Basic Grey

I bought the Basic Grey "Origins" page kit....I think I'm in love!!!

Still have to journal on this one:

and this chickie is growing up way too fast!

Citrus Tree Studio

I've been a fan of Citrus Tree Studio kits for a few years. Cindy is the sweetest person and puts together really cute kits. I tend to love place a ton of embellishments on my projects, but these kits challenge me to make the most of my paper supply -- Here are 2 layouts I did with the January "Victorian Romance" kit featuring the gorgeous 7G Victoria line -- ooolala! This paper is soooooo yummy!

Not too crazy about this one but there's always that "one" project that gets your goat, ya know?

and here are some close-ups. I used the empty Prima package as a frame for my photo:

These little birdies were in the kit. I outlined them with Stickles and added some bling...

Here's the 2nd layout -- of course I had to add more bling...

The "flower" is actually trim from the add-on kit.

So my first attempt at doing layouts wasn't so bad. I need a little practice but I think can get used to this...lol

xoxo, Cris

Spring Semester Starts Today

I started the Spring semester of my first year of grad school today. I'm pursuing a Master's degree in K-12 Literacy Education because of my love of words (etymology); but first I have to obtain my secondary teaching certification. The entire process has been so much fun. I love learning new things whether it be in a classroom or a self-taught process, and I especially love studying English so this is all play for me!

The only challenge is the reading assignments. I've been out of school for over 20 years and am not used to reading 150 pages of text a week. It's exhausting but I love it.

Be back next week with a few crafty projects to share.

Photos from Barbados

We're back...and I am so excited to share a few Barbados pics with you. I usually do not like posting a lot of personal photos on my blog, as I know most visitors are expecting to see crafty things, but I have to make an exception. The Crane Resort in Barbados is simply GORGEOUS. It is a self-contained resort on the quiet West Coast of Barbados. Every unit has a full-service kitchen and there is a shopping village on the resort where you can purchase all your necessities. Before I start rambling endlessly about the beauty of this place, I thought I would share a slideshow I put together and a link to my vacation gallery if you care to see more.

Ok...Back to reality. I still need to unpack an a ton of laundry awaits me. I should be back to crafting sometime next week. Still on a holiday high over here! xoxo

You can watch the slide show below or click here: Barbados 2009

http://cdn.smugmug.com/ria/ShizamSlides-2009120303.swf?AlbumID=10871664&AlbumKey=YYD2v&transparent=true&bgColor=&borderThickness=&borderColor=&useInside=&endPoint=&mainHost=cdn.smugmug.com&VersionNos=2009120303&width=400&height=400&clickToImage=true&captions=true&showThumbs=true&autoStart=true&showSpeed=true&pageStyle=white&showButtons=true&randomStart=false&randomize=false&splash=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smugmug.com%2Fimg%2Fria%2FShizamSlides%2Fsmugmug_black.png&splashDelay=0&crossFadeSpeed=350

New Year's Eve 2009

Wow...the last day of 2009...seems like yesterday I was surviving the mad ordering rush for Becky Higgins Project 365 (remember the Jan 1 2009 mayhem that caused?) and watching the Rose Parade. This year has come and gone so quickly!

Sorry I have been out of touch. We've been enjoying a lovely vacation on the beautiful island of Barbados this week.

I'm writing this from the veranda of our 3000-square foot condo (they offered us an upgrade we could not refuse!) while sipping mango juice and enjoying the most magnificent sunset I have ever seen! It is absolutely beautiful here, and the Bajans have spoiled us rotten.

The weather is very warm and humid but there is a wonderful breeze that keeps us cool all day and night. It's amazing that we can sleep with the windows and patio doors open - I love hearing the waves crash while I'm drifting off. The beach at our resort is pristine - the water is crystal clear and has a turquoise glow to it most of the day; and the sand feels like clay.

I'll upload a few photos later. Right now it's time to get ready for our New Year's Eve bash tonight. Enjoy your evening my friends!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you and yours all the very best! We'll be spending the next week in Barbados so I'll write to you from the beach.

Have a very Happy Christmas my friends!!!

O Holy Night

We're going to have a white Christmas here on Long Island. The snow has not melted much and it's still very cold. We're all gathered around our tree in anticipation of the excitement to come (we're leaving for vacation in 2 days so the presents will be opened early this year) In the midst of all the excitement I had to stop and take a moment to reflect on the what this holiday is really all about; the birth of the Christ...the first gift of Christmas. As my teens tear through the wrapping paper and "ooh" and "ahh" over their gifts, I hope they will never forget the true meaning of Christmas.

Here is a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night" as sung by Swedish tenor, Jussi Björling, possibly the greatest tenor who ever lived...my gift to you this Christmas Eve. Enjoy your holidays my dear friends, and blessed be the name of the Lord!

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!

Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother,
and in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the lord, that ever, ever praise we.

Noel! Noel! Oh night;oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!