Monday Morning!!

Well, it's strangely quiet around.  My in-laws came over for dinner last night and took our kids for a sleep over at their place. Hubby & I had a nice evening, went for a walk by the ocean because it was just a perfect night.

I would have loved to have slept in but forgot it was Monday morning and that's when they lawnmowers & weedwackers start around here! It's kind of nice to not have to do it ourselves but it can be annoying when it starts at 7:30 am!! Oh well.  It got me out of bed and I went for a run.  Feeling rather sluggish but I did it and now I feel better.

I've got a bunch of layouts that I want to share with you that were published in the newest issues of Canadian Scrapbooker (but I'll just start today with a couple). Gotta save some for other posts. 

Here are the layoust that are in the Fall issue of CS. It's a fabulous issue packed full of inspiration and amazing projects!

"A New Place"

"Driving Like Daddy"

"My Bucket List"

Oh, and don't forget to check out the Canadian Scrapbooker website on September 1st for the Photography course by Sue Sykes!! You won't want to miss out on this!

Ok, off to have a shower and then start working on some more assignments!

It's oddly quiet around here!

It's rather strange. It's just so quiet today.

I'm sitting here working on some class projects and scrappy assignments and I have the house to myself.  My mom took my daughter for a day of shopping and Tim took the boys out for the day! It's been really nice and I'm being quite productive as well. 

I've got lots of classes and teaching gigs coming up in the next couple of months so once school starts I'm going to be quite busy kitting.  I actually enjoy that process of getting everything laid out, cut up and then packaged. I'm not sure why - but I do.

Have you seen it yet?? The new Canadian Scrapbooker Basics Vol#4

 the reprint of Vol #1 CSB

and  the Fall '09 issue 

 have already hit the stands and online stores.   It's so exciting.  I love getting my copies, sitting down with a cup of coffee and taking my time looking through them page by page.

Talking about Canadian Scrapbooker you really should check out the website.  There's going to be a lot of exciting things happening this year.

On September 1st Sue Sykes will be running an online Photography course through Canadian Scrapbooker site.  There will be monthly prizes, assignments & an online gallery to post your photos!  So make sure to check this out in a few days!

Ok, back to work!

I'm drooling!!!

Do you love black?  Do you love dots? Do you love stripes, circles and houndstooth designs?  Do you love kraft paper? (I know I do!! )

Well, then you most definitely have to check out this new collection by Paper Trunk!! It's absolutely gorgeous and I just can't wait to find it and start playing with it!!

I'd post some pictures but I want you to go over to their blog instead and check it all out.  Who knows you may just win something if you post a comment! ;)

Blog Hop

Hi there!

I've been in a HUGE cleaning mood today!  It may be because the kids are all out and I'm here alone able to get stuff done without any little interruptions or mess-ups again! ;)

Just wanted to share that Caardvarks is having a blog hop starting tomorrow and for the next 2 days. They've teamed up with Core'dinations and you really should check it out! Our DT has come up with some awesome stuff. I love this DT - they're amazing!

So go have a look!

Here's what I came up with.

Friday already!!

Wow! This week just zipped by!

I'm still trying to keep up with my running and went out several times.  Wednesday nights we're doing hills and this past week it was 5 times up & down this "wonderful" hill. I seriously thought I was going to die when I went up the 4th time.  I told myself that was it and I really can't do it another time. 

So as I'm walking back down and nearing the starting line a lady comes by me (another runner) and asks me if this was my last one and I said "yes". So she offered to run it with me meaning this would be her 6th! (yikes!!!)  So I'm thinking "Oh great! now I really have to do it!"  

I ran my little steps. I breathed the way I was supposed.  I thought I was going to puke.  I was wheezing & making strange noises.  I pushed myself so hard.

I just wish that I could get to the point where I can say to myself "I can do this!"  I'm still at the-  "I'm not going to make it! They're going to have to carry me back!" - stage.

Last night I enjoyed a girls night out with my SIL, my mom and one of her girlfriends. We went to see Julia & Julie.  It was a fabulous movie! I love it!  I really liked the fact these 2 ladies husband just adored them and supported them in everything that they did. Then we went out for dinner afterwards to Earls.  I was so stuffed afterwards but had a great time out.

This afternoon I went shopping with my mom. Nice. Relaxing. Peaceful - 'cause of no kids. ;)  I even bought myself a skirt and my mom treated me with a sweater & top to match.  I love my new outfit!

Well, before I sign off here I just wanted to share some projects that I did for Black River Designs this month.

"A Day of Fun"

Supplies: Black River Designs patterned paper & rub-ons, Core'dinations Cardstock, Basic Grey chipboard letters, Scenic Route chipboard letters, Fiskars border punch, EK Success scalloped circle punch

 

"Summer Treats"

Supplies: Black River Designs patterned paper, Core'dinations cardstock, American Crafts Thickers & brads, Making Memories letter stickers, Fiskars border punch, McGill booklabel punch

"For My Friend"

Supplies: Black River Designs patterned paper, Core'dinations cardstock, BoBunny rub-on, Fiskars border punch

"Sweet"

Supplies: Black River Designs patterned paper, Core'dinations cardstock, BoBunny rub-on, EK Sucess scallop circle punch, Colorbox fluid chalk ink pad, EK Succes corner rounded punch, twine

"Monkey Boy"

Supplies:  Black River Designs patterned paper, Core'dinations cardstock, American Crafts Thickers, Fiskars border punch, buttons, twine

Well, that's it for me.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!

Rainy Day

Well, I woke up to hearing the rain this morning.  It's been a long time since I heard that and it was rather refreshing this morning.  I almost didn't want to get out of bed because it sounded so comforting.

Anyways, because of the rain this morning I thought I'd share this more summery layout to warm me up a bit too. ;)

"Sweet Summer"

Supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, October Afternoon patterned paper & stickers, Cuttlebug embossing templates, American Crafts brads, Fiskars border punches 

Have a wonderful day!

Such sweet pleasures

My youngest found some money the other day and was just so excited about it that I had to snap a photo of him and scrap it!! What else was I to do? I'm a scrapbooker!!!

JJ had found a quarter where Daddy had been sitting and was quite convinced that it was now his.  So I recorded the conversation  I had with him on this page.

Supplies: Core'dinations Vintage, Core Essentials, The Chocolate Box, American Crafts Thickers & brads, October Afternoon patterned paper, Fiskars border punch, Stampin' Up punches, EK Success corner rounded punches

It's amazing how quickly the weather can change around here. It's still nice but definitely on the cooler side compared to last week! Hoping to go to the beach later on today - maybe have supper there. We'll see.

Have a great weekend!

New stuff

I'm so excited to get my packages of this new & incredible cardstock by Core'dinations.

This is from the Core' blog. They've come out with 3 new assorted packs at CHA this summer. Ebony & Ivory, Sugar & Spice, and Jenni Bowlin Core Impressions Collection. The packs are all different in style & presentation. Oh, my! They are amazing!! I'm dying to get my hands on the Jenni Bowlin collection though because it is pre-embossed with her original designs onto Core'dinations cardstock.  The Design Team is just "oohing" and "aahing" over it! 

For more details about the packs make sure to check out the Core' website.

Got Sketch #87

I was thrilled to be asked to contribute to the Got Sketch blog this month!!! I've always loved Valerie's sketches and this one was so much fun.

Supplies: I used October Afternoon papers, Core'dinations cardstock, Making Memories little letter stickers, American Crafts Thickers, Basic Grey rub-ons and a variety of buttons from my stash.

Another cooler day here so hoping to get some more work done. I was able to get most of the kids school's supplies yesterday. It's so nice to get that out of the way because it's always such a mad rush near the end of August when everyone else decides to do their shopping.

Have a great day!

A cool breeze, no kids & Registration begins today!

Ahhh!!! I'm thoroughly enjoying the cool breeze as it comes through my window right now. It feels so refreshing.  We've had extreme heat these past few weeks (not going to complain) so the cooler weather feels so good.

My mom just picked up the kids to take them for a few hours. I love living closer to family now!!!  I've got a few hours to clean up house, go get school supplies and some other shopping before they return! yeah!!!

Oh, and registration begins today for BC's Creative Expo!  I'll be teaching 4 classes there this October and I'm very excited about them. I know many of you have asked me if I will be teaching some card classes and the answer is "yes". 

Here's a look at what I'll be teaching.

"So Thankful" mini album 

Using Paper Trunk patterned papers & letter stickers and some Core'dinations cardstock.

"Any Time" Card Set

Using Black River Designs patterned paper & rub-ons and Core'dinations cardstock.

"Getting to the Core"

A layout workshop using Core'dinations cardstock (showing a variety of techniques with the cardstock) and some Black River Designs patterned paper & rub-ons.

"Box It Up"

Using Paper Trunk patterned papers and lots of Core'dinations cardstock you'll create 4 fun cards that will fit perfectly into this adorable book/folder.

So, that's it for now.  Off to do some cleaning and then errands.

Have a great Tuesday!

Phew!

I'm thoroughly enjoying the cool air as it comes through the windows this morning. We've been having record breaking temperatures - I mean extreme heat - here in BC.  It's been so hot!!  However, I won't complain (too much) because it is way better than rain!

Can you believe it - it's August already!! Wow!!!  Soon, I'll be buying school supplies and getting the kids clothes for school.  (well, I actually hope to get that done sooner than later).

Today is reveal day over at Scrap Shotz.  The Design Team has done is again!!!!  We got to work with a fabulous kit this month by Ruby Rock It.  A company from Australia.  Here's a LINK to the DT Gallery so you can check out all the amazing stuff.

Here's a look at what I did with the kit.

City Park

Good Friends

Good Friends Close up

My L'il Q.T.

Spin Fun

Fountain Joy

Fountain Joy close up

With Love card

That's it!

I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend!