New Downloads, Tablet Apps and a New Card for You!

It's Tuesday - Digital Download Day!!  Check out this week's new downloads, full of Valentine's Day stuff and spring things.  Don't miss  the Officially Awesome Valentines Designer Template with its tiny, trendy valentines that fit in tiny, trendy envelopes.






And one of my favorites - RAIN or SHINE


Check out ALL of today's downloads HERE

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Did you get a tablet for Christmas?  In partnership with Google Catalogs, Stampin’ Up! is thrilled to announce its first tablet-friendly catalog!  It’s interactive, it’s easy–and it’s now available for iPad and Android tablets in the US.

 To access the catalog:

• Download the Google Catalog app (available through iTunes and Google Play).
• Sign in using your Google or Gmail account. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one by tapping the Sign Up button in the app.
• After you have signed in, search for Stampin’ Up! in the Select Favorite Catalogs list.
• Select Stampin’ Up! by tapping the small stamp icon next to the name, then tap Done.
• Click the “Favorites” icon at the bottom of the app, then tap the Stampin’ Up! catalog cover to open it. That’s it!

Cool Features of the app:

• Browse the catalog with ease on your tablet.
• Get more information, see additional images (beyond what is available in the catalog), and zoom in on your favorite products.
• Watch videos from our YouTube channel right inside the app! Jump to the Stampin’ Trimmer on page 180 (page 182 in the app) to see it in action.
• SHOP ONLINE! Order products directly from the app with just a few taps through Stampin’ Up!’s online store.

Note: Google Catalogs is currently available in the US only and is not supported in Canada at this time. We will test this app in the US and make it available in Canada as soon as Google opens up their product to that market.


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 AND I have a new card to share with you!!  I used some of my new goodies from the mini catalog to create this card.  I made the flower vase using the Blossom Builder Punch and snipping away the top and bottom.

Supplies used:

Paper:  Perfect Plum, Pear Pizazz (retired), Pink Pirouette, DSP Stacks Patterned Paper
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant
Accessories:  Blossom Builder Punch, Heart to Heart Punch (retired), non-SU heart button
Stamp:  Feel Goods Clear Stamp (mini catalog # 129684)

Home again!

We are home!!  We got home Friday afternoon.  Sammie thought it was about time!!  She was really meowing loud the last few hours of the trip and had had enough of the car.  We didn't blame her - we had too!!   Sonny and I did most of our unpacking Friday and spent Saturday just vegging out.  I really needed to go the grocery store but just couldn't make myself get back in the car again! 

Today we had our family Christmas at Marianne's house.  My brother even came up from Charlotte.  It was so good to see him.  Unfortunately with his job and family, we don't get to see him as often as we would like to.  We had a great dinner and then exchanged gifts with each other.  I got a great tee shirt from Marianne!!

It is a family joke that I - who is the oldest by 11 years - is the favorite of Mom's.  When I first moved back to NC, 6 years ago, I started having Thanksgiving dinner at my house.  After dinner, while we were all still sitting around the table, we played this "table talk" game that had been gifted to me.  Each person gets 2-3 cards from the box and has to answer the question on his/her card.  The questions are very thought provoking.  Well, mom's question that year was something like what is the greatest thing that has happened to you in your life.  Her answer was the birth of me!  Of course, after she said it, she wished she could have taken the words back.  But what she meant was having her first child (which happened to be me!!)  Anyway, my sisters have not let her forget about it since then.  Marianne also included a Christmas ornament she found this year that says "FIRST BORN - Mom's favorite"  

I got my Spring Mini goodies today so hope to be making a few cards and project with me in the next couple of days to share.  I am playing bridge tomorrow and going to the grocery store (our cupboards are bare!) but have no plans for Tuesday except Soup Kitchen in the a.m.

Valentine Bundles

VALENTINE BUNDLES ..... Get yours today!!

Stampin' Up! has some sweet treats for you!!  Through January 21st, you can order these Valentine Bundles.

From January 3 through January 21, you will have the opportunity to purchase the exclusive Valentine Treat Bundle. This bundle, created specifically for this special offer, contains the brand-new Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp  and a package of 1" x 8" cellophane bags. The  Heart Single Stamp coordinates with the Full Heart Punch (item 119883; $16.95), but the punch is not included in the bundle.   Purchase the Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp and the 1x8 Cello Bags and get a 20% discount.  Please use item #132771 to receive the discount. if you are ordering on line.  This Single stamp is only available in the bundle.  

 

Purchase the four piece My Little Valentine stamp set for $9.95 and receive the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit FREE!  The kit includes 10 notecards, 10 double sided envelopes, 20 paper buttons and Real Red Baker's Twine for the closure. This four-piece set was created exclusively for this promotion and will not be available again after January 21!

Check out the details HERE.

 As if two new stamp sets weren't enough  for you to go absolutely GAGA over, the 2013 spring catalog is now available!   If you haven't received your copy, you can check it out HERE online.  If you need a copy, contact me and I will get one to you ASAP!

Pictures from our trip

made with MDS2

Hope you are having a wonderful 2013 so far ..... 364 more days to go so make the best of each and every one of them. Sonny and I enjoyed a good movie last night (Jack Reacher) and are just "vegging" today while we watch my favorite parade, the Rose Parade. Some day I will be there watching it in person.

Thought I would share a few of the pictures I've taken while on our trip. I haven't done any card making so don't have any creative items to share. My new catalog items are waiting for me at home so I hope to be sharing some new things with you next week. We will start the drive back home tomorrow and have Christmas with my NC family on Sunday.

A Spanish Terrible Towel - these people were from Mexico cheering on the Steelers!  I tell you, Steeler fans are everywhere!

I got to meet Reed Coskey!  Such a cutie!

Sammie's favorite spot at Ashley's house!

Sonny & I with Heidi and Reed

Christmas Day - my pillow and scarf from Ashley

Another cutie - we met one of our son's best high school friends (Landon & wife Rachel) for breakfast in Grapevine and I got to play with Liam Montgomery

Happy 2013

Well, I watched the last Steeler game of the season today.  They won't be going to the play offs this year - the first time in a long time!  Hopefully, they will do some major rebuilding during the off season and come back stronger than ever next year.  It always amazes me how fast football season goes - seems like it just got started.  Since the game was a "no-count" game today, it was not on tv here so Ashley & I went to Buffalo Wild Wings and watched it there.  The past two Sundays, Ashley and I have been on our own watching the Steelers since Sonny went shooting with our brother-in-law.  After the game, she and I visited Michael's, Kohl's, Bed & Bath, and the mall (which was crazy!!) to do some returns and also to check out the After Christmas Sales.  We got some good deals today and yesterday when we went over to her base and picked up a few things at the PX. 

Last night we went over to Ashley's friends house, Lisa & Danny for dinner.  Danny is the cook in the family and he cooked us a delicious meal.  After dinner and visiting with them for a bit, we headed off to a local club, Martini's which was a popular hang out for Ashley and her friends in medical school.  Ashley had told some of her friends about the place recently and they wanted to check it out so we met them there.   We always enjoyed going to Martini's when we visited Ashley and listening to the owner, Wayne, perform.   He puts on an amazing show doing a Vegas style act and covers songs by Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, the Beach Boys, all the greats.  His voice imitates these singers remarkedly.  He has a full band backing him up and he often switches instruments from guitar, banjo, saxophone, and trumpet.   If you ever visit San Antonio, you need to check this place out!  Their martinis aren't bad either (just a tad expensive)!!

Hope you have big plans for New Year's.  What will you be doing to welcome in 2013?  Sonny and I are going to a movie while Ashley goes out with her girlfriends.  Be safe and have a wonderful New Year!!

I made this card using MDS2 but it would be super easy to recreate using paper and stamps.

Supplies Used with MDS2:

Oh What Fun Overlays\Oh What Fun Overlays - new year
    _Designer Kits\Happy Hour\Happy Hour - glass 3
    _Designer Kits\Happy Hour\Happy Hour - glass 4
    _Designer Kits\Happy Hour\Happy Hour - glass 1
    _Designer Kits\Happy Hour\Happy Hour - olive
    _Designer Kits\Happy Hour\Happy Hour - umbrella
    _Designer Kits\Happy Hour\Happy Hour - orange

Paper:

Black Cardstock, Designer Series Paper \Glimmer - gold
    Card Stock\Whisper White

 

Gone but not Forgotten

Can you believe Christmas has already come and gone?!  I hope it was one to tuck away in your memory box.  I hope yours was a wonderful one!  Ours was definitely a very peaceful one here in Texas.  We stayed in our comfy "lounging" clothes all day!  We had our traditional sausage casserole for breakfast and then spent time hoping our gifts.  Everyone was quite pleased with all that they got I think .... I know I was!!  Since we had our big meal last night, we just picked during the day on ham, pickles, mushrooms, sausage balls, cookies, chocolate, cheese, crackers ..... the list goes on and on!!  Guess I'll be going on a diet when I return home!   During the afternoon, we watched back to back Christmas movies on Hallmark.  What a fun and relaxing day!

It is time for another sketch for the Paper Craft Crew.  This week we are also doing a color challenge along with the sketch - using Crumb Cake, More Mustard and Bravo Burgundy - a very different color combo!  But here is my take on the sketch and colors:

I think these colors worked out great - not what I would have chosen but I like it!!  What do you think?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from me to you!

This is the card I mailed to my son and his family who are Disney addicts!!

A warm Christmas here in San Antonio - supposed to be almost 70 degrees today with a cold front moving in later - tomorrow's high is supposed to be only 50! 

We had our Christmas dinner last night and invited some of Ashley's friends over to celebrate with us.  Looking forward to a family day today just enjoying each other's company and watching a few Christmas shows on tv along with opening our gifts.  No shopping!!!

I hope your Christmas is wonderful!

Snowflake Mittens

Yesterday was Ashley's birthday. I got her age right this year (37) of which she was glad.  She and Sonny went out early to finish up their Christmas shopping.  When they got back home, Ashley and I went out to finish up the loose ends in our Christmas shopping and baking.  We met Sonny for lunch at Purple Garlic (yummy meatball sandwich!!).  Sonny and Ashley did their annual baking of sausage balls while I made some chocolate pretzels and marinated mushrooms.  We went out for dinner at Josephine's for steaks.  So it was a pretty quiet day but we squeezed a lot into it!

Our cats are still taking a wide berth but they are tolerating each other at least and we are not having to keep them shut up and separated any more.  Here is a video I took today of them that is really cute!

And a little more Christmas trivia for you .....

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? 

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. 

• The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. 
• Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
• Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
• The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
• The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
• The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
• Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
• The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
• Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
• The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
• The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
• The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

 So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.

OK - now for a card I made: 
I love the Perfectly Preserved set and how versatile it is!  Here is a Christmas card I made using the set.  I stamped the jar with Bashful Blue ink on vellum and stamped a snowflake in the center with White craft ink and embossed in white.  The mittens are cut out with a die that I have had for several years (Spell-binders I think) but SU has a mitten punch that could be used also.  I stamped and embossed the snowflake onto the mittens as well. 

This Snowman is for you!

Enjoy - Click HERE

Rudolph

The True Story of  Rudolph

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May

created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and DinahShore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.