Chalkboard Reminders

I don’t know if you noticed that we now have Chalkboard Décor Elements; they’re in the new Definitely Decorative insert. When I saw them, I couldn’t resist trying one out.

I chose this medium-size Decorative Sign because it fit perfectly on a wall in the hallway leading into our kitchen. You can see it when you walk into our back door, as well as when you walk into the kitchen, so it’s the perfect place to remind everyone about anything important. (I can also use it to write a quick love note to my sweetheart if I want!)

It was quick and easy to put up—I literally put it up in the time it took for my familyto set the table for dinner last night. If you use decent chalk (at first I used cheap chalk from a Happy Meal, and it didn’t work very well!), it’s easy to write on, and it cleans up quick and easy too. I can tell already it’s going to be very useful; I’m planning on using it for all sorts of quick reminders. Right now, anyone who sees it will remember that we have two “can’t-miss” family activities this weekend.

My only regret is that I didn’t take the time to put it up sooner!

TODAY Goody Bags

I made it home last night! Had a wonderful time in NYC—especially after I was able to relax when the TODAY Show appearance was over.

When I planned the trip, I invited Shanna to come along; it’s been so long since she’s taken a pleasure trip. When Sara and Shalae heard about it, they asked if they could tag along if they bought their own tickets, so we ended up making it a foursome.

It was fun to have the girls with me in the green room as I prepped for the segment—and they got to meet Hoda and Kathy Lee.

And it was even more fun to spend a couple of days with them in the Big Apple.

Of course, our main objective was to EAT!!! Since we all love food, we planned our activities around which restaurant we wanted to try out. (Liz Gray, Stampin’ Up!’s PR person joined us for our Friday meals.)

We also managed a little shopping, enjoyed the lights at Rockefeller Plaza (a holiday must!), and visited our Church’s meetinghouse, where we watched an amazing Christmas concert. What talent they have in the local congregation!  We got back to the hotel room each night at a fairly reasonable hour and wound down by watching an in-room movie. It was a wonderful weekend!

 

 

As promised, here are the “goody bags” (complete with handmade tags) we presented to the hosts, producers, etc., who made our TODAY Show spot possible. We made two versions—one for women, and one for men.

Of course, the main attraction was half a dozen hand-stamped cards; the women got six different cards, and the men got two each of three different cards, so it was quite a task! I’ve shown each of the cards separately, so you can see each one up close.

We also included a pad, a couple of stamps, My Digital Studio (wrapped in Designer Series Paper and a handmade belly band, of course), and some of my favorite made-in-Utah treats (honey and Garden Gate toffee—to die for!).

Now I’m ready to tackle my holiday list in earnest (in between work, of course)! So much to do---shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking . . . and, oh yeah, I’m planning on hosting a Stampin’ Up! workshop in the middle of all this too! Anyone want to come? (smile)

TODAY Was Today

So, did you see me? It was short and sweet, but it was a great opportunity.

We kind of hoped and expected a little bit longer segment, but we know television well enough to not be surprised when it turned out to be so brief. I didn’t get to say nearly as much as I’d hoped (who ever does on national television, right?), but I enjoyed the experience. And maybe we’ve planted seeds for a future appearance where we can share more about what we’re all doing.

I’ve mentioned the goody bags that we gave everyone (the hosts, producers, etc.). I planned on showing photos of the projects today after things calmed down a bit, but I completely forgot to bring the cord that allows me to download photos from my camera to computer, so now you’ll have to wait a couple of more days. Suffice it to say—they turned out great! I was pleased. . .

The producer mentioned that we were the only ones who’d brought goody bags this year. I’m not sure whether he meant the ENTIRE year (which I can’t  hardly believe) or whether he meant those who appeared this year in association with the holiday drive. We didn’t get to give the goody bags to the hosts in person, but they were delivered before our segment, because both Kathy Lee and Hoda thanked us for them. We included cards, stamps, a pad, and some Utah products—you can see it all on Sunday night!

Now I’m off to relax a little, since I must admit I didn’t sleep very well last night! It’s nice to have it over with now and be able to enjoy a short but sweet New York City holiday moment.

TODAY Is Tomorrow!

Arrived safely here in NYC and am nervous and excited about tomorrow! Grabbed a quick bite for dinner and am going to bed as early as I can so I'm ready--at least as ready as I can be!

Hope you'll all have a chance to watch. . . wish me well! 

Leslie Is Home

In the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving last week and the TODAY show excitement this week, I completely forgot to tell you the most important thing of all—Leslie went home! Her numbers finally reached the levels they needed to be at, and she and Danny left their Salt Lake City apartment, hopefully never to return again!

She’s back in Kanab now. She has to be monitored closely, and she has to be super careful about exposure to germs for a long time. Her immune system is weak, and she’s supposed to stay away from larger crowds, anyone who is sick, that type of stuff.

But she’s so happy to be home in Kanab. And we’re so happy to have her home! Thank you all for your kind thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. I know they helped!