Like Butter!!

Say hello to my new paper trimmer!!  She just arrived on my doorstep this afternoon and I have already put her to work!  She slices paper like butter!! Yes, I've decided that she's a girl and I've even named her - Delilah.  I don't know why I call her that, it just seems to fit.  I guess because the brand is Dahle and it is printed at the top :0)

Anyway, I've been searching for a new paper trimmer for a while now, and after many days of researching on the internet I decided to go with this one - a Dahle 550.  I read review after review and I think the thing that finally sold me on this one is the self-sharpening blade.  With every cut the blade sharpens itself!! Wow!  And if you've ever been to one of my workshops, you know how much paper I cut - a lot!!  I figure it will help reduce some of my chiropractor visits because it slices so effortlessly. My previous trimmer took a fair amount of muscle, since you had to push down & forward.  This one slices with no effort, in both directions.

Now I'm questioning why I waited so long to make this purchase.  The right tool makes the job so much easier :)

Camp and Scrap!

Aren't these 2 little kiddies cute?  I know I'm totally biased, but i think they are the most adorable kids ever! ;)  That being said, my dream for the past few years is to have a couple of hours - all by myself - alone in my own house!!  With kids and a husband who works from home, it is very rare that I ever get to be in the house, all by my lonesome.

Well. today my dream was realized, even though it was just a few short hours.  With both kids off at preschool camp, I sat down at my scrap table and did this....

Yes - a 2 page layout - done! :)  It was a cute kit that I picked up last month at the Creating Keepsakes Convention.  On such a cold, rainy day, it was a nice change of pace to scrap summer swim photos on cute, colorful paper!

This paper is made by Fancy Pants Designs and the collection is called Rusted Sun.  The cutest paper in this pack is a sheet of cute little swim suits!  I think I'll have to do a few more swim pages so I can use some more of this adorable paper.  Fun stuff!

Now, what should I work on tomorrow? :)

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back!

 A few weeks ago my family room was a complete disaster and I couldn't take it anymore!  So I banished the kids to the living room and told them in no uncertain terms, "DO NOT come into the family room or bother Mommy while I clean!"  I gave clear instructions that they could play in the living room and if there were any problems they would have to go play in their bedrooms. (I seriously had to get the family room clean - it's basically where we live and it had reached critical status!).  So I cleaned & vacuumed and dusted and got everything put away and, ahhhh.....doesn't it look nice above?

So feeling a wonderful sense of accomplishment, I walked into the living room to check on the kids.  And here is what I found......

Another room completely destroyed!!!  Well, I have to admit that they didn't bother me or have any problems playing together....in the living room.....so I guess they obeyed really well.  Oh sigh, another room to clean.  At least it's not a room we live in very much! :)

December Blog Hop & Plenty for Twenty!

Welcome to December! I LOVE fall & winter because the cool temperatures outside give me more inspiration to cook & bake. I LOVE cuddling up under a cozy blanket, sipping tea or cocoa and spending time with my LOVELY family. Express your LOVE of crafting with the December Stamp of the Month AMORE, pictured above! Follow the Blog Hop to see the many different ways other crafters have used this stamp set by clicking HERE.
Above are a few creative projects that were made with the Amore stamp set - very cute! But wait, there's more.....
How about a free stamp set? Spend $20 or more in December and receive a FREE D-size stamp set! Place an order of $20 or more on my website from December 1–31, 2010, and you'll be rewarded with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95 US! You'll also get FREE shipping/handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty! Visit my website today to place your order!