Examiner.com

About a month or so ago Kelly Yanke Deltener contacted me. She finds locals on Etsy and features them on the Fargo Examiner.com. I'm was more then thrilled!! I answered my questions and she said she'd let me know when it was up! Well Saturday I was in the spotlight! I am so blessed and honored to have opportunities like this. I thank Kelly for featuring me.

Check out the article here.
Also, check Kelly out on Facebook!

Don't forget, coffee cozies are available in my Etsy Shop - LaceyBug Creations! I also create custom orders. So if you don't see a color (or color combo) or item you would like, please email me and let me know!

Sketch Challenge

Over on the MemoryWorks Consultant boards we have monthly (bi-monthly) challenges. This week's challenge is a Sketch Challenge hosted by Christina (Design team member).

Here is my take on the Sketch!

Supplies

• Cosmo Cricket: Delovely Papers, Cardstock Stickers
• Cosmo Cricket: Tiny Type alphas - Pink
• White flower (spritzed w/ Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist)
• Rhinestones
• Buttons

Sketch


So why don't we play along here on my blog! Let's use the sketch Christina found. Create a layout or card based off this sketch. Comment on this post with a link to your project (please no private blogs or galleries). You have until Friday, July 2 to complete this challenge. The winner will receive a prize package from me!! Start Scrappin'!!

Simple stories Contest

Calling all paper crafters!! MemoryWorks is holding a contest on the Simple Stories Blog. Simple Stories is an exclusive paper line for MemoryWorks. The first kit in the line is called Life Documented.

In my previous post you will see some images of the kit (paired with another paper line) documenting my 2010 year. I have also completed an album (24-26 pages) of my 2009 year seen on my website. This kit is very versatile.

This contest is open to everyone (consultants and non-consultants).

To purchase a kit for yourself, contact me or click on the link below. I already have THREE whole sets of this kit, I use it for so many projects. It also comes with two FREE downloads! The kit is on sale until the end of the day today! So get it at a discounted price. I can't wait to see what you all come up with!!!


Here is some info. direction from the Simple Stories Blog:
Jump in, get creative and SAVE! Starting June 17th we'll be sponsoring a summer long layout contest where every other week we'll announce a special collection - along with a super sale on the highlighted product line. You'll have a two week period to create your best layout using products from the collection. Email your submissions to Jodi at support@memory-works.com along with your material list, name, consultant number, email address, and phone number. We'll post each submission on our MemoryWorks Blog and consultant MW Studio where our talented TeamWorks members will judge each entry and award one winner a scrapbook prize package worth $25.00!

Simple Stories Layout Contest

We couldn't possibly start our summer layout contest without first highlighting our very own Simple Stories product line!

Our first layout contest we'll be focusing on all things Simple Stories - the colors, the designs and the theme is so versatile it makes the perfect summer projects! This is the first-ever sale on our Simple Stories kit*, so grab your kit (or 2...or 3...) at this amazing deal and get creative. Top layouts will also be selected to be highlighted on our Simple Stories blog and photo gallery!

Sizzling Weekly Drawings

Each week we'll draw a winner from all orders placed for the week. This random winner will receive a fabulous prize with more than $25 - so place your order to qualify for each weekly drawing!

Shop to WIN!!

*Save 15% on Simple Stories Life Documented Kit - offer good only June 17 - June 24, 2010; Layout Submissions Due - July 5, 2010; Email layout image to support@memory-works.com; Open to consultants and customers.

A sneak peek

I just wanted to share a sneak peek of an album I've been working on. It's a 2010: Year in Review mini album. There is 2 pages for each month. I'm using 2 GCD: Chip Art 5x7 albums to complete it. I'm currently working on August (moving right along). I'm leaving spots open for photos & journaling and just doing the base of the pages & the elements. Some months I have envelopes for additional journaling or photos, as well as tags. I'm having a really good time working on this album.

I'm using two main paper lines, MemoryWorks Exclusive line: Simple Stories - Life Documented and Pink Paislee's 365 Degrees. The Simple Story line is perfect as it is a year in review type paper and the Pink Paislee paper definitely matches really well. I'm so excited for the final product and adding photos and journaling of events this year.

SO here is a sneak peek!! Note: I didn't edit these photos, so sorry if they are dark.







Also, the Simple Stories: Life Documented line is on sale (LAST DAY IS TODAY!), so snag one up for yourself!

COSTUMES

So Matt & I had a completely different weekend planned out. WE thought we were going to the lakes, cleaning the apt, and going golfing. I did NONE of these things. Matt actually went to the lakes though on Sunday for a few hours.

Instead, the Gasper's School of Dance costume room TOOK over my weekend!! Liisa (one of the ballet teachers) started the project on Wednesday evening. She spent 4-8+ each day since Wednesday on it. Starting Friday evening I joined in and started taking the photos of each item. Saturday was more photos and starting to organize into boxes and Space Saver Bags (which are AWESOME!!!) and Sunday was another day of madness (by 8 or 9pm I think we were getting a little loopy.

Here are some photos from the weekend.
You are just seeing a GLIMPSE of what our big studio looked like.

The Silver Rocket Character Shoes set out to air out!
My Favorite of Matt - Seriously I laugh at this pic every time I see it. He was having fun playing with the hats & wigs. I uploaded the photos at about 11pm last night and we were cracking up for like 10 minutes at this photo.

And of course I had to get in on the action as well. This "Mermaid" dress caught my eye pretty early on. I told Matt next year we should do a "Little Mermaid" Ballet and I'll be Ariel. :) Next time I put this dress on though I will not wear shorts & a sports shirt underneath.

That was our FUN weekend. We got a lot done, but more work still to come. Including labeling boxes, re-creating the inventory book and of course the dreaded accessories.

Thanks for a fun weekend Liisa, Matt & Anna!!

New MW Video Series

Just released!! Brand new video series by MemoryWorks TeamWorks Member Wendy Morris (Special Projects). The series is called: In the Studio with Wendy Morris. The first part of the series, FOUR videos were released. The videos highlight the following products:

• Ranger Crackle Paint (Rock Candy)
• Ranger Distressed Stickles (Rock Candy)
• Ranger Stickles (Crystal).

Wendy also talked a briefly about Ranger Glossy accents and used Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist on a project (which will be highlighted on another video).

Wendy is a talented designer with a great style. She is unique and you will fall in love with her mini albums (her specialty). I had the pleasure to meet her at last years retreat and she is sweet and you can tell bursting with creativity! So enjoy her video series and also subscribe to it on you tube so you don't miss upcoming episodes.

Video no. 1


Video no. 2


Video no. 3


Video no. 4

To my Dad

To my dad...
Thank you for being the most AMAZING dad in the world. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your endless love. Thanks for your humor. And I love that we both LOVE ice cream (and dessert). Thanks for pushing me in new directions and encouraging me that I can do it. Thanks for always believing in me. Thanks for trying to ease my pain. Thanks for your hard work (I definitely work hard and am driven because of you).

Story... as kids my dad would stay home when my mom went out to do her various evening activities (volleyball, ceramics, etc). My brother & I were used to staying home with mom and dad being at work, so sometimes it was hard to see mom go. But my dad would dress up as "mom". He would put on a robe and stuff it with pillows and talk in a girly voice. (I'm giggling just thinking about it). It would make us laugh.

He would also become a "robot" and in a monotone voice say "I am a robot, I'm out to catch & tickle kids" (or something like that). He would be in robot form and we would run all over the house and he would tickle us (till we said we were going to pee). HAHA.

As we got older (and didn't fall for the robot tricks anymore). We would have NERF fights in the house. Everyone got a weapon and we would shoot each other. Now my mom never let us play NERF fights in the main part of the house... usually just the basement. Oh no, not Dad, the whole house was the playing field. The only way we got caught by Mom was if we lost one of the NERF balls or darts or arrows and my mom would later find it by the couch or in a basket or wreath. OOPS...

So Dad, thanks for being so amazing and creating so many memories with me (and Chad). There are so many more stories I could tell and many more to come!

I LOVE YOU! Happy Father's day.

You are also an AMAZING G-Pa

Oh and yes, you are getting the card above... surprise!

Family

I spent the weekend with my brother, sister in law, Matt & of course the cutest nephew on the planet!! My nephew has changed so much since I last saw him in April. He now walks, talks, and has bright red hair that slightly curls. He is seriously the cutest thing ever!!! He is definitely entertaining and captures everyone's attention in a room. It's hard to not watch his every move. He loves to dance too, which is beyond adorable.

Saturday we went to Mall of America - Nickelodeon World or whatever it is called now. Lucas loves going on rides! He held onto his ride ticket the entire time, not letting it go. I got to ride on the big trucks with him. He is still so little, he couldn't really turn the steering wheel or honk the horn until the ride was over. He also went on the Carousel & one other ride. When it was the "adults" turn to go on rides, we took turns watching Lucas. When Matt & I were watching Lucas we played on the coin operated "grocery" store type rides. He loved it. We had to get change so he could continue playing on the moving rides. Check out the photos below of my weekend :)

Driving the bus

Lucas with Auntie

Cuddles with Dad

Auntie & Lucas in the morning...

Hanging with Dad. Look at how grown up he is getting!

Yes, too grown up :) I think he gets this from his mom (my sis in law)

I already miss my little guy! But in just a few short weeks, we are heading to Indiana to see my parents and I get to spend more time with everyone!!

Mini Album: My Joys

I am finally tackling projects from last years MemoryWorks retreat (yes, I'm a year late, but finally decided to get working on them).

This is the Pink Paislee class project. Using a Maya Road album and Pink Paislee "Captivating" papers. I adapted the class project to fit my photos and creativity. I used the cover that was designed and the first few pages were similar to the class project.

The next MemoryWorks retreat will take place June 23-25, 2011 in Utah! It is open to the public and FANTASTIC!! You get so much product for the price of the retreat!







Close up of the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist element.


Close up of the flower



Pink Paislee (Captivating), BasicGrey (chipboard letters - white), Unity Stamps (She Said), Tim Holtz (Flower Die-cut), Theresa Collins (Bebe Girl stamps), American Crafts (Whistle Stamps), Maya Roads (album)

My Etsy Obsession

I love looking at things on Etsy and finding inspiration. The colors in artwork, the creativity in pieces and the workmanship of the artists! It is very inspiring and makes me want to create! I love the items too and wish I could buy EVERYTHING!! Endless budget, I'm waiting for you!

Usually I just click on the images that are featured that day or I sit and look at the NEW items being added at the bottom of the Etsy screen. It is so fun to explore and so many great things out there.

Here are somethings that have inspired me today.
Bagatelles And Co's (Don't you just ADORE this bag!! Well and the shoes, but those aren't for sale).

mkendall's: There are some great prints in this shop. I actually saved a few prints yesterday that I enjoyed. Love them!! And very inspirational! I would love some for my Scrapbook room, living room or bedroom. I ADORE! And love this print below :)

Sophiapip's: This bracelet is stunning! What a piece of art.
Pattyabaker's: I love the colors in this print, the bright yellows and oranges! So lovely!


If you couldn't tell, I'm obsessed with yellows right now. Of all shades. Actually I'm even wearing a yellow top today. It just makes me smile and happy!

Check out my Etsy page for some Awesome coffee cozies! They are a GREAT accessory to any hot coffee shop drink!

NEW Fancy Pants

MemoryWorks just added some adorable Fancy Pants paper (limited time only!!). I ADORE the Wishful Thinking line. So beautiful!

The colors and patterns are fantastic!

Fancy Pants: Theme Set - Wishful Thinking

Fancy Pants: Cards - Wishful Thinking

Fancy Pants: Alpha Stickers - Wishful Thinking

Fancy Pants: Element Stickers - Wishful Thinking (sorry so small)

Also check out the "Like Father, Like Son" Theme set by Fancy Pants, also available! You can purchase these item on my website or email me with your order :)

Perfect Puppy

Memorial Weekend Matt & I went to the pet store... just because we like to go there and look at the puppies. WELL, they had some pugs (I ADORE pugs!) I just couldn't resist, I saw them instantly and there was one who was calm and just sitting there so sweetly, I HAD to hold it! So I asked the girl, cleaned my hands with the hand sanitizer and awaited the puppy!

It is a boy and he was perfect. He cuddled into my arms and snorted... I fell in love. The girl then asked if we wanted to play with him in the puppy play area. UM YES!!! So we brought him over to this little play area and set him down, he was so timid at first. I was squatting down and he would run around my legs, he untied Matt's shoe & he was so freaking adorable. Impulse was to buy him...but we had to figure out if we could have dogs in our apt.

About 30 minutes later when we got home, we discovered our building is one of the buildings you cannot have dogs in on the complex. I cried for an hour. In the car on the way home we named the puppy (Jazz Scoop Gasper)... There is a story behind the name "scoop" and Jazz was just the perfect name for this little guy.

So long story short, I have no puppy yet, it made me sad and I probably should have NEVER held him. Because he's the absolutely PERFECT little chubby pug!

Just because something seems so perfect, the timing may not be. Unfortunately.

Adventures?

Do you ever seek adventure? How about fulfillment? Or the need for something more in life? I do. As I get older and realize that there is so much I want to do and succeed in, but I’m not taking steps to do these things, it becomes a struggle. As a kid I had dreams & goals; one goal will always stand out is I wanted to be a business owner by the time I was 30 years old. Well this dream isn’t COMPLETELY lost, yet, as I am only 28, but 30 is quickly approaching and why should I keep stalling?!?

If you know me or not, I’m someone who settles into a routine pretty easily and it’s hard to break me out of it. I’m not necessarily a “risk taker”. I would actually not categorize myself as one. The most risks I’ve probably taken have been in the past 6 years or so. It all started with this boy (of course). I had never flown ALONE before (and I hadn’t flown since before 911) and he asked if I wanted to visit him in NYC (this was fall of 2003). I couldn’t give him an answer right away, but I slept on it and the next morning the first thing I did was called him back and said – I will come visit! OMG, what the heck was I thinking?!? The small risks didn’t end there. After I graduated college, I and this boy moved to California. Yes, young Midwest girl moves to BIG Los Angeles. I had yet to find who I was and I’m in a big city trying to face many fears. We eventually moved back to the Midwest.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

The risks don’t end there. This boy has gotten me to leave the country and fly over the ocean (only to Dominican Republic, but I still flew over the ocean) and the cruise in 2007 was great as well, first time I’d ever been out of the US (super sad, I know).

I’m 28 years old (and I have been for a few months). But, I’m realizing I need to take risks to achieve the goals I set when I was younger. Because those goals are still my dreams and something I want to achieve at 30. So now, it’s time for me to take risks of my own, with the support of the boy, friends & family. This is a risk no one can push me into; it is something I need to discover on my own, but will need the support of those close to me.

“To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.”

What is the solution? Stop being such a wimp and face my fears! I am a confident, sexy person. I know this. I need to put myself out there and go get what I want, vs. waiting for it to happen.

I can’t wait for the day to be in my suit coat, cute skirt, sexy yellow heels (I LOVE yellow right now), with my latte, waiting for my next appointment or client. That day will come and I will be working towards that in the next year to achieve my dreams, passions and goals!

What are your goals?

Photo 1 – High School with my great friend Anna (we were going to Rent!) photo probably by my mom :)
Photo 2 – Summer 2009, rewarding myself for working so HARD on my body, being confident and documenting my life fitness journey. Photo by Ben Kusler

MW Retreat 2011

SAVE THE DATE!!! The next MemoryWorks retreat will take place June 23-25, 2011 in Layton, UT! I have gone to all the retreats so far (only 2) and they have been FABULOUS! The product you receive for the classes is current product, the classes themselves are amazing! The teachers and staff are fantastic! And the greatest thing... EVERY TIME you walk in a door to attend an event during the weekend - you get product!! Oh and there is a wonderful "Chocolate" crop - I hope they don't take this away.

MemoryWorks retreats are open to EVERYONE! You do not have to be a consultant to attend. Below are some photos from last years retreat (2009)!! If you have any questions about the retreat, feel free to contact me!