Sew Silly!
By Nicole | June 5, 2008
Pardon the really bad pun! So for years I have totally been in love with the look of sewn pages and elements. Years ago a tiny pink sewing machine was marketed to the crafter and I bought it. It didn’t work. I got frustrated and decided that if I was going to sew on my layouts it would have to be by hand. So that’s what I’ve done mostly.
Until now.
Mike is an expert at our full-sized sewing machine, and while I can use it, I am clumsy at best. So today is the day that I am getting it out and really working with it until I can perfect it. I am determined. Wish me luck. I’m going in. Oh, and if you don’t hear from me for awhile, I probably sewed myself to the machine. LOL
I’ll post the finished products later this afternoon if I think of it.
Topics: Everything Else | 1 Comment »
60 Things
By Nicole | June 1, 2008
These come courtesty of Amie’s Blog.
60 Things You Possibly Didn’t Know About Me
1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
huh. I don’t know. I don’t get back there often. Let me check. Let’s see, among a unidentifiable variety of crumbs, I found an empty fast food cup, two happy meal toys, six stray french fries, a dime, a pencil, two crayons and a helmet (my daughter’s horseback riding helmet). I think it’s time to clean it out.
2. When was the last time you threw up?
I have absolutely no idea. I think in 2003.
3. What’s your favorite curse word?
I don’t have a favorite, but I use the “slang” words for curse words a lot. I need to stop that too.
4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
Ryan, Jessica and Mike. I am hoping my gal pal Amy will be able to make me smile in a little bit. She is driving back from the farm and I am super excited. I keep looking out the window to see if her car is back yet.
5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Somewhere near 8 am I was hitting publish on an article.
6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
asking my son to mow the lawn
7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
preparing dinner, or at least starting
8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
once. my ex husband and some friends from work convinced me to go when I was pregnant with my son. (that was over 13 years ago). It was really not fun.
9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
“Drop It”. I was talking to Max my doggie and asking him to drop a Reeses Peanut Butter wrapper he found somewhere. I have no clue cause we haven’t had them lately.
10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
Dark chocolate with peanut butter sauce is my usual favorite. My other favorite is Mocha Mudslide. Yum!
11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Starbucks Frappucino from my fridge.
12. What are you wearing right now?
Olive green (army green?) capri’s and a black shirt
13. What was the last thing you ate?
A chocolate chip pancake. Yeah. And I wonder why I can’t lose these 15 lbs. LOL
14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
Yes. Two shirts - the one I am wearing and a blue one.
15. When was the last time you ran?
Two weekends ago in the sand at the edge of the lake. I was chasing kids. We were playing some weird chase game. I have no clue. I just played along.
16. What’s the last sporting event you watched?
I really do not do sports. So the last event I watched was the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event - Yay Phillip Dutton. It was an awesome weekend, though I’m sorry for Frodo Baggins who had to be put down. It was sad.
18. Who is the last person you emailed?
Jacque - our previous horse trainer.
19. Ever go camping?
Every summer.
20. Do you have a tan?
no. I have two skin tones. Pale and Burnt. LOL
24. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
Yes, because I don’t do cans. I usually drink fountain sodas.
25. What did your last IM say?
I have absolutely no clue. I haven’t IM’d in FOREVER! (5+ years!)
26. Are you someone’s best friend?
Yes.
27. What are you doing tomorrow?
Getting kids off to school, picking one up at 6pm from a final year book party and heading straight for the barn to say goodbye to Jacque one last time. *sniffle* I’m seriously going to be a wreck tomorrow night.
28. Where is your mom right now?
I would imagine she’s at home in her house about 25 minutes away.
29. Look to your left, what do you see?
A shelf containing a few layouts I’m working on (just need to add journaling) and a stack of photographs I need to work on.
30. What color is your watch?
silver but i hardly ever wear it.
31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ?
I think I want to go there. I’ve always wanted to visit Australia!
32. Would you consider plastic surgery?
I don’t think so. I don’t know. I really cannot see myself ever doing it. But I always say, never say never.
33. What is your birthstone?
I think it’s a peridot. I hate those things. They are like lime green and yuck. I was born at the tail end of August so I adopted the sapphire which is my favorite. Most jewelry that I own that has a diamond or gem is Sapphire.
34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit thedrive thru?
Depends on the day. I prefer the drive thru.
35.How many kids do you want?
Pretty happy with the five I have. We don’t need anymore.
36. Do you have a dog?
Yes. Max.
37. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Jacque. (can you see a theme here yet? I’m obsessing over this stupid thing)
38. Have you met anyone famous?
Yes, many. I want to school with Scott Foley, a childhood friend is the nephew of Kevin Kline, I’ve met Leann Rimes several times and there are more but those are the ones I’ve known more met the most.
39. Any plans today?
It’s already 2pm and the only plans that I can think of are that Mike’s girls will go have dinner with their mom tonight. Otherwise, nope. Maybe my two and I will go grab some dinner and I won’t have to cook. So scratch #7.
40. How many states have you lived in?
Yowser. Let’s see. Missouri, Florida, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Arkansas (though it was temp), Texas.
41. Ever go to college?
Yes. Early Childhood Education was my major.
42. Where are you right now?
Sitting at my scrap table staring out the window periodically and answering this insanely long questionairre. Might I remind myself, I didn’t HAVE to do it.
43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
Having to find a new barn and trainer for my daughter to ride with. Other than that, my neighbors are really annoying. LOL
44. Last song listened to?
Jeremy Camp’s “Hear My Voice”. I’m hearing it Jeremy and its amazing!
46. Are you allergic to anything?
Cleaning toilets? Nah, not really.
47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
Probably my paddock boots, so comfy and they go with almost anything. Weird, I know. Except I’m usually not WEARING shoes.
48. Are you jealous of anyone?
I try hard not to be jealous, but of course it does come up from time to time. The things I can think of are usually talent related. Writing and scrapbooking come to mind.
50. Is anyone jealous of you?
Probably not. Don’t care either way.
51. What time is it?
2:03pm
52. Do any of your friends have children?
Well, Amie mentioned this question is ridiculous and I have to agree. Of course many of my friends have children. Of course my best friend does not. She wants a baby, but does not have one yet. And yes, she’s my exact age. I keep offering her one of mine. 
53. Do you eat healthy?
I try. I really do. I tried a cool Macaroni and Cheese last night with Carrot puree. The kids gobbled it up and had absolutely NO idea. In fact, my pickiest eater (the reason I am doing it) had THREE servings. So I’m thinking this puree thing is definitely a plus. (check out The Sneaky Chef - it’s an AWESOME book - love ya Missy, you’ve made my life so much easier!)
54. What do you usually do during the day?
Hmm… drink coffee, write, scrapbook, homeschool my son (thankfully that’s about over for the school year), run errands, clean and hang out with my friend (sometimes all at once - so maybe not)
55. Do you hate anyone right now?
I do not hate people. I strongly dislike a neighbor.
56. Do you use the word ‘hello’ daily?
Yes. Except it’s usually in the drawn out DUH sorta way. “Do you want me to clean this up mom?” “Helllllooooo?” LOL
58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
The big 3-5
59. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
A lot. Yes. My mother lives literally five minutes from Six Flags over Mid America. So yeah we went a lot when we were kids. Is it even still called that or is it now Six Flags St. Louis? Anyway, yes. Lots.
60. How did you get one of your scars?
Well, I have a brand new one. So let’s share the story. My 10 year old daughter decided to argue with me one evening while I was preparing dinner. It was over something that had NOTHING to do with her and that she literally knew nothing about. I was tense and irritated, I lifted a hot boiling pot of water to drain it and my forarm hit the pot for a second too long. I have a nice pinkish brownish scar leftover. That was over a month ago. *sigh* Thanks sweetie.
Topics: Everything Else, Tags and Meme's | No Comments »
So Many Emotions…
By Nicole | May 29, 2008
If you know me at all, or have read my blog for any length of time - one thing you would know is that my daughter is an avid horseback rider. She rides English Hunter. You would probably also know that we worship the ground that her trainer walks on. She is the best in the midwest and that was rumor before I even met her.
So Friday we get a letter that she has taken a job in New York. Talk about bittersweet. I know that this is a major career move, she is training under this amazing top dog in the horse world. But it is like losing a family member. My daughter has been an absolute mess.
Tonight was the going away party. We submitted some pictures for a video they made her and a scrapbook that one woman put together (I so wish I had been in charge of that project), and we made her a card. This is the outside.
This is the inside, and my daughter wrote the sweetest message about her adventures in life and it was awesome.
I actually think that was one of the top five hardest things I’ve been through. To see all of those girls in one room crying and holding each other. Parents were crying (yes I was) and it was so sad.
And here is Brielle with Jacque before the tears actually started. (I knew to snap this photo early!)
It was such a sad night, and we are still having a hard time with it. She’s sleeping with me tonight which she hasn’t done in forever. I hate that she is hurting so much. I hurt too. Jacque was my friend, someone I trusted. I was going to let her take Brie to Kentucky with her this summer for Pony Finals! I must truly trust her! But Jacque has an amazing future ahead of her and there is so much more for her in New York. I know she will do well.
On a much lighter note, Brielle took the camera from me for a bit tonight. I couldn’t figure out why and I got it back fairly quickly. I was uploading these pictures and came across an extremely funny picture of her favorite horse. Made me giggle, so I thought I’d share. My future photographer!
At least it made me smile, when all I’d rather do is cry 
Topics: Everything Else | 2 Comments »
Survey of Stuff
By Nicole | May 29, 2008
Just another fabulous survey/questionairre I borrowed stole from Amie’s blog.
1. Do you like blue cheese? I liked Amie’s answer best, but NO.
2. Have you ever smoked? yes. not exactly proud of it.
3. Do you own a gun? no. thank goodness.
4. What flavor Kool Aid is your favorite? I’m not a huge kool-aid nut. I prefer iced tea or flavored water but not actually kool-aid. If I do make it, I tend to use FAR less sugar and a bit more water. The blue ice lemonade one is my favorite.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? Sometimes. Not normally.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? As long as they are 100% beef I am totally okay with them and they taste great. Anything else - ick!
7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Christmas Shoes
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? coffee
9. Can you do push ups? not even a little bit, I’d fall flat on my face.
10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? I don’t own a ton of jewelry, but my favorite piece would probably have to be a 14kt gold necklace my mother bought me several years ago with a son and a daughter charm on it. It is prettier than any other I’ve ever seen anywhere.
11. Favorite hobby? Do I even need to answer this?
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No, but I have A.D.H.D., non medicated of course.
13. What’s your weight? 160 and trying to lose about fifteen pounds.
14. Middle name? Nicole - long story.
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I should be writing and not filling in this survey. I have three projects I want to do right now. Why is she crying? (watching tv)
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? coffee, diet coke and water.
17. Current worry? our horseback riding trainer is leaving and going to train with the very famous and amazing Andre Dignelli. My daughter wants to leave her barn and find a new place. *sigh*
18. Current hate right now? I try so hard not to hate. But really, I hate that our Jaq (our trainer) is leaving. (but Jacque I’m REALLY happy for you!!)
19. Favorite place to be? Yikes. Well I used to say the barn, but after last nights events - not so much. So now I would have to say the lake.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? Hanging out with my family and my kids. I think only three of them made it to midnight.
21. Where would you like to go? Montana. We’ll be there someday.
22. Name three people who will complete this? I’m not the “tagging” kind usually, so I just hope someone will steal it and try it out.
23. Do you own slippers? no. I want some, but I go barefoot so much (not a big fan of shoes or socks) I don’t need them.
24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? black
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don’t own any, so not sure. I bet it would be nice though - so silky and cool.
26. Can you whistle? Yup! In and out.
27. Favorite color? wedgewood blue. Isn’t that weird?
28. Would you be a pirate? Probably not.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Anything that comes to mind. Usually Contemp. Christian music, that’s weird isn’t it? Worshipping God in the shower. LOL
30. Favorite Girl’s Name? Brielle
31. Favorite boy’s name? Nicholas
32. What’s in your pocket right now? Not a thing.
33. Last thing that made you laugh? my friend’s daughter Brittany and her sarcastic comments. They truly make me laugh. (she 18 so it’s okay)
34. Best bed sheets as a child? I think the only sheets I ever had were white or pink. So maybe the pink ones?
35. Worst injury you’ve ever had? I’ve dislocated my right elbow a total of nine times. If I do it again I need to have surgery to have a pin put in it. Thankfully, it’s been 15 years since I had a problem. YAY!
36. Do you love where you live? Do you mean - The house? The City? The State? The Neighborhood? Uhm, the house is alright, the neighborhood sucks (its my neighbor mostly), I love living in St. Charles and I’d never leave Missouri again unless we buy a ranch in Montana.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? Three that are plugged in. Otherwise I think we have like 7 of them.
38. Who is your loudest friend? Amy. But she knows it. And I love her.
39. How many dogs do you have? One. His name is Max.
40. Does someone have a crush on you? Well, I certainly hope that Mike has a crush on me. We’ve been together for too long to find out he doesn’t. Maybe that guy at the gas station that gives me free sodas.
41. What is your favorite book? Love almost anything Nicholas Sparks. Favorite I think was The Notebook.
42. What is your favorite candy? Reeses peanut butter cups.
43. Favorite Sports Team? Sports? Yeah. No. Thank you.
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? I’ve gone through a lot, but so far one that I really, really love is called “Please Remember” by LeAnn Rimes. There are a few others, but definitely that one.
Topics: Tags and Meme's | No Comments »
CTMH Boom-Di-Ada Song
By Nicole | May 28, 2008
I wrote this awhile back and am totally not sure why it was in draft format still. Anyway, here it is. This was posted on the CTMH message board too, so you might have caught it if you’re a consultant.
Apparently I had WAY too much time on my hands this morning, but I just could not resist. Oh, and if you need the tune, go here.
I Love MY CTMH
(sung to “I love the Mountains”)
by Nicole Humphrey, CTMH Independent ConsultantI love my Acrylix stamps,
I love the My Stickease
I love the 60 colors
So I can scrap whenever I please.When all the kids are fed,
and they are off to bed,Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-Ada
Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-AdaI love exclusive inks,
I love reflections packs,
I love our catalog,
All the way from front to back.When all the kids are fed,
and they are off to bed,Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-Ada
Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-AdaI love the Springtime,
I love the Summer too,
I love the Fall and Winter,
There is always something new.CTMH paper is best,
We put it to the test,Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-Ada
Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-AdaI love the Window Charms
I love the bigger brads,
I love the Just Blooms,
I love all the Sassy Strands.There’s every color you could need,
This industry is what we lead.Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-Ada
Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-AdaI love my company,
CTMH is here to stay,
Scrapbooking and Stamping all the way,
I love everything I didn’t say.We are the best in every way,
We are here to make your day.Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-Ada,
Boom-Di-Ada, Boom-Di-Ada
Topics: Business Helpers, Everything Else | 3 Comments »
How To Make a Hidden Message Card
By Nicole | May 28, 2008
Hidden Message Card
You will need:
5.5 x 4 card Base
5.5 x 4 sheet of patterned paper
5 x 3.5 sheet of cardstock
4.75 x 3.25 sheet of cardstock
1 x 10″ sheet of cardstock
Embellishments (brad, ribbons,)
Step 1: Begin by taking your card base. I usually make my own but you can purchase pre-made card bases too, at almost any craft supply store. Adhere your 5.5 x 4 sheet of patterned paper to the card base.
Step 2: Next you need your 5 x 3.5. Decorate this however you’d like, for instance brayering, stamping, etc. Then adhere it to the patterned paper you just stuck on the card.
Step 3: Take your 1 x 10″ piece of cardstock and fold it in half. Take the 4.75 x 3.25 piece of cardstock and cut a slit in it that is approximately 1″.
Step 4: Thread the slider piece into the slot and push it all the way in so you can see how much will be visible. Remove slider strip and stamp message across the piece and then replace it.
Step 5: Adhere the 4.75 x 3.25 piece to the layered card at this point. Decorate as desired. Super easy!
Here is a diagram of what it will look like:
And here is mine:
Closed
Open
If you want to read the article in its entirety, visit here.
Topics: Cards, Projects, Techniques | 2 Comments »
Been so busy!
By Nicole | May 28, 2008
Wow, I cannot believe how much I have neglected my blog lately. Not intentionally, as I have been so busy. Among my one consistant writing job, I have now added two more and the work is just a full time work load (which I am not sure about still, but it will even out a bit.) - One is a PRINT magazine with an online site. Cool eh?
Anyway, I promise to be a bit better about posting. Plus I have created some projects lately to share. I will post them later.
Topics: Everything Else | No Comments »
Stampaganza!
By Nicole | May 27, 2008
With June only days away, I thought I’d share the HAPPY CTMH news! If you love our My Acrylix stamps, you’ll love them even more now. Guess what June is?
Stampaganza!
Starting June 3 until June 30, 2008 My Acrylix stamps are Buy two, Get One. That means you can order any two stamp sets, pay regular normal price, and get any other stamp set that is equal or lesser value FREE. FREE I said!
There are a few more details, and you can email me to find out more. I will try to include all pertinent info in my June newsletter which will go out June 1.
Isn’t that so cool? I have about a dozen on my wish list and I am totally thinking this would be a great time to stock up!
Topics: Business Helpers | No Comments »
Thursday Thirteen - Thirteen Scrapbooking Articles I’ve Written Lately
By Nicole | May 22, 2008
Sorry. I have had very little time to blog in recent days because I have been juggling a bunch of new writing projects. For fun, I thought I’d share a few of the scrapbooking articles I’ve written.
1. Ink Pad Storage and Organization
2. One Sheet of Cardstock Mini Book
3. Summer Scrapbooking Fun With Flip Flops
6. Coffee and Scrapbooking: Storage and Organization You’ll Love
7. 5 Great Organizational Tips for Your Scrap Area
8. Layout Challenge: Love/Hate Relationship
9. Tips for Getting a Scrap Area You’ll Love
10. 5 Essential Organizing Tips for Scrapbooking Stuff
11. Finding Scrapbooking Retreats
12. Tips To Remember When Spending on Scrapbook Supplies
13. Looking For a New Simple Technique to Try?
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Topics: Everything Else | 1 Comment »
Close to My Heart My Acrylix Stamps Categories
By Nicole | May 19, 2008
My Acrylix® Stamp Sets
Indian Corn Blue
- Alphabet Fonts
- Solos™
- Bold/Dramatic
- Whimsical/Fun
- Artistic/Stylish
- Plain/Basic
Blush
- Sentiments
- Inspiration
- Wishes
- Seasonal
- Friendship
- Celebration
- Calendar Sentiments
- Calendar Images
- Babies, Children, Families
- Travel
Lilac Mist
- Frames
- Tags
- Borders, Backgrounds, Shapes
Buttercup
- Spring
- Hearts
- Valentine/Love
- Floral–Elegant-Line Art
- Floral–Elegant-Solid Art
- Floral–Whimsical-Line Art
- Floral–Whimsical-Solid Art
- Butterflies/Bugs
- Easter/St. Patrick’s Day
Goldrush
- Summer
- Fruits/Vegetables
- Seashore/Fish/Tropics
- Patriotic/Americana
- Fun Food/Picnics
- Father’s Day
Olive
- Autumn
- Halloween
- Fall Leaves/Thanksgiving
Desert Sand
- Winter
- Christmas-Elegant
- Christmas-Whimsical
- Christmas-Religious
- Holiday
- Snow
Amethyst
- Celebration
- Parties
- Wedding/Music
- Baby
- Jewish
Crystal Blue
- Everyday Life
- Other
- Kids
- School
- Sports/Hobbies
- Teens
- Military/Public Servants
Topiary
- Animals, Outdoor, Travel
- Wild Animals
- Farm
- Pets
- Outdoor Scenes/Activities
- Travel
Topics: Business Helpers, Everything Else | No Comments »