Papercraft Star Challenge #124

Hiya!

My goodness time is flying by!  Here we are at another Wednesday, and it doesn't even feel like it's been more than a day since I posted my last PCS card. lol  I hope you've had a good week, and are looking forward to the weekend, like I am.  Only two more days and I get to sleep in again. lol

This post is going to be a bit short, as I've got lots to do this week.  The theme this week at Papercraft Star is:

A Christmas Tree!

Here is the card I created for this weeks challenge.

Are you shocked that I created another traditional red and green Christmas card? lol  This seldom happens, but I was looking through some older papers I found, and decided I wanted to use them.  I love how it turned out!  I now have another Christmas card to take to work.  I'm also happy to have found the following challenges to include in my card today.

Christmas Card Challenges Week #2 - To Die For (use die cuts)
Kaboodle Doodles #129 - Use The Color Red
The Pink Elephant #178 - Photo Inspiration
ColorQ #167 - Real Red, Always Artichoke, Sage Shadow, Lucky Limeade, White (hope I got close enough)
Use It Tuesday #45 - All About Christmas/Hannukah (the papers have been in my stash for over a year, and i've had the stamp set for about six months)
Die Cuttin Divas #94 - Holiday Spirit (must include a die cut)

I do hope you'll head over to the PCS blog to see the other gorgeous projects that are posted for you today.  So inspiring!!

I'll see you guys next year!
Hugs!

A New Chapter Begins...

Hello hello!

As you know from visiting my blog lately, I've been traveling back and forth a lot to my mom's in Iowa, due to a personal issue going on with my daughter.  When everything first happened back in August, I started looking for a job in that area, with no luck.  I was patient, and kept my eyes open, even though there wasn't much in that area.  Recently an opportunity presented itself.  I applied, had two phone interviews, and then a face to face interview the last time I was in the area for court.  On Thursday of last week, I got the call, offering me the position and I accepted it.  It's a much needed blessing, and I'm so thankful to Him for helping me find something.  Not only is it a senior level management position, but it's also more money, and only a 10 minute drive from my mom's house.  I couldn't have asked for better.  I truly believe that by leaving it in His hands, he provided for me and my family in a way I couldn't have imagined.  God is so good!

On Friday I gave my two weeks notice to the company I have been with for almost 10 years.  To say they were shocked, is an understatement, but everyone understood and is 100% supportive of my decision.  They have been so wonderful to me, and my family,  not only during these past couple months of turmoil but always when there has been something I've needed to attend to, and it has been my absolute pleasure to have been a part of their "family" for so long.  It's bittersweet, to say the least.  I've established many wonderful friendships and business relationships, and everyone will be greatly missed.  My last day with them is the 21st of December.  I start my new job on December 31st.

For this reason, my blog will be dormant until after the new year.  I have one post scheduled for the 12th, but then I won't have anything else until the first week of January.  I hate the packing and moving process, but this time I'm almost happy to do everything I need to do, because of the circumstances.  I look forward to being able to provide the support my daughter and mother need, full time, and I'm also excited to continue my career with a new company. 

I would appreciate any prayers or well wishes you can send my family's way, as it will definitely be a crazy few weeks, and an adjustment period for all of us.  I just hope I can do everyone proud and continue to do my thing, without issue. 

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and safe and Happy New Year, spent with loved ones and friends!  May 2013 be filled with many wonderful blessings for you and your families.

Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #123

Hola y'all!

I'm having a very difficult time trying to figure out how we've arrived at December already.  I honestly feel like I finally got over writing 2011 on everything last week, and now we're almost to 2013! lol  Goodness!  Anyway, I'll get onto why you're visiting.  :)

The theme this week at Papercraft Star is:

A Golden Christmas Card!

 

You can interpret this any way you like (i clarified with the higher ups).  As long as you've got gold on it, you're good to go.  Here is what I created for this weeks challenge.

 

 

Does it look familiar??  A year or two ago I created something similar to this, but they were red, and they were Christmas ornaments.  I figured I'd see how my idea would turn out as a card.  I have to admit, I LOVE this!  I dipped the tips of my roses into gold embossing powder and heat set them.  They are even more lovely in person.  The layers are separated by foam adhesive for more dimension, and I love how the dry embossing goes perfectly with the shape.  I know exactly who will be receiving this Christmas card.

 

I've included the following challenges on my card:

 

Dynamic Duos #31 - Light Green & Red

Corrosive Challenge #163 - Anything Goes

Hooked on Craft Challenge #27 - Christmas

Love To Create Challenge #44 - Holiday Cheer

Made Especially For You - Christmas Card With a Die Cut (my whole card was made with dies)

My Craft Spot #78 - Merry Christmas

Paper Playtime Challenge #90 - Chistmas Colors

Tammy's Scrapin Corner #39 - Anything Christmas

Cards Galore December Challenge - Christmas

Cupcake Craft Room December Challenge - Anything Goes for Christmas

Natalie and Amy's December Challenge - Winter Wishes

The Stamp Spot December Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes

 

As always, the projects posted over at the PCS blog are nothing short of gorgeous this week.  Hopefully, you'll get the chance to check them out, and maybe even play along.  You won't be disappointed!

 

Have a great day!

Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #122

Hello hello!

I hope you're having a good week!  As you read this, I'm currently in Iowa, visiting my mom again.  We're hoping that all goes well in court this week so that we can finally be done with everything.  I'm also hoping that a certain situation, that I've had in the works for a while, plays out as well.  I do have to admit that I miss the Texas weather right about now though.  When I got up this morning, it was 18 degrees.  Brr!!  In Dallas they've been in the high to upper 60's all week.  I can handle the cold, but the wind here makes it bone chilling.  Thank goodness I remembered my coat this time.

So, I have another project to share with you today.  The theme at Papercraft Star this week is:

 

Holiday Greenery!

 

Here is the card that I made for this week.

I seldom make traditional colored Christmas cards, but the photo was so pretty, that I couldn't help myself this time.  And, did you notice?  I used my Copics. lol  I love how the wreaths turned out.  I wanted to keep it simple this time, and think I've managed to do a good job of that.  I know several people in my office were wanting just red and green cards, so this will be taken with me on Monday. 

I'm happy to have been able to combine the following challenges in my card today.

Stampin' Sisters In Christ #167 - Christmas Cards (sad to read that this is their last challenge)
Corrosive Challenge #163 - Anything Goes
Cards for Men #24 - Merry Christmas (my card is pretty masculine this time, in my opinion)
Kaboodle Doodles #147 - Stripes and or Polka Dots
My Grafico #141 - Anything Goes
The Paper Girls #20 - Christmas

I do hope you'll head over to the PCS blog to see what gorgeous projects are posted for you again this week.  To say that I'm among a group of talented women is an understatement.  I'm always SO inspired by my teamies!  You should check them out!

Before I go, I'll share a photo I took from the plane on my flight into Omaha.  This was right before we landed.  I should have known it was going to be cold up here this trip.  I love how the frost even freezes in the shape of snowflakes, and how it contrasts against the wing of the plane and the farmland below.  Super cool to see!

Have a great day!
Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #121

Hello!

How's everything?  Things here are going much better, and I finally feel like my stress level is going down, personal wise.  Work is crazy as my supervisor is on vacation until the 20th, and we're super busy.  I've never missed someone at work as much as I miss her. lol  I'm glad she's vacationing though, she rarely takes time off, for anything.  Can you believe we're at mid November already?  I really wish it would slow down.  I'm running out of time to get everything I need to do done. lol  Anyway, enough babbling, I'll share my crafty project with you.

The theme at Papercraft Star this week is: Thanks/Thanksgiving!

I love this photo, but as usual, the photos are always use if you choose.  This week, I went a different direction, but still created a thank you card.  Check it!

I colored this butterfly with my Copics, a while ago, while on one of my flights to my moms.  By the way, it's interesting how many times you have to explain what Copics are to the people who see you with them in the airport.  Fortunately, they travel well, aren't a threat, and keep me occupied. lol  Anyway, there is no patterned paper on this card, at all.  It's distress inks, stamping and embossing.  I was hoping I could pull off the look I had for my card in my head, and think I did ok.  I'm happy with it anyway.  Fortunately for me, I was able to combine the following challenges in my card today.

Sketch For You To Try - November Sketch
Card Makin Mama's - Thanksgiving/Thank You
Crafty Catz #158 - Anything Goes
Our Creative Corner - Make Your Own Background   
Catered Crop - Lace
Corrosive Challenge #162 - Flutter By
Glitter and Sparkle #6 - Things With Wings
Cupcake Inspirations #186 - Photo Inspiration (my colors fit perfectly, lucky me!)
Pile It On #46 - Lets Be Thankful
Scrappy Frogs - Give Thanks
Sentimental Sundays #128 - Thanks/Thanksgiving

The lovely designers at PCS have created more gorgeous projects for you today.  I am hoping you'll get to check them out.  They're nothing short of spectacular.

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #120

Hello friends!

I hope you're having a good week, so far.  Today I am celebrating the 10th anniversary of my 27th birthday. lol  It's hard to believe that my birthday has arrived already.  It feels like it was my birthday not too long ago.  Time sure has gone by quickly this past year.  There has been a lot going on, and I'm hoping that this next year is better.  I'm emotionally exhausted, and ready to get back to normal.  Anyway, onto why you're here.

I have another Papercraft Star challenge to share with you today.  The theme this week is:

Gray & Yellow!

 

I like this color combo.  It seems classic and elegant to me.  I went digging through my stash of patterned papers, and found ones that I thought worked well together.  I used THIS sketch, loosly, and everything came together quite well.  Here is how it turned out.

 



I'm digging it.  These colors really go together nicely.  I love color challenges.  They really force me to use colors I wouldn't think of using together on my own.  I've got another card for my stash, and will be happy to use it soon.

I do hope you'll head over to the PCS blog to see what other gorgeous projects are posted today.  They're absolutely stunning!  Seriously!

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!
 

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #183

Welcome!

I apologize but this post will be short and sweet.  I'm sorry for the delay, but I forgot to schedule this post, and I overslept.  I didn't realize that dealing with more than one teenager for the last two days was going to be so exhausting. lol  I'm glad the birthday festivities went well though. 

There's a new sketch challenge posted over at Unscripted Sketches.  It's a sweet sketch, and leaves a lot of room for interpretation.  For all of the details, click HERE.

 

It's been a while since I've created a masculine card, so that's what I did.  I wanted to make a card to send to my friend in New York.  He lives in the Bronx, and was totally unharmed by the hurricane that devastated that area.  The inside of this card says "I'm glad you're ok!".  Simple, but effective for getting my message across. lol 

 

I do hope you'll head over to the US blog to see what wonderful projects have been posted.  They're all pretty fantastic, as usual.

 

I'll leave you with a snapshot of the birthday festivities.  I'm so glad she had a great time.  They laughed and were loud, and ate tons of food, and just enjoyed being together.  In the midst of all of the legal stuff (that went in our favor, thank God) we're both dealing with, I'm glad she had a good birthday, and was happy.

 



Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #19

Happy Halloween!

How's your week going?  Are you excited to see all of the adorable kiddies running around tonight?  I'm excited!  My week is going alright, but just alright.  As I type this up, I'm currently at my mothers, getting ready to go to court to deal with an issue with my ex-husband.  Usually, I try not to say too much about personal stuff, but today I'm feeling overwhelmed with everything.  Why do people do stupid things that cause harm to others?  Ugh!  I'm SO happy to be here with my mom, but I hate the reason that I'm here.  Things can only get better though, right?  Like tomorrow we're celebrating Sydney's 16th birthday.  I can't wait for her to see what I got her.  I have to admit, it is pretty awesome.  I mean, you only turn 16 once! ;)

Anyway, onto this weeks Papercraft Star project.  The theme this week is:

Warm Beverages!

 

Fortunately for me, I have now accumulated a few different sets with images I could have used for this challenge.  Here is what I came up with.

 



 

I'm digging how this turned out, although this is attempt #2.  The first one got thrown in the trash for being so hideous. lol  Anyway, I've got another card for my stash.  Yay!  I'm also submitting this to the following challenges:

The Paper Players #119 - Sketch
That Craft Place - Tic Tac Toe (i used lace, twine (subbed for ribbon), and dies)

I can't wait for you to see what stunning projects are posted over at the PCS blog today.  I'm totally blown away by the projects my fellow desingers create each week.  To say that I'm honored to be amongst such talent is an understatement.  You really should head over and see what I'm talking about.  You won't regret it!

I'm off to deal with life, and then it's party planning time.  On a side note, I've gained back 3 of the 7 pounds I had lost.  Guess I'll just have to try harder next week.  I'll leave on a positive note, and share a picture of Sydney from her first homecoming dance.  Hard to believe she's all grown up already. *sigh*

Have a great day!
Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #182

Hiya!

Happy Saturday friends!  I woke up this morning and it was a chilly 37 degrees outside.  Finally, some fall weather here in the DFW area.  The highs for this weekend are only going to be in the 60's and I'm really looking forward to that.  I'm going to open the windows and work on some crafty projects.   

Anyway, onto why you're here.  I have another Unscripted Sketches project for you today.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I had a co-worker ask me to make a Halloween card for her son.  He's a bit under the weather, and they're not going to be able to go trick or treating this year, so she is going to make him a goodie bag.  These colors are her idea, based on a few Design Seeds photos I showed her (i've included it below).  She asked me not to make it scary or anything, so this is what I came up with.  I hope she likes it. 

 
I do hope you'll head over to the US blog to see what other fabulous projects are posted.  Maybe you'll get the chance to play along as well. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs!
 

Papercraft Star Challenge #118

Greetings y'all!

I hope you're having a good week.  Things this week are a bit crazy, due to the end of month stuff again, but all in all it's not a disaster...yet. lol  I'm happy to report that I am off next week again, as I need to head back to my moms, in order to settle some personal business.  I look forward to that, as always.

So, I have another Papercraft Star project to share with you today.  The theme this week is:

Halloween Witch!

 

Once I saw the theme for this week, I knew exactly which stamp I wanted to use.  It's been in my stash for a while, and I love it.  Here is what I created.

 

 

My card turned out exactly how I saw it in my head.  I actually think it turned out a bit better than expected. lol  I love the CAS look, and it's not too bulky, so I can send it to someone without issue.  Gotta love those distress inks, as usual, as they worked perfeclty for what I wanted to do.  I wasn't sure what sentiment I wanted to include, and am thinking I may not even need one.  Another card for my stash, woo hoo!

Challenges I'm happy to include in my card today:

Raise The Bar #116 - Which is witch?
Card Crafters Circle #45 - Halloween
Card Makin Mama's - Halloween
Crafty Catz #155 - Halloween
Retro Sketches #34 - Sketch
Craftymess Challenge #20 - Halloween
Drunken Stampers #102 - Napoleon's Buttons
Hiding In My Craft Room #68 - Die Cuts (my scalloped border is a die)
Dynamic Duo's #25 - Basic Black & Pumpkin Pie (dessert option: die cuts)
So Artful Challenge October - Harvest Moon (photo inspiration)
Catered Crop - Circle Round
Come and Get It Challenge - Halloween
Glitter and Sparkle Challenge #3 - Bonfire/Halloween
Opus Gluei #142 - Leaves or Halloween
Scrappy Frogs - Halloween

As always, there are some amazing projects posted over at the PCS blog today.  I do hope you'll get the chance to check them out, and hopefully play along.  We sure love it when you share your wonderful projects with us!

Have a fabulous day!
Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #181

Yola!

Happy Saturday friends!  I hope you've had a good week, and are planning on having an even better weekend.  I'm happy it's Saturday, and I got to sleep in, a bit.  I've got a couple errands to run, and then I'm going to get my craft on.  I've got a list of things I want to get done, and I'm determined to finish them all. 

So, I have another Unscripted Sketches project to share with you today.  This week, there is also a piggyback challenge, which is movement.  For this weeks challenge details, click HERE.

I needed a couple of thank you cards for a set, as a gift for a friend.  I wanted something different than the usual square, or A2 card, so I made her a set of round cards.  They're all fall themed, with slight variances in colors.  My "movement" element for the piggyback challenge is that they slide open from the side, instead of opening from a fold at the top.  They're held together with a brad a the top.  Here's a picture of the opened card.

I dig them.  Unfortunately, I was running out of sunlight, and wasn't able to get a photo of all of them together, that I liked.  In real life, they're beautiful all together.  I hope she enjoys them. 

I'm excited that I was able to combine the following challenges in my card today.

Kaboodle Doodles #141 - Anything Fall or Pmpkin Patch
Forever Friends Challenge #47 - Halloween/Autumn
ColorQ Challenge #159 - Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Only Orange, Pear Pizzazz & White (I subbed my Only Orange for So Saffron because I couldn't find anything in that color)
Use It Tuesday #41 - All About Fall - The stamps, roses and twine are all older than six months old.

I do hope you'll head over to the US blog to see what other fabulous projects are posted.  I do think you'll enjoy them.

Also, before I forget, I've lost a total of 5 pounds within the last two weeks.  I've told myself that for every 10 pounds I lose, I'm going to buy a new article of clothing.  Quite the incentive, I must say. :) 

Have a great day!
Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #117

Hi there!

How's it going?  I'm glad it's Wednesday, and I only have two days left of work this week.  For some reason, I'm super tired, and all I want to do is sleep. lol  Anyway, I'll get to the crafty stuff.

I have another project to share with you for one of my favorite challenges.  The theme this week at Papercraft Star is:

 

Halloween Pumpkin!

 

Here is what I created, based on the theme.

 

 

I've had the Drippy Goo border punch by Martha Stewart for years, and this is only the third time I've ever used it.  I remember looking for it for weeks when it first came out.  Just another something I "had" to have. lol  I printed a few of the digital papers from THATB, and embossed one of them with the skull flourish embossing folder.  I then inked it in black so it would show up better.  I trimmed two more pieces of digital papers and used them to complete my layout for the card.  I then paper pieced the pumpkins and added that piece to my card.  I feel like my card is missing something, but I'm not sure what.  I guess it's cool though.  I dig it. :)

I've combined the following challenges in my card.

Raise The Bar #115 - Hey Pumpkin!
Sweet Stop Challenge #180 - Sketch
Stamptacular Sunday #185 - BOO-tacular
Come And Get It Challenge - Olive, Razzleberry & Pumpkin

There are some wonderfully gorgeous projects posted over on the PCS blog today.  I do hope you get the chance to chek them out. 

Have a great day!
Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #116

Yola!

Happy humpday!  How has your week been?  The week is half over already, but I am still enjoying my time with my family, here in the midwest.  It's been nice.  I've woken up to cold, crisp mornings, and highs in the low 70's (maximum), and I've slept better in the last few days than I've slept in the last few months.  Although I could never live here again, it's always so refreshing to be here, visiting my mom.  I almost feel as if it's good for my soul.  Maybe that's kinda cheesy, but I know that I'm always so much more relaxed and revived when I get home, after a visit.

Anyway, onto why you're here.  I have another card to share with you today.  The theme today at Papercraft Star is:

Fall Colors!

 

I am in love with this photo!  It reminds me of being in Colorado in the fall, when the trees look this gorgeous.  Please keep in mind that the inspiration photos are always use if you choose.  You don't have to incorporate it into your project, as long as you stick with the theme.  Easy peasy, right?  Here is what I created for this challenge. 

 

 

I've had this embossed Core'dinations paper in my stash forever and thought it would be well used in this card.  I'm slightly disappointed with my Stampin Up! stamps at the moment.  They don't want to stick to my clear blocks.  In this case, the stamp feel off my block, after I stamped my sentiment, and caused the marks above the "Thank You" on my sentiment panel.  Unfortunately, I was pressed for time, and couldn't redo it.  Eh, I guess it's not terrible.  I added some bakers twine, at an angle, and a cute red button with a bow, and was done with it.  I like it, even with the "oops".  I've got another card for my stash, and I'm pretty sure this won't be the last time I have an accident like that. lol  I was also able to combine the following challenges in my card today.

Annabelle Stamps Challenge - Say It With...Thanks
Bloggers Challenge - Falling For You (fall colors)
Card Crafters Circle #43 - Autumn Colors
Card Makin Mama's - Fall
Crafty Catz #153 - Autumn
Retro Sketches #32 - Sketch
Stamptacular Sunday #184 - Photo Inspiration (fall leaves)

There are more gorgeous projects posted on the Papercraft Star blog today.  I absolutely adore them!  I do hope you'll get the chance to see what I'm talking about.  Maybe you'll get the chance to join us for this weeks challenge. :)

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #45

Happy Sunday!

I'm currently basking in the cool weather that has me wanting to curl up on my mom's front porch with a sweater, a book and a cup of hot chocolate.  It gets down into the 20's at night here, and man, do I wish I could take a little bit of this home to DFW with me. lol  Yesterday was only up in the 50's there though, which is unusual, and only temporary.  I'll be back home to 85 degree weather by weeks end.  *sigh*

Anyway, I have another Christmas card to share with you today.  This weeks theme is a non-traditional color combo.  For all of the details, click HERE.

 

Here is what I came up with.

 



You know how I am about non-traditional Christmas colors, so this was right up my alley.  Blue paired with yellow is one of my favorite color combos of all time.  They're very complimentary and go really well together.  I should use it more often, but there are so many other color combos I want to try. lol  I kept it simple, and used THIS sketch.  Love my results!

I do hope you'll head over to see what the lovely design team, and our October guest designer, have created for you today.  Everyone's take on the color combo this week was fantastic.  I hope you enjoy their cards!

Have a lovely day!
Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches #179

Hello!

How's it going?  Are you having a good weekend, so far?  As you read this, I am on my way to see my mom.  I can't tell  you how excited I am about this.  I've been dealing with some pretty heavy stuff recently, so the thought of being able to just hug her and have her tell me everything will be alright is so refreshing.  Hopefully, you'll get some crafty goodness accomplished this weekend. 

Since today is Saturday, I have another Unscripted Sketches project for you.  For this weeks sketch challenge, click HERE.

When I first started this card, I had envisioned it in my head completely different.  I guess sometimes the end result is a lot different than what you start off creating.  Good thing this turned out better than I expected. lol  A coworker asked me to make a wedding card for her with just black and white and a pop of yellow, which is the bride's favorite color.  I think this is a good interpretation of what she requested.  I hope the happy couple will like it.

I've combined the following challenge in my card today as well.

Paper Pretties #226 - Flowers

There are more fabulous projects posted on the US blog for you today.  I'm hoping you'll get the opportunity to check them out.  We love it when you play along with us too!

Before I forget.  This week was the first week of my new diet and exercise, and although I strayed from it quite a bit, I did manage to lose 1 pound.  I guess it's a start, right? lol

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

Papercraft Star Challenge #115

Howdy!

I hope you're having a good week!  It's been nice and quiet around here, and I've slept better the last two days, than I have in a while.  I'm not sure why, but I'll take it! lol  I'm also super excited, as I will be home visiting my mother this weekend.  It's been a rough couple months, and sometimes I just want my mom.  Any of you feel that way too?

Anyway, I have another crafty project to share with you.  The theme this week at Papercraft Star is:

Anything Goes!

 

I wasn't sure what I wanted to to with this weeks challenge.  I'm itching to put together a project that isn't a card or layout, but all of my stuff for that is still in storage.  Unfortunately, I procrastinated too long with trying to figure out what to do, that I had to create another card.  This is my result.

 



I've had this THATB digi printed out, and sitting on my desk, for a while.  I've wanted to incorporate it into just about everything I've made this week, but ultimately, it was waiting for today's card.  I love the digitals provided by THATB.  They're so easy to work with, and they're all gorgeous!  I paired it with some rich fall colors, bakers twine, leaves and a pin and called it done.  It's cute and I have another card for my stash.  I've combined the following challenges in my card today also.

Crazy 4 Challenges #156 - Leaves
Speedy Fox Friends Challenge #127 - Circles
Kaboodle Doodles #139 - Colors of Autumn
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

That's all for me today.  I'm off to work, and then off to Bible study.  I'm still getting adjusted to my new eating habits, and I hate drinking all of the water the doc says is healthy, but I guess it's not terrible.  We'll see how long I stay this determinded.  It's been a rough two days. 

Anyway, I hope you have a great day!
Hugs!

October 2012

Hi everyone!

As mentioned, today I begin my journey of eating healthier and exercising, so that I can lose weight.  I've spoken with a coworker who wants to start walking two evenings a week, after work, and I have another coworker who wants to play tennis one evening a week.  With walking and tennis, and having someone to exercise with, I'm hoping it will be fun instead of work.  I am going to post a picture on the 1st of each month.  I'm hoping to be able to document by doing just one photo a month.  I know there won't be much difference the first few months, but I'm still going to post the photos.

So, here I am.  I'm about a month from turning 37.  I am 5'5 and weigh 247 pounds.  My goal weight is 160. 

This was taken on Friday, at work.  The dress hides most of what you'd see in real life, but believe me, it's all there.  I'll try to wear lighter clothing in future photos so that we can see everything, and hopefully the differences, as time goes on.  Geez, I look awful, and about 8 months pregnant. lol

Have a good day!
Hugs!

2012 Christmas Card Challenge Week #44

Hola!

How has your weekend been?  Good I hope!  It has been a nice, quiet weekend here.  I haven't really done much, but I did manage to make a few things.  I've also come to the realization that I'm in need of diet and exercise.  I had a physical recently, and they threw the word "obese" at me.  That's such a harsh word, but realistically, it's true.  I've always been overweight, but never has anyone told me I was obese before.  Hearing that cuts deep.  I don't usually post too much about that kind of thing on my blog, but I think I'm going to hold my self accountable, and make my struggle with weight loss and my new journey to take control of it, public.  I won't be posting in excess, but I will be including monthly photos, starting tomorrow.  I HATE to be in front of the camera, so I'm hoping this will keep me on track this time.  I'm assuming I'll be including little tidbits here and there, but I promise not to bore anyone with a lot of negativitiy or whining, even though I'm doing it over here. lol  Maybe some of you out there are struggling with the same thing, and it will help you as well.  The bottom line is getting healthy, and that's my goal.  I want to be around to watch my daughter grow into the beautiful woman I can already see coming out in her.     

Anyway, enough rambling.  Onto why you're here today.  Looking through my files, I hadn't realized that it had been such a long time since I'd made a Christmas card.  It's time to get back into the swing of that, and start making them every week.  This week we were asked to use chipboard on our projects.  For all of the details on this weeks challenge, click HERE.

Here is my card for this challenge.

I've had the chipboard flourish in my stash for over a year.  I embossed it in my Cuttlebug and inked it with Pumice Stone distress ink.  I have to say, I totally dig these colors together, and my card did turn out quite nice.  I'm glad to have another one for my stash.  Now I'll just have to continue making them every week.  I've combined the following challenges in my card too.

Deconstructed Sketch #71 - Sketch
AI Stamps Challenge #82 - Banners & Bunting
Do You Stack Up #91 - Scallops
Fabulous Friday - Embossing
HIMCR #65 - Anything Goes (show your style - mine is clean lines, for sure)
Totally Gorjuss #151 - Punches & Dies

There are some fantastic projects posted over on the CCC blog.  I do hope you get the chance to check them out, and hopefully, join us this week. 

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs!