Clean and Simple Challenge

This week's Clean and Simple Challenge at Splitcoast was to do a Valentine. Only requirement was to keep it (yep, you got it) clean and simple. I actually CASED (Copied) a card that was created by another stamper. I used different stamps, a different embossing plate and added a few embellishments. So I guess I didn't copy hers...I used hers as an idea springboard for my card.



So...how often do you go to Joann's or Michael's with a 40% coupon in hand and not get to use it because it seems EVERYTHING is on sale? I went to Joann's today. Got 8 sheets of cardstock (on sale 4/$1), a pair of scissors for rag quilting (on sale 40% off), 4 fat quarters of fabric (clearanced for .50 each), and a package of basic color threads (also on sale). Didn't get to use my coupon at all. I need to get more denim and more batting so I can start my rag quilt but the cutting line was HUGE so I may go back later in the week and use my coupon on that. Also, as an FYI, all quilting books were 40% off. There were several I eyed but couldn't bring myself to spend the $.

Hope everyone gets tomorrow off for MLK day. Honestly, I'm not sure if tomorrow is officially a holiday or not at my new job...but since I still don't have a laptop or access...it is still a day off for me. :-)

Thank You Cards

These are the cards I sent out this year. Well, at least most of them looked like this one. I tried to keep them pretty simple yet with a little bling.



I tried to take the picture at an angle that shows the embossing. The bottom of the card is white with snowflakes dry embossed on it.

I made a couple cards today so will be sharing those in the days to come.

Guess what I did????

I am SO proud of myself (yes, it's the little things that make me happy!)

I am so NOT electronically adept. But the DVD player in my bedroom had died a while back and I really wanted a new one so me and the boys could do our 'picnic and a movie' routine on my bed. So I went out to Target and picked up an inexpensive DVD player (wow they have gotten small and cheap). Then I brought it home and easily hooked it up myself. Easy peasy!



I think I will go rent Aliens in the Attic and surprise the boys!

I apologize that I haven't been posting much artwork. If you are close to me you know I have a lot of personal stuff going on right now and not a whole lot of time for creating. I did make my Christmas thank you cards but don't want to post a picture until the recipients have received their cards. But those will be coming soon. I promise!

First Week at New Job

Guess what I've accomplished this week since starting my new job?

Did a zillion loads of laundry
Did a zillion loads of dishes
Cleaned toilets in both bathrooms
Started reorganizing bedroom to make space for a small desk
Read two books and started a third (Janet Evanovich)
Went for a mile walk
Started Weight Watchers
And did this...



I think the dogs ate one of the pieces because it's a brand new puzzle. Either that or $1 store puzzles come with missing pieces! LOL.

I am waiting for my company laptop to be delivered. Until that happens I can't do much actual work. I did have a team meeting via telephone and filled out some HR paperwork. They hope to have me set up to do some of the trainings next week that I can do with my home computer. But actual work has to be done with their hardware.

So I am sticking close to home (or trying to) in case the man in brown shows up and trying to stay busy doing housework/organizing/etc at the same time. I am already feeling a little stircrazy so have gone out to lunch a couple times this week with friends to get some adult interaction.

Wacky Wednesday

A friend of mine does a post every Tuesday where she posts anything she did that week that was a 'screw up'. Some aren't a big deal and some are. I guess it is a way to acknowledge mistakes and laugh at yourself and keep life light.

So, I thought I'd share a screw-up that I did today. And since it's Wednesday I'll call it Wacky Wednesday.

Can you guess what this is???



I washed a load of laundry. When I went to transfer the laundry from the washer to the dryer I noticed some bits of cardboard. The more I looked the more I found. I dug deeper and started pulling out dryer sheets. IN THE WASHER. I'm like "What the heck?" Then it occurred to me. When I was putting the pile of clothes into the washer I must have knocked the WHOLE BOX of dryer sheets INTO the washer. So, not only were there like 100 dryer sheets mixed in with the laundry but there were bits and pieces of the cardboard box that had disintegrated. What a mess! I had to shake out all the clothes to try and get the bigger chunks and dryer sheets out. Then wipe out the washer and reload the clothes BACK into the washer and rewash them again. Hopefully all the white comes out of the clothes and they aren't ruined from the sheets.

Sigh. Calgon...take me away!

What are YOU working on in 2010?

I have been keeping busy...

making Thank You cards for holiday gifts
cleaning and reorganizing at home
starting back on Weight Watchers

And of course there is always the regular housework, laundry, dishes, bill paying, playing with the boys, taking care of the pets, etc.

I bought a new needle for my sewing machine (used the other one to sew on cards and got the needle all gummed up from the adhesive). So I want to get started on my next project soon. Probably a denim rag quilt.

What are YOU up to?

I will make sure and take pics of the thank you cards soon.

Happy New Year!

As I enter 2010 I feel very blessed with my life. I have family who love me. Friends who support me. Kids who keep me laughing at the wonderment of life. Enough animals to start my own pet shop (3 dogs, a snake, and the new robo hamster).

I don't have a lot of material 'things'...but I have hobbies I love. And I have a job that pays the bills and puts food on the table with a little left over. In today's society that is something.

I start a new job this coming week which will allow me to stay home with the boys. No more 3 hours of commute time. No more wear on the car (that now has 97,000 miles on it).

I am excited about what 2010 holds.