Pink Paislee Inspiration Station Tour

Choooo Choooo - thanks for stopping by!  Pink Paislee is hosting an Inspiration Tour in honor of Mother's Day and National Scrapbooking Day and this is an official stop!  Make sure to leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win the wonderful prize package pictured above - a $25 value of the fabulous BAYBERRY COTTAGE line!  Entries accepted until 6pm PST Sunday, May 2nd.  Winners will be announced on Pink Paislee's blog on Tuesday, May 4th.

I chose to use the Bayberry Cottage line to make this gift bag - to hold something special for your Mom, a special girl friend, or make one with other Pink Paislee lines for any time of year!

This shopping bag was my inspiration.  I love all of the gorgeous gift bags you can buy, but they can be very pricey!  I *adore* the Bayberry Cottage line and with just 4 sheets of patterned paper, a few Bella Brads, a snippet of Ribbon Pleat and Artisan Tape, and a Cork Button - this is a very economical and beautiful alternative :)  *** just a note for previous commenters... you are NOT recovering the existing bag, just recreating it with scrapbook paper ***  I deconstructed the bag in order to make a template of each side.

1.  Cut the following dimensions from two sheets of Gazebo patterned paper:

     10"W x 12"L -  mark paper from both bottom corners at 3" both horizontally and vertically,
     cut diagonal line from each corner between marked points.

     Score along width of paper 1" from top.  Fold.
     Score along width of paper 3" from bottom.  Fold.

2.  Cut the following dimensions twice from one sheet of Picket Fence patterned paper:

     5"W x 12"L

     Score a line 1/2" lengthwise, from outside edge on each side.  Fold.
     Fold paper in half lengthwise, with Picket Fence pattern face to face (green on outsides) to form
     inverted pleat.

3.  Use Scor-Tape or other strong adhesive to assemble bag.

4.  Cut 10"W from corner of Porch Swing patterned paper - attach to front of bag.

5.  Attach handles of choice - I deconstructed my old shopping bag and used the existing handles
     (the grey color was perfect!) - cut a slit from top fold and slip handles through, adhering
     each side with Scor-Tape to bag.

6.  Form flower from black Ribbon Pleat, attach Bella Brad to Cork Button and adhere to flower.
     Adhere ribbon/cork embellishment to center point of Porch Swing paper.  Add rhinestones/pearls
     as desired.

7.  Attach strip of Licorice Artisan Tape to top front of bag to cover cut edges.

8.  Create layered ribbon decoration for handles using Ribbon Pleat and Artisan Tape, secured with
     Bella Brad.

Voila!  Now chug along to the remaining stops and enjoy the amazing talent of the following Pink Paislee Creative Team members! (and leave a comment on each blog for an additional chance to win!)

Danielle: http://www.danielleflanders.blogspot.com/
Ania: http://www.aniia.blogspot.com/
Stacey: http://www.staceymichaud.blogspot.com/
Leena: http://www.findingnana.com/
Jana: http://www.frommyfeatherednest.blogspot.com/
Amanda: http://www.amandamuirhead.blogspot.com/
Kristen: http://www.scrapinkris.blogspot.com/
Tina: http://www.tinaalbertson.blogspot.com/
Jen M.: http://www.jenniferann75.blogspot.com/
Erin: http://www.erinterrellclarkson.typepad.com/blog
Kayla Aimee: http://kaylaaimee.typepad.com/

And don't forget to go to Pink Paislee's blog for an additional stop as well!
Pink Paislee Blog

Gorgeous day here!

Interesting weekend, weather-wise - and pretty downright relaxing I'd say.  Emma went to a school friend's house for a sleepover on Friday night, and was gone before I got home from work.  I packed up my stamping supplies and headed over to Tracy's for the evening, and churned out a batch of birthday cards for boys.  FUN!  Saturday started out with an 8:00 am massage (deep tissue... ouch!) and then I came back home and went back to bed.... until 11:37!  Then I stayed up til about 12:17, and went back to bed... until 2:00!!  Then went for a haircut - what a day - that's what I'm TALKIN' 'BOUT!  Emma came home mid-afternoon, repacked, and went to a friend's house for a birthday sleepover.  Back to Tracy's, held a 3 week old baby for the evening, and life was good.  Today I met my friend David for lunch at Zoopa (seriously... it's like his favorite place - I can't get him to go anywhere else!) and then hit Kristy's on the way home.  Good girl talk with the bestie, a little shoe and scrap shopping, and we called it good.

Friday night thru Saturday night - blustery wintery rainy weather.
Sunday - beautiful clear skies, and a little warm for us Seattleites!
Here I am on the way home today, and the beautiful view on my
freeway offramp home:

Spirit day

Is there anyone who has more spirit than my daughter?  I think NOT!  It was "color" spirit day... and of course, Emma used every bit of color she could think of: each fingernail was painted a different hue, at least 3 colors sprayed in her hair, colored hair extensions/clips, you get the picture.... She is darn cute though :)

Best.Concert.Ever.

Wow.  That's all I can say, just truly amazing - and for all you naysayers, there was not one foul word uttered throughout the entire concert - completely appropriate and uplifting for our girls - "feel the love ya'll".

Ludacris opened with a fun style and got the group going, and then the Peas took the stage for almost 2.5 hours!  It was a robotic theme in conjunction with their album "The End", totally cool.  Very glitzy and sparkly, and silver!

I always thought Fergie was the big draw to this group - but not anymore.  will.i.am is AMAZING!  He is truly a freestyle rap artist!  He worked "Washington" and "Tacoma" into almost every song, every break that he spoke, he even rapped the texts on the large screen from fans into about a 10 minute masterpiece - so cool.  Each Pea had a solo performance, and Fergie sang "Fergilicious", "Big Girls Don't Cry", and "GLAMOROUS" with a live cameo of Ludacris... FUN!  And then will.i.am took the stage.  I didn't know he started out as a DJ along with rapping, but he created a nightclub in the Dome and scratched and rapped to songs of all genres for about 30 minutes.  Michael Jackson, Nirvana (local band), Journey, Run DMC, so old school, so fun.  The audience sang all the words - incredible.  Here's a few shots:

Mia, Brianna & Em

The Mamas who shook their money makers!

A Date with my Girl :)

We are off to Emma's end-of-season soccer pizza party - and then we are seeing the Black Eyed Peas at the Tacoma Dome!  A fun little date night for my girl and me :)  She asked if she could wear just a wee bit of mascara...

Happy Easter

We colored some eggs last night (still love to do that) and Emma used her plastic bunny tongs to take the eggs out of the coloring cups, like she has done for 10 years - so cute.  My craft friends will notice that we used the Ranger craft mat to maintain the drips and spills... genius! :)  Today we are going over to a friend's house for an early Easter buffet, she just had a baby on Thursday and we're all going over to fawn over her.  I'm bringing Lauri's famous potatoes and a caramel apple cake - smells deee-lish in the oven!

Yesterday - Ikea $$$ and the Coopmeister

Just a few quick pics from yesterday - Coop and his eye (looking good, don't you think?), and when the hair is a bit longer it just looks normal - like he's winking ;)

 I also met D & D at Ikea yesterday, for 2.5 hours of shopping fun, and this is what I purchased for my new den/craft room (minus a few of those white doors):

I can't wait for Carl to put it together in the new house.  Lots of purging will be going on, it's long overdue but a good time to do it!  Also bought some closet organizers/drawers for both Em's and my closets, and a few Ikea-priced doo-dads that we will need = translation: CHEAP!

What a week - and weekend to come!

We've had the best of both worlds this week - gorgeous skies and sunshine, and horrid downpours all night long.  How does that happen?!?  Today's a good day :)  Emma and I did some shopping for the new house last night, we need some curtains right away and a few other necessities - and she's already asking about when we can paint!  I negotiated within 30 days of moving in, she drives a hard bargain :)  I'm taking my friend Tracy out for birthday dinner and drinks tonight, Emma has a State Cup game to get through Saturday morning (lose and we're eliminated - win and we play again on Sunday), I'm meeting some cousins on Saturday night, and then scrapbooking galore on Sunday!  Oh, and I'm picking up Coop at lunch from his day at the salon - hee hee :)

Look what just arrived on my doorstep!

April's kits from Coordinates Collections - Flowers and Showers!  These are some of the best work we've done in creating kits with coordinating manufacturers, just wait until you have them in your hands!  Basic Grey, Crate Paper, Pink Paislee, KI Memories and more!  Fun things await you too, like a Ranger Mini Mister with Perfect Pearls inside and new Pink Paislee Ribbon Pleats!  Now get on over to CC and get it pre-ordered while you can!

Did you wear GREEN today?

We did :)  I had to dig deep in the closet, but I found a shirt - and Emma found LOTS of things (earrings, bracelets, necklace, hairband, dress, you get the picture).  Love it.  Love the holiday spirit.  Also, I had a meeting at the senior center today, and loved how it was decked out for their feast of Irish stew ;)

State Cup starts today! **Update - tied game - GREAT game!**

Two soccer games this weekend in the State Cup Challenge - we drive to Kent today, and Gig Harbor tomorrow.  (Nothing compared to Arlington last Sunday - I should've brought my passport and hopped over to Canada for the day!!!)  Stay tuned for the update this afternoon - should be a tough game, but we are FIRED UP!

In other news, Emma is working on her powerpoint presentation this weekend for her state report, in addition to her 15-30 minute oral presentation that goes along with it, ALONG with making her way through Little Women (550+ pages!) for this month's book report!  Whew!

Poor neglected blog.

February passed me by with personal stuff, lots of soccer, an intense month of schoolwork for Emma (which Carl and I helped with), lots of stuff.  My poor blog has been neglected, so sorry.  I'll try to be better about posting.  Here's a few miscellaneous things:

A fun project created for Coordinates Collections using Donna Downey's canvas/iron-ons/quilted words along with some favorite Pink Paislee letters and new ribbon pleats (Emma picked out bedding in these colors for her new room, and I made this little piece for her to hang)

One crazy girl in the backseat of my car on the way home from soccer - entertaining herself with my phone's camera :)

Another layout for Coordinates Collections this month using the "Charmed" kit - a really fun time last summer at a Seattle Sounders game - love all these pics ;)

Custom Converse - Emma style :)

Emma found on the Converse website that you could create and order a customized pair of shoes - cool, huh?  She chose the colors on her own, had the embroidery put on with her name and soccer number, and they are a hit with her friends :)

And just a cute shot from yesterday at Kenton's basketball game - all the girls lined up in a row - Emma, Kennedy, Payton (2yo sweetie pie) and a non-smiling Tracy.  Whassupwithat?

Valentine's Bowling Party

The three 5th grades at Emma's school rented out the bowling alley on Friday for a Valentine's Day celebration - $5 bucks and they got two games and shoes - whattadeal!  I shuttled kids and watched as they had a fabulous time, Emma was with her "6 Muskateers" (as she calls them):  Ashlyn, Katelynn, Joy, Tristen & Alayna.  These girls are pure joy - the same girls that came over for a Christmas sleepover.

Oh, and this picture of Emma??  It was also spirit day - they had to wear red, white, and pink.  Personally, I think she should've won "most spirit" in all the school :)  Pink socks, hot pink leggings, pink shorts OVER the leggings, white tank, pink soccer jersey, several pink necklaces, approximately 20 pink bracelets, pink pony holders, one pink earring and one white, and pink lip gloss - now that's spirit :)

Simple Pleasures - a note to self

I cut out a little list of "simple pleasures" from a magazine, probably 15 years ago, that has been on every fridge I've had since then - I just eyed it again today and thought everyone, including me, could use a simple reminder every now and then :)

*  feeling the sun on the back of your neck

*  dawn

*  the smell of bacon or coffee first thing in the morning

*  singing in church

*  hearing your cat purr (or in my case, petting my one-eyed dog :)

*  finding money in the couch (or the pocket of your ski jacket at the beginning of the season!)

*  knowing you did the right thing

*  making a new friend

*  getting into a freshly made bed

*  having all the ingredients on hand when you decide to cook something special

*  getting snapshots back from the processor (see?  I told you this list was old :)

*  getting a tax refund

*  a great haircut

*  moonlight on the ocean

*  massages, hugs, ladybugs, new shoes, naps, cashmere, making up after a fight

*  knowing you have a full tank of gas

*  the smell of fresh cut grass

*  going home after a bad day

*  when the days start to be a little longer

*  having exact change

*  two scoops

*  having the house all to yourself

*  shiny windows and mirrors

*  browsing in bookstores

*  making someone smile

*  coming home from a vacation

*  watching your kids when they are sleeping

*  the sound of rain on the roof, especially when you're under the covers

*  licking the frosting bowl

*  wearing something new

*  being excited about tomorrow

Coop is doing well

Thanks for everyone's care and concern, the baby is doing well.  He came home yesterday and was still a bit fazed (probably from pain meds and just the pure trauma of it all), and they had a plastic cone on his head which he hated.  I would too.  I know its intent is to stop him from pawing at the incision, but I think it really affected his peripheral vision of the remaining eye - so we took it off.  He's not bothering the incision at all, and he seems happier.  He settled in well last night and was happy to be in his bed, he has drank and ate as well.  Today, he seems happy as ever :)  He went outside and chased a few birds, gave a mighty growl at a passing car, and gave lots of kisses to all of us.

What a day.... we'll call him 'One-Eyed Coop'

So Emma and I get our act together this morning a bit earlier than usual so that we can take Cooper to doggie daycare for some play time.  Cooper ran out of the back door as soon as he saw me grab the leash, he knew something fun was ahead of him.  He loves daycare, he met another 'Cooper' while waiting to get checked in - and he gave us that signature head-cocking look of "yes?  I'm happy, yes?" and we drove to school and then work.

By 8:35 there was a message for us at home, which I thought was odd - that someone would call our house so early - so as I was sitting in court waiting for the Judge to arrive I called home.  It was the vet.  I thought he was calling to tell me Cooper needed updated shots for daycare since he hadn't visited in over 6 months.

Cooper was attacked within 5 minutes of arriving in the room, and another dog gripped his head so hard that Cooper lost an eye.  I was bawling within seconds, I think I even hyperventilated as the doctor tried to explain it to me.  All of this in front of about 50 people... I ran out and sped to the vet.  Carl met me there, we both held him and tried to look away while comforting him - both of us crying.  Poor little guy.

Anyway, he's out of surgery - the next hurdle is telling Emma today at about 3:20.  Wish us luck.  Here's what I always remember... but I know he'll be as cute as ever:

Back from Cali

Wow.  Fun trip.  Feels like I've been gone for a long time, but it was really only four days.  CHA was a whirlwind of activity, although, very productive and satisfying.  As usual, I attended with Jamie and Jen from Coordinates Collections and we planned 10 kits while there. Whew!  Also, I met up with Rebecca from Pink Paislee and it was equally fun to hang out in their booth for a bit.  The PP product from this show is amazing!  I'll be shooting a video this week with the new Artisan Elements, so stay tuned!

I left some pretty nice weather in Seattle to mediocre weather in Anaheim.  Go figure.  Unfortunately, they had been inundated with rain and thunderstorms right before I arrived, and started again the afternoon I left.  I guess it was meant to be that I didn't plan a Disney trip this year immediately following the trade show.

My super-cute-adorable-hot-spankin-new Passat was at the dealership while I was gone (that way I wouldn't miss out on driving it while I was home!) getting Bluetooth installed and completing a few other post-purchase housekeeping items.  I will never miss another phone call again due to extremely loud music.  Dang I love that car.  Looking forward to driving to North Bend tomorrow for Emma's soccer game just to be in it :)  It's the small things in life people...

And the big things.  I met up with some wonderful long-lost friends while I was in CA - totally nostalgic and nourishing for my soul.  And then, just when I thought my trip was over, an old co-worker met me at my gate at SeaTac for a super quick visit - just a ride on the train and walk to the curb - but so lovely to hug and see her.  Can't wait to get together for dinner soon, Linda.

Here's a picture of Patty and me - keep in mind it was her husband, a man, taking the picture - if a woman had taken it she would have surely told me to reposition myself :)

Lost Generation... think about this.

I am part of a lost generation

and I refuse to believe that

I can change the world

I realize this may be a shock but

"Happiness comes from within"

is a lie, and

"Money will make me happy"

So in 30 years I will tell my children

they are not the most important thing in my life

My employer will know that

I have my priorities straight because

work

is more important than

family

I tell you this

Once upon a time

Families stayed together

but this will not be true in my era

This is a quick fix society

Experts tell me

30 years from now, I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce

I do not concede that

I will live in a country of my own making

In the future

Environmental destruction will be the norm

No longer can it be said that

My peers and I care about this earth

It will be evident that

My generation is apathetic and lethargic

It is foolish to presume that

There is hope.

And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it.

There is hope.

It is foolish to presume that

My generation is apathetic and lethargic

It will be evident that

My peers and I care about this earth

No longer can it be said that

Environmental destruction will be the norm

In the future

I will live in a country of my own making

I do not concede that 

30 years from now, I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce

Experts tell me

This is a quick fix society

but this will not be true in my era

Families stayed together

Once upon a time

I tell you this

Family

is more important than

Work

I have my priorities straight because

My employer will know that

they are not the most important thing in my life

So in 30 years I will tell my children

"Money will make you happy"

is a lie, and

"Happiness comes from within"

I realize this may be a shock but

I can change the world

And I refuse to believe that

I am a part of a lost generation.

Portland Fun

Well we're back from our 24 hour Portland adventure.  It was really just an excuse to get the Passat out on the open road :) We stayed downtown at the Westin, a very pretty, small hotel that allowed dogs - so Coop got to come along.  We walked downtown and window shopped, ate dinner at Burgerville, and then rode the MAX to the Rose Garden to watch the Trailblazers vs. Golden State.  We finished the whirlwind weekend with room service for breakfast and had a great drive home (this time with ME driving :)