Life is good.

My thumbs are not green by any means. They are very white. I kill things. I am my mother’s daughter. Neither one of us can keep a plant alive. We forget about them, don’t water or feed them. I wish I was one of those people who could plant lovely flowers and plant and have a wonderful garden oasis.

The only plants I have ever kept alive are some (note, I said some) of the plants I received when I was in the hospital. I tend to forget about those too. I water them at the last possible second it seems. . .

I wonder if that is why I have such an affinity for floral stamps. I can’t get enough flower stamps. The more the merrier I become!

When I saw the Papertrey Ink Set, Green Thumb, I instantly loved it. I didn’t purchase it right away though becasue acrylic stamps scared me. I broke down and bought some Autumn Leaves Acrylic Stamps a few weeks ago and I found that I really like them. They are a little to get used to, but pretty cool in concept.

Needless to say, I got the Papertrey Ink set and inked it this past weekend. I *heart* it!!!

This layout is curtosey of Michelle Wooderson. The base measures 4.25″ x 4.25″, however the top layer makes this card measure 5.5″ x 4. 25″. Very fun layout! For this card, I used Regal Rose, Rose Red, Ruby Red, Old Olive and Summer Sun Classic SU! Ink. The cardstock base is Regal Rose and the matting is Rose Red and Old Olive. I used the Petals and Paisleys Designer Paper from the Spring Mini. I faux stitched the bottom to match the ribbon.As always, I appreciate you checking out my gallery and givin’ me some love in there too!

Peace out!!

Andrea

 I have a fabulous group of friends. We get together once a month (or try to) and do ladies night- dinner and drinks. We always laugh until it hurts and there is never a dull moment. I haven’t seen them in a while though, our last ladies night didn’t pan out. We don’t all talk on the phone all the time, they all have kids and whatnot. I don’t so I have more time on my hands…

 I have been working on a few cards to send them this week. I have to say that I should have ordered a lot more of this Fancy Pants paper.It is so beautiful that I can not bear to waste one single scrap! This card is for my friend Rebecca. She is fun and very trendy. She can pull things off that I wouldn’t even dare to try. She loves anything with bling.

I used SU! Mixed Bouquet and So Very sets along with the Bouquet Jumbo wheel. The inks are all classic SU! and are Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Regal Rose and Pixie Pink. All the cardstock is SU!. I used Pretty in Pink and Pixie Pink. The bling is from various sources- I threw them in a box and I don’t remember who made what!

I felt like it needed something so I pierced and faux stitched. Big suprise, huh?? Regardless, it is just what it needed!!

I hope your weekend was nice. I know a lot of my SCS girls were at SoCal Stamp Mania… I can’t wait to hear about it!

It’s almost 1:15am here, so I better get to bed.

Hugs,

Andrea

I still love Bodacious Bouquet.  It’s so fresh and fun. The one thing that I always enjoy doing with this set is cutting out the flowers and popping them up. It works and is generally very pleasing to the eyes… plus they needed to shine! Can’t I make anything without glitter lately???

I wanted a shimmery, shiney look for this piece. I used my VersaMagic inks in Pink grapefruit, Pink Petunia, Pixie Dust and Aspen Mist. I also used my craft pads in Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose and Bashful Blue. The cardstock is Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink and Shimmer white.  I did use two additional stamp sets- Linen BG (on the flowers) and the Jumbo Wheel, Rough Texture. The ribbon is from May Arts.  The flower are covered in Crystal Stickles. They shine like crazy!

I received some stamps from Papertreyink.com yesterday, so I hope to play with them this weekend. It’s dreary in Central PA, so I will need something else to brighten things up, I think stamping is just what I need!

 Hugs,

Andrea

Hi there friends! I am back to announce my winner… I felt this person asked me a question that really started me off on something that has really changed me.

 Kimmie  asked the magic question: I’m going to ask ….. what was the best lesson that you ever learned to help you through life??

That there is nothing more important than family and friends. When I became ill last year and was hospitalized, it was a real turning point for me. I took a good hard look at my life and couldn’t believe how much I took for granted. Especially those that love me. Life is what you make of it- if you want it to be good it’s up to you.

Some of people may be sick of me talking about it , but it is a HUGE part of who I have become over the last year and who I am.  Last year in June, I had a blood clot. To make a long story short, the clot broke off into my lungs and I was in and out of the hospital for 2 weeks. I was told that had I ignored the pain in my leg and chest that I could have went to bed and never woken up. That scared the CRAP out of me.

Needless to say, I made some changes both physically and meantally. I never realized how much I was loved. I mean I know that I am loved, but to see that fear in their eyes and the worry it just puts things in perspective. I am so blessed in my marrige, family and friends.

I *try* really hard not to sweat the small stuff.

I count my blessings everyday.

I tell my loved ones “I love you.” every single day.

I smile.

I laugh.

I *try* to be the best person I can be.

I remember how precious life is and how blessed I am to be alive.

These are some of the most important lessons that I have ever learned. I am so thankful to have learned these things at a young age. Unfortunately it took me getting sick to realize a lot of these things- BUT I learned them.
That is the story of why Life is good.

****Little Miss Kimmie, email me! Your blog candy will go postal as soon as I get your addy!

****I also picked a 2nd question at random for a little extra surprise candy, so Sharon in NE, also email me! That way yours can go out ASAP too!
—– 

I also want you to meet one half of my very best friends… meet Kelly. Kelly is my sister for those of you who don’t know. She is an identical twin. Our sister, Lisa, and my other best friend,  lives in Pittsburgh. Pictures of her to come! We miss her like crazy and call her all the time. I just wanted you all to meet Kelly- a lot of my SCS friends would like to put a face with a name. Isn’t she cute?? Lisa is obviously just as cute!

Stamping to resume tomorrow! I have lots of stuff to show you all! Have a great night and again, thanks for reading my blog. I had such fun answering all your questions! You all rock!

Hugs,

Andrea

I know you are patiently waiting for my winner… I am going to post again in a little. Sweat baby! Sweat! LOL

In the mean time, here are the answers to my latest wave of questions. You guys really asked me some great stuff!!!

1. Bettinaon asked me,

But I want to know, as we all become a little more sedate in life and crafting becomes our outlet, what is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

I can’t really say that I was necessarily all that crazy, but I miss Thursday night Karaoke after classes! The business department was closed on Friday’s, so we always went drinking after classes!

2. # Dawnmercedes wanted to know: If you had to have another hobby, other than stamping, what would it be

I used to cross stitch, so maybe I would still be doing that- but I wish I could draw or paint.

3. Allisonon  Gawd…I can’t think of any interesting questions…any tattoos?

 No, no tats. But I would love to get one- I can’t though because of being on blood thinners.

4.  Debra  asked me, When you were little, what did you think you were going to be?

I wanted to be a pediatrician. I wish I would have gone for it!

5. Michelle said, Fun questions so far! Mine is: Do you ever get sick of the chocolate smell? I visited Hershey a couple of summers ago and was surprised at how much it really did smell like chocolate - then went to the Reese’s plant (My fave - yum!) and it smelled like peanut butter!

Sometimes, yes. I am on the edge of Hershey/Hummelstown, but really close to the plant. You can smell it sometimes and it can make me sort of nauseated!

6. Linda SS wanted to know, I am enjoying your blog. Please tell me the reason that you are partial to Boston Terriers. (besides the fact they are so CUTE:-) My husband said he had one when he was young & the only thing he remembers about Cuddles is that he was very gassy. I am interested in hearing about this breeds attributes.
Thanks, Linda SS

I am partial because I love “bully” breeds- bulldogs, mastiffs, boxers, etc. Her size and personality suit my lifestyle. She is such a comic! Oh, and your husband is right- they are SUPER gassy! LOL

7.  doverdion asked,  “If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?”

Honestly? Not one thing. My life has changed a lot in the past year and all for the better. I couldn’t be happier!

8. Kimmie said, I’m going to ask ….. what was the best lesson that you ever learned to help you through life??

That there is nothing more important than family and friends. When I became ill last year and was hospitalized, it was a real turning point for me. I took a good hard look at my life and couldn’t believe how much I took for granted. Especially those that love me. Life is what you make of it- if you want it to be good it’s up to you.

9. Stephanie wanted to know, Hmmmmm…..a question…….How about: What was your favorite and least favorite part of high school?

I was the in between kid- I got along with most everyone and didn’t really belong to a group. I could hang out with anyone. I don’t miss HS though- you couldn’t pay me to go back to being a teenager. College on the other hand… now those were really good times!

10. Shannonon: What is the one simple thing you can’t live without?

Flavored coffee cream!

11. Shelley ~ photocropper:   What was the craziest thing you have ever done?
I will share mine if you email me?

I don’t really have an answer to that… I wasn’t really all that crazy. BUT you can email me your answers!! teehee

12. Susanon  My question to you is: Where do you want to be in life in 5 years? 10 years? Do you dream of children? A career? You mentioned you work in a family business…can you share more?

WOW… so much to say here! I will try to be short. Yes, I do want children. Badly! I am not allowed to get pregnant right now though because of my blood clot last year. Soooo as soon as the restriction is lifted, I will be blogging preggo style!

My family does commercial HVAC. I am the controller there. I over see all the financial parts of the business and the HR as well. The business has been in my family since the 70’s. It was my grandfathers and my dad took it over.

My brother is working on a webpage, you can see a little of what we are doing here: http://www.hcnyeco.com/index.asp

13. jodeneon asked, My question is what is your favorite thing to do with your stamping supplies?

I like a little of everything! I am not particular… if I am stamping, I am happy!

14. Sharon in NE

I swear my dog (a papillon) can read my mind…alright, maybe its light reading, but it can’t be easy because my thought pattern flicks around between subjects so fast its hard to figure out. (see? where was I…) Some people think dogs can read their owners minds and seem to be one step ahead of them. What do you think?

I think I agree with that! Grace seems to know what I am feeling a lot!

15. Claudia F.:  Neat idea….my question is this: How high is “UP”?

Could you please repeat the question? LOL

16. Jan Scholl:  

You are being exiled to an island and must take one item to grow for food. What would you take? Remember this will be your only thing to eat for the rest of your life.

I am not sure, but it would be a carb… like biscuits or Spanish rice!

Wow! I was asked a lot of great questions yesterday! Instead of Gotta Have It Tuesdays, we are going to answer some questions instead. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did answering them!

I want to start today with Cheryl’s question: 

1. How do you start your card design if you are not CASEing it?

For me to create a card or project, I need to be inspired- wheater it’s by color, shape, a piece of paper, pulling interesting elements out of other cards such as a way a ribbon is tied or a layout that is appealing.

I pull details from these things with out CASING an entire project. Now mind you, from time to time I do CASE. But my main goal as a stamper is to take a small piece of inspiration and put a spin on it to make it mine.

I also have started sketching out layouts, color schemes  I like, and other things that draw my attention. Get a notebook- see where it takes you. You might be surprised!

—-

2. Cheryl Kelly-Van Domelen asked me what I think is the greatest invention of my time?

Hands down the Internet. I remember when my brother was in college and had it. There were no graphics, just prompts and people sort of typing out into the black screen. It was so primitive compared to our Internet now!

—-

3. Tiffany Walls wanted to know, what or who got you started in stamping? Where did all of your motivation come from? Sorry..I guess that’s 2 questions

I started stamping when I was a Freshman in college. They day I cam home from spring break there was a SU! box on my door step (no lie). I had see a catalog of a friends aunt and fell in love with the whole idea. I am so glad I did!!!

As for motivation, I don’t really have any. Keeping up this blog has made me want to stamp more often. It just depends on when my “Mojo” starts movin’!

—-

 4. pegg L: My question is what is missing from SU line of products that you wish you they made/where do you think they are going?

Wow, this is an interesting question! I can’t really say because I am game for almost anything! I think they are heading in a more “trendy” direction. I am not sure how I feel about it, but I love most stamps!

—-

5. Susan H asked:

OK, my question is: what’s your favorite stamping tool? (any kind of tool, anything goes)

Right now, my favorite tool is my paper piercer. It’s an obsession lately! I want to put holes in everything!

—-

Joyce wants to know:

Where did the name Mr. LOL come from?

True story, and it goes sort of like this:

Mr. LOL (Pete): Honey, why do  my buddies keep saying LOL in their emails? I don’t get it! I mean, I love them and all but why are they saying it? It’s very weird!

Me: Huh? What are you talking about?

Mr. LOL: You know, LOL- Lots Of Love

Me: *spew*

Mr. LOL: What?!?!?

Me: It’s laugh out loud you dork! Not lots of love!

Hence, he became Mr. LOL know by the HYENa’s on SCS. It just stuck and I became Mrs. LOL…

Hope you enjoyed part I… Have a great day! Gotta have it Tuesdays will resume next week!

Nothing too exciting to report. I had a productive weekend. I did 7  loads of laundry (give or take), cleaned the garage, and did a set of altered letters for my BIL’s son, Rocco. They wanted the letters simple and in browns and greens, so this is what I came up with:

They are a little plain for my liking, but exactly what they wanted for Rocco’s nursery. I couldn’t get a good photo either. That was frustrating! Here are the ingredients:

MM Letters

Cosmo Cricket paper

K & Co. paper

SU! paper in Certainly Celery

SU! Ink in Close to Cocoa

SU! Ribbons and Non SU! Ribbons

SU! Hardware

Cuttlebug

Mod Podge

Sanding block

Also, I have some Andee’s Candies to give away… I had ordered some odds and ends from an online store in MD, and picked up a few VersaMagic Dew Drops. Well they sent me 2 that were wrong and told me to keep them. I have a Pink Grapefruit and an Aquatic Splash! Hence, we have blog candy! I am also giving away a few yards of ribbon by Prima Marketing Inc. and another little surprise *wink*

I will also have some ribbon runner ups! So post your questions! More than one if you like!

 Here is what you need to do, let’s play 20 questions (or a form of, rather). Ask me what ever you want! I will pick the most interesting question as my winner! I will post your questions with my answers throughout the week!

The winner will be picked on Thursday!

Happy Monday!

Andrea

ThenI don’t know what! I am so tired of this icky, dreary weather. But alas, I has no control. It’s Friday, thank goodness and it’s supposed to be pretty nice here in Chocolatetown, USA. I don’t have any major plansbut to stamp and do laundry mostly. I also need to work on my SU! sale. I am going to be having a whole bunch of sets up for sale/trade. I need to get ready for the new catty!

 I didn’t feel too great last night,  my tummy was not good. I did manage to get a few cards done before I felt too bad. I feel like I am in a slump again… I need some major creative spark to bite me!

I did break out some more of my Fancy Pants Paper from the Key Lime Collection. It really is gorgeous!

I used the So Very set from SU!’s Sell-A-Bration. I hadn’t used this set yet, I really like it! The paper is Fancy Pants, Key Lime collection, Chocolate chip and Pretty in pink. I used the Versa Magic Dew Drops ink in Jumbo Java and Pixie Dust. The bling is from my sister and the ribbon is from a Texas Jody Lynn share.

I thought that circles would be interesting because the Facny Pants paper had a medallion design in the middle and that is what my inspiration was. I cut the medallion out with my EK Sucess Circle Scissors and layerd it on the Chocolate Chip and Pretty in Pink. I did the same in different order for the other two circles. The ribbon is brown and pink and matches perfectly. The bling I added for the that something extra- I wanted to make sure this card was really girlie.

Have a wonderful weekend blog friends… I hope to be back this weekend with some Andee’s Candies (I got blessed by the “mistake” again! I guess I should say you will all be blessed with it!).

Keepin’ real ‘n crafty,

Andrea

First off, how do you all like the new banner? Kickin’, huh? Could you please leave me a comment so I can make sure the comments are working on this template? Pretty please??? You all are the best  :)

Okay, I am hoping by now that many if not all of you are familiar with Texas Jody Lynn, blogger of Confessions of a Ribbon Addict.

She is a sweet, sweet girl, who is part of the SCS Dirty Dozen (join NOW if you haven’t already). She hosts monthly (sometimes more) ribbon shares and Prima Flower shares. I was lucky enough to get in on 3 of the ribbon shares recently:

Polka Dot Grosgrain- Polka-licious!

Stitched - oh so thin and fabulous!

Striped May Arts- Just divine!

There isn’t much to say except, get in on one of her shares now! They are awesome and totally worth the winding you have to do after opening that huge box of yards upon yards of yummy, drool worthy ribbon!

So next time there is an awesome ribbon share to get in on, don’t hesitate… Jody has the best ribbon around and isn’t afraid to share it!

I have so many nieces and nephews and they just keep coming! I have 17 with one on the way to be exact. With all those kids come lots of birthdays. My brother’s son, Cole, will be 9 on Tuesday. He is such a fun and awesome kid.

I made this card for him for his birthday… It’s great for any dude in your life!!! It has a clean simple design. I inked the A Muse Rock Star in Stazon black and colored him in with Prismacolor pencils. The “grounding” oval is inked in Cool Caribbean. The main base is the Aida Cloth BG in Real Red. The brads are Queen & Co. If you aren’t familiarly with their brads, you really should try them. They are great!

I am trying to use some of my “less loved” sets…  I haven’t used this set in forever. Be Happy is a hard one for me to use. I don’t love it. But, I think this is a great card to mark some type of “celebration”. I also used the Spot On jumbo wheel. I am a big fan of jumbo wheels.

This paper is so much fun! I got it from Ecletic Paperie, it’s Fancy Pants Sublime paper. Lots of stuff going on and it’s very colorful! I used Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, and Gable Green paper. I used all Versamagic ink, in Red Magic, Cloud White and Tea Leaves. I popped up all the elements with dimensional tape and added a Queen & Co. Brad and tab. They organdy is by May Arts.

Today is going to be the start of a long week. I hope you all had a great weekend… don’t forget to file your taxes tomorrow. I filed mine earlier tonight *phews*

Andee

What a week I had last week! Busy, busy. I never  posted except for you all to meet Tinker. I promised some stamping and that never happened. Nothing eventful came up, but I just seemed to have a lot going on- KWIM?

On Friday, I went to the scrap store in Hershey. They had some awesome Autumn Leaves stuff! I got my very first set of clear stamps! This is the set I got. So cute! I inked it a little yesterday but nothing that great came of it. I also got a few sheet of AL paper. I made two cards. I love the colors- very summer.

** Click the thumbnail… for some reason it won’t let me post a big pic *rolleyes*

I am still having trouble using the Doodle sets from SU!. They are just hard to use IMO. This first card uses the AL paper as the base. I used the Watercolor crayons to color the doodles which I stamped with Black Staz On on Shimmer White. I popped up the flower for some dimension and covered it in Stardust Stickles. The layer is Pumpkin Pie stamped with Versamagic in Cloud White with the Linen BG. The sentiment by A Muse is also stamped in the white.

I added some Heidi Swapp bling to the swirls because they just seemed to need a little something. I really like using this type of bling because they are on a strip and you can use several at once or one at a time. You get so many one one card! The ribbon is May Arts and is from a Texas Jody Lynn ribbon share.

I am home from the shore. It was so great to get away and do nothing! It was super cold though, so I don’t have any great or fun pics to share. We vegged out all weekend, shopped and went out to eat.

Gotta Have It Tuesday has taken a different path this week- a.) because I was away, b.) because I didn’t prepare anything to share, and c.) Because I want you to meet Tink.

While we were away, my parents got a Boston Terrier. I am VERY excited! As you all know, Gracie is a Boston, so I am partial to them. Also, what some of you may not know is, that my parents live 2 doors over from me. Kelly, my sister, lives in the middle. It’s pretty cool because we all get along really well, and all the dogs play together as much as they can.

Without further ado, I want you all to meet Tink. Her real name is Tinkerbell, but my mom didn’t like that so it’s just Tink. She is 8 months old and about 10 1/2 lbs. Gracie looks like a giant next to her. She is so petite and tiny. A real lady! I am just in awe of how sweet she is. I might have to steal her. I want her for my own!

What is nice is that they can get together and play pretty often. I had them over at our house last night… they wrestled around for awhile before exhausting themselves.

Thanks for keeping up with me… I know it’s been a few days since I have blogged. Expect some stamping this week- I promise!!!

 Peace out!

~A

Okay, so I totally flaked yesterday on announcing the winner. My day was hectic w/ packing and then my SCS Gallery shift that I completely forgot *dorks* I hope you don’t hate me!

 So, we leave for Dewey Beach today and I am super excited… Mr. LOL was too lazy to pick any numbers or names so I used random.org and came up with a pick…

Stefanie of Scrapped Silly! She said,

Email me your deets and I will get your stuff out to you on Tuesday when I come home.

 I hope to be able to check in from the beach, but I am not holding my breath. So if you don’t hear from me, have a very Blessed Easter and if you don’t celebrate, have a great weekend!!!

 Hugs,

A

We are having problems with the blog templates, so I am sorry if I am driving you all nuts with changing the layout/look of my blog. I just can’t find a header AND layout I really like.

 This might go on for a few weeks, so bear with me and my indecisiveness! I *heart* you all!

 Also, now you will have to register before you can comment. I have been getting some dirty spam all day. Gross!

It really is a dream! I received my Dream Kutz a couple of weeks ago from Eclectic Paperie and I have to say, it’s pretty darn nice. Do you need one? Maybe not… should you though? MOST DEFINITELY! It really is nice for cutting cardstock for your cards and the next time I swap, boy will I be smiling.

It DOES NOT cut chipboard… so if you are planning on cutting chipboard, that is a no go. It does cut both 12×12 and 8 1/2 x 11 paper. The blades are self- sharpening and you don’t have to plug it in!! How cool is that?

 There are 2 slots, one for 3 cuts, which cuts your 12″ paper into 3 4×12″ sheets, and there is a slotfor 2 cuts, which is an adjustable slot and will cut your paper in 1/2. You can cut a 12×12 piece into 100 differnt cuts!!! I have taken some pics to show what the cutting looks like on a 12×12 piece of paper:

If you have one and you have any tips, please share them with me! I will post them for everyone to see. When you have the funds, run over to Joy and Daisy and get a Dream Kutz, it’s a great tool, I think you will love it. Who is it good for? Scrapbookers and cardmakers alike. See eP’s blog entry on it… Daisy gives some pretty great info!

 Have a great Tuesday!

~Andee

Happy Monday! The countdown begins for me today. I am really looking forward to our trip. It seems my theme these days have been completely floral. I really need to find something else to do before I drive you all nuts with flower again this week. However, flowers are all I want to use lately. Tonight I am going to try to do something different…

This card is one of my most favorite I have done in a few weeks. Remeber the other day when my coffee went flyin’ and ruined a whole bunch of My Minds Eye paper I had stashed away? Well I had a nice scrap of it salvaged and used it on this card.

For this fun card, I used my VersaMagic Inks in Aquatic Splash and Red Magic. The stamps are from SU!’s Office Accoutrement set. I used Real Red, Cool Caribbean and Shimmer White papers. The faux stitching was done with my paper piercer and white gel pen.

 Tomorrow is Gotta Have It Tuesday, where I will be yet again sending you over to the Eclectic Paperie for something that cuts a straight line.

I want to thank you all for your great comments on your Easter plans. I am really enjoying reading them! Keep commenting, you could be a winner come Wednesday!!!

Have a great day readers! *smooches*

~A

In honor of my long weekend away next week, I am handing out Andee’s Candies. I promised you some treats this weekend, here you go!!!

I ordered an extra SU! Spiral Punch by accident last week, so why send it back? Why not give it away as blog candy! I am also giving away some SUPER cute silvery-gray harlequin style note cards and a party lamp stamp by  American Art Stamps. 

 I would love to know what your Easter or if you don’t celebrate Easter, your weekend plans are- Leave me a comment and I will have Mr. LOL pick the winner on Wednesday before we leave for vacation on Thursday.  Have a wonderful Sunday and don’t forget to comment!!!