(diva)logues

Facebook status updates...

This is hilarious.  And SO true.  I definitely have all these people in my news feed daily.  I think I fall into a couple categories... maybe the hyena & the promotor, but not for sending event invites... just because I'm either promoting for scrapbooking companies or trying to get people to take my Zumba class every week.  LOL

There I go laughing out loud again. 

And if you know me in real life, you already know that I really do laugh out loud... and often.   

 

And speaking of Facebook...

I ran across these cute little Facebook status journaling cards on Pinterest the other day.  Cuteness!  Guess I'm gonna have to create something with them! 

Happy Monday/Zumba day! 

National Scrapbooking Day...

 

 

Just a quick FYI...

There's a HUGE give-away going on this weekend at the Nikki Sivils' blog in honor of National Scrapbooking Day.  So be sure to head over for there for a chance to win Nikki's new collections.  Looks like there will be 3 winners chosen, with one of those winners receiving ALL FOUR of her new collections!

Good luck & enjoy your weekend! 

Happy CINCO DE MAYO too!

Who's ready for a little "Spring Fling?"

......... 

There's a brand new Nikki Sivils' kit available this month packed with goodies from the "It's Raining, It's Pouring" and "Willow Bee" collections.  It's a WAY fun kit and a STEAL for only $26 + shipping!  Head over to the Nikki Sivils' blog for all the details about Nikki's "Spring Fling kit"... but hurry... quanties are limited!  There's a buy-now Paypal button link to make your purchase quick + easy!  You're going to love this month's kit! 

Those are 2 favorite collections of mine, by the way... they had me at the clouds.  ;-)

And speaking of "spring flings"... only 21 more days until we're out of here again.  And hopefully this time, it will be warm enough to go to the pool because it sure wasn't in Vegas! 

Have a FABULOUS weekend, everyone! 

The power of enthusiasm...

Your life is a great and wonderful experience, so don't be
afraid to show some genuine, infectious enthusiasm for it.
The world is filled with outstanding opportunities, and you
can make the most of those opportunities by being
enthusiastic about them.

Yes, sometimes you might look a little bit silly. However,
it's much better to be laughed at for being enthusiastic
than to be pitied and avoided for being dull.

Enthusiasm keeps you young, energizes your days, and
attracts positive people to your efforts. Enthusiasm keeps
you focused on moving forward, even when there are obstacles
and distractions working against you.

To be enthusiastic, you must do what you truly care about,
and genuinely care about what you're doing. To be
enthusiastic, be honest with yourself about what your
passions are, and follow those passions without holding
back.

Feel how good it feels to let enthusiasm freely flow. Feel
how powerful it is when your actions are continually
energized by your enthusiasm.

Find those things about which you can be authentically
enthusiastic. And then, let the power of your enthusiasm
flow.

Ralph Marston

A few things I ♥ today...

• These FREE journaling tags... love, love, love!

• This article about other people's lives in this day of Facebooking, blogging & online networking.  So, so true. 

• And rainbows + shoes?  Are you kidding me?  It has my name written all over it.  Probably shouldn't spend $275 on a pair of shoes though...

Maybe they'll go on sale? 

For like... 75% off?  LOL 

Free printables...

I'm not participating in making a Project Life book... it's a bigger task than I'm willling to take on... but I did find quite a few FREE journaling card printables on Pinterest the other day.  And since I purchased some of Becky Higgins page protectors just to have the ability to make some quick & easy pages, I think these just might come in handy!  Plus... they are cute, cute, cute! 

Project life printables here.

Journal spots found here.

My lists tags found here.

There are LOTS of printables you can purchase, too, but I'm kinda diggin' the freebies! 

Have a GREAT week!  

Have you heard...

Head over to the Nikki Sivils' blog today for the new 2012 Design Team call announcement!

I've been designing for her since her company hit the industry 3 years ago & I can say nothing but positive things about her AND her products.  It's a wonderful opportunity! 

You can find all the details on how to apply right here.

Good luck and have a GREAT weekend, everyone! 

"It's just another manic Monday..."

Well, it's Monday... and I have to say, I'm looking forward to Tuesday.  There's something about that monthly massage at Massage Envy that makes me feel like I don't have a care in the world.  Even if it is only for an hour... LOL

Here's something that put a smile on my face today... this sweet memory from back in May that I finally got around to documenting.  Just a random mix of products here... so what else is new?   And of course, at least one SRM sticker always finds it's way onto my pages these days.  The "celebrate" sticker was actually from an anniversary-themed set, but it works for any celebration & I liked the gold color for this page...  

I machine-stitched my border and used a Bazzill Just The Edge border strip with some Nikki Sivils' Burlap Buttons.  I pleated 2 rows of pink crepe paper underneath...

And on a different note...

A friend from scrapbook.com asked if she could feature me on her blog this week.  You can see Laurie's first post here.  She posted some of her favorite pages of mine & had me answer a list of questions.  I love how she said, "Let's dig into the colorful and Zumba-filled world of Deana."  My reputation precedes me... LOL  She also asked for a favorite recipe of mine & she'll be featuring that this week, too.  Thanks again, Laurie.  That was fun! 

Have a great week, everyone!

Now that's a STEAL...

 

Check out Scrapbook Steals today only (November 12th) for Nikki Sivils' Gingerbread Land collection!  It's perfect for the upcoming holidays and at only $12.99... it's a STEAL! 

Little love notes...

 

Love these cute little free printables I found here.  Since Bryn was old enough to eat lunch at school, I've always added a little note to her lunches every day as a way to connect with her while she's away.  With her food allergies, she's never been able to buy her lunch... so let me just say... that's a lot of note writing since 1st grade!  These little cut-outs make the notes short & cute.         

I must add that by the end of last school year (4th grade), she asked me to stop signing the name "Mommy" at the end of my notes. 

I said, "Well, that's my name."

She said, "Can't you just write MOM?" 

I said, "No.  I can't."  LOL

So... I started signing random names to the end of my notes, like... "Love you, Lady Gaga."  or "Love you, George Washington."  etc.   

It wasn't long before her friends were interested in seeing who wrote a note to her that day. 

This year... 5th grade, I feel defeated so I just write "Love you" at the bottom.  For what's it worth though, she does still call me Mommy or Mama... I'm just sayin'. 

Cool or not... that IS my name.   LOL

 

And I love you, too, leopard 5 inch platform pumps that I just bought yesterday. 

Love always, Mommy ♥ 

LOL  ;-)

Have a FABULOUS weekend, everyone!

Sending get well wishes...

 

Please check out the Nikki Sivils' blog today for details on a "card drive" for a sweet little 5 year old girl who's having surgery today for a brain tumor.  Olivia is the niece of Stacy Rodriguez, who will be the Guest Designer on Nikki's blog next month.   

Use Nikki's new collection “Get Well Soon” to make a card for Olivia.  Then post it on your blog or Facebook (or both) and link the post in the comments of Nikki's blog post for today.  Stacy and Nikki will pick 2 winners... one from Nikki's blog & one from Facebook.  You’ll have the next 3 weeks... deadline is Monday, September 5.  That should give you enough time to get the papers (if you have to order online), make a card, post it and then mail it.

 

(Even if you don’t want to play along with this contest, please take a few minutes to send Olivia a card... any card.)

 

Here are the prizes...

 

*4 of the new releases:

School is Cool

My Lil Monster

Gingerbread Land

You’re a Hoot

*A Cricut cartridge

*A Sketch Book by Allison Davis

*A Unity Stamp set that will coordinate with one of my newest collections!

This is a prize package worth over $100!

 

I'm sending my card off tomorrow with some Strawberry Shortcake stickers & a package of tattoos.  Hopefully it will put a smile on her sweet little face.  Thanks everyone & have a GREAT week!

It's the last day of school...

 

Time to figure out ways to fill up our summer.  You can find this cute download with lots of ideas here!

"I ain't gonna stop until I'm done... I ain't gonna quit until I won..."

Things have been busy around here.  Very, very busy.  And lately I can easily be talked into doing anything OTHER than what I really need to be focusing on... like Bryn's first of 2 birthday parties coming up this weekend, school coming to an end on Monday and all the activities that go along with that, a "going away" party tomorrow night, deadlines for projects that are due... which means actually creating something, photographing it in GOOD light, editing it & getting the blog post ready to go.  Working out every day is a given, but sleep is always good too and lately I feel like that's been kinda hit & miss.  I wish I had an assistant sometimes.  One that loved to clean the house.  Yes, that would make for a perfect world in my mind.  

Moving on...

I created this page about my recent birthday lunch using the It's Your Day line from Nikki Sivils.  Once again I used some Glossy Accents on the candle flame that I adhered in place of my "i."   

 

Speaking of Nikki Sivils... she has decided to organize a scrapbook "supply drive" for the victims of the recent EF5 tornado that ripped through Joplin, MO.  Check out Nikki's blog post today to see how you can help...

 

Off to dance.  It's Zumba day! 

"Blame it on the goose, got you feelin loose... blame it on patron, got you in the zone..."

 

Love this free download here.

 

Love hanging out with crazy friends, too!

Hope  you're enjoying your weekend!

Word to your mutha...

 

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Egg-stra cute!

 

This cracks me up. What a fun idea for all those eggs we'll be buying at Easter time.  I saw this in the Family Fun magazine I keep receiving.  Still not sure how I got on their mailing list.  Just noticed they have a cute website, too, with more ideas for egg decorating. 

Anyway, not sure we'll be making those little scuba divers, but it did make me laugh when I saw it.

Off to run & then I have my last 3 projects to finish up today.  Well, not my last 3 forever...  ;-)

Random, random, random...

 

I have been laughing out loud for days.  Have you seen someecards yet?  My sister told me about the site and it is HILARIOUS.  I'm especially loving the apology cards.  Sooooo FUNNY!  If only I knew enough people I could send these to without them being completely insulted.  If only I could send these to people and INTEND to insult them!  LOL! 

We went to see Bryn's mask in the art gallery last weekend.  The gallery was filled with African-themed projects from the elementary schools in Bryn's district, for the "Celebrate Black History Art Show."  She was one of only 10 projects chosen from her school.  She made a clay mask & it had lots of long raffia attached for the "hair..."  

 

 

Did you see this post on the Nikki Sivils' blog?  There's a HUGE Cuttlebug giveaway going on, along with the brand new "It's Your Day" line! 

 

 

Looking forward to a quick Spring Break trip here...

 

... and packing my new Bombshell swimsuit... the new suit with the extra padding on top.  My top won't be quite as filled out as the model's though... ;-)

 

My finger is slooooowly healing.  I bumped it on my leg when I was jumping around in Zumba today & may have yelled an expletive. 

And speaking of a debaucherous weekend... I'm looking forward to our dinner out with friends tomorrow night.  There will be much craziness and laughter for sure!  

Off to work on my next tutorial.  And then I think I better start cleaning the house.  Although I'd REALLY like to hire someone to do that for me.  Maybe some day...

"SOS, please someone help me... it's not healthy... for me to feel this way"

 
I need some ideas for a tutorial.  Is there anything you've seen me do here that you'd like more info on... besides slicing my finger with a paper cutter.  No one wants to see that one again. 

Seriously... all ideas are welcome.  Nothing is too great or small.  In fact, I prefer simple!  Hee hee!

Everyone who answers will be put into a drawing for some brand new SRM Stickers! 

That's just a little bit flaky...

Last month I managed to get some help from Bob making paper snowflakes for our Christmas gifts.  He volunteered to help me when I couldn't figure out the directions.  Then he couldn't figure out the directions either, but kept at it until he was successful.  I do love a persistant man. 

So the other day, I came across this article about making heart flakes for Valentine's Day in a Family Fun magazine I received (not sure why it came in the mail to me, but it had some cute ideas!)  The folding technique looked simple enough & I'm happy to say that I figured it out this time.  So I KNOW if I can do it, anyone can...

 

I made a Valentine's card using some left-overs from my December HIP 2B SQUARE kit + some Valentine-themed SRM Stickers...

 

Just a little tip if you try this out... use THIN paper.  I used plain white printer paper for my card.  My first attempt was with cardstock.  WAY too thick by the time you folded it all up.  Needed hedge trimmers to get through it!  Well, not really, but I didn't have nicely-shaped hearts when I unfolded it.   

Thinking I may make a heart flake banner next.  We'll see how adventurous I actually get though...

15 minutes of fame...

 

Well, it appears that I, along with my craft room (specifically my wrapping paper area), will be on TV... a local news show.  I'm not sure when it will air, but they are coming to my house to shoot the segment on Monday, December 6th.  This date has changed several times... so we'll see!  Apparently one needs to be very flexible when it comes to TV.  Flexible, I am.  Able to talk on camera without needing a change of pants, remains to be seen.  Probably going to be a wee bit nervous.  The person interviewing me, though, is a friend of a friend and I've met her.  So, at least I won't be talking to a stranger.  That should help, right?  Rigghhhhht...    

Suffice it to say I've been in organizing mode since this all came down.  I know it was already organized, but there's always room for improvement!  Nothing like an impending TV appearance to kick your butt into gear.  Will give you more details as we get closer & I make sure this isn't all just a figment of my imagination.

I think I'm going to need some happy thoughts so I can manage to stay out of complete panic mode.  And more importantly... what am I going to wear?  ;-)

Think PINK...

As you already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  In honor of that, SRM Stickers is featuring projects on the blog today using some of the breast cancer themed stickers... 

 

 

 

 
Unfortunately I've had reason to send both of these cards recently to women that are currently battling breast cancer with chemotherapy & in one case a mastectomy.  I'm getting ready to make & send a 3rd similar card.  I can only hope that receiving a little note in the mail brings a smile to their faces if only for a moment. 

Just thought I'd share this page I tore out of my Marie Claire magazine.  Some good tips on "renewing from the inside out."  (Click on the image to get a better view.)

 

Have you scheduled your mammogram?  Mine is on November 1st.  With any luck I don't have to go through the same scary scenario I went through last year.  But early detection is crucial...

A little updating...

I love sweet surprises.  This weekend I received one.  My mom mentioned that they were selling her dad's old typewriter on Craigslist.  I said, "Oh I wish I knew you were doing that... I would love to have it."  She said, "Well, we'll call the guy who wants it & tell him nevermind."  I said, "Oh, no, don't do that.  I'll just take it if he's a no-show or decides he doesn't want it."  We went to her house on Saturday & there it was, in all it's retro baby-blueness.  She said, "We decided we didn't need that $25."  ;-) 

  

I've updated my etsy shop a bit.  I added my 2011 Mini Flag Banner Calendar set...

 

{Here's how I used the January 2010 card earlier this year}

 

... and some more red + white baker's twine...

 

With the holidays coming up, baker's twine can come in handy for all sorts of reasons... scrapbooking, card-making, gift wrapping & more! 

"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges..."

Grab one of these CUTE little Nikki Sivils' badges for your blog.  My favorite is the one with Bucky the Beaver...

 

 

 A new badge for every season!

And speaking of Nikki Sivils... here's a quickie I made yesterday using cut-outs & stickers from the Tree Love line...

 

I also got to use one of my new Marvy Uchida border punch cartridges for my border strips.  I was trying to make the botttom look a bit like a sweater. 

Off to run & then to wait for the sprinkler company to show up... hopefully at the beginning of the 4-hour time frame they've given me & not right at the end. ;-)

Some HIP extras...

Yesterday I posted the layouts I created with the September HIP 2B SQUARE kit.  If you missed it, you can see it here!  Today... it's the cards I made, along with a little fold-out mini book.

For the first card, I used some green mist on the Sassafras paper before adding the embellishments on top.  The peach-colored card is the packaging from the Sassafras flowers, which I used on my "tree"...

 

... and another school-themed card (can never have too many of those when you have kids!)...

 

We were asked to make a travel-themed project.  I went with a fold-out mini pocket book to add to my Austria album (assuming I ever get started on it, that is!)...

 

I machine-stitched the 2 pockets & have added little extra things from our trip, like receipts & tickets.  My favorite little "extra" is a diary-style note Bryn wrote on a bus ride detailing our day.   She has such cute hand-writing... 

 

Head over here for more information on the amazing HIP 2B SQUARE kits!

One last thing!  Just incase you missed Martha Stewart on Oprah yesterday, there's a 50% off any one Martha item at Michaels COUPON on Oprah's website.  You can find it HERE!  Make note, though, that the coupon will only be posted on the website for 24 hours from the airing of yesterday's show.   So HURRY & print it TODAY!  Happy shopping!  ;-)

Is this cool or what?

I was looking through the new Pottery Barn Teen catalog today.  We get all the Pottery Barn catalogs here.  You order from them once & you're forever on their mailing list.  It's like Victoria's Secret... Bob swears we get 3 of those catalogs a day.  I think it might be more like 3 a week... he tends to exaggerate.  Either way, it's a waste of paper & it constantly provokes me to shop... which I'm sure is their intention.  Today I shopped immediately though.  I found this dry erase calendar decal.  It's a decal, so it goes onto the wall & is removeable, without pulling up the paint.  You use dry erase pens with it... 

The dimensions are perfect... 39" wide x 25" high... for where I want to put it.  I've been trying to decide what to do with the wall above our "share bins" in the craft room & this will be perfect, considering the craft room is essentially where our family hangs out...

If you missed the post on my craft room & what the heck our "share bins" are... you can see it here. 

The calendar is on backorder until the 30th... BOO.  I'll post photos once I receive it & get it adhered though.  And if you're more of a chalkboard kinda girl... they have a black chalkboard decal that is equally as cute.  I just thought the dry erase markers might be less messy. 

Have a great week!  

It's HIP 2B in a kit club...

A sneak peek at the August HIP 2B SQUARE kit has been posted!

 

Go here to join the club!  The kits are ALWAYS packed with adorable product for a very reasonable price!

 
I'm excited to say that I have a layout in the September issue of Scrapbook Trends.  It will probably be a few months before I receive my copy, so I downloaded it just to see for sure that it was in there.  I'm still having a difficult time trying to find the issue of Cards Magazine that I'm in, so I figure the search for this one will have the same result.  That was the main reason I went to Archivers the other day.  I just KNEW they would have it.  However, when I asked them where all their magazines went they replied, "Oh, we stopped selling them about 4 months ago."  Perfect.  Just when I finally start getting published. 

Anyway, I did see a lot of my friends in there, so CONGRATS friends!  And a big congrats to Amy from my SRM Stickers team who made the cover!

Did you register too?

If so, I'll "see" you in class!

I like the "admission is FREE" part, too!  Nikki Sivils is one of the sponsors giving away prizes.  Go here for more information.

We went up to school last night to meet Bryn's new 4th grade teacher & drop off all her school supplies.  Only 6 more days until school begins.  Boooo. 

And... believe it or not, Bob & I get to have a "date night" again tonight.  Bryn's going to see "Showboat" tonight with my parents & her cousin at an outdoor theater.  I can't think of anything I'd rather NOT do myself.  The weather here has been unbearably HOT.  Anyway, Bob & I will be dining INDOORS at a restaurant & then maybe to another place for dessert until it's time to pick up Bryn & take her home.

I'm off to the post office to mail another layout to Creating Keepsakes.  They asked for another one!  Jumping up & down here...

Duh...

 

Just a correction to yesterday's post because I realized I made a mistake today.  The bakers twine in my etsy shop is sold in packages of 10 YARDS of twine for $1.50... not 10 feet!  The etsy shop has it listed correctly, but I typed it wrong when I was posting.  It's a bargain! 

And thank you to those of you who recently made a purchase!  As of today, I sold the last of my original 12 packages of twine that I made and have started restocking again today!  Big hugs & happy creating! 

What is it about 100+ degree weather that makes me long for FALL?

Aside from the fact that the heat & humidity stinks... it might be all the new fall fashion hitting the stores right now.  Who wants to wear these, raise your hand?

And speaking of wish lists, here's some of my favorite things I spied at CHA...

SRM Stickers We've Got Your Sticker (love that they include brown & white sentiments)...

Nikki Sivils My Friend Birdie...

 

Basic Grey Wander (imagine me using a buildings paper other than my beloved Craft Fair... heehee!)

 

Crate Paper School Spirit...

... and the Crate Paper Snow Day line...

Bella Blvd Sunny Happy Skies...

... and Bella Blvd's Socialite...

My Minds Eye Alphabet Soup...

... and My Minds Eye Blackbird...

Prima's Road Trip...

Echo Park Life is Good...

October Afternoon's Modern Homemaker...

Cosmo Cricket's Togetherness (love that ledger paper)...

 

I liked some of the new Thickers fonts also...

Just a reminder that I have a LOT of baker's twine... like enough that Bryn's grandchildren will still have plenty to use.  Each package in my etsy store contains 10 yards of red + white twine for only $1.50.  I think if you check around, you'll find that it's a real bargain...

Stay COOL this weekend!

A couple sneak peeks...

Photos of the HIP 2B SQUARE kit for July have been posted...

Looks like I'm going to be scrapping some 4th of July photos soon!  This is good since it took me a year to scrap last year's 4th of July photos!    

CHA has been such a memorable experience!  I had a lot of fun hanging out with friends I've made online, seeing all the new product (the convention center room is overwhelming... there's SO much to look at) and just being able to help represent Nikki Sivils and SRM Stickers! 

Will post all the photos from my trip tomorrow!