Cowboy Card

I'm on a roll today with these new papers and stamps from Close To My Heart!!

Products Used: (all CTMH)
Sarsaparilla Paper Packet - NEW
Yeehaw stamp set - NEW
Black Ink
Barn Red Ink

Desert Sand Ink
Natural Hemp

There's a little cowboy in all of us Card

Here is a sneak peek at some new product featured in the Close To My Heart Summer Idea book. You will be able to order the products used in this card beginning May 1st!

Products Used: (all CTMH unless otherwise noted)

Sarsaparilla Paper Packet - NEW

Yeehaw stamp set - NEW

Black Ink

Barn Red Ink
Desert Sand Ink

Black ribbon

Natural Hemp

Cowboy Dew Drops (from SNS)

Scallop Punch (purchased at a local scrapbook store)

What My Name Means

Wow, that pretty much sums me up....almost!!

What Elisha Means

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

I'm Packed!!

Well, I did it!! I finally finished packing for my weekend scrapbook retreat. I am heading to Winter Park, CO with a good friend for 3 days of scrapbooking. The picture shows all the stuff (minus the vacuum) I'm bringing. This dose not show all the stuff my friend is bringing. Now we just have to fit everything into her van and we are out of here tomorrow. I can't wait!!

My Newest Toy

My dear husband let me go ahead and get the Cuttlebug!! I have been wanting it for quite sometime and now I finally have one!! I only have two embossing folders but I'm sure I will get more soon. I haven't had to much time to play with it but I did manage to make this card. I hope you like it.

Products Used: (all Close To My Heart products)

Sweet Leaf Cardstock

Petal Cardstock

Buttercup Cardstock

Paper Garden Paper Packet (striped paper)

Friendship Word Puzzle Stamp Set

Petal Stamp Pad

White Daisy Ribbon

Welcome Home Little One Layout

I just finished this darling baby girl layout. It took a few days to complete with kids and all but I really love how it turned out. For more detail pictures be sure to visit eBay and look up user name ekc_scrapping.

April's Cherish Challenge

Here is April's Cherish Challenge!! Unfortunately there was no March winner because I had no submissions. Very sad, but I do know that some of you are going to participate this month.

OK now it is time for April's Cherish Challenge!! I would like you to create the Kept In Proportion layout on page 44/45 in the Cherish book. Remember the layout dose not have to be exact! All entries must be submitted by 6 pm on May 1st 2008. The winner will be chosen by fellow consultants and will be announced in my May newsletter. Good luck!!

The winning layout will receive a $5 Close To My Heart Gift Certificate along with a small goodie from me. The purpose of this is get all of us, including me, to use our scrapbook supplies that are just sitting there collecting dust and just plain fun!!

The Rules:

• I would like most of the layout to made with CTMH supplies
  
• Layout should have journaling and title
  
• You may submit more than one layout
  
• Layout or layouts be submitted by the due date to be considered for challenge
  
• Submit layout via e-mail to ElishaCarter@msn.com
  
• HAVE FUN!!

Scrapbook Comic Strip

I saw this on another blog and had to post it on mine. Way to cute!!

True Fit Folio Album

This darling album was for a workshop of mine. It is fun to make and you can change it up by just changing out the papers and stamps. So much fun and makes a great gift!!

Products Used: (all Close To My Heart products)

My Acrylix Friendship Word Puzzle

Paper Garden Paper Packet

Blush Ink Pad

Sweet Leaf Ink Pad

True Fit Folio

Coluzzle Circle

Coluzzle Mat

Swivel Knife

Corner Rounder

Antiqued Copper Brads

Blush Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon

I Have To Earn This Trip!!!

I can't miss out on this trip of a lifetime! Check this out:

Itinerary

Day 1: Leave the U.S. on a flight bound for New Zealand. Lose a day on the calendar as you cross the International Dateline.

Day 2: Arrive in Auckland and transfer to a flight that will take you to Christchurch, the beginning of this amazing adventure. Your first evening will be spent at the exclusive Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you will enjoy a formal greeting by a group of native performers. After traditional Maori entertainment and buffet dinner, tour the Reserve and see the wildlife both native and introduced to New Zealand. On the way back to the city you’ll be treated to a guided nighttime tour of Christchurch.

Days 3 & 4: Christchurch — Explore this beautiful city, known for its amazing gardens. Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, Victoria Square, and the spectacular Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon, all help give Christchurch the nickname, The Garden City. Optional excursions will be available.

Day 5: Christchurch/Mt. Cook/Queensland — Travel south today via Lake Tekapo where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue alongside the Tasman River to Mt. Cook National Park. Enjoy a hosted lunch as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of this beautiful park. Continue southward through the beautiful countryside as you make your way to Queenstown.

Day 6: Queenstown — Spend a free day enjoying all New Zealand’s adventure capital has to offer, from the incredible beauty to extreme adventures. Optional excursions will be available.

Day 7: Queenstown — Continue your exploration of this fun four-season city from its majestic mountains to its crystal clear lakes and glacial fjords with the many available optional excursions. Join your friends on a scenic gondola ride to the breathtaking vistas of the Skyline complex high above Queenstown for a special farewell dinner as you prepare to leave this exotic land.

Day 8: Board a return flight to Auckland with onward connections to the U.S. and Canada.

Sampling of Excursions and Optional Activities ... More to Come!

New Zealand’s South Island is rife with wildlife, adventures, and sight-seeing. The only limit to the fun is your imagination. As you prepare to join Close To My Heart on this amazing land tour, consider some of these exciting optional excursions you can enjoy with your fellow Consultants:

In Christchurch:

• Alpine Safari by Road, Train and Boat Drive by road through the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Canyon in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat into the canyon past train viaducts, waterfalls and thick beech forest. Travel in a 4×4 vehicle across Torlesse Station while viewing the spectacular alpine scenery. Following lunch at Te Kowhai Cafe, travel on the historic state highway to Arthurs Pass National Park and join the TranzAlpine train for the return journey to Christchurch.
  


• Akaroa Day Tour Depart Christchurch and drive to Akaroa via Sign of the Takahe and Little River. Stop at the hill-top on the volcanic rim for panoramic views of Akaroa Village, harbor and surrounding areas. Stop at the Barrys Bay Cheese Factory to taste New Zealand cheeses. Continue to Akaroa and explore the craft shops and old French colonial buildings. Enjoy lunch in Akaroa and join the Canterbury Cat for an Akaroa Harbour cruise to see dolphins, penguins and seals before returning to Christchurch.
  


• Kaikoura Discover the Whales This full-day tour travels north from Christchurch through North Canterbury to the township of Kaikoura. Here, the ocean's continental shelf is very close to the shore—with over 200 species of marine life. See hundreds of fur seals, spectacular leaping dolphins and sperm whales. Kaikoura is also on the migratory route for pods of orca ("killer") whales, pilot whales and the rare blue whale. View whales in their natural environment (weather permitting). Departs daily at 7:45 AM and returns approximately 6:30 PM.
  


• Hammer Springs Tour Just north of Christchurch is the small alpine destination of Hanmer Springs—perfect for rest, relaxation or adventure. Sit back and relax in natural outdoor thermal waters or opt for a thrill-seeking adventure of an exhilarating jetboat ride or breathtaking bungy jump (own expense)!
  


• Tramway Restaurant A truly unique experience in restaurant dining! Relax in the luxury of a colonial style dining tram and be treated to superb service and cuisine, breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage. The 36-seat tram departs daily at 7:30PM from the Train Station tram stop in Cathedral Junction.
  

In Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak High Country Station Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. During the 40-minute cruise, enjoy an entertaining and informative insight into New Zealand high country farming. On the walking tour of the farm, see animals, sheep dogs, and the farm demonstrator shear a sheep. Wander through the gardens and enjoy morning or afternoon tea and home baking in the Colonel’s Homestead before the return cruise to Queenstown.

Shotover High Five This is a day of fun and excitement! Start off with a Jetboat ride through the Shotover Canyons. Then fly high over Queenstown with a scenic transfer helicopter ride. Visit the Skyline Gondola complex and enjoy the thrills of the luge track. Ride the Gondola Cableway down to town and finish with the Kiwi Magic Movie at the cinema downtown.

Dart River Excursion This jetboat safari is an exciting journey along the Dart River amongst towering mountains and the pristine wilderness of the Mt Aspiring National Park—a World Heritage Area where snow-capped mountains range over a glacier formed valley. Stroll through ancient forests and enjoy a back road journey through remote areas of this region.

Luxury Milford Sound Tour Travel by luxury vehicle along Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables Mountain Range to Te Anau. After morning tea, continue to Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel. The guide will share tales of the adventurers of the area. Embark on a scenic cruise of the majestic Milford Sound and enjoy lunch onboard. The return journey to Queenstown is either by vehicle or scenic flight.

Safari of the Scenes Based around specific filming sites, this 4WD tour offers a spectacular look at New Zealand High Country’s diverse scenery. These are real places—there are no movie sets. Two tours are available, or combine them for a full day. Duration is 4 hours; refreshments provided.

Shotover Jet Get ready for the world’s most exciting Jet Boat ride! Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It’s a thrilling ride — skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in the Shotover Jet “Big Red” as it twists and turns through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight — hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360° spins!

Funyak Adventure Funyaks provide one of the most unique adventures available in New Zealand—experience over an hour of scenic jetboating and then float down river in your own inflatable kayak allowing plenty of time to explore the rivers hidden secrets. Enjoy a wilderness buffet lunch, stunning scenery and the expertise of the guide.

Milford Sound Heli Flight This captivating flight soars over alpine lakes, lush rainforest, and past rugged peaks. Experience the grandeur of the Southern Alps before landing at Key Summit. Fly into the heart of Fjordland, with unparalleled views of world famous Milford Sound and Mitre Peak. View the spectacular Tutuko Glacier before returning to Queenstown. Tour’s duration is 1 ½ hours.

This would be so totally amazing to go on!! I have not yet earned a trip with CTMH but am going to try my hardest to earn this one. I will be using my blog to keep you all updated on my progress for earning this incentive trip. It's not til January 2010, but all the hard work will obviously be well worth it!

Colorado Springs Trip

Over spring break my husband and I took the kids to Colorado Springs for a few days. We stayed in a little cottage at a Motel that was not to bad for the price we payed. The best part of the Motel was the swimming pool. It was the warmest indoor pool I have ever been in. We swam twice on the first night then another 2 hours the second day. Needless to say we got our moneys worth out of the pool. We left for Colorado Springs on Friday and stayed until Sunday. On Friday we just swam, ate dinner and swam again. Then Saturday we spent most of the day that the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. If you ever take a trip to Colorado Springs be sure to visit the Zoo their. For 6 of us with coupon of $2 off per person it only came to $36. I was shocked at how cheep it was for a family of 6. The Denver Zoo is so much more. Now the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is on a mountain so it is not as big as the Denver Zoo but I think it is more entertaining and a lot of walking. The first exhibit we visited was the Giraffes. You get to purchase biscuits to feed the giraffes with. The kids loved this!! For the little ones they have a small train they can ride for a $1. They also have a playground for the kids that is included with the admission. At certain times during the day they have a small petting zoo. In the Bird and Reptile house you can feed birds while they fly around you. Ashleigh had one land on her stick.

After a full day at the zoo we headed to a restaurant call Solo's. This was the coolest restaurant I have ever been in! There is an actual airplane that goes right through the restaurant. Since we arrived before the dinner crowd we were able to sit in the plan and eat. The food was good and reasonably priced. After dinner we were able to go in the cockpit of the plan. We also went outside look at the plane. My husband is a real aviator nut so this was the coolest thing for him.

On the last day it was a little chilly outside so we headed to Bigg City. This is an indoor family fun center. The kids played lazer tag, games, put put, jumped on some inflatables and wore themselves out.

We had a great time and now I am ready to print out all the pictures I took and start to scrapbook. We will see if I can get some done and post them on my blog.