A Scrapper's Dream ~ 77

Scrap To The Bone

2011-08-24T19:02:00.001-07:00

SCRAP TO THE BONE

September 30^th Oct 1^st & 2nd 2011

Eaglewood Resort and Spa

1401 Nordic Rd, Itasca, IL 60143

630-773-1400 www.eaglewoodresort.com

Ghoulz Rulz this weekend for a Spooktacular cropping event!! Vendors from the nether world will bring products from down under!! Make sure that you check all items before going home! Might find Uncle Fester’s finger in one of the packages. Eye popping Raffles & a Squeamish game or two is a must! Bring a snack to pass (Please no eye of newt). Friday start time TBA. Sat 8am to 3 am Sun 8am to 4:30 pm

Crop fees are due by August 26 2011. (Late fee $10.00 after 27th) NOW I hope that you are reading this registration form. The first 35 ladies that sign up will have a super take home gift! Weekend fee of $65 For 1 day fee $37 non refundable Meals TBA later per e-mail. $95.00 a night plus tax are the room rates. Your room comes with one King size bed or 2 queen size beds. (Max 4 to a room, no resort fee) You are responsible for booking your own guest rooms Ask for Tower 1 closer to the cropping room. Make your room reservation with Veronica Nevarez 630-773-1400

Pack a sweater, comfy clothes and slippers. I will have Creative Memories card stock, stickers, some new Creative Memories products, a few non-Creative Memories punches, and a wide variety of Sizzix dies. Thea will have her Gypsy there for other embellishments.

Linda & Thea will show you some new projects that will add goose bumps to your body!

Ken will work on your albums in his dungeon! Joey will add his chilling touches!

Pam & Sherry will tempt you with their Ghoulish albums and laser cut dies!

Renee Blazeski will bring her entourage of nether world friends

We will be having a pumpkin contest! Please bring a decorated pumpkin or gourd no more than 8 inches diameter or 8 inches long. Decorate it anyway you want. Please let me know if you will be

Entering in this contest.

----------------------------------------cut here & send---------------------------------------

PLEASE PRE-ORDER. I WILL HAVE YOUR PRODUCTS AT THE CROP. Due to the vast amount of Creative Memories products I will not have all the items there. IF YOU DO PLACE A PRE-ORDER OVER $65.00 YOU WILL RECEIVE A 10% discount

MY Order:__________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

I would like to sit with________________________________________________Electric Outlet ____yes

Please include me for dinner on Friday night $10 tax tip & del incl YES______YES____ _for Dinner on Sat night $12 dessert tax tip& del charge

^{Meals will be determined a month before the event. Checks will not be cashed until Aug 26 2011}

Name:__________________________Email______________________________ Address:___________________________City&Zip:___________PH___________

Send Registration form to: Karen Klos *1211 Union Drive *Davis Junction IL *61020 karenklos@hot

mail.com 630-930-9392

Age

2011-07-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, 2 posts in one day!!! As I said my mother is in town so we have 3 generations together. I'll post a picture. The interesting thing is my husband turned 50 in June and I think he feels the need to prove he's only in his 30s. He has been doing major projects on the house lately leaving me exhausted. The man does not sleep!! We got a new front door put in--big double with storm door. He got bare wood and we needed to paint. These past 3 weekends he put in a hardwood floor in the living room and dining room. It's bamboo and gorgeous! He did an amazing job. He's finishing up the trim today--staining was done yesterday by me and I have to finish putting poly on it so he can put it on on Saturday. Then maybe we can get the furniture out of my garage and I can put my car back in there. He planted more flowers. Oh, our mailbox got blown up at 2:00 in the morning on July 4th. M80 most likely so he had to replace that too. He's replacing more parts in Brittany's (dd) car. I get tired just watching him. AND it's my birthday week. So I turn 51 and my body tells me I'm close to 100! My fibro and bone disease is really doing a number on me. Of course I can't just do nothing, gotta use my elbows so then they hurt more but what else can I do?? Reminds me of that George Carlin joke about age: (paraphrasing)

"You're 4 and a half, gonna be 16, become 21, you turn 30, pushing 40, reach 50 and make it to 60, you hit 70, then you hit wednesday, you get into your 80's and hit lunch, you turn 4:30 and make it to bedtime, then in your 90's you say I was just 92. If you make it over 100 you're like a little kid again- you go backwards - 'I'm a 100 and a half!'"

Have a great week!!!

don't forget about Under the Big Top crop the weekend of the 15th, 16th, and 17th!!! There will be animal acts, sight to amaze and delight you! Games and prizes!!!

JULY?????

2011-07-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

Found summer and boy it's been pretty nice most days. We've had a few of those hot ones and today is humid but give me these over the ones my parents get in AZ! My mother is in town visiting and she's enjoying the weather too.

A few weeks ago I was in Wichita, yes I know, who goes to Wichita, but we found some cute stores, to attend The Angel Company's 2011 Seminar. This comapany is really impressive. They have stamps made by different designers, some of them in-house, beautiful lines of paper and they carry Copic Markers and Memento Inks. But that wasn't what hit me the most. Yes they are in the business to make money, but they are so supportive of their "Angels" (reps) that the owner or her husband actually is involved directly with them. As in phone calls, emails- not form letters or such but they know about you and your family and they ask about them and actually care. Mischelle and her husband actually hugged me. I was just a guest yet they took the time to meet me and talked with me latter and remembered who I was. There was no pressure whatsoever. It all came from the heart. When they gave us the new catalog the girls who had samples in it were so excited. They were surprised. Several were sitting at my table and they were just "normal" people. No airs about them, chatted with me, didn't act superior in ny way. It was really cool. When I asked some of them to sign my catalog they were even embarrassed but I told them they should be honored. I'm not going to lie and say there was no talk about sales but it really does come down to personal choice and how much you put into it. BUT, no pushing to do more, do better....Acceptance at whatever level you're at. A very unusual direct sales meeting. A very nice change. I've been to several other companies' "rah rah" sessions and higher level management pushed about sales---sell this much by this time or-----. AND the other companies don't let you use any product not their own. I don't have to use TAG cardstock, ribbon, etc. I can use my Cricut AND my TAG supplies for classes. Who does that. If you hadn't figured out by now, yes I did become an Angel. You can join as a hobbyist. Minimum sales requirement is: wait for it------$100 every 3 months. I can do that just on my own selling to myself!!! But after showing a few people the projects I made at Seminar I already have orders. LOL I'll have my Angel link hooked up soon so I'll post it here for you. If you are creative, Ivy, you can submit your designs, Ivy, and have your own line, Ivy then who knows what can happen from there Ivy. (lol)

Thermostats

2011-06-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know the weather can be erratic but this is crazy!!! One week it's 90 the next it's 70- so of course those of us with bone problems and migraines are going crazy!! OK- no comments, I know I'm crazy but this is ridiculous!!

It's going to be a very crafty summer! I'm going to The Angel Company's Convention in Witchita, there is the CHA Trade Show, Karen's & my crop, Cricut classes, Scrapbook Expo and various other classes and crops. I'm so excited. I love being creative and making things for other people. I also love teaching people all about new things. Today I was helping a friend learn how to blend using her Copic markers. Love it!

The other day I was in Memories & Beyond and they so graciously donated some great things for our raffles for our July crop! They are such great ladies there. It seems every time I go there I find more and more travel papers that I have to have!! Some of it is so nice I don't want to cover it up with pictures! I still have my 3 years of Asia pictures to scrap and we've been back 10 years!! (Slacker!!) Last October I did my wedding album done just in time for our 25th anniversary! But, that's ok.

My best advice is to start where you are at. Take the next group of pictures you print out and scrap them. You don't need to scrap them all. Just your favorite ones. Make sure you get the important info on there--Who, What, When and Where. It's about the memories and the photos. all the embellishments won't matter if you don't tell the story. Think back to what you wish you knew about your ancestors. Your future generations want to know those things about you so don't feel "weird" about putting it down on paper. If you don't have pictures of an event- write about it anyway. Your story is what is important. Ok, enough preaching--just do it!

Support your local scrapbook stores so they can stay!!

OhMyCrafts

2011-05-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!! I will be going to the OhMyCrafts Discovering Possibilities Event in Salt Lake City in October! I get to be a student instead of a teacher!! They're having 10 classes, a trip to the warehouse, lots of fun activities and more. It's my birthday present from the hubby. Check out the website- ohmycrafts.com and put in discovering possibilities event into the search box. It sounds like such a blast and I can't wait to go. If anybody signs up put my name in the referral box. Yes, I do get something out of it but it's never happened on a referral so it would be fun! And let me know if you're going so we can meet up!!

Thanks Amy for putting this together!!!!!

July Crop

2011-05-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

UNDER THE BIG TOP

Lions, Tigers, Bears, OH MY!

July 15^TH 16^TH 17^TH2011

Welcome to the Greatest Crop at

Eaglewood Resort & Spa!

1401 Nordic Rd, Itasca, IL 60143

630-773-1400 www.eaglewoodresort.com

Fri to 6:30pm - 3am-- Sat 8am to 3am-- Sun 8am to 4:30 pm Cropping rooms Arrowhead & Hollyhock.

^{Weekend of endless cropping, raffles, & games! We won’t forget the peanuts!}

Crop fees are due by May 30^th 2011. (Late fees after June 1st will be $10.00) Fees for the weekend are $65.00 Crop and for one day $37.00 CROP Fees are non refundable

Room rates are $95.00 plus tax per night. (Summer Rates no resort fees which is $12.95 a night)

The rooms has either 1 King size bed or 2 queens. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RESERVING YOUR OWN GUEST ROOM. Make your room reservations under: Karen’s Overnight Crops (Tower 1

Is closer to our conference room) Reservations please ask for Veronica Nevarez 630-694-5915

I will be bringing, Creative Memories card stock, stickers, some new Creative Memories products.

Wide variety of Sizzix dies and punches will be there for your use. Thea will have all her Cricut cartridges on the Gypsy. Temperature changes in the cropping room. Pack a sweater & comfy clothes. Slippers are great in the evening.

Meals are on your own. Please bring your own beverages. (Assorted tea bags, hot chocolate, are supplied by me)

Water and ice near the cropping room. Fri/Sat dinners to be announced if we have enough to participate

Everyone PLEASE bring something for us to munch on during the weekend crop. We all enjoyed the past appetizers and desserts. Let’s do it again!!

RINGMASTER Thea White & Linda Holland will announce their classes soon!

Ken will be there Fri or Sat to highlight your albums with beautiful heat embossed letters & designs

Joey will be there Saturday at 3:30 reserve a seat for his magnificent magic massages ($1 a min.)

Pam & Sherry will splendor you with their amazing array of personal laser cut albums &die cuts (return bottom pls)

PLEASE PRE ORDER I have a limited inventory of Creative Memories products.

If you need albums, refill pgs, Pg. protectors, tape runner or tape runner refills, or any other

CM products, I will have your order at the crop. I would like to order_____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Crop fees Non- refundable (Register Early Only 47 Seats Available)

Registration Crop Form: $65.00 Weekend Fee______$37.00 Daily Fee_______ Late Charge $10.00 After JUNE 1^st 2011

Mail form to: Your Host Karen Klos 1211 Union Drive Davis Junction, IL 61020 ph# 630-930-9392

Name_________________________________________________________Dinner Fri Yes_______Dinner Sat Yes______

Address______________________________________________________________________

Phone:______________________________________________/cell_____________________________________________

Email______________________________________________________Electircal Outlet Yes___________________No______________

Please seat me by____________________________________________Special requests________________________________________

Info

2011-05-09T07:50:00.001-07:00

*****Cricutmachine.com

through today get a FREE Your Story bundle---the big one just by ordering one of the listed Cricut cartridges!!!! They all seem to be $39.95. I went ahead and did it so I could use both for raffle prizes for my crops. The bundle is worth $100 so it is a great deal!! Don't miss it!!

Strange idea

2011-05-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

I was one of the original demonstrators who traveled around the country showing people how to use the Cricut machines and also selling them. I really loved doing it. The machines are wonderful and really add to my scrapbooking and cardmaking projects so I get excited when I can teach people how to use them. In my demo kit which I was given the option of purchasing at a pretty good price there was a pink plastic cake that we used to put the cuttings from the Cricut Cake machine on. I'm not quite sure what I will do with this but I thought of sending it around to other demonstrators and have us all sign it and send it to Provo. Kind of like a memento. Ok, I have a stress fracture in my right foot but I'm not on pain meds so I can't really blame this idea on that so I don't know where it came from.

I met up with some fellow Illinois Cricut Circlettes on Saturday and it was fun. I actually got a 2-page layout done WITH PICTURES!!! Of course it helped that I had to stay put since I'm usually running around socializing and helping other people. So this stress fracture put a crimp in my style so to speak.

Oh there is a new little creature here at home. We're fostering another black lab who came from the tornadoes of Alabama. His name is Toby and he's about 9 weeks old and only 7 pounds so we need to put some weight on him. He's a little cutie. Very quiet but he isn't shaking so I hope he isn't traumatized.

Time to put some ice on my foot.

President's Day

2011-02-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is President's Day. They lumped all the presidents together and we celebrate them on one day. My husband works at a bank but he doesn't get a bank holiday tho that's a good thing! It's snowing instead of raining which is also a good thing. In my head it is spring and that too is a good thing. Soon I'll be able to sit outside on my brick patio and soak up some sunshine and read and work on my scrap classes and get excited over the upcoming crops, the scrap events I'm going to and all the new scrap relationships I'm making. There seems to be an instant bond when you tell someone you scrap and they do too. Like you're in a club or a secret society. You don't have to go through any pledge class or hazing but you are already "in." Feels pretty good. All my best friends are papercrafters. The energy I get from them rejuvenates me and inspires me.
One of the classes I'm teaching at the April crop is using the Cricut and vinyl. And I think I'm also going to throw etching in there as well. Using the negative as well as the positive parts of the vinyl. A great gift for Mother's Day or a gift for yourself! Once I learn how to add a picture to my posts---oh Corinna---------I will do that!

stay dry!!

Spring Please!!!

2011-02-16T19:36:00.000-08:00

Today the temperature actually got into the high 40's!!! Please let that mean that spring is just around the corner!!!! Pretty please. I sure would like this snow to disappear. At one point we actually had a little over 24 inches on the ground. Now I know what you're thinking--did I build an igloo. No but the puppies sure had a great time. They loved it! I can't remember if I mentioned in the last point that the little pups had mange. Did you know that people can get it too???? Nasty thing that. Max and Toby got shots for 3 weeks and healed pretty quickly. On the other hand it took me longer to get over it. I had to go through 2 applications of permethrin but I'm finally itch-free except for the usual winter dry skin. I actually had bruises where I had scratched because I itched so bad!!!
Speaking of puppies, Toby got adopted on Sunday but Max, the yellow lab mix still needs a Forever Home so if anyone is looking for a cute adorable HEALTHY puppy he's here!!

I've been doing The Brave Girls Club Soul Restoration class and it has been very eye-opening. Learning a lot of things about myself which is a very good thing.
The January Crop was so much fun!!! We had Linda Holland come and had a great Copic make-n-take valentine's card. So cute! I love learning how to use my markers. Naturally we had our chinese meal on Saturday night. New Hong Kong restaurant did a great job with all the food! Fortune cookies were had by all. Karen outdid herself with the raffle prizes but then again she always does. We have started planning the April crop. In fact, we started that before the January crop!

Ring Ring, Ring Ring, It’s our

Spring Fling

April 15^TH 16^TH 17^TH2011

Eaglewood Resort & Spa

1401 Nordic Rd, Itasca, IL 60143

630-773-1400 www.eaglewoodresort.com

Fri noon to 3am-- Sat 8am to 3am--Sun 8am to 4:30 pm will be in the Blue Stem and Wild Rye rooms.

Calling all scrappers! Join us for a weekend of endless cropping, some raffles, games and continuous fun for everyone! There will be new ideas & beautiful designed palettes for spring.

Crop fees are due by March 5^th 2011 (Late fees after the 5^th will be $10.00) Fees for one day $37.00 Fees for the weekend are $65.00 Crop Fees are non refundable. Checks will not be cashed until 3/5/2011 Vendors and services to be announced later.

Room rates are $79 plus tx no resort fee. Make you room reservations with Veronica Nevarez

I will be bringing, Creative Memories card stock, stickers, some new Creative Memories products.

Wide variety of Sizzix dies and punches will be there for your use. Please clean out the paper that is stuck in the die and put them back where you found them. I cannot afford to replace them if they are damaged. There are temperature changes in the cropping room. Pack a sweater & comfy clothes. Slippers are great in the evening.

Meals are on your own. Please bring your own beverage. (I do bring some tea bags, hot chocolate and instant coffee) There will be water and ice near the cropping room. As a group, some of the ladies like to order Pizza/salads, or make a run to Portillos. Friday/Saturday night is when we order dinner ahead of time. Classes to be announced in February.

PLEASE PRE ORDER I have a limited inventory of Creative Memories products.

If you need albums, refill pgs, Pg. protectors, tape runner or tape runner refills, or any other

CM products, I will have your order at the crop. Pre-orders over $65.00 will get a 10% discount. I would like to order: ___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Crop fees are Non refundable (Register Early limited Seats Available)

Registration Crop Form: $65.00 Weekend Fee $37.00 Daily Fee Late Charge is $10.00 After March 5th

Name________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________Phone:_______________________________

Email______________________________________________________Cell phone______________________________

I would like to sit with_______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Sat night dinner will be: Mexican Tacos, Enchiladas, Burritos, Taco Salad, Rice& Beans from North of the Border & Dessert

I will bring the soft drinks for Fri/Sat dinner $10.00 incl tx tip&del/Sat night. $12.00 includes tax, tip, and del charge

Friday Night Dinner (Please write down your favorite)_______________________________________________

SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER YES______________ (North of the Border) No have other plans ________

____________________________________________________________________

We are working on the classes for the crop. Linda and I are both planning some fun events. Spring will be in full swing that weekend so get ready to crop!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-10T18:42:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! I know, I know, I'm a slacker. But, it's only 10 days into the new year so it's not too bad. The bad thing is that I haven't posted since before the last crop and our next crop is coming up! I do apologize. It's the 21, 22, and 23. Eaglewood Resort in Itasca.

The holidays were pretty busy. Kinda quiet but busy. Brittany, my 19, very soon to be 20, dd volunteered to foster 2 Labrador puppies. Funny thing is seems that I've been doing the majority of the fostering. Max is a yellow lab who is now about 12 weeks old and Toby is a black lab the same age. They were both strays found down in southern Illinois and were in a kill shelter. Couldn't see that happen. Max ended up in the animal hospital for a week with parvo and we almost lost him. Toby got very sick too but didn't have parvo. It's so hard when animals get sick and you can only do so much. I believe Max has a home to go to but Toby is still waiting tho we are slowly breaking Jeff down. lol Rosie, our 4 yo collie-shepard mix has been a great mommy dog. She will miss them when they aren't around.

Then Brittany had some female problems which are ok now. Erik, 22 ds is waiting to hear about his application to teach in Japan. I've always encouraged him to follow his dreams but it will be hard to let him really leave the nest. I look back at where I was when I was 22 and it is very different. My parents had moved to Arizona a year earlier and I had my own apartment in St. Louis working several jobs to support myself. I promised my kids it would not be like that for them. They would have better chances than I did. I did have my bachelor's degree but not having my family around was very hard at that age.

Anyway--my word for this year is SOAR. I want my career to soar. I'm taking the BraveGirls Club Soul Restoration Class online with my friend Corinna and I'm very excited about it. I have a fear of success as well as a fear of failure. But I think facing my fears is a great first step. I'm getting my things together so I can join the Craft and Hobby Association and make more connections. Thus, it's my time to SOAR!!!

Happy New Year!!

Vendor Event

2010-10-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Invitation to our

Fall Event at

Eaglewood Resort and Spa

1401 Nordic Road

Itasca, Il 60143

November 5^th 6^th 2010

We want to personally invite you & your friends to our First Vendor Show at Eaglewood

Resort. The holidays are right around the corner. We will be having a variety of new holiday ideas, products and gifts on site to choose from.

Creative Memories …………………..Karen Klos Fri 12-9 Sat 9-5 630-930-9392

Dove Chocolate………………………..Angela Alita Sat 10-2 815-282-2983

Little “d” deigns…………………Darlene Lynam Fri 5-9 Sat 10-5 847-969-2800

Mary Kay……………………………Marissa Crome Sat 10-5 815-312-0002

Pampered Chef……………...Michelle St. Clair Fri 3-9 815-645-2388

Personalized Imprints……………Ken Hajduk Fri 3-10 847-255-2597

Provo Craft ……………………. ….…..Thea White Fri 12-9 Sat 9-5 630-784-8374

Serendipity…………………………...Pam & Sherry Sat 10-4 630-837-1727

Stamp In Up……………………….…..Ann Garner Sat 10-2 630-837-1266

Tastefully Simple……………… ….Angie Rankin Sat 9-5 815-762-0279

Thirty One………………… ….Lindsey Endress Fri 12 -3 Sat 9-3 309-212-0036

Usana Vitamins…….……Kristine Blanchard Fri 3-9 Sat 9-5 708-415-5036

Ken Hajduk will be there mid afternoon to emboss your albums. We will not see Ken until

Jan 2011. If you need your albums embossed for the holidays make sure that you bring your album covers in.

Speaking of covers Kathy Martin designed Cute cozy covers for your Cricut machine.

Don’t FALL behind on your holiday shopping!! Come in and pick up your new Creative

Memories catalog and Croptoberfest gift. I will have the our Annual January 2011 invitations. If there is a specific item that you want PLEASE call or e-mail me. I will make sure that it will be there that weekend. Listed above are the phone#’s of the vendors if you need to order something special.

The vendor show is upstairs near the Blue Stem Room. SEE YOU SOON!!

I only accept check or cash. The other vendors may take major credit cards. Please

check with them.

Home at last!

2010-09-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Am home from my travels to Italy and Greece and had a wonderful time! The first 7 days were spent on the cruise and the second were in Rome and Venice. I'll try and post info on the excursions and also pictures with commentaries!

We left on Sunday, September 5th in the afternoon. The plane ride to Rome was a bit over 9 hours. My dh and I went with 2 of our neighbors and had such a blast. I slept on the plane, read a bit on my kindle, (great idea) and they served us 2 small meals. We got into Rome on Monday morning around 8 or so. The time difference is 7 hours so we were a bit dazed. Had some amazing cappuccino in the airport! Off to a great start! Sat and watched the people until we had to meet with our transport to the cruise ship. So many cars, noise and a mix of languages! Sensory overload! The ride was about 40 minutes to the port of Civitavecchia. We boarded the Costa Allegra Cruise Ship and found our cabin. Quickly unpacked so we could explore the ship. The Allegra is one of the smaller ships in the Costa line but worked well for me! Our dinner seating was at 7:00 p.m. Happy hour was from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon then again from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. We managed to be around for most of those! We had a wonderful waitress by the name of Elvira. She is from the Philippines and has a 4 month old son. She sends her money back home. Her husband works a different cruise ship within the Costa line. At our dinner table we sat with 3 ladies from New York who were affiliated with NYPD and NYFD and also an Italian couple who spoke no english! We thought they might want to move to a different table but they told our waiter they liked sitting with us. It was fun learning to figure out what they were trying to tell us! The even invited us to their house which is an hour away from Naples! They would make us dinner and everything! If we had had more time that would have been a great experience. I was able to figure out some of the italian because if you break the word down they all come from Greek or Roman words just like English.

Such fun!

The Far Side

2010-09-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

In only a few short days, though they feel kinda long- I will be heading to Italy and Greece! I cannot wait! The second honeymoon! After 25 years of marriage. Sometimes it doesn't feel that long and other times it feels much longer but that's the same way with anything. That's why we make our scrapbooks and journals and other ways of preserving our memories.

I was talking to somebody, can't remember who, the other day and asked what their grandmother's normal day was like. She said she really would like to know. You know what I'm getting at, right??? I challenged her to write down what her ordinary day was like to pass it on to HER grandchildren. She doesn't have any yet. (I remember who I was talking to) She said her days weren't interesting. But that's still something future generations would want to know about because their day-to-day life will be so different than ours. Just look back at your childhood. It was very different than our kids. In so many ways! So that should be reason enough to write it down. Even if you don't have pictures. Ali Edwards, a very famous scrapbook artist does this "A week in the life" album many times. I've even been one of her teaching assistants for one of these classes and she's right. Take some pictures of the things you see everyday- coffeepot, laptop, store you go to. Anything that is a part of your regular day, then write about it. The way these things are done 20 years from now may be so different it will bring back memories for us. Go ahead, I dare you!

I bought an 8g memory card for my camera so I am planning on taking lots of pictures. No promises on the quality! Oh, and I had to remind my husband that when we are in Greece not to be surprised when they call me goddess since that is what my name means!! So when we come back I will make him bow to me and address me as such!! tee hee I couldn't keep a straight face!

Caio!

Scrapbook Expo

2010-08-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was the Scrapbook Expo in St. Charles Il. I missed it last year as I was moving my daughter into her dorm for freshman year but this year she is attending community college so she's living at home.

I had such a good time at the Expo. Julie Creek from Creek Bank Creations asked me to work in her booth but this year I decided to take off and play instead of work so since my son Erik, 22, has worked at a scrapbook store I volunteered his services. I think he enjoyed it! She said he did a good job. That's my boy! Friday I spent the time perusing the booths searching out the deals and found some good ones. At scrapbuck I bought pop-dots for $1 each!!! Who doesn't need more pop-dots!!! Of course I bought a cute die cut "Dance" album from Creek Bank. They can laser die cut anything so contact them if you need things. creekbankcreations.com I did a few make-n-takes and had to buy some templates for some inter-active cards. Great for some classes for the November crop!

On Saturday I took some classes. 2 were taught by SEI and the other was taught by My Monster's Creation. I always like taking SEI classes because they have such great directions and are so coordinated, unlike moi!!! My wedding album is the Twitterpated 8x8 book in a box. (of course it took me 20 some odd years to actually make an album....) We made an acrylic album in one of the classes and it is so pretty. The other class was making an envelope album. In the My Monster's Creation class we started making an album with an acrylic cover and I used glimmer mist on the other pages. I really need to practice with this medium. I need to use a lighter hand is what I need to do!

I think my favorite part of the expo was catching up with friends I haven't seen for a while! Friends from Archivers- fellow employees as well as customers, Facebook friends, Yahoo group friends, customers I sold Cricuts to at Costco!!! Students from my classes. Wonderful surprises!! My friend Chris and I were talking about our other friend Dell, who we hadn't seen in years and later I was on the phone and who was standing there staring at me???? DELL! Spooky!!! But a very good kind of spooky! Made some great contacts for Cricut classes. I really had a great weekend. I hat dinner Friday night with Linda Holland, a wonderful person I met while doing a demo at Costco. We have since become friends and partners. Her basement is Heaven and I am blessed to be able to teach classes there. All kinds of classes. Cricut, technique, projects, etc. Linda is a rep for The Angel Company and is Copic certified and has so much knowledge that I'm looking forward to lots of fun things. Saturday I met up with Karen Klos, Marissa Crome and never found Denise Britton. I help Karen with her crops at Eaglewood in Itasca. We have one coming up in November. Karen does such a great job with the crops. She puts so much work and love into them that is shows. Then I had dinner with my Yahoo girls who happen to work for Pazzles! I've known Klo and Stephanie for a very long time, before I knew what Cricut was and I worked in their booth a few times. I also ran into some Circle Sisters like Kris! So, overall I had the best weekend thanks to this wonderful hobby!

Oh, I bought a t-shirt that says:

Scrapbooking started out as a hobby.....Who knew it would turn into this!!!

Right???

Provo Gala

2010-08-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Let me just tell you this!!! My poor body is so exhausted after 2 very full days at the CHA SuperShow ! I had received an invitation from Provo Craft to attend their Launch Gala where they introduced their new machine the IMAGINE!!! This machine is just amazing. It not only cuts the images from the cartridges but it will print them in colors or patterns too! The printing capability was designed by HP so you know that they know what they are doing so that won't be a problem. There is an touch screen where you do all kinds of things with more functions than the expression. It is compatible with the Gypsy and the Jukebox but they are still working on the software for the Design Studio and hope to have it up and ready soon. PC also had entertainment! David Garibaldi. He has large black silk canvas' set up and he paints to music. He does portraits of famous people in less than 10 minutes. It takes you a while to figure out who it is but they are amazing!!! The talent this man has is mind-blowing. He did John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Martin Luther King and then he did Albert Einstein---UPSIDE DOWN!!!! You'll have to go to YouTube and check him out. Of course he also made the Cricut and he was cute!!! Everyone who attended, company reps, retailers, blog owners, press, and some Cricut Circle members each received a certificate for the new machine!!! Am I excited???? YES!!!! So once it comes I'll be playing with it and posting lots of info.

Cricut Imagine

2010-07-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Just got home from the Cricut Gala at CHA and I got a certificate for an IMAGINE! It is the new machine from Provo Craft. It is a joint project between PC and HP. It not only cuts the images but prints too. Colors, colors, and more colors!!! So now, when I am doing my demos and someone asks me "is it a printer??" I can finally say "YES!!!!" lol I can't wait for it to come so I can play with it!!!

Got to meet up with some awesome friends too! Jennifer from CraftTest Dummies, Lisa Falduto of PaperFashions Boutiques, Pinky- a Cricut Circle design team member, Erin Schlosser of Schlosser Designs, Sesil Chavez- a fellow demoer!! Had a fantastic time and can't wit for Friday's events!!!

How Time Flies

2010-07-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

Goodness- I;m way behind in my posts and so much has happened in the last 3 weeks!! I demo'd the Cricut at several Staple Stores in Boston. Never been there--very nice town. Ended up staying an extra night since there was so much bad weather here in Chicago which continued when I got home. Lost electricity for quite a while. Luckily it wasn't very hot. Then the following weekend I got to go to Denver to demo the Cricut Cake. Once again, I've never been there before and I just loved it. My mom lived there when she was little and told me it was pretty but you don't appreciate thing like that until you see them. I love being able to travel for my job. I get to meet so many people.
Speaking of Criciut, has anyone joined the 'Circle?" Of course I did and the cartridge is pretty. I'm anxious to see how the rest of the year pans out. I love new things. Oh, that reminds me- the Cricut Lite cartridges that are exclusive to Walmart. Of course the Walmart closest to me does not have them- sounds like a plot to me-so I have to travel around to get them! Torture.
Another big thing that happened was that I turned 50! A half century old. That sounds old but you know what? I don't feel old and I think I'm happier than I've ever been. My kids are awesome, my husband is great and I love my job---what more can you ask? I live in a great neighborhood with fun friends, have many people I love who love me, I really feel blessed. And that's a good thing.

Here we go--

2010-06-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Cryotherapy went well on Thursday. Now I have a big blister next to my left eye. It will scab then fall off. Visit the doc in 3 weeks to make sure it was all caught then clean bill of health. Using sunscreen and looking for floppy hats!! I don't look good in hats! I also told my friends that I DID NOT want to end up with 50 hats for my 50th birthday! Seriously. Not funny. Ok, maybe a little bit.

A funny thing happened the other day. I was reading Scrap Scene and saw this really cool recipe kit. So I went to www.paperfashionsboutique.com . I ordered it because it is adorable and I thought it might make a cute Christmas present for my mother-in-law. She's very difficult to buy for so I usually make a home decor item. Then, lo and behold I get an e-mail from Lisa Falduto the owner of the site and it turns out that I know her!!! We were 2 of the original 12 doing the Cricut demos at Costcos! How cool is that?? I mean, she is such a cool designer and her blog is awesome and so are her kits. And I know her! You HAVE to go see her website. I can't wait to see what the July kits are going to be. What's cool about the kits is that you can order the one(s) you want but you aren't obligated to get them all. So you aren't stuck with something you don't like. Yes, when my kit comes I will take a picture and post it here. My web techie Corinna will do the putting of the picture on since I'm still learning, but it's exciting, isn't it??

See a Spot, Call a Doc

2010-06-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Just a little reminder to everyone that since the warmer months are upon us to keep an eye on our skin and if you see any unusual spots on your skin please contact your doctor. I had a spot near my left eye that made me uncomfortable so I made an appointment to see a dermatologist. Am I glad I did. She took a biopsy and it came back early stage cancer so I am having it removed next Thursday. Some of you may know that my sister passed away 2 years ago from ovarian cancer but she also had melanoma. If she had caught it in its early stages it wouldn't have advanced to that stage. I'm not a big sunbather tho I did do my share in my teen years and when my friend owned a tanning salon years ago but I'm bored easily and need to be doing something instead of sitting there. So, I don't want to be preachy, but please, it's better to be safe than sorry. Keep me in your thoughts next week.

Have a great weekend!

Cricut Cartridges

2010-05-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new releases????? OMG "Toy Story" is coming!!!! I'm so excited! Now I can make Mr. Potato Head and his angry eyes!! I love that. I'll tell the family that I have my "angry eyes in" and give them "the look." lol

There's also Cindy Loo, Freshly Picked, Wall Decor and More and Mini Monsters. Finally a Halloween cartridge that is cute and spooky too! Can you imagine the cute Trick-or-Treat bags you could make??? Or even a whole party? Wow. My brain is a hurricane thinking of everything.

Today I have to iron my black pants and pick up a couple of things for my YUDU demo in Minnesota tomorrow. I'm excited about it. I'll have my satchel with my things, fly in, demo then fly out. Kind of like Mary Poppins. But no umbrella.

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes!

Popsicle Toes

2010-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

This past week I found a website called everydaycricut.com. They have guest designers showing projects they have designed and made using their cricut and design studio, or gypsy, and cuttlebug. I have been blown away by the projects this week. Donna Mundinger was the guest designer and has to be one of the most creative people I've ever seen. I demo the cricut for Provo and get people excited about using their machine for the basics and they need to know where they could go. Donna's blog is THE place to go. I can't wit to see what she comes up with next. If I knew what I was doing I would add her link but I have to get my webby friend to do it for me. Here's the link to Donna's blog. (for my 50th birthday could i please have some of her talent?????) lol

Friends

2010-05-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Excitement!! My friend Corinna Lyons-Revello has been published!! I'm so excited for her. I can't wait to have her autograph my copy of the book. It is 'Create: For the Home' put out by Scrapbook Trends. Her project is on page 18 and it's so pretty. It's a coffee mug with rub-ons that really pop. I'll have to try it!

Done with the run

2010-05-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! A very busy 3 weeks. A show in Bloomingdale, Il, then Merrillville, IN, then Bedford Park, IL. I'm just a little bit tired to say the least. I do like doing shows at Costcos in my area because then I get to see people I haven't for a while and get to meet new people. And since I'm just soooo shy, it's hard for me to talk to people! Yeah, right. lol All the shows did well. I've trained new people who really got the hang of the machine and learned how to deal with different kinds of customers.

In fact, yesterday I had a guy who came by and really made me work for the sale. It's good because sometimes you get too comfortable with giving out information by rote that to be asked questions is a nice change of pace. Even if it's the last day of 3 weeks of shows, long days and very tired feet. But, I digress. He actually asked why he should by the Cricut and some accessories and I had to use all my skills and knowledge to show him why he had to have this in his life for his wife and kids. Good thing I had a pink castle made with the Once Upon a Castle Cartridge! He had a 6 year old princess at home! He asked me to give him a percentage of how sure I was that I would make the sale and I did say 95%. I know better than to say 100% because they can always walk away due to free will. But, in the end, not only my ability to prove the value of the Cricut but my charm and personality convinced him to buy not only the machine, but the accessory kit as well as a cartridge bundle. ( Though I do think he was going to buy it all along chance are he just had time to kill before heading home to a house full of Mothers for Mother's Day. shh) Yes, I threw in the castle, a couple of cards and he got the Cricut box with the pink bow and "MOM" take on it. Whatever it takes, right? (within reason, lol)

so, now to get my house organized, stop laughing, I can hear you ya know!

On the Road Again!

2010-04-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Bloomingdale was a Success! They loved us sooo much they extended our run for 2 extra days! It's always good to know you're doing a good job. In fact one of the management team at the Bloomingdale Costco loved my pink castle from the Once Upon a Castle cartridge that he wanted a "boy" castle for his 1 year old son John. Adam wants to build a castle in his basement for John and having a bit of resistance from his wife and thinks this just might help! It turned out awesome! You can actually make a 3-D castle! I made John's with grays and blue-gray papers and made a banner across the front that said King John's Castle. And I put it on a piece of cardboard with green grass and even a moat! I sure hope it helps. Luckily this is my local Costco that I shop frequently so I can check with Adam to see if it worked!
Next I go to Merrillville Indiana to do a show. I'm probably putting too many letters in there so I'll have to check but it should be a fun show.
The Cricut Cake comes out this weekend and the excitement is growing! It will be demo'd at various local craft stores so check out to see exactly where. It should be listed on the Cricut.com website. I can't wait!!!

Costco

2010-04-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Been demoing the Cricut at the Bloomingdale Costco and having such a great time! All the employees have been so nice and helpful. Saturday was hat day so of course I decided we had to participate! I made a crown from the Once Upon A Princess and wore it all day! Added a little glitter and my crown was a hit! I offered to make some crowns for some of the guys who "forgot" but they declined!!! lol They have been doing our restocking which is also a very nice thing. It's really cool because it's the Costco I shop at so I feel like family. In fact, since we didn't have product on Wednesday they asked us to stay Monday THEN they asked us to stay Tuesday and Wednesday too but we've been cleared for Tuesday only. It's kinda cool. We've been very successful so hopefully we'll be able to come back to Bloomingdale in the not so distant future. Dana called and asked me to go to Merrilville and work a show for 4 days so I'll be there over the weekend then back for a few days then Bedford Park OR Issaqua Washington. We'll see what happens.

I'm tired and have a long day tomorrow so I'm going to hit the sack. I love my job!!

Spring Fling

2010-04-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

The weekend crop is over and it was a success!! I taught 2 classes and hopefully my students learned some things. I know I did. I like teaching technique classes. We had a mexican dinner from North of the Border that was yummy. Karen really goes over the top with her raffles and gifts and food. She will start tomorrow working on the next crop! She is constantly on the look for things for her "girls" to make the crops special. You should see all the stuff in my basement for future crops! This last crop she had make-up cases. She was only able to get a certain amount from one store so she drove to several other stores to pick up enough so everyone would have the same thing. She worries about having enough things in the raffle baskets and having enough prizes for contests and having at least something for everyone. No, she doesn't make any money on the crops. Just the opposite. She puts her heart and soul into these crops and she loves it. She knows she can't please everyone but she sure as hell tries her hardest. That's what makes her crops the best! So next time please make sure to give her an extra Thanks!

work

2010-04-14T15:32:00.001-07:00

Have I told you lately that I love my job? Well, I do. Teaching people to use the Cricut is so fulfilling. I get so excited to see them get excited. Then the ideas start to roll around and everybody there gets ideas....it's the snowball effect. Then with each new cartridge I learn something new to pass on and people teach me things too. That's what this industry is all about. The exchange of ideas and teaching techniques to best express our memories. My direct boss is Tammy and she is such a sweetie. she has such a job trying to keep track of so many people and shows, schedules, stores. I don't envy her but I hope she gets to steal some time for herself. That's important to do.

Weather

2010-04-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

SPRING CAME!!! Or maybe I should say summer is poking it's head out. It is 72 out and beautiful!! I was sitting outside putting together flowers for the crop this weekend. It's going to be so much fun. That is if I can remember everything! Old brain is in my head today! List is somewhere!!
Then on Wednesday the Bloomingdale Costco Road Show starts!!! I'm so excited! We'll have the gypsy, the expressions, awesome cartridges and a really good essentials kit. Oh, did anybody catch the Cricut Cake last night on HSN???? OMG it is amazing! I've taken several of the Wilton classes and have sold cakes but this is such a different level! If you saw it you'd understand when I say that the snowflake cake was my favorite! I would use the snowflake on the Accent Essential cartridge since it is my favorite snowflake, ever!!! Of course my husband said I don't need it. I even used the "power tool" phrase and he gave me "the look." I also told him I need it for my job. Well, he doesn't feel well so I'll wait a little bit. I have my fingers crossed.
Ok, out to lunch with a friend then back to making spring flowers!!!

Tucson

2010-04-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Actually this is Vegas Part 2! While I was in Vegas I actually played the roulette wheel. My neighbor had given me $5 to put on #11. So, I had never been to Vegas and had never played Roulette, my friend Sesil had to teach me. We walked up to the table and I put $5 on #11 and it hit! Paid $175!!!! So, then I put the $5 on #7, my favorite number and that hit too!!! Another $175!!! I walked away. I'm not stupid. Put that money aside, kept the chip for good luck and went to play the penny slots. Love the Goldfish Game! lol
They asked me to do a show in Tucson so I flew straight there instead of coming home. So instead of having Easter with my husband and kids I had it with my parents which was nice. Except, we were sitting there watching Cops on TV when I felt something really weird. At first I thought I was having a seizure. No, I don't normally have seizures, but you never know. Then I thought my dad was having one and banging against the wall so I looked over at him but he was fine. I looked out the window to see if something was going on out there. Nothing. so I kept quiet. Then my dad said, "Did you feel that??," Thank God, I told him because I thought I was having a seizure!! He turned CNN on and we found out that there was an earthquake in Baja! Wow! It lasted for a bit. Very bizarre. I had missed the one earlier this year in Illinois but this one I felt. My parents live in Coolidge AZ between Tucson and Arizona.
The Tucson Show went well! Weather was great and the people were very receptive.

Provo

2010-04-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well, busy several weeks! Was in Vegas for a training session for the new Provo Craft Costco Road Show program. Learned all about the Cricut Cake and am so excited about it! It is completely food safe so you can cut fondant, gumpaste, frosting sheets, fruit roll-ups, hard cheeses, lunch meats, etc into all kinds of shapes and sizes. Your cakes and cupcakes will look amazing! The machine is made of stainless steel and the can use all the cricut cartridges as well as the special cake decorating cartridges. I can't wait to play with it! I also got to use the Yudo machine. It is the silk-screening machine that allows you to use any design to silk-screen on all kinds of materials. I was able to place a beautiful heart on a tote to carry the huge training manual they gave us. Clever huh??? The YourStory book binding machine is kinda cool too. It heats up glue so it binds pages together. Albums are available and you can put your own inner pages or you can you your own sheets and just buy the glue strips. That's a great idea for making pads of notepaper! Reduce, reuse, recycle!! I've got some great ideas for gifts. The cuttlebug, which of course I've owned since it first came out years ago, has some amazing dies coming out soon, They emboss as well as cut and it still uses dies from all the other companies. Talk about a multi-purpose tool. Their embossing folders give the crispest clearest embossing I've ever seen.

If you are near the Bloomingdale Illinois Costco April 21-25th come see the Provo Craft demo! We'll have wonderful prices on the Cricut Expressions, cartridges, the Gypsy and a great Essentials Bundle! Stop in and say HI!!!

Cricut

2010-03-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

I have met some of the nicest people working with this new company ASM. Remember I mentioned that ProvoCraft outsourced the Cricut Road Shows? They are on top of things and it really makes me feel good when they call asking me questions about how we did things on the road shows, what worked, what didn't, how we approached customers, how we took inventory and they actually listen! I feel like a grown-up! I know that sounds strange but aren't there times in your life when you "feel" like a grown-up? When people really listen to what you have to say and follow it? You raise kids and they do their own thing, and you know they aren't listening, animals, spouses, friends, people at stores, etc. Then when someone actually pays attention, asks you questions that you know the answers to and they follow your advice it's a good feeling. We all need those. To feel like there is stuff in our head that is useful and others want to know. Those of you who do know me know how "passionate" I am about the Cricut. I said passionate, not crazy!!! lol I want everyone to have one. There are so many uses that everybody does need one. I could find a reason for anyone!! I dare you! It's a challenge--I'll ask enough questions that I WILL find a reason you need this in your life! I am THAT good! And now Cricut has come out with MORE new cartridges! What's a girl to do??? I just figured out a way to carry the many, I was going to give a number but it's almost embarrassing that now I'll need to expand! Hi, my name is Thea and I'm a Cricut addict! Tho this is one addiction I will never give up!!! The people at ASM are really putting a lot of work into making this a success and I am right there with them and it's gonna be big! Oh, we're also working with Joann's and Michael's so watch for us! My first local show will be at the Bloomingdale Costco April 21-25 so come see me so you too can enjoy the Cricut experience via Thea! Lots of special prices!! BTW- that's the Costco I go to so it'll be fun to see faces I know!!!

Spring!!??

2010-03-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

So, I realize March is to come in like a lion and out like a lamb, and the weather is up and down and all that but yesterday was BEAUTIFUL here in Chi-town for St. Patrick's Day. We walked up to Flip Flop's Bar for a bit of green beer and it was strange seeing my kids' friends drinking when it used to be MY friends. Everyone was Chi-rish last night. That's short for Chicago Irish!! Flip Flops is owned by my daughter's friend's parents which is kinda nice! Anyway, we walked home, see being smart and safe. Today is supposed to be wonderful today then the weatherman used a four-letter word that I didn't want to hear!!! (snow) for Saturday. Not happy. I know I said in my last post that I thought there would be another little bit of snow but deep down hoping it isn't snow. There is a St. Patrick's Day party at my house Saturday night. It's my daughter and her friends but my adult neighbors are coming to help keep an eye on things. (excuse to party, I know) This afternoon Safelite Auto Glass is coming out to fix my windshield. I was on my way out to see Karen when a truck popped up a rock and bam, I saw it coming and could do nothing about it! It hurt me to see that hole in my windshield. I've never had that happen before. I just hope this fixes it enough so it barely looks like it happened and so I don't have to get a new windshield anytime soon. Tho, knowing me, being able to see it will make me want to replace the whole thing but the cost of a new one is not going to be cheap. It's a weather sensitive windshield and so, that's fo later.
Ok, time to get busy, I really need to work on my scrap room, so i can get some samples made to take to Vegas for our convention but I procrastinate and will most likely get my cricut out on the kitchen table instead of in my room!! Fairy godmother---plkease wave your wand and fix my room!!

Crop

2010-03-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

The "Spring Fling" crop is coming up and I'm getting excited! The theme is Sweet 16 since it's the 16th year for National Scrapbook Day which is officially the first Saturday in May. So we're doing lots of different things based around Sweet 16. (and you thought I was going to spill the beans!!) gotcha!! It's very exciting so if you're signed up to go I promise you'll have fun. I'll be teaching several classes. One on the new misting techniques and I'll have stencils cut from the Cricut and if you've never embossed, now is the time to learn!

Oh, I have to brag about my son. Erik made the English Honor Society and I think that's kinda cool. He's majoring in English at NIU and finishes up in August. Him and I have a fantastic relationship. We talk about everything. We can have intelligent conversations about so many different things. History, art, music, movies, books, you name it, we'll talk about it. He's also a sensitive guy. He'll call his grandparents just to say hi. What 21 year old does things like that? He's polite, loves kids, and they love him back. There are 2 little girls who are cousins, one is 6 the other is 1 who both are in love with him. The 6 year old says she's going to marry him and the 1 year old just lights up when she sees him. I have people come up to me and tell me he stopped by when he was in town to see how they were. Like at places he used to work. Friends' parents. Or even just when he sees people out and about. He just amazes me. I feel very blessed to have him in my life.

Time Flies

2010-03-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Busy, Busy, Busy!! So many changes over the past few weeks! The pilot program for the Provocraft/Costco Road Shows has gotten so big and a lot of the Costcos have requested our demos that ProvoCraft had to outsource the program to ASM. I was very lucky to have asked to hop on there as a ProvoCraft Field Event Manager and I couldn't be happier! I get to help others learn how to demo the Cricut all over the place. I love the traveling, meeting the customers, and of course I love my Cricut! No, I will not tell you how many cartridges I own because my husband can read this!!! lol My daughter even used it last night to cut some letters for her presentation for college class! So I'll be hitting the road and I'll keep you up-dated on my adventures!!
Keep on cutting. Have you seen the new cartridges that are coming out??? OMG, I need them in my life!!!!

Home again!

2010-02-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

Home from Kansas City! The Provo Craft/Costco Road Show was a success. In fact all the shows have been such a success and have exploded that Provo Craft has outsourced the program to a 3rd party. That means that I have done my job very well. The whole thing was a pilot program to see how it would be received and the response has been overwhelming! Costco Stores all over the country have put in requests for Cricut demonstrations to be in their stores so many more people are being trained to do this and keep it an ongoing success. I'm very proud to have been part of the beginning of this and am in the process of re-defining my level of involvement. I love my Cricut and am excited about the possibilities this poses for Provo Craft. Also, Provo Craft is releasing the CricutCake right before Mother's Day. It is a food safe cricut that can be used with fondant, fruit roll ups, hard cheeses, gum paste, and many more food stuffs. It will work with all Cricut Cartridges! Can you imagine what your cakes and cupcakes can look like??? I can just see the cute little bug on the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge on top of a cake sitting under a large flower welcoming spring!!! So, I've looking forward to the release of this new member of the Cricut family!

Keep looking here for more updates and info on Provo Craft products!!

Kansas city

2010-02-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I head out to Overland Park Kansas for a 10 day run at Costco to demonstrate the Cricut. I've got lots of new ideas for these 10 cartridges so I'm excited to get busy. Hopefully we won't have an earthquake like we did her in Chicago early this morning! I slept through it but Jeff and Brittany felt it. I wonder what reaction Rosie had and whether she got a bit crazy before hand.

Planning the April crop with Karen. It will be the weekend of April 16, 17 and 18th and lots of fun. I am going to be there the whole time because it was too hard trying to juggle a crop and the show in Mt. Prospect. I love the crops, they are a lot of fun.

Friends

2010-02-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

About a year ago my friend Corinna and I were planning a trip to Canada to deliver scrapbooks to a woman named Anita. Our yahoo group rallied and made these books for her daughter. Creating Keepsakes Magazine included this story in their February issue in '09. Corinna and I had a great trip and Anita loved the books. I got a phone call today to tell me that Anita lost her fight with cancer. It's good to know that the scrapbooks we did will be something her children will be able to look at for many years to come. I hope her family finds comfort in the books.

Tired

2010-01-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

I'm very tired. I've been demoing the Cricut for the past 8 days and it's been fun playing with the new cartridges.

Update

2010-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

Got my pictures from Costco, came home, tried one more time, it worked. Of course. But that's ok. I think it's God's way of telling me to take things carefully, one thing at a time. Today I am finishing up getting things together to take to Karen's crop. I'll drop that off in a little bit. Costco said we can come in tonight before 8:00 pm to set up our display instead of coming in at 6:00 am! YES! Gives me a bit more time for sleep and not a 14 hour day!! I've been putting a hotel bag together for the crop, a back for work and trying to clean up for jeff. Luckily I get to sleep in my own bed but if it gets bad I'll get a room up by work. Gotta go!

Frustration

2010-01-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, I think I'm doomed not to make this challenge for the dirtyscraps.blogspot.com!!! Last night I figured out one of my peeves, not a big deal thing, just one of those that is aggravating. I won't give it away because I'm a fighter and I WILL get this done. I got the journalling all done and I took my pictures today. Now I am trying to put them onto my pc. Now I'm not very computer savvy, but I'm trying. I got a new camera for my birthday and I have Photoshop which I can do some things with. BUT, the memory card won't find in the slots on my laptop. AND I can't find the cord to attach the camera. So you see why I think I'm being messed with.

I did find a new scrapbook store locally. Serendipity is in Bartlett and is so cute! They have a small space in Banbury Fair and are hosting their first crop this weekend. 30 people have signed up so she's off to a great start.

Crop

2010-01-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

Got so much done for the crop for next weekend. I'll mainly be at Costco in Mt. Prospect working for Provo Craft but when I'm not there I will be at Eaglewood Resort in Itasca helping Karen with the crop. There are so many fun things planned! Like carrying peanuts across the room with chopsticks!! lol That will be interesting!

Today is my daughter's 19th birthday. Where did the time go???

CHA

2010-01-10T18:52:00.001-08:00

CHA is coming, CHA is coming! Alas, I shall not be there. I'm going to be doing a Provo Craft/Costco Road Show BUT look for me at the summer one here in Chicago. CHA is the big Craft and Hobby Association convention and it is so exciting! You get to see sneak peeks at all the new products that have been created by the big designers as well as the new people. Many people have left companies to form their own and things are hopping in the industry. I've been watching different people and really like Margie Romney-Aslett's new line.

Back to school

2010-01-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

My boy left to go back to school today. He has 2 semesters left to go. Where did the time go? He will have a degree in English then get a teaching certificate so he can teach. He's excited. but of course it makes me feel old! My daughter turns 19 on Wednesday. It's coming from both sides. Brittany will go to the community college this semester which I think is a good idea tho she thinks since our agreement is that we pay room and board and she pays tuition is that we give her the money we would be paying for room and board since she'll be living at home. Um, excuse me? Sometimes I wonder where she came from. She sometimes has this "entitled" attitude. Like for her birthday she thinks nothing of asking for 5 different kinds of perfume and being a bit put out that she didn't get all 5. Anyway back to scrapping.
I applied for a design team and I'm excited about it. It's a brand new blog called "dirtyscraps" and the premise is to remember to scrap those not quite so perfect moments too since they are parts of your life and quite frankly, they do help form who you are. I think it's a fantastic idea and it helps put the focus back onto the subject rather than the embellishments used. They are having their first challenge and that is to scrap a peeve. I think I may do one about the lack of customer service. I was at Wal-Mart the other day buying a new area rug for the family room and the cashier was very nice and it surprised me. I try to be but it seems so many people aren't and that's so wrong. So, I will show my layout here as well as put it on the other blog.

Friday!

2010-01-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, snow is EVERYWHERE!!!! Personally I think we've met our quota for the winter but somehow I have a feeling I'm wrong. That's Chicago for you. You know what, I really like living here. It's been "home" for a long time now and apart from the time we spent living in Hong Kong it's all my kids have known. I guess that whatever you grow up in becomes what you are used to. For instance, I couldn't see myself living in Alaska, but I guess if that's where I had grown up it wouldn't bother me. I lived in St. Louis for many years but I'd take chicago winters over them any day. Chicago is known as the windy city but that is because of the politicians full of hot air, not the wind! Did you know that? And as far as lake effect snow goes---if you look at a map, that goes to Indiana so I'm pretty safe though if you look outside you'd wonder where all the snow did come from!! lol

Last night I got my bedroom cleaned up. Dresser cleaned off, nightstand as well as the floor in front of it. I tend to do a lot of reading and puzzles in bed then drop them next to my bed so there was quite a collection. Oh, I have a sleigh bed that is pretty high that I have to jump to get into it so it's just easier to drop stuff than jump out of bed, put it away then climb back in. You know, I actually slept better without the chaos. I didn't realize that until now. Hmm. Interesting.

Snow Day!!

2010-01-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, snow is piling up everywhere! Played with my cricut today. Made my son a cool vinyl dragon for his laptop and it turned out pretty cool. I'll try and write up the steps with pictures by Sunday. We also put a rose and our family quote. Erik was in England over the summer studying at Oxford and did a little research on our last name and came up with a few things. Tho I think WHITE might be a bit common, but who knows. I signed up for Ancestry.com to find out more on my side of the family. I've been following a few people on twitter and entered an '80's movie trivia contest on thepioneerwoman.com site. I think I may have won but I'm waiting patiently, ok, not so patiently, to find out. Will keep you posted.

Tuesday Erik and I put together several wooden puzzles for the Chinese New Year crop and they are so cool. I'll have to put pics here too. I did the Temple of Happiness that is in Bejing and Erik made a cool dragon/phoenix. They are 3-d and pretty impressive. I'm going to go check pioneer woman's blog....

Karen's Crop 2010

2010-01-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

Met with my friend Karen today and we got some things figured out for the chinese New Year crop. It's going to be exciting tho I won't be around for a lot of it. I start back up with the ProvoCraft/Costco Road Shows. I'll be in Mt. Prospect, IL.

The crop is at Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, IL and we have 67 people signed up! Like I said the theme is Chinese New Year and it's going to be fun! We have games planned around the theme, a chinese dinner on Saturday night and lots of chinese goody bag items.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-01-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

It's 2010 and do you have any goals for the new year? I decided not to do "resolutions" because they usually fall by the wayside quickly so I am approaching things a little different. My yahoo group members each pick a word that they use to describe their year and mine for 2010 is EMPOWERMENT. This stems from a series of articles I've read about procrastination. Which is what I am the queen of and it's time to get a handle on it. I wanted to find a word that described the opposite of procrastination and I believe empowerment is pretty spot on. I want to be empowered to take action on those things that I do have control over and also SERENITY over those I have no control over. For those of you who know about 12 step programs these sound a bit familiar, right? I was raised by alcoholics and have lead conventions for adult children so using these words feel right and comfortable.
For those who know me I have been having a love/hate relationship with my scraproom for YEARS!! Literally. On one hand I think it needs to be perfect, so I don't attack it. On the other hand I have too much scrap stuff, yes that IS possible so organizing it is overwhelming so, I don't attack it but keep buying. These are things I have to work on. So, thinking about the best way to get a handle on things seem to be on order but I still need to take action in order to actually be creative so space is imperative. I have "oozed" all over the house and it is uncomfortable for everyone. Chaos has been such a large part of my life over many years and since I turn 50, yes 50 this year, it's time to scale back and assess the needs. So, must purge! Donate, and feel free to create!
Watch 2010!!!

Holidays

2009-12-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

It's right between Christmas and New Year's and mixed emotions are everywhere. Christmas was so busy, went to St. Louis to see relatives and shocked how much the nieces and nephews have grown! I know it happens but when you don't see them on a regular basis it still comes as a shock. They've grown into awesome kids. Ok, so now there is only 1 who is still shorter than me, soon to change I'm sure.
I'm optimistic about 2010. Searching for my "word" for the new year. The one that is to describe my goal for my life as well as my craft. I'm hoping it comes to me soon. I'm working on my craft room today and hoping to have it pretty well where I want it to be so I can create again. I feel restless with all the chaos.
Excited about getting back to work. Michigan, Ohio and Illinois are on the calendar and I'm hoping to get to Utah and Washington. Those would be fun.
Enough of a break---back to work in my space!

So close and yet so far!

2009-12-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

Sitting in Grand Rapids airport with another flight delay. Snowstorms back east causing delays everywhere. Jeff would be saying : "If you drove you'd be home by now!" but I don't drive that far especially when the weather is crappy. I'm exhausted enough as it is after working a show without having to worry about driving so I guess I'll just make the best of it. No choice, right. At least when I get to Chicago I'm home but Christine has to go to Alabama after that. This year has flown by so fast. So many things happening. wonder what will happen in 2010????

2009-12-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Wow! I've been a traveling fool lately!!! Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Washington, not to mention the shows in Illinois! The Provo Craft/Costco Road Shows have EXPLODED!!!! what started out as a small test program has extended beyond all expectations. From the stand point of Provo Craft as well as Costco. I'm assuming that's a good thing! It's fun to see the expressions on people's faces when they see us. lol We'll get the people who have seen the infomercial and want to see it IRL, and are amazed by it and end up buying it. Others just rush by. Then there are those who are curious to see what we are doing, get excited then buy the system. Some people look wistfully upon the Expressions and wish they hadn't bought the smaller one then realize they can pass it along to someone and get the big one for themselves. Sure you get those who don't have time to stop or husbands who don't want their wives anywhere near us!! lol
I feel so very lucky that I have found something I love and that I can share with others. When people "get" it and create something they didn't think they could, I'm happy. They get excited and want to keep going and that's what keeps me going. I love to see things people come up with and when they copy something I've done, well, that's the ultimate form of flattery. Makes it all worth while.

Family

2009-11-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

Last week I was in Fort Meyers, FL to visit my niece. She ended up having her baby on October 23rd instead of waiting for great-aunt Thea to get there. But that was ok. I still got to see the cutest little baby boy! He is so tiny. Normal tiny but still, I couldn't get enough of him! But I can't forget my Sean. He's 5 and so smart. He decided he'd just call me Aunt instead of Aunt Thea. That's ok. We had fun going to the park, doing homework, fingerpainting, all kinds of things.

Crop Weekend

2009-10-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at Karen's crop at Eaglewood Resort this past weekend. Demo'd the Cricut and the Gypsy by Provo Craft and finding new things about both every time I use them! I think that's cool, you can never know everything about a product so I love to learn as much as I can.

I also became a Great-Aunt again! My niece Kathy and her husband Brian had a baby boy on Friday! He was supposed to wait until Aunt Thea got there but you know kids! Can't follow directions and have minds of their own! Everyone is doing well and Big Brother Sean seems to be excited, so far. I'm sure there will be times when he wonders when Ben will go "home" but he'll make a great big brother.

Karen has another crop coming up in November so we are getting ready for that and the BIG crop in January. Stay tuned for more info. The theme for January is "Chinese New Year" and it will be the year of the Tiger so get ready to roar.

Stay tuned for more info!

Busy, busy, Busy

2009-10-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, lots to do over the next few weeks! Weekend scrap at Eaglewood this weekend. On Halloween leave for Florida for my niece. Thanksgiving go to Grand Rapids to demo the Cricut! Come back then demo in Naperville. Then go to Wyoming MI for more demo time. I never even knew there was a Wyoming MI!!!

I will try and post some cool pics on things I've done with my cricut as soon as my web designer, (that's you, Corinna in case you didn't know, lol) teaches me, tho I may have to hire her!!

Rainy Thursday and gotta make cupcakes for the Crop!!

2 days in a row!

2009-10-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

Today the weather is crappy but it is 50 degrees out. My friend Meslissa is going to culinary school and has to practice cooking and guess who gets to be a guinea pig??? Yup, she is cooking for Jeff and I and 6 of our friends. It smells so good in here! Usually each of us brings goodies so it's really hard for everyone not to bring something over. Kinda funny really.
Our little group has decided to do something together once a month. This month is our dinner. Wonder what will come up next??? I just realized that in 2 weeks I'll be leaving for Florida!!! I guess I'm a bit nervous about being in the delivery room but excited too. The only other times was when I had Erik and Brittany. I remember when they started to pull B out, I kept asking, "What is it? What is it?" and they said, "A head." Then the rest of her popped out and I had my girl. I wanted an older boy and younger sister and I thank God that that is exactly what I got.
Well, off to check out what those smells are!

au revoire

I'm Back!!

2009-10-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well, so much has happened in the past few months! My baby girl graduated from high school and is now a freshman at Western Illinois University. It's 4 hours away from home and took a while to get used to. Rosie, the dog took it hard too. She would lay down by the front door waiting for her to come home each night. I finally had to keep her in the bedroom with the door locked so she wouldn't wander all over the house looking for her. lol Brittany seems to be doing well. We went to see her for Parent's Weekend and had a blast. The Leathernecks lost to the Southern Illinois Salukis, whatever that is, but we had fun anyway. Erik is in his senior but not final year at Northern Illinois University majoring in English Education. He was in London over the summer studying at Oxford and took over 300 pictures. Scrapbookin' Mama only had 140 printed for a scrapbook.!!! lol
The other great think that happened is that I am now employed by Provo Craft!! I get to go to different Costco stores in the Midwest and demo the Cricut! It is so much fun! I get to meet all kinds of people. Some who have seen the infomercial late at night or during the football game. Others who have no clue what it is yet end up buying it after seeing what it is and how it works. Since it is a machine guys come up to it to watch the demos! I feel very lucky to be associated with a company that has such great products!
On the 31st I'll travel to Fort Myers, FL to be with my niece when she has her baby. Since my sister passed away in April of '08 I've become very close to my nieces and was very honored when she asked me to be with her. An experience I'll never forget.
So, I've updated my blog and need to contact my blog guru to jazz it up and get more pictures up on it!!

Have a great weekend!!

2009-03-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

Pretty Sunday except for that white stuff on the ground!! I really can't complaim because it's just about gone already and we got about an inch. Stayed up late last night, until 4 this morning, to take Brittany to her friend's house for her trip to Mexico. Lucky her. So it was a weird sleep day. Ok, I confess, Jeff actually took her while I stayed in bed but I stayed awake until he came home. so it's supposed to be our Spring Break too since Erik is at NIU and Jeff comes down with the flu. He never gets sick so I know he feels like crap. I leave on Wednesday to go to Westville to pick up Corinna so we can go to St. Louis to work at the CKC. I'm excited. It will be fun. Hopefully warmer too!!

Out like a lion?

2009-03-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

I thought I would write in green today hoping against hope that Mother Nature would get the hint and actually make an apperance a little bit faster than she is today. We are expecting snow I had to type that little to make it more acceptqable but it really isn't. Here it is March Madness and that white stuff is supposed to drop on us. Is it to make me even more jealous that this time tomorrow my daughter will be basking in the sun of Mexico????? Um, what's wrong with this picture???? I don't remember doing anything fun like that during my senior spring break. Well, I guess I should be glad she can since our teenage years are complete opposites. (but she better bring me back some intense sunshine or else......!)

Um, long time no blog!!

2009-03-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been that long since I've blogged! Ok, maybe I do. lol This next week my dd, 18 is going to Mexico for spring break. She's going with a friend and her family to a resort so I'm not as psycho as if she were going to go to Cancun itself. which of course she wouldn't be doing anyway! I can't believe she's 18 and going away to college in the fall!! It will be very quiet around here since Erik will be a senior at Northern Illinois University wile Brittany will be at Western Illinois University. I'm so proud of them. Which also means I will have time and no more excuses to get busy!!

My gallery

2008-09-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

I finally found where my gallery is. Now I really understand what my mom was saying when she said "If your head wasn't attached you'd loose it," LOL It is on scrapbooks.com under bungebabe7. They are some of my older work but ones I still really like. Check them out.

Where did the time go???

2008-09-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to my blog and can't believe I haven't posted since December! It's been a very busy year and not all of it good. My sister lost her battle with ovarian cancer, I had to put my dog down because of a spinal condition, I was in a car accident-not serious to me but car was totaled. My mom underwent surgery for intestinal resection, she's fine. The kids are back at school so now I can devote more time to my blog.

I've gotten a Pazzles Inspiration Machine and it is amazing!!! The things it can cut seem endless. I was able to work the Scrapbook Expo in St. Charles IL to help promote this awesome machine and was able to sell quite a few. Go to www.pazzles.com for more information. I got a new laptop and as soon as I figure out the photo program that's on here I'll be able to post pictures of layouts and projects!!

Holidays

2007-11-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe December is just around the corner!!! My in-laws were here for Thanksgiving. Enough said about that. My daughter got her nose pierced. It started out as a joke, then she went and had it done for real. It looks cute but I was going to take her to get her belly button done for her 17th birthday. Have to think about it now.
This friday I am going to TEXAS!!!! My friend Dona is getting married!! She has found her man. I am so happy for her. It's great to see her smiling and so happy. She deserves it. Dona is one of my on-line scrapping friends. But she's also my "sister." She's always there when I need her. I'm also getting the chance to take one of my other "sisters" on her first airplane ride. That's Corinna. She's all confused right now and doesn't know what to feel so it's all jumbled up. On one hand she's excited to go to Dona's wedding, but then she's nervous about the plane ride, and being away from her little girl, and getting to meet the rest of our crazy scrap bunch. It will be a little bit sad that Erm and Klo won't be able to be there but we will just have to have a drink for each of them!! Gosh darn, hate to have to do that!!! lol Klo is sending a "flat klo" so she's there since she has met just about all of us!! Here's our little band of scrappers: Klo and Erm from Nebraska, Edie and Jill from California, Thea and Corinna from Illinois and Nikki and Dona from Texas. Now that's cool.

COLD!!!

2007-11-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

OK-who turned off the heat??? My bottom is cold and I have a strange feeling it will be this way until May. And I don't like it. The weather person mentioned flurries and that doesn't make me happy either. Oh sure, pretty to look at but then they can go away. I have nothing against the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I lied, I do, I hate the running around and doing most of the work and worrying about what to get everybody and whether they like it or not and then Christmas Day comes and all he had to do was buy me something and he gave it no thought. Or very little thought. Then it's over and it's winter and I hibernate. Don't get anything done, just like a bear.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2007-10-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

It's just not the same. When I was growing up you didn't go out trick-or-treating UNTIL dark, but now there are set hours. And they end right after dark. From 3 pm until 7 pm. Right now it is 4:30 and we have only had 3 groups come and one was the paper boy and his friends but we gave them candy anyway!! The other 2 groups were middle-school aged kids too!!! When Erik and Brittany were little I loved dressing them up and Jeff would take them house to house with the rest of the neighbors' kids. Brittany (16yo) is pretty much the youngest and she's getting ready to go to work! Kind of sad really. I didn't decorate, don't even have a pumpkin. Hopefully I will get in the Christmas spirit. I've been looking at ideas for cards. I did do a layout for Jill's challenge. It's here. Check it out.

Neighbors

2007-10-30T14:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd tell you about my neighbors. They are the coolest bunch of people I know. We lived in Hong Kong for 3 years and I refused to sell the house because I wanted a home to come home to and a family to come home to. They are our family. My kids have grown up with these awesome people and they know that there is always someone they can talk to. We all look out for each other. My husband Jeff had to live in New York for 2 years because of work and who was there to help when the water heater broke? They were. ANYTIME!!! Day or night. Hey, Thea, close your garage door. Oops. Can you guys let Rocky out? Hey, who has a bottle of Patron in the freezer??? Guess who?? My family. The Sanoshys, Ludwigs, Coreys,and the Muhrs. The Kalamazoo Krew. Gotts love ya!!!

Thus it has begun

2007-10-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've jumped on the blogmobile. Of course that means I need to keep it up. Not everyday but pretty much on a regular basis. As long as I can remember. I have to find out how to put things on here and jazz it up a bit. Luckily I have friends like Corinna, Jill, Klo, Nicky and Dona who all have blogs to help me. Edie is on the edge. These are all amazing scrappers who I admire so much. We also have Erm who rocks too. These women make up my online network of scrappers who have been with me through so much. See what scrapping can do!!! We are all over the country, we scrap and we are sisters! They are always there, no matter what. Ok, lets see how this blog thing works!!