be yourself: live with passion

BIG PICTURE = BIG ON COLOR

This summer, Big Picture Scrapbooking is BIG on COLOR!

I'm so excited to be a part of their colorful summer with the launching of my class, COLORS OF YOUR WORLD, on July 5th.

I've had a number of emails asking about the class and the questions boil down to this:  Is this class a scrapbooking class or is it an art journaling class?  Well, the answer is, "BOTH!" 

If you're a scrapbook designer, all of the elements of a good page are present-title, photo, journaling, product and some cool techniques.

If you're an altered artist or art journaler, you have all of the above elements, plus a section on how to make it yours with artsy additions and other cool products.  Plus, you have the choice of how you want to present your pages-in a journal, in an album or in a box!

How cool is that...lots of color, lots of techniques and lots of choices!

If you're concerned about not being able to do the class because the kids are home from school and the household is sooo busy...no worries.  Simply download the pdf. file each week, print or save to your computer, and create when you are ready.  Or, how about this?  If your children know their colors, involve them in creating a little color journal of their own.  Snap pictures of colorful items in their world and allow them to create with you.  You will probably have leftover scraps from your pages...a perfect way to involve them and allow their creativity to colorfully blossom!

I'm going to tease you a bit with a little quiz...

1.  In what color of kitchen do couples argue the most?

2.  If you were attending a wedding in Greece, what color of gown might the bride be wearing?

3.  What is the most common corporate color?

Interested yet?  For answers to these questions, as well as other fun color facts and bits of color psychology, tune in on July 5th.  (You will notice that I didn't highlight the word "color" in any of the questions...don't want to give any hints :))

Registration ends July 8th so make sure you register today!

Looking forward to sharing a BIG COLORFUL WORLD with you!

Back home and blogging again...

It feels like a long time since I've blogged but it isn't for a lack of something to say.

Last evening, I returned from my trip to Virginia to teach at Scrapbooks Plus.  If all I had done was meet the women in that store and teach, it would have been considered a fabulous time.  But, in addition to those two great days, I also had the opportunity to stay at Pam's house for a couple of days before teaching and at Jeanette's house on Sunday and Monday morning before leaving for the airport. 

Pam took me to Leesburg and during that day trip, I got to finally meet Amy of Inspireco, who was working at The Cottage that morning.  What a clever and creative mind Amy has...I thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Cottage...plus Amy joined us for lunch, an afternoon of shopping and then dinner that evening.  The pic is of Amy and Pam at the entry to The Cottage.  It was a fabulous June day...perfect for strolling through the quaint, historic town.

One of our stops was at On A Whim...check out that pink and black polka dotted silo...awesome, is it not?  I found a couple of cool things at that store.   Several antique stores later, I was in total overload.  Everything I wanted was huge...as in furniture!  I'm thinking I'm going to need a pretty huge studio (more along the lines of a house!) to hold all of the furniture I liked!

Pam and her husband are incredibly hospitable people...her hubby even got up to make me Finnish coffee with a French press each morning.  Wow...I think I could get used to that real quick!  Pam and I think that we're "soul sisters"...there are so many things we do alike...we own the same cookware, cannisters, cookbooks, etc., etc....and we like the same things when we go shopping (which makes it tricky when there's only one of the item :)).

The classes were awesome...what a fun group of women...they were so willing to try new things and techniques and were so appreciative.  Huge thanks to Debbie, owner of Scrapbooks Plus, for the invitation and to Pam, for all of her work in coordinating the weekend and in helping me in the classroom.

The pic is part of what I dubbed "The Cabin Crew"...they get together a couple of times a year at a cabin by a lake and do nothing but crop for the weekend...well, maybe they do a few other things...but what happens at the cabin...  :))

I went over to Jeanette's house after the crop on Saturday night.  The house is just as I pictured from snippets she has shown on her blog...absolutely gorgeous!  We ended up getting a second wind and staying up...late...and gabbing...seems like we just couldn't stop talking!

On Sunday, Jeanette and Carol took me to Middleburg for brunch, where we were joined by Angie and Pam.  After a fabulous meal (thank God these women enjoy food as much as I do!), we shopped at some of the great stores in Middleburg.  Shopping deserves a reward so a great Italian dinner followed.  We wrapped up the evening in Jeanette's studio.  Her blog pix just don't do it justice...there's an ambience there that doesn't show up in the little pictures she presents.  We hung out there for quite a while...talking, of course.

Jeanette took me to the airport on Monday morning...I have to say that I somewhat reluctantly got out of her SUV at the airport.  It's just amazing how quickly I felt connected with so many of the people I met...

By the time I got home last evening, my voice was hoarse...we definitely did talk a lot! :))

I'm looking forward to September when quite a few of the same group of women come out to Creative Escape in Arizona.  It's going to feel like a family reunion!

So...thanks Virginia chicks...you are awesome.  Can't wait to come back!

But, I missed my family so it's good to be home again!

So...what's been happening on the home front?

There are boxes all over my house...product coming and product going.  What an exciting mess!  So much has been happening...just wanted to share some good stuff...

First of all, COLORS OF YOUR WORLD, my class at Big Picture Scrapbooking, has been announced and is posted for registration.   What a great time I've been having formating the class...it's based on the color journal pages I created ages ago...last November, to be exact...you can check it out here.  While we aren't doing the same pages, here's what you can expect:  a different color family every week...fun color facts and trivia...cool design ideas and/or techniques...using your stash :))...12 layouts at the end of the 8 week class. 

My blog banner contains snippets of the first 4 layouts we do...lots of color!

Here's a funny conversation between hubby and me concerning the cost of the class:

Vern:  So what are they charging for the class?

Me:  $45.00

Vern:  Per week?

Me:  No, for the whole thing!

Vern:  Are you serious?  That's a screaming deal!  It would be a no-brainer for them to sign up with all the teaching material you're giving them!

Me:  Yep...I agree.

So, there you have it.  Some shameless spousal promotion!  Class begins July 5th...just around the corner!  Hope I get to chat with you in the class!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am teaching a Life Stories class tomorrow at Scrapbooks, Etc.  The layouts are all about cool ways to preserve your travel memories...travel journal style.  The pages are loose and free=flowing with some fantastic ways to incorporate lots of pictures and travel stuff (you know, the stuff from the bottom of the purse or tote!) onto a page.  Here's a little sneak peek of one of the layouts.

I'm also packing kits and supplies to ship off to Virginia...next Wednesday, I'm flying to D.C. for a weekend of teaching at Scrapbooks Plus in Chantilly, Virginia.   So excited about the classes as well as just taking two extra days to play, go shopping and eat out with my fabulous friends Pam and Jeanette.   They have some very cool stuff planned...I'll definitely take snaps and share...

JUST ANNOUNCED:  I'll be heading to Massachusetts to Right At Home Scrapbooking at the end of August to teach at a weekend event called the End of Summer Weekend Art Event.  How cool is that.  Right At Home is one of the best scapping stores in New England and it's such an honor to be asked to teach there!  Plus, I met Sharon (one of the owners) last year at Creative Escape and she is just delightful.  I'm totally looking forward to meeting the Massachusetts girls!

------------------------------------------------

One final thing...yesterday, I picked up the July issue of Memory Makers Magazine.   So exciting...there's an article in there that I wrote and two layouts that I taught at Scrapbooks, Etc. earlier this year.   The article is called "Class Act" and its about the rewards and benefits I have experienced from teaching memory art classes.  As a bonus, they also posted two additional projects that I taught here.  Fun stuff!

There you have it...the home front has been busy...all good stuff...all happening at once!  At least my gravestone will NEVER say "she died from boredom". 

Looking forward to seeing/meeting all of you who are taking classes...locally, online, in Virginia, and in Massachusetts!  Life is Good!

WE HAVE A COUPLE OF WINNERS!!!

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE............

And our winners are.......

ANIA      AND     MACKEY!

Congratulations to both of you.  If you could email me your addresses, I'll get the packages out to you right away!.

Thanks, everyone, for your contributions...it was better than reading a best selling novel!

YOU...ARE AMAZING!

You are amazing storytellers.

You are amazing to share such incredibly great stories with all of us.

You have enriched my life with your stories.  I have read every story;  I've laughed at some, have gotten teary eyed over some and have cheered those of you who are finally taking some much needed vacation time.

I'll be drawing two names in about 3 and a half hours so keep the stories coming...but after I got up and read the comments that came in overnight, I just had to post and say thanks...I wish I had a whole carton of books so that each of you could have one!

You are the best!

in the spirit of summer travel...

I've been working on some travel journal layouts and in the spirit of summer, travel and creating journals with our photos, I've decided to do a giveaway.

What will it be this time?

How about a brand spankin' new copy of 7 gypsies in Paris?  This book was published in 2004 and is no longer in print.  Its cover is soft and has the feel of an old and worn journal...it's even embossed.  The whole interior graphic design resembles a travel art journal and there are several interactive pages, including a shopping bag book project that I contributed.

I think that this book was published before its time...a time when most scrapbook artists didn't see the point of memory art in home decor projects...a time when simple scrapping dominated the market place.  But now, all you have to do is spend a couple of hours surfing through memory art blogs and there are home decor projects everywhere.

While I know that a lighter and brighter shabby vintage is really big now, why not add a little variety to your creations with an old vintage style?

To sweeten the pot, I'm also going to include a pack of vintage 7 gypsy papers and embellies...some of these are discontinued products...ooooh la la!

All you need to do is to share with us about a favorite trip, a vacation you're taking this summer or your favorite way to preserve your vacation memories.   I'll pick a comment...NO, WAIT!  LET'S MAKE THAT TWO COMMENTS!!!!! and two of you will be the winners of a cool travel journal idea book and some fun stuff to play with. 

How about if we keep the drawing open until Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. (Arizona time)?  Looking forward to hearing about your travels!!!!!

New life stories class next Saturday...

                  

...at Scrapbooks, Etc. in Mesa, AZ.  Call 480-854-2303 to reserve your spot.

                    

A "beary" good time!

Ashley and Elizabeth spent this past week in San Diego as a celebration of their graduation from ASU. 

It's sort of a last fling before getting "serious" about life...taking on jobs and graduate school...having to really be an adult. :))

They had a blast out there.  Ashley drove so that they would have a set of wheels to get around.  One of the things they did was to visit the San Diego Zoo...again!  Ashley is crazy about bears...and I must admit that I fed her craziness by buying lots of stuffed bears for her throughout her childhood.  Last summer, we visited the huge Boyds Bear store in Gettysburg, PA and had a blast.  While I'm not a bear collector (gotta put a limit on how many collections I have, afterall!), I love seeing them and buying them for others.

Ash told me that there were two 2 year old Pandas and she captured one of them here.

  Here's a great shot of one of the polar bears...they are soo cute.  She actually captured this one on video as he tripped on one of the rocks and almost took a spill.

Obviously, they had a great time as they shopped and ate at Seaport Village, went to DelMar to the beach, browsed on Coronado...and of course, visited the zoo.

We're glad that they had a chance to go...that they had fun...and, of course, that they had a safe trip!

I'm really proud of both girls and wish for them God's richest blessing as they start this new chapter in their lives!

Photos of bears and Seaport Village taken by Ashley.

   

simple, casual, gourmet...

...is how we like to eat.  If you've read my blog, it doesn't take long to figure out that we are foodies.  When friend Kim tagged me to share an easy peasy recipe that the family would like, the challenge became which one of many should I share...

Last night, I made Braised Lamb Shanks, a definite family favorite and thought I'd share my recipe.  The inspiration for this meal came from Mission Hills Cafe in San Diego (which unfortunately is no longer in business).   It was the first time I had eaten lamb shanks and I was determined to try to duplicate what they'd done when I got home.  After a couple of attempts, it tasted like their meal.

Since this is my recipe and I don't usually cook with measuring spoons and cups, I'm really going out on the limb by giving some measurements.  :)  OK, here goes:

Braised Lamb Shanks

Lamb Shanks (1 per person)

1 onion, cut in half and sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced thin

1 lb. bag baby carrots, left whole

8 cloves garlic, peeled and cut in half

1 lb. white or Crimini mushrooms, sliced

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 1/2 cups beef broth (more if you are making more than 4 shanks)

1/2 cup red wine (or use more broth)

1 tsp. Herbes de Provence

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown lamb shanks in a braising pan, large covered skillet or dutch oven.  Add veggies, herbs, salt and pepper.  Add broth and wine.  Bring liquids to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover pan and braise for two hours.

Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and some crusty bread.

By the way, our Sam's Club has been carrying the most delicious garlic smashed red potatoes in bags in their refrigerated section...awesome with the shanks.

Instead of tagging anyone since so many of my friends don't cook or don't have a blog, how about this?  If you have a great simple recipe to share, will you post it in the comment section?   Would love to have a recipe exchange thing going on...

Happy eating! 

case in point...

Thanks to all who posted and left me emails about the things that really mattered to them.  I was again reminded of what was important in life on Sunday afternoon.  Thanks to an invitation from friend, Tena Sprenger, I had the privilege to volunteer at Desert Banner Hospital's annual Childhood Cancer Survivor Day.  Tena's three year old niece, Sami, is currently going through the program for the treatment of leukemia and it was through Tena's contacts at the hospital that she was asked to organize a scrapbooking station for the event.  Friends Laurie Stamas and Kelli Collins completed the quartet of volunteers.

Tena (shown here with our very first superstar scrapper) did an awesome job of coordinating the event.  She found sponsors, chopped paper and did lots of cool die cuts for the kids.  Many thanks to Scrapbooks, Etc., Bazzill, and scrapbook.com for their generous contributions!

The papers and embellies were arranged "buffet style" so that each child could pick out their own colors and papers.  It was so fun to watch them pick their stuff...I had a little two year old who knew exactly what she wanted and do you know what?  She has an amazing sense of style...I see a future scrapper on the horizon...for sure.

Do you know what stood out in my mind about the whole afternoon?  The parents and children were happy...they were loving the event...they weren't grousing about their station in life.  The parents were patient and oh so gracious.  These are folks who would have plenty to grumble about...after all, what they've just gone through or are going through doesn't seem all that fair.  Seems to me that somewhere along the line, they figured out what really mattered.

To see pictures of Sami and to read more about the event, check out Tena's sister, Tricia's blog.  Sami is a doll and says the funniest things...totally enjoyed her.

Thanks, Tena, for the invite and for putting together such a fabulous station!