TERESA COLLINS

Perfect closures....

So thankful that I was finally able to do a video for the PERFECT closures. They are one of those products that once you see how they work- well, they make SENSE...and are EASY to use. So the video is posted www.teresacollinsdesigns.com  and so that means MORE PRIZES...

so you can see how the Perfect Closure' work.

I'm giving away- SIX PRIZES- SIX WINNERS to get.... a Halloween Perfect Closure, and a 5x7 TC Black Bracket Covers, and a  Pound-it-All Stone Block.So do me a favor- watch the video and tell me if you could understand the "how to." Good luck!!!!

The winners of the DOME RINGS- YOU EACH get all THREE RINGS, sizes 7, 8, and 9 are:

oh i hit them all, close, far, in between! :o) out of state, LOL! keep up the good work teresa, love seeing your creations!!

Posted by: susie | August 28, 2008 at 06:04 PM 

WOW--about a million ideas for a new collection--I can't wait to see what you come up with!

I take online class so I can go at my own pace (by printing the class info), but I have also taken classes at my

LSS

Windy City Scrapbooking--I was so disappointed that your class there sold out before I could pay for it :(

Posted by: sylv | August 28, 2008 at 09:23 AM 

Your rings are so pretty! Hope I win. :) I get inspiration from blog hopping (esp like decor8.com) and looking through magazines of all kinds (not just scrapbooking). I have taken one online class and some over the years at the lss.

Posted by: Leslie | August 28, 2008 at 05:25 AM 

Your rings are fun! What cute little project! :-)

Posted by: dawn | August 28, 2008 at 02:30 PM 

How stinking cute is that ring!! I love it! And to answer you question, I get inspired by blogs and webpages and even magazines. And I love to listen to Pirates of the Carribean music while I play at my desk! I swear it makes me feel more inspired!!

Posted by: Amy Patterson | August 27, 2008 at 09:42 PM 

I have SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many ideas for your rings....Would love it if I could win!!!

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS....It would be wesome if you could post a video every week, no pressure though, right LOL!

Thanks Teresa!!!

Posted by: Lynda | August 27, 2008 at 05:00 PM

I am so tired. I have been working nonstop on some big deadlines. I was stressing yesterday- it's really hard to be INSPIRED with a house full of contractors. Needless to say- INSPIRATION hit and I went full force into the night yesterday and then ALL DAY today. I honestly was having a hard time FOCUSING- so I prayed. I prayed for my mind to be clear and open. I am a firm believer in prayer and feel that our gifts are from the Lord. So I am very thankful today for my prayers being answered.

I have started BIG TIME on a new 'health" program. I gained way too much weight during our remodel and so I have some WORK to do. I am drinking LOTS of water again. Why did I get out of the habit???? Anyway, I am drinking WATER first thing when I wake up- a quart. I KNOW that is a lot but it really makes a huge difference to me. Most of the time, people eat when they are actually thirsty. Anyway, thankfully my family is putting up with me.

I thought I would share a sneak peak of my mini SPOOKTACULAR workshop at INSPIRATION UNLIMITED....(TC Stampers Anonymous Stamp on Cover)-

I am doing a few mini workshops on Friday at the event...along with Janna, Layle. There are so many other wonderful sponsored make n takes. WOW- it's really FABULOUS the support we have!!!!! Here is a peak at Layle's project:

What Makes me happy....Layle has used YUMMY Scenic Route paper- and I'm sure her workshop will be fabulous. LOVE her project!!!

Also, I know it's still a while away- but I think about the ULTIMATE CRUISE every day. So much goes into these HUGE events. I am thankful to be doing this-

It is keeping me motivated on my goals.... JANUARY 2009- it's getting closer...and YOU are so invited to come join in on the fun... www.scrapmap.com .

It's late and I still have many things to get done...so remember to post a comment...and I have SIX prizes to GIVE AWAY - Good LUCK!!

Anyone want some RINGS???

My Bling Ring video is posted now www.teresacollinsdesigns.com . I LOVED doing this video- because the RINGS are just so fun to decorate. I wear mine (as is) ALL THE TIME- I love the clear dome...but if you want to decorate the rings- I've done a video how to. I get stopped ALL the time by people asking me where I got my rings- and they are blown away to know that their mine and I decorated them. Did you know that they retail for $1.00 each???? They come in three sizes 7-8-9.  

Here is an example of a photo placed behind the clear dome ring. It's a cute photo of my son Ty. The possibilities are endless!!!!!

So for the PRIZE for SIX LUCKY Winners will get-

3 Rings (1 small, 1 medium, 1 large) to six blog comment posters. Doing all three sizes to each person so we don't have to worry about the size issue.

I'm busy today going for INSPIRATION shopping. I have about a million ideas for a new collection that I'm working on. I woke up today and just can't narrow it down. So Ty said- get in the car and GO! He offered to do the laundry (THANK YOU Ty!!!) so that I can FOCUS on this. I'm out today to ESCAPE the home issues (remodeling) and head to my FAVE inspiration spots. I get asked ALL the time about HOW I get inspired, or create a line. It's one of those things I find hard to explain. I usually have TOO MANY ideas and that is my problem. I start with my colors... and theme(design) and go from there. I find it hard to articulate the entire process but I sketch a lot and narrow down the BEST of my ideas. So today- time to narrow it all down. Wish me luck!

I will pick SIX winners- oh, tell me do you take CLASSES from you LSS, online classes???? etc. I'm interested in knowing HOW you get inspired????

***video will be posted on the website in about 30 minutes- 1:00 pm EST.

Have a GREAT Wednesday!!!!!

Sharing....

the winners of the Scor-it boards:

The Large Scor-it Board goes to:

Love Love Love the video! I have a bind it all and have yet to really give it a go. I would love a scor it, I don't have one yet but have seen amazing things done with it! Great card book Jamie!

Posted by: Ashley Harris | August 26, 2008 at 01:38 PM 

The Small Scor-it Board goes to:

Hi there from

California-

I do think the Score-It is a very cool tool!!! Hope you are feeling better. I am cheered up by seeing your blog. Love, Lindy T. Berkeley, CA

Posted by: Lindy Tuttle | August 26, 2008 at 10:01 AM 

Please email me your addresses!!!!! Congrats...

Today I think I am getting back into the "groove" of being home all day without the kids. We are trying to finish up the backsplash (tilework) in the kitchen, so I'm really not alone. I am in full mode design gear- and it takes a lot of my time, thoughts and energy- so I've been pretty busy. I did make it to the Post Office today- (huge thing for me!!!!) since I dread the huge lines in our town. I thought I was doing good by going today at 1:30 in the afternoon- nope- still had to wait about 20 minutes. So Sarah and Margie- your packages went out today!!!!

Thought I would share my boys first day of school- (my cute Taylor is reading my blog every day to see her brothers and sisters) Zach got braces two weeks ago-

So thankful for these two boys. They are 9 &10 years old- 14 months apart.

You can tell that Ty did not want his photo taken- he said ONLY ONE!!!!

Zach let me take two!!!!!

The girls had to leave EARLY and so they got out of "our" tradition. However, tomorrow- I will still take photos. Some day- they will THANK me.

Okay, heads up INSPIRATION UNLIMITED GIRLS- I am so bad- I am going to show you a little "peak" of my mini workshop tomorrow. We are officially only 8 students from being SOLD OUT!!!!! 

So tonight, I wanted to show you something so SIMPLE that you can do with a "pink" notepad and my TC Stampers Anonymous Stamp-

  It is my journal it Damask stamp- and I simply stamped it on the notepad with black ink.

I'm thinking how easy and simple but a great little gift!!!!

Tomorrow...I'm posting a NEW PRIZE and a NEW VIDEO so check back...

Thanks for all the wonderful comments- I read them all!!!!

MORE PRIZES....

THANK you for the comments on my blog about the TC cards & envelopes as well as my video. I want to follow up this video with the cards & envelopes made into the book video TODAY at www.teresacollinsdesigns.com -You can see a actual mini book created with the envelopes AND how I used the cards on a layout- credit- the layout is of my friend Tammy Mitchell's daughter Ashley- and these are her fabulous photos!!!! I wanted to show how "non card makers" can use the cards. Next two winners will get either one of two great PRIZES-

one Large Scor-it Board or one Mini Scor-it Board for commenting on this video. Maybe you could comment on Scor-it and your thoughts on the product. I LOVE to hear your thoughts. Do you own one, want one??? etc. You can learn more and view videos at www.scorit.com

So enjoy the video and let me know your thoughts. I will give away TWO Scor-it Boards... from comments----good luck!!!!

The winners of an ENTIRE 25 pack of TC die-cut cards are:

Tammy Skinner Aug. 24 8:41am

Tami R. Aug 23

Stephanie Pouliot Aug. 22, 2008 10:34am

please email what diecut pack you would like- and your address!!!

Today I am kinda down. I am trying to fight the blues. My kids all started school this morning. I am walking around the house- missing THEM. I miss Taylor so much too. Just one of those days I guess. Off to do some designing... just not feeling too creative today-

and you know my laptop- the one that is ALWAYS having issues. Well, now it seems my HARD DRIVE is DONE! I thankfully backed up most of my work. However, it has all my Photoshop, and programs that I use everyday...and need. My computer is not even TWO years old...wow!

TIME TO SHARE...

EXCITING… it’s time to SHOW the videos that Jamie and I taped LAST WEEK.  I will be showcasing the website videos every two- three days here on my blog. To make it even more FABULOUS….I am going to do PRIZES, PRIZES and MORE PRIZES.  So if your not able to go to the trade shows- you can watch my videos on my website to see my newest products. So TODAY- you can see the  TC Scor-It/ ENVELOPE &

CARD

die cut sheets.

http://teresacollinsdesigns.com/p-2868-die-cut-cards-with-scor-it-board-video-demo.aspx

Let me know what your FAVORITE card design is of the SIX designs I debuted…and I will pick THREE winners to get an ENTIRE package of 25 TC Cards. Just leave a comment- would love to know your personal FAVORITE.

With each video- I will give away PRIZES away here on my blog- starting today!

I have some EXCITING NEWS- Matt called home last night from

Chicago

. Matt is ENGAGED- he is getting married to his girlfriend, Kayla. They do not have a date set yet, but WOW.  I hope he gives us lots of advance notice, since it’s going to be a huge time of celebration.  Matt came to live with us at the age of 12 and I love him dearly. I never saw him as my stepson- Matt was simply my son. I am so proud of the young man that he has become. I can’t believe he is getting married. He will be 23 years old in a couple of weeks.

So Matt and Kayla- congrats… now hurry home!!!!

I know I keep talking about it but I wanted to share the logo for the INSPIRATION UNLIMITED event-

We have shirts and such ready to go…SPONSORS like no other event. I am amazed at the companies donating supplies and products. Let’s see- Jenni Bowlin, Luxe, Cosmo Cricket, Making Memories…everyday there is MORE. I am working on my instructions for my workshops tonight…so I better get busy.

Photos of the kitchen- Ok- yes, I’ll post a few next week… ANNOUNCING the

WINNERS OF 9x9 TC CHIPBOARD BRACKET BOOKS:

THANK YOU, ROBIN BEAM!!!!!!!!
How's that?! LOL!! Isn't she awesome?! Love her too :0)

Matter of fact, just updated my blog and has her & Taylor in there :0P <- finally doing a

CHA

update! LOL!!!

Posted by: MargieH | August 21, 2008 at 02:08 PM 

Thank you so much for sharing -- what a cool, cool project!

Posted by: Frances | August 22, 2008 at 03:56 PM

Congrats GIRLS!!!! Please email me your address-

Now who wants to win a 25 pack of TC Scor-it Die Cut Cards???? You can choose the pack that we will send you…

Have a fabulous weekend!!!!

INSPIRATION by ROBIN

My friend Robin Beam is seriously INSANELY talented. I was so beyond words when she gave me this book for my CHA S booth- it's a project using my TC 5x7 bracket books and Tim Holtz Grungeboard and GLUE FOIL by www.streuter.com .

A photo just does not DO
the book justice.

Robin demoed how to do the book at the Streuter book during the show. The gluefilm is a hot melt adhesive sheet that is great to put on chipboard, embellishments, paper, foam core, glass, plastic, wood and metal. They come in 12x12 sheets that are easy to use, quick curing, has a STRONG bond and no mess.

I was so busy at the show that I never got to go see Robin demo the how to. However, ROBIN so rocks and did a instruction sheet and visuals on how to do it. Robin has been gracious enough to let me offer this to YOU for FREE...

Download gluefoil_bracket_cover1.pdf by Robin Beam.pdf

some more visuals by Robin-

THANK YOU ROBIN for SHARING YOUR IMMENSE TALENT with my BLOG READERS and FOR BEING YOU...love you dearly!!!!!

Here is Ty's new VINTAGE phone that he got yesterday. It belonged to a man on a NAVAL ship- so it's engraved on the back with the ship information. Ty loved the PINK skull on the inside circle of the phone. We plugged it in and it works, but the phone will not RING. He is heartbroken, and wants to keep it anyway. (a small shot of my kitchen is in the background).... so thankful today for these PRECIOUS days!!!!

I had to take my car in this morning for the yearly (should I do this every 6 months???- ha!) service check. My car kept telling me I have a flat tire- when I don't. Technology- the good and the bad. Anyway, I am home being productive since I'm not running around. I'm listening to McKay practice the piano right now- enjoying life...

TIME FOR A PRIZE- let's see- how about 9x9 TC Chipboard Covers????? I have a couple to give away...so post A BIG THANK YOU TO my friend Robin. I'll pick a two winners tomorrow...

Happy Day-

I did something really "fun" today. I was driving home from taking my son Ty to guitar lessons. I passed this really cute store that caught my eye. It had REALLY CUTE PINK furniture by the road. I drove past it, and then turned around. I was headed to shop for new school clothes for Tyler- but asked if he was okay that I made a stop. I ended up at a shop called "SECOND HAND CHIC." I had the best time. I found some really different- funky jewelry and some cool vintage finds. Ty found a "old telephone" that he had to have. It was a crazy bonding experience for us. I was in heaven because there was so much "pink" goodness everywhere. Such a simple thing-but I needed it.

I am slowly putting the kitchen back together. I am unboxing all the kitchen items and placing them in the new cabinets. Unfortunately, they are so dirty- even being in a box- that I'm washing everything. Lots of work!!!!! My family is complaining that they can't find anything- ha!

Please email [email protected] if your store is NOT listed on the store locator. We can make sure you are added.

I got my MEMORY MAKERS magazine today. I was touched by a layout by Stacey Kingman from College Station, TX. First, I love her work- and her...today her journaling had me in tears. I want to share her journaling because I know that it will TOUCH you and you will UNDERSTAND if you've lost a parent or someone close to you. I could have written this myself. Thanks Stacey for reminding me that I am not alone. I'm sure there are MANY of you that will relate to her feelings.

Stacey layout:

one day I woke up different

I knew I wasn't the same as before, but I didn't know it was "forever different." And that's understandable.My father had died. I had seen him. I knew it was true, even though I kept wanting to believe it couldn't be. The being different, it seems like it happened overnight.

Literally, in at least one obvious way, it did happen overnight. But, really, it started on April 13, 2007. Friday. The day I was given "the news." It was the news that I was sure had to be wrong, in the same way that my dad being gone NOW has to be wrong.

It seems impossible that it could be RIGHT or TRUE. So Anyway... this part of me began changing on April 13. I just didn't realize that it was forever.

The changing.

At first, I thought it was just sort of external or something, like a sad jacket or a crying hat I had to put on to wear for a period of time.

No. No. No. May 30 ws the day I made my transformation. And it was NOT external. It was all the way to the very core of my little-girl heart. I still didn't know about the forever part. I didn't know it would change Who I am forever. I look the same. I often act  the same. But I think very differently. Some things don't matter all that much anymore. AND Some things matter so, so much more.

Thankfully yes, my friend Sarah and I are emailing and we both are sappy girls who could never hold a grudge. I have always been the type of girl, who can't hate or hold grudges. I want to be friends with everyone. Sarah and I both lost our mothers and we would talk for hours about what our mothers were like. We bonded and found we were very similar. I found she brought out the best in me, and WHEN I DOUBTED my skill  as a designer, she would LIFT me up. I remember when I was going on DIY television- I called her "scared to death." Sarah gave me the pep talk that I needed. She helped me to become the person I am today. She was SO HONEST too. Don't we all need friends who tell it like it is. I remember her giving me photography advice. It was so helpful and CHANGED to this day, how I take photos. Tomorrow, I'm mailing Sarah's daughter, Mary Kate a David Archuleta shirt tomorrow from the homecoming visit. My daughter Gentry had an extra that she never wore- so I'm going to surprise her with it. Oh, have you heard David's new single- CRUSH????? I LOVE IT!!!!  Anyway, Sarah- thank you for being YOU!!!!

Check back tomorrow for the COOLEST CHA S visual of a TC BRACKET book designed by ROBIN BEAM using Streuter products. You won't want to miss it-and Robin has been so kind to have detailed instructions on how she did it. AMAZING- I'll post it tomorrow.

A crazy kind of busy

Have you ever had such a crazy busy day where you don't even remember all the things you did in ONE day? Today, I was so busy. We had kids at our house most of the day, the kids went back to school shopping, and I was dealing with tile issues in the kitchen. I was sent to go buy more tile. Two hours later, I returned home frustrated- no tile to be found. I was discouraged and so I went and layed down on my bed. I took a hour long nap (i never do this!!!) and had to get up and make dinner. Then not having time to eat myself- headed to a drill team Fundraiser meeting. It lasted 3 HOURS. It was the LONGEST meeting. I know it's a necessary for the sport teams, but it's such a huge undertaking. They want to do a golf tournament, as does my son's superleague baseball team. I guess they are popular because they make a lot of $$$.

So I wanted to share a peak of Janna Wilsons project for the INSPIRATION UNLIMITED event-

I've seen the entire project and it's GORGEOUS!!!! I am so grateful for all the sponsors of the event- everyone has wanted to be involved. I thought I would LIST all the wonderful sponsors-

Fiskars

Teresa Collins
Scenic Route
Stampers Anonymous

Ranger
Crate Paper
Pebbles Inc.
Scor-it
Zutter Innovative Products
Doodlebug
Quickutz
Daisy D's
Mcgill Inc.
Imaginisce
Clear Bags
Prism Papers
Mollie and Mac
Glue Dots
Beacon Adhesives
Pink Paislee
Jenni Bowlin Designs
Kits2Remember
Stampin' Up

So can I just pinch myself???? I am super excited to because Taylor is flying in from Portland to attend the event with me. She is going to be assisting me and I can't wait to see my girl. We still talk to each other every day. She reads my blog and is scrapbooking EVERY day now. She even sends me photos of her pages to ask for advice. All it took was taking her to CHA S with me. She is now "dare I say" obsessed. I know many of you scrapbookers KNOW this crazy sensation.

Now that reminds me-I hear from people all the time that they are having a hard time finding my products. If you are one of those people I am asking for your help. My distributor reports that they are selling my products into hundreds of stores across the country, but they have hundreds of more customers (LSS) that do not yet carry my lines. With your help we can change that!
Please go to www.papercraftsource.com and type your zip code into the Store Locator. All the stores that come up in the store locator have easy access to all my products through my distributor (Product Performers).

www.papercraftsource.com works like an online catalog that you can use to create a "Wish List" of products. You can print your "Wish List" of my products and bring it to your LSS or you can even email it to them. When they see your list complete with product codes for ordering they can then place an order from my distributor (Product Performers).

I hope this isn't too confusing! I'm just hoping that it proves to be helpful for all of you that want to buy my products! This is NOT a site to order from- kind of like a WISH LIST and store locator only. If you are a store that carries my product then you should come up on the store locator.

I love watching the Olympics with my kids. So excited that Shawn Johnson won a GOLD tonight!!!!

Lessons Learned...

Thanks everyone for the sweetest comments. I can't tell each of you how much I appreciate it. I have many lurkers here- so it's so nice to hear some feedback. I mailed out all the prizes today from all the previous winners. YES- international girls CAN and do WIN!!! I mailed two stamp winners prizes to Australia today. 

Today's winners are:

Alesha Maalouf Aug. 18 9:00am

Jingle Aug. 18 7:21 am

annie Aug. 18 8:15am

Scrapallnight Aug 18 1:06 am

Jennifer Aug. 17 11:25 am

Please email me your address!!! Congrats...

So I took lil' Ty to the modeling/talent agency on Saturday. This boy here.. and well- they said he has the IT factor. The were very nice. The lady I met with said she has been a agent for 14 years and that when Ty walked in...she KNEW. My son, has the funniest personality and is very comfortable in front of the camera. Very photogenic. Anyway, my son is signed up. I came home and talked to my husband and he is supportive of what Ty wants, but feels they probably say that to EVERY kid. He is really leary of the entire thing. They film ALOT of Disney movies here in Utah and so she mentioned a lot of opportunity for Ty to do some acting too. To be honest- it's a life experience. I expect NOTHING and will support and encourage my son and his desires.  So I'll keep everyone posted on his "journey."

Something really profound happened to me this last week. I heard from a best friend that I had had a MAJOR misunderstanding with. In so much, that for the past three years- my heart ached for the loss. I loved this friend. I emailed her and never heard back. I wanted to make things right. I knew that in my heart of hearts that I needed to look at the big picture and be willing to swallow my pride. I had emailed my friend before Christmas with the feelings of my heart, asked for forgiveness and wanting to make peace. I never heard back and I assumed that was that. Well, this week my friend emailed me out of the blue. You see she NEVER got my email. She had closed her email account. She sent me the kindest email. I was in tears. Oh, such a dumb misunderstanding.

I had emailed her in December because I was doing what Heavenly Father wanted me too. I kept getting prompting during my daily prayers to contact her again. To make amends & to share my heart. I knew I had done things that had hurt her feelings. Yes, she had hurt my feelings too. So we were both dealing with issues of "you did this to me." I consider her one of the BEST FRIENDS I have ever had. You know the friend, who loves you and accepts you. I hate that we parted ways. So when I got her email, my heart and life was once again whole. My computer was being fixed and my husband called me from work to let me know that I had gotten this email from her. My heart started to race- was she still mad at me?

I read her email and a very special blog post that she posted about our friendship. I cried and cried because MY WORLD was once again HAPPIER because of her. So Sarah- you amaze me - I love you and can't thank you enough for opening your heart and contacting me again. It takes a lot to let "things go." It's so WORTH the RISK- if you have someone or something that you need to make amends with. DO IT!!!!  No matter what the outcome is- you will feel better about it. FORGIVE FORGIVE...it only helps YOU!!!!

Wow...sorry to ramble. I feel a sense of peace now- that words cannot express.

My kids are playing WII Tennis and I need to jump in on the action... school starts in ONE week.

Teresa

In the Zone...

Last night, I played and played. I was stamping with my stamps (stampers anonymous)and was having so much fun that i had to make myself go to bed at 2:30am. Needless to say, I did not want to wake up for church at 8:00am. I know I owe some PRIZES from my last blog give away. I will be mailing out all prizes TOMORROW.

So I thought I would share a PEAK at my project that I'm teaching at the INSPIRATION UNLIMITED event. I am using NEW products that are so NEW- that the students will be the FIRST to play with them. It is a larger 9x9 TC Bracket Book- and I added a CROWN perfect closure. So much more, but I can't give all my secrets away....

These all photos from the summer on the cover. I'm sure my husband isn't crazy about the photo of him with his BOATING hat on...but I love it!!!!

LOVE to dangle things from my book coil- LOVE LOVE and if your coming- well, it will be time to PLAY & CREATE....

Very interactive project- you can SEE three of the pages here!!!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE how my stamps- will stamp and show so much detail. That is what is so great about the cling mounted rubber stamps. How LUCKY am I to be doing my stamps for STAMPERS ANONYMOUS- they know how to produce top quality stamps.

Did you know that I introduced page protectors for my chipboard covers???? You can see the 4x6 and the 8x8 here.  They come PREPUNCHED to fit the coils/covers perfectly. (I hear they are shipping in 3 weeks).

I have officially been counting down the days to the event. Between this event and the ULTIMATE CRUISE- I am doing lots of prep and conference calls. I need to start working really HARD (working out) to feel comfortable in a swimsuit during the cruise excursions. Hello, have you seen Donna Downey??? She looks amazing- losing so much weight. What a inspiration!!!!

Ty bought me the cutest PINK snorkel gear...so he could get me in the water last year. It worked for about an hour and then we saw STING RAYS and I was DONE!!!!

It's Sunday- so we are having family time. We are watching the Olympics together and then will watch a movie together. I love SUNDAYS!!!!

Oh, I HAVE FIVE PRIZES to GIVE AWAY. I want to give AWAY 5 of my TC Stamper Anonymous HALLOWEEN STAMPS. Do you want to win???? I have to share these- because once you've used them- you'll seriously LOVE them.

GOOD LUCK- I will pick FIVE WINNERS from the comments 

WORKING...

Well these past few days have been a whirlwind. Jamie was here and we were so busy. We filmed over 10 videos- educational- for my website. I have decided that I would have never been a good actress. I did countless retakes- because I

1. ramble- I talk too much.

2. use teresa-ism's- the southern girl in me.

3. talk fast when I'm nervous.

4. forgetful- even with a board to remind me- I would forget everything I wanted to say.

5. get NERVOUS!!!!!

So it's done. I'll post when they are up online. JAMIE- you rock. We talked hours upon hours. So many GOOD things- FANTASTIC things that the future holds.  What a valuable asset she is- as Marketing Director and a friend.

So today I'm taking little Ty to a meeting at a talent agency. He wants to MODEL. Long story, but he is one determined little boy. He definitely has the personality for it. I discouraged him, but he is the one who wants to do some television/modeling. We'll see what the agency says about his aspirations. (very reputable agency- all checked out and investigated)

For now...girls- INSPIRATION UNLIMITED is on the verge of being SOLD OUT. I can't tell you how exciting this is. THANK YOU!!!! I only mentioned it on my blog and NEVER expected it to be so "successful." So thank you and if your interested- there are a FEW spots left. All the info. is on my blog sidebar and tomorrow- tomorrow- check back because I'm posting a SNEAK PEAK of my project. This event is going to be FABULOUS- a total girls retreat- a CREATIVE endeavor like non-other. I think all the sponsors onboard GROW every day. It's beyond amazing...girls- if your coming- you need to make room for all the goodies your leaving with. Only 6 more weeks (OCT.3rd).... and ONLY $199.00. We wanted this to be affordable to everyone- so if your THINKING you want to come- hurry up!!! Oh, and you should see our SHIRTS for the event...did someone say CROWNS????

Headed out the door for Ty's meeting. Wish us luck!!!

So in love...

with my husband. He fixed my laptop- and he was and is so sick right now. Thankful for his support and understanding. Jamie is coming tomorrow. YEAH!!!! Working like MAD to do samples. SOON you will see instructional videos on my website from me...

Off to baseball practice. Two boys at the same time- poor Ty leaving his sick bed to take Zach.

Oh, so will post a visual of a COOL project did...in a bit.

the ULTIMATE

I'm at my husbands office. I can't believe it. We have no intenet access at our home. Yikes!!! Talk about withdraw. Anyway, my husband (oh how I love him!!!!) is trying to keep me posted on emails that I am getting. I came to check in person and have to run home to relieve Gentry from kid sitting. Thanks Gentry!!!! She is so worn out from drill practice. They work the girls really HARD for several hours a day.

So today...so excited-

about the ultimate cruise!

SUN, SAND, LOTS of food, EXCURSIONS--plus exclusive classes with incredibly talented, creative and fun people!
SO tonight...LIVE CHAT!!!!!!!
9:00pm EASTERN TIME-

I will be coming back to the office to get online. All the teachers and the students and curious minds getting ready for the ultimate fun!!
All the teachers will be online:
jim west, margie romney-aslett, heidi swapp, karen russell, michelle van etten and donna downey and myself.

We will be joining Jim West in January on his ‘Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise’. I am SO beyond honored and thrilled about doing this with these "amazing" girls. It has been so fun to talk, and bounce ideas around. We have some things in the works that will make this truly THE Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise- an experience that is so much more than words can articulate . You won’t want to miss out! There are still some spaces available, go to Scrapmap.com.

So if are "thinking" about the ULTIMATE scrapbook vacation then come join us tonight-

Have to head home back to the kids!!!!

Happy Tuesday...

 

HOME FROM CALIFORNIA

FABULOUS.

That is the word to describe my visits to Scrapbook Territory and Scrapbook ISLAND. First, I LOVE the owners Diane and Laurie. I have known them both for years and they are much more to me than a business associate. I LOVE them. I would do anything for them. If they called and said- Teresa can you...the answer would be YES...true friends. They are the BEST hosts.

Diane picked me up at the airport (7am) and I was so tired. I only slept two hours that night. I had to leave for the airport by 4am for my flight. Diane took me to the store and then we headed to the BEST DINER for breakfast in Berkeley with my new friend Sue. Hi Sue- FABULOUS!!!!! I had the BEST omelet ever. I left my favorite sunglasses at the restaurant...bummer!!! Breakfast was great- but the conversation was wonderful. My stomach was KILLING me- (you know girls like contractions--but for no reason) I told the girls and Sue was my LIFESAVER and headed to a drug store for Pepto Bismol. No lie- it's the ONLY thing I take for stomach problems...and it worked. By the time I was teaching- about 10am- I was good to go. THANK YOU Sue and Diane!!!!

I taught all day long- 3 classes. We had a class where we did my clear dome rings- decorating them. I did two myself. I pulled out the paint, the gems and it was FUN!!!! I LOVE the rings...seriously, I get stopped EVERYDAY asking where I bought my ring. I love that their mine and that they can be so customized.  The classes went GREAT. I really connected with the classes and I saw many familiar faces and made new friends.

Of course, I shopped...the TC products were flying, and we stamped with my TC Stampers Anonymous stamps, used the BIA, DREAMKUTS, oh, so much more. Diane and Laurie carry MY ENTIRE - everything...they are well stocked with all the new...and so much more. These are dream stores for scrapbookers!!!! 

So cool to see the MANY products that I've come out with in the last 6 months displayed in one area. Can you see the closures? stamps? 9x9 covers???? the entire back side of this display was my products too. I want to pinch myself- so thankful and grateful for YOUR support.

I am thrilled with the direction my company is going. So much in the works in the future. In fact, Jamie Harper is now officially on my team. She is the Teresa Collins Marketing Director. I am so blessed to have her to help me further grow and market my lines. She is flying into UTAH this Thursday for marketing and education meetings with me. She is staying at my home- in the construction zone- and we will be filming some education videos and working nonstop for 3 days. Congrats Jamie- I am so very happy to have you on my team. I am excited and thrilled for the talent she brings to the company. Go Jamie!!!!!

So after teaching all day Friday- we headed to dinner- a group of SIX of us. I made a few new friends- hey SANDY!!!! We ate mexican food at Picantes. LOVED it- always nice after a long day to go to dinner with friends. If you know me, I don't know the word stranger. I am "too chatty" and love being surrounded by other people who bring so much to make my life brighter. THANK YOU DIANE for dinner and for going above and beyond. Diane just makes me smile and happy by being with her. I so admire her and her huge success in such a hard industry (retail). Then I went to my "oasis" to spend the night. THANK you SANDY and JACK for sharing your GORGEOUS home. It was like a bed and breakfast- so comfortable and so beautiful!!!!! Sue and Sandy and I got in some late night girl chatting. Hmmm...bad bad John Edwards. Okay- I won't judge, but wow...feel so bad for his wife. Anyway, we watched the opening ceremony to the Olympics and had the best "non scrapbooking" talk. Hey Sandy- I will definitely check out Craigslist.  I went to bed reading -breaking dawn. I love the book and am savoring it. Reading  about 200 pages a day...right now- I'm on page 489.

Saturday morning, Diane drove me to San Jose to teach at Scrapbook Island. Again, spent the day teaching the most amazing group of girls. I had two girls who took ALL six classes. What troopers...and what a drive- thanks girls!!!! Laurie had a big room rented so that we could all fit comfortably. I LOVE teaching and so I so enjoyed the day!!! Laurie took me to lunch and we were able to talk about life. She is such a good hearted person and I admire her so much!!!! After teaching, Laurie and Sue and I headed to Outback Steakhouse (about 9:30pm) we ate, talked, and were finally asked to leave the restaurant after 12am...I guess they closed and we didn't even notice it.

Sue had me laughing so hard at one point this weekend- that I was literally CRYING. I needed that. I needed this weekend. THANK YOU girls- so many of you- I can't thank you enough.

Then I flew home yesterday- and I am tired. I have 5 contractors in my house today and so I am stuck at home...hate this part! My kids go back to school in 2 weeks from today. This makes me SAD!!!!! Anyway, off to do some much needed laundry.

Have a great MONDAY!!!!!

HOME ALONE

So strange. The boys went camping and I had the entire day alone. (well, I did have construction workers here until 5) Happy to say, the home is 80% done. I think in another week- I will be able to move furniture back and that is a very good thing.

I am packing up prizes, class supplies and samples to take to Scrapbook Territory tomorrow. I have to leave my house at 4 am. I am so not a morning person!!!! I will probably stay up WAY to late tonight reading- I'm reading BREAKING DAWN by Stephanie Meyer.

This morning I had a conference call with the MOST amazing woman in the industry. Donna Downey, Heidi Swapp, Karen Russell and Michelle Van Etten. (Margie A. Romney was teaching at CKU) We were going over the Ultimate Scrapbooking cruise.... Jan. 11-17th... www.scrapmap.com that we are teaching at together. I have NEVER heard of a vacation event like this. It's beyond amazing. I want to share all the details- they will seriously blow you away. The things we have planned, the exclusive new never been seen projects, products...Wow! It is a experience that is so much bigger than the project. I hope that makes sense.

Anyway, it made me THINK all day about WHY I do what I do...what do I personally take away from it. For me, teaching is so close to my heart. So although I can't tell all our secrets- if you have EVER wanted the ULTIMATE vacation where you will be inspired by the most incrediable group of ladies- sign up. You will take ALL of our classes and SO MUCH more. Did I mention that one of the excursions, is a day spent with the instructors?...yes, scuba, snorkeling and lunch. Shh!!! I think I wasn't supposed to share that just yet. I guess that means everyone on the cruise will get to see me DEATHLY afraid of sharks and even worse- in a bathing suit!!! Ha... Anyway, in the next few days my friends and I teaching will be sharing a bit more about the event. If you are already signed up- make sure you join our yahoo group.

I have picked TEN random winners of the TC Stampers Anonymous stamps. Please mail me your address and I will send you the stamps. THANKS!!!!!

Off to pack some more. Missing my family already...thankful to be seeing so many of my friends this weekend.

Green (any shade), brown, and pink (or orange)
Blue (any shade), orange, and yello (and maybe a little brown for good measure!)

Posted by: Marie Moser | August 07, 2008 at 12:57 PM 

omg I love love the stamps!!! My fav. color of all time is Pink...forever. My friends use to call my Pinky in grade school. Of course I scrap alot in pink but I love see myself using alot of bluee/purples like periwinkle. Usually for little ones I pair a pastel with white/kraft. But for adult/grown up pages...I love using black with like Red or Magenta. Love the richness!

Posted by: Betty | August 07, 2008 at 11:01 AM 

Love reading your blogs,especially your baseball trips. My husband also coached our boys and daughter in baseball and softball, and I would be on the trips with one or the other. Now they are grown and I am a grandma for the first time! So for now I really enjoy working with all shades of pink, which has been a favorite color for the past seven years as I am coming up on seven year of being breast cancer free!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INSPIRATIONS!!
Kellie

Posted by: Kellie D | August 07, 2008 at 10:15 AM 

Not hard to guess your favorite colors! LOL! Mine are earth colors, like the browns and greens, and always a touch of black. Thanks for delivering so much fun to all you touch!
Gloria L.

Posted by: Gloria L. | August 07, 2008 at 07:09 AM 

Congratulations girls !

Hmmm...I am loving pink/white/black and blue/white/black right now :)

Posted by: Cindy | August 07, 2008 at 02:03 AM 

I'm loving kraft/black/with a touch of red!!! and I so love throwing a couple of stamped images in the mix too!!

Posted by: Bobbi in KY | August 06, 2008 at 11:59 PM 

HI BEEN WAITING TO SEE YOUR POST. WELL LOVE THE COLOR COMBOS
TURQUOISE BABY BLUE AND CELERY. JUST LOVE THE BEACH COLORS.
OR RED BLACK AND TAN
THANKS

LISA

HALL

OREGON

COAST

Posted by: Lisa Hall | August 06, 2008 at 10:58 PM 

For some reason lately I am totally into sherbet colors-pale yellow, orange, lime-maybe because it's summer and so hot. Those colors are just refreshing.

Posted by: BethW | August 06, 2008 at 11:46 PM 

ohhh more fun give-aways
my favourite colours are purple - all shades, lilac, mauve, lavender .. any shade - i love that it is my mothers favourite colour, and it was her fathers favourite colour as well .. i love that it is a 'generational' thing.
I do scrap a lot in purples to - but i also tend to do a lot of pinks and greys as well

Posted by: ~kathryn~ | August 07, 2008 at 12:51 AM 

My favorite scrapping colors are pink and green.

(my wedding was pink black and white),back then i wasn't to sure with the whole pink thing, but said hey I loce pink thats what it is going to be. I still look back at my opicts and I'm glad I chose it.Have fun in

Cali

!
P.s. How can I get you to one of my LSS on the east coast???? And how can we get your product over here??

Posted by: Caroline | August 07, 2008 at 07:29 AM 

Finally HOME-

What a long day!!!! It has been so much fun. I immediately recognized so many of the CKU girls. After teaching at so many CKU's in the past- well, I have made hundreds of friends. It was so cool to see them, and it made me want to drive down to Provo and beg them to let me teach. HA! I miss CKU.  That reminds me- in the past three days I have had over 6 invitations to come teach at events. Lots of events going on these days. Wow... as you all know- I LOVE to teach and so I've said YES to several events that will take me all across the country. Lot of fun happening in late 2008/ and 2009.

I will be at Scrapbook Territory and Scrapbook Island in N. California this weekend. Girls-I can't wait. Then in Sept. I will be HOME. My husband is going hunting with our oldest son. They drew out on a special elk hunt. I was invited to go to Africa to teach...sniff sniff- and had to turn it down. However, I'm so happy that the boys are doing something they love together. Ty likes to hunt once a year(elk) and so I support his interests. BTW- I have no interest in this at all. Then in Oct. it's the event in NV. Anyway, I have LOTS in the works and will try to keep everyone informed.

My boys leave in the morning to go camp out. They are fishing, 4 wheeling, shooting (targets), etc. and basically having a lot of fun- boys weekend away. I will be going to CA alone this trip.  I worry about the boys- I am always afraid someone is going to get hurt. I will be glad when they get home- safe & sound.

Today was so fun. The CKU girls made a mini spooktacular book with my paper and the clear zutter covers. Then they got to make a TC Scor-it Christmas card. THEN I surprised everyone with a NEW TC Halloween Stamp (designed for Stampers Anonymous). THANK YOU SA for donating stamps for ALL of the girls on the bus. That was A LOT of stamps!!!!  I simply ADORE Michelle- (owner of SA) she is the sweetest.

The tour bus was behind schedule and so the day was pretty long- but  I still had a wonderful time. Paper Creation in SLC loaded up on TC NEW and PAST releases, coils- BIA's, DREAMKUTS, etc. They brought it all in and so I was just thinking how amazing- how much I have done in the past 6 months since the TC product debut. It overwhelmed today with feelings of thankfulness- gratitude and appreciation for the tremendous support that I have.

I was WRONG on some important information. The scor-it board is $49.99 retail for the LARGE size. The small size is $29.95. I'm sorry for posting the wrong information. I LOVE mine!!! Thank you Scor-it for the fabulous give away...

So the winners of the Scor- It boards are

Happy Happy Birthday

Taylor

!
enjoy the

Oregon

Coast

its an amazing place.

Teresa- we love your new lines and we've ordered them all! woohoo

Posted by: Kristi Ottmar | August 04, 2008 at 08:15 PM 

**** KRISTI you won the LARGE SCOR-IT board….

Happy Birthday to your daughter. You could pass for her older sister. Love all of your stuff and I was very happy to get some at the Great American Scrapbook Convention. Keep it coming!

Lisa

Posted by: Lisa Bracale | August 04, 2008 at 05:59 PM

Lisa, you won the small scor-it board. Girls congrats and please email your addresses!!!!!

I am so tired, I think I am rambling. Hey, I want to give a shout out to Christy Tomlinson. Her kit club is ONE YEAR OLD- Scarlet Lime Kit club. I LOVE Christy. She is a total sweetheart and I love her kits too. Congrats Christy and congratulations on the huge success of your business!!!!!

NOW- you've been so patient to WAIT for the winners- well, GUESS WHAT???? Stampers Anonymous sent me some TERESA COLLINS stamps to give AWAY on my blog. YES- that's right- and I am going to give away TEN of them...TEN!!!!!!! Let's have some fun- tell me YOUR favorite color or color combo to scrap. I'm start...I love to scrapbook PINK/WHITE/BLACK. Oh, and I love RED too. Good luck!!!!

CKU WEDNESDAY

OKAY- so apologize for not posting the winners yet. My laptop is "not working" and I am borrowing my husbands until I can get a new power cord. This will be the THIRD cord I've had to replace this year.

Do you think it's safe to share my secret today? I think it's all good. I am headed to meet up with some CKU Provo students for a BUS TOUR. They have no idea that I will be there...so idea that they will get to stop at a LSS store here in SLC where they will all get to do a MINI "Spooktacular" BOOK with me, a TC Scor-IT CHRISTMAS CARD- and much more...I'll post TONIGHT...photos and more details...busy day.

IN CELEBRATION

I'm so happy...so so happy.

Today is my daughter TAYLORS birthday. My baby is - don't tell anybody 18 today. That makes me well...ummm.. older...ha!!!!

I miss my sweet girl. She is in St. Angel Oregon- going to school (dental hygiene) and working full time at her Aunt's dental practice. They took her to Newport today for her birthday. She has the best Aunt and Uncle and I can't thank them enough for loving and caring for my girl.

As many of you know, I got married at 19 and had Taylor shortly after that. It was hard being a young mother and I spent my "twenty's" having FIVE AMAZING children. Now, they are all GROWING up too fast. Today I'm so THANKFUL- just thankful for what I have.

So the winner of the TC new CARD/Scor it cards is:

Who cares your entire line online?????
I wish you had a online source that carries everything Teresa Collins. I would buy it all- well I already do. LOVE you and LOVE your products. Heather

Posted by: Heather A. | August 02, 2008 at 10:29 AM

NOW today...I have TWO MORE prizes to give away. These are HUGE. My friend Tim from Scor- it emailed me today and guess what???? He said he wants for me to GIVE AWAY- one LARGE Scor-it Boards and one SMALL Scor-it boards. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???? These boards are seriously- the coolest score it device that exists. They are simply AMAZING!!!!! The retail value on the boards is about $90.00 for the large. I have to say the folks at Scor-it are the NICEST- most SUPPORTIVE company to work with. See- I'm so happy today because I LOVE what I do, LOVE the people I work with and well- I LOVE when I can share all of this with YOU. So post away- we will pick TWO winners tomorrow...woo hoo!!!!

I want to tell everyone about a very cool thing- a design call for www.sugarandspicescrapbook.com. Check it out!!!! Also, another thing- I am going to do something MAJORLY fun on THIS WEDNESDAY. Hmmm...it's a BIG SECRET...and it's related to CKU....HMMMM...but I can't tell....oh, well- just know on WED. I am going to be very happy- doing something SO ME...and SO FUN.

OKAY- N. Califonia girls are you ready???? My boxes are mailed- I'm teaching 6 projects at two stores...and I have lots of surprises...I can't wait. My husband is taking the kids camping (4 wheeling/fishing) while I'm gone. I will miss them, but LOVE knowing they are out playing.

Life to good- so thankful. Happy Birthday Taylor- remember, I love you more than anything you can SAY, THINK or FEEL.

Okay, post away- Scor-it lovers!!!!! I'll pick the two winners tomorrow. THANKS Scor-it!!!!

edited: my daughter TAYLOR just called me. She is in NEWPORT, OR and stopped at a Scrapbook Store. It's TAYLOR MADE MEMORIES. She calls from the store to tell me that they carry my entire line and that LISA HALL is there and reads my blog and is going to INSPIRATIONS UNLIMITED event in October. So I told Taylor to tell her HI and THANK YOU for supporting me. So LISA- thank you thank you- how sweet!!!!! I can't wait to met you. You got to met my daughter first...ha!!!!! I think Taylor has a new job- visiting all the scrapbook stores and making sure they carry my products- WINK!!!!

sharing and SCOR-it

I am chatty today. I had some great things happen at CHA. I further expanded my product line to do TC exclusive SCOR-IT cards and envelopes. What this is a die cut sheet of a card and envelope- I designed each sheet to be reversible. So if you can decide which side is our outside card or envelope. Then I have printed icons on the top that you can cut out and dress up your cards. One sheet retails at ONE DOLLAR. So you can create your own baby, Christmas, Thank you CARD...etc. for $1.00. You use the scor it to scor the die cut card edges. Promise it is so simple- I am working on a video to post (a how to) on my blog. So here is some images of my newest cards. *these were a make n take at CHA S.

So simple- all I did for this Christmas card is use a mini photo of my son and mat it on white cardstock. I tied black ribbon to the card edge.

Another Christmas card- so you all know what my Christmas cards will be this year...

This is for BLUE card that can be used for a baby boy, birthday or anything really. I cut out my wording for this to be a baby boy with crown card.

This card is PINK- oh, I love the pink houndstooth print. I added a lot of gems to my envelope cover. The Black Damask card- well, I used this for a birthday party for Gentry turning 16. They could be for wedding, thank you, birthday...anything.

So you know me and I love to create MINI BOOKS. So I took my pink cards and my damask cards and created a album. I bound the album with the Bind it All. The book is Good Times...and I used photos that I've taken in the last couple of weeks.

 

So under every flap is a card that comes out from the envelope. (adding REAL ESTATE to the project!!!!)

Thats Gentry on the cover with our buddy Andrew.

Here is one of the cards taken out  of the envelope.... (pink houndstooth)

 

So HINT HINT if your coming to INSPIRATION UNLIMITED event- I am SURE you will get to see first hand how this CARDS work(wink wink) and we are giving away a SCOR-IT board too!!!!

Another wonderful girl JAMIE from PRISM CARDSTOCK will be at the INSPIRATION UNLIMITED event. I love their cardstock and am so excited. Jamie will be doing a DARLING make n take on Friday at the event. *hey girls who are going to the event- your going to be BLOWN AWAY with all the mini workshops, make n takes, mega workshops and PRIZES that we have in store for you. Sign up- because you DO NOT want to miss out of this event. Ms. Janna Wilson my sweet friend was just named to the Scrapbook Etc. 2008/9 ALL STAR Design Member. Her workshops are AMAZING and you will LOVE her!!! I think I'll just take Layle and Janna's classes- wink!!!! Sorry, I am so thrilled to be able to do this event in Vegas. I am thinking MY BASEBALL FRIENDS- yes, all you girls that read my blog that do not scrapbook- YOU NEED to come down to VEGAS and I'll get you started.

So who would like to win a set of my NEW CARDS?????? just post a comment...HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.... and good luck!!!!

happy Friday...

I finally crashed after 6 am and slept for two hours. I then woke up with all the looming deadlines on my mind. I finished the projects and then headed to the post office and UPS. My dear Taylor has a birthday on Monday. I sent her TWO packages. I can't say WHAT it is, since she read my blog. Okay...Taylor I am sending you the DARK Chocolate M&M's that you and Jamie love so much. So not tempting to me...

Then I headed to the pool to meet up with some friends and our boys swam and played for about three hours. I just got home and am really "feeling" the lack of sleep. Ty sent me to bed...and you know- I'm blogging instead.

Tonight, Ty and I are going to get my boxes ready for my trip (one week) to California. I have so much WORK to do- and lucky me- my family always offers to help me. We will have a "date night" tonight. We try to go to dinner or something once a week to reconnect, talk and nurture our marriage. Since the girls are gone this weekend, the  boys will come with us. So it's more like FAMILY DATE night. Hey, it works for me.

McKay gets home today from a week at Oakcrest girls camp. Wow, I'm missed my girl. She then will head to spend the weekend away at her dad's. My girls are SO EXCITED for the Stephanie Meyer book that is OUT tomorrow. I admit, I did not preorder my copy, but I will buy the book tomorrow. So love Twilight and the series...I read The Host but it didn't capture me like the other books did. I love to read, but I get so into them that I can't STOP reading. Right now, I have to be productive. Too much on my plate.

Well, we came home this week and I haven't heard from my contractor all week. I am thinking now, that it looks like I will have to hire people to come and finish the work up. I figure I could have it all done and completed in a week if I just hired contractors to come in. This has really stressed me out, and I'm trying to be positive about all the issues we have been through. Ty just wants our house done and our home back together. Thankfully, we did not pay our final payment and so it's really not that big of a deal to hire out subcontractors to come and finish it all up. So on a positive note- I'm so okay with everything and how the experience has been for me. I have now gained over 20 lbs back, and  have regressed in my weight loss efforts- but I'm okay with this too. My husband and children love me... and I did the best I could in the situation. I now understand, why everyone warned me that kitchen remodels can add inches to your waist. HA!!!! I didn't want to blog about it... but I am. Accountability is a good thing for me.

I mailed out FOUR prizes today. Thanks for all the comments and support. I am taking a nap and then will post some projects later.

I LOST IT

wow...it's 4:25 AM. I FINALLY BLOGGED AND THEN LOST MY ENTIRE ENTRY. So for now... I guess I will redo it tomorrow. I am up working on two projects for magazine publications. They have to go POSTAL tomorrow. I spent today at Hogle Zoo with my kids- my priority. Unfortunately, it means pulling a late night. I am so blessed- wow...just thankful for every day that I have to be a mom. They are my REASON  and bring me so much JOY. I was with my friend today and her two little ones got into a HUGE fight. I was watching her, and her patience. I was so impressed. I asked her if she ever "lost it" and I could tell it would be RARE if she did. I told her (she has five children too) that I had the same struggles with my kids at times. When I was tired, or growing impatient- I would simply think- I am the luckiest person to be GIVEN these WONDERFUL children to raise. I am thankful for...and count my blessings- it would keep me from getting so upset.

I needed the reminder today- of what is MOST important. Time with my children--So thankful...

Back to work...more later!!!!!