Coming to a JoAnn's Near You...

When I made my weekly trip to Joann's yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to see the new products that they were putting out. There were new faces like Prima and expanded selections from American Crafts, Studio Calico, Basic Grey's new Capture and We Are Memory Keepers (WRMK). I snapped a few shots so that I can plan for the next sale:

CKC Houston - Recap

Last Friday June 28th, I headed to the Woodlands for Creating Keepsakes Convention (CKC) armed with an empty bag, a new Discover card, and visions of scrapbook treasures to be discovered and claimed as my own.

The event space was smaller than in years past and the deals (in my opinion) were scarce. The selection was meager and only a few vendors offered items that I couldn't get everywhere else -- and the one that did had a 15 minute line. If Greg hadn't been there to bolster my spirits, I would have given up my loot and left without a backwards glance -- truly there was nothing that I couldn't have lived without. I was buying because a) I was there, b) the items were there and c) although the offerings were insubstantial; I want CKC to return next year.

I remember 10 years ago (during the "scrapbook boom"), attending Creating Keepsakes Convention was the stuff of scrapbook dreams -- huge Vendor Fairs bulging with new and abundant items that made your credit cards shiver in anticipation, classes with "scrapbook experts/celebrities, make-and-takes that were FREE(!) and worth taking the time to complete -- a big deal scrapping girl's year.

For now, all the scrapbook glam and SWAG has disappeared; but a scrappy girl can dream...

Zoo Day!

Saturday morning, I headed to the Houston Zoo with my favorite guys. The weather was perfect and we arrived early so the crowds were small and most of the animals were out. A good time was had by all! I have promised to Jaidyen that I will make him a scrapbook and this one will be fun to create.

 

Weekend Chill Mode

It's a little past 8:00am on a Saturday morning and I already feel like I'm behind schedule...But wait! It's SATURDAY --  there is no schedule. I am thereby moving into Weekend Chill Mode: no deadlines, no schedules, no "gotta's". Just me and mine loving life.

I am busy with work; but still trying to find time to create. Here are a few snapshots of one the the Easter mini's that I created. I love to mix the supplies from years ago with items I find on the seasonal shelves -- foam & felt shapes -- to stay current and still classic.

I haven't made a single Project Life 2013 layout, but remain determined to document this year. With a little effort and a lot of caffeine, I will make a dent this weekend.

I'm off to shop, create and enjoy the day. If I see anything awesome, I'll snap a photo and share.

Valentine Mini for my Love

It feels so good to sit in my scrap room and do more than just surf the internet. I'm making a Valentine's Day mini album for Greg and so far, I'm pleased with the way it's coming together. I started last night and I'd like to give it to him Tuesday night (with a special dinner); so I've got to stay on course...(I can see a lot of glitter and coffee in my future!)

Here's a look at some of the base pages. I'll post the finished product -- hopefully soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Self - Expressed in 2013

My mantra for 2013 is to be "self-expressed".  The intention is for the words that I write; the clothes that I wear; the thoughts that I speak; the projects that I create --will all express what I feel and how I see the world. 

My entire way of being needs to say who I am and how I roll.

Last year was a mine field of challenges and obstacles. With God, friends and family, I'm here in 2013 and so excited by the opportunities that are already opening up for me.

I have taken on a great, new position with my company. I am a member of a dynamic team. I enjoy the work and it's something for which I have a natural skill set. How awesome is that?! A true blessing.

Even better -- this group dresses for work! I am re-acquainting myself with my inner fashionista --  boy, have I missed her! Looking good really has made me feel good. I have become a purse and shoe fiend and am shopping for sleek, stylish pieces to add to my wardrobe. 

Here are some of the looks that inspired me as I endeavor to get my groove back:

...It's going to be a great year!