Then End of Summer is Here!

As many of you know, I live by a large pond. It is lovely to look at and see all of the incredible wildlife that reside there. I work by large glass doors on my computer and this is one of the sunflowers that my Logan planted. I see it out my window and I am amazed that the tiny seed that was planted in the spring by a then 3 year old made such beauty and colors. But these beautiful colors come with a price. The end of summer. We live in a great area here in the North East if for nothing else the wonderful and brilliant change of seasons. I love harvesting the garden and decorating with pumpkins and bitter sweet. Next weekend we are going apple picking and to the hay maze. All of these things I love so much, but as a summer born gal I will miss the season of growing and warmth. So I can't decide if I am happy or sad that the seasons are changing? Wait a minute, This means new clothes and turtleneck sweaters. Plus a new handbag and shoes. Oh darn, here comes my husband and he can't see this shopping list of happiness. I must go, he can't stand it when I even think about spending money unless I am looking at chainsaws!

~ps...Have you seen all of those great things over at Brambleberry Lane?

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!!!!

LOLLISHOP IS COMING

View my page on LolliShops Guild

We are all so excited that the Lolloshops will be opening for the upcoming Holiday Season. At the top of my blog you will see the link to the Lollishop Guild. The preparations are underway for this great new website full of very talented juried artists. I have been talking with some of the other vendors that will be on this site and let me tell you they are a incredible group of creative minds just waiting to share their wares with you. I highly recommend you bookmark this for future ref and make sure you check back to see the progress and the dates of opening. I will be making a weekly posting about the progress. So get excited and get ready to get shopping!!!!!!!!!!!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

So Many NEW PRODUCTS...

Hello All! I have been a very busy girl making and posting new products. Plus finding new places to display them like Lollishops. I can't wait for that to open. Well the world of ATC'S and other fun products has been buzz buzz buzzing around here. The new stickers that I have out are going like hotcakes so jump in and enjoy some for yourself.

For everyone following the family, Logan is thriving in Pre-K. I can't explain how happy this little boy is. Mo and Jo are doing very well too. Morgan started High School. I can feel the grey hairs popping as we speak. Josh is in middle and his first modified football game is tonight. I love to watch him play football. You can really see the thrill he gets from playing it. Not to mention the emotional mother on the side lines trying not to run on the field and tackle everyone of those boys that knock into my beautiful baby. And as for number 4, Noah. He is very lonely all by himself. You can tell how much he misses Logan. But like his dad, he has the gift of TALK. He is not able to keep that cute little mouth shut for even two seconds. It is like having my own play by play of what is going on around me at all times. So I have had to switch to packing all of your items at night because the day time is getting a little busy with Noah amusement. But I wouldn't change a thing!

Alright, time to get back to a little creativity!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

JUST A MINUTE OF YOUR TIME

Sorry you have not heard from me in a few days. We just finished the entire back to school ritual. So we have all been a little crazy. I will do a big update on Friday.

But today is September 11th in my America. In the place I call home. In the place I am free to come and go as I please and raise my children with so many chances to be what ever they would like to be. But today is the day someone tried to change that. BUT THEY DIDN'T. We are still here and still strong. We are one nation under God and that will not change. So for all of those family that lost people I will pray for today and I hope everyone else will too!
GOD BLESS~

HARVEST DAY IS UPON US!

Well today we started harvesting the garden. I should say the very large garden. I have never ever grown potato's in my life until this season and it was like opening a present because you never know what you are going to find until you dig deeper. Some where small, some where large but everyone was full of new and happy feelings of "look what we did this year". There is still so much more to do and so much more that is growing but this was a very fruitful(or should I say vegetable) day.

There is more paper on the way and I am finally catching up with all of the sticker orders that where behind because of no sticky stuff to make them with. Oh and keep a eye out for my new shop this fall on Lollishops. What a great group of artist and creative minds that will have everything from purses to oh yes, scrapbooking products!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY! (or at least grow it)

Happy People Everywhere!

Well the fair started and the kids had a blast. We will be back over there today for the beginning of the Tractor Pulls. Yes I said Tractor Pulls. I love America. I talk to people all over the world and many places have not heard of this ritual of ours. I think it is amazing that while I eat a big piece of fried dough I can attempt to cover all of the kids ears every time another one goes by. So, that is why God gave me boobs. It was to bury small heads in my chest so they don't have hearing problems the rest of their lives. So that is what I will be doing with all my little friends today.
Then it will happen...I get to work at the Fried Dough or Milk Shake booth at the fair for the Booster Club. I am so excited. I always wanted to do this. I know this doesn't make sense to many of you but I love the little things in life. They make me really happy. I love doing something new. So hopefully I won't burn myself or forget to shut off the milkshake maker, otherwise they will never let me help again!

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW FOR FREE STUFF. CHECK OUT THE 8/23 POST!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

Fair Time is Upon Us!

Well we live in the area of the Fair Grounds and are we ever excited. It is so much fun getting ready with all of the kids entries to be judged. This year is Logans(4) first year to enter something. And what can a 4 year old do totally on his own? Plant Sunflowers. They are over 10ft tall outside the back deck and they are a incredible learning tool for a small child. They take this small seed and put it in the ground and from it comes this Giant of a flower. Sure you could do this with any plant, but a sunflower is so big that they really get a sense of what is possible. Last year was the first time he planted them and then the birds came and ate the seeds all fall. He then learned that from his actions he was able to feed someone else. He was so amazed and could not wait until this past spring to plant again. So we dropped off his 3 Stems, 3 Flowers, 3 Leaves. This is what they describe in the book for the rules of what you bring. I gave him one of my old blue mason jars and he carried them in with pride. He watched the woman put them up on the shelf to be judge. And now he waits. Will he get a ribbon? I don't even think it matters. The look on his face as he watched that jar of flowers go up onto the shelf was totally worth it.

On the side of the biz look for some new flash cards as well as different Christmas combos. Can you smell Autumn in the air? We sure can and boy am I having fun with some great new products on the way. I am still in a holding pattern for back orders from some of the paper companies, but there are a couple that will be worth the wait.

Don't forget to leave a comment on the 8/23 posting for a chance at all that great free stuff!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

WHO LOVES FREE STUFF??????

Everyone that leaves a comment on this post will be entered to win this really great prize pack. To have a chance at winning, you just need to click the link to...

http://www.brambleberrylane.etsy.com/

Then, leave a comment on which item is your favorite. One week from tonight I will announce the winner of this great prize pack.

So leave me a comment and I may be sending you these fun items!

...It's Whats In The Middle That Counts...

One of the lines from "Hope Floats" I love that movie. I love any movie that stirs emotion in me. That makes me feel something on a Sunday afternoon all curled up on the couch that I didn't expect until I was flip flopping threw stations and land on a chick flick! My point is I think this is true, you know about the middle being what counts. I remember the moment I laid eyes on all four of my kids for the first time. I remember being out to dinner with my girlfriend Brenda when I first saw my husband walk in that door after not seeing him in 15 years. They where all incredible moments. But it is what is happening know that counts the most I think. I realized last night as I was sitting in a parent meeting that my little chubby checked girl was starting high school and this little family will some day not all be under the same roof. Child number 3 (Mr. Logan) will be starting pre k and it will just be me and Noah. Everyone keeps telling me how much I will be able to get done during the day with one less person to take care of. I am not sure that is a good thing. Now don't get me wrong. When my nest is empty I am not going to put on a ugly bathrobe and curl up in a corner. I love adventure and I love life so I shall turn that page and try all of those things that need my attention that are on my list. But that won't mean that I will miss any less the daily..."mom where's my"...or..." mom she took my". I actually love those things. I heard a mom last night complaining that she had to do something for her kids. I totally see where she is coming from because we are all stretched so far now, but they don't need to know that. They don't need to take on our trouble with theirs. So lets all give these little people a great middle. Lets give them what childhood should be. Fun, relaxing and a adventure. They have enough to handle between divorce, self-image and friends. And lets realize that they are still kids at 10, 14, 17 and stop treating them like adults.

Well now that I have been on my parenting soap box it is time to get on with the day and new ventures. I am in the middle of seeing how thin I can spread my self while still keeping a smile on my face. How about you? Do you know what those handmade Christmas tags are going to look like? How about those Christmas cards you always swear you are going to make. Here is a thought for you. Instead of trying to make 30 or 50 handmade cards why not make 10 for those people really close to you. The ones that it does matter what they think like a dear friend or your parents. Don't try to take on a war just win a small battle and you will feel great about it!

As Dad Would Say.....

So, every year without fail my dad reminds me of what I am truly working on. Even with the date on Tuesday which leads me to know that it was my 38th birthday, he lets me know I am working on my 39th year. Well then let the work begin. I spent all day being with my family on Tuesday and that is just the way I like it. Right down to Noah's melt down at Home Depot when I was buying shrubs for out front. I have been really going head over heals with this house lately. Rooms are being sorted and closets organized. Logan with start Pre-K this fall so that will be me going back and forth getting the transportation thing down to a science. Mo will start High School and Josh moves over to the high school to start 7th grade. Oh how the days go by. But I wouldn't trade this for the world. These guys are taking me for a ride and I love it.

Oh and Miss Morgan made the JV Volleyball Team. She is so happy.

Anyways back to ME! I was given some beautiful gifts for my birthday from my family and my Husband. My mom and dad helped me to be a FABULOS timely cook and Yes, my husband heard me. I know that it is hard to believe but it is true. He heard me and got what I asked for in passing. I told him that I really wanted a Antique Milk Can for the side porch. I didn't care what it looked like as long as it could hold a mumm in the fall and holly and pine in the winter. The rest of the year it can just sit there and look pretty. He got a hold of this Antiques guy we know and he did it. He even had to meet the guy at 5:30 in the morning just to pick it up. If you know anything about my partner is he is not a Morning person. I was never so proud of him. And for that I am grateful.

Well it is time to get back to work. The holidays stuff can't get away from me so I need to make more. Plus I need to order more papers for you all to create with. Some companies have me on back order which does not make me a happy lady but we will have to sit still and wait a little longer for some of those great products I have coming for you all to go along with my original creations. So in closing...WELCOME YEAR 39, BRING IT ON, I AM READY FOR YOU!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!!!

My Last Day @ 37!

So many people I know are either ashamed of their age or are sad that they are "OLD" at my age. I love it. Every new age is a adventure. Heck, in my 37th year I created Brambleberry Lane so I know there is more good things in store. So what is the adventure for the 38th year of my life? Well I am not good with the New Years Eve resolution thing so I like to do them on my birthday. Maybe because I am a summer baby I am more of a free spirit then some but I do like to live by the rule of happiness and just let it go. Yet, I am a mama bear and you don't want to mess with my cubs. That is when you see miss laid back become a monster. But this year I am changing the big thing in my life. I am going to get ride of 20 pounds. Yup, I just said it out loud. And isn't there some rule that once you blog about it you must do it. Know I am not sure that this is the amount I should or need to get ride of, but I know this will help. I want to take a Christmas picture with my kids this year and leave one of those chins at home. I know that I can do this. My biz is going really well and I think if I feel better it will help get more creative juices flowing. So that is what is going to happen on Tuesday the 19th, I am starting over. Now I am not going on some big crash diet but I am going to add a heavy dose of exercise into my life. I know I can do it, so I shall!

Have you seen more new things over at Brambleberry Lane? Well you better take a peek because I am on fire adding things left and right. So check out these new things and I will let you all know how the Big 38 has turned out.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

COME FLY WITH ME!

Here are some of the new products that I am working on for you guys. My mind lately seems to be run, run, running! Did you see those snowflakes falling down the side of the page? yup they are going on everyone of my holiday packages. Not to mention the scrapbooking that they will be used as everything from photo corners to page accents. I just can't stop the fun with paper thing we got going on here at Brambleberry Lane!

STUCK ON YOU STRIKES AGAIN!

From the looks of the response, you guys love stickers as much as I love making them. Plus the Journal Spots have been flowing from my mind big time. If anyone has any thoughts or ideas of things you would like to or need to see just drop me a line or leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you. I have been making a bunch of stickers/seals for weddings. I love being a part of peoples wedding. I love to help in anyway I can and weddings just make you feel good. So take a look at what I have added and get inspired to Create!

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

I LOVE AUTUMN

I am a fall girl. I love the colors, the pumpkins and of course all the smells of apple cider and pie. Everything has a warmth and family togetherness written all over it. OH, wait for this....FOOTBALL! I love to watch my Josh play football. I may be the only mother that behind a set of dark glasses on the side line that tears up because of how proud of him I am.

So as a creative person in the retail world I am adding the fun of Autumn to my products. Have you seen the Halloween Journal Spots? Or the stickers that have the great pumpkins in them? Well if you haven't take a peek here and jump right over to Brambleberry Lane and check out everything. Now you can click on "Holiday Shop" under sections and you will see some of it there. Or get some coffee and pull up a chair and take your time with all the pages and find what is right for you.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!

Another Day With Rain in The Northeast!

Hi there everyone! I just ran into this one from when we went to Vermont in the beginning of July. You should have seen me when I found something that had 4 spots for heads since I have 4 heads that follow me everywhere.

Anyway, I am back to work after being down for the count last week. When mom gets sick the world stops I am finding. But I must say that my dear hubby was Fab-u-lous and really tried hard to help out. He did everything from take care of the kids to making sure the biggest order ever was sent out. Thanks babe for standing in for me when I was flat on my back and at a different zip code!

So we have more Autumn and Holiday things that are making there way to the site of Brambleberry Lane. The Santa seals are one of my favorites and I love the flash card sets that are being added as well. I have so many things that I have created and I would love to get them all out at once but I am pacing myself so they can all be seen.

OH, did you see the http://www.JenniBowlin.com Kit this month has my product in it. This is so mind blowing to me. I have followed her for a few years now. I love the vintage and warm look that her products make me feel. I am so proud that she added me in so hop over there and take a look.

CREATE SOMETHING FABULOUS TODAY!