just be...m[E]

Photos and such...

So, as I’ve said many times before I have been very LAZY when it comes to blogging! I find myself just plain tired after working all day and trying to give Owen attention after school. Not to mention the tantrums in both home and school, mixed with constant drama and stress at work. Fun times. I’ve had to remind myself a lot why I do what I do, and for now this is still working…keeping my fingers crossed!  

Anyway, I’ve been really enjoying taking pictures (shocking, right!?) I had the pleasure of shooting senior pictures for a dear friend, and I must say they turned out great! It sure is easier to photograph a willing 17 year old, versus a non-willing toddler! I’m also looking forward to photographing two cute boys and their parents next weekend. I’m enjoying practicing my skills, and providing beautiful photos that capture joy and love. Hoping to practice with Owen and Lyndsay this weekend…we’ll see if they cooperate! I must show you just a few of Felicia...she's so pretty (and Jesse was cute too!):

  


 

OK, I know I owe you lots more...but must make breakfast for Owen. Since he started our day at 6:15, I'm sure he's ready for more than just a "bar-bar." Here's our "Woody" as we were preparing to go to his school party with Grandpa and Grandma Wells. Doesn't he look cute...and wearing Uncle Bo's hat made it more special!

 

Sending lots of love...

peace.

 

and the oscar goes to...

OK, not the Oscar (I couldn't resist), but the "hand-stitched heart frame" goes to:

I love your idea. great way to use the scraps. My favorite treat is Andes mint chocolate. Yummy.

Posted by: lucinda scherer | March 05, 2010 at 02:50 PM

 

Yippee! I'm so happy for you! Please email me your info so I can get your package in the mail! I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks so much to all of you all that commented and participated in the Blog Crawl! I had an awesome time, and feel so honored to be part of this event!

On a side note, I'd like to say CONGRATS to my dear friend Ronda! She's been chosen as part of the new Lily Bee Design Team! Although I'm bummed that I didn't make it, I am truly happy for you my friend! You honestly never cease to amaze me! So proud of you!

OK, off to have "tea time" with my mom...and watch the Bachelor wedding. Yep, cheasy, but I cannot help it!

peace.

Let the Crawl Begin...

I'm so excited...today is the day!! Are you ready for over 50 handmade giveaways from an amazing group of artists, plus a HUGE Bella Blvd Prize pack?  I know I am! This blog crawl is a "free-style" crawl, meaning that there is no correct order to hop from Blog to Blog! Isn't that cool! No rules, just plain fun! I'm ready...so let this crawl begin!! 

I've been brainstorming ideas since I was first asked to participate, and finally after letting this marinade for a week (or more), this sweet, little, framed (handstitched) heart came to mind. I knew immediately that I HAD to use three of my favorite Bella Blvd papers (even though I have MANY favorites). Of course my favorite is the green from the Plastino collection (called Trellis), but I equally LOVE the Honey I'm Home collection (Alleyway and Couch Potato). I started with just one layer, but then kept adding until it felt just right! Such a great way to use up some of those scraps we have lying around! Without further ado I present to you my handmade giveaway...

So, how do you win this and LOTS of other beautiful stuff? Simple, just do both of the following things:

1. Become a fan of Bella Blvd on Facebook, and

2. Leave a comment below! Just for fun, I'd LOVE to hear what your favorite candy is, but of course it's not required to win! (I'm just always looking for new treats to satisfy my sweet tooth!)  International comments welcome and are eligible to win!!

Yep, It's that easy! I'll announce the winner of my giveaway on Monday! Be sure to crawl on over to these Bella Artista Blogs to get in on their handmade giveaway too! Isn't this fun!!

Bella Blvd

Blog Crawl Participants

 

 Akiko Kuroki         Beth Gerlach        

 

 Brittny Lejeune        Celeste Smith        

 

Elizabeth Carney       Estee Stone       

 

Gail Hoecker       Jana Eubank        

 

Janis Medina          Jessica Jo Salber     

 

Lorendana Bucaria        Michelle Alynn Clement  

 

Michelle Lanning        Sheri Feypel        

 

Stephanie Hunt       Tanisha Long        

 

Tricia Wilson       Wendy Cieklinski      

 

Heidi Sonboul            Jenneke Knol    

        

Mimi Leinbach

 

       

Ok, that's not all! When you're finished crawling around the Bella Blvd Artistas' Blogs, crawl on over to Jillibean Soup and Nikki Sivis Scrapbooker to get more links to their designers' handmade giveaways! Don't worry, you have all weekend to crawl around and play!

 

Thanks so much for playing along! I'm so proud to be part of this amazing event, and I hope you LOVE it too! Enjoy the weekend "crawling" around, and on Monday, March 8th, more than 50 Handmade Giveaways will be announced through all of the blog sites!

 

Alright...go on...crawl away!

 

 

 

 

crafty goodness coming soon...

I can't believe that it is March...I must say, I'm SO happy! To kick off this long month (very long for teachers as we are dreaming of spring break next month), I'm participating in the Bella Blvd Blog Crawl! I've just finished my piece for the handmade giveaway, and wish I could share with you. (You know how bad I am at secrets...right Mel) The good news...you only have to wait 2 more days until the fun begins! So, check back on Friday to join in the fun!

this is so cool...

 
  
  Just a sneak peek of what’s to come! As part of the Bella Blvd. team, I’m so excited to share more…just be patient and check back for more details to come! It’s going to be fun…and include nearly 50 handmade giveaways and 3 LARGE product packs from each company!!

On Friday, March 5^th be sure to visit Bella Blvd, Jillibean Soup and Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker for all the information on where to go next and how to win!

Thanks everyone...this is going to be awesome!

more learning...

Just wanted to share a really cute photo of Owen...with some digital goodness. Speaking of, the boy is waking up (not a long nap at all), so I must be quick as he chats. Enjoy!

Isn't he the cutest! Of course he'd rather play in Uno's bowl than his water table. Go figure...
Off to get some Owen hugs...

learning is fun...

Even though I'll take back that sentence in just under a month (more than I can even say), I'm having fun learning tonight. After putting Owen to bed and taking off my nose cast (I'm very puffy today and sore) for a little bit before putting it back on for bed (just in case Brian decides to head butt me in my sleep), I'm sitting here at the computer taking a photo editing class by the ever so talented Jessica Sprague. It started last week, but the cool thing is that I can go at my own pace. So, while Owen napped this afternoon I watched the first 2 videos and did the lessons. I must also say that I am NOT photoshop savvy at all. I can do some basics, but nothing near what I wish I could do. So when I heard about this FREE class, I had to sign up. I'm having so much fun. Granted those of you that are already "in the know" when it comes to photoshop, such techniques will seem very basic. But for me, it is so helpful to see and do at the same time, since I learn best by doing. So, I thought I'd share some of what I've learned so far...which of course includes photos of Owen. I had all intentions of uploading my before, during and after surgery photos, but I've been slacking in that just like I'm slacking on the laundry today. (Brian even joked today that we need my mom to visit to get things done...and I think he is right!) I'll post a surgery update soon...as soon as I'm done playing and learning.

Without further ado...my photo fun:

Learning how to use frames and word art...Yes, Sassy sounds girly, but I cannot complain when it is free!

Brushes and word art...I finally know how to change the colors! I'm so pumped!

Creating vintage feeling photos (I'm in love!) and hand tinting...too cool!

Layering vintage, hand tinting and adding a frame. I LOVE that frame!

How dreamy is he...look at those cute stars! I have a feeling I'll be doing this again!

Well, that's it for tonight. My contacts are driving me nuts, and since I cannot wear glasses for a while, I have to be nice to my eyes. Hope you've enjoyed my photos! Check out Jessica's website...she is awesome and a great teacher!

Miss and love you all...
peace.

scrappy stuff...

First, a big shout out to Brian for posting all of the cute photos of Owen. I know lots of you were asking, and since I was under the weather this weekend, I appreciate it. Isn't he the cutest!

Anyway, I'm so excited to share some fun scrappy news. My dear (and now famous) friend Ronda, inspired me to submit again. When I heard about a new company starting called Bella Blvd, I checked it out and loved new products. So, I submitted some stuff, not expecting to hear anything (as has happened so many times prior) until I came home to an email congratulating me! I've been chosen to be a "Bella Artista," which basically means a guest designer for them! I've been given 2 challenges, and sent some awesome product to play with. I then send my porjects to them to be photographed and then posted on the company blog. I'm so excited since Stephanie (CEO) seems so sweet and genuine, not to mentioned talented! Congrats to all of the girls! I'll let you know when it goes "live" on the website, but in the meantime check out Bella Blvd!

OK, back off to grab a snack and make Owen's bottles for "school" tomorrow. I can't get his "first ever school photos" back! He had them taken last week...totally hillarious if you ask me!

lots of love.
peace.

7 more...

Yep, I went to the doctors today and I have gained 7 more pounds! WOW! It is hard to look believe that I keep climbing more and more up the scale, but so far the doctors are thrilled. I am measuring perfect, and am happy to report that I passed my glucose test! Yippee! I was a bit nervous since they almost forgot to stick me within the time frame, (thanks for your advice Brian), but I made it. I actually wasn't that worried since I've been running low, especially in the morning. Now if I weren't pregnant, we all know it would be high all the time with all of the candy I eat! I haven't given it up, but I have cut way back (but I can't kick my ice cream and new found skinny cow obsession!). Guess I should thank the little one for balancing things out for me.

Speaking of the little one, I created another layout with the ultrasound photos before working at Scraps yesterday (no school again on Wed.) Wish I had more time off to create. It seems that my juices are flowing lately! Nothing out of this world or anything, but wanted to get the sentiment down and use that cute ribbon.

Well, hope you all had a great Valentine's Day! I got the best gift ever by hearing a nice strong (and fast) heartbeat. Gotta love that sound!

Miss and love you all...
peace.

one more...(my fave)

OK, so I've had this idea in my head since I bought the clock overlay. So glad that I took a few minutes to put it together tonight (and I mean a few minutes! What has gotten into me?), as I think it is my favorite of all. Thanks so much for looking! I'm really finished now...