Tuesday, January 29, 2013

decorated envelope



I like to decorate envelopes before mailing to my artsy friends. Usually it's just random stamping, and usually I don't take pictures. But this one I thought I'd share. My friend Dena sent me this gorgeous notecard, and usually I would save something like that forever. But - I am so proud of myself for not hoarding this time - I cut it up and stuck it on an envelope back to her. I couldn't resist adding a couple of friends peeking out behind this lavish lady - can you see them? The "same outfit" stamp was from a Viva Las Vegastamps grab bag - you never know when a silly stamp might come in handy...   I also used the back of the notecard as the address label - it was too pretty not to.

Monday, January 14, 2013

another tradition

Every Christmas Kim makes wonderful soft caramels for people on her "Nice" list. She delivers them in a pretty bag, with a tag and ribbon. Last year I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to make a thank-you card using all the wrapping bits. It was so much fun, I did it again this year. Here is this year's card. The bright paper is the goodie bag - I used one of the Spellbinders cut/fold/tuck sets. The sparkly bit in the center is a silver twist-tie (that was used to close a cello bag inside the paper bag) folded into a little rosette. The ribbon is tied on the inside of the card. I also like to use the tag - cutting out and reversing the To/From.


Inside:



Last year's card:



Friday, January 11, 2013

happy new year


This week I started a fitness program. It's a local group that has had a ton of great success stories. I wanted to post here and make it extra official - no slacking. It's a 16-week "boot camp" program, with really tough exercise classes, support group meetings (nutrition, etc.), and a running club. I've been to boot camp classes three times this week (I am so sore all over!), and I may try a running club tomorrow morning (eek!). I can't even run a block, but they tell us that people like me are broken in slowly.

I like that the exercises are nothing fancy - we just have to bring some hand weights and a mat to class. But they're nothing like the old aerobics classes I went to back in the 80's. This is a full hour of harrrrrd work that includes both strength and cardio. I started it with Susan & Sue, and have seen other people I know in classes. Woo hoo! I'm excited to get fit, shed a few (ok, more than a few!) pounds, and make some new friends (everyone in class is soooooo nice - not those snooty fitness club rats).

Wish me luck!