A New Baby and a Another Card too!

What an exciting last few days! I am so happy that my brother and SIL had a wonderful, healthy and beautiful little boy last Tuesday night. He is too adorable for words and I love him to pieces already. I am always so amazed when I see a newborn...it is so hard (at least for me) to believe that is how tiny everyone started out...so much hope and potential - the world is out there in front of him for the taking.

So I went to the hospital that night and was there in the room in the first few moments after he was born. I hadn't ever had the opportunity to be present for any other births other than my own children and it was such a wonderful experience. I can say that I was one of the first people after his parents to hold him in my arms! :) It was very late, or actually early in the morning. I can barely remember my boys ever being that small in my arms. They all (even my littlest kiddo) look like giants compared to the new baby.

After that I flew out the next day and was in LA for the next day and a half. With all the excitement here at home, I changed my flight plans at the last second and came in on the red eye last night. I was able to get some rest this morning and still put in a day of work. We finished off the day by bringing the boys to meet their new cousin tonight. We brought over dinner and just hung out. I am very lucky that both of my brothers live fairly close by and we all see each other on a pretty regular basis.

Anyhoo, now on to something papercrafting related...

This is one of those times when I had an idea in my mind and was actually able to create it just as I had envisioned. PLUS I was pretty pleased as to how this card turned out (I'm still kinda shocked about that as I type this - LOL!).

I am always on the hunt for non-floral and non-kiddie images that would work well for guy cards. I always have a hard time, and often just omit an image and just go with PP and a sentiment. I have seen other stampers use this stamp as a background stamp, but I thought that it might work well as main image by itself as well for a guy card (and maybe depending on the colors I choose, I might be able to use it for a girl card...hmmm). This was part of my latest (and first for 2008) papercrafting purchase, from where else, yup - eP. I know I was drawn to it for a number of reasons, one of which is because I work in the city. Btw, this was the first time I had ever bought an unmounted image before too. I also bought the foam backing that eP sells on its site and it was a breeze to put together correctly. I think that I will definitely have to explore the unmounted stamp more - takes up less space and they are less expensive, I think, even if you have to buy the foam cling-on separately.

I based the color scheme on the PP I chose and tried my best to shade it based on how the sunlight would hit these buildings if they were real. Obviously that needs lots of work, but again, it turned out better than I thought it would, LOL! I also pulled use my Twinkling H20s in pearl (I think?) to give it some extra shimmer. It look really pretty IRL (at least I think so!).

And it give it more dimension, I actually stamped the image twice and picked a few of the buildings (and the grass) to be raised compared to the others.

Supplies Used: Stamps-Rubber Romance/NY Shopping District, Lizzie Anne Designs/Sketched Sentiments; Inks-Palette Hybid Noir, SU Classic Inks in Brocade Blue, Bashful Blue, Really Rust, Old Oliver, Vintage Violet; CS - SU/Watercolor paper, Chatterbox, SU/Brocade Blue, Basic Black, Really Rust; Other: Twinkling H20, SU-Old Olive organza ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, Black Brads, Dimensionals.

Such an exciting time and a Question too!

I was going to post pics of cards that I worked on over the weekend and even try to work on another or maybe even *gasp* a scrapbook page since I got home early from work. But right after I walked in the door from work, I got a call from my brother, who told me that my SIL was in labor! SOOOOO exciting!!! She is 38 weeks along so we knew it was any day. This is their second baby. I'm waiting for a call to let me know that they are checked in, get the room details and I am off to the hospital to wait with everyone else.

I'm doubly excited that tonight is the night, b/c I am off on a business trip for the next couple of days to CA. I'll be between LA and Santa Monica and leaving the office for a late afternoon flight tomorrow and won't be back until Thursday around dinner time. I was really afraid that she would go into labor while I was gone (doesn't life usually work that way?!) So I'll get to be here for the birth of my newest niece or nephew. I can't believe that they held out and are letting it be a surprise AGAIN, btw! I left the first be a surprise to be traditional, but there was no way I wasn't finding out with the other 2!!!

Anyway, so my question is if anyone knows of any fun papercrafting stores in Santa Monica? I will have the evening to myself tomorrow, and I would love to add a stamping store to my list of stores to hit, as I know that Santa Monica has some amazing shopping. I usually never get a chance to actually see any of the places I travel too, other than the inside of conference rooms or offices, so this is a nice treat. :) As of now, I don't have a dinner planned yet or a meeting after 4pm, and I don't fly out until Thursday morning (that is unless I get enough energy to get myself on a red eye back so that I don't lose the whole day Thursday travelling...we'll see)

Denise - I know that this is not your area of the state, but I thought that maybe you might know of any fun stores. If you do, would you mind just posting to this entry? I'll have a chance to check this, but won't be able to log into my gmail before I leave. Maybe I'll even post the question on SCS tonight if I remember after the baby is born.

And speaking of the baby, I better go!!!! Wish her luck!!!

Catching up on my Monthly Challenges

Once the TY cards were made (and the creative juices had found new life-LOL). I set to work on another thing that was long overdue... my monthly challenges with my stamping friend, Jennifer (aka mackbrad on all the stamping boards!). We had started doing monthly challenges to keep us going creatively. We really started to get to know each other in the IA boards and I was psyched when she reached out to *me* (of all people!) to do challenges. Well I started strong, but like everything else stamping, wasn't able to meet the last couple... until now! I had put out the challenge to decorate a notebook that I sent her, and she sent me some acetate to create with the next month. We didn't have a challenge in December (only because I didn't send something out, of course).

I must not have even posted the last few I actually did *on time* (translation: only 2 weeks late) , because now as I am sitting here, I am realizing that I *MUST* have stamped since I last blogged at least a few times, because I was only overdue with two month's worth of projects (if you don't count the non-existent December challenge)... can you see the stamping lightbulb just going off over my head? LOL...oy vey!

Well, I'll have to go back and check on that, but in the meanwhile, here were overdue projects I just sent out to Jennifer.

So here is the notebook...
Stamps: SU - Doodle That, PTI - Paper Trey
Paper: PTI - White CS that they sell (love that stuff!), SU - Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip (craft)
Other: SU-Rhinestone brads, SU and Michael's ribbon, hole punch, SU ink and aquapainter.

And here is my first shaker card for the acetate challenge. This also doubled up as my apology for being soooo lame and non-existent in a stamping way for the last few months *{head down and totally embarrassed}*

Stamps: SU - Doodle This and So Very

Paper: SU - Sage Shadow, Pixie Pink, BG - Stella Ruby

Inks: SU - Cranberry Crisip, Sage Shadow

Other: SU - CC ribbon, Michael's ribbon (pink), SU - Rhinestone brads, Tab Punch, Ticket Punch, Acetate and Beads

Yes I am back - and tagged too!!

Not only has it been 5 months since I last blogged, but it has almost been that long since I stamped (wow it's looks even worse seeing it in black and white -LOL). It's been hectic last quarter of the 2007 filled with long hours at work and not nearly enough of time with my family. So what little I had was spent with them, hence, no stamping.

Do you know...I even sent non-handmade Christmas cards this year-gasp!! (this was my first time since I started stamping 3years ago) - but I loved them even if they were photo cards from Snapfish, because it was a great pic of my kiddos!!! But it is a new year, and I am working to wrench that life balance back in my favor. It helps that work hasn't been *too* crazy and because I am just that determined... So we'll see how this resolution holds up...

I spent some time last weekend actually making cards - I made my middle guys thank yous for his party and that is what got the creative juices actually moving for the first time in all these months. I think that it also helps that we got the Wii before Christmas, which I love playing, but also is now allowing me some time to sit at my crafting table (which is right next to the TV that the Wii is hooked up)!

But before I post the TY cards, Denise tagged me, so here we go:


(I'll do both since I've never done this before and I can't decide between the 2)

5 things I was doing 10 years ago: (For reference - I was just about 24 back then)
1. Was living in Hoboken.
2. Working my first job in NYC.
3. Went to the gym quite a bit - I belonged to a 24 gym that was next door to my building
4. Engaged to my now hubby
5. Loved going out clubbing with my friends in the city (what else would I be doing at 24 in NYC?)

5 things on my to-do list today (some of it has been accomplished already since it is 3pm when I write this):
1. Get my nails done - I have the permanent gel french manicure (I get them re-done once every 3 wks)
2. Watch my oldest son's basketball game (so exciting - it's amazing how he improves week after week and he is only in the 2nd grade!
3. Make a birthday card for a friend (it'll already be late though, as his birthday is tomorrow!)
4. Spend the afternoon with the boys as hubby needs to get some work done.
5. Make dinner reservations for tonight! :)

5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. Ben and Jerry's mix up of chocolate chip cookie dough and fudge brownie (amazingly good - could there be a better combination!)
2. Snickers - love them!!
3. Slices of fresh baguette with unsalted butter spread in top. I know this sounds weird, but I remember first having this as a snack as a little kid when we were in France visiting one of my parent's friends, and I have always loved it since. I could eat a whole loaf loaf on my own if I was left by myself.
4. Cookie Crisp cereal and milk - another instance, where if I had a whole box to myself and no repercussions, I could easily polish off the box on my own.
5. Bread from Cosi and an Arnold Palmer (1/2 iced tea, 1/2 lemonade). Cosi is a sandwich chain in the city that makes this great flatbread for its sandwiches. They bake the bread fresh and almost always have a bowl of extra bread that they cut off for people to snack on while they are waiting in line for their order. My co-worker and I go across the street on almost a daily basis for our afternoon snack...the people there don't even have to ask us what we want.

5 Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Travel everywhere
2. Buy a plane to enable us to travel everywhere
3. Pay off all debts and set everyone in my whole family (siblings, cousins, etc!) comfortably
4. Build a house in Hawaii. Every since my hubby and I went there on our honeymoon it is our Utopia!
5. Give lots to charity. :)

Although now that looking at this list, if I was a billionaire, other than giving to charity I feel like this list looks a bit lame! LOL I don't think I am thinking big enough, but this is all I could come up with right now!! :)

5 Places I’ve lived:
1. San Jose, CA
2. Nutley, NJ
3. Edison, NJ
4. Somerset, NJ
5. Richmond, VA

And I've lived in 3 different places in Hoboken and then my current home. I guess I have moved around a lot! LOL

5 Jobs I’ve Had:
1. Circulation desk in my college library (I was the the one who handed you past issues of Businessweek, etc. for school projects. I was also in charge of making sure the copier and microfiche machines were working too.
2. Waitress at a steak house
3. And then I have worked at 3 different places doing what I do now.

5 Things People Probably Don’t Know About Me: See below at my 7 Unusual Things!

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7 Unusual Things About Me
1. I still have my baby blanket. I don't carry it around with me (obviously), but it is still up on the top shelf of my closet. I love it and will never part with it, no matter how much anyone (like my hubby and sons) make fun of me. The sentimental value is immeasurable!)
2. My favorite movie is Sound of Music. I know every word and song. And I'm not ashamed to admit it!! :P
3. I did not wear makeup regularly until my late 20s. My parents were strict growing up and never let me, and then I got used to not wearing it. I finally started to when I wanted to look more polished and mature at work after a few promotions. But I was such a spaz at first and always needed a major lesson from the women at the cosmetics counters before I bought anything. I always watched them so carefully and asked so many questions, they must have thought I was a moron. ...I look like I am 16 on the weekends with no make up and hair up in a pony tail!!!
4. Most people I know do not know I love to papercraft. Most of my family does and some friends, but no one at work does, except for 1 person. Don't know why, it's just one of those things I don't bring up. Then again, it also does not help that I haven't done it in 5 months anyway... LOL
5. I gave birth to all 3 of my kids naturally. I am deathly afraid of needles and would rather go through childbirth naturally than take an epidural. The thought of that big and long needles makes me shiver uncontrollably... I have to turn away when I get my blood drawn - I can't look even to this day!! How silly is that, right?!
6. I can still fit into my clothes from college. Very lucky genetically, so I really can't take credit for it.
7. I function well with little sleep. I don't know why this is or when this started to happen since I loved to sleep in when I was younger. But given my long work days and the fact that I just can't go to bed right after coming home from work, no matter what time I get home, its a good thing!! LOL I usually sleep an average of 3-4 hours a night, and as long as I recharge with a longer night of sleep every week to a week and a 1/2, then I do just fine...And I am sure that it also has something to do with the fact that I have 3 kids, none of whom slept through the night until they were 4-6 months (depending on the child!)

So that's it about me. Whew, I agree with you Denise, I feel like anyone who reads this would be able to make my twin (although who would want to do what with the quirks that I have!!!)

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And now my cards...

These are a few of the TY cards I made for my middle kiddo's birthday. Same theme, colors and PP, but I was getting tired of making the same layout and b/c I wanted to use up all the scraps off PP. Usually I just throw away the excess if is not worth saving, but I decided to use it for different layouts, just so I could get the cards done!!



*(I can't figure out how to better place/space these cards - sorry!)*

Stamps Used: SU - By Air

Inks: SU Cranberry Crisp, Bashful Blue and Dew Drop/VersaMagic-Tea Leaves and Aegean Blue

Paper: Chatter Box, SU-Bashful Blue and Cranberry Crisp

Other: Paper piercing, SU Dimensionals

2 in One day????

No, you're not imagining it, another post for the week...

I have had the usual busy weeks at work and at home (maybe even more so lately it seems)... it is just a fact of life that I do not make it home during the work week before the kiddos get to bed each night (my goal is to make it home "early" to see them at least 2x/week) and then we basically spend every minute together on the weekends, which I cherish to no end.


Most weekends are pretty jam-packed with activities, sports (depending on the season), family stuff and the like. If you can believe it - we had 4 birthday parties between 2 of our 3 kiddos last weekend? Can you just imagine when our littlest starts school and makes his own friends? Talk about lots of driving around and multitasking to get all of the other usual weekend stuff done!


But now don't get me wrong - this is post is not a vent by any means (wasn't sure if it sounded that way), as I really love my career (and yes, before you roll your eyes - let me caveat and say that I love it as much as one would love a career - obviously if I was fabulously wealthy I wouldn't be working - LOL...). It is not a walk in the park or perfect by any means, but it is challenging and rewarding in many ways. Some may think this is weird or may judge given that I am a mom of 3 wonderful kiddos that I love and adore with all of my heart, but I don't think that every mother is best suited to be a SAHM. Maybe I am wrong, but I think that this is the way for me to be the best mom I can be.


Now while I know that life is never perfect and there are always things that you want to change, I love my life and know that I am very fortunate that it is so very well-rounded and filled with people who love me, people I love and things that are important to me (yes - sometimes it is a little crazy and I often feel like I am going to at some point drop one of the proverbial balls I am constantly juggling). Now if I could only get some more stamping in?! :P


This post isn't really about anything, just me typing out loud. I wasn't even sure where this was going to go or if I am really even going to post it.... I don't know why I have been thinking about my state of being lately, as this is how life has been for me since the kiddos were born... maybe just one of those moods, right?


Oh and my card for the day? This is actually the card I made for my littlest guys birthday at the beginning of last month. Another Paper Trey Ink creation... loving the Text Box set and of course the go-to sentiment...

The long delayed thank you cards...

I had one of those moments this morning when I realized that I totally dropped the ball. I had never made thank you cards for my littlest kiddos birthday party that was LAST MONTH! Totally slipped my mind - oops. Well, there are definitely worse things that happen, so I really can't complain, right?!

Anyway, back to the thank you cards. Since they are soooo late and I had 14 to make, I went w/really easy peasy (plus that is what I seem to be into of late)!

I am lovin the white CS from Paper Trey Ink - definitely not as flimsy as SU's, so it makes for a great card base. I love the clean, crisp look of using white CS for the base. And I have also been making great use out of the sentiment set they released as their first set. Yes, I know - as usually, I am way behind the times, but like I said, things could be waaayyy worse.

Anyway, so here is the thank you card...one image (new SU set - Year After Year), one Paper Trey Ink sentiment, Palette Hybrid ink pad in Noir Black (this is definitely my new fave black ink pad!), my trusty aquapainter, 2 ink pads and a little bit of Stickles - I like how it came together. Simple, but gets the message across.

I was able to start them this morning and left the Stickles to dry while we spent the afternoon at the town pool. When we got home - I wrote the cards out and even addressed the envies and wahoo, they are ready to send out tomorrow. Definitely the most efficient project I have done to date. Yay me. ;)

For you, Denise!!

With my head totally down, and cheeks very red - I am back for a post. Yes, Denise, I know it has been quite a long time. But I swear, I don't know where the time has flown. Somehow the month of July has flown by - can you believe that it will be August next week?!?! Holy moly... It's all the same reasons though (so at least I am consistent, right?! LOL)... during the week, work takes up most of my hours and then family takes up the rest of the time and the weekends. Lately I have routinely just taken to skipping the train in the evening during the week to just take a car back to my car at the station... I'm not complaining though, as I really love my job - I'm just stating the facts.

And yes, MB, I know that I still have the July challenge outstanding. I am trying my best to get it to you in the next couple of days.

But on a stamping note, I have to say that I am very touched/floored that Denise would actually name me for a Rockin' Girl Blogger (even though it was also to guilt me into posting LOL) - I would really be more of a wannabe, me thinks. But thanks for the nice thought. I think that I have done a much better job in inspiring you to keep up your blog, than me! :) Your blog is awesome, and after this, I am going to have to just catch up on all of the posts I have missed this month. (Yes I go days without logging into the computer when I get home is the late evenings.)

So what have I stamped lately... mostly cards for the kiddos' birthday parties. My kids have a total of 4 this weekend alone!!

But here is the card that I meant to post a month ago. My stamping friend, Mackbrad, who also has a crazy busy worklife, and I are trying to do a monthly challenge in order to keep the stamping mojo somewhat going. We are trying to keep it very real and do it monthly - I know at least for me, I OBVIOUSLY could never keep up any kind of a challenge that required a project that had to be completed any sooner!!!

Here is the card that I made with her supplies.

She sent me the PP, the stamped image and the very fun button. Her card is here. I love how hers turned out -it is so soft and elegant and the word PP that she used was perfect.

I used a couple of extra embellies and also stamped on the pp with my new PaperTrey stamps. I was really happy with the way it turned out.

So here my post for the weekend. And here is a wish that I have a moment to check in again during the week...fingers crossed.