Hopefully by now it you have been following my blog for some time there are 2 things that you probably know about me…

• I would much rather give than get….

• My dear husband and best friend injured himself 6 weeks ago…(can you believe it's already been 6 weeks….he is doing great – so darn proud of him!

Why am I telling you this? – this is my Birthday month and I will admit, it is a milestone one…but age truly does not bother me one bit…being able to celebrate another year with health is all I need!

I am also not one much for surprises but there is no doubt that I love to have fun…but I do not like to be the center stage of the fun….I'm a giver honestly!

Last night, I was being captured by my dear Iguana's to have a girls night together! My wonderful Dad came out to the house to be with John ! All I know is to be ready at 5:15 sharp….casual dress! It will be fun whatever we do!

We call ourselves the Iguana's (my daughter Hannah laughs at us as she thinks Mom's at our age should not be in a "so called" sorority)

Several years ago….the 10 of us traveled together to the Cayman Islands for the most incredible 4 days together one could imagine…we laughed, we relaxed, we had non-stop fun and we all have a very special bond together! The best way to sum it up is…we are blessed!

Wasn't it great of them to give me some advance notice so I can be a Scout and "Be Prepared"….today's card I made for each of them because I already know whatever we are up to….they made my day!

This is a simple, festive and super easy and fun card to make a bunch of!

I think by the time John is able to be back to work…he could probably do my cards and blog (ha-ha!!!) He is my best critic and when I showed him the 1st go around….he did not like the embossing folder I chose…back up the steps I went and when I came back with this….he said – now I like it!

Here you go my dear old faithfuls…please CASE away and keep this layout in your mind as it's a keeper for many different cards!

• Very Vanilla to the rescue in the traditional A-2 card size but I cut it at the 4 1/4" long ways and then scored it at 5 1/2" but had the fold open to the side – just something a bit different!

• The highlight of this card is using the Regals Core'dinations Paper…this paper is soooo much fun and creates such an unique texture! After using the Big Shot with the Pretty Print Textured Impressions Embossing Folder…the WOW started to happen!

• What next….now's the fun! Using the Sanding Block and giving the embossed surface a good scruff…the magic came to life as the fibers of the paper started to break down and show a new , fun life and texture to the card!

• Taking a piece of Very Vanilla and stamping in crushed curry the image of the wheat from the Truly Grateful Stamp Set was the perfect start to this sentiment focal part!

• Going "over" the wheat with the sentiment from A Dozen Thoughts was the "hands down", perfect sentiment for my friends! Love…LOVE this set…I have used it over and over!

• What's next….of course a bit of bling for my friends! A simple piece of Soft Suede Ribbon tied in a simple yet classic knot is all that is needed!

• Last but not least – the liner….my signature finale of a card! I used the Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper it makes the perfect finishing touch…of course the Envelope Liner Framelit was the perfect tool to whip out 10 of these cards!

I hope that today's post inspired you…and you were able to take a tip from it and put it to use! This paper is really fun and I think we forget about it…

Tomorrow is a fun day for the PALS….it is our monthly Blog Hop and you will have a blast hopping from blog to blog being inspired with Halloween ideas….

Many of the participants are having…blog candy – you know I will be offering some and whoever wins it is going to be happy….after all – what is Halloween without the candy!!!

You know what today is….the opportunity of a lifetime!

You can join Stampin Up! for just $25.00 = now there is just no justifiable reason why you would not want to be a part of this fun, inspiring and "spot on" Company that is celebrating it's 25th anniversary and I am sure the best is yet to come!

I would love the opportunity to talk with you….please click here and email me…this truly is a wonderful opportunity…

As I have shared with you being able to be so blessed to have the Iguanas get together and have a fun evening…I feel equally blessed with my Stampin Up! family of friends that I have met through this great and short time with you!

I have been a demonstrator for just 17 months….and I will say I love what I do, I love helping you, and I know that it does make a difference….one step at a time! I would not trade the relationships I have built for anything!

Being a part of Mary Fish's incredible team in itself has been so uplifting and fun! I would love for you to be on this journey with me and experience 1st hand what it is like to be a part of this fun and inspiring family!

Have a fabulous day…here's to a new week…here's to a great week!

Until tomorrow!