Ok so yesterday you got to see the Tooth Fairy Tin I made for Amber, now I will share the one I made for my son Noah!

He wanted the Frog Fairy the second he saw it! In fact, after seeing the fairy set, he suggested that I ask Melissa to include a tooth image, just so I could make him a new BOYISH tooth fairy box! LOL! And she did! Thanks Melissa!!

Noah wanted a larger altoid like tin. I asked him “WHY do one so big?” To which he replied “I need it big for it to hold all the MONEY that the tooth fairy will leave me! If its a tiny tin she might only put in silver money (aka quarters), and I want paper money (aka lots of dollars! LOL!)!” 

So I complied. The tooth fairy will send paper money, next time. He has 2 more loose teeth! I’m going to be broke!

The frog itself has 3 layers of dimension, that last being the arm/wand. Its really cute in real life.

He wanted it to also have a “N” for his name. Do I have specific, picky kids, or what?! LOL!

So, obviously I obliged 😀 Oh, and we couldn’t forget the “tooth” image either 😀

Then I did a quickie card with the Owl, because I just LOVE it 😀

I used a piece of acetate, that I free hand, cut into a cloud. I then just distressed the edges in white stazon, and stamped on the sentiment. I adored the look it has 😀

The acetate sheet, star paper and cardstock are all from Papertrey Ink

Going with the star theme I used my star punch to punch a star from glittered paper, then dry embossed a star in the corner. The star trail was done in silver.

Quick and cute.

So that is it today! I have 2 videos to get done (at LEAST) by day’s end, a crazy busy week here, and about 200 emails to sort through later.

So stay tuned!

In the mean time check out the Pink Cat Studio Blog for more ideas!!

Here are a list of Design Team members

• Becky Carafa
• Janna Hull
• Jodi-Ann Lee
• Lauren Meader
• Lise Roy
• Maria Bell
• Mariska van der Veer
• Nikki Fairbairn
• Sarah Anderson
• Vicki Garrett

I’ll be back tomorrow for more.

So thanks for stopping by 😀

Im very excited to share some peeks at NEW! Fairy Friends images from Pink Cat Stuido!!

Please note images will be released on Thursday August 6th.

These are the most ADORABLE Fairy animals friends ever!! We all had fun deciding what lil animals would make the CUTEST fairies. Then, Melissa worked her magic and this was created.

I think there is something for everyone. I know my kids were very excited! (now let me also say that while today I’m all girly, I do have a BOY idea to follow tomorrow :D)

So first up how about a bunny fairy!

Complete with 3D head, pom pom tail, glittery wings, and a magic wand!

When I got the images for this new release I was just giddy. However, over my shoulder I had someone else even MORE excited than I was! Yes, you guessed it, my kids 😀

My daughter Amber immediately informed me that she has not been given a Tooth Fairy tin, made by me! Once Noah started losing his teeth it occurred to her, she had NOTHING to present her precious white jewels, to the tooth fairy.

(PS Alexa is past the age of losing teeth, and did have a tin I made her years ago!)

So I had her go through my tins, and paper to decide what she wanted me to make!

She picked the heart (as I knew she would! LOL!), and some Princess paper by Imaginesce that my friend Sonia sent our way (thank you again!!)

Amber knew she wanted the bunny image to be her Tooth Fairy Friend.

So this is what her tin turned out to be. She shows it to everyone who comes in the house! LOL!!

I’m happy she likes it so much.

That being said, I was on a pink kick when I moved onto the cutest penguin fairy ever!

I KNOW you think BLACK when you see a penguin, but this is a FAIRY so it can be ANY color, right?

I just went with pink and brown combo, and loved the outcome!! I covered the snowflake wand, with a flower 😀

This penguin could be cute not matter what color you made it!

So now its time to check out the Pink Cat Studio Blog for more ideas!!

Here are a list of Design Team members

• Becky Carafa
• Janna Hull
• Jodi-Ann Lee
• Lauren Meader
• Lise Roy
• Maria Bell
• Mariska van der Veer
• Nikki Fairbairn
• Sarah Anderson
• Vicki Garrett

I’ll be back tomorrow for more.

OH! And you’ll be happy to know that I have a video to share this week using this new release too!

So stay tuned.

Well little Ethan has been gone for *almost* a month.

I still can’t believe it. Alicia and Dave Weiman have become my personal heroes! To see the strength they have when facing such a devastating situation is an just amazing testimony of Faith in God to me. AMAZING!

I am getting ready to send the Pawsome Pony that the kids stuffed for his sister Ava (who also just got a new kitten!). We wanted to send her a hug in the mail! Something to hold on to when she is happy, sad, lonely or just needs a hug! Something to remember Ethan by too. She was always hugging and kissing him in photos, so I hope this makes her happy.

We got her everything to make a girl pony AND a boy pony! Originally it was to be dressed as a Cowboy Pony.

He has a Cowboy hat, vest, jean shorts, cowboy boots, red collar, red bandanna, and to complete the ensemble a SADDLE! Then Amber said, “What if she really wants a GIRL pony too? She can’t have just ONE outfit! That’s not fun!” Leave it to my girly girl to say that! LOL!

So we got her the grooming brush, dress, hair/tail bows, pink collar, pretty pink “horseshoes” and a pocketbook-which has several hearts so that Ava and her mom and dad can make a wish and send a prayer to Ethan, and stuff it in the pony before securing it closed (the hearts are in the pocketbook)

Pretty Pawsome

Amber did all the dressing and grooming! She was very careful to make her look like ” Pretty Pawsome! “LOL!

PS-Can you see the little shoes?-so cute!

This is what she will look like when Ava opens the box! I have a few more things to complete today so I can ship this by the weekend! But she is definitely going PONY EXPRESS by Friday! LOL!

Sending Hugs

I made a card for Ava using the —>Weiman Wranglers digi image<— I am so happy to see we have raised almost $2,000 in honor of Ethan Weiman, to donate to the Make A Wish organization! A cause that has not only touched the Weiman Family, but my own as well!

THANK YOU to any and everyone who has not only purchased the image/images, but spread the word. I cannot tell you how much that has meant to the Weiman Family and myself!

So as I said I wanted to send a hug to Ava, so I used this sentiment from JustRite Stampers – Tiny Words Borders & Centers Set 1-3/16″

Now for the dual color, I stamped my image in Hibiscus Burst ink, the then used a Amethyst marker to go and color the images I wanted in the purple! It only took a few seconds, and I got a super cute look! It was truly just the perfect sentiment for this gift.

I love the girly colors! This card was Amber approved so I think I’m good!

I’ll share the other projects when I get them done! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a “pawsome” day 😀 (sorry I couldn’t resist!)

Happy Saturday!

Feels like summer!

We are off the the Sea & Science center in Manchester NH with the kids.

I have cut WAY back on all my design commitments so I can focus more on my children, family and pursuing my template designs, and MAYBE stamp design 😀 My true passions.

 Sorry this is late. I had a day out of the house and spent some time with my children, so I’m sure you understand!

Tomorrow I will spend the day packing orders from my HUGE STAMP SALE!! Paulette and I are buried in stamps and our houses are TRASHED! LOL! All the orders stacked and getting ready to go out! Some will ship Tuesday as I alerted the P.O. of how many packages we have (well over 100) and they asked me to break it up for them! We live in a small town, so you don’t want to upset the P.O.!

 Yesterday we went to Build a Bear to make Ethan’s sister Ava the Pawsome Pony!! We have two outfits-one ALL GIRLY, and the other is ALL boy. We stuffed out hearts and prayers in the pony, and left it “open” so Ava and her family can stuff their hearts and wishes in the pony too!

Amber decided Ava HAD to have a set of ALL Girly clothes for her pony so she could make it a boy or girl. She did all the “styling” of Pawsome Pony for Ava (basically she chose the same outfit she loved for her own Dog she created) Avawill get to name the pony and stuff on her own, online. Now she will have BOY Cowboy and Girly clothes for the pony. We also got a bandanna and a Saddle!

When you squeeze the hoof it says I love you! Alexa decided we had to include that.

I don’t know WHO had more fun, me or the kids. Amber decided she wants to have her birthday party there! OK! Now I know!

 I let my kids make thier own animal! They want to be “featured” here (My kids LOVE when I put their photos here! LOL! My husband, not so much!) with their animals, and share photos of the Pony that they made for Ava. Another post, another day. I think Ava will really like it! I wanted to make one for myself! LOL! Lot’s of fun.

OK so onto the challenge!

This week we have a color challenge, and I asked the My Time to Create Team to use the NEW! Weiman Wrangler’s Digi images for our challenge. 

Please read about this set! All proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois in Honor of Ethan Weiman!!

Today’s challenge is the PERFECT opportunity to help you get something together to enter to WIN the $25 gift certificate to Pink Cat Studio! –>READ HERE<—

No limit to number of times you can enter, as long as it is a NEW! creation, each time!

Link your creations HERE:

PS IF YOU ARE USING THE WEIMAN WRANGLERS—->PLEASE LINK IT HERE, AND IN THE CONTEST POST! That way you are entered in the contest!

Here is my take on the challenge

We’re Celebrating

I think this is so cute!!!

I thought this would be the ULTIMATE cute  Cowboy themed birthday invite (or card to give the Birthday Cowboy!)

I LOVED these colors for the Weiman Wranglers Digi  Set! I normally go with red or blue, and chocolate. Great to step out of my color comfort zone!

I used the horseshoe image from JustRite Stamps–NEW! Favorite Occasions Borders & Centers Set 1-5/8″  and the We’re Celebrating from the NEW! Celebrations Demi Phrases Set 2″ . It was PERFECT (I think) for this card.

Overall this is SIMPLE, but it didn’t NEED much more.

So I hope you get to give it a whirl!
My contest ends Monday!!! So get a move on 😀

In the meantime, check out the design team samples:

Tracey

Dana
Dawn
Jennifer
Kendra
Lisa
MacKenzie
Maria
Odette
Pam
Tamara

Alicia posted a SPECIAL booktoday on her blog!! She made it for her son Ethan, to remember all the things he used to say. The photo of the two of them had me in tears!

 Thanks for stopping by. I have much to share as the days go on!

I cannot wait to see what YOU do!

Please be sure to read this post, if you haven’t yet! 

(I have things to share- but this is my TOP priority today :D)

I’m so excited right now! have you seen the Paper Craft Planet homepage?

Well, Susanna Boyd was so sweet to place our tribute on the FRONT PAGE, and dedicated an entire Album there to Ethan! So be sure to load your creations there if you can!

Thank you Susanna and Jenn Tapler for putting that together. I am just so proud to be connected to so many amazing, giving, wonderful women 😀 Touched my heart in a big way.

WOW! Speaking of touching my heart, as a stamping community, by purchasing the Weiman Wranglers Digi stamps,  we have rasied (as I type this post) almost $700 for the Make A Wish Foundation in Illinois in honor of Ethan Weiman!

 NOW, if you have NO experience with Digi Stamps : You will want to read my friend Tracey’s Post—->HERE! She worked VERY hard to put that together on a SUPER tight deadline (sorry girl!) for you all , to show you how easy it is. Tracey works for Dustin Pike,  and she is just the Digi Guru, in my opinion! She does things I never knew possible! She rocks!

Digital images are cool because not only are they INSTANT, you can re-size, layer, mirror them, and all sorts of fun possibilities.

I use digital images from All That Scraps

 As well as one of my fave companies (they are ALL Digi images) : Squigglefly (oh boy I need to get some more stuff from them soon! I didn’t see their latest stuff!)

That being said Squigglefly (my friend Holly) has a fabulous VIDEO on using digital images! Check it out —>HERE!

I got some questions about COLORING the Digi images:

 As asked yesterday-YES! You can use your Copic Markers! That is ALL I use with mine! I just print my image on my cardstock and Im on my way! I use Papertrey Ink Select white cardstock, and NEVER had a smudge issue.

PLUS they are like super easy and fun coloring for my kids! No mess with my ink pads 😀 LOVE THAT!

Chances to WIN: just by supporting this fabulous cause:

I am offering a chance at a $25 Gift Certificate to Pink Cat Studio—>HERE

Then Heather is also offering a generous gift certificate too—->HERE!

Vicki is offering a gift certificate too!—>HERE!

THANK YOU ALL so much!

May sound CRAZY, but I’d LOVE to raise $1,000! I speak from experience when I say Make A Wish goes ALL out for EVERY sick child, and each “Wish” definitely costs more than that. You can read our personal Make A Wish story—>HERE!

I know I spend more at a trip to the coffee shop, than these images cost!  For your donation to a FAB cause, you get some UBER cute images and a warm feeling in your heart, knowing you  are helping make the day of some very ill child!!

Thank you again for the support! You all are an amazing community of people!

 OK, so I told you I had a BIG surprise today!

This is also why I have been a LITTLE more busy than expected 😀 A very good kind of busy.

When the world lost little Ethan Weiman, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like I lost a member of my family. I never lost a family member that was close to me, so the feelings of sorrow and grief were unexpected, and just so raw. I knew I had to do “something”. So I took my emotions, and got some ideas, then made them  into something I felt would be an amazing tribute to Ethan.

I am over the moon, that with the help of Melissa at Pink Cat Studio, the design team, and My Time To Create Team (who seem to be like my unpaid assistants these days), we were able to make a wish a reality! Without them it would not be possible. Also I want to thank the Weiman Family for being so open to this idea, while they had just lost their precious little boy.

Well that BIG SURPRISE is ……..the NEW! Digi Stamp set The Weiman Wranglers!!

How cute are they?

This is a NEW! Digi Stamp release designed for the Weiman Family!

 ——–> CHECK IT OUT <———-

Seriously! Can you believe how AMAZING that it?

Now you can get some UBER cute images, and help a worthy cause!

Now these are a Digital Download-so you pay NO SHIPPING, NO STORAGE 😀 and you get them INSTANTLY! LOVE IT!

When I contacted Melissa with my ideas, she didn’t even hesitate! She is literally in the middle of moving, and MADE time to help out this family! I think that speaks volumes about her. I am so honored to be able to work for such amazing people like Melissa! I cannot even thank her enough for taking the time to do this.

Help us honor the life of Ethan Weiman by purchasing the Weiman Wranglers Digital Stamps. All proceeds will go to the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois, per request of the family, in Ethan’s honor! Make A Wish fulfilled Ethan’s wish last year, when they gifted him with his horse Sanador, and a barn! Later, when Sanador passed away, they gave him another horse, named Questions! This organization really helped make Ethan’s dreams come true! It will be nice to be able to honor him, and give back something, to help brighten the day of some other sick child!

If you are not familiar with Make A Wish please read their site —>HERE

Make a Wish helped my own family, and I always donate to them, as well as the American Cancer Society!

SO let me share my samples with you, and let me know what you think! I’m so excited about all of this I could just scream 😀

In honor of Ethan, and his lil cowboy hat he always wore

I just adore shaped cards.

I hand cut this cowboy hat from chocolate cardstock! Yes, I was proud 😀 I just tried to make it a smidgen similar to the one on Cowboy Ethan. A little distressing and paper piercing, and it was looking pretty good. NOT perfect! But good all the same.

The top has the fold. I used some pretty “masculine” ribbon from My Little Ribbon Shop. Love that place!

I adore the star center piece, made from brushed copper paper, and poppy!

It was the perfectly simple, finishing touch it needed.

The Ethan hat rim, and Sanador’s (his horse in heaven) face is 3 D!

I loved it.

Now something for Ava…..

I have had the MDF letter “A” for quite some time now. This is about 12 inches. Always meaning to use it. NOW, is the perfect time 😀 I have been on a MDF kick these days eh?

I wanted to send Ava an altered letter, using her NEW! Digi Download image. Maybe she can hang it somewhere, or put it on a shelf??

I had some pretty paper from Imaginesce, so I chose that for my base 😀 and my color inspiration. I wanted it to be sweet, and simple, yet COW-Girly, but not typical Cow-Girly! Nice cheery colors. I think I got it 😀

I used New Times Roman alpha set from JustRite Stampers, to create Ava’s name tag.

I kept it all relatively simple, and loved the 1/2 and 1/2 patterned papers on the “A”. The ric rac ribbon border added to the girly feel. I felt the angles of the paper,  brought your eye to the Digi Ava image, and sentiment: “The journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step” which is from Unity.

That sentiment has so much meaning to me, personally. The day Alexa finished Chemo, I saw a silver bangle with this message on it. It really spoke to me, and our journey through Cancer. My friend Paulette actually bought it for me!!! I wear it EVERYDAY, and it reminds me (especially during tough times) , that you WILL get through it, one step at a time. I just liked it for this project.

So those are my projects!

Please be sure to check out the Pink Cat Stamps Blog for more samples! Some of the Design Team were able to jump aboard, on last minute’s notice 😀 THANK YOU!

Oh and of course, the my My Time To Create Challenge Team  ROCKED out the samples with these images, so have a peek!

Thank you again to everyone who has helped with this process.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and THANK YOU in advance for purchasing these images.

Here is where the FUN begins!!

I am personally donating a $25 GC to Pink Cat Studio  chosen via random.org, ONE WEEK FROM TODAY ( Monday June 28th) to the winning entry picked.

To enter to win, you need to make something using the NEW! Weiman Wranglers Digi Download, and link it here!

You can enter as many times as you want! You MUST make a new project each time.

Random winner will be picked June 28th.

So let’s get started!

Thank you again for all the support, and the kind words and comments so many of you leave. You are all just WONDERFUL, and always make my day.

PS I know! I didn’t do a Father’s Day Post :C Sorry! I had to get things together for today.

Well TODAY is THE day!

Sporty Billy is NOW available

This is my release peek for you

Hi DUDE!

I think he is so cute! Any BOY would like this. Plus its a general card, so it could be for any occasion really.

I wanted a retro sort if feel with the funky circles, summery colors, and stars!

I love the glittery wave-I got to add some BLING , yet keep the boyish feel 😀

Enjoy the release! I know I had a lot of fun with these images

Well its day #2 of Pink Cat Studio Peeks! Good thing this is the last day-tomorrow you can order! WOOT! WOOT!!

Today I have 2 peeks using the Sporty Billy Set!

First Up: Soccer Billy Lily

Yes! I HAD to do it! I made Soccer Billy into Lily!

Both Noah and Amber Play soccer, so I wanted to see if I could get this set to be GIRLY!

I think it worked PERFECTLY!!!

I used red & pink as my “team” colors. I think its pretty cute.

Bring on your “A” game

“A” is for Amber, “A” is for Awesome game!

What do you think? Is she not ADORABLE?!! I wanted to make ALL the images girly, but figured that took away from the BILLY set! So I stopped at one (for now :D).

Details

I used the HEAD from Lily at the Beach, to color, cut and paste my Lily (aka Amber head). Other Lily heads work too, but I liked the flowers on her hair ties, already done for me 😀

I used the numbers in the set, and the SCORE for my “score board” of sorts.

The “A” was cut using my SLICE machine

Now moving on to a BOY card

Let’s Play Ball

Do you not love it?

I made my main image to be like it was ON a baseball, coming right for ya!

I know I’m boring with the red, but we have the Boston Red Sox here, so that was my “inspiration” for the team outfit.

I used the baseball mitt, globe, bat and ball image from the Dress Up Billy set for making my background paper on the chocolate layer.

Same patterned paper as yesterday-Making Memories.

I think he looks like Noah 😀

I actually pierced the ball to look more like a baseball. I think its such a cute touch. Really makes the entire card.

Well be sure to check the Pink Cat Blog

As well as the Design Team blogs for more info on their creations

June Guest Designer: Cyndi Bundy–>scrappychick.typepad.com

Tomorrow I’ll have another peek with a sample!

Also tomorrow kicks off my Papertrey Ink countdown where I’ll reveal one of my newest My Timeless Templates!! I think you will like it 😀 Im beyond excited for this release 😀

Till tomorrow.

Calling All Sports Fans!

I hope that got your attention 😀 I have so much to share today

Today I have a peek at Sporty Billy from Pink Cat Studio!

 This set is being Released Wednesday the 10th! If you like sports OR have kids in Sports you will LOVE this set (I’m particularly fond of tomorrows peek :D)

Touchdown!!!!!!!

HOORAY!!!!

Can you just see him doing his touchdown dance on the football field?!

I really love this image 😀 My son doesn’t play football, nor do we have a football league here, but I still love it!

I made Billy  “dirty” my using a Fantasix stick, and some caramel ink to DIRTY him up a bit!!

I went with red and melon (or orangey color) for my “team colors”. I don’t follow ANY sports so  don’t know if they are any actual team, but that OK! I used what “I” liked and wanted! LOL!!! I chose my paper by Making Memories first-and went on from there. I LOVE how it turned out!

I made my “field” using Eclipse tape, a sponge and white craft ink! I think it came out pretty cool, considering I’m not positive WHAT the field looks like! (Yes I am Sports challenged! I have no problem admitting it!)

Well check out PINK CAT STUDIO BLOG for more peeks!!

Also the Design Team blogs:

June Guest Designer: Cyndi Bundy–>scrappychick.typepad.com

Speaking of Sports

I have been trying my hand at a new “SPORT” and that is running!!

I KNOW!!! Who would of thunk it? Not ME!

 My friend Paulette runs and I said I would NEVER try it. I use to run as a little girl. I was actually quite good and won many races for my school!! ( I can’t even believe that and I actually happened) Then I hit puberty, and got way too girly :D! LOL! I didn’t even like GYM (still don’t! LOL!). Any-who, I mentioned that I wanted to really mix up my workouts and SHOCK my body into SUPER shape!!!

Now that I hit my ULTIMATE goal weight and have been maintaining it for a while now, I want to get that 6 pack! SERIOUSLY!

I grab Daisy  and go. I feel so much SAFER running with my dog-(even though we live in a safe area) granted she is by no means FIERCE, she is a little powder puff,  BUT she can have a mean bark! She may pee with excitement if someone comes to pet her, but can be very protective of HER yard and PEOPLE Plus its good for her too!

I have run 3 days-and OH MY! My butt and legs hurt! Even my abs!

I didn’t think I’d even get around the BLOCK! But I did a great job-in my opinion, for my first few times. Im not trying to run a relay here, just keep focused and moving.

But I feel awesome. Each day I pushed to be better than the last. I’m quite proud of what I did each day. Running outside is VERY different because you have uneven ground and HILLS!! OYE! The uphill jog-what a killer. Even the SLIGHTEST incline can hurt. I think I’m in pretty good shape and I was a hurtin mess day 1! Now day 3 I’m already feeling better. I’m looking forward to my jog tonight. Its something different too-to keep me focused and interested. PLUS, the intervals of walking (fast paced people! No SLOW MO) and running is really good for your heart, and burning calories. I think this is what I need to shed any extra fat, and really tone up my legs.

I’m also trying:

 some Ball exercises. I got one at Target for $10!! No one tells you you NEED practice! It LOOKS easy but I rolled off onto my butt a few times! The kids got a good laugh! LOL! Plus it feels like a good workout. One of my workout Vid’s had a ball workout. I like it so far, Im just not GOOD yet.

I just got Denise Austins Best Belly Fat Blasters! Im loving it. Each of the 7 segments is about 10 minutes. I am combining this DVD with my running. I used this DVD in the morning at 6am, and am running at night on M-W-F since those are my BUSY days.

(I want to get the Get Fit Daily Dozen) Seriously WHO can’t find 12 minutes a day?! Don’t fool yourself. My posts take longer to read some days! LOL!

Also got Tae-Bo Cardio from Billy Blanks. I got it at a yard sale for $2!-that will be tomorrows workout-so I’ll let you know how I do! LOL! Im expecting to die!

Another one I borrowed from my friend Paulette is Core Rythms. Haven’t tried it, but if you see Dancer’s bodies, you wouldn’t knock it! LOL!

Many of you ask about this stuff so I thought I’d share.

You ask WHAT time do I work out?

Well it varies! The BEST time for me is in the morning to get it over with! I get up at 6am and do 1/2 hour or one of my other SHORTER videos on Mon-Wed-Fri since those days are my busiest, and I’m out the door by 7:45am

I don’t like to workout after I showered! Although the night run is good, and the shower after relaxes me for bed! I slept great after.

On Tues-Thurs I do a LONGER more intense workout since I don’t have to leave the house till 11am (Im AWAKE at 6am just not out the door) These are the 45 min to hour long workouts.

Then I generally leave Sat and Sun for REST! LOL! OR if I had a day or 2 that I didn’t get a workout in I may squeeze one in on the weekend. Also sometimes I just WANT to do it those days, since I get energy and feel good.

Well I had a great full weekend! I hope you did too. Its starting to FEEL like summer! June is just the beginning of my insanity!! If you have children, you know how busy summer vacation can be-its a good busy!

HOW Do you find the time?

I figure if I have time to blog, or read emails and stamp I can find at LEAST 15 minutes a day. Who doesn’t have 15 minutes? You really DO!

You DESERVE it. You NEED it.

You will feel so good too.

What workout do you recommend?

ANYTHING that you think looks interesting to YOU! Just MOVE!!! Whatever it is that gets you going is fabulous. I haven’t found a video that I didn’t like. Some are harder than others, and if you have a lot of weight to lost may make you feel like you CAN’T do it!! So start slow, and do what you can. Modify moves if you can.

Denise Austin is really good for ALL levels I think (even though she is a little weird and annoying-you’ll see what I mean if you buy) but hello she is like almost 60 and has had 2 kids. She looks fabulous (yes I have RECENT videos-not 1980!) and if she does these workouts and looks like that, I’m buying!! I have loved her workouts. Especially for the BUSY mom!!!

Do I need a lot to get started?

Not usually. Id suggest a mat, and a set of hand-weights. LIGHT! Like 2 or 3 lbs.

You don’t need a million videos either! I just like to mix it up and keep it interesting. I have been doing this for 9 months now! So you get bored with the same ole same ole! PLUS you want to use different muscles, and keep your body guessing!
You can RENT videos at the library!! Check it out. You can TRY before you buy or NOT buy, just keep renting new ones!

OH! And get your family and friends involved! The more people you have on your journey the better the support!

How do you keep going?

Results!! Having the body I want and or seeing results is the best. Fitting to my clothes that I buy off the rack! And being and FEELING healthy. My kids get involved to some extent so Jay and I are setting healthy examples.. Plus eating healthy as a family will help them NOW NOT form bad eating habits into adulthood.

I also think deciding to NOT outgrow your jeans is PERFECT! GET RID of anything the next size up. NO comfort clothes. If your jeans get tight that will remind you ALL day WHY you shouldn’t eat that cookie! LOL!

What do you eat?

Everything!

TOO many people think because I lost weight that I must not eat or LIVE on salad. NOPE! I actually think I eat MORE! Its all about drinking plenty or water, and MODERATION!

I never ate breakfast (I’m still not hungry in the morning) but I make myself eat it! Your body is like a furnace! You need to heat it up and get it going with breakfast. If you have several small meals of 3 meals 2 healthy snacks that keeps the metabolism going.

I’m not on a DIET! NO WAY! I can’t maintain that long term, and I’m in this for life. I just make HEALTHIER choices.

I eat what my family eats! Just not huge portions. I also don’t make myself finish my plate! If I’m satisfied I STOP. I don’t USUALLY eat after dinner time. If I do I think about it carefully! I will have popcorn or something.

Do I crave stuff? YUP! Not as much as before, and PMS is still hard! LOL! But I do “indulge” just not in LARGE portions or as often. For instance-instead of FOUR cookies Ill have ONE.

I also take trail mix and stuff and measure and pack it into snack bag- that are serving size portions. That makes it easier to grab and go and not mindlessly eat the entire bag of trail mix! LOL! Sometimes I do have that second baggie, but I make that conscious decision and make sure I had a healthy day overall

I also my LOW FAT or NO FAT stuff as often as possible. Use Splenda too.

I’m also loving to drink Lipton Diet Green Tea with Citrus. Green Tea is FAB for the metabolisim.

EATING OUT!

I try to plan ahead what I MAY eat. No matter what I take 1/2 my meal immediately and package it up to go! Sometimes I will eat just salad so I can SAVE up and really indulge! LOL! Like on my Birthday 😀

PLAN YOUR WEEK!

I have a schedule. What I like to do is plan my workouts a head of time, and psych myself up for each one!

This helps me keep focus and MAKE the time for it. I don’t let myself stamp till I workout.

Like today: 6am I did the Denise Austin Belly Fat Blaster: Ball workout that works my abs, buns and thighs. Tonight after dinner I plan on running.

Tomorrow I know I am going to try the Tae – Bo Cardio.

I hope that helps. I gott go wrap up some Teacher gifts!! Oh and stop by the book store and Staples!! RUN! RUN! RUN!

Are you ready to screech from your computer screen?

If you have a girl you will need this set! If you have boys you will be beggin your husband for a baby girl! LOL!

I have another peek from Pink Cat Studio-Lily at the Beach!

OH MY HEAVENS! Isn’t she fabulous?!

Amber-elle (Instead of Ariel-My daughter Amber called her that! LOL! She said its her name as a Mermaid. We always say Lily is a cartoon version of Amber :D)

 Is this not the cutest Mermaid you ever did see?

 I’m in LOVE people!

I altered this little plastic tomato container for this project. Nifty eh?

Jay was getting ready to throw it out, when Noah said “NO! Dad! WAIT! You better ask mommy first if she wants it for her stamping stuff!” What a good boy!! Great thinking Noah. HAHAHAHAHA Isn’t that hilarious! I didn’t even think to keep it till he said that! Then I praised him for his good thinking.

Makes a super cute gift, don’t you think? Thank goodness for purple Easter Grass!

Amber has inherited this, as we speak. She claimed it before it was even finished. She is funny- she likes to carry around LITTLE weird items. Ever since she was a baby, she would find these little (choking hazards) and hold them, or put them in her little pocketbooks and carry them around ALL day. She even hides them under her pillow. Her pediatrician would yell at me that they were choking hazards, but she NEVER, EVER put stuff in her mouth. She just loved holding them. Anyway-she is 4 now and still finds weird little things to carry in weird places. She loves little containers. Lord only knows what will end up in here!

I made the sea shell myself! A total AH! HA! moment!

I used the SU! Scallop punch to cut the 2 sides at a curve, then dry embossed it for the shell! I then sponged on some shimmery pastel chalks-to finish the look! LOVED IT!

I hope you like it too 😀

Well I have TONS to do! You are all ROCKING your design team samples for my design team. SO HARD to pick. I think Im extending to 12! LOL! I don’t know-you are KILLING me with your creativity. Im still working on looking-but think Im mainly waiting till the END of the week to get it done all at once.

Thanks for the great efforts and submissions-you all blow me away!!

Don’t forget to add my NEW Blinkie to your site! I have a FAB challenge ready for Saturday! Im actually SUPER excited about it.

So, I’m off and running!

In the meantime check out the PCS Blog…HERE and the Design Team peeks

Till tomorrow…