Only Always Soccermom

Week 4 Challenges

2012-01-27T00:35:00.000-06:00

The Purple Crumpet Fairy Challenge this week is polka dots.
I am in a pink mood for some reason. I probably won't be in this mood for Valentine's Day, but we shall see.

So I got out the colors I wanted to use. Then my boys decided they wanted to help mommy out. I let them each do a hand. I told them I needed polka dots or plaid. Here is the result:

This one is my 9 yr old. Well he will be 9 in a month. He loves to draw and is naturally creative so I thought he would be good at this. He tried stripes I think. He did a bit of a spackle technique.

This is my 5 yr old. He just loves spending time with me and always watches me do my nails. He loves to help make frankens. He is a good shaker.

He thought he was doing some great art here and he was surprisingly good with the striper brush.
I had to wear my nails like that a whole 24 hours. I didn't want to take it off too soon and upset the boys.
I got several compliments too.

Now on to my polka dots. I used Revlon Cupid as a base color. Then OPI Meep Meep Meep with a large dotting tool and a white art paint for the other dots.

Now for my week 4 mani for the year challenge. I love Burberry plaid but it seemed like everyone was doing it so I just used my same colors to make this plaid.

Even did my right hand! I suck at stripes. Oh well, not too bad overall.

Don't forget to enter my first giveaway for some scented polishes and toe separators.

Here is a list of other girls doing the 52 week challenge:

Award TIME!

2012-01-23T23:11:00.001-06:00

I got tagged for a few awards and a few I just saw and wanted to do so I am doing them! Yay for you!
First up, from the awesome Jaqueline from Claws Up!
Thank you for nominating me for this one! I just love the owl!

The rules:

Link back to the person who gave you the award

Answer the questions

Tell us something you haven't previously on your blog

Award however many bloggers you think are worthy of this award

Questions:

1. What is your go-to makeup product?

Concealer. If I am going to only wear one thing, its got to be concealer. I have wicked undereye circles.

2. What was your favorite fashion trend of 2011?

I like the feathers in the hair or as earrings.

3. What is your favorite dessert?

Cheesecake.

4. Favorite color?

Purple

5. What is your middle name?

Ruth, after my Nana

6. What was the last song you listened to?

Adele Set Fire to the Rain

7. Cats or dogs?

Dogs, I love them

Tell us something you haven't previously on your blog: I love to dance and sing karaoke. I don't sing it well I just sing it right.

The requirements to accept this award are :

1. Thank the person who gave you the award. This is from the adorable Michelle at Peanut Butter and Jelly Designs

2. Tell 7 things about yourself

I hate when my house smells like boys feet.
I have a cluster of blood clot things in my brainstem shaped like a piece of popcorn.
I have 3 little sisters. I think all personality tests I take easily prove that I am an oldest child.
I love my new Nook Color that my hubby changed into a Droid tablet for me. I love to read but hate holding up a book when I am laying down trying to read. This just feels more comfortable.
I beat Thyroid Cancer. It will be 6 years in April!
I got Botox for my migraines and I hated the way my eyebrows didn't move after.
My big 30th bday is in May and I want to have an 80s themed party.

3. Pass it on to 15 other bloggers & let them know. I will tag people at the end of this post.

This is just something I saw and thought it was a good message for all bloggers.

AS A KIND-HEARTED BLOGGER I PLEDGE TO:

create, inspire, and admire rather than compete with fellow bloggers
be understanding of each other-- in the blogging community, as well as in the world
stay away from internet/blogging bullying
speak my opinion freely, while still being mindful of other's feelings-- be tactful.
make an effort--no matter how big or small the gesture, to spread kindness or joy to others
acknowledge that I will make mistakes, (I am only human) but remember to learn from them
know that at times I will post about the negative stuff in life, and maybe even some complaining (I am only human) but I will always follow up with something happy/positive too.
believe that this world is a good place, filled with good people.

THE RULES:
1. Link back to the person that gave you this award: This one I just picked up from FabDiva20
2. Answer the questions below.
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
4. Award 10 other bloggers and let them know you nominated them.

QUESTIONS:
1. Name your favorite song.
Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine
2. Name your favorite dessert.
Cheesecake
3. What ticks me off.
Inconsiderate people
4. When I am upset, I...
like to be alone to process my feelings and cool off.
5. Favorite pet.
I love puppies. I am waiting til I can get my Pomeranian soul mate.
6. Black or white?
Black. I always choose black for purses, clothes, ect. over white since white gets it dirty faster.
7. Biggest fear.
Losing a kid.
8. Everyday attitude.
I am generally easy going. I don't like conflicts so I go with the flow.
9. What is perfection?
Being happy with who you are and what you have done with your life.
10. Guilty pleasures.
Nail polish definitely. And reality shows.

7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:
1. I can not play any musical instruments.
2. I have a super nose and can smell everything.
3.I love trivia.
4. I am almost 30 and I still am not 100percent sure what I want to be when I grow up.
5.I would love to be a DJ just for fun.
6. I am on 2 Design Teams for making cards with digital stamps.
7. I love my homemade pumpkin lattes.

Ok I think that about covers it. If there is an award out there that you think I deserve but don't have yet, please feel free to tag me. I think these are fun!

So I am just going to tag 10 random blogs to give all these awards to. I will try to get bloggers who haven't gotten the awards yet.

In no particular order:

http://scribblesbysandy.blogspot.com/

http://christyszaneycreations.blogspot.com/

http://www.confessionsofapaperhoarder.blogspot.com/

http://epiphanyartgallery.blogspot.com/

http://beautybyarielle.blogspot.com/

http://snappystamper.blogspot.com/

http://www.thenailjunkie.com/

http://tinroofnails.blogspot.com/

http://theexoticlacquer.blogspot.com/

http://prettynpolish.blogspot.com/

And if you are still reading, YOU are tagged too!

Week 3 Challenge Manis & a GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-21T23:00:00.002-06:00

First up we have my color blocking mani. This is my first ever color block. I used some super colorful polishes with a candy theme!
I have 3 boxes and I got a couple duplicate colors so I am going to give away 5 colors and a set of toe separators!

For my color blocking, I did a coat of white first. Its a sheer white and its messy so don't look too closely.

Then I tried to use every color I had in this rainbow. And topped it off with the striping of silver.

Even did my right hand! YAY!

Then for my Purple Crumpet Fairy challenge, I made a glitterbomb with this sparkly Sally Hansen Gem Crush.

Now for a GIVEAWAY! My first one on my blog! Its for 5 candy colors and a set of toe separators. To enter for this giveaway, just leave your name that you follow me with on GFC, your email address, and tell me if you liked my color block or my glitter bomb this week. I will randomly pick a winner & announce on Feb. 14th. Good Luck!!

UPDATED to add: This giveaway unfortunately will not be international. US only. I am so sorry. I checked to see what all I would need to do to ship and it seems it would be a pain in the arse so I am unable to do it at this time. Thank you for reading though!

Haulage and a Super Cute Helper

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Twenty three polishes to show you!
Sephora, Ulta, Walmart and giveaway winnings!
The first three are super pretty Christmas theme colors I won from Tin Roof Nails.

A perfume sample from Sephora for my points. POP collection from Ulta I think. Naked palette by Urban Decay!!!! So excited to have this!! My first real good quality eyeshadow.

Nightmare Before Christmas set from Claire's.

Ulta buy 2 get 2 free. Snow White, Chic Peek, Ruby Slipper, Limelight

Sephora by OPI Eve-y On The Eyes, Nails Inc., Magnetic Houses of Parliament, Nails Inc., Connaught Square, Nicole by OPI Follow Me on Glitter, Revlon Radiant

Zoya Danni, Phoebe, and Edyta

Hard Candy Beetle, Fabuluxe, un-named green

Justice Cotton Candy, Grape, Glow in the Dark Blue

Sample from Sephora.

All together

My January Julep box. Megan, Carrie and a topcoat. Also came with a pomegranate scrub. I love the smell and texture of it, but it leaves a grease on my skin. I feel like I have to soap with my regular body soap after I exfoliate with it.

And here is my super cute helper. I was playing with some of the stamping plates I got for Christmas and he came in and wanted me to test them on his tiny little nails. I cleaned up the edges and he wore them around for a couple hours until his daddy called him a girl. Then he decided it was time for him to get it off. He had a little paper cut on one of his fingers and when I used the polish remover on him, he screamed when it burnt. He said, "Never let me do that again MOM!" Fun while it lasted.

A Year's Challenge Week 2 (pic heavy)

2012-01-12T23:41:00.000-06:00

Here is the list of the challenges for the year that I am doing with JennaFroggy and a bunch of other ladies.
1. Jan. 1st - "Make it Sparkle" Mani.
- Pull out your Best looking glitter, flakie or holo and bring in the New Year with a "Bang".

2. Jan. 8th - French Tip Mani.
3. Jan. 15th - Color Block Mani.
4. Jan. 22nd - Plaid Mani.
5. Jan. 29th - Newspaper Mani.
6. Feb. 5th - Half-moon Mani.
7. Feb. 12th - "Valentine's Day" Mani.
8. Feb. 19th - Corset Mani.
9. Feb. 26th - "Vintage" Mani.
10. Mar. 4th - Polka Dot Mani
11. Mar. 11th - "St. Patrick's Day" Mani.
12. Mar. 18th - Skittle Mani.
13. Mar. 25th - Ruffian Mani.
14. Apr. 1st - Striped Mani.
15. Apr. 8th - "Easter Day" Mani.
16. Apr. 15th - Dotticure Mani.
17. Apr. 22nd - "Earth Appreciation" Mani.
18. Apr. 29th - Cartoon Mani.
19. May. 6th - Floral Mani.
20. May. 13th - Bows Mani.
21. May. 20th - Fruit Mani.
22. May. 27th - Splatter Mani.
23. Jun. 3rd - Ombre Mani.
24. Jun. 10th - Flag Mani.
25. Jun. 17th - Pride/Rainbow Mani.
26. Jun. 24th - Neon Mani.
27. July. 1st - "4th of July" Mani.
28. July. 8th - Gradient Mani.
29. July. 15th - "Rockstar" Mani.
30. July. 22th - Water Marble Mani.
31. July. 29th - Crackle Mani.
32. Aug. 5th - Needle Marble Mani.
33. Aug. 12th - Galaxy Mani.
34. Aug. 19th - "Bling" Mani.
35. Aug. 26th - Cupcake Mani.
36. Sept. 2nd - Tape Mani.
37. Sept. 9th - "We Remember 9/11" Mani.
38. Sept. 16th - Metallic/Magnetic Mani.
39. Sept. 23rd - Dry Marble Mani.
40. Sept. 30th - Animal Print Mani.
41. Oct. 7th - Patchwork Mani.
42. Oct. 14th - "Pink 4 Breast Cancer Awareness" Mani.
43. Oct. 21st - Spider Web Mani.
44. Oct. 28th - Halloween Mani.
45. Nov. 4th - Tribal Mani.
46. Nov. 11th - "Mustach, 4 Movember; Prostate Cancer Awareness" Mani.
47. Nov. 18th - Thanksgiving Day Mani.
48. Nov. 25th - Feather Mani.
49. Dec. 2nd - Glitter Sandwich Mani.
50. Dec. 9th - Snowflake Mani.
51. Dec. 16th - Red Mani.
52. Dec. 23rd - Christmas Mani.
- 30/31 - you've learned enough; go all out and show 2O13, what its all about!

So here is my week one which you saw in my NYE post.

And week 2 is to do a french tip mani which I have here:

I started with Julep Megan. Its such a beautiful turquoise.

Then I added a coat of Essie Shine of the Times. Its so pretty I may do this combo again soon.

Then I stamped a peacock feather looking french tip stamp with Kiss Nail Art paint in a deep purple color. Then I lined the top with the purple and added a little gem to the middle. I know the gem on my middle finger is off center and it drives me nuts but I don't wanna redo it. It was actually much easier to stamp on my right hand. All in all I am pretty pleased with this french tip mani for the yearly challenge. I have no clue what I am going to do next week for the color block challenge.

This mani almost matches my blog! I'll have to have it added to my header somehow.
Here's a list of a few other blogs participating in this challenge:

If you would like to join this challenge, please let me know and I will add you to the list. I found out about it on http://www.jennafroggy.com/ blog and she is awesome so check her out too!

Big Huge Giveaways: I Better WIN!!

2012-01-11T21:39:00.000-06:00

This will be my only post about a giveaway this month.
There is a Rafflecopter giveaway and the prize is an iPad2 and a Kindle.
I would love to win these. I just got a Nook Color for Christmas but I have been wanting an iPad but its just not affordable. If I won one, I would be ecstatic! The Kindle would probably be a gift to either my mom or my son.
Not sure which yet. I'll have to win to make that decision.

I entered to win it on Amandalandish's blog.
http://amandalandish.blogspot.com/2012/01/rafflecopter-giveaway.html

Here is another giveaway for a Kindle Fire plus a ton of Amazon money:
http://www.opalstevens.com/2012/01/new-year-new-reads.html
I did a ton of filling out forms to get all possible entries for that one too!

PCFC Inspired by your favorite jewelry

2012-01-09T00:14:00.000-06:00

Ok so this week is to do a mani inspired by your favorite piece of jewelry. I happen to dabble in making beaded jewelry also so I made this set about a year ago. Its a pretty long necklace. I also made a double stranded bracelet and earrings to go with it. The earrings are not pictured.

I like the pinkish colored beads in this set. It has a pretty pop of color that I wanted to match with my mani. I just tried to make a sparkly pink color to match the beads. I am thinking I should have made some black design over a couple of nails to match the focal bead, but I haven't done that here.

Here is a macro of my thumb. I didn't think my camera would do this good of a macro, but its decent!

I started with a base coat of Seche of course and then I used one of the Mini's from the OPI Burlesque set. I think it was called The Show Must Go On but there are no labels on the mini bottles and I can't find the box. I don't think I threw it away but IDK. Then on top I used Sally Hansens Diamond Strength called Wedding Crasher. It is really shiny, even in the dark. I was going to try to use just the SH polish but it was pretty opaque and I didn't want to have to do eight coats. So I just layered but I think the glitter spread out pretty evenly and made a good combo.
Here is the OPI without Wedding Crasher on top.

I need a fill but just ignore that. LOL
So what do you think of my jewelry inspired mani?

PCFC Animal Print... Do Angry Birds Qualify?

2012-01-08T23:40:00.001-06:00

So I am doing this challenge and the first one is to do animal print nails. I will post the list of the dates and themes at the end of this post. Since I don't really dig animal prints, I decided to do some animals. Birds. But not just any birds. Angry ones. I only did my left hand and I think I will try this mani again sometime in the future and do the pigs on my right hand. We all know how easy it is to do nail art on your dominant hand right?

Anyways, on to the birds!

I got my son this bracelet and he left it with me after his basketball game so I got the idea to just use the birds as my animal print since zebra or cougar prints aren't really my style. I didn't do the green bird but I was pleased with how the other birds turned out. I should have put the little white spot under the yellow bird, but no bad for a first attempt.

I think you can tell what I was going for. Here are the polishes used for this mani and I did all drawing with my dotting tools.

Week 7 - Jan 6th - Zoe - Animal Print

Week 8 - Jan 13th - Joy - Inspired by your favorite jewelry (earrings, necklace, ring)

Week 9 - Jan 20th - Abby - glitterbomb

Week 10 - Jan 27th - Lynica - polka dots

Week 11 - Feb 3rd - Caitlin - Inspired by your favorite book.

Week 12 - Feb 10th - tackiest Valentine's mani EVER

Week 13 - Feb 17th - Felicia-

Week 14 - Feb 24th - Maria - themed like your bedroom eg wallpaper, duvet cover

Week 15 - Mar 3rd - Rachel -

Week 16 - Mar 10th - Julie- tape mani of your choice

Week 17 - Mar 17th - Arielle - Spring Break mani

Week 18 - Mar 24th - Lisa

Week 19 - Mar 31st - Alyssa

Week 20 - Apr 7th - Jebba - Franken mani

After Christmas Mani and NYE nails!

2012-01-04T08:00:00.002-06:00

Please note: I decided to enable the word verification on my comments because I was getting weird spam posts that I didn't like. Please don't let this deter you from leaving a comment if you are a reader of my blog but I hope this extra step will keep out the dumb spam. I do NOT want it to keep you from posting regular comments. Thanks!

Ok I had to make 2 posts so I don't overload you on pics in one post. So here is my mani I did after Christmas since I wanted to do something other than red, even though I totally loved my festive reds. I am going to wear them out at Valentine's Day and probably 4th of July too.

For my first step I put one layer of this duo-chromey purple from Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro called Violet Metal. Its such a pretty purple. I do have a couple others like it in my stash, but the formula on this one is better than the Sally Hansen one I think. If I wasn't going to layer over it, I probably would have gone with another coat. Don't you just love the blue shimmers?

Then I put Butter London's Black Knight over it. Admittedly, I thought BK was going to be less opaque, which is why I wanted the bottom color, but it really didn't need it. You can barely see Violet Metal underneath. BK is so gorgeous. I put this on because I thought it would be good to wear out for NYE if I didn't have time to come up with something else before we went out.

However, we got back from Grandma's and dropped the kids off with my baby sister and had a few hours to get ready before our dinner reservations. New Years Eve is also our Anniversary and so we wanted to go to an adult only dinner and then head to my favorite piano bar to ring in the new year. We decided to go eat at this Brazilian grill where they bring meat around to your table on huge knives. OMG it was delicious. The meal special that night came with a glass of champagne and a yummy chocolate dessert. Hubby took these pics of my nails from across the table.

I used these gorgeous nail strips by KISS. They are so awesome! I still have them on and its almost 4 days later and not a single chip. I had to put Seche on the edges because they had little rough spots that were snagging stuff and I didn't like that. They are not smooth over the whole nail at all. They are bubbly but not rough. Does that make sense? I have even done dishes and laundry and they are holding up so well! Still look like the day I put them on!
I don't want to take these off but I have decided to join a few challenges for 2012. The first one is on a facebook group called Purple Crumpet Fairy Challenge. It seems like the perfect group for me to fit into. They have a friday challenge and this week is an animal print. So I am not sure if I am going to do a zebra or a snakeskin. I am not an animal print kind of girl. I did paint the cougar spots and the owl on my sister but zebra is the only thing I have ever worn on my nails. I don't even own anything with animal prints. Thursday will be a sad day when I take my blingy NYE mani off. :(
The second thing I want to join in is another weekly challenge I saw on http://www.jennafroggy.com/2012/01/challenge-week-1-make-it-sparkle-mani.html and I think Jenna saw it somewhere else and so forth but it looks awesome and I am going to try to do these two mani's a week. That should be reasonable right? Two posts by friday of every week. I guess I can put that on my list of resolutions.
It seems like everyone has a list but I really have just a few...
Minimum of 2 blog posts a week.
Post more scrapbooking stuff.
Save money so we can take a trip to Orlando next Fall.
Eat healthier. Not nearly as much fast food!
Get my migraines to stop or severely decline.
Keep my house cleaner.
Declutter and organize.
Pay all bills on time.
And be the best mom and wife I can be.

If you haven't posted your resolutions yet, feel free to leave me a comment and let me know if you are striving for something that's not on my list or something that IS!

Here is a pic of me with my dessert too. I forgot to put on my jewelry before we got to the restaurant. I am usually finishing up my final touches before we walk into our destination. My jewelry just slipped my mind and I felt naked without it!

Here is a pic of my total look with jewelry after we got back home after our date. You can barely see the top of my favorite sexy boots.

I'm also trying to find a cool closing phrase for my posts, but everything sounds too cheesy...so Stay Beautiful!

Happy New Year!! Bring it on 2012!!

2012-01-03T22:56:00.000-06:00

Ok well I have had a very very busy last month as I am sure everyone else has. With the wonderful holidays and the family time, its been impossible for me to sit down and blog. My hubby had his first week off from work in 3 years last week. So the kids were also home from school and finally go back tomorrow!!

This is going to be a nail post and maybe I will have to turn it into more than one post since I have a TON of nail pictures to show you all.

I am so excited that I am getting close to 100 followers finally. I am already putting stuff together for a giveaway!

I totally dropped the ball on the 31 days of Christmas Nail Art. I did take pics of the mani's I did the last half of the month and they fit a few of the easy categories but not so much art since I was short on time.

So here is what I did do:
China Glaze Glittering Garland is my most festive green. It IS from a holiday collection. I love the shimmer in this. Its so pretty!

Next I layered white stripes over it and then filled in the stripes with a gorgeous red glitter by Sally Hansen from the Gem Crush collection called Ca-Ching! Sorry bout the mess, I didn't do enough clean up on these.

The Christmas season put me in the mood for red though and I LOVED glittering up my reds. Here I have OPI's Fresh Frog of Bel Air over Ghina Glaze Ring In The Red. RITR is soo close to Ruby Pumps so I am glad I have these 2 beautiful reds to last me a long time.

I think I put two coats on the right hand and I liked it better.

And my last Christmas mani is back to Ruby Pumps with some China Glaze Fairy Dust thrown on top for extra sparkle. I swear I was staring at my nails in the sun while we were driving to our family gatherings.
How could you not when Fairy Dust is soo amazing!? Sorry about the shiny fingers. Cuticle oil is our friend and I was desperately needing it and shiny is better than dry right?

I am wearing this mani in the below pic of my hubby and I by our tree. Our 5 yr old took this pic so the angle is from a little too low LOL!

Well there you have it! Hope you enjoyed this installation of my nails. Stay tuned for another post soon because I have an after Christmas look and of course my NYE nails!

HUGS & POLISH!

Craft Your Passion Challenges Holiday Havoc 2011 Blog Hop

2011-12-17T00:01:00.004-06:00

Welcome to Craft Your Passion Challenges "Holiday Havoc 2011" Blog Hop!!

We are very excited about holidays and wanted to add to the chaos and havoc.

What better way to do that, than to have a BLOG HOP!!!

If you have hopped over from Alethea http://lilodesigns.blogspot.com , then you are in the right place. If you just happened to stop by and would like to join our hop from the beginning, please go to Craft Your Passion Challenges and follow along for a chance to win some AMAZING blog candy along the way and PRIZES at the end.

All Craft Your Passion DT members are going to be playing along in the hop with some very special guest designers.

Each designer along the way is featuring a project that showcases a digital image from at least one of our amazing Blog Hop Sponsors.

What’s more exciting is you can participate too by creating a project and linking it up over at Craft Your Passion Challenges for a chance to win one of several prizes.

But, there’s a twist. Be sure to visit all the stops and leave a comment (we will be checking). Once you have finished the hop, we would like you to create a HOLIDAY project using at least one digital stamp and enter it with our Linky tool.

While you are hopping, be sure to check out the blog candy the designer's have to offer you. You don't want to miss out on any of it!

Craft Your Passion Challenges http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/ START HERE
Jenn http://scraphappensembellishit.blogspot.com/
Shannin http://shanninscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Christine http://happyscrapper-sweetpeacards.blogspot.com/
Cathy http://creativecathy.blogspot.com/
Amy http://cavycouturecrafts.blogspot.com/
Christy http://christyszaneycreations.blogspot.com/
Joanna http://scrapjoanny.blogspot.com/
Torrey http://left-field-studio.blogspot.com/
Jenny http://cookieadventures.blogspot.com/
Doreen http://www.doreensdream.blogspot.com/
Jodi http://kaboodesigns.blogspot.com/
Lisa http://craftybunny.wordpress.com/
Joyleen http://scrapjoanny.blogspot.com/
Melissa http://expressionswithearthspirit.blogspot.com/
Emma http://www.paperaddictsanonymous.blogspot.com/
Joanne http://www.bigislandlady.blogspot.com/
Gemma http://gemslittlecreations.blogspot.com/
Lizy http://lizyshouseofcards.blogspot.com
Joanna L http://www.mycraftingcorner-jo.blogspot.com/
Helen N http://craftinghelen.blogspot.com/
Natali justbecozoflove.blogspot.com
Julie http://julieprice3.wordpress.com
Helen W http://crafty-mamma-mia.blogspot.com
Alethea http://lilodesigns.blogspot.com
Arielle soccermom5982.blogspot.com MINE!! You're almost there!
Lisa G lisa-scrappingspot.blogspot.com
Jan http://scrappyscatty.blogspot.com/
Karen http://karensdigi.blogspot.com
Mandy http://amandacruxton.blogspot.com/
Jennifer http://justcoffeepleasestampsribbonspaper.blogspot.com/
Jacqui http://thepoodlesdoodles.blogspot.com/
Dawn http://cherrytreestudio.blogspot.com
Roro http://rorobuildingdream.blogspot.com/
Allison http://allidcards.blogspot.com
Zahreen http://splashbunny.blogspot.com
Sarah http://sarahsassy468.blogspot.com
Sue http://confessionsofapaperhoarder.blogspot.com
Tracey http://craftyfox.blogspot.com/
Susan http://sue-craft.blogspot.com/
Julia http://paperandscrapscreations.blogspot.com/
Craft Your Passion Challenges http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

My first card uses a digi by Bugaboo Stamps. He is called Merry Christmoose. He is just so cute!

I colored him with CTMH markers and used some stickles on his hat and snowflakes. Then I used Liquid Applique on his hat and sleeve to make them look furry. I used Smooch paint on his beard. I used a Jolee's embellishment on the candy cane.

This adorable little snowman is from Crafty Sentiments. I also used the Liquid Applique on his hat and the snow and even the tree. And Smooch on his body, Stickles on his fur. I cut the back squares with my Cricut and also the pretty shaped square with a sticker for the sentiment.
Hope you enjoyed my cards!

Next stop by Lisa G lisa-scrappingspot.blogspot.com
, to see what she has in store for you today.

Remember, once you have hopped to all the stops and left your comments (we will be checking), it's your turn to show us your "Holiday Havoc" project.

Make sure to include a digital stamp somewhere on your project, and link up your project over at Craft Your Passion Challenges by Midnight CST December 23 to be eligible for the prizes. Winners will be announced on our Monday, December 26th Challenge post.
Happy Hopping!

Jen's Digi Stamps-Color Challenge

2011-12-14T14:45:00.001-06:00

The challenge for this week at Jen's Digi Stamps is to use the colors Blue and Silver or Gold.

These little bug and bear images are just such cute winter images. I colored with CTMH markers and used CTMH paper and CM vellum and buttons and brads from my stash. I also tried to spice it up a little with stickles and my Cricut.
Hope you enjoy these cards and you are planning on joining in the challenge this week!
Stay Warm!

I am entering one of these cards in the following challenges:
http://myshericrafts.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-sheri-crafts-challenge-75-let-it.html
http://cupcakecraftchallenges.blogspot.com/2011/12/cupcake-172-dont-look-at-light.html
http://heartsonginspirations.blogspot.com/2011/12/challenge-28-snowflakes-andor-doilies.html
http://thepinkelephantchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/12/pink-elephant-tpe128.html

Nails of my Sisters by ME!

2011-12-14T14:34:00.001-06:00

Ok I have a lot of posting to do and I will hopefully get it done in the next day. I have a couple cards to share with you and also I have more manis from the 31 days of Christmas manis. I'm still doing it I just have had some sick kids and a busy weekend. So hopefully I will get stuff done in the near future.

I did my sister's nails on Sunday. I actually got to do all of them and my niece too! I loved the practice and quality time with them too!
Here is the youngest sister's nails. She wanted a leopard print and then an accent nail. She's the baby so she usually gets what she wants. :P So I did an owl on one ring finger and a Fleur De Lis on the other. Also added some little jewels on all the other nails. Base is CG For Audrey.

Next is one of the middle sisters. She is a really fair skinned blonde and she chose to get a pretty french mani which I thought looked so pretty on her. She also got engaged and wanted something pretty to compliment her ring when she showed it off. I WILL be doing the nails for her wedding. The base is Grey Suede by Revlon and I freehanded the snowflakes on her pinky and added a jewel to the center. Then used a sticker on her thumb. This is my best freehand french I have ever done. She has two little ones and they kept crying and fussing while she was getting them done so we redid a few tips a couple times. Mommy's polish needs to dry babies!

Next is my first sister. I am the oldest of 4 sisters and she is the one after me. Does that make sense? Anyways, she works in a medical office and washes her hands all the time so I was afraid it wouldn't last long. I also had a very short amount of time to paint hers so we didn't get to do much clean up on the edges. She picked a really pretty OPI color called My Big Break. I used Orly Bonder as a base coat for all of them and Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat on all also.

And last, but not least, we have my niece. She is a step-daughter of my sister. She wanted the Sally Hansen nail strips. We put these lacy ones on her and it was taking forever to file them off at the tips and then we figured out that we had left the clear plastic on the top. So it went quicker after we fixed that. She is very sporty and I hope these last a while for her.

Top 10? ME? No way!

2011-12-14T13:55:00.000-06:00

Thank you soo much Meredith from Polish and Charms for tagging me for this award.
I've never been officially tagged that I know of before!

There aren't any rules associated with this other than passing it on to 10 other bloggers! So here we go, my top 10 things I am loving right now!

My Top 10:
1. Favorite body wash: I just got a new scent from Bath & Body Works called Dark Kiss and I got the body wash, the body butter and the shimmery mist and I am loving it. It smells like berries and musk and the scent lasts if you layer.

2. Favorite lip stuff: I am the lipgloss queen. I have like 50 in my house and at least 5 in my purse at all times. I got a China Glaze gloss and it is awesome.

3. My favorite nail polish brand is a toss up between: OPI and Butter London. I really just go with whoever has the color I like best and is also a good formula.

4. My favorite Base Coat: OPI Nail Envy

5. My favorite Top Coat: Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat. Its awesome at everything except smell.

6. Favorite shampoo and conditioner: Redken So Soft right now. It changes a lot. I usually love Biolage.

7. Favorite Polish Colors: Reds or shimmery purple.

8. Facial Product: Arbonne RE9 line. Its 5 steps and all you need for anti-aging.

9. Dry feet fix: Cocoa Butter oil

10. Favorite Scent: Perfume is Burberry Brit and splash is Dark Kiss by BBW.

Now here are the bloggers I am tagging!
http://concreteandnailpolish.blogspot.com/
http://www.chromaticmisadventures.com/
http://www.polishgalore.com/
http://www.polishvixen.com/
http://southernsisterpolish.blogspot.com/
http://enamelgirl.blogspot.com/
http://www.polishinsomniac.net/
http://www.letthemhavepolish.com/
http://www.beepolished.blogspot.com/
http://prncesssarah02nailloving.blogspot.com/

31 Day Challenge Day 7!

2011-12-07T08:00:00.002-06:00

I made it the whole first week! I did do some combo posts because I sometimes don't get to post everyday with my 2 rugrats and other hobbies filling up my time. But today, Wednesday is date day with my hubby and I wanted to get my mani done before I go on my lunch date. We go play pool at this place and they have 2 for 1 burgers on Wednesdays so we play free pool and get good food too! Plus some quality adult time which is suuuuper nice.

So on to the CANDY CANES!!! I have really liked getting to do some fun art on my nails lately. What better time than Christmastime!?
I really really love Ruby Pumps by China Glaze. Its my new favorite red polish. I used it as a base and then painted on the white stripes with acrylic paint. Then gave it a shine with an Essie Luxeffects. I actually like this mani even though I am notoriously bad at drawing straight lines. I find that the thicker the line, the straighter I can get it to look. I also happen to be wearing my Candy Cane knee high socks so I used them for a background on one of the pics. I'm awesome and I love knee high socks in funky patterns. That should be my new catch phrase.
ENJOY!

Here are some other blogs that are participating in the challenge.

Kerrie- http://pishposhandpolish.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post.html

Bee: http://beepolished.blogspot.com/2011/12/31-days-of-christmas-wreaths.html

Julie: http://ofknitandnails.blogspot.com/2011/12/31-days-of-christmas-wreathgarland.html

Crumpet - http://thecrumpet.blogspot.com/2011/11/purple-crumpet-fairy-challenge-31-days.html

Claire - http://claire-purplefairydust.blogspot.com/2011/12/purple-crumpet-fairy-challenge-31-days.html

Emma - http://manicurity.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-december-day-1-of-31-days-of.html

Maria - http://rainbowhands.blogspot.com/2011/12/day-1-what-you-like-most-about.html

Purple Crumpet Fairy 31 Days of Christmas

2011-12-06T22:11:00.001-06:00

Well I did days 5 & 6, and now I have to show them to you even if I don't think they are too awesome.
Here are the polishes used for the Wreaths. I mixed the 3 greens together to get my leaf color. I used the Milani to be ornaments on my wreath.

Pics taken under my Ott light.

And here is my Elf mani for day 6. Only one pic cuz I didn't like it much and took it off to do my Candy Canes for tomorrow. I think my elf looks kinda sad. Not what I had in my head. Hopefully you can tell that's his shoe on my thumb. Oh well.

This challenge has been so fun so far. Can't wait to do the next week-full!

Here are some other blogs that are participating in the challenge.

Kerrie- http://pishposhandpolish.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post.html

Bee: http://beepolished.blogspot.com/2011/12/31-days-of-christmas-wreaths.html

Julie: http://ofknitandnails.blogspot.com/2011/12/31-days-of-christmas-wreathgarland.html

Debbie Crumpet - http://thecrumpet.blogspot.com/2011/11/purple-crumpet-fairy-challenge-31-days.html

Claire Gallaugher - http://claire-purplefairydust.blogspot.com/2011/12/purple-crumpet-fairy-challenge-31-days.html

Emma - http://manicurity.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-december-day-1-of-31-days-of.html

Maria - http://rainbowhands.blogspot.com/2011/12/day-1-what-you-like-most-about.html

Anything but a Card

2011-12-06T17:15:00.001-06:00

The challenge this week at Jen's Digi Stamps is to make Anything But a Card so I made two little ornaments with some of Jen's Digis.

The chipboard ornament shapes are from CTMH and I used a bunch of Stickles!
Come on over to JDS and show us your projects! You could win some cute digi stamps!

Entering these projects in the following challenges:
http://heartsonginspirations.blogspot.com/2011/12/challenge-27-christmas-andor-red-green.html
http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/2011/12/challenge-87-multi-sponsors.html
http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/2011/12/challenge-96-colors-of-christmas.html
http://pollycraftchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/challenge-120-christmas-fun-4-week-long.html

Day 4 Water Marble

2011-12-04T17:19:00.001-06:00

Well this was my first attempt at water marbling. It wasn't a complete fail but I do want to try again soon.
I used China Glaze White Cap as my base color and I marbled CG Ruby Pumps and OPI Warm and Fozzy.
There are some good fingers and some not so good ones, but overall not too bad for my first try.
And you get to see both hands since they are all different.

What do you think?

Day 2 & 3 of Purple Crumpet Fairy 31 Day Challenge

2011-12-03T01:04:00.001-06:00

Well day 2 was a tough one for me. The theme was "Writing your Christmas Cards" and I just didn't know how to represent that on my nails. So eventually I got something down. Please remember thru all this month that I am NO GOOD at nail art. My hands are not steady at all so its hard to do anything the way I picture it.

Onward to day 2!

The heart is for all the love that goes into making my cards, the A4 is what I sign some of the cards with since everyone's names in our family start with A and there is 4 of us, the scissors and glue b/c I make all my cards myself, and the envelope to send them in!

Its kinda too much flash, but its a card with a tree on it.

Now Day 3! This one was cute but the snow didn't show up as much as I'd have liked it to.

A tree in the snow, a Gingerbread couple, a Snowman, and a Penguin all in the snow globe.

Snowflake in the Snow Globe

I think you can see the snow a little better in this shot.

I used Sally Hansen Wedding Crasher for the snow. I don't have China Glaze Snow Globe and I thought about just using glitter but I wanted it more subtle. There are a lot of other polishes so if you wanna know what color I used for something just ask!

Its getting late here and I have Christmas Shopping to do tomorrow so I am going to bed!

Night Night and Happy polishing and card making!

Some of the girls who have joined so far:

Emma Hoop - Manicurity - http://manicurity.blogspot.com/ and http://manicurity.tumblr.com/
Kerrie Black- PhishPosh and Polish: http://pishposhandpolish.blogspot.com/
Bee Justice -- Bee Polished: www.beepolished.blogspot.com
Zoe Garner - Obsessive Compulsive Nail Painting Disorder: www.ocnpd.blogspot.com
Felicia Banuelos- http://bubblyfairy-nailpolishjunkie.blogspot.com/
Lisa Armstrong-Waite ~ Happy Nails ~ http://happynailsuk.blogspot.com
Julie Rivard ~ Tales of Knit and Nails: http://ofknitandnails.blogspot.com/

31 Day Challenge

2011-12-01T05:00:00.004-06:00

I'm actually going to try this challenge everybody! GO me! Lets see how many I will do out of 31.
This may seem like a stretch but day 1 is "What you love most about Christmas" and this was really hard for me. I love EVERYTHING about Christmas, the food, the lights, the presents, the smells, the warm feelings, the family time. So my mani symbolizes everything by using a glitter with everything.
I used Ruby Pumps, then a coat of Orly Love Each Other for extra shiine. Then just 1 coat of Rainbow Connection. So awesome! I keep staring at it. Hope you like all the pics of this awesomeness. As my SIL would say, "Its amazeballs!"

China Glaze Ruby Pumps

Added ORLY Love Each Other for extra shiney.

KAPOW SPARKLE!

Some other lovely bloggers that are doing this challenge:

Emma Hoop - Manicurity - http://manicurity.blogspot.com/ and http://manicurity.tumblr.com/
Kerrie Black- PhishPosh and Polish: http://pishposhandpolish.blogspot.com/
Bee Justice -- Bee Polished: www.beepolished.blogspot.com
Zoe Garner - Obsessive Compulsive Nail Painting Disorder: www.ocnpd.blogspot.com
Felicia Banuelos- http://bubblyfairy-nailpolishjunkie.blogspot.com/
Lisa Armstrong-Waite ~ Happy Nails ~ http://happynailsuk.blogspot.com
Julie Rivard ~ Tales of Knit and Nails: http://ofknitandnails.blogspot.com/

This or That?

2011-11-29T14:32:00.000-06:00

I saw this on Amandalandish blog and thought it might be fun to do. Maybe I will get more followers. If you see more than 5 answers that you and I both agree on, then share my blog with someone who follows you! Thanks!

MAKEUP

Blush or Bronzer?

I use a light bronzer as a powder and then blush my cheeks up.

Lipgloss or Lipstick?

I am a lip product junkie. In my purse at any given time, there is at least 10 lip products. I mostly go for lipgloss but I do have 4 trusty loved lipsticks.

Eyeliner or Mascara?

Both. My eyes look prettier with both. If I had to pick just one, it would be mascara.

Foundation or Concealer?

Concealer all the time. I have icky inherited dark circles under my eyes and I needs the concealer.

Neutral or Color Eye Shadow?

I like a light colored shadow with shimmer in it.

Pressed or Loose Eye Shadow?

I use pressed mostly.

Brushes or Sponges?

Brushes for eyes and sponges for face.

NAILS

OPI or China Glaze?

OPI is what I have most of, but China Glaze is equally awesome.

Long or Short?

Not super long but I really don't like nubs on me. I like them a little longer than sporty length.

Acrylic or Natural?

If my natural nails would be as strong as acrylics I would definitely keep mine natural, but I am so rough that my thin nails would break and peel too easy so I have acrylics, but no tips. KWIM?

Brights or Darks?

I am seasonally appropriate. I wear brights in the summer and lights in the spring and darks in the fall and bold in the winter.

Flower or No Flower?

Every once in a great while I will put a flower on. I do it mostly on my big toe.

BODY

Perfume or Body Splash?

My perfume is Lucky or Burberry. But I do have several sprays from B&BW or VS.

Lotion or Body Butter?

Whatever has the scent I like is what I'll use.

Body Wash or Soap?

Body washes. I love finding a new smell that I like everytime my bottle is empty.

FASHION

Jeans or Sweat Pants?

Jeans 90% of the time.

Long Sleeve or Short?

Well since I live in a 4 seasons state, its short sleeve in spring and summer and long sleeve in fall and winter. I guess it just depends on the temperature and whether I wanna put a sweater or hoodie on.

Dresses or Skirts?

I usually would wear a skirt before a dress, but I don't have many of either. Special occasions get dresses.

Stripes or Plaid?

stripes but I don't love either.

Flip Flops or Sandals?

Flip flops May-Sept. LOL I live in my flip flops. Most of them are pretty like sandals anyways.

Studs or Dangly Earrings?

Studs usually. My dangly earrings arent too long though.

Necklaces or Bracelets?

If I am wearing a shirt with a collar that is plain, I will wear a necklace. I'd feel naked without one. I usually wear bracelets too. Since I make my own jewelry, I usually have a set of necklace, bracelet and earrings that all match to wear together.

Scarves or Hats?

Scarves. I don't look too cute in hats.

Heels or Flats?

I love heels because they look hot, but they make my feet hurt like hell so I usually just wear flats.

Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots?

I think cowboy boots look cute if you get the right pair.

Jacket or Hoodies?

Jacket or sweater

Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe?

I love F21! They are cheap and cute! Like me! LOL

Abercrombie or Hollister?

Neither. I really don't need to pay $30 for a Tshirt that every preppy girl owns.

Saks 5th or Nordstroms?

I'd go to either if there was one near me.

HAIR

Curly or Straight?

I have wavy hair. I usually wear it straight but I haven't been feeling like flat ironing it for the last month so it gets scrunched.

Bun or Ponytail?

I like a messy ponytail. My hair is too short for a bun right now.

Bobby Pins or Butterfly Clips?

I use both. Depends on what style my hair wants to do that day.

Hair Spray or Gel?

Spray to tame those flyaways

Long or Short?

short, or shoulder length

Light or Dark?

Right now I am a dark red but usually I am a golden blonde.

Side Swept Bangs or Full Bangs?

Side swept if my hair is down. I don't really have bangs, but the hair in the front is pushed aside then behind my ear.

Up or Down?

Down usually, unless my wavy hair is being ridiculous.

Summer or Winter?

I love the summer. Sun loves me but I should not love it as much as I do.

Fall or Spring?

Fall is my favorite. I love the colors and the activities we get to do. Then I can wear my cute sweaters.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate is my BFF.

East Coast or West Coast?

Well I have been to NY twice and I just love the East Coast. I wanna live there.

Okay ladies, your turn. Feel free to take this tag and pass it on. Can't wait to see your answers!

Disco Dolls

2011-11-27T22:29:00.001-06:00

I colored some digi images for cards Friday night, now I just have to make the cards and take pics and get them all posted, but I got lots of other stuffs to do. I am relaxing in bed now, getting ready for a new week. The kids go back to school tomorrow, THANK GOD! The fighting was just getting to me. HAHA!
The electricity on our block went out last night for about 2 hours and right when it went off, Superman freaked out a bit and thought he was gonna puke. So I use my cell phone screen as a flashlight and went and found a bucket. He got the bucket and was sitting right next to the front door and kept freaking out. Batman and I had to find candles since the kids have played with all the flashlights and none of the lights we found had good batteries in them. Since I started using Scentsy I don't keep candles out much anymore. So I dug around in the garage in a box and found a few and got some out of the bathroom since the last time I used a few was for relaxing bath night. Superman was shaking and crying and wanted me to hold him. Spiderman was a good big brother and tried to get Superman to watch him play the PSP to help calm him down while Mommy and Daddy looked for candles. We got lucky that we bought a bunch of big lighters for when we went camping this summer so I knew exactly where a lighter was.
Since the power was out it was starting to get cold in our house so we put the kids in the car and went driving around looking at Christmas lights and trying to see if we could find a reason for the power being out. Not many people have their Christmas lights up yet. We have a fun tradition of driving around in our PJs on Christmas Eve looking at lights so come on people and get those pretties up so we can gawk! We ended up at McDs for hot chocolates and were surrounded by teenagers being unsupervised on a Saturday night. Since when is it cool to hang out at McDs and annoy the people that work there that aren't teenagers?

Well I suppose I should get to the purpose of this post which is another Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolor. This one is Disco Dolls. This is a pretty gold glitter. There is gold micro glitter, and larger green, orange, blue, red and silver glitters.
I am really getting into gold recently for some reason. I rarely watch the Kardashians, but I was really rooting for Rob to win DWTS and I wanna know the truth about Kim's marriage. Has she done a Barbara Walters special yet so she can indirectly answer all our questions?! LOL!

This is an indoor pic with flash. Click to ENLARGE!

I am going to try to do a Christmas themed 30 day Challenge starting Dec. 1st. Here is the list of what will be happening.

The Purple Crumpet Fairy 31 Days of Christmas Challenge

Day 1 - What you love most about Christmas

Day 2 - writing your Christmas cards

Day 3 - a snow globe

Day 4 - red, gold / silver water marble

Day 5 – wreath / garland

Day 6 – elves J

Day 7 - Candy Cane

Day 8 - snowflakes

Day 9 - your most festive green

Day 10 - your most festive red

Day 11 - Christmas Wrapping

Day 12 - reindeers / Rudolph

Day 13 - angels

Day 14 - Christmas Tree

Day 15 - snowman

Day 16 - Fairy Lights

Day 17 - putting up the decorations

Day 18 - your favourite Christmas Song / carol

Day 19 - candles

Day 20 - the nativity

Day 21 - Christmas glitterbomb

Day 22 - Christmas Pudding

Day 23 - Santa

Day 24 - Xmas Stocking

Day 25 - your Christmas Day mani

Day 26 - letting it all hang out / lazy mani

Day 27 - leftovers mani

Day 28 - Quality Street / Christmas sweets / chocolates

Day 29 - your favourite Christmas movie

Day 30 - detox

Day 31 - New Year's Eve mani

Sooo I hope you will think of joining this festive challenge. If you are going to be doing it please leave me your blogs address and I will add you on my posts for this as well and please feel free to add me on yours.

My Thanksgiving mani

2011-11-24T16:16:00.003-06:00

Here are some quick iphone pics. I finished it last night before bed & now I'm just putting up a cell phone pic while we commute between dinners. Hope everyone is having a Happy Turkey Day & being thankful!

EDIT 11/27/11

OK here are some more pictures and hopefully better quality so you can see the true awesomeness of my festive nails!

Left hand under Ott lamp

Both hands (pic taken by my son)

The Crappy Right Hand

This was my base color. It is unnamed gold from a Shades of the Season pack.

Here are all the polishes I used. I used a little paint tray and dotting tools.
I don't have any yellow polish so I had to use some from an Acrylic paint kit that I have.

If you wanna know what any of the polish colors are, just ask. Right now I just don't feel like going to look and write them all down. The names should all be in my stash list. I'm lazy. Let it go. LOL

Versatile Blogger

2011-11-22T19:55:00.000-06:00

I just saw this on one of my fav nail polish blogs, More Polish Plz.
So since she didn't specifically tag anyone and I read it, I figured I'd tag myself.

There are two rules for this award:

1.    List 7 things about yourself
2.    Pass this on to 15 other bloggers

Here are 7 things about me:

1. I have 3 nieces and 5 nephews that I just think are soo amazing.
2.  I am the oldest sister and have 3 little sisters. But no one thinks I am the oldest.
3.  I make my own jewelry. I make lots of jewelry for gifts.
4.  I watch a ton of TV online.
5. I want to be a lot of things when I grow up. I could be a nurse, a teacher or a party planner, but my most important job is MOMMY!
6. I LOVE to dance. I can really shake my groove thing.
7. When I have to fill out my current occupation on something, I always put CEO. Because I am the CEO of my family and my husbands second job is also CEO of the family. LOL

I could totally go on and list more than 7 things but I'm good.
If you are seeing this and have not done it yet then please feel free to go ahead and accept this award and share 7 things about you we may not know. :)
I will tag a few blogs that I would like to see do this list.

http://christyszaneycreations.blogspot.com/
http://confessionsofapaperhoarder.blogspot.com/
http://peanutbutterandjellydesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.hollyandpolish.com/
http://neverendingobsession.blogspot.com/
http://concreteandnailpolish.blogspot.com/
http://ahobby-holic.blogspot.com/
http://www.smudgetime.com/
http://epiphanyartgallery.blogspot.com/
http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
http://papermoments.blogspot.com/
http://grrrlgermsnoreturns.blogspot.com/
http://lacqueredme.blogspot.com/

Pumpkin Pie card for Sketch Challenge

2011-11-22T12:28:00.001-06:00

Here is another card I made recently. I hope I can get all the Fall/Thanksgiving cards up that I made before Thanksgiving!

I really love this image from The Stamping Boutique. It makes me hungry and I am already craving some good pumpkin pie. My baby sister is in charge of the pies for our family celebration and she is BUYING them from the store and not making them. This only upsets me because I originally said that I wanted to sign up to do the pies but she fought and argued so she could do it and I got stuck with cranberry sauce. WTF?! And now she isn't even MAKING the pies. Well I guess the rest of my family will be sorry they let her sign up for them and not me.

Enough ranting. Sorry. Onto the cute card!

For this card I again used the Dazzles stickers. I also got to use my cool punch again. I still haven't made a flower with it yet, can you believe it!?
This card will be entered into the Sketches by Carly current challenge because I used her sketch for it! Go me!

Time for another Challenge Card with TSB images!

2011-11-22T11:57:00.003-06:00

I really need to find a way to make cooler titles for my posts.
Anyways, there is a new challenge at The Stamping Boutique up now.
My sample for this challenge is another Thanksgiving theme card using the adorable AJ and Audrey.

I used some little embellishments I found in my button bag. And also I used a couple leaves from my Dazzles Stickers. I just love these stickers. They are too pretty and delicate. I colored my images with CTMH markers and colored pencils and even a silver pen for the buckles and the pie pan. The DP is also from CTMH.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/2011/11/challenge-33-thanks.html
http://prairiefairyfridays.blogspot.com/2011/11/week-66-anything-fall.html
http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-guest-designer-new-winners-and-new.html
http://www.blog2.ourcraftlounge.com/?p=6407
http://papercutzchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/11/paper-cutz-challenge-117.html

New Mani color of the week

2011-11-16T14:21:00.001-06:00

This is Nicole by OPIs Kardashian Kolor, Khloe had a little LamLam.
I really like this color, but I may not keep it this plain for very long. I am already thinking of layering some glitter over it. That's how I roll.
And these are my real nails with a layer of gel over them so they don't break. No more acrylics! EEK! I have had acrylics so long, but when I soaked them off, my nails were so long and pretty that I just couldn't get them cut off for tips so I just got gels. They break so easily if I don't put something on them. I am too rough to go without. I even tried Nail Envy and strengthener and hardeners and all that jazz but still so flimsy. So I will see how it goes with the gel.

This pic was taken in the sunlight thru my front door. Its too cold to go outside and try to get direct sunlight.

These two were taken under my Ott light. I think the color is just as good with it as in the sun so I may just do only Ott from now on, at least thru the winter when its probly gonna be less sunny.

What do you think of my NOPI KK KHALLL? LOL its like I'm speaking in Kode! HAHA! Get it?

Don't forget, I am going to do a giveaway when I hit 100 followers so become one if you aren't already! And whether you are a card girl or a nail girl, there will be a choice for you to win!
I wish my nail mail would get here soon!!!!

The Stamping Boutique BLOG HOP WINNER!!

2011-11-14T15:50:00.002-06:00

I have chosen a winner from my comments for The Stamping Boutique Blog Hop with random.com and the winner of one free image from TSB is......................

DAWN!!!!!!!!! Congratulations Dawn! Please email Christy HERE and she will send you your choice of image! Thanks for playing along with TSB!

Dawn said...

Love your cards! Your nail art is fab too!
Loving the hop!
Hugs
Dawn xx

7:26 AM

her page http://dawn-dawnscrafting.blogspot.com/

Bountiful Blessings Blog Hop!

2011-11-13T06:15:00.009-06:00

Sorry about the technical difficulties. It should be fixed now! Thanks for bearing with me!

Welcome to the Bountiful Blessings Blog Hop!
We Are Thankful for so Many Things & Wanted to Share our Many Blessings With You!

Thanks for joining us for this Bountiful Blessings Blog Hop Hosted by Jens Digi Stamps. If you've hopped along from The Fantastic Jacki http://papermoments.blogspot.com, then you are in the right place!! If you are just joining me from your dashboard, or reading this via email, please be sure to start at the beginning with Jens Digi Stamps (We wouldn't want you to miss a THING!!)

Hi! I am Arielle and I am one of the newest members of Jen's Digi Stamps Design Team. I am so happy to have been asked to be a part of this team and I want to do a good job at it. Here is my first card for them!
Yay!! I used Close to my Heart DP and some buttons from my stash and my new border punch.
This image of Boy and Girl Indians is just so cute. I colored it with CTMH markers. Hope you enjoyed it! I had to borrow a camera to get this pic! LOL

Now Head on Over to See What Tina http://craftyandgreen.blogspot.com Has Made for Your Viewing Pleasure Today!!

Blog Candy:
The Blog Candy for this Blog Hop is An Extra Special Grab Bag &
A Gift Certificate to Jens Digi Stamps Store
We will pick/Announce the Winners on Wednesday, November 16th

Rules to be eligible for The Blog Candy:
1.) You MUST visit each blog and leave a comment on every blog in the hop
2.) Leave a comment below on Jens Digi Stamps Blog
3.) Become a follower at http://jensdigistamps.blogspot.com/
4.) For an Extra Entry for the Blog Candy, Please Friend us at Jens Digi Stamps on Facebook

Thanks for Joining us Today!! We Feel Blessed to Have you Here!!
Here is the Line Up in Case you get Lost along the Way

Start http://jensdigistamps.blogspot.com
Jacki http://papermoments.blogspot.com

Arielle http://soccermom5982.blogspot.com/
Tina http://craftyandgreen.blogspot.com
Gabby: http://thecraftydream.blogspot.com/
Janet http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
Meg http://www.ladybugcrafting.blogspot.com/
Michelle http://peanutbutterandjellydesigns.blogspot.com/
Sue: http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/
Jana : http://janabailey.blogspot.com/
Christelle http://www.cricriscrap.com/

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
http://myshericrafts.blogspot.com/

http://ssdschallenge.blogspot.com/
http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/
http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
http://blog.cuddlybuddly.com/
http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com/

The Stamping Boutique BLOG HOP!!!

2011-11-11T00:00:00.020-06:00

Ok ya'll! This is my first blog hop on my blog! Exciting!! I am a combo nail blog and scrapbook/card making blog so some of my followers are nail girls and some are scrap girls. I don't think I could keep up with two separate blogs so I am keeping my interests combined for now. At least until I get bigger. LOL I want to do a giveaway when I hit 100 followers but I don't know if I will do a nail polish prize or scrap candy. Hmmm...I think I will see which I have more of following me and if its a nail majority then it will go with the polish but I'm sure both groups would like nail polish. How about both and you can choose which you want to go for! Yay! Figured it out! I love when things work out!

So on to the HOPPING! If you are a cardmaker/scrapbooker then the next 3 days of posts will be for you!
If you have come here from Jerusha-http://ilovepapercrafting.blogspot.com/ then you are on the right track, if not please head over to http://www.christyszaneycreations.blogspot.com/ to start at the beginning.

The new design team, myself included, is taking part in this "Freestyle Hop." What is a "Freestyle Hop" you may ask? Well our team has free reign to create any project they would like using any TSB image and show off their unique flair!

This hop starts today, November 11th (12:01 am CST) and will run all weekend ending on Sunday, November 13th (11:59 pm CST) to allow you plenty of time to hop. Now with any hop there has to be some prizes along the way right? Well this hop is no exception!! You will want to make sure to visit each design team member's blog and leave a comment as each one will be giving away one TSB image! Be sure to leave your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.

If that isn't enough to entice you to hop with us, well maybe this will- 1 random person (who comments on all DT blogs and leaves a final comment on The Stamping Boutique's blog) will be selected to win the entire set of our newest line of images called the Smoochies. HOLY MOLY, now that is a great prize as there are 11 images in the line currently!!! You can see the Smoochies HERE!

I used a Smoochie in my last post, but for this project I used two separate images and put them together because they are just the cutest pair. This is Pilgrim AJ and Pilgrim Audrey. They are ready for Thanksgiving! I used my new punch to make the cute border too. I can't wait to see the other things I can try to make with it. I'm seeing flowers and leaves! I used some little skittles on here too and they are all yellow or brown or green but they look different with the different colors of paper showing thru them. I just love them!
I colored my image with Bics and Sharpies and Stampin Up and CTMH markers because I don't have any Copics of my own and wasn't around my friends who DO have them for me to borrow! LOL The sentiment is a combo of two Close to my Heart stamps. I think the title for this card should be Combo Thanks! Its a big card. I am going to have to custom make an envelope for this bugger to fit in!

Hope you liked my Thanksgiving card with AJ & Audrey images. Friday evening I will be back with another Smoochie image and maybe more! Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win your own TSB image!

Now head on over to see my good friend Sue-http://confessionsofapaperhoarder.blogspot.com/ I am sure she has some beautiful creation for you and she may have used some Close to My Heart products. See if I'm right!!

Here is the list of places on the Hop list in case you missed any.
Christy D-http://www.christyszaneycreations.blogspot.com/<----Start Here

Jessica-http://canyoupixelthis.com/

Sandy-http://scribblesbysandy.blogspot.com/

Ali (Dragonlady)-http://craftydragons.blogspot.com/

Lawren-http://ahobby-holic.blogspot.com/

Rhonda-http://bluepoohbear753.blogspot.com/

Miranda-http://mirandascardcreations.blogspot.com/

Stacie-http://hestiashelper.blogspot.com/

Melissa-http://www.smudgetime.com/

April-http://allaboutthelowers.blogspot.com/

Julia-http://paperandscrapscreations.blogspot.com/

Ali (Aqualeiga)-http://aqualeigasescape.blogspot.com/

Rene'-http://www.stampinginsunnysa.blogspot.com/

Jerusha-http://ilovepapercrafting.blogspot.com/

Arielle-http://soccermom5982.blogspot.com/ <---ME!! You are here and almost done!

Sue-http://confessionsofapaperhoarder.blogspot.com/

TSB Challenge Blog-http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.com/<---- Final Stop

Thank you in advance for hopping and Good Luck, we hope to inspire you along the way!

Entering this card in the following Challenges:
Cuddly Buddly-Double Trouble
guylousinimitability-Turkey
http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com/-thanksgiving
http://www.whimsical-designs.com/-thanksgiving
http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/-Thankful
http://digitaltuesdaychallenge.blogspot.com/-anything goes
http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/-anything with brown
http://diekreativenstempelfreunde.blogspot.com/-orange and brown
http://digidarla.com/holiday-harvest-challenge/-holiday harvest
http://heartsonginspirations.blogspot.com/-anything
http://kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/-fall colors

Veterans Day Card

2011-11-10T16:32:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day and THE STAMPING BOUTIQUE has a challenge going on right now: Challenge #19 Home of the Brave. ..something thankful, something in remembrance, something that is personal to you about Veteran's.... basically anything that is supporting/thanking/or showing some love for a veteran!

I used a new image by Tracey Malnofski called Smoochie. She is so adorable isn't she? And I customized her to be a patriotic girl. The sentiment is a CTMH stamp. I just love the new Smoochies. If you are a card maker, please come on over to TSB and join us. You could win your choice of Smoochies or any other digital image drawn by Tracey and they are all AMAZING!

I am entering in the following challenges:

Digi Stamps 4 Joy-gratitude

Aud Sentiments Challenge-41

My Mums Craft Shop-Sugar and Spice

Card Makin Mama's-Thankful

Crafty Catz- Digi Image

Penny's Paper-Crafty-Thanks and DT!

http://thesisterhoodofcrafters.blogspot.com/-giving thanks

http://celebratetheoccasion.blogspot.com/-veterans Day

http://bowsnberries-bosenberries.blogspot.com/-CAS

http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/-use a die-i used a Tim Holtz die for the red mat behind img

http://creativecraftchallenges2.blogspot.com/-minimalistic

Nail awesomeness

2011-11-10T01:38:00.000-06:00

Ok there are a lot of challenges going around right now and I REALLY wanna do one. Not sure which of these two to do. I do know that I wanna start it at the beginning of the year. And I want some people to do it with me. So if you would like to join in a challenge with me, starting on Jan. 1, 2012, please leave a comment here with your blog name and we can all do the pretty polish challenge together!

I was going to do this challenge, but I may just save it for another month...there are 12 right?

OPI Pepe's Purple Passion

2011-11-10T01:07:00.000-06:00

Today I have for you OPIs Pepe's Purple Passion. This color is so pretty! Its a dark wine purple with glass flecks in it that just make it shimmer. My bottle has a thick formula in it. Is it just mine or are all of them this way?
I thought this was a great fall color so I used it as a base for two fall themed manis. One was a HUGE fail but I wore it for a couple days anyways because I worked on it for two hours. I just have to accept the fact that my hands are too shakey to do straight lines.
Now on to more pictures!

Started with base of PPP.

Then I added a line of Revlon Copper Penny.
Followed by smaller lines of Revlon's Emerald City Matte.

Finished set

Polishes used.

Now I have a Fall Gradient to show you. I started with a base of PPP for this one too. I'm just loving this color!

With Flash

Under Ott light

Polishes used: OPI Pepe's Purple Passion, OPI Warm and Fozzy, Milani Gold Glitz, Seche Vite Top Coat

Hope you liked my Fall themed manis!

HI!

2011-11-07T16:49:00.000-06:00

I just want to say Hello to anyone visiting from Lacquered Me. Please feel free to become a follower on GFC.
I have been working on getting my latest fall theme mani up and I am also working on cards for my DT blog hop so hopefully I can get those posts up before Wednesday.
The kids are keeping me busy. Also my DH is sick so I have to take care of him of course, all the while doing housework and dealing with my own headaches/migraines. So life happens but I will survive! So hi to all the new followers and please stick around!

Two posts in one day?! UNheard of!

2011-10-31T16:46:00.000-05:00

Soooo I really wanna win some giveaways...who doesn't? I need nail mail. Only ever gotten one package so far. That will change on my birthday however when I get 11, yes thats right, 11! packages cause I am in a Birthday Club from Laquered Me blog.
So hope that I win some of these other blogs challenges before my birthday so I will get some nail mail!

TraceFace Philes has an amazing 2100 follower giveaway! Congratz!

Polished and Not Quite Put Together is having a mini giveaway. With jewelry made with nail polish! WOAH!

Will add more later after Trick or Treating!!!

Yay! Halloween Manis

2011-10-31T10:01:00.001-05:00

I have my last two Halloween manis for you and if you are lucky I may even post my bad cell phone pic of one other.

The first one I used It's Alive! by China Glaze. I cut up a few of Claire's Bling Nail Stickers. Then topped with CG Fairy Dust and Seche Vite. I even drew a little spider on my thumb! He's a cute spidey!

Left hand under Ott Light.

R thumb with SPIDER!

R hand under Ott light.

L hand under Ott Light

L in Sun

R in Sun

Next up is my FAAAVVE mani I have ever done I think. Well on the last one I did like the ring finger on my right hand a lot. I never like my right hand but I managed to do a good enough job on these two manis to share it with you.

First I did a basecoat of Essie Demure Vix. I just love this color. Maybe its not right for my skin tone, but I like the way it has a slight plum shimmer to it. I even got it in the next shade darker, Merino Cool, but I haven't worn that one yet.

This is such a pretty color I think. Its like my only nude so it worked. I tried making a franken out of an old Avon french white color and adding a darker plum shade to make it more of a nude, but the consistency was like water so I said forget that!

Next I got out my tools and started using Milani Ready to Wear Red. I used a tutorial from here. Kayla did a great job on hers and I tried to make mine as awesome. I'd been wanting to do a bloody mani for a while, but Batman's grandma died and I didn't think it would be appropriate at a funeral so I waited.

Colors used: OPI Ridge Filling base coat, Essie Demre Vix,
Milani Ready to Wear Red, SOPI Brunette on the Internet,
Shades of the Seasons Shimmery Red, & Posche topcoat.
CVS Acetone

Palette, Orly small dotting tool, Cuticle sticks, (scrapbooking) tweezers
and sponge. Barielle Cuticle gel. I used a paintbrush too to cleanup.

Right hand! All pics taken under Ott light.

I would really have liked to use a different nude color but Demure Vix was all I had so I still think it looks good. I really like it and I think its perfect for Trick or Treating tonight. All my boys thought it was cool and that's all that matters right?

Ok so here is my crappy cell pic of a purple and orange french mani I did for the Halloween season. I had this on my nails when I went to World's of Fun (amusement park) with my sister. We rode roller coasters and walked thru haunted houses and trails there. Its so fun. We do it every October. So this pic was taken after a day of doing all that.

Here is me and my sis!

See the scary face behind us?

Here we are on the Detonator. A ride consisting of twin 200-foot towers. Riders sit on a chair lift-type seat and are propelled straight up reaching a speed of 45 mph in one second with significant force.-From WoF website
And yes I am wearing a New Kids On The Block T-shirt! Cause I went to that concert and it was A-MAZ-ING!!
So then we had the funeral to go to. My nails were painted a vampy red because I wanted to still be in the festive spirit but still be appropriate for a funeral.

Spiderman took this pic of me cause he said Mommy is prettys. My sister in law colored my hair too. Notice its darker and redder here than in the WoF pics? Yeah its a pretty dark change for me cause I am so used to being blonde. But everyone says it looks good on my skin tone so I'm rolling with it.

Here is another pic from my iPhone just so I could show off my new hair color.
I did a cool photoshop app on it too.

And here is a 16x20" canvas board I made for Grandma's funeral.
The funeral home makes these boards with pictures on them for the deceased and I made this one myself.
Batman's mom added pictures to it and it was displayed at the visitation and funeral.

Ok well I hope you enjoyed seeing my Halloween manis and a ton of other pics. Tell me what you think!

Two Cards to Share with YOU!

2011-10-27T18:21:00.000-05:00

First of all, a BIG shout out to my sister Hannah. She is re-vamping my blog for me. She MADE this background and changed everything up for me cause I am technically ignorant. I am creatively AWESOME but I suck at the HTML stuffs. So Hannah is making it all prettyful and personalized. She is working on a banner for me and it will be the first time I've ever had a banner on my blog! YAY! I can't wait to see it. Its gonna have cards AND polish on it! WOOHOO!! Let me know what you think when its all done!
On to the CARDS!!

Over at The Stamping Boutique, time is running out to get your projects in for the current monthly project! The theme is Think Pink! in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Here is my card for this theme with the Princess Jennifer image. I know I've already posted it here, but I want you to join in on this challenge so look at it again and GET INSPIRED! LOL!

I used CTMH papers, vintage ribbon and Copics. The roses are made from the new Art Philosophy cricut cartridge. I seriously rolled them myself! So cool! I love that cartridge!

And here is my Spooky Scarey card using the Medusa image. Get your projects in for this challenge too as its about over also!

I used Imaginesce papers. I die cut the image with a Tim Holtz die. I LOVE TIM! Then I freehand cut the purple one b/c I only have the one size. The ribbon is really old from my stash. I hope she looks scarey!

This month has just gone by so fast. I think, looking back, that the whole year has gone by fast. We just lost my husband's grandma to lung cancer last week. She waited for 3 years for new lungs and then took her name off the list. She was a sweet lady and we will miss her.

Hope you all have a good weekend. Hopefully I will get some pictures uploaded and get some new nail polish posts up this weekend. That's my plan!

The Crazy Challenge

2011-10-20T21:13:00.003-05:00

The Stamping Boutique is sponsoring this week's challenge at The Crazy Challenge.
I made a cute card using PJL witch for this challenge.
Head on over and enter your card for a chance to win 5 digi stamps from TSB!

The Stamping Boutique Challenge #17 Someone Special

2011-10-13T22:25:00.000-05:00

Challenge #17 is up at the blog I am a DT member for: The Stamping Boutique

The card I did for this challenge uses the Princess Jennifer Latte Breast Cancer Awareness Digital Stamp. But I changed her to be for Thyroid Cancer too. Since I am a Thyroid Cancer survivor, I made this card for all the special survivors that I have met over my past 5 years in the survivor world.

Click photo for closer looks. The stunning butterflies were cut with my cricut cart "Sentimentals" and colored with a glittery pen. I sprayed the tiny purple butterfly with Tattered Angels spray ink. The frame was cut with Cricut cart for CTMH called Art Philosophy. The purple dp from CTMH was embossed with a folder from The Paper Studio that I picked up at Hobby Lobby. I colored the img with colored pencils and copics and all jewels and ribbon are from my stash.

Thanks for looking and be sure to join in the challenge at The Stamping Boutique for your chance to win some amazing images!

Big long lucious nail post!!

2011-10-12T19:56:00.003-05:00

I got some nail mail today from my friend Kim...Thank you KIM! You are awesome!

I got a couple polishes that looked similar to some that I already had so I decided to do some comparison swatches. Click the pictures to see them bigger.
The first I want to compare looked really similar in the bottles.
They are Sephora for OPI's Mash-Up
& Wet N Wild Grey's Anatomy.

I just found a blog that already did this comparison so if you want to see what The PolishAholic says about these two, feel free.

OF course the Wet&Wild polish is cheaper, but in my opinion, you don't NEED both of these because they are so similar. But they are NOT completely the same. They are both very pretty duochromes that show different colors in different lights/angles. You can see Silver, lavender, and greenish/blue. They both need at least two coats for opacity. Typically I like to put a glitter on top of my plain/non-glittery polishes, but I think I'd wear this one alone because of its shiny/color-changing goodness.
I think the OPI polish has more pinky tones in it and the W&W has more blue/grey.
Overall, I like them but I am sure I will only use the OPI one more cause I think it looks better with my skin tone.
Next are two gorgeous gold polishes.

The left one (on my middle finger) is Revlon Copper Penny. The other is Sephora for OPI Rumba Romance.
Copper Penny is, as the name suggests, a copper metallic. It's extremely pigmented and was even and opaque in one coat. The picture is taken in the sunlight and i think both of these metallics are super shiny even without the top coat.
The color is a beautiful bronzey-pumpkin shade with small shimmery bits! Hello, pumpkin pie! I think this is a FABULOUS fall shade and I am glad to add it to my collection.

Next I have a bunch of glitters. I LOVE spark-EL-IES! I have soooo many glitter polishes. I love to layer them over anything. Here is a swatch of 4 of my glitters.

These polishes are so pretty! I hate that they are so hard to take off, but they are so worth it.
Ulta's After Party is a mix of silver, gold and red micro glitter in a clear base. The polish went on evenly.
Strobe Light, pink and big chunks of silver holographic glitter in a clear base.
Rockstar Pink is a fabulous multi pink glitter. Red, Pink, Purple, Blue glitter in a clear base.
Sinful Colors Frenzy is a clear base with round purple and blue glitter.
It took me 2 coats to get all the looks you see above.
I think all of these polishes will look great over anything. I am looking forward to trying them all over white and black.

What do you think? Do you have/like/love/hate any of these?

Also check out these AWESOME nail blog giveaways! I totally need to win more polishes. I am totally jonesing for the new OPI Muppets collection. PLLLLEEEEEEAAAAASSSSEEEE make me a WINNER!

Trace Face Philes 1800 Followers Giveaway
Ice Queen's Nail Parlour Falling Giveaway
The Color Palette Blog
http://deucebeauties.blogspot.com/

More Challenge Cards!!

2011-10-10T21:24:00.002-05:00

I got busy this weekend creating cards. My son went with me to a crop on Saturday and we got to spend some time creating together. I will have him finish some stuff he stamped and started coloring so I can share it with you soon. He almost colors better than me. He is an awesome artist and I love spending creative time with him.

So lets start off with my favorite card I made this weekend. This is my Breast Cancer card. I have a dear friend that is a SURVIVOR and everytime I see something pink for BC I always think of her. So here is a card in her honor~ Love you SUE!!

The image is from The Stamping Boutique. Pattern paper from CTMH, colored with Copics. Vintage ribbon from my stash.
Entering this card into these challenges:
The Stamping Boutique-monthly contest
Cooking it up with Katie - Fab, Fun, & FLOWERS!!

Digi Stamps 4 Joy Challenge #29
I Brake for Challenges-Girl Power
Sassy Studio Designs #93
Party Time Tuesdays #36
Inky Impressions-support
Lexi's Creations Challenge 50
Di's Digi Designs-girly
My Sheri Crafts- Think Pink
Prairie Fairy Fridays #63
Guylou's Inimitability-BCA
Jellypark Challenges-pink & ribbon
Inkspirations Color challenge #90
Delightful Challenges-dimensional
One Stitch At A Time-Anything Goes

Next up is another cute image from The Stamping Boutique. This is my purple Christmas Joy card. Princess Jennifer is colored with Copics & Colored pencils and a glittery pen for the fur. There is an adhesive ribbon on the left from my friend's stash, (Thanks Christy!) Glittery brad, flower, swirl & clear circle from my stash. Pearls from CTMH.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Hanna & Friends-BINGO (Glimmer, Ribbon, and pearls)
Crafty Cardmakers #53
Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge 99
One Stop Craft Challenge week 152
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #155
Bah Humbug Challenge 40
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days Challenge
Christmas Stampin' -Purple Passion
Cuddly Buddly Challenge 15
Stempelsonnen Challenge shopping

My next card is really cute I think. It is a fancy fold card. I made it a stairstep card. I have only made one other stairstep card before this one.

I used the Autumn Froggy image from The Stamping Boutique, 2 fibers & 1 button & Jewels & felt from my stash, Basic Grey pp, I cut out the branch in the back and the lattice scallop border with cricut Art Philosophy cart.
I am entering this cute creation into the following challenges:
The Stamping Boutique/Crafters Cafe-Oct progressive challenge
Dutch Dare Card Challenges-special fold
Moving Along with the Times-Autumn Leaves
Paper Crafting Journey- Die Cuts or Punches
PaperPlay Challenges-Autumnal colors
Crafting For All Seasons-Fall flowers/pumpkins
Crafts & Me-use a digi
Fresh Brewed Blog-pumpkins
Little Darlings Challenges-Fall or Halloween
My Mum's Craft Shop-All Creatures Great and Small
The Paper Shelter-Halloween
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges-Anything Goes
Scrap Creations-Fall
Papertake Weekly-Anything Goes
Fussy &Fancy Friday Challenge-Fall or Halloween
Card Makin Mamas-Fancy Fold
Mami Doodles-Mother Nature
Sew Many Cards-Yellow, Brown, Burnt Orange
Stampin for the Weekend-Colors of Autumn
Stampin with the Dragon-Fall
TotallyPaperCrafts #87 Animals
Crafty Boots Challenges-Zoo or Animal
Creative Stamp Friends-Autumn
NettieG's Digital Gems-Fall
Stamps R Us-Autumn/Fall
Gingerloft Challenge-Orange
Designed 2 Delight-Falling Leaves
Send a Smile 4 Kids-Fall colors

Pink for a Cure

2011-10-10T14:53:00.000-05:00

My nails were pink this week because October is Breast Cancer awareness month and I wanted to kick it off right by showing my support.

The polishes I used are Sally Hansen Flame Opal for the base pink. Then Wet N Wild Sparked for the pink sparkles. Then I drew on a white ribbon with an art pen. Then I added a butterfly to my thumb. Thanks for looking!

Challenge Card

2011-10-09T00:26:00.001-05:00

The Kaboodle Doodles Challenge this week is a color challenge (reds/pinks/purple and neutral of your choice) and the winner will receive three awesome images from Stamp Insanity Store.

I made this little card with an image from The Stamping Botique. I used some felt stuff and CTMH papers. The image is colored with colored pencils.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:

Sugar Bowl #69

Crafts and ME-Use a digi

My Last "Normal" Mani for the year

2011-10-04T02:26:00.000-05:00

My nails are really pretty right now, but I am very excited because soon they will be painted very festive.
I plan on doing Halloween nails the rest of the month and then Fall/Thanksgiving nails, then of course Christmas/Winter nails for December and a New Years Eve/My Anniversary mani that will be HUGE I tell ya!

So send me some festive ideas and if you see a NYE idea PLEASE let me see it! I will send a gift to the best idea sent to me. Contest closes NYE and you will get your gift in January!!! Put links in the comments for me!

Here is my lovely mani that will be replaced tomorrow by a Halloween mani.

I used Butter London Victoriana over a base coat of course...Then one coat of Sally Hansen Ice Queen, then for extra sparkle, I added one coat of China Glaze Fairy Dust. And topped with a coat of Seche Vite. It was pretty for a few days but I MUST do Halloween! I could barely wait for October to start. I almost did it in September but I made myself wait.

Giveaways!

2011-09-28T21:56:00.000-05:00

I found some awesome giveaways to share with you all....if you win you have to split it with me LOL J/k!!

Valentine Kisses
This one has a ton of variety! There are polishes and makeup and even some BEADS! Sweet!

Spellbinding Nails-HUGE giveaway!!
This one is going to be GREAT for a beginning nail stamper like me to win. Sooo many stamping plates! I have NONE so far.

Hope you, or I win!!

ABCs of ME

2011-09-23T14:03:00.000-05:00

Well I am now getting some followers so I wanted to do this post to let you get to know me a little better.
First, I want to give a BIG shout out to my sister Hannah who, is awesome like me, and also she fixed my problem I was having with the see thru pictures! YAY! You rock epically Hannah! Love you!

On to the good stuff:
I've seen a few people in the blogging community do a post like this recently and I wanted to jump on board...

A. Age: I turned 29 for the first time in May.

B. Bed Size: Queen. One day we will be grown up and get a King.

C. Chore I Hate: Cleaning the toilets! I have a separate bathroom for the boys to use since they frequently get stuff on the seat so they are in charge of cleaning that one.

D. Day: Saturday is my fav because I always do something I enjoy on that day. Either scrapbook or spend some family time.

E. Essential Start of My Day: I always get a can of DrPepper. My day would completely suck without it.

F. Favorite Color: Purple. Everything would be purple if I could get away with it.

G. Gold or Silver: White gold or platinum :-)

H. Height: I'm 5'3"

I. Instruments: I play a mad Karaoke machine. I'm not very musically talented I guess. My son can play drums. I just sing, badly.

J. Job Title: Chief Executive Mother/Wife. Sounds almost professional.

K. Kids: Yeah I have 2 awesome sons.

L. Live: Kansas City far from OZ

M. Mom's Name: Heidi

N. Nicknames: Honey. I bet you can't guess who calls me that ;-p

O. Overnight Stay at the Hospital: Several. Two for each of the kids being born. A few for Cancer surgery. Another for brain tumor-type stuff.

P. Pet Peeves: I hate when people have typos. I may occasionally have one, but I know how to use spell check. I also know how to use: to, too, your, you're, there, their, and they're. If you don't, you are dumb and I want to tell you but I'm too nice.

Q. Quote From a Movie: "Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads." BTTF

R. Right or Left Handed: I'm right handed. I cannot use my left hand for much.

S. Siblings: I am lucky enough to be the oldest of 4 sisters. My 3 sisters are the best friends I could ever have. I also have ONE amazing SIL who I also LOVE!

T. Time I Wake Up: Whenever the heck I feel like it :-D

U. Underwear: I think they're essential ;-) And I don't think they should cost so dang much money!

V. Vegetable I Hate: I love pretty much all of them. I guess I don't really like squash much. But I will eat it. I also eat Brussel Sprouts and I love Onions.

W. What Makes Me Late: My hair usually. Or just sleeping too late.

X. X-Rays: I have had several. Dentist of course, thyroid stuff, never broken anything though *knock on wood*

Y. Yummy Foods I Can Make: I'm good in the kitchen. I can make just about anything if I have a recipe. I love to cook mexican foods and I am AWESOME at anything Italian.

Z. Zoo: I've been to so many. My favorite so far is StLouis but I am waiting to try Omaha. Haven't been there since I was little so I don't remember it.

Well there you have it. Fun post! Now I am going to go clean stuff before the boys get home from school. YAY!

Oh YEAH!!!

2011-09-21T10:48:00.000-05:00

Well lots is going on in my world lately. I got the new hair color, you saw. So I decided my blog needed a new look too for my fresh start. I like everything about this new blog look except the pictures are kinda see thru and I can't figure out how to fix it. Anyone knows how, please let me know! I'd appreciate some help! I also can't get my dumb Google Friend Connect to work. I can't see it on my blog, its just an empty square and I can only see it on very few other blogs. I want to be friends with everyone thru GFC I just can't get it to work right.

So I am so excited to announce that I am now finally on a Design Team!! Yay!! I am on The Stamping Boutique team and I am joining a lot of talented girls. Here are my first two projects.

These cards are made using TSB images drawn by Tracey Malnofski. She is so talented and ALL the images are so amazing!!

I am entering Fall Froggy in the following challenges:

Crazy 4 Challenges-pumpkin

Di's Digi Designs

Cute Card Thursday #182

Digi Doodle Shop's Best #76

I used Dazzle Fall Stickers on both of these cards. They are detailed and so pretty I wish I had more of these stickers! On my froggy card I put down two of the stickers and then sprayed some Tattered Angels shimmer spray and then removed the sticker for a cool masked effect. I love using the sprays so watch for more projects using them in the future!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Kaboodle Doodles Challenge #85

I colored both of the images using some regular markers and some Copic markers that I borrowed from a friend. I love the way Copic's color so I'm going to need to start stocking up on some of them for myself.

Well thanks for checking out my creations. Stay tuned because I plan on doing a nail polish challenge and posting my pretty mani's in the next few days!

Prettys

2011-09-13T15:21:00.001-05:00

I did my nails today. I used Antiqued Gold Crackle by Sally Hansen, over a beautiful burgundy called Carry On by Essie. I think it really compliments my new red hair color.

Many Lovely Returns

2011-09-10T20:05:00.002-05:00

Its been a while since I blogged and i just want to pop in real quick to say that i am going to start posting my crafty stuff on here a lot more. So here is a sneak peek at a banner I made an I will post some close up pictures soon. I am also going to change the letter R on this banner cause it looks like an N or an H. Its going to go in my scrapbook room. Here you go!

Hoo are you?

2011-04-03T22:41:00.002-05:00

Got these questions from a cute blog called The Life of Me

1. What is your favorite magazine?

I'm a mom so I like Parenting and Women's Day. Also Creating Keepsakes and Scrapbooks, Etc.

2. What color are your eyes?

I have green eyes. So does my husband and both our boys have blue. Whats up with that?

3. Do you go to the dentist on a regular 6 month schedule, or do you put it off?

I put it off as long as possible. I am NOT a fan of the dentist at all.

4. Do you use anything to make your house smell good? ex: candles, spray,etc...

I just came into possession of some Scentsy products. Love the warmers and the was bars smell so good. You won't go away from a Scentsy basket without finding one you like.

5. Do you have any pets?

We have some goldfish. They are pretty popular in our house.

I'm still here

2011-03-09T20:32:00.002-06:00

I love to blog, I just don't think I am very good at it sometimes.
I have personal reasons for wanting to blog and I think I take it too personally when I have no comments or readers.
I need to just write what I want to write and get back into it fully for ME.

So....migraine stuff....I have a Brainstem Cavernous Angioma. It's not going to kill me or make me severely disabled, but I do get migraines. It also causes my heart to beat irregularly, my body temp hard to regulate, my pain sensations to be intensified, and my speech to be affected at times.

The hardest part of having migraines is the rollercoaster ride it takes my family on. I get very moody and tend to take it out on my husband.

It has been an interesting journey for me being a mom and a migraine sufferer. I know there are a lot of us out there. The statistics support it. But the need for support and understanding is great. People used to think that migraines were no big deal and that they were just an excuse to get out of something. Now a days, more and more doctors and employers are starting to realize that this is a real condition. It can be very serious and causes lots of people to miss work or just miss out on life.
I say this has been an interesting journey because being a parent and migraine sufferer is sometimes scary and definitely unpredictable. You never know when you wake up in the morning, if this will be the day that you get a migraine. And, not having family close by I have to try to figure out who to call to help with the kids if my husband can't leave work.
I've really learned to try to take it easy and not overdo it. Being at home all day, it is so easy to get caught up in the house work, then before I know it, I'm getting a headache. Luckily my husband realizes that the house isn't going to be perfect. Its better for me to be happy and do things I like to do when I am feeling good, than doing house work that could give me a headache.
We had a few very stressful things happen, so still recovering from my headache, trying to keep another from coming on and being worn down, made it very hard to handle to stress. Lets hope that we learn from this and try to make the effort to slow down a bit. Easier said than done.

I woke up Tuesday with a migraine. My Brother in law and sister in law had been staying with us a couple days, a grandma was in the hospital and I just had a lot on my mind and stress in my system. Then I ran out of my pain meds last night. So this morning I woke up and still felt miserable but I had to take a kid to school and run to the pharmacy obviously. So today was a long school day for Superman, so I got to lay down and relax in the quietness after I got home. Then when my husband came home for lunch, I was still asleep and I woke up a little later and was still throbbing and nauseaus. I have my own pain scale and I have been at an 8 since Tuesday morning. Then he went and picked up Superman for me and worked from home obviously, cause he didn't wake me up. I finally came around at 6:30pm and wasn't sure if it was AM or PM. Then I heard the kids downstairs so I figured it was night. Then I realized I should probably eat and just then hubby came in and said he was running to get some food. Thank goodness for him. So now I'm not tired at all.
I really wish meds like Tylenol or Aleve would work for me. I'm in the middle of trying new things with my neurologist and my general dr. is working on my thyroid levels and I have an mri next week. Hopefully I will get something that works soon. I feel like I have been saying that for 2 years now. But someday, something will work right?
I know sometimes the headaches are inevitable because they can be hormonal. So, I don't want to take things to extreme and become scared of doing things because I know I'll get a migraine. Before, I pushed myself too hard, now I am finding myself not doing good things because of the looming fear of a migraine.
I accept I have migraines, I take care of myself and do what I can to avoid triggers, but will not let these headaches control my life!
So the only plus side to getting migraines that I can think of is that I get to drink DrPepper all the time and that I get massages. Still I would give those things up for never having another migraine again.

New Years Resolutions

2010-12-28T04:12:00.002-06:00

~~Speak my husband's "love language" more~~
Complete unfinished projects, like journaling empty spots in scrapbooks
~~Find time to eat breakfast every day~~
~~- Teach~~ jewelry making classes and scrapbook techniques
- Clean out closets
- Crochet the rest of the afghan I started when pregnant with Aidan
Put videos of the kids onto DVDs
- Learn to use Photoshop better
- Have more amazing photoshoots
Put my hair in ponytails less.
Learn to use my creativity skills on painting
Drink more water. Eat more veggies.
Yell less.
Learn that watching home organizing shows, does not actually make my house organized.

Maybe we will start with that and see how much I can do.
And I have no idea why there are lines thru the words. I didnt put them there on purpose.

SUN

2009-10-12T13:47:00.002-05:00

I remember the "sleep" I got when my kids were infants. In the morning, I would add up the bits and pieces of shut-eye I had managed to capture the night before, and it would equal something like 45 minutes. Then I would cry. Then I would get out of bed and start the day.

So believe me, I'm happy that my kids are a wee bit older now. But I ask you: WHY do kids have to get up so early in the morning? Maybe it's just my kids, but come 7:00 a.m. Superman (3 yrs old) appears at my bedside shouting, "The sun's AWAKE!"

I groan, open my eyes and I see his face, right up against my face. "I want NOGGIN!" he instructs. "The sun's AWAKE!" This is especially irksome on the weekend. "Mommy & Daddy aren't up yet, bud," I tell him. "Just stay in bed a little longer."

He ignores my pleas. "The sun WOKED UP!" he shouts again, pulling at my arm. And unfortunately it is light outside. (Darn you, sun.)

So I drag myself out of bed. You just can't argue with daylight. Or a chipper three year old, for that matter.

Growing

2009-10-08T12:11:00.006-05:00

Its fall and it feels like this year has gone by too fast. As I am writing this, I have a mega headache coming on and I can't take my super squashing meds cause I have to drive to pick up Spiderman from school soon and Superman is here with me and requires supervision. So I apologize if this post is nonsensical.
I am going to a scrapbook convention tomorrow. I have been to several of these conventions, but this will be different because I am volunteering as a teacher assistant this time. I know it sounds selfish and moocher-ish, but I really hope I get some good rewards for being a great assistant. I am also hopeful that I get an inside track for a cool scrapbook job. I'd love to travel around and teach those classes.
(I think I made up a word-- moocher-ish oh yeah!)

Spiderman is a cub scout and a basketball player. He is keeping me busy. He wants to ride the bus. What's wrong with the mommy taxi?
My nephew and my niece and my puppy are all growing too fast. So adorable and huggable.
Scrappy is 4 months.

Parker is 3 months.Nevaeh is 2 months.
Aren't they just the cutest???

As if life wasn't already interesting enough....

2009-09-24T10:49:00.004-05:00

We moved into our new duplex. Everything went fine there. Spiderman started his new school and loves first grade. He is still very gifted and is doing basketball and boy scouts. Superman is potty trained mostly. He was going to go to a preschool and be a peer in a special ed. class but he isn't compliant enough. He is just compliant for a normal three year old, not overly compliant which they need to put him in as a peer, so we will be home together another year.

I have started selling jewelry that I make. And I've been building up my portfolio of photography by taking senior pictures of my sister and family pictures of my other sister and baby pictures of my new nephew and niece.We got a puppy. His name is Scrappy. He is my little lovey. Such a sweetie. We should have gotten a girl dog so I could be less outnumbered, but oh well. He is my bud and cuddles with me more than the boys do.Ok now on to the not so good part. This past Saturday I had a busy day. I didn't get much sleep the night before. I got up early, went to some garage sales, loaded up my car for my plans out of town. I went to my little sister's volleyball tournament. Then I threw a bridal shower for my future sister in law. I didn't eat much with all my running around. After the shower, I loaded up my car to head home and picked up my little sister cause I was going to take her senior pictures Sunday morning. I had a little headache on the hour drive home but just figured I was needing some food. So we got home and I ate a PB sandwich and took 3 aleve. Well my headache escalated into a horrible migraine. So I woke up my sis who was exhausted from playing volleyball for 8 hours and told her that Batman was taking me to the hospital cause I was in too much pain. She would have to stay home cause the boys were sleeping as it was about midnight. So she just went back to sleep I think. Lucky.

So I get to the northland hospital and I have on pj pants and a tanktop and slipon shoes and a zip up hoodie. I had taken out my contacts and left my glasses so I couldn't see a thing. My hand is over my eyes cause the light hurts too much. They get me into a room and Batman turns off the lights as much as he can in the room. I wasn't really in the waiting room too long but it was agony when I was there. There was a crying baby and a loud lady. I was almost crying.

I get a nurse that puts in an IV but it takes her two tries. They never listen to me. My veins are small and roll. Don't give me a new nurse for the love of god. Then they send me for a CT cause its my first migraine that has sent me to the ER. So I don't really remember the CT. I think I was on a dose of meds that included something like morphine, nausea meds, and benedryl. So after the CT a frantic looking doc comes in my dark room and is muttering that there was something suspicious on the results and they have to immediately transfer me to the downtown hospital to get an MRI. I will have to go by ambulance.

Well Batman has to drive the car to the new hospital so I have to go in the ambulance alone. He stops at our house to get my glasses and some extra clothes. I am strapped down to a gurney and given more drugs to relax me. My nose itches so much from the morphine I think its going to fall off. They give me a thin white washcloth to cover my eyes to ease the pain of the lights. Obviously it serves little good other than to use to itch my nose.

I get my own private room at the new hospital and learn I am being admitted. Batman has been thru migraine routines before with his mom and never was admitted. He said she got a few shots and they sent her home and she slept for two days. I was not getting any sleep. And my head was spinning and still very painful. They were asking me which drugs I wanted to make the pain stop. Like I have a dictionary on what narcotics will help me. I've never had narcotics before, I don't know squat about them. I muttered something about tylenol 3 and they were like no you don't want that. Well don't ask me then. Obviously.

Soon I get taken to the MRI. There are 3 techs that put earplugs in me and strap my head down and try to make me comfortable. HAH! Then I am forced to lay perfectly still while listening to the loudest annoying noise ever with a migraine. Who is in charge of this crap??
They tell me that when its over the Dr may read it by 9am so I should know something by then. So I prepare myself to go up to my room and sleep til noon. Well at about 4am, a neuro surgeon comes in my room and asks me fifty questions like, close my eyes really tight, smile with teeth showing, follow his finger, lift my hands in the air, count backwards, touch my nose, lift my leg, lift the other leg, breathe in, breathe out, etc....

Then he says that the MRI showed that I have what's called a cavernous angioma. Basically a cluster of blood vessels that is packed in my brain stem. I was probably born with it and if it had been up in my brain lobes, I may never have noticed it was there, but since its in the brain stem, its causing symptoms. I will probably just get lots of bad migraines and could possibly have siezures. So I get out of the hospital finally on Monday evening. It was very scary and I don't remember much more than that.

I am feeling fine now. I have a couple prescriptions for pain meds as needed. Basically just super excedrin and nausea help. The most I need is to catch up on the sleep I missed those two days when nurses and drs came in every 30 minutes to ask me the same questions over and over. Have to get the kids less confused. They see the bruises from the IVs on my arms and they ask a hundred times a day if I am sick. So hard for them to understand. We just have to pray it goes away and doesn't bleed again. So for now I am just trying not to worry.