It's 2009, Baby!

For many of us who scrapbook, we spend alot of time documenting places, experiences and OTHER people, but rarely do we reflect on ourselves. For me, I have always kept a journal(since I was about 7 years old). But in recent years I have strayed from that ritual, and I really miss having those moments of introspection. To start 2009, I have decided to create something for me, about me, so that I remember me. I'm not talking about resolutions, or even goals perse. But I want to take note of who I am now, and who I want to be.

Quel bon chance that I came across THIS! The ever-creative and delightful Shimelle is offering a free mini-class to say "thanks" to all of her supporters, and to start 2009 on a creative foot, if you will. You don't have to sign up or give your mother's maiden name; you just have to visit her blog to receive the various downloads. I definitely plan on participating in this class-- I think it's the perfect opportunity to spend some "me" time. And maybe it would be perfect for you, too.

Hidden appeal

So, I was taking a little break from my morning duties at work, and I stumbled across an article entitled "10 Sexy Careers You Never Thought Of." And, lo and behold, these are the top two:

Here are 10 careers that have more sex appeal than you probably realize:
1. Administrative assistants- When you visit almost any workplace, a smiling administrative assistant greets you. Very often you don't know if you're in the right place, whom you need to speak with or even what you need to do. Administrative assistants know the answers and, because they're your first points of contact, they have to be well-groomed and kind to visitors. Knowledge, good looks, a nice personality and helpfulness? Yes, please. And since they frequently work closely with high-level executives who value their opinions, they often possess a hidden but large cache of power. Administrative assistants pretty much have the whole package.

2. Baristas- If you're one of those coffee drinkers who don't speak to anyone and whom nobody wants to speak to until you've had your morning cup, is any occupation more attractive than barista? Before the sun rises, baristas are hard at work and ready to serve you with a smile. They understand your special ordering language and don a uniform, even if it consists of only casual clothes with an apron and cap. And no cologne or perfume they buy will ever be more alluring than the aroma of coffee that blankets them even after they leave work.

Thank you, thank you very much. **blush**

If you have known me for any length of time, you would know that I currently work as an Administrative Office Manager, and enjoy my job quite a bit. And during my college days (and some post-college days), I was a barista. I am still a great lover of coffee culture, and proud of my (mostly inactive) superior barista skills. So, I guess there must be some sexiness waiting to be unlocked in me, perhaps it's been there all the time...

**smirk**

Giddy with Hope.

This fabulous print is available HERE.

December Kits are here!!!

Amy and I have really gone all out in creating these December kits for Gauche Alchemy! Each kit is so full of vintage goodies and various holiday ephemera, I can barely stand it--


Adorable felt shapes, holiday advertisements from the 40's and 50's, epoxy letters, vintage-inspired fabrics and handmade fabric buttons. It's certainly our largest kit yet, and quite possibly my favorite!

Here is the original post on the Gauche Alchemy site: December Kit

Please note that there are still 3 of the Cosmo Cricket booklets to give away, so go snatch up your kit today!! Visit our SHOP. Through 12/23/08, take 20% off any one kit in stock or free U.S. shipping (international customers will get an $8 shipping credit). To get this discount, please use the code "HOLIDAY10" in the comment/message box and indicate whether you'd like the free ship or 20% off.

Could it Be??

I think I'm in love...

with all things Hambly!

Would it be wrong to make out with a piece of paper...a softly shimmering, hand screenprinted, luscious piece of paper? Maybe I'll just caress it gently for now.

Papercuts, you know.

Lessons in enough

The hubs has his second job interview at noon today (it's currently 11:58am). More than an interview, it is an audition of sorts-- he is giving a presentation to a class of sixth graders in hopes of landing a job teaching humanities at a fantastic private school. Quite nervous, he is, and doubting his capabilities and talent.

I sit at my desk and send him a silent message (as I often do)..."I love you; you can do this" I repeat in silent meditation over and over in hopes that he will feel my fervent support. But the message I immediately got back was "love is not enough."

If love is indeed insufficient, then what shall I give? Hubs has, during this (too long) period of unemployment, stated that I have not given him the kind of support he requires. But when I earnestly asked what he needed from me, he could not articulate.

So, every day I give all that I can. I get up in the morning before the sun is up, prepare for the day and commute to work. I spend the daylight hours performing my office duties at a job that I enjoy (but does not begin to fulfill my calling in life). I take care of others, and then drive home to care for MY "others", my family. Dinners are prepared, a munchkin gets a bath (if it's a good day), and we try to enjoy a few hours of family life before the cycle starts all over again. I know that we are blessed, and I am so thankful for all we have.

But carrying this all is kind of starting to hurt my shoulders...

I continue to follow this routine daily as my way of showing support and love for my family. I pay every bill (one task among many) so we can have a cozy home, food in our pantry, and so that TQ can have a happy childhood. I may not be the perfect cheerleader, and my support might not be in the form of fresh flowers on the nightstand, or frosted cupcakes on a platter delivered with a smile (although we do make cupcakes from time to time), but it's what I can give. It's my heart in the form of homemade lasagna, or a game of CandyLand, or clean, cool sheets on the bed.

I think it's enough. I hope it's enough.

At least for today.

See, toddler parties CAN be fun!!

This weekend we attended the birthday party of my dear friend Amy's daughter, Jhaleah. The train park was the name of the game, and we enjoyed the fantastic weather and watched the kids run around. Here are some highlights...

~Stefan, Amy, Yasu and our kiddos on the train~

Here's the birthday cutie taking a ride on the carousel with her mom!

I can't believe how big the girls are getting! TQ will be four in a month (no wonder I'm so tired!)

If you love these photos, please visit Liquid Shutter Photography! Anna and Stephen are an amazing team here in Phoenix. Family photos for the holidays??? We had a family photo session with them a couple years ago, and a few of the pics are featured in the "lifestyle" section of their website. New baby, weddings, family photos...they do a fantastic job!

The Accidental Feminist

I know...I know...I am a terrible blogger. Most of you have probably lost hope and moved on to more stylish, fancy blogs with numerous colorful pictures and witty commentary about life and art. Well, I DO have goodies to share--recipes, layouts (gasp!) and some other fun things that I will be sharing in the next few days. In the meantime, read this glaringly honest essay by a woman who is (unfortunately) speaking my language. Well, except we don't have a dog and I certainly don't need extra-small gloves.

READ: The Superheavy

Giveaway!

No, I'm not the personal bestower of these lovely vintage-inspired goodies, but they ARE beautiful nonetheless... click HERE to read all the juicy details of this collection from Webster's Pages and have your chance to win the entire collection!
Go on now...click the link...just don't drool on your keyboard.

For.Ev.eR

Every day has seemingly run into the next, and I hate it when people apologize for being "away" from their blog, because if you're doing it right, most of life happens while your away from your computer. And, believe you me, life is happening...every moment. Children are growing, relationships are evolving and changing (for better and for worse), and I find myself floating in a sea of financial concerns, still-hot afternoons (98 degrees in October!), and muttled personal relationships. But paired with these things are great support of friends and family, the excitement (and work) of a budding new business, and the satisfaction of making a way for myself and remembering that I am an artist EVERDAY, regardless of how many (or few) canvases I may touch on any given day.

Today I take a moment to observe myself, and realize what my subconsious already knows: I am completely capable of rising above the endless run-on sentence that is my life right now and find my way.

And, dare I say, be happy.

Don't leave me now, friends, because great things are afoot.

Come see the amazing SLURRY!

Gauche Alchemy is pleased as punch to introduce our newest product, the Slurry! Slurries will be full of bits...of this and that. Vintage postcards, labels, buttons, scraps of paper, you name it! Our premier Slurry is called "Fun and Games," and is comprised of 99% vintage game pieces, score cards, play money and various ephemera. We've found board games from the 30's and 40's and now you get to add those fab pieces to your layouts or collage projects. And at $9.95, you really can't pass it up!!!
BUY IT HERE!

October Guest Design Team Search!

This is a repost from our Gauche Alchemy blog:

We are looking for you!!!! Amy and I are so excited to get some “new blood” here at Casa Gauche Alchemy!
We are searching for an OCTOBER Guest Design Team member to help us shake things up. Applicants must have a sense of humor, an artistic eye and know how to color outside of the lines!

To be considered, please submit your most fabulous recent layout or project to: gauchealchemy@cox.net with DESIGN TEAM in the subject header by Friday, September 26.

Please include your name, contact information, blog or gallery link (if applicable), and a paragraph or two telling us about why you love paper arts.

*Deadline for submission is September 26, and we will announce our winner on our blog no later than September 29.
*Winner will receive the complete October kit (and some extra goodies!), and will be required to complete projects as directed. Promotion on your blog is also encouraged.
*International applicants are welcome!

Don’t be shy—all applicants are welcome, regardless of level of experience! Come play with us!

{image courtesy of the amazing Helen Dardik. See more of her creations HERE}

Fall Bedroom

Doesn't this bedroom look cozy? I know, it's the whole "dark colours make rooms look smaller" blah blah blah, but I can't help but be drawn to this warm, chocolaty brown tone. I just want to snuggle up with a good book on that bed.



The punches of fuschia, yellow and peacock really liven the space as well.

Visit the lovely Design Sponge blog to see more!

To all the Pups I've loved before

TQ has loved animals from the time that she was very small. Today she would like to introduce you to a few of her favorites.

This shaggy pup is named D'Bella. TQ names all her pets herself, without our input. She is one of her rotating favorite pups.

These are some of her more diminutive friends. Daddy lets her buy them out of the little machine at the grocery store (way better then bubble gum, right?). They're great for when you're walking across the carpet barefoot, especially late at night!

This pink kitty has several aliases, including Sarah and Pinky. A constant playmate who can often be found sleeping in an empty tissue box or Lego container. Precious.

TQ is growing weary of all this animal talk. Show and tell is over (for now...).

NEXT time, she will introduce to the infamous golden pooch that we all love, PUDDING!!!
{yes, that really is her dog's name, no foolin'}

Sewing...who knew?

{supplies used: from Gauche Alchemy premier kit- Bazzill bling cardstock, vintage magazine ad, pattern tissue, vintage seam binding and button, regal paperclips, basic grey patterned paper}

Well, I was making a card for our design team examples at Gauche Alchemy headquarters (Amy's house), and I decided to try out her sewing machine. I think I'm in love! I spent some time poking around Craigslist today looking for a used sewing machine, but didn't find one that I was completely excited about. I would love to get one that is easy to manipulate if I wanted to do some freestyle stitching on a scrapbook layout. Oh yeah, and one that is very user friendly and doesn't take up too much space. Any advice? Or maybe you have a fabulous sewing machine collecting dust in your guest room that you would like to give a good home?

You keep me spinning

Every now and again I get completely agitated with the incomplete, disheveled state of our home. I'm not talking about the inevitable clutter of toys, books and junk mail--in a small home with a preschooler, a packrat, and a (sometimes) lazy housekeeper, I've resigned myself to their constant existance. We have lived in our house for just over a year, and there are some pretty significant things that we have yet to accomplish. Time and lack of finances have held us back, but that doesn't stop me from pouring over home design magazines and blogs searching for perfect paint color combos and my dream master bath complete with soaking tub.

First, there's the fence. Even when we purchased the house, it was in a state of disrepair. Rickety, wooden fence, falling down in places. How about this instead?

I love the look of the horizontal slats...much more sophisticated than the block fences in most Arizona yards.

Then there's the master bedroom {big project}. I'm longing for one of these:

...and am inspired by these peacock colours...

Wondering if the saturated color would be too much for the bedroom, but I just think it's so beautiful! Maybe an accent wall, combined with a more subtle neutral. I just can't help myself...good thing the hubs is mostly color blind, right? That little fact gives me much creative freedom (I also have a pink office!).

So, I will continue to sit here at my desk until 5pm and return to the charming house of much clutter. But at least it's all mine (ours).

3...2...1...LAUNCH

Sorry I have been so absent these past couple weeks; every spare moment not at work or home has been used to prepare for Gauche Alchemy's big launch September 1! It's here, finally, and to see the freshly posted kits in our humble Etsy shop is more gratifying than I could have imagined.

Here is a layout I completed last night using the products from the "Lush" kit featuring the fabulous and tarty Renee. As the title indicates, she is one high class broad (and one of my very favorite people in the world):

All I ask of you is this... visit our blog, and stop by our store and let us know what you think. Even if you don't have a scrapbookin' art-makin' bone in your body, any feedback that you have would be appreciated.

Thanks for your support--wish us luck and SPREAD THE WORD!

Sneak Peeks- oh my!

Quick! Clickie here to catch a glimpse of the premier Gauche Alchemy kits! Available for sale in only ONE WEEK!!! Yipee! Drop me a line of you want to reserve a kit of your very own-- we are releasing a limited set of 11 of each theme for the initial launch, so don't miss out!

Every now and again...

we need to know that we're not alone...in our struggles, in our successes, in our everyday activities. This is a post from a fabulous design blog, Decor8, that I read regularly. It is beautifully written and very inspirational-- please take a moment to read it. This particular post really struck a chord with me, as it speaks to exactly where I'm at in finding

my creative "place"
in the world. I find myself getting resentful towards the unfavorable circumstances before me, every obstacle small or large, and discouraged in general because of the amount of responsibilities pulling me in all directions. But **hello**, that's life! Life is full of hurdles, responsibilities and obligations that must be attended to. But it is also full of joy, magical moments, and blissful contentment if we choose to see those things. I think that if we could spend more time being thankful for all those wonderful things we have in our lives right now and less time wishing things were somehow different, perhaps that peace can wash over the chaos. I need to let go and focus on fostering creative activities in my daily life, and creating an environment that will allow my artistic career to develop, as opposed to trying to control every detail and getting completely overwhelmed in the process. My careerIS moving forward, and I truly believe that things will fall into place, but in the meantime, there are 3-year-old princesses to play dress-up with and a hubs that could use an extra smooch (or two).

~artwork: "we all flock to ruby" by Marisa at Creative Thursday~

Stay Tuned...

I promise to get things updated in the next day or so, but in the meantime, here's a cute child! In this photo, she has layered two (2!) pairs of pajama pants, her favorite bling cross necklace and a smile. She's a ham for sure! A very cute ham, but a ham nonetheless. Maybe she could be Mr. T or MC Hammer for Halloween this year...