Crazy Beautiful Life

Switch-a-Roo + Alter Ego

That's right!  The Lollipop Girls of Candy Shoppe Designs have switched design teams with the awesome DT at The Pink Ninjas for this next challenge!  

Alter Ego

Alter ego.  We've all got one.  Are you someone by day and someone else by night?  What's your split personality?  Show us your alter ego ---no matter how deranged and crazy it may be.  :)

What you have to do:

*Include some type of splattering on your creation (using paint, ink, etc.) and

*Make your title pink

This was my first time splattering paint (on anything). LOL  A paintbrush didn't work for me so I used an old toothbrush and flicked paint onto my layout.  I had splatters of pink paint in my hair, on my face and shirt, everywhere.  It got a little messy but it was fun and different! 

Superwoman

 

 

 Journaling:  My bad!  That's just my alter ego talking again.  I wish I could do it all but I can't.  I am human and I do have limitations.  I fail miserably sometimes but I will never stop trying! :)

Embrace your family, count your blessings, and enjoy your Thanksgiving! 

Much Love,

Sandy

 

*Fabulous Autumn*

Hello. I love Fridays.  I love sleeping in on Saturdays (if Brianna lets me..haha).  I can't sleep in too long tomorrow though because I have a MUCH needed hair appointment with my stylist. :)  "Make me beautiful!" I always tell her.  Bless her heart, she tries. :-/

 It feels like it's been a while since I last posted.  I haven't been feeling so great.  You know how you instinctively know when something's not right with your body?  Well, it's hard to explain but I feel strange--something's not right.  I'm in the process of changing doctors and hopefully I'll know what's going on with me soon.  Maybe it's just exhaustion and stress.  I don't know.  How much can you push before your body says, "No More!". 

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Remember the Basic Grey "Indian Summer" I was so gung ho about?  I received it, and sadly, it sat on my desk for nearly 3 weeks before I started it.  When I did begin working on it I was excited until I noticed it was getting really thick.  I knew by the time I finished it, it would be even thicker (and barely close).  So--lost my attention on that and let it sit some more. LOL  I finally finished it (don't want to look at or even work with this line for a LONG time) and it's a pretty fat "mini" if you ask me.  Taking pictures was tough. 

I'm only showing a couple of the pages here.  If you'd like to see all of them, I've created a photo album for it.  You can find it down on the right hand side under "Photo Albums" or simply click here.  Once there, click on the thumbnails and see the larger version.  :)

 

 

 

 

Enjoy your weekend.  :)

 
 

Tiny Dancer

Good afternoon!  Okay, just out of curiosity, has anyone already put up their Christmas tree and started decking the halls?  lol  It's early but I'm thinking about doing that this weekend.  :)

Now onto my reason for this post.  There's a new challenge up at the Candy Shoppe.  It's called "Team Edward vs. Team Jacob".   You get to choose which team you want to be on.  I chose Team Jacob.  To be on this team, you have to create something with the colors brown and white (even the tiniest amount) and include a heart. 

Here's what I created:

 

When Brianna was 1 years old, nearly 2, it blew me away the first time I saw her standing straight up on the very tip of her toes to reach for something.  "Ouch!" was my first reaction!  Later I thought, "She'd be awesome in ballet."  So, when she turned 3, I enrolled her in ballet classes.  I remember other parents gasping as she walked across the floor en pointe that first day.  No cameras were allowed in the studio during practice--so snapped these sweet pictures of her one day after class. :)

 
  

If you chooseTeam Edward, your paper creation needs to include the colors red and black (again, the smallest amount will do) and you have to make your creation sparkle--so grab all that fun bling bling!  

You have until Sunday, 22 November to participate in this challenge.  Sure hope you come over and join us for this fun challenge.  :)

The winner will score this awesome "Bewitching" kit from Color Me Miki.  As you can see, it includes some of the new Pink Paislee "Twilight" line. :) Yummy!!

 

I must be going now because Brianna Boo is expecting a fresh batch of brownies when she gets home from school.  That's why you never "announce" what you're "going to do" because there's always someone there to remind you when you don't.  :)  It's like when you decide to go on a diet, announce it, and it never happens and then you hear, "I thought you were watching your diet!".  Haha!  Have a wonderful day!

 

...MIA...

Yes, I've been a little MIA when it comes to updating this blog.  Since my hubby's been gone it's been non-stop "things to do"...and just plain ole living.  I've had to make several phone calls to take care of things.   For instance, we have a sprinkler system and I had to call around and find someone to come and winterize it for me.  I have no idea how to do that!  Finding a reputable lawn maintenance service is another.  I'll pick weeds and plant flowers in my little garden--but I don't mow and have never picked up a weed eater. LOL   Why is this a big deal for me?   Why does Jeff usually take care of all important phone call "matters"?  I HATE talking on the phone---PERIOD!  Too bad I can't just text..LOL  Jeff, if you get the chance to read this...I just want you to know how much I love and appreciate you.  Stay safe baby...kiss, kiss. 

I want to share a little something with you that's part of a project I'm working on for Brianna's class.....

 

We did a little 5 minute photo shoot yesterday to get some pictures-- specifically of her making her best "scary" faces. LOL  I showed a couple to my mom afterward and she goes, "She looks POSSESSED!!!".  Ummm...yah, that's the point.  LOL

The above picture is as close to being spooky as she'll probably ever get.  She FINALLY decided, after going back and forth between like 4 different costumes, what she wants to be for Halloween this year:

Pretty Pumpkin Witch

And found this cute Cauldron handbag for her to collect her candy in:

 

During that 5 minute "Spooky-Shoot", I did manage to snap some super sweet pictures of her....wow, she's looking so grown up.  She'll be 5 in November..cannot believe it.

 

 

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Onto scrappy news...C.S.D. has posted it's newest challenge "Watch Your Language!".  Candy Shoppe Designs is NOT your AVERAGE paper crafting blog---and this challenge is proving that......once again!!    

You have to CUSS!  Bad words exist and well...we've all let it slip...so why not put in on paper?! :) You up for the challenge?  Come show us what you got!! 

Here's my take on the challenge:

 

Journaling:  Dressing up as a sexy cop on Halloween made me feel so Bad Ass!  

 

The winner of this challenge will be receiving a 309 Piece Collection Kit by Sassafras Lass called "Starry Night" from the Life is Beautiful line.  Much thanks to Jill Coody, owner of Memorable Seasons, who is sponsoring this awesome prize. :)

 

   
 
 
 
 

 
 

~Fashionably Geek~

Hey again!  I'm back with exciting news. There's a new challenge up at C.S.D. called "Fashionably Geek".   Honestly, I had way too much fun with this one and I'm sure you will too! :)

Here's the simple rules:

-The base of your Paper Creation should be BLACK. It doesn't have to be all black or even plain black, but black. With that said, you don't have to create a layout. It can be any kind of Paper Creation (a layout, a card, a mini album, an altered item, etc.).
-The title/journaling on your Paper Creation (should you choose to add one) should be WHITE.
-You must include a PLAID, CHECKERED or ARGYLE PRINT and
-You must include an APPLE. It doesn't matter how many.

Paper creations due:  Monday, October 10, 2009.

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For this challenge, I created two things.  What can I say--I'm a geek--and a Lollipop Girl! :)

Here's my "Sugar-ed" version, a sweet altered composition book:

 

And, here's my "Spicy" version, "REBELLIOUS":

Growing up and all through high school I was a geek.  I wore the glasses, played clarinet in the band, made straight A's, and never questioned authority.  I was even considered a "goodie-goodie" by my wild and outgoing friend Amanda. Boy, I made my parent's proud though! :)  Haha! Today (I'm still a geek)-- but I'm not as straight-laced as I seem.  People presume I am.  I may be cautious and play it safe in general but I have seasons when I'm downright rebellious!  I've done stupid things that make me wonder, "What was I thinking?!"  One of those things happens to be me taking these silly pictures---and then posting them on this layout! LOL 

 I went out of my comfort zone a bit on this one--can ya tell?  LOL  The masked polka dots, dry brushed paint, and the, ugh....silly photos of myself.  I was totally inspired by the "Fashionably Geek" poster---so...I tried to mimic the pleated mini skirt by folding my plaid patterned paper along the bottom of the layout. The lacing has significance too because I'm not as "straight-laced" as I seem..lol

  

 I sure hope you come over and play along!  The winner of this challenge is going to receive these super awesome vinyl rub-ons from E.A.D. Designs!   

Buzzy Bees and Little Monkeys....

Good afternoon!  How's your week going?  Mine is going fast!  I sure am looking forward to tomorrow night though.  Momo (Brianna's grandma) is keeping her for part of the weekend to give Jeff and I some alone time. 

This morning I was looking at the calendar and got choked up---8 days.... only 8 days left.....until Brianna and I have to say goodbye and see Jeff board a plane for Afghanistan.  He has to be at the airport super early Friday morning on October 2nd.  

It's funny.  Just up until a few days ago, we've done nothing but nit pick at eachother and fight (over stupid little crap, I might add)...... heck, I even broke something (which I've never done before and I'm certainly not proud of it).  But now--we're clinging to eachother and it feels good.  It's like an emotional rollercoaster.  A couple of weeks ago,  I was talking with my mom about all the things we'd been going through because I was worried about our marriage and she reminded me that this is what we always do.  We go through this EVERY time before he deploys.  It's just a natural way of dealing with him leaving---it hardens you up--so to speak.   Craziness, I tell ya! 

Anywho....really looking forward to this weekend!  :)

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Onto something scrappy..

I finished this layout this morning.  Figured I better get at least one picture scrapped from Halloween last year before the next one comes up...in what, 37 days.  lol 

 

It's hard to tell because these pictures are bad (apologize)--there's absolutely NO sunshine today, but on the white "BEE" letters...they are glittered white and have a raised glass like finish..really pretty.  I  first painted them and then added some Doodlebug glitter.  Lastly, I covered them with a coat of Diamond Glaze. It gave them a neat effect. 

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Would you just look at these monkeys---I can't believe they kept me up so late Tuesday night!  Hehe..

 

Yup..Wednesday was Brianna's turn to bring snacks for school so I baked and decorated 4 dozen of these lil cuties!  Just had to share...I love monkeys and cupcakes.   :)  You can find the recipe here.

Sorry for such a long post--I meant to post yesterday but was oh so tired!

Match Made in Heaven....

Do you ever get so freakin' excited about something scrappin' related and you feel downright cheesy for feeling that way?  That's me right now. :) 

From the  moment I saw the Basic Grey line "Indian Summer"--I was drooling and in love with the gorgeous colors and patterns--so rich---did I say gorgeous already?! 

 

 

 

I knew I had to have pretty much EVERYTHING there was to buy when it came to this line...and it would be expensive....so I've been waiting.  Well, got an email from A Cherry on Top about 2 hours ago..and couldn't resist.  All the new Basic Grey is 10% off right now and they also have a super $2.99 flat rate shipping promotion on orders of $40.00 or more.  

Here's the code:  299SHIP 

Why am I so excited?  This is one of those times when I'm so happy that I never scrapped these pictures of Brianna from last year!  It was a little Fall Photo Shoot we did --using my outside display.   Can you say "PERFECT MATCH"? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's a ton of pictures from this shoot that I dearly love so I'm making me a mini!! 

Until then, I'm camping out at my front door with my coffee ---waiting on Mr. FedEx Man to come with my pretty package. :)

 

Hop, hop, hippity, hop!!

Hello Sweethearts of C.S.D.!!!!  Ready for your 4th Simple Step in the Super Sweet 16 Blog Hop Challenge? 

Here it is:

Choose a single close-up shot of either 1 or 2 people for the photo you will be using on your layout.

Here's an example:

 

 

 

 Check out this oh so yummy blog candy that one of you lucky sweethearts will win!  It's  being sponsored by April over at Studio Calico!!  Drool......

Lollipop Guild Kit

 

Don't forget to head back to C.S.D after visiting my blog.

Good luck Sweethearts and thanks for hoppin' by!! :)

 

Wooo Hooo Witchy Woman...

See how high she flies.....

In this faaaaabulous pair of pumps, of course!

 

Yah, not getting any layouts done because I'm busy doing things like this!  :)  I used Bazzill cardstock, K&Company Halloween Whimsy Papers, orange grosgrain ribbon, some OLD mini Making Memories ribbon slides for the buckles, and some swarovski crystals for a touch of bling on the back.   They're going on display with all my other "stuffs"!  They'd be so stinkin' cute stuffed with candy for party favors!

You want to make a pair too?  I knew ya did!!  Here's the pattern from the talented and inspiring Ellen Hutson. 

Later!

"Busy Fashionista" --Altered Clipboard Fun!

I'm up late and thought I'd go ahead and post since I'll be busy tomorrow---well, later today.  It's after midnight now.  I'm a night owl---major night owl. :) Go figure--on Labor Day--Jeff and I will be laboring away in the garage.  :)  There's still a bunch of boxes we haven't gone through yet.  My main reason for wanting to do this now is because I can't wait to bust out my Fall/Halloween decor and start doin' my thing.  My huge plastic bins are buried under only God knows what out there. 

I just finished cleaning my scraproom.  Let me tell ya, I can mess this room up in no time!  :) Ahhhhh...now it's all clean---my mind is clear---and I can relax.

So, there's a "Sweet Tooth" Tutorial over at C.S.D. being given by Jennifer Manis and it's called "Busy Fashionista".  It's all about altering clipboards.  I've always wanted to alter one but never got around to doing it until now.  It really was so much fun!  There's endless possibilities for these things!  I'm not using this one to clip "lists" to.  I'm just gonna keep it in my scraproom and change out the picture every once in a while.  :)

 

 

 

 

Oh, and here's some personal tips:

*If you want a cleaner and more finished edge--paint all around the rim before placing any papers down.  I went around mine with black paint.  I can imagine this being especially helpful if you are using the brown clipboards.  That way, there's no need to sand the edges down and stuff.  The clipboard I used was a clear plastic one I found at Wally World.  It wouldn't have looked bad to leave "as is"--but I like it painted. 

*To make things easier while working on your clipboard--a little die (like a yahtzee die) fits nicely in between the clip.  It keeps it up and out of the way while you are working. 

*If you plan on sealing this with Mod Podge, it's helpful to mask off your clip (if you don't paint it, that is) with painter's tape or masking tape.  That way--it stays nice and shiny! :) Do this step first also before you paint around the whole rim!

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What's great about taking part in this tutorial?  You could win this blog candy:

Darn it!  I wish I were eligible to win!  Looks fabulous to me!!  So, enter your altered clipboard creations and you might just win!  FYI---It doesn't have to be a new creation.  It can be a clipboard that you've altered in the past! 

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Oh, and before I go....I wanted to share a little cupcake card I made for my little sister's birthday.  It's my first shaped card...too fun!!