11/01/2009- What a wonderful day today!  I was at shoebox swap with both some old and new stamping friends!  This was by far the best shoebox swap that I have been to! There were both 3D projects and cards!  I was completely floored by the creativity!  Such a wonderful morning and afternoon!  To top off my wonderful day...my Stampin' Up! website just hit 10,000 hits!  Thank you all for visiting my site and looking at all my projects! I'll be posting one of my newest easy clean and simple cards tomorrow! Watch for it!
10/17/2009 - A beautiful autumn day.  A little cool, but a wonderful day spent with some of my hostess club ladies.  What a wonderful day of friendship and stamping.
5/24/2009 - Today was a beautiful day of sunshine and smiles. David, Noah and I are starting to prepare for a 5K walk/run with the YMCA in June.  So we started the day walking about 2.5 miles which is about 4 times around our block.  The dog only made it around 2 times and Noah only around 2.5 times.  We have some work to do before the big day!   I spent the rest of the day with family and friends and some overindulging at a family BBQ.  The boys (Noah and his cousins) played baseball, played with my father-in-law's remote controlled boat on their subdivision's lake and ran around playing with their Nerf Big Shots.  The adults had a glorious time just chatting and catching up in the sunshine.  I actually got some sun on my shoulders.  I am getting ready for the sun full time!  LOL!  I had all kinds of card ideas in my head today for the Memorial Day weekend, but unfortunately none of them came to fruition. I'll be working on getting my June classes sent out today or tomorrow. I'll  be looking forward to some fun days ahead with my stamping friends!  Until next time!
 5/4/2009 - Yesterday was a fun filled afternoon!  12 wonderful ladies stopped by to play Bunco - Stampin' Up! Style.  We had some snacks, had a bit to drink (after stamping, of course), and the girls played Bunco!  I'll be offering this fun event in August, so if you need some time to unwind, create a card to take home and do a bit of laughing then check out my event calendar! Congrats to Dawn F for winning not only $40 in Stampin' UP! product but also winning a Simply Sent Kit as a door prize!
4/28/2009 - Hey there!  Did you have a chance to see the Mini Occasions blog tour yesterday?  I can't tell you how amazed I was at how fun it was to see everyone's fabulous ideas on the Mini Occasions sets and accessories!  I just loved it and now have some great inspiration for some upcoming cards and classes!    Well, if you missed it, you'll have one more chance to see some of my work with the "Just Beachy" set on May 15th.  This next tour will have stamp sets not only from the Mini Occasions, but also from the current Idea Book and Catalog!  So don't forget to come join me on 5/15/2009 at http://olivestamps.blogspot.com
I am off to cut some cards for my stamp-a-stack tonight!  Until next time!
4/13/2009 - Hi everyone!  I am hopin that you all had a wonderful Easter Sunday!  I was lucky enough to spend brunch with my sister and brother this year!  It doesn't always work out so this worked out just fabulously.  We went to a seafood restaurant called Braxton's.  Now I wouldn't recommend them for brunch again, but I did enjoy their green beans almondine and their crispy breakfast potatoes.  And you can never go wrong with chocolate and strawberries, right!  The afternoon was spent with David's sister and parents so it was a good day all around.  The Eli's cheesecake was absolutely amazing!  I hope your time spent with family and friends was amazing too!  Do you know I even had some time to stamp when we returned home?!  I made a card for my newest downline member, Denise!  Welcome to Linda's Inkettes, Denise!  I made it using Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla and Baja Breeze and guess what it went in the envelope before I remembered to take a picture.  I know you all will have a beautiful vivid picture of it...especially since it had a Baja Breeze Rooster from the Hostess Set Rustic Rooster on the front.  I bet you can't picture it...but it came out amazing...even if I do say so myself!  Take some time to stamp today and make your day a happy one! 

4/10/2009 - Just got back from sunny Orlando last Sunday.  It is amazing how much you can get behind with just being gone a week!  I have been playing catch up all week and it seems like I am still behind!  What happen to me?  When I was working a full time job I was never behind...now it seems I am behind more times than not!  LOL!  Well, I will try to get back on track by next week!  I am really excited because I have started my very own blog!  I know many of you have been wondering when that was going to happen, well it finally has.  It is very new so I don't have very many bells and whistles yet, but I have some wonderful ladies that I am paying to fix it up all nice and pretty for you all!  I think it should be done around the first or second week in May!  Woohoo!  So, if you want to see what it looks like before all the pretty-fication occurs you can view it at http://www.olivestamps.blogspot.com.  Make sure you become one of my followers so that you can get all my updates!  It will be an easy way for you to see my newest projects rather than wondering where I have been!  KWIM?  I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to some fun times stamping soon!

3/15/2009 - How have you all been?  I've been busy stamping up a storm!  I had 3 classes this month so they have been keeping me busy creating which has been great!  I just got done with the Sale-a-bration class and it was a great time catching up with the ladies that were here.  I am now working on the cracked glass technique class that is coming up on St. Patricks Day.  I just love the cracked glass technique and it has been fun creating cards for it!  I already have 2 done and only 1 more to design. I am thinking about posting a sneak peek.  If I can get my camera to behave without sunlight, I'll post some sneaks tonight.  

So, have you all purchased your corn beef already?  I actually think I'll be making mine later in the month as I will be having some made for me tomorrow too.  David's wonderful aunt will be sending some home with David for me tomorrow after a workshop.  It is so nice to have food made for you!  I am looking forward to it!  Have I shared with you yet that I am down 8lbs?  2 more before Spring Break will make me super happy, although I feel like doing the snoopy dance right now!  LOL!  Until next time!

2/17/2009 - It was a great day today!  In fact, I would have to say almost perfect!  I went to the gym and was not dying from pain after a very tough session.    Does that mean that I am getting used to the stretching of all those unused muscles?  I would have thought that my arms would be full of muscles with all the stamping I do...but alas the stamps aren't heavy enough!  LOL!  I ran home and talked on the phone for about 45 minutes...ran over to a friends to talk some more...and then got home and talked for about another 1 or so.  Thanks, Wendy, for making me acknowledge the fact that I have a talking problem.  I guess I know why Noah was marked down in school for his "talking" problem.  I suppose if I told you I was voted the most quiet in High School you wouldn't believe that either!  But I was!  Okay...I guess it is time for me to go to bed and stop talking!  Until next time!

2/8/2009 - Today was my second Love You Much Valentine Class!  It was a very fun time!  I met 5 new ladies from around the area who have been just dabbling in stamping!  It was fun watching them create the fun Valenine cards and gift box!  I had plans to go out and see Coraline, but my plans suddenly changed with a misbehaving 8 year old.  So I stayed at home and did some stamping for the LNS Design Team.  I hope to show you some of my photos later this week.  I will post a few of my last cards so you can see what I have been up to!  ;)  I have been getting some emails from you all about ailing parents, and some losses as well.  It has been a tough few weeks for many of you and my heart goes out to all of you during these stressful times.  I will be trying to catch up on my card making soon...just know that I haven't forgot about you, you are all in my thoughts. I am excited to report of a new baby too!  Congratulations goes out to Mari and her husband.  I am so happy to hear that the baby is doing well now! 

1/23/2009 - It's been a busy week so far and it isn't over yet.  January club started this week with some fun new projects featuring layering and the use of the brayer.  Both fun projects that will get you thinking about what you can do next!!!  I've started designing some more classes for the upcoming months featuring some great new gift ideas...using some of the wonderful new stamps and papers in the new catalog!  Most if not all of these will be available for "To Go" classes too, so keep an eye out for these exciting new projects!  The new Spring 2009 Stamp By Mail will be officially kicking off in February along with the best promotion of the year - Sale-a-Bration!  So if you are excited about getting more FREE STAMPS than usual then give me a call to get your calendar scheduled for a Sale-a-Bration workshop in February!  

All my club swaps this month have been all about the tags...so if you are interested in playing along...and you like a challenge to get your started on your stamping fun...please join me in creating a tag this month!  Feel free to send photos of your special creation...and then look at my creative projects gallery to view what I have created!  Photos will be updated periodically!  Take care and be safe!

1/18/2009 - So, I am so excited that my website seems to be moving faster than normal!  I hope you have been noticing it too!  Woohoo!  I went and cleaned up some stuff so I want to think that is what made the improvement.  ;)  So, I hope you are all excited about the new catalog!  I am so excited by some of the new stamp sets...but particularly about some of those new accessories!!!!!!  I have to say that those courdouroy buttons are too die for!  They will be on my first order along with the new circle cutter and mat!  If you can't stand me not "seeing" the awesome new items then contact me to get the catalog now!!!!  Tomorrow is the first day to begin ordering from the new catalog so you'll be able to check the catalog out online.  Realize that everyone is waiting for their first glimpse of the new items so you may have some crazy wait times for downloading the catalog.  I hope that most of you have tomorrow off for Martin Luther King day!  So take some time to relfect how far we have come!  Sit down, make a card and send it off!  Best of days to you!

1/1/2009 - Hear we are a year since I began "blogging" on my website!  As I read back on all the fun I had this year...I remember it is because of you all that I am still here!  I continue to enjoy the time spent with you all!  I have some exciting news to share that some of you may already be aware of.  I am part of a design team for the Late Night Stampers group headed by Sherrill Graff.  With me being a part of this team, you will start seeing much more projects posted over the next 3 months...so this is a really good thing.  It also gets me stamping more than I have done recently.  So check out my gallery for some of my newest projects!  Happy New Year and Thank you to you all!

12/21/2008 - Only a few more days before Christmas!  I hope you all have your gifts and they are all wrapped up waiting for that magical day of giving!  Today was my last class of the year and I spent it with four special ladies that braved the frigid weather to come make punch art tags!  What a fabulous afternoon of indulging in some yummy chocolate treats and of course some stamping!  I’ll be donating all class proceeds to the Northern Illinois Food bank today!  Hoping your day was as special as mine!

12/15/2008 - What a cold day it is today!  I think I almost lost my face out in that wind today.  Brrrrr!  If you are anywhere in the Chicagoland area, be careful out there it is super slippery with ice! Well, I am glad I am back in my cozy house that is for sure.  I’ve been very good about getting all my Christmas cards out...I have sent out about 60 cards so far and I have about another 50 or so, I think, to send.  I plan to spend my quiet afternoon finishing up the rest of my cards that I already have addressed.  Then back to my address book to for some more addresses!  Have a wonderful day! 

12/6/2008 - Look at this...a month has passed since I’ve had a chance to connect with all of you.  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Like you, I am getting ready for the Christmas holiday.  I’ve been making my Christmas cards, and writing those special messages that we all love to see in the those cards.  I’ll be at it for awhile so the cards are going out slowly but surely.  Our Christmas Tree is up and looking lovely except for that one strand of lights that went out.  Not sure if it will get changed before the holiday...but the tree still puts me in the mood.  I’ve spent every weekend morning since the Saturday after Thanksgiving sitting in my living room enjoying the tree and my family.  David just mentioned this morning how nice it is...I wholeheartedly agree.  It just puts me in the holiday spirit...since I stopped "working" this is the first time that I have just enjoyed this relaxing time just loving what I have.  Our Christmas shopping is all done and I’ll be spending time right before Christmas wrapping up those items.  I hope you are enjoying this time of year as much as I am. 

11/2/2008 - Today has been a great day so far...I am up alone the house is quiet with everyone sleeping except for Isabella(for those of you that don’t know her, Isabella, is my dog).  She is wondering why I am not feeding her yet and has been staring at where her food is housed like it will just pop out for her!  LOL!  But it is just some peaceful quiet time for me...which doesn’t always happen often...I know many of you know what that is like.  I’ve been checking out some stamping blogs this morning...I am very random in my viewing and sometimes I visit the same ones...but it is usually just a hodgepodge of different blogs to spark some inspiration. 

I was especially excited about some fun chipboard letters that I saw today.  I hope to have some available time to try that out.  

Today is going to be another fun packed day of stamping.  I have some ladies coming by for the 60 Christmas card class.  This is a great time to get a bunch of cards done in about 3-4 hours.  I’ll be sending these cards out this year...so it helps me get a headstart on my Christmas creations too!  If you’ve attended my class in the past and you want to create your own cards this year using the I Wish Simply Scrappin’ Kit I suggest you order as soon as possible as the Kit is on backorder right now...it is a very popular item...and will begin shipping on November 10.  

Well, the boys are waking up so time to get breakfast going!  Enjoy your day!

11/1/2008 - I’ve was totally enjoying the fall weather yesterday!  What a beautiful Halloween!  I was glad it was nice as Noah was out in his flimsy mummy costume while he was scaring up the neighborhood!  

Well, here we are its November already!  Thanksgiving is right around the corner!  I am off to a workshop today for a fun group of ladies that I see about twice a year!  We have a ball and I have some fun projects planned for their day today!  We’ll be using the new Big Shot top note die to create a very fun new layout that has over taken some of my cards lately as well as showing them how to create a fun bag topper using the same die.  I hope to post some of my creations soon...but I need to get through all the classes and workshops first! 

If you are interested in getting together to see what types of fun projects you can create using the Big Shot and Stampin’ UP!’s exclusvie dies...call me and we can schedule something for January!!!  Until next time...happy days!

10/16/2008 - Vegas, baby!  That is where I have been this past weekend.  I returned Monday evening and I’ve been playing catch up ever since! The weather was unfortunately cold and windy...while it was in the 80s here...that is just crazy if you ask me!  David and I did a bunch of walking...not too much gambling as we came home with money...and a bunch of just enjoying ourselves while childless for 3 days.  Noah was enjoying some time with his grandparents being spoiled...but what is new there!  LOL!  

My four tables are completely covered with stamping stuff...I think I should take a picture so you can see how bad it really is....not too many people see how "carrrrazzy" I get when I start on projects...because when you come it is usually picked up!  I’ll take a photo soon so you can see...I promise.  Check my creative projects later to see how bad it is!  ;)  I don’t have much time to stamp for fun right now as I am putting together classes that I have scheduled.  Okay...who am I kidding...every time I stamp it is fun! LOL!  Enjoy your day!!!!

10/8/2008 - You are not going to believe this but I had nothing to do today...no schedule to chase, no place to be, just some free time to myself...and you know what...I actually felt a little lost...but don’t worry I found myself quickly!  I created today...I thought...I designed...and I created a cute little box that I am really proud of!  The colors are those found in the Hawaii Papaya DSP - Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss and Tangerine Tango.  You can see the box as it is already posted in my creative projects!  It felt so good to work at my own pace and just create!  Today was a wonderful day!  I hope you find some time in your busy life to do some creating too! 

10/6/2008 - It has been a weekend of birthday parties!  Noah turned 8, I can hardly believe it!  We, and yes, I did it too went rock climbing with his friends and some of their parents this past friday.  Wow, so fun and scary at the same time!  No problem getting up there...but coming down gave me the heebie jeebies for sure!  ;)  So needless to say...I haven’t been too creative.  I hope to have some fun today as I really enjoyed using the Putt Putt set for Noah’s party invites and thank you notes.  I plan on creating a card trio using the bicycle in the set.  So look out...I might be a little rusty!  ;)  Have a great Monday!!!

9/27/2008 - What a fun evening I had last night!  It was the first of two stamp-a-stack classes that I’m having this month!  It was so nice to see everyone!  The class really focuses on the new silhouette style of stamps and some new ways to add ribbon to your cards!  These cards will not be posted, but they will be available at my home to view after Monday night’s class! Watch for my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack and 60 card Christmas Card Class coming in November!  If you need a bunch of cards...these classes will be the way to get them!

9/23/2008 - Have you all been enjoying this warm weather?  It has been perfect for some weekend baseball games...okay maybe a little hot...but I know we will be missing this warmth soon enough!  

Well, I have noticed that there has been a bunch more traffic to my website...if you are not getting information on Stampin’ UP! specials from anyone else, please make sure you sign up for my newsletter.  If you are interested in getting information on my unique events...let me know when you sign up in my newsletter that you are interested in my specific events too and I will add you to my other "super secret squirrel" email service too!  

I’ve been pretty busy designing cards and tags for my upcoming classes/clubs so I haven’t been too busy posting all my creations.  If you are interested in hosting a workshop in the next month I have some weeknight availability!  Call/Email me to schedule your hands on experience for October!  I hope to see you all soon!

9/19/2008 - Fridays are wonderful aren’t they?  Time to stop the daily grind and gt to have some fun do all the work that needs to be done at home!  Heehee!  I am so excited for tonight!  It is my first session of my introduction to scrapbooking class.  I have been having so much fun playing with some of my new stamps and we’ll be playing with them in this class!  We’ll also be using the Bigshot to create some titles and embellishments for the pages we create!  I am so excited to share with you my version of the 5 x 5 Me, You and Us Scrapbook!  A few pictures will be posted next week so you see if you want to try your hand at creating a treasure chest of your memories.

9/16/2008 - Good morning...everyone!  Of course it is almost afternoon and my day has been going since 6:30 AM.  Its been awhile since I’ve been here.  I’ve been extremely busy cleansing...you know getting that yucky refrigerator cleaned out and taking things to Goodwill. I feel so much better when everything is in its place.  I have slowly but surely been cleaning up my stamping area as I have a Hostess Club meeting this evening.  I hope to start sharing some more of my fun creations with you later this week...but unfortunately no promises...this is a busy week for Noah too! Start watching for your Holiday mini it will be coming within the next week!  Enjoy!

9/8/2008 - I was in Arcola, Illinois this past weekend enjoying the Amazing Arcola Broom Corn Days.  David’s family is from Central Illinois, but believe it or not this was just my second Broom Corn Days!  LOL!  I enjoyed watching Noah and all his cousins get together and watch the parade!  This was his very first Broom Corn Days and the parade by far was the highlight for him!  Where else can you sit on the grass and people throw candy at you?  He just loved it! 

Well, talking about things you love...as soon as we arrived home...I began designing my club projects for the next couple of months.  I was so excited that the designs came so easy to me...We’ll be making a neat little card portfolio and be using the bigshot to create a fun little basket using Stampin’ UP!’s exclusive Bigz Dies.  I’ve been creating some things with the the Booglie Eyes set too as Halloween is approaching...so watch my gallery for some scary creations over the next week! 

9/2/2008 - Labor Day is always that time of year when you know fall will be here before you know it.  It is a great weekend to spend some time with the ones you love and create memories that will last a lifetime....well, okay as long as you take pictures and scrapbook them!  ;)  I completely enjoyed this past weekend spending time with family, watching Noah play his first baseball practice game of the fall season, and I even threw a bit of stamping in as I need another birthday card for this coming weekend!  I didn’t complete the card yet...but I had to use the same layout that I used on my last card.  Since this one is for a 6 year old I hyped up the colors, but the layout is still the same.  Look back later today for the finished card!  Happy Tuesday!

8/28/2008 - Today is my brother-in-law’s birthday! Happy Birthday, Virko!!! Your card should be done by Sunday when I see you!!!! ;) 

The day has been a very dreary rainy day here in the Chicagoland area.  That doesn’t hold me down...these kind of days are the perfect days to stamp!  I have been working on my September Stamp-a-stack (SAS) projects today.  I have 3 done so far and they are super cute!  If you are interested in attending then now is the time to RSVP.  There are only 2 more openings for the first day of the SAS!  This class is perfect for some of my beginner stampers too...quick and easy cards that will give you a big "Wow"!  

If you are at a loss as to what kind of cards to create...then pick an upcoming birthday, or holiday or pick a friend that you haven’t chatted with in awhile...pick out your favorite stamp set, choose a few coordinating colors and stamp.  It doesn’t matter if your rhino is blue or pink or orange...in fact you might like it better that way! Have fun...laugh...or invite a friend over to enjoy this moment with you!  Okay, I’ll take this challenge too...Virko needs a birthday card....so off I go to create....I promise to post a picture of what I create for him --It just might not be today since my outdoor studio is all wet.  Email me a picture of what you created today so I know you are  reading this!  Happy Days!

8/27/2008 - I’ve uploaded some of my newest class projects today.  I hope you find them as totally awesome as I do!  I feel like "Kungfu Panda" when I say "totally awesome".  In fact, I hear Jack Black’s voice in my head when I say that!  LOL!  Okay...I need some sleep or something I am all over the place here.  LOL!  Anyway...I have had a few days to enjoy some stamping.  I’ve had a few "OMG" moments these past few days...I know you know what those are...you create something and you stand up and admire what you have just created.  You walk around and view every angle of the project, you talk to yourself or your dog or your baby or whoever is in the room with you,you have that euphoria feeling, you speak out loud so the world can hear..."I created that!"...and it is not in disbelief it is a statement of fact!  Wishing you all some of those moments...

8/25/2008 - Full day of school starts today...that means I have time for creativity...I know we each need something else when we are creative...some might need activity around us...music, television or just noise in the background.  I do my best designing when there are no distractions...and all is quiet.  So you all will be getting some of my best designs coming up in September!  Be excited...because let me tell you...I AM!  I will try to post some sneak peeks of upcoming projects....just enough to whet your appetite!  Wishing you well!

8/23/2008 - Well, I finally had some time to catch you all up!  Noah is recovering better than expected from his ear surgery this past Wednesday.  He now has two titanium bones in his left ear.  After talking about him having a bionic ear for the last year he told the doctor that is what he was getting "bionics".  I think the doctor and nurse got quite the kick out of that. ;) I am glad that part of the year is over...now we just need to keep our fingers crossed that his hearing will return.  

On the stamping front...I’ve had a chance to play around with my new Big Shot.  Ooooohhhh...it is so cool...I know you’ll enjoy seeing the projects that I create with it!  I see a class coming up before the year is ended!  Hope your weekend is extra special!

8/17/2008 - Yesterday was a perfect day!  I slept in if you call 6:30 AM sleeping in!  LOL!  I spent the afternoon with my Amethyst Hostess Club!  What a fabulous afternoon!  I was so glad to see all my friends and get together with them.  I really enjoyed all the energy that they brought to the meeting this time!  I love the friendships that are formed at the hostess clubs...bringing people together that may never have met!!!  I also was ecstatic to hear of all the projects that have been completed.  I do wish I could see what you have all been up to(wink wink, Gloria J, looking forward to seeing those invitations)...so feel free to bring samples to share anytime you come to a class, workshop or club meeting.  Peggy you definitely get the gold for bringing some awesome creations to share!!!!  Do you just love that reference to the Olympics? LOL!  Love all that glitter and those circles are a definite fave of mine!  I was excited that Roxanne got to join us too!  

I also headed off to Target to get a special canister that I can’t wait to show you.  I hope to be posting a picture of this special Halloween item by the end of next week.  I am waiting on my package to arrive this coming Wednesday...so hopefully by Friday you will see the fun item.  Keep your eyes peeled!  Until next time...

8/15/2008 - Have you ever wanted something so bad that your stomach is bouncing around inside?  Well, that is how I feel about all my new fun stamps that I just purchased.  I thought I was going to fall off the edge waiting to place my order this past Monday...and then I even expedited shipping so I could get it sooner.  So...on to why I am telling you all of this...My order arrives yesterday and I am so excited...and then I am not home the entire day!  Oh the suffering of my stamps sitting at home in the hot dark box waiting for someone to love it all....and yet I wasn’t at home.  I was at Great America with Noah and some friends...having a wonderful time and yet occassionally my mind would drift to that box on my door step.  Is there a Stampaholics group meeting somewhere?!

8/13/2008 - Well, I am almost caught up on some of the housework!  Slowly but surely it will get done.  I had a fun friend, Laura, come by to stamp with my last night.  Thank you, Laura!  I used some of the Guava I had lying around but I will post the card so you can see what I had fun with last night!  Although we made the same style card she used the Pink Pirouette and made a birthday card while I made a get well card.  I just love the Inspired by Nature set!  I definitely am into the Silhouette style stamps.  Watch later for a posting of the card I made last night.  I have to get busy and make a baby card too today.

8/12/2008 - I’ve just arrived home this past Sunday from being away from home for two weeks.  Convention was a blast and couldn’t have had more fun with Dar and all the new friends that I met!  I ran into Ro, one of my Leadership roommates.  It was so great to see her and a big surprise as I didn’t run into any other of my fab roommates from Leadership as there were just so many people.  I’m sure you can imagine how hard it is to find 10 people amongst a sea of 6,000!

Spending time in Minnesota with my parents was just as nice!  It is so easy to relax and just do nothing.  The dial-up connection makes it really easy not to go to the internet at all!  ;0)

Well, I am home and trying to catch up on two weeks of housework, stamping and friends!  I hope you can all give me a chance to get my mind out of vacation mode!  LOL!  I look forward to sharing some of my new creations once I schedule all my upcoming classes for September.  Just a reminder that August will be a very dry stamping month as Noah’s ear surgery is coming up next week and I’ll be out of stamping commission making sure he is cared for.  I’ve really enjoyed spending even the spare moments with everyone that has picked up their catalogs!  Also, thanks to all of you that called me on that long drive from Minnesota...you made it actually bareable!  :)

7/31/2008 - So our first day at Convention is behind us!!!  I won a great new Decor Element called Season of Thanks!  I can’t wait to create some fun home decor element when I get home.  I think about many of you while I am here....knowing what items you will love when the new catalog is released.  I am so looking forward to sharing my excitement with you when we review the catalog together!   

7/30/2008 - Dar and I are here in Salt Lake City!  Woohoo!  We are enjoying the heat and the...new catalog!!!!!  We just got it today and my wish list is super long already!!!!!  A few hints...5 new punches....5 new types of ribbons....wonderful new Designer brads and many new super cool stamp sets....new fun on the way gals!  I can’t wait to share with you!  I am excited to share that Tart & Tangy, One Smart Cookie, Merry & Bright, the Snow wheel and many others have been brought back from the minis!  I am glad to have more fun with these sets! 

7/25/2008 - It has been one busy week.  My little sister, Liz, is in town this week and I finally got her to try her hand at what I love best...stamping!  I did get her to at least smile.  I think 13 is a hard age to be happy at!  ;)  Tonight we get together for the second installment of the Christmas in July class.  For those that pre-ordered the pre-made cards... they have been completed and will be shipped by Monday if you chose that option.  So be on the look out!  Very little stamping done this week due to my little visitor but at least we both had wonderful pedicures!  I can’t wait to start creating for my newest projects...out of my head and on paper but just itching to touch the new In Color textured paper!  Happy Friday!

7/12/2008 - Lots going on this coming week! If you signed up for this year’s Xmas in July - I’ll be seeing you tomorrow for a fun morning of stamping! Since we have a full class we will be having some extra fun - since what is Xmas without some surprises! 

7/8/2008 - Happy Birthday, Janelle!  Today in honor of Janelle’s birthday I had some time to create the newest addition to my creative gallery - Wow Flower Trio.  It is the perfect set to create birthday and thank you cards - and quick and easy ones at that!  It is one cute little set of 4 stamps.  Do you just love those two new delicious colors - Pacific Point and Kiwi Kiss?  Two of my favorites for sure!  Did you notice that awesome scallop - well along with the new catalog will come a new scallop punch - no need to use the corner rounder punch any longer to make those time consuming scallops!  Woohoo!  I hope to enjoy some more stamping today after the waterpark to give you more of a sneak peek at what is to come in August!  Happy days!

7/3/2008 - Wow, a month has gone by without any crazy updates from me!  If you haven’t heard by now all the new stamps in the next catalog will be die-cut!  I know you have all been excited about that possibility - well it will be a reality soon enough.  I know that many of you were not so keen about the 6 month catalog but it is amazing how you are now waiting to see the new stamp sets already - well, I have actually placed my order for some of those new stamp sets and hope to have some wonderful samples on my website soon.  ;)  Well, I am off to do some cleaning and hopefully some stamping after I get Noah his ice cream!  Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday! 

6/10/2008 - I can’t believe it is June already and I’ve been neglecting you and some updates!  June 15 that is 5 short days from now the retirement list will be posted!  For those of you that don’t know what that is...let me update you.  Every 6 months at the end of the current catalog, Stampin’ UP! retires some of their infamous stamp sets because they will no longer be in the next catalog.  The one thing that is important to know is that once the items on the list are gone, they are gone...so if anything is on there that you want then please order it at the earliest opportunity so that you can  get it!  All the In Colors (Paper, Ink, Ink Refills and Ribbon) will be retiring including anything that contains the In Colors like designer series papers.  So stock up if you are in love with any of those great colors - Which was your favorite...Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, or Groovy Guava?  My favorite is definitely the Purely Pomegranate...Just love it!

5/29/2008 - I have to thank my stamping friends or should I say "fiends" for always keeping me challenged!  LOL!  I have been a crazy stamper making templates out of those awesome grid sheets!  Who would have "thunk" that you could easily (or semi-easily) make templates using them?  Well, thanks to the challenge of re-creating an awesome wedding invitation, I have one July and August new club project already designed!  It will be a project to amaze - I promise!  May has been a great stamping month for me - I had a great time stamping with you all!  I have quite a few requests for another stamp-a-stack...so watch my calendar for another in the 3rd quarter!

5/20/2008 - I have been suffering from some crazy allergies this past week.  I think I am finally feeling a bit more like myself!  ;)  I have been busy stamping with some friends and have more stamping activities planned through the end of the month!  If you’re craving some stamping time...check out my calendar as there are some fun classes coming up!  Hope to see you soon!

5/11/2008 - Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms and the Moms to be(*Wink, Wink*, Kat)!

5/9/2008 - I’m busy working on some of my convention swap designs.  I will post a few pictures...would love to know what you think.  Drop me an email with an constructive comments!  The one design is actually the club project for May/June Hostess Clubs.  The other is an envelope album.  Happy stamping!

5/6/2008 - So I couldn’t sleep because I had to be one of the first to register for Convention 2008 this morning!  But I registered..."I’m going to Convention, I’m going to Convention"...so can you just see me skipping and dancing around singing that little song?  LOL!  Happy Tuesday...time to go rest now! HeHeHe!

5/5/2008 - Another beautiful day in the neighborhood!  A great day to start off a crazy week!  I want to tell all the gals that were over yesterday - That you all did a great job on your projects!  It’s good to see you all make your way through my instructions with ease!  LOL!  It was nice to see some of my favorite faces and some new favorites at the Mother’s Day Scrapbook class!  I’m looking forward to the rest of my classes this month!  See you again soon!

5/1/2008- What a glorious day it is today!  I just got back from a nice walk with the dog and I’m feeling pretty good!  Isabella is really tired!  That means she’ll leave me alone so I can start stamping my convention swaps!  Woohoo!  My Spring Stamp by Mail program ends this month!  Keep an eye out as the Fall subscription sign up will begin in August!  There will be some changes to the subscription due to the shipping increase...but I know you’ll still love all the great projects sent directly to your home pre-cut and ready to stamp!  There are three great specials this month - I was amazed to see that the Starter Kit is being offered at 20% off and you can get a free Hodgepodge Hardware set FREE!  That is an amazing opportunity!   Have a great sunshiny day!

4/29/2008 - Let me tell you that this weekend was so much fun!  We got together for the card candy class this past Sunday!  Since I get "lost" when I am stamping samples and projects I rarely realize how much time I spend on a project!  Yikes, those brave ladies that came spent 5 hours with me!!!!!  Thanks for dealing with my stamping craziness and thank you for all the wonderful, kind words!  I am always so glad to hear that the recipients of the gifts we make are well-received!  I also had the Aquamarine Hostess Club ladies at my home for the first time on Sunday and Monday!  They are just so wonderful...one reason I always say that there is never a "stamper" that I don’t like!  Thanks ladies for making my Sunday and Monday a great experience!  I’m looking forward to spending more time with the ladies of the Aquamarine clubs into another year or so!  Enjoy your week!

4/26/2008 - Today I spent a fun day stamping with Kat and Joyce and some new stamping friends!  I got to see their stamping rooms and wow all the cool stuff!  I can’t wait to get organized!

4/20/2008 - I know that some of you will be surprised but despite David (DH) being gone this entire weekend I was able to survive!  LOL!  The house got cleaned,  because of course we were stamping here this weekend, the dog was fed and Noah (DS) was taken care of - Wow we women have it rough don’t we?!  HeeHee!  There was also a new change to my life these past few days.  I have just become the Treasurer for the Cub Scout Pack that my son is a Tiger Cub.  I really wonder if I just can’t stop myself from taking on more responsibilities or if other people think I need to be doing more than just stamping.  What do you think?  I guess I better go sew those badges on his shirt!  Have a great day!

4/14/2008 - I have to thank everyone that came to my hostess appreciation party yesterday!  You all gave me another unforgettable event to add to my memories!  I’m glad I made one of your dreams come true!  ;)  I enjoyed sharing the special projects made with the scrapbooking kits!  And of course...I hope you all enjoyed getting those fun Stampin’ Up! products!  Thank you for making my business a success!  I look forward to next year!

4/12/2008 - Linda’s Inkettes are meeting tonight for dinner and stamping!  Friends and stamping - what could be more fun! 

4/10/2008 - It has been a busy week for me!  I have been designing some awesome projects for my demonstrator team meeting this Saturday and my Hostess Appreciation Event this Sunday!  I have to say that these two events will be fun, fun, fun!!!!  I can hardly contain myself!  

4/8/2008 - Today is my sister’s birthday.  We celebrated this past Saturday at Redstone in Oakbrook Terrace!  Yummy!  I gave her one of the cute nugget tins that we made at my home last month!  She just loved it!  She talked more about the nugget tin than the beautiful scarf that she got too!  Hostess Appreciation party is coming up this Sunday!  I hope you RSVP’d! ;)

4/3/2008 - I had some time to show my newest member of my downline, Meagan, some fun techniques yesterday!  I just had the best time...it reinvigorates me...so I once again had enjoyed creating some upcoming projects! My upcoming card candy class is on my mind and I have finally chosen the colors for one of the two projects...can you say Berry Bliss?  I know it is the name of the newest designers series paper...but I just love the pomegranate and the pretty in pink together, add a little cocoa and chocolate and voila...a scrumptious color combination!  Pearls and glitter will glam it up for the perfect gifts! 

4/1/2008 - Spring is here!  My tulips are poking their heads up out of the ground!  Woohoo!  I actually pulled out my retired Terrific Tulips set just recently!  I can’t tell you how much I just love the two-step stamps!  They make me happy!  ;)  Happy April!

3/13/2008 - I love looking at other people’s creations and making them my own!  It saves time in the design process and sometimes I end up creating something that is just as unique!  Start thinking about how you can change something in the catalog to suit your purpose...change a fun card into a gift package or into framed art!  Remember your creativity is boundless! If you are attending my For the Love of Chocolate event this Sunday you will be excited to see one of the wonderous creations made with the new Carousel Notes found in the Occasions Mini catalog! Can’t wait to see you!

3/7/2008 - Well, it took me a couple of days...but I found the perfect spot for my glittery snails!  Spring is coming albeit a bit slow...so my glittery snails are perfect awaiting the spring weather!  I love them and it just shows that the chunky essentials glitter is perfect for glamming up any card you need to send to that special someone!  These 3 babies in this cute little box are going to a lucky hostess this month! 

3/4/2008 - It has been a fun few days of chatting with some of my newest stamping friends and newest members of my downline!  I did have some fun today playing with the new chunky glitter essentials!  Meagan was lucky enough to catch a few glimpses of my newest snail creations...yes, can you imagine snails with glitter shells, or glitter frogs?  If I can ever figure out how to place them on a card I will post it for all to see!

2/26/2008 - Can I tell you how much I love working from home?!  ;D  It is a beautiful sun shiny day today...so despite the snow it is just lovely working at my dining room table!  Most of you know that my stamping studio is in my basement...but today I decided to be upstairs to see that glorious sun!  So I brought my stamps, punches and inks upstairs...so despite the 12 trips I have made today...it is still a glorious day with a bit of exercise kicked in for good measure!

2/24/2008 - Friday started a fun weekend of stamping!  I had classes both on Friday and Sunday!  Saturday I got to spend watching Noah play basketball.  Even though his team didn’t win he was a shining star!  It is good to have two parents that are 6’ plus!  Also, two of my stamping friends have decided to join me on my stamping team, Linda’s Inkettes, this past week and take advantage of the $159 starter kit!  The weekend couldn’t have gotten any better!

2/21/2008 - I had a bunch of time to stamp today!  Of course, I spent most of the week stamping so what’s new right?!  Well, today I prepared for an upcoming class on Sunday at one of my stamping friends homes!  I played around creating pop-up cards - they are so fun to give - the surprise is the best!   

2/11/2008 - The weekend was great...I got to meet some new stamping friends in Orland Park on Sunday...a great group of ladies...all very talented and fun!  As the weather is so cold I sent Noah off to school and decided to do my cleaning before some fun stamping!  I hope to play with some of my new toys...maybe a touch of glitter...some pretties and some felt...hmmm...what could I make??!!

2/9/2008 - I was able to get Noah’s valentines made today.  It was only 27 of them...so not too bad.  I was smart this year and stamped "friend" on all of them...no need to write individual names on each one!  ;D  That’s okay, right?!

2/3/2008 - The Superbowl Sunday Shoebox Swap was today! I got together with some members of my downline...Tracy and Joyce! It was great to meet some new stamping friends too...Krista, Karen, Linda and Sue! All wonderful stampers and great people to spend the day with! Afterwards we went to a Superbowl party with some friends! What a fabulous day...stamping, food, fun and friendship! 

1/31/2008 - Getting ready for another cold day...winter storm warning in effect...okay so it is winter...maybe I just have to get used to it...nah! I plan on getting some more stamping done today...working on projects for some upcoming workshops! What work, huh? A stamping friend, wise beyond her years told me that 15 minutes of coloring is like 15 minutes of meditation...ergo...5 hours of stamping is like 5 hours of meditaion! :D

1/29/2008 - Another dreary day here in the Chicagoland area...but as I wait for the furnace guys...I can think of nothing better to do than stamp! I rationalize not cleaning today because the ducts will be cleaned today so I’ll have to clean up after they leave...good rationalization I think! I hope to create some fun projects using a couple of the new Sale-a-bration sets...I know lucky me...I got to get a couple of them in advance! ;) I will post a couple to my gallery later today...so keep on the look out! 

1/28/2008 - Today was a rainy day...but I finally had time to work on my upcoming newsletters and yes...my website! I finally have my picture added and have hopefully figured out how to make sure you can all view my classes. Please continue to be patient with me and these past few weeks of craziness...I know you will love the new enhanced site better when I get my projects posted...slowly but surely I am getting updated. 

1/27/2008 - I’ve been designing projects for the wonderful women in my Garnet and Amethyst Hostess Clubs, getting ready for the Sale-a-bration workshops in February and for the new class - Give the gift of the Heart class series! It has been fun stamping some new and exciting projects! I just LOVE the felt flowers!!! They make great add-ons to tags, fun centers to the pretties kit flowers...I just LOVE the felt flowers...the colors just make me happy! Most of my classes are incorporating the flowers as I have had fun playing with them! Happy Birthday Alexander!!! He is my nephew and he is 8 today and we will be doing some fun activities with him! He is into movie making so maybe I can have him practice making his first stamping video...starring who else but me! ;) LOL! 

1/14/2008 - Catching up with all my stamping friends here in Illinois has been great today! It is amazing when you are gone for almost 2 weeks that I have actually been missed! ;) I finally received my first order from the new catalog! I can’t wait to play with the new glitter and the sticky cuts! I’m going to have some fun planning out my stamp-a-stack projects tonight! I can’t wait to get stamping again! 

1/13/2008 - I just returned from Leadership 2008 at 6:30 AM this morning. The fun I had was unimaginable! I roomed with 9 other magnificent women (we stayed in 2 rooms)! The time we spent together is something I wouldn’t trade for all the Stamps in the Catalog...and I mean it! Stamping, Learning, Sharing Joy and Happieness and New Friends..it is what Stampin’ UP! up is all about! Bethany, Shawn, Chris, Carla, Ro, Shannon, Julie, Daneen and Hattie - Can’t wait to see you at Convention 2008!

I also met a wonderful Demo from Tampa on my flight home. Thanks for sharing and making the hours fly by in what seemed like minutes! Michelle can’t wait to see you make your grand entrance across the stage!

Happy 2008! This is a year of new endeavors for me! I am no longer working the standard 9-5 job - how quickly life changes for us. I am looking forward to giving my son more of my time. I hope to give my business more of my time too!