Goals...

So I made my list of goals (see this post here) and have been working towards them...obviously I'm not completely them all since I haven't posted on my blog in a while :D It's not too late, to try though! It may not happen in January but I have all year. That's why I made goals!

So what have I been up to? Well I started sewing lessons (#28)...yes, I've only had one but I've got another one Saturday. I'm very excited about the possibilities! I've picked out my fabric and project...it's for Abby and it's a surprise. The fabric is darling...I can already tell that I'm in trouble. I LOVE fabric...and Sarah's Fabric in Lawrence has all my favorite (and EXPENSIVE) brands. Better start saving now, lol!

I've had a date night with hubby(#36)...thanks to a slumber party invite for Abby :D Great when that works out and we don't have to worry about babysitters!

I've had a daughter/mom date (#25) - she picked. She wanted to see The Odd Life of Timothy Green. Cute movie...we both cried :D The popcorn was DE-lish...

I've started reading books again (#4)...and it's nice. In need of some suggestions though as I'm ready to try some new "series"...

Spent some time with nephew and sister (#50)...even if it was because my parents were sick.

I have a girlfriend night planned (#45)...movie, dinner, drinks. On deck is Identity Thief....it LOOKS hilarious!

I've got a class scheduled in February; another one in the works. Plus Stamp Club so Stampin' Up is going good....could ALWAYS be better so I've really got to work on my business (#7).

I've also reorganized and decluttered the basement (HUGE undertaking but so worth the time and effort) #18, We've tried new recipes (#5), I've signed Abby up for Awana (#32), Organized and backup all photos on laptop (#49)

I've realized that I have such good intentions but I think I'm a little lazy. I mean I want to take tons of photos (and I do of different things) but then I don't load them to my computer and post them...I need to make a conscious effort to share more! I mean if you want to look you will, if not, oh well, right!

I'm sure there is more but that's quite a lot for the first 4 weeks of the new year! I'm off to a pretty good start and honestly, it feels great!

I'll be back to post about all that's going on at Stampin' Up! There is so much it definitely needs it's own post...Thanks so much for stopping by!

PPA150 Color Challenge - Valentine's Day Card

Over the weekend I had an opportunity to play in a challenge that is new to me. I always see Color Challenges and wish I'd play along but the timing doesn't seem to work...Not this time, Over at the Pals Paper Art Blog they have the cutest color combo PERFECT for Valentine/Love cards (PPA150).

I was able to use some of my new Stampin' Up! Goodies for this card. This will also be one of our Stamp Club projects this month - I hope the girls will enjoy it :D

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember you can purchase any of the Stampin' Up! supplies at my online store.
Card Info: 

• Basic Black, Basic Grey, Whisper White and Melon Mambo Cardstock
• Jewery Tag Punch #117190
• My Little Valentine Stamp Set #132242 (special this month)
• Happy Heart Single Stamp #132771 (special this month)
• Basic Grey & Basic Black Marker
• Pop Dots
• Flower
• Embossing Folder 

Time for Some New Goodies!

Today is the day - the New Stampin' Up! Spring Catalog goes LIVE - you can see it HERE. Or you can contact me to get your very own copy. I sent a few out yesterday to some special customers so hopefully they'll get them soon! There are so many awesome goodies in there.

You can also place an order from it by visiting my SITE. I'd like to show a card I made using some of the wonderful new products in the Spring Catalog. 

What is it with whales? I just adore them...or maybe it's because there are so many awesome puns that go along with them! Check out the new Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - LOVE IT! I mean look at the detail!

Also used: Oh Whale Stamp Set (W-129129; C-129132), Sunshine & Sprinkles DSP (126922), 3/8" Striped Organdy Ribbon in Melon Mambo (129293); Pacific Point Cardstock (111350); Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (129378); Word Window Punch (119857); Melon Mambo Ink (126948) & Basic Gray Ink (126981); Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

Today also marks two new promotions with Stampin' Up! - Valentine Treat Bundle & My Little Valentine Promotion!

 First up Valentine Treat Bundle - This special bundle contains the brand-new Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp (which coordinates with the Stampin' Up! Full Hear Punch #119883 and is NOT included in the bundle) and a package of 1 x 8 cellophane bags. No limit on the number of bundles you can order! And it's good through January 21st. To get the bundle pricing, use item #132771.

I plan on getting lots of treats made up for the school kids...they'll love it!

Next up is the My Little Valentine Stamp Set - Get the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit FREE ($7.95 value) when you purchase the brand new My Little Valentine Set. This four piece set was created exclusively for this promotion and is only available through January 21st. No Limits! 

This is the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit you get for FREE:

And this the My Little Valentine Stamp Set that is only available in clear mount (132242)

Whew - that's a lot! Definitely some great things to get you started on those Valentine Projects! You can take advantage of all these items and specials by visiting my SITE. 

Thanks for stopping by today!

Out With The Old...

And in with the new...

How was your Holiday? Good I hope. I've been doing a lot of reflecting, organizing and preparing - I want this year to be one of my best! I want to do things instead of just think of them; I want it to be about family; about my new paths and so many other things!

Last year a good friend of mine, Liz, did something called Project 52 on her blog. I LOVED it and had every intention on doing it last year but never did. I even had printed off that particular blog post and carried it in my planner - that's how much it inspired me (thanks, Liz!). So this year, I went to work coming up with 52 goals that I'd like to accomplish this year. It's about doing things to better myself and my family as well as helping others. I really do want to make 2013 my best year yet!

So here are my 52 things that I hope to accomplish in the 52 weeks of 2013 (please note these are in no particular order:

1. Pray more
2. Cook healthier meals and eat more meals at home
3. Read the daily devotionals
4. Read 50 books (up from 40 I read last year)
5. Try a new recipe monthly
6. Blog at least 4 times a week
7. Grow my Stampin Up! Business
8. Start a prayer/gratitude journal
9. Get Healthy by losing some weight
10.  Drink more water
11. Call/Write my friends more
12. Complete at least 5 Pinterest projects
13. Improve my photography skills
14. Have a weekly family fun night
15. Celebrate our 15^th Wedding Anniversary
16. Read the Bible more
17. Go on a family vacation
18. Declutter the basement
19. Create 1-2 scrapbook layouts each month
20. Redo our master bedroom
21. Volunteer at a shelter/soup kitchen with Abby and Jay
22. Take a monthly family photo
23. Go camping with Abby and Jay
24. Block out some “me time” on my calendar on a regular basis
25. Have a daughter/mother day/evening monthly
26. Take more photos
27. Do a layout highlighting events monthly
28. Take a sewing class
29. Move more – walks, wii
30. Host a summer BBQ
31. Take Puppy Lessons with Cooper
32. Get Abby into Awana
33. Find a church to call home
34. Help Abby improve her artistic skills
35. Get Abby into Piano Lessons
36. Have a date night with hubby monthly
37. Attend something at TPAC
38. Prepare for Craft Shows ALL year long
39. Organize my office/craft area
40. Attend “girls class” with Abby
41. Journal in planner more often; especially re: Abby
42. Try to yell less
43. Build my relationship with my daughter
44. Lead by example; remember manners
45. Build more girl friend relationships and have quarterly girls night out
46. Pamper myself – manicure, pedicure or massage
47. Cherish my parents and capture moments with them
48. Do more crafts with Abby
49. Get photos on computer organized, back up and printed
50. Spend time with my nephew and sister monthly
51. Send out cards – I make them but forget to send them
52. Enjoy everyday to the fullest!

There you go...that's what I'd like to do. Now you may be wondering why some are highlighted...well I've already started working on those! I've been in a serious "out with the old/in with the new" phase and I have been organizing like crazy. You should see the pile for garage sale, donations and trash. I mean WOW can I collect, lol! My husband and dad built AWESOME shelves in our basement and I've been organizing all the things that had been thrown in there...it was horrible. You couldn't even walk through - definite fire hazard. I realized that I don't need EVERYTHING and it's ok to let go :D

As far as blogging - well it's been awhile. I'm going to consciously make every effort to blog 4 times a week - yes, it will be about family and me as well as Stampin' Up cause lets face it I'm a craft-aholic!

A friend of mine gave me a wonderful book this Christmas called "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. Devotions for every day of the year. Looking forward to finding the peace and understanding with His presence. I've gotten away from my faith since moving back to Kansas and honestly I can tell a difference. This year I want to find a church and get back into learning and finding the true meaning of life.

Last but certainly not least is my SU business. I'm working on improving that - tons I want to do such as monthly newsletters, showcase projects, do more classes. I need to make an effort and take the time to see what SU has  as far as ways to promote my business through my DBWS site. Learn to realize it's ok to find inspiration through others work and to CASE items and still showcase them. We all find inspiration in different ways and it's ok. 

So here's to a new year, a new beginning and to wonderful goals! Would love to hear what you have in store for 2013...who knows maybe I'll need to make my list even longer :D

Thanks for stopping by!