Oops I forgot to...

post my latest pink paislee layouts:

Write soon,

Dee

Some new eye candy...

Gotta love it.

I went to check out the my little shoebox website and blog and guess what I discovered... not only do they have some great stuff, which arrived today and is on the floor for sale, but that they are having a contest for their design team. So, take a peak at the call, then head over to dee's get yourself some my little shoebox stuff and create yourself into a design team.

This is a peak of the goodies that just arrived:

This is chipboard - beautiful!!!

The Turtles and Trees Collection

These are overlays!!!

tiny alpha stickers in colors!!!

This is their My Neighborhood Collection

As soon as I get something done with this I will post it - I have a thing for diecut paper and tiny alphas and chipboard - okay I have a thing for all things scrapbooking :)

Write soon,

Dee

I told you I had a new favorite...

I couldn't help myself. I had to hit the 100 mark today - day 31+28+8=67 days in - I am way ahead - yeah I rock- woohoo. But, of course I had to do it with my new favorites - Pink Paislee.

LO 96 New w/ NEW Pink Paislee

LO 97 Just so cute w/ NEW Pink Paislee

LO 98/99 Easter 08 w/ NEW Pink Paislee

LO 100 turning 6 w/ NEW Pink Paislee

Write soon - okay maybe scrap soon,

Dee

Jennie Bowlin Inspiration

LO 94 Know this I love you
LO 95 You bring out the best in each other.






I love this layout, the picture is not too hot, but in real life it's beautiful.










This is also with my last favorite Jenni Bowlin paper with a little prima, bo-bunny, Kaiser, and maya roads to finish it up. Love that I can mix up a lot of stuff with it. Great colors - not so great images. Sorry.

This is a pic of my son on his 9th birthday last month. He is such a character.

The litttle monthly calendars from jenni rock!

Okay, so I have a new favorite

Thursday night I made a few layouts with the jenni bowlin stuff and I was all gaga. It was my favorite. But, yesterday I went into the store and now my new favorite is the new pink paislee and maybe the new bo-bunny. That Alissa girly line is beautiful and the fetching and the captivating lines are both gorgeous from pink paislee but the chipboard shapes and alphabet take the cake. But, you can be the judge of that. I am posting a few pictures from my jenni bowlin infatuation tonight. I plan to get a few done tonight or maybe at tomorrow's day crop with my new favorites.



Write soon,

Dee



P.S. Since we are open tomorrow we will be accepting the 40% and 50% off coupon from our competitors tomorrow too. So, don't forget to stop by between noon and 5. Only 1 coupon per person per day. No copies accepted. Exclusions include but are not limited to all kits, crops, classes, and services.



P.P.S. Please do not wait too long to register for the NSD crop on May 2nd we are almost half full, in just a few days.

I am feeling better

I was talking to one of my parents yesterday and without realizing it before, we have become friends. It is so important for me to keep in contact with my parents, but this year I think I have made friends out of several of them.
Back to yesterday, after about 30 minutes of just random ramblings, she told me about how important it is to keep positive about things. That as bad as things can get, that it really makes a difference. After she left, I thought about all the harsh realities she had faced recently, but how she always managed to come in and help my babies out, help out with preparing materials, organizing the library, testing for AR. Always with a smile on her face, even through some very difficult issues and I really truly felt so much better about being sick and tired all the time and life and the store, etc.

Today, I gave it a try. I am trying to bring positives into my life (something I had heard about in Oprah a few months ago, too) and I actually do feel better. I feel tired but that's expected. I got everything done today that I needed to finish including all the assignments for one of my classes. I read all my emails for yesterday and today, and I have time to scrapbook tonight. I am blogging now and the pink paislee came in...yeah!!! I can't wait to get my hands on the flowers and Rebecca said the Chipboard was her favorite. Bonus - some of it is going to be part of one of our kits this month. The rest of our orders look like they are going to arrive on time tomorrow. YEAHHHHH! I finished my lesson plans until after spring break next month. YYEEEEAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

We are on day 64 of the year and I am on layout #94 - maybe I'll crack 100 tonight.
We have several people signed up for our NSD crop in May and my daughter is going to be 11 tomorrow and I have 12 followers. YEAH.

How fast does this work...
Has anyone tried this visualization thing?
How did it work out for you?
I think it's more about appreciating the good things that happen and glaze over "the other stuff" I can hang with that. It's kind of the half full versus the half empty. Which is really weird because I am usually a half full kind of gal anyway. I think being sick so long warped my brain. Maybe it the new medicine that is recentering me...I don't know, but I truly feel more at peace. I think I am going to make to these 2 classes without killing someone. At this point, I am midway through both. So, I am chugging along at a consistent pace. Yeah. I actually have time to take a little nap and reboot and then scrap the night away. How did that happen?

Yeah - visualize it.

Well, those are my pearls of wisdom for the day and I'm either going to nap or scrap- both very good choices. YEAH!

Write soon,
Dee

A little Bit of this and a little bit of that...

THE COUNT

LO 90/91 What 9 looks like w/ Jenni Bowlin

LO 92/93 You are so... w/ Spanish Memories paper (maybe a double dee?)



MIKAELA's 11th Birthday Sale

My oldest daughter Mikaela is turning 11 on Friday, March 6th. SO, come in on Friday and get 11% off your entire purchase (cannot be combined with any other offers). But, if you can't make it ...



AMANDA's 7th Birthday

My baby girl is turning 7 on Friday, March 13th. SO, come in on the 13th and get 7% off your entire purchase (cannot be combined with any other offer).



MAGAZINE SUBS

Also, I wanted everyone to know that we have registered to carry my favorite magazine Scrapbook Trends at the store. We are taking names for the magazines (cards or scrapbook).

If you subscribe for 3 issues I will give it to you at 40% off the retail price - no coupons - no waiting - it will be reserved for you. BUT, I only have 5 copies of each. SO, don't hesitate.





GARAGE SALE

Sign up to display your "almost new" items at our semi-annual garage sale.

Tables are $10 each (prepayment is required).

Items will be displayed from Friday, April 3rd - Sunday, April 5th

Store credit will be given.



NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY CROP

Our National Scrapbook Day Crop is scheduled for the first Saturday in May. May 2nd.

This will be our biggest bash of the year.
We expect all the designers and staff to be present for our biggest event this year!!!
YES!!! The sales will be fantastic and the upstairs will be open for croppin.
The kit is UNBELIEVABLE!

The goodies being donated are INCREDIBLE!!!


Lunch is from Jason's Deli.


Dinner is from Olive Garden.


We ONLY have room for the first 20 to pay the deposit!!!


Cost: $40.00


Deposit of $20 is due by April 15th to guarantee your spot.


Call now before we are sold out!!!

STAY TUNED FOR SOME VERY BIG NEWS - COMING SOON!!!

Write soon,

Dee

This is Renee's double dee and you really need to see this in real life. She did a great job with the flowers. Beautiful!

Another double dee - yes I know this is pink but the boy LOVES the water. SO, it will work.

Ideas...

My Latest Double Dee.
I actually made 2 and Renee made one. So we actually have 3 double dees this week. Happy Scrappin!!!

The count...

LO 74/75 Love it w/ Scribble Scrabble paper
L0 76 One Crazy Girl w/ mm flower patch - i know
LO 77 Beautiful w/ scribble scrabble paper
LO 78/79 Photo Shoot w/ Basic Greys Porcelain coll
LO 80/81 Personality and so much more w/ Basic Grey's Porcelain coll
LO 82 Titleless w/ Basic Grey's Porcelain (i'm working on it)
LO 83 Mimi 10 w/ Basic Grey's Porcelain
LO 84/85 Graduate 07 w/ basic grey marrakesh
LO 86/87 Smile with dude paper (Double Dee)
LO 88/89 I heart u (Double Dee)

I will post some of these tomorrow. I'm going back to bed.

Write soon,
Dee

THE CODE WORDS

Yep, I made you look. I knew that putting the code words here would hook you in.
But, it gets better - if you are one of our followers or sign up to be one of our followers you will also get an extra coupon. That's right TWO 40% off coupons (exceptions include but are not limited to all kits, crops, classes, and services of any kind. One time use only. Please share the site with your friends).

But, now that you are here, keep reading. I know it seems like a trick but in actually I know that once you read a blog there's no going back. And I want your feedback. This is where I share my deepest thoughts, my words of wisdom, my idiotic ideas, whatever you want to call it. It is freeing to me, plus I can go back and use it for journaling and so much more. You should consider creating one of your own. I actually got Heather to do her own. You can get to her link from her crazy picture on the followers list. It's awesome, but addictive. I started checking other blogs out and I was lost for hours but it just made feel like I knew them all and I got some awesome ideas from their samples. Some of them inspired me to complete some of the layouts I have posted here. You would not believe how long my list of favorites is, amazing after so many years, so if you are losing your mojo click on one of my favorite links and check them out...you will be inspired.

As a matter of fact, I was checking out one of Heather's links and found this site where they are using three words to wrap up their week. This got me to thinking what 3 words could I use to wrap up my week. If I could use 3 and only 3 words what would they me (awesome title ideas) and after a lot of deliberation I would have to say "I am tired". I know this doesn't really sound inspiring but it wraps up how I've felt being sick for so long. But, I just know that my next 3 words (for next week) will be so much sweeter.

Thanks for looking and keep looking for more inspiration, 3 words or otherwise.

Here is your code word: Nice Blog (for your first code)
Followers code word: I'm on the list (for your 2nd code word)
Just click on the followers link and follow the prompts - it will take you just a couple of minutes.

More January Challenge Kit samples

These are from Sharon:

Last Month's Challenge kit...

These are some of Heather's:

Sneak Peaks for Sharon's first class...

Another sneak peak

Another sneak

Another sneak peak:

Sick again...

Yep. I'm sick again. I am so sick and tired. It's "walking pneumonia" this time. I can't seem to get over this horrible cold. I actually slept until 5 today with a few bathroom breaks and a couple of calls in between but still how can that be. I am supposed to go for an xray tomorrow. SO, it's a wait and see.

So, that means...no scrappin lately. I've been so tired. The sad part is that I have a whole bunch of ideas in my head...including some basic grey ideas and some jenni bowlin and some bo-bunny swimming in my head. But, except for the 2 two-pagers that I did with the basic grey porcelain this weekend that went perfectly with the photos Katrina took in sepia and black and white. I was super impressed. I had to use them right away. So, I hope to get a whole lot done this weekend before I forget.

Also, I am excited to announce that pink paislee is supposed to ship early next week along with 2 brand new collections from Studio 8 - it's beautiful. The easter line is all pink and frilly but it's dang cute. So are the stickers.

I'd better go. I am going back to bed. I know how sad.

But, I've got some cool plans in the work for next month so keep reading for all the juicy details.

Maybe tomorrow.

Write soon,
Dee

It's starting to arrive

Heeeelllllooooo,

Okay, so the precious new stuff is starting to arrive. Yeah. The Jenni Bowlin stuff arrived today and Kellie put it out on the floor already. My favorite has to be all the alphabet stuff. Love it. Lots of blogs with cool ideas including hers (www.jennibowlin.com), so if you stop by pick it up and check it out - you'll love the samples.

Everything else is still in transit including the Challenge Kit paper - oh so beautiful...

Got a couple of layouts done with scribble scrabble and a couple more swirling in my head but my stomach has been killing me. The only reason I am online is because I needed to hand in some late homework for my reading class. But, it gets better I am still behind on my esol class. So tomorrow will be even crazier. Stress can't live with it and you can't live without it.

Write soon,
Dee

Busy, Busy Beaver

Hello,

Yep, I've been a busy little beaver. I had like a flurry of activity as you can see from the samples on the blog. All that paper just had me so inspired. I am completely in love with mm flower patch. I used a whole bunch of the stictched flowers and the buttons and the journaling pages and the tags and the butterfly clips - I love the butterfly clips. I am obsessed with butterflies. Oh, okay I love it all. But, the funny thing is that I used it for all types of layouts not your regular springy layouts. The My Mother layout is actually a photo of the two of us on Christmas Day and the the friends 4ever layout is of Mikaela with her best friend Marina at Marina's 12th birthday party in January. The butterflies layour (my fav) was actually of Amanda on one of her dress-up photo shoot for absolutely no reason. I love when I can use something in a different way than expected. It is super exciting. As for the love letters from mylyb I had a smaller flurry of activity. But, I have a few things in my head I need to find photos for - so expect a lot more with that paper - especially the diecut paper.

Then, there is the fact that some Fancy Pants is expected on Friday. I am drooling over their Summer Soiree and their Krafty Kuts - OMG it's beautiful. Check out the sneaks they are awesome. I'm in love. And guess what some of it will be in our February Challenge Party Kit - so get ready to have some fun!!! Yep, BRAND NEW paper in this kit but I'm not telling anything else. It has shipped, let's just hope it gets here in time.

And talk about getting it here in time. I ordered the paper for crop weeks ago but due to some technical glitch on their end the embellishments were shipped and not the paper...can you imagine that? So, after finally getting it all squared away, it is being rushed and will be delivered on Friday. But, the best part is that since they were shipping me an order they added the monkey paper that was sitting on my backorder - so that monkey paper will be here too. Yeah! I love it when a plan comes together.

I also hit the scribble scrabble blog on my daily computer journey and I found a really cute layout that I'm scraplifting with the new paper and Jen S. made 2 layouts with their new paper - so check them out - they will all be at the store this weekend. Oh and don't forget we still have room for our crop on Saturday and I have a very interesting gift card holder challenge that Kellie told me about. You won't want to miss out. So much beautiful stuff so little time.

As for the rest of me. My dad is doing well. YIPPEE!!!
The other day I was talking to someone that had no idea about my dad and was saying that once you have cancer you never completely get rid of it. That it just keeps coming back stronger each time - and I'm thinking in my head - oh god please no!!!
But, I am keeping HOPE alive.

I was reading someone's blog a few weeks ago and she was talking about how she picks a word for the year - a word something that she plans to embody, believe, execute, etc. And, after several weeks I too have chosed a word for this year - HOPE. That is my new word for the year - I HOPE to do many things, be many things, etc. Really. Keep HOPE alive.

Today I even cooked dinner at home. I know, amazing, because everyone knows I'm not any good at it - plus the fact that it's 2 days in a row. So, I once again HOPE that it's edible.

Well, I've got to go my oven roasted chicken is calling my name. Please HOPE that I don't accidently poison my children.

Write soon,
Dee

The count continued

All of these done with MM Flower Patch
LO 60 - Butterflies
LO 61 - Laugh Often
LO 62/63 - Friends 4ever
LO 64 - New
Lo 65 - 2gether
LO 66 - my mother
All of these were done with My little Yellow Bicycle's Love Letters
LO 67 - Love, Love, True Love
LO 68/69 - The Two of You
LO 70/71 - The Things I love I love love

LO 72 - Special Bond using mm love notes
LO 73 - Bonding w gramps - bobunny dot paper

I am hoping to put these up on the blog itself. I really love all the flower patch layouts. I think they all look great. So scrap on!!! The paper is beautiful.

Write soon,
Dee

P.S. Check out our latest double dees - I've posted the 18 that are available now. Come and check out the new display in the crop room. Nice Job putting it together Kellie!!!

It's about the journey

As part of our valentine's day we rented some movies. One of them was Swing Vote with Kevin Costner. Did you guys see this movie. It was pretty good but I found myself saying to my husband who was quite unhinged by the ending that it was all about the journey. Yep, sometimes it is all about the journey. I think that's probably why I don't scrapbook chronologically (not that there is anything wrong with that - It just stifles my creativity). I need to highlight those moments that are important to me when I think they are important. It is about my journey. For example, I try to keep current scrappin my favorite photos at that time. But, I go back months later and look back at the photos that were left and always find something that I need to scrap now or that is relevant to me now that back then I didn't think was so important. Like Amanda's love of bears and Mikaela's silly grin or Nik's fake sleeping. They just focus on other aspects of my kids or my life that appeal to me. So, yep it's about the journey. I think it always has been and will be. Isn't it?

What is is for you...do you scrap for the pictures, the memories, the product, the design, the creativity? What makes you keep on keeping on???

Share your story with us.

Write soon,

Dee

I'm trying

Now, that my husband has to pick me up everyday (since Albert has a REAL job) I have been spening a lot of time at school - until 5 and 6 pm everyday so I am getting my online coursework done (okay maybe not really) but not much of anything else. I am scrappin strapped. I think I've gotten like 6 or 7 pages in almost 2 weeks. I am quickly falling through the cracks. It's crazy. Where does the time go???

I know I need to do it! I get home and I look at my desk and wonder between printing photos and making dinner if I ever will have a chance to sit and spend time playing with paper, laughing at the photos, remembering the moments, writing how I feel. I really need to get it down.

In these tough times it's so easy to give up and think we don't have the time or the money or the skills to continue. But, I have to tell you that I have hope.

Seriously, I know it sounds ridiculous but I'm being honest. Isn't that what we are supposed to do on our blogs - speak what's on our minds, what we think, feel, want, need, love. I think that is what has attracted me to the blog that it has scrapability to it. But, I digress.

I really do feel hopeful and unless everybody else starts to feel the same way things will not get better. We need to take an active role in the economic mess that we are in, spend, shop, support your local stores, celebrate, believe in, aspire to be, do it all. Things will get better. Really, cause I can't see them get any worse unless we do nothing.

Today, I got word that we lost another cousin in Puerto Rico. Life is so short. Don't sit back and "do nothing." Do something, anything, whatever it may be whether it's getting a new journal, buying a new dress, maybe some pretty flowers or some delicious chocolate. Do something because you just don't know.

I love to listen to Gabriel Iglesias - he is a plus size Mexican comedian and he has this joke about how he doesn't want to die thinking he didn't eat that piece of cake he wanted - so eat the damn piece of cake!!!

Well, I've got to go I'm all over the place today.

Write soon,
Dee

Finally, it shipped

Hi Everyone,

Not only did we get the first prima order in today, but the mylyb love letters finally shipped and is expected in by Friday! Also, the new flower patch from making memories will also be here, so get your mula out because they will both be hard to resist. Plus, the kit for our theme crop has also shipped - think fresh, young love, butterflies in your stomach, and all that jazz.

I love life. I loved being pregnant. I love love. I am so excited about v-day and the flirty crop. I know it seems crazy to name a crop flirty but the kit is young and fresh, hip and cool. It reminds me of how I felt when I met my husband - like I really liked him (LOL). Everything was so new and wonderful and we just felt invinsible. But, the even funnier part is that my husband still has the ability to make me feel young and free and completely in love. For example, when each of my children were born and I looked across at my husband damn it "he had". The moment he cried in my arms when he lost his mother to cancer. Damn it if I wouldn't have given him the world if I could. Or the time, I got the call that my dad had cancer and he said "I'm here" and he is there - he gets it and he gets me and I'm a hot mess. So, yes, I feel flirty, young, alive, and in love whenever I look into his eyes and I see what he sees.

I know, I know, I got sappy on you but that's my other side. Really, I know it's hard to believe but I am really sappy. I can't pass up an occassion to cry - okay I just can't help it.

So, moving on before I break into tears here is my latest count:

LO51 - Natural Beauty with NEW Imaginisce (the single layout I skipped)
LO56/57 Play with CI
LO58/59 - Sunlovers with bo-bunny dot and CI paper.

Also, I took photos of all the latest double dees and hopefully I can post them soon.

Well, I've got to go Obama is coming up on the 11 o'clock news.

Write soon,

Dee

Prima, Prima, Prima

Yep, I can smell it in the air and I actually have sneaks of it available so if you wish to preorder to make sure that you get what you want stop by. I am here till 6 today amd tomorrow from noon to 5 pm. Remember, if you prepay you are guaranteed to get the product, it will be put away for you to pick up at your leisure. Two preorders have already been made. So, don't miss out. Beautiful stuff coming in but in limited supply. There are several sets of flowers, several sets of ribbons, and a whole bunch of bling that retails at either 1.99 or 2.99 each. Those prices are awesome!!!

Well, I brought in my printer and computer to get some of my photos down and layouts completed but I just had to make a prima update.

We still have some room for tomorrow's crop. There are about 9 of us. So, let us know if you can make it. Lot's of fun and it's FREE!!!

I have over 50 layouts made this year to show off some come get some inspiration.

We will also have 2 new double dees this week...party on!!!

Well, I'd better go, those photos are not going to print themselves.

Write soon,
Dee

Yucks and Yeahs

Hi Everyone,

Yep, todays words of wisdom come in the form of Yucks and Yeahs...
Yuck to online classes - I'm barely caught up

Yeah to using my new stash with old stash. I love to get rid of all stash even if it's 6 new things and 1 old thing I am using old stuff!

Yuck to medicine - when can't it taste good

Yeah to Prima - I can't believe that they have already sent the first order. YEAH!!!

Yuck to Pizza Hut - I just spent 50 bucks on PIZZA....

Yeah to Pizza Hut - the chocolate dunkers are awesome.

OKAY, maybe I am a little bipolar.

Yeah to completing double page layouts - I am going through a double page phase right now which is so unlike me.

Yuck to their not being enough hours in the day. I could sure use 6-8 more to catch up on life.

Yeah to getting to sleep late. I actually slept till 2 this afternoon. I can't believe it. I am usually out the house by 6:50 every morning, it was kind of weird to get up so late but damn I needed it.

Yuck to being sick at all. It sucks. I don't have time to be sick. Who does?

Yeah to being almost caught up in my classes.

Yuck to not being independently wealthy. I could sure use the winning lotto numbers. Couldn't everyone?

Yeah to over 100 days of school being over. We are a little more than half way through the year. Yippee!!!

Yuck to having weekly assignments. It's an awful lot of work. Why can't they make it easier? Why didn't they count my ESOL experience or my reading coach experience?

Yeah to the people who are always there for you no matter what.

Yeah to the people who let you make your own mistakes and still listen to you bit.. when they don't work out.

Yeah to the people who try!

Yuck it's time for me to go. I have my last assignment due before I go to bed. I need a nap and another 2 loads of laundry before I can call it a night.

Yeah, I have some great photos to print.

Well, I guess that you'll get a chance to catch up Heather.

Write soon,
Dee

the count

LO46/47 He Loves Me with daisy bucket loves me loves me not
LO48/49 7 favorite foods - teresa collins cooking line
LO50 So Tweet NEW IMAGINISCE

LO51 I skipped this one because it's the first page in my second album so it needs to be a one-pager and I couldn't split my 2 pager - so this will be the first one pager that I complete next

LO52/53 You make my heart flutter NEW IMAGINISCE
LO54/55 Your Bond continues to Grow NEW IMAGINISCE

So much to share...

Well it's true I have so much to share.

First, sorry about how long it has taken me to post again. I went to the Drs. for Amanda yesterday and decided that 2 weeks was too long to have a cold and decided to get myself checked out, too. Well, guess what, I have Broncitis, so I have been sleeping most of the day away. I am way behind on my two on-line classes so I will probably not blog again until after Sunday which is when everything is due.

So, I have a lot to share. For example, Prima shipped it's first order today - it is due to arrive next wednesday. Yeah!!! Brand new flowers, ribbon, and bling. I can't wait - but remember we ordered 6 of everything so don't wait too long because I am sure it will not last long. The last big order we got from Prima sold out in 3 days except for a couple of items.

Next, I have an awesome husband - but most of you already know this. He just got me an awesome brand new camera - it's a SONY cybershot again but it's a 13.6 megapixel.
I now have the wire to start downloading photos again - the kit photos will be up today and I hopefully will get flickr to work and upload some more photos up on our blog.

I also have started working on my 365 layouts with my fav 7 foods.

My mom left Monday and my sister left yesterday. So, I have a huge mess to clean up. Can you believe it??? I probably have done 5 loads already today and I will probably have to do 10 more before the week is over. Unbelievable. Plus, all the sheets and blankets. And the weather is getting even worse. Now, my 9 year old has a 102 fever.

Let's think about something else...

Oh and the beautiful new paper. I have created a few new layouts with the twitterpated paper but I need to add photos so sometime tonight I will post the new lo's. I need to get it all done today. I plan to sleep tomorrow all day and then work on my homework.

Finally, I have to share what happened to me on Sunday.

Sunday was Nikolas' 9th birthday. He wanted us to take him to Mike Greenwells. While there my mom made a new friend named Sparkle. As I sat down and joined in in the conversation, I announced that I knew someone at her kids' school. I told her I knew Jen Edwards and the woman's breath just skipped a beat. She asked me if I really knew Ms. Edwards. Ofcourse, I said. Then, she proceeded to tell me that most heartwarming story.

Ms. Sparkle is a single mom of 2 teens. She was a motivational speaker that was working coaching others to think positively, to do well, and be successful. The new manager's job that she filled was quickly terminated when the economy started to plummet. This woman received a call from "an angel". Mrs. Edwards called her to tell her that her son (the student gov't president) had not been wearing his glasses. But, while she had her on the phone she wanted to know if her team at Cypress Lake Middle, could adopt their family for the holidays. Ms. Sparkle said sure, why not. She said that Mrs. Edwards had saved the holidays for them. You could here the warmth and love in her voice and she described how all the presents were wrapped and label and signed adorably "rudoulph, and prancer, etc". She said that Mrs. Edwards had renewed her faith in humanity. I shed tears at this true inspirational story.

When I first opened the store and Jen E became a store designer I was very happy to have her on board, but I have never been prouder than to hear this story. Jen has had a very hard year and instead of wallowing in her loss she has enriched the lives of so many. But, the best part is that she didn't brag about it, or post it anywhere, or make any big fuss about it. She did it quietly and beautifully with no intentions of getting praised or bigger rewards. She did it all because she could - those are the biggest heroes. In times of economic distress true heroes emerge everywhere around us, look for the silver lining, believe in a better world and become a hero to someone, somewhere, sometime!!! Do it because you can...believe me the universe will repay the kindness - not because you have an exterior motive.
Consider this the first step towards becoming a better person. Don't we all want to be better???

Write soon,
Dee

What's cookin...

I am ticked with UPS - they suck!

They promised me a delivery for today and it did not arrive - due to "adverse weather" in the midwest. It's sunny in Florida - why can't I have my stuff. I'm so upset. It won't arrive till Monday - which doesn't help me any because we are closed. So, that means our kits won't be ready until next weekend instead of tomorrow. The stuff for my his and her kits and the rest of my double stuff were in there and some embellishments and all my adhesive and album refills. Auuuggghhhh.

After 30 minutes in the phone all I got was frustration!

So, although we have a ton of new stuff - next weekend we will have even more.

Let me tell you that foxy paper is even more beautiful in person. OMG it is so cute and shiny. Oh and their new summer line is shiny too and the epoxy brads.
We also got in the scribble scrabble and the lemon and cherry and the heart paper - all so cute. Finally, we got the Teresa Collins new family paper and the mm love paper - 3 of them that is because once again the backorder strikes again. I don't know how they stay in business if you order it and never get all of it. I don't know why I bother ordering it - oh that's right it's so damn cute - you should see the journaling notebooks. Beautiful and going fast. I put it out at 5 pm and we sold a little of all the new stuff - from each line and I haven't even gotten my stuff yet, cause I need it all! yeah!!!

Well, it's my sister's birthday and my 5 minutes are, but plenty of new samples to share at tomorrow's crop. I also hope to get some stuff done with the foxy paper and the mm paper, oh and everything else.

I have a whole bunch of catching up to do. The store is also wrecked - so I have a lot of work to do to get ready tomorrow.

Write soon,

Dee

it's been a while

Hi,

mom is still in town so i've had no time for anything. I can't wait till sat. I am so excited! The twitterpated line from Imaginisce is sure to sell right out the store this weekend. It is so cute the girls are making piles at the store. But, don't worry, there should be enough for everyone for a few days. That little fox is just so adorable. I can't wait to use it.

So wishing I was scrapbooking - I will just have to wait until Sat.

I'll see most of you this weekend.

gotta go - mom's calling

Write soon,
Dee

Just a few minutes...

My mom had us out all day then she dumped us off and went back out shopping...but she said she would be back in an hour. So, I need to get somethings together for dinner and figured I can sneak in for 5 minutes and share some pearls of wisdom.
Okay, maybe not pearls of wisdom. But pearls of hope.

What I hope for out of 2009 -

To become healthier
To be more honest with myself
To really learn how to run a business on a budget
To make the business a huge success
To convince my parents to move here (my kids need them)
To spend more time showing my kids how much I love them
TO have more date nights with John
To have more mommy and me nights with each of my children individually
To be a better person, a better mother, a better friend, a better everything
To become bigger part of the change going on

Wow this hopelist keeps getting longer so I'm stopping now my few minutes are up and my hubby is reading over my shoulder (annoying - but you gotta love him - he knows a good thing when he reads it).


LO40 New Destination - mm paper
LO41 Play Dig - Sassafras
LO42 Memories - CI and Heidi S
LO43 Hair Do - Oct aft
LO44 Seamore & Clyde
LO45 Brand New

Write soon,
Dee

Twist on th 365

Yep, it's true I've been compelled to do the 365 challenge but with my own twist. Yes, I know I already did a twist - creating 365 layouts this year, but I am upping myself one more. I am really considering doing the 7 photos a week challenge but with a theme.

For example, I don't know how many of you know that sometimes my mojo works without any pictures. Really, sometimes I just see some papers together that I think work and I create a page or two and then I look for pics to match. Finding pics that match is hardly ever an issue because I have about 10,000 pics still to scrap. I know, can you imagine. Yes, I scrap almost daily but still the two huge photo cases I have are full and I have photos in envelopes everywhere. But, I digress.

I figured I could create a weekly layout with space for 7 photos on a common thread. Some ideas floating around on my head:
My 7...
favorite photos
favorite restaurants
people
paper lines
layouts
foods
craziest students
favorite spots
kid quotes
tv shows
movies
songs
favorite places to shop
must have items
flowers
tools
places to visit
best pieces of advise - no photos of course
parent quotes - you know the ones about 5 mins of peace
favorite people in the world
favorite presents over
and of course over 30 more - I said it's a work in progress.

So, I want everyone to know that I took a pic of my steak at longhorn because it will qualify under something somewhere and when I get there I will have the photo.

So, now that my memory card has 1223 photos I will start getting my weekly sheets done so that I can start taking photos again.

I am a gluton for punishment. But, if I told you that my family was full of natural born posers would you believe me? Well they are - I have the 10,000 + photos to prove it.

So, join the challenge - get it scrapped and get it done. 100 years from now it would be awesome to have some great grandchildren somewhere looking at pictures of their great grandma and her crazy favorites like starbucks and coney island and feel the salt air and taste the steak. It's all about the memories.

Happy Scrappin!

Write soon,
Dee

They are here

Yep, it's true my mom is back in town. Surprise.

At least a 2 week visit I hear.

For now we are okay but pray for me I need it.

So, this is a short little pearl of wisdom. Buy, buy, buy it all. That's my new philosophy. I must buy it all. The kraft kuts from fancy pants are gorgeous. The borders and more from Cosmo are just awesome. The imaginisce summer is cool, the sea line from CI is my favorite grown up beach paper - it's beautiful. Oh and the pink paislee, the crate paper, even the we are memory makers is awesome. aaauuugghhh I've got to stop.

Well, I've got to go.

Layout update

LO 36 Potential 04
LO37/38 Under construction mm passport
LO39 2 drunk chicks - sassafras

Write soon,
Dee

OMG....

Okay, so I am still placing orders but it seems that most things will not be shipping until march. But, Fancy pants paper will arrive in Feb and that summer soiree is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL and the Krafty Kuts - OMG!


No pearls of wisdom except I have completed week 1 of reading class - yeah!!!
So, don't procrastinate. Get'er done.

LO 34/35 New - using more Oct Afternoon scraps.

Challenged myself to use more of it.
So, you be the judge do they look alike - stop by the store and check it out.

Write soon,
Dee

It's a chocolate ice cream night

After staying up late again last night and going back to work today oh and the chilly weather it's a great night to crawl into bed with a big comfy blanket and a pint of ice cream. But, the ice cream will have to wait. My online class has started and I need to hand in my very first assignment today. This is a reading endorsement class that runs until may with weekly assignments due and a final exam. Hah!!! Then at the end of the month I start my second concurrent class so for the next two weeks I will trying to scrap as much as possible so that I don't fall behind and give Heather some false hope (I am keeping my eye on you) then I will be behind for a while but never fear I will catch up. During school breaks I usually manage to create about 20 layouts a week. I know it's crazy. But, the final thing is they are still not slap them down layouts - I put brads, flowers, bling, etc in my layouts but I go through a yippee no school mojo and get a lot done. Last year, during the first 2 weeks of summer break I finished about 50 layouts. I know crazy. For some reason, I do all things to the extreme. I am trying to do better. Promise.

So, here's to happy scrappin and getting my classes finished. Yeeeaaahhhh!

LO 32 Beautiful girl - oct aft
LO 33 So fast - some oct aft scraps (yeah)

Write soon,

Dee

Yep, it's me again!

Hi Everyone,

Good News for those of you who attended Saturday's crop. Therapeutic Skin Care and Day Spa is trying to make amends for their error on Saturday and have agreed to have all 11 of you call and set-up an appt for a FREE manicure.

So, from the top of my head that includes:

Bekki
Becky
Sammie
Sharon
Heather (notified)
Sandy
Amanda
Sally
Debbie (already called)
Suzanne
Lisa

Please call on them at 12951 Metro Pkwy # 14, Fort Myers - (239) 561-8718.

I hope that helps to make it up to all of you.

Thank you so much for being so understanding.

But, as a part of our continued work in partnering with other businesses in the community for next month we have another special event. A pet/kid photo shoot.
This month we are teaming up with Photography by Katrina.

Katrina is a dedicated scrapbooker with 4 dogs of her own. She specializes in theme photo sessions for children and pets. So, for February we will be having two (2) photo shoots - Lovey Dovey Pet Photos on Friday, February 13th from 6 - 9 pm and Saturday, February 21st from 10 - 1 pm. Yes, we will be pet and kit friendly on those 2 days. Special pet kits, his kit, and her kits will be available at a special discount for everyone participating in a session. Photo shoot sessions need be booked in advance - they are for 15 minute increments. You will get 2 sheets of photos for $30. You choose the shots and the sizes. Photos will be available for pickup in just a few days. Call us at 334-4333 to set-up a time for your session. Check out her website at www.photographybykatrina.biz and to see some of her work with children and pets.

Finally, to my wisdom for the day - I ain't got none.

I have been so busy placing orders that I haven't made any sense all day - i've been like a drone - saying show me the paper - show me the paper - show me the paper - show me the ribbon - show me the stickers - show me the bling - show me the flowers -show me the stamps.

But, I will not disappoint. I placed 4 orders with Prima alone - I had to break them down to realistic amounts because I was in love with so much of it. I loved their cute mommy and me line and the teen girl line with metal and pink oh and the canvas tags but never fear it will be weeks before Prima ships. So, to stop you from dying in wait I have plenty of other goodies to keep you busy.

The first shipment should arrive on Thursday - Snorkel and Girl Friday from Cosmo Cricket. Lil Man arrives next week (sorry).
Scribble Scrabbles 3 new colllections shipped today.
Mylyb will ship tomorrow - the entire love collection. Aaaahhhhhh!
Pink Paislee will not ship until March first but I just sent my order in - I had to have it all - I just couldn't help myself - wait till you see the chipboard pieces and the diecut stickers oh and the paper. Okay I've got to stop.
I'm drooling.
That's all I'm telling - suffer, suffer, suffer.

As for the count:
LO26 This moment Fancy Pants
LO27 Turning 4 - making memories
LO28 Blessings - Oct. Afternoon
LO29 Family - making memories
Lo30 This boy - Scenic Route
LO31 Us - scenic route with scrap strips!!!

Write soon,
Dee

it's been a while...

I know it's been a while but don't worry I haven't returned to my bad days of yester year. I've been so SICK like a dog - I spent most of yesterday sleeping after violent throwing up spells with a headache. Can you imagine that combo???

Well on to more interesting news....

First - don't EVER shop at Therapeutic Skin Care and Spa in Fort Myers - irresponsible, unreliable, and just Shady.

Do visit Bellers Spa On Colonial - their massage therapist is awesome - shout out to Kathy. Thank you kathy you are a lifesaver.

First, I want to thank all the ladies who came in for Saturday's crop for being so sweet about everything. You just rolled with the punches - my kind of ladies!

Also, I wanted to talk about something really interesting about Saturday night. I had 3 young women crop with us Saturday. They aren't the typical Dee Shoppers - no kids, not world traelers, no husbands, no dogs to scrap about, in fact they are teenagers - they scrap about themselves, their dreams, their hopes, they were awesome. They reminded me of why I began a journal as a kid - to write down my dreams for a wonderful future. I thought it was so awesome and refreshing to see young ladies spending money and time to preserve their memories and staying out of trouble. It's so easy to get in with the wrong crowd - to go out partying, to get pregnant, to do drugs. Their is so much ugly going on and then you see young ladies like these - spending a Saturday night out together doing something for themselves - and staying out of trouble. It was refreshing to see. My girls have been scrappin' for years and I hope that when they get to be teenagers they consider the choices - the options and choose to dream and make those dreams come true versus hanging out drinking, partying and having sex. Don't get me wrong they will eventually get themselves into trouble, breaking curfew, drinking, etc but I hope to prolong it for as long as possible. For now, I will keep sharing my love of scrapbooking with them and provide another outlet for frustrations and build a stronger bond with my girls. Cause, 16 is just around the corner.

Finally, the next reason I haven't been on blogging is because I have been busy ordeing from CHA. Although the show isn't for another week - the sneak peaks have been awesome. So. I've been sending emails and making calls, and so much more.

I have already ordered the new:
Jenni Bowlin
Fancy Pants
Cosmo Cricket
Webster's Pages
Scribble Scrabble
My little shoebox
and more, more, more!!!

As for the layout count...

LO 21 Beautiful fish - daily grind fancy pants
LO 22/23 Going Apes - October Afternoon
LO 24/25 It's a small world - oct afternoon

I know I've fallen behind - but I've got orders to place - I'll catch up!!!

Our first "new product" arrives this week. Yep!!!

Write soon,

Dee

Saturday Night...

Okay ladies, most of you that follow the blog are also attending the crop on Saturday, which includes a manicure, but for those of you that would also like a massage - those will also be able for an additional fee. So, let me know if you are interested in that. I am super excited about this. I know that I need a little pampering and if your life is anything like me you also are in desperate need of some pampering...it's these little moments that save me from total meltdowns. Because I am on the verge of one right now.

Today, I found out that my son who pretended to do his homework yesterday actually did not do it. Then, he wouldn't do it today. My first grader decided that she did not know how to estimate and did not want to do her math homework. Back to Nik for a second - he then proceeded to cry and act nuts of and on for 30 minutes. Wait, it only gets better. He then decided that he was going to get his math homework today - omg I mean he wanted me to do it. Then, he kept crying so hard that he spilled half a can on my nightstand of diet pepsi all over my bed. Yep, all over my bed. Then, he decides he is going to run and clean it up. But, here is the clincher: About two hours ago I asked Nik to put on his orange swimsuit for a photo shoot for a layout idea I had - which he yelled about and didn't do. BUT, now, after I have aged 10 years in 10 minutes, he decided to say sorry by coming in in those very orange trunks for his photo shoot. I need help. They are winning - I need a relaxation crop.

Tracking lo

LO 18 Seaworld - old sassafras
LO19 girly girl with doodlebug
LO20 beach bum with teresa collins

Actually LO 19 and LO 20 are based on the same sketch with different paper and themes as kind of a study to see if they still look the same or different. We will have them at the store this weekend you can judge for yourself.

Write soon,
Dee

Okay, so I'm not getting anything done...

It's crazy I know but I can't help myself. I am in love with all new things. I received a sneak peak from a rep that I never bought from and now I have found a new favorite - my little shoebox. Don't bother checking their website, I checked and it was not up there. Beautiful!!!

Then, one of my favorites, Bo-bunny has done it again. I'm in love with Abbey Road, Grease Monkey, U Bug Me, and Pet Shop. The names of the collections say it all. But, they have made a trillion embellishments to match everything. AAUUUGGHHHHH!!!!

So, what else is a girl to do, but put the entire store on sale. That's right for the next 2 days the entire store will be 50% off (except all the kits and services - of course) and we are staying open late for the two days too for those of you with a 9 to 5. Show me the money (because I have already spent it in my head!).

Have fun shopping I know it was a lot of fun placing orders today.

Plus, new product will be here just in time for saturday's crop.
Sorry, that won't be on sale - it won't be here till then.

Well, I've really got to go. I really need to get some scrappin done. Because as if my life weren't hectic enough, I just signed up for a 10 week online reading course and a one day workshop all starting next week. Auugghhhh! What was I thinking??? I really must be a masochist - because I just keep doing these things. But, I need to finish these courses. They are making me crazy!!! I really needed to take an esol class but they are ALL closed - so that means that I will need to take several classes this summer. OMG - serious trouble.

Now, I really need to get off the computer and start scrappin or I will be behind before the end of the week and my a personality will not let that happen.

We still have room for our crop on Sat - so let me know if you are interested.

Write soon,
Dee

P.S. I am in love with a purple line - I know I know I know and the company is someone I haven't bought from in over a year - but this line is too die for and I am still waiting for their next sneak peak - I know that I am going to be in trouble - oh well isn't that my middle name LOL :)

17 and counting!!!

Well ladies I am currently on layout 17:

LO 10/11 The Open Road CHA - using mm passport line
LO 12 Waterbabies - addie paper mm
LO 13 real lady like not
LO 14 daddy's girl mm
LO 15 smile ces't la vie dream street
LO 16 school photo sassafras
LO 17 dance like no one's watching sassafras
LO 18 - more sassafras - but it's still titleless so technically I am still on 17.

As for the crop on Sat I am so excited about all the fun. I am really looking forward to being pampered. I definetely order it!

We are almost full - so if you want in call us soon. This will be an incredibly good time. Extras will be available though. More details will be coming soon.

Well, I am still feeling like crap so I'm going to lie down and see if I can decongest some and finish all the preparations for sat. The stuff is all so cute.

Write soon,
Dee

Wow!!!

Okay, so I've had my eyes roving over some of the new stuff coming out this year and let me tell you - aauuuuggghhhh. You all better come in and start spending money in the store because I need to get my hands on lots of cash right away. I am in love with all the new stuff from MME and PRIMA oh and MM and Daisy Bucket. OMG I am in love with it all.

I would love to write a big long email about something truly meaningful or all the layouts I have completed, but this is not so. I have been surfing the net and oggling all the new stuff and thinking up reasons why I need to get it now. What am I gonna do?

I really need to get to the bills, did I tell you that that was the reason I went on line today to pay the bills and 4 hours later I'm typing during the commercials on Grey's anatomy - I love me some mcsteamy.

Well the bills are waiting and these commercials only last so long.

Write soon,
Dee

Happy 3 kings day!!!

Yep, us Puerto Ricans have a whole lot of holidays.

But, me I am a christmas girl. Christmas eve is sacred in our family. We wait with bated breath for the clock to hit midnight. Some of my fondest memories were of us celebrating christmas and the tree in the background.

I guess that's why I always take so many pictures of christmas. After scrappin christmas now and past - I am all christmased out.

I haven't been able to scrap this week at all, but I have so many ideas in my head and none of them involve christmas, okay maybe the idea about the kids letters to Santa. I know I want to use that sheer KI paper with the red letters, I just haven't had the chance to follow through. I've also been busy drooling at all the new stuff getting ready to ship from CHA. Yep, it's in just two weeks but I won't be able to go this time. It's been a crazy last few months with my dad and I just can't take anymore time off. My dh would kill me and so would my boss. Darn it!!!

Well, my DH just got home from his lions club meeting - we are selling tickets for the barbecue fundraiser on March 7th for $8. We've got ten tickets and all the money goes to good causes. My husband is a member - they do wonderful things for the community - like glasses for the elderly, indigents, students, etc. They have scholarships and many other cool sponsorships. If you are interested let me know - it's in Lehigh.

Okay, well I've really got to go now, if not I won't get any scrappin done again tonight.

Write soon,

Dee

Hey

Hey,

I just moved everything around to confuse you all and let you know what's new to you. That's one of my favorite sayings. You would not believe how that applies to the store. I am amazed at the number of customers who come in almost weekly and when I move stuff around they point out paper that's new - yep except it's new to you, because it's been in the store for months. I know I take complete blame for it. I've been told I have too much eye candy and that others get overstimulated and stop looking. For others it's below the waist. Anything below the waist they don't see it at all. So, we I move them around you will get to see new to you eye candy. So, come and check it out.

Also, note on the email that Jen S has scheduled 2 classes this month. She was working on her samples and felt that waiting until the 24th would put everyone behind. This way you don't fall behind and become overwheled to the point where you can't finish the series/program. Let me know if you can make it.

LO 13 Real Lady Like Not! using mylyb's delightful.

I can help...

Yes Heather I can help you - next time you stop by the store we can put it together. But, you can sign up through www.blogger.com and follow the prompt. As for the layout photos you will need to set up an acct with flickr through a yahoo account - which all free. If this confused you even more let me know and I will help where I can - remember I'm clueless on the real technical stuff - but what I know I will share.

I lost my mind today and started nesting and moving stuff around I only finished one layout in 5 hours but I did move the entire store around - including putting all the sassafras together, the urban lily together, most of the scenic route, most of the fancy pants, most of the bo-bunny. I fixed the beach stuff and the blue/green area. The school area was also moved some. The pink area is in dire need of help - but it will need to wait until my next nesting stage. Because I am burnt out. I actually plan to scrap some more today before bed - and school resumes tomorrow so let's see what I get done.

As for my count for now:
LO 10/11 The Open Road CHA - using mm passport line
LO 12 - waterbabiez - photos of the kids mm addie paper

Working on 3 ideas in my head - let's see what I actually get done.

Write soon,
Dee

Been Busy?

Wow!

Heather is keeping busy too - with 8 layouts for the year. Yeah! I'm impressed.
As for the blog, go for it, you can post them right on line and keep track - makes it easier and it's absolutely free. Let me know if you need help with it.

Tomorrow is a crop day so I will get more done then for now I am in the store, pretending to get my tax stuff done. Auuggghhhh.

That 5 cent paper is burning a hole in the store so come and get it.

I am also taking pics today of all the new double dees and my 2009 layouts for the year. Yeah!!!

Write soon,
Dee

keeping track

I just finished
LO 4/5 - family layout with pics from 2004 using chattorbox
LO 6 - beach bum layout - ci - 2 pics of sanibel
LO 7 - CI Abels now and forever layout
LO 8 - Cute - CI old and new cousins layout
LO 9 - pieces of me w/ mm addie circles

I'm going to bed now I am exhausted and I have to be up early for the store tom.
Don't forget about our 5 cent paper sale - it ends on Sunday. More paper added - tons of paper gone - it was hit pretty hard with about 50 lines gone for GOOD!
Also, on Sunday we have a free crop from noon to 5 pm. This is the only Sunday we will be open for January - so take advantage.

We need to get rid of the inventory - we don't want to count it. Don't forget that all other new product is 25% off until Sunday. Some of the christmas paper is completely gone - so don't wait too long to scrap those holiday photos.

Write soon,

Dee

P.S. A new resolution - to put more of myself in my layouts
Reso 2 - write dates on my layouts - I know when some of them were taken now but who knows in 20 years.

Happy New Year!!!

Hi Everyone,

I am so looking forward to this year, you wont believe how much!

After all the chaos at the end of the year with dad and a delayed Christmas, I am so glad that we are starting fresh again...more layouts, more classes, more challenges, more designers, more everything.

For example, I am trying to keep track of my layouts for the year to see if I am getting enough done. My goal is 365 layouts for the year which translates into 1 a day. With 3 layouts under my belt and this being the second of the month I am well ahead of the pack.

LO 1/2 - A two page layout with the new CI paper and thanksgiving pictures of the kids

LO 3 - A chatterbox layout with photos of my sister in law and her stepdad.

I also started a few yesterday that I hope to finish before the end of the week, because once I go back to school next week I will be off the grid for about a week. So, I have to make extras so I don't fall behind.

For Jen S. this has translated into a 365 class where the goal is to combine journaling and photos for each month and create a layout to reflect on what's occured that month - it's kind of a take on the photo a day - which for most humans is impossible - but she hopes to inspire you to get as close as possible. She is hoping to have her samples in a couple of weeks. The classes will result in 2 double page layouts each. The first class is sheduled for January 24 at 4 pm - let me know if I should sign you up.

Sharon, one of our newbie designers, is also working on a 3 pages & 3 cards class for $23.00 which is awesome - great price. So, those of you who are afraid to try cards or vice versa you can take a crack at it and see how it goes while still working on a layout/card and not be totally out of your element. This is also an awesome class for beginners to pick up new techniques - so if you are short on the new techniques then you can try this out and see how you like stamping,etc.

Also, I have revamped the customer rewards program to increase in 1% increments for every hundred dollars:

Spend $100 ---- get 1% off for the rest of the year
Spend $200 ---- get 2% off for the rest of the year
Spend $300 ---- get 3% off for the rest of the year
Spend $400 ---- get 4% off for the rest of the year
etc all the way upto 1500 and 15% off for the rest of the year.

But it doesn't end there. When you get to the $1000 mark you will get a $25 dollar gift certificate to Dee's. Get to $1500 mark and get a $50 dollar gift certificate to Dee's.

Oh and that's not even the end of this entry.

Jen S. came by today with not 1, or 2, but 3 double dee's for this week. Let me tell you that they are all awesome. I am so impressed by the girls. I can't believe how amazing they have become - they were good before but damn they are fantastic. My favorite double dee has to be the blue and yellow layout with the butterfly paper. It's absolutely beautiful. I forgot to take picture today, but I will take pictures tomorrow and put them on flickr for you all to see. But, don't wait too long we already sold some of them today...it couldn't be helped they were ready and the girls couldn't contain themselves. So, they are already in limited quantities. My favorite thing about these double dees were the color combinations. I would never have put them together, but because she did I was so super impressed by how they look together. I love to see how things come together and challenge me to think outside the box, whether it's with color, photo techniques, positioning, embellishing, etc. Anything that stops me from making 50 layouts that look like each other is awesome.

Well, I am going to finish up a couple more layouts before bedtime and I am trying not to stay up to 4 am again. I have to get back into the school zone.

Happy New Year!

Write soon,
Dee

Congratulations!!!

Yep, I just couldn't stop at 1 new designer. It was just so close and we are in desperate need of some more designer help - so we took the two ladies who scored the most votes - Sharon P and Renee D. They will be a great new addition to our double dee rotation and the design team. Classes will be posted soon for both of them. So, be on the lookout.

I can't believe that another year is coming to a close. After 3 1/2 year in Florida I am more certain than ever that I made the right choice moving down here. My trip to NYC just reminded me off all the things I really don't like - like the TRAFFIC, the cold, the grey sky. I'll take my simpson's sky anytime. It just puts me in a better mood.

We finally had our christmas yesterday and the girls loved their bikes and Nik has been on his Wii all day long. As for me, I got to play with my new portable printer and actually printed over 100 pictures in just over an hour. I just couldn't help myself. Some of them - like the ones with my dad making funny faces in his hospital bed to the pictures in front of the tree yesterday - oh and the ones of the girls riding their bikes and of my niece playing with the kids really really came out nice.

But, I haven't been able to scrap anything because I spent the entire day doing laundry and emptying out my closet. My husband, promised that he would get the tiles done by the new year. Except, he got home today and didn't feel well and actually went to bed before 8 - so now my ENTIRE living room is covered with scrapbooking stuff and clothes. To tell you all the truth, I can't believe that I have so much clothes in my closet. Some of it I hadn't seen in months - okay - maybe years. But, I need it, maybe this will be the year that I will lose some weight and fit into clothes the size I was before I met my husband - yeah right. I am purging this year. For real, I plan to kiss it all good bye. I'm keeping everything in a realistic size for me. Because we all know that I can't be skinny - I am way too bitchy and you guys would never step foot in the store if you knew me during my skinny phase. I was way to mean. I think my life would be completely different if I was still that skinny little B-I-T-C-H.

So, cheers. Celebrate the ME that I am and the ME that you are.

Life is GOOD - Enjoy the moment. At this point, I really have to go I need to enjoy this moment - doing the laundry and packing my scrappin stuff for tom. crop. Yep, stop by tom and crop with me from 10 to 6 or just enjoy the 5 cent clearance paper. You really can't beat that price - I also added about 60 new papers and have more to add on a daily basis.

Remember I will be closed wed and thurs - so the sale is this tues, fri, sat, and sun.

Write soon,
Dee

I'm home and cutoff from the world...

This is the pits - not driving really does suck sometimes and today is one of those days. I'm HOME ALONE and no car to go cause mayhem in - actually I am cut off from the world except for this laptop. My brand new cell phone decided it was not going to charge anymore - I don't why and I can't turn it on to get anyones number off of it to call in the rescue squad. I don't know anyones number by heart except for my families and they have heard enough from me in the last week. So, I've made a new resolution for this year and I will need everyone to be my partners in crime on this one. I think I am going to sign up for driving lessons. I really need to learn how to drive but I don't want my husband to know in case I chicken out - so I am asking for referrals - if you know of anyone who is patient - out in Lehigh - with flexible hours - and reasonable prices - let me know - but just me can't have my husband wondering why a driving school or driver is calling the house - I need it to be a surprise - but this person must be patient - because as you all have figured out by now I am neurotic. Yep, I sharing the truth - I'm a little obsessed about many things, like the store, and my children, my friends, and my dad, oh and a hundred other things. Sometimes It is clear why Nik is the way he is, he gets it from me. Oh well, nothing can be done about that now!

On a happier note, my dad is doing well, but his attitude is low today - he is a little anxious waiting for the results to come in, but he looks great, he is strong (Thanks Renee - I really appreciate it) and I can just feel it, he is going to be okay!.

As for the store, I am so excited to be back tomorrow. I can't wait to see all the new stuff that arrived. Plus Winter CHA is just around the corner and I am dying to see the new stuff coming out next month. Yep, a whole bunch new lines coming out next month from all the major brands and some new ones. SO, I'm giving you all a task. Let me know what you think is hot, tell me about new little companies you might of heard of - or awesome new lines you heard about. Tell me what you want to see!

Oh and I talked to Rebecca and she informed me that the CI paper was just as beautiful as I said. So, croppers get your pockets ready, because this paper is truly irresistible. I can't wait to pick some of it up to make samples for Saturday, so designers if any of you are in town stop by and pick up some paper for samples and double dees - Stephanie next week is your turn - hope you are reading this - since I can't call anyone.

Well, I've got to go, I am working on a double dee of mine own.

Write soon,

Dee

Daddy's home

Yippee!!!
My daddy's home. It looks like we are going to have our traditional christmas after all, if we can keep our dad away from the food. Yep, he loves to eat, but after a week without food he is on a mostly liquid diet. Now we just have to wait for test results to come back after the holidays, but I feel good about it.

As for the store update. I am happy to say all 3 deliveries for this weekend's crop have arrived. Another Yippee. I have been making things up for our crop all month. It's going to be hard to decide which ones we are actually playing - because it would be impossible to do them all.

I'm so excited!

Stop by and say hi to Rebecca and don't forget to stop in on Friday for our 25% off your entire purchase sale on Friday. I'll be in then getting ready for the crop and making some samples.

I will see you all soon and merry christmas everyone.

Write soon,
Dee

Ha, Ha, Ha

I know this may seem odd, but I've been laughing my butt off since I got here. My dad loves games shows (he always has - hence my love of the newlywed game version used during the girlfriends crop). He spends hours watching those shows and guess what he has access to them from the hospital. One of his all-time favorites is the family feud. Yesterday, we spent the entire day with my dad watching gameshows. We could not believe some of the crazy answers people come up with it. For example, one of the questions yesterday was: name animals that you would find in the desert. What's your answer? Well we rattled off camels, snakes, etc, while the person on the show answered rabbit and guess what 2 other people gave that answer...rabbit???

Everything everyone answered yesterday was just a little off and my dad and I all cracked up about that thinking that when you must be on the show your brain goes into dumb drive.

After we goofed on several people on the shows and had a jolly atmosphere going I got an anxious phone call from my son saying that he just couldn't stay in the car any longer. Anyone that knows my son, knows that spending more than 2 hours in the
car while he is awake would be a challenge and being in a car over 24 hours would be impossible, so I did what any other mother would do in a situation like this - I tried to bribe him. I asked my son to think of something that he really wanted and that if he was good the rest of the way, I would get it for him, thinking a game for his psp, etc. My son being such a smart kid, thinks about it for about a minute and then he tells me his answer "a plane ticket to go back home". He is not a fool, he knows that once he gets up here he is going to have to repeat the process with dad on the way back home. I didn't raise a fool. Of course that's not a plausible solution, but he has been good so far and on the way back it will be the day after christmas so he will be exhausted and will probably sleep through the first 12 hours, so that's half the battle. But, as I told that story to my siblings and my mom and dad, I thought about how different all my children are. It's amazing. But, so are my sisters and I, and my brother is like an alien compared to us.

As the years have gone by we have begun to look more alike but we have such different ideas on so many things... yet when it comes to things like my dad getting sick we are of one mind. We come to the same conclusions and feel the same way, think alike, respond alike, even eat alike. It's weird and funny when you think about it. Weird in the way that I never ever thought we would agree on what's best for my dad and yet we did and funny in that it's like we are reading each other's mind and finishing each others sentences when it's months sometimes between the time we talk to each other.

I've always known that my parents did a great job raising us but it's moments like this that make me love and appreciate them even more. I know that they are the reason I am so strong, and funny (oh yeah baby), and honest, loyal, sensitive and compassionate (I cry at home makeover and romantice movies), they made me crafty (I crochet - is that the one with one needle? - I macramay - I scrapbook, etc), they made me love school and books, well,they made me ME, with all my quirks and crazy notions.

I am hoping to follow in their footsteps and be able to raise 5 children who have common sense, school smarts, are loyal, and honest, hilarious, and so much more.
This is what I wish for them and I plan not to stop until I've achieved that cause they also taught me to be stubborn and headstrong and dedicated. SO, watch out Nikolas because moms on a mission. HA!

Write soon,

Dee

News on the NYC Front

Dad's doing well. We are hoping he will be out of the hospital for Christmas Eve, keep your prayings going and thank you for the well wishes. I figured I should respond to things brought up here because I heard that some people don't read the comments.

So, here are some of the highlights I should share from the comments:

Yes, we have wireless internet access. We just have it secured because of our location across from a hotel where people are always trying to connect. We are happy to share that info with you (confidentially of course). Just ask!

Also, I think that the under 5 dollar thing would be kind of cool, too. Thanks Heather and thanks for the well wishes. They are greatly appreciated.

Today we only spent 8 1/2 hours in the hospital - they kicked us out when visiting hours were over, but I have come to some conclusions about the hospital stay. Being in a hospital that long can make you into a hypochondria. You begin to pick up every illness when you are there - my knee hurts, I'm tired, my throat hurt, I'm hot then cold, etc. But, the thing I feel the most is hungry. I don't know what it is about a hospital that makes me hungry - but every stitch of food someone talks about makes me hungry, I have eaten more in the last two days I've been here then all of the last week put together. It's strange but true. Anyone with me?

Well, I have had some other ideas about the store, but they all have been about the girlfriends crop and I can't share those yet. They are a secret!

Also, I talked to Diana today and she said that the 3 entries looked good! I can't wait to see them. She said she was going to take pictures for me and emailed them to me tomorrow. THANKS Diana! I really can't wait a whole other week to see them. Don't forget everytime you make a purchase from now till next Saturday - you get to vote for your favorite. So, happy shopping and tell me what you think - what you liked, etc I want to know.

Well, I've got to go, I have to call the kids and say my goodnights before they fall asleep.

Write soon,

Dee