Mugsy Boo

We're movin' on up...

2008-09-07T13:56:00.002-04:00

To a little 'ol place called Typepad...from now on you can find Mugsy, Pixie & I HERE

Sweater weather....

2008-09-05T08:05:00.007-04:00

is almost upon us so I don't think it's too early to start sharing Halloween projects :)
This is the banner that we will be making in my class at Craft Fancy next month.

Class dates are going to be up on their calendar soon so you can give them a call or stop in to sign up!

My first challenge with Lotus Paperie is up...this is the sketch I worked from

And the LO I made from it

I had every intention of working on some stuff this morning before going to work this afternoon but I am having a serious lack-of-Mt. Dew-headache...Better today than tomorrow as I am going to the Kane County flea market.

If you live in the area, be sure to check out my friend Sarah's huge yard sale this weekend...she is selling a ton of stamps and other crafty stuff and most of it is under $5...just click here for her addy.

Sew be it...

2008-09-02T12:46:00.004-04:00

Yay...I made pillows! I went to Hancock Fabrics this weekend and they were having a 50% off sale plus I had a coupon so for about $10 I made these pillows. Way better than the $45 Pottery Barn ones :) I even have enough fabric for a couple more.

Mugsy says he is enjoying the new color scheme...he finds it quite soothing

I had a couple of emails about the paint color we used...it's Ralph Lauren Limeade Green.

I finished up my project this morning for the next class I will be teaching at
Craft Fancy..here is a sneak peek for now, dates and details coming soon!

I am Guest Designer at Lotus Paperie this month so head on over and check it out :)

{insert catchy title here}

2008-08-31T12:57:00.006-04:00

For a while we have been trying to figure out how to spice up our living room, it needs a pop of color and we couldn't decide on anything...until we walked into Pottery Barn the other day and fell in love with the fabulous green they have this season...

so we now have an accent wall painted in this fabulous color...

and a few rugs thanks to Ikea

I am now on the hunt for a couple of lamps and some pillows in this color and am trying to be frugal about it...as much as I love Pottery Barn, $45 pillows and $125 lamps just aren't going to happen right now!

Pixie seems to have recovered quite well from the dryer sheet incident...she is as spunky as ever and didn't miss a beat :)

After making an altered book at our crop I am totally addicted to them now as I have made 2 more this week!

Alright, I am off to the fabric store to see if I can track down some fabric in that fabulous green...hope everyone has a great rest-of-the-holiday weekend :)

Oh my!

2008-08-25T21:46:00.009-04:00

So yesterday started off a bit scary...Pixie came running down the stairs with something in her mouth as fast as she could. Both Bob and I tried to corner her under the table to get it from her, it looked like she had a used dryer sheet in her mouth. Just as one of us was about to reach for it *sluuuuurrp*, she sucked it right down and swallowed it! Pixie has been known to steal her share of scrapping scraps and nibble on them (as much as I try to stop her, pull them from her mouth etc.), but this really had me worried as I didn't know if it would hurt her :( The vet suggested hydrogen peroxide to get her to throw it up but that didn't work so to the vet we went...they couldn't get her to throw it up either so the remedy we came home with is...

I will let you all use your immagination for the rest of the story...anywho, she is snoozing away happy as can be and has even had the nerve to come nibbling around my paper scraps last night. I don't know why the words "cat lax" make me giggle, but they do.

On a happier note, here are some goodies I have picked up here recently.

A typewriter!!! Yay, I have been searching for one for a while and found one in a local antique store with a big ol' sale tag on it so of course I scooped it right up. It works great, but if someone has any info on where I can get ribbons it would be greatly appreciated :)

I also found a cute scale at the same shop

Some old patterns and vintage party favor cups

I went to Michaels to check out the new Martha Stewart Halloween stuff and came home with this cool metal sign...not MS but cool none the less.

The uber talented Holly gave me this pretty cool award...

Here are the rules:
(1) The winner can put the logo on their blog.
(2) Link the person you received your award from.
(3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
(4) Put links of those on yours.
(5) Leave a message on the blogs of the people you’ve nominated.

Here are my nominees:

Sarah, she has some major scrappy mojo going latley and makes me laugh...a lot!
Kara, the most talented 16 yo scrapper ever :)
Susie because she rocks the fabric like no one's business!
Jo my Anthro loving, Target shopping insanely talented friend
KA, where else can I go that I can read about okra, British cars named after her and the Olson Twins :)
Jenny because she has had the best Olympic coverage with her Domo plush and she has a pug.
ShellyHer blog is always a happy fun place.

Newness

2008-08-24T09:37:00.007-04:00

Lots of new stuff to share today, but I just wanted to thank everyone for their lovely comments about Sassafras, it means a lot to me so many thanks and lots of pug (((hugs)))

O.k., first things first...the new Urban Prep collection is available for pre-order at SIS. If you spend $50 in the Boutique, you will receive $10 off your next order. For the first time ever, the Collection is part of this fabulous deal!! Head over to the Boutique for details. Here are a couple of projects I did with the collection...

Yesterday we had our SIS crop at Craft Fancy and I can't even tell you how much fun it was. It was so cool to just sit and relax and work on projects and soak up everones mojo. My last crop I didn't get a whole lot done, but yesterday I was able to finish a couple of things. I have been wanting to try making an altered book after seeing the fabulous ones that Jo makes. I have to say, I am pretty happy with how it turned out!

I also got a LO finished...

and gave Korbyn a Harry Potter shadowbox I made for her. She is doing her baby's room all in Harry Potter which I think is the coolest thing ever!

Not much else going on around here...I am trying to cut Mt. Dew and the obscene amount of pop I drink out of my diet since I found myself pretty yucky lately...I am allowing myself 1 of these a day as a treat because they are so darn good!!

Oh...my...goodness

2008-08-22T09:53:00.002-04:00

Click here and scroll down for super exciting news...all I have to say is

I will update with more later as I have to run to work....and hyperventilate!!!!

Happy Monday

2008-08-18T16:31:00.007-04:00

Here comes the randomness :)

I taught my first class this weekend and all went well! The ladies were fab, fun and super talented...I came home with some great ideas myself!

I am working on an idea for an October class so stay tuned for details.

Let's see, what else is happening around here...first off I can't get enough of this song by The Verve

Cannot wait for the new album next week!

Kind of bummed that the new Harry Potter movie is being pushed back to April despite EW advertising it as a fall release...blah!

Pixie is crazy!

A couple of new-ish LOs...

I was inspired by the challenge over at TAIF for this one

ATCs...grrrrrr!

2008-08-10T16:03:00.006-04:00

I have the hardest time with ATCs...I think it all stems from the fact that I can't get enough "stuff" in that itty bitty little space! I did sign up for the Harry Potter ATC swap over at SIS because...well, because it's Harry Potter! I chose "boggarts" for my cards and this is what I came up with...

I worked on them for a while this morning and then felt the need to do something bigger with more stuff on it so I gave Kim's tutorial a try...I scanned fabric with the piggies on it and used it on this LO...

This is definitely something I will be doing again as I have so much fun fabric I keep buying but never use...this is the perfect way to use it on a LO.

I just have to share one more pic. because it was the yummiest dinner ever...we grilled chicken breasts and then topped them with avacado and melted cheese...soooooo good!!

O.k. I am off to finish my ATCs :)

The Early Bird...

2008-08-07T09:57:00.003-04:00

has already made a LO this morning :)

It is so nice here today...makes you want to make stuff!!

Paper, paper, paper

2008-08-06T08:43:00.008-04:00

Yesterday Sarah and I went into the city for the best day of shopping ever. We went to Paper Doll where I found a few goodies...

and saw Maude :)

We then hit Paper Source

and Paper Boy

I also came home with Mr. Campy :)

We had a delish lunch at a cute little place called Minnies...everything was mini sized and oh so good!

and what better way to end the day than with cupcakes!!

New...

2008-08-02T12:17:00.005-04:00

books to read....one for me, one for Bob :)

shirt from a friend (thanks Megan!)

Anthropologie purchase that has been in my car for 2 weeks that I totally forgot about!

Category Stories...the new challenge is up!

Just have to add that my first class is coming up this Thursday at Craft Fancy in Arlington Heights...there is still time to sign up!!

Yay for...

2008-07-31T12:44:00.008-04:00

3 pairs of shoes for under $15 at Target...

Yummy new candy...

My cool new Woot shirt...

Good/cheesy 80's music in the car...

A shopping trip to Archivers...

Tomorrow night at midnight....finally!

The new Harry Potter trailer...so dark, so good...

Super "yay" for the big, huge sale at SIS starting at 6 pm Central time tonight!

Happy Things...

2008-07-25T15:20:00.006-04:00

Today I am finding happiness in my messy scrap table...

Cherry sours...

Gifts from sweet friends ...

Japanese cupcake liners from Sarah (another sweet friend!)

Scrapping to good music...

that inspires you to create.

Tutorial Time

2008-07-24T08:58:00.003-04:00

My first ever SIS tutorial is up this morning...you can check out all the details here!
We are going to be altering shadowboxes and filling them with scrappy goodness...here is one I made of Miss Pixie

These are super fun to make and kind of addictive!!

Totally Random

2008-07-22T19:05:00.007-04:00

O.k., just trying to catch up here after a fabulous whirlwind of a weekend so this is going to be a totally random post :)

CHA, fun new stuff (like Sassafras, Hambly, October Afternoon & some fab new Basic Grey), but probably the most fun was spent hanging with fun girls doing things like shopping at Anthropologie, eating at Cheesecake Factory, cruising through Target and hanging out with Bex watching the Young Ones and Radiohead on YouTube. I came home with some cool old children's books...

I returned home to find goodies in my mailbox like oilcloth(!) from
Nikki

and fun stuff from here

The Classic Collection was revealed yesterday at SIS...

and here are my projects with it...

Oh, and Pixie got a new dress ;)

CHA Bound...

2008-07-17T07:01:00.003-04:00

Yay...it's CHA time again :) I am off shortly to pick up Amber at the airport and then we will head off to meet up with a few of the other SIS girls to squeeze in some shopping this afternoon. I will be reporting back daily with all of my faves from CHA at Craft Critique as will the rest of the reporters so be sure to check in daily for CHA updates.

A couple of other fun tid-bits...I have a webisode up at SIS where you can learn how to make a fabric yo-yo :) I think I kind of sound like Kermit the Frog, but I don't think I came across half as dorky as I thought I would! Anywho you can check it out here.

Also I am teaching a class at my fave new store Craft Fancy! You can check out all of the details here...I hope some of you will be able to come join me...it's gonna' be fun, we will be making an acrylic album filled with things that inspire us as scrapbookers plus the kits are filled with goodies by October Afternoon, MM, Scrapworks, K&Co plus vintage bits, cupcake liners, fabric and other fun surprises!

Is it sad...

2008-07-11T21:19:00.007-04:00

That Bob and I went to Target today to get a new comforter set for our bed and when we couldn't decide which style to get, the deciding factor was the one with a pug on the package...Target totally gets me :)

Pug packaging aside, it is very cool bedding...

It's a pretty good indicator that things are a little slow around here if I am blogging about our new comforter...let's see, i've made a couple of LOs this week

That is about it...I will be working the next few days so I can take some time off for CHA next week...I love that it is only like 45 minutes from here...yipppeee!!

Loving...

2008-07-10T10:22:00.008-04:00

Scrappy bargains from Target & Big Lots...

Cupcake liners and doilies on layouts...

Friends who buy you fun t-shirts...

My new bag from Anthropologie...it almost makes me want fall to hurry up and get here...

Woodgrain Con-tact paper + Martha Stewart butterfly punch...

New storage in our kitchen = no more stuff on table...

Not a Very Good Blogger...

2008-07-07T09:22:00.003-04:00

Holiday weekend + work + laziness = bad blogging :)
No new projects to share just yet so how about a couple of pics instead...

We Need your Votes....

2008-07-01T09:12:00.005-04:00

Pixie & Mugsy have both been on Pug-a-Day in the last 24 hours and they sure would appreciate your votes and comments :) Go here for Pixie's pic. and here for Mr. Mugsy Boo

Let's see, what else has been going on....I finally made it into Craft Fancy yesterday...it's a fab-o new scrapbooking store in Arlington Heights that is the best scrapping store I have been to yet! It was love at first sight when I walked through the door and immediately saw October Afternoon, Pink Paislee and my beloved Thickers. If you are in the area you must check it out, it's about a 30 minute trip for me and is totally worth it!

The new challenge is up at Category Stories...this one is all about telling the story of "A Day in the Life...", of course mine was this...

Just for fun I made this pug-free LO :)

So I have had the last 2 days off and now I have to get it together and get my brain back in work mode...if only for a couple of days since I have Friday off for the 4th!! Hope everyone has a great week :)

Girly Girls Love Slumber Parties!

2008-06-29T22:46:00.006-04:00

The new Girly Girl Collection comes out on Monday & I think this is my fave SIS kit yet! Just look at all of that girly goodness...

Here are a couple of the projects that I did with it..

Trust me, this one is going to go fast so make sure you head over to the Boutique asap on Monday to get yours (plus a free 1 oz bottle of Glimmer Mist if you order the collection)...if you spend $50 in the Boutique on Monday by midnight CST you will get free shipping and be entered into a drawing for all of this...

1 Happy Camper Owl Tote Bag
1 6x8 Scrapworks Anthologie Album
1 Pack Roller Rink Thickers in Purple Glitter
1 Pack Hambly DIY Rub Ons in Kelly Green
1 Pack Sassafras Bloosoms in Blue
1 Pack Making Memories Passport Border and Tag Stickers
1 Set of Jenni Bowlin Journaling Cards
2 Sets of Jenni Bowlin Tickets
1 Set of Jenni Bowlin Crown Numbers Rub Ons
1 Craft Pick, 1 Craft Scratcher, and 1 Craft Knife by Tonic
1 Scotch Craft Glue w/2 Way Applicator
1 Set of Happy Camper Buttons
1 White Signo Pen
1 Scenic Route Caught On Film Stamp
1 Set of Fontwerks Alphabet Stamps
4 Bottles of Vintage Glass Glitter
1 Bottle of Glimmer Mist
1 Roll of SIStv Teal Houndstooth Gaffer Tape

Pretty cool huh?! If that wasn't enough, SIS is hosting an on-line slumber party on Monday & Tuesday to celebrate the Girly Girl release :) Games, prizes, goodie bags and jammies....does it get any better??? The puggies and I will be there so come and join in the fun.

RAK winner...

2008-06-27T20:49:00.002-04:00

TheresaK said...
Love your work!I shopped at the one day sale!

Yay TheresaK...email your addy to me so we can get your goodies in the mail :)

Speaking of SIS I am playing with the new Girly Girl collection tonight and am loving pink!

Ooooh, did someone say "sale"?!

2008-06-26T22:34:00.002-04:00

Run don't walk over to SIStv and enter the special code ONEDAY to receive 20% off your entire order in the Boutique !! You better believe I did some damage and ordered some Thickers, and Jenni Bowlin and maybe just a little MM too :)
You have until noon CDT tomorrow (June 27th) to take advantage of this sweet deal...and to make it even sweeter, if you shop the sale and come back here and leave me a comment, I will pick 1 winner who will receive a pack of the NEW not yet released Orange Milk Lab pp...check out the super talented Stacey Fike's blog for sneakies of this new line :)

Catching up....

2008-06-25T09:13:00.006-04:00

So in the past few days I have made a couple of things...

I hung out with Megan and her "party leg"...for some reason the world's largest beer can was parked here in town yesterday :)

I finished a LO I started at SISiversary...

and I relaxed with the pugs...

What's a trip...

2008-06-19T12:27:00.007-04:00

without shopping! Franklin has oodles of antique stores so I was able to find some treasures to bring back home with me...

super cute toy piano and some children's books...

Thanks to the super cool Nikki I now have this quilt to make some projects with...she was going to buy it and changed her mind and was sweet enough to hand it off to me :)

fun children's books and an apron with fab clocks on it...

cool finds at a fabric store...

Now to find the time do make something with all of these!

This is my happy place...

2008-06-18T12:28:00.003-04:00

so I am going to share some fun pics from the trip home from TN yesterday...

1 more day y'all!

2008-06-10T15:44:00.003-04:00

It's a good thing we are driving to Tennessee because I am not a light packer....that's just my scrapping stuff, we won't even talk about how many clothes I have packed! I got to leave work a little early today and am finishing up with some last minute packing before heading to bed early so we can start out at 5 a.m.!! I cannot wait to meet everybody :)

Tomorrow never comes...

2008-06-08T09:41:00.005-04:00

well, because on Thursday I said I would post more on Friday but that obviously didn't happen so Sunday is better than never :)

First things first, a couple of projects with the new Beach Bum collection from over at SIS....such delicious, summery colors *sigh*

Only 3 more days until I hit the road with Nan for our roadtrip to Franklin,TN for SISiversary...wooooo-hoooooo!! I am about 1/2 packed and still need to make some ATCs and go to the grocery store to load the house up with food so Bob doesn't starve to death while I am gone! So many people I will finally get to meet in person I can't stand it...Nan will have her Flip and I will have my laptop so we will blog while we are there and keep everyone up to speed on all of the festivities!

A quick...

2008-06-05T21:21:00.002-04:00

"Hi"...will post more tomorrow, until then enjoy a Mugsy picture :)

Stuff-tacular

2008-06-01T16:53:00.016-04:00

Mugsy's Cape & Crown made it to CT. this week and was modeled by one of my faves Murphy...

Manny also gave it a go...

and another fabulous non-pug, Sassy...

Pixie sits at the window anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mail-lady...

because she brings us all kinds of good things like this package of goodies from the wonderful Lee

and albums made out of elephant poo (!) Thanks to my Dad who picked this up at a yard sale I now own an album with paper made from elephant poop, it's actually not gross at all and the paper has a really cool texture to it...the pugs aren't interested in it at all so I figure it is safe!

A couple of challenges are up today...the new Category Stories challenge is up and it's all about being an armchair traveller...our most excellent sponsor for this challenge is QTea Kits

The newest Scrapjacked is up and this time it is sponsored by SIS so a bunch of us Fashionistas got to play along too!

I spent some time cleaning up my scrap room this morning...I picked up these cute storage baskets at Target in the outdoor section...

and look!!! You can actually see the top of my scrapping table :)

I am exhausted after that achievement so I am off to sit outside and do some reading since the weather is sooooo nice here for a change.

On our toes...

2008-05-29T20:20:00.008-04:00

Pixie, Pixie, Pixie...she started my day by getting up at 3 a.m. (!) wanting to go out, then she decides that 6 a.m. (on my day off) is a good time to get up and demand breakfast...then she goes out again only to decide that dessert should consist of these...

they are the parachute seed thingies from maple trees...she thinks they are popcorn and our yard is full of them. Thankfully they aren't toxic, but I am afraid a tree is going to sprout from her tummy :)

Mugsy could care less about them, why eat seed pods when you can beg for biscuits!

Since I was now up at the crack of dawn I put on some music...

Did some sewing...

Later on I switched to watching Flight of the Conchords...

and did some scrapping...

I even tried my hand at Scrapblog which was super easy and the closest I have come to trying digital scrapping!

All in all, a much more productive day :)

Boring

2008-05-28T09:39:00.005-04:00

Gack! I feel so boring lately!! I guess I haven't been caught up on stuff & projects for a while so I don't know what to do with myself :) Pixie keeps looking at me like "get it together woman!"

I did a little cleaning, usually stuff is spewing out of these shelves...for once it is all contained

I went shopping for SISiversary stuff with Sarah and Nancy last weekend...I found a couple of things

On Memorial Day the parade went right past our house so we got to enjoy it from our front porch

There should be a new SIS kit in my mailbox tomorrow and I am sooooo looking forward to that!! Hopefully my next post won't be so boring!!

Chillin'

2008-05-22T09:17:00.002-04:00

Not much going on here this week...kind of quiet, we find it quite relaxing :)

Mojo

2008-05-20T08:48:00.005-04:00

A little while back, the super sweet girls over at Scrapmojo asked me to be guest Mojo girl for this month...of course I said yes (!!) and their fashion inspired challenge is up today :) The challenge is to go to your closet and find something that inspires you and take it from there...I pulled out this dress...

and came up with this LO...oh yeah, you had to use tape somewhere on the LO too so I took that to mean I could use a measuring tape!

The Cure, the pugs, the finds

2008-05-18T12:29:00.006-04:00

Last night Bob and I had the pleasure of going to see The Cure...the last time I saw them was in the late 80's and last night's show was every bit as good if not better. I hate to say I went in with low expectations, but I just didn't know what to expect after all of these years...it was beautiful, energetic and inspiring...despite repeatedly telling the audience he was having problems with his voice, Robert' was spot on and they performed for 3 hours with 3 encores...upon leaving the stage for the final time Robert graciously took several bows accross the stage and seemed geniunely appreciative. My only complaint is $40 for a t-shirt...ack! Obviously I went home empty handed, but with a mind full of wondeful memories.

Let's see, other random things happening around our house...we did a little decorating outside yesterday and found this cool fountain at Target...it is so sooooothing to sit outside and listen to it while reading

This morning we went ot an estate sale down the block and I spent all of $2 on these...

and this, I figure I can store stuff in it in my scrap-room...

Mugsy and Pixie are happy we have been home all weekend, maybe I can get them to clean up after themselves while I am straightening up this afternoon :)

Oh yeah, a couple of LOs to share from this week...the new Category Stories challenge is up and this time it was my turn to pick so I chose my favorite topic candy!!

One I did just for fun

Ooooh, and speaking of fun check this out!

Fun Finds

2008-05-15T14:35:00.004-04:00

Just a few fun things I picked up this morning at a local antique store that were cheap and make me happy :)

And the best .40 I ever spent...a spool of mushroom ribbon!

Royalty

2008-05-12T19:51:00.010-04:00

Mugsy's cape & crown has made a couple of stops over the past week so there are many pictures to share...first it was in Wisconsin where it was modeled by the reluctant Wickett...

then Misty had her turn...

Cutie patootie Suki...

and sweet George...

The cape & crown then took a short trip to Illinois where it was hosted by Norton

and Brutus...

For the first time in a week I had time to do some scrapping...I had every intention of getting up early to start some projects but it was so nice here today I lazed around out in the yard for a while and then took the pugs for a much needed walk to Starbucks...I did get a couple of LOs done this afternoon, here is a sneaky peek :)

Let's see...

2008-05-10T10:59:00.005-04:00

here are the past few days in review....

Shopping...even though I am waaaaay over 21, I love Forever 21 and picked up a few summery things there and splurged on 1 at Anthropologie

Finally found a new camera strap, I was looking for something for a while that would be cool but not overly cute and I think I found it :)

Lovely mail all the way from Australia...

Boo soaking up the sun

I haven't had a chance to scrap all week and am working all weekend soI am very much looking forward to next week when I can dive back into some paper!!

Random-est post ever

2008-05-06T07:51:00.015-04:00

O.k., I am going to try to play catch up so I am going to be all over the place here :)

First of all NSD at SIS went great! I had an Early Bird Challenge at 7 a.m. on Saturday and I thought for sure I was going to be all by myself at that early hour, but I was so wrong! So many SISters participated and I had a blast! This is the LO I did as inspiration for my challenge...

Speaking of challenges, I have my first challenge up today on the SIS Challenge & Tutorial blog and would love for everyone to stop by and play along. My challenge is all about Layering it On...you know me, the more product the better!

On Sunday, Nan and Aine came by for a puggy play date. This was much needed as Mugsy and Pixie have become total couch potatoes lately and were in need of some exercise. Pixie and Aine ran around like crazy as Mugsy sat by and watched...

Nancy is so sweet and brought us these uber cute presents...look how cuuuuuuuute they are!!

After the puggies tired themselves out we met up with Sarah at Archiver's and then had lunch in paradise, well not really, it was at Cheeseburgers in Paradise and the fried pickles were very yummy!

We have had a streak of 3 nice days in a row now...unbelieveable!! Bob has been working hard getting the yard all cleaned up and I finally got a chance to take some spring pictures yesterday..

I finally feel like I am caught up with things for the first time in a long time so today I am going to partake in a little retail therapy and see what's new at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and a few other places...check back tomorrow for new Cape & Crown pics :)

T.G.I.F.

2008-05-02T07:38:00.007-04:00

Just a few new LOs to share this morning :)

The lovely Jen Jockisch has her first Fashionista challenge up over at SIS this week and it is all about digging into your stash and using some of those products that were never going to see the light of day again. I dug deep and found some BG Urban Couture pp along with some old WRMK, K&Co and Gin-x embellies to make this...

How about some sneaks of the new SIS Hipster Collection! It arrived in my mailbox yesterday and I immediately had to play with it....love that Pink Paislee pp with the birdies on it.

The new Category Stories challenge is up and it is about playlists...what's on yours, what do you scrap to, what gets you moving :)

Speaking of challenges, tomorrow is National Scrapbooking Day and I have a challenge tomorrow morning over at SIS at 7 a.m. I know, I know...7 a.m. on a Saturday morning....yikes! You know what they say about the early bird though!! Don't worry, if you don't make it up by 7 you can play along all weekend,we are giving away all kinds of good stuff and the Fashionistas are hosting challenges all weekend!!

O.k., enough scrapping talk....bring on the pugs! Mugsy and Pixie enjoyed some beautiful spring weather yesterday...spring is in the air :)

Trend Setter

2008-04-28T15:33:00.006-04:00

The new SIS collection Trend Setter arrived on my door-step a couple of days ago and today I got to play!

It was a good day to play inside because this is what it is doing outside believe it or not...it's just not right!

Here are a couple of random things that make me happy despite the snow...the new Elsie recipe book I picked up at Scrap Etc.

Vintage goodies from my Mom...

And I know I am the last person in the free world to finally see Juno even though I have listened to the soundtrack about a gazillion times, but I bought it last week and finally had a chance to watch it Saturday...so good :)

whew I am home!

2008-04-23T10:48:00.014-04:00

O.k., I was only gone a few days but it seems like a month 'cause I squeezed so much into those few days! First off, Scrap Etc. was fun...fun...fun!! I don't know how much of a class taker I am though since I didn't finish one of the projects but I did get a good start on all of them and got some great ideas. I cannot rave aboutWilna's class enough...even though we had her class at the early hour of 8 a.m., we were creative, engaged, and she is just about the sweetest, nicest person you will ever meet and you just want to scoop her up and put her in your pocket! I was a bad picture-taker at the event so thankfully the uber sweet Amber & her hubby Josh sent me some pics this morning...

That is the talented Amy Tan on the left...I was lucky enough to score one of her t-shirts finally!

Other highlights are:
Packing SIS make & take kits at 1:30 in the morning!
Rooming with the fab Becca, Amy, Amber, JJ & Kayla
Staying at JJ's house and getting to meet all 5 of her kids and her hubby Bob
Skipping a class (sshhhhhh, don't tell anyone) and scrapping with Kelli in the hall
Handing out SIS buttons to all the fab SISters I got to meet :)
Hanging out with my fellow pug lovers Amber & Allie

Conveniently, my parents are in Franklin, TN so I got to spend some time with them too. We went to see my Grandfather in Alabama one day and stopped at a flea market out in the country...the kind where you can find chickens...

Elvis...

and other goodies...

The next day we went into Nashville for lunch and did a little shopping...at Anthropologie I got this cool necklace...

and my Mom splurged on this cuuuuute top for me (thanks Mom!)

I then had to pick up some Southern treats to bring home for my staff at work...the beans are for me, I am kind of addicted to green beans and these are sooooo good!

My Dad gave be about a gazillion old post cards so now I have to come up with a cool project for them...maybe a mini book with some of them :)

I have 2 boxes this size packed full!

Reality sets back in today as I have to go into work later this afternoon, but as soon as I have some free time I am going to play with my new SIS kit that came while I was gone...

It is so lovely & you can check it out here!

Tennessee, here I come!

2008-04-16T06:20:00.002-04:00

The bags are packed, the car is loaded and I am about to hit the road for Nashville for Scrap Etc. I have an ample supply of jelly beans and Mt. Dew so all is good, I will update as time permits :)

Cupcakes, Cape & Crown

2008-04-11T20:57:00.009-04:00

Today I went with my friend Megan to get her cupcake tattoos...they turned out super cool! There is an angel food one...

and a devil's food one...

As I sat and waited I did a little reading and am almost done with Eclipse, I now have Bob hooked on the Twilight series as well and he is trying to hurry me through it so he can read it next! I also got to snuggle with Megan's fabulous Mr. Toasty scarf :)

When I got home I was excited to find that Mugsy's cape & crown had made it to the U.K. and there were new pictures!! This is cuuuuuuuute Uncle Cecil...

Precious Pip

Cutie Pie Ty

And yet another patient non-pug Salvadore Dali :)

If it's not snowing...

2008-04-10T12:25:00.004-04:00

then it's raining...blah! Believe it or not they are calling for a rain/snow mix this weekend...I am so glad I am going to Scrap Etc. in Nashville next week so I can get a glimpse of some spring weather!!

The puggies and I are spending the day indoors relaxing and playing with glitter (well, just me not them!) which always makes everything better :)

Pug-a-palooza

2008-04-07T08:00:00.012-04:00

Yesterday I went over to my friend Nan's house to help her set up her craft-room...we were super productive and got her whole room set up, pictures hung and crafting stuff stored away right down to every last button!

Nan has a pug as well, Aine, and the best part of the day was a visit from her 2 brothers George and Davey...I brought Miss Pixie with me and George was quite smitten with her!

Davey...

Aine whispering something mischievous in Pixie's ear...

Pixie soaking up the sun in very un-lady like fashion

4 pugs all in a row!

George and Davey's Mom made a yummy pug-shaped cake!

This is going to be a busy, busy week...I need to start gathering supplies for Scrap Etc., I have an article to write for Craft Critique, some projects to work on that involve lots of glitter, a home visit for a puggy adoption, oh yeah and work too! Oh and I almost forgot...I found the cool Ink by Steph skull scissors I had been lusting after at Archiver's yesterday....yay!!

So much to share....

2008-04-03T12:49:00.009-04:00

I am so excited that I finally get to share that I am the April Guest Designer for
Hambly! I can't thank Allison enough for being kind enough to ask and then to send so much cool stuff to work with....Houndstooth, ATC Patchwork, Home Decor and so, so much more!! O.k., hold on 'cause there are a ton of pictures....

O.k., if you didn't pass out from picture overload, then go over to category Stories to check out our new challenge which is all about relaxing...here is my LO

Shop...shop...shopping!

2008-04-01T22:40:00.006-04:00

So I totally forgot to post a picture from the shopping trip I took last week at Windy City with fellow scrappers and pug-lovers Nan & Allie...I probably look a little dazed in this picture thanks to the crazy (i.e. scary) cab ride there!!

Oooooh, look what showed up in the mailbox today...thank you mail-lady!! Now tell me, is that not the most perfect paper ever, I could look at it all day long and never get tired of it :)

Speaking of shopping, the all new, super fabulous stocked full of cool stuff Boutique opens up for business on April 2nd over at SIS! Can you say new Hambly, Sassafras, Bam POP!, Thickers and other cool stuff. Grab you credit card or Paypal account and meet me there as I will be loading up!

More Cape & Crown

2008-03-31T16:19:00.008-04:00

This week the cape and crown was hosted by the picture perfect Co-Pilot...

Table surfing in the royal attire :)

Another unamused non-pug is subjected to the crown...

A first...non-pug, non-furkid Carter gets in on the action too..

Oh and FYI, Hambly may look (and smell!) good enough to eat, but Pixie gave some a try today and says it tastes funny...but it is still de-lish to look at!

Hands & Feet

2008-03-27T14:26:00.005-04:00

Busy hands working on lots of stuff this morning...

...and feet getting ready to head out the door into the city to have dinner with friends and then shopping at Windy City :) Yes, that is snow :(

Rainbow Goodness

2008-03-23T16:36:00.005-04:00

So over at SIS there was a rainbow swap going on a couple of weeks ago...I got my package in the mail yesterday from my ultra fabulous swap partner Kerry Lynn...prepare to be jealous because look at these goodies!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you KL, I cannot wait to scrap with my fun new stuff :)

It was pretty quiet around here today...our Easter consisted of sleeping in late, washing my car, watching t.v. and I got a little crafty and made an apron...I have been wanting to try sewing an apron for a while now so I dug some fabric out of my stash and gave it a go. I drew the pattern from another apron I saw so I didn't know how well it was going to turn out but I am pretty happy with it, enough so to try making a few more!

O.k., I am off to put dinner in the oven and then do a little scrapping. I will leave you with a sneaky peek of something exciting that came in the mail a few days ago :)

Random Thursday

2008-03-20T12:33:00.004-04:00

Bob and I went into the city last night to see X...it was a really good show even though Billy Zoom seemed sleepy (we caught him yawning twice) and John Doe seemed grumpy. Of course my camera decided to die (not my D50, our little Canon) so I only got 1 fuzzy pic...

If you have a second check out Angie's super cool stamps. She sent me Skullie to work with and I used him on this LO...

Thanks to everyone who sent me some flair yesterday :) Here is an updated pic. of my board o' flair :)

I Am Addicted To Flair!

2008-03-19T10:38:00.003-04:00

So yesterday I was checking out one of my favorite blogs ljcfyi, and she mentioned Pieces of Flair which is an application that lets you swap and create your own flair on Facebook. Sarah convinced me to get with the times and start a Facebook account a few weeks ago and I am so glad she did as I can now collect more flair :)

Mugsy's Cape & Crown In Tennessee

2008-03-18T08:31:00.005-04:00

Mugsy's cape & crown made it to Tennessee this week and was hosted by my friend
Amber and her furry family :) This is Eudora

and Eugenie

Another non-pug gives it a try, this is MacKinley :)

Ribbon, ribbon everywhere!

2008-03-16T09:10:00.005-04:00

So until now my ribbon storage has been a basket with a bunch of spools tossed in it that I would have to dig through any time i was looking for something. We just got in these suuuuuper cute jewelry trees at work (Pier 1) and as I was standing there trying to justify why I needed one I thought it would be great way to store/display ribbon!

The new Category Stories challenge is up and you must check it out as our sponsor this time is KittyRobot...cupcakes, robots and fun buttons oh my! Here is my take on our Million $$ challenge :)

The week in review...

2008-03-15T10:36:00.009-05:00

I just realized that it has been a week since I have updated the blog...ack! Let's see, what have I done in the last week...last Sunday I went out for tea and scrapbook shopping with some friends from over at SIStv...I am usually not a fan of tea but it was soooo good, good enough to scrap it! How much do you love that October Afternoon paper with the deer on it?! Swoon!

We then went to Hannah's where I found a few goodies...I was so happy to find the Amy Butler skirt pattern I had been looking for!

A few days later this guy showed up in my mailbox all the way from Australia...

The fab Angie was sweet enough to send him my way to play with :)
Next on my agenda was finishing a canvas for a raffle winner over atPugVillage...I hope she likes it!

Our friends Megan and Jim came over last night to go out to dinner and brought us a questionable gift...these

They swore they were good but I am going to have to disagree...I haven't met a chocolate bar I didn't like until now! Megan made up for it though by letting me know she had ordered this super cute print off of Etsy for me....cupcakes and pugs!!!

Speaking of pugs...Mugsy and Pixie say "Hi!"

Time to share...

2008-03-08T15:03:00.006-05:00

my LOs made with the March Red Velvet kit

This has been the most relaxing Saturday ever...absolutely nothing to do (except go to the grocery store and that is done!) I am taking it easy today and am meeting friends at Infini~tea for lunch tomorrow, I have never been but it is suposed to be really good, plus Hannah's is close by so we might be able to sneak in a little shopping :)

Super Quick Peek

2008-03-07T08:52:00.004-05:00

Busy, busy, busy but I have time to stop and share a sneak peek of a LO using the new
Red Velvet kit

I am in *love* with Stephanie DosReis' line of paper for Daisy D's...there is an interview with her over at Red Velvet so go check it out!

Oh Frizzled Onions!

2008-03-05T08:11:00.004-05:00

Yesterday my non-scrapping roller derby friend Megan and I trecked into the Windy City (literally...we couldn't have picked a colder windier day) to go see Gogol Bordello last night....such a good show. She had a friend working at the venue who was able to get us out of the moshing masses up into the balcony so we wouldn't get trampled to death....aahhhh, the joys of an all ages show :) I had always heard they put on a really good show and they totally did...it was fan-tabulous! We got into town a little early and decided to go to one of our favorite places Hot Doug's but alas they were closed....no encased meat for us....so instead we went to a cool place called Kuma's Corner and had the best burgers ever! Megan's was topped with something called frizzled onions which were oh so good and crispy, but then our saying of the day became "oh frizzled onions!" We then went to The Bleeding Heart Bakery where we picked up some cupcakes...with skulls no less!

I then talked her into taking me to Windy City Scrapbooking, I was hoping there would be more new goodies in, but I did pick up a couple of things none-the-less. All in all it was a great day!

I also have some new cape & crown pics to share....this lovely girl is Lola....

O.k. off to work I go so I can get home in time to play with the new Red Velvet kit that arrived this week :)

We are back...

2008-03-01T12:12:00.008-05:00

Category Stories that is! After a short hiatus, we are back on track and have added a couple of new girls so come check it out....our newest challenge is "Best Day Ever"

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Becky Novacek for this pic of Kim and I when we were at CHA :)

Here are a couple of random pics from yesterday....I decided it was high time I cleaned my scraproom and did some organizing...Bob bought me these Jack Skellington jars for Christmas, perfect for button storage!

While cleaning I ran across some bunny ears I bought at Target last year so of course pugs with bunny ears pics. were in order

She does not look happy...eeeek!

Mugsy doesn't seem to mind as much

Pixie got new clothes yesterday, her Puppia harness was getting a little yucky so we found this new one at the store where I get their food....she seems to approve :)

Alrighty, I am off to go to work, have a fab weekend!

Fine Print

2008-02-28T15:07:00.008-05:00

So in the past couple of weeks 2 cool things have found their way into my mailbox...

They are both publications that have my work in them :) The first one is in Artful Blogging, there is a great write up on One Little Word that has my "Stop" LO in it

The second is Skin & Ink, a tattoo magazine that the fabulous Anam wrote an article for about tattooing and scrapbooking...I have these 2 LOs in the article....she worked so hard on this and deserves a huge "thank you!"

I went to Archiver's this morning and was surprised to find that one of my CHA faves, Cosmo Cricket's Get Happy line was already there!! Oh happy day....I cannot wait to play with this today!!

I also stopped into Micheals because I haven't been in ages and picked up this fun stuff to make a couple of necklaces with....*love* Mr. Owl :)

O.k., I am off to do some scrapping with my new goodies.....have a great rest of the week!

Today is brought to you by the letter "F"

2008-02-27T10:45:00.005-05:00

F is for fortunes...good ones like the ones Bob and I got when we went out for dinner the other night...

F is for new friends like Jen who send you sweet surprises in the mail :)

F is for funny fuzzy faces...this pic. of Aine and Mugsy from this weekend cracks me up

and last but certainly not least...F is for Fashionista!!!! It has been killing me to keep this one a secret the last few days but I have made it onto the design team for SIStv aka the bestest place on earth ever! You can watch a video of JJ announcing the new DT members here....such an honor to be part of this super talented group!!

Bad Blogger

2008-02-25T21:22:00.008-05:00

So I am finally getting around to updating...this winter weather makes you l-a-z-y!! Yesterday Nancy and Aine came over for a puggy play date...it was Aine's 2nd birthday so we had cake...

and the puggies begged for biscuits

The day isn't complete until a pug has been dressed up! Please ignore messy scrap-room!!

Mugsy is not amused :)

I am super duper excited that I am one of the guest designers for Red Velvet Kit Club next month.....*love* their kits so you must go check out the sneak for next month!!

New Stuff

2008-02-21T21:10:00.003-05:00

The gallery is up at Label Tulip tonight so I have some new stuff to share...I *really* love this kit and it sold out in like record time....way to go Cindee :)

After sitting on the couch all day with fresh, clean pugs (thanks to the Petsmart groomers!) I am finally feeling human and I don't think I have coughed once today....yay! Good thing since our New York Dolls concert is this weekend and Iwant to be healthy for that!! The temps are supposed to be over freezing this weekend which will be great, I was not looking forward to trecking into the city with sub-zero temps...it's kinda' sad when 32 degrees sounds warm to you :)

Best...time...ever!

2008-02-15T19:23:00.011-05:00

Seriously, these past few days at CHA were just the best...I don't even know where to start! How about here...Kim and I were lucky enough to have our photos shot by the uber sweet and incredibly talented Becky Novacek! She asked Kim if she could shoot her and I was lucky enough to sit in as well...I don't feel as if I have ever had a good pic. of myself until now, I need to get over myself because I can't stop looking at them :)

Could Kim be any more gorgeous!

As if that wasn't enough the SIS dinner was a blast...so many passionate, creative gals in one room...such fun! Jeanette is just about the funniest person ever.

I am not going to bore everyone with a lot of the same pics of product since I am sure everyone has seen jst about everything by now...instead I will share some of the things I learned at CHA...

No one works a room like Tim Holtz, he has them eating out of his inky hands...it was fun getting to watch him effortlessly create one of his pieces.

Sarah likes to sniff wood stamp blocks

I WILL wallpaper every surface of my house with this Sassafras Lass paper!

I need a wire dress form after seeing how cute they were in the Pink Paislee & Jenni Bowlin displays

And last but not least....pugs...need I say more :)

I'm back ya'll...

2008-02-14T18:28:00.005-05:00

and unfortunately sick as a dog as my souvenir from California was some sort of killer flu bug. At least it didn't hit me until yesterday. CHA was just about the best time ever, hanging out with Sarah, Melissa and Kim was a hoot and I don't think we stopped laughing the whole time we were there. I have so much fun stuff to share as soon as I feel better...until them I will leave you with a pic of me with my long lost twin Jeanette from SIStv...who knew?!

CHA...we're here!!

2008-02-10T21:18:00.000-05:00

Whew! Kim, Sarah, Melissa and I are exhausted after checking out aisle after ailse of new goodies today. First of all, I just have how nice it is to be in sunny Anaheim where it was in the 70's today vs. Chicago where it was only in the single digits. We had lunch outside and basked in the sun...I may never go home :) here are some quick pics from today:

Jenni Bowlin...yummy!

Elvis is in the building...

Kim with our make and take from Crafty Chica

Scissors......with skulls! at Fiskars

Pugs...they are everywhere!

We are starving so we are going to go grab something to eat and will then update Craft Critique with our Pick Of the Day and other fun stuff!

I'm off like a dirty shirt!

2008-02-08T16:06:00.000-05:00

Yay! I leave for CHA at the crack of dawn so there is much activity going on around here today...there are half packed bags strewn about...

Upset puggies are checking my luggage to ensure I didn't pack any of their stuff...

I am meeting Sarah and Kim at O'Hare in the a.m. and then we leave for sunny CA...I checked the weather earlier and it is in the 70's there...sure beats the high of 9 they are predicting for here on Sunday! I am leaving my winter coat with Bob when he drops me off, I am so tired of being cold and looking at snow, I don't want to take any reminders with me. Be sure to check out our blogs and Craft Critique over the next few days for updates on all of the new yumminess :)

Really...again with the snow?!

2008-02-05T19:08:00.000-05:00

This is what it looked like in our back yard about 2 hours ago...again...aargh! It has turned from snow to a slushy, icy mix but the weather guy is predicting more snow overnight...not cool!

The good news is that the past couple of days have brought some fun mail to our house since the cards from the PugVillage Valentine card exchange have started to show up...as much as I would have liked to make my cards I just don't have the time right now, I scrapped one and had prints made that I am attatching to kraft cards, I guess you could say they are hybrid anyway since I used a digital border for the pics...they are still turning out pretty cute :)

A Pixie LO with some of the new paper I bought the other day

O.k., I am off to finish dinner and then am going to snuggle up on the couch and completely absorb the Anthropologie catalog that came in the mail today.

Snowing, scrapping & shopping...

2008-02-02T09:47:00.001-05:00

Just a couple of pics of the puggies in the snow from yesterday...Pixie trying to look over the drifts of snow in the yard

She doesn't look too happy about it does she :)

I scrapped this pic yesterday of Mugsy with his cute frosty whiskers...he doesn't mind the snow as much, he just plows through, does his business, and then plows his way back to the house

When I sat down to scrap yesterday I realized yikes, I need paper! Luckily I had a shopping date lined up for last night with my friend Sarah and we were able to pop into Archivers and pick up some goodies...mmmmmmm....paper!!!!

We also went to the mall to pick up a couple of last minute things to get ready for CHA...I had never been to Steve & Barry's before and I was hoping to find some cute, cheap stuff from Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten line, but no such luck, I did pick up this cute hoodie with happy popcorn on it though :-) I love that everything in there was $8.95....socks $8.95, t-shirt $8.95 men's 3 piece suit $8.95.

As we were leaving the mall we passed a store that neither of us had heard of before that was full of bright colors and snowboards, I was like i'm not going to find anything here and was fidgeting with the clearance rack while Sarah was looking around and came accross this fabulous shirt...how Bam-Pop is that little robot guy...*love*! Of course it came home with me :)

O.k., I am off to use some of my new paper...have a great weekend!

The Cape & Crown Are Stateside...

2008-02-01T08:36:00.000-05:00

The cape & crown made their way to Kansas and are modeled this week by this handsome trio...

Freddy Jones...

Toby Jones...

and another non-pug Homer Jones

Freddy Jones was bored and decided to have some fun with the cape and crown...he wore it to breakfast...

When breakfast wasn't being served fast enough, he demanded that breakfast be delivered to the King immediately!

After breakfast he retired to his throne :)

He then toured the land in his carriage...

Mingling with his loyal subjects has made him sleepy so he retired to his royal pillow for a nap...

Snow...snow...go away!

2008-01-31T09:38:00.000-05:00

Forecast as of this morning...blah!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of 4:01 am CST on January 31, 2008

Today...Cloudy with a chance of light snow this morning...then light snow becoming likely this afternoon. Little or no snow accumulation. Highs in the mid 20s. East winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.

Tonight...Snow. Snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches. Temperatures nearly steady in the mid 20s. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 100 percent.

Friday...Considerable cloudiness with snow likely. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Total snow accumulation 3 to 6 inches. Highs around 30. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.

I think I am looking forward to going to CHA next weekend more so for the weather than anything else!!

The yo-yos go to....

2008-01-28T20:26:00.000-05:00

Mugsy is snoozing away and I can't bear to disturb him so I turned to the random number generator to pick a winner....lucky #8 aka scrapfairy is the winner....just email me your addy and I will drop them in the mail asap.

Speaking of mail, I received this today

I had bookmarked this tutorial not too long ago and was looking for the perfect fabric to give it try, I think I am going to make it without the embroidered panel though....we'll see how industrious I feel! O.k., I am off to pack up yo-yos :-)

Saturday Stuff

2008-01-26T11:17:00.000-05:00

Mugsy and Pixie are a little wound up this morning...Pixie is engaging in ottoman surfing...

"Mom...he's touching me!"

Mugsy is throwing a temper tantrum in the hope that it will get him a treat...or two!

Thanks for all of the kind words about Bob's shelving project...he finished up the project by making this piece to display all of our scary Czech puppets, it fits in the top part of the shelves.

I finally got around to doing some scrapping last night...

I then pondered the question "why do all of the good concerts come to town all at once?!" as I ordered tickets to see Gogol Bordello..they have been on my list of I don't care when or where they come I am going to see them...Bob doesn't seem nearly as excited but I am hoping that seeing them live will convert him to their wonderfulness...if not I may be looking for someone else to take with me :)

Finally I sewed up about a gazillion fabric yo-yos with no particular plan for them...

Then I decided that they would jazz up this new top nicely

I have a few extra yo-yos that I would love to give to a Mugsy Boo reader...just leave me a comment letting me know how you would use them and Mugsy will pick a random winner on Monday evening.

Round Two...

2008-01-23T12:13:00.000-05:00

Of the horrible winter cold/flu that will never go away has made a retrun visit over the last week. All I have done is work, sleep and cough...blech! I finally feel good enough today to scrape myself off the couch and engage in an activity other than an America's Next Top Model marathon. While I have been a sicky, Bob has pre-occupied himself by doing some home improvement projects. We have a room off of our living room that one of the previous owners, probably in the 50's, added some built in bookshelves to. They were dark and not all of the trim matched so Bob fixed all of the trim and moldings and then painted them a nice, clean white...it brightens up the room so much! I don't have any before pics, but here are a couple of afters

My one and only New Year's resolution was to become more organized and to start using a calendar to keep track of things. I am usually pretty good about keeping mental lists, but I realized over the past few days of being couch-bound that there are gazillion things going on in the next few weeks. First off is CHA, I am going with some of the other girls from Craft Critique so we will be looking out for what is new and cool and will have articles up on all of the goodness. If there is a product you would like to know more on or are excited about, let us know so we can be on the look-out! After CHA Bob and I have tickets for a couple of concerts we are very, very excited about...the first is the New York Dolls, seriously, how cool is that going to be?!

Then in March we are going to see X again!

...a few weeks after that I am going to the Scrap Etc. Event in Nashville, I am super excited for this as there are several people I know going so it will be fun to catch up and scrap in real life vs. via the inter-web :) I have to catch up on my homework assignments for this though! Ugh, I feel like such a slacker as there were 3 during the holidays that just got pushed to the side because I was so busy.

Last but not least, we have tickets to see The Cure in May...they were supposed to be here in the fall but postponed. I haven't seen them since 1987...ack! I am so dating myself here

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week, I am off to finish my LO for the Milwaukee PugFest scrapbook page contest...remember if you have a rescue puggy you still have time to enter and win $250 for the rescue of your choice!

The Cape & Crown Down Under

2008-01-17T18:53:00.000-05:00

So Mugsy's cape & crown made it Australia and was hosted by the fabulous Rona and her girls. She found the most wonderful location to take pics, the State Theatre in Sydney...they even had thrones...how fitting for the royal attire!

So the temperature has dropped by about a gazillion degrees here today...brrrrrr! It is so cold, the kind of cold that takes your breath away and makes you wonder why you ever moved somewhere where it even gets this cold...ugh! It's a good night to snuggle up on the couch with some Chinese take-out and a couple of pugs and watch American Idol that I Tivo's last since I was at our Chicagoland Craft Collective meeting and missed it...totally worth it though since we had yummy Portillos, made ribbon flowers and met new people like this talented gal :)

Label Tulip is up!

2008-01-15T22:51:00.000-05:00

The January Label Tulip kit is up & it is fabulous!. You need to go check out the gallery this month...Tia Bennett is the guest designer and if nothing else you have to check out the clever little snail on her "Escargo" LO...genius!

Playing catch-up!

2008-01-15T12:43:00.000-05:00

I think this yucky winter weather is making me lazy as I just realized it's been a few days since I updated! A couple of things to share, first of all my friend Nancy and her puggy Aine came over again on Sunday this time for a sewing date :) Nancy sewed her first dress for Aine and it turned out great! It even has a lace collar that she added after we found this fab-o lace hiding out in my scrap stash. After a breakfast of ooey gooey cinnamon rolls we feasted on yummy mango salsa that she made...sooooo good!

The new Category Stories challenge is up and it's all about bad hair days...we all have them, I just chose not to document mine so I went with a picture of Pixie and her floppy ear as we always say she is having a bad hair day when her ear won't behave :-)

The Label Tulip reveal is tonight so here is one more quick sneak peek until then...

Sneak Peek Time

2008-01-10T13:33:00.000-05:00

Such fun, I have all day today to play with the fabulousness that is the January Label Tulip kit. I finished a couple LOs this morning so I can share the first sneak peek, doesn't it look yummy!

After I shared pictures of Pixie's new dresses the other day, Mugsy got a little upset that I didn't share pics. of the new jacket I made him...I really think plaid suits him well :) I got the pattern here if you would like to make one for your furkid.

Perfectly Pretty Pug Pinafores

2008-01-06T14:50:00.000-05:00

For some reason I woke up this morning with the urge to sew something and decided that Pixie needed new dresses :) I took one that she had, traced it to make a pattern, tweaked that a little bit and a short time later she had a dress...I don't think she was happy with the fit of this one as she would not cooperate for me and the camera

The first dress was a little snug around her mid-section so I went back to the drawing board and altered my pattern a bit. I think she is much happier with this one as she is totally vogue-ing for the camera....what a ham!

She says she has had enough and the diva retreats to her dressing room

Cool Stuff

2008-01-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

So one of my favorite places to go and look for inspiration when it comes to different crafty projects is Craftster...I can look through the galleries over there for ever marveling at what all the crafty peple have come up with. I haven't posted any work over there in a few months, so I was surprised and a litle delighted to find out that one of my LOs...

had made it into their Best of 2007...Mugsy is very proud of himself :) You have to scroll waaaaaay dwn to almost the bottom, but there we are!

Something else that is cool....this!!

It's a tablet that I can use to edit pictures and such, how fun is that? I can't wait to come home tonight and start playing with it since I unfortunatly have to go to work here in a few minutes...I will let you know what I think once I get my hands on it. So far it has been super easy to install which is always a plus!

Scrapping for a good cause

2008-01-04T07:24:00.001-05:00

I know we have several readers who also have rescue puggies so I wanted to pass along details about this exciting contest. Milwaukee PugFest is having a scrapbook page contest & the winner can raise $250 for the rescue of their choice! Here are the details:

Rules:
· Design a scrapbook page that features your rescued pug!
· Entries must be received by Friday Feb. 1st
· Submit your page to:
Milwaukee Pugfest
1729 Walnut St.
South Milwaukee, WI53172
· Only one side of a 12x12 page can be used
· Your pug’s name and your favorite pug rescue’s name must be displayed on the page
· Important Note: Your page and photos will not be returned to you.

Judging Criteria
· Theme, Name, and Rescue Organization is communicated
· Journaling – your page should tell the judges a “story”
· Creativity
· Use of Color

The winner of the Scrapbook Contest will receive:
· A $250 donation to the rescue of their choice by Milwaukee Pugfest for Valentine’s Day.
· Their page will be featured on http://www.milwaukeepugfest.com/

Pretty cool huh? I hope lots and lots of people enter and make this a huge success so they are able to do it again next year. Even though you don't get your pages back, they are going to a good cause, they will all be put into a scrapbook that will be on display during PugFest so everyone's stories about their rescues will be shared.

Speaking of pug LOs...here are a couple of new ones

Ladybugs & Pugs

2008-01-02T13:55:00.000-05:00

We will get to the ladybugs in a minute, first off I finally got some time to do a little cleaning in my scrap-room this morning....Mugsy and I both share the same opinion on cleaning....blech!

Pixie is very concerned that I might throw something of hers away!

I had to do something about all of the stuff that was piling up on the floor, so I moved all by books off my Ikea Expedit shelving...

so I would have more room for supplies and such, Bob added a couple of robots to my collection for Christmas so they needed a place of honor :)

O.k., here is where the ladybug comes in, we can only stay focused on cleaning for so long so when I found a ladybug residing on a pile of fabric I had to let the pugs see...

Still not wanting to return to cleaning, Pixie is forced to try on funny hats

O.k., so several hours later I finally have a clean(ish) scrap room....I can see the floor, I threw away 3 big bags of stuff, my work surfaces are clean and I *think* I know where everything is. Oh, just one more thing to share, my friend Megan bought me the Martha Stewart mushroom ornaments I had been lusting over for Christmas and not wanting to put them away they now hang off the curtain rod in my room...the make me ever so happy!

Ack!! I almost forgot, the new challenge is up at Category Stories and it's a fun one as it is all about toys! Here is my take on the challenge..

We had company today

2007-12-31T18:37:00.001-05:00

Today our friends Nancy and her puggy Aine came over for a playdate and to do a little scrapping. Mugsy and Pixie were excited to have someone to run around the house with:

Pixie resting with Aine

Many treats were had

The best treat was the bruschetta Nancy made for us...yummy!!!

Nancy covered in pugs!

Evidence that scrapping did occur

Mugsy is now offically pooped!

Sick Day

2007-12-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

So if I have to be sick, I guess this is a good day to be down for the count since I didn't have to go into work and we are in the middle of another day of snow...ack, it just all melted away this week and now we get another 7 inches of the white stuff today. Mugsy and Pixie are none too thrilled with it...Pixie is hesitant to go outside

Mugsy shows her how it's done...

But quickly changes his mind :)

Snow-bunny...

At least it's pretty to look at

In a nutshell.....

2007-12-27T08:11:00.001-05:00

A super quick re-cap of last week :)

It was cooooooooold!!!!

Wabbit tracks.....the world's biggest bunny moved into our yard and left his mark in the snow

When world's biggest bunny could not get through the fence....he ate his way through!

Pixie had a bad hair day

Mugsy was just happy to be inside where it was warm

We lost power one night

The elves left fabulous stockings on Christmas morning

Just one more day of retail craziness and I have a day off!! Tomorrow I am gutting, i.e. taking everything out and starting over, my scraproom so I can start the new year without being under a pile of paper! Hopefully I will be able to post pics of a clean room tomorrow :)

The Cape & Crown crosses the border...

2007-12-19T08:19:00.000-05:00

from Canada to Missouri this week and is modeled by the lovely Pugsley Ann...

and cutie-pie Milo

Sharing the cape & crown...

Mugsy's royal attire is now on it's way to Australia! More pics soon :)

Layout-palooza!

2007-12-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

I have a gazillion new LOs to share...first off is the new Label Tulip kit which is just stunning!

One of our challenges this month was to lift the ultra-fabulous Candice Carpenter

A few with the December My Favorite Memories kit

This week has been great as every day we go to the mailbox there are more and more cards from the PugVillage card exchange to hang up, my one card-holder is overflowing so it's time to put up the second one!

Here are a couple of fun pics I found in some old crafting books that made me smile this morning....an elf and a mushroom...cool!

Who's husband wouldn't want this handcrafted apron to do the yardwork in :)

Hope everyone has a great week and gets their Christmas shopping done!

Yay... more Cape & Crown pics

2007-12-12T08:54:00.001-05:00

Mugsy's cape & crown made it to Canada this week were they were modeled by Sherman:

Rodney:

Non-pug Slugger:

And last but certainly not least, non-pug, non-dog Fuzz....this one cracks me up :)

In a word....

2007-12-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

Yuck!

Pixie expressing her opinion of this icy, slushy mess...

In the Loop

2007-12-07T08:14:00.001-05:00

Yesterday my friend Nancy and I braved the bitter cold Chicago weather to drive into the city...when I say cold I mean cold, here is what the temp thingy in my car said as I drove to pick her up...brrrrrrrrrrr!!

Nancy was able to get us tickets to In The Loop With iVillage...I know...in the what with who?! It's a daily talk show that is filmed at NBC here in Chicago and is hosted by that Apprentice guy Bill Rancic, Kim Coles and some other chick who's name escapes me. We learned how to clap the appropriate live television way, got to see Carnie Wilson sing (c'mon you have to remember Wilson Phillips) and walked away with some free stuff like a Mr. Bean dvd, binoculars, some Homedics air freshener thing, this gadget that transmits whatever you are watching on t.v. to your computer and some other fun stuff. It was kind of cool to see a live t.v. show done and Kim Coles is just hilarious.

We then made our way over to the cutest little store called Paper Doll

Not only did they have the coolest stuff, they have a puggy named Maude who gets to hang out and greet customers all day, here she is getting some lovin' from Nancy

I picked up some pug wrapping paper and a piggy bank that is a pug...or should I say "puggy" bank...tee-hee! We then headed accross the street to a cute little doggy boutique where I picked up this adorable(!) new sweater for Mugsy

We got a little more snow last night so he got to wear it on his walk this morning. Pixie on the other hand is not enjoying the snow as much...she can't wait to get out of it as fast as possible...

and then pounds on the door until you let her in...

Alrighty, I am off to the post office as I have a few pirate pugs that are off to new homes for the holidays :)

KI Love

2007-12-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned that I am in *love* with the KI Pop Culture line....the colors, the coolness, all the cool embellishments....oh yeah and did I mention the colors :) These were all done with the December My Favorite Memories kit

The new challenge is up over at Category Stories and this one is dream-y :) Kt over at Scrap Happy KT was kind enough to send us swell packages of Marah Johnson's Love Struck line to use on our LOs...I know December is uber busy for everyone, but you should take a few minutes out of your busy day and join us for this challenge :)

Ooooh, one last thing, one of my favorite bloggers Funky Finds is giving away some goodies over at her blog. She always finds the coolest sites and Etsy shops and I blame her for much money spent over at Etsy!

Mmmmmm....encased meats!

2007-11-30T07:51:00.000-05:00

So even though we only live about 40 miles outside of Chicago, I feel like we never take advantage of all the city has to offer, especially when the weather gets super cold here. Yesterday we bundled up and decided it would be a good day to drive in and do a little Christmas shopping. Our first stop was a store I haven't been to in years, Uncle Fun

It's a cool little store jam packed with fun little dime store store goodies and such. We loaded up on stocking stuffers like robots, smoking monkies and skull keychains. We were able to pass up the rubber chickens though :)

I was able to talk Bob into stopping at Windy City Scrapbooking for a few minutes. I walked out with one piece of lace cardstock...that's it! I was quite proud of myself but I honestly felt like I have one of everything at home right now so I was able to restrain myself.

We were starving at this point so we went to Hot Doug's the sausage superstore and encased meats emporium :) If you live in the midwest you know that encased meats are a vital part of our lives here. Our friends Megan and Jim introduced me to Hot Doug's a couple of weeks ago so I knew I had to take Bob there.

I had a wild mushroom and cognac turkey sausage with a yummy cranberry mustard and Bob had an artichoke and Kalamata chicken sausage...yummmmmm-o! They have delicious duck fat (I know, duck fat eeewwwwww, but they are so good!) fries but alas those are only served on Friday and Saturday....maybe next time :)

The Cape & Crown Are Back

2007-11-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

Several months ago I sent Mugsy's cape & crown out into the world so they could be modeled by as many pugs as possible. After a trip to England they made it back stateside but were delayed for several months in Pennsylvania but are now on the move again. This week they made it to NY where the fabulous Vivian played supermodel

and the super cute Rupert

The royal attire is now on it's way to Canada where more pics will be taken :)

So a week later...

2007-11-25T13:03:00.000-05:00

I am finally getting around to updating my blog! Things were just a little hectic this week with Thanksgiving and the craziness of working retail this time of year, but I am back on track now.
Things are pretty quiet here this morning. Pixie is quietly chewing on a toy

at least she was until she became camera shy all of a sudden

Mugsy is begging for treats and being all cute :)

We put up our tree on Thanksgiving. We really wanted a live tree, but a certain somebody (Pixie) would probably have eaten it so we went with a fake one. She keeps eyeing it so I am just waiting to come home from work to find it stripped of ornamanets!

The postman brought some fun stuff in the mail this week...the December My Favorite Memories kit came on Wednesday and I had a chance to play around with it a little this morning. It is full of Love Elsie, ki Pop Culture and fun bright goodies, this one is going to be fuuuuuun!

I ordered a bunch of punchinella after getting some in November's Label Tulip kit. Such cool stuff, it is a ribbon that is left over after sequins are punched out...who knew?!

If you want some yourself, I ordered it here. They had fast shipping and even sent extra goodies since the shipping charge was less than what they charged me.

For some reason I decided I needed (not just wanted, needed!) cowboy boots so I ordered these ultra fab ones that came last week...I wore them to work the day after Thanksgiving and a customer tried to buy them off me as I was working, people never cease to amaze me! I gave her the website address where I bought them and completed my shift with my boots intact :)

Eeeeek! Monsters!

2007-11-18T12:31:00.000-05:00

and bracelets, and buttons oh my! I updated my Etsy Shop with all kinds of goodies this morning...so many perfect stocking stuffers :]

Projects Galore!

2007-11-15T22:44:00.001-05:00

I feel like it's been forever since I posted any new stuff so here we go....there's going to be a ton so get comfortable :]

First off...the second round of the My Favorite memories projects for November. I have to thank my friend Sarah for the gift bag idea, she taught us how to make them at the very first Chicagoland Craft Collective meeting that I went to

Now on to some Label Tulip...what a fun kit this month, it was the first time I got my hands on some of the KI Lace cardstock, love, love, love it!!

One of our challenges this month was to lift the talented Jennifer Pebbles, at first I thought it was going to be limiting to lift someone else, but Ireally love how this turned out

Last, but certainly not least, the new Category Stories challenge is up and it's all about warmth. We were warmed by the generosity of The Paper Pixie this month, she provided us with fab-o kits that were just perfect for this challenge.

Whew! I think that is it for now :)

Pip Pip Hooray

2007-11-15T09:05:00.001-05:00

Over at Pug Village there is a mascot named Pip who has been making the rounds from member to member....yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting Pip at our house :)

Pip arrives

hanging out with some Oh Grrrs!

rolling around in a pile of Thickers

Since I had to work yesterday, Pip got to go to Pier 1 with me

a zen moment

mmmmmmm....chocolate!

self portrait with Pip :)

Why the $1 Spot at Target rocks....

2007-11-11T13:57:00.000-05:00

because that's where I picked up Pixie's newest piece of clothing :] Granted it was in the $2.50 section of the $1 Spot, but well worth it none-the-less! They have all kinds of cute Christmas stuff for the furkids so go check it out!

I finished my Lo for the next Category Stories challenge and can post a small sneak peek...

...and because the gals over at the
Label Tulip forums are so darn cute trying to figure out what is in the next kit here is one last sneaky peek...I mean it, this is the last one :]