GETTING HEALTHY

Staring a new diet can be scary. I know you need to make “lifestyle changes” instead of “dieting” but either way it can be scary. I know what “bad” things I eat, and I know what I should do, but actually going through with it is another story. Maybe it’s just the fear that I will fail, but I get a little anxious. Despite these anxieties, I have hit the point where I must do something. I struggled with some health issues in the beginning of the year and we are still figuring out some things in that department, but I am ready to make a few changes. I am trying one of these programs that tells you what to eat and when. My biggest downfall has always been choosing what to eat. So with this program I don’t have to make those “choices”. I also started going to the gym – thanks to my DH. He has got me swimming a bit since it’s easy on the joints. I ran a little too – I am not a runner AT ALL. Thanks to his encouragement, I think I may actually be able to jog a bit.

I have had a lot of problems sleeping for quite some time now, so I constantly feel tired and run down. After talking to a few people who have tried this program they said after just a few days they started feeling the changes. They slept better, woke up with energy and feeling refreshed and to top it all off lost weight and inches. I am looking forward to all of it, but mostly waking up feeling refreshed. I always have to hit that snooze button a few times then drag myself out of bed and into the shower. I think I will start a reward program for myself too. When I do well I’ll pamper myself a bit with a pedicure/manicure, or massage – of course all non-food related.

Have you made any diet or lifestyle changes that you stuck with? Do you have any suggestions for others? Do you reward yourself when you do well? If so with what?

Health and happiness,
Kimmy

Spa-aaaahhhh Day

How's the weekend going? I had such fun with the girls today. My facial came with a mini massage of my feet, arms, hands, shoulders and upper back. Ohhhhh did it feel good. I was pretty relaxed and ready for a nap after that. But we made it to lunch and the movies to see Sex and the City. Surprisingly the theatre was pretty empty - maybe it was the time. I LOVED the movie. A couple small things I would have liked to see fair out differently, but overall I loved it. Some of the clothes and shoes were fabulous!

If you have seen let me know what you think. I don't want to give any of it away. I couldn't stop laughing at Charlotte's little funny (you know what I mean). Can't wait to hear what everyone else thought of it!

Have a great weekend,
Kimmy

FUN-FILLED FRIDAY!

HAPPY FUN-FILLED FRIDAY!

Today's challenge is from Jen. Since both of us have a small Happy

Hopper collection she decided we needed to ink some of those up and make a card. I chose the newest addition to my collection. I made this card 5"x7" (which is out of the norm for me). I also decided NO PATTERN PAPER for this challenge. So I went with one of my favorite color combos - pink and brown. Don't forget to stop by Jen's blog and see her challenge card.

To make this card I first stamped the image on plain white cardstock, and colored it using prismacolor pencils blended with OMS. I cut out the image and matted it on pink cardstock leaving a gap at the bottom. I then added the brown paper ribbon to the pink paper. Next I matted that on brown and then on a darker pink. I then stamped the sentiment on the lighter pink cardstock and matted it on the brown then the darker pink. Next I centered both the matted image and sentiment on the card base. I then colored in the hearts with my pink glaze pen. I am so happy with how cute it looks!

Supplies : stamps -image by Happy Hoppers (Love Bunny), sentiment by Close to My Heart (The Best Way), paper - Bazzill, ink - VersaFine black, Memories artprint brown, paper ribbon - K & Co. smitten, pink Glaze pen, prismacolor pencils, odorless mineral spirits

Feel free to play along with our challenges. Do you have any recent Happy Hopper projects you have done? If so post a link to them so I can see. Also we are always looking for new challenges so if there is something you would like to see let me know.


Today is also happy Spa-aaaahhhh day! I am very excited for my facial and movie date with the girls. I'll fill you in when I get home:) I promise not to ruin the movie in case any of you plan on seeing it.


Stay tuned I have a big blog candy challenge coming up very soon! Wait until you see what I have to give away. Of course I am going to make you work for it :)

Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

Sex and the City!

It's been long awaited by all of us fans, but it's finally here (well almost)! Sex and the City the movie! Woo Hoo. To celebrate I am getting together with a few of my girlfriends for a girly day. We are going to start our day off with facials at the spa, then lunch with cosmos (in the spirit of Sex and the City), and finally we are going to see the movie! I am so excited. We were talking about glamming it up for the movie, but after facials I don't think so. What could be better after a long week of work?

Any other Sex and the City fans out there? Are you having any special celebrations or viewings of the movie? Any "girls days" planned for you? Have you ever been to the spa? If so what's your favorite thing to have done at the spa? I can't wait to hear from you!

Cheers!
Kimmy

What's your favorite website?

What is your favorite website? I think mine has to be the Stamp Shack. I know you have heard me talk about that one alot! That is the probably the site I spend the most time on. I have so many friends on there - many I have actually met in person.

So what are your favorite sites? I am always looking for new sites to check out especially if they have some good tutorials, or are just plain fun to look at. Please post your favorite sites and/or blogs so I can go check them out.

You can see many of my favorite blogs listed to the right. Most are just crafty type blogs, but there are a few others.

I can't wait to read about your favorites. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

Lots of visits!

I have noticed my blog has been getting lots of visits. As I slowly approach 1000 hits, I feel the need to celebrate. So once I hit the 1000 marker I am going to give away some blog candy! The sooner I get there the sooner the candy will be up for grabs. I have started collecting a few things for the give away some stamps and embellishments!

Are you curious what's up for grabs? Well then keep checking in as I approach the 1000 marker :)

With the thoughts of blog candy in the air - anything you've been wanting to buy but haven't? Tell me about those "must haves"? I am dying for Nestabilities, but keep putting it off.

Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

Cupcakes and a Candy Buffet!

Well, I am slowly recovering from the wedding last night. Oh what a fun night it was. The bride was gorgeous, the food was wonderful, the crowd was fun. We ate, drank, danced and enjoyed every moment. The hall had a signature drink in honor of the newlyweds a Trusslertini. They were very good! They also had a candy buffet and cupcakes instead of a wedding cake. I have to tell you the candy buffet brought out the kid in everyone. There was about 8 different candies in huge bowls and little baggies for everyone to fill up. (the picture to left was the sign by the buffet). There was a line there all night. And of course some munching between dances. Who would have thought all of us grown ups would have been so excited over candy?

The colors were green and chocolate brown. So the linens were chocolate brown with green flowers. The drink napkins were chocolate brown with "eat, drink, and be married" in green writing. The tables had tall vases with beautiful Calla lilies. The main course was fillet Mignon and chicken in a delicious sauce with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Then, as I said CUPCAKES for dessert. They were beautifully displayed in the center of the candy buffet.

Along the sweets table golden letters spelled out "love sweet love". The cupcakes were wonderful - chocolate with white frosting covered in chocolate and a little "T" on each one. The top of the couples cake was a T covered in green rhinestones to add some "bling".


It was such a fabulous night. Unfortunately my camera battery died before the reception got going so I didn't get many pictures. I did get the cupcakes though:)

So what was your wedding like? Did you do anything special or unique? Have you been to any unique or extraordinary weddings? How about any awful wedding stories? I would love to hear from you.


Happy Sunday,
Kimmy

FFF challenge!

This weeks Fun-Filled Friday's challenge is from Jen. This week we have to make a card using Happy Hoppers! Oh I have so many I don't know which I will choose. I bought one while we were shopping our way to shackapalooza - it needs to be inked up! Make sure you check back Friday to see what we come up with. If you are not familiar with Happy Hoppers click here to see what they look like.

I would also love to see your Happy Hopper cards. If you have made any please post a link to them in the comments. Or if you have any challenge ideas for us let me know! It's always difficult to decide what to come up with:)

Did you get anything done this weekend? Since it's Sunday that means it's back to work for me tonight. UGH!

Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

How I spent my Friday night

Well, here's what I did Friday night. I was so happy with how this card came out. Part of me wishes I would have made 2 so I could keep one. Oh well that's what pictures are for :) I hope the bride and groom like it. I know their color is green. They even gave the wedding party gifts in reusable cloth bags since everyone is "going green". I thought it was a great idea.

At Shackapalooza I learned how to make a gift card holder from Becky (Inkisallover - on the shack). I decided to alter it a bit so it could fit money or a check. I took an 8"x11" piece of green cardstock and scored it at 5.5" and then 4" from each end. Then you glue the center together and cut out the slot using a circle punch and SU! window word punch. Then I cut a piece of brown cardstock to 8"x4" and glued that to the front of the card. Next I cut a piece of green cardstock 7.75"x3.75" and tied a bow around it using brown ribbon 7/8" wide. I am usually not so good with bows so I was really happy with this one. Then I dove tail cut the ends, and put a little glue under the center so the ribbon wouldn't move around. Next I glued that piece to the brown front of card. Then I stamped the bride and groom and sentiment on green cardstock and matted them on brown and used pop dots to adhear them to the card.

Here is a peek at the inside - of course we will be giving the happy couple more than $1! (I grabbed what was close in a hurry)

Supplies: stamps - A Muse "wedding pose" and "happily ever after", cardstock - Bazzill, ribbon - Wright 7/8'" brown, SU! word window punch and Marvy Uchida circle punch.

I can't wait for the wedding tonight. It is going to be so much fun. I will have to post some pictures for all of you to see. They are having cupcakes instead of a cake - I can't wait to see it!

What are you doing today? Hopefully something fun. Have you made a gift card holder? If so I would love to see it - post a link to it in my comments. Stay tuned tomorrow for our FFF challenge announcement.

Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

Thursday was full of Surprises!

Well, the past couple weeks were pretty busy with mom being here, but I hated to see her leave. We drove her to the airport yesterday afternoon. Maggie went along for the ride and whined when she saw my mom walking away. I was a little sad, but when we pulled up the driveway there was a priority package on the porch. It was from my Secret Sister from the Shack. It was really heavy and packed to the brim! Here's some pictures of what was inside.





I felt like I won a paper crafting give away! She made me many beautiful cards, and some gorgeous paper ornaments. I can't wait to see who this crafty lady is.

Yesterday we also attended a rehearsal dinner for a wedding my DH is standing up in this weekend. It was so much fun! They rented out a room at the Bath City Bistro in Mt. Clemens and there was Feather Bowling. I had never tried Feather Bowling - actually I didn't even know what it was! It was really fun! I hope we can do that again. I thought it would be more like bowling, but it was more laid back. They guys sure had fun. I forgot the camera so I can't share any pictures with you.

Well my DH is out for the evening so I am hoping to catch up on some of my crafty stuff. I do have a wedding card to finish up! Check back later or tomorrow and see what I came up with.

So tell me have you ever tried Feather Bowling? What are your plans this weekend? Did anyone try our FFF challenge this week? Please feel free to jump in and post a link to your version of our challenges or post a comment with some ideas for future challenges.


Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

It's FUN FILLED FRIDAY!

It's another FFF! If you haven't already check out Jen's card.

I gave this weeks challenge and it was to use alcohol inks. I must admit I was a bit rushed getting my card done this week with my mom in town. I did have fun creating a few background papers with my alcohol inks though.



For this card I created the background on glossy cardstock using alcohol inks. I cut the background to 4"x4" and wrapped brown fibers (Portafolia Gifted Memories) around the background paper and glued it to the A2 card base. Next I stamped the coffee to go cup (Amuse) on white cardstock and on grey cardstock (Bazzill). I then cut out the to go cup from the grey cardstock and only the lid from the white, and paper pieced the white lid on top of the grey cup. Then I cut a small piece of the background paper and matted that on the grey. I glued the to go cup using pop dots to the center of the matted piece. Then I glued that to the center of the original background paper. I added the sentiment (Penny Black) to the bottom of the card.

Supplies: cardstock - Bazzill, stamp - A Muse "To go cup, sentiment - Penny Black "dotted hello", alcohol inks - Ranger, fibers - Portafolia Gifted Memories, glossy cardstock - unknown.

What are your plans for this beautiful Friday? I have to make a wedding card for this weekend and go shopping! My DH and I may take a trip to the gym too.

Well Thanks for stopping by. I will have another post later today so stop in to check it out. Have a Fabulous FFF!

Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

Local Police Officer on the Today show!

As you may or may not know my DH is a Police Officer, so when I hear a heroic story it really hits home. A local Police officer in Harper Woods, Michigan was a hero on Saturday when he pushed a group of people out of the way of a car. He was investigating an accident I-94 and while talking to the parties involved, a car lost control and headed straight towards them. The officer pushed the parties out of the way and got hit by the out of control vehicle. News has quickly spread about his heroic efforts. Tomorrow morning he will be on the Today Show morning segment. It starts at 7am Michigan time.

Here is the dash cam footage from the accident. It's pretty shocking how news has spread all over the country and the internet. Make sure to tune into The Today show tomorrow morning.

He was hit in the back and hip and is doing well after a night in the hospital. Thank goodness no broken bones or internal injuries. Looks like his guardian angel was there:)

Thanks for looking!
Kimmy

THE BUNNY POLICE!

My husband and I were the "bunny police" last night. The past couple years we have come home from our DC trip to many of nature's babies in our yard. Last year we had 5 bunnies in our day lilies, and a nest in the front yard under the bushes with duck eggs (see picture). I spoke to the Animal Control Officer and she said ducks can't be moved - that kind of made me happy, I was looking forward so little ducklings, but the duck eggs disappeared before they hatched so I am guessing some predator got them. I tried to keep my eye on them, but guess I didn't do a very good job. Now the bunnies were another story. She told me that once they start hopping around on their own, the momma bunny doesn't come back to feed them because they can fend for themselves. So once they were hopping all over our patio we got a big box and picked them up one by one and relocated them to a park a couple miles away. We were afraid if we didn't Maggie might get a hold of them. And boy did she have fun watching us pick them up.

So this year when we returned from DC we were greeted by many baby birds and another nest of bunnies. My Maggie enjoyed sitting by the window staring at the baby birds sitting on the brick ledge. My mom got a kick out of it. The bunnies on the other hand she wanted to get. We had to stop letting her out in the back yard because she would run right to their burrow. Last night I went to check on the little bunnies and they were gone! So I looked around a bit and found all 5 of them eating my day lilies. I grabbed my husband and a box and we went to get them. The first 3 were very easy to catch. One of them I chases through 3 of the neighbors yards but finally got it. And the 5th one we got after bringing Maggie out on her leash. She didn't harm it she just scared it out of the bushes so I could grab it. Then we went to the park and let them go in a wooded area with alot of coverage. I didn't want any of the hawks getting them. I hope they are ok! The wooded area backed up to a farm so at least they will have a variety of veggies to eat :)

Thanks for listening to my bunny saga. It has become a bit of a joke around our house. We always wonder what creatures are going to make our yard home. You would think with a big German Shepherd they would pick another place to make a home. It sure is fun to see all the baby animals though. (I'm getting the urge to pull out my Happy Hopper stamps)

Have a wonderful Monday!

Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

FFF Challenge!

Happy Sunday!

Well, it's back to work for me :( I had a very nice weekend. Saturday morning my DH and I hit the gym. After our workout we jumped in the pool then took a stroll on the lazy river, and a soak in the hot tub. It was very relaxing. Then, since my Mom is in town my Aunt (mom's sister) and Uncle had us over and my cousin's and their kids. It was very nice to see everyone. I miss most of the family get-togethers because of work so this one was pretty special for me. We ate and caught up on everything. I colored (surprise, surprise) with the kids, and played a little on the play set they had. I guess I didn't "play" I did more swing pushing and helped them on the monkey bars. I sure wish I could have a tenth of the energy those kids have - they just don't stop going.

Tonight it's back to work. I really was enjoying my time off, but the money has to come from somewhere right? Plus I did just spend quite a few bucks at Angela's on stamps. I also got some hot pink shoes to go with a dress I just got for a wedding we are going to. S0, did you do anything fun or new this weekend? How about any shopping - get anything new?

Well it's my turn again to pick the FFF challenge. I decided on alcohol inks. I played with them for the first time at Shackapalooza so thought this would be the perfect opportunity to play some more. Thanks to Nancy I learned how they work. We made ATC's using alcohol inks. Also thanks to Robin I learned how to use them on domino's and make magnets. Here's a picture of some of my magnets. I got pretty carried away making them. I used some of my SU! stamps on them and some of Robin's stamps (not sure of the brands). Make sure you check back Friday to see what we come up with.

Happy Crafting!

Kimmy

FUN-FILLED FRIDAY!

It's another FFF! Jen's challenge was to use Kerry's sketch that I posted on Sunday. Here is what I cam up with. Unfortunately I don't know what brands the paper are because I received them in a paper swap. Don't forget to check out what Jen came up with.

Supplies : cardstock - Bazzill, stamp - Inky Antics, prismacolor pencils, misc pattern dog paper.

For this card I stamped the Dog image (Inky Antics) on plain white

cardstock and colored with prismacolor pencils blended with OMS (odorless mineral spirits). Then I cut out the image and matted it on brown cardstock (Bazzill), then again on black cardstock (Bazzill). Next, I cut 4 dog themed papers according to the layout Jen gave me Sunday. I then taped the pattern paper to hold it together and glued the whole piece onto the cardbase. I made this a 6x6 card from black cardstock (Bazzill). Then I glued the matted image to the center of card. I was very anxious to use my dog stamps.

We just got back from Police Week in Washington, DC so I am beat. Jen and I took a trip to Reston, VA to meet our friend Nancy at Angela's Happy Stamper. Of course we bought more STAMPS! It was about an hour from where we were staying by metro and bus, but we love that store. Make sure to check in tomorrow and I will post a bit about our trip - and what I bought :p I can't wait to start using my new stuff.

So how was your weekend? Did you give our challenge a try? If so post a link to it here so I can take a peek. We area always up for people joining our challenges. If you have any suggestions for new challenges let me know.

Well stay tuned Sunday for next weeks challenge.
Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

Sunflowers and Dragonflies

I wanted to share with all you crafters my good friend Beth's blog. She is a wonderful artist and has many tutorials on her blog. I know pretty soon she will be announcing a new blog with Wordpress. I can't wait to see it. She also has a website Sunflowers and Dragonflies where she has many of her samples and upcoming classes listed. She also is a member of the Technique Junkie Newsletter design team and Just Johanna's design team. Make sure you check her stuff out. I think we are going to see alot more of her in the future! If you are ever in the Sarnia area (that's in Canada) I recommend taking one of her classes!

Do you have any favorite blogs or tutorials you would like to share? I love hearing about new techniques. Also keep checking I feel some Blog candy in the near future!

Happy Crafting!

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2008!

Yesterday kicked off this years Police Week! It's a time to honor Police Officer's who have died in the line of duty, and show support for the families of the fallen officers. It's also a time for showing support for those still serving in Law Enforcement. Many local police departments will have services this week and the Capitol is full of activity. The NLEOM (National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial) is the center of activity at the Capitol. There is a candle light vigil on May 13th. The memorial is packed with people holding candles to honor the Fallen Officer's. It's an honor to be a part of it all. On May 15th there is a memorial at the steps of the Capitol where the president usually speaks. The brotherhood between all the Officer's and their families is moving. It's something so moving.

Spread the word and show support for your local Police. Tell an Officer "thank you". To quote the walls of the memorial :

"In valor there is hope"

FFF Challenge!

For this week Jen has challenged me to use one of the Sketches from The Shack. For all of you that are members it's Kerry's Sketch #12 (see picture).

I am excited to make a square card! I love how they look but never think to make one. I just have to decide what size now. Hmmm, I wonder what image I will use. I have some super cute Rubber Necker's I stamped at Shackapalooza. I also have some really cute new stamps I got on our road trip. I feel the wheels turning already. Make sure you check in Friday to see what Jen and I come up with.

Happy Mother's day again!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there!

Hope you all got spoiled rotten and waited on hand and foot. No cleaning or cooking today! Here are my Mother's Day cards for my Mom and my Mother - in -law. I got the idea from Kathy at Shackapalooza. Since I used all her supplies for this one, I don't have a list to share with you. I know she used Nestabilities for the scallop oval. I don't know yet what special things we have in store for my Mom, but I know she is just happy to be in Michigan with her girls!

Well as you know I am not a Mother, but this year Mother's day falls on our Wedding Anniversary. It's been 6 wonderful years. Time has sure flown by. I can't believe we have been together almost 10 years now. My parents have been married for 35 years now! I guess we only have a quarter of a century until we reach that :)

Make sure you post what special things you received or gave your mom for mother's day! If you are a crafty lady and made something for your mother I would LOVE to see it.

Happy Mother's Day

Inky Hugs,

FUN-FILLED FRIDAY!!

It's Fun-Filled Friday!

This weeks challenge was to make a card using the Cuttlebug. Here is my card for the week and don't forget to check out Jen's.

For this card I ran some light blue card stock through my Cuttlebug using the Textile Texture A2 size embossing folder. Then I cut that to measure 2.5" x 5.5". I glued that to the bottom portion of the card. Next I punched 1 brown scallop circle and 1 light blue scallop circle using my Marvy Uchida punches. Then I stamped "happy birthday" in the smaller light blue circle and ran that through my cuttlebug using the same embossing folder. Next I attached a piece of striped ribbon over the seam from where I glued the light blue card stock onto the dark blue card stock. I then centered the smaller scallop circle on the larger scallop circle and glued that to the center of the card along the ribbon using pop-dots.

Supplies: card stock by Bazzill, ribbon by Michael's, stamped sentiment from "everyday messages" by Stampendous, textile texture Cuttlebug embossing folder, Marvy Uchida scallop circle punches, atg gun, and pop-dots



Feel free to join in our challenges, I would love to see what everyone comes up with. Also we can always use challenge ideas if there is anything you would like to see.

Do you own a Cuttlebug? What have you created with it? Do you mostly emboss or use some of the dies or other brand dies like Nestabilities? I would love to get those. Do you have anything on your "want" list?

Make sure you stop by Sunday for next weeks FFF challenge announcement. I wonder what Jen has in store for me?

Happy Crafting,
Kimmy

Happy Day!!!!

Today is a very exciting day for me! I am leaving in a few hours to pick up my Mom from the airport. My DH and I decided to send her back to Michigan for a couple weeks. I also have a surprise for her - I am bringing her Best Friend with me to pick her up at the airport. Even Maggie will be all smiles when she sees her grandma! Yes my mom has grand puppies instead of grandchildren:) I wonder what my Dad will do while he is a bachelor for a few weeks????

Well I will try to keep up the postings while my Mom is in town. I am sure I will be able to break away for a few now and then to type something up. I still have to work on my Fun-Filled Friday challenge for tomorrow. YIKES! It's getting down to the wire! Wish me luck.

In the spirit of friends I thought I would leave you with a photo of the group from Shackapalooza.

Back row : Kathy, Me, Chelsea, Jen, Kim; Front row, Becky, Nancy, Ellie, Chris, Amy, Patti, Traci

And here are a couple pictures of our FULLY packed car:

Keep in mind the big suitcases were just our Stamping supplies!


Oh and here is Nancy crammed in the back seat. Good thing we didn't buy much on our shopping trip.

Well Mother's day is right around the corner. What did you get your mom? If your a mom do you know what you're getting from your kid(s)? I did manage to make my Mother's Day cards while I was at Shackapalooza!


Have a happy day!
Inky hugs,
Kimmy

"Shackapalooza Blues"

Well Shackapalooza is over :( It was very sad leaving then dropping Nancy off at the airport. As Jen and I drove away we realized we had the "shackapalooza blues". Our fun weekend was over and my to-do list was slowly growing. We had so much fun! The Inn was gorgeous and the staff was very nice. There was another Scrapbooking group in one of the conference rooms. There was also a family reunion, a reflexologists convention, and 2 weddings. The brides were very pretty. The wedding that was right be our room gave us some laughs. The guests kept pushing on our doors and looking in our peephole (it was reversed so we couldn't see out but they could see in). Some drunk lady yelled "What the **** is going on in there?" and we all giggled. Then we asked the desk clerk if we could lock ourselves in since they kept opening our doors. So the Police officers that work in the hotel came over, cleared our hallway and locked us in. They checked on us every now and again too. I learned so many new techniques! I will post some of my projects once I get the camera downloaded.

Well now that the fun is over I thought I would post our challenge for Fun-Filled Friday! So this week we have to make a card using our Cuttlebug! We can use dies or embossing folders, so make sure you stop by Friday to check it out!

So how was your weekend? Did you do anything new or exciting?

Happy Crafting,

Kimmy

FUN-FILLED FRIDAY

It's the 2nd official Fun-Filled Friday! This week Jen challenged me to use the other stamp from last weeks challenge - Rome Diva by Hampton Arts. Hope you like what I came up with, and don't forget to check out Jen's too.

To make this card I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and blended with odorless mineral spirits. I then cut the image and mounted it on silver cardstock by DCWV. I wrapped ribbon by Berwick around the upper right and lower left corners, and added a bow on the upper right corner. Then I glued the whole thing to the card base which is black Bazzill cardstock. Then I added black, silver, and clear Stickles to her dress. I am addicted to Stickles right now.

Make sure you stay tuned for next weeks challenge. It's my turn again to give the challenge. Do you have any challenges you would like to see? I am always up for suggestions. I will post the challenge Sunday if anyone wants to play along.

Well I am on the way or at Shackapalooza as you read this so (hopefully) I am busy crafting away for more exciting stuff to post on my blog.

Let me know what you are up to this weekend? How about those challenges - what do you want to see us try?

Have a wonderful weekend!
Kimmy

ALMOST PACKED!

Well I am almost all packed for the big Palooza trip! I am getting more and more excited I couldn't even sleep last night. My craft supplies are packed and by the front door. I have a suitcase and a rolling tote stuffed to the top. Now I just have to pack my clothes. Make sure you check in tomorrow for Fun-Filled Friday and see what we came up with for our weekly challenge.

Have a safe and fun weekend
Kimmy

GETTING HEALTHY PART 2

Keeping with my whole “getting healthy” kick let’s talk exercise. Many many years ago I was pretty fit. I decided I wanted to try kickboxing and fell in love with the sport. I put my heart and soul into it and felt great after every training. I taught a cardio/kickboxing class a couple times a week and loved every second of it! I had all the gear and spared whenever I could. It didn’t matter if I spared with boys or girls I loved the rush. It was during this time I learned how long a minute actually is. That may sound funny, but fighting it out in the ring for 2 mins feels like much longer. I wanted to start training for competitions, but had a falling out with my coach., and some medical issues come up I tried a couple other places, but they wouldn't let me get as involved so I quit. I tried training at home too without any luck. Now, 10 years later, I am 50 lbs heavier and extremely out of shape.

The worst part about the whole thing is not being able to do what I used to. I can’t jump rope for 10 minutes or hard core cardio for 30 minutes without stopping. So what do you do when you can’t do what you used to do? Boy that’s a confusing sentence! I am starting out slow, and trying to stretch after I work out to minimize soreness. My DH is very helpful too. He was a big swimmer in high school so he encourages me to get in the pool! I have some knee issues so it’s much easier on my knees than some other activities. The elliptical machines are a bit easier on the joints too. He also gets me to run a bit on the track – I mostly walk.

So tell me, do you work out? What kind of exercise do you do? Do you workout alone, with a partner or in a class? What do you do to stay motivated?

Health, happiness, and happy crafting,
Kimmy