A Special Package Arrives and Some Awards

I just got a very special package from Darlene of Sew Cal Gal. She got me a Get Well Package that is so generous and kind of her. I got three great books, a tote bag, beautiful blue fabric, some Memory Keeper Magazines for my future scrapbooking projects, the Story of The Titanic Cards, which is so interesting, wax to melt for candles, a HP Creative Assistant Scrapbook Assistant, which is amazing, and wonderful letters to stick on for words in my scrapbooks. Darlene, thanks so much! I can't tell you what it all meant to me...not just the gifts, but the sentiment behind it, and your kindess to me.
Joe got me two scrapbooks to start working on my projects. I sorted out my baby photos from the box, and I will begin. The magazines, Darlene, are giving me great ideas, and I am putting together a layout using the HP Assistant software, so I am set. My supplies will be all arriving next week. Then in March, I order Tim Holtz's products, as I want to distress this album, and use his wonderful paints, crackle paint, etc. I discovered some wonderful old photos of my parents and grandparents, and I will be making a photo journal which I will bind myself and distress to make it look old. If you look at Tim's videos, you will get the idea of how to do it.

In addition, I got a few awards from some friends, and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate it, but I just don't have the time to follow through with some of the extensive and long directions as to what has to be done. So, I will pass them to all of my blogger friends, and just please ask you not to give me any awards, as I just don't have the strength or time to follow through with them. Since the Shingles, I just have not gotten up to my full strength yet, and I am just trying very hard to get back into what I love to do, and I will be happy when I do that.

Thanks to Clara who gave me an award...It did mean a lot. Also Susan gave me a Sunshine Award, and thanks to you also. Lastly, from Marina, A Beautiful Bloggers Award.....much thanks! I do apologize for not following all of the directions as to what I need to do with the awards. I will pass the awards to all of the bloggers who follow my blog, and thank you all for being such good friends.

Enjoy your weekend and just have fun!

An Exciting Day...Packages and My Cricut Expression Arrive

The mailman was a busy bee today because of our mail. I received a lovely angel fake book/box in the mail. This was one of the prizes that I won in the OWOH Giveaway. It looks like a book from the outside, but it is really a box, and my oh my is it beautiful! Lisa gave this to me, and needless to say I am thrilled. Thanks so much Lisa! As you can see by the pic, I have filled it with craft items.
Then, I got the cutest cashmere mouse in the mail called Serenity, which was another prize from the OWOH Giveaway. It is only two and a half inches , but the detail on the mouse is incredible. If you look at the mouse's eyelashes , the whiskers, and all the details, you will be as amazed as I was at Laura's incredible talent. Thank you too so much! As if those two were not enough, I got a lovely get well card from Barb, and she also sent me a beautiful piece of Samoan fabric, in addition to two gorgeous buttons. Thank you too Barb...It really brightened up my day. Finally, another prize from OWOH Giveaway arrived. It was two books. One is a charming cloth doll book, a machine embroidery book, and two huffalumps.Thanks to Jules so much!

Last but not surely least, my Pink Cricut Expression arrived.I was so excited to set it up and begin to use it . I have so much to learn. Most of my supplies for the cards are in transit and won't arrive till next week, but I had a bit of supplies to make myself a tag, which I am using as a bookmark.I used the shadow button for the green tag in the back, which creates a shadow effect, and then the end cap button to create the front tab, and it really does cut out all the shapes incredibly, as you can see. Of course, I had to add adhesive ribbon and gems to finish it off. I can't wait till my supplies arrive, so I can make a card. I ordered tons of things. Anyways, I did get a bit of fancy paper as you see, which was anther prize I won from The Frog Palace blog, as part of the OWOH Giveaway, so I was able to practice with my machine, and make the bookmark. Thanks Wendy for all of that ! I was just happy that I was able to cut with the machine and begin to figure it out. You know how intimidating new machines can get. I still have lots to learn, as the machine can do so much. Plus, there is the software to learn...My Goodness this was an exciting day! I am off to watch Criminal Minds soon. Hope you all had a lovely day!

8 Wins in OWOH Giveaways

While I was sick, I was visiting and entering many of the OWOH giveaways. I enjoyed meeting the people, but really didn't expect to win. Well, I have won 8 of them. I am totally in shock, but so happy about it. Well, after being sick for so long, it was fun to find out that I was a winner 8 times! Ok, here is what I won:
1. A Jerusalem print from Robin whose blog is alled Around the Island . She lives in Israel.Funny enough, I attended the Jersusalem University for my third year of college, and I just loved the city, so this will mean a lot to me, as it was a wonderful experience.
2. Second, I won fancy designer paper for cardmaking,scrapbooking, etc...Now, as I am going into this hobby now, this was perfect. Thanks to The Frog Palace, I am the winner.
3. I also won a machine embroidery book, elephants, and cloth doll book from Jules who has a lovely blog called Adventures in Thread. How fun is that! I will definitely try to make one of the cloth dolls...I love dolls!
4. Also, I won this wonderful handmade mouse that is just so cute, and her name is Serenity. She is made out of cashmere.The blog is called Cobblestone Creations, and you really should visit to see what beautiful creations Laura does make.
5. Next, I won an angel book which is truly a work of art. It is a fake book that is a box, and it is just spectacular. Lisa is just so talented, and you must see her blog called Scherer Art.
6.Also, I won an autographed copy of Matt Hayes who obviously caught a huge fish. I used to fish with my dad, and boy did I appreciate that catch. The blog is called Disabled Angler. Boy, did that bring back many memories of me and my dad fishing.
7. Then, I won wonderful handmade cards from Tanya who has a blog called 3 Cats Creations.As I am getting into making cards, I was truly inspired by her creations.
8.Lastly, tonight, I found out from Monica of Giddy Greetings that I won the most incredible prize, which was the Xyron 5" Creative Station. It laminates, makes stickers, and magnets. Well, when I use my Cricut Expression and create the die cuts, I will be placing some of the smaller die cuts in there to create adhesive backings. That blew my mind, as it comes with the cartridge, inspiration sheets, and a manual.

I may have been sick since Christms with shingles, still need to gain my strength back, but am I not the luckiest Irish lassie ever? I was just tickled pink with it all!
I was so happy to be part of OWOH, and definitely will take part in it again next year.

Finally, my pink Cricut Expression bundle is arriving on Wednesday, so I will be busy for a while trying to figure out the machine, and then making some wonderful cards. My supplies have not arrived yet...the machine will be here before they arrive, but I will be practicing the cuts with cardstock and reading the manual....I want to know everything about it, as it has the capacity to do so much! I am also taking a course online starting March 3rd for the Cricut Expression from
My Creative Classroom. For 25 dollars, they will provide PDFS, slideshows, videos, forums, and contact with the teacher. There will be projects to complete, so it should be very helpful and fun.

I will take a pic of my Cricut Expression when it arrives. Off to watch tv!

Computer Issues Resolved Due to Genius Husband

Joe and I were up till the wee hours, I mean wee hours of the morning...Boy, are we both tired now, as we also got up at 7:30 as we had to go food shopping. Ok, here is the latest computer news...Our computer is fixed. Even though the computer would not boot up on its own, Joe got access to the computer, and saw that everything was there such as documents, pics etc. He spent hours saving everything to the external hard drive that we have. Then he found out from Norton software the name of the virus that hit our computer. He then researched it on the internet and found a fix for it that allowed him to remove it....a genius or what? So, the good news is that the virus is gone and all is well. We figured that when we opened up this email, it all happened. Even though we have an external drive, we decided to get this Click Free Automatic Back up Drive, which automatically backs up everything on your computer.

Now, my suggestion to you all is not to open any email that you are not 100 percent sure of. Oh, the name of the virus was Trojan Downloader:Win32/FakeINIT. The virus can send itself to everyone in the address book, so I am giving you a warning not to open anything that looks at all suspicious. We are not going to open up anything unless we know the person or company 100 percent.

End of story....a happy ending...I am relaxing in my lounge chair. Joe will be taking a nap soon for two hours. I will sit and watch tv. My cricut will be arriving very soon, so I will be busy learning everything. I have orders still to make concerning supplies, and it will take me a few months to really get all that I want,but it will be fun.

Off to watch "Dynasty"...Aren't I the lucky bunny to have Joe as a husband...a genius for sure!

Fabrics and Siggies Arrive and a Bit of Bad News

Fat Quarter Shop sent me a lovely batik FQ bundle. I mostly have batiks in my stash and Michael Miller fairy frost fabrics, and I just love them!

The mailman also brought me some wonderful siggies. I am getting very close to having enough siggies to make our double sized quilt, and I am very excited about that. I received one siggy from Nell, who is from Virginia, Janey who is from Northhampton in England, Gerry who is from the Netherlands, Hannie who is also from the Netherlands, and finally one from Edith in Belgium. As you can see, they are all very pretty, and I thank one and all for sending me such special siggy blocks.

Now for the bad news....The day was going well, until a virus hit our main computer. Joe managed to get into the computer, but it won't start on its own when it is turned on. He is saving all our documents/photos onto our simple drive, and it is nearly 1 AM, so it doesn't look like we are getting much sleep tonight. I am writing on our laptop, and thank God we have that ! We will have to take our main computer into Letterkenny and have the technicians deal with it.
Needless to say, we are not in the best of moods.

Getting off of that subject...I do want to thank everyone who sent me lovely get well cards in the mail. They really made me feel so good, and I do thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I get my Cricut Expression and have learned how to use the machine and software, expect a handmade card from me to show my deepest appreciation.(By the way, that will be arriving in about a week's time.) I also have received many emails wishing me well, and all those are greatly appreciated too. I am feeling a bit stronger each day, and I have been resting, so as they say, "Time is a great healer."

This is going to be a long night with our computer, but hey, we have each other.

And the Winner is..................

I am thrilled to announce that the random generator picked #158 as the winner of my One World, One Heart Contest. Shannon, who is from the United States has won my three prizes. Her blog is Some Day I Will Soar, and I am pleased to send the prizes to her, as soon as she gives me her snail address. I was so happy to meet all of the wonderful people who entered the OWOH giveaway, and it was fun visiting the many blogs that I went to.
Congrats again to Shannon!

Happy Valentine's Day

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and both Joe and I will be spending a quiet day at home. Joe got me a Butler's variety chocolate box which we are both sharing, and we both have cards for each other. Today, at the local supermarket, the manager gave me a gorgeous rose, which I thought was so sweet, and Joe said that I was blushing. Enjoy your day with your loved one! There is nothing as special as being with the person that you love, especially when that person is your soulmate, as Joe is mine. Enjoy the day of lovers and don't forget the hugs and kisses.

PS: I will be having the drawing for the One World, One Heart Giveaway on Monday, February 15th at 12 noon our time. Good luck to everyone who entered! I had a ball visiting the blogs and meeting some wonderful people! Oh, I am over the shingles, but need to regain my strength...I am sure that in time I will. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart for all of the well wishes. You all have been so kind!! Don't forget to click on the pic...I love animated pics, and this one is so sweetly romantic!

Preparing for the Cricut and My Latest New Hobby

Before I order the Cricut and get it sent here, I am buying all the supplies for the machine, and also for the journalling, cardmaking and scrapbooking that I will be doing. Joe took me to Letterkenny for my Valentine's present, and I went to a terrific paper crafting shop. As it has been a while since I did all of this, I am a bit out of the loop on the latest gadgets. Well, I ordered the neatest gadget from QVC Uk called The Crop a Dile Big Bite 2, which punches and makes eyelets...Yes it is in pink, and it comes with 340 gromlets. Here is a video showing how it does it all. I also ordered some fancy printed paper from QVC...180 sheets of 12x12 paper which I thought was a great deal, and I got the special value which were 4 Martha Stuart punchers which make the prettiest continuous flower patterns on the borders all around the paper. There is no pic of it now, as it sold out by early this morning. I have been getting bits and pieces, as you can see by the pic above. I have to get a few things for the machine too like the software, and the list goes on with items like fancy scissors, etc.

Joe is getting me the Zutter Bind it All for our anniversary in March, as I want to make a watercolour journal as my first project, in conjunction with the scrapbooking I will be doing to get the older photos sorted out. It will bind my journal ingeniously, and yes it is pink too. LOL Thus, I am ordering a watercolour pencil kit and water brushes, as each page of the journal will have lovely watercolour landscaped pics that I will paint, and of course, I will decorate the outside of the journal with my Cricut. Lots of plans! I am excited about it all. I will make cards for all the occasions to have ready, and there is no end to what I can create with a bit of imagination.

I am finally over the shingles...It started before Christmas, so it is about time. I am still feeling very run down, but in time, I will gain my strength back. I have been happily busy getting ready for my latest hobby.

I have also been catching up on reading my blogs...no sewing yet...just didn't feel like getting into it yet, but I will over the next few days. I have to finish the miniature and get started on the Celtic wallhanging. I am taking vitamins like a good girl and trying to get back to my ol' self. It is nice to be back blogging. Hope all of you are fine, and thanks again for all your well wishes and concern!

Feeling Better

I just wanted to tell you all that I am feeling much better. All the antibiotics have finally kicked in , and the pain has gone down quite a bit. I am very run down, but all I have to do now is build my strength up. We will be buying some multivitamins, and I will have to take them diligently, as shingles has a tendency to really lower your immune system and the aftereffects have been no fun.It started before Christmas, but this last week was the worst, as a result of the infection and pain. I have been on the laptop, read a lot of the magazines that I have and I am glad that I am feeling better, because I would have gone stir crazy. I don't seem to have much strength, so I have not been back to sewing, etc. I will be doing four siggies today, as they have been on the backburner since I was ill, and they really need to go out in the mail, but other than that, I will wait till next week for any really challenging, creative projects. I have to machine quilt my miniature, and then I have a Celtic wallhanging to complete. I got those lovely hand dyed fabrics to complete it, and it should be lovely.

I have been researching the Cricut, and I will be getting the Cricut Expression ,and try to get the pink one. I found out that besides the various things that I can do with it concerning scrapbooking and paper crafting, I can cut applique pieces on it. If you iron Steam-A-Seam 2 on the back of fabric, It will cut the fabric with the designs that you put into the software. Since I love applique, how nice is that! I have been realizing that there are endless possibilities to this machine!

Thanks again for all your concern! It has been an ordeal, but I didn't lose my sense of humour and that is good. I am grateful that I am feeling so much better. Tomorrow, I see the doctor, and then hopefully, I can put it behind me.

Off to read a book! I do have to admit that I have rested a lot in the last few days....that is a good thing!