Friendship Award!

My AWESOME upline, Tina Sutton, sent me this sweet award, and I am ever so grateful and privileged to receive it from her. I would so love to have AT LEAST have the business she does at some point - SOON!! (I'm workin' on it, Tina! ;) ). Take a minute to visit her here because you will definitely be glad you did. She is such an enthusiastically energetic & exciting person -- full of LIFE!!

This is what the award is all about: It is given to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These bloggers are not interested in increasing their own status, but rather aim to find friends and be friends. The hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are born! Now it's my turn to pass this award on to five of my blogging friends. It is a great joy to do so:
Christa (She blogs about her family and her CTMH business that she is building. She is such a fun & considerate gal. I'm lucky to have her on my team!)
Shannon (I have to second the selection of Shannon. Oh my goodness! Talk about a sense of humor- such a girly girl; and she has a heart of GOLD! I've never met Shannon either...but I'm thinking July 2010 will be a GREAT time to meet...maybe in DC??? HA!)
Jennifer (Another friend whom I've not met face-to-face, but she has been an AMAZING source of support for me -- especially in regards to military issues. I look forward to meeting her one day soon, too...hopefully DC in July!!). She is an AMAZING & TALENTED crafter.
Tonya (Have just recently started following Tonya and she is also an AMAZING & TALENTED crafter. Lots of great ideas!)
Karen I am not sure how big of a team Karen has, but she has to be one of the most compassionate people I've seen in a long time. Reading her blog entries makes me think about how wonderful the simple things in life can be and to not get caught up in rat race and to take time for myself...even if it means taking a week away from the computer (which we all know can be difficult at times...HA!) Her artwork is amazing. I would LOVE to meet her some day, too.

Be sure to visit these gals. I know you will want to follow them to keep up with the charm, fun posts, and their amazing artwork!

Don't Forget -- It's a STAMPAGANZA Month!!

Don't let this month's special pass you by! Take advantage of Stampaganza -- buy two MyAcrylix stamp sets and get one FREE ($22.95 maximum value...A-, B-, C- or D-sized stamp set). This special is good directly through me or Click Here to shop directly from my website. Don't forget about the stamp sets that are retiring at the end of next month. Stampaganza is a GREAT way to get the ones you want before they're gone. Click Here to see the Retiring List.

Snow Village...

...is up! Well, 95% of it is! I'm waiting on more of the Display Anywhere Lighting system to come in so I can light the buildings that are on our ledge at the stair landing. We started collecting -- albeit not religiously -- Department 56 Original Snow Village shortly after we got married. Our first piece was St. Luke's Church. I love all of the pieces that I have. This is the first year in many that I've been able to set it out. My original plan was to work on it over Thanksgiving, but we will be busier than anticipated. So, Zach and I worked on it this weekend. He really enjoyed doing it, too. We've learned what to do/what not to do for next year...just hope I remember. Might be a good idea for me to write it down!

My next task will be setting up my Department 56 Snowbabies. Every year for as long as I can remember, my parents have given me a piece for Christmas. I'm always excited to see what new piece I will receive.

I love Christmas, and I can't believe it's only 39 days away!!!!! Yep, 39 days away! Don't let it sneak up on you, but be sure and take the time to enjoy the season. It is the most magical time of year.

I will try to post pics sometime this week of my little Snow Village; but please go easy on the criticism...I'm still a newbie when it comes to "designing" the layout! LOL

As Planned & Promised...

...I was able to play with this month's Stamp of the Month, "Around the Block"; and oh, what fun I had with it! I am REALLY liking this stamp set more than I thought I would. (Thanks to another CTMH consultant, Karen P.) So, without further adieu, here are two things I created with it. (The Gingerbread Man, Candy Cane & peppermint swirls are from the retired, "Gingerbread" stamp set.) The button is one of our Clear Craft Buttons and I glued it to one of the B&T papers and trimmed and threaded Designer Chocolate Polka Dot ribbon through it using the needle from our Piercing Tool Set. The snowflake is from our new Dimensional Elements Flurry; and I created my own "Glimmer Mist" using our Pearl Paint and Tulip Exclusive Inks Reinker. Paper used for the projects were our new Jingle Level 2 Paper Pack. I LOVE this paper; and the stripes for the gift bag are from the Creative Basics Jingle Collection paper pack...another great paper pack! I used Liquid Applique and Prisma Glitter for the "snow." Other items used: Twinkle Brads, Cocoa Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad, White Daisy Embossing Powder, Versamark Ink Pad, Craft Heater and Craft Tray.

Around the Block

November's Stamp of the Month, "Around the Block" (D1377, retail value $22.95) is just the cutest stamp set that enables you to "build your own house." It's PERFECT for welcoming people to the neighborhood; or inviting them to your home. I will be working with this set this weekend as I've seen LOTS of CUTE artwork with it. Stay tuned to next week when I hope to upload some pics.

Listed below are the ways for you to get the Stamp of the Month ($22.95 value).

• Spend $100 (before shipping & tax) and get the Stamp of the Month for FREE! (did you hear me -- FREE!!!!)
• Spend $75 (before shipping & tax) and get the Stamp of the Month 75% off ($5.74)
• Spend $50 (before shipping and tax) and get the Stamp of the Month for 50% off ($11.48)
• Spend $25 (before shipping and tax) and get the Stamp of the Month for 25% off ($17.21)
• Or, you can just purchase the Stamp of the Month at it's full retail price ($22.95)

Stampaganza Starts TODAY!!!

Stamp lovers rejoice! Whether you're a long-time fan of stamps or are just venturing into this fun hobby, now is the perfect time to grab some My Acrylix decorative stamp sets. From November 3-30, 2009, when you make a purchase of any two stamps sets (sizes A, B, C, D or E) at full retail price, you will receive a third stamp set of your choice for FREE!(equal or lesser value- a savings up to $22.95). Choose from any stamp set offered in any of the 2009 Idea Books or current product review!

AND- to make this deal even sweeter, for every set of 3 stamps that you buy I will put your name in a drawing. The winner will receive a FREE My Acrylix Stamp Organizer. WOOHOO- this offer is only valid through me. Drawing will be December 1st.

Don't forget to check out the CTMH Retiring List!

Now would be a GREAT time to start making out your wish list! If you'd like, send me copy with names/addresses/email adresses/phone numbers of those you'd like me to contact, and I'll help you get what you REALLY want for Christmas! ;)

A BLOG AWARD!!!

My dear friend presented me with this award. I am honored to receive it. Thanks so much, Shannon! I will display it proudly! :D

The Rules are:

1. You can only use ONE word!!!

2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers! (I have picked out six bloggers from the "SOTM Blog Hop" -- and I didn't even get all the way through it yet). There is some AMAZING talent out there. You all are SUCH an inspiration. Thank you for all you share!

3. Alert them that you have given them this award!

4. HAVE FUN!!!

1. Nancy http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/

2. Jody G. http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/

3. Cibele G. http://flowerfoot.blogspot.com/

4. Amy http://paisleysplayhouse.blogspot.com/

5. Lori http://pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/

6. Barbara http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/

Now the FUN PART!!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? - desk

2. Your hair? - highlighted

3. Your mother? - Donna

4. Your father? - Billy

5. Your favorite food? - Mexican

6. Your dream last night? - running

7. Your favorite drink? - Lattes

8. Your dream/goal? - wealthy

9. What room are you in? - office

10. Your hobby - scrapbooking

11. Your fear? - aging

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? - mountains

13. Where were you last night? - Home

14. Something that you aren't? - organized

15. Muffins? - Blueberry

16. Wish list item? - organization

17. Where did you grow up? - Texas

18. Last thing you did? - worked

19. What are you wearing? - Clothes

20. Your TV? - off

21. Your Pets? - crazy

22. Friends? - Busy

23. Your life? - hectic

24. Your mood? - depends

25. Missing Someone? - Yes

26. vehicle? - champagne

27. Something you're not wearing? - earrings

28. Your favorite store? Container

29. Your favorite color? - Red

30. When was the last time you laughed? - Today

31. Last time you cried? - suppressed

32. Your best friend? - Sharon

33. One place that I go to over and over? - thoughts

34. One person who emails me regularly? - Debbie

35. Favorite place to eat? - Pappasitos