Life is This...

Yup I know....

your all still wondering if I have Indeed fell off the face of the earth.  Where is she..is everything ok? to answer your questions Yes Yes and Yes!

I'm still here.

Im enjoying summer.

Im relaxing by the pool.

Im spending time with the kids trying to reconnect before my oldest starts high school.

Im trying to learn how to parent teenagers - and STILL be a cool mom.

Im not scrapping all that much - not because I don't want to but because I really need to sleep sometime during the week!

BUT I do have a lot of layouts to share with you.

I have some exciting stuff coming up.

A really cool reveal at Just Cre8 with the GORGEOUS and my FAVOURITE KIT EVER in the next few days

Collage Press is having some giveaways so make sure your following their blog.

AND stay tuned to here as well cause I am going to have some Collage Press goodies for all of you out there who haven't completely given up and abandoned my blog.

I will not be around for a bit

You can find my at the football field or the baseball diamond or in case of emergency you can' contact me in my pool on the phone attached to the lounger.

I love summer and don't want to miss a minute of it...

See you soon!

What a Sweet Day it is!

Today is the reveal day for Collage Press's new releases for us DT members and ..uhm...lots of yummy goodness over on the Blog!  Please check out the amazing work of my fellow Team Members!

So since being able to work with these papers it is safe to say that Wow!! am I ever in love with the new Sweet Shoppe Collection!! The colours are so vibrant and fresh...perfect to scrap happy, silly and fun layouts with! As soon as my box of goodies showed up on my doorstep and I looked inside I knew I had the perfect photo's to go with  this beautiful paper.  My only problem was deciding which ones to use...and decide I couldn't...so I used them all!!  This was a little out of my comfort zone as I am such a strong one photo scrapper...but I love how it turned out and I hope you are inspired to dive into this delicious paper as well. My layout this month is of my son and his little cousin who is attached at his hip when they are together.  They are so much alike - both crazy personalities - I was estatic one day when she "allowed" me to take some photo's of the two of them.  I love how their personalities show through in the photo's and I wanted a bright and vibrant layout to showcase this.  The best part is that this entire layout took only about 30 minutes to complete with the help of the awesome Collage Cuts (Die Cut Shapes), Crafting Strips, Alphabet Stickers, Journalling spots and the incredible new Die Cut Rings and Paper.  

 Here are some close up shots to see more details: 

 

Material List

Die Cut Paper - Scallop "1934"

Sweet Shoppe - Crafting Strips

Sweet Shoppe - Collage Cuts Journalling Tags

Sweet Shoppe -Collage Cuts Die-Cut Shapes

Sweet Shoppe - Alphabet Cardstock Stickers

Sweet Shoppe - Die Cut Rings

Sweet Shoppe - Sugar on Top

Bazzill Cardstock

Maya Road Pom Pom Ribbon

Maya Road Leaf Pins

Buttons

Sewing

 

Thanks for letting me share...I know I have been absent again...but I actually have been scrapping LOL!  I have not one but I think 2 reveals to show you from Just Cre8...and um yeah...that one is just a yummy as the above.  Im off to bed for the night - but I will post those tomorrow - finally a day off!!

As my world turns....

I think my last few posts have been apologizing for not keeping this thing up to date...sigh....but the truth is after some comments and concerns by my blogging/scrappy friends....I will update you on my not so exciting but ever busy life.

Unfortunately here in Canada we only have 24 hours in a day (I think that they should make a country that includes 48 hrs/day) guaranteed it would be filled with housewives by the first month (and if possible would love a sunny warm climate - not too much to ask is it LOL!) Anyways - with my limited time and schedule full with stuff...again its is my blog that is going to the world of "Im being ignored and its really ticking me off"!!

As my internet is down at home I am updating this from my office...so back to work I get...year end needs to be finished...but first I will update you on my happenings during the last weeks of my absence..not too exciting but maybe you will feel a connection again...

To update my last post Adam did not win American Idol....THAT is a shame!!!  Like Mike but something is not right there...Adam should have won...

Jared did not continue with the all-star football....they changed the age limits and he was actually a year too young...good excuse for him to quit..and not get squashed even more by the 50+ lbs the other players had on him.

Baseball is in full swing...not getting into that whole mess...defiantly not the same this year..but all things must change.

Regular season football starts tomorrow with opening day...back to every night of the week with a sports commitment.

Blake is getting ready for Grad coming up in June.  Where did the time go...as I said to him the other day...I need to learn to be a parent of a teenager...I know how to parent a kid...but this teenager thing is a big learning curve. He is REALLY flexing his Independence muscles.  Its hard to let go and still hover at the same time LOL!  Love him to death...defiantly takes some getting used to..talking about girls...girlfriends...NO...your still MY baby.  Then I think about what I did at that age...and back under the covers I go...hoping when I wake up he will be screaming in his crib for me and this will all be a dream...One I can be more prepared to handle when the time comes...

We've been invited to a wedding coming up in June...taking the kids and staying over in Toronto...going to be lots of fun.  As a matter of fact we are taking out the bride to be tonight...limo to Toronto...staying over night...should have lots of stories to share (or maybe I won't want to share ;)!

Belly dancing is over....can't tell you how much I loved it.  signing up again in July for the next session and can't wait for SSeptember session...including recital and all...OMG  whatt a riot that is going to be!!  Lots of fun...great exercises and I highly recommend everyone trying it!

Weight Wwatchers is still taking myweekly contribution as well...both in terms of depositing my weight with them (for them to dispose of permanently - not to be misunderstood that I am letting them just Borrow my weight for a short period of time) and in monetary value as well.  Im down 15 lbs and while I have another 15 to gostill...Im determined and this time around it has defiantly been a Life style change.  I feel so much better..but again its just finding the time for fitness that is the thorn in my side still...

So now on the scrapping front....

Wow I have so much to catch up on..so many layouts to share...so much exciting news to shout from the roof tops...but I will contain that for another day...and keep you all in suspense for a little bit...to be honest not quite sure what I can share right now so mums the word.

I have not one but 2 kit reveals to share with you from Just Cre8.  This months kit is so bright and fun = perfect for all things boy...Head over to the site and check out all of the great work done by the design team...here...

AND if your in a scrappy mood this weekend you will find inspiration oozing out of the computer monitor with our 2009 Happy be Scrappy Online Crop starting today and going all weekend strong.  Be sure to come by and check us out...lots of challenges...games...and projects.  YOu can see the schedule here.

I haven't mentioned Destination Create that I attended over National Scrapbooking Day put on by The Scrapping Nook.  It was so much fun..and I am still so thrilled to have taken a class with Caroline - owner and founder of Maya Road.  I attending her Home mini album class..and Wow Wow Wow....it was so much fun..learned how to do those awesome yo-yo flowers - lots of techniques - lots of products to try..and all I can say is that I am in love with all things Maya.  If you EVER get a  chance to attend one of Caroline's classes...DO IT!!!  I can't even tell you how generous she was with product...So much more that you would need to complete the project..Plus little goodies thrown in as well..Fabulous!! On top of the class I had a great time hanging out with my scrapping buddies and fellow teammates Holly and Jennifer...as well as former Just Cre8 member Katrina..love that girl...so funny.  And it was great to see others like Angela, Jen B, Karen, and of course Patti and Elia the owners of The Nook and all of the rest of the gang.  We all had so much fun..and the best part it was a really productive weekend for me - as I completed 4 layout the entire weekend..love that.

I must not forget that thanks to my girl Jenn...she absolutely twisted my arm and I am now a owner of a Cuttlebug system. Ok ...um...can I just say...WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG!!!!!  I am drooling over the embossing templates...(made some pretty cool mothers day cards that I love) Even tooka photo of them..but again that's another day.  And I actually took the plunge into the deep end and bought a quickutz font (This one) and a roll of vinyl cause everyone knows how much I LOVE my Skribblz Creative Series...but no matter what I did I couldn't convince Katrina to continue with them outside of the Just Cre8 kits...so sad...So this is my solution.  Am pleased with the result...and did a layout that I love...but I can't share that until later (wink wink) I hope you all get a chance to see that coming up!

My library of Memories class is winding down.  I am so sad to say that I have let that slide to the side as well (at least my blog wasn't lonely in the corner by itself). The good news is that I have purchased all of the required materials and am completely ready to implement the system.  I have done some of it...but my time restraints currently just honestly made it impossible to dedicate that much time to the system right now.  It is definitely on my things to do list...right at the top...but I think this project is going to be completed with baby steps..little tiny baby steps.

And last but certainly not least...I just received yesterday my package of Collage Press goodies!!! It includes all of their new releases...and all of their die cut Paper...OMG I am in heaven!!  I have had a few LSS inquire about me teaching a class using their product so if you are in the area than stay tuned..I will let you know anything as soon as I hear more or finalize any deets!

Ok so there you have it...if you have read this far that Wow...you are as addicted to blogs as I am.  LOL!!  Have a great weekend everyone..and head on over to Just Cre8 where the party is starting!

It sure is a "MAD WORLD"

Lately my life is a Mad World....some good some bad...mostly just odd...for me anyway you look at it.

For instance....

My wonerful husband has started accompanying me on my walks (yes if you knew him you would now how bizarre this is LOL!)...although bitching the entire way how he feels "old" now that he is walking!

We have committed ourselves to 11 sports commitments for our younger son each and everyweek from now through to the fall...darling husband coaching all of them...

It has taken me approx 16 weeks to FINALLY get my 10 lb ribbon at Weight Watchers  YAY!!! (One down 3 more to go!)

I now own not 1 but 2 Belly Dancing Hip Scraves

(Bwahahaha....OMG if you know ME you really would know who funny this is)...am actually using them...and LOVE the classes Im taking!  I am however thinking of just buying the Belt and wearing it next time we go to the bar...or on my walks...how funny would that be.

I am old enough to have a son graduating to high school this year...

When are people going to start adapting to these economic times and still not think that job security is something that can be guaranteed...union or no union...I know WHERE did that come from?

There are people in this world whom no matter how nice they are...how much they make you laugh..be it family or freinds...you just want to give them one of those V8 slaps and say "WAKE UP"...Smell the coffee..WHAT THE HE** ARE YOU doing?...and wonder if they are ever going to make a smart choice in this lifetime.  Yes I know don't have to tell me - Im judgemental.

OK..so really my list could go on and on and on...but for the sake of saving face and for you all not to think I am totally losing it in my little neck of the woods...Im going to stop sharing and leave you with my new AWE he gives me goosebumps...I wish I was 10 (ok maybe 20) years younger...I can't wait until he wins...and YES he will be the next American Idol ...please listen to ADAM LAMBERT and his rendition of "Mad World" Video from last nights perfomance on American Idol.

Please turn off my radio player in the right hand side bar before pressing play.  From those of you who rocked the 80's like moi...close your eyes and remember dancing to the Tears for Fears version your high school prom....

Ladies and Gentleman...Mr Adam Lambert  (said in my best Ryan Seacrest voice)...for once Simon got it right.....

Love Love Love Adam....it truely is a "Mad World" if this guy does not end up having a successfull music career...

October Afternoon....

..yes it is April...but the weather feels like October!!! I mean c'mon I guess I should have known better to get out the patio furniture on Sunday...I should have assumed it would only have mother nature remind us who is boss and shower us with snow!!!  I do look awfully foolish walking around with a sunburn (yes it WAS that warm on Sunday) with snow on the ground.

So with this October weather system travelling through us here in Southern Ontario...what better time to post something else with October Afternoon....of course this one I like...funny...yummy...monster paper!  This is one layout I created while away a few weeks ago at Saskatchewan Scraps.

POOL MONSTER

 

When yu see this layout IRL the photo is awesome.  I snapped it a few years ago when I was playing with my new 50 ml 1.8 lens.  I was at the pools edge and was just waiting for Jared to come up from under water...he is still wet..and looks SO SLIMY!!!!  It is both awesome and gross at the same time.  Nothing was working whenever I tried to scrap this baby...until I got my yummy hands on this paper..LOVE it!!!

 

Like I don't have a million things on the go already...

I have joined the world of twitter.  Are you tweeting? If so...look me up...I so desperately  need some followers and some tweeting friends.  You can find me under Lori Mancini.....Lots of fun!!

I have an idea...

So, I wonder if I can put my crackberry to use more and truly justify my $100 per month phone bill by using this little red electronic devise to post to my blog. You know the old saying...Kill two birds with one stone :). Well girls we are doing a test drive... This may be fun...and I'm always looking for somthing to do while waiting for the kids at one lesson or the other!

Signing off...I don't know why but I feel like I need to have a catchy sign off phrase with this...me needs to think of one...suggestions....or does nyone even read this blog anymore?

Im here.....

Im just burried under Photo's (Library of Memory class!), Laundry, paperwork for the business, disfunctionaly family matters, walking away the pounds, spring sports starting, house renovations, trying to keep a daily locator on my 14 year old and still recouperating from my trip to Saskatchewan!

Details to follow......

Spring is in the air....

Ahhhh..what a beautifull weekend we had here is Southern Ontario.  The sun was shining all weekend and although it was still quite cool...it was so nice to see the sunshine!!  We had a great weekend...my oldest going up to a friends cottage and us getting together with some old freinds meant lots of socializing and laughter filled these last few days for our family.

Spring has also sprung up over at Just Cre8!!  Today the new Creative Crew revealed their incredible talents with the April Kit.  Uhm can I say WOW WOW WOW!!!  I can not believe the scrappy goodness that came out of this kit...I was drooling over some of the layouts...defianltly Loads of Inspiration in the gallery today!  Check it out HERE.

I was happy with my work this month but they always look so much nicer in real life then when we photograph them.  For more information on each layout...and for close up photo's please click on the titlle to take you to my gallery.  I always think layouts can be interpreted so much better with detail shots!!

Always Allow...

 

 

Beach Bocce

 

 

Grin

Thanks for letting me share!!

Now Im off - I need to start getting my stuff together for a Scrapbooking trip Im taking later on this week,  Im flying out to Saskatchewan scraps on Thursday and I can't wait to sit and scrap with old friends and meet some new ones! 

 

The Good Ole Days....

I've been looking at my photo's so much lately that Im starting to feel a bit nostalgic for my childhood.  I have so many childhood memories...so many that I want to remember and to capture.  I have used the above title for my latest Challenge over at Just Cre8 as part of the Leave Your Legacy book that we are all working on.  A book of me concept..full of stories and facts about the most neglected person of all in our scrapbooks..ourselves.

For my LYL challenge I asked that you scrap a childhood memory. Something that we haven't scrapbooks before..you don't even need a photo..just document a memory.  While I was looking though my photo's I came across this photo of my Grandma and Grampa -One of the very few I have of them.  It just screamed out to me to be documented. This is the story I choose to tell....

And just because I am a nosey rosey and I love reading peoples journalling...here it is:

Grandpa Cartmell. Where do I start? I look at this photo and so many emotions come flooding back...love, sadness, regret, joy...but unfortunately not very many memories...or should I rephrase that...not as many memories as I would like to have.  Grandpa remarried “Gert (grandma) before I was born, so for me she was my Grandma. If I could turn back the clock I would find out so much more about this wonderful, gigantic man who was my grandpa. He was a man of substance. A man very intimidating in size but as gentle as a butterfly and a heart so big he needed that big frame just to carry it around.

Most of my memories from childhood consist of our visits to their home in ******, Ont,where my mom grew up. Sitting around the kitchen table and of course sitting on the radiator with a cushion so as not to burn your butt or legs. I was the youngest so I ALWAYS got stuck sitting here. Directly behind me - a huge window and a view of the most beautiful gardens ever.If only I appreciated all of the knowledge and beauty that was right there with me at that time. I can remember if I bought a friend we would sit and draw as he had a huge pantry full of paper (from years of working at *****) and I would always go home with some. I don’t even know why or how but I remember being little and him giving me about 5 – 10 kites to bring home. They were black and yellow with eyes on them and looked lit a bat...I would open one up every so often and play with it...always remembering Grandpa.

Every so often during our visits I would look at Grandpa and our eyes would meet and I could see so much love in his eyes – his entire face lighting up. I never recognized this as a child but now older and wiser I can still feel the warmth from those moments. Right now in my life - he is the person I miss most. We never spent a lot of time together (especially compared to Nana and Papa) and we weren’t necessarily the closest of all of the Grand kids – but he is definitely one person whom I wish I still had in my life.

He nicknamed me “the Widget”. It was his special name for me...and he called me nothing else. Christmas tags, birthday cards, and even at his step granddaughters wedding he mentioned me as “the Widget” – where it came from I don’t know or when it even started. I was “The Widget” to him. The person he used to squeeze so tight when he hugged – I never thought he would let go.

If he were here now, I think about how my life would be different. Not by ways of where I live or how many kids I have – but with the little things...sometimes they are the important things.I would definitely have the trillium award for the best garden in the neighbourhood.I’m sure I would have been shown a lesson or two or his countless tips on the right soil condition and what flowers to plant where. My mom always says I have his green thumb...I just wish it was a bit of a more vibrant green. Dan would most likely be the best fed husband with a storage area full of homemade preservatives and pickling.I can taste his pickled beets now...I still can’t open a jar and not recall his face. Fresh grown and canned with love. I would still feel the excitement of opening a new pair of pajamas every Christmas eve with a little tag hanging off just saying “The Widget”...and quite possible believing (or dreaming) that he did indeed own a pj factory in his basement. Just think of the friends I would have now (or even a successful business) making my favourite candy popcorn, a recipe I’m sure I could have coerced out of him (and hopefully I would get some more than just at Christmas time!)If I could go back and have him in my life again – knowing what I know now....I would make a point to visit, and talk, and learn from this remarkable man.He would be happy to know that Dan & I are still together and he has 2 more beautiful great grandsons whom I am sure he would look at with the same pride and love as I do." I would find out all of his hopes and fears and regrets and greatest joys. I would tell him that I love him and I would ask that question that I have always wondered/ "Exactly what is a Widget...and why am I one?"

 

 

 

 

 

Ok...well if you've made it this far down the post then THANKS!!  I do truely love sharing my work with you all and I will be back in a few days with some more projects!  I think I have to give some blog lovin out soon as well as my Blogaversary is coming up as well as my 10,000 visitor!!

See ya soon!