You all know that I have struggled to have losing weight. I’ve start and stopped diets, had a personal trainer, done a sugar free diet, the list goes on and on. Each with the hopes of losing these unwanted 20+ pounds. With the new year, I am determined to have this year be THE year.
With that in mind, I thought I’d start a separate blog. One devoted to my fitness journey. It’s gonna be a look at my struggles and accomplishments. If something works for me, I’ll share it. If something is a complete flop, I’ll let you know that too. :)
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Don’t worry, I’ll still keep up my craft blog! I’m also hoping that in this year, I’ll be better at blogging than I was towards the end of 2010. I started off strong, but lost motivation. (Lack of comments does amazing things to one who blogs.) I hope you’ll all keep on commenting- it REALLY is the fuel to my posts!
Thanks for joining me in my craft journey, and possibly my fitness one!
With the new year here, I thought it’d be fun to recap some of my favorite memories of this year. (Warning: this post will be fairly long!)It’s so easy to forget what happens during the year, so it’s great to keep a blog highlighting your memories. It’s awesome to click back and reminisce about what has happened.
January
This was the month of the Winter CHA show. I had the great privilege of meeting quite a few of my sweet blog, crafty friends. I had to work during this show, but at least I got pictures with most of them! :) Here is the picture I took with Lisa.
If you have the opportunity to visit a CHA SuperShow, it’s a great experience. There are so many vendors, with many Make ‘N Takes, plus there are classes galore. Oh yes, and you can’t forget the shopping! I’m hoping they have a show in the Summer- I would love to meet more of my blog friends.
One day in February I had the great surprise of being featured by the lovely Dawn. This woman has done an outstanding job with her new company- her stamp sets are fabulous.
In addition to this lovely feature, I officially joined the DeNami DT. Each month we had challenges and Product Spotlights, in addition to lots of yummy cards. I had the best time getting to know the other DT girls and also making cards! :)
This was my card for the first DeNami challenge. It’s amazing how much my style has evolved this year! That’s another great thing about blogging; you can see your card making style change and become more refined. :)
Do you ever have days where you don’t feel like posting a card? I was having one of those days in March and decided it would be fun to do a ramblings post. This was a fun way to give you all a peek into my “real life”. I was SO happy when a few of my blog friends joined in on this idea. I’ve been continuing this feature and will continue to in the future.
In addition to meeting blog friends this year, I have met some of my Twitter friends! I got to meet my sweet friend, Eva. We met at her local scrapbook store, which was a lot of fun. This was the first time of a few that we meet together this year.
It was also this month that I decorated eggs for the FIRST time in my life. My friend, Ginny, had a small egg decorating party with a few friends. I have to say, I got a little frustrated that I had a hard time putting my ideas onto an egg. One of these days I’ll become a pro….maybe….
After many, many requests, I finally got around to posting tutorial videos. I started off with my “Fancy Bow” tutorial. It made me SO happy to see a few of the ladies in blog world start to create these bows.Since then I’ve done more videos….click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
This was the first time I created a scrapbook page for National Scrapbooking Day. I had so much fun creating this page (along with another one), and also used stamps on the pages. I need to create more of these pages- they were such a nice change from my normal cards!
I have participated in the 2 Sketches 4 You challenges for a few years. Laura and Kazan have always done a fabulous job with their challenges. I was beyond thrilled when one of my cards was chosen for “Card of the Week”. Definitely a highlight of the year!
This past year, my youngest sister graduated. (Yikes!) Our friend, Kara, started her business and was in need of some models. Since my sister needed her senior pictures, it was a win-win. Since I tagged along, Kara was nice enough to take a few pictures of me. :)
In July, we (DeNami Design) had our Fall/ Winter 2010 release. This was a great one, I must say. In this release, I was actively posting to the blog and DeNami FB page- it was SO great to see everyone’s excitement about the new collection. Seeing people excited (and reading it) is such a thrill.
This was the month where I became published for the first time! Funny thing is, it was the very first time I submitted! Sadly, haven’t had any luck since then….maybe in 2011….
This was the very first blog post that DeNami Design hosted. We had three special guests, along with all of the DT girls. This one was definitely a favorite for me- who doesn’t love polka dots?! :)
I *finally* got to meet my SWEET blog friend, Michele. I went to Colorado Springs in the Summer and got to spend the afternoon chatting and shopping with this sweet gal. It felt like we had met before, which was awesome. Nothing worse than meeting someone in person and not connecting like you do online! :) In addition to meeting Michele, I got to meet Lisa Petrella and Tenia Nelson. All of these girls were so fun!
In September, I went to my very first conference. My friend, Sarah, was speaking at a local church and I had the great opportunity to hear her. I was able to go with my BFF, Kalyn, and we had such a great time together. Not only did we get to feast on a large array of yummy foods, but we were able to hear an amazing speaker.
I made my first cupcake toppers, along with some coordinating items. The theme: Halloween. Now I’ve never been into Halloween, but with the newest DeNami stamps, I couldn’t stop using these images! Sad that I had to put them away….
After trying months to resist the colored twine craze, I finally gave in. (It was hard not to with all of the creations in blog world using it!) I started out with just a few colors…now I have over 15… *sigh*
Another thing I had hoped to avoid purchasing: a scoring tool. I gave in and now I don’t know if I could go back. I was able to get a great deal on a Martha Stewart one and truly love it. Here was my first card using it….
Living in Washington state, we don’t get TOO much snow. This year, we were in for a great surprise when it snowed in November. It wasn’t a teeny bit either- we got a large (for us) amount. It definitely set things back for lots of businesses, but thankfully we were able to get back to work a few days later.
It’s very rare that I do one-layer cards. I always think mine look boring, so I tend to shy away from them. I didn’t create one I truly loved until November. (How sad is that?!) Thanks to some great sets by Practicing Creativity, I was able to pull off the (almost) impossible.
Sadly, this was by far the worst blogging month for me. I was so burnt out and didn’t feel creative at all. Thankfully by the end, I regained some of my crafting mojo! Here is one of my most favorite baby cards ever… (With the help of WPlus9 stamps!)
I want to give a BIG HUGE thank you to all who have followed my blog this past year. It was such a delight to read all of your comments and emails. It’s because of you all that I have continued to blog. I’m hoping that in 2011 I’ll be able to continue to do so.
It’s so hard to believe that we are at the last day of 2010. This year flew by so quickly! In the next few days, I’ll be posting a blog post with some of the highlights from this year. :)
I’m so excited- tomorrow is the BIG day: the DeNami Design release! The whole week, we have had sneak peeks featuring lots of the new designs, plus there have been video peeks too! You all have been SO very sweet about leaving comments- those really encourage me to continue to film more videos. I have a few more videos already filmed, so those will be posted in the next few weeks….
Today I am posting one of my favorite cards that I’ve made recently. I simply ADORE the new M74 Rainbow(releasing tomorrow) from this new release. I’ve used rhinestones with it on this card, but you can also use glitter! You may also notice some other new images- I used the E137 Small Cloud along with the E138 Chickie in Balloon. How happy and fun is this card?
You can probably tell that I pulled out my Copics (again) for this card. They work with these new designs SO well! I have colored well over 6 rainbows already; I honestly had to stop using it! I’ll have more cards with this image in the future. ;)
I hope you all are as excited about this new release as we are! We will be back in the office starting on Monday, so we’ll start shipping the new designs then! I cannot wait to get back to work and start shipping these cuties out!
Be sure to head over to the DeNami blog today. We have a free pdf with all of the new images, plus we have our new checklist out featuring the new designs. ALSO, we are having giveaways, so YOU have a chance to play with some new goodies. Lots of fun happening, you won’t want to miss it!
Thanks for visiting my blog- I hope you were inspired!
Thank you to everyone who commented on my blog post yesterday. It was so great to see your excitement about the new DeNami Design release. I have LOTS and LOTS more cards to share with you in the future, so be sure to keep checking back. :)
Yesterday my friend, Laurie, participated in her First Colour Q challenge. I was so taken by these colors that I had to join in on the challenge. This color palette is so sophisticated and chic- I instantly thought of the Solid Decorative Crest. How stunning is it stamped in black on the Charcoal cardstock? LOVE it!
I recently purchased a Spellbinder tag set that I absolutely love. Granted, it’s not the one I was looking for, but I love it all the same! I stamped the Best Wishes then added these yummy charcoal colored rhinestones.
Here’s a closer peek at the details. Yup, I brought out my Prima flowers again- I’ve missed them so! Lately, while I was looking through my enormous stash of crafting supplies, I realized that I needed start using some of my current supplies. I have so much fun stuff- I just may have to do a giveaway (on the unused items) so you can enjoy some of the yumminess!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I will have a card tomorrow with more NEW DeNami stamps. It’s a happy, fun card; perfect for these dreary Winter days. :)
It’s the day I’ve been super excited to share with you- it’s time for the Under the Sea sneak peeks! For the newest DeNami Design collection, we have lots of adorable little critters; some of them being sea creatures. I must tell you, these stamps are so easy and fun to use. Let me show you two of the cards I created…..
This first card was a delight to created. Lately I’ve been using lots more blues and greens, and I have been enjoying it so much! For the focal point of the card, I used the new H83 Whale and did a little bit of paper piecing. Quick and easy, and it’s a great way to use some of your patterned paper!
On the outside border, I stamped the F202 Get Whale Soon. I really loved how this turned out. This is a great way to add a sentiment, but also acts as a nice “filler” on the paper. I can see this exactly layout used for a baby card; I would just need to change the sentiment!
This next card is such a happy and bright card. I simply adore the new G151 Octopus. It’s SO fun to color (especially with Copics), but you can also paper piece it! For the background, I used the new PF41 Sea Friends stamp set, along with the PF39 Under the Sea stamp set. All of these stamps work together so well. You’ll see what I mean when you visit the DeNami blog…
How cute is this turquoise octopus? Man, I wish they were this cute and adorable in real life! I love how all of these little critters are so happy- you can’t help but smile when you stamp with them! :)
Be sure to head over to Ayana and Michele’s blogs. They have created some cards that are to die for adorable. (Be prepared to laugh- I did!) When you’re finished, head on over to the DeNami blog for more details of the new collection, plus a video showcasing these stamps. Remember, these new designs will be available on SATURDAY! :)
Thanks for visiting my blog today. I know that I’ve been a horrible blogger lately….hopefully this can change in the new year! Have a great rest of your Wednesday!
I just wanted to pop in and let you know that all is well with me. I know that I haven’t posted in a week…. I have been thoroughly enjoying my time off of work. I’ve been able to re-organize my room, wrap Christmas presents, finish my shopping, then also catch up on sleep! Oh yes, I can’t forget that I’ve been able to spend time with my family! It’s been so nice to watch movies together, going on outings and also just hang out.
I don’t have any plans to post until next week….I’m going to take full advantage of my time off. I hope you all don’t mind! Next week, I’ll have a few cards for the DeNami Design sneak peeks. You will definitely want to be sure to stop by and check it out!
I hope you all are having a great holiday season. Wishing you nothing but love, joy and peace!
It’s time for the last DeNami Design Featured Product for 2010. When I typed up the list in June, I knew that I had to sneak the Winter Evergreen Tree in somewhere. It’s so perfect for cards and projects alike! Today I went the route of a project….
My sweet friend, Sarah, is having a milestone birthday soon, so I wanted to create a special card/ gift. I started with the Winter Evergreen Tree, then moved on from there. To add a little extra color and fullness to the tree, I added some springs- used from the Elegant Floral stamp set. I then created a frame, along with her name, then added faux stitches with my handy brown pen.
Here you can see the springs a little better. I truly love these stamps together- they are a match made in heaven! The great thing about this spring, you can use it in all sorts of colors, and it still looks delicate and sweet.
Here is the inside of the tin. I plan on adding a gift card, then a note on the bottom portion of the tin. I honestly had SO much fun decorating this- I have already started to do more for Christmas presents! :)
In a previous comment someone had asked where I got these tins- I bought them from Stampin’ Up a little while ago. However, I’ve seen them at some scrapbook stores before, so be sure to check one that is close to you. (Gotta support the local stores!)
That’s all for this post. Be sure to head over to the DeNami blog for links to all of the other creations the DT did- they are so beautiful! So many different colors and seasons used with the same stamp; it just goes to show how truly versatile this design is!
Thanks for stopping by my blog, and leaving me some love! I always love hearing from you all! :)
I hope you all were able to join in on the DeNami Blog Hop yesterday. If not, there is still time to comment on the blog posts to be eligible for a prize. There was a total of 24 designers (including myself) that joined this time. I LOVE that each time we do a hop, more people join us! We will have another one in January, so be sure to stay tuned to the DeNami blog for those details later this week!
Yesterday, while I was doing my daily browsing of my favorite blogs, I saw my sweet Florida friend, Julie, tagged me in this post. I absolutely love getting to know my blog friends- some of them truly feel like real friends to me. I have had the privilege of getting to know (and meet) so many crafty blog friends….hopefully I can meet more in 2011!
Okay, now onto the fun List of Fours….
1. Four shows that you watch:
~ Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
~ The Biggest Loser
~ Psych
~ Burn Notice
2. Four things you are passionate about:
~ My job
~ My family
~ My church
~ Kids (I love holding babies!)
3. Four words/phrases you say a lot:
~ Gorgeous (It’s hard not to when I browse my crafty friends blogs!)
~ Seriously (I guess if I don’t say, I don’t think people take me seriously! LOL)
~ I’m over it
~ LOVE
4. Four things you’ve learned from the past:
~ Sometimes you have to make your own mistakes to truly learn.
~ Never take things for granted.
~ Some friends are only there for a season, and that’s okay.
~ Parents really do have your best interest at heart.
5. Four places you would like to go:
~ Paris
~ New York
~ Australia
~ Hollywood (I’ve always wanted to see the sign!)
6. Four things you did yesterday:
~ Went to a Christmas party and realized I’m old at heart. LOL
~ Played Just Dance 2 on the Wii and got super addicted.
~ Painted my toes for the first time in MONTHS. (I always get them done)
~ Finally put away some laundry that’s been sitting for a week.
7. Four things you are looking forward to:
~ My two week break from work.
~ Spending the day with my sister and mom on Friday in Seattle!
~ Concerts in 2011.
~ The DeNami Design release on January 1st!
8. Four things you love about Winter:
~ Sitting near the fire with a hot drink.
~ Going shopping with lots of people around (lot the hustle and bustle).
~ Wearing cute scarves with my jackets.
~ CUTE BOOTS! (Copied from Julie!)
I’m so excited about today’s blog post….it’s time for the DeNami TAG Blog Hop! If you started from the beginning, you should be coming from Laurel’s blog. If you got lost along the way, or finished the blog hop, head on over to the DeNami blog and let us know that you did the hop!
When my fellow DeNami DT member Michele suggested we do this theme, I didn’t even have to think twice. Tags are so popular in blog land; I am seeing them everywhere now! I had such a great time creating these three tags……
With Christmas being right around the corner, I have gotten a little burnt out on Christmas items. I decided that I’d create some fun everyday tag- you never know when you might need them! I LOVE the Apple Basket, so I created the whole tag around this image.
In case you were wondering the stamps used, here is the list:
I hope that this blog hop brought MUCH inspiration to you today. Each and every one of these ladies are so talented- I’m beyond thrilled they took time to join us in the hop. Also, I’m happy that YOU joined us in the hop; being a blogger, receiving the comments is the BEST part!
If this was your first stop on the blog hop, be sure to head on over to the DeNami blog for the list of participants. We make these blog hops so fun- there are TWO gift certificates up for grabs for those who comment. The winners are chosen on two blogs, so be sure to leave a comment on each one for the highest chance of winning! :)
Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a fabulous rest of your Sunday!
I know it’s been a few days since I last wrote- so much going on AND I’m starting to feel burnt out. There is only so much time in the day, and usually by the end of my work day, I just want to crash. Only have a week left of work until the two week holiday break….hopefully I can get some R & R in, along with some more blog posts. :)
Today I have a card that I made a while back for a publication call. I have to say, I was super sad this one wasn’t picked up- I truly love it! These colors make me so happy- I hope someday I have a little girl so I can dress her up in pink! This card was made with the fab set Kisses & Cuddles by WPlus9.
I hope you all have a great Saturday! I will be back tomorrow with some fun tags for the DeNami blog hop! Can’t wait to show you what I created! :)
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