Scraproom Blog Challenge

For this challenge at The Scraproom Blog, the challenge was to use patterned paper as your background. Easy peasy! I love to do that. I pulled out my Stampin' Up Halloween DSP (love these colors!) and went to town.
I used a sketch layout from Nuts About Sketches (love this site!) It's perfect for when I feel like I have lost my scrapbook mojo!

Scrapbook Challenge - Apron Strings

Hi Everyone!!

I'm back doing scrapbook and card challenges!! I'm so excited to start knocking out some pages because my pile of memories is getting quite large! ;)
I will post Stampin' Up exclusive layouts/cards here on my business site, and any other misc challenges HERE on my new personal site for my family (soon to be Mr & Mrs Becker in May 2011!).

So here is a challenge from Apron Strings where we can only use piles on our desk to create a page layout. Thank goodness I just had my stamp-a-stack and I had lots of goodies to choose from! I used Deck the Halls DSP, Crumb Cake cardstock, Cherry Cobbler Seam binding and a few pearls. You can find specials on my Christmas items HERE. Check out the 20% discount you can get!

Halloween Card, Treat Boxes & Decor!

Here's a cute Halloween card we made in my Meet Up last Wednesday night. It was very fun making the little treat boxes too! These qualify for a super cool challenge over at Cupcake Craft Challenges too! For more pictures visit my Meet Up site or my Stampin Up website!





I also made a super cool Halloween candle holder for really cheap! I used 2 images from the Spooky Things decor elements from Stampin Up HERE, a glass candle holder from the Dollar Tree, and rocks from the Dollar Tree, added a candle and wa-lah! Spooky but gorgeous candle holder! You can make about 5 candle holders with one set of decor elements. I used the "Trick-or-Treat" element to decorate a candy dish (again bought the dish at the dollar store).



Thanks for checking out my blog! Will post more decorative ideas soon!

Mom's Sewing Room #2

I would like to post all the pictures and videos with the progress on my mom's sewing room, but I just couldn't figure it out! So, here is a picture of the finished room. My mom was pretty upset, but she got over it real quick :) She does like her new room. Now she just needs her new cabinets and shelves to put all her fabric away.



And here's another one:

My Mom's Sewing Room - An Intervention

So SORRY I'm a bad blogger! I haven't been on in weeks!! I have been working on a special project. I am in the process of cleaning out and organizing my Mom's sewing room. She doesn't know (she wouldn't let me do it!!), she's on vacation with my Dad. So I have taken the liberty of sneaking in with their spare key and I'm cleaning it out. I'm not throwing anything away, just pulling it all out and I'm going to put it back in an organized manner. I will label everything. I know she might be a little irritated at first but I am hoping she'll appreciate it later.
I'm documenting everything and I am going to share my little videos with you. I think I sound like a dork, but maybe you'll enjoy it and get a laugh out of it.
So here is the first video:

Hmmmm, the video failed...I will have to figure out why and get it posted asap! Here are BEFORE pictures so you can get an idea of what I had to start with!

New Meet Up Group

Hi Everyone!!

Just a quick note to say I'm excited that I signed up for Meetup.com again. My new stamping group is Sunset Stampers and we will meet the first Wednesday of every month. Here is a link to my Meet Up group where you can check out our projects and sign up for a workshop. The fee is $5 to cover the cost of supplies. The workshop fee is waived if you spend $25 or more. Hope to see you at a workshop soon!!

So excited!

I'm so so excited to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator! I'm getting ready to get my business kicked off with my first workshop coming up on August 8th! I am wanting to open up my workshop to everyone out there as well....hmmm maybe a little order incentive (FREE STUFF) will be happenin'?? I'll ponder this and get back to everyone. I am also getting ready to get back on Meet Up and run my own group again. I need to think of a name for my Stampin Up Workshop Group....any ideas? I'll be posting some cards from my workshops soon! I'm working on them now...getting so excited about new stamps and new projects! I should have my Meet Up group started by August 1st if anyone is interested, check back then. I will be holding a Meet Up workshop once a month, probably in the first week of every month.
Can't wait!!!!

My First Workshop and Baking and Pastry

So, my first official Stampin' Up workshop will be on August 8th. I'm so excited! I created 2 cards for make n takes. I'll post those when I can. I love all the new colors like the Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight. Those 3 are fabulous together, just awesome summer colors! Check out this cool color tool on the Stampin Up site HERE.

I'm already into my 6 month of school, can you believe it?! I'm in the 4th semester class, Baking and Pastry which is about 6 weeks long. Tomorrow will be the end of week two. It's been so fun so far. We have a great class and we all work well together! This week we've been making things such as pastry cream, fruit pies, quiches, frangipane, apple pear tart and eclairs! Tomorrow we will fill our baked eclairs with some yummy hazelnut cream. I will post some pictures of that! Eventually I will post a link to all my cool recipes I'm learning. The soft pretzels were great!

Thanks for stopping by! Hugs!

New Stampin' Up Demonstrator!!!

That's right! You heard it here...I just signed up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator! I've been pondering this awesome opportunity for quite some time now. I decided that every month that I attend my Meet Up group, I LOVE to get out my adhesive and put together a cute homemade card that has gorgeous complementary colors and matching paper, inks, and embellishments. I have so much fun stamping, making cards and making new friends! I decided that in my spare time (between going to culinary school) will be my ME time! My time for growing my Stampin' Up business. I've been thinking about this for a year now so I'm glad I finally "took the plunge" :)
So, without further ado...Here is my "official" Stampin' Up website where you can purchase Stampin' Up products from me 24/7!

http://sweetpieces.stampinup.net

I look forward to posting new card ideas and project ideas using the latest and greatest Stampin' Up products! Keep an eye out for a NEW Meet Up group I'll be starting in the Rocklin/Roseville/Lincoln area where you can attend a monthly workshop and make cards for a real low cost!

Hope to get to stamp with ya soon! :)

Paper Posies Challenge - May 3rd

Here is a layout I did using Paper Posies challenge which they got from Scrapbooks Etc magazine. The challenge is to create a layout with strips of paper punch with edge punches and layer them over the same color cardstock to create a unique background.
Here is my page...one more picture down, two hundred and something to go!

Win a Cricut Cake!!

This is an AWESOME giveaway by Cuttlebug Challenge site. They are giving away a Cricut Cake! Check it out HERE.

Oooh I hope I win it! If I do, I think I will make my own wedding cake next May!!!!

Gnocchi

We made gnocchi today at school. I totally bombed. I over worked my dough so my gnocchis were doughy. :( I am bummed because I totally love them. I decided to make some tonight and I'll let you know how they turn out. I'll take a picture. Also going to make Ratatouille since I have a practical test tomorrow! We have to make rice pilaf, ratatouille, glazed carrots, Dauphinoise potatoes and green beans amendine! Wish me luck!
Also we had someone come in to talk to us about an externship in Sorrento, Italy. I decided I want to do my 6 weeks abroad somewhere. I would love to do it in Italy, Spain or France. Preferably in Italy. I think I will need some help with the financial part though, it can get pricey with some of these programs. The one they talked about today was $4500 for 3 months (does not include airfare). Also still saving for my wedding next May. Would it be rude to make a Paypal donation button?? :)

Paper Posies Sketch Challenge

I just love this sketch by Julie Bonner, of course. :) She designed this for Paper Posies Sketch Challenge. I really loved this one! Used some Sasafrass paper on this and a cute popscicle embellishment I've had forever! The stamp inside the popscicle is a Unity Stamp. I'm so into the Our Life, Our Stories stamp set I got from them on special. It's great for scrapbook pages!



Another picture down, 221 more to go! :) Is anyone out there reading this blog? lol
Hopefully someone is getting some enjoyment out of it.

I made Brown Stock tonight. Has to cook for 24 hours...so I'll drop it around 6pm tomorrow evening. (strain it) I can't wait to cook with it! Gonna make some demi-glace with it and some yummy sauces like Marchand de Vin and Sauce Chasseur! Anyone make their own brown stock out there??

Camping at Lake Beardsley Layout

I love this layout! Partially because I love this paper by Cosmo Cricket and finally got to use it, partially because I love this sketch by Julie Bonner.


She designed it for Magpie Club, love the kits, just haven't been able to get one yet! They sell out so fast. If I'm lucky, I might be able to get a credit crunch kit to try. :)


So, I counted my pictures and I have 222 more to go! After the Sharks game tonight I hope to scrap 1 if not 2 more pages tonight! :) Go Sharks!

Sketchy Thursdays 4.15 Challenge

I love the look of this page! I used the sketch challenge from Sketchy Thursdays. The bonus is from Who's That Girl, that challenge blog prompt is "Right Now." What are you into right now, at this point in your life? I am into working on scrapbook pages from my childhood. I have so many and I'm trying to finish them all this year! I loved finally getting to use this Basic Grey Nook & Pantry paper! I did a little Glimmer Mist to the bottom of it in a coppery brown color. The journaling stamp is by Unity Stamp Co. Gotta have thickers too by American Crafts!



Got to make risotto, basmati rice and rice pilaf at school today...I did not know that risotto was soooo good. It's also not that hard to make. If you have never had it, I highly recommend it!! :)It's medium grain rice cooked al dente in chicken stock. Finished with parmesan cheese and butter, which is called mantecare. You can even add a little white wine to it. I'd love to try it with Fontina cheese. MMmmmm

Dolly Parton Look

Yay, another layout done! This one is for the challenge on The Scrap Room Blog, Challenge Week #15. This is me when I was 8 or 9. We were having a water balloon fight in our backyard and I thought it would be funny to put a couple water balloons in my bathing suit. :) My brother and sister said I looked like Dolly Parton LOL. So that's what I think of whenever I look at this picture. Good times...


Oh, I made the MOST delicious cake I've ever ever had. It is a chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. So moist and delicious! I'm sad to say I cannot take credit for the recipe because I got it from Food Network.com. It is Ina Garten's recipe called Beatty's Chocolate Cake. I'm tellin ya, this is a 5-star recipe! I did use espresso instant powder for the instant coffee part in the frosting. :)So I guess I can modify it and say it's mine ;)
Here is the cake I made for my friend Mallory, and here is her "fake" pose for blowing out the candles that she already blew out!
Try the cake and tell me you don't LOVE it =)Life's too short...

My Scrapbook Challenge!

I have been procrastinating long enough and I have a small box of photos (these do not include several albums I have) that I would love to scrapbook. I would love to scrap these photos and incorporate several journaling pages (my diaries/journals)that I have kept over the years in one easy to follow story of my life. I am not writing a book, so it won't be overwhelming. This will be a compilation of my fondest memories, correlating with my fondest photos. I want to save these memories for my family and future children and their children, and so on. So...Here is my challenge to myself...

1 Box of photos from my childhood and early adulthood - approx 228 photos (maybe more)
+
1 Lifetime of Memories & experiences

8 months and 19 days (263 days) to scrap it

I am giving myself just until the end of this year because I know that starting in January I will be 1 busy gal. I will have my culinary externship to do - hopefully OUT of the country, plus I will be 5 months away from my wedding...and other things "ahem". ;)
So, I can't waste any more time! I will use scrapbook challenges when I can (so I have a chance to win goodies to replenish my stash!) I have a few favorites lined up:
Practical Scrappers
Scrapbook Challenges
The Scrap Room
Sketchy Thursdays

If anyone knows of other good scrapbook page challenges, please let me know! Maybe you can join along with me if you want to! I can't wait to get started, but I know that hard part will be staying focused.

I have sauce practicals (tests) tomorrow on Bechamel, Veloute, Espagnole and Hollandaise. Wish me luck!! :)

Scrap Room Lookout! I'm Baaaack!

I am back in the saddle, so to speak! Along with Culinary school I am going to be buckling down and doing some major scrappin this year. I know that with my wedding coming up next May and other things we have planned, I will need to catch up on my scrapping by the END of this year! I am making a challenge for myself and I'll post it up tomorrow. I am still figuring out the details, but it would be cool if you would like to follow along! I know it's great inspiration for me when I get some friends involved. :)
For my page today I used one of the last sketches from Triple the Sketch, and I used The Scrap Room Blog challenge Week #14 challenge which was to cut AROUND some of the fun patterns in your patterned papers. I also used the Practical Scrappers challenge which was to use glitter and bling! (love it!)
I used American Crafts paper, some half pearls and a pearl swirl, rhinestones, and a cute transperancy from Hambly Screen Prints(that I won from Studio Calico). I don't use transperancies much because I never know what to do with them, but I loved this one! It was much easier than I thought! I only did a little bit of distressing with some charcoal ink to add a little somin somin. :) I can't wait to start my challenge tomorrow!!!

2nd Term Culinary School - Foundations II

So today was my first day back to school, our 2nd term. Our chef is Chef Bruno...he's from Peru and has quite the heavy accent. So, in between his thick accent and talking pretty fast I will strain to keep up. Today we made brown stock and tomorrow we'll drop it (strain it out). When we were almost done with the stock, everyone combined all their ingredients into 2 stock pots. We cleaned up and he announced we had a pop quiz from our 1st term, YIKES! I hoped I remembered everything...
We came back from break and took the test. I felt like I might have missed 5 or 6 out of 20. I hope I didn't miss more than that. Then I suddenly remembered we didn't put in the sachet (or bouquet garni) of herbs into the stock. (He didn't mention it to us) I asked him about it. He said "Do you have it ready?" I said, "no". So he said "oh well, don't worry about it". LOL! Hope our stock will still taste superb anyway! :)
Like Chef Dellar said last term, "It's ON!".

Spring Break!!!

So I'm on Spring Break and visiting my parent's in the mountains for a couple days. I thought it would be nice to relax for a bit after some stressful finals at school. I did very well, thankfully, getting a 98/100 on the final knife skills test. Also got a 70/75 on my written final. My mayo and hollandaise sauces came out pretty good too. It was a pretty good first 6 weeks of school!

Now I'm diving into planning the wedding! I never thought I would be looking at dresses again but I am. There are sooo many lovely ones. I went to David's Bridal with one of my bridesmaids, Aleanea, yesterday. Just from that store I had about 5 favorites! I'm definately going with white, at least I know that for sure! hahaha

Colors...I still haven't decided on colors. It's tough choosing. This is my 3rd wedding so I'm trying to be original. I am really leaning towards Mostly Moss and Perfect Plum from Stampin Up. The other colors I'm looking at are Night of Navy and Bordering Blue. Also Melon Mambo and Bermuda Bay. So do I go with a "contrast" in colors or colors from the same family?? What do you think? :) Maybe I can do a poll....

Knife Skills

Ok...knife skills. To say the least, it was a stressful. We only had 30 minutes to do 10 cuts. I don't think I even breathed for those 30 minutes. We had to produce specific amounts and pieces of each item. I did 8 of them. I need to practice!!! 30 minutes does not seem like enough time.
On a lighter note, we watched our Chef instructor make Tomato Sauce today. It was just basic tomato sauce with only an herb sachet, and garlic to flavor it. After it was pureed, it was delish! I want to make some this weekend. We'll see if I have time, I'm going snowboarding! Then headed to my niece's 1st birthday party, then practicing my knife skills. The test is next Wednesday! :O
Oh, I made the potato soup but it had too much chicken bouillon I think. I would share the recipe, but I don't think it is worthy enough. I'll think of something else to share with you all that you'll really enjoy. :)

2nd Week of Culinary School & Some Thoughts

So this week we have been busy! We are still practicing our knife cuts, julienne, brunoise, baton, small dice, chiffonade, minced. We have a practice test tomorrow! OMG, tomorrow?! Our Chef instructor gave us his grade sheet so we can see how he will judge. I am nervous. I mean, chopping, how hard can it be? But julienne, baton, brunoise?? These are precise cuts people. We're talking 1/4" and 1/8" slices that have to be SQUARE or you will not get a perfect square brunoise or small dice! I better practice. Good thing I am making Baked Potato Soup tonight. :) I will be practicing on my potatoes! I'll let you know how that goes...
We also dropped a beef stock. No we didn't drop it on the floor LOL...but we poured it out from the stock pot into a china cap (sieve). Then we skimmed it, brought it to 70 degrees F in an ice bath and then refrigerated it. I did not realize that there were so many steps to stock making!
Today we watched our Chef instructor make Brown Sauce or Espagnole, White Sauce and Veloute. We only tasted, but he said in our next 6 weeks it will be on! We'll be stock making on the first day of school! I can't wait! There are so many sauces that are made from the "mother" sauces. I hope that I'll be able to learn them all and be able to make them!
So right now I'm wondering what I will do with my training and knowledge from culinary school. I pretty much have no idea. But I do know that I've wanted to do it for so long and it's fun. I'm enjoying it immensely. I will post pictures soon, and maybe a recipe for the Baked Potato Soup!

Off to practice knife cuts!!

The first week of Culinary School...

So, I made it through the first week of culinary school. We had our first test today. It wasn't too bad, I think I missed maybe 4. It was multiple choice and some T/F.

Today I felt the pure happiness of living a dream. I realized I am so blessed to be attending school full time and not having to work. Not only that, it's culinary school. Something I've dreamed about for probably the last 7 years.

I'm loving it so far. Today we got our knife kits. They are very complete with several tools I can't wait to use like my microplane/zester, my whisk, and my sheet pan rubber thingy (although I don't think that is the name of it)...lol...I'll get the hang of all this name stuff. I'm learning that a saucier makes sauces, hot hor'dourves, stews and sautées foods to order and that Boulanger first starting serving soups he called "restaurants" or "restoratives" in 1765 in Paris.

We practiced some knife cuts today, julienne and brunoise. These cuts are very small, only 1/8". They are pretty difficult, but I know with practice it will get easier.
I'm not sure what my plans will be after culinary school...maybe a food writer, or working in a kitchen somewhere...there are so many possibilities.

I'll have to take some pictures of all the fun I'm having and share them. No actual food is being made yet. Well except for my own cooking at home. :)

Closing Sweet Scrap Deal

Hi friends!

I just wanted to post that I will be closing the site SweetScrapDeal.com. It's been fun running my own business, especially doing something I love. However, after starting culinary school I'd like to focus on that. Remember my word this year is FOCUS! ;)
I will be closing the site down sometime on Friday, February 19th. So, if there is something you were wanting to get, but have been waiting, now is the time to get it. The site will be removed by Saturday.
I think I will still have a couple more Meet Ups because I still have a couple projects in the works. Also, if I have extra items from the class, I may post it here for sale as well.
Thank you so much to all my customers. It's been a pleasure serving your scrapbook needs!
I hope those that love food and love to eat will still read my posts and enjoy them! So far I've had 3 days of culinary school and love it! We're learning knife cuts right now, small dice, baton, julienne and brunoise. I get my knife set on Monday and we have our first test! I need to go practice cutting on my carrots...

A Thank You Card

I made a few thank you cards for my mom and this was one of them. I used my Stampin' Up demonstrator's card as an example. I just replaced one of the squares with the Thank You stamp from Four Square. I just love these design papers Sending Love from Stampin' Up. They go perfectly with the Real Red cardstock they sell too. My Martha Stewart butterfly punch came in handy...until I get my Butterfly Beautiful Wings Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die :) (on backorder until March 1st) :( I'm also posting a card on my Ippity site too, so please head over HERE and check it out!

A Game, an Engagement & a Giveaway!

So, did you know that Bunco is all the craze?? I found a steal of a deal on the game at Wal-Mart in their kid's toys section. They were $4.97 and included a score pad, 3 pairs of dice, 1 bell, and a fuzzy die for traveller. If you have never played, it's a super fun and easy game for 6 or more people. It works best with 12,but I have played with 8, 9 10, 11 etc.
I purchased a Bunco box (Wal-mart $2.00) so that I would have all the contents on hand, and decorated it using my Cricut. The dice on the box I just cut freehand and rounded the corners. Then I used my Crop-a-dile to punch black circles.
Just something fun to dress up the box!



...................................

I also have been a bad blogger and I do apologize!! For this reason I had an earlier blog giveaway that I'm changing. To enter the old one, you would have to leave a comment on every blog post...But there weren't many posts! SO, just leave 1 comment on this post to win blog candy. I'll pick a name on Sunday, the 14th and announce it on the 15th. Here are the yummy Valentine goodies you can win:

...................................

And...last but not least, I just wanted to share that on Saturday, my boyfriend Galen asked me to marry him!!! I was so, so shocked! I didn't see it coming at all. I am so so happy and it shows. :) I just wanted all my blogging friends to know. I've been through a lot of stuff in the past and it was really hard to see a happy ending. We haven't set a date yet. I'm also starting Culinary school on Monday!!! It's going to be a year of exciting and new experiences! I hope to share my journey with you and maybe some tips and yummy recipes! Oh, you probably want to see the ring??? He did good, it's dainty yet elegant - I LOVE IT! I feel like the luckiest girl....

Sweet & Simple Saturday #2 - Valentine Treat Bag

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for joining me on another Sweet & Simple Saturday tutorial. Today I'll show you how to make a quick and easy and super yummy treat bag.
You will need:


* One 4" x 10 1/2" piece of cardstock for treat bag cover (you can make 2 bags with one 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of cardstock)

*One design paper 3-1/2" x 3-1/2"
*One very vanilla or whisper white cardstock 3" x 3" (or matching cardstock)

*Scor-Pal™, or other scoring tool
* Scor-Tape™, or other strong adhesive (optional)

* Border Punch (optional)

* Stamps, I used Ippity's Because of You set

* Ink

* Ribbon

* Crop-a-dile™, or other hole punch

* 4" x 4" Cello Bag

* Candy to fill your cello bag

Score the cardstock at 4", 4-1/2", 5" and 9".

Fold cardstock in half at the 4 1/2" score line. Now fold the 4" and 5" score line in the opposite direction to create the bottom of the treat bag cover.

Fold the flap down and punch along the edge with a border punch if you'd like...

Stamp the outside of the cardstock.

Stamp your image and adhere it to the design paper. I also stamped and cut out a duplicate image and popped it up with dimensionals to give it a little extra pop. Then I used Stampin' Ups ticket corner punch on all the corners.


Add a strip of Scor-Tape™ on the score line under the flap. Place the candy filled cello bag on the cardstock.
Line the bottom of the cello bag up with the edge of the first score line, centering over the cardstock.
Fold the part of the cello bag that extends over the score line of the flap down.
Now fold up the cover front. Fold your flap down and punch a hole close to the center of the flap. Punch a second hole next to it.

Then thread your ribbon through the holes and tie your bow and wa-lah!

You have an adorable treat bag to give to someone you love! It's quite simple and fun to make! Here are some close-ups:


Hope you liked this week's tutorial and come back next week for another Sweet & Simple Saturday!
Oh, I almost forgot...please comment to be entered to win blog candy! You'll be entered for every comment starting on this post until Feb 14th. One comment per person per post. I'll draw a winner on Monday, February 15th!

Sweet, Simple, Saturday - Quick gift idea - Calendar

So, I got this idea from making a post-it note holder in my Stampin Up group...I thought why not make a cute calendar for the fridge since I needed one! So, here is a quick little tutorial for you! Hope you like it. I plan to post more projects and ideas this year! That's my GOAL. That is my FOCUS. :) I hope to post something sweet and simple every SATURDAY. Wow, wouldn't that be awesome?!?

Supplies you need:
1 - 4" x 6" Acrylic Magnetic Frame (I got mine at Aaron Brothers for $1.99 + 1 for $0.01)
1 - mini calendar (found mine in a set at Michael's)
1 - 4" x 6" piece of design paper ( I used My Mind's Eye paper)
1 - 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" matching cardstock
1 - 3" x 2" white or vanilla cardstock (I used very vanilla by Stampin Up)
- your favorite stamp set
- double sided mounting tape



First stamp your image on the plain white or vanilla cardstock, then use your tombow/glue glider pro or handy adhesive to adhere it to the matching cardstock. Then line it up on the far right side of the 4" x 6" design paper and adhere it. Just leave a little margin on the right side. Then stamp another image (optional) on the bottom left as in my picture here. Then slide your 4"x6" paper into the frame.



Use your mounting tape and use 1 or 2 strips on the back on the mini calendar. Peel off the backing and adhere this to the outside of your frame. That's it you're done! Quick and easy and oh so cute!





OH, and here is a picture of my sweet doggie Hunny, I just had to share :)

Happy Birthday my sweet little niece, Allie!

Today, in 2003 I was very blessed to watch my sweet little niece, Allison Kate enter this world in a hospital in Texas! Thank goodness we are all living near each other again and back in California. (this picture was when she was 1 year old and we were in TX)

Allison, today and always I wish you...

Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”



Happy Birthday Allie, Love you!!!

New Scraproom...

So, since I have moved, I now have a new WHOLE room to scrap in! I have not done much scrapping since I have moved in because I was living out of boxes...but it's starting to come along! I bought some 9-cubicle storage sets from Wal-mart and a 2-door cupboard for my cricut. Think I'll make a trip to Ikea tomorrow after church to get a bigger scrap table and more plastic containers. The containers are stack-able and I can fit 2 in each cubby! I'm very excited because as soon as I'm done, I can scrap and stamp more! It's hard when you are unorganized! Stay tuned for some very cute projects and cards...pictures...and

BLOG CANDY!!! :)

Grand Re-Opening!!

I have finally completed the upload of ALL my sweet scrap deals to my online store Sweet Scrap Deal.com. What's new about my store? Everything! The look and feel, oooh now I have an online gallery of layouts, cards and projects! Also, before it was only "ONE" sweet deal a day...now it is ALL the sweet deals, ALL DAY LONG! :) I do not want people to feel pressured to buy something because it is going away and only available for 1 day. Now you can shop anytime you want at your leisure and be confident the low prices will always be there. There is also a contact form to reach me. If you have any questions, comments or problems with your order, feel free to use that form and I will get back to you within 24 hours. We will have exceptional customer service to offer you!
Be sure to click on MORE at the top of the site which leads to all our products and a close-out, money-saving clearance section! (several Christmas items on sale there!)

AND to celebrate my Grand Re-Opening...get an extra punch on your punch card with every purchase from now until January 31st!!!

ALSO, today is a special day because I am the sponsor (my FIRST sponsorship) for Sketchy Thursdays!!! Be sure to head on over there to participate in the sketch contest and you could win my prize, a Unity Stamp Co October Store Kit!!

Thanks so much for visiting!!!

Check this out!

So, do you not adore Elizabeth Kartchner?? {Author of 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges}

Well, if you don't know who she is, please take a moment to check out her site HERE and see what she's got going on. I'm excited because she is teaming up with one of my FAVORITES, American Crafts and coming out with her own line of scrapbooking goodies! Just take a peek at these cuties here! They will definitely be making an appearance in the Sweet Scrap Deal store as soon as they are available!!! And yes they will be discounted, as everything in the store IS! :)

A New Year's Resolution in a Word...

Happy New Year Everyone!!! So this year I decided to have a New Year's Resolution WORD. My word is ENHANCE. I would like to work on enhancing ME. :) I hope to improve my culinary skills this year, work on my scrapbooking techniques & scrap n stamp MORE, work on growing my business and customer base, work on strengthening my family & friends relationships and really working on my spiritual relationship with God. A more enhanced version of me in 2010 would be great! Charlene 2.0 in twentyten! What would be your word?