Thursday, December 11, 2008

Hooray for Us!

Queen Vanna and I were both featured today here:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=26423

How exciting! Take a peek!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Taking time to make some gifts for family & friends...

Isn't he just the cutest? Believe it or not, I made this lil' "snowman guy" for under $5.00! All you need is a large clothespin, some cardstock, a black marker, a white pen, some buttons and some adhesive. Add some white paint and a scrap of cloth & you've got yourself an inexpensive, fun & adorable gift or keepsake. I got my supplies at (none-other-than) New England Scrapbook Company. And if you want to make your own, stop by to pick up the supplies. We have a sample on display...just ask at the desk. Your friends and loved ones will just go crazy over these "snowman guys." :)

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Where does the time go?

It seems like only yesterday that I had things in order...keeping up on all that goes on in my life. As you can see from the date of my last blog post, not so. Things creep up, take over, new challenges come to the foreground...but here I am at last. (I know you've been patiently waiting!)

After trying and giving up (for what seems like 100 times) I have made a commitment to change my health. Each day I will post a pic of the healthy choices I am making. I call it "Weight Loss 365." Take a peek.

Vanna & I have been hard at work at Scrap Can Do! designing and previewing new kits for the gift-giving season. We had a very sucessful weekend in conjunction with NESC and Becky and Sandy at the Scrapbook Summit. We made lots of new friends, caught up with some old ones, and worked our little fingers to the bone. Stay tuned for our December releases!

There is much work to be done...so I need to get going! New projects are on the horizon...and they won't get done sitting on my work table without some help from me. Ciao!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A Beautiful Night Sky


A beautiful fall moon in the eastern sky above my house...I love nights like these!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

This is why I scrapbook...

He is having such a hard time adjusting to life this year. So many new responsibilities...so many new opprotunities...he struggles to remain innocent and young. As I watched him today on our little adventure thru White Memorial, I saw a little boy trying so desperately to find his place in the world. He wants to play, watch cartoons, ride his bike. But he has homework, reading, clarinet lessons, soccer practice, puppet practice and on top of all that he is in the TAG (Talented & Gifted) program, which affords him the opportunity of great learning and experiments above & beyond what is available in the classroom. But even with all that on his plate, he is just a little boy...still a little boy...my little boy. I am in love with this little boy. I hope he can hang on to whatever is left of the boyhood he has while the rest of the world tries to take it away. Someday it will be all a sweet memory...

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Crafty Christy


I had a blast making a couple new crafty things, which can be seen on my Etsy Site. This adorable spider to too cute to be spooky! If you get a chance, check 'em out!

In other crafty news, I just finished up a layout today for my Daytime Scrapping class over at NESC. The layout is beautiful (if I do say so myself) and I am excited to be able to teach it next week. I already have 8 sign-ups for the class!

I have big plans for this weekend...making more of these cute "BOO" ornaments, finishing up some personal layouts, working on Scrap Can Do!, and hopefully working on some things for a couple of craft fairs coming later this year. Lots of work to get done!! Not to mention things like getting Andrew's Halloween costume, laundry, soccer, church, etc. etc. etc...

Monday, October 6, 2008

Wow...what a ride!

This weekend is all a blur...had so much going on! I spent the majority (Thurs afternoon, Thurs nite, all day Fri & most of Sat) at the CKC convention in Htfd. I worked at the pre-registration booth and as a TA, made some new friends, saw many of our customers from NESC and had a blast shopping and hanging out with Vanna & Cookie. I am beyond exhausted. But it was back to the store today, full speed ahead!

I have so many ideas running thru my head...new project ideas, layout ideas, gift ideas...I just can't imagine how I will find the time to do it all. I bought some new lil' goodies for Scrap Can Do! AND I met some amazing people...Sarah Milne of Scenic Route, the girls from Rusty Pickle, Jeremy from Piggy Tales, Sid from SEI, the girls at Boxer, and I met a new friend Amber who just recently moved to CT. And the girls from CK were just the cutest! Now all I have to do is find some time...
(this is from the Scenic Route class Vanessa & I were assisting at...with Sarah Milne...the owner)

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Some Crafty-ness



Workin' on a lil' somethin' to get SOMEONE off my back...I mean...I am in a crafty mood! HA! Stay tuned!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Two Friends...

So I have these two friends...one from church and one who is an old neighbor. Each of these friends went in for surgery today...the first one ( I am happy to report) had a very sucessful surgery on her back in St. Louis today after much anticipation & prep. My other friend, had an unexpected surgery to have a stint put in to repair a blockage in an artery. He too had a sucessful day. God never ceases to amaze me... :) Thank goodness everything turned out just fine!

After 6 or so days of getting thru a nasty cold, I find myself unable to sleep tonite. 11:44pm and I am still awake. It's gonna be a LONG day tomorrow!

Vanna was on my case to get some crafty-ness done tonight. It didn't happen. BUT...I did manage to catch up on some of my fav tv shows...hee hee! There's always tomorrow...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Getting back in the swing of things...

WOW! Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that I had my act together...life just took over & before I knew it...I almost forgot how to blog. So many of you have asked about it...and I kept saying, "oh yeah...I'll get back to it!" Finally...I have. Only this time (I hope) will be more consistent.

So, where have I been...what have I been doing? Well, as most of you know, I have started a company with my good friend Vanessa (Queen Vanna) called Scrap Can Do! We create mini album kits...they include all of the materials needed to create beautiful keepsake albums for yourself or to give as a gift to a friend, teacher, or loved one. Check us out if you get a chance! In addition to starting the company, we teamed up with New England Scrapbook Co. in Canton, CT to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation this past weekend in celebration of Scrap Pink, which brings awareness to women about breast cancer. Vanessa created an elegant album kit exclusively for this event. It is our featured product this week.

This week much of my energy has been spent trying to get over a nasty cold. Much of my day yesterday was spent napping...I haven't had much in the way of sleep over the past week. And to tell you the truth, I am just exhausted. Both Andrew and I have struggled with this virus all week. We finally feel like we are on the mend.

In other news, I will be joining my bosses Lynn, Sue & our friend Penny on a magical trip to see the Mouse (Mickey Mouse that is!) in a few short weeks. Just a chic trip...no hubbys or childrens...just a bunch of girls having the time of their lives. I can't wait! (And by the way, for those of your keeping track, this will be my second time to WDW this year, AND my family and I are traveling to Disneyland in December...WOOT!)

In days to follow, I'll be showcasing new projects, layouts, funny photos & more. Stay tuned!

Sunday, March 2, 2008

A Good Ending to the Week...A good Beginning to the Next...

Tuesday was just crazy...crazy I tell you. Despite that, I finally had a chance to show off my "pride & joy" (my store-NESC) to my dear dear friend Sue. :) Since she had never stopped by the store, I had the opportunity to give her the grand tour. It was fun showing her around, showing off all the great products we carry & showing her where we hold our crops. We haven't spent much time together so it was a nice treat!

Tuesday night I was up late getting ready for my class that I was to be teaching Wednesday morning. Thank goodness there was no school delay. Once I got over my hump of craziness, I was off Friday, Saturday & Sunday. This gave me time to get some of my personal things done (like pay bills, clean, etc.) I received a very nice card from another dear friend, Paula. She always knows just the right thing to do or say. Over the past 4+ years, she has always been there when I have needed her the most. Thanks Paula for all that you do & say & for carrying me in your heart!

I rounded out my week with a fun-filled day scrapping with my friends at the senior center here in town. We had an amazing lunch & dinner & I had such a great day with my friends. My new friend Julie & her daughter were there along with Cookie, Sue & Amy. Thanks gals for such a fun time!

Sunday proved to be just as fun. I started out my week by spending the day shopping with Queenie. We hit a couple of the scrapbook stores down on the shore & then went to AC Moore in Orange for some craft-goodies. Bless her little heart for pushing me & motivaing me to "craft away." She is the secret to my mild success. Queenie, I couldn't do this without ya! :) I owe you!

Amy & I have big plans this week to get our butts in gear & stop the excuses. She promises to email me everyday & I promise to email her back to keep each other on track for healthy eating & so on. We both made a commitment to Sue...and it seems only Sue has kept to her end of the deal. Here's to multi vitamins, healthy eating, lots of water, no soda & some exercise! Come on Amy...we can do it!

10:05pm & I have some craftin' to do before I hit the pillow. Sweet dreams my peeps!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Sick...AGAIN!

Another weekend, another weekend sick. I had a horrible night sleeping...felt like I was up every 15 minutes with my earache. This morning, I refused to get out of bed & go to church with my family...earache, fever, yuck! My dear dear hubby has taken care of me with homemade turkey noodle soup, cleaning of the house & doing the laundry. He deserves a medal or atleast a kiss on the cheek (thanks honey!)

So, needless to say, I never made it to my class at NESC today. I finally rolled out of bed at about 2:30pm...lingered all day in my jammies until after dinner, then took a shower. Earache is still there. Queenie suggested a heating pad, which I am planning on doing once I get off the computer. Advil doesn't seem to touch the pain...and it radiates down my jaw & into my throat. Fun is...

Despite my woes, I am gearing up for another busy week at work. A very dear friend of mine is very concerned that I have "checked out" of my life since work is so busy for me. I hope she knows that I have listened to her concerns & will try my best to create a more balanced lifestyle. I am using a calendar to schedule myself free time, a set bedtime & a healthy daily menu.

I think I am off to bed for the evening...going to curl up with my heating pad & a magazine. The quietness of the house (now that everyone is in bed sleeping) has been a nice calming effect on me & I might (just might) be able to take a breather. Nite kids!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Pay It Forward: The Cut & Paste Edition

This from my friend, Queenie. It’s kind of like a swap only you have a whole year to get your act together. Here’s how it works:

Anyone with a blog can join. The first three people to leave a comment on this post will receive a handmade gift from me. I will send your gift within 365 days. In return, you have to pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

See how easy that is? And if you don’t have a blog, here’s some goodness for you, too. Because Queenie's a nice person and realizes not everyone is hip enough to have a blog, the first 3 people without a blog that leave me a comment will also receive a handmade gift from me within 365 days. In return, you must tell me (in your comment) what nice thing you will make for someone this year. Tell me what you will make and who will receive it.

Wa-la...that's it! Let the comments roll!

Where have I been???

It has been some time since I have chatted with my bloggers...where has the time gone? With so much to do these days, I don't have a spare second! My poor child has been ill a few times, I have been workin' my tail off at the store & life has just gotten crazy!

Now that I have a free moment, let me tell you how much fun we had celebrating Andrew's 9th birthday @ Disney World! (Yes, we were just there in October, but as you all know, I just CAN'T stay away!) Anyway, we had booked the trip before Christmas & kept it a secret the entire time until the day we left for FL. Andrew had NO IDEA! Let me tell you, it was the best birthday ever (so he says!) The accommodations were fabulous (we were upgraded to a suite with full kitchen, jacuzzi tub, washer/dryer, living room AND full private balcony overlooking Downtown Disney!) We spent the first day at Magic Kingdom, the second at Animal Kingdom, the next day we went shopping & hung around the resort and on Sunday spent the day at the Magic Kingdom. It was the best trip ever!

I have been busy crafting for both the store & myself. You can catch some of my creations on my little site:
http://www.justscrappinhappy.etsy.com/
I have to say, I owe most of my motivation to my friend Queen Vanna! Catch her site:
http://www.queenvannacreations.etsy.com/
She has really been pushing me to get my act together & get my stuff on the etsy site. Thanks Queenie! I couldn't do it without ya...and our talks till midnight!

Another venture Queenie has gotten me on is flickr. Check me out @:
www.flickr.com/justscrappinhappy
It is here we post some of creations, family pics, and whatever else we feel like. Check out some of the Disney photos there, along with my newest crafting ideas.

With all of the stress, I have to admit I put on a few lbs (is 10 still considered a few?) Anyway, I have gotten back on track & have dropped 6 of those. It is hard, especially when your sister invites you over for dinner & she is serving ribs with pan roasted potatoes, sour cream, macaroni salad, corn & homemade brownies for dessert. Yikes! I know that I ate too much tonight...my tummy knows it too! Back on track for tomorrow!

Speaking of health, this weekend has really been yucky for me. Last night my hubby came to kiss me goodnight & told me I was burnin' up...I knew I didn't feel great & was cold but had no idea about the fever. And as I sit here know typing, I have an earache in my right ear. I hope I am not coming down with anything! I already missed a Disney scrapbooking class this morning...I have another class tomorrow. And church. I hope I get better!

I have babbled on long enough. For those of you who actually read this, I will be back on track for chatting...so keep up with me if you would like! Nitey Night all!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Well it's Thursday...& I am getting antsy!

I have been couped up in the house all week since my boy is still ill, and it is getting to me! But thankfully, he is finally starting to feel better, so back to school he goes tomorrow. Thank God!

My hubby went on an overnight trip o ME, NH, VT & the Cape last night...he won't be home until late tonight. I didn't sleep very well because the pooch was on "high alert" and kept barking at every little noise he heard. I think I am a little cranky...

Still going strong with my walking challenge. I was proud of hubby last night...he got on the treadmill at the hotel to keep up with me. I feel so much better when I am done...the hardest part is reminding myself how good I feel when I exercise. If I can continue to remember that, I will succeed!

I spent a good part of the morning going thru scrapping & crafting magazines. I have pulled out all of the pages that I am interested in & have recycled the rest. Helps to save on space & to focus on just what I like. Experts say...if you don't love it or need it, toss it! Speaking of toss it, I was able to spend a total of 30 minutes cleaning my crafting space yesterday. I found bare table! Another 30 mins today & I might find the second table...maybe even an entirely clean floor free of piles! That would be FAB!

The store will be featured on "Better Connecticut" tomorrow morning with Scot Haney. Due to my son's illness, I was stuck home & was unable to be a part of the taping. However, I will be DVRing the show for my hubby to watch. So for all of you who are interested, turn your tv on @ 10am tomorrow morning to WFSB 3. The second half of the segment runs Monday. I'll be stewing in my lost glory as a tv star...


Today's Goals:


1 mile in 20 mins
1 min 45 sec on eliptical (God help me!)
vitamins...still haven't got that one down yet
30 more mins in my office
laundry
clean downstairs bathroom
work on brother-in-law's album


This is Cranky Christy signing off (until tomorrow folks!)
Ta Ta!











Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Another Balmy January Day...

...and I am home with a sick child. He was up at 2:30am this morning with a burning fever. He said, "Mommy, I am so so hot, and my throat is hot too." Poor little guy...it breaks my heart when the little ones are sick...you feel so helpless. He is staying home again today to get some much needed rest.

I have work to do here at home for the store...working on March & April class schedules so I will be atleast somewhat productive today. It will also help make up some of the time I have lost.

Watched "Biggest Loser" last night ~ one part made me break down in tears. Jillian took Neil aside to talk with him when he had just about given up. She said that he has built up this "wall of weight" that he hides behind & that if he sheds all of those lbs, there will be nothing left for him to hide behind & he'll have no more excuses for not accomplishing things in his life. WOW! That segment when straight to my soul. I can see it being true for both me & for hubby. It was a real wake-up call! And so I push on...

Had a nice chat with my dear friend yesterday afternoon. She really understands my failure to keep my office/craft room clean & organized. Many of my gal friends seem to share this dilemma. And since my husband brought the subject to light, I am going to make an effort on getting a handle on time-management & organizing. Wish me luck!


Today's Goals:

3/4 mile in 15 mins on treadmill
1 1/2 mins on eliptical (yesterday's segment nearly killed me!)
vitamins (I missed this one yesterday...I will take them at lunchtime today)
continue to eat healthy
1 hour (max) working on getting some organization in my room in 15 min increments
another nap with sickly child (he felt better when he woke up from the one yesterday)


Have a great day my friends!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

I AM A MESS...

...or so my husband says! My office/scrap/craft room looks like a tornado blew thru it (and left piles throughout.) I was on track for taking pics of my wares last evening BUT my battery for my camera decided it was tired & took a nap. By the time I got back to taking pics, it was so late & I had no time for editing & posting. We'll try again today.

So, back to "SHE IS A MESS" story. I think I must have a smidge of ADD...it seems I cannot finish one thing before going on to the next. I have half-started half-finished things all around, I have no organizational skills (funny because this is the ONLY room in the house where this trait applies...the rest of my house is in order...hmmmm?) and I can't seem to get myself going. Which leads to another story...

Why am I so tired all of the time??? I wake up tired, I am tired during the day, I go to bed tired. No matter how much or how little I sleep, what time I go to bed, what time I get up...I am ALWAYS TIRED! :( I am hoping that with this walking challenge I will see a difference in my energy levels soon. I am tired of being tired.

My poor boy is home sick today...under the weather I suppose. He has a barky cough, bags & purple circles under his eyes & is just misreable. I am sure he is run down just like the rest of us & needs a "mental health day." I can relate...

Ok...enough whining...here is my list for today:

Today's Goals:
walk 3/4 mile on treadmill in 13 mins
1 1/2 mins on eliptical
eat healthy...NO WHITE STUFF (I did GREAT yesterday)
take vitamins
finishing editing pics for etsy posts
etsy posts
nap (yes...I am scheduling in a nap...with my sickly child)

TTFN!


Monday, January 7, 2008

On the road to Health & Becoming Active in 2008

After yet another depressing conversation with some friends on Saturday about health, fitness & weight loss, I went home feeling awful. So on Sunday my hubby & I decided to commit ourselves to becoming active & getting healthy in '08. For years we have both struggled with our weight, and now we are both facing health issues due to the extra lbs. we carry. I downloaded the "Ultimate Walking Challenge" featured in the WW magazine last year. I am excited to get healthy!

Another goal for me this year to is really work hard on my crafting projects. I dabble all year long between knitting, painting, paper crafting, scrapping (and on & on) and this year I would love to get myself organized & to be productive. I intend to sell my wares on a little website called Etsy.com. Later tonight I will be posting my creations thus far...check them out @ justscrappinhappy.etsy.com.

Today's goals:

start the walking challenge ~ 1/2 mile in 10 mins (I did this already)
1 minute on the eliptical (I did this too!)
NO WHITE STUFF...no white sugar, no white flour, no trans fats (so far so good)
post my wares on etsy (will do this before dinner)

I am off to a GREAT start!