RAK Winner Announced & Craziness Update. LOL!

We have a RAK winner from the Single Lovely Action/RAK Challenge post! YAY!

The winner is:

Michelle said...

Its funny how such simple things that we do can affect someone. Wednesday I had some last minute things to buy at the grocery store. I had less than 10 items. The lady behind me had a couple more than me but her two kids were tired and kranky so I let her in line in front of me. She started crying. She was having a really bad day and just wanted to get home.. and was so thankful I would do that for her. It was no big deal to me? What an extra 5 minute wait???

I will think of something to do this week. Not sure what but I'm sure the opportunity will arise.

November 28, 2008 7:40 AM

OH, and... I decided to give away a second set of covers!!! WOO HOO! The second set randomly goes to someone from my subscriber list!

rm3116@___________.com

rm3116 - please shoot me an email from the email you used to subscribe to my blog with your snail mail address and I will pop the second set in the mail to you this week :)


Oh man, I need to apologize for not announcing this sooner. You know how life gets away from you sometimes? Last week it totally got away from me! Here's an update on the craziness factor at our house:

1.) We have had a sale on RibbonStaks and InkStaks over at StamperStorage and have been super busy cranking out InkStaks.

2.) Brent sanded and re-painted the baseboard trim for the front room and nailed it back up so that we could get ready to do #3.

3.) We got the Christmas tree set up and lights put on it one night and I got it decorated the next day. I put up my nativities in my red hutch last night and we had a "Family Home Evening" with just me & B and made a new wreath for our front door.

4.) I worked a couple extra days. (Money is nice at Christmas time! LOL!)

5.) We're back to working on the house remodel. I think we got burned out in October and construction skidded to a putter/halt. Brent's been doing bits and pieces of things here and there, but I think both of us are ready for a busy week or two to finish things up for good and get working on the new piece of furniture for my studio and a few other items for around the house. (Thank goodness we have a couple of weeks off at Christmas to work around the house!)

* My master bathroom is soooooo close to done. The tile work is done and needs to be washed and then sealed. The floor is done, needs to be washed and sealed. The walls are patched and sanded and need to be textured and painted... which means I need to decide on a color... STILL... argh!

* We've also got to sand, paint and install all the trim (doors and baseboards) in the rest of the house. We also have to finish installing the wood floors in the basement.

* The master bedroom still has the nasty old carpet in it.. ick... we're waiting to put the wood floors down in that room until the master bathroom is done and put back together so we don't have to haul things over the wood floors and risk damaging the floor. Brent started the prep process by dejunking the bedroom and closet a bit yesterday. YAY! Once we get the bathroom up and running, we'll install the wood floor. YAY!

* I drew up plans for my very own new and completely custom InkStak.... B is picking up the materials for it today and hopefully once we get caught up on this most recent batch of InkStak orders we can build mine.... which puts me SOOOOOO much closer to getting the studio together and done and ready to show you! YAY!

6.) My back/hip is still killing me from time to time. The muscle relaxer that the dr prescribed seems to help a bit, but I can only take them at night and some mornings I just feel horribly groggy and oogy. I do better when I don't sit at a desk for long periods of time... which is also not conducive to playing with paper. Grrrr.

7.) I've been working on Christmas presents that I can not show on here because the recipients read my blog. I've also been working on some fun projects to show you all, too. I've taken photos and just need to get them edited and posted. Hopefully in the next couple of days! :)

8.) Been working on other projects we've got going on (like sorting out the supplies in my studio... I have way too much stuff that I may or may not ever use... ugh) and miscellaneous things that just take up time. Mt Grotegut is still lurking in my laundry room and occasionally calls my name, but I think I can avoid it for one more day.....

9.) Christmas shopping and project-ing... lol! ... 'nuff said. :)

So that's it in a nutshell... I'm going crazy or are already there and don't realize it. I am sorry that I've been taking such long breaks between posts. I'd rather be playing and posting, but I am having to deal with every day life issues lately. LOL! I guess it's really not that "crazy", just really busy.

Back soon with some fun art to share! Inky Smiles!

Thoughts for Thursday (a bit delayed)

I am way late again with a Thought For Thursday... It's been a crazy day! I went to work this morning (lots going on this week, flowers, etc.) and was not supposed to be there all day.... Then T's MIL called me because her daughter, T's DH's sister, is about to have a baby any time now, and MIL is sick as a dog... and so I have become a mom of 4 kids under the age of 13 for the weekend, a day early. LOL! They were coming over tomorrow night anyway, but today just got a bit crazy... I did enjoy a somebody James"concert"/with the three youngest at the elementary school tonight. K & C each performed and it was fun to watch. I got all "verklempt" like they were my own little monkeys... kind of fun to have psuedo kids. :)

Anyway, today's TFT is about passing on kindness. This quote came to me via email a week or so ago and I've been dying to share it along with the story of an awesome little boy.

“Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; 'Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another's tears, 'Til in Heaven the deed appears - Pass it on. ”

—Henry Burton (1840-1930), clergyman, writer

When I went to my Certified Fiskateer Training, my friend, Jenn B, was telling me about the coolest project that her little 6 year old was working on. He is an amazing little 6 year old.... an Eagle Scout in training... He is giving back to Primary Children's Hospital (in Salt Lake City). PCH holds a special place in my heart as it is the place where my little niece, Kiera, passed away at 3 mos old. The staff was AMAZING. They really take care of their little ones and the families of little ones. PCH is a place of sadness, miracles, and many kind helping hands.

Cameron has drawn a set of four darling cards that he sold to raise money ($180.00 - WOWZA!) to buy art supplies for children who are at PCH. You can read the story of Cameron's project for yourself here, and here. I am truly amazed at the fortitude and insight of this little guy. He's going to be an amazing adult! His drawings are awesome and who knows, perhaps he will draw some more to earn more money and keep "passing it on". Here's the newest info on his project... a little video before they went to deliver the art kits!


This week, think about some ways you can "pass it on" or be of service to someone in need. Do something for someone and share the love.

Leave a comment on this post and share with us something that someone has done for you that has made a difference in your life. On Monday I will draw a random winner who will receive a CTMH 9x9 embossed Butterfly Album with 10 printed pages and page protectors. It's gorgeous! You can view one here on Ebay (no, it's not my listing... I just needed a good pic and it's too late to take one tonight.)

RAK Challenge: My Three {3} Me's

ENTRIES: Please link your submission in the comments by 11:59 pm on THURSDAY 3/20/2008 * I can't wait to see! :)
UPDATES: Prize Additions added to bottom of this post

I'm getting on here later than I planned on today... long day at work and had to do some billing and shipping for InkStaks for Stamper Storage tonight before I was allowed to play.

So I have been thinking about this idea for a little while now and thought that it would be fun to give someone a RAK as well!

Here's the Scoop: *** Create a 12 x 12" or 8.5 x 11" Scrapbook Layout and include the following items.

1.) You must include 3 photos of YOU (meaning, YOU must be obviously in the photo & recognizable or the main subject of the photo, not hiding behind Aunt Myrtle). Photos must be 3x3" or larger.

2.) Your title should include 3 words that relate to or describe who you are.

3.) Include journaling somewhere on the page and include these 3 themes: Past, Present, Future. You may include Facts, Dreams/Wishes, whatever, but include 3 distinct and separate ideas.


* You have 3 days to complete this challenge.

* You must post your layout somewhere on the internet (on your blog, in a gallery, in Photobucket, wherever) and leave a link to it in the comments section of this post. (If you need help, email me and I will help you out.)

* I will draw a random winner on Friday, March 21st.

The prize is a bunch (20 sheets or so) of 12 x 12" American Crafts double sided patterned cardstock. (Oh, and I am sure that I can come up with some other fun items to throw in, too!)

AND how about this: for each entry we get for this contest, I will throw in another random sheet of patterned paper or cardstock?

AND - each day (T, W, Th) I will throw THREE of something in....

Hrmmm...

Happy Creating & Inky Smiles!



3/18/08 Tuesday Prize Addition: {over} 3 Yards of RIBBON




3/19/08 Wednesday Prize Addition: 3 Sheets of Alpha Stickers




3/20/08 Thursday Prize Addition: 3 little craft jars full of glitter! (I'm feeling like poodooo and will take a pic of them tomorrow. I gotta shake this sickness!!! Played a little tonight, as much as my headache and earaches would let me. I have the start of a fun card... YAY!)

Utah Forecast.... Great, If You're A Fat Polar Bear

There was a headline in one of our papers yesterday... "Utah Forcast - Great if you're a fat polar bear."
See this link: http://www.sltrib.com/weather/ci_7996853

LOL! It is TRUE, TRUE, TRUE.

Yesterday morning I woke up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit AND I had to haul my polar bear bum outta bed and go to work... I would have stayed in bed, but today was my "one day a week at work"... uggggh. (This - and recovering from Wed night's church event - is why I missed yesterday's Thoughts for Thursday.)


I do not know what it was this morning, but I put the dog out, let her back in, and crawled back in my polar bear cave. Today I am staying home papercrafting in my warm fuzzy slippers and fat pants. (Yes, I am a fat polar bear, but a wimpy fat polar bear, see the cute little bears on my pants? HEHE! I have blue fuzzy slippers, too, but didn't want to crawl into the closet to fetch them... PINK will have to do today... )

Inky (Fat Polar Bear) Smiles!

Erin

PS.. Want a polar bear RAK? Post a comment with a link to a pic of your feet in warm slippers or jammies and I will draw a winner on Sun night and send someone a treat from my scraproom :) Ohhhh, I have a small assortment fun goodies here... :)

Thoughts for Thursday and Thirty Thousand Hits - RAK RAK RAK !

“ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ”

- Mark Twain [Samuel Clemens] (1835-1910),
humorist, essayist, novelist

This month, go out and do something that you've always wanted to do! Do something for yourself and do it without regret! Take a class, learn a new sport, make a new friend....

Inky Smiles!

{RAK}
My counter says over 30,000 hits!!!! WOOOOOT! I think I need to give something away! How about some chip board elements from American Crafts?

I have a little Holiday House Chipboard Summer container choc full of fun colorful paper treats waiting for a new home in some lucky person's STASH!

Leave a comment on this post and I will have Brent draw a name on Sunday for a lucky winner!

Inky Smiles!

Bling RAK - Bling... kisses from papercrafting angels...

Like I said, I'm wrapping presents today and am in the gift giving mood!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making Sausage Cheese Balls for Christmas morning breakfast! Brent and I will get up and pop them in the oven and then go sit on the couch to read the Christmas story from the Bible (Luke 2) and open presents together. I love Christmas morning with Brent. It's laid back and peaceful.

Here's your chance to win some fun BLING (paper flowers from Heidi Grace, Rhinestone flowers from CTMH, Paper Bliss 3-d embellishments and stickers from Cloud 9) for your paper crafts.

Leave a comment on this post and tell me one of your favorite Christmas traditions and I will draw a random name on Sunday afternoon to win some fun Bling.

TWENTY THREE THOUSAND hits .... and a BIG FAT RAK!

Holy cow!!!! Brent pointed out to me this evening that I have had
over 23,000 hits on my blog!!!

Holy Cow & WOWZA!!!!! That is very, very cool!
I think I need to say THANK YOU with a BIG FAT RAK!

On Friday will randomly draw a name to receive this BRAND NEW, never used, no longer available, former Stamp of the Month (March 2007) from Close To My Heart - Rustic Flowers. To give you some perspective on size, that big honkin cool distressed square measures 2.75" square and the big honkin cool distressed flower measures 3" in diameter.

It's a D size stamp set (retails at $22.95), but it can be yours FREE when you comment on THIS POST with the following:

* tell me your favorite color.
* tell me something about yourself that most people wouldn't know about you. Good luck !!!

****Edited**** I am sooo enjoying reading your comments! It's fun to learn more about my readers and see the things we have in common! Keep the comments coming... this is gonna be a fun RAK.... I might have to add a little bonus to the RAK, too... hrrrrmmmmmmm!

Thoughts for Thursday, Swap Reveal & RAK Opportunity.

“ We all live with the objective of being happy;
our lives are all different and yet the same. ”

- Helen Keller (1880-1968) author, lecturer, activist

Helen Keller was a remarkable woman. She overcame great odds and despite her physical issues made a happy life for herself. Our lives really are all different, but we all want to be happy.

This {REVEAL} card makes me happy. (Click on photo for a larger view.) It's Pam Klassen's card for our two part swap. She made the random stamped paper and I created the card around it. I piled up loads of glass beads on globs of Liquid Glass (CTMH). I hand scored the grid lines in the Blush CS and sanded to reveal the white core. I used the Coluzzle oval template to cut the oval sentiment piece and mat. All papers, inks, ribbons and metals are CTMH. Stamp set is Love Quotes from CTMH.

RAK Opportunity:

Post to THIS POST only and tell me (answers found on my blog):

- what my dog's name is
- where I went for Mother's Day weekend this year (made me sooooo happy)
- AND something that makes YOU happy or something you've done to make someone else happy. Heck, make a layout about it if you want, too!

On Sunday I will draw a random winner (you gotta answer all three questions) who will receive a really cool retired (but NEW) CTMH booking stamp set which includes 4 small individual stamps, no block.

Inky Smiles!
Erin

Thoughts For Thursday: Take a Chance

"Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes the furthest

is generally the one who is willing to do and dare."

- Dale Carnegie

“ I firmly believe that if you follow a path that interests you, not to the exclusion of love, sensitivity, and cooperation with others, but with the strength of conviction that you can move others by your own efforts, and do not make success or failure the criteria by which you live, the chances are you'll be a person worthy of your own respects. ”

- Neil Simon, (b. 1927) American playwright, screenwriter

Over 14 years ago, I left Berlin, Germany & after shipping all of my personal belongings "slow boat", took a chance and moved to Utah on a whim -- having never been here before, knowing only one person (who was supposed to be my roommate but got married a week after I moved here), and not knowing what the future would hold for me...

It worked out better than I could have dreamed. I found & married the love of my life 5 years after moving here. I've met a lot of fantastic people and have made some really good friends. I graduated college and have had some really great jobs. I learned who I was and adopted some super fun hobbies from the locals (scrapbooking, etc) and will now be taking a chance growing my business... is it scary? YOU BET! Do I think it will be worth it?? YOU BET!!! Taking a chance is taking that leap of Faith....

What is something you've taken a chance on? What is something you would like to take a chance on? Have you journaled about it in a diary or a scrapbook??? Here's your chance!

1.) Tell us about it.
2.) Scrap about it & email a pic of it to me and I will add it to this post.
3.) On Monday, October 1st I will draw a random name from the submissions for a random something from my stash...

Weekend RAK/Blog Candy WINNERS!!!

{...This has been corrected as an error was pointed out to me...}

YES! I did count all of the paper. It's not so bad when you make piles of 10 and then count those up. :) There are 315 assorted papers and cardstocks in the ErinSlab. I've read through all of the entries and pulled out the winners.

BrenMarie -315 (posted on Fiskateers.com's message board)
Robyn W - 316
Annonymous - Contrapat - 317

Please email your mailing address (and real name) to inkysmiles at gmail dot com. Thank you for playing ladies! This has been fun! I can't wait to find more stuff to RAK. :)