nancy. She needs to be in the Top 20 to move on in the contest and we have until the end of the month to get her there! If you could please help her out it would be much appreciated!!!!!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!!

If you want to learn more on how to WIN A BRAND NEW GYPSY, CLICK HERE!!!!

Thank you all for your support!!!!!!

Halloween Fun!

2010-11-01T20:07:00.003-04:00

For the first time in the 5 years that my husband and I have been together, we dressed up for Halloween and had a party to go to! I was super excited!!!!! Thomas just kinda went along for the ride at first but once he got his costume all on, he was totally into it! LOL

We were Alice and the Evil Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland!

Mom and Dad dressed up as the Tim Burton versions of the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts! Mom even did all the makeup herself! She is sooo good at that stuff!!

I also made some yummy tombstone cupcakes to take to the party with me!
Mmm Mmm good!!!!

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!!!

Now onto the next holiday.... :)!!!!

Zumba Time!

2010-10-16T12:30:00.002-04:00

I have officially started my "Get Fit" routine! This morning I got up extra early and headed to the dance studio for my first ever ZUMBA class. It was sooo much fun!!! I definitely felt the burn and will probably feel it more tomorrow! haha Love that I found this awesome dance workout class!

I also found a new gym across the street that offers all kinds of classes too! I'm planning on going over there this week to find out what it is all about and see the classes they offer. My goal is to work out 3-4 times a week for at least 1 hour everyday, which is the length of most classes.

Wish me luck in my journey to "Getting FIT"!! Here goes nothing!

Happy Weekend everyone!

Demolition Begins...

2010-09-20T13:28:00.003-04:00

Just thought I would share a few photos of our progress... I am very happy with how much we have been able to get done! Very exciting!

Here is the right side of our kitchen before most of the work...

And... here it is after most of the work...

Our Master Bathroom Vanity area before...

And... After...

Ok more to come... but thats enough for now!!

Happy Monday all!

I'm still alive...

2010-09-18T22:58:00.003-04:00

Hi all! I'm still alive... I have been awful about blogging this year...

So Sorry!!!

Thomas, my parents, and I have started demolition on our new home! We got all the closets ripped out, appliances are gone, and kitchen is destroyed!! It is coming along quite nicely... however we did find some mold on the walls in the kitchen behind the stove and a couple cabinets next to it which is no fun! Next to go is the bathrooms and then all the flooring so we can start from scratch!

Wish us luck! :)

Have a great weekend!!!

Creative Escape Awesomeness!!

2010-08-31T23:32:00.002-04:00

The event was absolutely amazing!!!! Mom, Rissa, and I had a blast! It was sooo great to see old friends again and make a few new ones too!!! Can't wait to show off all the great projects we made... but I have to finish some of them first! :)

In other news, I am back to work in full swing between the dance studio and the scrap store. Thomas and I also have to start figuring stuff out for the start of our remodel on our new home. I am also staying busy scrapping for myself and reading a good book.

I have a new love for my nintendo DS and play brain age almost every day. Hopefully I'll start seeing a change in my memory and everything! hehe I feel as if im forgetting more and more things these days, hence my reason for playing so much. I finished school and my brain slowly starting shutting down on me... ugh!

Happy Tuesday!

6 more days...

2010-08-18T15:03:00.002-04:00

Till I am off on a plane to ARIZONA!!!

Sooo excited for one last hurrah vacation before summer officially ends!!! Will get to spend some quality time with my mom and sister, as well as see some old friends!

Excited about our classes we will be taking and the awesome projects we will be making!!! All the new amazing people we are sure to meet!!! Th fun parties and games to be played and the beautiful scenery to be seen!! Woohoo!!!!!!

Arizona... I'm coming for you! Are you ready?!

We Closed on our 1st HOME!!!!

2010-08-15T17:06:00.002-04:00

Eeeek!!!!

We finally closed on our very First home!!!!

Friday, August 13th... what an omen?! lol :)

Such a great day for Thomas & I... We were smiling from ear to ear!!

Now... the remodeling starts... Wish us luck!

Happy Sunday all!

Some long awaited promises...

2010-08-09T15:05:00.003-04:00

Finally! My first day off in... actually I don't remember how long it has been. SAD! Anywho, I have one off today and I am posting the first group of layouts I finished a while back.

I also wanted to wish my hubby a Happy 2 year Anniversary today!!!!! LOVE YOU!!!

Too Cute!

2010-08-03T22:16:00.003-04:00

Ok I know this has nothing to do with the layouts I am supposed to be posting for everyone... but I just can't help but show off the cutest little man in my life right now!

August Already?!

2010-08-01T14:44:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it!!

I know I have mentioned posting pictures in my last 2 posts of everything I have been getting done, but life has different plans for me in the past week or so. All my bosses were out of town this week, and so of course that when a million unforseen things will happen.

I was a little crazy this week! :)

It's Sunday now though, which means things are winding down and hopefully I will have a chance to post some of those pictures in the next couple days.

Some much needed family togetherness time will be happening tonight as we are all going out to dinner and the movies. "Inception" here we come! I have been dying to see this movie since the first preview I saw for it on TV! So excited!

On another note, I am missing my baby sister already! She is in NYC for the week with her dance studio performing at the ACE awards which is a very big deal! GO FP!

Happy August 1st everyone!

The pile is getting smaller...

2010-07-27T22:31:00.003-04:00

Yes you read that correctly!! My to-do pile is getting even smaller yet again.... I printed and put pictures on 2 more double layouts and one more single page... AND i wrote out my journaling for all of these plus 2 more double page layouts.

How many is that?!?!

4 Doubles and 1 Single!!

Woohoo!!! I promise to post pictures soon!!

Night night all!

Feeling Accomplished

2010-07-20T00:02:00.002-04:00

I had the day off today so I knew I had to be productive.

I completed 5 double page layouts from my "to-finish" pile.
WOOHOO!

I also have chosen pictures for 2 more double layouts and a single layout from that same pile!

Can you tell I'm really good at making the layouts... just not so good at finishing them right away?! Most of them just needed journaling, but there were definitely enough that needed pictures too!

Shame on me!

Just proud of myself for finishing what I did today!

I'll post pictures later!

Night all!

New Classes

2010-07-18T00:00:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to show off some new classes I'm teaching at my LSS, Cherry Blossom Studio.

Basic Grey's Page of the Month
"Max & Whiskers"

Basic Grey's Page of the Month
"Olivia"

You will receive a FREE pack of Olivia chip shapes when you sign up for both of these classes! Each class is $27 and you will make 2 surprise bonus layouts in each class in addition to the ones shown above. How awesome is that?!

Click here to sign up now!

Happy Sunday!

Starting Over...

2010-07-17T00:40:00.005-04:00

Hey there bloggers!

I'm starting fresh... today... I have a new look to my blog.
Thank you House of 3!! I love their stuff! Absolutely beautiful!

Summer is about half way thru... I cannot believe how fast it has flown by!

Many vacations and birthdays and work have kept me super busy!

In May, I spent 4 days in Virginia with some family friends and helped take care of their 7 children while attending a family wedding.

In June, my family and I spent a long weekend in "the happiest place on earth", Disney World, for my mom's BIG 5-0 Birthday. It was very hot, but VERY FUN!!!

In July, so far... My mom and I spent 6 days in Washington D.C. for her Close to My Heart convention. It was my first time there and I could not get enough of the city! Awesome! While there, I celebrated my 24th birthday! YAY! When we returned home, we celebrated my sister turning 20 and my husband turning 28 at the Melting Pot! It's kinda a tradition in our family! :)

In 41 days, my mom, sister, and I are off to Arizona for a week to participate in Creative Escape 2010! I had a blast last year and I cannot wait to go back this year!!!

See y'all soon!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T12:23:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2010-03-08T00:24:00.002-05:00

Wishing my Grandma a very Happy Birthday!!!
I love you very much!!

Also wishing her a speedy recovery from her knee surgery!
Good luck with your physical therapy!
I know you will do great! You are one of the strongest people I know!!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Calling out for HELP!!!

2010-03-03T20:53:00.003-05:00

Hi! It's me again.... 2 days in a row!?! I know... so sorry about that! I am going to try and be better about posting more regularly!

I am in need of some personal assistance with a blog header for this boring outdated blog. I have digital header that I absolutely love and I cannot seem to figure out in my little spare time how to add a beautiful title to it so I can actually use the dang file.

Anyone out there willing to help a girl in need??
I can totally send you some scrappy goodies in return for the amazing favor you would be doing me!

If you don't want to leave a comment here, you can always email me at ashleym73@me.com.

Thanks so much!!!

Basic Grey Galore!

2010-03-03T10:55:00.003-05:00

Hi all! Just wanted to stop by and show off the beautiful new Basic Grey classes we are offering at Cherry Blossom Studio right now. It is the same concept as the "Book of Me" from last year, but has been revamped and improved greatly!!!!! I totally fell in love with the whole idea after my first class last year, and now that I am teaching it this year.... I am falling in love all over again!!!! The designers for Basic Grey just keep outdoing themselves for all of us!!!!

So without further adieu....

"Origins" Page of the Month
March 23 & April 21
6:30 pm - 9:00pm
$27

"Kioshi" Page of the Month
March 24 & April 20
6:30 pm - 9:00pm
$27

Aren't they awesome!?!?!? With each class you get 10 sheets of patterned paper, 2 different types of embellishments, sticker letters, color instructions with a large picture of the layout, and me! hehe :) Also, as an extra little bonus to those who attend class, I have come up with 2 additional single page layouts that we will complete before going home. So, that is a total of 3 layouts that you take home with you, 1 double and 2 singles! How awesome is that!!!!

You can find more info on our website under Events. There are only a total of 12 spots for each of these classes so please do not delay in signing up. I wouldn't want anyone to miss out of all the fun!!

For those who attend all 12 classes throughout the year, Basic Grey is offering a beautiful, FREE 12x12 D-ring album to hold all your hard work in. Doesn't get much better than that!

In other good news from the home front, Basic Grey contacted us yesterday to let us know that our order of Green at Heart and Kioshi will arrive FRIDAY!!!!!! If you have pre-ordered anything with us or would like first dibs on all the new goodies , you can stop by the store anytime after 5pm!! But remember... Patience is a virtue when shopping product the same day it arrives. :) j/k

Have FUN shopping!!

{New Classes at Cherry Blossom Studio}

2010-02-09T21:41:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! Just wanted to post a couple of the new classes I'm teaching at Cherry Blossom Studio this month! Click the link to visit our website for more information!

Scrapbooking 101 Morning Rain
February 23rd 10:30am-12:00pm $18

Scrapbooking 101 Dude
February 25th 6:00pm-7:30pm $18

Love Chipboard Album
February 26th 6:00pm-9:00pm $35

Have a great night!!

Cherry Blossom Studio Presents....

2010-02-01T22:41:00.004-05:00

This cruise is going to be amazing!!!! We are offering 6 classes from Unity and Donna Downey!! You don't want to miss out!!!! Click on the side blinkie to see more info on this great vacation!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

2009-12-31T19:42:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it is going to be 2010 in a few hours?!?!?! This year has just flown by and lots has happened!!!

Thomas and I moved in with my parents in July to start saving money for a house. We celebrated my 23rd and his 27th birthday that month too!! Then in August, we celebrated our 1 year anniversary!! Very exciting!!! My mom and I spent a week in Arizona at Creative Escapes and I got to meet my smiley Julie and her family for the first time!!! I also got a great new job at a dance studio teaching the sweetest girls ever!!! Love them!!!

The big adventure of the last week has been completing the 12 Days of Christmas Tags from Tim Holtz!!!! My mom, sister, and I made them all together and had an absolute blast!!!!! It was great for us to spend that time together!!!!!

Note: The picture is very bad as I did not have a lot of time to take it and fix the color and all, but I just had to show them off!!!

I will show them off better one by one in a couple days!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!!!!

Christmas is just around the corner...

2009-12-17T16:42:00.002-05:00

And that means my sissy is coming home soon!!!!! YAY!!!!

My mom and I worked hard to get the whole house decorated before she left for pittsburgh to see my sister then come home with her. Just wanted to share a picture of our beautiful tree!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!

Sissy comes home today!!!!!

2009-11-21T13:44:00.002-05:00

Yay!!!! I cannot wait for my little sister's plane to land and finally see her again after months of her being away at college!!!! I am soo super excited!!!! One whole week of fun activities with the little sister!!!! Legally Blonde on Broadway, New Moon at the theater, Shopping on Black Friday!!!!

EEEKKKKKKKKKKK!

Happy Saturday all!!!

Awful Blogger! I Apologize...

2009-11-19T16:28:00.004-05:00

Hi there!!! I am still alive.... so sorry I have been away for so long! Today I'm here to share my latest 3 layouts for my Book of Me I started at the beginning of the year!

I love these Basic Grey kits!!! They are awesome!!

Happy Thursday!

I Won!!!

2009-10-06T19:26:00.003-04:00

I can't believe I actually won an online drawing!!! I am always web surfing and leaving comments on blogs for different friends and companies... I love seeing the newest things on the market and the freshest ideas out there! So, while surfing the other day I came across My Mind's Eye and their sneak peek of their 3 new lines... They just happened to be doing a giveaway that day! I crossed my fingers and hoped and prayered that they picked me.....

AND MY WISH CAME TRUE!!!!

They chose me as the winner of their 2 new Valentine's releases!!! I cannot tell you how excited I was this morning when I found out!!! It totally made my day!!!

Check out the new lines HERE!!!

SOOO CUTE!!!! I cannot wait to start playing with all these yummy papers!!!

THANK YOU MY MIND'S EYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Missing the hubby and a New LO to share!!

2009-10-03T14:03:00.003-04:00

So... hubby has only been gone for 1 day on his vacation and I am already missing him tons! I just keep telling myself that this was an important trip for him and he is having fun, so I am happy for him! But i still mis him mucho!

Anywho, on a lighter and much more happy note... I have a new LO to share with all of you!

For this LO, I used a Julie Bonner sketch (#38) and Crate Paper's "Orbit" line. All the paper and rub-ons are Crate Paper. Ribbon is from Bo Bunny. And gotta love some dew drops from the Creative Cafe!!!

Happy Saturday all!

New Product Reveal from Bella BLvd!

2009-10-01T16:39:00.002-04:00

WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!

Bella Blvd just posted a new product line reveal on their blog and 2 lucky people have the chance to win it all!!!!!

Head over to the blog now and leave a comment!!! Let them know "Ashley M" sent ya too! Thanks soo much!!!

Bella Blvd Blog

Take a peek at just one of the pieces from the line...

It's called "Honey! I'm Home!". Could they be any cuter?!?!?!
What are you waiting for? Go NOW!!!

Happy Thursday!!!

2009-09-28T11:06:00.002-04:00

Hey there! Come check out Cafe Mojo's newest challenge!!

Hand-Sewing

I hand lots of fun doing this LO! The ribbon on the bottom is sewn on and so are the buttons! New Best Creation "Water Fun" line and Pink Paislee letters!

Happy Monday all!

Water Fun at Sea World!

2009-09-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hi there! Just a quickie to show y'all my latest 2 layouts I put together! I used Best Creation Inc.'s "Water Fun" line!! Very fun, bright, glittery colors!!! LOVED working with it!!

Have a great Sunday!!!!

CE Registration & Trunk Show!

2009-09-17T01:46:00.006-04:00

Hi there! Thought today would be a good day to share a little more from Creative Escapes! Thursday was registration & trunk show day! We signed in, got our cool green bags and our name tags, and headed off to the trunk show to view all the awesome projects the teachers brought with them!!

Tim Holtz

Marah Johnson

Heather Bailey

Carol Wingert

Heidi Swapp (Her table was very hard to get to!)

Paula Cheney & Debbie Crouse

Lynette Carroll

Debby Schuh

All of their tables were amazing!!!!!! We couldn't get enough of them!!!

Have a great Thursday!!

New Layouts! Finally!

2009-09-15T14:55:00.003-04:00

I finally had a day all to myself to scrapbook! YAY!!! I got 5 layouts done on Sunday and couldn't be happier! You can see them all at my local store, Cherry Blossom Studio!

I got to play with Reminisce's NEW Safari Line!!! Soo much fun! I especially love their croc and elephant skin papers!!! Sooo awesome and texturized!!!!

Yes, I know I said I got 5 done, but 2 of them are for a class! You can view them on the Cherry Blossom Events website, HERE! It's the Book of Me class! Beautiful papers!!! Love me some Basic Grey!!!

Have a great Tuesday!

Takin' a break from CE...

2009-09-13T02:05:00.003-04:00

So, I thought since I have been doing tons of posts about Creative Escape... I would interject a little scrappin' love and some new stuff goin' on in my life!

So here is my latest layout I made using Gypsy from Bo Bunny and Basic Grey Rubons! I love how it turned out!!!

And... Last night I had the pleasure of babysitting 2 of the cutest boys on the planet!!

These are a few of my favorite shots from our fun-filled night!! Keep an eye out for some new layouts using pics from this photo shoot!! Can't wait to scrap them!!!

Have a great Sunday!

Lamp Time!!!

2009-09-10T23:01:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I loved this part of Creative Escape! Each teacher past and present were given the opportunity to decorate an IKEA lamp!! A bunch took on this awesome task and the outcomes were fantastic!!!! Everyone's lamp were up for raffle... except Heidi Swapp's and Tim Holtz's! Theirs went for auction at the end of the weekend! All contributions were donated to the Lukemia and Lymphoma Foundation!! SOOOO AMAZING!!!!

Just wait till you hear how much Heidi's and Tim's lamps went for!!! People are just sooo crazy awesome giving during such difficult economic times!!!!

Chris Randell

Rhonna Farrer

Carol Wingert

Jenni Bowlin

Heidi Lynn Schreiber & Jennifer Wagner

Kelli Collins

Debby Schuh & Lesli Spafford

Paula Cheney

Heather Bailey

Tena Sprenger & Jessica Guthrie

Pam Black

Amy Totty & Lynette Carroll

Debbie Crouse & Marah Johnson

Heidi Swapp & Tim Holtz

These 2 amazing lamps went up for auction and sold at a combined total of $37,200!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Have a great night!!

Creative Escape 2009!!! Wednesday Part 2...(PICTURE HEAVY!)

2009-09-09T00:01:00.008-04:00

The second half of our day was amazing!!!!! Met awesome people, toured around to a TON of stores, got lots of goodies!!!! Our tour guide, Krista, was the sweetest!!!!! Totally worth it and I cannot wait to do it again next year!!!!!

We started the night off with a 3-way loop between Stamp Works, Ruffler's Roost, and Paper Vineyard! Take a look...

They had a great Copic Marker tutorial and make-n-take!

The biggest selection of ribbon I have ever seen in my life!! All Beautiful too!!!!

We finally got our dinner here around 10pm or so... We were starving!!! hehe

After we made sure everyone was back on the bus, we headed out to Scrapology... I loved their color scheme of blue and brown! One of my favs!!

Off to A Scrappin' Affair where we got to have our "midnight" snack, which at this point was kinda just a little after midnight! hehe The ladies who worked that night were sooo super nice!!!

The last 2 stores of the night... the bus looped back and forth... It was getting very late and we all were starting to drag, but after walking into Mystic Paper, we woke up real fast!!! This store was amazing!!! Unique, gorgeous, VINTAGE!!!!

and I couldn't pass up this super cute statue outside the store while waiting for the bus...

and last but not least.... Scrapbook Barn! Loved the overall theme!!! Their crop room was called the Cropper's Corral! How cute!

We arrived back at our hotel around 5am in the morning... thank goodness we got to sleep in a little on Thursday!!!

Thanks for sticking around to the end... More to come in the following days!!!

Creative Escape 2009!!! Wednesday Part 1...

2009-09-07T18:20:00.005-04:00

Hi there! After a very fun-filled first day in Arizona, mom and I got some sleep only to wake up early the next morning to start yet another awesome day! It began with a bus tour to the Bazzill warehouse!! Soo fun to see how things work behind the scenes!! Mr. Bazzill gave us all atour around the warehouse, showing us the different machines and where they store overstock and all that good stuff!!

After finishing our tour and stocking up on our fair share of product, we picked up our lunch and headed back for the bus and onto our next stop! The Scrapbooks Etc. store! It was huge!! Sooo much good stuff there!!!! I felt like a kid in a candy store!!!! We stocked up big time on some of the awesome new Prima flowers!! Love them!!!

We returned to the hotel with all our goodies, STARVING!! So, we headed out to the pool bar and ordered some chicken sandwiches! On our way back inside to eat... I saw this beautiful scene and had to capture it!!!

Check back tomorrow for the second part of our crazy Wednesday!

Creative Escape 2009!!! Tuesday, Part 2...

2009-09-05T23:42:00.004-04:00

Hey there! Are y'all ready for Part 2 of our exciting Tuesday adventures?? Yesterday, I mentioned a very special person having the spotlight on my blog tonight!!! Can you guess who it is??

JULIE!!!!! And her super sweet Family too!!!

After dropping Connie back off at the hotel, we headed back out to the Arizona Mills Mall to meet Julie and her family for dinner! My mom and I were a little early, so we decided to have a yummy drink at the bar! Look how cute their bar stools are!!

Once everyone got there, we were seated at a table partially under a tree that had a big cat in it that roared and moved his tail. Brookie wasn't really too sure about this and did a nervous look up everytime the sounds went off. Eventually, she got comfortable and starting waving "Hi" to the gorillas and dancing to their music!! hehe too cute!!!

Julie, It was amazing to be able to finally meet you in person! After working together all this time and getting to know one another, and then hearing all the great things my mom and sister told me about you! IT WAS AWESOME!!!!! Can't wait to see you again! Hopefully sooner rather than later... :):):)

After getting back to our hotel that night, showering, and relaxing to a movie... mom and I finally ate our cupcakes from earlier in the day! SO YUMMY!!!!!!!!

Come on back tomorrow for more Arizona goodness!!

Happy Sunday all!

Creative Escape 2009!!! Tuesday, Part 1...

2009-09-05T00:14:00.005-04:00

On Tuesday, August 25th, my mom & I jumped on a plane headed for Arizona!! We were off to Creative Escape '09 and could not have been more excited for this vacation!!! Both of us had been going like crazy for weeks before hand, so needless to say, we were way happy to be able to "kick off our shoes and throw up our feet!"

After arriving at the airport and getting our bags, we jumped on our Super Shuttle bus to the hotel. On our bus ride there, we picked up a fellow Creative Escaper, Connie Buck! A rental car from the hotel for the day, and quick phone call to Connie, and off we went to venture around the state!! VZ Navigator on my cell phone was a blessing! We would have been completely lost without it! On our way to somewhere very special, we decided to stop for lunch at Sonic! My mom had never been there, and she LOVED it!

After lunch, we continued on our journey to SPRINKLES!!!!! Such a cute little place!!!! I loved loved loved the window designs!!!! So many yummy flavors to pick from too! We even got our own can of mix to make our own at home!!

Scrap Happy Sisters was such a fun store! They had special papers and all sorts of embellishments picked out for us to use in our CE09 books! And the cutest little make-n-take ever!!! A mini cropper hopper envelope thingy that we covered with paper and decorated!! We even got to use bling!! YAY!!!

Whew... that is enough for today... come back tomorrow for Part 2 of this day! It includes a very special person that I super luv already!!!!

Whoops... Almost forgot about the awesome cactus we found on our drive!!! Look how huge this thing is!!!!

See ya tomorrow!

With school getting started...

2009-09-02T03:04:00.005-04:00

I am vowing to be a better blogger! I'm not in school anymore and I don't have kids in school yet, so I vow to use my time to blog and keep up with it for once!

Tonight, I will start by showing off the pictures from Thomas & my 1 year anniversary! We spent a great night together at a fancy, once a year, type restaurant! hehe Delicious food! Excellent service!! Amazing presentation!!!

But the best part of the whole night was the time we got to spend alone together, just the two of us... that has been hard to come by since we moved into my parents house in July to save money for a house of our own. It was soo great to just sit across the table from him and talk about anything we felt like! We need more days like that!!

Before Dinner...

My yummy lobster...

At the restaurant...

Later at home... we opened the top tier of our wedding cake for good luck!

I wanted to re-enact the wedding cake scene from our wedding... Thomas had other ideas...

like shoving it in my face... thank goodness there was no icing on that piece!

Much better after he finally agreed to be nice!

And even if it is supposed to be Good Luck to eat your wedding cake on your 1 year anniversary... that doesn't mean it is going to taste good! YUCK!!!!

That's the leftovers after everyone ate the middle strawberry filling! lol

Good traditions last a lifetime! I'm so glad we got to fulfill this one! Many more years to come!!!

Sharing a fun summer LO!

2009-08-18T13:29:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Just realized I never shared this LO on my blog here... Oops!

After my mom and sister got back from Tennessee, and showed me the class projects they made... I fell in love with one of the layout designs and knew I had to scraplift it! The original is by GretchenMac on SisTV!! Sooo cute!!!!

Here is my version...

Happy Tuesday all!

1 Year Anniversary!

2009-08-09T13:34:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe it has already been a whole year since the wedding! Soo much has happened in the last year... Thomas was promoted from part time to full time to assisstant manager!! I found and started an amazing job at Cherry Blossom Studio, and got offered a new job at Vantage Point Dance Studio!!! We moved from our apartment into my parents house. Aleze turned 3, and Thomas and I both celebrated birthdays about a month ago as well!!! We are currently in the process of looking for a new car for Thomas since his accident when his Escalade was totalled back in February, and we are also on the hunt for a house of our own!!! So much in only a short 12 months!!! Time sure does fly!!!!

We are off to a romantic dinner tonight and just enjoying being together...

Rub Ons!!! Gotta love 'em!!

2009-08-01T18:21:00.003-04:00

Hi all!

Just wanted to stop by and let everyone know that the newest challenge for Cafe Mojo is up!

Come check us out and show off your creations!!

Here is mine...

You have until August 9th to post over on their blog!

Happy Saturday!

Cafe Mojo Design Team Call!!!

2009-07-26T22:50:00.001-04:00

Check it out HERE to get all the info!!!

Can't wait to see everyone's entries!!! The Mavens are super excited to add to the team!!!

The new challenge for the week is up too...

Chipboard!

This is one of my favorite embellishments to use!!!!!! Here is a look at the layout I made for this week...

Come join us this week and pull out that chipboard!!!

NEW BELLA BLVD LINES!!!!

2009-07-20T23:38:00.003-04:00

Look at the new Bella Blvd. lines coming out at CHA Summer 09!!!!!!!!!! How stinkin' cute are these?! Love them!!! Visit their blog for a cool giveaway!!!

Boy themed:

Girl themed:

Camping & Outdoors:

Summer themed:

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-03T01:57:00.002-04:00

Cafe Mojo has their new challenge posted and its all about the Red, White, and Blue!!!

Come on over and check us out!!!

Going up north to the Orlando area on Saturday to spend time with the family for 4th of July! Should be fun and I will be sure to post pics when I return!!!! I also have lots of scrapping to get done in the next week!!!! Eek!!!!!

Happy Friday all!

Paper Tearing at Cafe Mojo!

2009-06-29T19:51:00.004-04:00

Hey all! Just making a quick post to let you know that the new challenge is up over at Cafe Mojo! This week the challenge is a technique!

Paper Tearing

Lots of fun!!! And one of the easiest techniques I know that adds soo much dimension! Come on over and play with us!! Show off your latest creations!!!

Happy Monday All!

The much awaited...

2009-06-22T01:44:00.003-04:00

Here is, what I am sure is, the much awaited photo of the hour... I can't seem to sleep right now, so I thought I would post here.

That's me about an hour after my surgery. Cute huh?!? hehe Ok well the pain meds are slowly kicking in, so I'm gonna lay down and try to get some Zzzz's before they wear off again...

Night all!!

Home and recovering...

2009-06-20T20:08:00.003-04:00

Hi all! So, I am at home and recovering from my tonsilectomy now. My throat is pretty sore and the liquid meds they gave me taste ABSOLUTELY AWFUL! I actually managed to get a couple bites of real food down tonight... some small chunks of mongolian beef, brown rice, and some snap peas, only little bits of each, but it was something! hehe

My mom and sister took a picture of me last night once they brought me up to my room, so I'll upload and add here soon!

Happy Saturday all!

Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-15T18:44:00.002-04:00

I am exhausted from the longest weekend ever!!! It almost felt like it would never end... BUT WAIT... it hasn't!! Yep, that's right! The busy schedule of my life has not slowed down yet!

We did a ton more packing and moving today. Then, I had to be at work by 2:30, and I close tonight at 9. Tomorrow I have recital rehearsal all night! Wednesday is the actual recital so that will just be crazy hectic too!! Then, Thursday I work again ALL day! and.... last but not least... Friday... the day I have been dreading for a month or so now...

I am having surgery to get my tonsils removed... and they are making me sleep in the yucky hospital overnight! BOO!!!! no fun!!!!

So, with my crazy week already planned out... I hope I can find some down time to sleep in there! I sure need as much as I can get!!!!

Happy Monday all!

Summer FUN!

2009-06-06T16:58:00.003-04:00

Hey all!!! I have a new layout to share with you today!! The newest Cafe Mojo challenge is up and it's all about the Summer FUN!!! So hop on over to the challenge blog and share some of your summer fun with us!!! We cannot wait to see all the awesome creations!!!!

Happy Saturday all!

2 in one day... Unheard of!

2009-05-31T20:53:00.002-04:00

Hi there! So I'm making 2 posts in one day... this is crazy! I've actually been scrapping all day though and want to share one of my new ones for the day!

I made this LO for a "Card to Layout Sketch Challenge" over on Serendipity Scrapbooks May Mayhem Crop.

Lots of fun!!!! Go check it out!

Happy Sunday evening!

Bliss

2009-05-31T13:53:00.001-04:00

Just a quick post to show off a new layout I did for my LSS. I used The Secret Garden line from The Paper Company and had soo much fun with this!

The letters are grungeboard that I painted. The blue flower on the rectangles is a rub on and the lollipop flower is by Prima!

Happy Sunday all!

Top 10 Scrapping Picks!

2009-05-27T11:45:00.004-04:00

Hi all! Just wanted to share my latest LO I made for the Serendipity May Mayhem month long crop!! The challenge was to make a 2-page layout and the twist was to use the color orange! As soon as I read that, I knew exactly what I was going to do! The pictures on the other hand... quite a challenge to get!! However, I am extremely happy with the outcome of this page!!!

Paper: Basic Grey "Ambrosia"

Embellies: BG Buttons "Recess", BG Rub-ons

Letters: BG Alpha Stickers

Ink: Colorbox "Charcoal"

Misc: Black Pen

Happy Wednesday all!!!!!

Come join me over at Serendipity!!!

2009-05-17T18:28:00.002-04:00

Hi y'all!!!! I am having a blast with all the challenges and fun games Serendipity Scrapbooks is doing this month for their May Mayhem!!

They have word scrambles and scavenger hunts and layout challenges!!! It's been a blast so far!!!

COME ON OVER AND JOIN ME!!!

Manic Monday Challenge

2009-05-16T00:47:00.004-04:00

Morning all! hehe I haven't quite gone to bed yet... but it's Saturday! I wanted to share my latest double page layout with you! I used all Basic Grey Marrakech paper on it! It's a monthly class at my LSS right now called "Book of Me" so I'm doing them to make myself get some pictures of me onto layouts!! This layout happened to work out perfect for a challenge I wanted to do on Serendity Scrapbooks May Mayhem.

"Just another Manic Monday"

Our task was to scrap about a day in our life or to make something to document or help us keep track of the days in our life.

Here is the layout I made for it...

Sorry the picture isn't so hot. I will try and get a better one tomorrow in the sunlight!

Have a great weekend!!!

Cards for Mother's Day!

2009-05-12T14:54:00.003-04:00

So... remember that May Mayhem moth long crop I posted about before...? Well, I made a couple cards for my mom and mother-in-law ... then, I was over at Serendipity checking out anything new on the forums and saw a Mother's Day card challenge. Well, my cards fit the challenge! I was excited to enter them... We shall see what happens at the end of the month! hehe

For my mom...

For my MIL...

Happy Tuesday all!

More Notecards!!

2009-05-07T16:37:00.002-04:00

I just love making these small notecards! They are fast and easy! Not to mention that they always turn out way cute no matter what you do to them! On these cards, I used a new stamp from Queen Kat Designs called Puffy Bugs! I used the Dot It background stamp and the Many thanks... stamp set!

Happy Thursday all!

May Mayhem Crop!

2009-05-06T00:02:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! So, I was visiting a friend's blog and found out about this super cool month long crop with lots of prizes and games and challenges... I just had to check it out... AND... I think you should go and see for yourself now!!

Serendipity Scrapbooks

It seems like lots of fun already from the little time I've spent looking and around!! So much to see so I must be off!!!

Happy Wednesday all!

It's Monday...

2009-05-04T10:32:00.002-04:00

Hi All!!! Ok, so its Monday already and I totally was not home all weekend basically! I was working at the store having fun with our 3-day cropper ladies! We did a few raffle giveaways over the weekend and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves! YAY!

Well, I finally got on my computer this morning and caught up on all the blog posting and things from the weekend and I found this...

Bella Blvd NSD Giveaway

Check it out and make sure to let her know Ashley M sent you!

In other news, I picked up my DT package this weekend, so you will be getting some new LOs soon!!

Happy Monday all!

Puffy Bug Time!

2009-05-01T10:21:00.002-04:00

Good morning!!! Hope everyone had a great week! I can't believe it is already Friday!! Where did the week go?! My baby sister flew into town from Pittsburgh this morning... she is now home for the WHOLE summer!!! I am definitely going to cherish my days with her till she goes back up to school!!!!

Today, I want to share a couple cards I made for Queen Kat Designs. We are having a new stamp release on May 6th... and it is going to be a great one!!!!! You won't want to miss it!!! Also, QKD is having a huge NSD sale this weekend so stop by and pick up those goodies you have wanted for so long!

40% of all QKD Stamps
20% off all Past Kits

Have a great Friday all!

Just For Me

2009-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Another new LO today! Hopefully I can keep this up... hehe

I made this LO for Julie Bonner's 52 sketches 52 weeks Sketch #16 challenge. I love her sketches, and she never disappoints with the new ones every Sunday! So, here is my interpretation of the sketch...

All my pps are from the Penny Lane line by My Mind's Eye. The title and the scallop edge are both Thickers. I made the flower myself from the paper, and attached a Sassafras brad in the center.

Happy Monday all!!

2009-04-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hi there! I just wanted to share one of my latest 2-pagers with you today. These are the baby girls I always talk about teaching dance to! They are my perfect angels (most of the time hehe)! These four girls have done quite a remarkable job this season at competition, and I could not be more proud of them!!!

Happy Sunday all!

New Challenge at Cafe Mojo!

2009-04-25T08:21:00.002-04:00

Good morning all! I know it has been awhile since I posted anything worth looking at, but today I have something real for you! hehe

Our newest challenge is up over at Cafe Mojo, and this week it's all about the INK!

Here's a LO I did for it. Hope you like!!!

The hearts started as raw chipboard, so I painted them a manila color, let them dry, then used rub-ons to decorate them! It was a really fun technique that I will definitely use again!

Happy Saturday all!

Grand Opening Celebration!!!

2009-04-18T01:05:00.003-04:00

Cherry Blossom Studio is having their Grand Opening Party tomorrow, Saturday, April 18th with prizes, giveaways, and make & takes from 11am-5pm! Stop on by and join in the fun!

Our beautiful new signs got put up today outside!! Take a look!!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T10:44:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hope you have a great day with family & friends!

*Edit: Thomas and I headed to my parent's house last night for a family Easter dinner. Mom made yummy lasagna!! Her and dad also gave us this super cute Easter decoration filled with lots of goodies like yogurt covered pretzels and moose munch!!! MMMMmmmmm!

QKD Stimulus package & MORE!

2009-03-31T08:13:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Just a quickie today to let y'all know about QKD's NEW Stimulus Package.

Spend $10 and choose a free seperates stamp
Spend $25 and choose a free background stamp
Spend $50 and choose ANY stamp set you want!

Also, we have a super fun day planned for you tomorrow with lots of peeks into the the new stamps being released and maybe even a challenge up our sleeve! So make sure to stop by the QKD Blog tomorrow at 8am MST to join in the fun!

Happy Tuesday All!

Tag... You're It!

2009-03-30T23:30:00.000-04:00

Laura has tagged me!!!!! Here goes nothing!!! Don't laugh if the photo is a weird one!

The tag how-to...

Go to the photos folder on your computer.
Go to the seventh folder of photos.
Go to the seventh photo.
Put the seventh photo on your blog along with a description.
Invite seven friends to join.

This photo was taken out in Las Vegas on July 7, 2007! Yep! That's right! I turned 21 on 7-7-7!!! It was an awesome day and I loved being able to share an amazing meal at Kokomo's restaurant in the Mirage with my whole family! This is the fabulous strawberry shortcake they brought out to me when they sang Happy Birthday!

I Tag.... EVERYONE! Let me know if you play along... I wanna see all the fun photos that get posted!

Happy Monday all!!!

Soooo Tired....

2009-03-29T23:16:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! It's late Sunday night and I am exhausted.... been working my booty off all week getting ready for the move! (of the scrapbook store that is!) We were up till 11:30 last night putting new fixtures and furniture peices together!! Movers come in the morning to haul everything to the new space!!!! Can't wait to start unpacking all those boxes!!!! The new store opens THIS FRIDAY!! If you are local... come check is out!!!! The new location is in the Promenade Shops of Coconut Creek on the corner of Lyons & Wiles! It's going to be amazing!!!!

Night all! Hope everyone had a good weekend!

I shall leave you with a LO I finished tonight for Julie Bonner's Sketch #12...

Paper: Pink Paislee "Enchanting"
Flowers: Petaloo, Prima
Alphas: Little Yellow Bicycle "Baby Safari"

Cherry Blossom is Moving!!!

2009-03-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Yep! That's right!!! My local scrapbook store, Cherry Blossom Studio, is relocating to the beautiful Promenade Shopping Center in Coconut Creek!!! We re-open our doors on April 3rd with our Grand Opening on April 18th! Make sure to stop by and come check us out!

I'm at the old location all day today helping to pack up boxes of product and get everything ready to move!!! YAY!!!! I cannot wait till the new store is open!! It is going to be A-MAZING!!!!!!!

Happy Thursday All!

Hi there!

2009-03-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hi all! It's Wednesday, which means the week is now half done! How exciting! Hooray for Hump Day! hehe (I never liked that expression, but I thought... why not... hehe)

Here is just a fun little card I put together with some leftovers scraps of paper from the "Baby Safari" line from Little Yellow Bicycle! Everything I used minus the ink & white cardstock is LYB! I just love all the layers and the dimension they give to the overall look of the card!

Happy Wednesday All!

More from Little Yellow Bicycle...

2009-03-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share another quick layout I did with the "Baby Safari" line from Little Yellow Bicycle! I used a sketch from Pagemaps in the Basic Grey section. This is a great website for inspiration on new layout ideas and designs! Love It!

This layout was tons of fun to make! All the paper, blue letters, buttons, and felt trims are from Little Yellow Bicycle. The brown letters are Jenni Bowlin. I also used some ink to distress the edges a bit, and put some glossy accents on the blue letters to make them look "shiny & wet". I love the final result!

Happy Tuesday!

Fun Times at the Zoo!

2009-03-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

At the end of last year, while my sister was home on Winter Break for the holidays, we decided to hit up a local drive-thru safari and zoo! So my hubby, my sister, a close friend of her's, and me all jumped in my car and headed north to Lion Country Safari! It's about 45 minutes away from where we live. We had a blast and took over 100 pictures that day!!!! We even had a zebra walk in front of our car on the drive-thru safari section! It was awesome!

Here is a recent layout I did with a few pictures from our trip using the new Little Yellow Bicycle Line "Baby Safari". Very fun patterns to work with and great color combinations!

Happy Monday all!

Dancing Babies!!

2009-03-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

My little dancing babies did awesome yesterday!!! I am sooo proud of them!!! They have worked really hard to get where they are! Even their parents are telling me how much they practice at home!! How cute!! hehe

So, this weekend they were considered a Mini Small Group. There were a total of 19 mini small groups.... and my babies came in 4th Overall! So excited about this and I know that there are only bigger and better things for them in the future! YAY!!!!!!!

QKD Blog Hop Game Time!!!

2009-03-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

Hey there!!!! The final stop of the day!!! Hope you all have had a great day filled with fun!!!

I have one final game for you today! It's a simple question!

Name the states that currently have dry counties where alcohol is not served, sold or distributed in any way.. Then name 3 counties in each state that are dry.

Not too bad! With a little research on google you should find the answers in no time!

Remember that all answers are due by 11pm MST tomorrow. Email your answers to info@katstamps.com. If your answers are correct, then you will get one entry into the prize drawing bowl! Good luck!!!!!

TWILIGHT!!!!

2009-03-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

Today is the day everyone! Are you crazy for Edward and Bella?! Or maybe you're a Jacob fan?! Either way, you will want to run out and pick up your very own copy of the DVD today!!!!! Yes, it's very early for a Saturday morning, but sacrifices must be made in the name of TWILIGHT!!!!

A bunch of my friends and I are having a Twilight watching party tonight (if i can get my hands on a copy) while we chat on online together! It's going to be a blast! I can't wait!!!!

Happy Saturday all!

TGIF!!

2009-03-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

Thank goodness it's Friday!

Well, my babies from the dance studio have their second competition tomorrow! I'm soo excited for them and can't wait to see how they do! Rehearsal went really well last night, so I'm hoping for awesome results! I'll be sure to keep everyone updated! :)

For today, I thought I would share a fun card I made! It's something I have never done before, but I think it turned out pretty cute in the end!

I used something called a "barndoor" on the front of the card! Piggy Tales makes a whole set of them to go along with one of their new lines, which I used, "Its raining, Its pouring". I haven't ever seen them premade and packaged before. but I just loved the ease of use with these! Inside my door, I made a cute little scene with my QKD stamps and some Tim Holtz ink.

Happy Friday all!

Rainboots & Umbrellas

2009-03-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

I have another Spring layout to share with you today! For this layout, I knew I wanted to use a picture of my sister and her new rainboots she got for Christmas. However, she lives up in Pittsburgh! How was I ever supposed to get pictures of her from all the way up there?? Well, she dressed up in her fun rainboots, grabbed an umbrella and some friends, and went on a walk through the city. I love the pictures she sent me and I just could not wait to sit down and scrap them! Thank goodness for technology these days! hehe

So, again I used the fun new line from Piggy Tales"Its raining, Its pouring" and could not be happier with the end result. Sketch #11 from Julie Bonner also gave me a head start! With a little ink and bling, this layout really came together well!

Happy Thursday!

Walking Through Puddles...

2009-03-18T12:47:00.003-04:00

Well, after a long dry spell here in South Florida... It has finally decided to RAIN!!! YAY!!! I just hope that it stops long enough this afternoon for me to get in my car without getting soaked! hehe Even though grey, gloomy days are not always my favorite, I'm loving it right now because the grass was starting to die outside! Anyway, I have a new layout to share today that might help put all us of in a spring-y kind of mood!

I made this LO for my local scrapbook store, but I also used a couple challenges to get my mojo flowing. First was Julie Bonner's 52 sketches...52 weeks Sketch #10. Second was Cafe Mojo's Stapler Challenge.

For this LO, I used Piggy Tales' "Its Raining, Its Pouring" collection. I just love the bright, fun spring colors this line offers! I included many different techniques into this LO as well: stitching, stapling, painting, inking, and stickling! I surprised even myself when I started counting them all up! hehe

Happy Wednesday!

Some blog candy from a friend!

2009-03-13T18:41:00.002-04:00

Hi hi!! How is everyone doing on this glorious Friday evening?!?! I am soo happy it's Friday, and to make my day even better... My friend Melissa is having a huge blog candy give away! All you have to do is visit her blog, leave her a comment on the give away post, and then spread the word!!!! Pretty easy right?!

So head on over to her blog to check it out!

Creating From the Heart

Mini Notes ~ Fast & Fun!!

2009-03-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

Good morning!! Hope everyone is adjusting well to the new time change! Took me all of Sunday to really catch up and feel normal, but I think I am finally on track now, and it feels good!! So, in light of feeling good... I decided to make these cute little note cards! All 4 went together in about 20 minutes and they were lots of fun to make!!! Try some out and let me know how your experience was with them!!!

I used the new Fairy background stamp that was just released! I love this stamp for its femininity and versatility all wrapped up in one!

Don't forget to visit the store and get your hands on on some of the newest and cutest stamps ever!

Cafe Mojo Time!!

2009-03-07T22:12:00.001-05:00

Hey there!!! Its time for another fun Mocha Mojo Friday Challenge!! This week is a fun one that I really enjoyed, and I think everyone else will enjoy also!

Theme: Addictions

Here is my creation for the challenge...

Along with the Cafe Mojo challenge, I also used Julie Bonner's 52 sketches 52 weeks Sketch #8. I promised myself at the beginning of the year that I would complete a layout for all 52 of her sketches this year, so even though I didn't finish this in time for the challenge prize... I did complete it!!

All the patterned papers are Fancy Pants "The Daily Grind". I also used my threading water punch on some brown DCVW paper. I added a few misc. flowers with a rhinestone brad, some doodle stitching, and I was done! I Love the outcome!

Be sure to visit the Cafe Mojo blog to see the rest of the DT creations!!

Heart{s} Wide Open

2009-03-06T23:20:00.003-05:00

Here is my newest layout that I finished for Julie Bonner's 52 sketches 52 weeks #9 sketch and Scrapping the Music Challenge Blog "Say what you need to say". I had a great time putting this all together!! The picture I used is from our engagement session we had on the beach in March 2007!

I used Fancy Pants True line for all the papers. The flowers are just randoms my mom had in her room. The title letters are felt thickers. The lace trim at the bottom if from the Making Memories Vintage Hip line.

Have a great weekend everyone!

New Geishas!!!

2009-03-03T14:03:00.002-05:00

I just love my new Geisha girls!!! I have had a blast playing with them lately!!!! I am a dance teacher, and my minis had their very first dance competition over the weekend! They were average age 5 and did an amazing job getting a Diamond First (which is the highest individual award) and 1st Overall in the Petite Division for Small Groups! I am soo proud of them!!! Because it was their first competition, I decided to make them good luck cards! They really liked them and were excited to see that the geisha girls on the front matched their costumes! hehe

I used the Geisha Girls #1 set and the Asian letters are from the January Get Inked Kit. The edges are painted with my gold dabber! and the black symbol I drew all by myself means "Dance". Hope everyone had a good weekend!

I am Awful... I know...

2009-02-27T13:11:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe it has been almost a whole week since my last blog post! Bad Ashley! Where has the time been going?? I cannot believe the month of March starts on Sunday... what happen to January and February???? Oooyyyyy.....

Well, here is some good scrappy news! The new Mocha Mojo Friday Challenge is up at Cafe Mojo! This week's challenge is to use glimmer mist on your project. It can be store bought or homemade! There are tons of recipes online on how to make it at home! I hope everyone comes and joins in this week!

Here is my creation for the challenge...

I started with a plain piece of white cardstock. Then, I inked up my lotus blossom stamp from QKD with some embossing ink from Tim Holtz, and embossed with clear embossing powder. I grabbed my Suede Glimmer Mist bottle and sprayed the whole bg of the card, then wiped the mist off the embossed image. I used Fired Brick Distress Ink around the edges and on the bg to add a little color. The asian characters down the side & the asian girl from QKD were stamped in Coffee Bean Brillance Ink. I colored her in with some Tombow markers, added some bling, and pop dotted her. A little ricrak down the side, and my card was finished! I had lots of fun making this! Epecially when my glimmer mist bottle decided to explode all over the place! lol

Happy Friday All!

Birthdays all Around!

2009-02-22T16:48:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm going to show off a fun new paper line from The Paper Company called "Celebration"! I designed these 2 layouts for Cherry Blossom Studio! They have been getting in shipments of tons of new things from CHA, so if you live in the area, you will definitely want to check it all out!

For this first one, I added chipboard, alpha beads, buttons, stickles, and paint to finish it off! Ooo... and some glossy accents!!! Love that stuff!!!

After making the first layout, I realized I didn't have any big pieces left of any of the papers, so while talking to my friend Nikki, she gave me this great idea to piece a background together! I really like how this came out! Some journaling around the edges and some bright yellow chipboard letters finished it off!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

QKD Giveaway & more!

2009-02-20T22:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Hi! Hope everyone had a great week! Yay for the weekend now!! woohoo!!

So, I am picking a new winner tonight for the QKD candy I offered about 2 1/2 weeks ago...

StampinCathy

Please email me your addy at ashleym73@me.com. Thanks hun! Congrats!

In other news, I have a couple new layouts to share with you. I made both of them with the NEW Bo Bunny "Grease Monkey" line. The colors are bright and fun! This paper line is great for any boy or car layout you might have been wanting to do! You will also be able to see these layouts at the Cherry Blossom Studio Store!

Hope you enjoy!

Fruity Chai Challenge Monday!

2009-02-17T22:41:00.004-05:00

Hey there! Monday's color combo is up at Cafe Mojo! It's a fun one this week! I don't generally use either of the colors much, however when I sat down to make my card, I found that I really liked how they complimented each other. Give it a try... might surprise you too!

Pink & Navy

Don't forget to leave us a link to your creation over on the Cafe Mojo Challenge Blog.

Here is my creation...

On this card, I used the February Get Inked Stamp Set from Queen Kat Designs. I also used a cool technique with a hole punch I learned from my friend Nikki. That's how I created the cool white mat that looks like a big postage stamp... hehe

Happy Tuesday!

A Winner, an Award, and some MOJO!

2009-02-14T16:16:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

So, I have a couple things to post about today.

1. Winner of my QKD stamp giveaway!

JACILYNN!!

Please email me your addy at ashleym73@me.com. Congrats!

2. Julie Bonner has gifted me with a fabulous award! I just love this girl! She is awesome! If you haven't visited her site, 52 sketches...52 weeks! You just must! It's amazing, and I know you will love it just as much as I do!

The rules of this award are that you must list 5 addictions, then pass it on to 5 friends.

My five addictions:
1. Scrapping
2. Sunkist
3. Twilight Series
4. One Tree Hill
5. Grey's Anatomy

And my 5 scrappy friends I am passing this on to are...

1. Christy
2. Vicki
3. Nikki
4. Julie T-W
5. Kristine

Last, but not least....

3. Cafe Mojo Challenge Blog!!! The new Mocha Mojo Friday Challenge is up!!

Tool: Border Punches

Head on over to the blog and check it out! Hope to see you there!

Watching Over Us...

2009-02-13T13:12:00.003-05:00

After last night's events, I definitely feel someone special is watching over us! On my way home from work, which is an hour away from home, I got a phone call from my husband telling me he had just been in a car accident. Thank goodness my parents were close by! Thomas is doing fine today, at home resting. They brought him to the hospital last night and took x-rays of his left side where he got hit, but nothing is broken - just some internal bruising and soreness. His car on the other hand, not so good! It's pretty banged up!

Yes, that is his tail light hanging off the back end of his car.
I am soo thankful that he was not seriously injured and is at home safe and sound with me!

Cherry Blossom Studio Design Team!

2009-02-12T16:12:00.002-05:00

Yay!!! They picked me! They picked me! I am sooo excited and proud to announce that I am one of the newest members of the Cherry Blossom Studio Design Team!! Woohoo!! It is such an honor to be working with these ladies! They are all sooo talented!!! I cannot wait to get to know them all better!! After our very first official meeting, we were sent home with goodies to start creating with! Here are some LOs I made with the brand new Basic Grey "Wisteria" line! Both are scraplifts of Kelly Goree's amazing work!

Happy Thursday!

Mocha Mojo Friday!

2009-02-08T13:45:00.003-05:00

Hi Hi!!!! So, Cafe Mojo has posted their Friday challenge, and I just wanted to share my creation for it. The challenge was to Papercraft a Man in Your Life. Of course, I had to use a picture of my hubby and furbaby together! Come on over to the Cafe Mojo blog and join in on the fun!

On this layout, I used K&Co Blue Awning pps & embellies, Chloe's closet ribbon, Pressed Petals chip chatter letters, and some cats eye chalk ink. I also used sketch #4 from Julie Bonner's 52 sketches... 52 weeks. Love her stuff!!

QKD Releases 16 NEW Stamps!!!!!

2009-02-04T23:37:00.005-05:00

This is unheard of in one month!!!! 16 brand NEW stamps were released today at QKD!!!!! All of them rock!!!! Check them out for yourself!!

Do you not just want to buy them all??? I know I do!!!
So for the next 10 days, Feb 4-14, QKD is having 2 awesome bundle deals!!!! Each bundle of 8 stamps will be selling for 35% off their retail price!!! Crazy right? Yep!!!! You don't wanna miss out on these!!!!! Hurry over to the store now!!!

And you will wanna definitely check out the message board for fun challenges and games, and of course more peeks at new stamps!!!

Fruity Chai Challenge Monday

2009-02-02T16:02:00.004-05:00

Hey all!!! Sooo it's official!!! Cafe Mojo is finally open and ready for the inspiration to flow!!!! Today we have a color combo challenge for you!

Pink & Red

Not too hard with Valentine's Day around the corner, right? These two colors should be the main focus of your creation however you may use any other colors you chose. With the color challenges, we want to make people go outside the box on some of them... Try combos they never would have thought to try before! You never know when you might find a new fav!!

There is no deadline for this challenge.

Here are a couple things I created ...

Make sure to head on over to the Cafe Mojo Blog and check out the rest of the Design Team's work. Leave a comment with a link to your creations for everyone to see!!!

Happy Monday All!

Yummy Goodies to Give Away!!!!

2009-02-01T11:02:00.004-05:00

Hi all! I have some blog candy to give away from Queen Kat herself!! We have opened our Public Message Board today and would love for everyone to come on over and join in on all the fun to be had there!!!

To win this great stamp set:
1. You must sign up and introduce yourself on the message board, and link me to it on this post.

AND

2. You must sign up to FOLLOW my blog.

Not too hard, right?! Ok get going! You don't wanna miss out on anything!!

This offer is good from Feb 1 - Feb 14! Hurry!

Last chance....

2009-01-30T11:51:00.002-05:00

This is your last chance to win some awesome, FREE QKD stamps!!!!!

What do you have to do??

Come on over to our gallery at QKD, register, and then pick your favorite card you see!!!!!
Sounds easy right??

Make sure to link us up to your fav pick at our PCP group page in the discussion "GIVEAWAY..."

Hurry!!!! This opportunity ends tomorrow!!!
You don't want to miss out on those yummy FREE stamps!!!!!

Stamp Star of the Week!

2009-01-29T13:04:00.001-05:00

Meet Joe! He and Nikki are great pals. They both adore fresh java and pajama pants!!! He is the perfect additon to any stamper's collection! She used him for holiday treats, and cards to just say hello. How cute would he be with a Starbucks gift card tucked inside for that special someone. Grab one while you can, he is only on sale for one week!

Here are some samples by Nikki for your viewing pleasure...

Whimsy Guest DT Call

2009-01-25T00:24:00.002-05:00

Hi all!! Whimsy Stamps is having their Guest DT call again for February! Hurry and get your entry in by Monday the 26th!!!

To enter the Whimsy Stamps Design Call for February 2009, please do the following:

-Make a card using the sketch, please also use an animal image or preferably a Whimsy image on your card. ( go to PCP for sketch)
-Post your creation on your blog and announce our guest designer call
-Upload a picture of your project on PCP with the tag whimsydesigncallfeb09
-Leave a comment on this discussion with a link to your entry

Release Party!!!

2009-01-23T23:00:00.003-05:00

It's going to be a blast!!!! And the new stamps are to die for!!!!!
Hope to see you there!!!

Some Goodies to catch up on!!!

2009-01-23T00:18:00.005-05:00

First, and foremost, I would like to thank my dear friend Julie for honoring me with this great award!! She is an amazingly talented scrapper with the biggest heart ever!!! I am soo lucky to have met her and become friends!!!! Love you girl!!! Check out her awesome blog here!!!

I will be passing this on in the next days to come so keep an eye out...

Second on my list of catch ups.... some cards, LOs, and projects I have made recently!! YAY!!!

The first card was made for a challenge over on PCP for Whimsy Stamps. The second was a fun card I put together for QKD. The "Easter" LO was made for Julie Bonner's Sketch #2 for 52 sketches... 52 weeks. The "I am Purple..." LO was made for Scrapping the Music's challenge this week... Colors by Kira WIley & Julie Bonner's Sketch #3. The 2 altered projects were made for a local DT call here in South Florida. The first is a nugget box made out of an old Maya Road tin and Hersey's nugget candies. The second is a paper bag book that I filled with pictures from a recent trip to the zoo I took with hubby, my sister, and her friend. I will be showing the inside pages over the next couple days!!

Hope everyone is having a great week!!!!

Stamp Star of the Week!

2009-01-22T14:47:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh to be in Hawaii right now...that would be bliss! Instead I will settle for stamping with this oh so pretty stamp set! The Aloha set is perfect for those travel projects or just sending a warm hello to a friend! Get yours now it will only be on sale for one week!

Cards designed by Queen Kat herself!