I spent most of the day after getting home with my legs and feet elevated. I don't think I drank enough water and I was so swollen and gained 9 lbs in the time I was gone. It was crazy!!!! I know it was from eating differently too. It was simply amazing and I had memories that I will never forget. I wanted to share just a few photos- You can see ALL of my photos on my facebook page- www.facebook.com/tcdesigns
There was just too many to put on my blog. The country of Portugal is beautiful beyond words. I fell completely in love with the people and the culture. It will forever live in my heart and mind. The people are so genuine, kind and loving. It was simply beautiful to witness.
This is Tiffani Smith. She was my traveling buddy. She lives in Utah too and she was teaching at the event. We were on the go the entire time. We arrived in Lisbon, Portugal and then we went to tour the city. Our first stop was at the most popular pastry shop. We were so tired, but we were thrilled to be in such a beautiful country.
This is Patricia and she hosted the event. I will tell you that she went above and beyond to be the most wonderful host. I was so touched by her kindness and generosity. I will forever be changed in my heart and life from her example. I felt deeply touched by her influence. Her kind heart makes her the most beautiful person. The event was a huge success. She makes everyone feel so special. She has the most beautiful family and watching them together was something I will never forget.
We visited Sintra and the castles were over the top amazing. The country has the most amazing beautiful sites. I was trying to absorb all the beauty. We spent the entire day on Friday visiting more sites. We did not want to stop since we had a limited time to see everything.
The weather was BEAUTIFUL and it was more than I could have ever imagined. I would love to go back again. It was paradise and I truly love the people and the opportunity to go there. Thank you Leonor for being a fabulous tour guide and translator. You are a forever friend....
I loved the architecture.
The teachers at the event- Paula Pasquel (Sizzix), Patricia (teacher and owner), and Tiffani Smith. We had many great conversations and shared much laughter and good memories. We bonded in a beautiful way and I truly consider them my friends.
This is one of my four classes that I taught at the event. Look at these beautiful women. They were so wonderful and I am thankful that they even laughed at my jokes. It is amazing how many of them speak or understand English. I was so impressed with each of them!
The event started and I was told that the TC X Sticker Makers sold out before the first class began. Then ALL of my idea books sold out too. What a great way to start the event. The book behind the idea books is the project that I taught (Everyday Moments collection) with.
This is Vera and her friends. They are the ULTIMATE fans! They watch my weekly My Craft Channel segments and Vera even has the TC Stampmaker and her own Cricut machine. I so enjoyed meeting the girls.
Scrapbooking is VERY new in Portugal. I asked and the longest I could find that anyone had been scrapbooking was THREE years. It is just getting started there. It is expensive there as well and I am now going to do everything I can to help foster, develop and help the country to grow in this hobby. It is important and I know they feel the same way.
This is two editors from the magazines (home decor, crafts, etc.) They do not have a scrapbook magazine. I did an interview with them and we posed for photos. It was so wonderful to be apart of this amazing event. I am so THANKFUL to be invited to go and teach. I would go back in a heartbeat. If you ever get the chance to visit Portugal....go go go... you will love it!
These girls are so fun and I loved meeting every one of them!
So thankful for this beautiful girl. She was my translator for Saturday and I was in a very talkative mood. ha! Thank you.... you made my experience OVER THE TOP amazing.
Okay- there are so many more photos and you can find them here: www.facebook.com/tcdesigns
I will just end by saying that I feel like I was the one was gained from my visit to Portugal. I observed a new culture that inspired me in my life. The love among the people was so strong and real. Watching Patricia's family was something I want to embed in my heart and be like. The kind ways they treat each other and their family first devotion was something that spoke to me. I am one very lucky girl and I am so grateful for this opportunity.
I wanted to share a beautiful layout today with you.
Designed by Keisha Campbell-