Yep, today is my birthday. Will it be epic awesome? Hmm. Not sure. Time will tell! I can tell you I’m determined to have a good time and make the most of having the day with my family. J got it started with a vanilla latte, so it can only be good things from here. I hope.

So what to post? Here’s a list of 10 random things…

1. Desk view right now. I’m prepping for my Stamper’s Corner (Elk Grove, CA) classes this Saturday. Gonna be big creative fun!! Hope to see some friendly faces…

2. Fierce is my word for this new year of my life. As in, I need to be more, get more out of my exercise, push myself more, etc… watch out world. May 33.0 is going to be a force to be reckoned with.

3. Being grateful for all I have. Life isn’t ever perfect, things aren’t always grand… but I choose to focus and hold onto the good. I’m grateful.

4. Stephanie Plum movie (One for the Money) comes out today, Netflix is having it delivered (just for my birthday, I’m sure). Epic fail? Craptastic? Unworthy men playing leads? probably. But it might be fun too.

5. We can’t wait for the Disney-Pixar movie Brave. It looks fantastic (fierce?) and we are excited. Me more than anyone. Cool heroine who rides a horse? I’m all in.

6.  SO many wonderful creative events coming and things happening. I’m finalizing some give-aways and plans for Camp Scrap. WOW. Going to be a great event I think. Can’t wait to share more with you.

7.  There are only 15 days of school left. SERIOUSLY. SERIOUSLY. Make that 7 days of preschool left. Excuse me while I run and scream.

8.  My arms have stains of dylusions ink sprays. Mostly pink. Oh I am loving these. (stay tuned…)

9. I found “Liquitex Basics” molding paste at Michael’s – I’ve never seen this it’s in a tube like paint – and it was on CLEARANCE for $3.50. True story. Off to try it out because dang. what a deal!!

10. Thank you for being you. For reading my blog, being a friend, for just being you. I feel blessed to know so many wonderful people. Truly.

Spring fever is here. I’ve spent most of the weekend cleaning or fixing things…  and I’m hoping spring break (as in, let’s CHILL a while) fever will find me soon. Also, hoping to see some normal weather not this sunny, then pounding rain, then windy, then sunny, then… enough! gah! Ok. so let’s talk about something other than weather. Let’s talk about some Spring Break suggestions for reading, watching, and general entertainment both crafty and non-crafty!

The always FANTASTIC + inspiring Ali Edwards asked me to be a guest on her blog. I wrote about my love of playing with paste + crafting, and had a great time doing so. There are some really great guest posts – check it out if you haven’t already!

Playing is a big part of my creative process. Enjoying what I do, creating because I want to, keeping it fun + honest. So this is why I chose the topic that I did.

Sometimes I get asked why I often use my fingers vs a brush… well, sometimes they’re the best tool I’ve got! Speaking of fingers – my thumb FINALLY, after 2 long weeks, no longer hurts. PHEW.

Do you read Soap House Mama’s blog? I’ve been loving her documentation of her adventures in my Field Guide class. She’s fearless, she’s clearly having a good time, and she shares both success and experiments gone wonky. Gotta love that. Here’s a link: http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com

Looking for a book to read? My friend Mandi suggested I read Revealed by Kate Noble. Oh I’m sorry did I say suggested? What I mean to say is that she sent the book to my Kindle. I took that level of recommendation seriously and read it at once.

Oh. Oh my.

It is FANTASTIC. If you have any interest in a historical romance and have not read it – do so immediately. Marcus is a very unassuming and nice guy – and Phillipa is a pain in the ass queen bee of the London social scene. She ends up dusty and overhearing him meet… and discovers that boring Marcus may in fact be quite fascinating… and she puts her smarts to good use helping him on a mission. Oh, it was just great. I seriously questioned it for about 3 chapters (Phillipa is really obnoxious at the start) – but it was a really great read.

Speaking of friends who have impeccable taste and force me to try new things…

Melissa demanded that I try both Big Bang Theory (oh Sheldon, you are my favorite.) and Burn Notice. Both are several years old so there are a lot of past episodes – and Burn Notice is available streaming on Netflix so I don’t have to wait between episodes.

Loving both for sure. Big Bang Theory has a laugh track… which grates on my nerves something fierce so I have to make sure I’m crafting while I watch it so I don’t notice it as much. But that I will watch it in spite of that says a lot – it’s a great show.

Burn Notice might be one of the most “May” shows currently on TV. [other currently airing "May" shows are New Girl, Modern Family, and Parks & Rec. I'm NOT digging 30Rock this season]

It is action packed but a lot of talking so you can work + watch. Bonus: no blood splattering grossness or a lot of sex/nakedness that some ‘spy’ shows have. Actually both of Melissa’s suggestions are great in that they are totally watchable without worry while kids are awake - something that can NOT be said for other shows I’m currently watching (I’m talking to YOU Game of Thrones!)

The tips that get dropped about making your own weapons or being a good spy crack me up (and are quite helpful – ha!). The characters are a lot of fun too. In fact, while Burn Notice has significantly affected my reading in the last week or so (uh, yeah… I’ve watched like 16 episodes in about a week) – I’m watching it while I clean, sort, and clear out my studio so it’s kept me focused! HOORAY!

Oh yes… today was a MAJOR day in studio progress. Today, the studio became the most clean it’s ever been in the history of ever.

I still have work to do here – and a lot of documenting. But it’s been a very productive weekend. And I’m excited to share a lot of ideas, thoughts, and suggestions about that – as well as bring you a lot of new creative goodness – in this new month.

Happy April!

Today I’ve got some new & exciting things I’m rounding up into one post…

I did it. I created the final project + filmed final video for Field Guide. SO excited for students to see + hope they love it as much as I do! [for those in class - this is week 12 stuff. You've got a LOT coming your way between now and then!] Here’s a photo of my hand (covering the final project!) as you can see I’ve been a BUSY girl.

Tim’s class has begun! Are you in? I did my homework last night like a good girl, and my desk is cleared and ready to make a tag. The new lessons go up about 9pm my time, so I’m totally going to make that my “homework hour”… it isn’t too late to join in. You can check out all the info at www.onlinecardclasses.com

What I’m really liking about class is that Tim will be focusing on the “how” and the “why this works” and really helping students to understand how things work and what can be mixed, etc. His focus is on Ranger products, which is great because he is the grand master wizard of Ranger! I’m excited to really learn, and that there’s no project making pressure. Just watching (or tag/swatch making).

speaking of classes – Double Take with Nic Howard + myself is up and open for registration! Yes – this is a re-run of our popular class from last fall. if you missed it – you might wanna go check it out! 4 weeks of sketches + layouts. LOT of fun. I was just looking over my layouts and Nic’s and remembering how much I like them all. I think you’ll enjoy if you’re into double page layouts. The peeks above are of two of my layouts in class… both of those from a trip to South Carolina (and a few hours in Georgia) one year ago. Time flies!

click here to check out that class.

Last, but for sure not least, Studio Calico is hitting store shelves!!! Every single item in their new releases was a big WOW – they made tons of my CHA ‘best of’ lists, so I’m verrrrry excited that it’s arriving in stores. Today a lot of their new products were added in stock at studiocalico.com-  the Abroad collection, Classic Calico v.2, and Take Note. I find myself unable to choose a favorite.. because I love it all. I noticed that the Studio Calico stamps are in stock (yeah, I ordered a few) at SimonSaysStamp.com, and I’m hoping to see it continue to appear in store shelves.

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In this studio, March Madness is alllll about the new crafty goodies showing up!!!

digital floral strip from www.designerdigitals.com

It’s Monday, the week is filling and becoming more exciting by the minute. There’s a whole lot happening this week RIGHT HERE. You’ll want to stay tuned! Here’s a run-down of what’s up:

After a bit of winter hibernation, I’ve got new projects up for www.scarletlime.com! The new February kits are available, and the new gallery will be updated at some point today (Monday)!

digi tickets from www.houseof3.com

Now that CHA has come & gone, I’m hard at work figuring out what new product will be available when, and designing my line-up of Spring 2011 classes. I’m doing all of the ordering of products, finalizing of dates, and other details. I will share the names of classes, details, dates, and times of everything from March > June on Tuesday the 15th.

Doing the garage sale on my blog? Worked GREAT!! SO I’ve loaded up on more flat rate USPS boxes, and I’m loading, photographing, and generally making tremendous bargain boxes FULL of good stuff. I know the ladies who got goodies from round one were happy with all the extras they found – this time is going to be just  as fabulous. On  Wednesday February 9th at 6pm PST I will post the second (and final) batch. More details will be in that post.

Last call for Creative Retreat!! Registration closes Wednesday (9th) night – this is a one time only class, and while I might do one of these in the distant future again, you won’t see this exact class repeated!! http://bigpictureclasses.com/creativeretreat.php

I’m having all kinds of fun talking crafty stuff with the AMAZING students in class. The message board is already filling up with inspiring and encouraging posts. LOVE IT!! I hope you’ll join us.

Anything else? Goodness yes! I’ve got more tutorials, projects from CHA, even a very special give-away coming in the next week or so…

I hope you have a very happy Monday!!

FACT: I missed a deadline on Friday. In scheme of things not a big deal, but I was mad at myself for it (just 100% FORGOT). I don’t do excuses. There might be a reason for things, but I don’t pretend that makes it all ok because I say so. noooo. Anyways. That’s done. It’s turned in, and I do love how it turned out. Will share when it’s posted!

FACT: I strongly believe that drinking enough water + getting enough sleep can solve a lot of problems. When I’m hydrated and well rested EVERYTHING is better. Gotta take care of YOU.

FACT: I love Monday. It’s my favorite day of the week. Fresh start, new possibilities.

FACT: I’d describe my weekend as either a hot mess, or as a runaway train to crazy town. Both kids? SICK. Day after strep meds were done, E got sick. Now R too. UGH.

FACT: I am still the only able bodied adult in this house. being the only person out of 4 who can do dishes, open jars, and so much more? I’m so over it.

FACT: Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series has me TOTALLY in a trance. Is romance novel heaven. More about this soon.

FACT: My love of happy fiction (always to be found in section labeled ‘romance’) is something I’m not ashamed of anymore. Once upon a time I used to pretend to like the sad/drama/depressing stuff. No longer!

FACT: I am jealous of all my crafty pals preparing for CHA at the end of the week. Insert pouty face here.

FACT: I have cut more of my TV shows, I’m down to 3 total. Modern Family, 30 Rock, and my shameful secret: Jersey Shore

FACT: I just turned in the first 1/3 of my spring (May 1, 2011) BPC on-line class. It’s gonna be BIG FUN.

FACT: I’ve been eating TOO MUCH, and I have chosen to do so. Hey – I need brain power. True, chocolate isn’t an actual food group… but as I demolish the Christmas season stash I have been running on full, energized, and to date have made 32 projects so far in January – not to mention the writing and other work stuff… all while managing the house… so I’m just going to let it go. I’m not mad at myself. I just didn’t take the time or energy to focus on eating right the last few weeks.

FACT: The chocoholic festival stops tonight. Tomorrow morning? It’s done. Vacation is over.

FACT: I have a lot to do still tonight.

FACT: I had fun brain dumping all these random facts from my life at this moment.