TERESA COLLINS

My Craft Channel- Coffee Filter Flowers & I'm headed to the ISLAND

 Today on My Craft Channel I am showing how I make flowers from coffee filters.

Coffee Filter Flowers- creating your own flowers has never been easier and affordable! Go to www.mycraftchannel.com to watch my new show today.

Todays show will be showing you how you can create your own coffee filter flowers. They are so affordable, simple and beautiful! 

Watch today as I shows project examples with my CAROLINA BREEZE collection. This week you will be able to download my free PDF of journaling labels that I used on my projects.

HERE:

Download Tcgratitudetreeblank-4

In just 4 days... I will visit Scrapbook Island in San Jose, CA. I shipped the kits today. I am so excited to teach for the FIRST time with my three new collections. I am teaching these projects:

It is a big 27 PLUS page 8x8 album!!!!

 

I am so in love with this book! I can't wait to see the ISLAND girls. Laurie is the owner and we just have been friends for YEARS- I love her!

This mini book is 6x9 and I love the color from Spring Fling!!!! 

Yes, we will be stamping and using all my NEW buttons, die cuts, papers, and more!

*this book can be ANY theme!!!!! I have had so much fun with this line.

This is a large 10x10 chipboard album with my new fabrications collection. Can't wait for you to feel the flowers!!!!! I am a little too in love with them- ha! This plum brocade is just my love!!!!

So if you are coming... make sure you check the "class supply list" and be prepared for a fun weekend. You know I'm bringing some fun things to share with you! I mailed a couple extra kits so call and see if there is any spots left in the workshops. 

1375 Blossom Hill Rd # 46  San Jose, CA 95118-3806 (408) 978-8900

Hope it's WARM in California! 

Dare to be Different...

Yesterday my husband gave me a early Valentines gift. He sent me to the nail salon to get my nails done. I have to say that it was bad in that my nails really look horrible. I know I should have said something but I felt sorry for the girl doing my nails. I could tell she was nervous herself. However, I know for some reason that yesterdays conversation with her was something maybe we both needed. I came home and shared it with Ty.

I was talking to Gentry on the phone and then McKay as she did my nails. She mentioned it sounded like I had a great relationship with my daughters. It proceeded to a converation about kids and how we raise our children. I told her that as a parent I have felt very lucky in that all my kids are growing up to truly do good things. They are not perfect, but they have honorable goals to be to make a difference in the world.  

She asked... WHY do you think they did make those "good" choices in a world that we are seeing so many kids not turning out well?  The first thought and what I said was- " I know you may not like to hear this but my husband and I believe in being stricter in our rules and expectations from our children." 

Now let me say NOW... I am learning as I go. I am not a perfect parent by any means. I question myself ALL the time. I was NOT planning on sharing any of this. I went to church today and I kept feeling like I needed to blog about my conversation. It is not as a way to suggest anything than other than what is working for "my family."  I will share with you the things that we have done with our children. I think all children are different and truthfully we have parented a little different with each of our children.

That being said- I have taught my kids from a very young age the following: Be a leader not a follower. What does that mean? I have always felt that we should follow our heart and not be tempted to do what ever one else is doing. Be strong in your own personal values, convictions and act accordingly. Be strong enough in who you are to be willing to be alone. Even if it means your unpopular or lose a friend. I always wanted my children to make good choices and not feel pressured to do something because someone told them that they should.

I saw this today. It is in the NEW ERA magazine that McKay was reading today:

I loved it! Why do we all have to be like everyone else? We should be just who God made us and be happy about it. 

The next thing I think I have tried very hard to instill in my kids is RESPECT. As soon as they could speak if they wanted something they were taught to say PLEASE and THANK YOU each time they needed or got something. I feel like gratitude for what you have is life is important and leads to appreciate for WHAT you do have and not what you don't have. When my kids get snappy to me... backtalk, etc. I remind them that it is not allowed in our home. I have a saying that I remind them from Dr. Phil- "People will treat you the WAY you allow them to treat you." So I tell them... "I will not allow you to talk to me (or someone else) that way." We have house rules... things you cannot (or should not say). I hate you and shut up, your stupid, etc. Now, I would be a big liar if I told you it NEVER has been said. It has and we work on it. I will say that it's a rare situation to hear it, because the kids know I will not allow it. 

The last thing that I want to share is RULES. Oh yes, we are more strict with our parenting rules. We decided that our children would not solo date in high school. They go on group dates or double dates and they have a strict curfew. We felt they are just too young to be involved in a closer relationship when they are still so young. I have encouraged our kids to be very academic and do sports (drill) to occupy those times when they would be tempted to say..." I'm so bored!." Ty and I are so close with our kids. I love them so much, but I am their mother first and friend next. The truth is I feel like they are my best friends. However, I make decisions as a mother foremost. We have house rules that we feel will help them when they leave our home and realize in life, we have rules that we all must follow in life and society. 

I have to be honest, I did not want to even blog this. I actually fought it. I am not a parenting expert by any means. I struggle every day to parent my kids. It is hard to follow through at time, but I try hard to. I am still on this journey called parenting. I am just sharing what I'm trying to do. I just wish all my kids came with a owners manual. ha!

 

SNAPSHOTS from the week-

I love this photo from Sunday. Azalea's blessing day. I love how big she is getting. I was lucky to get to watch her and Maxson this week on Kayla's 24th birthday. 

Yes, she has a double chin. She is a great eater. Gentry lives close to them and loves to babysit the kids.

Kayla did this beautiful set up. Oops- I took the photo AFTER our family ate most of the food. The favorite was a zuchini cupcake that she found on pinterest (the recipe). 

Love how Kayla labeled the food. It was so pretty!

Last night, Gentry went to a Black Tie Affair- fundraiser at college. Two of her closest friends at BYU started the fundraising event for Pennies for Presents charity. I was so touched that these young adults cared enough to help raise money for charity. They collected $700.00 last night. 

This is Gentry with Carlee. This is her friend that planned and started the program. The world needs more people like her.

They had a great turn out! I can't help but be a happy mom when I see my daughter doing worthy causes with her friends.

This is the cutest dog- nope not her's! I wanted to share that Gentry is now training for a 5 K run. We spoke today about it and I love that wanted to train properly for it. I love that Taylor is going to run it with Gentry next month. I can't because of my "numb" foot. Maybe next time!

Okay... Gentry is not seriously dating anyone. I have to say that she is just 100% loving her second year at college. She even changed her major from Art to Elementary Education last semester. 

The fundraiser event.

I have to tell the story "behind" Gentry's black dress. Her Senoir year of high school she was going to a dance. I saw this black dress and LOVED it. I told her that she should get it because EVERY girl needs a black dress that is classic and always in style. Gentry did not really like the dress and I had to talk her into wearing it for the dance. When I saw that she wore it last night- I laughed. Maybe's mother's do know best! I asked her if I could have it since I love it and she did tell me NO! ha-

I love that Gentry took 41 photos last night. Her friends thought she was the event photographer and she laughed. She told me that she loves that I have always taken so many photos through the years of our family and she guessed it has rubbed off on her too. I really love this!!!!!!

FRIDAY...FRIDAY... FRIDAY!!!!

I admit it- I love Fridays! I love having my kids home on the weekend. We always have a lot of family time. It what makes me most happy. This weekend Ty is taking me to see the new movie THE VOW...yes, it is a total chick flick. I am such a fan of romantic, true love...make you cry...stories! I am sure it is not something he is REALLY wanting to see, but he goes and I think he may secretly enjoy them. Shh...don't tell!

I was excited when I heard about this-

http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2012/02/09/cha-winter-2012-top-ten-hot-picks/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Thank you SCRAPBOOK UPDATE (Nancy and Melissa) for picking me as one of CHA WINTER 2012 TOP TEN HOT PICKS!!!!!!!!

I am in very good company. The other nine listed well they are FABULOUS!!!!!!! What a complete honor to make the list and be in such talented company. 

 Fabrications is truly a beautiful collection. I heard over and over that some people thought the paper was fabric and had to feel it. 

This is SEVERAL of the papers mixed together! This is designed by Cheri Piles. I loved the flowers she created and the beautiful layers.

The Fabrications flowers were a huge hit. I am sad in that they were so popular and we are going to sell out of them much faster than we wanted. No worries, we have a reorder. I can't stop using them myself-ha!

I did this layout using Everyday Moments and gasp...I used THREE of white fabrications flowers. Some one needs to stop me!!!!! 

Okay...hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!!!! 

more from CHA

TODAY has been such a great day. Those days were you can hardly contain the happiness in your soul. I am so thankful for days like today. I finally got my CHA stuff unpacked and so "in my mind" it is all good. I am taping new shows next week for My Craft Channel and I cannot get crafty if I'm surrounded by clutter. ha! 

I will be going on Good Things Utah again on Monday February 20th. I took a month off so I could focus on CHA. I am now ready to create now and "MESS" up my creative space again. 

I wanted to share some photos from CHA that I did not post yet. This is Jillian. She designs her own stamps- I love that she is following her dreams at such a young age. She is delightful and I love that she comes to see me with her mother at the shows.

I am always thrilled to see my products world wide. I am featured in this issue Simply Cards. It is an Australian magazine. I did a special TC free set of images/die cut sheets that is featured in this issue.

Family is FIRST and I am always grateful to have Gentry at the shows. Next time, I hope that McKay will be able to go. We missed Taylor so much this time!!!!! 

This was so funny. This is Julie Jacob. She is on my design team. This is a Japanese magazine, Love My Memories- and I had forgot to tell her that they had asked to publish her Carolina Breeze layout. She was so HAPPY and surprised!!!! 

I feel so bad- often I get so many emails that I answer them "in my head" and I had an email from a girl in my December class at Ever After. She wanted to know the RED paint color that I used in the project- I can't find her email to respond. I hope you read my blog....wink! The acrylic paint we used on the album cover is by FOLK ART- shiny- #2702 Fire Engine Red. 

Off to feed my family and then bling my TC Xyron X Sticker Maker- actually four of them! hmmmm... what could that be for?????  Watch my blog next week. 

Have a great night!

Did you see- TC Embossing Folders!!!!!

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Set - Teresa Collins TIMELESS 4pc Set [Item # 2001218]

Cuttlebug Teresa Collins TIMELESS 4pc set Explore your sophisticated side with the Timeless Set by Teresa Collins! This collection of four embossing folders features beautiful and intricate designs for any occasion. You will absolutely love using these folders for your cards, home décor, scrapbook layouts, and other creative projects. Use the latest Cuttlebug® embossing folders to create unique and engaging designs for every occasion. Being creative has never been easier! Includes two 5" x 7" and two A2 embossing folders Features exclusive designs by Teresa Collins Perfect for scrapbook layouts, cards, and home décor Model : 2001218

 Yes, they are NOW AVAILABLE!!!!!!! I absolutely love the way they turned out. 

Also, I have NEW TC Cricut IMAGES... images that make me want to create. New at www.cricut.com in the Cricut Craft Room.

I love the doily. I love the card shape and envelope ...oh and the honeycomb design. Yes, I LOVE what I do! I am always needing cut envelope and cards so this was a essential basic to design. I hope you like them!!!!

http://main.cricut.com/shopping/detail-Cricut-Craft-Room-Exclusives-Cricut-Craft-Roomtrade%3b-Exclusives-Teresa-Collins-Basics-291-2049.aspx

I had so many questions about my food program that I am doing. I know that MANY of you want to know and just as many probably don't. ha! So for those of you who want to know...keep reading. I know I cannot personally respong to the many emails that I got yesterday so  I will answer the questions here. If you have more- please post them and I will address them.

I am not doing Weight Watcher's, Jenni Craig, Nutri System, etc. This program doesn't even have a name. It is really a very basic food plan. I keep a food journal that I write down EVERY thing that goes into my mouth. It has been key to keep me on track. I eat 1,200 calories every day. I never go under that amount. If I exerise and work off 200 calories than I then EAT 200 more calories that day. There are doctors and clinics throughout the USA that do the same program that I am doing. The plan is basic. You eat vegetables, lean protein, fruit, brown rice, edamane, eggs etc. (*fruit- not in first 3 weeks!) in any combination each day. I weigh in once a week. 

There is food that is NOT ALLOWED- no exceptions. I do not eat any sugar (I get my sugar from fruit!), carbs (yes, no bread, white rice, tortillas, ice cream, cookies, etc.)  and no processed foods- Frozed meals etc. or dairy. No soda or juice. I drink water throughout the day.

This is my TYPICAL DAY- I tend to eat the SAME thing- over and over!!!!!

Breakfast- 2 eggs, tomato, 1/2 avacodo

Snack Large Apple

Lunch Lettuce, 4 oz grilled chicken, tomato, grilled onion (love the flavor!), red pepper- SALAD

Snack- Shake (Herbalogica 90 Cal protein shake- blend with water in blender!)

Dinner- Grilled Asparagus, 1 cup brown rice, tomato slices, 1/2 Avacodo

Snack- Kiwi or Orange

I drink 100 oz. of water each day and I take supplements (organic) that ensure I am getting all the nutrients and vitamins that I need. 

This way of eating is similar to the Paleo diet and the PINK Method. It is considered a lifestyle more than a diet. They have me doing a cleanse every three weeks and it's purely to cleanse the body. It is your basic cleanse- pure lemon juice, pure maple syrup and distilled water for 3 to 5 days MAX. 

If I did not answer your question- please post in the comments and I will answer them. Thank you!

Azalea now....

 Kayla got her photos taken by her good friend- Merrick White. She is 

so precious. She just turned 2 months old.

 She is a BIG eater. She is such a calm and happy baby. Just like Maxson was!

She looks so much like Maxson-

What a blessing she is- I know Kayla loves having her little girl!!!!!

Can you believe how much hair she has? Matt blessed her at church this past Sunday.

It was beautiful. The words were touching.

Matt is graduating from BYU this April. I know that might mean that they will move. I can't even think about it. It would be so hard. Maxson has a very special relationship with his PaPa (Ty). I've never seen a child so cute with a grandparent. I hope they stay close because I think Ty and Maxson have a very special bond. I suppose all parents wish this. Right?

So many good changes in our family. McKay is deciding where to go to college. She has been accepted to UVU, SUU and Westminister. She got full ride scholarship to UVU and partial scholarships to the other two schools. She is waiting to hear from one more college and then she will make her decision. 

Kits are being prepared for my visit NEXT WEEK to Scrapbook Island in San Jose and EMI SCRAPBOOKING in March. I am so blessed to have Taylor and Spencer who help me kit. Taylor knows how I do the kits and kits them beautifully. This way I can focus on designing instead of kitting for days. ha!

TODAY is a big day for me. It has been 8 WEEKS today of no sugar, carbs or processed food. I have not deviated one time. It is MUCH easier now. I weighed today and I have lost 25 lbs. Okay...that is crazy!!! I have been very consistent in losing about 2-3 lbs. each week. I ran into a lady today who asked me about the program that I am doing. She said she could NEVER do it! I know where she is at. I was there. I know how it feels to think I can't CONTROL this one thing in my life. It has ME! I did not have the motivation to truly make the CHANGE in my life. I had settled. I was just as happy 8 weeks ago as I am today. I honestly knew my health issues would get better if I made some serious changes. I wish I had done it sooner, but the reality is that I was not ready. Motivation is so important. How in the world do you "get" motivated when you don't feel it? I am now...but I have to be honest I wasn't for a very long time. I think for me, it's always forever going to be a battle. The key is to love yourself EVERY single step of the way. 

I still have NO FEELING in my left foot. Sciatica will not rule my attitude though. I'm still working out and I will do what I can until the feeling comes back. I know it's crazy. I truly think it was a blessing. I know that sounds CRAZY! It slowed me WAY down for an entire month and I decided to make some major changes due to it. I may not have the feeling back but I look at all the GREAT things I do have and I just focus on that. 

Hope you have a FABULOUS day!

My Craft Channl- The Cricut Mini episode

 

On today's show I wanted to show you how to create with the Cricut Mini machine.

Today's show I show you how I  used the Cricut Mini to create home decor projects for my home. You will see how I  used my own TC images with Provo Craft and using the Cricut Craft Room. Today's show will share items that was  designed and proudly displayed in my own home: a flocked key, glitter bird, and a fleur de lis. This will inspire the home decorator inside you. Learn more about the newest machine by Provo Craft that allows you to design on your computer or laptop from anywhere that you have internet connection.

My video at My Craft Channel is at: 

www.mycraftchannel.com/?omedia_id=887

www.mycraftchannel.com

Here is a video with the Xyron TC Sticker Maker at CHA that I did with Noelle with Paperclipping Live-  I love this little cute machine!

 

 

STATE DRILL- crafting with Epiphany Crafts

I came home from CHA and less than 12 hours later I went to STATE DRILL competition at UVU with McKay and the team. McKay informed me the last day of CHA that "WE" needed to do a motivational for the team and coaches. By that it meant ME. ha! It was the last hour of the show and I was right beside my friends at Epiphany Crafts. I love their machines (tools). I am drawn to anything that helps me create with my style and things that I can customize things. Their tools are amazing and I can do that. 

Early Thursday morning, I got CRAFTY using the items they generouly gave to me. I will share the photo and what I did with them now. I printed out STATE DRILL 2012 so that they would fit inside the 1x1 punch. I wanted the girls to have charm necklace with meaning.

This is the custom shape tool taht I used the SQUARE 25- I designed what I wanted to say to fit inside the punch area.

This is the silver charms that I used to make the necklaces. They are DOUBLE SIDED!!!! I love them. I need boxes and boxes.

Next, I printed the girls FIRST initial on my EVERYDAY MOMENTS pattern paper. Again, initials are so "IN" and I wanted the personalization for the girls.

You will take your image or whatever you want to go inside your charm and punch it in the tool with the clear epoxy sticker on top.

When you press down on the tool the clear epoxy will cut out with you image.

This is the FINAL (one side) of our charm. I have to say my husband was IMPRESSED. He thought I had them special ordered. 

Next, it was time to do the next side. 

Yikes- horrible photos- can you tell I was in a hurry????? I wanted to show you how it was double sided.

I put them on a necklace to give to the girls. I can't thank Epiphany Crafts enough for SAVING the day for me. I LOVE their tools and they have the most beautiful charms to go along with them!

As for STATE- it was ALL day Friday. I have to admit, the thought kept coming into my mind. This is her last STATE. I watched her so intently and praised God for allowing me to be there and WATCH her. I have to say that I'm most proud of the way she has lead the team this year. As head Captain this year she made my heart smile as I watched her kindness and encouragement to the team spirit. She never let her "position" go to her head, but used it to build up each team member. I always tell her..."Your a good egg, McKay." 

Here they are getting ready to perform their military dance. (McKay, Jacie, and SAGE- I love these girls)

They did so great. One of the girls made a mistake but we still placed 6th in this dance. We were all excited at how far they came this year.

I need to do an entire post from the day with photos-

At the end of competition they do DRILL DOWN. McKay was the 8 girls of about 200 girls who did it. It was a great way to end the day. Drill downs can be very challenging.

The girls took 6th in Military, 7th in Dance, and 9th in Character. Their final placement was 8th for the entire STATE competition. We were thrilled for them. Bountiful took 1st place and they deserved it! These girls could and should be professional dancers. Everyone stood and applauded when they performed. The did a entire routine on STILTS. 

We still have Nationals in S. Calfornia in March, our year end show and so I'm thankful that they will be dancing some more. The last performance will be very emotional for me!

Yesterday, it was BOY TIME. I took Zach and his best friend Nate to Gongoza Park in Park City to tube down the mountain. They had so much fun. I spent 4 hours in their warming hut watching and waiting. I sometime tube, but yesterday I was still too tired from a crazy busy week at CHA. My other boys headed to Brighton to snowboard. Utah has great cold weather activities. If you ever get a chance to come to Utah- we have great tubing and ski resorts!

Today is Azalea's baby blessing. Our family is getting together at Matt & Kayla's this morning. I know today will be filled with special memories. I will share pictures. Have a great Sunday!

Signature Series- HUGE GIVEAWAYS TODAY!!!!!!!

***IF THE LINK WILL NOT WORK- please cut and paste in your browser. I am away from the computer today and cannot fix the link. Thanks!

www.facebook.com/northridge.signatureseries

www.facebook.com/northridge.signatureseries?ref=ts&sk=app_261776477225301

 

Here is the LINK of the SNEAK PEEK-

www.northridgepublishing.com/forms/sneak-peek-of-the-teresa-collins-signature-series

Yes, there is some HUGE prizes being given away today!!!!!

I am going to be all day at STATE DRILL competition with my daughter, but I knew you would want to be involved in this opportunity.

Have a GREAT FRIDAY!!!!!