by Susan Itell | Apr 5, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning and HAPPY EASTER to all….did the bunny come visit you?
Even though the peeps are all grown up, there still needs to be traditions. In our family, Easter is always right in the middle of tax season and yes, wonderful John does put in several hours just to keep up but we always have to have fun and silly Easter fun together!
Last night we colored Easter Eggs…even my 84 year old Dad was in on the fun (it took him some convincing) but he too had a great time and then in between Basketball games/commercials we would play a quick charade!
Today I have a question for you….what does organize mean to you?
I want you to close your eyes and think about that and then write down 3 things that organize means to you….we'll come back to those 3 things later (gee…I feel like I am a teacher)
The reason I am bring this up is that I think that this is the one thing that we all struggle with and guess what – each of us are going to have a different list of what it means to each of us. That is what makes us unique!
When it comes to Stampin', being organized means having my basics and "staples" at my fingertips. Nothing rocks my world more than running out of a "staple". I have had way too many times that I have had to borrow items that were simply silly that I ran out of while I was waiting for an order to come in!
With the FREE SHIPPING next week, I encourage you to take some time and look at your supplies and make sure that you are covered with the "basics" as this is the time for you to take advantage of the FREE SHIPPING.
The best thing is…you do not have to do it today or even tomorrow as we are all busy with family and friends with Easter…as Stampin' Up! is offering this all week long!
I want to give you a great tip and truly is a time saver for me. We all seem to use the A-2 card size a bunch whether it be a horizontal or vertical fold so I purchase several of the colors that I use often as a base card (most people would say Whisper White and Very Vanilla) and I take the pack of paper to an Office Supply Store (Staples, Office Max etc…) and have them cut a BUNCH at one time.
Most stores charge $2.00 a cut and as we all know it is (1) cut…it saves so much time when you go to sit down to create! They usually can do up to 200 sheets at one time. Please feel free to email me if you have further ?'s about this. I also cut and have ready to go the1/4" smaller, 4" X 5 1/4" ( I use this on many of my cards for layering.)
Instead of listing out all of the staples that I could never be without….you will see them below in the products scrolling along. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about any of the products.
Remember that I do offer a Rewards Program that will also allow you to earn FREE STAMPS. Click here to see the details, I know many of you already have a PAW PRINT and are waiting to use your freebies with the new catalog.
(If you are unsure of how many paw prints you have, email me and I will help you figure it out)
To sweeten the week of free shipping, anyone that places and order with me next week will have the chance to win a Stampin' Basics Bundle from me! It will include:
- a pack of White 8 1/2" X 11 paper
- a bottle of mono Glue
- a pack of Stampin' Dimensionals
- a white gel pen
When we have the basics we are happy, when we have the basics we are closer to being organized….it is a win-win situation!
Have a fabulous day making memories, we have Oscar home safe and sound and he is super happy to be here (me too) and Norman loved all of his love from you! (He was on "bunny watch" last night)!!!
Until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Apr 4, 2015 | Uncategorized |
I must admit…it truly does not take much to make us happy….does it? When we hear those 2 words of FREE SHIPPING we get all giddy and our heads start to spin with excitement!
As I blogged about yesterday, Stampin' Up! announced that next week will be a week of FREE SHIPPING….when I told John (now you have to realize that he is knee deep into tax season) – he just looked at me and said…"I guess this is a good think – yippee!" (being very sarcastic)
It is the simple things that make us happy…true we know that it does save us money but it really feels like a special gift and we are all thankful and appreciative.
There are a couple of things that I want to point out to you (as I think I know you well enough)
1. Free Shipping (next week) – a great way to stock up on the basics that you use all of the time
2. On April 21st, Stampin' Up! will unveil the retiring list and you know what that means….(You'll want to snag up some of the great bargains)
3. The new catalog will be coming coming out super soon, (I will be able to pre-order goodies MAY 1st) and you know that I will be showing you new products to get you excited to purchase them when you can June 1st!
So the moral of this story is…you will most likely be making many purchases so I say BE SMART and PACE YOURSELF.
Please pop back tomorrow and I will share with you the best list of basics and must haves that will make you a happy stamper. To me, the basics are the foundation to be a happy and effective stamper!
My computer is acting up but I wanted to share with you some incredible pictures of one of our dogs, Norman…he is the best – I know he does not get much Blog time. Hannah and I rescued him from Gulf Port, MS when we were at a horse show.
It has been 2 years since he has been with us and it has literally taken him 2 years to feel comfortable and not scared. On Wednesday he came into our bedroom…put his adorable paws up on me and I was speechless as he never had the courage to do this…I could not resist for a great photo opportunity – he is simply the best!
When I walked back to our room after getting coffee and he was laying on my pillow, I truly thought someone was in my bed…I just had to put the covers up over him as he was so content.
We all want to feel special, and this was a HUGE milestone for this sweet boy we rescued…I hope that this touched your heart…
Hannah and Aidan made it home safely and we are super excited for a fun day….Oscar comes home…my Dad's coming for dinner and Basketball!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 3, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Good Friday morning to you! This is a different post….a mis-mash of things but I think that you will find it fun and hopefully bring a smile to your face! This is a fun weekend for many of us celebrating the Easter Holiday and a time that family and friends gather for many memories.
Before we get to the "mis-mash"…..I have some exciting news for you! Stampin' Up! is giving all of us a gift next week, FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING!
So….this weekend, you focus on having fun (that's what I am going to do) and next week (if I were you) – I would take advantage of having FREE SHIPPING ALL WEEK to make sure that you have all of the basics and staples to be a happy stamper for when the new catalog rolls out!
Two of the peeps are not able to come home so below you will see their baskets that are on the way to homes…I just adore this basket die and I am being totally honest that when it came out I was on the fence about it but I am soooo tooin' happy that I did hit that button to buy it!
I think that it could be made all year around for a variety of things…I did it with the birthday bash paper for a birthday and it was a huge hit!
When a make a "girls" basket, I like to put a pearl…after all - they are our best friends! Please click here to see the post that I focused on the scoop in making these super cute baskets!
I know that my blog should be about cards I make etc… but I also find that I love blogging as it let's you into my life and I love to share with you things that make me happy!
Do you want a super quick recipe that is fabulous? I purchased these super cute "Wilton" little baking cups at Michaels and there are 12 in a package. (I have made this recipe in a regular brownie pan) but these are soooo cute!
- Spray containers with Pam Spray
- Place (2) squares of refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie dough in the bottom
- Top with a double stuff oreo
- Pour brownie mix over top and bake at 350 for about 28 minutes.
These are so good, please feel free to email me if you need more help – make them – they are super quick and easy and you will be the hit!
I am leaving you with one of my favorite Easter Cards that I have made this year….this darn bunny brings an instant smile to your face each and every time I see him (it really makes me feel like dancing but that would be scary) Click here to see this post!
If you are traveling…please be safe – it is going to be super busy on the roads today. I will be thankful when Peep Hannah and Aidan get home. Tomorrow is a special day and a fun day = Hannah and I are going to be bring Oscar home (he is the sweetest horse and had to have surgery and is coming here to rehab)
Spring Cleaning and Tips are on store over the weekend so please pop back if you have the time for some inspiration and "me time" Until tomorrow….YUM – Now go and make these addictive brownies!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 27, 2015 | Uncategorized |
I told you yesterday that I had a different post for you today~ I hope that you enjoy it and it is helpful to you. Spring is here (I guess) and we ll know that once the "Spring Fever Bug" hits us…we get busy cleaning, organizing and doing things we just have not prioritized lately!
We all have certain areas that we tackle….mine is the laundry room…the pantry and the garage…these are places that it just "feels good" to have in order. Well….I am going to throw in for you our craft areas. Right now mine looks like a bomb went off but if you are anything like me, I call it "organized clutter" and I know where the things are that I need….
But seriously,, we all need to clean out as once we are free of the clutter and truthfully the items that we just do not use, we are not only more productive, but we are more creative and happier! Below, this saying is soooo true – I am sure that when we go thru and see what we have…we'll find some gems!
- Find a block of time that you can work in small spurts to tackle an area. If you try to conquer too much in one day…you'll end up looking like a dog chasing it's tail!
- Don't shoot me….but if you are like me, you probably have a bunch of teeny tiny scraps and you are holding onto them to punch a tiny flower (that is great BUT) you feel soooo much better clearing off your immediate area of the little pieces laying around.
- Find an organizational system that works for you…we all do things differently so what works for me might be frustrating to you.
- Have a bulletin board in your craft area that you can pin up ideas, to do lists, things that need to be ordered and lots of inspirational quotes….(these are the ray of sunshine that pick you up when you feel like your that dog chasing your tail!)
- Have a notebook that you can write ideas down, write down what worked for you …and what didn't….it you are making something an odd shape, write down how you did it. I need to do this all the time for many different projects, especially boxes etc….
- Make cards in multitude…you know that I am a clean and simple gal so the way I figure, if you are making one…why not make more! This way you are always "good to go" when you are in a pinch. We all know that there are certain cards that we love, these are the ones to make more of. If you get into the habit of this, you will quickly see that you are less stressed and you will enjoy the process of "your time" better!
- We all do this…we see what others are making…we watch endless videos and you tube but when it comes right down to it, FIND YOUR STYLE…when you do this and embrace that…you learn not to be as hard on yourself. We all have our own style, that's what make us special!
- Make sure that you always have the "basics – the staples"…think of our craft areas like our kitchens….I do not know about your house – but if we run out of milk, coffee and ketchup – you would think the world is coming to an end – the same is sooooo true for our "fun space"…
Time to talk about the basics…the list that you do not want to be without!
First we are going to start with the Stampin' Up! items that you need to have (the staples) that will make you productive and happy. You all know that I could go on and on….trust me – this is the short list!
These are items that we always need and should have "back ups"!
- Whisper White and Very Vanilla Paper with the coordinating envelopes
- Whisper White Notecard and envelopes
- Adhesives: Snail adhesives (and at least one refill), glue dots, (2) "green glue", sticky strip
- Stampin' Dimensionals – (2) packs at least
- Extra set of cutting blades for the stampin' timmer
Here is a "short list" of tools that are key ( in my eyes!)
- Stampin' Trimmer
- Stamp-a-ma-jig
- Adhesive Remover (best little gem!!!)
- Pick (3) punches
- Big Shot
- Circle Framelits, Oval Framelits and pick a fun one that speaks to you!
- (2) Embossing Folders
- Envelope Punch Board
- Paper Snips
- Craft Scissors (I know, these are pricey but sooooo worth it – ask for it as a B-day gift)
- Bone Folder
- Paper Piercing Tool
- Silicone Mat
- Stampin' Pierce Mat (2) – 1 for stamping and then other for piercing
- Grid Paper (you'll buy a pack and it lasts F O R E V E R and you'll love it)
- Stampin' Scrub and cleaner (this is a great thing to have, I always clean my stamps ASAP)
- White Gel Pen
Here's a short list of Non Stampin' Up! things that are sooooo useful!
- A good ruler
- "Magic Rub" Eraser
- A mechanical pencil
- Post it notes and Post it tape
- P Touch Label Maker (it's the type A in me)
- Wax Paper
- Several storage containers that "snap" so things do not fall out!
Wow – I could go on and on…actually I could write a book but I will not bore you. You can see that I have not touched on stamps and also more specific paper basics.
Please know that I am the 1st to acknowledge that there is an investment with what our fun and passion is….BUT do NOT underestimate what we love to do. Creating works of art from your heart is TOTALLY PRICELESS and it is a WIN-WIN for both YOU and for the recipient!
I love what I do…I would have never thought I would be doing what I do….but it is the best!
Simple Saturday and Step It Up Sunday are ready for you…I hope you pop back! Many thanks for hanging in there for this post, please feel free to leave a comment and I thank you!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 26, 2015 | Uncategorized |
NEW GOODIES….UP TO 80% OFF!!!
Stampin' Up! just added goodies to the clearance rack….here come a WOOT-WOOT as there are some great gems in there….just in time to wrap up Sale-A-Bration!
Remember, these items count towards the threshold to get to that $50.00 increment to get a free item. Click here to see all of the freebies all on one page!
Have fun…there are some real keepers! Until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Mar 23, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Good Monday to all! I had a FABULOUS weekend seeing Hannah and her friends. I went down as her sorority was having a dinner/fund-raiser for Early Detection for Breast Cancer and the girls proudly raised over $81,000.00 -wowzers – that was in 1 event!
Hannah goes to a very small college (1,800 students) and it is just amazing to me the support they get from the community for auction items and also the dedication and passion these young women have for Breast Cancer. They had a fabulous speaker and it was just a great event. When I download pictures I will share with you how adorable the tables were.
I was able to see Hannah play a Lacrosse game yesterday and hit the road for a normal 6 hour drive but it took me over 9 hours….there was an accident (2 of them) and even the lights on John's car said…"Driver Alert – time to take a break!" I was shocked that I car knew that the driver was driving too long!
Enough about my life but the moral of the story is…no challenge today – we'll do it tomorrow. I did all of my posts for the weekend before I left and I figure I would do today's when I returned home…but not only was it too late – I was pooped! So sorry…I need to be perky for my 1st therapy at 8 a.m.!
So…the WINNER IS…..(love her comment – great point about storage – this is something that we all struggle with)
I cannot wait to go thru all of the comments over the weekend and see what you all thought of the questions and I ADORE reading your responses….I will share with you the major findings…
So sorry if I let you down about not posting but it just was not in the cards….BUT a HUGE woot-woot to Opal! I have your things already in a priority mail box (I did that before I left for the weekend) so please email me your address and I will see that they get to you!
I have another great week of inspiration for you this week – trust me….I had LOTS of time to think of things that I want to share while I was driving! (I get my inspirations in weird ways)
Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!
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To sweeten the week of free shipping, anyone that places and order with me next week will have the chance to win a Stampin' Basics Bundle from me! It will include:
