Studio J Flash Sale!

Do you have an account full of Studio J® layouts waiting to be printed? How about a big photo order you keep meaning to make? Well, now is the time to log in to Studio J and order all your layouts and photos! From July 15, 2015, 9:00 am MDT to July 31, 2015, 5:00 pm MDT (16 July 2015, 1:00 am AEST to 1 August 2015, 9:00 am AEST), all layouts in Studio J are only $5 USD/$5.95 CAD/$7.50 AUD/$8.25 NZD each!

A Valentine's Day Recipe Just for You!

This is sure to please anyone in your home, or if you are attending your next church pot luck, why not switch it up and take this wonderful surprise? They will be happy to see you come in every time with your exclusive Celebrating Home bean pot! (What? Don't have one yet? Select yours today!)

Enjoy this Apple Berry Crumble!

~Elise

Love Fragrance Candles but in a Location where they're not allowed?

Celebrating Home introduces the new Ooh La Lamp c…: http://youtu.be/awh3CzonI_0

Let's Decorate for Autumn!

For the holidays I'm always looking for something fun and creative to do.  I was on vacation in Houston and I saw this on the local news station.

Click on picture above for how-to video

 

So this is definitely something that I will be trying this week (or as soon as I can get my husband to go pumpkin shopping with me!)

I thought I'd also share another decorating tip for my clients that purchase Celebrating Home décor, candles and more from me: 

 

How cute is this?  So basically with a little ribbon, burlap ribbon, and the Bernard Hurricane, and the Scarecrow Lantern, you can have a cute tabletop decoration, centerpiece, or even something for your front porch down by your jack-o-lanterns or pumpkins!  Then check back in a few weeks and I'll show you how to use this same Bernard Hurricane for your Christmas décor, so it's very versatile and you'll get a LOT of functionality out of it, not just for candles any more! (Of which, all of my candles are now marked down by 33% off! Just in time for that snowy holiday season too--never know when you might lose electricity or have to have a last minute quick gift on hand for those unexpected parties or guests...)

 

Here's another use for the Bernard Hurricane as well!

 

(I'm a very thrifty and frugal shopper, so I always like to find different ways to use a single product!)  If you have an idea on how to use it outside of the usual, definitely take a photo and email it to me! (Who knows, you might then be a recipient of one of my RAK!!)

 

Well, that about kicks off my favorite time of year! The decorations, the Autumn baking, etc, just always puts a smile on my face! 

 

~Elise (aka Sosa's Wife)



Atmospheric Perspective in Illustration

Here are a few photos that I've taken over the past couple of weeks with my newest camera for school.  So far I am having a wonderful time with both my Foundations course and my Illustrations course, learning different techniques and "rules" so to speak for drawing things according to size and perspective.  I will be posting a few other photos from our many trips between running to and from helping my dad through his chemo/radiation treatments, my classes and certifications, and just much needed weekend getaways to try and "de-stress" to start another chaotic week!!

These were taken to show the different Atmospheric Perspective, that is typically used in illustration, painting, etc.  Enjoy!

Sasha and Niko playing outside in the backyard

Of all places! We found a "Texas" Barbecue joint in Loveland, CO!

Chicago City Skyline... isn't this gorgeous? Definitely has a "Horizon Line"

Well, that's about it for now, but I'll definitely be posting a few samples from my Illustration class, and I have a few upcoming Copic Coloring class samples to share too!  Leave a comment if you enjoy taking photos or drawing!
May you have a blessed Sunday!
~Elise

A Bouquet of Flowers through the mail...

I wanted to share a card I have been working on for a friend of mine and possibly my next Copic Creative Card class.  This digi stamp can be purchased at Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley.  I encourage you to purchase this stamp prior to the class and print it out on the paper of your preference.  This stamp will not be provided in class, but we will be covering the same technique used in the card below.

 

Gladioli Digital Stamp Set by Marcella Hawley
at PowerPoppy.com

Here is the alternate stamp set used in the class project if you do not have the one above.
Same coloring technique will be taught! So, not to worry if you don't have the other one.

Set of 13 My Acrylix CTMH stamp set (D1602)

I'm looking forward to you joining in the class! I know you're going to love it!

~Elise

Cricut® Artfully Sent

Have Markers will travel...

Nothing like being able to blog, color and enjoy a Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks while waiting on an early flight in the airport!

Thought I'd share my latest Saturated Canary Stamp. Please forgive me for not being able to list the Copic marker color numbers this time, I was just so excited to share these two sweet cards that I had to post it during my layover! (And I was being stared at while I was trying to take the photo! I can practically McGuyver anything when it calls for it! Especially making a tiny light box for photography!)

Thanks for stopping by! More to come!
~Elise

Sosa's 10 min Southwest Sunday Soup

Homemade Southwestern Sunday Soup

Earlier this week I noticed Williams-Sonoma was having their "Celebrating the Harvest: Apples" technique class today, so last night I called up and snagged us a spot for 10a.m. this morning. (And anyone that knows me, knows this would be a challenge for me.) So, we got up and out and we were there 40 min before they were even open!  The class was wonderful, and my next attempt after our vacation will be homemade apple sauce.

So you say what do apples have to do with a Southwestern Soup? Nothing, other than the fact that I bought my Professional Series 750 Vitamix from Williams-Sonoma, and the manager was asking me what all I've made in it, and we started talking about soups and afterwards my husband said, let's try it when we get home!

So...

Within 10 min of getting home and only using 10 common ingredients found in most pantries, we were eating a healthy, filling and most importantly a quick soup!

Servings: Makes 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Hot Water (Boiled if not using a Vitamix with the preset "hot soup" feature)
• 1 Celery Stalk
• 1 Tomato 
• 1 Carrot
• 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon - Organic
• 1 tsp Southwest Spice Blend (I used Blend it Up!)
• Tortilla Chips (about 6-7; and then some for garnish)
• Cilantro (I pinched off a small handful because we like it; can also be omitted)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Put first 7 ingredients in the Vitamix, no chopping necessary, it will blend it all up!
2. Turn dial to  preset Hot Soup function and start cycle.
3. Add a handful of tortilla chips and desired amount of cilantro, along with fresh grated black pepper and salt and turn dial to 1 and pulse just enough to chop and integrate the chips and cilantro.
4. Serve with additional cilantro and chips to garnish.  Enjoy!

Variation Note:  Add chicken, corn or even black beans for a more chunky soup.  You can also add jalapenos for an added kick!

I'm not [usually] a fan of soups, but boy was this really good!  If you like tortilla soup, this is "kind of" like it only there's no chicken, no cheese and very quick and healthy.  I'm already thinking of my next soup will be! (Although, hubby hinted I need to try making a pumpkin soup... hmmm...)

~Elise

A little bit of humor...

So, I tried updating/recreating a blog that strictly showcased my artwork.  Um, that didn't work one bit! New blog, couldn't remember how to set up feedburner so you could sign up for email updates, and next thing you know I've got about 10 windows open all with Blogger and one window leads to another, which in turn wants me to set up my Picasa to link with my phone, to link to who knows where else, so guess what? I'm going to cook dinner and revisit this fiasco another day! Maybe when I get back from my vacation and then think a little more clearly.  How does that sound?  And if you have any tips or tricks for me, Puh-LEASE help!! :)
Cheers!
~Elise

Delicious Side Dish (or great GF meal!)

I'm not usually one to try recipes from what I've found on Pinterest, but I found this one and had to try it right away since we've been getting our produce delivered right from the same dairy farm that delivers our dairy and eggs! (Absolutely the best to get fresh milk, fresh cage-free eggs, and now organic locally grown produce!?! Yum!)
So, I've been on a total zucchini kick and of course different ways of cooking it other than steamed or grilled, and happened to come across this recipe for Garlic Lemon and Parmesan Oven Roasted Zucchini over on the Cooking Classy blog.  Why not serve something healthy and delicious to your family? Takes less than 20 min to prepare and cook! 

Now that it's Zucchini season, what do you prefer? Savory or Sweet Zucchini dishes?
~ Elise

Upcoming Intro to Coloring with Copic Markers

So now that I'm an official Certified Copic Designer, I'll be teaching and doing demos throughout the Denver area! I'm excited, the owner of the local crafts store I frequent is excited and she already wants me to come up with 3 classes!

So... here's a sneak peek at one of the projects in the beginner course.  If you're interested in signing up, keep an eye out, I'll be posting class dates soon!
~ me

Accepted to be a Certified Copic Instructor!!

I am elated! Lots of new things happening this year after practically a whole year of being on a hiatus.  Originally due to my illnesses, I had to incorporate digi scrapbooking into my repertoire and then having your computer crash tends to make you look for other alternatives to your craft/hobby to keep yourself sane, so.... while visiting a friend of mine in Colorado for a Scrapbook Expo, I found a new love...
Wait for it...
Yes! COLORING WITH COPICS!  (Copic Sketch Markers that is...) So 2 years later, and after being approached by a local store owner to come in and teach classes from time to time and then every time I go into the local Michael's and have other coloring enthusiasts ask me what I've been working on and how they wish they knew how to use the markers, I decided why not? Yep, why not get certified.
I am so excited that I've been accepted into the program and I'm totally looking forward to attending the course! I will be posting samples soon! Or you can find me on Pinterest where I've already pinned a few projects.
Cheers!

It's been a while...

I can't believe it's been almost a year and a half since my last entry.  Last year was NOT a good year for me--health wise...  I take a lot of things personally and I try to help and be there for others, and I took on a lot of stressful situations, and unfortunately it landed me in the hospital a lot more than I planned...

Recently I have started back scrapbooking and I have run into so many friends from the past; so caring and loving and to feel the genuine/sincerity in their voices and to be able to see it in their faces; it let me know that maybe did bring "sunshine" to others...  After the hugs and the questions, I explained how I was sick (somehow it was revealed by little birdies or something...) but I would tell them that I was just so embarrassed.  How do you laugh and joke and be there for a friend and then just "fall off the face of the earth" (as most have called it) and come back to say "hello, I've missed you..."   It's not easy, it's embarrassing, but a lot of those that were in my life, I have asked to forgive me for not staying in touch.  Then I'm asked, "what is there to forgive?"  I can't explain it, I can just say THANK YOU.  Thank you for still considering me to be your friend, and thank you for your understanding and acceptance.  I have learned that if something is negative in your life, you've got to remove it.  There were a lot of things [and people] that were not good for me--situations or acquaintances that constantly take take take, just aren't healthy for any of us...

Well, today is a "stormy, blustery" day, and the dogs have cabin fever, so now they are picking on each other.  Pablo came home after 3 business trips and instead of bringing back souvenirs, he brought me back the leftover Flu bug he had... so for the past few days, I've had no strength but I've been contemplating on my next venture... Too many people complain about things and never do anything... I am planning something big...  :)

To those that were puzzled or felt like I abandoned you, please accept my deepest apology.  (And to LM, I owe you some money, I know I do...please e-mail me with your address, as mine has changed--I no longer have the earthlink acct)

(((hugs)))
me

I got a hold of a Sneak Peek!!

Can you say WOW!!?!?! Take a look at these yummy colors! Lisa Majewski has got a new kit that will debut this week in the stores, but I got my grubby little hands on this special peek for those that just can't help buying her latest kits! And how luscious or scrumptious does "Cherry Cheesecake" sound? Look at those burgundies, golds and chocolates! This kit looks perfect for Valentine's and Heritage, and even little girl or mom LOs... that's just what I in vision looking at this sneak peek. Don't forget there is normally a special price the first week in the stores, so definitely don't miss out on this one!

Well, sad to say, this is the first afternoon or day that I didn't create squat! I'm going to keep up with the LOAD challenge goal, and 3/29 Layouts isn't too bad considering today is only the 4th! LOL

More later!
me

Super Bowl Sunday

Well, not much is going on over here... not a big sports fan, so after flipping the channels, somehow it landed on Ice Age the Movie, and I've been listening to John Leguizamo's voice for the past 30 minutes or longer because I'm really too tired to pick up the remote and change the channel again! Sad I know! Just to show you what a lazy Sunday it is, right after church, I wanted to go to sleep, but I managed to do another LO... yeah, I know! A LO in less than an hour!! I'll have to post it here in a little bit when I'm actually at the computer. Ha! You ask where am I? Blogging from the laptop, lying down on the couch! Told ya it was a lazy Sunday! Thank goodness for a Mayor that believes in what the people want--Yes, FREE wireless in our city... cool huh? If I get bored I can run outside and watch the dogs play or run to the mall and become a people watcher and still blog or surf the internet! LOL...

Anyways, did the LO, and I think that LOAD challenge with Lain E. at BPS really did help! Now I'm going to continue the challenge, and when I started out in January since it was my birthday month, I had decided I would do mostly pages about me... When I look at all of the scrapbooking I did last year, they were mostly of the dogs, Pablo, and probably my niece. This year, I think it's going to be all about me, and I'm going to do them in Chronological order. Of course since I'm on a couple different CTs, sometimes the kits don't match my wedding theme, so I'll have few LOs here and there that won't be a part of my Wedding Scrapbook. I also think I'm going to multitask and start on my Military album this year! Woo hoo; talk about motivation, huh?

--------------------------------

On to other news... Very important!! The Texas ACOT crop is coming up at the end of the month, and man, if you haven't signed up yet, and you live in Texas or a state nearby, you are not going to want to miss the fun Amanda (mkcdaisy) and I have scheduled for you! If you love to scrap, fellowship with other scrappers, and enjoy prizes and munchies (chocolate included!!), then you need to make your reservations ASAP while there is still room!! The crop will be held at By Design Scrapbook Boutique, and you can click on the payment button to the right to reserve your spot! Only $10 and it covers two days of fun!!

Events planned so far:
Door Prizes
Nameplate Contest (details on www.acherryontop.com; free membership to the website!)
Scavenger Hunt (be prepared, I've created a list that will blow your mind! LOL)
Light Lunch (for those that need energy to keep going!)

Anyone interested in us holding a short class, please let me know what techniques you are interested in and we can even take about an hour out of the beginning of the day to possibly create a Hybrid LO! Or see how to use new products from CHA!!

If you've got one of the cool ACOT T-shirts, be sure to wear it! If not, and you've got something with cherries on it, wear that! LOL... you never know when or where prizes will pop up! Oh yeah, make sure you come comfortable and prepared for some fun! Tracy at By Design has also thrown in some wonderful prizes for our event too! So make sure you leave her a big thank you on her blog!

BTW, Digi scrappers... You need to come and have some fun too! Just because you create with a computer or laptop, doesn't mean you can't come out and have some fun too! There are plugs in the crop room that you can plug into also!

Crop Details:

Feb 29 and Mar 1, 2008

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. both days!

Cost $10

Out-of-towners, I have reserved a block of rooms for our event at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton for almost $60 off the regular room rate, and even cheaper than any AAA or Military discount! How cool is that? e-mail me for the link to reserve your room!

I've heard from a lot of the girls that plan on attending, and so far it sounds like everyone is just as excited as I am! Well, off to create my name plate and I'll post my sample when I come back!

(((hugs)))
me

Go Red for Women--Wear Red TODAY!!

Just wanted to remind everyone of National Wear Red Day for the number one silent killer in women! I designed this LO to make everyone aware of the many different heart conditions that a lot of women never consider until it's too late! For more information, please visit: http://www.goredforwomen.org

(((hugs)))
me

Supplies Used:
"Art Bin Dotty Paper" by CG Essentials (red polka paper)
"My Love" by FishinMom Designs (heart buttons, lace)
"Paint Brushes 1" by Amy Teets Designs (White bkgrd paint strokes)
"Diet With the Sugar Plump Fairy" Parts 1 & 2 by TallulaMoon Designs (red dress; recolored from black, red paper)
"Go Red for Women" digital freebie by Renee Peters (red/black heart paper, red/black heart patch, Go Red Word Art)

Thanks for looking!
Elise

Thank you!

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone that has wished me a Happy Birthday!! To my surprise, I was awakened this morning to Pablo and the dogs standing just outside the bedroom door SINGING to me... yes, including Niko! Niko has never sang!! :) So that was a total shock, but apparently he finds the need to yodel (as a lot of Schnauzers do...) So I said he was all off key! LOL.

Then as I'm checking my e-mails, wow! First of all, I've gotta say, I got e-mails from DigiScrap Boutique, 3Scrapateers, and Digital Scrapbooking! So WOW! I even got a birthday coupon from one of them! Woo hoo! More digi supplies!

But, you've got to see this card I received from Stephanie (we're both on Lisa's CT)...

Isn't that neat? And she personally included a "purple" balloon just for me! (Well, at least the card was in my favorite colors of Red, Black and white! LOL... for those of you that know me, I HATE purple! So it was totally a cool inside joke!)

I got phone calls from all of my family, including a couple of cousins that I thought had fallen off the face of the earth; one of which is ALWAYS on the Go! No one can ever catch up with her! Her own mom never even knows when she's home or not; between work and working on her Master's she's always gone! My mom and niece even came to take me out to dinner to celebrate, so... I'm quite full right now. If I didn't have shows to watch and 3 challenges to finish at ACOT and Scrap-Diner, then I'd curl up with a blanket and a couple of dogs to go to sleep!

Then... to my surprise, I got a freebie from one of the designers I don't CT for, but I'm always doing her challenges to scoop up some freebies! Wow! So, it's not over yet, I've got 4 hours and 12 minutes left on my birthday, and Pablo's not home yet! So....

Thank you to all of those that have wished me a Happy Birthday! I've got a chat tonight at 3Scrapateers, and gonna park my butt in front of the T.V. for Lost, Grey's, Survivor, Ugly Betty, etc. Hopefully nothing is a disappointment!

(((hugs)))
me

Busy, Busy, Busy

Got my Mojo back and look what I was able to do all in one day! I'm getting a little faster at digi scrapping! I'm so excited! Both kits used are currently on sale this week! I'm a doing the Pet Challenge over at 3Scrapateers with Silvia Romero, and here's Sasha's page that I created with "A Love for all Seasons" from Bon Scrapatit Designs by Linda Walton...

Credits: "A Love for all Seasons" by Bon Scrapatit Designs by Linda Walton

On sale now! Only $4.50

And here is a double page LO created with Lisa Majewski's Designs! Her kit was just added to the store on Tuesday, and would you believe I've already created something with it?? I know, I'm getting a little faster! I guess "old age" does that to some people huh? :) (hint, hint)

Credits: "Sprung" by Lisa Majewski Designs
Available at 3Scrapateers and DigiScrap Boutique
Currently on Sale for only $4!

Well, I'm off to bed, so tired... I'll post the birthday cards I've gotten so far when I wake up!

Happy Birthday Pablo!!

So, today is Pablo's birthday, and he's been running around all week (beginning on Sunday) telling me that it was his birthday... uh, no! Well, yes, normally we spend the whole week celebrating our birthdays, but this month has totally flown by so quickly it's a shame! He's been teasing me, that he gets to celebrate his birthday Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and now today, Wednesday, and then my birthday is only on Thursday! NOT!!

Anyways, here's to my beautiful, lovable husband:


Wishing you many many more glorious birthdays!!