I'm thinkin.....

...that if I spiff up my blog with springy like colors...may be the weather will follow my lead.

Actually, I was working on some cards for March, it kinda got me in the mood.

So, since I've been back from the UK, I've jumped back into my work schedule...technique article and project cards of the month, plus I've started workin on my up coming blog week (starts March 9th).

Hey, did you notice my blinkie? We'll have some information for you soon so you all can get one too.

I've got a recipe for you, This is such easy goodness and warms the soul on cold winter days (plus it's inexpensive to make!)

Taco Soup
2 pounds of browned ground beef (drain fat after browning)
{substitute with turkey or chicken if you prefer}
3 packages of taco seasoning
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing seasoning mix
2 large cans of diced tomatoes (don't drain)
1 lrg can of tomato sauce + 1 can of water
2 cans of corn (don't drain)
2 large cans of beans (I like black and pinto, don't drain)

Put all ingredients in a stock pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, or put in crock pot for a couple hours. Serve with crunched up tortilla chips. YUM

Hope everyone is enjoying their week-end!
Cheers
Shari xx

Ahhhh...home sweet home...doggy kisses and LAUNDRY!

We got in this afternoon and I'm already washing clothes. I've got to jump right back to work tomorrow, no rest for me (I've got to make up for lost time).

I just have to share this photo with you of one of my most favorite young Englishmen. This is Graeme, we met several years ago, he came for a visit in the states one summer and stayed with us. He took us bowling in the UK, such fun!!!

I'll post more tomorrow once I get my mind sorted out.

Cheers!
Shari

It's Red Nose Day coming up and my friend Paul brought us our own to wear. Cute! and it's for a good cause.



So, not only did he bring us noses but he made us the most delightful lunch which he hauled by train from Manchester to Birmingham. We ate our treat in the lobby of the NEC (trade show building). How sweet! Thanks Paul!!!

So I've had no other miss haps besides the chair in our room that launches me forward unexpectedly when it decides. It's a reclining type office chair that must be worn down a bit, it gives way every now and again hoisting me forward with much force. Tom laughs at me every time it happens and has warned me not to use it while applying my mascara. lol

The trade show is over. I'll be heading north with Dawn Bibby for a visit and classes at her place. I'm not sure of my internet connection from here on out, hopefully I can connect at Dawns house and keep you all informed.

If not, I'll be back to blogging next Monday once I'm home.

Cheers everyone!

May be we're missing something in our communication.

On our way back in from dinner we stopped by the front desk of the hotel to ask for some coffee packets for the morning (the maid had only left us with decaf...and we all know that decaff is NOT what we want in the morning).

About ten minutes after being back into our room we are entertained by a knock at the door.....the nice room service boy asks where we want our tray.....um tray?

Okay, as many trips as I take over here, you'd think I'd learn..... Nope, not ME!

I called yesterday (before flying out) and found out my Blackberry won't work in the UK. Apparently because of the Nextel direct connect I insisted upon, the international feature on my state of the art device is not available.....so I lugged my HUGE laptop across the pond just so I could stay in touch. :o)




Once in my room and rested from the long flight plus the two hour train ride...I showered and readied myself for dinner. I plugged in my handy dandy power converter to use with my hair dryer with diffuser (brought from home because it's the only one that knows how to do my doo). The popping sound and sparks coming from the blow dryer was very scary....then I realized that the TV had gone off as well as all the light fixtures on the one side of the room....OMG what did I do?

Just as I was coming to grips with my Ashton Kutcher type actions, I heard ramblings from the room next to us....it was at that moment that I realized my power surge had gone beyond my small confines. I was mortified at the thought that I might be paying for a new television and what ever equipment that could be ruined of my neighbors from my insistence of using my fine American electrical appliances. After a brief period of shock (inner self) I called the main desk, informed them of my wrong doing.

The nice man knocked on the door to tell us he had reset the breaker in the hall receptical....the TV resumed it's ever so wonderful glow and with a sigh of relief, I welcomed using the hotel dryer to finish the task I had started.

So, this is day one folks. The show starts tomorrow, I plan on posting another update of my UK experience in the evening.

Cheers!

I promised I would do some artwork just for me and share with everyone...I started cutting some stamps that Rachael gave me from her collection at the Darkroom Door with grand plans of playing, relaxing and creating.

then.....

My plans changed as I got word that I will be doing workshops at Topaz in the UK. So my attention immediately turned to creating ideas and class kits as well as planning out my demo for the Hobby Stitch show in Birmingham.

I did do a few cards for the Hero Blog. This one below is a quicky with my favorite stamps.

Hope you like it. You can check out the supply list HERE.

So I had my skin check last week, everything went fine, no worries. I went in yesterday to have a mole removed. My doctor didn't like it, but since I've had it forever (childhood) with no changes he thinks it will be benign, just wanted to be safe. Keep in mind, I've only been seeing this doctor for six months, so he is just clearing the skin slate (being cautious until he's comfortable with my skin history). I'm good with it, just cut away what you don't like.

Well I must get back to my class card kits...I've got a lot of packing to do...we leave on Friday to head over.

I'll update my blog before I go, but won't be online while in the UK (not wanting to haul my laptop).

Cheers!
Shari xx

When I flew out from Orange County (John Wayne Airport) on Thursday (mid-morning), the temperature was 72. I sat outside the terminal and jotted work notes in the bright sunshine....awwwwww so nice!!!!

Then I got home. To this!!!!



The good news is that we are to warm up next week in the 40's...I can't wait. The bad news? Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and says there is to be 6 more weeks of winter....ackkkkk!

As for CHA, I didn't have a chance to walk around, we were so busy in the booth. I was however able to chat with several Hero Arts blog followers and great friends from the industry. I love tradeshows!!!

I'm getting ready to head over to the UK in a few weeks. I'll be attending the Hobby Stitches show in Birmingham. I might stay over a few days to relax and enjoy my friendships I've made there.

Today, I'm planning on playing at my stamp desk...I'm way over due for creating pieces just for me. I'm so looking forward to it. I'll post what I make in a day or so.

Oh, I have a dermo check tomorrow, I'm not concerned about anything and expect to get through my 3 month check with no problems.

Thanks for hanging in here with me.
Enjoy!