Saturday 29 April 2017

Real #NLWX | Simple Scrapper



There’s no other way to say it except that the weather can really get you down in Newfoundland. Our winters are incredibly long - you have to find a way to make your own sunshine.   Twenty-seventeen is starting out with  a consistent snowfall and then back to back blizzards in February. March brought a wind storm that nobody has seen in 60 years.  Winds were clocking at 160 km/h and we saw siding flying off our house. It’s days like this that you question why it is that you live here. Then you put on your snowsuit onto go out to shovel but your neighbour has already done it for you. 
Then you remember... 
I love this place & the people in it. 



This 8.5"x11" scrapbook page was created for Spark Magazine and was inspired by journalling prompts. These tools are available with a membership at Simple Scrapper.  For more information , pop over to the Simple Scrapper website led by Jennifer Wilson.

Cathy

Thursday 27 April 2017

... that moose though...| Fancy Friday + #tgifc105


Hi Friends! I am so glad you are back!
I had great plans when we decided on this month's Fancy Friday blog hop theme: A Work of Art. The idea is not to have a sentiment on the front of the card.

I pictured watercoloured overlapping flowers intertwined with berries covered in pearls.  Maybe even no line watercolouring.

Instead, I couldn't stop touching my new stuff. New stuff that I intended to use for my party theme at TGIF Challenges. We are celebrating our two year anniversary! Go us!


Bam.

I did a Two-Fer.
Two Birds. One Stone. Others might say.


OK, OK, OK.
The Moose is not a stamp.  I cut it out from some Designer Series Paper.
The ballons were water coloured and so very very cut.
Those butterflies. So cute.  Those are paper too!
What a cheat, I am!

The background was created using aquapainters using soft sky, old olive and sahara sand.


Not too fast my little sweet pea.
Inside, I cut out this little bunny.
Yup.
June 1st.
That's when you can have this paper too.

Now hop your cute little buns over to my amazingly talented friend, Jen Timko!







Hello Sunday: Stories and Photos | #weekinthelife2017

What is Week in the Life?:// Week In the Life is a project created by Ali Edwards where by you document a snapshot in time. Capturing mundane details of your everyday and perhaps your not so mundane moments.  This is my story and my photos for #weekinthelife2017. To see my #weekinthelife2016 stories and photos you can check out it here: #weekinthelife2016 

I made it to Sunday.
Truth is I've been busy.  Too busy.  Soon I must say no to things. Not the fun stuff though. I like the fun stuff.

I started the morning at 6am by creating a project for the Stampin' Up! Artisan Design Team.  It's a great way to start a Sunday morning actually but I didn't like my project.  And I still don't.  You'll see in a few weeks. With that, I wanted to truly torture myself by creating a YouTube video. They are tough to do and time consuming but I need to do a better job at keeping my channel filled with new content.


Once the 13 minute video was completed I took a quick look to make sure that my camera wasn't upside down... That has happened too many times to count. Nope.  Not upside down.  But did it cut off... it sure did. Perfect. Bloody f*#king perfect.

By now the kids are up. At 4 and 6 years of age, they can occupy themselves for a little while.  I need to remember to put the orange juice lower in the fridge so that I don't get nagged to death in the mornings for a drink.


As always, we typically have at least one big breakfast with the whole family on the weekends. Its a small thing but I always look forward to it. This time I was in charge and I made a smorg-ous-borg of meat.  It was nice.  The four of us just slamming some eggs and toast. But the hustle was about to begin.


All four of us piled in the car at 10:30am to make the first drop off as Jane went to gymnastics for three hours.  Next was Ryan to go to soccer. First game of the season, he says.  Jack and I were left to kill a couple hours.

Costco it is.
Bad call.
We quite literally parked in the second last parking spot.
That should have been a sign of the bump and grind games I'd have to play inside.


Quick fact here.  Newfoundland. That's where I live.  Picture a large remote island in the Atlantic Ocean with approximately 500,000 people living on it.  On the whole island... now you tell me how its possible that we have one of the top busiest Costcos in the World.

Alright. I'll tell you.
Because we are downright wingnuts.
And its hard to get good produce.
And we plan our weekends around Costco.
Not me.  Not anymore.
But man.  The grapes were great today.  So were the strawberries but not for $5.79.

With still some time to kill, we ran to Michaels as I had a couple things to pick up for friends. It was worth going there just to see Jack in his element.  Man. This kid loves to shop.


I picked up the other child and back home we go.

Immediately I have declared a "Mommy Gets a Time Out." Nobody is to enter the bedroom for 20 minutes. Costco did me in. Or was it my kids? It's so hard to tell.



I love my bedroom and I love this view.  I basically re-mortgaged my house to get the house fitted with drapes and blinds last summer but it was worth every penny.  Someday. Someday... I repeat... someday I'll finish putting up the wall paper....

You could probably tell it was raining today.  
Oh and that black magic ball was wrong about the snow being gone by Friday.  That dirt pile was still there irritating me on my lawn. I wish I can tell you that the rain would beat it down... but I live in a much higher elevation than rainy Costco-land. It's snow here. It won't last but for certain it's a bummer.



I am reminded that I haven't moved much all week.  I need to make this a priority.  I know that but I always just don't make it a priority.  Yeah. That's true.  I should do something bought that. With the dreadful weather, there's not much motivation to get up and go.

However, I walked and then I ran.  Walked some more and ran again.  A solid fifteen minutes of running is quite enough for this girl.  Rooney the dog joined me and as always was a perfect companion.



Before we all headed to bed Jack joined me in my craft room to make a card for his friend William.  He seems to be more interested in holding a pencil these days so now I just roll with it. He's carefully making sure that he destroys the nibs of every single one of my Stampin' Up! markers.  Thank you Jack.


Good night Sunday. Until next time Week in the Life.
Cathy

To see all my 2017 Week in the Life stories and photos, you can click here to see them together: #witl2017





Monday 24 April 2017

My Unicorn Frappucino Girl | A Paper Pumpkin Thing Blog Hop


Welcome to the A Paper Pumpkin Thing Blog Hop!  This blog hop is brand new and was generated from the excitement of the April 2017 A Sara Thing Limited Edition Paper Pumpkin kit.

I am so happy that you have joined us!


It likely comes as no surprise that I have created a scrapbook page.
This limited edition kit has bold colours and designs.
I immediately knew what photos to document.


This week my 6 year old daughter got her hair coloured for the first time.  After she got it done, we realized that it looked exactly like the trendy Starbucks Unicorn Frappucino.

Whenever I start a page I tend to start with a white background and then start adding elements. It was easy with the kit because everything already co-ordinates.  The kit comes with water colour pencils so I coloured some of the resist water colour paper in melon mambo and tempting turquoise.  

And then I was done.  
37 minutes.

That's why kits are awesome.  
If you want more information on My Paper Pumpkin monthly subscriptions please drop me a message.

BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY  
To be entered into a drawing for a FREE "A Sara Thing" Paper Pumpkin Kit, you must leave a comment on EVERY blog.  Drawing closes on Saturday, April 29th at 9 PM EST. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 1, 2017.

Until then, make sure to hop along to Monika Davis.  Shes a new friend of mine but I've been following her for awhile.  She will definitely blow your mind.


Did you get lost? Are the links broken? Catch up here!
Cathy Caines - YOU ARE HERE

Sunday 23 April 2017

Wishing you a happily ever after | Stampin' Up! Display Stamping Blog Hop


It's DAY TEN and our FINAL DAY on the Display Stamper Blog Hop!
What's that?
Check out DAY ONE to catch up!

These sneak peeks showcase products that are not on the Stampin' Up! website until June 1st so make sure you continue to have your wish list handy.
Need a wish list?




It's the final day and it takes a lot of time to do a blog hop like this lasting 10 days.  It also takes a lot of time to create that many projects with limited products.  Big shout out to all the display stampers and in particular the Stampin' Up! Artisan Design Team.

This card is again water coloured with the new in-colour Pink Powder. The embellishments including the enamel dots, itty bitty bow and wood veneers are all brand new products you'll see in the June 1st Stampin' Up! catalog release.

Thanks SO much for dropping by every day.  It's been a blast.  Now on to Jessica Winter to see the amazingness that will sure to inspire you.

Did you come here late?



Are you lost? Did the blog links break? Catch up using the blog links below.

Saturday 22 April 2017

Hello Saturday: Photos and Stories | #weekinthelife2017

What is Week in the Life?:// Week In the Life is a project created by Ali Edwards where by you document a snapshot in time. Capturing mundane details of your everyday and perhaps your not so mundane moments.  This is my story and my photos for #weekinthelife2017. To see my #weekinthelife2016 stories and photos you can check out it here: #weekinthelife2016 

Saturdays look like this.

I slept for almost 12 hours.

But I still found it hard to get going on this Saturday.

Soon I was out the door to take the kids to soccer.  
I forgot my phone.
Nightmare.
We had an amazing time and I would have liked to capture that. It was a parent and tot session with Jack but Jane joined in.  We played tag. A lot.  Jack's laugh is one of those types of laughs where you wonder if his belly is going to take off. I must remember to play a simple game of tag more often.  It's as awesome as hide and go seek.


We left soccer and were ready to make some lunch decisions.  Either rice or sandwiches.  We picked Manna sandwiches and we had to wait in a long line to get it.  But Jack didn't mind because he thought there was a chocolate chip muffin in his future.  He was wrong.  Instead he and Jane got an amazing donut.  To my surprise after Jane's first bite of donut she said "The sandwich was better. Best sandwich ever."  

"I couldn't agree more Jane.  It turns out the best sandwiches are right in our own backyard."

Let me just say it again... can you believe that I forgot my camera today at soccer?


Yes, those are movie glasses with the plastic popped out.  She wears them all the time and someone even complimented her today at Manna Bakery.  I wonder if she knew the difference...

Soon we were on the go again for Jane to go to her own soccer. She was quite pleased that the shorts matched her shirt so perfectly.  She directed me to put her hair in a hair pony hair. "Yes my master", I say.  

But no little girl should go to soccer without her sparkly shoes.


Finally she left and I was left with this guy clearly tore up about it.. Just chillin'.


My supper was atrocious. Perogies and insta rice with microwaved peas and carrots. Boo.  I have to remember to meal plan and get groceries.  Lately it seems I don't have time for the tiniest of things... no planning has been done all week.

It can't be bed time without a selfie with Mom.


Much of the night I was designing projects and cutting wedding programs... its a regular thing in my life.


Good night Saturday.
Cathy

To see all my 2017 Week in the Life stories and photos, you can click here to see them together: #witl2017

Hello Friday | #weekinthelife2017

What is Week in the Life?:// Week In the Life is a project created by Ali Edwards where by you document a snapshot in time. Capturing mundane details of your everyday and perhaps your not so mundane moments.  This is my story and my photos for #weekinthelife2017. To see my #weekinthelife2016 stories and photos you can check out it here: #weekinthelife2016 

I never slept enough.

But I laid out the cereal boxes with spoons and bowls on the table the night before so that we were ready for breakfast.  It's a good idea that I rarely do.  This is probably one of those 'ah ha' moments that I should remember when Week in the Life is over. #touche

The kids got up at 8 am and were occupied with each other. From my chair I watched them pass around the cereal and contemplate mixing chocolate milk with their Vector cereal. One did.  And it was a mistake.


The bulk of the morning was me cleaning, taking work calls and making sure that everyone was happy. Jane ripped the tags off her new tank top and couldn't decide what pants to wear with the big socks... Life is hard, I know.  After she selected the perfect pair of pants, 'I know the perfect sweater. I just love this hoodie because of the J. C. on the back.'  Her initials, of course.

Natalie was hanging off the chin up bar waiting for Jane to go play on the balance beam.  Friends are so awesome.  These two are so much alike. I love them to pieces.


It's now 11 am and I've got to get to Staples and run some errands.
Oh. And yeah. We had McDonalds for lunch... then ordered pizza for supper.
Boom.
It was that kind of day.


Today was the day I gave into Jane's nagging to colour her hair.  It was a three hour process but she was armed and ready for the wait.  While she got her hair coloured, I did the same and got a little work done around the salon.


She was so excited.  She loved it so much. It was like the trendy Unicorn Frappucino from Starbucks.

She was late for gymnastics though so we hurried into the facility with an hour left to her session.  I wanted to include this in our Week.  Gymnastics is a big part of her life and as such a big part of ours. Three days a week we drive 25 minutes to and from for her three hour long sessions.  But the story is that she joins nine other little girls that love each other like no other. It melts my heart. Every. Single. Time.


When she entered the gym Mila was first to spot her.  Their hug was long and strong.   Finally Jane told them she was late because she got her hair done. They squealled when they saw the blue and pink peeking through the dirty blonde. They formed a big group... together they would bang into walls and tables as they moved through the gym.  They were plotting how they would tell their coach... I left with a smile.


Then I went outside. And my smile got wiped away from this weather.

Gross. We haven't seen the sun all week.  Oh wait. Three minutes on Wednesday.  I documented it because its that rare.  The sun.  It's amazing how much happier and more energetic I am when it shines.  I try to stay positive but it gets tough after awhile.

When Jane came home, she was proud of her new rip.  "Rip" in the gymnastics world is a tear on your hand usually from hard work on the bar.  It makes me a little squimish and I am not sure how to handle it.  But she said it was sore and before bed, I put some peroxide on it to clean it up... and then the tears came.  Note to self... find out if you can put peroxide on rips.  It's a relatively new normal but we have some rip cream on the way.


By the way.  I am wondering how my six year old daughter got cooler than me.  I wish I had her boots today and even I will admit that her hair was pretty awesome.

By 8:30 I was toast.
remember.
No sleep.

I was asleep before 9pm despite knowing that Jack was in his bed wide awake.  At 10:17pm he woke me up exclaiming "Mama. I made something for you.  It's a long sea plane...."  It was adorable but I was so tired. I carefully placed him back into bed and thanked him for the gift.  It will stay on my bedside table for the next little while.  But I turned off the light and he tucked himself into bed. He's so funny. A good little sleeper but only when hes ready.

Good night Friday.
Cathy

To see all my 2017 Week in the Life stories and photos, you can click here to see them together: #witl2017

It's a tag. | Display Stamping Blog Hop


It's DAY NINE on the Display Stamper Blog Hop!
What's that?
Check out DAY ONE to catch up!

These sneak peeks showcase products that are not on the Stampin' Up! website until June 1st so make sure you continue to have your wish list handy.
Need a wish list?




It's no question that my style is simple and easy.

Well, these tags are perfect. The paper is already gorgeous and cool.  So, I simply cut a stripe 2x6" and another smaller tag with a sentiment.  

That's it.  That's all I got for today!  Make sure to come back tomorrow to check out my final card!

Today we are hopping along to Jessica Winter!  Dani is a busy bee this weekend!

Did you come here late?



Are you lost? Did the blog links break? Catch up using the blog links below.

Friday 21 April 2017

Bring on the Sunshine | Display Stamping Blog Hop Day Eight


It's DAY EIGHT on the Display Stamper Blog Hop!
What's that?
Check out DAY ONE to catch up!

These sneak peeks showcase products that are not on the Stampin' Up! website until June 1st so make sure you continue to have your wish list handy.
Need a wish list?




By now you should know that I love creating traditional scrapbooking pages and pocket pages. When I saw this versatile card pack I was in love.  At $12.50 Canadian (plus ship and tax) it includes the stickers and cards.  It's everything you need besides the pocket pages for a page.  I will definitely be doing classes so stay tuned for the Summer when these Memories and More card packs are released on June 1st.


Check out that enamel dot!

How cute - it fits perfectly on that camera!

I can't wait to see what Dani is doing today.  She amazes me every. single. time.

Did you come here late?



Are you lost? Did the blog links break? Catch up using the blog links below.

Hello Thursday: Stories and Photos | #weekinthelife2017

What is Week in the Life?:// Week In the Life is a project created by Ali Edwards where by you document a snapshot in time. Capturing mundane details of your everyday and perhaps your not so mundane moments.  This is my story and my photos for #weekinthelife2017. To see my #weekinthelife2016 stories and photos you can check out it here: #weekinthelife2016 

My house is in shambles.
My computer is slowing down because there's no more space on it.
The overwhelm continues.
But like yesterday, today we are going to see icebergs.... right after I go to the dentist for a regular teeth cleaning. That's the plan anyway.


I did manage to wake a good hour before Jane hopped out of bed.  When she came downstairs Rooney the Dog followed.  Three of us cuddled on the couch for a half an hour.  It's so fun to watch Jane connect with the dog.  Rooney adores her and its because of the attention Jane gives her these days.  I wonder where she gets her "ohhhh, you are such a good Rooney Dog.  You are okay. You are okay.  Just breath Rooney." Then I realize it's me. She's me. She may not look like me but she's for certain me.


Once Jack got up, both kids began building a City.  This room is just off the porch and is constantly look like an explosion happened.  But if you look closely you can see that there are little figurines placed carefully inside plastic containers, which are then placed inside a truck or an Octonaut pad. You will see like-minded toys lined up together ready to 'Save the Day'.  Today, Jane was working on an airport for Jack's lego helicopter... which looks nothing like a helicopter.

This room sends chills up my spine with all its unorganization and disarray but it's also like a piece of art.  I just wish I could walk through to grab a coat off their cubby hooks.  Here I am remembering that some day they won't be playing with toys and to just let them play... turning a blind eye.


My teeth are clean and it's time to make the 35 minute drive to Ferryland where the massive iceberg is floating.  We planned to take in the drive, check out the ice and grab some fish and chips on the way back.


The photos will never do these icebergs justice but the size of them were unlike any I have seen before.  I am disappointed in my myself that I couldn't find my fancy long distance camera lens.  But that's life at the moment.  The kids thought they were cool but they thought the rocky beach was even cooler.  Beach rocks are pretty cool... so soft and round.  Perfect. The beach was not quiet. You could heard the beach rocks rolling into the beach.  So cool.


It was not warm so we didn't stay long.  Next stop was Riverside Convenience and it was busy.  In a moment of Mom intuition I grabed the post-it notes I had brought to make my grocery list in the car into the restaurant, as well as some markers to help the kids pass away some time.  

This. This my friends... is the most impressive drawing I have ever seen by Jack.  This is Ryan.  He carefully placed a dot smack in the middle of the circle to make his nose. He raised the post it up in his hands and looked at Ryan with one eye. "Yup. That definitely looks like Dad."  Yeah kid.  It sure does.


Tonight would prove to be something new for us. Jane has one of her friends sleep over. This is definitely not unusual but it is the first time that Natalie would sleep over.  It just so happens that her brother is Jack's bestie also. We swapped kids for sleepovers.

Here's the kicker.. Jack has never slept over anywhere besides family and is very much a lover of his own bed.  "I am not sleeping over Mom.  I just want to stay a couple days." He says.  Makes sense Buddy. We assumed we'd be picking him up at some point but we didn't expect any problems and we were right. Soon the boys were filled with candy and popcorn. By 10 o'clock, William drifted off to sleep while Jack was still playing with toys.  Finally he says, "Can I go to my house now?"  God love him.  He's so predictable but I am so proud that he got that far.

I can't even deal with their cuteness.


Jane and Natalie on the other hand are busy playing with toys and practising gymnastics. When Natalie found out that the boys were enjoying candy and popcorn, she said "That's not fair Mom! We've only had healthy snacks!" Like a sucker, I gave in to the pressure. But honestly, stove top popcorn is my snack of choice despite my chips picture yesterday.


The girls fell asleep around 11pm and I spent the next two hours in a state of chaos.


I stayed up too late tonight. I'll pay for that tomorrow.

Goodnight Thursday,
Cathy

To see all my 2017 Week in the Life stories and photos, you can click here to see them together: #witl2017