Christmas Is Underway :)

We had our first Christmas celebration yesterday with my mom's side of the family. This get-together was extra special because we haven't had one in several years. My grandparents are snowbirds and haven't been home for Christmas in a while. With my grandpa turning 86 in February, we wanted to make sure we got the family together at least one more time :) This was by far the largest get-together we've ever had. Our family has grown so much over the years that it was great to have such a full house :) Here is the newest addition to our family :) Isn't he CUTE! This is my great-nephew Hayden. With my parents living in Michigan, this was the first chance they've had to see him. I love that I got a shot of my dad smiling with him :) (I'll have to do a little Photshopping to remove Mom's arm!) He was the most well-behaved baby all day and didn't make a peep! And look at those big eyes :) I love that our family was able to get together and have a nice meal and just sit and talk and be together :) Grandpa said we better enjoy it now because if we expect him to stay in this 20 below degree weather next year...we're nuts! He's really missing his 70 degree weather in Arizona right now! I'm glad he's toughing it out for his family :)

Spotted Cow Soaps-December Featured EtsyBlogger

Wow! Can you say YUM!!! Absolutely everything in Ms. Moo's shop looks good enough to eat! Take this yummy Gingerbread Whipped Sugar Scrub for example...it is making me hungry just looking at it! And the best part is, you get to rub it all over your body :) Mmmmm! My absolute favorite way to unwind is in a hot bubble bath. How about you? While you're there, why not have a party! Or at least enjoy some champagne anyway...some Sparkling Champagne Bubble Bath that is! Who hates lotion that leaves that greasy feeling on your hands...ME! I can't have greasy fingers while scrapbooking...so Spotted Cow has come up with the perfect solution. Her Tranquil Spa Lotion has the perfect formula to leave you feeling oh so soft...without the greasiness! I hope you will stop by and visit Spottedcowsoaps and see what she has to say at her blog. I dare you not to drool :)

Last Minute Gift Idea :)

I'm sure there are a few of you still looking for that great last minute gift for your family :) I thought I would let you know that there is still time to purchase one of these great albums and receive it by Christmas!!! I ship all of my US items Priority Mail so shipping times are fast :)

I have two of each style (bright and muted colors) available.

These Family Word Albums make great gifts for anyone in your family and they will be so grateful you gave them a gift they can cherish forever :)

Making Weekend Goals :)

Each day I try to set goals for myself so I know what needs to be done and in what order. I set priorities and make lists...I'm a big list maker :) Yesterday I was very pleased to meet my goal...and then some. I got 4 albums completed and ready for the mail!!! WooHoo! Then, I even got started on a 5th, which I plan to finish today along with another album. I just love being able to check things off the list! These albums complete the list of items that need to be shipped out before Christmas! Now all of the albums I have left are local orders and will be delivered by hand :) It really feels good to have accomplished such a large task! I had fun making this particular album. Most of my Name and Word Albums aren't themed, so this one was fun because it was all Spiderman :) And I love that scrapbooks are for boys too! This was another particular favorite because it used a nickname. My Name and Word Albums can be any word up to about 9 letters long and I leave the table completely open on what word that is. This is for a grandmother who's grandchildren call her MomMom...how cute :) I hope you are having a successful weekend...and marking things off your list as well :) Now...off to finish those other albums!

Let the Countdowns Begin!!!

I have been getting so excited for Christmas this year and all that comes with it. I always start an official countdown for each activity that surrounds the holidays :)

Countdown 1: 10 Days Until My Parents Arrive!!!

This is by far the most important countdown of the season!!! I could do without all the presents, all the great food, all the festivities...just bring my parents home for Christmas! I will get 16 days with my parents this year :) This brings me to my next countdown...

Countdown 2: 7 Working Days Left til Christmas Break!!!

The reason I get to spend so many wonderful days with my parents is because I won't have to be at work! We always shut down over Christmas break, but this year they have decided to shut down the plant for an extra three days. They didn't see much sense in being open on Dec. 22, 23 and Jan 2...so we got those days off too!!! I can't wait...this is a much needed break!

Countdown 3: 15 Days til Christmas!!!

Of course I can't leave Christmas itself off my list! We actually have our first family celebration on Dec. 21 (11 days!) and then our big get-together is on Dec. 24 (14 days!) and then immediate family on Christmas Day! So many celebrations in so little time!

I don't have an advent calendar or any fancy way of counting down my days...I just have a mental countdown to get ready for the festivities! How do you countdown for the big upcoming days?

Take 5...You Deserve a Break :)

I don't know about anyone else...but I have a HUGE sweet tooth! I have a hard time passing up any kind of cookies, pies, cakes, bars, etc, etc, etc!!! You get the point. So, today I felt I deserved a little break from my hard work to bake some cookies :)

I'd love to give you the recipe...but to tell you the truth...I cheated! I bought these recently from a school fundraising function and every time I'd open the freezer door, they were staring back at me. So today I finally broke down and took a few minutes to pop these in the oven :) You can't beat a tasty treat that only takes 5 minutes to prepare!!!

Hope you are getting lots of work done today...but I really hope you take 5 minutes to have a quick little break :) You deserve it!

Flip Flop Season???

So, I'd been starting to wonder if people either didn't "get" my flip flop albums...or just didn't like them. All summer long I've been relisting them often as they tend to be a summery item...and didn't sell a single pair! Now that winter has hit...I've sold 3 flip flop albums! And, I have a custom order for a pair that I am going to make into a Guest Book for a Jamaican wedding! How cool is that? So, I'm wondering...is this flip flop season??? Ever since I starting making flip flop albums, I've become addicted to buying them whenever I see them. I see endless possibilities with different styles. I don't even wear flip flops...I just like to buy them for albums! The people at the checkout counters usually give me a really funny look when I tell them what I'm planning on doing with them...just another reason to hand out a business card! "Here, take a look at my website and you'll see" :) Here are 4 albums that I still have in my store: Mickey Mouse Flip Flop Album $20 I was a HUGE Mickey and Minnie fan as a kid! I couldn't resist these :) Minnie Mouse Flip Flop Album $20 Hannah Montana Flip Flop Album $20 I can't believe how popular she is with the kids! Any girl would love these :) Flip Flop Scrapbook Album-Love Themed $20 A great little anniversary gift, maybe? Or great Valentine's Day gift :) And here is a pic of just a few of the flip flops I have on hand still to make albums out of. I probably have 30 pair on hand! (Note: Pink/Brown Polka Dot Flip Flops are sold.) So, what do you think of these albums? I'm always curious to see what people think of them. I'd love to hear your comments!

5 Custom Albums Left Before Christmas!!!

I have been really busy lately getting all of my Custom Albums ready for Christmas delivery! In looking at my current orders, it looks as though I will have time to make 5 more albums before Christmas arrives :) Get 'em while they're hot!!! These Custom Sorority Name Albums would make a great gift for a fellow sister :)

Have a baby celebrating his or her first Christmas? These Custom Baby Name Albums are the perfect way to always remember the special event!

And as always, these Custom Name Albums make a great gift any time of the year :)

Looking for that perfect gift...check out a Custom Word Album today...and hurry before it's too late :)

Cyber Monday...EtsyBloggers HOLIDAY S*A*L*E Final Day!!!

This is the final day of our EtsyBloggers HOLIDAY S*A*L*E and it has been so much fun :) It's so much better to do things as a team! We've been chatting in the forums all weekend and helping to promote one another...what a real team is all about :)

Here is one of the wonderful creations I am offering in my store for 20% off through the day :)

It is my Baby Girl's First Year Scrapbook Photo Album Calendar and it would make a great gift for a new mother or for yourself :) And here are three more items I am adding to my wish list this year. A few of my favorite things...

These Silk Embroidery Earrings by maryeb are just beautiful. Pink and teal are my two favorite colors and what makes them even better...they are 20% off through today and come with free shipping!!!

I can just imagine what this Vanilla Coffee Soy Candle by blisscandles smells like! Two of my favorite smells in the world...combined into a decadent candle! All I can say is...YUM :)

And here is one of my new favorites...Heather Bailey Fat Quarter Fabric in fabricboutique's shop. Heather was featured in one of my favorite scrapbook magazines and I just fell in love with her style...I'd love to have some of her fabric to add to a layout of make a mini album out of!!!

Here's to more happy shopping and great S*A*L*E*S!!!

First Snow!

It was so nice to wake up yesterday to the falling of beautiful snow flakes! There's just something about that first snowfall to get you in the winter spirit :) And every year I have to take a few pictures of the first snow...it's a little tradition I've started the last few years. We didn't get much accumulation...just enough to cover the ground. It's best that way...gives me a chance to get used to it :)

The best part is...when it's cold and snowy outside...I get more work done inside :)

EtsyBlogger HOLIDAY S*A*L*E Featured Items

The EtsyBloggers are having so many amazing sales going on right now that I just can't quit looking at all the great buys!!!

Here are three items you better snatch up before I get to them first!

This gorgeous Red Ice Cube Multi Strand Necklace by Uniquecommodities is new in her shop and won't be there long. The color and style are just amazing!

These Tapestry Chandelier Earrings by Fiveoclocksomewhere would go great with any outfit! I love jewelry that I can wear over and over again...and these certainly fit the bill!

I love to find unique items on Etsy and this Oval Pine Needle Basket by Peacoxcreations is one of my favorites lately. It is made of long leaf pine needles and natural raffia with a beautiful purple agate center....many other colors available also!

And don't forget about me:) I'm still offering 20% off my entire Thanksgiving Sale Specials section in my shop. Lots of items in this section...take a look! Here is one of my favorites...

My Disney Princess Flip Flop Album would be the perfect gift for any little girl (or big girl)!!!

Happy Shopping...I'm off to do a little more myself :)

So Thankful :)

As with many people, Thanksgiving Day gets me looking at my life and the things I am so thankful for. This year I thought it would be appropriate to make a list of all the things that have come to mind in the last few days.

I Am Thankful For:

• My family and friends
• Jesse :)
• My furbaby-Harley
• A wonderful hobby I LOVE :)
• The Internet
• Etsy
• Having a warm home
• Good food
• Bubble baths
• Money to go Christmas shopping
• That Jesse and I still have jobs!
• That I get to see my mom and dad in 28 days :)
• Movie nights on the hide-a-bed
• A reliable car
• Coffee, beer, and Crystal Lite
• A healthy family
• And all the little things that I notice here and there :)

Here is a layout I did a few years back when we first became a big family. Just wanted to share with you :)

For those of you in the US, Happy Thanksgiving! And for everyone, I hope you have a wonderful, thankful day :)

EtsyBloggers HOLIDAY S*A*L*E

Who: EtsyBloggers Street Team

What: Holiday S*A*L*E

When: Black Friday-Cyber Monday (11/28-12/1)

Where: See all the shops participating here: http://etsybloggers.etsy.com/

Everybody loves a sale, right? Of course they do :) That's why the EtsyBloggers is hosting such an incredible online sale starting...this Friday!

I will be offering 20% off items in my Thanksgiving Sale Specials section! Lots of selection here :)

The best part about this sale...No Lines, No Malls, No STRESS :) Just lots of fun shopping of great handmade goods!!!

A Productive Weekend :)

I know it's already Tuesday...and I'm just now writing about the weekend!!! What's wrong with me! Well, my ISP was being a pain Friday through Monday and I wasn't able to upload any pictures during that time. The upside is...I was able to get a lot of work done during that time :) I got one album totally finished, boxed up and ready to send out. I got another done and ready to be boxed (red and white), one cut out, covered with cardstock, patterned paper and waiting to be decorated (black and white...which I completed this morning), and two others cut out and covered with cardstock!!! I was so excited to have such a productive weekend...I hope there are more to come :) Here is a close-up of the one ready to be boxed up and shipped out. (Which I also got done this morning!) It says GRAHAM and is decorated in town/school colors with a family theme. It will make such a great gift for the buyers mother-in-law :) Okay...now off to finish those other two in the picture :) What did you get accomplished this weekend? I hope yours was as productive as mine :)

New Flip Flop Albums in Store :)

I added FOUR new flip flop albums to my Etsy store today!!! I am so excited to get some great new items in there :)

I wanted to show the front and back of this one because I just love that it says "Paradise Princess" on the back side :) How cute is that!

I have Minnie Mouse...

Or Mickey Mouse if you prefer :)

My favorite thing about this one is the cool pink butterfly attached to the thong part of the flip flop :)

I hope you'll stop by the store for a browse and like what you see :) Happy Thursday!

Storybeader: November's Featured EtsyBlogger :)

Good Sunday morning all :) Today I would like to introduce you to this month's featured EtsyBlogger: Storybeader. Storybeader, aka Deb, makes beautiful jewelry for her Etsy store. But the coolest thing I think she does is adds a special haiku with each necklace specifically written for that piece of jewelry! It's that extra little touch that I find so special :) Here are a couple of my favorites from her store:

I totally love all the colors in this fantastic Turtle Treasure Necklace!!! It could be worn with SO many outfits that it would never be left in the jewelry box :) Put this baby on your wish list in a hurry!

I wear so much turquoise that I couldn't help but show you this beauty :) This Turquoise and Coral Necklace would add a new color combo to my wardrobe with that rich coral...I just love it :)

Also, check out Storybeader's Blog where her latest post shows one of her wonderful works in progress, the finished piece, and of course...the haiku to go along with it :)

Stop by and see storybeader...and have a wonderful Sunday :)