Isn’t this so cute?! LOL!

Here is a tiny peek at what I have over at the JustRite Stampers Blog!!

I hope you like it. I have to say I had an absolute BLAST with this first peek. Its so Lauren. Remember I have 5 days worth of eye candy there.

All the details are found there are well.

Thanks for checking in. More tomorrow.

Don’t miss my post below!

Falling Table Setting

Nichole had set a challenge for her design team to take First Fruits/ Warm Hospitality and create an ensemble that could be used for Thanksgiving! She asked we include all the main items you may need for dressing up your table during the holidays.

These two sets were so much fun to work with for this task. The hardest part was deciding on which image of the set to focus on. I have to say I put a lot of time and thought into my arrangement, and making sure it would all work  out. I didn’t want something JUST for show, but that anyone felt like THEY could actually replicate before a gathering!

 I HOPE this set makes you feel that way when looking forward to the holiday’s, and time with family.

You may recognize that you got a unsuspecting sneak peek at my set, when you saw my candle! Now you can see what a entire table setting would be like built off that one idea.

For my set I wanted to do something that wasn’t your typical fall/Thanksgiving color scheme. One you could use of any occasion. I decided that blue and greens were a nice un-traditional option that may go overlooked. I think they make a gorgeous set for all year.

My colors were Chocolate, olive, spring moss, buckaroo blue, and soft sky. I think they make a gorgeous color combination that can be used any time of year.

Now I will share each piece of the set with you!

Every gathering begins with the invitation!

This is a simple, yet elegant invitation to create, to let your guests know you would love to have them over for a gathering! Who could say no?

A main focus is often the dinnerware. Well when you are crafty you don’t really need expensive set to make your table scream- lovely!!! For my “dinnerware” I collected plain glass pieces from Walmart! They were very cheap, about $1.00 to $2.50 depending on how large the piece was! Certainly affordable. I dressed mine up by stamping cardstock circles,  layering with a scallop circle , then adhere on the BACK of my dinnerware. Note the bottom of my bowl.

NO MESS! Remove when done. Now, you can change the theme to suit  every occasion 😀

Just make larger circles for the bottoms of your larger pieces, such as plates, and serving dishes.

To start each person would like to know where they are expected to sit. So I created my place card

This sits on the dinner plate, in front of the soup bowl. I love the popped up scallop top. I made my name with the Simple Alphabet set.

I used the gorgeous Leaf Ribbon, as an inexpensive way to dress up my table.

As they get seated they will most likely not be able to resist drooling over your menu. And I don’t just mean the tastey (Is that even a real word? Well it is today) items listed on it!

I just printed up my menu onto the gorgeous lined vellum cardstock. This is truly a nice touch to let your guests know exactly what is being served.

Now for the perfect wrap for your silverware-

I found these gorgeous place mats, and napkins at a store called Remey’s in York ME. They were perfect for my color scheme, and only cost 0.50 each!!! WOW!!! I created a cardstock ring for my napkin, in which my silverware is wrapped in. I then made a flag tag for it in spring moss, and created a paper PINE-CONE using my NEWEST Paper Garden book! I brushed the edges of my pine-cone with glue, then added the glitter to match.

Now to document the event!

The book mark

This was made with the long rectangle nestabilities.

This would be set with each person’s table setting.

 This is for each person to write on. They will list what they are thankful for, then they can save it and reflect on it through the year.You can even pass it person to person to write what you love most about the person who the marker belongs to. A great tradition to start. Save it each year to reflect upon just how fortunate you really are.

With Gratitude

You may have noticed the candles, all decorated, that sit in a clear glass coffee mug.

Well these serve a few purposes.

1) It adds to the beauty of the table dressing.

2) They provide a warm atmosphere, and nice soft lighting for each guest, as you light them for dinner/gathering.

3) They will double as your favors!

Yes, you will send this off with each guest as a little thank you. Every time they see it they will be reminded of what an amazing gathering you were all able to have.

Now to accompany that you will include a note card-

Ah, yes. We have have the much needed thank you note. A great way to let your guests know that you were thankful for having them share the special day with you. You can fill them out before your guests arrive, then include then with their candle setting. OR tie them on with a bag of leftover’s to take home, or with some yummy dessert!

When the day is over they will be so grateful for the time and love you put into having them over as your guest. They will most likely feel so very special to have had someone take the time to put together such a amazing gathering from the heart.

Make sure you check Nicholes blog for a listing of design team members who participated in todays special project.

Now speaking of thanks, I would like to thank my sweet hubby for always being there for me and supporting me. He is always cheering me on, brutally honest (which I need) and there to give me the ooh’s and aah’s over every single project and idea 😀 He entertains my wildest dreams of my goals for the future. He is my best friend. My rock.

Now my 3 little blessings. As crazy as they may make me some days, I love them more than anything! I cannot imagine a day without kissing their little cheeks. Each day has to end with an I love you, followed by a big kiss & hug. They are my entire world. Its a love only a mom can understand. I ma thankful for all we have, together, as a family. This year leads me to say I am so grateful for our health. Not a day goes by that I don’t remember just how precious and fragile life really is. I try to cram as much as I can into one day. I truly can put no words into how grateful I really am.

I am also thankful for every single opportunity I have ever been presented with. I just feel so immensely thankful for all of it, and appreciate every moment. I work hard, and take nothing for granted.

That leads me to my blog. Here. This little piece of time, in cyber space, where I have a virtual online diary of my life. AMAZING! I am so thankful I get to come here and share my passion for this hobby with all of you (an a million other ramblings)! Even more amazing people actually read it! LOL! I never thought anyone would care what little ole Lauren Meader, in Pittsfield NH had to say!

Weather you just lurk, or visit  daily, or don’t comment ever,  to those who comment regularly, I am grateful for you. You all make my day. I hope you get to come here and take something away each time, even if it is just a chuckle over one crazy venture I may be having! LOL!

I really hope you take a minute every single day to think about what you are thankful for. It shouldn’t be just one day a year (like Thanksgiving). If you do that, everyday, I promise you, your world will seem like a brighter place. There is more good than bad for most.

Often when I go on a rant, or have a bad day, later, after I calm down and reflect, I realize in the big picture, is it worth it? Is it really that bad, when I look at all I have  in the grand scheme of things?

What REALLY matters?

OK that was one of those sentimental things that popped up when I was finishing up. One of those posts that suddenly got me thinking another way! LOL!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy what we all have to share today 😀

THANK YOU!

OK Im checkin in fast here. I have been super busy and gone all weekend.

The 3 classes went awesome. I love my girls who come. They just make my day. I cannot even tell you. They really make me want to keep on with the classes 😀 So thank you to all of them.

I have emails to answer (if you are one of them I will get to you soon) and I need to check in on all the awesome peeps who have been participating in the sketches (yeah!!), and the sketch team. I have a super awesome PTI project (as do the rest of the DT) to post tomorrow (and my big news below).

OH boy this weekend and week I am going to be so straight out. I have a ton of family stuff to do (all good stuff I think), soccer starts, pre-school meetings, and cram in last minute kid-ventures, school shopping (HELLO did you know that Old Navy just had a 40% off ALL kids stuff sale! OMW! I got like over 9 shirts per child,  and stuff for the kids all for $155!!!!) Take my cat to the vet because he is really sick :C Alexa has her chemo follow up Friday, and a Endocrinologist appt as well so all day will be spent at Dartmouth. Our Wedding anniversary is Sat (gotta make Jay his card, and get his gift, plan a date??), and Amber & Noah are in my Uncles Wedding on Sun, so I have to drive to meet my mom to get their outfits. Next thing you know BACK TO SCHOOL!! Can I get a WAHOO!!! LOL! AND I know I am forgetting SOMETHING else. Oh well.

Onto to the important stuff 😀

Have you heard the news?

Check it out —–>HERE!

This is another reason I have been SO busy!

 (Look at my fat face! OMG! I could die, at least Im workin on it )

Besides that………………

Is that exciting or what? I LOVED JustRite Stamps and was over the moon when asked to be a guest designer for this week 😀 I was just freakin out with excitement, then panic! What could “I” possibly do that hasn’t been done? Then I took a deep breath and let it go.

Now you won’t want to miss my creations! I am sure you are bound to find something that inspires you (OK so I HOPE that they inspire you! LOL! Even just a tinsy bit).  I was really happy with my take on their product when all was said and done.

All week you will get a little peek here (starting tomorrow) and then see the whole SHEBANG on the JustRite Stampers Blog!! Don’t worry I’ll send you to the right place.

 MORE BIG NEWS!

They are having a super duper Champion Contest! Details on how you can get a chance to win HERE! Now don’t go saying “Oh I’m not good enough, I’m too afraid to, I never win anything, I don’t have time, or I’ll never get picked”, and all that crap! You know how I feel about that stuff. If you don’t even TRY you definitely don’t win!! At least if you try you have a chance. YOU are just as good as anyone else. So go for it!!!

OK I must run. More posting to do!!

Hope you check back in with me later 😀 Sorry I have NO TIME for a sample tonight.

Yeah, my favorite day-Saturday!! I love creating for my Saturday Sketches because I try to make sure I just have fun and play.

I am teaching classes today, so I am stamping ALL day! LOL! It will be fun to get together with some girls today. I have a few “regulars” and I just love each one. They keep me going, and on my toes, and love to tease me when I say the wrong thing. Sometimes my brain is moving faster than my mouth, and believe me, I can talk so that is pretty crazy when they battle each-other! LOL!  They all really crack me up and my 7 hour day seems like its only been 20 minutes long (I kid you not). I guess if I HAVE to go to work this is definitely the “job” that I want to have.

OK back to the sketch. This was another pool side sketch I did, and had no idea if it would work out or not. I know I am dying to see what the Sketch Team did with it. many possibilities with this one I think.

Here you go!

Now we are going to start (as suggested) a keyword for those of you who upload to galleries. It will me mytimess1(that stands for mytime Saturday sketch # X) I am starting with 1 since this is the first time we are doing a keyword.

Now time for my sample!

 Owl be your friend

Now seriously! Do you not love this owl? I think it is apparent that I have a serious Owl addiction. I LOVE my Unity stamps, and wanted to use them on this, and I am just bouncing at how my vision for it actually turned out!

The sets are from the July Kit of the Month Its the Little Things. Sorry to say that it is not longer available :C Which is so tragic because I think its the most adorable thing ever!!!

I think I am going to sign up for the Kit of the Month Club because I LOVE every kit they come out with! I am no longer a design team member for Unity, but I {heart} Angela and all the Unity girls. I still LOVE their stuff, I just didn’t have the ability to work for everyone. So that will most likely become part of my happy mail! LOL! I adore the August set, and think it’s giving me that push to join! That and the set is GONE after that month (which I can’t believe :C).

I really loved that journaling block, but don’t like to write on stuff, so I turned it into a tree for my owl. I used the shimmer bridal flower petals (colored green and cut apart) for my tree leaves.

In case you can’t tell the owl wing is popped up on dimensionals, and the belly is paper pieced. Little details.

I also love the Poppy, Craft and Chocolate combo on this as well, with a touch of pink, and the pop of green.

I hope you like the sketch and get to try it out. Send us a link here, if you do so we can all view your take on it OK!!

Also don’t miss the sketch team samples!! They have been knockin my socks off.

Thanks for reading 😀 Hope you have a super weekend!

Later-

PS the Papertrey Special post has been delayed and I think it will go Live Monday. I also have some special posts this week, so you will see ANOTHER reason why I have been busy!!

Did you all have fun at thePapertrey Ink party??

I always have a blast with each release. It’s so exciting sharing our projects for the first time. Every month I usually have a top favorite for my projects, but this month it’s a hard pick for me. There is something I love about each one, that the other doesn’t have.

I always love hearing your feedback on what is your favorite and why.

I promise I won’t be as long winded as yesterday! I think some of you just glanced at the length of the post, and quit there! LOL! SORRY!! I don’t blame you, I was just in a chatty mood 😀

Before I start I also want to thank you all for the love & support you give when  you visit 😀 It always makes my day.

NOTE: ALL SUPPLIES CAN BE FOUND IN MY GALLERY HERE

ALL SUPPLIES FOUND-www.papertreyink.com

Remember

This set is just stunning!! It was designed by Lisa Johnson, and I’m sure you will agree she did a fabulous job making the elements of it very versatile. I had no idea there were so many varieties of Poppy’s! I wish I had seen her tips before I got creating!

 Pop of Red

Would you believe I designed this card after seeing Barbra Walter’s on 20/20? She had on a simple white blouse, and a bright red flower, pinned at her upper shoulder. I was so inspired I jumped off the couch and created this!!

I am just in love with the clean and simple look, with little details-like the scallop top, the flag, and the brads.

Stamps- Remember
Cardstock-basic black, red, PTI select white
Ink-Pallete black, Poppy Red
accessories- red brads, scallop punch

Bath Scents Box -a- Bag

OK this one was so much fun!!! I used my new Tall rectangle nestabilities to create this tall box -a- bag. I LOVE it!

I used my tag nestabilities for the labels, and spelled out what was contained in each using Simple Alphabet

The best part is that it was PERFECT for the tall test tube containers I got at Michaels, that are by Martha Stewart! I got a pkg of 8 for $7.99! Not bad (use a coupon and you are golden!!). I purchased some $1 bath items at Target, and simply put then in the tube as a nicer way to present the bath salts, body wash, and foot scrub. The loofah is in the bottom of the box -a- bag.

I created a matching designer band using the Limitless labels set with the Remember set!

Lots of dimension on this too! The girls who take my classes know you NEED to bring lots off dimensionals when you take my classes!!! LOL!

One more photo, just because

Stamps- Remember, simple alphabet, limitless labels
ink-sweet blush, chocolate, berry sorbet
cardstock-sweet blush, chocolate, berry sorbet, white
other-stitched ribbon, Spellbinders tag dies, flower brads by Making Memories, page pebble by Making Memories, circle punches, tubes by Martha Stewart, bath products from Target $1 spot, hemp

First Fruits/ Warm Hospitality set

As you all know Becky collaborated with Nichole to get her designs into acrylic!! I really fell in love with this set. I have never owned anything like it, and can see pulling it out time and time again.

We all will be sharing a special project with this set tomorrow!! So check in again.

Now I was quite happy with my project for this set. It is a card, and matching gift box. I LOVE the way the top is rounded on my design in both the card and the gift box. I am quite happy wih this one too 😀

 Box of Gratitude

I love all the scallops, and the repeated scallop in the stamped border and bottom of the box!

I stamped the image in versamark, then used clear embossing powder. Now it looks like a expensive, dry embossed set with that bit of shimmer!! The words were stamped in place of the tie 😀

Doesn’t it look similar to the expensive invites you may buy for a wedding or some other very special occasion?

Stamps-First Fruits
Cardstock-PTI select White, Linen vellum, Gray
Ink-versamark, gray ink
ribbon SU! gray, silver organdy
other-scallop square & circle nestabilities, coluzzle, clear embossing powder, heat tool, scor-pal, cellophane roll by EK success

Now we have the matching card-

The white and gray are so pretty together. The linen vellum is my FAVORITE thing right now! I am in LOVE!!!!!!

Stamps-First Fruits
Cardstock-PTI select White, Linen vellum, Gray
Ink-versamark, gray ink
ribbon SU! gray, silver organdy
other-scallop square & circle nestabilities, coluzzle, clear embossing powder, heat tool, scor-pal, cellophane roll by EK success

Don’t forget the Candle I created for the countdown. You can view that HERE

Now we have Rustic Branches

This is Heathers First set. I was dying to see what her style would be like. I love the clean lines and simplicity of it. With NO effort, you can get some really beautiful creations.

Here is my favorite of mine.

 Thankful Branch Box

This is a card box I created. I am so happy with it because its not like anything else that has been done with it. I LOVED layering the solid leaf in various colors in the linen vellum window of the box. I also had to use the super adorable birdie from the Birds of a Feather set! So soft.I also love the dimension it all has.

I used unknown paper for my box ( I know that is awful).

Sorry.

Here is a closer view for the little details

Stamps- Rustic Branches, birds of a feather
Cardstock-vintage cream, Sahara sand, lined vellum cardstock
shimmery paper unknown
ink-Sahara sand, colorbox vanilla
ribbon by May Arts
other-making memories page pebble, nestability rectangle

Now for my uber simple Christmas wreath

 Wreath of Peace

This one was so fun & simple. I just stamped the leaf ring, then without re-inking, move it, and stamped it again. See the light leaves? Too fun. Isn’t this a super cute Christmas design for mass producing? The middle frame is up on dimensionals, as is th border. I LOVE doing that.

Stamps-rustic branches
cardstock-vintage cream, red
ink-poppy, spring moss
other-scallop/straight nestability square, ribbon by May arts

Now onto the Spooky Sweets II set

I kept my card super duper simple, bit I think the little string the spider hangs from is a simple and cute touch.

stamps-Spooky Sweets II
cardstock-lemon tart, black, pti select white
ink-black pallette ink, white craft ink
other-circle punches, silver cord

Now don’t forget about my Halloween treat of Edible Eyeballs!

Well I hope you enjoyed the reveal. I’m dying to know what everyone’s favorite sets are products are!! Share if you have time.

Tomorrow is another special post, and don’t forget the Saturday Sketch!! I hope you can play along.

I am also teaching 3 classes tomorrow!! Should be fun.

Later.

It’s the Papertrey Ink Release tonight!! Will you be there? I will. 

I’m coming back to the top of this post, after typing to say I have NO IDEA why I am so chatty today!!! Sorry-skip the banter if you want! LOL! I do have samples.

I don’t think I am EVER done, ever caught up, or as much as I sometimes feel “ahead”, I really am never that either! LOL! When I do have extra time (does that really ever exist??) then I usually agree to do something else to quickly fill that gap. I know, especially as a parent I am not the only one who does this!

Anyway, I am super happy to report Amber had a great day (even though Alexa wasn’t there. She stayed at her fathers :C Its OK cause we are going to have an actual party in Sept), and my exercising is going awesome. I already notice a difference. I know, you think HOW??? Well my jeans slid up quite nicely, and I have been doing an hour of cardio a day. I BETTER see some difference! LOL! Hey, even if its in my head, I’m OK with that.

Amber’s birthday yesterday I resisted any cake, we went to Friendly’s and I gave up my fries, no “happy ending” sundae for me. Jay made egg sandwiches for breakfast and I had shredded wheat (yes it is the sugar coated, but give me a break!!). Instead of drive thru on our way out for the day I packed a whole wheat pasta salad I made with all fresh veggies, and a granola bar, and I am drinking lots of water, to replace that 3 cups of coffee, and diet soda I normally drink.

As doctor Phil would say “Don’t say you have to lose X pounds, say I have to lose 1lb.”Each day is new and I am not looking at the big picture. ONE STEP. Just like my bracelet says “The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step” Hey I think I need to find a way  to add that to my blog permanently. Its like my life motto 😀

Anyway. Always a bunch going on here. Counting down the days till school starts! LOL!  Noah & Amber will start soccer soon, Amber will also begin another year of dance classes, Alexa will be in Girl Scouts, and Alexa is enrolled in Cheer-leading! I know. Weird. At first I thought NO WAY!!

Alexa’s father’s wife teaches it at a school. So she enrolled Alexa. I was kind of put off at that thinking it wasn’t for her. Well Alexa goes to the practices and does love it. When I mentioned my thoughts of it to Jay he said “I think its a great idea! She loves to dance. You always say you hate when people limit her, so why are YOU doing it?”

WOW! Did that ever shut me up!! I guess I didn’t see it as limiting her, but I really was. If she enjoys it, then I guess that is all that matters!! What was I thinking, not wanting her to do something she may like? I guess I want her to be able to keep up with all the other girls her age, and I get scared when I think she may not be “as good”. That is so wrong!!! Who cares? All that matters is that she is HAPPY and likes what she is doing. She may even surprise me! She often does. I can’t believe ME of all people, was about to do the one thing I hate other people doing. But I acknowledged that (thanks to my honest husband) and will hope to be more concious of that in the future.

Why am I blabbering about this? I’m not sure. I guess so many of you have taken this journey with me of having a child with special needs, that I feel OK sharing my good and bad parenting moments. The important thing is to learn by them, and don’t be a hypocrite! I was doing something without even realizing it. So there you have it. Alexa WILL be in cheer-leading as long as SHE wants to be.

OK so you would never believe my main post was suppose to be about short on time and deadlines! LOL!

I got this  Sweet and Sassy Kit from Katie at3 Little DReaMs. The kits is available for Pre-order until August 15th.

She asked if I’d try them out, and give my thoughts! Well I am just sliding in under the deadline! LOL! I have to say I have NEVER gotten any kit, ever, so I had no idea what to expect.

I did make 3 samples so far. Unfortunately this just arrived the other day, and my time was quite limited!! I can tell you I made all 3 cards I am sharing today, early this morning, using only items from the kit (well minus my sewing machine, and a piece a vellum -don’t shoot me! LOL!), and was done in 1 1/2 hours, including photographing/editing.

  Just sing

(The card is placed on a angle onto a piece of chocolate card-stock to photograph)

This one was my favorite, and my first one. Its all asymmetrical, yet balanced I feel, and I just love.

I used some of the paper for a tab. Lots of distressing, and some sewing on this. The flowers, ribbon and brads, all part of the kit.

Next up is card #2

 Chirp Up!

I actually colored the bird with some shimmery paints and its really so soft and pretty in person. The papers are distressed, so I distressed most of this too. It has a real nature feel. Again, remember I don’t do real nature well. I am certain you could get someone else to work with this set and it would rock your world! LOL! I just loved the little bird image and wanted to step out of that comfort zone!

Lastly card 3

(not bad for a mornings work eh?)

More layering and distressing. I didn’t want to use the entire bird. I think its cute. Not my best card, but not too bad. I do love the papers she chose in the kit though. They are super cute.

I can see WHY people enjoy the whole Kit thing. I know my Kits have done really well too (thanks to all of you!! ).

Depending on the kit you choose, you get a stamp or stamp set with all the matching cardstock, and patterned paper to make some projects.Then there are add-on choices. No brainer!! I like that. Especially when you LOVE happy mail, and need some incentive to get stamping, I think these are great. Many people seem to like things put together for them.

I think you get more than enough paper/cardstock to create several cards, then have some leftover.

So the Sweet & Sassy kit I got to use was $28.00. She dropped the shipping this month too, to $5.50, which is really good too.

Katie has a Yahoo! Group, and starting September 1st will have a rewards program. It will benefit new members, and anyone who spreads the word, and those who subscribe. She’ll post that info soon. I think its great when any company rewards stuff like that, that helps get them business. After-all its all word of mouth!!

The consumers can make or break a new company. I know I take my fellow stampers word over an advertisement any day.

So I IF you are still with me WOW! You must be really bored today to read my ramblings! LOL!!!  I wish I were a tad more interesting but I a stamp crazed SAHM, with not much of a life these days.

Tomorrow I will share ALL my PTI release peeks, so I hope you come back!

Later-

 Creepy Treats jar

Nichole’s newest set Spooky Sweets II is just fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you liked the first one you will FLIP over the newest edition. SO many cleaver labels. Some can be used ALL year.

Nichole challenged the team to come up with some fun & simple Halloween recipe’s using this set .

Well if I can get away with NOT cooking I try to! I think every busy mom would be able to appreciate my recipe. Read on.

I saw the witch and knew I had to use her. I stamped her on Lemon Tart, and stamped the round label in summer sunset for my moon. I then added stickles around it.

 I also used the sentiment Witch’s Brew. Now I know it’s not a liquid of any sorts, so think POTION INGREDIENTS!!  Lots of creepy jars, filled with creepy treats for her icky potions! Well that is what I was going for.

How fun would this jar look on a desk? 

Just take off the lid-isn’t it pretty?

Open it up, and this LITERALLY peeks out at you!

 Edible Eyeballs!!!

Here is the front of the glass canister. Can’t have a witch without her creepy cat!

I love it!!

I just made an insert to go in my jar for the eyeballs to sit nicely on 😀

EW!!!! EW!!! EW!!! Noah was dying for me to finish photographing so he could eat them. Amber, not a chance! LOL!

I guarantee they are the yummiest eyeballs ever eaten.

Here is the recipe

Lindt white chocolate truffles (used in this recipe) OR aBag of “Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Crème Bites” (this is really good and inexpensive for the KIDS!!)

1 Egg White
2 Cups Sifted Powder Sugar

Decorating Icing
In a medium bowl, whip 1 egg white with a beater for approximately 3 minutes or until
fluffy white. Gradually mix in 2 cups sifted powder sugar until thoroughly mixed.

Using icing coloring, make small batches of green, blue, brown and black icing. ( I just used blue)

Using a paint brush, or frosting bag, paint colored circle on end of candy for the iris of the eye.

Use black icing to paint in pupil.

Use end of paintbrush to dab on a white spot in the pupil.

Repeat until you have desired number of eyeballs. Place in fridge to set frosting for 1 hour.

Serve as desired.

See, no cooking involved, and its very simple. Gotta love that!!!

EDITED TO ADD:

Some valid concern was raised over the egg whites in the frosting mix. You can use the tubes of frosting you buy, and even the gel frosting (which I used for my eye centers) just be careful with packaging them since they don’t dry as well as the other mix. I would suggest making an insert like I did to keep them from smacking into each other! LOL!

Also Tiffaney Ekstrom emailed me to share this alternative (Thank you!)

Instead of egg whites you can use Meringue powder (2 tsp. powder + 2 Tbsp. water = 1 egg white).  The powder is easy to find at Michael’s in the cake decorating section.

So that is all there is too it.

I hope you enjoyed my peek as much as I did creating it. I’m not a big Halloween person but have to say this set is pretty cute.

Make sure you check out Nichole’s post and all the team players blogs!

Happy Birthday Amber!!

After 11 days over due, a long induction, and 3 days of labor ………..

Amber Elaine Meader arrived into the world.

Wednesday August 13 2004 2:23 pm

8lbs. 9 oz

 Amber means-

 The name Amber, pronounced as Am-ber means a fossilized resin, honey-yellow in color and generally translucent in nature that is highly valued as a precious stone and used in ornaments as pendants or sometimes as a ring stone. The word is of Arabic origin (Anbar). The name is also found in Hindi and the ancient Sanskrit language (Ambar); it signifies the sky. The name became popular after Kathleen Winsor’s romantic novel Forever Amber featuring the story of Amber ST Clair which was later made in to a film of the same name.

We chose Amber on a whim, she was suppose to be Rebecca. When we saw her that was the name that came to Jason. I told this story a long time ago here. Turns out Jasons mom was going to name him Amber if he was a girl! No one ever knew that.

Elaine

Origin: Old French

Meaning: bright, shinning light

The Elaine was after Jason’s grandmother. Alexa has my grandmothers middle name, so I gave Amber his grandmothers name.

I cannot believe my “BABY” is four today. Unreal. Seems like just yesterday………….

I will hope to share b-day photos later. I figured I’d share some birthday photos for every year thus far.

This was Amber’s Birth Announcement photo!

I took it in the yard. She was 3 days old, and in my opinion one the most beautiful babies I have ever seen 😀

Amber turns 1!

Oh no you didn’t!

Oh yes I did! I dressed her up like a fairy. It was so cute! She loved her wings and wand

She had a family party and just had a blast. The theme was fairy butterflies of course!

Amber turns 2!

I didn’t even get a good photo of her at her birthday party.

This was an awful time. Alexa was really sick and in the hospital. I had to leave to get ready for Amber’s party to keep life “normal”. I missed her actual birthday and felt so sad over the entire thing. I still tear up remembering that awful year of hospitalizations, and my kids constantly being put last to their sister. I had no choice. I did what I had to, but it was still so hard on everyone. She looked so cute though. She had 2 little ponytails in.

Amber turns 3!

She pulled out her super cute ponytails! I swear she looked really cute before that! LOL!

 AND of course my camera batteries died before all the good stuff. The funniest thing about this birthday was her Aunt Sue gave her a card with $5 in it! You should have seen her light up. I swear she still has that $5 in one of her pocketbooks. She would carry it around and  put it under her pillow every-night! She just loved that $5! LOL!

Now today

She is such a beautiful, intelligent, strong willed, knows what she wants, and takes no crap kind of girl. She is sweet and very feminine, but likes to get dirty too! One minute she is doing arts and crafts, the next she is watching football with daddy.

She bat’s her eyelashes and smiles, and its all over!!

She is sensitive and smart. She is just so grown up for now 4.

I am so proud of her and everything she does. I am certain she has a bright future.

She is just growing so fast. Anyone know how I can freeze her, in this moment? That would be great!

Off to enjoy Amber’s day of doing whatever she wants!!

Well I hope you are all enjoying the few weeks we have left of Summer.

Many find the time to read a good book. “I” am not one of those people. I wish I were. I always saw Oprah’s pick list and thought “Oh, maybe someday”. Yeah right. I use to read Danielle Steel novels. BEFORE KIDS. That mainly gets your hope’s up of a tragic life turned fairytale happy ending. My life is pretty good but who has time for all that over the top romance-especially when you add kids?! Not one, or two, but 3. Someone is always needing something, and if you actually set to PLAN a romantic evening, you can bet one of the kids will fall ill or have some sort of crisis. I know when we went away the highlight was the fact we could actually take a nap without being awoken by anything! LOL! I’m sure Im not alone on this. If I am then please share HOW you manage with small children.

Reading makes me sleepy, and in all honesty I’d rather be stamping. I know, its a sickness, but I know my husband is happy that I found a hobby that I not only LOVE but will stick too. I have been stamping for 4 years now! (Minus the year Alexa lived at Dartmouth Hitchcock hospital) I can’t tell you how much I love it. More so now than ever. It’s opened a whole new world to me, and relieves my stress. Even when I have a ba-jillion things to do, I just thrive on it.

So anyway, I figured I’d share some samples today. This one is the What’s The Story Flopsey?

 Whats the story

I made my main image just like a book! I layered a cover, and a few pages!! They are held open with a paperclip I made using what else but a paper clip and a epoxy sticker, with some ribbon! LOL!

The flowers are done using punches. I love the colors and the book idea. Just too cute. This set is fabulous for library stuff, or reading programs too. Think like a reading challenge chart? I think Im going to make that!!! Better jot that down in my book 😀

Now another card, in honor of the Sugarplums release last night. I didn’t get to the party because my Internet was out :C We had some pretty nasty thunderstorms here. It’s been on & off all day.

Did you get your Sugarplums last night?

 You put a song in my heart

OK I know its hard to see the sentiment but thats what it says. I love it. The birds in this set are just UBER cute. This paper is a old collection from SEI. I just adore it to pieces. Berry sorbet ribbon from PTI. The little gray bird is flocked and all cute and fuzzy.

Well that is all for me.

I’m off to actually do some exercise! I know, don’t fall off your chair.

Both Noah & Amber are in my Uncle’s Wedding on the 24th, and that has really come up on me quick. I wanted to lose like 15lbs by then, when I suddenly realized that it is the 12th! WHAT?! Already? Where did the time go? I guess getting HOT for the summer idea is off the table. Summer is OVER! LOL!

So Im busting my hiney doing cardio everyday till then. Down to ONE cup of coffee, and only drinking water. No Diet soda. Eatting healthy, and not until I’m full, but satisfied. I usually drop weight fast when I actually work out, so I’m positive. You have to be in a good mind set to start a life change.

Now here lies my question. WHY when Im on a diet and trying to get healthier does it seem all I see is yummy food?! It’s everywhere! I was browsing the new SU! Catty that my friend mailed me, and there was some sort of delicious treat on every page. UGH!! Its a real killer! Worse is my hubby doesn’t get it because he truly doesn’ like sweets! How tha tis possible is beyond me.

Oh well. I am on a mission. I just have to remember that I CAN do it. I have done it before. The thing is after a workout I feel awesome. Then around 3 pm I feel like I need a nap. Then after dinner, somewhere after 7:30pm Im starving!! But that is the worst time to eat!! I even wake up hungry in the middle of the night! But come morning I have to force myself to eat breakfast. Weird.

WOW! Bet you weren’t expecting all that were you? I guess if you go through all the same stuff you know you aren’t alone 😀 I’m here going through the uphill battle with you.

Tomorrow I have a super post for you, so come back OK!!

Later-

I have received many emails from people looking to see the new C.C. Designs Sugarplum collection stamp sets! Tonight is THE night!

Make sure you sign up for the newsletter! That will keep you in the KNOW. If you already have ,then you would have seen this project made by ME 😀 Using all 3 of the new Sugarplums stamp set that are being release tonight @ 10pm EST. The party starts in the forums @ 8pm EST

 Wishing you sunny days

I really love the new sets. They allow you to create a scene! It’s so much fun since the images are whimsical!! Like I said before Im not a good realistic nature stamp person, so these are so up my alley. Every month Christine just out does the last. Wait till you see the next release! OMW!! Love it. I know, let’s get through this one first! That is one of the most difficult things about design teams. You are all just getting excited over one release, and we are all ready to jump in and “work” with what is next to come. Too funny.

 Hope to chat with you later at the party!!

Supplies

This cards uses-Sugarplum scenery, Olivia’s Birdies, & sentiments. Paper by Basic Grey, rectangle nestabilties, Sizzix button die. Copic markers.

For MORE info ,and samples make sure you check out the ATS blog , and the design team blogs 😀 I have more to share but figured I will spread it out a bit!

I’m running ragged here lately. I have had multi-posts for the last few days or so. I think I need a nap! LOL!