Recipe Swap...

I recently joined a monthly recipe swap that started in August, so a few weeks ago I made 2 sets of 12 cards- one for August (featuring an appetizer) and one for September (featuring a main dish), only to have them all get destroyed before they were mailed out. I could have waited and started all over agan in October, but I didn't feel right about that since I had already received a few cards from others. So I decided to make another 2 sets...the only glitch was I had to do this quickly..as in TODAY, because this was the only day I had time to devote to the project. That meant I had to keep everything super, super simple - and let go of my "bling" mentality and "need-to-over-embellish" impulses. These look NOTHING like my blinged out originals, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone will be happy with what they receive. Wow, I'm just noticing how crooked that Salsa recipe is -- I really blew through that one, huh? LOL

A Quick Mini...

I LOVE project kits. They're like self-paced classes that teach me new design techniques and how to mix and match different elements....and they're great to use when I'm busy but still want to put together something pretty. All the planning and coordination has been done for me, and I can just sit, read a few instructions, and create. Total bliss...I can take them to crops (eliminates all the prep work) or reach for one when I want to complete a quick project for instant gratification, (or just get the creative juices flowing again). So, of course when I spotted this sweet mini book kit from Paisleys and Polka Dots I knew I had to have it. It is fully-loaded with pre-cut October Afternoon papers, pretty embellies and full-color instructions. Everything you need for each page is contained in its own zip-lock bag (and all the papers are PRE-CUT for you - yeah!). All I had to do was sit, read a few simple instructions, and create. What could be easier than that? So the next time you need a creative surge, or want to learn something new but cannot take a "live" class, reach for a project kit like this one. They're quick, fun and only take a couple of hours to complete....










xoxo,


PS. - Thanks Julie for all your hard work in putting together this awesome kit.

Why?

At a total loss for words today. This tragedy happened 8 years ago and although I watched it all unfoldon television like most of the world did that day, I still consider it a personal loss. I remember feeling so helpless as I watched the images of the second plane hit the South Tower, the camera footage of office workers in suits jumping to their deaths in order to escape the flames (omg...those poor people - can you imagine having to make that kind of choice?). Even the rescue workers were in shock as they headed towards the danger in order to lead everyone else away. And to see the Towers (they were so incredibly magnificent) consumed with flames and jet fuel..UGH, that was so sad. There was so much panic and fear. Then everything came crashing down and everything and everyone was covered with ash and rubble- it was just too much. My husband helped build 7 World Trade and for a moment we held out hope that it would remain standing...but later that evening it too came crashing down. Unbelievable...Makes me wonder "why"?

Third Time's A Charm...

Seriously, this is my THIRD attempt at blogging...is that funny or what? Seems that I tend to start a new one whenever I need a fresh start or make a new discovery about myself. My first Typepad blog was fully-loaded, but difficult to figure out. I eventually moved over to Blogger under a different studio name, but I couldn't seem to control the direction in which it was going so I stopped updating it. They say the third time is a charm so...here I go again. I think I will look forward to staying with this one because I've finally realized what blogging means to me...it's not about posting gorgeous artwork or catchy phrases, it's about sharing who I am and what I love. So I'm looking forward to sharing a bit of myself, and my creative pursuits, with you. But don't be upset f I pretend you're not there!

xoxo,

Proud To Be An American!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fireworks in New York Harbor....so beautiful

Summer is here!

Actually, we've been celebrating the season for a couple of weeks now. The girls are both out of school and we're spending a lot of time relaxing!  I made this mini album for Mandy's 15th birthday using Junkitz Salsa.  The little "companion" tag book has phrases, sayings, and advice about enjoying life. Very upbeat and fun to make. 

Enjoy your day!



 

Has it been almost a week already? 

The Big-Wig event was a HUGE success! I will post pictures as soon as I can. Sean and I won a beautiful basket filled to the brim with boating paraphernalia so he was a happy camper. We also won a weekend here...(doesn't that look divine?!) AND we learned how to ballroom dance! Right now we're nearing the end of a very busy week. I've been getting ready for the next big event...my cousin's wedding in June! I can't wait, as it is sure to be beautiful. The girls needed new passports and mine was up for renewal...and there were dress fittings and Bridal Shower preparations...too fun!

So far this first week of April hasn't been too overwhelming. Let's see...we booked my daughter's Sweet Sixteen -- for May 2009! We were persuaded to do this a year in advance, as the place she wanted was booking up quickly...Sean is convinced we'll have to mortgage the house to pay for it. Sean and I are hosting a table for my friend Jeff's benefit dinner/auction on April 17...Allie's class performed their annual Shakespeare Festival today (you should have seen me, the paper artist, attempting to make alterations to her very elaborate Elizabethan costume last night. I finally gave up at midnight and stapled the thing together!)...Amanda made the travel team for softball which meant driving two hours, in the rain, to a game on the east end of Long Island, only to have the home team forfeit during the first five minutes, as of Monday, I am officially a graduate student of Graphic Design...classes start at the end of the month...and I'm leaving for a weekend retreat with my crafty girlfriends tomorrow morning and haven't started packing yet.  Other than that, it's been pretty quiet around here. How about you guys?