Reno update

I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!  My scrapbook room will be ready in just a few days!  I'm hosting a crop on Saturday to celebrate.  As for the rest of the renovations, they are progressing.  We slept in our new master bedroom for the second time last night.  It's not completely done, still a few details to take care of, but it's coming along.  We painted our old room which is to become Marianne's room.  That room should be done by the weekend too. 

Despite not having a functioning scrapbook area.  I managed to make quite a few layouts on my kitchen table, and at LCOM's last crop.  Here are a few :

Fist here is a layout using LCOM sketch no 17. 
Zoé loves her rythmic gymnastic classes.  These are a few of the pictures my father in law took at one of her classes.  I used some Bo bunny and Authentique paper along with some Webster's pages ribbon

Another LCOM sketch was used to make this layout.  Zoé is a very affectionate little girl.  She's always hugging me.  She is my little velcro.  I used some Kaisercraft and CTMH to complete this layout

We were presented with a few challenged at the last LCOM crop.  The first one was a sketch challenge using a PageMaps sketch  I had just received my Dream Pop kit from CTMH and was eager to use it.  Love the colors and the resist cardstock that come with it.  I used pictures from when Zoé met her favorite Disney Princess, Merida. 

And this last layout was the result of a one hour challenge.  I used some Bo Bunny paper that I flet went perfectly with the pictures.  I often bring the little ones I babysit on the bus to go to the library.  they love the ride!

I also made a card for a dear friend who celebrated a milestone birthday recently.  As I did not have any Graphic 45 paper, I had to settle on this pretty Webster's Pages paper.  I decorated it with pretty Prima flowers and leaves. 

 

Renovation plans

Our oldest daughter wants her own room.  She moved into our tiny guest bedroom for now but you can hardly move in there.  So we decided to add a bedroom in the basement and move there.  Our daughter will then inherit our old bedroom.  We hope to start over the weekend but still have lots to plan.  Since out basement is open concept, there are many possibilities, and a few obstacles to overcome.  Hopefully it will be done soon and I can show you the before and after.  It's exciting!

Before putting everything away, I had to make a layout using leftovers from my Basic Grey Knee Highs and Bowties that I had on my desk.  I made the layout of the month over the weekend and still had all the pretty paper left out.  Here are the two layouts I made

How perfect is this paper with the topiaries and the flowers featured at the Epcote Flower and Garden Festival.  They were simply breathtaking.  

Checking out our photos from ou Photopass card, we were suprised to see Disney characters were added to some of our pictures.  How fun is that!  For this layout I used Basic Grey some My Mind's eye for background paper, Doodlbug Design twine and Thickers

The next layout is from my CTMH kit of the month for March using the Clare collection.  I used pictures from our brunch at the Akershus restaurant in Epcot.  My daughter insisted we eat there again as it was her favorite from our last trip.   She was excited to get chosen to parade around the restaurant with Aurora during the princess promenade.

The last project I wanted to share with you today is my entry for the LCOM blog  featuring sketch no 13 that was posted over the weekend.  You can check it out here.  I was asked to create a card.  As some of you may know, I scrapbook fast.  I don't like to leave a project unfinished and when I started scrapbooking 9 years ago, I only did it when my daughter was napping.  Everyday became a one hour scrapbooking challenge.  I just kept the pace.  Well, making cards takes me so much time I feel.  I guess with practice I could get better, but not having a picture to start with seems to slow me down.  I had fun making something out of my comfort zone and it was cool using up the scraps I had to make something pretty.  I'm going to make a effort to make more cards.

  Thank you for stopping by!  Now don't be shy and leave a comment.  :)  Have a great day!

Let's get inspired!

The perfect way to end an amazing weekend at Crop and Create was to take Kelly Goree's Let's get inspired class.  I love her and I love her style.  She is such a fun, sweet person.  I had the opportunity to have dinner with her just before the class and she is delightful, so nice and so easy to talk to.  I hope I get to see her and take some of her classes again.  We made 3 gorgeous layouts and like my other classes I took over the weekend, it was easy to just add the pictures and it was complete.


We used some gorgeous Basic Gray, Bo bunny and WR Memory Keepers to create this two page layout. The flowers were created using four scallop circles that we scrunched together and secured in the middle with a brad.  The colors were perfect to showcase my Animal Kingdom pictures.

For the second layout, we used WR Memory Keepers paper.  All I had to do to finish the layout was add this adorable picture of my daughters with Chip and Dale. 

Meeting the chipmunks was a highlight of my oldest daughter's trip. When she presented her autograph book to the chipmunks, they made a big fuss about how they loved the drawing she had made of them.  They not only autographed it, but Dale drew a curly haired representing her.  It was so cute! Here is the inside of her autograph book.

Here is my cover page for my Disney album.  The colors were perfect!  What more can I say, I love it!  This Fancy Pants collection just screams Disney.  

I still have more to show you!  Can you believe it?  It was a very productive weekend to say the least.
Tune in tomorrow! :)

Disney withdrawals

We're back from our vacation at Disney and as expected we had a blast.  It was not as warm as we had hoped, and my park visiting was cut short by one day due to sickness, but in spite of that we had so much fun that we are already planing our next trip.  I loved staying on Disney property and the Art of Animation resort was simply amazing.  My photos have been sent to be developed, so expect to see some layout posted in this site next week.

In the meantime I have a couple layouts to show you.  The fist one was for my assignment with LCOM using sketch no 11.  The sketch was originally intended as a card sketch, but I made a 12X12 scrapbook layout with it.  I found this picture while cleaning my scrapdesk.  I have no idea what it was doing out since this picture is 9 years old.  It's of my oldest daughter's baptism and she's being held by her great-grandmother who passed away a few years later.  Kaisercraft and Webster's pages paper were used and I embelished with Thickers, and lots of Prima flowers.

The second layout features my youngest daughter having her hair cut.  She donated her ponytail to Beautiful Lengths, an organization that makes wigs for women suffering from cancer and other diseases.  It was her idea and I was so proud that she went through with it.  I find her so cute with her new hairstyle!  I used Bo Bunny's new Country Chic along with some Webster's pages adding some kaiserkraft and CTMh bling as well as Prima, CTMH and Recollection blooms

 So like I said, hopefully I'll have loads of layout to show you next week as I'll be attending Crop and Create in Moncton.  Can't wait, it's going to be so much fun!

countdown is on

Well the countdown to our Disney vacation is on!  Can't wait.  I think I'm more excited than the kids.  I've started to pack the bags and figure out what we need and even went on a little shopping spree to buy cute little outfits (and a bikini!) fit for Florida weather.

We have involved the kids as much as we can in the planing and one thing they wanted to do this time that we did not last time was collect autographs.  I went to the store and purchased a small sketch book and I decorated one last night.  It was so much fun and less than half the price than the Disney autograph books that they sell in the parks.  Plus it has way more pages and are one of a kind.
I have one down, and I'll be completing the other one today

I also complete a few layouts for Let's capture our Memories  here is sketch no 3.  I used son CTMH paper and cardstock, a Bo bunny bloom and some Websters pages trim

and here is sketch no 5.  My first 8X11 layout.  It was fun to make something different.  I used some Bo Bunny paper, blooms and stickers, a few My little bit of Whimsy bees and CTMH bling

I have started my Sunday night crops and layout of the month club also.  I love having a day dedicated to welcoming friends into my scraproom.  It's fun sharing ideas and just talking with fellow scrapbookers.
Here is my layout for February using the new CTMH Buzz and Bumble kit.  I love the new Seals and wooden embelishment sets! 

Makeover!!!

I love my blog makeover!  Thank you so much Kristine Davidson for making it so pretty!
Now that I'm here, i should show you some of the layouts I created since the last post.  I managed to create a few Halloween layouts.
The first one is a LCOM sketch, I was featured in the reveal today.  I used som My little shoebox.  Went perfectly with Marianne's costume.

The next one is of the cutest pumpkin I've ever seen!  She is such a darling, I love her so much.  The Bo Bunny Apple Cider coordinated perfectly too!

And this last one I used some CTMH paper and brads.  I love this line as it is Halloween paper, but you could possibly use it for other occasions as well (using the backside of the owl paper of course).  I also used embossed stickers I had lying around. 

Well, that's it for now- off to make Christmas decorations. Have a great weekend!

12 days of Christmas Preparations...

Hello there!


It's been a few weeks since I last blogged.  Time just seems to run on fast forward sometimes.  I've been really busy with my Close to my Heart and Epicure Selections business in the last month.  It  was great!  Love it!

Now I need to catch up a little on my scrapbooking and I have to remind myself to keep taking pictures,  I seem to forget lately.    Now to add to my scrapbooking resume, I have started creating sketches!  Some were featured on the Let's Capture these sketches website and it was exciting seeing what the different talented scrapbookers did with my sketches.

My first one was  LCTS sketch # 157.  Here it is 

 

and here is what I made using it that sketch and some Bo bunny, My little bit of whimsy pin, and soem Prima wooden embellies :

My sketch was also sketch #158 :

 and here is what I made using that sketsh, and one again some Bo bunny:

I also made a few layout using Creative Scrappers sketches

this one was made using sketch # 234 some Studio Calico paper and my beautiful daughter's  class pictures

And here is a layout using sketch # 233 and some gorgeous Authentique paper.
 I just love the feel of that paper!

Now, if you are looking for a bit of inspiration and a little boost to get your mojo running, I've got an idea for you!  Head on over to Let's Capture our Memories forum and look for the 12 days of Chrismat Preparation posts!  I will be posting a new scrappy challenge each day starting today and running for the next 12 days.  Don't forget to post your creations for a chance to win a prize! 

Here is the day 1 challenge : First thing to do to get ready for the Holiday season and to get in the spirit of the holidays is to put a little Christmas music on.  So your first challenge is to create a card, a layout or an altered item using a song as your inspiration.  For example, you could use song lyrics as a greeting in your card or a song title as you Layout title.  It's up to you.

Good luck and have fun!

LCTS- Sketch #152 reveal

Good morning!

Today is a very special day.  It's our wedding anniversary.  As of today, I've been married to the love of my life and best friend for 11 years.  Sometimes it feels like it was only yesterday, sometimes I feel like I've known him forever.   So a great big HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!  to my very loving and supportive husband, Love you!!!

Here we are during our trip to NYC last month using some new Bo Bunny 

OK, enough with the sap :)   I'm here today to share with you this week's reveal wich I was a part of over at Let's Capture These Sketches.  It's sketch # 152, and it's absolutly gorgeous!

 And here is my take on the sketch.  I decided to try a Manhattan while in Manhattan.  Just not for me, lol.   I used CTMH's Avonlea collection : the paper pack, and the stickers.  Added a few pearls and finished it off with the canvas alphas.  LOVE those alphas from CTMH also! 

Here is a layout i did using  Creative scrapper's sketch # 225.  It sure was foggy on Marianne's first day of school! 

And this last layout I used a sketch using CTMH's Jeannette Lynton's new sketch book : Make it from the heart.  If you loved Magic, Imagine and the  other sketch books she published, you are going to love the new fomat and gorgeous new sketches included in this book.
For this fun layout, I used Simple Stories Summer fresh kit.

Well that's it for today.  Hope you all have a great long weekend and see you soon!
 

Deadline extended

 Good morning!

I have extended my deadline- My birthday was yesterday and I still have 4 pounds to lose for my goal weight.  I decided I was not going to be hard on myself- I will focus on the progress I made.  I'm close enough to the finishing line that I can give mysellf a little slack.  right? I started this journey last year on July 15th- I will give myself until then to lose those last pesky pounds.  I can do it!
I hardly had time to scrapbook this last week, I only made one layout, but i have a few more that I made at the crop a couple weeks ago that I can share.
Hope you like them.  have a great day!

Here is a layout I made with the Dotty for you paper pack from CTMH.  I also used a cupcake form my little bit of whimsy  and some thickers from American crafts. 

This next layout uses Bo Bunny's Alora kit.  Love the bright colors

This next layout is the only one I made this week during LCOM's birthday bash 1 hour challenged.  Amazing what I can create when given a deadline.  lol
I used Basic Grey's Wonder paper along with some CTMH bling and buttons and Prima flowers

For this last one, I used Bo Bunny's serenity kit.  with a Creative Scrapper's sketch. 

.

Hello Sunshine!

 Good morning!

I've been very busy these last few weeks and the time is just flying by.  I can't believe that we are already a week in June!  Yesterday Zoé went to visit the school she'll be attending in September.  Kindergarden already!  She's more than ready, but I'm not ready to see her get on that big yellow bus just yet.  I still have a few more months to get used to the idea.
Other than that, I've been scrapbooking.  I attended another one of Kristine Davidson's crop with Creative scrappers.   She also had an online crop- full of challenges and prizes.  Just love her sketches. What fun we had and it was a a very productive weekend.  I got to play with the new Hello Sunshine kit from Bo Bunny.  Love the colors and how fun it is.  I can't resist kits with insects on them.  I also created a layout about Marianne's introduction to entomology.  Her new passion.

Here are some of the layouts I finished over the weekend :

The next 3 layouts are made with the Bo Bunny Hello sunshine paper and creative scrappers sketches:

  

This layout was made with a Creative Scrapper's sketch provided for the online crop - I used Basic Grey's What's up collection

And this layout was  created with come Crate paper random collection and a Prima butterfly

Have a great day!!!

Looking forward

Good morning!

Well, last week is behind us, thankfully!  I had a not so great week and it was amplified by the fact that my husband was away on a business trip. I just felt like I was always running out of time.  But I decided what this week is going to be an awesome one.   I got to scrapbook last night while watching a tearjerker (Dear John- OMG! did I ever cry!)   I get to hang out with my girlfriends tonight, I'm going to see Hedley tomorrow night with another girlfriend and I get to attend a Crop on Friday and Saturday.  How great is that? 

Here is the layout I created last night: the title comes from Zoé's favorite book series. I used some more Bo Bunny paper on this one

Wishing everyone of you an awesome week as well!  xoxox

long weekend

Well what an awesome weekend we just had.  We had hot weather that made it so much easier to accomplish our backyard overhaul.  We were so very thankfull for all the help we received as we would still be shoveling pea gravel right now if it wasn't for the friends that donated their muscles and time. a great big THANK YOU!!!  here is our new backyard- safer and with raised beds garden.  I love it! :

We spent so much time outside, that my scraproom was a little neglected over the last week, but I still managed to get a few layouts done.    Here they are :

This first one is my last entry in the scrappin' with the stars challenge- I had to do a black and white and one more color layout - I had to alter the title letters somehow - I inked CTMH eclectic chipboard letters with black ink- Unfortunatly I did not advance to the final round but got over it pretty quick when Zoé said to me : " Maman, It does not matter, we know you had the prettiest layout"

This layout uses a variety of papers - Lillibee, Bo bunny, Simple stories, Kaisercraft and some pretty Websters page trim

And this last one of my lovely daughter using Cosmo Cricket,  Bo bunny and Prima

Finding the balance

When I decided almost 3 years ago to quit my job and become a stay at home mom, my husband and I sat down and discussed how we were going to make it work.  I was scared that I was going to get bored and miss the social aspect of working outside of the home.  I hated my job, but was I really going to disregard my 10 years of university to become a stay at home mom??   Could we make it work financially?  We told ourselves that I would do it at least until Zoé went to school and then we'd reassess the situation.  We are now at that place - Zoé is now 5 years old and starting kindergarten in September.  Where has the time gone!!!
We have come to the conclusion that my decision to stay at home was one of the best decision I could make for myself and for our family.  I'm the happiest I've ever been and that reflects on the rest of the family as well. I love my job! I'm fortunate to spend the day with an awesome group of kids that I simply adore.  They make great scrapbooking subjects as well :).  I'm fortunate that I'm home when Marianne comes home from school and we get to discuss what has happened during her day.  I'm the first person she sees coming out of the bus.  I want that for Zoé as well- That said, our decision is I'm going to continue my present career until Zoé is in 4th grade and then we'll reassess again. 

Now, here are some of the layouts I completed over the last week - Most are of Zoé - the birthday girl - I'll have to make some of Marianne now- to make it even :)

Have a great week and a great long weekend coming up for my fellow NBers.  :)

Princesse : 4h37 paper with Prima, Recollections, Kaiser Crafts and CTMH using a Kristine Davidson Sketch

 MMe Invisible : Bo Bunny, Prima and CTMH

  Ancré : Pink Paislee, Prima, Bo Bunny, KaiserCrafts and CTMH using Kristine Davidson sketch
 

The next 2 layouts were done with a Kristine Davidson kit that I purchased through LCOM

 

this one features me!  :)