Carina's Nirvana

REDIRECT!!!!

2009-01-19T21:54:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! With Josh giving so much info on the family, that has now become our family site! I am redirecting this blog to my new blog: http://www.carinagardner.com. Please check me out there! There is a new focus on the new blog including giving 2Peas scrappers the opportunity to see previews of coming digital products, releases from card nirvana, and a new focus on DESIGN! I'm so excited about it! I will be doing interviews with designers, some little design education tid bits, show things I am obsessed with...just generally designy:). Please be sure and link this new blog to your site!

The redirect will be automated in a couple of days!

THanks!!!

http://www.carinagardner.com

Paris & Co.

2009-01-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek at my new collection coming out at 2ps next Tuesday!

Heather Bailey and Madsen Bikes

2009-01-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

Well, Jen is in town for business and she's over tonight (yes, it is 12:25 in the morning) and, of course, we start talking about design (what else? we're a couple of obsessed neurotics!). She introduced me to a fabric designer's blog that I MUST tell you about because it is so FABULOUS! Her name is Heather Bailey and it is such a great blog! She has a real way with color:

here's her blog: http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com.

My second obsession that i keep meaning to post about is Madsen Bikes. I MUST have one of these bikes in the spring (I am totally going to get one come march). The buckets in the back can hold kids or groceries. I love them! Take a look!

BELLA BELLA at My Minds Eye!

2009-01-08T17:26:00.000-08:00

It's my very first printed paper line and when I saw it I let out a scream because I am so excited!!!! So here it is! Go check out my new paper line that will be premiering at CHA this January and in stores soon after! I am so excited I can barely sit still!!!!!Bella Bella! Go check it out because you'll be able to click on the individual papers and see them much bigger.

Siri's Random Comment of the Day

2009-01-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

I don't really have time to post and hopefully Josh will blog about Siri's b-day party yesterday....but I just had to post Siri's random comment of the day:

Siri (very slowly and deliberately): "You know that EvilLyn is one of the minions on Snake Mountain."

Can you tell she has a stay-at-home-dad?

RUN 100

2009-01-04T13:16:00.001-08:00

I just started a new group called Run 100 in Facebook and to get people to join the Challenge on Nike Plus!
Go check it out! If you want to be part of the Nike Plus challenge you can leave your email to be invited in the comment section or email me at carina@diginirvana.com with your email and I will invite you!

And seriously, if you don't feel like you can run 100 miles, but just want to walk or run a little and be motivated by everyone else doing it , join the facebook group and give us your miles or join the Nike Plus challenge anyway!

Facebook Group—Run 100

Nike Plus Website

Siri's Princess Party

2009-01-02T12:45:00.001-08:00

My life is crazy right now and I have to design several things over the weekend for My Minds Eye....of course, Siri's birthday is on Wednesday, and I couldn't figure out when I was going to get around to designing an invite. So I decided to grab Jen's card from Card Nirvana. I mean, I designed the darn site to be easy, right? I just didn't realize it was going to be THAT easy. I had every intention and redesigning some of the elements. but I just opened up the pdf and insert and words and printed it at home (I just needed 5 so I printed 3 pages on some heavy white paper). Holy cow, I had this done in 2 minutes! I know it sounds like propaganda, because afterall, it is MY site, but I was so happy with getting the invitation done so quick that I had to post (because it's the first time I've used one of the cards on the site for my personal use).

Jen's Princess Card from Card Nirvana

Anyway, it's great in a tight spot! (Siri's b-day is on Wednesday and we have to drop off cards today).

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I feel as if I have already start the year off quite badly. I can't find my Nike Plus so although I've spent the day in my work out clothes, I probably won't go running! Great, huh? I'll keep looking for it and report back!

I thought I would do a year in review and things to look forward to in 2009. This will probably be the most open about my personal life that I have ever been on my blog. I usually only report on business or what my kids are doing, so this may prove an interesting blog post for those that don't know me that well. I must admit, 2008 was not a fun year for me. Lots of hard decisions and events happened this year including a move to a new state, the closing of Digi Nirvana, my husband took the bar, website troubles, family unemployment, disappointment in my own personal life with my parents & family, a decision to go back to work, and well, just finding balance with everything going on. Lots of good things happened in 2008 too—I opened Card Nirvana, moved to 2Peas, and signed a deal with My Minds Eye to start making paper lines. Siri has learned to write and draw and Felicity learned to walk and talk this year. And Josh passed the bar—another blessing (not sure if we could go through that again!)!

In 2009, I really hope that things are a little less stressful and that I can find my place in our new hometown. I am really excited for my new Bella Bella line coming out at the January CHA (I can't wait for you all the see it! The moment is comes out I will post it) with My Minds Eye and will hit paper stores soon thereafter! I love being at 2Peas and you'll continue to see new stuff every week from me including old stuff coming from Digi Nirvana (improved) and new lines including my up and coming Paris & Co. Collection (3 more weeks!). Card Nirvana has been exciting and fun. I love my day job as a Communications Director and am excited about our conventions, events, and site checks coming up! In 2009, Siri will go to KINDERGARTEN!!!! I'm so excited for her! I'll be a little sad, but she is such a bright and social child, I know she will love it. Felicity will continue to be my baby this year (what a cuddlebug!). I know that 2009 will be better than 2008 and that excites me!

If you can't tell, designing scrapbooking materials has become an essential part of my life. If you had asked my two years ago if this is what I'd be doing, I'd have said , NO! I had no idea how much I would love it, how giving the community is, and what a challenge it would be! Designing for scrapbookers has become more than a hobby for me, it's become an obsession! I look forward to everything I get to design and scrap in 2009! Hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Here's a few pictures from the last few days!
Christmas Eve Siri got a Hungry Hippo Game

Christmas Day: Siri got a My Little Ponyvilel Amusement Park, but guess who else was obsessed with it?

On her new trike.

Siri's new game: Dr. Seuss something or other. Josh plays it very well.

The many art supplies we got for Chritmas is getting put to good use...everyday, on every wall, on every leg and arm in the house.

East High School Alumni Basketball Tournament—It brings families together.

Showing off their candy bracelets!

Happy New Year everyone!

2Peas, Card Nirvana, and New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-30T20:59:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned how much I look forward to Tuesdays now? I love going over to 2Ps in the morning and seeing my new products up. It's so fun! I never really had the anticipation when I owned Digi Nirvana because I'd just put products up when I wanted.

This week I put up the Cupcake kit and Flora kit at 2Peas. Next week the Playtime Kits (Boy and Girl) comes out. Also, if you have a chance, I changed a few subcategories at cardnirvana. Check these subcategories designs.

I have also been thinking about New Year's Resolutions for a while and one of my resolutions is to get more in shape. I've been going running for a few months now but I am COMPLETELY inconsistent. I'd run for 3 miles one day and then not get around to it for two more weeks. So one of my new year's resolutions is to go running at least 4 times a week...hopefully more than that. So I thought I'd start a Challenge at NikePlus and see if any of you want to join me. The goal is to run 100 miles by March 28th. If anyone wants to join in this challenge, it's called the Card Nirvana Challenge and is by invite only. If you want to be part of this challenge (PLEASE DO!), you need to have a Nike Plus account. Just comment on this post with your NikePlus email so I can invite you. I'll even throw in a $12 gift certificate (2 cards) to card nirvana to everyone who actually runs the 100 miles within the 90 days!

Okay, so hopefully this motivates me to run more and get a little thinner for the wedding I have to be in April 3rd (that should be motivation enough!), but it would be fun if we all did it together. If you don't have a NikePlus, I would totally recommend buying one. They are about $30 and you don't have to buy Nike shoes. I have a small pouch that my sensor is in that attaches to one of my shoes. I bought it for about $12 at a running store. Before the NikePlus, I hated running. Now I love running. It's so nice to know how far I've gone and how much I have left.

Anyway, hopefully some of you will join me!!! Click here to see the challenge.

Here is my new mini-running me:). Okay notice that I've only had 10 workouts? That is since August. Ya, that's how bad I've been. So join this challenge with me and lets get running!

Advent Calendar

2008-12-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

The advent calendar was finished today. Here's Flissy looking longingly at it:). Merry Christmas everyone!

Sneak Peak at Tomorrow's Releases

2008-12-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I feel like I have been ousted as the family blogger since Josh started blogging last week. His posts are way more interesting than mine, so how can I compete? While I am getting my self-esteem back together, I will only post my releases for 2Peas (back to business as usual:)). So here's what's coming out tomorrow!

This is the last of the swatches line.

The girl and boy albums

These are awesome! IOU Cards! Perfect to go with any gift!

Alright! There's your sneak peek. And Merry Christmas! I hope you are getting to do a little more relaxing and that you don't have too much Christmas shopping left!

Elf Yourself Again

2008-12-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

Sorry to everyone who is sick of this...this is for my family...yes, that is my grandmother-in-law and mother-in-law...heheee.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

This KILLS me!

2008-12-20T00:13:00.001-08:00

These are of the five cousins. Go make your own at jibJab!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

MormonMisterMom.blogspot.com

2008-12-19T22:45:00.001-08:00

So if you decide you want to read something funny, my husband started a blog called MormonMisterMom (http://www.mormonmistermom.blogspot.com/). I can't tell if it's just because I know everyone he blogs about that makes it funny, but I just spent the last five minutes bursting out in laughter. Go ahead. Give it a try. You'll have a nice laugh at a stay-at-home dad.

(BTW, I'd highly recommend taking a closer look at the snowman profile picture he has up for himself.)

It's Tuesday—New Products at 2Peas!

2008-12-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday, so of course that means new products hits 2Peas. Here they are!

Eating Snow

2008-12-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

A few recent pics...

Felicity and I are watching the snow play at the window.
Clemintine nose, vanilla wafers, pomogrante seed mouth...creative, eh?
Yes, I love you snowman!
Mmmmm, yummy snow.

Donuts with the cousin Caroline.

Yes, I'm stuffing my face too.

Delicious! Maybe I'll have a second...
This is my flat, um, I mean destroyed tire while driving to work the other day. Excellent work, huh? Oh ya, and the ticket I got when I parked the car on the wrong side of the street and left the car there for three hours.

Layouts of Holiday Magic 1

2008-12-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

I'm a day late, but I needed to post anyway! The new goodies went up at 2Peas for the week. Here are some layouts my creative and I have done for the new Holiday Magic 1 Kit (see Holiday Magic 2 and Holiday Magic Album come out next Tuesday!):

This a project from Maria:

This is a layout from Tiffany:

Here's an ornament from Melissa:

Here's mine:

Here's one from Michelle:

See the kit (Holiday Magic 1) Below!

Siri's outfit

2008-12-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

We all went to Costco last night (always detrimental to my wallet) and this is what Siri decided to wear.

We did a gingerbread house a few nights ago.

Sneak Peak

2008-12-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

So, at 2Peas we always submit a week in advance and I put in mine yesterday. I feel like I can't wait to show you guys what's coming out next Tuesday because I'm really excited about it. The first is my new Holiday Magic Kit. I'm dying over the alpha...I can't wait to make the album.

I've also beefed up the SWATCHES line. Three kits from this collection will come out next week along with Calendar Cards and Journaling Stamps. The other 3 kits from Swatches will come out in two weeks.

Hope you liked the sneak peek!

So I started a post...

2008-12-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

I actually wrote two paragraphs yesterday with the complete intent of posting, but somehow I got interrupted and my whole day was crazy to begin with. I turned 29 yesterday. I also had my work Holiday Party (In which I was the Event Director for...so I working not GOING to a work party). It was really fun because it was a fabulous event—It was at the Grand America and the food, my oh my, was SPECTACULAR! So my day was filled with getting ready for that. Josh gave me a nice card that was a Happy Birthday from Obama (just what every girl needs, hehee) and a gift card (also a VERY smart gift for this girl of his!).

I wanted to post on Thanksgiving, but of course, didn't get around to it. Josh and I ran /walked in the Cold Turky race on Thanksgiving morning. After a glorious 6K run (Josh hadn't trained, I run a bit), Josh and I walked back to our car to find that it was out of gas. Brilliant! Uncle John came and saved us, but I was feeling a bit frantic about the turkey that was sitting in my oven at home. It all turned out okay though as my turkey was still in beautiful shape (and was perfectly delicious as I brined it for the first time this year...I completely recommend it!) when we got home after picking the kids up from Liz and Tim. Anyway, Thanksgiving was good, but what was REALLY good was the long weekend of hanging out. This is our first year of not being in school during the holidays and it is NICE! No studying although Josh did have to work a bit. Somehow I can deal with that SO much better than all the studying.

As it is Tuesday, my digital kits are up and rocking out at Two Peas. Some of it you have seen before: Simply Solid Collection, Element-ary Collection, Autumn Sparkles, and Worn Stamps. I added a new Winter Wonderland kit though.

Be sure to check out everything else in my shop there! Hope you are all having a happy December!

Decor8 Giveaway & Christmas Photoshoot

2008-11-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

I was just over at Decor8 and you should check out the giveaway Holly has going on! It's for people who may have aspirations to open a creative business. Go check it out!

It's Tuesday, so my lazy days collection is premiering at 2Peas in a Bucket! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being at 2Peas! The community is VERY cool and the designers are awesome!

If you get a chance, you should check out Sande Krieger's blog...I'm always sneaking a peek at her stuff! It's very fun and creative.

Amazingly enough, I am ahead of the game this year and I have already printed my Christmas cards. Remember my Costco post? So I ran 75 cards at Costco. I'll give you the pros and cons. Pros: Wow! The turnaround time is AMAZING! I was expecting a couple of days...try an hour. Yes, I know it is called one hour photo, but at Christmas time I have seen it take them a LONG time to get cards to people. Another pro is that the size and photo itself are SO cool! And cheap ($15 for 50 plus the envelopes!). The cons...I was disapointed in the quality of the stock they print it on...it's pretty flimsy as most Christmas greeting cards out there are. I love really nice thick stock for my cards. The flimsiness is probably made worse by how large the card is. Because many of you will be getting my Christmas card, I will just post some photographs from the shoot that my sister SuiKim took. I'll post the actually Christmas card maybe a bit later.

A word about Karaoke

2008-11-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

Did I mention that we have a Karaoke machine? We have managed to have only one party even though when I bought it I thought it would be a regular Friday night bonanza. I guess we've just been too busy! Anyway, it looks like the kids have caught the bug! Siri and Fliss LOVE holding the mics and pretending to sing. Here they are with their cousin Caroline. Catch them on American IDol in 15 years.

ummm, did I mention this was taken at 2 in the afternoon. And what are my kids wearing? Yep, that's right—pajamas. We're starting a new fashion trend for singers.

I think flissa's "puffball hair" is ABSOLUTELY fantastic enough for American Idol...lol

Hooray, I'm officially on 2Peas!

2008-11-18T09:51:00.001-08:00

It's Tuesday, and it means that my premier on 2Peas has happened! Go check out the Digi kits or my name here! Enjoy!

A couple of days ago, we watched Dan in Real Life. It was fantastic! I was afraid I was getting a glimpse into what my darling little girls might be turning into though...Ahhh!!!

I'd totally recommend renting it. I thought it was good flick ESPECIALLY if you like Steve Carrell (which I do!).

In other news, I have been looking for a black dress for a formal I have for work. It was AWEFUL! I just could find anything age appropriate, sophisticated, and modest. It's like those things aren't allowed to go together. I tried everything online (Nordstroms, Dillards, Macys, specialty boutiques, and more!) and the malls (Banana R, JCrew, etc). After much searching and being completely annoyed at the selections, I saw a girl in a shop wearing EXACTLY what I wanted. She said her neighbor owned the shop she bought it from and it was online (music to my ears!!!). Anyway, I'm sharing with you because it is a FABULOUS store! It's call the Shabby Apple.

I love their selection...it's modest, but fashionable. i got the Antiquated with the red sash (the perfect christmas dress!).

If you are looking for digi nirvana...& FINALLY, the halloween pictures!

2008-11-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

Digi Nirvana has now been re-routed to Card Nirvana. If you have questions related to Digi Nirvana's closing or product information, please email me at carina@diginirvana.com.

You'll find the premiere of my products as 2Peas in A Bucket is this Tuesday with the Bella Collection!

Check it out on Tuesday!

So, I have put it off long enough, but here it is (only 2 weeks later) my halloween photos of my girls. And for your viewing pleasure, I have eliminated the MILLIONS of photos I took to give you a small storyboard of exactly how taking photos of my girls went (I am sure many of you have experienced this very same thing). Here we go:

You'll give us candy? Sure mom, we'll sit for a couple of photos.

candy, candy, candy...candy makes so happy. We have no idea that we'll get plenty of candy from complete strangers in just a few minutes and won't have to do all this smiling and posing for mom.

Oh, look! If we decide to run out of house and sit on the front porch, mom will chase us and continue to take pictures of us and bribe us with candy. I wonder where else we can get her to chase us...

No really, mom. I'm sick of the picture taking and I'm going to cry.

And cry.

While my sister looks bored.

Please tell me you all did the exact same thing with your kids on halloween night? lol!

Here are some other photos from before and later that night:

A look of distress-is it because the top won't fit just right or because there is a pumpkin with a big hole in it? One cannot say...

Master carver creating his awe-inspiring pirate pumpkin. No pictures of it, sorry. You'll have to be awe-inspired by somebody elses pumpkin pirate.

We met up later that night with a family in our ward and this is Siri with her friend Katie.

Flissy looking very angelic as Tinker Bell. (If you couldn't tell from the Photos, Siri was Ariel although by the end of the night the entire ruffle at the bottom had torn off).

All and all a fun evening (my kids forget about the halloween candy after only one day)! Sorry it took me so long to post!

Big News! I'm Moving to 2Peas!

2008-11-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I know, I know, I haven't updated for a while and I SERIOUSLY have so many photos, etc. etc that I have been meaning to blog. This one is going to have to be a short one though because I have a lot of preview-making to do tonight. Why you ask? Because, the good news, is that I am moving my entire store into Two Peas In A Bucket!!!! I am so excited for the move and I hope you guys will check me out there! I'm the newest digital designer and I think it's going to be a great group to work with!!!!

The sad news is that because I am moving to 2Peas, I will closing Digi Nirvana. Digi Nirvana will be redirected to Card Nirvana (which will still be up and running as usual—in fact you should see all the cute new baby announcements and holiday cards!).

Digi Nirvana's closing date is this Sunday (yes! I know it is fast!), November 16th and a few of my products will be premiering at 2Peas on Tuesday November 18th! Thank you all for your support of Digi Nirvana!

It's Here! The New Bella Collection!

2008-11-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

You can also enter for the free giveaway for the entire collection (all 12 products!) in the forum here. It's a great chance to win so go ahead and post a thread in the forum for it!

Christmas Cards

2008-11-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you are probably starting to think about getting your Christmas cards together—the card type, the photos, and the most dreaded thing of all—getting together the addresses on my list! So today when I went to Costco, I found this AWESOME new size that I think is FANTASTIC! And what a great deal:

6x7½ photo greeting cards
Creating a photo greeting card is fun and easy. Choose from many designs and add your own personalized message. Each order includes envelopes. Available for pickup at Costco warehouse only.
$14.99 set of 50
$5.99 additional sets of 25

I think that turns out to be 29 cents a card...plus they throw in the envelopes! What a great deal! I'm tempted to print this size because it is so cute! I also got an brochure from snapfish today. They have a deal for 20 free prints (sounds good to me!) and after that they are only 9 cents each. Not bad, huh? What really caught my eye in the brochure where the coasters (this pic isn't as cute), but I am certainly tempted by them:

So what am I doing for my pics this year. Last year we took photos of the girls on the antique white piano and the girls wore brown velvet dresses. his year, my little sister SuiKim is coming down to take photos of the girls. I have dresses for them, but I'm sort of thinking of taking more whimsical photos of them in their tutus. We'll have to see. I'll let you all know how they turned out! Of course, whatever card I design for myself will also probably get sold on cardnirvana so you can be watching for it:) (You can see last year's card here.

Bella Line—Coming Soon!

2008-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

Halloween Blitz

2008-10-30T20:36:00.001-07:00

I will post the last part of the Art Convention soon! Also for anyone who picks up the minikit freebies: tomorrow is the last day of the October minikit freebie and you will be able to pick up the November minikit freebie on Saturday! Be sure to check it out!

Art Convention Part 2—Channeling My Inner Artist

2008-10-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, if you haven't read Part 1, scroll down and read that first, because much of this will be out of context if you don't! So most of the time spent at this convention was, of course, doing art. I mentioned that this year's theme was Spanish TinWork. Amy had us make a book using metal tape (seriously, I loved the stuff!) as a first project.

While most of you know that I am a designer, art, well, art has never really been something I am drawn to (I mean, other than buying other people's). I do believe in creativity...I think we all have that in us, but art, well, let's just say it's never been a strong point for me. So I completely surprised myself by using techniques I use in Photoshop as a designer to become a collage artist! I had the best time with the layering. I liked making this first book so much that I made two more (all coptic bound):

We also went on a dumpster dive, which gave me some material for this next piece.

My last two pieces where my biggest: 18 inches by 18 inches. I'm actually framing them for my living room, take a look:

This last one is my favorite. I used metal for both pieces that were etched and distressed. Obviously, there is a bird theme running through three of the pieces...loving birds!!! Here's a few of the ladies hard at work:

The first is Linda at work and the second if Pat. I managed to only get the two of them from our group on film. Check out these pieces that Linda made:

I love these little metal birds...they are so cute! One of Pat's pieces was a retablo (probably spelled incorrectly)...Here's the only photo I got of it (it's in the left hand corner of the photo:

So anyway, I loved creating the art in a very non-judgemental environment and the freedom of it all.

OKay, I am going to make a quick diversion from the Art Convention for one second, and then I'm off to bed...We borrowed the TinkerBell movie tonight for the girls (It came out today)...and we all loved it (Siri was in heaven!). Wondering if anybody else borrowed/bought it and what did you think? Love or hate?

Here's the link to one of the trailers: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1131347993/

Art Convention Part 1—Here We Go!

2008-10-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

So I feel as if I don't know where to start, so as Maria says, "Let's start at the very beginning..." I know I posted rather quickly about Albquerque (because we were at a hotel that night with Internet access). So why don't I tell you what the heck I was doing to begin with? Amy Flowers of Shrewd Arts (http://www.shrewdarts.com)
does these art trips called New Mexico Art Adventures. She has one spring session (which is usually full) and two fall sessions (third week of October and first week of November). Anyway, we go to museums, get inspired, and create art at the Casa Del Gavilan. We take up the entire inn and eat fabulously (via Isabell's fantastic breakfasts and Amy's cooking and taking us out). Amy usually has a theme for each year. This year was Spanish Tinwork. So we worked with metal. We created patina's via chemicals, etched, and a number of other things (I'll show you all the art work in another post!). Okay, so I think I gave you enough background...Check out her website if you want to find out more about Amy and what she does! I know that she gives classes in the midwest, has a studio set up in Ohio, and does these art adventures in New Mexico (She's all over the place!)

Okay, back to the storyline. We spent the following day (Sunday) in Santa Fe. I LOVED Santa Fe. We first went to the Spanish Colonial Museum and on to the gift shops at Museum Hill. Here's a glance at what we did there.

Yes, this is me dressing up in the kids section (incorrectly according to the instructions).

This beautiful little historic house was next to the Spanish Colonial Museum and apparently was part of a series of houses that was once on the property (This was the parlor room).

This piece made me really miss my little girls! (This one was taken also on Museum Hill.) It's a sweet piece.

There was a Native American ceremony on the hill. It was really cool. Check out the shadows (It must have been so hot for the dancers! I was certainly sweating!)

This was in the place we had lunch in Santa Fe (in the plaza). Now that we all know President Bush's phone number, we should all make a little call, don't you think, hehee! Seriously, I wonder who's phone number they put up there and how many times the guy gets calls.

Here's Pat and Linda. Pat is a gourd artist (She makes these really cool masks, maybe I can get her to send me some pics so I can show you guys). Linda was Amy Flowers Assistant for the trip. You'll see some of her artwork later.

Also known as the "Road Warrior" and "Big Blue." I like Big Blue myself (except when I was cramped on the back seat, lol). Seriously, this trip wouldn't have even felt AUTHENTIC without this little baby!

Okay, this was the counter of a GAS STATION...Isn't it SOOOO awesome? Most of you know my obsession for typography and old labels so you why I'm in HEAVEN. The guy at the counter suggested I get a picture of him too. Umm, decided not to take that one.

As any good, shopper-on-vacation would do, I got a lot of goodies along the way. Amy took us to some fantastic paper shops and I felt really inspired. Check out the upside down Wassliy chair (I love the way it is illustrated) and glittery Papaya Calendar (OBSESSED!). Seriously, don't be surprised when I revisit this little company. Please go check out their website, it's fantastic!

My favorite purchase of the trip...my little straw cowgirl hat! I wore it the whole time. Take a look at those fantastic clouds in the back! This was taken bright and early in Cimarron, New Mexico. We stayed at the Casa del Gavilan for most of the trip. Did a lot of studio work. I didn't take any pictures that do this place justice so you'll just have to go look at their site. Talk about quiet BEAUTIFUL get aways. It is near the Boyscout Ranch (Philmont). Beautiful country.

So I'm worn out just writing this tiny little bit about my trip, but I have to stop there for the night. I'll be back to post more soon! I think you'd be interested in the artwork and the locals in Cimarron and anything else I can think of to tell you about.

Also, in digital scrapbooking news, I should have a new line up at the end of this week, beginning of next! I think you guys are going to like it. It's completely different then anything else I've had up on the site and I think you'll like it! Goodnight!

It's Coming!

2008-10-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

So, I am finally back from my Art Convention (well, rested, but now freaking out at the mountain of stuff in front of me!) and I have SO much to tell you guys about!!! Because there is so much to tell, I've broken it into three parts (mostly so I can organize my pics for you and make sure I have all the website links that you need:)). I'll put Part 1 up tonight!

First Day in Albuquerque

2008-10-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

So, I know that I said I woudl not be writing on my blog, but as it turns out we were in Albuquerque all day today (and spending the night in town) and we'll be in Santa Fe all day tomorrow. So here I am, with a friendly update on life.

Today, after my very short plane ride and talking to a gentleman who had SERIOUS New Mexico pirde (Texas pride—yes, California pride—yes, but New Mexico—This was new!), I met up with my little group at convention. Amy Flowers is the coordinator of this event and we spent the day at the Albuquerque Museum of History and Art, shopping at a stamp store, and then a FABULOUS paper store (Will post photos of those soon), dinner at a cool little diner (can we say Greek Goddess Salad—Deep fried FETA cheese—yum!).

Here are some pics of the day (sorry there are not many):

The outside of the museum...yes, yes, I see your interested peaked, even rising.

What do you THINK of this sculpture, how do you FEEL when you look at it, what do you...(Okay, done pretending to be an art critic).

Josh, I took a photo of this one in honor of you.

This my still-life that I put together. I may become a painter after-all with such awesome skills. Or make a career of it...still-life-putter-together-er.

I really do in-fact love this one.

And that's it. No giving away all my creative inventions as of yet! More to come...(don't act so scared!)

I also got an email today from my friend Amy, who just started a new blog that is all about fun things to do with your kids. She has up A TON of things to do for october/halloweenish type stuff on the blog that I would totally recommend checking out. Here's the link: http://amy-fun4kids.blogspot.com/

How Cute Are These!

2008-10-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

Check out the darling new invitations Jen Shaw just put up at CardNirvana:

Alright a bit about me—no blogging for me for a week. I'm off to an art convention for a week in Santa Fe. I'm so excited about it! I'll let you all know how it goes. Apparently, there is barely any Internet service, cell phone service because we are staying at a mission in the middle of no where. Okay, so everyone have a great week!

Giveaway at DST

2008-10-14T12:10:00.001-07:00

There is a cardnirvana giveaway going on a DigiShopTalk right now! Just click on the link and it will take you right to the thread! We're giving away gift certificates to pick up some of the new digital cards in the store. Go head and submit to the thread!

Check out the new French Boutique Collection that I just put up last night:

You can see them individually in the designer collection or general party categories.

More invitations being uploaded daily so keep checking back!

Card Nirvana Grand Opening

2008-10-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well, sort of a grand opening. Card Nirvana is my brand new digital invitation site..meant to give anyone, and I mean ANYONE the ability to customize a designer made invitation. Card Nirvana is absolutely ready for business, except that all the cards haven't bee uploaded yet:). So go ahead and take a look at the site—especially check out how it works. If you can download Adobe Acrobat (which is completely free if you don't have it already on your computer) and can open a pdf, you can download these super, INEXPENSIVE cards, and customize it for any event. Check out the site here: http://www.cardnirvana.com. The other designers will also be uploading their cards this coming week. Many of you may have heard of Jen Shaw, who is the Art Director and Product Designer for My Minds Eye. She is joining the site and has some beautiful cards for you! So keep an eye for this new site!

I'll have sample cards for free download within the next week so everyone can see how easy it is!

Nicole's Photo Actions

2008-10-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

So I'm trying to be a more dedicated blog writer...especially because I love sharing some of the stuff I find that I consider "design worthy." So here's my latest find: http://shop.nicholev.com/

I've actually known about Nicole for a while, but I have to rave about her Photoshop Actions. They really do amazing things! Seriously take a look:

This is her Studio Action Set. It's this kind of thing that makes a decent photo into a FABULOUS photo!

This is Nicole's Essential Color Pop. Amazing, huh?

Take a look at her website for more! Her main site is here: http://www.nicholev.com/. Honestly, if you get a chance you ought to take a look at her photography. It is AMAZING! I've been checking out her weddings one...and the photos are very unique.

Conference Weekend

2008-10-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Somehow it seems like Conference weekend. It's the signaling for the cold, fall days to hit. Saturday it started to rain and rain...and it hasn't let up since. Today we had to get out the warm pjammy's because Siri found me said she needed to get warm. So we are spending the day in jammy's (I love Conference weekend for that!) and listening to general conference.

SuiKim and Steven also visited this weekend...they went to the conference center for the first session of conference.

I also have been trying to get the top of our piano under control. Flylady says that we all have our hotspots. We have many but the worse is the top of the piano. It's in the living room/entrance way into the house and we (Josh and I) dump everything (mail, keys, toys) on the top as we walk through the house. The hardest thing to keep under control for us is the paper "stuff." You know, the mail, bills, coupons...they all make their way to the top of the piano. So I bought this little filing system almost in desperation (I maybe should have taken a before photo). It was $25 from TGIMax. Totally worth it! It cleans everything up pretty fast. I'm realistic enough to know that the piano is still going to be a hot spot (Yes, I still leave my hard drive and laptop up there!), but It will hopefully will be easier to clean up from time to time.

Better go to Bed

2008-10-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

So I think I am procrastinating going to bed. I watched Made of Honor one and a half times (after which I read on another blog that Project Runway Season 5 has been going on! WHAT!). On to that topic (yes, I am rambling), I decided to go ahead and watch on youtube.com episode 12 and just skip everything (I'll watch it all when it comes out on DVD). I feel completely out of it because we have to rely on our blockbuster rentals to give us news of the outside world. Well, either that or my receptionist at work, Sarah (today she introduced me to the Veronicas). It's because we get NO TV RECEPTION at this house we are renting. Lame-o! So, I am sadly behind on The Office as well.

Done with the rant...Anybody else watching Project Runway? can you tell me if Kenly (Is that her name?) has been that annoying the entire first 11 episodes?

Okay, other news, the digi nirvana sale ends on Saturday, so go and check out the 29 cent quickpages and 39 cent spooky alpha!

Also pick up the new October Challenge Minikit! It's of course, very halloweenish. I'm sure there will be a rant soon enough about how much I love fall and halloween, what my kids will be wearing, and so forth. I know you are just DYING for that rant (listen, please know that was sarcastic!)

Hope everyone has a fabulous Friday tomorrow!!!

Project with Scrapbook Papers

2008-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of those projects that has been mulling around in my head, but I hadn't gotten around to doing. Finally, today I decided to buckle down and do it with Siri, my 4 year old. I had a lot of papers from the Laundry Line from My Minds Eye Scrapbooking company. The papers are BEAUTIFUL—they have a thin layer of glitter on them and I can't believe how sweet they are. Anyway, I went through my craft boxes and found some brass brads, masking tape, a ruler, and some crocheting yarn (I was hoping to find some twine, but to no avail). I made these little flags for the girls' room. We are renting right now, so anything like this makes the room look a little better.

I cut out triangles of the scrapbook paper (I cut out the paper with one on the front and one of the back so that they matched up evenly). I just used masking tape to get the triangles together (I thought about using some good glue, but decided it wasn't worth the hassle). I wanted really cool, glittery opposite sides so this worked out nicely. I also liked the thickness of the two pieces of scrapbook paper. Then I made holes—one inch from each end of the flag. I put the yarn into the brad and then put the brad into the paper. Sorry if this makes no sense (as I write it, it doesn't make much sense to me)...so just look at the photos!

OKay you can see the brads in the photo. The string is just strung along the front through the brads.

Here you can see the backs (with the brads).

Wait, did I mention that Siri was helping me? It was fun although she ended up just cutting up the same piece of scrapbook paper into little tiny bits and trying very hard to follow the lines (because Ms Wendy says that cutting on the lines is a good thing to learn). So be warned, your kids room will be pretty, but your kitchen will be a mess when you are done with this project!

Things I'm Obsessed With

2008-09-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

I was just on decor8blog and Holly was asking what our obsessions are right now. I've actually been meaning to post a couple of things I love right now, so here they are:

I think this is the Univers font of silverware. The proportions are so beautiful and timeless. Modern, sleek, and classic! It's from Crate and Barrel and called the Cirrus Set.

I found this doll on etsy. The link is:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=14182467. I think it is super darling.

This one's from cb2.com. I've been in love with peekabo tables for a while. Other than budget, I have no idea how it would fare with my 1 and 4 year olds....I'm not sure it's made to stand up to finger prints....but I love it anyway!

This one certainly is not for everyone. I LOVE Bertoia chairs though. I like the shape and design.

2008-09-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

Check out the new sale going on this coming week!

Also thought I'd give a head's up to everyone that a new sister site will be opening October 10th. I can't reveal too many details right now, but keep an eye for it! I'll post the link here and in the shop!

Josh passes the Bar

2008-09-20T11:05:00.001-07:00

I forgot to add that we found out that Josh passed the bar while we were in Los Cabos! CONGRATS, honey!

Los Cabos

2008-09-20T10:45:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I know I haven't written for a while because I was in Los Cabos this last week doing a convention for work. The resort we stayed at was BEAUTIFUL! I'd highly recommend it to anyone. It's called the Westin Resort and Spa. Got lots of sun and "baby" pena coladas as they call them (non alcoholic). Josh went fishing on Tuesday (he was sea sick the entire time) and we went on a catamaran cruise with snorkeling (the coral reef wasn't so great, but it was fun anyway) and I loved all the people at the convention! Here are some pics!

If you want to see cute videos of the girls, SuiKim has some on her blog (she watched them). SuiKim and Steven's Blog

Halloween/Fall Line here!

2008-09-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

Check out the shop for the new Halloween and Fall line! Here's a peek at a couple of quickpages and kits! This is NOT the entire line...go to the shop to see it all!

See more in the Digi Nirvana Shop!

What would you put in a Night time or Morning Video for your kids?

2008-09-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

So when I'm not working on Digi Nirvana (and a new website coming soon:)), I have this thing called a day job, lol. I'm a Communications and Event Director for an association. So this coming week, my first big convention that I have been planning is in Los Cabos, Mexico (yes, a tough life, I know). Anyway, it's the first real time that we have been away from both of the girls. And it's not just some mini-trip. It's a WHOLE WEEK! I'm a tiny bit freaked out and every time I think of it, I think of something new that needs to be taken care of before we leave. Wait, it just happened again...I had to stop writing this post and make another note in my planner! So I have been procrastinating writing up the itinerary for the girls (need for such a thing because of preschool, relative switching, etc). Plus, my sister will be watching them for part of the time (SuiKim) and she's never watched them before (you'll be great, hon! I'm just a nervous wreck!) And of course, YOU know all your kids routines, but other people don't so it is all very crazy!

So headsup, not much blogging that week, but I will FOR sure get some pics and info up when I get back!

One thing that we are doing, which I'm really excited about (and makes me less nervous) is creating video footage for each night and morning for the kids...fixing it up in iMovie and making a DVD for the girls. That way they get a book read each night from us and "I love you's" in the mornings...and perhaps a count down for when we are coming home. Wondering if any of you have done this before...and even if you haven't, what would you put in your bedtime and morning videos to your kids?

Autism Article

2008-09-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I just published an article for the Daily Scrapper on Autism and Scrapbooking. Take a look at http://www.thedailyscrapper.com. There is also a link to contribute to Walk for Autism. (and eventually a follow up article by Tammy, a person I interviewed for the article).

Public Service Announcement

2008-09-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Okay...2 really. The first is for anyone who thinks they need website hosting. I had BIG problems with my previous hosting company. Whatever you do DO NOT use dot5hosting! They made everything a hassle and I sat on the phone for over an hour at a time (I think I left my phone on one time for an hour and a half!) just to speak to someone completely incompetent! Anyway, so I made the switch in June to this new hosting company (by the way, did I mention that the old hosting company LOST all my databases?, which is all of you had to create new logins at the store?). Thenew hosting company's name is bluehost.com and I am doing another website (You guys will see it's launch October 1st!) and the entire process to get the domain name, upload my shopping cart system, and do a redirect took 10 MINUTES! It rocked!!!!!! Thanks bluehost!!!!

Okay, the second service announcement is a bit personal, but I would feel like an absolute idiot to keep this information to myself. This is for all the mom's out there! I first heard of the BioFit bra from my sister-in-law's friend Lacy a couple of weeks ago. As it happens, I was looking for a bra and went to Victoria Secrets to find one. I just happened to try this one on.....OM Gosh!!!! It is heaven!!!!!!! I am telling you, if you have suffered what many of us breastfeeding moms have suffered, this bra is for you! It's a bit expensive, but COMPLETELY worth it! Okay, done with all the talk that may make my husband blush when he reads this.

In other news, my daugher Siri has 4 new invisible friends....do any of you have kids with invisible friends? We've never experienced it before, but for the most part, it is hilarious! Two of the friends are brother and sister (Jack and Chelsea). They live in Minnesota and their mom drops them between Utah and MInnesota (we moved from Minnesota to Utah 3 months ago). She also has a BABY invisible friend named Caroline (same as her cousin Caroline who happens to be older than her). I think she likes invisible baby Caroline because she can tell her what to do (something that isn't always the case with real life older cousin Caroline). Oh, and the last invisible friend is Sierre. Aparently invisible Caorline and Sierre are cousins. I didn't think there was anything to analyze there, but now I'm looking at this and thinking is Sierre Siri's alter ego?

If any of you have kids with invisible friends, I'd like to hear about it...I'm wondering how long this will last. I don't think it's a big deal (it's actually pretty funny), but I'd just interested! Happy Friday everyone!

New September MiniKit Freebie!

2008-09-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Alicia's new line is up! It's adorable! Take a look at in the shop!!! VISIT SHOP

There is also a new September Challenge minikit FREEBIE in the shop. It will be free until September 30th! Be sure to pick it up this month and participate in the challenges in the forum. It's on the home page of the shop...

A LITTLE NIRVANA FROM SIRI:
Siri: "The shortest times are the longest times of all." (Don't ask me! She usually says it when I say, "two more minutes.")

What's coming to Digi Nirvana...

2008-08-29T19:24:00.001-07:00

Right now, you'll notice that Megan's got a couple of new kits up. Enjoy! Alicia will have a new line out for the store for labor day. And a week after that, I'll have all the new autumn and halloween kits and elements up. So tons of new products coming to the store! Keep checking back as the front page of the shop will be changing weekly!

Stay at Home Dad

2008-08-25T22:30:00.001-07:00

I saw this link at DST and I thought I would die laughing! Take a look!

Josh's Surprise Party

2008-08-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, once again, I'm behind in my updates. I just need another hour in my day (preferably when the kids are asleep to get everything finished that I say I am going to finish hehee). So I was going to report on the surprise party I threw for Josh's graduation (and for taking the bar).

After changing the date once (from July to August...and yes, the invites were already sent out and I had to call everyone back. Josh failed to inform me of a class he was taking on Saturday) and changing the time once (August 2nd at 11:45am got rearranged to 12:45 pm when Josh told me the NIGHT BEFORE THE PARTY that he had an MPRE class until 1pm—man, I was stressed!), we had a really great party! Josh was COMPLETELY surprised. It made it worth it because he was SO confused and then just happy!

My sister-in-law Taylor feeding Fliss a lime.

View from the other side of the table...lol

Two cousins with lollipops!

A photograph by Taylor

Siri bathed in gopher-colored balloons!

Thanks to everyone who came! It was so fun!

As for the store, there's a new challenge minikit freebie on the homepage of the shop. In the forum, you can win gift certificate money by using the challenge freebie for layouts! Here's the link to the forum challenges to see how it works. It's easy and fun. Here's a peek at the freebie:

The LAZY DAY COLLECTION

2008-08-04T12:38:00.001-07:00

So after some not-so-lazy days, I finished this little collection! I hope you all enjoy it! There are sales going on right now on the accessories, multipacks and quickpages. Be sure to check out the shop!

Here are the quickpages!

Also, I WILL get the photos up of Josh's surprise graduation party soon! A thank you to everyone for keeping it a secret! It was a big success!

Make your Blog a book!

2008-07-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

So I was perusing digishoptalk today and someone posted a link I have been looking for! It's a company that changes your blog into a book. The thing that I love the most about it, is that this sort of takes care of two birds with one stone. I can blog/journal...well, at least the highlights, and then get it into a family book! It makes me so happy! I like digi scrapping because I think it really captures the moments in our lives that are interesting and beautiful, but I tend to put a lot of "other" stuff on my blog...things I'm into, funny antidotes about the kids, etc.

So tired of me rambling about it, and just want the link....lol. Here is it http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook . Check it out and tell me what you think!

Pioneer Day and Lola's B-day Party

2008-07-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

In Utah, we have a Pioneer Day celebration on the 24th of July. I've never really celebrated it before (mostly because I only lived in Utah as an undergrad), but we had a great time going to the parade and having a bbq with friends and family. Here are some of the highlights:

water balloon toss with Liz and Caroline (me and Siri).

Felicity doing a lot of wandering around (and generally having a great time) at the bbq

My two angels! (Flissa has her bottle because she was almost ready for bed)

Siri's obsession with Bob and Judy's Sugar Plum Princess and fairy dolls (yes, she took these pictures)

Watching the fireworks

Making "snakes" (Siri's favorite part!)

And because I have been a slacker (and didn't post these ON Pioneer Day), I also have photos of Lola's Birthday Party from last night. It was at Nate and Michelle's house and was SO fun! The first part was outside...there was a huge wind storm that can in and blew away napkins, plates, chips...I even chased after a sack and got made fun of (I couldn't really tell if I was going to really get it or not, so I kept stopping then chasing...you can imagine how ridiculous I looked).

I can't believe Lola is 2! Happy Birthday Lola!

Felicity with flower in her hair and lay

The birthday girl!

Siri posing for the camera

Tim and Jack

I feel like this is the face I got from her every time I snapped a picture!

Baily and Lola

Lazy Days of Summer

2008-07-21T19:29:00.001-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of things to come! The Lazy Days collection will be out in a couple of weeks. Be sure to keep an eye out for this vintage line! It's going to be beautiful!

Decor8 Giveaway

2008-07-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

I just saw that on http://www.decor8.blogspot.com there is a giveaway going on...there is some REALLY awesome stuff and I totally adore this blog! Go check it out! I know it means less of chance for me but,l holy cow, it is great stuff! I want everyone to get a chance at it! Get motivated to be creative! Here are a couple of the photos. Feel free to go and see more pics!

SWATCHES Kits

2008-07-18T10:30:00.001-07:00

Now you cen get the Swatches paper packs and elements in kits! They also happen to be on sale so check them out at Digi Nirvana! Here's a sampling:

Swatches Layout

2008-07-16T23:02:00.001-07:00

Here's a new layout I just finished using the new swatches line at Digi Nirvana. Credits:Swatches Collection: Frame Elements, Mary Paper Pack, Mary Elements, swirl from Bess Elements all from http://www.diginirvana.com/zen_cart/store

My Minds Eye

2008-07-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

So I was with my friend Jen B. (Art Director at My Minds Eye) yesterday and she gave me a peek at the new line at My Minds Eye (that's a scrapbooking company for all you non-scrappers out there). Holy cow, it is BEAUTIFUL. They have all these gorgeous elements with glitter letters and glitter paper. Normally, I am not a "glitter" person, but she COMPLETELY converted me! The stuff is fabulous and will be showing at the CHA conference this weekend. If you want to peek at the lines, look here: mymindseye.com.

It's pretty awesome to look at on the Internet, but wait until you HOLD the stuff! It is awesome!

SWATCHES Giveaway!

2008-07-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Theresa is giving away parts of the swatches collection today at DigiShopTalk and Digi Nirvana's Forum (in the Happy Place). You should take a look and give it a try when you get a chance! It's free to sign up in the forum and there are giveaways every week.

Happy Scrapbooking! More of the SWATCHES COLLECTION to come!

99 cent SALE

2008-07-11T10:01:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! Digi nirvana is having a 99 cent sale starting Monday July 14 and ending Wednesday July 16! Be sure to check it out! Tons of items will be included in this sale including kits, paper packs, elements, and alphas!

The Digi Scrap Club

2008-07-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies! For anyone I have talked to about starting a Digi Scrap Club, I have two new polls up for you guys to answer! Take a look and we will talk! If you have any other suggestions on the Digi Scrap Club, be sure to post them here! The first one will be at my house and I will give a tutorial on Adobe Photoshop Elements at the beginning for everyone just getting started! Bring your laptap!

Fourth of July

2008-07-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

We had a great fourth of July! We went to Kaysville to be with family and check out the water parade. We then had a quiet BBQ at Mary's house and walked to the Sugarhouse fireworks (If I had any idea it was going to be a mile there and back...I don't know if I would have agreed!).

here's some pics!

Flissa and her second cousin Austin getting in the pool clothing and all!

Siri, cold and wet.

Uncle Nate, cousin Lola, Siri and Flissa and fireworks!

Josh and Hey Jude

2008-06-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

So I've been meaning to post this picture of Josh and his big win. We were at the Millcreek Festival (organized by our good friend Aimee McConkie) and we stopped by the Zion's Bank booth. Siri really wanted a soda...but anyone who stopped at that booth had to sing for a treat. So Josh being the good father that he is, asked what they wanted him to sing. They said they didn't care as long as it wasn't "Happy Birthday" (they were pretty sick of that one). So Josh sang, "Hey Jude." The girls loved it so much that Josh was declared the official winner of the day and won this fun goodie basket.

Just a regular Ole Day

2008-06-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

These a couple of quick pictures we took this morning! I just felt like the girls looked so sweet this morning! (I guess I feel that everyday but I actually had the camera within reaching distance this morning).

Siri was insistent on taking a couple of pictures of me and Flissa. Not bad for 4-year-old with the light behind her subjects, eh?

Congrats on the winners in the Happy Place in the forum! Have fun with your free letters of love quickbooks!

Jane Austin

2008-06-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Liz Budd's site and I had to try it because I am such a Jane Austin fan (or freak...which every you prefer). This is what I am (if you click on the link you can take a the test).

Take the Quiz here!

I am not the least surprised that I am Elizabeth Bennett!:)

Look at this cute guy!

2008-06-16T00:17:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law had me make this for my nephew's upcoming first birthday...Isn't he a cute guy!

In other wonderful news, the website is back in business! You'll notice some of the descriptions are missing, but those will come back soon. There is also a brand new forum! Check out the happy place because the first 50 people to signup and make a comment in that column will get a gift certificate to sample something from the shop.

You'll also notice Alica and Megan's stuff up now too! Check out there stuff at: http://www.diginirvana.com/zen_cart.store

Here's is my new mini line...currently only 2 paper packs are up(only the first one is show here)!

Website

2008-06-02T19:27:00.001-07:00

It is the never-ending website saga. So, just to let everyone know what has been happening. My hosting company changed to a new platform 3 weeks ago. Long story short, the platform did not support my downloads. It took two weeks for them to figure this out, so I had to move to a NEW hosting company. Well, before all the files could be retrieved from the old hosting company, they deleted the account. So NOW they are uploading all of the databases again so they can be moved over to the new hosting company. The new website design has been finished for a long time and I have just been calling everyday to get the status and HOPE they are finished with this process. So I am REALLY sorry everyone, but the good part is there will be new stuff up and a new look when it goes online. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that it goes up by Wednesday! I am SO ready for this to be over with so I can just design again!

Siri's Message

2008-05-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

Siri wanted to say something:

siri gloria gardner zcvbnzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzvvvvvvvbbbbbbbbzzzzlllllkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvpppppp zzzzxxxvvvnnnmmmlllpppooojjjhhhgggfffdddsssaaazzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzxxxccccvvvbbbnnnmmmnnnnnnnpppoooiiiuuuuyyyttrrsewqmrferftgiguti67ugbtbiv8bet7r t7t8yr8vvvvvv hfbbbbbjmfgbkjfgb hjv gjkhbmnbm nm,vcgvnv

mgvb., b.

mnfd gvhj vbrhugbu

Once again, Digi Nirvana...

2008-05-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

So I am told that Digi Nirvana will be back up and running sometime on Monday. I am SO sorry for the inconvenience everyone! The website is coming back new and improved! There will even be a new forum (which probably won't be up until Wednesday).

In other news, Siri had an emergency room visit at 1am in the morning last night. I'm not going into the details because it is too sad and too gross. Basically, she had been vomiting for 24 hours and was getting worse. Turns out she was clogged from the other end. She is feeling much better today (after nap and fluids), but is complaining because she wants to eat (and, of course, cannot). She is now on the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet for a couple of days. It's been a rough week with the girls but we're glad both of them are okay (Flissa was sick for a couple of days with the stomach flu before this AND there is the bleeding thumb incident—what, haven't told you about it? Basically, she had a thumb that would not stop bleeding...not much more other than a frantic mom, a run to the pediatricians office and a frantic mom).

All's well that ends well.

Top Ten Things I Miss about Minnesota

2008-05-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

So I think Josh would disagree with my top ten, but here it is:

TOP TEN REASONS I WILL MISS MINNESOTA

10. The Mall of America + Ikea (yes, right next to each other)—What? You didn't expect this to make my list? Come on! I lived in MINNESOTA...what else was there to do in the sub zero weather?

9. The Lakes—It's not called the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes for nothing! Michelle V., I'm totally going to miss being a Beach bum with you this summer!

8. Duluth & the Olcott House—Lake Superior was beautiful and the bed & breakfast a total treat!

7. CTC, University of Minnesota Student Housing—Yes, the management was unpredictable, but did you see our backyard playground? Not to mention the community! Miss you Alicia & Nick, Hun Woo, Lucia & Noelle, Lucy, Abby, Heather & Kyla, Lori, Smith family, Moss family, and the entire Gudmunssen clan!!!

6. The Children's Museum & the Minnesota Zoo—I couldn't choose one. I just couldn't. I loved them both so much!

5. The St. Anthony neighborhood strip—Muffeletta (yummy calamari!), library (within walking distance), Bibelot (my one-stop shop for gifts), and the Speedy Mart (Only one diaper left?)

4. Praire Home Companion—I will have to listen every Sunday to remind myself of the place where the women are strong, the men are good looking, and all the children are above average. PS If you ever get a chance to go to the live show, it is COMPLETELY worth it!

3. The State Fair—Yes, cheese curds and deep-fried candy bar on a stick, you will be missed! What other place in the world can I pay to eat a month's worth of calories and then get sick from them on the rides (I believe Michelle and Matt will never be forgiven!). Oh, and I have to include my favorite stuff for anyone going this year: the corn on the cob, deep fried cookies, Sweet Martha's Cookies, Australian potatoes, (of course, the cheese curds and deep fried candy bar), wild rice hamburger, corn dog, and mini donuts.

2. Our 4th of July Tradition—I actually have no idea how we are going to pull this one off in UT. Our fab tradition always included a day at Bunker Beach (swimming and sun bathing) then the fireworks in Stillwater, MN (which of course included dinner, a visit to the creamery for ice cream, and the bulk candy store). Oh, how I am going to miss those fireworks on the St. Croix coordinated to music!!!

1. All the friends we left behind—This was a no brainer. A bit sentimental, but the truth. We miss you all and will see you next summer when Josh and Steve go to boundary waters (Charis & Amy P., What do you think about house guests?)! And, darn it, I've got to figure out a reason to go to NYC so I can visit you guys in PA, Julie and Greg!

The number one reason I will not miss Minnesota? The weather—but I'm guessing this is at the top of every Minnesotan's list.

Woe...My website!

2008-05-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have to say "sorry" to all about the current state of the website. It is entirely out of my hands right now with my hosting company doing all sorts of weird things to it. It has been so frustrating, but be prepared to see the new website this coming week with addition of two more designers, Alicia and Megan!

Oh, and Amy P. I just downloaded the 'trail' pictures, and I will be sure to get that story up soon!

Because, I can't get to those pics right now (and I REALLY should go to bed), I will just share one quick story. We attended our new ward on Sunday. We are really liking it (but we miss you St. Paul Ward!). Siri, jumped right into Primary and had a great time. It also so happened that the Sunbeams were giving the sharing time for the entire Primary that day. All the sunbeams decorated little yellow visors and wore yellow shirts over their church clothing. The children were asked several different questions, but this was the best one: "How can you shine for him (Heavenly Father)?"

One child said, "When I obey my father and mother." Another said, "When I am a good big sister." Then it was Siri, who was asked, "How can you shine for him?" Her very serious reply, "By rainbows." Ha ha ha! Just trying to make our mark on the new ward!

We are moved!

2008-05-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

I wish I had the time to write more about the antics of our move...hopefully, I will get around to writing up everything this weekend. But, just so everyone knows, we are here safe and sound after airport waiting, slap-happy midnight cleaning parties, and hurried-graduations.

We will miss everyone in Minnesota. We made so many good friends. Josh and I will have to write our top ten list soon!

Love you all!

National Scrapbooking Day!

2008-05-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a very happy scrapbooking!!! Make sure and grab this coupon for my store! It's 25% off your entire purchase!

Coupon Code: NSD25

Last night Brooke threw us a 'going away' party. It was so fun, but made me a little sad. Maybe that's a good thing, right? Because that means we have made so many wonderful friends here and we'll miss it. We came to Minnesota with the intention of being here for 2 years to finish Master's degrees. Six years later, 3 1/2 graduate degrees and 2 kids, we are moving back to Utah. Oh how time flys!

This is Kate M. and Michelle's little girl, Ethnie.
Amelia and Siri—Aren't they adorable?
Brooke (the fabulous hostess) and Sue
Angela and me (The party was for Angela, too. Although I wish I could say I was going to do the exciting things that she is about to do this next year! She's moving to NYC and has a summer trip to Alaska planned. Oh, so jealous!)
Charis somehow managed to get Flissa's hair up into 2 ponytails. Nice work, Charis. Too bad you have a boy. lol
Josh and Steve with the boyfriend and girlfriend. Arranged marriages are great, aren't they?
Three days apart in age....pretty adorable!
Sammy REFUSED to take that look off her face no matter what funny faces I made! Aren't those cheeks yummy? Ellie, thanks for smiling.
Kate and Siri, while the adults were having too much fun to pay attention, ran out into the pouring rain to jump on the trampoline. And it was cold (look what these two are wearing)! I love these big hugs! We are going to miss you Kate!
Keaton, Lachelle, Emily, Amy, me, and Charis. Before this picture was taken, Amy was telling us a great story about her wallpaper...Amy you need to post a picture of what Andrew did on your blog!
Okay, this picture is an ode to Amy who suggested we all (well, I'm not sure what you call it—make air raspberries?) make these faces. She said that her brother has a blog where there are only pictures of people doing this. Fascinating, fascinating.
Fliss with a cookie.
Cute Michelle and me! I'm going to miss you, Michelle!

Flissy's Birthday Pics

2008-05-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics of Flissy's first birthday. I obviously wasn't thinking straight because I made her an ice cream cake. It was SO cold for her little hands! But she loves ice cream (I mean, I am guessing she likes ice cream...I would never feed sugar to a child under the age of 1! lol...please, please this is SO sarcastic!), so I think she liked it.

Isn't she a dear? And can you believe how much she looks like Josh?

In other news, Tomorrow is National Scrapbooking Day! In honor of it, I have a sale going on at Digi Nirvana. If you have never digi scraped before, this is a great way to get into it—a HUGE sale! Lots of stuff in store will be 25%-50% off and here is a coupon for an extra 25% off of that:

COUPON CODE: NSD25
for Digi Nirvana

I also put up the new Zen Girl's Profile page at Digi Nirvana. Check it out if you get a chance!

April's Challenge Winner

2008-05-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

And the winner (by random drawing) of the Ad Challenge for this Month is Tiffany Scraps!!! Tiffany, I'm sending you your gift certificate now!:)

New Layout

2008-04-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a new layout I did of Siri sliding in our backyard. It uses some of my new kits and the new Element-ary Line.

This layout uses papers from the Playtime for the girls Kit, Cupcake Kit, and Flora Kit, Element-ary Aviary Elements, Element-ary Glittery Overlays, Element-ary Glittery Swirls, Element-ary Inked Edges, and Alpha from the Playtime for the Guys Kit.
Check out the new Elementary Line in the store-Here's a preview:

More for the Typographic Nerd

2008-04-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

So I was taking a little browse around the Internet neigborhood and found this article on the 30 typefaces any graphic designer couldn't live without. It includes 15 serifs and 15 san-serif. I''d say that I am 80% in agreement:). I would have added Baskerville to the serif list (I favor it over Caslon). Otherwise, it's a great little clip on type!

In other news, the Playtime Kits are up and 20% off this weekend! Check it out in the store.

Happy 1st Birthday Flissa!

2008-04-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

My baby is 1! Flissa turned 1 today...I really felt like she was a little toddler today, not a baby anymore. Will post photos soon of the chocolate, ice cream feast! I haven't had time to blog as it is the end of semester for Josh and my students, our upcoming move, and getting a new little kit line out by this Friday at Digi Nirvana. I also will post some of my students final projects...I think you'll like them!

Fabulous Fabrics!

2008-04-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

I saw this in Domino Magazine a long time ago and I am always checking back at this website because the stuff is so gorgeous! The site is called Funktion Home. The aprons and kitchen towels are adorable. Here's my favorite. It's called the Belinda.

Aren't those fabrics gorgeous! Yummy, yummy! Definitely NOT your grandma's apron:). The site even has matching aprons for your little girls!

Digi Nirvana got a face lift!

2008-04-16T19:42:00.001-07:00

Digi Nirvana got a facelift today! Take a look! http://www.diginirvana.com

Fortune Cookies

2008-04-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

We had Chinese on Friday. Siri opened her fortune cookie and this is what it said:

It made me laugh since, of course, we are moving in a month. Because of the move, I interviewed for a job in Utah earlier Friday morning that was in a field I've never worked in before. I opened my fortune cookie and this is what it said:

Funny, huh? Maybe I should buy a few more fortune cookies to find out where to buy a house. lol.

Siri gave her first talk in church today. Of course, her mother forgot about it. I wrote her the talk as we walked to Primary. She said everything SO clearly and put her mouth right up to the mic. She even knew the name of the new prophet and said it when I whispered, "The name of the new prophet is..." (she was suppose to repeat after me)but instead she said, "President S. Monson." (to answer my question). She held up a picture over the mic and wasn't afraid at all! I was so proud of her!

Her are some pics of the girls.

Flissy was so happy to just walk through the tennis court with all those other kids zippying in and out on their bikes.

Josh brought these cupcakes to me and Siri from the Vice Pres. Mondale birthday bash at the law school. Siri said that one of the chocolate toppings looked like 'fur' and one looked like a 'dragonfly." She insisted on eating the dragonfly one. Can you tell which one is the 'fur' one and which is the 'draonfly' one? If you figure it out, let me know.

This is a week ago when Siri and I went to the circus. She declared that she wanted to take a class when she grows up to learn how to 'go so high' like the acrobats.

Here's my most recently layout with my Yes Kit at digi nirvana.

The journaling says, "when I explained to Siri that when we move we wouldn’t see the people that lived here (Minnesota) anymore, she buried her head in a pillow and broke into tears, “You mean I won’t see Lucia anymore?” It broke my heart! "

Sleet and Snow

2008-04-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

So I'm just wondering, did somebody not get the memo that it's spring? Yesterday we had a blizzard (exaggeration. sorry, couldn't help myself) come through with a mix of snow and rain. I am SO tired of this weather!

To celebrate the April 'showers,' I got Siri flip-flops at the mall yesterday. Hey, maybe if I act like it is spring, it will stop snowing? She ADORES them! She fell asleep in her purple butterfly flip-flops at bedtime while holding her pink flower set. She also took the purple ones to preschool this morning. I don't think they are going to let her wear them out in the snow at playtime!:)

Finally getting around to posting it!

2008-04-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

So here is the inspiration for the challenge and my layout:

I decided to keep it simple and just focus on a few things from the ad. I chose to focus on color and some of the simple bold text. I love this ad because I think it is really versatile. I like the idea of doing a lot of little photos down at the bottom to mimic the layout or just doing a sepia tone layout with one color popping. Check out the gallery to see the rules and prize for this challenge!

April Inspirational Challenge

2008-04-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

So I finally have gotten around to getting up the April Challenge! Check it out in the gallery. I should get around to making mine soon:) Will post it here when I do!

Happy Morning

2008-04-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to hear Siri playing with Legos on the floor of my bedroom. I was little confused because it was 7:15am ,and I had not heard Flissa. I peeked in on her, and she was playing in her crib. Siri, of course, ran into the room to joyfully hug her sister. As I fed Flissa and Siri cuddled, I couldn't help saying to myself, "I love my life!"

Perhaps this is a very silly thing to muse on this morning, but if you knew the chaos that IS my house, my inability to just get myself put together in the mornings these days, and the inability to find some type of work/life/balance...well, you'd know that this is a big deal for me. THIS is my nirvana! Thank heavens for little girls!

Found this...how cute!!!!

2008-04-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

So my husband emailed me from law school today because one of his classmates has a wife that sells at etsy. I am dying because the stuff is SO cute. Her name is Michelle Brusegaard, and I added her to my 'stuff I like' list. Take a look at this:

It's photography from a series of barbie dresses she has. The colors are so great! She also has a ton of cute screen- printed cards. Here's her store if you want to look: http://www.michellebrusegaard.com/id44.html

It's Official -We are Moving!

2008-04-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

So, we have decided to take a leap of faith and will be moving to Utah at the end of May. Josh is taking the Utah state bar and will start studying June 1st.

In other interesting news, a giant snow storm fell on Minnesota's happy spring-time weather yesterday and (mostly likely) killed my crocuses (I don't know yet as they are hidden under the snow still). I am trying to *will* spring to come...maybe if I think happy thoughts...

Enchanted

2008-03-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight we watched Enchanted with Siri. Siri was so sweet as she walked around the room closing her eyes, pretending to dance with the characters (holding a piece of bubble wrap...maybe her prince?). She is always noticing and curious about things and made us laugh when she asked (during the end credits when two silhouettes come together and form a heart), "why did they make a heart out of skin-ses?" (I can't spell how she says it). It made Josh and I both smile! I think I told her it was just an art design or something like that. She seemed to like my answer. What a darling child!

New Cupcake Kit and More Easter Pictures

2008-03-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

You'll probably notice in the store today that I have a new kit up...it's called Cupcake and is so very sweet:). Here's a look:

There are also some matching quickpages too.

So I keep meaning the switch over the blog addresses (my other two) to here, but I just keep forgetting to get around to it (or can't find the time). Today (other than working on the kit and quickpages) I managed to finish up the bills for the month, AND order a new belt for our vacuum cleaner. This was a big accomplishment. I mean HUGE accomplishment. Wal-mart no longer carries the belt that I need so, of course, I keep forgetting to get online and buy them.

Needless to say, I have been vacuuming the house with just the little attachment from the vacuum cleaner for almost a YEAR. Absolutely ridiculous, I know, but it was one of those things that I never managed to remember to do EXCEPT when I'd pull out the vacuum cleaner and sigh when I remembered the way I'd have to vacuum. Hope you don't think any less of me. lol.

Okay, I've been meaning to post all kids of pictures so I am playing catch up. Here are pictures of Keaton, Siri, and Felicity for our 'snowed-in' Easter egg hunt last week.

Of course, no magical Easter egg hunt would be complete without Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Siri carried them around with the eggs all day. Thye look cozy, don't they?

49% off Italian Soda Collection-Final Day!

2008-03-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's the final day of the Italian Soda Collection sale! 49% off the entire collection! Also be sure to check out my new ELEMENT-ary line. More 'stuff' coming soon!

Easter

2008-03-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

So, no Easter is complete without little girls spring dresses. Here are Siri and Flissa in their dresses.

Mommy, please be done taking pictures!

Siri sharing her Hello Kitty sucker with her sister. Flissa is a sweet fanatic!

Redirects

2008-03-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hi! I have consolidated digi-nirvana.blogspot.com and joshandcarina.blogspot.com to this site and will have pictures and more up soon! I also have to fix those other two sites!:)

This attempt...

2008-03-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is an attempt to simplify my life!!! I mean, I started Digi Nirvana because I wanted to stay home with my two little girls, but still design. So having a separate blog for my family and for digi nirvana doesn't make too much sense. I feel like I will really be able to BLOG if I have just one of these things...because let's face it, my live with my family and everything that I am doing with digital scrapbooking...it all is my life. I can't separate the two.

So I make an upfront apology to my friends that will have to see my digi kits and products on this blog and I make an apology to customers of digi nirvana that don't really want to know that Siri and Felicity went to a spring bonnet party today (which they did and it was so FUN!).

Anyway, nirvana...I'm looking for that and one blog will get me one step closer.