Mandy Koeppen

Meet Fred & Ethel

2012-01-31T17:11:00.004-05:00

Miss A has been asking for another fish since New Years Day when she had to do this...

After our night with ChuckECheese we took her to get a fish only to have a repeat of New Years day on the morning of her Birthday so while she was at school I thought I would replace the flushed away fish but after talking with the pet store lady she suggested I wait. Not what I wanted to hear so I asked if she had any suggestion of how I could save the day and that's when she said how about one of these little guys? An aquatic albino frog. YES!!2 Please! so the pet store got me set up with a tank, water, 2 frogs, and all the goods that I needed to make Miss A's birthday go without tears of the flushed away fish. When she got home she was all smiles when she saw the tank and she thought they were totally cool(they are pretty entertaining i must admit). She asked about Sparkles(flushed away) and when I explained she was ok no tears thank goodness. So there you have it the short story of the Family K's frogs. Yes, D I know if your reading this you're saying is she fricken nuts she already has dogs, kids, salamanders, a fish, and now frogs??YES nuts I am but ya love this nutter! HA!

~mk

The last of my HSN projects

2012-01-28T20:26:00.003-05:00

finally coming out of my cave(that's what Mr.K is calling my scrap space right now).I've been creating like crazy for the last week and a half over 25 projects done some I'll be able to share very soon with you until then here are the last of the HSN projects I created for Epiphany Crafts.
Hope you're having a great weekend!

I told you there was more...

2012-01-19T12:01:00.003-05:00

projects that I created for Epiphany Crafts that were on HSN and guess what I still have a few more to share with you next week.

2011 A Year in Review:this one makes me so happy to look at it's one of my favorite layouts that I have created in a long time. It has everyone on it and I love how all the memories of the past year come flooding back.

Supplies Used: Epiphany Crafts Oval Shape Studio & Epoxies, American Crafts Amy Tangerine line, American Crafts thickers, Scenic Route Months Stamp.

10 Things I love about Grandpa: Oh my goodness this one tickled not only me but the subject at age 74 he saw himself up close on TV as Brian Fogg picked this layout up and the camera zoomed in Gma said he was all smiles and they got on the phone right away to tell me they saw the airing with my projects and just how proud they were of me. Love that!

Supplies Used: Epiphany Crafts Round14 Shape Studio & Epoxy, Studio Calico paper& fabRip, American Crafts thickers, office tags and the numbers are punched from a magazine.

Charm Bracelet: This bracelet has charms of some of the things I love on it when I get it back I'll be adding more to it for sure. Sewing machine(I'm still learning this but I love it), Made with Heart(love to make handmade stuff), K(our initial I have K's a small collection of K's and when I see a new one I add to it),The doily(my Gma made this and she is near and dear to me). I have plans to add a date, the kiddos photo, and a few other things too.

Supplies Used:Epiphany Crafts Square Shape Studio & Epoxy & Square Charm, heart, bracelet & K charm Hobby lobby, Doily Gma Jean.

Fab Floral Thanks Card: This was fun to create and I finally used this Sassafras flowers I have had forever.

Supplies Used: Epiphany Crafts Round 14 Shape Studio and Epoxies, American Crafts Stamp, Sassafras flowers, Misc papers from Magazines and Studio Calico inserts were used for the epoxy centers.

Looking back 1 year ago today...

2012-01-18T19:39:00.005-05:00

The day filled with so many many emotions, so many tears cried,so many what ifs, so many minutes ticked by, so many worries, so many prayers, so many deep breathes and remembering to breath, so many things I wish I would have said just in case, so much love when I saw him again! Looking at the photos and thinking about January 18th, 2011 I get so emotional thinking of all we went thru that day and oh my sweet sweet boy he's such a trooper, it was a day that was planned but like most things with Mav it didn't go as planned. It's another one of those days on this journey with the Dude I'll never forget.

Today January 18th, 2012 Mav is doing very well, he's walking better. Right now we don't know what the future holds he may or may not have to have more procedures we'll see but for now we're just taking it one step at a time.

Birthday Tag Book

2012-01-17T19:49:00.006-05:00

Here’s a fun tag book using Epiphany Crafts & American Crafts products that will keep all the family birthday’s organized and nobody gets forgotten.

This would also be great not only for birthday but for all those other important dates and would be a great gift too.

Super Easy to create: Cover both sides of tags with pattern paper. Adhere journal spots or Cardstock(place to write names/important dates).Embellish with pattern paper, stickers, doilies, etc. Using Epiphany Crafts Shape Studios make custom month embellishments stamped on paper or use an old calendar. Adhere title to front tag. Put all the tags on a ring. Add names, dates, etc.

A view of the tags off the ring.

Supplies Used to Create this tag book:
Epiphany Crafts Round 14 Button Studio
Epiphany Crafts Round 20 Button Studio
Epiphany Crafts Star Shape Studio
Epiphany Crafts Scallop Shape Studio
Epiphany Crafts Square Shape Studio
Epiphany Crafts Round 25 Shape Studio
Epiphany Crafts Round 14 Shape Studio
Epiphany Crafts Oval Shape Studio
American Crafts Amy Tangerine Pattern Papers
American Crafts Tape
American Crafts Thickers
Studio Calico Scrap Pad
Studio Calico Notions
Scenic Route Stamp
Vintage doilies
twine
Office Supplies Tags

It snowed in the Mitten

2012-01-16T20:22:00.005-05:00

Yes it finally snowed in the Mitten state last weekend enough that we didn't have school on Friday and the kids were psyched that they could finally take a ride down the hill on their sleds. .On Saturday after Mr.K got home the whole crew headed outside for some snow fun.I'm not a big fan of the snow so I was one of the only ones pissing and moaning about the white stuff but I still went out just to have some fun with the fam. here are some fav photos I snapped.

My fav: These 2 giggling and yapping about something.

The more spills she took the funnier it got til I had to tell her to close her mouth when she got near the fence could you imagine explaining that one to the orthodontist "well we were sliding and she was giggling when she hit the fence that when the braces got stuck in....."HA

He was so happy playing in the white stuff.

This Dog absolutely loves to play in the snow & this time he got a whitewash or as Mav asked him "you carwash Duke?"He's always dozing the snow & roughing with Mr.K

Me freezing but smiling watching these guys have fun!wearing my favorite striped hat that needs a big Black flower sewn on it. Anyone know where to find one? Maybe I should ask Debbie if she could make me one she's Awesome like that. Oh Debbie :)This one wasn't in many pics she only wanted a few taken but I love this one. She likes the snow for a little while but I think she only goes out to play so she can have cocoa and marshmallows when she comes inside. That's my girl

Looks like we're getting another big blast this week.Ugh one is enough for me. Hope its warm where you are! MK

5 for Friday: The small town girl who made it on HSN

2012-01-13T21:57:00.005-05:00

Here are 5 of my projects that were on HSN during Epiphany Crafts presentation earlier this week.I have more to share but figured I'd show a few here and there instead of all at once.I still can't believe my work and chubby face was on TV. I get giddy every time I think about it.Miss A got all excited when she saw herself on TV she was jumping up and down on the couch.
If you missed the shows on Tuesday and would like to watch them you can see the 2 Videos HERE(oval&star tools)& HERE(square&round14 tools).If you don't have these tools yet you can get some great deals on HSN!

Have a great weekend!~MK

just a few ChuckECheese favs

2012-01-11T19:02:00.008-05:00

Remember I told you we were going to party like rockstars Friday night? Well we did with that big giant teenage rat ChuckECheese Miss A loved it! I have to admit it was a blast even with some of the words I heard come out of kids mouth holy potty mouths dude! I told Miss A um remember you don't get to use that word til your 18 ok... After the cheese fest we saw a late movie PussNBoots at Birthday girls request then went and bought a bug eyed black goldfish (that decided he'd ring her birthday in right and die the Monday morning damn fish). We had a few hours just the 3 of us on Saturday so we headed over to a small town to the browse the antique stores and just spend time together. We had fun! You're probably wondering where Teagan and Mav were and why they aren't in the photos right? well Gma & Gpa took them so that we could have some one on one time with the Birthday girl and make her 6th Birthday extra special. Mr.K and I loved doing this and have decided that this is a great idea and we're going to have Birthday dates with each of the kiddos on there Birthdays it was seriously funner(so a word!) then any birthday party I've been to(well maybe not any HA but most).We did have a small family get together this weekend and we'll still do that but I think this is our new thing.How do you celebrate Birthdays? DO you do a big huge tada thing? do you have a little shindig with just the fam?
~MK

5 for Friday: Lovin These 5 Tools Right Now

2012-01-06T14:16:00.004-05:00

Epiphany Crafts Round 14 Shape Studio I reach for this one over and over again even when I'm not suppose to use it I reach for it and have to put it back. its a must have ! Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher I just jumped on this band wagon and not sure how I help out for so long but I love this thing! The new American Crafts Knock Out Punches. Love these! Easy to use! Great designs! Martha Stewart Ballpoint Glue Pen. This one comes in so handy for me as I create projects I only adhere parts down then I go back to adhere everything and you can't always get into the tiny spaces with the big ATG or other adhesives so this pen does the job and is super tacky!!
Singer Featherweight Plus sewing machine or Old Trusty as I call her. This is one of 3 machines I have and to be honest the only one I actually know how to use. I can move this one from counter to counter anywhere I'm working and I usually always reach for it when I create.

Have a great weekend! We're off to live it up where a kid can be a kid and a mom can be nervous as hell hangin out with a human size rat but she'll do it if it makes her favorite almost 6yr old happy. ~MK

Wordless Wednesday: Braces SUCK!

2012-01-04T22:21:00.001-05:00

It's Tueday :A Penny For Your Thoughts

2012-01-03T19:00:00.004-05:00

One of my goals I've set for the new year is to blog more so I'm trying to get on some kind of blog schedule and thinking that Tuesday's might be my American Crafts project days or well maybe just this Tuesday will be I'm not sure yet.I'm thinking I might change a few things up on the blog so bear with me while I figure it all out in the next couple weeks. Anywho here are the 3 projects I created for my American Crafts December Gallery.

He's the quiet one, the thinker, We always want to know what he's thinking, you get mesmorized by those big brown eyes they just suck you in, you just wish the words were there but once again the world of Autism has him....I would pay more then pennies for his thoughts that is for sure.

I love this Chap line by American Crafts so much so that I have been saving it up until now when it was perfect for this photo and of course I had to use the scraps to make some cards. Love the Jared stamps from the Chap line the grid, arrow, and round compass design are too cool. The line works well not only for boys but everything I just happen to use it on a Mav layout.

Do you have a blog schedule certain days for certain subjects or do you blog by the seat of your pants? Any suggestions or tips on how this gal should become a better blogger? if let me know. Thanks!

~MK

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T22:59:00.002-05:00

May this year bring you happiness & be filled with many joyous moments!~MK

CHA Sneak from GCD Studios & Heidi

2011-12-30T17:56:00.005-05:00

Have you heard? Heidi Sonboul is announcing her very first collection for GCD Studios that will be released at the upcoming CHA-W and you get a peek of it here today. The full reveal will be on the GCD Studios Blog on Jan 6 2012 so watch for it.

A few things about them now...

2011-12-29T17:17:00.004-05:00

Her...

She get braces 2 weeks ago not fun but she's doing great! She is totally into science got science experiments for Christmas and has been Mad scientisting it up since the 25th. Her favorite color is teal and I hate to say but good lord she does like boys all ready(please lord help me!).

Him...

He is doing good! His teeth are finally growing back in. Such a trooper in the Christmas choas. he got an iPad2 thanks to Gma&Gpa he loves it and boy is it going to change his life! His favorite color is yellow.He likes girls but his heart belongs to 2 ladies his momma and his Gma Jean.

Her...

She is my Punky Brewster child and keeps me on my toes! She fun and full of life!She loves writing on everything from her dresser to the white board everything has her name on it even the dog cage. She loves the Leapster Learner she got for Christmas playing nonstop. Her fav color is Pink and she thinks boys are crazy funny and for chasing!

I've been creating like crazy the last couple weeks nothing I can share just yet a couple tomorrow and the rest will have to wait til EC is on HSN and my post is on the AC blog.

Thanks for stopping by! MK

A Christmas Notebook

2011-12-18T10:29:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness can y'all believe there's only a week before Christmas? The kids are off school already, the shopping is done( i have 1 thing that's just gotta be picked up), and all is wrapped. How's it going for you? is the shopping & wrapping done?Did you send Christmas cards? I told myself after I turned 25 I'd send cards every year well that came and went years ago and I still haven't sent Christmas cards so um lets shoot for 35 i guess lol. If you haven't got everything tackled i wish you all the best getting it all done this week! Back to the title of the post I have a Christmas Notebook I created using American Crafts HollyDay line that kept me right on track I was able to write down the wish lists, shopping list, what I bought all in one spot, and I had a receipt and coupon keeper in the middle. This little notebook came in handy! You can find a full tutorial on how to recreate the notebook on the American Crafts blog HERE.

Thanks for stopping by Happy Holidays!!

Epiphany Crafts Scalloped Circle Tool

2011-12-07T17:06:00.004-05:00

Y'all know I love my Epiphany Crafts tools the latest addition to my basket is the Shape Studio Tool Scalloped Circle 25.LOVE IT! I think you will too! It's fun and can be used for so many things here are a few that came to mind when I started brainstorming ideas: wreaths, flowers, sunshines, and more. I created the following cards for the Epiphany Crafts Blog last week(you can see i used one of my ideas the wreaths).You can purchase the Epiphany Crafts tools at Hobby Lobby and find local retailers HERE on EC's website.

~MK

Wordless Wednesday American Crafts Projects

2011-11-30T15:52:00.004-05:00

Using American Crafts Hollyday. Love this line!You can find Hollyday at 2Peas & Scrapbook.com

GCD Studios November DT Work Plus Tutorial

2011-11-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun with the challenge given to the designers this month: make your own embellishment out of GCD Studios paper. When we first got the list I really wasn't sure what to pick so I just took the first thing on the list 1.)HOME. While I was laying in bed one night the idea for this card hit me and it was so easy to create just cut out a house shape,snip green paper for grass, and roll some scrap piece of paper fun right? YES!
Here in the closeup you can see the scrap rolls, the snipped grass and how I used the Die-cut Ribbons - Antiquities Collection by Donna Salazar for the roof of the house.
So next time you're digging around looking for that perfect embellishment try making your own from the scraps you have laying around.

TUTORIAL
Now would y'all like to create one of these cute little houses? Well let me share with you how I recreated this little house to use on a large tag.
First I raided my GCD Studios scraps I gathered a bunch of different colors and sizes plus a border strip.
I cut drew a house onto cardstock and cut it out.
Then I adhesified the the house because when I create stuff like this i like to work in an assembly line.
Next roll those scrap papers.
Tip1 if the papers are tough use a pencil to help get them rolling.
Tip2 Put Adhesive on the edge of the paper so that your roll stays rolled up.
Arrange the rolls in the order you want then start placing them/adhering them to the house.

After all your rolls are adhered to the house you'll have some excess paper here and there go back and snip it off with your scissors.
Your house will then look something like this.
The roof is up next this is where the border strip comes in I measured the house and cut the border a smidge longer so there would be some over hang.
depending on how fancy you want it you can double up the scallop edge like i have or not. Because my border was a light color i inked it with a dark brown.
Once the ink is dry adhere to the house.
To make the grass I used a combo of a border punch and my scissors then stitched the 2 together. I also adhered them to the bottom of the house so that the rolls that are a bit jumbled at the bottom are not seen.

Embellish as you wish. I used twine, Epiphany Crafts Heart Shape Studio, a brad, chipboard tree and stickers.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy

2011-11-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

8 years ago today this sweet boy forever changed my life. I'll never forget.... that moment i held him in my arms or heard his sweet little cry for the first time. My dad there all night with us waiting for this little man to enter the world and when he finally did the tears that were in his eyes the joy on his face and the kiss he places on my forehead oh he was so happy and proud to share that moment with me & Mr.K. And the joy and delight on a Mr.K's face the first time he saw his son it was beautiful. when Teagan came to see her new baby declaring he was her "Brubby" she was giddy and so were we. Sweet boy you have been loved since the first moment, you are amazing, and bring so much joy to us all! Happy Birthday my Mav!

Have a great wekeend!MK

My Memories Suite Giveaway

2011-11-12T13:53:00.004-05:00

Remember earlier this week I told you i had a giveaway for the weekend you'd want to come back for well here it is a nifty prize for one blog reader and also a great coupon worth $20 for everyone!

A couple weeks ago I received an email asking if I would like to review the My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbook Software I thought sure why not I'm not that great at digital scrapbooking so maybe this would be a good push to get me to dabble a bit more in the digi world... well fast forward to this week after dealing with sick kids, a hubs with kidney stones, and lots of stress i needed to escape for a few minutes and with those minutes and a few clicks of the mouse I created this digital scrapbook layout with the My Memories Suite Software. Neato!

My Memories offers digital scrapbooking software and digital scrapbooking kits. At My Memories, you can find Word Art kits, calendar templates, quick pages, cluster frames, and more! For the frugal shopper, My Memories also offers free digital scrapbooking kits and a dollar store. You can even create your own online photo books and calendars. With the Holiday season upon us this would be a great way to knock out some gifts really easily with a few click of the mouse.

My Memories is offering $10 off the purchase of the My Memories Scrapbook Suite v.2 plus $10 credit toward any purchase in the My Memories store. So y'all can save $20!sweet huh!

Just copy and paste this promo code STMMMS21677

My Memories is also giving one lucky reader their very own My Memories Suite software here's how to enter the giveaway you can enter just once by commenting your answer to #1 or if you want more chance to win go for all 3!

1. Visit My Memories, www.mymemories.com, and leave a comment letting me know what products you love.

2. “Like” My Memories on Facebook. Leave a comment and let me know.

3. Spread the word about the giveaway via Facebook or Twitter! Leave a comment to let me know.

This giveaway will remain open until Wednesday, November 16th at midnight.I will post the lucky winner Thursday morning. Good luck!

Have a great weekend!MK

A little sneak peek

2011-11-09T17:49:00.004-05:00

at a few things I've been working on. My space looks like a chaotic mess right now and I'm too embarrassed to show a photo Mr.K just shakes his head every time he walks by but it's all good because MESS= CREATIVITY!! I do need to get it cleaned up tomorrow though because my sister in law is coming over Friday to scrapbook with me. I'm excited she's just getting into scrapbooking .Anywho i will share these projects this weekend after they have been revealed on the Precocious Paper Blog.

Have a great night! Mandy

PS..look for a giveaway this weekend too!

Right Now...

2011-11-07T10:10:00.000-05:00

Right Now 10:10 am...

I'm Wearing: comfy pants, Mr.K's shirt and my awesome red plaid boots(rocking a fab Monday look I must say!)

My Hair: is straight rockin the look of yesterday. me likes it!

Listening to: Bitty(our dog) speak her piece, the dishwasher and Mav sneak by with a bag of chips.

Sippin on: McD's Ice tea mmm

Munchin on: Lemon Oh's (not so yum but ok)

Thinkin bout: Lots of stuff as always my heads spinning with tons of info.

Waiting for: a phone call that will hopefully come in this afternoon.

Sketchin: some ideas for Design Team projects.

Proud moment: Still so proud of my girl getting Artistic Honors Award Friday from school!

Working on: grocery list, laundry, and maybe some DT assignments this afternoon.

Looking Forward to: Phone call from above and the kiddos parent/teacher conferences tonight.

Photo of Me Right Now:

Have a great Monday! ~MK

You 2 are, Thanks, & You're a Dear..

2011-11-01T08:16:00.003-04:00

A few more American Craft projects to share with you this month. The first is a fun layout using an enlarged photo of my silly girls with a mix of American Crafts Amy Tangerine & Nightfall Lines. Next we have a bright little card using my favorite thicker font Lullaby(which I'm secretly hoping AC will bring back without glitter in many colors!) and Daydreams line.

And last but not least a quick little card for the man using a mix of Campy Trails, Margarita, and Amy Tangerine.

Happy 1st day of November. Can you believe it's November already? Holy cow where'd the year go? I think I just saw my to-do list get longer. Have a great day!~MK

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:48:00.003-04:00

Life has been crazy here that is why you haven't seen me much in the online world but I thought I'd take a minute today to share our Halloween party decor that I created with American Crafts Nightfall line. My kiddos don't get to have Halloween parties at school, MIss Teagan has an expander/spacer thingy in her mouth this year,and Mr.Mav well he'd rather check every persons house out and stay awhile rather than take just a single peice of candy so instead of trick or treating we have a popcorn/movie/Halloween Party at home. man that was a mouth full huh? ok onto the goods!Supplies: Sunflower (58291) - Ribbon, Leaf (58272) - Ribbon, Black Ric Rak (58313) - Ribbon, Nightfall Assorted Buttons (85561) - Elements, Halloween Night Paper (35507) - Nightfall, Jack-O-Lantern (42206) - Remarks, Spells (72015) - Delights, Harvest (89409) - Ribbon, Dot Runner (61721) - This to That, Autumn Night Paper (35512) - Nightfall, Night Crawler Paper (35509) - Nightfall, Here and There Paper (35562) - Amy Tangerine, October Night Paper (35514) - Nightfall, Night Witch Paper (35508)- Nightfall, Thanks (70072) - Flair, Oh Happy Grey Paper (35565) - Amy Tangerine, Fall Leaves Paper (35530) - Nightfall, Midnight Moon Paper (35511) - Nightfall, Halloween (42204) - Remarks, Fancy Black (53114) - Thickers, Black (71082) - Cardstock

Thanks for stopping by! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

And the Giveaway Winner is...

2011-10-21T09:28:00.000-04:00

Melissa said...
One of my favorites is Pink Paislee's Nantucket papers! Thanks for the giveaway, I'd love to take the class!

1:54 PM

Melissa!! Congrats, email me your info and I'll forward it on to Shimelle so you can get your pass to the party!

A Very Special Party Giveaway

2011-10-19T08:33:00.006-04:00

There are online classes for everything these days, and my friend Shimelle has been teaching online scrapbooking classes for years - but she's decided it's time to kick it up a bit and go from online class to a four-week online party, and you're invited. Pretty Paper Party is the party to attend if you have a collection of paper stacked up for a rainy day, if you have more scraps of paper than you know what to do with (but you know you don't want to throw them away!) and if you've ever put a piece of paper back in your stash because it was just too special for the photos at hand. Through printable prompts and tutorial videos, Shimelle and dozens of special party guests will share beautiful and innovative techniques you can achieve with the paper you have already collected.

One of those "Special Party Guests" is me! I was so excited when Shimelle asked me to be one of her guests because her classes and challenges are always so much fun!If I was really cool I would totally have a fabulous sneak peek of my project for you but I've been on the go go go since I got off the plane from my scrapbook adventure last weekend so I just have this little teeny tiny looksee since this is all i have snapped so far of my project. leave me a comment telling me what your favorite pattern paper is..I'll pick a winner Friday morning. Also, if you’ve already registered, don’t worry, you can choose to either have your registration fee refunded or receive a free pass to give to a friend or family member. Class started Monday, but as with any good party it’s perfectly fine to arrive fashionably late. The class has no deadlines and everyone receives permanent access to all the class materials, so anyone can RSVP to the party at any time!

Daydreaming with American Crafts Daydreams line

2011-10-07T08:31:00.001-04:00

I love the new American Crafts Daydreams line it's girlie, it works for boys, it's fun, it's bright, and it just plain makes me happy when I create with it. So here are my American Crafts Blog assignments from September.

First a layout of my Day Dreamer Miss Teagan.

Supplies: Hello (70075) - Flair, Printed Variety Tags (77263) - Bits, Sunny Day Paper (35608) - Daydreams, Pleasant Day Paper (35609) - Daydreams, Raspberry (71019) - Cardstock, White (71081) - Cardstock, Forrest Vanilla (53162) - Thickers

Second a fun little baby boy card I made with a friend in mind.

Supplies: Gleeful Day Paper (35604) - Daydreams, Smile (42227) - Remarks, Sunny Day Paper (35608) - Daydreams, Sweet (59154) - Stamps, Great Day Paper (35602) - Daydreams, Blissful Day Paper (35605) - Daydreams, Sunflower (58291) - Ribbon, Meadow Squash (53164) - Thickers, White (71081) - Cardstock, Black (59500) - Pigment Ink

Thanks for stopping by!

Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop

2011-10-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Day 4 of the Fresh Vintage blog hop! I am super excited to be a part of this talented group of designers that will be bringing you inspiration each week . Every Tuesday and Thursday for the next 6 weeks, one of the 12 dies in the Fresh Vintage collection will be featured. 6-10 projects for every die will be posted by 75of the most creative designers in our industry.

To view the hop, you can click on the Fresh Vintage blinkie on the sidebar or right below. This will take you around to all of the designers on the hop.

Sizzix Fresh Vintage[ Hop back ] [ Hop forward ]

I received the Sizzix Bigz Die - Flower Layers #9 to work with. This die is so cool. I love all the layering you can do with it and all that the die will cut chipboard, cardboard(which I used), cardstock, metal, pattern paper(used it), fabric, felt(i used again) and more!
Once I had an idea of what I wanted to create I got out my favorite Epiphany Crafts tools(Round 25 Shape Studio & Round 20 Button Studio) to add my customized embellishment and away i went to create these...

A cute little spider web barrette. Felt, lace, EC Round Shape Studio, and a cheap little spider ring. Layer it all up and adhere it to a little barrette. The girls love these.

A Friendly card.The middle is the EC Round Button 20 Shape Studio. Simple, bright, fun and Quick! Love me a quick card!

Pumpkin barrette. Another little barrette a little different from the one above. This one I looped ribbon around and then layered the Flower layers #9 on top and bottom of the loops. I added the cute pumpkin using the EC Round 25 Shape Studio.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the rest of the hop!~MK

FAQ about the Fresh Vintage Blog Hop:

How do I hop around to see ideas using the current featured die?

Every Tuesday and Thursday between September 27-November 3, 2011 there will be a new Sizzix Fresh Vintage die featured on 6-10 of the 75 participating designers' blogs. The navigation buttons for "Hop Back" and "Hop Forward" will allow you to easily hop around and see projects featuring whatever the current die is, since those buttons are programmed to navigate only to the blogs that are participating for that die. On the next Tuesday/Thursday, the buttons will automatically reprogram themselves to navigate to the blogs that are signed up for the next featured die.

What if I start at a designer's blog that isn't one of the 6-10 signed up for that die?

No problem! Simply hit either the "Hop Forward" or "Hop Back" button on the Fresh Vintage navigation widget from any blog's sidebar and you'll automatically advance to one of the participating blogs.
Can I go back and view the ideas for a previously featured die?

Of course! Go to the "Blog Hops" link at the top of the page. It will bring up all of the blog posts where you'll find direct links to each participating blog along with a thumbnail image of the project.
Where can I buy the Sizzix Fresh Vintage dies, by Eileen Hull?

You can visit Sizzix.com to find a local and online retailers for Sizzix products. Also be sure to visit Oh My Crafts, one of this blog hop's sponsors, (between the dates of September 27-November 3, 2011) and enter for a chance to win a Flower Layers #9 die!
The Blog Hop has ended and the navigation widget is no longer in the sidebar. How can I see the ideas?

Go to the "Blog Hops" link at the top of the page. It will bring up blog posts where you'll find direct links to each participating blog along with a thumbnail image of the project

4x6 Photo Love with Shimelle:September 2011 Guest

2011-09-30T11:51:00.000-04:00

Excited to be my friend Shimelle's September 4x6 Photo Love Guest over at 2 peas. I had a lot of fun creating both of these layouts.One is 8.5x11 and the other is 12x12 so there is something for everyone. These both came together really quickly and I used 9 4x6 photos which has to be a first for me I can't remember ever using that many 4x6's. This pocket page is a great idea for all those times you take a million photos but just can't scrap them all. I'm thinking this is going to be my go to design for kids birthday's and the holidays so that I can get more photos off the computer and on pages. This page I used Girls Paperie,7 Gypsies, Crate, Amy Tangerine, and Epiphany Crafts round & square Shape Studio tools.

For this 12x12 I used Crate, American Crafts, 7 Gypsies, and October Afternoon.
You can see how Shimelle picked her supplies and created her beautiful layout by watching this months video.
If you'd like to participate in this awesome challenge head over to Shimelle's blog post HERE for more details.
Thanks for stopping by have a great weekend!!~MK

and there's more...

2011-09-29T15:55:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple more of my Epiphany Crafts Square 25 projects that were on the HSN scrapbooking special Monday night 9/26. I've said it over and over again but I seriously love this tool it's one of my favs! And a card that didn't make it on air. ~MK

Tonight at 10PM HSN be there for the Square!

2011-09-26T20:21:00.000-04:00

That's right y'all make sure to tune in to HSN tonight at 10pm est to watch Mr. Brian Fogg's presentation of the Epiphany Crafts Square Shape Studio. HSN has an awesome deal on the Square Shape Studio so if you've been holding out and waiting for the right time to buy do it tonight!The square tool is my favorite EC shape right now! You just might see some work by yours truly. Here is one of the layouts that was requested for the show. I'll share the rest later this week. Thanks for stopping!

~Mandy

And the DayDreams goodies goes to......

2011-09-21T18:15:00.000-04:00

reneezwirek said...
Pretty LO!

Little things that bring me joy...
time with family, lazy Sundays, this slowly changing Fall (I'm in Illinois and so excited for Fall), walking my daughter to school and back home.

Thanks for the chance to win!

8:07 PM

Renee please click the contact me at the top to send me your addy so I can get your goodies out to you.

WOW I had 299 comments during the blog hop! Thank you all so much for stopping by and leaving your sweet comments. I did read each and everyone of them Mr.K read a few. I love seeing what little things bring you all joy. I hope I was able to inspire you to get those little things documented on a page too!I wish I could send all of y'all something but I think my husband and the postal worker would kill me if i did lol. Please come back and visit the blog again you never know when you might see another giveaway pop up. Again thank you and here is a big ol cyber thank you ((((((((((HUG))))))))))

Peace~Mandy

American Crafts Blog Hop

2011-09-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hey, Howdy, Hello!! If you've been hopping along the American Crafts Blog Hop and you've come here from Lilith Eeckles blog then you're in the right spot if you just happened upon my blog or you're a follower be sure to start at the American Crafts Blog and hop along to all 20 Designers Blogs you'll have chances to win 2 entire collections and some of the designers favorite AC products. SO get hoppin!

The design team girls were given the challenge to create a layout using pieces from all the Summer releases. You might not think the themes of these lines would mix together but as you can see from all the creations on the blog hop they work great together. Just gotta think outside the box/theme a little and mix it up. Anywho here is my layout.

This layout features some photos I took at my Grandparents house a fw weeks ago.They are some of the simple & little things that brought joy that day: Teagan picking veggies, a toad on the sidewalk, and a single sunflower growing in the middle of a bean field. I love the mix of the little bits from each line and how the photos are still the focus even with using the 5 different AC lines.

I used the following American Crafts products: Amy Tangerine-Hanging Out(35560) Amy Tangerine-Rose Ave(35551),Amy Tangerine-Wishing Fabric stickers(42216),DayDreams-Smile sticker book(42227),DayDreams-Great Day(35602),DayDreams-Gleeful Day(35604),Garden Cafe-Sticker Book(42210),Garden Cafe-Clover Cantina(35537),NightFall-Autumn Cider(35519),Fellow Thickers(53172), Hollyday-Pere Noel(35483),Hollyday-Variety Buttons(85559)

And now for the giveaway because I know that's what all you hoppers are looking for. I'm giving away the DayDreams Friends Dimensional Stickers and Buttons. All you have to do to be entered in the giveaway is leave a comment on this post telling me what are some of the little things that bring you joy? You have until 11:59pm on Tuesday the 20th I'll post the winner on Wednesday morning.

Next on the Blog Hop is fabulous Melissa Mann!

Enjoying some Me time this week

2011-09-16T17:40:00.004-04:00

As you can see I haven't been here because I've been enjoying my first week of me time. I've been creating, cleaning , researching, and more. I'll be back tomorrow with a new creation.
Come back tomorrow for the American Crafts Blog Hop and a Giveaway!

A week ago....& Today

2011-09-12T10:16:00.006-04:00

A week ago I was home with 3 kids and a husband today I'm here by myself for another hour and a half. Mr.K is at work and all 3 kids are in school. I would really like to know how that happened I mean all 3 can't be school age already can they? This weekend I did a Kindergarten interview with Avery and made a layout then the next layout was one of her when she was 18months old(i think) it's crazy how time flies. When your young especially in your teen years you can't wait to be an adult and do your own thing, then you graduate high school, college, get married, start a family, have a few more kids, then boom the are in school and your getting wrinkly and grey hairs what the hell? I so want to push the rewind button or at least the slow motion or pause button. Ok so I'm not shedding tears and an emotional basket case today believe me it was nice to get a little me time it was weird but nice. so here is the run down

Teagan is now in 3rd grade and will be 9 in just 14 days.

Mav is now in his 5 yr of school he's in a cognitively impaired room with an awesome teacher. he's starting out half days that's why i have the mornings to myself a couple days a week. He's going to be 8 in November.
Avery Ella is in Kindergarten going M,W,every other Friday(which is so stupid, confusing, and another reason why i get a few morning to myself during the week.) she is going to be 6 in January.
Y'all have a great day I'm going to go finish a couple scrapbook pages before i have to go pick up the Dude.

~Mandy

PS. will hopefully be able to show the layouts I made this weekend soon!

WINNER WINNER

2011-09-05T17:36:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the delay the winner for the Studio Calico stamp is...

Mandie!

Congrats! Thank you for all the sweet comments.

This is what Friends are for

2011-08-31T13:27:00.004-04:00

They brighten up your days and make you smile!!

Don't forget that today is the last day of the Birthday Blog Hop don't worry if you haven't commented yet there is still time.

And you still have a few more days to leave a comment for the Studio Calico stamp I'm giving away on the 10 Years of Us post below.

~Mandy

10 Years of Us

2011-08-30T13:59:00.006-04:00

is it possible that we've been married that long? I guess it is since the paper does say 8-30-2001 but it just doesn't seem like 10 years yet. We have had our ups and downs our ins and outs yet here we are. We are complete opposites and in the following you'll see why but we work he's the half that makes me whole.

SHE: is an only child from a broken family. HE: is the oldest of 3 and his parents have been married 30something years.

SHE: is impatient as hell HE:can wait til the moon changes green.

SHE: is a chubby dunker. HE: is a skinny dipper.

SHE: loves adventures. HE: is happy with whatever makes her happy.

SHE: get upset and crys. HE: Lets it roll off without a second glance.

SHE: loves to read. HE:reads car magazines on the porcelain thrown.

SHE: loves her morning sleeps. HE: is up at the crack of dawn.

SHE: is a people pleaser. HE: could give a shit less about what others think.

SHE: could yap on and on about scrapbooking and every other thing in life. HE: yaps about cars and of course listens to her interrupt with her yapping.

SHE: was a rodeo champ in her day and never thought she'd give up riding horses. HE: prefers the the horses under the hood of a car not the 4 legged kind.

SHE: is all about the chocolate. HE: is all about the peanuts.

SHE: wear it all on her sleeve. HE: keeps it tucked deep inside.

SHE: says left. HE: says right

SHE: drinks coke. HE: drinks Mt Dew.

SHE: likes to talk it out. HE: would rather think to himself.

SHE: says YES!! HE: says NO!

this list goes on and on but you get it.

Dearest Mr.K,
you saved my life(literally) all those years ago, you love me for me, you put up with all my crazy bullshit(and my pain in the ass family), you have helped me create 3 beautiful children i never thought I knew I wanted, you are the half that makes me whole, my best friend, my confidant, you help me to be the woman i am today not the girl you met back in 99, you are the one who wipes my tears and holds me, you're there to laugh when I make a total ass of myself, you know what makes me tick and just how to push my buttons, you hold my hair back when I've had to much to drink and pay for it the next morning(thank God that only happens once every summer),you always have that just for me look on your face when I need it from across the room, you make me laugh, cry, and want more,you complete me, you are my soulmate and i love you more with each passing year. I never thought I could have a love like this but i do and I'm so grateful for you! I can't wait to see what the next 10 years brings up. Thank you for loving me and being the ONE!
Love M

PS. I still get butterflies every time i see you drive away in that black mustang just like the night we first met.see why it's gotta stay! xoxo

And now since you read all that you can stop putting your finger down your throat gagging on my mush and leave a comment to win this Studio Calico Stamp that I am giving away to one of you. Leave a comment telling me how long you've been married. if you've found the one. hell if you want tell me I'm crazy and that you really were gagging with this post i don't care. just leave a comment and you'll be entered to win. I'll leave this open til Saturday 11:59 pm and then I'll draw a winner on Sunday morning.

~Mandy

Don't forget you still have time to use the blog hop code and be enter in to that giveaway too just jump to the post below to leave a comment.

Precocious Paper Blog Hop: Happy Birthday Tessa!!

2011-08-29T07:00:00.003-04:00

Hey all!! Remember a few weeks ago I was yapping about a blog hop and that Tessa would be celebrating her 30th birthday? Well guess what the time has come for the Birthday Girl and some of her friends to celebrate with a blog hop which happens to be sponsored by Tessa's Etsy shop, Precocious Paper.get this Tessa is giving away over $100.00 in product. You don’t want to miss this! You can join in on the fun by starting at Tessa’s blog here. If you’ve been hopping along and just came from Liz Weber’s blog, you are in the right place.

Here is a necklace I created for the hop using pieces from the September Precocious Paper Sampler (flowers & butterfly). I added the chain, doilies, buttons, and epoxy photo.Love this sampler it's one of my favs! Would you like some Precocious Paper goodies to work with? Do you have some favorites in the shop and have been waiting to order? The read this! If you complete the entire hop, leaving a comment on every designer’s post, you will be entered to win the grand prize – the September, October, November and December Samplers! That’s a $54.00 value and dozens upon dozens of beautiful hand-crafted scrapbooking embellishments. Follow Tessa’s blog to be entered to win a $20.00 credit to the shop, and if you follow Precocious Paper on Facebook, you could win another $20.00 credit. SAWEET huh?! Tessa is also giving away surprise credits to blog hop participants, so be sure to leave a comment on this post!

Tessa has added many new items to her shop as part of the celebration, so be sure to stop by and take a peek. If you use this code MKBBHFREE during check out you will receive free shipping and a free thank you gift.international buyers need a minimum $5.00 order.The code is good through September 5th.

Your next stop on the hop is Sara Zenger.

Thank you for stopping by and happy hopping!

No words just some photos from Gma&Gpa's

2011-08-27T23:37:00.008-04:00

What I've been working on

2011-08-21T23:08:00.004-04:00

The other day I said I was going to share peeks of some things I've been working so here are a couple. I've also been working on my stash trying to downsize it and purge. I have a few boxes that need to go and more stuff i need to go thru. Trying to talk Mr.K into letting me have the room downstairs for my scrap space. I think he's scared of all the stuff we have stored in there and what we'd do with it all,me I'm ready for the challenge and also ready to get rid of some of that stuff in there.
Working on a new diet plan for the fam especially Mr.K since the doctor called last week to tell us his blood tests didn't come back good and he needs a lifestyle change. So his skinny ass is going to be exercising more, eating healthier, and taking meds. I got good news my blood work came back good. I'm driving Mr.K craazy with all the stank eyes and no you can't have that's but it's all out of my love for him.
Working on getting everyone back in to the school routine since there is only 2 weeks til school starts 2 weeks Dude where's the summer go? This means getting up early, meal times, workbooks, and going to bed earlier. School shopping is done! We finished this weekend with a trip to the shoe store with Mav. Fun? for a few minutes til we walked to the shoe aisle and of course the light em up shoes are across from the shoes he needs for his feet(for those that don't know Mav had re corrective surgery this past Jan on both feet because he has a rare foot deformity) so of course he wants the light up shoes so what do we do try to talk him into the right shoes which leads to a meltdown and everyone in the store staring but we did good stayed calm and Mr.K & I decided just buy both pairs of shoes right now take the light ups back on Monday and keep the ones Mav needed. It's just easier that way and it got the Dude thru a stressful public outing(not his fav thing he's a real home body) plus once we got back in the car then home he didn't even care about the damn shoes.

So what are you working on?

Precocious Paper September Projects

2011-08-19T15:38:00.003-04:00

Hey all just wanted to share my Precocious Paper projects using the September Sampler which is a must have if you ask me! Love it! I have another project I'm working on for the Blog Hop using the same sampler.
First I made this display piece for Teagan birthday that is coming up in September. The butterfly, flower, and ribbon are all in the sampler. Second is a simple and quick necklace using the flowers and yo-yo flower from the sampler. The necklace is by GCD Studios and to make the epoxy center I used the Epiphany Crafts Round 25 Shape Studio.Now i need to get back to working on some other DT projects that I'll give you a sneak peek at this weekend.
~Mandy

American Crafts Design Team

2011-08-15T18:01:00.005-04:00

So very very excited to share that I am one of the new American Crafts Girls for 2011-2012. I keep pinching myself because I must be dreaming!Wow!!Congrats to these fabulous ladies I will be designing with...

INTERNATIONAL

Cindy Stevens – from New Brunswick, Canada

Lilith Eeckles – from Bertogne, Belgium

Michelle Clement – from British Columbia, Canada

Piradee Talvanna – from Singapore

Revlie Schuit – from Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands

Shimelle Laine – from London, England

UNITED STATES

Amy Heller – from Newtown, CT

Cindy Tobey – from Kentwood, MI

Corrie Jones – from Dallas, GA

Heidi Sonboul – from Torrance, CA

Jamie Harper – from Phoenix, AZ

Jenny Chesnick – from Brooklyn, MD

Leah Farquharson – from Lauderhill, FL

Leslie Ashe – from Fort Worth, TX

Mandy Koeppen – from Hastings, MI

Melissa Mann – from Pensacola, FL

Paige Evans – from South Pasadena, CA

Pamella Brown – from Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Rahel Menig – from Gilroy, CA

Suzy Plantamura – from Laguna Niguel, CA

Thanks for letting me share my excitement!

~Mandy

Precocious Paper Event & a Card

2011-08-09T09:30:00.005-04:00

Tessa from Precocious Paper is turning 30 and what better way to celebrate that milestone in her life than with a blog hop? So please join me, Tessa, Amanda, and a fab group of other ladies to celebrate this fun event! Over the next few weeks we'll be designing projects to share and will hop together from blog to blog, admiring the PP creations, leaving sweet comments, and entering to win a big Precocious Paper prize :). Save the date! It's going to be fun!!

Here is a card I created with the Precocious Paper Butterfly doilies.

Visit the Precocious Paper Etsy shop to see this product and more including the August Sampler
Summer Twilight
~Mandy

Getting back to the norm..

2011-08-08T20:07:00.003-04:00

after a weekend away at CKC Nashville, TN it was filled with work, fun,meeting friends,lots laughter, shopping, and new experiences. Will be back tomorrow with some more to share but I'll leave you with my view from the plane.
~Mandy

2011-08-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

What do you see when you look at this photo?I see blues, reds, bricks, circles, and a 2 page layout featuring a girl back to school shopping. Say what??Yes that is what came to mind when I first saw the photo and the end of summer theme. I knew i wanted to do something with that stack of receipts that I kept from our back to school shopping trips last year and use journaling how crazy shopping with a teen girl can be.
The brainstorming began.. and this is the 2 Page layout I created.

You can see in this photo that the layering of the receipts mimics the brick pattern and colors a bit. Believe it or not this isn't all the receipts from last year, yes there are more! Crazy I know.

Next this photo shows the half circle that I used for my journaling, the colors , and patterns that inspired me to use the GCD Studios papers on this layout. When I was flipping through my alphas trying to decide which one to use this red Alphabet jumped out at me right away it reminds me of the couch. What do you think?

And those ladies from Melody Ross' Vintage Jane pattern paper well they just had to be used on this layout they so look like they were out shopping on the town just like Jessie.

So now that you know how this photo inspired me what so you think? Do you see what I did? Something else? If you are inspired to create something do share! Thanks for stopping by!

GCD Studios Products Used:
Vintage Jane - Homespun Chic by Melody Ross
Vintage Audrey - Homespun Chic by Melody Ross
Blue Redwork - Homespun Chic by Melody Ross

Tutorial Tuesday

2011-08-02T13:41:00.007-04:00

Some of you might be looking for this tutorial after you saw the notebook I created on the Precocious Papre blog last week and others well you are just stumbling on this because you happened to take a look at my little part of the world. Anywho these books are really easy to create and fun to keep handy. You can use them for everyday, the kids, party favors,a wasy to use up scraps etc.

The Notes book I created for this tutorial

Supplies used: Patterned Paper, cardstock, ribbon, sticker, stampOn to the Tutorial

Step 1. Cut the pattern paper for the cover to size. This book is 4.25x6inches. Cut the inside pages to size. Again this book is 4x5.75inches. You could make these books any size you want.

Step 2. Fold all the inside pages and the cover.

Step 3. Layer all the folded inside pages into the cover.

Step 4. Using a sewing machine stitch down the middle of the book.

Step 5. To make the pencil loop fold the ribbon around a pencil adhere the ribbon together then to the book.

Step 6. Adhere the last page of the notebook to the cover.It covers the ribbon.

Step 7. press firmly on the back page to make sure it's adhered.

Step 8. stamp the inside pages with a date stamp so that you can keep track of when you wrote the note.

Step 9. Embellish the cover.

You now have a nifty little notebook!

If you have any questions let me know.

~Mandy

Look at her!

2011-08-01T12:15:00.007-04:00

Yes this girl has been doing so much in the last week and had a few firsts in her little life like..

learning to tie her shoes 10:30pm last night and is really proud of herself! She's getting so big hard to believe she'll be starting school in a month.

Her first concert on Thursday night! Boy was it a good first too she saw Taylor Swift. Miss A had a grin from ear to ear dancing, singing, waving her glow stick, and enjoying the experience. I actually left the camera at home because I wanted to take in the moments with her instead of trying to get the perfect shot. It was great but I do wish I would have had the camera now.

She's had so many other adventures too which I've been there to see it's so neat watching her do these things and all the words coming out of her mouth. She sure does make life interesting! Love you AEK!!

Those of you looking for the Precocious Paper notes book tutorial it's coming I promise!Look for it tomorrow in a post titled Tutorial Tuesday. I took the weekend off to be with the family and our weekend started on Thursday with the concert:)
~Mandy

American Crafts Guest Designer

2011-07-27T10:55:00.007-04:00

I am super duper excited to share I am guest designer this week for American Crafts you can check out my work on their blog here MKatAC . American Crafts is has been one of my favoritest companies from the start of my scrapbooking (I have a stock pile of AC product that I just look at cause I just can't cut into it lol).I got the email from Paige in May while I was working the Epiphany Crafts booth in Novi I just about peed my pants I was so excited Tricia gave me that what the hell look so I handed her my phone and she read the email I was so excited i didn't finish reading it after the first few lines since the only thing I was seeing was "would you like to be a guest designer for American Crafts?" YESSSSSS!!

I am truly honored to Guest Design for American Crafts it's another one of those OMG that could never happen to me moments I have experienced this year. This hobby that I love has brought so many wonderful opportunities into my life, I have learned so much and not only grown as a scrapbooker but as a woman in this big ol world. I have met and gained the friendship of some very awesome ladies and a Dude!I can't wait to see what's instore for this little hicktown girl the rest of this year I mean seriously does it get any better than this?

And just to tease a little bit how bout another sneak of something I'm working on today.

~Mandy

A Sneak Peek for you!

2011-07-26T16:16:00.005-04:00

If you read yesterdays entry I said I would be back today with a Sneak Peek of something FUN I get to share tomorrow. So here is your peek.

Any guesses on what I'll be sharing?

Epiphany Crafts Projects from CHA

2011-07-25T11:54:00.004-04:00

Thought I would finally share my projects that were requested for the Epiphany Crafts CHA-S booth. I was so excited to get these done and mailed that I didn't take the "final good photo" of each project but these will work for now.

Framed Art & Vintage Spool Display

The framed art features both the EC 14 & 25 Round Shape Studios.The Spool display features the EC Vintage Settings, Charm Settings, & the 14 Round Shape Studio

You make me Happy CardThis card was fun to make its mostly Crate Paper with a couple others added in. It features the EC Round 14 & 25 Shape Studio tool and the Charm Settings.

Felt Tablet Case

the felt tablet case features the Vintage settings, 14 Round Shape Studio, & Star Flowers

I have some more fun news to share mid week that I'll share some peeks of tomorrow. Have a great Monday!~Mandy

2011-07-16T00:53:00.002-04:00

Wanted to share with you that JoAnn's Craft Store located in Torrance Ca, will be selling the Chipart tool. This weekend they are holding a free make and take and you will just love how cool this tool is! This will run for the next 8 weekends and I hope to see you there!

Here is the address

Joann ETC Store #1919
Del Amo Fashion Center
21800 Hawthorne Blvd Ste 100
Torrance, CA 90503-7004

For store times Call (310) 214-0992

she's not so girlie

2011-07-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Do you have a happy place you go to for inspiration, to soul search, a place that just makes you happy when nothing else possible could? I know we all have those places a coffee shop, a flower garden, for me it's my Grandparents farm. No matter the mood I'm in the farm always puts a smile on my face and it gives me a new look on what ever might be going on. Today I am sharing a layout with you of one of my favorite photos taken at the farm of my sweet girl Avery 3 years ago. The farm is the perfect place not only for the momma to get that boost she needs its also the best butterfly, frog hoppin, dragonfly catchin spot in the county and that is what Miss Avery loves to do best hunt bugs. I knew that Donna's papers would be the perfect fit for this layout with all those beautiful flowers and butterflies prints.

The journaling down at the bottom reads: She'd rather be out huntin bugs. These butterflies are beautiful on the original papers but I wanted to use them together and since the group is from a few different papers I decided I would cut them out and get this scrapbookers/card makers have a name for this technique is called "Fussy Cutting". Who would have thought it had a special name I certainly didn't so I had to google "Fussy Cutting" to see what everyone was talking about and boy did I need a V8 to the forehead for that one lol.

Donna Salazar Products Used:

Pretty in Purple - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar

Artistic Journal Cards - Artistic Papers Collection by Donna Salazar

Peachy Dream - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar

Spring Journal Cards - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar

Butterfly Harmony - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar

Harmony - Antiquities Collection by Donna Salazar

Take Flight - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar

It's 10:54am and what am i doing??

2011-07-13T11:54:00.001-04:00

really craving one of these salads -->

sitting here catching up online.

drinking Pepsi Max

listening to Sir Duke snore

itching my eyes

looking like crap HA

watching cartoons with Miss Avery

have a million things swirling around in my head

waiting for Mav to come down stairs again

thinking I probably should get some things down see below

What should i be doing?

finish some projects that need to be done this week

make Mr.K and I doctor appointments because hello the papers to the insurance company have to be in by August 30th.

Laundry oh that is a never ending job

unload and load the dishwasher

probably should get dressed at some point today.

call about Harry Potter tickets for date night on Friday

make a grocery list for this weeks shopping trip

make plans to do something fun and adventurous with the kiddos that Mav will actually like and not scream the whole time. this one is taking lots of brainstorming at the present time since he's not much for leaving home.

a whole lot more but that's a good list for now!

ok now that I've wrote it all down I should actually get off the computer and go try to check some of that list off. Have a happy hump day all!

A few imperfect Favorites

2011-07-11T21:01:00.007-04:00

I came across some photos that are not so perfect either blurry, over exposed, under exposed, not centered, closed eyes etc. whatever it may be I could probably fix some in photoshop but I really love them just the way they are. Perfect imperfections that have become some of my new favorites.Here are a few

What do you do with those imperfect photos? Do you scrap them as is or try to fix them in photoshop? Do you just delete them?

~Mandy

Colors Everywhere...

2011-07-09T06:00:00.005-04:00

Colors are everywhere around us, sometimes we gravitate towards certain colors more then others. I'll be the first to admit I am usually a creature of habit when it comes to colors I am always reaching for the same ones, looking for the same colors when shopping, decorating with the same colors,wearing the same colors and just plain ol getting giddy when I see those colors. If your asking what those colors might be they are greens, yellows, reds, turquoise, browns, grey, black, and white. This months color challenge was right up my alley and this photo immediately popped out to mein this photo you can see why. A peek at my spools of color collection I keep in a vintage roaster.So tell me what colors do you gravitate towards? Do you notice that the colors you use in you home decor spills over to your scrapbooking?

GCD Studio Products Used:
Happy Camper - The Great Outdoors Collection by Heather Tozzi
Adventurer - The Great Outdoors Collection by Heather Tozzi
Trail Blazer - The Great Outdoors Collection by Heather Tozzi Come One, Come All - Funhouse Collection by Tina Higgins

Totally forgot to share

2011-07-09T00:58:00.006-04:00

My Precocious Paper July Sampler - Pink Limeade projects from this month so I'll share them now.2 pins that the girlies have claimed as theirs, a layout about feet, and a minibook that will have to wait to be seen again til January since it was picked up for publication. The pins and the layouts also use the Epiphany Crafts Round 14 Shape Studio and Vintage Settings.

Thanks for peeking! Have a great weekend! Mandy

A little bit of Slippin, A little bit of Slidin, & A whole lotta Slurpin

2011-07-08T10:31:00.008-04:00

Yep that's right here at the House of K its all about the water! My kids are total water bugs! So it's no suprise that the day the kids got this slip-n-slide last weekend was spent slippin, slidin, slurpin up the water, and hootin&hollerin.
and some patient well not so patient waiting for your turn.Hey we got thru it even if the whole town heard how much it sucks having to wait for your 2 sisters to take their turn before you get another go at the slip-n-slide. even the 4 legged kid had to get in on the action somehow when dad wouldn't let him take a turn sliding down the cool new toy he decided to slurp all the water up and have some fun too.It was funny to watch!

Have a great Friday all!~Mandy

So I'm a little bit boring...

2011-07-07T16:46:00.003-04:00

Yes yes I am! No big adventure or new projects to share just yet so I'll share this cute little photo that I may have had a hand in making really funny(at least my fam thinks its funny). Have a great Thursday it's one more day closer to the weekend woohoo!!

A new GCD Studios Contest

2011-07-05T15:28:00.003-04:00

Have you seen this yet? GCD Studios is doing something new each month they will be putting together a kit that two guest designers and a design team member will be creating with. A challenge will be posted on the blog and if you choose to play along, you could win the kit for yourself! Pretty cool huh?You should give it a try (YES I'm pointing at you my fabulous blog readers!) details for the contest are below and you can find info HERE too! And now a look at this months Kit.

Now for the Kit contest rules:

Create a project about summer.
The theme is pretty big, so put those thinking caps on
Your entries must be in by
Friday July 22nd
Midnight PST

Heidi will then post our top 3 favorite layouts on the GCD Studios blog and the voting will begin.

Rules:
-You need to use 50% of GCD Studios products
-entries after July 22nd will not be entered into the kit contest.
-All entries must be emailed to Hsonboul@gcdstudios.com

Have a great day!~Mandy

No i haven't...A House of K June Update

2011-06-29T11:05:00.011-04:00

Fallen off the face of the blogging world it's just well...

First Mav is going thru this lovely phase that has us all on pins and needles. I think it's one of those age stages things(Autism and developmental delay) it's like we're going thru the terrible 2's right now. The Dude has lost all four front teeth and looks at himself in the mirror 97320981722356 times a day. My neighbors probably thought he was dying last night when we were trying to get him to go potty on the toilet oh it was fun but I did find he like this song from the new Winnie the Pooh movie which we listened to I think 9 times it relaxed him and he gave a little sprinkle to the porcelain gods. Yes its pure fun here in fairytale land!

Onto the next child Miss Teagan poor girl has Fifth Disease and spent the afternoon in the ER on Saturday trying to figure out why she has this head to knee rash going on. She's not a happy camper since she's been kept in the house away from everyone and out of the sun (makes it swell and look lots worse). Thank goodness its not itchy!!We did have some laughs about things having lacey patterns well never mind I jsut won't go into details but she thought it was funny I mean jeesh you gotta have some fun with it when you have this rash thing from here to there! Child numero 3 who gives me a run for my money daily Miss A!She's a total Punky Brewster! She is unique in every way makes me laugh, cry, and turn the locks grey all in the same hour. She has been playing outside lots Daddy put the tent up for her and Mav so they could "Camp" she loves it! She also wishes her sisters rash would go away so their summer adventures weren't so interrupted.She asks 849572342016 questions a day that I have like only a quarter of the answers for if I'm lucky.We've been walking with Sir Duke and boy does this chick come up with some witty stuff! I laugh and think where does she get it from? I can just imagine her when she's a teen!
Mr K. is working lots, being supportive, and researching everything he can to see what might help Mav. He is determined that we will get mav potty trained this summer! Me I'm just going to try the best we can no guarantees like everything is with the Dude. Mr.K planted our little garden and its growing.He's a pretty handy Dude to have around I must say! I think he needs a hobby but not sure he has time for it. He's not too sure what to think besides Cool to being in a national magazine this month. Me well lets see I am down over 33lbs on my weight loss. Still working at it my goal is another 17lbs. I can finally see yes see without the blur! I got my new specs on Monday . Mr K says I look like a school teacher I asked if that was one of his fantasy he just laughed HA! I've been having fun creating lately and got my box from Scrapbook Trends yesterday day with the June magazines in it. I was excited to see I had 2 layouts in there when I thought there was only 1. Um what else? I'm just me! Our 4 legged family members Sir Duke, Lady Foxy, and Queen Bitty are doing good. 1 is a fan of the heat the other 2 i think could pretty much live without the 80-90 degree weather we've had(me too!). Sir Dukes breaks of wind are still the worst and send us all ducking for cover. Lady Foxy is goofy and tries to avoid Miss A but A always catches her and they go off on some cool adventure. Queen Bitty aww what can you say about her? She's a talkative old broad always giving her opinion. For those that don't know Sir Duke is a Boxer, Lady Foxy is a mini Pomeranian, and Queen Bitty is a Jack Russel. Ok gotta cut this off. Have a great day all!~Mandy

A week filled with Awesome opportunities

2011-06-18T13:00:00.005-04:00

Monday & Tuesday : Guest Star on the JBS Inspiration Blog

Wednesday: Card on HSN during the Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio segment

Thursday: I created one of my favorite 2page layouts to date but I'm not able to show it. Also connected with a new scrapbook friend I met in May.Hi Danee!

Friday: My Designer Friday projects posted on Precocious Paper Blog. Featured Artist over at Scrapbook News & Review.
<-----This is my project I shared over at SNR.

Thank you for all the sweet comments and support it really means a lot to me!!

In other news yesterday I went for my first eye appointment sine grade school. Got my eyeballs beamed at, tested, irritated, and in the end I ordered my first pair of spectacles which should arrive in a week. I then went to get my hair did it's shorter and lighter. Every time I get my hair chopped it looks like some shaved a dog bald there is so much hair on the floor. I'm just thankful for the thick locks I have. It's a bit curly now that it's shorter too. Anywho when the specs come in I'll post a pic for y'all.

Have a fabulous weekend! Mandy

HSN Projects

2011-06-15T21:05:00.005-04:00

The layout didn't get on the air but the card did. I got all geeked when they showed it close-up.

~Mandy

Epiphany Crafts on HSN

2011-06-14T14:03:00.010-04:00

And now for some exciting Epiphany Crafts news...Brian Fogg(who is one cool cat) will be back on HSN this Wednesday June 15th with two shows...one at 11:00am and 6:00pm Eastern time. That's 8:00am and 3:00pm for you west coasters. Be sure to tune in as EC will be offering three new kits!And here's a hint one of those new kits will be an awesome new shape(must have)! You just might recognize a layout with some feet and a card for dad by yours truly too so be sure to tune in!
<------A peek at the card using the Shape Studio Tool Round 25,
Shape Studio Tool Round 14, and the Metal Charm Settings.

Will be back tomorrow to show the full card and layout.~Mandy

JBS Guest Star

2011-06-13T23:16:00.007-04:00

So excited to share that I am a guest star over on the JBS Inspiration Blog! I couldn't believe it when I got the email from Betsy asking if I'd like to be a guest star... that was a no brainer answer for me UM heck yes I love JBS! I even got to meet Jenni this past May I have to say she is pretty cool!I had so much fun creating with the new Haven line its a must have in my book! Thanks again Jenni and the JBS crew for this awesome opportunity!!Another check mark on the bucket list for this girl.

Here are some close-ups of the projects over on the JBS Blog.

Thanks for stopping by! I have more fun stuff to share this week too so be sure to come back.

Mandy

Layers lots and lots of layers

2011-06-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

This layout is like an onion lots of layers. Lots of Melody Ross and a little bit of Donna Salazar was used to create this layout. I wanted to keep the focus on my photo without over doing the layering so I chose to enlarge the photo and use the colors from the layers to make the layout pop.

To all my Blogger Friends

2011-06-07T16:41:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to let you all know that I am reading your blogs and I have tried to comment a bunch of times and blogger just won't let me. I have no clue why it's not working. It's frustrating and I am sorry. Please don't think I'm a flake cause I really am trying to comment on your blogs.
~ Mandy

Define Your Style

2011-06-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Every time I see the question what's your style? I get that oh no I have no idea what my style is because I'm a fly by the seat of your pants kinda gal when I create I go with the flow what ever happens to work.I always focus on my photos and add paper & bits that fit so today I'm going to say I'm a Modern Paper Piecing Mix. No there is no definition for that in the dictionary and google probably can't find it out there on the web either. So here you have it a Modern Paper Piecing Mix layout:

Clusters oh I love my little clusters.the title is heat embossed and outlined.Love love love the Fun House Ribbon Spool!

Layout created using the following GCD Studios products:
Lovely Garden - Soul Food Collection by Melody Ross
Woodgrain Alphabet Chipboard Stickers - The Great Outdoors Collection by Heather Tozzi

Ribbon Spool - Funhouse Collection by Tina Higgins

What would you say your style is?

GCD Studios Assignment: Mothers Day Card

2011-05-26T16:18:00.009-04:00

Have a purpose, keep it simple...Those words stuck with me the whole time creating this card. I knew it needed to be a Mother's Day card and less is more right? Yep.I wanted the card to last a bit longer then just Mothers Day too so what better way then to put a family photo on it so that the card could be hung on the fridge. The Layered Frames - Homespun Chic by Melody Ross fancied the card up. I also added some machine stitching and a couple cute little gems.

Love the Chipboard Butterflies from the Chipboard Ladies - Homespun Chic by Melody Ross

Yes it's still hanging on the fridge.

Getting ready to see this view in a few..

2011-05-25T19:40:00.004-04:00

~Mandy

Monday? Dude where'd my weekend go?

2011-05-23T19:00:00.005-04:00

You wait all week for the weekend and before you know it boom its gone again.I swear Monday's come faster then any other day of the week. I think its cause I'm not exactly a fan of the Mondays!On this last Monday I've been creating a few things along with doing laundry, refereeing sibling squabbles, and dealing with a not so happy Dude.
So this is what Monday is looking like here in my happy little hole they call a scrap space.

Completely Chaotic Mess!!!

I did get almost 6 layouts done. Not looking forward to cleaning up the mess but sure am glad to have 6 more layouts.

How's your Monday looking? Are you a fan of Mondays?

~Mandy

Precocious Paper's New Mini Sampler

2011-05-20T18:16:00.006-04:00

Tessa is now offering more samplers in the Precocious Paper Shop.I got to have some fun with the first Mini Sample. Here are my projects using Precocious Paper's Fuchsia Cherries mini sampler with some leftover GCD Studios scraps.

A Couple really quick cards

A simple headband created for Miss A but she was non-cooperative when it came time to actually get a photo with it on her. Gotta love a 5yr old with a mind of her own!

Hope you're having a fabulous Friday!

Thanks for stopping by!~Mandy

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T20:05:00.001-04:00

Right Now..

2011-05-16T13:47:00.005-04:00

listening to: Adele and the dog snore at my feet
Sipping on: Cherry Coke Zero
Thinking about: too much my brain is on over load. I'm pissed off at Mav's Docs once again because he may have to go see another specialist ugh.
Wearing: my fav yoga pants, green ling sleeve t, and fuzzy slippers.
Working on: putting the finishing touches on a few projects. And getting my scrap space organized.
Feeling:Moody and the tears are coming.
Weather: Sunny and getting warmer
Wanting: to take a nap.
Thankful For:Mr.K he's my rock. The one who wipes away the tears and listens to every word that comes out of my mouth. He makes it better!
Needing: to do laundry and finish the projects I've started today.
My Favorite color: is still green it's a good cheery color.
Waiting For:Teagan's teacher to email me back so we can make the decision about next week.
Enjoying: a few minutes of me time while Miss A is visiting a friend and Mav is sleeping.
Favorite Photo:

Have a great Monday!~Mandy

Scrappy Sunday

2011-05-15T21:04:00.007-04:00

This layout is photos of the mini vacay Mr.K and I took to Chicago last summer. I didn't realize til we got home andI went through the pics on the camera that I had no photos of the 2 of us together I was super bummed. But with every bummer comes something good and the good this time is this layout (in my opinion anyways). This layout uses mostly Studio Calico's Continental l kit from last July

Hope you had a great weekend. Here in the mitten it was a soggy mess once again and its cold. Thanks for stopping by!

Making Memories Guest Designer

2011-05-11T12:47:00.009-04:00

When I first got into scrapbooking my favorite company was Making Memories I hoarded everything they made and still have some of my first purchases lol so to say I was excited when Jenny from Making Memories asked me to be a guest designer is an understatement cause words just can't describe it, it's like the football quarterback asking the big ol nerdy girl to prom one of those things you dream of but fat chance it will happen and then it does. I Love Making Memories their products are classic to me from the metal embellishments to the paper butterflies. When I got the package from MM I couldn't get in the house fast enough to open it up to see what was inside. When I opened it I was like uh oh it's Tie the Knot what am I gonna do?This is wedding stuff... Mr.K and I don't have those fab wedding photos heck we only have a few but as you can see with this layout and the my other creations on the MM Blog I was able to come up with something because the product doesn't always have to be used for the same theme it was created for. I want to thank Making Memories and Jenny Weston for this WONDERFUL opportunity!! Totally cool!!You can see more on the Making Memories Blog HERE

photo of Mr.K and Teagan at last Springs Father Daughter Dance.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Mandy

PS. I can now check off another item on my Bucket List!

Slacker Mode

2011-05-10T13:16:00.004-04:00

Yes you could say I've been in slacker mode when it comes to blogging the last 2 weeks. So how bout some Mandy updates.

I've been spending the days with Avery and Mav. She had Kindergarten registration and testing. He is still adjusting to his new feet.

The afternoons have been spent doing homework and helping Teagan with a book report that was due yesterday.She had to make a bag and decorate with the theme of the book. It turned out great.

The nights have been spent hanging with Mr.K and the family. It's getting nice outside here in the mitten so we've been playing lots and watching the kiddos play too.

This past weekend I got to hang with Tricia and Brian from Epiphany Crafts at the Novi Mega Meet. I had a total blast it was the first time I've been away from home in forever! Both Tricia and Brian are really cool and I loved working for them! I took like 2 pictures the whole weekend was busy with everything and just having too much fun in the moment to get my phone out and snap a pic(left my camera at home).oh well next time.

I've been working on some assignments and cool things I can't share just yet but will soon.

Last but certainly not least in the last month I have lost almost 30pounds. So excited about it!
There is lots more but thats a me update in a nutshell.

Wordless Wednesday Yummo

2011-04-27T09:38:00.002-04:00

2.5 weeks into this new lifestyle change I'm down 17lbs already and oh so happy!

Precocious Paper's Mother's Portrait

2011-04-25T12:40:00.009-04:00

Precocious Paper's May Sampler Mother's Portrait is a must have! I absolutely loved working with everything in the sampler. All my projects came together really quick and I love them! The Sampler is based on the Portrait Collection by Crate Paper. My favorite item in the sampler the woodgrain flowers AWESOME!! For my fellow Studio Calico lovers this sampler would mesh very very well with the SC May kits just sayin!

A5 Layout

Mother's Love Tag

Grandma Card

~Mandy

2 Days

2011-04-13T16:41:00.003-04:00

Just 2 more days and we won't be tapping our fingers waiting to see what's under those casts. 2 more days. I'm nervous it will be just me and Mav going to the Dr this time. He has some relaxers to take prior to the visit but I'm really nervous how its going to go. Hopefully he will do ok and it will be done quickly.Nervous about this next adventure and what it will hold. Will update Friday afternoon. ~Mandy

Precocious Paper Sale

2011-04-09T13:03:00.004-04:00

This weekend you can get these embellishments, as well as anything else in the store, for 20% off. Use code APRIL20 during checkout. Sale begins now and goes through Sunday. Discount is not applicable toward special or reserved listings, only listings as is in the shop.Happy Shopping!

Precocious Paper

April Sampler

Bowl Full of Cherries - Embellishment Kit

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T11:00:00.005-04:00

10 more days

2011-04-05T13:07:00.003-04:00

10 more days and he'll be cast free.10 days til we'll be in the Doctors office taking the 3rd set of casts off and we'll finally get a peek at his reconstructed feet. 10 more days til we start the next leg of this journey.10 more days... ~Mandy

World Autism Awareness Day

2011-04-02T17:28:00.004-04:00

April is Autism Awareness month and today April 2nd 2011 is World Autism Awareness Day! Learn the signs, get informed, make a difference visit Autism Speaks. My sweet boy is one of the 1 in 70 boys diagnosed with Autism.We are Lighting It Up Blue are you? How can you say no to a face like this?

It's simple and really you'll be making a difference for Mav and all those living with Autism.

Thanks xoxo Mandy

Wordless Wednesday with him...

2011-03-30T20:41:00.001-04:00

Real quick..maybe not too quick

2011-03-29T08:19:00.006-04:00

Poor Miss A woke up with a swollen eye this morning.Looks like I'll be calling the doctor later today I'm pretty sure it's pink eye. She's quarantined in my bedroom for the day watching TV and her meals being slid under the door. Ha just kidding about that last bit but she is being waited on by me so that the rest of the house doesn't get it. I really don't think a Dude in casts that is already not a happy camper would be too thrilled if he got pink eye too. Nah I'm betting not. Gma and Gpa are coming up to watch the kids so I can go to Teagans conference today. Hopefully they'll stay when I meet them at the door to tell them about Avery or the Teacher might get stood up not really I'm not that type of person. i'm seriously not happy with school right now we've been having some issues and then yesterday ugh so not happy with them. Teagan came home yesterday bouncing with a big smile on her face and said mom guess what it finally happened! huh? I got an award at the assembly the citizenship award mom!!!my heart sank I wasn't there but all the other moms were. I wanted to cry cause I'm so proud of my girl she is doing awesome in school even with all that has happened in this house since December. The school usually sends home a note telling parents its a surprise dahdahdah come see your kid along with the rest of the school. ugh upset. I then told her how sorry I was that I wasn't there because I didn't know about it.She says nuhuh mom you were there i thought i saw you nope not your momma girlie. she says It's ok mom really it is. I take this mom thing serious when I hatched Teagan out that night in September 2002 and we decided I would be a stay home mom I vowed I would be there for it all, I would be the happy face in the crowd, I would be the one she calls when she's sick, I would be the secret keeper, I would be there to see her thru,I would be the hand she holds, I would be there to pick up the pieces when someone else breaks her, I simply would be there and yesterday I was not ,it hurt. She was ook with it though she came over gave me a big ol hug told me maybe next time and that she was ok. My girl is very mature for her 8 years of life. Love that girl! ok I'm off lots to do. I might be back later with a share but if not you'll see something tomorrow from me. Have a great day!

A Treasure Hunting weekend

2011-03-28T12:11:00.004-04:00

Mr.K gave me a few hours on both Saturday and Sunday for some me time. He told me should go see what I could find at my favorite Antique Mall and there was an Antique Show here for the weekend at the Expo Center so maybe i would like to hit it up too. I Had fun both days just looking around picking up a few things, pining for a few things, and later going back to add to my purchases. Day 1 I went to the Expo Center I tried to talk an old man out of this awesome display spinner but it was a no go I even went back to talk to his wife she also said nope. I only bought a few things and left only to return like 30minutes later lol. My Dad met me for said return that's when I purchased something that sent me over the moon but I can't share it on here just yet sorry you'll have to wait a bit for that and then I found a beautiful suitcase that I had to have. Day 2 I hit up my favorite antique mall it has 4 floors and is HUGE! yesterday I found another cozy corner I had never happened upon before that's how big it is! anywho I love the place and i found lots of goodies there. I had a few things that I have been looking for that I was able to find and then I had a couple things like that toy can that was like hello Mandy take me home so I did. I found a desk that I got talked down $125 off so I'm trying to talk Mr.K into an early birthday present (I can use that from now til April 18th on all purchase right?). I love paper goods and was able to find lots of them. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep the glass frog after I got home I thought ugh maybe it's going to find another home. That metal thing is another "take me home Mandy" items I saw it and thought it was so cool. It has a chain for a pen, a roll of paper, and the board is magnetic.Love it!

Here is a bit of what you see in the photo: Box with ric rak, wooden spools, stock yard receipt book and the toy can i love. A music book. 6Ft folding ruler stick. Colander(love)wooden spools, sewing pin tubes, tickets, photos, paper books, ticket books, business flyer cards, small paper bag for something i can't remember.the glass frog, Lotto game with game cards and tokens. Atlas with notes and other pieces in it. Important documents leather folder with envies and writing inside. The metal board thing, Chick leg band bags.another blank music sheet book(thought this would be cool for journaling) and more. in the pocket lots of work books, music books, and school books, paper tins.All inside one of my favorite purchase the pretty suitcase.

I also learned some neato local history on a few of the items i got this weekend which was cool!I always forget to take pics while I'm treasure hunting I think because I get so giddy and I'm to busy looking, touching, and imagining. Maybe next time I'll remember.

Have a great day! I'll have some layouts to share later this week.

So excited about this...

2011-03-25T10:43:00.003-04:00

I'm thrilled that I have been asked by Tessa to join the Precocious Paper Design Team. Precocious Paper offers beautiful handmade embellishments created by Tessa.There is a special kit every month called the Sampler featuring assorted handmade embellishments you can see Aprils Sampler HERE.

GCD Studios Contest

2011-03-21T15:43:00.006-04:00

First a new contest announced on the GCD Studios Blog last week. This contest is a spin off contest for the Brave Girls Camp Contest and it runs til April 1st.

Rules:
1) create a project (it can be anything you want), but keep the theme "spring" in mind.
2) You must use the chipart tool on it somehow (if you don't have it, it can be found in many stores)

Michaels
HSN
Artsy Findings

3) submit your projects to: Chipart_contest@gcdstudios.com

and here is the prize for our Spring Spin off Contest with Fiskars.
The value is over $200 in punches, paper, Chipart tool, trimmers and much more :)

You can read all the information HERE.

Don't forget about the Brave Girls Camp Contest.

Here is the prize for that

Have a great Monday!

Winner Winner & Friday 5

2011-03-18T20:10:00.009-04:00

The winners from the giveaway are Elaine and Megan A. Congrats ladies look for an email from me in your inbox.

Friday 5 Randomness

Mav and I snuggled while Avery watched a movie.Thank goodness they both wanted to hang on the down low today since I wasn't feeling so good this morning.

Today marks a year since I had a complete hysterectomy. Still getting use to all the changes that happen when you don't have all your girly plumbing.

I got happy mail today from a fellow SCer. I can't wait to use the Nadiya stamps this weekend. Thanks Denise!

We had Chinese food for dinner and it tasted good after a blah day.

Happy that Mr.K's first week at his new job is going great and he is chipper this week.

Have a great weekend!

Love him to death but he makes my nostril hairs curl

2011-03-16T14:29:00.008-04:00

Mr.K is actually researching on how to make our sweet Boxer happy, healthy, and less stinky. I'm pretty sure we have the first 2 on that list covered but Sweet Jesus those pine trees tied to his stubby won't help his stink. If you are visiting the House of K by the time you leave you have more then likely experienced the dive into your shirt and cover your nose routine we have. NO matter how stinky we still love our Duke! Heehee after reading in the comments I thought I should clarify Duke has a flatulence problem he's got those silent but deadly sneak attacks on your nostrils.

Thank you for all the sweet comments on yesterdays post! Don't forget about the Giveaway comments are open til the 18th.

Have a happy hump day all!

so Geeked and a Giveaway

2011-03-15T22:31:00.003-04:00

Today I get to share my excitement about this with you

I am so geeked about it. I still can't believe i got the call Friday.Technically she called I was on another floor of the house doing fun mom duties so I called this LA number back thinking what the H e double hockey sticks then it went to a voice mail and hello I don't do voice mail so i hurried up and hung up. Then oh then my phone rang LA number again so I answer and she says Amanda? I almost didn't answer back lol I usually go by Mandy only when I am in trouble or for "Adult responsibilities" do I go by Amanda oh and when Gma gets mad she calls me Amanda...Anywho I said Yes and then it hit me Holy Moly Mandy duh this is "That" phone call. I was yammering like a dummy. Heidi she is so sweet and oh my goodness I talked to her about being a professional butt wiper lol. Mr.K couldn't believe I said that to her lol. I was shaking like a leaf and my heart was pounding.I didn't know what to say. She was so sweet I know I already said that but she was! I was pacing back and forth that's what I do when I chat on the phone so Avery kept watching me like I had lost my mind and she gave me the stink eye like seriously mom what the... When I got off the phone I told her what the call was she said oh one them scrapbooking things? Yep! Then when Teagan got home Avery ran over to the door "T guess what mom made another team!" it was too cute. I'm so excited to start this new adventure!
AND
Because I am so excited i want to share the love so I'm doing a Giveaway!I have been going thru stuff and have a whole lot of goods that need someone elses love. I have stamps,rubons, embellishments etc All you Studio Calico fans might want to enter too you never know what might be in these goodies you remember my post about being a kit hoarder right? If you would like to be a winner of some cool goodies leave a comment here and I will pick 2 winners on Friday March 18th.

A 2pager, a card, and 2 layouts...

2011-03-15T12:12:00.006-04:00

and you have what I created for my DT gallery over at 3 Scrappy Boys. I got to work with the March Add-on Kit featuring Studio Calico Countryside.

I'll be back later with a giveaway.Have a great day!

~Mandy

Monday Madness

2011-03-14T17:10:00.003-04:00

So today started off in a wonderful way I got a cast to the side of an already aching head while trying to change Mav this morning. He didn't do it on purpose it's gotta be hard for him to hold them dang things up they are heavy. anywho he immediately starts with the Mom you ok, mom mom you ok, mom you ok? Yes Dude I'm ok. Not really my brain was feeling like some runny scrambled eggs at the moment and I thought I was going to loose my cookies so Mav hopped a piggy back ride up to the bedroom where we slept for a couple hours. I still have a headache ARGH! Trying to put some finishing touches on a few layouts has proven to be a not as simple as i thought it would be. It's one of those I picture it one way but it just doesn't come out that way kind things. The girls have been squabbling since Teagan got home oh Lord how I love a good squabble times like this I am so glad i was an only child lol.Ok so I'm ready for Monday to be over with how bout you? Here are a couple more things i created this weekend.

~Mandy

PS! I see that there is someone visiting from my neck of the woods HOLA!!!

Scrappy Sunday

2011-03-13T20:00:00.004-04:00

A couple layouts I created today after we cleaned the backroom and changed my Scrapspace up a bit.I have more layouts and a card to share later this week. Speaking of cleaning come back this week I will be doing a giveaway on Tuesday.I have lots in that went into the giveaway box today. Mr.K found my sizzix machine and a bunch of alpha dies and other dies he told me they need to go since they don't get used so hopefully someone on craigslist is lookig for a good deal cause I sure have one lol. Hope y'all had a great weekend!

FrIdAy FiVe

2011-03-11T12:41:00.005-05:00

This week has been one of those stressful weeks should we?shouldn't we? what if ?kind things so here are the Friday 5 Not so stressful things that happened here this week.

Went to dinner with my Dad just me! It was nice to get out for a little bit plus dinner with my dad is full of conversation and admiration. Love him! Thanks for the yummy grub Daddy-O!

Mr.K celebrated his Birthday yesterday and I gave him this big ol balloon that made him smile like a little kid.
I sent out a layout to CK for the September issue which I'm so excited about! It required Mav, Avery, and I to make our first solo trip into public which went great!Thank goodness the post office rewards good kids that are patient and wait in line with their mommas with a dolphin stamp on your hand.
I had another one of these LOVE them not only do they taste and smell good um hello they are an awesome shade of green. Every time I slurp a milkshake this song comes to my head lol.
I got my Studio Calico box and then the mail lady dropped my package of SC Countryside and State Fair off that I ordered from YSS.

Have a great weekend!

Today it's all about Him...

2011-03-10T09:55:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Love!!

Seriously?Nuh Uh...Really?OMG!!That's my name!!WOW

2011-03-02T16:28:00.006-05:00

The title that pretty much sums up all that came out of my mouth lastnight as I was hopping up and down after I got the email from Tricia congratulating me that I was chosen to be a Design Team Member for Epiphany Crafts.I was so geeked! Mr.K and my MIL sat there looking at me with smiles on theirs faces trying to figure out what I was talking about lol. My kids just looked at me like oh there she goes mom fell off the deep end. I'm so happy, excited, and honored to be a part of this team.You can see the announcement HERE.Thank you EC for this wonderful opportunity!

Monday, A Digi, & Me

2011-02-28T13:32:00.006-05:00

I'm so not a fan of Monday's! Trying to get things done around here today since Mav has another procedure tomorrow. Hoping like heck it goes better then the last one. I thought maybe the Dude would take a nap so I could go scrap for a little bit to clear my head but it's not look like that going to happen anytime soon he's bright eyed and bushy tailed. Miss A is relaxing in her room she's not feeling 100%. I think A and T both are getting colds Yuck!

Now for the Digi... ~Mandy

Scrappy Sunday

2011-02-27T15:06:00.007-05:00

Here is a layout I created for the Crate Paper Blog Feb. Sketch Challenge using one of my lovely Studio Calico kits.Photos of Mav's first bus ride in 2009. It was so cool because he doesn't ride the bus this was for a special field trip he went on with his class ..Of course I followed closely behind the bus biting my fingers and shaking like a leaf the whole time wondering if it would go good for him and it did. Fast forward to this past year the Dude is not such a fan of the bus lol.

Hope your having a great Sunday!Thanks for stopping by!

~Mandy

Mandy Koeppen

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