2011 was a big year for us - a year of goodbyes and a year of hellos.
We left our friends in the East for a new life out West.
We packed the car, loaded up on some caffeinated beverages, and blasted the volume on the stereo.
We had no real plan, no hotels booked, we just drove. And oh boy, the adventures we had...
Along the way, we saw some great sites, ate some great food, and made some great memories.

2012: This is the year

This is the year where I work on doing my best and to focus on what I did right.
This is the year where I don't beat myself up on my little mistakes. I'm not going to let that little voice of self-doubt get in my way.
This is the year I remind myself not to compare myself to the "hares" of the world. I'm going to be happy with my consistent progress, even if it isn't where I thought I'd be.
This is the year where I strive for balance in my life. I'm going to let some things slide -- life will still go marching on and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

This is the year of persistence.

WMS October Release - Waltz

Welcome to the October WMS release blog hop. There are 6 wonderful sets this time around and today we're showcasing Candy Jar Christmas and Candy Jar Christmas Fillers.

As usual, there will be a prize of a stamp set of choice from a random drawing from one of the Design Team member's blog. You have until October 17th 11:59 PM, 5:5 9AM Central, 3:59 AM Pacific and 6:59 AM Eastern. So be sure to start at Claire's blog for the full list! Mona's next on the hop.

Holiday meal planning is a big deal in our house.
We take our appetizers, our desserts, very seriously.
I usually list out options with low fat, good grains.
My husband finds things with high fat and lots of carbs.
And then fight it out.

I made a little recipe holder that fits in my purse.
When I come up with a brilliant idea for the holiday menu,
I can just pull it out and jot it down.
Instead of recipes, you could use this as a to-do list, a wishlist for Xmas...

I have dividers to break the holder up by section.
Because I like things to be organized.
Maybe a little too much?
(Sorry for the blurred photo... I didn't notice until it was too late and the sun isn't co-operating right now)

Next up is the ever so talented Mona. Be sure to check out her fabulous projects!

WMS October Release - Day 2

It's day 2 of the WMS October release! As mentioned already, there are 6 stamp sets for this release - all of them just perfect for those winter cards and gifts. They'll be available in the WMS store Oct 15.

Today we're sharing samples from Nordic Winter. Nordic Winter is such a warm set, filled with great background building options.

It hasn't been that cold here yet.
The hubs makes fun of me when I pull out my fleece for my commute.
But I have an excuse!

I've been biking into work most days.
Because I believe in self-powered commuting.
Because I believe that even if I reduce my carbon footprint one petal at a time, it still matters.

And it's cold when the sun isn't out!

After a few weeks of blissful biking in the summer sun, it has started to rain sometimes.
More of a drizzle. But still... enough to get me cold and wet.
So it's been nice to come home, get into my warm pjs, drink some tea and snuggle under the quilt my mom made.
That "warm" feeling is how I feel about Nordic Winter. If I could snuggle with a stamp set, this one would be it.

I used the pattern that reminds me most of the pattern on my quilt and stamped it repeatedly.
Then I stamped another pattern in Versamark and applied some Perfect Pearls onto it.
Have I mentioned how much I love and adore Perfect Pearls?

The shine is so perfect for winter cards.
And the silver color is as well.
Tied off the card with a silver glittery button and some ribbon.
Because every card can use a little ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Be sure to stop by the rest of the girls for some fabulous projects!
Anya Schrier
Becca Feeken
Julia Aston
Jennifer Holmes
Kate Whelan
Kelly Schirmer
Laurie Schmidlin
Lynn Mercurio
Mona Pendleton
Niki Estes
Sandie Dunne
Tosha Leyendekker
Claire Brennan (Owner)

Waltzingmouse Stamps September Release - Waltz

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse September Release Design Team Blog Waltz. Make sure to start at Claire's blog to go through the entire waltz! You should have come here from Jennifer's blog - if you didn't, be sure to make the rounds! There's some fabulous eye candy!

As always, there will be a prize for one lucky blog hop commentor. Comments are open until September 21th 11:59 PM, 5:5 9AM Central, 3:59 AM Pacific and 6:59 AM Eastern.

This card just showcases the cute little snowman from A Cottage Christmas. I really liked him and so that's how this card got started.

Perfect Pearls has really become my favorite thing to use and this card is really no exception.
After creating the card, I decided it needed just a little something more.
A little shimmer never hurt anyone...

Next up on the waltz is the uber talented Mona. Be sure to stop by to see what she has to share!

Cookie Monster Scrapbooks

This made me smile today so I thought I'd share. Note that even Cookie Monster (or perhaps his mom?) scrapbooks. :) And look at the happy memories it brought to Cookie Monster!

And it's just cute to watch Cookie Monster as a baby. :)

Waltzingmouse Stamps July Release - Waltz

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse July Release Design Team Blog Waltz. There are EIGHT fabulous sets being featured today!

Make sure to start at Claire's blog to go through the entire waltz! You should have come here from Jennifer's blog - if you didn't, be sure to make the rounds! There's some fabulous eye candy and prizes to be won!

Remember you can win a free stamp set by leaving a comment at each blog post along the waltz, including this post! Your comment must be received by 11:59 pm EASTERN on July 2nd. One winner will be chosen from comments left on one of the DT member's blogs! So leaving a comment on this blog gives you a chance to win some free goodies and by making the rounds, you can increase your chances!

(Edited to add: I should be clear that I'm not going to stop crafting. Just switching jobs. This isn't a craft related "change")

I could tell you that I wanted to show you that "Big Day Essentials" could be used for non-wedding cards.
But that would be a lie...
Today's card is really for me.

Because after almost 6 years with a wonderful company,
(5 years and 11 months to the date - add 9 more months if you want to count my internships)
I have decided to leave.
Today is my very last day.

I leave with mixed feelings.
Part of me is thrilled to have a new opportunity.
The other part of me is sad to be leaving some fabulous people.
(And honestly, some of the smartest people I've ever met.)

It's funny because I thought I'd be with this company until I retired
or until they kicked me out.... whichever came first...
But sometimes personal situations mess with plans.

So to everyone who I've known and worked with, this is for you.
I wish everyone the best, personally and professionally.

Thanks for stopping by!  
The next step along the way is the very talented Mona!
If you haven't been waltzing, make sure to start at Claire's blog and remember to comment for a chance to win!




Stamps: (Big Day Essentials, Big Blooms - Chrysanthemums) Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: (Dark Chocolate, Terracotta Tile) Papertrey Ink
Ink: (Simply Chartreuse, Terracotta Tile, Dark Chocolate) Papertrey Ink
Ribbon: Papertrey Ink
Tools: (Label) Spellbinders