Eastern Palace Medallions Thinlits - What do they do??

How to make a vintage Oh So Succulent Card/Grateful Bunch Card

Sponged Dragonfly Card using Stampin Up products

Bloomin' Heart Valentine Card

Stampin Up Sale-a-bration Reverse Words for Chicago area Coffee and a Ca...

1. I've been posting stamping videos to the blog so I could later on do "classes" on techniques, etc. But the webpage is slow to load and I don't know what to do, if I should continue or take them down. I am excited with the ideas and can't wait to spend time in the studio. I have a box of SU goodies to unpack, and just placed a small order of "needed" supplies.  I have a few projects in my mind, on the go. Mamma brought up all my cardstock and that is exciting to see all the beautiful colours!
2. My knee is still so painful. I had cortisone injected last week for no effect, so far. I am hopeful. I have a few things on the go in regards to my health.  I'm eating better and making better choices. I'm having a hard time giving up my Starbucks and DQ ice cream cone on the way to work. I am supposed to be cutting out NSAIDS and caffeine and am finding that very difficult. I don't drink coffee or tea at home so that is good. I just "need" it when I'm working those 12 hour shifts. I guess I could give up the drink and replace with a caffeine tablet to get me through the shift but I eventually have to be off caffeine.  Ugh.  Physio isn't going very well either, lots of pain with that.  My back is also so sore and my ankle, well, it's all lousy. I'm taking it from all sides. I keep looking to the future and seeing improvements with my health after surgery. Do I have too much invested on this? I don't know.
3. Work is work. I miss palliative and the team I work with. I've met some good people at my new job but there is no real social activities outside of work. I will stay here until I retire. And maybe work casually after retirement. But that's a ways off. 
4. The kittens are going to be four in a few days. They are peeing downstairs and wrecking the flooring. I'm going to have to replace it with lino I think. I have a new litter box system and Poppy is using it so that is exciting. Its got pellets instead of litter. I just have to get George involved in it. Gel pad in a tray beneath the box pulls the urine right away and absorbs the smell. Just have to scoop the poop. Smart. Got it from the USA though and the supplies are from Amazon.  They are sleeping with me more at night, or the day, depending on when I hit the sack.  Poppy tends to sleep beside my head and George on my legs.  Reminds me of times with Raja.  Poppy likes to play for a bit by poking at my face and since she's not very careful with her claws, I have taken to sleeping with a water spray bottle! lol

Kylie's Facebook Live Video Oh So Succulent

How to make a Rosette Birthday Card with Stampin Up's Sweet Cupcake Set

• It's the middle of the night and I can't sleep. Might have something to do with the fact that I had a four hour glorious nap yesterday afternoon!  
• I've taken to posting videos to my blog of ideas that I would like to learn from in my studio, from various crafters I admire. The main one and most recent one, is Kylie Bertucci. She's from     Australia and I just love her designs, her witty personality and charm. She's my card making celebrity hero! I've just recently joined her monthly RAK group, which I am very excited about. So today I am planning to quickly do some chores and then spend time in my studio where I can do some major card making.  I have a few Thank You cards to make and as well, some Shower cards to make.  So right now I am searching in my emails for ideas of cards I have sent myself over the past couple of years.  To inspire my creative juices.
• My right knee is still a problem and I'm still walking with a cane. It's a major drag having so much pain. Next week I am going for a cortisone injection.  Hopefully that helps.  My back is out of what as well so walking is not going well with the knee, my left fused ankle and my throbbing back. What a mess I am. I am determined though to heal and get better. 
• It snowed all day yesterday. Beautiful snow, but it caused my lunch and dinner dates to be cancelled. I am afraid to go out in the snow with the cane.  But it sure is pretty. Looks light and fresh on the trees.  
• I have given up Starbucks and Tim Horton's. For health and financial reasons.  It was tough working nights last week without caffeine. Oh boy!  Drinking lots of water which has been good but also keeps me hobbling to the bathroom.  I think I need a bladder repair, lol.  
• Hopefully I will be able to figure out how to post pictures of my own projects to my blog.  

Kylie Bertucci's Facebook Live Chat 28th February 2017

How to make a gorgous Oh So Succulent Heart Card

Coffee and a simple thank you card Stampin' Up! products

So Detailed Thinlits Die belly band as an inlay using Stampin Up product...

How To: Window Box Thinlits, Stampin' 101

Stampin' Up! Online Workshop~ One Sheet Wonder

Stampin' Up! with Connie-Rae Window Box Thinlits You what Color?

How to use Stylish Stems Framelits using Stampin Up products with Jenny ...

STYLISH STEMS TEA LIGHT HOLDERS BY STAMPIN' UP!

How to make Paper Succulents with Dawn

Watercolor Lifting with Brandi Barnard

Floral Boutique Note Cards & Clutch Gift featuring Stampin'Up! Products

How to make a gorgeous card with Stampin Up's Special Reason Bundle

No.246 - Easel Wedding Card - JanB UK Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Independent

Declutter . . .

is my word for 2017.

I want to declutter.  I have so much "stuff". Stuff in my physical home, stuff in my finances, stuff in my head, stuff at work, stuff with my health.

I need to declutter my home. My basement is filled to the brim with clothes, books, scrapbooking supplies (that I will not get rid of, never LOL), daughter's belongings, and just general items belonging to the other house.  Boxes and boxes of photo albums that of course I would never get rid of but save for one day my daughter. She will one day have to decide what to do with them.  I scrapbook only current pictures and from 2008- present.  Her baby album is done and her Grad album nearly done. I don't know what to do with my textbooks; part of me wants to keep them (does that make me a hoarder?) but seriously, its all on the internet now.  I'd like to donate them to a third world country that could make use of them but again, they are nearly 30 years old.  I have a room downstairs called "the scary room" because it has spiders. IT is the room that is FULL of stuff. Even my childhood bed.  I said it was going to be a yoga room when I first moved in. Ha.  I would like to get my mom down to help motivate me, she can be good at that. :)

A chat with Sara Douglass and Shelli Gardner of Stampin Up!

God Jul and Merry Christmas!

Help Me Review & Unbox almost ALL the 2017 Stampin' UP! Spring Catalog P...

How to make a beautiful Stitched Shapes Framelits Vintage Leaves Card an...

Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon - Hold on

2017 Stampin' UP! Spring Catalog and Sale-a-bration Sneak Peek Products

Stampin' Up! Frosted Medallions Silver Embossed Card 084

How to make a STUNNING Poinsettia Card with Stampin Up's Reason for The ...

Stampin' Up! Butterflies and Layers and Texture, Oh My!

How to Watercolor a Butterfly Card

How to make a Shimmery Heart Valentine's WOW Card featuring Stampin Up B...

Coffee Cup Card Using Real Coffee Grounds

Friday Quickie Techniques and Tips: Faux Watercoloring

How to do the Emboss Resist Technique Featuring Stampin Up Christmas

A stunning card! Wow

100 Christmas Cards Challenge - video 6 of 10

Stampin' Up! Frosted Medallions with Tipped Edges

Sweet Cupcake from Stampin up and DIY Modeling Paste

Christmas Card Video - Featuring Stampin Up Wondrous Wreath

100 Christmas Cards Challenge - video 5 of 10

Stampin Up's Joyful Christmas Poinsettia WOW Card

another one to CASE?

How to create a Hydrangea from the Thoughtful Branches Bundle

another pretty card I might try to CASE

• I am currently doing the most awful pre procedure prep. Clear fluids for four days and laxatives for five days, and then the "bomb" of all laxatives on the last day. Wish me luck today!
• No energy the past while and have yet to be able to clean my house. I have decided I need help and am looking into that. Just 1-2 times a month. See how it goes.  Extravagant maybe? Or better for my stress, health and well being.
• Loving all this washi tape that I have collected. Can't wait to start using them on cards and other projects. Michaels had them on 50% off last week so yes, you know it; I filled up the other container. Not sure what to do, order another one or store the excess tapes in a pretty bowl for the time being. I do like things being kept organized in my studio.  
• I have a friend coming over on Thursday to card make and stamp and I am looking forward to that. She is my SU demonstrator so I'm hoping to learn some tricks from her.  And then maybe I can post some of MY work on the blog. lol.  Tell me, do you like the videos I post on the blog? I like it because I can go back easily and get that idea to try a certain project.  A mini class in my home.  
• Work has been going ok. I am getting Palliative training in two months. I am disappointed to have missed the last two classes. But it is what it is and so move forward.  I don't think I will have the hours to write my CNA certificate renewal in two years.  That was a lot of work that I put in for that certificate and I wish I could have kept it.  My passion is Palliative ICU and I miss it very much.
• The kittens are very active and have literally destroyed my home. I guess part of it is my fault for not training them well enough? , being gone for 12 hours at a time and I wonder, if they just have it in their genes. Maybe they are part feral, who knows. When they are calm and cuddling, it is the best feeling in the world. And then I look at all the mess they have created and I want to break down and cry.  I used to take pictures of them all the time but they don't really let me know, too fast paced. Three year old kitten cats. My pumpkins.
• Oh gosh, I am so hungry!!!!

Amazing Dryer Sheet Technique Christmas card featuring Stampin Up

Dryer sheet magic!

Double-Layer Tree Card - JanB UK Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Independent

another great card idea from JanB! Time consuming but a week-end project for sure?

Super Simple Thanks with Totally Trees

What a great easy idea....I'm going to try to do it this weekend!

I finally got my order from Amazon last night, same kind as the video below described. I LOVE it!!!  Holds about 90 rolls of Washi tape.  So pretty to look at.  I bought two and am sure I will eventually need a third, down the line. lol. 

TEA LIGHT HOLDERS USING DETAILED FLORAL THINLITS BY STAMPIN UP

Isn't this so pretty? I think I am going to attempt it....  if I do, and it works, I will post the results when it's done!  Pretty for Christmas I would think....

New washi tape storage!!

I love how this looks and am very tempted to order them from Amazon.   What do you all think?

Luke Bryan - Country Girl (Shake It For Me)

JanB Hybrid Poinsettia - JanB UK Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Independent

wow, would love to do this for a project for Christmas!

A three generation picture from my 50th Birthday party a week ago. It was all I wanted for my birthday and I had such a nice time. I had friends from all areas of my life; childhood, school, work, family and more attend. It was very special.  

It's my 50th Birthday today!  

My beautiful Mamma turned 85 yesterday. She wore a skirt and blouse that her mother used to wear and her Norsk jewelry. Most of the family met for dinner and had tiaramsu cake for dessert. Everyone in the restaurant sang Happy Birthday.

My Stampin' Up! 2016 Holiday Catalog Favorites

Happy BC Day!!!

Boy have I been neglecting my blog. I need to do something about that!

I definetely want to scrapbook more. And start posting pictures of cards, that I plan to make. Getting so many ideas on nights that I email myself, but never do anything about!

The big 5-0 is coming up too. Lots of picture taking there.  Should be a lot.

This is it for now.....

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Pappa

Happy Birthday Pappa. You are so missed!!!

Family Day

Today is Family Day, a new holiday for the country. Means double time for me, so that makes me happy. Won't actually be able to "see" my family today but maybe I will skype Mamma before work tonight.

Moved a few things upstairs into the old guest bedroom a few months ago (guest bedroom is now downstairs in DD's old bedroom) so that I can have my scrapbooking supplies closer to me and I don't have to fight the stairs with my ankle/back. Not everything is at my reach of course but I do have the basics. I've been spending time between calls looking for inspiring pictures of cards and layouts and blogs. I have so many ideas! Some days I can't wait to get into my studio. Its nicer when you have company; a couple weeks ago my friend "L" was up and spent the day with me crafting. I organized a new Christmas album and worked on a coffee themed card.  I think I want to go downstairs and move up one more storage piece, and then start working on all my ideas. Also plan to put the printer in here and getting it set up, hopefully it will work with my Apple laptop. I plan on posting pictures of my handiwork soon...


Have some time off in March, no plans, so far. Also have just over two weeks in May. Was hoping to go to Vegas, but with the dollar so poor and no extra pennies in my piggy bank, that's not going to be an option. I haven't been to Vegas in two years!!! I just love it there, especially staying at the Wynn or the Bellagio. An extra week off in August and then 3 weeks in December rounds out my vacation for this year. I am pretty lucky in the amount of vacation that I get per year.

Well look who may have figured it out! This is my beautiful daughter and I from Christmas 2015.

Insomnia, the downfall of nightshift

Well, I have been off work for 7 days now and not one single night have I slept through the night. I have been up fr 2-4 hours and then spend half the days sleeping. What a waste of time. Don't get me wrong, I do love having naps, but I don't like to look back and feel like nothing productive has been done.

I have some plans for the blog, but it will take some time to figure out the blogger. I have tried to add pictures but I now don't understand the apple computer picture program and Picasa doesn't seem to be  set up the same way. Lots of ideas in my mind though.

I've gotten addicted to a new "thing". Namely "David's tea". https://www.davidstea.com/. So many delicious flavours and lovely mugs and the like. I need to give up my expensive Starbuck's addiction; not sure if this is any "cheaper" but I am going to try. Certainly feels like I am getting in my water intake for the night shift as I run often to the bathroom.  My friends at work are happy addicts as well as some older friends from my old stomping grounds. Right now my favorite is Cardamon French Toast, which smells like Mamma's baking and tastes similarly so as well.  I look forward to a visit into the store as they have their "Valentine" teas out!

Stay Tuned...

this blog is going to see some changes! :-)

I am stopping blogging for now. Blogger and Picasa are being a pain.

30 years ago a boy jumped into a river, to prove his love to a girl. Fast forward to today and they may be apart, but they share a beautiful, strong, smart, independent and spirited young woman; the light of her mother's life. Some memories are beautiful.

• Just had a nice two week "staycation". Got a lovely pedicure (first one in over a year), took the kittens to the vet for their checkups, had lunch with "D", and then a bridal shower luncheon with some girls from work and an overnight visit with my mom at her house. And lots of lovely delicious naps!
• Still can't upload pictures. Very disappointing. Sorry!
• Work is work. My student has only a couple more sets left and then I will be on my own again. Time to spread my wings and fly, soar!
• Off for Easter week-end and looking forward to a homecooked meal at Mamma's. Not sure if I will be staying the night or not.
• Exciting news in the crafting world! Stampin Up! and Becky Higgin's Project Life are joining forces. Now that is COOL!

• I am frustrated with blogger. I can't upload pictures anymore from Picasa and I have SO many cute pictures of Poppy and George! boo!
• George and Poppy had their first year vet visit yesterday and it went very well. George weighs 11.1 pounds and Poppy 7.1 pounds. Both had their claws clipped and did very well in the behaving department. Annual vaccines and we were out the door. Good job guys! 
• I am on a two week "staycation" which has a few days filled with appointments and dates. But I am enjoying no alarms for the most part! Just resting my ankle. 
• Work has been ok. My Student is finishing up her last month. In May I have done a lot of shift swaps and so will be working mostly nights, which I am looking forward to. See how that helps the ankle.
• Saw a specialist a few weeks ago and she wants me on mega vitamins. Last thing I want is to take more pills. Another thing on my list. I would agree that my diet doesn't give me the nutrients/vitamins and minerals that my body needs, so.... more pills it is. 

• My Uncle Ragnar passed away this weekend, in Norway. So sad. Hard time to be separated from family. He was such a great man.
• The kittens turned one today! I still think of as my little kittens and they certainly act that way.
• Got my exercise bike back, which I am very excited about.
• Going to be starting on a serious load of vitamins, as recommended by a specialist. I started a multivite a week ago but I need to get mega doses of Calcium, Magnesium, Vit D, B12, B complex and iron. UGH to more pills.

• For some reason I can't update my blog from work. Weird. I am still not used to the new blogger. Also having a hard time uploading my iPhone pictures, so no new kitten pics, sorry!
• It's official! I am going to Vegas on my summer holidays! I "convinced" a work friend to go with me and we are going to have the most amazing time! She hasn't really travelled, never flown and never been to Vegas. The only thing I am worried about is keeping up to her as she is a very fast walker. We are going to spend our mornings by the pool and then exploring the strip, eating and having a wonderful relaxing holiday. Staying at my #1 favorite, the Wynn. *love*
• My ankle is really bad. In a different way. Something feels wrong. The leg bones hurt, I can't tell which one, or both? But I am limping and it scares me, badly. This is acute pain, on top of chronic pain. I hate it.
• Work has been pretty stressful again, with the patient population being younger. I also have a student and that has many challenges. Still looking for a casual job to supplement my income. 
• Had lunch the other day with my previous student "H" and her fiance, and it was a lovely visist; we sat at the Olive Garden for 4.5 hours! So exciting to hear about her new job(s) and their upcoming wedding. 
• Haven't gone anymore scrapbooking since "L" was here, but I am looking forward to getting back in to it with Project Life for my Norway album. I just love the "rain" colours; blues, greens and purples. 
• George and Poppy are 11 months and are still active kittens. The other day I missed getting the door to the bedroom closed and heard a noise, found Poppy on top of the curtain rod. Yes, she scaled the drapes. Thank goodness they are not expensive drapes and that there wasn't much damage. OY! George is my cuddlemuffin/lovebug. He even slept with me one night for half the night. I felt bad for Poppy who cried and cried at the door, but I just couldn't get out of bed. I prefer that they sleep together in the living room so that they have each other to cuddle with. But it brought back memories of Raja napping with me, which I miss. 

Happy Birthday Pappa!

I miss you so much. I can't believe it's been five years.

• wow, nearly a month has gone by without me blogging. guess I don't have much to say? all it seems like I do is work and sleep! well I will try to add something today. 
• I got my hair cut short and I am loving it. so easy to do. the purple doesn't really show up so that is a bit disappointing; not sure if I will have it done again or not. got tons of compliments about my hair though so that made me feel good. it will be super comfortable for the summer.
• my g/f "L" came up last week and we scrapbooked for the day. It was so enjoyable to have a visit with her and talk about our lives and scrapbooking! I started to put together my Norway album with my "rain" PL kit and I love it. love the colours, love the kit. I have figured out with the special punch I need to print out 4x6 pictures and then I should be golden. I am hoping to get my g/f "B" to come over and scrapbook one day soon too; she is going to work on her baby album for AJ. 
• work has been really something the past few weeks. usually we have one "difficult" patient, but we've been up to three, all young and it's so emotional. Hard on us too, those who care for those dying. I asked for debriefing but it never came so I did mine privately. I do need to start picking up some OT and this week I had off, I had three calls for it. but I dread going in. I also have a preceptor student and that is added work/stress. it's good to be challenged.
• yesterday was "Family day" in our province and so I had my daughter and her boyfriend over for dinner. I actually cooked!!! I made my Honey Garlic chicken, rice, chinese coleslaw and edename and then bumbleberry pie for dessert. it went well. good to see them too. the kittens enjoyed the cuddles with them too. 
• speaking of the kittens. they are so cute! I don't know if they will grow anymore; they will be 11 months on the 18th. in March I will take them for their year check up. anxious to see how much they weigh. they aren't eating as much of the canned food as they used to; not sure if they are weaning themselves off it and going on to dry or they don't like it anymore. George is still super cuddly (he really was doing the snuggling cuddles with my daughter's boyfriend last night - poor guy loves George but is allergic to cats so has to take Claritin before he comes over) Poppy is inquisitive and naughty and just doesn't care, she moves so fast and is ALWAYS on the kitchen counters and sink, which drives me NUTS. I don't know what to do about that, the water thing isn't work. I am going to start hissing at her. lol wonder what she will do. I rearranged their tree yesterday and that was entertaining to watch them be a little confused, as they used to be able to jump on to it from the couch and now it's more blocked; only Poppy can fit through. they still jam themselves into the top of the tree to sleep; looks very small but I guess its cozy for them. I just adore them so much.
• I started at the beginning of the year saving for Las Vegas and now I think I have a travelling partner! I am so excited to think about going in August. I know it will be stinking hot but I don't care. I NEED my getaway. I work so hard and feel that I deserve it. I have told myself I need three OT shifts to cover all the costs so I had better start answering the phone!