Tagged & Just for Laughs...

Ooohweee I am feeling awfully chatty tonight!

After my last post, I went to bed running through the days events like I always do, and I had to laugh at myself. You see, to those of your who read my blog, I try to give you a birds eye view of my latest adventure, newest hobby, my life in a nut shell. I know I am a sucker for my sweet Bella Gracey, thank you so much always dropping in and for always indulging me in the wonderful, heartfelt, happy comments you leave. I truly appreciate your loyalty! I have met some on the most marvelous women through my love and joy of scrapbooking, and through the art of blogging, and I want to say with all my heart, you all Rock big in my book!

So back to why I was laughing. If any of you out there can relate, let me know...I was going through the 200 some odd photos I had taken at UOP two days ago. Like most, I handpicked my 3 favorite to showcase. The three where Bella was most composed, "smiling pretty," and otherwise fully cooperating. I chose to show you our most refined moments, what I failed to show you was some of the shots I actually got a bigger kick out of. I think you'll enjoy this. So without further ado here they are each complete with caption:

I call this one angry Bella behind bars.

This next one is sassy Bella with a rather cute little pucker.

This one has a little story of it's own. Does anyone else have a child who is deathly afraid of the vacuum? Or who cannot stand the sound of a noisy lawn mower? Well, I do. The grounds keeping crew was busy at work manicuring the beautiful campus grounds and heaven forbid they use a leaf blower with 50 feet of us, hence the displeased face here!
The final photo is just too funny. We were standing a few feet from a large water fountain display and the water would sometimes splash outward, she is simply catching water droplets on her tongue, that's my girl!!

Allrighty, I had this strong urge to get this out of my system, sometimes the perfectionist in me needs to be liberated. I am going to really challenge myself to see the real side of life more often, it feels good! I tell ya, "poised and proper" isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Two more things before I go. The first being, I was tagged by Kelli to name 6 weird or quirky things about me. So here goes my list:

1. I cannot sleep with out a blanket covering my "exposed" ear. If I sleep on my back then I wrap the blanket around my head to cover both ears, the other night hubs and I joked that I need sleepytime ear muffs--I can see I have already told you too much!!! next...

2. I have a 13" TV in my bathroom, and when I blow dry my hair in the mornings, I must have the closed captioning on as to not miss a thing on either one of the following; GMA, Regis & Kelli, The View, etc. It is my best source of current events since I don't watch much other TV. Except Grey's which is on in 20 min (hurry-hurry!)

3. When I use a public restroom (like my daughter I cannot stand loud noises) I plug my ears when I flush, darn noisy institutional toilets!!

4. I annoyingly know and sing every word to every song on every station, be it country, rock , christian, pop whatever, you name it I probably know it. Poor hubs!

5. Besides that I love sharing all about my life and that of my family, I am actually a very private person, hard to believe I know, but true.

6. Finally, I have this uncontrollable urge to immediately look up a word that I may read or hear and do not know the meaning. I have me a special little link directly to Meriam Webster online. I am a loyal subscriber to MW's word of the day, love to broaden my vocab!!

This brings me to my last and final point tonight, I was reading Nicole's post from the 24th, I panicked when I did not know the meaning of nonplussed, now I had a good idea given the story she was telling, but I would not have been able to recite a definition. So I did what I always do, and here you go:

Nonplus: to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do.

With that said, be on the look out for future definitions. When I come across a 'new to me' word, I plan to share it with you. That way we can learn together!

Whew, that was a mouthful!!

Almost forgot, I am tagging Nicole, Kimber-Leigh and Jenny!

Peaceful Bliss

Still nice and quiet in my world. Just a whole lot of show and tell going on around here. Been busy digging into some kit goodness the past few days. I have some ideas for a mini album rolling around in my head, thinking that will be my next task. Until then, here are two LO's with my beautiful Jan. Poppy Ink Kit. Loved the gold ric-rac, and really enjoying putting a twist on my own handwriting. I have always avoided my handwriting, and therefore journaling. Ironically, I actually believe journaling to be a super vital part of preserving memories. So with that said, I am challenging myself to go beyond my comfort zone and get my write on. 'Dream with Faith,' was inspired by Jill and her ultra awesome handwriting, I loved the curly-Q style on her recent LO's. Just had to give it a try myself, needless to say I have decided to try it more often.

We took a much needed day out yesterday. My Mom, Bella and I strolled around the UOP campus, it was such a beautiful day to be out and about and the sky was the most vibrant shade of blue. The campus tower never looked so amazing against the sky.

You know me, I never can resist fun photos of little miss Bella, and of course I have to share them with you. It has been so cold lately and yesterday was such fun. Besides, it had been breaking my heart to hear a girl say, "Peas go owside Mama."



Sweet Dreams...

Show and Tell

I am feeling a little quiet today, found myself sitting back today just enjoying some of the little things around me. My Hubs was very sweet Friday night, he took over around here and let me get some LO's completed. More journaling here than I am used to, been trying to push myself to say a bit more in my art. Most of the items are from the January zingBOOM kit. As you will notice, I am hopelesly addicted to scallop edges, always putting a little here and there. Also added some stamping, and glitter for fun.

Bella Bag Debut

It's up, one precious little 'Bella Bag' in my etsy shop. It is just too stinkin' cute, I had to pry it out of Bella's hands....ok, not really, but I can tell you if you have a little girl, she is sure to love this sweet and colorful "just her size" little purse. Remember the technical issues I was having with my Singer, well I picked up my new Husqvarna yesterday afternoon and needless to say I am in Heaven, she truly runs like a top! So, I have plans to knock out a few more 'Bella Bags in the next two weeks, each one a little different from the one before. Also, wait until you see the most adorable little apron I have crafted, I hope to get it up tomorrow. I ran out of good lighting for photos today.

Back to working on completing two happy little LO's tonight. One with goodies from the October Poppy Ink kit, and the other from My new January zingBOOM kit. Lot's of paper pushing going on over here tonight, wish me luck!

Until tomorrow....xo

Just for fun...

Woohoo, I finished a LO just for fun today....well actually it took me a good let's see.... 3 or so weeks. Ok, so the real story is this, this photo and many unnamed embellies had been rearranged, removed, left alone, shoved and mangled about somewhere in the vicinity of my kitchen island since two days before Christmas. For just about 3 weeks, I was in a total and complete creative mess over this particular photo, I just didn't think I could do it justice. Silly I know, but true. So here it is, a couple of tidbits from Poppy stuff, but mostly just some good old fashioned product right from the scrap stash. My initial thought was to make it real 'bling-bling' ya know, this is the toned down version, works for me. Just happy it's no longer in the unused corner of my island.



On a different subject, I have just enough skull fabric left to make two more handbags. By the way, thanks to all for the wonderful comments, you girlies really know how to make a girls day! Argh, I have been having technical problems, what's new? I finally had it with my tempermental Singer, (on to plan B) I attempted to complete my many undone projects with an old machine that My Mom recently had serviced, also a Singer which belonged to my Grandmother. You know the heavy-duty, all parts made of steel kind? It's still a great machine nonetheless, and I was lovin' it until I noticed a couple of oil like black marks on the ties of an apron I was working on. The darn gripper feet which help to move the fabric through while stitching are deteriorating, hence the black mark. To make a long story longer, I have purchased a new machine; a Viking Husqvarna---she's a real beauty! Can't wait to get my little grubbies on it, so the good news is, it should be in by Wednesday, hopefully more handbags and even some Bella bags and darling aprons to boot for my etsy shop. I wanted to leave you with a little Peekie of the 'Bella Bag' I have been talking about. So check out my little model, this was all her. Nothing to do on my part, well except when I said come on lets go outside, grab your purse, and just like her Mom she always has one foot out the door, but not without Piggy of course!

Sweet dreams friends!

Something's Different...Skulls, Etsy and A Little White Sharpie

I know this is a bit overdue, but for what it's worth, I'd like to introduce my new Banner! I had been wanting to get one up there forever but afraid to tackle html, I put it off. Well, it was not as hard as I thought it woud be. I think it spruces up my page a bit, and it really makes me happy. I am finally official!
I have also added a link to my etsy shop, so if you have a minute, stop on in to Just One Girl you can link to it here, but also from the sidebar now. That's another thing that's been neglected on my "To Do" List, getting my handbags on Etsy. In a previous post Funtastically Yummy Fabrics I had showcased some of the beautiful fabrics for the Fall bags, and promised to get them up soon, well I have finally done so. I make One of a Kind handbags and sell at my local craft shows and by word of mouth, and by way of walking advertisement, me. Each one completely different from the next. They come in many styles, from formal rich fabrics to hip and Trendy...like the one I have been carrying these days (pictured above), complete with a skull design fabric, rhinestone butterfly brooch, black lace and a "Rock On" pocket snippet from some old jeans. It's very fun, and I'm convinced it's a crowd fav. I have already sold quite a few from my complete Fall collection, there are still a few left in the shop. I plan to get working on some more very soon. As a matter of fact I am introducing a new bag, called the "Bella Bag" after my daughter. (I will be adding a few to my shop in the next several weeks) She just loves to carry around my handbags and since they usually drag behind her, I thought why not make one her size? She absolutely loves it, she fills it with all her little people, squeezes in her favorite stuffed piggy and totes it around the house wherever she goes. She insisted on taking it to the grocery store yesterday, that's my girl....my girly girl!!

Some of you were wondering where to get a white Sharpie. Well, back when I was in search of one myself, I looked around locally and had no luck. I ended up finding them online at Discount Office Supplies where they have great customer service and quick shipping!

Happy Hump Day Friends!!

Cards for Jaymun

Ok....One more quick update, Jenny has extended the deadline until January 15th, so you still have plenty of time to participate, don't hesitate any longer, go....make your card today. See details below.

ETA: I wanted to post this photo of my card and send bear hugs to baby Jaymun!!
.....Shame on me for not posting this sooner, but I wanted to help out my friend Jenny in her latest mission. I know the deadline of Monday, January 8th is fast approaching, but I thought it couldn't hurt to help her get the word out. Please see Jenny's blog, Farmhouse Flowers for all the details. She has selflessly organized a sweet get well gesture for a darling little boy named Jaymun, who is ill with Leukemia. She is asking for a special handmade card with an positive and uplifting message of hope, please consider participating. Like Jenny said, the more the merrier!

**{HAppY NEw YeaR}**

It has once again been a wonderful year gone by, 2006 was good to me. I have so much to be thankful for and so very much to look forward to in 2007!

Kp and I went to a fabulous New Year's party and this year it was cheers to the 80's! I opted for a more sleek 80's look, with a low side braided do topped off with classic 80's headband, large hoop earrings with rhinestone bling, and chunky bangle bracelets--very stylish! I have been to a few 80's shin digs in my time, and this time there was no neon attire, ratty 'big' hair or the infamous frosty pink listick or electric blue eye shadow in the cards for me. I simply adore Forever 21 for such fun finds and fell in love with this cute little strapless number. Hubby went a bit more authentic and found a vintage AC/DC T and tore up 501's. I just have to tell you, while out thrifting for the goods I stumbled upon an old school Powell Peralta t-shirt. Hubby and I fought over it at first, until we discovered it was a sz small, and of course fit me just right. Hard to believe, but it's true, I always did have a soft spot for the good old bones brigade. I just love finding vintage goodness!

Many wishes for a fantastic and properous 2007 filled with all the Hope, Joy and Peace this new year can hold. Abundant blessings to you in 2007!

Cheers,

JP

*MeRRy & bRigHt* Christmas Wishes

First of all, I would like to say that I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas. I know, I am 5 days late, and I'd like to say that I had every intention to send my wishes on or before Christmas Day, however I came down with an awful cold, turned Flu. So, needless to say I have been feeling under the weather and not so chipper at the keyboard. Believe it or not, but I am still battling this nasty monster and I sure can't wait to kick it. What a fabulous way to end the year, argh!

On another note, I have so much to discuss (like my new banner, my etsy shop, etc.) I think I will save it for next time, so fair warning peeps next post shall be quite lengthy and all over the board.

For today I want to leave you with a couple of LO's from the Poppy Ink, Nearly Noel kit. I really loved this kit, and I extra super loved that the colors were not traditional Christmassy colors of Red's and Green's. Love those too, but the feeling that this was a bit risky for me made it sooooo very fun! Of course I nabbed all the add on's too--how could I resist all the yummy bling?

It's true, Bella & I have been in our PJ's for the last week straight, except for Christmas that is. (See cutie Patootie in PJ's above) We finally got all gussied up today all to find out that we still weren't feeling quite 100% yet, oh well, there's always tomorrow....but this photo sure makes it all better!

Until then, much happy goodness.

And the Winner is....

Thank you so much for all who visited my blog and participated in the RAK! Your stories kept all of us smiling and hubby and I even got some good ideas for next years white elephant gifts, teehee! Bella (the one with the crazy sheep dog hair in her face because she lost her bow at Target today) picked the lucky winners.

Ok, a huge Congrats to both Nikkig and StaceyFike who each scored a fabulous pack of goodies. Ok girls, when you get a minute please e-mail me your mailing addresses so that I can send off your goodies, hopefully tomorrow. This was my first RAK and really, thanks to all for making it loads of fun. I look forward to having one every couple of months or so, it helps to organize my trinkets, but especially because sharing goodness is always a good thing, what do ya say?

**1 week exactly until Christmas Day, enjoy the next few days if you can!**

Many smiles,
Jillian

In Honor of Generosity... It's RAK Time!!!

In honor of the generosity of my favorite girlies, the Poppy's, I am giving away some fun trinkets from my stash of goodness! I should warn you in advance that I have never done this before so I truly hope I have put together a super packet of goodies for you! A few days ago I thanked Happy Girl Stacey, she was giving away some fun journaling goodies and I am thrilled to say I won! Well then a few days later my friend Kimber-Leigh was feeling in the giving spirit also and was having a little RAK party at her homefront New Every Morning. As I left a comment for her I thought there was no chance I could possibly win two RAK'S in a row, and I did!!!! Thanks ladies for the contagious, wonderful Spirit of Giving you have inspired here.

Ok, I took this picture a few days ago and after I had disassembled my display, I decided that if I add a few more things I could have enough for two RAK's-so back into my stash I went. Some items are not pictured, but trust me you will not be disappointed, among the goodies are some of my favorites... lace remnants, white sharpie, alphabet rub-on's, red velvet flower's, and fun journaling bits from various notepads. I almost want to sign up myself--teehee! Ok, so here's how to participate...

Last night we hosted a Christmas Party for our Small Group. We did the whole White Elephant gift exchange, it was pretty fun actually. (Luckily, no one brought any Depend's, like they did at Mom & Dad's gift exch.) Kp and I were able to steal some great gifts, and I am proud to say that the gifts we brought were each stolen and retired quickly! Ok, so the question is what, if any is the best or worst white elephant gift you have received/been stuck with? If you have never done White Elephant, just leave me some kind of happy comment and you will be entered to win a fab pack of goodness! Two RAK's=Two separate winners! Bella and I will draw and post the winner's on Monday afternoon, I figure we could all use a Monday pick-me-up. Have fun and good luck!

When Piggies Fly

Advent of Ornament update, featuring day #10:

I used to have a funny little piggy collection, not sure how it started or why, but I have since stopped collecting. I still have a few I'll find here and there in my stuff. Anyhow, I just couldn't resist this darling flying piggy ornie, just a fun part of my Christmas decor. You have heard people say, "When Pigs Fly" well here you go folks......don't forget, you saw it here!

Also, I am so excited to be the winner of Happy Girl Stacey's Blog RAK! Stacey rounded up some fun looking journaling goodies and I participated and to my surprise t'was my lucky day, Yipee! Thanks a million Stacey!! She has inspired me and I am in the mood for one myself. Stay tuned for an upcoming RAK here, hopefully I will have it up by Friday!

Happy thoughts to all!!

Deck the Halls with *ChRisTmAs jOy*

For some reason the spirit of Christmas really hit me today. Today my step was filled with a Merry-bubbly sort of dance! For starters, I decided to get my "full body shot" today...... of our Christmas Tree of course! I am also showcasing two other small areas of Christmas joy which fill our home this season. My ornament for day #6 in the advent of ornament's with the Poppy Ink girlies is of all things, an owl. He has been with us a couple of years now and coincidently fits right in with the owl obsession which took over Poppy Ink about a month or so ago. There is no significant meaning behind him (poor little guy), he was just another unique addition to my growing glass ornament collection. (Did I mention I have become my Mother?) Speaking of my Mother, she took this cool photo of me, and I thought it portrayed my holiday spirit exactly! She is a good Mom, the best Mom a girl could ever have, more loving and thoughtful than you can imagine. Ok, here I go.....since I am all juiced up on holiday joy(I warned you) and in light of sentimantal holiday spirit lets play this game just for a moment. "You know you have a wondeful Mother when....." You are all of 30 years old and your Mother still says the following to you. Don't park next to vans, don't go out after dark by yourself-anywhere-ever. Don't drink Diet Pepsi for breakfast! It's pretty cold outside, better grab your coat....she sure keep me on my toes, but you know what? I don't mind one bit, matter of fact, I really do love that about her, and if she didn't do it something would be wrong. Ok, one last thing about Mom (and Dad too), I have to credit them for the fabulous NOEL sign atop my rustic hutch and cupboard (the one in the mirror). I know it's backwards, but cool nonetheless. Unbeknownst to me they had spotted it at Costco about 2 weeks ago. Mom and I were out last week and stopped at a cute little coffee shop we frequent. It was part of their holiday window decor and I gushed over how great it was. Sure enough, Mom and Dad came by the very next day with an early Christmas present, I absolutely LOVE my new "NOEL", not to mention that I had the most perfect spot for it! Thanks Mom & Dad, you never cease to love every bit of me with everything you have. And it's not just in the things you buy me, those are material things (nice-yes), but they are just things. Things sometimes get lost in the shuffle, things we sometimes outgrow, things are just that "things" and you can't take them with you when you go. What's more special to me than anything is your love and support for me, it has never ever wavered. I am a lucky girl to have such wonderful parents, thank you again (she said in a teary-eyed, choked up, sentimental sort of way...) I love you!

My Little Cutie Patootie

As I was uploading these pics to blogger, I am sitting here thinking about what to journal. I had to laugh at myself, while we did visit Historical Old Town Columbia on Saturday, I have chosen to post only photos which do not portray the wonderful town whatsoever! I am just so stinkin biased when it comes to my sweet little Bella Moon, and she made for some great photo's that day. I guess it's a good thing blogger only lets me post 5 at a time, other we could easily be here all day! I have squeezed in a family shot taken by my wonderful Mother, thanks Tootsie! The town was celebrating it's annual Miner's Christmas. The participating towns people were clothed in period attire, even roasting chestnuts over a campfire right in the middle of town. The horse drawn stagecoach made several rounds through town all day, it was an authentic portrayl of life in the mining days where you can even pan for gold in the designated mining area. The fascinating architecture of the glorious old buildings was a great attraction, as I have a soft spot for vintage style anything, even fabulous old buildings.

More ornaments to follow..... Much happiness until then!

"Our First Christmas" Ornament

The first ornament is pretty special, and it really does speak for itself. It serves to happily commemorate our first Christmas together (2 years ago). Hubby and I thought it symbolized us to a T! And since we were on the subject of cute cuddly snowman, thought I'd share two ornie's today. I didn't get a chance to post one for day two in our advent of ornaments at Poppy Ink and that of course brings me to my next point, I will try very hard to post every 2-3 days for the advent (just in case you are interested in my next surprise of an ornament). I hope the weekend was happy all the way around. It is important for us to make the most of family time together weekend by weekend! I am completely overjoyed with each new expedition.... oh for the memories. Sometimes historical, mostly local spots and hidden sanctuary's. I have always felt it a great chance to broaden my horizons and the perfect way to spend much necessary together time with my very best! That being said, be sure to tune in for tomorrow's post for photos from our visit to Downtown Columbia, CA for their Miner's Christmas festivities.

Thank you so much for sharing in my holiday spirit, and as always many smiles to all for stopping in!

Hot Chocolate Anyone?

I have joined my fellow Poppy Pals in the Advent of Ornaments, here is #1. Wouldn't you agree that it is the most beautiful cup of Hot Chocolate you've ever seen? It was one of my first glass ornaments when I began to decorate my own home. Growing up, we would pack our Christmas Tree full of almost 200 ornaments. Just about all were delicate glass beauties, they were My Mother's favorite. Of course I would enjoy it all Holiday long, and it was always more beautiful each year. (I am not even going to mention that part about how we had several Christmas trees of all sizes in just about every room of the house). Oh how I used to dread the packing away part after Christmas, it seemed like it would take forever to wrap each individual ornament. Funny how life comes full circle, after hubby and I decorated the tree this year I said to myself, "I think I have become my mother!" I didn't even ask what he thought, some things are better left unsaid! My best memory so far this year, he and Bella sat next to the tree and unwrapped each ornament while I hung them. It was so stinkin cute each time he had just about unwrapped the ornament, she stood over him eagerly waiting to see it and faithfully followed each time with the most precious ooooh's and ahhhs! It was priceless! I do look forward to seeing her very own Christmas Tree someday....until then I am sure she will be a handy little helper the same way I used to. She is truly a girl after my own heart!

Happy Friday to all!!!

Little Bear Creek Tree Farm

We spent last Saturday at the Little Bear Creek Tree Farm in the quaint mountain town of Alta, CA. Although hubby and I recently invested in a fabulous, pre-lit, 9ft artificial beauty, we were happy to accompany my brother and his family to their annual tree cutting ceremony. It was an altogether great time! Little Bear Creek Tree Farm has restored several 1950's era Willys Jeeps that transport you through the forest to an area where you can choose and cut down your own Christmas tree. After selecting the "perfect" tree, you head back down the hill, where you can have your tree netted to transport home. We enjoyed ourselves visiting, while sipping hot cider and of course took a moment to browse around the cozy gift shop. The uber inviting and crackling campfire was a popular spot that afternoon, there was much to see and do. I can't wait to return next year and make it an annual trip each year!