What's in the Hopper

Definition - In politics, in the United States House of Representatives, the hopper is the box which sits on the House Clerk's desk, into which a bill or resolution is dropped for introduction. In agriculture, a hopper on a combine is a tank or bin where the harvested grain is temporarily stored until it is unloaded to a truck or grain cart. I use this phase to mean that something is waiting to be dealt with at another time. Read more: What does "in the hopper" mean? Answerbag http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/300004#ixzz0xoUxmO5D

Right now my hopper is about to burst! I have been neglecting my little bloggy blog for good reason though, just not enough hours in the day. I have been trying to focus my attention on building my website, which has turned into a wonderful yet time consuming venture. My husband lends his constructive criticisms and I think I will be able to launch it really soon. I want to use is as an online display of things I make as I grow in my papercrafting.

Reggie is always selling for me (whether I am ready or not) so I have made a couple of layouts for a few employees at his job. The first thing I made was a tri-fold mini album and then I did an 8x8 easel display. I made my own easel back and I am going to share how I did that in an upcoming post. Unfortunately he takes them immediately and I don't have pictures.

Then I got an order for 50 (then it changed to 60) favors for a man's 50th birthday party. The colors were gold and cream and he is a big Teena Marie fan. So I wanted to do something manly and something that incorported some of her lyrics. So thanks to the tutorial found here - http://inspirestampin.blogspot.com/2010/04/easel-card-with-drawer-tutorial.html
I came up with these (the pillow box was not used) -

They were a big hit and I am glad she liked them but I made one nearly fatal mistake....................I accepted this order for 60 boxes, Yes I said 60, to be completed in three days. there is so much detail that it almost killed me. I had to get my girls to help, Reggie to help and if only the dogs could have helped, things would have went even faster. Reggie and I agreed that I undercharged for the time and labor but I took it as a learning experience as to know what to do and what NOT to do.

Now I am trying to find the perfect balance between creating the layouts I really want to and creating things for my first craft fair (and other people), which by the way if I don't chicken-out will be October 23, 2010. I am also planning an exhibition and class at a local senior center in the early fall, we are going on a mini vacation in two weeks, oh yeah and having a small (or so I think) barbeque for Labor day. I mean really, there are only 24 hours in a day?

Being Unique

So as I mentioned in my last post I am planning on vending at a couple of craft fairs this year and with that being said I wanted to start my own website so that I can direct people there to see my work.

So one evening while lying in bed not doing what I really wanted to do *wink*, Reggie and I came up with a name for my business - Unique Boutique Paper Creations. so what's next - I needed a logo. I came up with a general concept but it really needed to be polished. This is where it is so nice to know so many talented people and I enlisted the help of my super creative graphic artist friend, Kate who brought my logo to life................................and here she is -

And I just love her! I am going to customize my blog with her and she will be on my website, business cards and anything promoting my crafts.I haven't given her a name but my first instinct is to name her Sparkle.

For Real this Time

Last year I half-heartedly attempted to attend a few craft fairs. What that means is I said that I was going to attend, I paid my table fee like I was going to attend and I even made some products like I was going to attend and for some reason or another I backed out twice.

Well this year is going to be my year. I am getting ready now for the Fall and this year I plan to do at least three - count them - three, craft fairs. So last night I got to crafting and made these adorable post-it note holders (please ignore my coffee pot/toaster in the background.

I found the tutorial here on Dawn's blog via splitcoaststampers. There are so many talented ladies out there with so many great ideas. My problem now it thinking I can make EVERYTHING, lol and as the slowest scrapper in this town, I know that is not possible.

The other thing I have trouble on is setting my prices so I will let my husband do that part. Jada is my leading sales person, okay she is my only sales person and we are going to make t-shirts to wear at the craft fairs. I will share my products with you as I build up my stock, I have a lot of ideas bubbling in my head hope there is no overflow, lol.

C-A-M-P-E-R-S, Camp Paradise Campers are the best.............

Yes you've guessed it right, I am going to participant in the Cropping Paradise's new fun camp themed challenge http://croppinparadise.blogspot.com/2010/06/croppin-paradise-summer-event.html. I am going to try to earn at least eight merit badges, keep your fingers crossed for me. See you, I gotta run out and get some marshmallows.

After committing to a week of posting I came home to this super cute award from one of the fliest women I know EssenceVibez (who has the cutest blog, i must say)

here are the rules:
- Thank the giver
- Share seven things about yourself
- Pass award on to 5 bloggers
- Contact the bloggers and let them know about the award

drumroll please!:

1. I learned to drive at the ripe old age of 28, better late than never I guess
2. I have a small hole at the top of my ear on the right side, or maybe the left, I forget but I know it's there

3. I would love to be able to deliver my own eulogy, no one knows me better
4. l remember names very easily, I like to address people by their names as a sign of respect
5. I rarely wear makeup
6. My high school mascot was The Care Bears so I collect them when I can
7. I can do a trick with my nose that freaks little kids out, lol

I pass this fabulous award on to:

Mika

Iffy

Myia

Nae

Taj

Happy fourth of July everyone!

A Poem to Young Women

My oldest daughter likes to write short stories and poems. She is a typical teenager so i don't get to see her work too often, so I was honored when she shared this poem with me.

Young Women by Jasmin

Young women are now being categorized as

Being disrespectful, showing too much cleavage, and having no class.

They say we disrespect our bodies and ourselves

Older women looking in disbelief and their hearts melt.

But wait......................

Some young women are leaders and strive for better opportunities.

Some young women respect themselves and their bodies.

Some young women come to be Secretary of State.

Some prefer education and being safe.

There are young women who will run for president.

Confident and standing in an honorable stance.

Dignity and respect filling their hearts

Striving to do great from the start.

So why can't we be seen as honorable women standing firm like concrete?

When each and every young women has a different personality.

I would like to be remembered in life for my good done on this earth.

Because negative was never in my vocabulary even from birth.

I was born to achieve great things and that's what I shall do.

I am a confident, respectful, ambitious young woman.

Are you?

Creative Scrappers #108

I am trying to branch out and enter challenges, plus my sister-girl Myia is on the design team! I created this for Creative Scrappers challenge #108. I love how they give you a different sketch each week and you can choose which one you want to enter.

This is my youngest daughter Jada, just being her fabulous self. I used My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary PP, DCWV chipboards accents, Maya Road Chipboard, Heidi Swapp bling and rub ons, Pink Paislee chipboard alphas. I tried to spray some glimmer mist on top of the butterflies on the background paper for a different effect but it doesn't show up too well.

Rocking the i-Rock

Monday I got the i-rock by Imaginisce and I couldn't wait to try it out. As a tool junkie I was so excited to give it a shot. Here is my review -

First the pros and cons -

Pros -

• Very lightweight and easy to hold. It is a pretty pink color.
• Works as advertised.
• Battery operated, great to move around with.

Cons -

• Well hopefully this was just a fluke on my unit but the "on" indicator does not work and I burned my hand trying to see if it was working. Now considering how hot these get, it was very painful. (I am returning mine for this reason alone).
• Battery Operated, needs three double AA and that can get costly after while.
• It doesn't come with any jewels to use even as a sample, all acessories are sold separately.
• Gems can start sliding if you press too hard so you want to be very careful.
• The small head seems to limit the effectiveness when using larger gems.

How it works -

The gems come with a hard adhesive on the back. You put the gem in place, then place the heat tool on top to melt the adhesive underneath.

Overall it works great! And man-o-man does that adhesive hold. Now working with the gems can be a pain, especially the smaller ones but they sell an accessory that makes it easier to pick them up, I just used a q-tip instead and it worked fine.

So overall I recommend it as long as the indicator light works, if not it can be a pretty dangerous tool to have around, especially if you have children. If you have the hotmarks tool already (as I do) you can just buy the gems and it will work exactly the same but unfortuantely that has a cord. If you don't have the hotmarks already then the i-rock is definitely a better deal price wise.

Remember the sketch I said I was working on a few posts ago, well here is the end result usisng the i-rock.

Tuesday Thoughts in a Few Words

• Early Morning construction, are you kidding me!
• Where is my dress?
• Okay a little too sexy for work, take two.
• Quiet ride, school is out for the summer, God is talking- be quiet.
• Got to write down the menu for the party.
• So many numbers on spreadsheets, so little time.
• Mmmmmm, a nice cup Joe!
• A lot of morning silliness.
• The emails are HOT!
• Something is brewing and you are going to love it.
• Do you remember, the 21st night of September.
• Ooooh I like it!
• You should live up to your obligations like a man.
• POP! I can't wait!
• Three day weekend!
• Why is the clock moving so slow.
• I missed the meeting but you all will be in trouble.
• Curly hair is sexy.
• It happened yesterday but it still hurts.
• I didn't invade your privacy, I found it by accident.
• 30% off the entire store.
• traffic drama, are you serious- stop double parking.
• need to go to bed earlier, good nite!

Something New

My girl Jojorenee (aka Mika) came up with the cutest challenge based on having a wedding. Here are the guidelines:

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

A sixpence is a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967. It was made of silver and worth six pennies. So this wedding tradition is definitely English, and many sources say that it began in the Victorian era.
Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy.

WEEK 1: Something Old - This week use papers or embellishments from your stash in a LO that is older than 3 years or dating back to when you first started scrapping.

WEEK 2:Something New - This week use something new! We should have our Scraproom kits for those who have joined. Or just any new papers you got in the last month- crazy shoppers you!!! So stop just smelling the paper and dive in an create something.

WEEK 3: Something Borrowed For this weeks challenge use something borrowed

WEEK 4: Something Blue This weeks challenge is to use a LO featuring all one color of your choice or if you like blue go right ahead!!

WEEK 5:And a silver sixpence in her shoe. Create a LO and include a shoe and/or something silver on it!!!!is

I am sooo far behind on this challenge because I am the slowest scrapper in the world but here is my something new layout based on a sketch from Creative Scrappers #108 and the Paper and chipboard butterflies came from the June Scrap-room kit - feel free to participate in this challenge, it's a fun one!

Technically

Okay, i know that it is technically Monday and I had the best of intentions to do this earlier but it was so hot today that I have fallen completely behind schedule and will be posting again later.

Although scrapping is my passion, scrap shopping is fun too. I have a couple of orders coming that have me staking out the mail all day long.

• I can't wait to get the i-rock - this tool promise to be a bling machine. I haven't read any reviews for it yet so i can't wait to get my hands on it and try it for myself.

• Next is Echo Park's newest line, Walk in the Park. I love the colors and the elements look like so much fun. I can already picture my first layout using this line.

• I love my slice and they have some of the cutest design cards, right now this is on my wish list. I love to cook and this font can be used so many ways.

• And right now I am working on this Page Maps sketch. I have my general concept laid out but it is just missing something...............................................well as soon as I figure out what I will post it.

No Mail Day - Ugggh!

Okay we all know the reputation of dogs and mail carriers. And believe me I always thought that was a myth, I mean what would make a dog want to attack a mail carrier for no reason. Cartoons always satires the situation and I have even chuckled a few times at the images of a dog tearing down the street after the mail carrier but now this has just gone too far because I am directly involved. My little baby Oreo absolutely despises our mail carrier. I don't know why but she charges the front door when the mail is delivered and even stands on her hind legs, looking out of the window to make sure she is gone. Now trust me, Oreo's bark is way way worse than her bite.

She has never bitten a soul, to be honest I don't know how far she can open her small mouth and as you can see she is not that big and she is full grown. Well in the summer she likes to sun bathe on the porch and our mail carrier will not come near our door. So today I missed my Oh My Crafts order with my Forever Young cartridge and the new Echo park line, I am so disappointed! Bummer! Oh well, maybe Monday.

Determined

I am setting a record blogging personal goal of posting something new everyday for the next week. Is that really possible? Well of course anything is possible but I get so easily distracted. Do I even have that much to say.......................Uh yeah, duh! I have so much coming up, like CKC Valley Forge, my annual block party, summer CHA (I love checking out the sneak peeks), my recent purchases should be arriving any day and the Scrap Room will be starting their sneak peeks of the July kit. Not to mention the layouts and cards I get done this weekend, so I hope to at the least keep it interesting.

To start a co-worker of mine is getting married July 10 and we had a shower at work for her. I volunteered to do the decorations and it turned out very nice. I did the Martha Stewart tissue paper pom-poms (sorry I don't have a picture but they were super cute!) , a candy bar with personalized bags and the creme de la creme was my first ever favor cake. It was perfect. I already have an idea for one for a baby shower cake, I just don't know anyone expecting, lol. Maybe I will just make it for the heck of it.

I am trying

to keep up with my blog but life just keeps getting in the way. So instead of trying to update my life over the past eight months I just want to say I joined a kit club. I had various memberships in the past and by joining a club I hope they ease my shopping addiction (yeah right). So after months of debating I finally jumped in and joined the Scrap room. I like their kits because you get a sampling from four different lines. It is just enough to get a flavor for the line and they offer great add-on kits. I will share some of my creations in my next post.

In Knots

The one thing I have learned my moving into my own scrap space is that organization is key. As I was trying to figure out what to do with the various ribbons that I have collected over the years, I remembered seeing this idea in a magazine {sorry, can't remember which :( }and online several times and decided to give it a try. I love the results!!!!

First of all going through my ribbon baskets has been like being on a treasure hunt, I forgot about so many different patterns that I have. It has been very exciting. Next I figured out quickly that there is no way I can complete this task by myself so I have enlisted the help of my youngest daughter (at a price of course!). So we started out with some old -fashioned wooden clothespins and wrapped the ribbon around the pin and secured the end with a straight pin. It looks great but these clothespins are hard to find and we ran out of the few I found quickly. So next we started good ol' reliable popsicle sticks. These babies are so versatile! We employed the same concept and wrapped the ribbon around the stick and secured it with a straight pin. I was even able to find some cute straight pins at the local Rite-aid (see the yellow butterflies, pretty clever, huh).

When we finish I need to figure out how I want to store them. I know I want something clear and easy to access. I was thinking Ikea might have something that works (any reason to shop, I know, lol). If you have any ideas feel free to share! Thanks!

P.S.

I really have too much ribbon, can someone just slap me if I tell you I am buying more ribbon! Then again,I probably just won't tell you now though, lol

Blog Giveaway

I am so excited, I can't believe how many people have giveaways on their blogs, check this one out on Melissa's blog, http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/ the prizes are awesome!

Breathe Again...

I definitely have to post more frequently, by the time I get on here I have so much to say that it becomes a super long post. So now I don't know where to start! This summer I made a total of 25 pounds of potato salad, hosted three parties, went to two weddings, went to a crop retreat and spent more weekends with my extended family than I have in the past five years and it has been fun. I have been working 4 ten hour days at work to have Friday's off and this is the first Friday I have had for me since the beginning of summer and what am I about to do........................... yes CLEAN! There is so much to do around the house I think that is where I will start after I catch up on some blogging. So do you want to see a few pictures? This is my Man, the love of my life Reggie. We have been together for eight years this December. It has not always been easy and we have had some devastating situations, one of them being a stroke he had three years ago (He is fine, he just still has slight paralysis in three of his fingers). He is such a fighter, even on the way to the hospital he was trying to make his arm work - determined not to let the stroke get the best of him. His favorite spot in the summer and even in the winter sometimes - is on the grill! This man can barbeque his a double s off. Which probably explains why we had about 60 people at our block party, lol. We are having another block party on the 29th and he has promised to keep it small - we will see!

This is me and my niece. I love her to death. She is the one I can talk to and hang out with. We go Black Friday shopping every year (even when I don't fell like it, lol). She fell in love young and married a guy who just turned out to be nothing like he seemed. She went through a hard divorce in her twenties and struggled as a single mother until she me Bryan. He is a refreshing change to the men she was use to and he loves her to death. He calls her the boss. Together they are a loving couple and I was honored to be he maid of honor. This is a picture from her bridal shower (the pg-13 version - I haven't seen the x-rated version yet)!

This is me with my four sisters, now they would kill me if they knew this picture was up here because they don't want to be "all over the internet" but I don't think they know about my blog so I am safe for now, lol. I am the youngest with a 14 year difference between me and my oldest sister, our relationship is strange but all in all if something happens, good or bad, we are there for each other. I love each one of them. This was at my sister in the middle fiftieth birthday party this summer.

And I got to meet my sister from another mother Mika, yes we even have the same name. Sometimes I swear we were separated from birth and genetically altered, lol. We think alike too much! She makes me laugh and has the prettiest smile. We had a good time scrapping until our eylids dropped. I have to blog about the trip in a separate post to give the full details. Thing won't be complete until we meet our third muskeeter Myia! She is my girl and above all she keeps it real ! That girl is a very creative scrapper and can work magic with her pattern papers. I should start working on Reggie now to take me to Vegas! Myia-boo here we come!

And finally this is me, tired from all of these activities, bored at work and playing with my camera! Have a great weekend - I am going to try to complete some sketch challenges, clean up a little and then get ready for date night with Reggie!

CKC Valley Forge and the Stanky Leg

Okay, the two are in no way shape, or form related, lol. I visited the vendor faire on Friday with my girlfriend Kathy from work. She is a beginning scrapper and had never been to the vendor faire before. All I know is that should I become missing it is because her husband killed me for exposing her to CKC, lol. I actually did more shopping than I planned but I treated myself and my Scrapping Sister! Here is a look at my booty.......................not my booty booty, lol here is what I walked out with.

First this is already en route to my girl - 1/2 of an American Crafts paper pack, some green glitter thickers that are so pretty in person and an American crafts rub-on book. But wait.......................there is more!



Here is some Scenic Route chipboard. A cute Sassafrass paper pad, a film strip with her son's name on it and some Basic Grey bling a cute orange lady bug......................................is that it? Heck no! There is still more!



And finally a Scenic Route paper pack that includes some beautiful orange chipboard letter, some pretty paper, cardstock stickers and rub ons!

And for myself..........................I got some bling, glue arts refills, I have film strips personalized with all three of my girls names (my baby niece is included in the count) some pom-pom ribbon (it looks fun to work with), some thickers, American Crafts felt stickers, a few sheets of Basic Grey's lemonade, (which I thought was beautiful in person, still didn't want Junebug after seeing it in person), Basic Grey bling, six bottles of stickles (not pictured) some American Crafts and MME "Breaking Free" papers and some copic markers! I have never used them before and they are my most exciting purchase!

Saturday was my sister's fiftieth birthday party, which was a huge success (I will post pictures soon) but girl I had to show them up when my song - The Stanky leg" came on. I wore a cute orange Maxi dress and i felt really good about my "grown woman" status. Here is my self-portrait for the night!

TTYL!

Jumping In

Okay,
Along with blogging more I plan on enter more contests and challenges. there is a new challenge blog called Candy Shoppe Designs recommended by my lil' scrapping sister Myia - Check them out, they are doing some awesome giveaways right now! If I can do it, so can you!

Today was a Good Day

Even though I was not incredibly busy at work and I was incredibly tired, I still had a good day.
Scrapbook related, I did some virtual window shopping at stopandscrap.com of the coming soon CHA 2009 summer previews. My total cart is around $133. I will bring it down before I hit that checkout button though, we are in a recession, lol! Out of all of the paper collections I love the new Pink Paislee Amber Road. My girl Jojorenee says that it is definitely my style (that's a good thing right, sis?). I am blocked from blogger at work so I have to do my updating at night. As promised here is a picture of my bridal shower favors. My niece's wedding colors are red, black and white with an Asian theme. I put "Red Hots" in tulle with the wedding ring embellies for the final look. I have to tell you the shoe is a labor of love since you have to hand cut each piece. Here is a link to the template http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/articles/free_shoe_template_download( I shrunk it to 75% for my favors) give it a try, you will love the results, just make sure you are using a good weight cardstock.

In food news (my other favorite subject, lol) our local newspaper did an article on a Vegan Soul Food Cookbook by Bryant Terry. I am not a vegan but I do try to eat better any chance I get. Here is a link to the recipe I want to try. I put a copy here too but use the link http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/jamaican-veggie-patties-recipe.html for more information. Let me know if you try it before I do. Enjoy!



Jamaican Veggie Patties Recipe
You can certainly experiment with different sizes here, but don't go much smaller than a 4-inch cookie cutter. Any smaller and they tend to come apart at the seams - a bit like gaping mouths (see lead photo). Also, be sure to roll the pastry dough thinly - a true 1/8-inch. And lastIy, I can't resist brushing the patties with a bit of beaten egg before placing them in the oven - it makes the crust nice and golden, but also takes them out of the vegan category.
1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/2 cup 1/4-inch-diced yellow onion

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Coarse sea salt

2 larges cloves garlic, minced

3/4 cup coconut milk

1/4 cup 1/4-inch-diced carrots

1/4 cup 1/4-inch-diced yellow potatoes

1/2 cup fresh green peas (or frozen)

1/2 cup sweet fresh corn (or frozen)

1/2 cup shredded cabbage

1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper


Pastry:1 3/4 cups unbleached flour1 cup whole wheat pastry flour2 teaspoons turmeric1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt3/4 cup chilled coconut oil2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons ice water


For the filling: In a medium-size saute pan over medium-low heat, combine the coconut oil, the onion cinnamon, allspice, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Saute, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk, carrots, and potatoes, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the carrots and potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the green peas, corn, cabbage, thyme, and lemon juice, cover, and cook for 3 minutes more. Season with additional salt and the white pepper (or to taste) and set aside to allow the flavors to marry.
For the pastry: Combine 1 1/2 cups of the white flour with the pastry flour, turmeric, and salt in a large bowl and mix well. Set the remaining 1/4 cup white flour aside. Add the coconut butter to the flour mixture and rub with your fingertip until the mixture resembles fine sand, about 10 minutes (hs note: I've also make this dough by pulsing ingredients in a food processor with good results).
Combine the vinegar and water and mix well. Then, without overworking the dough, add the vinegar mixture by the tablespoon, while stirring, just until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl and begins to coalesce. Squeeze into a tight ball, flatten, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350F and remove the dough from the refrigerator.
With the reserved flour, lightly dust a clean surface, roll out the dough until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut six 6-inch circles from the dough (you can use a bowl). Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of the filling onto the center of one side of each circle, leaving about a 1/8-inch border. Fold the other half over to make a half-moon, press to seal, and make ridges around the edge using a fork. (hs note: if your dough is at all on the dry side you may need to run wet fingers around the edge of the circles to help get a good seal).
Transfer the patties to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Serve immediately with some hot sauce.
Makes six big patties, or a couple dozen smaller ones.
Reprinted with permission from Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African-American Cuisine by Bryant Terry. (Da Capo

Another Try!

After almost three years of being M.I.A. (hence the first song/artist on my playlist) I am going to try this blogging thing again. Now don't get me wrong I never gave up scrapping but I joined scrapbook.com instead of keeping up with my personal blog. Now I am going to try the unthinkable and do BOTH! Who knew? Is it really possible? We will see, lol!

So instead of trying to catch up on the past three years I am just going to start off like I never left. The next two weeks (actually it started last week) are crazy for me. Me an my baby niece, Tise (okay she is 27, not really a baby) gave my oldest niece, Tiya, a wedding shower. It was broken up into the PG version and the X rated verison. I only stayed for the PG version - I know I am such a prude....sometimes :) Anywhoo the first half was fun, I did the favors (to be posted soon) and cooked. Tiya loves breakfast food so we had sausage, bacon, and made to order belgian waffles, yummy. This weekend is my second oldest sister's , LynniePooh (only I can call her that) 50th birthday. We are giving her a party and even though the party itself isn't a surprise we do have some surprise guests lined up. Yup you guessed it, i am doing the favors for that too. The next weekend is Tiya's wedding and guess who is the maid of honor - yup that is me too. I will share pictures as soon as they are available. And since it has been so long and you may have forgotten what I look like here is a picture of me and my niece Tiya - I am so proud of her, she has a beautiful family and such a beautiful spirit!

When you’re at the end of your rope…..

Tie a knot and hang on. I really wish I could break the habit of watching the news, because the things that people are doing just seems to get more and more disturbing. Today I can’t get this story out of my head.

Police: Mom Uses Baby As Weapon To Beat Man
Baby Critically Injured
POSTED: 10:50 am EDT October 9, 2006

ERIE, Pa. -- A woman used her 4-week-old baby as a weapon in a domestic dispute, swinging the infant through the air and striking her boyfriend with the child, authorities said.

"The baby was swung at the individual that she was arguing with," Erie 4th Ward District Judge Tom Robie said.

The baby was critically injured in the attack early Sunday, said District Attorney Bradley Foulk.

"Never, never, never. I can never remember anything like this," Foulk told the Erie Times-News.

Chytoria Graham, 27, of Erie, was charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and simple assault. She was held Monday in the Erie County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.

The infant, whose name and gender were not released, was taken to a hospital in Pittsburgh. Authorities did not identify the hospital, and the baby's condition Monday was not released.

Four other children were removed from the home by child welfare officials, Foulk said. The oldest of those children was 8 years old.

There was no immediate indication whether the man Graham is accused of attacking was the baby's father.

Authorities removed four other children from Graham's home and placed them with the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, Foulk said.


I think it is especially troubling because it seems as each year passes people lose more and more self control and is evidence as to how far people have gotten from God. I know that we all get overwhelmed but to take it out on your children is just wrong. Just last night my daughters and my boyfriend were pulling me in three different directions. I threatened to run away and sat in “time out” in my car. I recovered and went back in the house and resumed life as normal, hoping we have a better day today. One of my favorite quotes is “And this too shall pass” - knowing that I have chance to do things differently and start again each day keeps me hopeful and helps me navigate the hills and valleys of life.

I must be butter, because I am on roll....

Two post in two days, it's been a while since that has happened. I have rededicated myself to my blog and taking time out for me each day. To get around the fact I can't blog at work, I type my thoughts in MS Word, email them to myself, and cut and paste them into a post. They can't keep me down. Anyway, today while surfing the net I found a bit of cool information. The African American Museum of Philadelphia is sponsoring a seminar and photography exhibition in November. I think this would be a great opportunity for me to get some photo tips from the pros. If any of my local friends are interested, here is the information.


Photography 101

Saturday, November 4 ~ 11 a.m.

Learn the basics of photography and capturing the most from a moment. Photographers from the Shootout Exhibition will share inside tips on how to get started in the photography business.

Free with admission

In scrapping news there is so much going on. Just like Dana, I love to shop for new products. Sometimes I get frustrated not using them as quickly as I guess I should, but I like having things at my disposal when I want them. Plus scrapping is my only vice. I don’t drink coffee or sodas everyday, I don’t smoke and I don’t drink that often. So I figure $30-$50 per month on something I really enjoy is well worth it. Anyway there are some really great things on the market.

I found this clock and wine bottle holder at A Cherry on Top, Oh the possibilities. I am really intrigued by the new ‘Thickers” from American Crafts and I think I’ll order some on Wacky Wednesday (just in case they have some other things I want) from A Peek into Yesterday . I recently purchased the Prima Quick Picks and I love them, the colors are great. Right now I am especially in love with the Scenic Route papers – Capetown is top on my list. The weight is good the colors and quality are great and best of all they are double sided, giving you more possibilities. So right now I am truly inspired. I am currently working on my 2006 Race for the Cure album and have challenged myself to have it finished before the end of October. Wish me luck.

Might Not Have Blogged, but I have Scrapped!

Hello everyone out there in blogland. Again it has been a while since I have posted, but not much going on blog-worthy. My Girl Scout troop has started. This year I am working with the Brownies and I love it. They are a very energetic group of girls. They enjoy being in the troop which makes it a lot easier. I have a ton of trips and activities planned. The only drawback is that the troop meets on Friday nights (twice a month). It won't be that bad once I get use to it.
My niece is having a baby - this is her first. She has the best ultrasound picture of the baby sucking "her" thumb. My niece would probably kill me for posting this picture but it is too cute not to share. Work is just that - work. I think after Christmas I am going to look for something else, my job is not bad its just not great. My birthday is this month and already the activity planning has begun. My sisters and I are having dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and my girlfriend and I are going out to a jazz bar - Zanzibar Blue for Wind-down Wednesdays. I am also going to a fashion show/cabaret this weekend. I plan to party like it's nineteen-ninety-nine, and I am still 29 years old. Here is my most recent work. Shout out to Adrienne and Toya, I love inspiration Wednesdays!!!!

We Are Family

I can't believe one of my pictures finally uploaded, Yayyyyyyy!!!!! I have been having so many problems with blogger lately. Anyhow, Thursday, two of my sisters, two of my nieces and my two daughters went on a local cruise up the Delaware River to celebrate my sisters birthday. We had so much fun. We ordered the fiesta table so we had a balloon bouquet and souvenir glasses for everyone. There was an amble buffet and the food was very tasty. The cruise included a live show with people singing Motown classics-somewhat corny, but definitely entertaining. After the live show the dance floor opened up with a Conga line. My daughters had everyone on the cruise laughing when they played "Jump on It" by the Sugar Hill Gang because they did some dance they saw on Fresh Prince of Bel Air. My sisters and I danced in all of the line dances including the classic Electric Slide, Cha-Cha Slide, Booty Call and Wild, Wild West. The party continued for three hours and the music didn't stop until the boat docked. We had such a good time, even though almost all of us had to go to work the next day it was worth it. I know my sister had a good time because she was smiling the entire time, plus there were two times she cried (we all are very emotional, LOL). Once when they played "We are family" by Sister Sledge and we all started to sing together and the DJ and dancers came over and sang with us. And secondly when the DJ played Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" song and we lit her candles and sang to her. I am so glad she had a good time, she deserves it, I love my family.

Oh I think they like me

**I have pictures I want to share but they won't upload to blogger, I am really thinking about switching to typepad**I scored big "Mom" points this weekend. I took my daughters to their first concert to see Chris Brown and Ne-Yo. I have to admit at first I had reservations. I used to attend a lot of rap concerts when I was (uh-um) younger and I remember the fights that would break out. When my BF and I went to the Battle (NY vs. Philly) with KRS-one, Schoolly-D, Whoudini, Cool C and Steady B just to name a few, the concert had to be stopped until the fights stopped. So needless to say I didn't want to have my girls attend their first concert without me there to keep them safe, especially after I found out Lil' Wayne, Julez Santana and Dem Franchize Boyz were going to be there. But I was pleasantly surprised. It was a very clean, fun, hyped, party-like atmosphere. We had a real good time. I bought them souvenir t-shirts (there's a story behind that- there were guys selling unlicensed tee shirts in the parking lot. Since this activity is illegal they have a real fast hustle. So one guy walked up to me and flashed a t-shirt the girls wanted. I told him what sizes I wanted and he lifted up his shirt to dig in his oversized jeans and pull the shirts out. Needless to say I passed on those particular shirts, but he definitely gets an "A" for creativity and resourcefulness). The best part is my girls didn't even know they were going to the concert until two hours before it started and they were pleasantly surprised. I especially knew I did a good job when my oldest daughter placed her ticket in her photo album to treasure. And by the way, yes I did keep up with the kids at times doing the shoulder lean, lean with it rock with it, and the dance from "oh, I think they like me", but I drew the line at the "chicken noodle soup with a soda on the side".

In grown-up news, have you ever wondered why you stopped doing things you use to like to do? I took a walk at lunch last week (about six blocks) to go to the book store. While there I purchased the latest issue of Essence with Beyonce on the cover. I use to subscribe to Essence years ago and stopped renewing my subscription for some reason, but WOW, this issue is so good. They have changed the layout of the magazine and it contains a little bit of everything. Some fashion tips, financial tips, entertainment news, hot topic articles and features showing everyday women doing extraordinary things. I am really enjoying this issue. I am definitely going to subscribe again, but as a Girl Scout leader I am going to wait until we kick off our "Be a Reader" campaign to make my dollar more powerful.

Thank you everyone for keeping an eye out for me. I plan on fixing my links and changing my banner soon. After I finally got my computer working I got sick, real sick, I mean 104 temperature sick. Since I can't comment on blogs at work and I am sharing my home computer with my "pre-teen, internet surfing, I-pod downloading" daughter, my computer time is very limited. I am definitely going to have to get another computer in the house..soon!

P.S. I love my cricut. I got it just in time, because now AC Moore is not allowing you to use the coupon to purchase it anymore. It can cut any type of paper, including Bazzill, you just have to know how to adjust the pressure and speed. A lot of people complain about having to change the cutting pads but if you catch them on sale they are only about $7 for two. You don't have to change them too often so I think it is reasonable. I am up to three font cartridges and have been having fun. I can't wait to show my Girl Scout troop in the fall, I think the girls will love it. Also it has a USB port which is rumored to be for adaptation to your computer in the future. My only complaint is that when the cutting pad is brand new it is super sticky and your paper curls as you take it off of the cutting pad.

It’s so good to be home.

I have been M.I.A. for quite some time, why you ask – a major computer virus. I lost everything on my hard drive. I had to reinstall all of my programs. I am still trying to make up for the lost documents. It was a little traumatic for me because I invested a lot of time on some of the things and – poof - in a blink of an eye they are gone. Luckily I did create a backup disk for some of my pictures, but others are lost. I’ve invested several dollars in anti-virus software and have gotten into a backup routine, so I am on the way to recovery but just not 100% yet. In other news so many thing have happened since my last post. My best friend gave birth to twins – Ashley and Sonny – July 20, 2006. Everyone is doing well. She just emailed me pictures (we live in different states) and the babies are beautiful. My youngest grand-nephew turned one. My sister had a big party for him at the Camden Children’s garden, we had a good time. I think he enjoyed every moment. Other little summer things happened but mostly we’ve just been dealing with the heat like the rest of the country.

In scrapping news I have had two major events. First and foremost I purchased the Cricut!!!!! Here’s the story. I do not have any other die cut system, technically. I do have the sidekick and a few dies and I have a few Coluzzle templates but nothing major like the Sixxix or Quickutz. So I have been debating making this kind of financial investment for a while, yet I have gotten increasingly frustrated with hand cutting letters. So once the Cricut premiered I had to have one. Now thanks to the power of the internet, I have been able to monitor the reviews and at first there were some kinks. First rumor had it that it would not cut bazzill paper, which was definitely not good. Next was the price. How could I justify that to myself? Then Stephanie told me major Craft stores would be carrying the Cricut and allowing the use of the coupon. Glory!!!!!!!!!!!! Next obstacle – it has been sold out for months. So since May I have been going back and forth to AC Moore to catch it in stock and this past Wednesday, right after the shipment came in I struck gold, got a Cricut and used a 50% off coupon. Total purchase price $150.00. So worth it. This machine is so awesome. The options are great, and as long as I can use my coupons the price is reasonable, considering a complete sixxix alphabet set retails for $149.00 and I can get a Cricut Cartridge for $56 (after coupon) with more cutting options. Lisa and steph I am bringing it to the next crop!

My second scrapping update is that I fell in love with the new American Crafts papers. Believe it or not I purchased the entire collection and I am determined to use it. I love the colors and patterns and can’t wait to dive in.

I am slowly recovering from my slump. Losing my computer really got me down but I like Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive”
P.S.
Can you believe it is the middle of August? I have started shopping for school supplies and uniforms. What’s next - Christmas!!!!!! Uggh, where does the time go?

Peanut Butter and Jelly, Fleas and The Color Purple

What do all of these things have in common? They are all on my mind right now. I woke up early this morning craving a PMS Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. So I pulled out the ingredients, poured a glass of ice cold milk and indulged.

FLEAS - uggh!!! I hate them. I have two cats and they both have them. I need help. Last year when they had them, they were kittens and easy to handle.
Now that they are five times bigger they won't let me put the flea spray on them. Any recommendations?



And finally I am going to see The Color Purple
tomorrow in NYC. Any restaurant recommendations? I know Stephanie went to Serendipity3 when she went to NYC, I may just check them out. Enjoy your weekend. I have spent this morning catching up on blogs and complaining, now I have to go cut the hedges.

Phil-a-del-phi-a Spirit

Hope everyone is having a great Fourth of July weekend so far. Philly does things real big with our America's Birthday Celebration. There have been free events since Monday including several fireworks displays. We went to Penn's Landing and saw the best fireworks display last night. I think everyone in Philly came out because it was packed on the waterfront. Actually that was our second time down there because we went earlier for the Ice Cream Festival. For five dollars we were admitted for all types of all you can eat ice cream and water ice. They had Edy's, Turkey Hill, and Breyers. The highlight will be Tuesday when Lionel Richie and Fantasia will perform on stage at the Art Museum, followed by the fireworks. No pictures yet because I don't really like a digi and I have to put the film in the shop. Enjoy your weekend!

The Proofs

I just recieved my proofs back from my graduation. I narrowed it down to five pictures. Now I have to narrow it down to two. Which two do you like?

What do you think?

My niece just called me to go on the web to see her friend's web site sorryassbabydaddies.com. The site is supposed to be a forum for female single parents who are not getting child support to put their children's fathers on blast. I went through her site (misspellings and grammatical errors in all)and left with mixed feelings. First, there is a lot of drama because she posted her children's pictures on the site and people feel like she is exploiting them. Her reasoning is that when the news media and talk shows show children, aren't they exploiting them too or is that just business? Secondly her site is poorly edited and managed - not all her fault. Lastly, people ask what is the point? As a single parent I have to 90 percent agree. That kind of anger does not have a place in your home. How can you give your children all of your love,when you are filled with so much anger? It is not good for your physical or mental well-being. The other ten percent of me agrees that absent parents need to be held accountable. So many single parents (male and female) are struggling to give their children a better life than they had. A bigger issues is raising our daughters and sons to become parents by choice not by chance. Children do not come with instructions and parenthood is not something you should get into lightly. Now I agree for a lot of us single parents, our intent is for happily ever after - I know it was mine. I loved my children's father and I find comfort in the fact that they were born from that love. Yes, I wish things would have turned out differently but I know the only way to give my children a fair chance in life is to put away that negativity and be the best I can be. What do you think?

Alls well that ends well

Okay so much for my two day break. My dear bf has returned tonight (by the way he hates computers so he'll never read my blog :). We have an evening of pizza planned (I am having a salad instead) and checking out some movies. I am going to try to rent 16 Blocks and Freedomland, I've heard both of them were good movies. Maybe I'll stop and get my favorite Margarita mix too

Back to the salad thing, we have a cafeteria with a salad bar at work and it is the bomb. Today was my first time trying it, but it was great. Everything was fresh and there are at least eight dressings to choose from. It only costs 39 cents every 4 ounces and it was totally filling. I have been taking baby steps to a better me. I am eating more salads, veggies and fresh fruit, less meat, and drinking lots and lots of water. I truly have to work on my exercise regimen next. Right now I am focusing on walking more. I have gotten so use to jumping in my car just to go to the store three blocks away. I have also given up taking the elevator at work all the time (especially since I have gotten stuck twice in the elevator in the past month). Mentally, I am shopping for books - (any suggestions?) and I am renewing my subscription to Essence - how did I let it lapse? I also have to take the GMATs this summer so I can apply for grad school in January 2007.

It is funny how in our twenties we feel invincible and in our thirties we start appreciating our bodies more so we can make it through the forties, fifties, sixties, etc

Twice as nice

Two posts in one day! Here are a couple of layouts I managed to complete the past few weeks. This is my daughter on Easter. She is growing up so nicely, and she loves the camera.

She is also getting into photography. She wants to do a photo shoot of me – cool! I kept this simple - used wild asparagus double-sided paper, kraft paper and cut the hearts with my sizzilit dies. I cut the chipboard letters with my coluzzle - it can’t go all the way through the chipboard, but it gives me a guide to cut the letters by hand.

The next layout is of my niece and grand-nephew (her son). He started little league baseball this year; he has so much energy she has to keep him involved in sports. Maybe he’ll make All-American one year. I didn’t do anything special for this layout, I played with circles which was cool and I used my trusty but dusty hole punch to add a different visual element, three bugs in a rug paper.

This last layout is my favorite. I love the edgy look of the Cherry Arte paper so I used foam stamps for the word “urban”, brushed the edges with a dollar store toothbrush and doodled around it with white paint.
The chipboard scroll work is from fancy pants and I painted it gray and green to highlight some of the colors in the paper. The word “diva” is painted chipboard letters from Gin X. Then I added a black ribbon border. It definitely has the look I was going for.TFL.

I am now working on an album from the race for the cure. I wanted to incorporate a poem into it, but the first one to come to mind is Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou and although that is definitely on my list of favorite poems, it is so overdone. So if you know of any poems about women or sisterhood, let me know.

Missing you

I really miss blogging. I have had some changes in my life and I am trying to adapt. First, I can’t check anyone’s blog while I am at work. Due to security reasons, we are blocked from all blogging sites. That really sucks, since I rarely take an “official” lunch break (I rather use that time cyber surfing). So now I have to use the internet when I get home, which has become especially challenging. Since my bf had a stroke, we have been trying to tackle the hurdle of living together. Now to some of you it may seem strange that this is a challenge for me, but I have never lived with a man. I have lived with my sisters a couple times over the past seventeen years but for the most part I have been on my own. I have been a single parent for twelve years and I admit I like being in charge of my own space.

For some it is not that difficult, but for me just the small things (like using my cookie sheet to cook salmon, uuuuuugh!!) that simply drive me through the roof. The other thing is my bf is a homebody and that is good I guess, but then he wants me to spend every moment at home talking to him and watching the scifi channel. Now I know some of you are saying, “What is wrong with a little attention?” Well, I can’t get anything else done – No scrapping, no talking on the phone, no cleaning, no reading, no me time. I have been really trying not to complain because I don’t want him to take it the wrong way and I figure once we get use to sharing our space he will back off a little. So I sneak on the internet – I read your blogs on the way to the bathroom or kitchen or on the sly when I am vacuuming. I sneak and do layouts when he is at the barbershop and I love when he comes home late because I can clean up my scrap area. I feel so deceptive, but I do have a life outside of him, what to do????? Today I am free because he is angry with me and went back to his house (dare I say wooohooo?) So I am trying to catch up, post and comment on everyone’s blog. Here is a picture of us from my graduation. He doesn’t look spoiled does he? But we all know looks can be deceiving.

Being Appreciative

I have spent the past four days really appreciating life. I had a family emergency that was not as bad as it could have been, but it was definitely life changing for someone close to me. We take so many everyday things for granted, something as simple as being able to type this entry, but I encourage everyone to stop and be thankful for today for nothing is promised tomorrow.
On another note I finally finished my layout I started last week at the make it unforgettable crop. Stephanie will see that I went a totally different direction with it, but I think it turned out well. I am trying to pick up the pace with my scrapping but it is hard with work and the family. Anyway this is a short post, I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend and enjoy it to the fullest.

Living my Life like it's Golden

I had a great weekend. It started off with a graduation for a distance cousin. It was a great way to unwind after work on a Friday night. My daughters also got the chance to play with some second cousins their age, they had so much fun they didn't want to go home. Saturday we went to the Mother/Daughter luncheon for Girl Scouts. We had a light lunch and laughed a lot. I enjoyed their company. Then I dropped them off for some "me" time at the Sistahs in Scrapbooking crop at Make it Unforgettable. It was my first time at the store and WOW! It was more than I expected. The most embarrassing thing was that I have so many of those products already - I definitely have to stop spending!!!!! The best thing was socializing with my blogging buddies who I feel like I know already. We took a picture that Lisa, Stephanie and Toya have on their blogs and when I saw it kind of made me feel like I was in a sorority - Mi Phi Scrap, LOL. I felt like all of us are talented ladies with a common bond, outside of my usual circle of friends and it was great. Now I just have to meet Adrienne to make it complete.

Moms don't have to be Superwomen

I hope everyone had a great Mother's day. I reflected a lot on my life and what example I am trying to set for my daughters. A lot of this reflection occurred during the Race for A Cure - Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk. I made shirts with my Mom's picture on it because my sisters, nieces, and daughters walk in her memory. It was a hard moment for me and I was glad to keep it together, (my daughters hate to see me cry). So anyway, I was walking and thinking, looking at my daughters and remembering the first time I held them and how much they have grown and I started to think about why scrapping is so important to me. I look at pictures of my mother and search for memories. Most of them are of our relationship not of her as a person. I wonder what she felt as a woman? I wonder if she was happy? What made her happy? What were her goals? What was her wildest moment? Who was her first love? How important was love to her? What would she do differently if she had the chance? Was her life fulfilled? How did she feel when she was first diagnosed? Who did she tell? Who was her favorite group? What were her dreams? So many questions I have for her - see she passed when I was still young so to me she was only MOM, not the strong black woman I now know her to be who overcame so many obstacles. So through the questions I realize that I want these answers left for my daughters. I want them to know that I am who they are going to be someday. That I have feelings and dreams just like they do. I don't want them to think I am perfect. And I don't want them to think I can fix everything. I do want them to know I will try my best to love and provide for them any way possible, but I too may fall short. I don't want to be their Superwoman, just know me as a woman who is a MOM.

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited. Not only is tomorrow National Scrapbooking day, but I have the whole house to myself until Sunday. My daughters are away and my boyfriend is being supportive by staying home. There is so much going on. Almost every site has giveaways, free downloads and contests. A Cherry on Top is having an online crop and free online classes. Tiare is doing giveaways and sales at Classy Coordinates.
I personally have so many things I want to complete. I have an order for 25 graduation invitations and I wanted to start the invites for my oldest sister's 50th birthday. I am determined to complete a mini album, and some clipboards. I also want to start end of the year teacher gifts for my daughters' wonderful teachers!!!! So much to do in such a little time.
I hope everyone is enjoying this special holiday for us special people, TTFN - ta ta for now (You have to be a tigger fan to appreciate it)