Hey Everyone. I hope you had a wonderful Halloween. The weather here was awesome but we didn't get one trick-or-treater! I was kind of sad. I thought I would share some pumpkin carving photos.
Hey everyone. Thanks so much for all the well wishes about my new job. It is going great so far and I love knowing that a paycheck will be coming in. I have been in Denver for 2 1/2 months now and I love it. I am so happy we decided to come here. I am still not used to the cold, but I can now stand (sort of) 60 degree weather. I am very excited to see snow again, although I am not sure I am ready to go outside in it. I will be happy to view it through my window.
Speaking of cold weather and snow, I will definitely experience a white Christmas this year. At least I better! Here are my Christmas cards for the month of September. I made two of each design. One of each design will be sent overseas to our soldiers and the others will available for purchase in my Etsy store. I am doing a very cool project this year called Mission Soldier Support where any card (Christmas or otherwise) purchased in my store from October 1 to November 7 can be sent to soldiers overseas. Simply put MSS or Mission Solder Support in the comments to seller (me) and I will place that card to the side and ship it to our project coordinator with the other cards to be sent overseas. Pretty cool, huh? I am very excited and proud to be a part of this. So, here are my cards. If they are not listed in my shop when you read this, they will be listed soon. 
Thanks for stopping by!
I recently created an account at Zazzle to create my own postage stamps. I decided to take it a bit further and create products that focus on Breast Cancer Awareness. I have mugs, magnets and totes directed at Scrappers, Stampers, and Crafters that say We Make a Difference.
If you like the design but would rather have it on a different product such as a T-shirt, contact me and I will create it for you.
All the royalties I earn from these Make a Difference products will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month but we need to make an effect to combat this disease year-round. Consider purchasing one of my products and know that you will be helping to make a difference.
It is time for Mission Soldier Support!
I have a new batch of Christmas cards listed at my store, http://crystalware.etsy.com. One of each design will be sent overseas to our soldiers so they can have handmade greetings to send back to their family.
The others will available for purchase in my Etsy store. I am doing a very cool project this year called Mission Soldier Support where any card (Christmas or otherwise) purchased in my store from October 1 to November 7 can be sent to soldiers overseas. Simply put MSS or Mission Solder Support in the comments to seller (me) and I will place that card to the side and ship it to our project coordinator who will in turn ship a huge bundle of cards overseas. Last year, this project sent over 1700 cards to our soldiers. I think we need to shoot for a new record! Also, the shipping you pay to me will be sent with the card to help with shipping overseas.
So, will you help us break our record?
If you are not interested in purchasing a card from my shop, feel free to send a card of your own. Contact me to let me know you will be sending a handmade Christmas card for Mission Solder Support and I can give you my address.
If you are not into making cards but you would like to contribute a monetary donation please let me know. I will use your monetary donation to create a Christmas card to be sent on your behalf. You can also send a monetary donation to assist with our shipping costs. Again, just contact me for my information. I would be glad to accept money through Paypal which is simple and secure.
I am very excited and proud to be a part of this. So, check out my cards. If they are not listed in my shop when you read this, they will be listed soon.
Liliuokanli Gardens is located in Hilo on the Big Island and I had the pleasure of visiting during my Christmas vacation last year. I did not plan on visiting on my first day in Hilo but upon touching down at the airport we discovered that it always rains in Hilo. During a break in the rain we headed for the gardens to a quick peek before the rain started up again. Well, we got caught in the rain anyway but it was well worth it because this place was gorgeous. 
Hi Everyone. The weather finally warmed up here in Denver after a high of only 54 degree on Friday. Fall is definitely in the air and around the corner. I haven't experienced a fall or winter in almost 3 years so I am kind of worried but also kind of excited. I just don't know about a Denver winter yet. 
To get myself pumped up for the season change, I sat down and got a little creative. Fall was the inspiration for this simple but cute card. I started with a 4" x 5 1/2" piece of burnt orange cardstock from TLC. I am not a huge fan of burnt orange but I really liked this, not sure why. Next comes the green polka-dotted paper also from TLC and another ribbon of the burnt orange paper along the middle. The focal point is this cute pumpkin sticker - the icon of the fall season. Pretty soon, pumpkins will be everywhere! I can't wait. I love to carve pumpkins.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Tomorrow, it's back to the old grind. Thanks for stopping by.
Happy Labor Day Holiday Everyone! I am working on all of my Hawaii pages but yet to get half-way through because it seems like I am so busy these days (which I am clearly not). Last week I had an interview with a company that I am very impressed with. Isn't it great when you find a company that you would enjoy working for day in and day out? I was lucky to have landed that interview. I will be even luckier to hear good news. Friday was also MY BIRTHDAY! I turned the big 2-4. We spent the day in downtown Denver shopping (mostly browsing) the stores on the 16th St. Mall. I fell in love with Breaking the Mold Candle Company and decided my b-day present was going to be a locally made vanilla-Tahitian candle. Isn't it gorgeous?!? If you are ever in Denver you must visit this place; the candles are delicious! We finished up my day at the Cheesecake Factory where I had a yummy lunch and Chocolate Godiva Cheesecake.
Now, back to the programming. During our Christmas Island-Hopping Vacation last year, we visited Volcano National Park and was amazed with the sheer size of the volcano's and lava fields. It was by far one of my favorite places we visited on the Big Island. On our first day, it rained (of course), but we decided to hike anyway. Well, as this first photo will show you, I was not happy. The hike was abut 2 miles across lava fields in the rain. If the sun had been shining I would have enjoyed it but, alas, only rain. 
The second page shows the lava fields that you drive through on the way down Crater Rim Drive; it was a magnificent site. At the end of the drive you can hike the half-mile or so to where the latest lava flow covered the road. You can see the thickness of the lava in the photo of Brian. That road sign was almost completely covered. The third photo shows the volcanic smoke coming from the Halema'uma'u Crater. Kilauea is a live-active volcano so you are able to see the eruptions and lava flows. Check out the webcams in the park to see the action. 
Here is the complete DPS. I love how this turned out. I don't do many DPS's...but I should. 
Remember all that blog candy I received from Crissy? Well, I sat down and decided to create a couple of cards using my new papers and stamps. 
Here is the first one. I used basic white cardstock, a 4 1/4" square, then placed this gorgeous Stampin Up! paper as the main layer. I then found a matching piece of cardstock to act as the base for my cute little Rhonna Farrer bird stamp. I stamped another bird on the DP and cut out to use as a paper piece. To create something a little more unique I cut out the wing to show the white background. The sentiment Birthday Wishes from the For a Friend stamp set is stamped on the inside. To finish it off, I added 2 white buttons on the top left corner. 
Here is the second. This is a sketch from Splitcoast but for some reason the site is slow and can't get the URL for the specific sketch. I have been having lots of problems with SCS lately...not sure why? Anyone else having problems? Anyway, I used more of the gorgeous Stampin Up! paper and stamped the Thinking of You image from the same stamp set.
I just love this new set. Hopefully when I get a job I can actually invest more mula into Stampin Up! products. I have an interview Friday...on my birthday! We shall see how it goes.
This is HILARIOUS.
Hey everyone. As some of you have probably noticed, my blog recently got an overhaul. I just needed a change (I enjoy lots of change). I added lots of new gizmo's and gadgets, not to mention a whole new column. You will also see lots of buttons for charities and organizations I feel strongly about. I thought that my blog should really be an extension of who I am. So, what does this blog say? Hopefully that I am a techno geek who loves to scrapbook and stamp but also cares deeply for non-profit work.
I also want to mention a huge THANK YOU to Crissy over at SCRAPBOOKING FOOL I received the most wonderful blog candy from her last week but I have been so busy with interviews and job applications that I haven't gotten around to telling her how AWESOME she is! Hey Crissy---YOU'RE AWESOME! Hopefully I can get around to posting a card later that I made with her yummy candy.
Hey everyone! Things are starting to settle in. I have a second interview tomorrow so I am hoping it goes well and I can get off the unemployed list soon.
Anyway, the other night I took out what little stamping things I have and was settling down to make some cards when I realized I have only 1 sheet of white cardstock and nothing to hold my cards together. No tape. No glue. Not even a glue dot. Nothing after the move. So, until I can get a job, so I can get a car, so I can get a ride to someplace that has these things I will be sharing older things I made but never got a chance to post. See why I need things to move along...so I can get some tape! =) 
This is a page I did of the Pana'Ewa Rainforest Zoo on the Big Island in Hawaii. I loved this little zoo! The white Bengal tiger was just amazing and I got to get so close I could touch him with a stick. Not that I would have wanted to... If you are ever on the Big Island, Hilo side, check out this zoo. It is free too, by the way.
The paper is from a paper pack that I can't remember right off the top of my head. I got it in a kit. The bubble letters came from the same kit. I used my monkey stamp by Mindy Terasawa then a paw print stamp from Nicole Stamps along the right side as a border. My journaling is strips of white cardstock. I really liked how this page turned out. It is fun...just like the day I had. I think this is the good thing about scrapbooking...we get to reminisce about the great times we have had.
Thanks for stopping by!
Helllllo everybody! It has been a long time since the last post. Things have been so crazy. Have I told you that I hate moving???
We left NC on Saturday morning and it took us 2 days to drive out west. Our first night we staying in Columbia, MO which turned out to be a nice town. We passed through Chattanooga, TN, Paduchah, KY, and St. Louis, MO, before arriving in Columbia. This drive wasn't so bad...probably because I went to sleep 3 times or so. We bunked at the La Qunita Inn which is a plus for anyone who has pets. They are very pet friendly and do not charge any additional pet fees. The next day was a nightmare. We headed west through Kansas City, MO and into Kansas. If you have never driven through Kansas, don't bother. There was nothing to see along a never-ending road. I have never been so bored out of mind. If you are making the drive out west, I highly suggest taking 40 along the southern route; much more to see and do.
So, we arrived in Denver last Sunday and had the pleasure of staying with Brian's aunt, Susan. Before we left NC we found out Susan lived within walking distance of the apartment we were applying for. How crazy is that but wasn't that nice of her? Her house was lovely and we had a chance to check out the neighborhood before we actually home-steaded.
We were finally approved and moved in to Village at Bear Creek on Tuesday. The apartment is so nice! It is definitely an upgrade from our Hawaii closet. Plus, we have a nice brick fireplace for the cold winter nights...and days. The complex comes complete with 2 swimming pools, hot tub, and exercise room. You heard me right, Rain...a workout facility less than 5 minutes away. I can't wait to get in there and get the ball rolling again.
My Mom stayed with us until today. While she was here we were able to get some things for the apartment. We found a very unattractive couch at a thrift store but it sat well so we bought it for 40 bucks. As luck would have it, we also found a Linen's and Things that was going out of business so we found a very cheap sofa cover. Now we have a pretty couch. My Mom had been collecting things for the 2 years we were in Hawaii so thanks to her, I now have a fully stocked kitchen. By the way...the kitchen is big, so now I am more than motivated to cook again. I had a small dining room table that I purchased years ago but never got to use. All in all, we are set with everything except a chair for the living room and all the bedroom furniture. We don't have a bed yet so we are bunking on an air mattress. It doesn't really bother me seeing as how we slept on the floor for 2 years. I am very pleased with our living quarters.
Shrek is more than pleased as well. He is loving the room to run around and the soft carpet to lay on. We bought him a new doggy bed that has NASCAR flags on it since Brian is a NASCAR fanatic. He loves it so much he won't hardly get out of it. While we were in Hawaii, Shrek lived with my Mom but he was an outside dog. I thought I was going to have problems with potty-training him again but so far, he has not had one accident in the house. I am so proud of my baby! Most people will say that dogs wouldn't remember someone after being away for 2 years but I must disagree. The way Shrek acts around me makes me think he actually does have some faint memory of those years we spent together.
Since this post is getting so long, I believe I will wrap it up. I have some pics to post as well as some sight-seeing to talk about. I have begun my job search so I will keeping everyone updated with that as well. I also have some interesting observations about living a mile high that I can't wait to tell you about.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
This past Sunday was the big day. I officially walked across the stage and received my 'diploma'. Of course, it wasn't an actual diploma; instead there was a piece of paper from Chancellor Hinshaw congratulating us. Not very exciting considering I worked my behind off for 2 years but it works for now. The official documentation arrives in several weeks, like 10.
The ceremony was okay. It felt very, very long. Those who received certificates walked first, followed by us Master's students, law degrees, medical degrees, then the big kahunas - PhD students. Hearing the medical degrees was pretty interesting but having to sit through the reading of dissertation's by the doctoral students was a HUGE snore. Granted they worked very hard and deserve the moment, I had no clue what any of the studies were with the exception of one and that was only because I had a class with him.
Anyway I thought I would leave you with a few of the photos from my big day. You can click on any of them for a bigger view. The first photo above was of my dress when I was getting ready. I just loved the color.
It's a dreary day and I will come back later to explain more about why but basically most of my stamping and scrappin stuff is in a box at this point. I have limited space (and limited funds for shipping) so I had to be picky on what scrappin and stampin stuff I pack. With that said, I have a big pile of things that I am wanting to get rid of. It would more likely appeal to scrappers than stampers. Take a look at the photo below. I am selling all of that for $15.00 and that includes shipping (within the US, insurance isn't included). First person to let me know will be the lucky recipient. 
If you want more details about what is included, just ask. =) You can click on the photo for a better view. I would prefer payment via paypal so that the transaction can go smoothly.
Thanks for helping me clear my things out.
from a cat, a dog, and a rat. Listen to the video below to see what I mean.
Aloha everyone! I have a simple card to show you today. Just something I put together using scraps. Since I am moving I am trying very hard to use up all of my paper stash so I don't have to ship it. 
I just love this monkey. It was given to me by a fellow sistah. I kept with a green theme but I honestly couldn't tell you the brand of papers except there are two pieces of Bazzil cardstock - the black and middle green piece. The monkey stamp is by Mindy Terasawa and the sentiment is from Stampendous. I colored the monkey image with plain ole Bic markers.
Well, I have exactly 1 month until graduation. I just purchased my cap, gown, and hood for the ceremony yesterday and I am so super excited! I will be moving from Hawaii back to the mainland to begin my second life as a career gal. I have been working on finding job leads and it is a tough market out there right now.
Mahalo for stopping by!
Hey everyone. I just had to do a quick post with some updates.
First, I PASSED MY THESIS AND I AM GOING TO GRADUATE IN MAY!!!!!!!! Woo-hoo! I am so glad it is over and I can resume my normal life again; you know, the kind with sleep :D
Second, our Relay for Life event was super-successful! We raised over $2,200.00 to donate to the American Cancer Society. I am so pleased with my team and how hard they worked to achieve such a goal. Isn't it great for our first time? Yeah, I thought so too. :D
Last, Who is a LOST fan? I know my mother is and she of course, flipped out when I told her what I got to do. If anyone watches the show, please venture over to the BLOG POST (toward the end of the post) at my other blog. I think you will recognize someone :D
Be sure to stop by tomorrow. I have 3 more cards to show you.
Aloha everyone! I thought I would share with you a card I made a little while back. I just love this little birdy stamp by Rhonna Farrer. The card begins with a 4 1/4" white square with My Mind's Eye paper as the next two layers. The solid blue is actually the back of the stripped paper. I just love coordinating double-sided cardstock! I then stamped my little bird with Versmark ink on white cardstock and used Bic Markers to color in. The circle was cut with the Creative Memories Circle Cutting System. I added a blue dotted border around the circle and attached it to the front of my card. Lastly I added a cut polka-dot ribbon to the bottom of the circle around the blue layer and then added it all to the white cardstock base. 
Just wanted to give everyone an update. We worked things out with my professor and I was able to turn in my paper last Friday. I am scheduled to defend my thesis next Thursday! I am so nervous and scared and panicy! Oh well, I just hope all goes well.
And don't forgot to vote on my Vacation Poll. See this post.
Mahalo for stopping by!
What Crystal Means |
 You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. |
