Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Crop & Create - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!

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Scrapbook & Cards Today is not only an awesome publication (you only pay for S&H - sign up now!!), they can throw an amazing event!! Register today!

SK Crop & Create Event - yeesh, where do I start - I am sure it has taken all week to get my ab's & cheeks to mend a little from all the laughter and smiles that took place!! I was disappointed that Canada Customs held up some product - so I will offer to receive the goodies and provide a nice home! (oh the sacrifices!) **I am so thrilled that you were able to create the amazing classes and scrambled for us - there was no need to do that, but it does not go unappreciated!!

I was disappointed that I couldn't take part in the make in takes - but that is since I was in all the Awesome Classes and then socializing with some very talented, down to earth scrappy sisters! I know we are not supposed to meet with people on the internet, I have however, met some amazing people I am happy to call my friends & future roomies (that i happily kept them in giggles through the night)! The talent in SK should not go unnoticed and I am secretly happy that I did not have time to take part in the challenges as there was a beautiful showcase of talent - Congratulations to the Layout & Card Winners!

Now a week has gone by and my dreams filled with Huggable scrappy friends (I am such a hugger), visions of sponsors, new product, great displays of food, layouts, cards, classes have slowed a little and the drooling over the amazing swag bag has subsided..a bit! The swag bags and the "surprise" (don't want to give it away!) , it was so well thought out and now it will leave me buying more! The on-site stores - Lori from Scrap Studio and Just Scrap it - provided such a beautiful assortment of new products, that my wallet left feeling a little lighter!

I am not usually a complainer, but I do feel it's your responsibility to put a warning out ** You will laugh, cry, buy, eat, create, make the bestest friends and your family will be seen through the photo's you will scrapbooking every moment you get! I also like to take a pro-active position and where there is a problem, I seek a solution... The only solution I see at this point is to do it AGAIN!!! - How's November for you?!!!!

Thank you to Organizer, Amazing Instructors, Sponsors, Robyn and Catherine @ SCT

They are ready to do it again... here are some important dates to mark your calendars!!
Additional locations and dates include:

•Winnipeg, Manitoba – March 30 & 31, 2012
•Edmonton, Alberta – May 4 & 5, 2012
•New Brunswick – June 1 & 2, 2012
•Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – September 28 & 29, 2012
•Calgary, Alberta – November 4 & 5, 2012
•BC - awaiting details

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Saskatchewan Donates to AB

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SASKATCHEWAN Donation's!!
------------ Friday, May 20th - 8 am until truck is filled
--------- SASKATOON - Stonegate Walmart- parking lot @ 3035 Clarence Ave. S
-------------- Kindersley Transport Semi

...Donate - Toiletries (men, women, children), Diapers, Blankets, Pillows, Sleeping Bags, Water, GRAD dresses & suits. ** what would you need if put in this situation? Monetary donations are to be directed to Red Cross

Come on SK - FILL the Truck in Saskatoon - please contact Linda Lee Thomson-Shewchuk txt/call my cell 306-547-7487 as I will be driving from Preeceville with as much as I can fit in my truck to meet up with Janine Penney (txt/call 341-8112), Tara Wilkins (txt/cell 716-1705) & Nicole from Walmart.

my ♥ is soaring, we will meet in person on Friday! by working together through a series of phone calls we have made this happen! We now need you to spread the word & come on Saskatoon and area, let's fill the SEMI going to AB!

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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Slave Lake & Manitoba

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My heart is going out to those who have lost everything due to the Fire that ravaged Slave Lake and of course I am continuing to pray for the Flooding in Manitoba

I was massively purging on the weekend and wasn't quite sure yet where I was going to donate "my stashes". Well Sunday at 1 am that answer came to me as I learned about the devastation in Slave Lake. Since then I have been phoning people, sending emails and posting onto every Facebook page I was able to.

I have been calling people & places to find a place where we can drop off donations here in Saskatchewan!! Yahoo SK Peeps, Walmart's in Saskatoon is accepting your donations to Slave Lake!! ** for my area, I am waiting to hear about Yorkton, as the Manager wasn't in store today.

**If YOU have something to donate, I will be pleased to come get it and deliver it for you. Please direct your monetary donations to Red Cross where you can specify where you want the money directed. DO NOT send cash, please ensure it is a reputable business if money is requested.

If you are in another area of Province, please contact your local Walmart as bulletin's are being sent from Head Office to locations.
Thank you Walmart <3 Would love to hear from you - share some love!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Always Hurts?...

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On a day when trying to get out of bed today (thank goodness Shanae laid with me & we watched Tangled...again).     I can barely move, head is pounding, lists are getting longer and piles are growing bigger - but with a migraine hitting it's intended target and my back saying you can't lay down, stand or sit.. what other options are there?!

I need to Thank Christy for such a beautifully written article (everyone should read it!) and it allowed me to write what I have always wanted to express and hopefully provide others an insight into Chronic Pain.  I have had a lot of rough day's, and spent this morning making some Dr. appointment's, then I turned on my laptop and saw Christy's story - perfect timing / divine intervention / angels putting it in my path... whatever the reason, I am grateful!   Knowledge is Power, so I hope that I can help someone as Christy helped me... just because you can't see it, a simple pill doesn't fix it.. doesn't mean it doesn't exist!!

I know I am lucky to be here and that laying in bed with my dd is something some never get to do.  I am able to get up and walk (even with pain), I am grateful to be able to stand with my kids and make meals and sit and listen to them tell stories.   On really good days (and the drugs are kicking in) I can dance with them and play.   I know that I am lucky to have a place where we play, laugh and I can do the floors on another day.   I do try to find at least 3 positives a day so that my focus is somewhere else...I am human, I get dragged down lots.  I hurt lot's, however I have kids counting on me and usually am the only one here 24/7 so not alot of choices..just Do It!

I know that in order to take part in activities (I have been able to attend some scrap events - 2/year) that I will be "popping some pills" (all under Dr.'s instruction, etc.) so that I can sit, laugh, stand up, dance around and be able to laugh away with all my scrapping friends.  I am able and very willing to participate with my kid's functions, event's, getaways - well I pay in the long run, but I am too stubborn to miss it.

Now I have been working with Dr'.s (yes plural - 10+  different Dr's - SK & AB - chiropractor, specialists, acupressure, acupuncture, neurologists, therapists, muscle therapy, I have a BP machine (last months Dr. appt) as High Blood Pressure may be why I am tired, no energy and sore,  I am also going to try light therapy soon ... the list is endless.  I have & continue to be poked, prodded, x-ray's, scanned, i have "come down" off alot of different drugs (i am proud of that, but some days wish i had them!)...the only thing i have turned down is taking a 6 week body therapy/clinic in Saskatoon or Regina.  I do not have over a month to leave my kids, my place and stay in a hotel for 6 weeks, especially with their dad working overseas//not an option & since deep tissue scar damage was done by physio on my back before I/it was ready doesn't make me want to jump at the inconvenient opportunity! (my Dr's do understand this and support me)

I have heard several times and it probably will never stop - have you tried this?  you need to be more active?  you have to just keep moving?  you need these drugs  you need these herbs!  you need this Dr.. you need this... you need this... you need this...    WHAT I NEED:  is for everyone to understand that it is Chronic Pain, it exists, it is incredibly painful and it isn't something you can see, you can't feel it.. but I can,

I have Chronic Pain and I am lucky enough to have a very high pain tolerance.. medical problems with my back include:  Rheumatoid Arthritis, missing vertebrae, Spina Bifida Occulta, Scar tissue damage, deep tissue damage,..(i have too much to list..) as well, I now also suffer from Depression  (oooh another scary word.. right?..nope - not for me, I am just happy to be diagnosed and working towards a better me) and then have had severe Migraines (since my teens & mom took me everywhere to find solutions to them).. drugs and working on pressure points sometimes helps me.  Everyday I have a headache (which is like a bad headache to others) again, since I can tolerate a fair amount of pain I am able to get through most days.  When you see me with black eyes, wanting a cool dark place and sick to my stomach and reaching for the $100 tablets (yes that's the price of med's working for me) then watch out it's a really bad day for me!

I am continuously working with my Dr.'s, searching for new herbal medications as well as the narcotic prescriptions I use.   I research as well as invest in new ideas and perhaps an opportunity that could allow a little relief to my pain as well as not spending $400/month.   I take medication to try and sleep as the aches, movements etc are waaaaay too much and I wake up in tears all the time, rocking back & forth and wanting better med's!  Most day's, I break out in sweats from pain, and loss of breath is not just due to being unfit, overweight, etc.. it is pain!    I am sure I can predict weather changes better than a weather person with training as my body gives me painful signs.

Again, thank you Christy for putting your bravery out there for others to see, feel and perhaps learn.   I hope that my post will take people to Christy's story as well as have my friends & family understand my situation or even learn something that can help someone they know.

I am not going to stop pursuing options and I am proud of how far I have come and I am the best I can Be and I am Proud to be Me!   I will keep trying to attract the positive in my life and keep counting my blessings                      Thank you for reading this.

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Hope for Japan ..help support

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What an awesome way to support, while still helping you create & finish some of your cards, scrapbook pages or Altered art.
We've all been reeling with the images of tragedy and devastation in Japan. If you're looking for an easy, real, practical way to help relief efforts, then I invite you to contact me.

Typically, our A-size sets retail for $8.75 CAN, but the "Hope for Japan" set will be available through April 30 for just $5--and Close To My Heart will be donating 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross to benefit relief efforts in Japan.

If we all do a little, together we can do a lot. Let's show our support and together, provide real HOPE for Japan! You can order directly off my website or give me a shout if I can help you.



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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Children's Christmas Store!!

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As many of you are aware, I have been sponsoring a “Childrens Gift Shop” since 2004.  The shop I implemented is for children registered in the school system the kids are able to purchase a Christmas present for their Mom and their Dad for $2.00 a gift (only 2 gifts/child).  No Parents Allowed (you can’t peek J), while you wait outside the door, volunteers will help the children.  Perhaps some of you in the past have been pleasantly surprised to receive the gifts presented to you at Christmas.

Once again this shop has proven to be a great success in all our hearts; therefore, I am organizing another exciting afternoon for the school-aged children within the community.  In order to reach all children, the store will take place in a school afternoon where all students should be (no band, hockey, skating…).  I am asking/begging that you donate NEW items suitable for the children to purchase for their parents as a Christmas gift.  All year, I spend my time getting gifts together for this store, I separate them (Mom/Dad) and then they are stored in my home.   When the children purchase a gift for $2, they are getting a gift of greater value as well as having it wrapped and labeled by your child.

I count on all of you and your donations to keep this shopping experience alive and running every year.  If you plan on having your children attend the store, please ensure that you are providing enough gifts for others to purchase as well.  If you have nothing available,  or time is a factor, a cash donation would be appreciated and a gift will be purchased on your behalf.   Some items for donation that would be suitable are:  boxed stationery, jewellery, perfume, dishcloths, dishtowels, pictures, nail polish, pen and pencil sets, books, ornaments, wallets, bubble bath, playing cards or games, caps, coffee mugs, chocolates, toques, calculators, cologne, manicure/pedicure sets, shaving kit items, etc.  Perhaps you are “crafty” and would like to donate some home-made items as well.

I am in need of any gift bags, small boxes, wrapping paper, ribbons, etc. that could hold some of these gifts as well.  (please also remember on Christmas day to place these aside and bring to school in the new year, so I can store and have for the 2011 Children‘s Christmas Store)

The school has offered the use of the School Office again, so please drop off your donation in the box provided (thanks, Mrs. Sliva). If you have a large amount to donate, please call me so I can arrange pick up.  I check once a week for items dropped off and pick them up, bring them home and get them ready for the shop.

All proceeds will be presented to the Preeceville School, for distribution within the elementary side of school; this year the money will be applied towards purchasing a reading program.  This is a huge pay-it-forward opportunity, you can donate gifts (chance to re-gift in a positive manner), and once the children purchase a present, ALL the money is then donated back.

A huge thank you to all my volunteers, without you helping me, this dream of mine wanting to help kids enjoy and experience a loving & giving Christmas would not have come to life!  Kids, I thank you so much for stopping me in the hallway, on the street at other events, it makes me so happy that you truly enjoy this experience and look forward to it months in advance.   I do the best I can and rely heavily on the parents & communities’ participation.

Please contact me at 547-2021 Home - 547-7487 cell if you have any questions, concerns, need me to pick up donations.

A gift that not only works as a present, but as a donation to a reading program –
 this is an example of a gift that keeps on giving!!!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_109593149106750&ap=1


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Sunday, September 26, 2010

Note Time!

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I love creating these little post-it note holders (you just place the stick pad on the holder and use one at a time - i put up other ideas here{scroll down}), how can they not bring a smile to your face when you jot down a message. Something fun to jazz up your desk, bedside table or wherever you need to write it down [careful, they may just walk away with it]!

You can find this fabulous Urban Lily paper at this blog.



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Friday, September 24, 2010

Just a door Hanger?..

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I created this holder using Kiki Art product...

Door Hanger covered in paper, and then the flap is folded over and held closed using magnets hidden under paper strips.   (picture is on Kiki Art blog)

Now when i need a quick not jotted, i reach for this holder and inside is a little pencil and post-its. enjoy


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Thursday, September 23, 2010

What do you see?

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I love to look at goodies and see something so totally different or that it can be altered.. (if the kids stood still long enough, I would probably cover them in paper too :)

Hope you enjoyed my post at Kiki Art... now for some other goodies made using Hot Air Balloon paper.



Would love to hear from you - share some love!
Would love to hear from you - share some love!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Love in a container?

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Is it possible to keep decorating Take Out containers? I love doing these, and they are a gift within a gift!

Once again, you can pick up Kiki Art products and get 'er dun!!




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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Summer Fun

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I know I am missing the pool in the yard and the giggle of kids as they run through my house leaving water everywher... "{SMACK}".. wakeup.. Okay, i don't miss the water everywhere.. but i do miss the pool & hot sun, this serves as a great reminder though..

want to see more, head to Kiki Art!



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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Pillow

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well not something you can rest your head on, but you CAN rest this pillow box on a pillow!!! lol

just wanted to show a cute little project, hope this gives you a little mojo in your creativity.

all products are Kiki Art


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Sunday, September 12, 2010

Take me out...

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Wouldn't you just love something in these little take out containers... i would!! {hmmm, wonder if i can fill them up with a sparkly present from Me to ME}

I just covered these up with fabulous Kiki Art products (go check out the link) & voila!



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Friday, September 3, 2010

It starts Outside..

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What's that saying?  "Package the Present with love", "It starts with the wrapping", "Creative Packaging", "Gift with Love"..  all of these apply.   How nice is it to get a goodie and then to receive a great presentation.   You are so worth it!!

I created this gift bags for Teacher, Bus Driver & Friends... all created using Kiki Art and made with lots of Love, enjoy!!


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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

feels like yesterday...

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I can't believe in a few days my baby is going to walk to the bus for a drive to Kindergarten...  Want to see more, would love your support over at Kiki Art!!


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Saturday, August 28, 2010

DT Submission Extended

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Kiki Art has extended her DT deadline... If you are looking for an amazing CANADIAN team, you need to apply here! The talent is as amazing as the owner, Kiki!!

" so we decided to extend the Deadline for the KIKI ART DT Call… so, only a few more days until the 15th of September. If you haven’t applied yet, I hope you can catch up!!!.

The new team term will begin in OCTOBER 2010!!! " submit

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Key to my Heart

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Here is a card I put together using Kiki Art products...  I love the glittered chipboard, watercoloring the key was so very soothing for me - i LOVE to color..    This card really makes me smile, can you feel all the love wrapped in it?!
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Monday, August 23, 2010

Do you know how Beautiful you are?

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ever get that email,  phone call, message at the right time?   Well I did - this was something I needed today, and I thought for sure someone else in my life also needs this lift!!   hugs to you - Beautiful Person!!!
 
Do you know how beautiful you are?

Standing there.
Sitting there.
Waiting there.
Breathing there.

Do you know how beautiful you are?

Pumping gas.
Feeding your children.
Sitting in your cubicle.
Loading the dishwasher.
Running on the treadmill.
Standing in line at the grocery store.
Do you know how beautiful you are?

Wearing sweat pants.
No make-up.
Jeans two sizes too small (or too big).
Spanx hidden beneath your clingy dress.
Pajamas (because you are just running an errand and who will see you?)

Do you know how beautiful you are?

With laugh lines that are forming around your mouth.
Gray hairs sprinkled around your temples.
Ten (or 20 or 50) pounds you’ve been wanting to lose.
Hair growing too much in some places and not enough in others.
Sags and bags and lines and creases.
Pimples and dimples and ripples and rolls.

Do you know how beautiful you are?

As the weight of the unknown rests between your ears.
What should I cook for dinner?
Will I make it to my appointment on time?
How will I pay the phone bill this month?
Will I ever have time for me?
What would happen if I lost my job?
What would happen if I quit my job?
When will I be happy?
How will I be happy?
What will make me happy?

Do you know how beautiful you are?

With all of your hopes.
Joy.
Anxiety.
Laughter.
Tears.
Dreams.
Fears.

Do you know how beautiful you are?

When across the room.
Behind you in line.
Next to you on the elevator.
Is a woman who sees you.
Because she is you.
She sees you and catches her breath
Because she sees who you are
beneath
all
of
it.

She is wondering if you know how beautiful you are
And is wishing she had her camera with her so that she could show you.
**This was from Darrah Parker website - thank you Darragh for the beautiful words **


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Monday, August 16, 2010

Layouts of Dad

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I am so thankful to Tammy for loaning me some product & paper cutter, to Christine & Lois for sending me scrapbooking goodies in the mail, after answering my plea for some goodies to keep me busy while dad was in the hospital.

As you now are aware, my dad is now with mom watching over us. For dad's Celebration of Life, i took a bunch of "dad, papa, grandpa, bob" pictures and I because of your generosity & kindness, I was able to create layouts that I placed on Poster Board for all to look at and enjoy!

You can see that we had a screen of dad's images playing, we also had two digital frames on the table as well as framed photo's. The empty vase was where the 3 grand-daughters placed hand-picked wildflowers, as those are what dad loved. There are two bigger vases flaking the table (the tall one is for Carol and the shorter one on the left is for me) - we chose these as there is trees and perennials in them so we can plant in his memory at our house. The other flowers were from friends & family - thank you.

Hope you enjoy the following pictures, i know dad is smiling while sitting with mom watching over us.







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