Update and 4 generations

Hey everyone!  For those of you who don't know, I have been down for the count for the past week as I had some fairly major oral surgery done including bone and skin grafting. This surgery has been a long time (11 years) coming and I am relieved that stage 1 is complete.

I was sore, bruised and swollen on day one and while things are definitely getting better I do find I am moving a little slower today.  Fortunately I have been sleeping well, keeping hydrated and eating well (thank goodness for Isagenix!!).  Last week I was busy getting things organized before the surgery as I knew I would not be feeling 100% this week.  For the next week I am limited to liquids and thereafter am limited to only soft things for 6 months.  I am sure some of my readers have gone through a similar process.  I would love to hear your suggestions for food.  We have a good blender and I am sure I will become a great puree-er! 

As I have not had much crafty time and much inkling to sit up for extended periods of time I thought perhaps sharing a story with you would be my way to reach out to everyone.

I wanted to start by recommending the following snippet from the Food Matters official trailer



Here is a link to the official site:  Food Matters

So why am I sharing this?  Because of the state of our health.  We are reaching epidemic numbers for illness and disease.  You know I was very sick last year, you know I have a child who has quite a few neurological issues, you know I have become passionate about health in the past few months.  I am calling on you to re-evaluate your own life.  Look at the state of your health and wellness.  Are you tired?  Are you sleeping?  Are you stressed?  Are you eating well?  If you are eating poorly what changes can you make?  Are you exercising? Are you living in a toxic environment?  What things are you doing for YOU daily?  And your kids?  Your spouse?  I am sharing this because I care.  Because I too was like you.  I was a busy person with little time for me and in the end I got sick.  The things we are seeing in our world: cancer, heart disease, obesity, increase in diabetes and neurological issues...these things are happening because we aren't paying attention.  I dare you to take a stand for your life.  You are so important!!

After the most recent reports about toxins on both Dr Oz show and also some of the new regulations in Canada regarding BPA we need to open our eyes and be mindful of our futures. I heard a startling fact the other day.  We will be the first generation burying our children in large numbers because our kids are getting sicker earlier.  More and more children already have terminal cancer at age 6.  Our girl's are hitting puberty as early as 7!  More and more children are obese and more children are diabetic than every before.  Why???  Because of our food and our environment!

I highly recommend you watch this short Are You Toxic video to see just how many toxins you are exposed to each day. Here is the Video

4 generations...

A few months ago I shared my Isagenix story.  I shared some of my goals including improved sleep, weight loss and more energy.  Then last month I shared my mum's story.  Well now I am here to share how Isagenix has affected 4 generations of my family.  I think it is especially important for you to understand that Isagenix is not a diet.  It is a lifestyle.  It is about health and wellness.  Isagenix is a food.  And to me it's a super food.  If you read the labels you quickly begin to understand that each of the items placed in the products has a specific purpose towards your wellness.  I can hardly say that about some of those pre-packaged labels I read that hide the real contents with a secondary name so you have no idea you are ingesting things like MSG.  Google it and you will see all the other ways MSG is labeled on your food.  Have you ever Googled Splenda?  Did you know Splenda is the trade name for sucralose, a synthetic compound stumbled upon in 1976 by scientists in Britain seeking a new pesticide formulation.  Mmm doesn't that seem appealing?

After years of working with naturopaths with my son I was honestly at a loss.  As you know he is borderline autistic has severe sensory processing, ADHD and so much more.  He has issues digesting lactose, is food sensitive to dyes, and can get physically repulsed by the texture, flavour, scent and the appearance of food.  As a result we have about 5 foods that he will eat.  One of my go to items has always been a blended drink.  Why?  I am sure many parents out there are smiling.  Because you can conceal other things in a "smoothie/shake" as long as it tastes good.  No matter how hard I tried I could never get greens into my boy!  He could recognize those flavours and textures from miles away.  I tried some of the greens from our health food store but the flavour was so strong that he refused it right away so imagine to my surprise when I mixed up an IsaLean shake for my son, added the Greens from Isagenix and he actually drank it!  Today I incorporate greens and IsaFruits into his daily regime in addition to a number of other products like SlimCakes and IsaLean bars.  Now here is the most amazing thing.  I tried this for a week, took him off for a week and tried it again because I could not believe the difference in him.  Not only did he get his colour back (has has been ashen grey recently) but he no longer complains of his digestive issues, he is sleeping better, he has more energy and he is WILLING to do his school work.  He is like a completely different kid.  I knew deep down (that motherly instinct) that Andrew has been vitamin and mineral deficient.  Like me, I think his body had a hard time getting the right kind of nutrients in his body. A couple of years ago his depression and anxiety decreased when we started giving him Omega 3s.  We found a particular brand called Children's DHA by Nordic Naturals (through a naturopath) and what a difference this started making in his life too--very few down days and way more positive days...less anxiety and the will to live!  You can imagine how heart breaking it is to hear your child express signs depression :(  I am very thankful for the number of kid friendly products Isagenix carries from birth to 18 years of age.


My 81 year old grandmother has also been taking daily shakes with greens, IsaFruits, and Ionix Supreme.  Her vitality has increased, she is happier, she is more energetic, her colour has returned and for the first time in months she is beginning to maintain weight and develop lean muscle mass rather than losing weight.  Mum and I were quite concerned for her health.  Even though she was eating meals with us she was still eating very few veggies and fruit and therefore she was not getting the right nutrients.  She also ate very little protein (she doesn't like to eat meat, she doesn't like tofu, she doesn't like most beans or lentils and she doesn't like peanut butter).  In fact, most of her protein comes from her daily egg salad sandwiches LOL :)  One of the greatest changes and the first indicator that her Isalean shakes were doing the right job is that her nails went from yellow and brittle to brighter, longer and stronger.  There are some interesting articles online that tell you about the links of your nails and your health. Nutrition plays an extremely important role in every function of our bodies, right down to the tips of our fingers and toes, literally. As well as signs of other possible disorders, nails can let us know how we add up when it comes to getting all of our required nutrients. So you can bet how happy I was to see her nails improve!

I have been working with a number of people whose goals have been to improve their health.  What I hope today is that you take a step in the right direction.  I understand if Isagenix is not that direction for you but I do know that I believe 110% in this company because they care.  Their product is superior from pesticide to herbicide free, to hormone free dairy product to BPA free...to passing a number of tests including NO metal levels in their shakes.  These products stand up to a number of other products on the market.  What I know is that I have never felt better.  And best of all, I know that I am not the only one who feels this way!  There are many Isagenix testimonials out there including the ones in 4 generations of my family!

In the near future I plan to unveil a blog that will focus on health and wellness.  I am currently working with a blog designer to create what I hope is a place to learn and to share.

Hugs and health wishes to all!  If you have any questions about Isagenix or want more information please feel free to send me an e-mail with Isagenix in the title and I will gladly answer your questions.

Alli

Holiday Sparkle Day 5

Hello peeps!! It's already day five and we are now winding down sneak peeks for the full reveal.  I don't know what I like better...the peeks or the full reveal.  Or should I say...when the stamp set is finally in my hands so I can create with it too.  Thank you so much for joining me for this release.  I enjoy your company and your comments too.

Today's first project is a gift card holder created with felt, stitching and square nestabilities!!  Yes, it is that simple. Begin by creating 2 die cut squares, stitch your image (which I have coloured and also stamped a sentiment) to the top piece of the felt.  Then stitch the two pieces together.  Then thread buttons onto felt.  As a final step, apply rhinestones.

INSTRUCTIONS

GIFT CARD HOLDER

1. Create felt dies.
2. Stamp image, colour and stamp sentiment.
3. Stitch the image to the felt.  Then stitch the two felt squares together.
4. Stitch buttons to felt.
5. Colour and apply rhinestone.

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI

Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI

Accent: Clear Rhinestones, Baker's Twine by PTI

Tools: Sewing Machine, Copic: E55, E59, E79, W1, 0, R89

My second project is an out of the box card.  I used the focal image and turned it into a fall card.  I am pleased with how it turned out

 INSTRUCTIONS

CARD

1. Create card base and cut layers
2. Stamp images and sentiment.
3. Apply rhinestones.
4. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th, dotted line from Holiday Button Bits, leaf image and sentiment from Falling Leaves by PTI

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Orange Zest by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI

Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, Orange Zest by PTI, Pure Poppy by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI

Accent: Clear Rhinestones

Thanks again for stopping by!  I would love to hear from you today and look forward to catching up with you later tonight in the forums! 

Have a super Thursday.

Hugs;

Alli

Holiday Sparkle Day 4

Hello friends!  Here we are on day four already.  One blink...two blinks and jump ahead here we are!  I am very excited to share some new cards with you today.  I am LOVING the bling and the pearls and while I illustrated this set I never imagined being able to use finally use all these fabulous things I have been hoarding on all my cards.  Watch out because I am ready to dazzle and pizzazz this holiday season.

My first card was create for that soft feminine person in your life.  We all have one.  The woman whose personality is warm and fuzzy.  I made sure to create a palette of warm colours and added some felt and ribbon to give my card some extra warmth.  Not only that I added some pearls and stitching for that cozy feeling.  Are you feeling it yet???

INSTRUCTIONS

CARD #1

1. Create card base and cut layers.
2. Create die cut felt and paper.
3. Stamp image and background images.  Stamp sentiment.
4. Stitch.
   
5. Apply rhinestone, and pearls.
6. Attach ribbon and thread.
7. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th, Polka Dot Basics II by PTI

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI,  PTI, Sweet Blush by PTI,

Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, VersaMark by Tsukineko

Accent: Pink Rhinestones, Pearls, Ribbon by PTI, Baker's Twine by PTI

Tools: Sewing Machine
My second card was just as fun to create as the first one because I FINALLY get to show you the paisley.  I love paisley and couldn't wait to add it to one of my collections.  The paisley will look super cute decorated in pearls or rhinestones too.  But for this card I used it as a background stamp.

 INSTRUCTIONS

CARD#2

1. Create card base.
2. Cut layers, and scalloped edge
3. Stamp image and background images.  Stamp sentiment.
4. Apply rhinestone, threaded button and pearls.
5. Attach ribbon.
6. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI,  PTI, Simply Chartreuse by PTI, Sweet Blush by PTI,

Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, VersaMark by Tsukineko

Accent: Pink Rhinestones, Pearls, Ribbon by PTI, Baker's Twine by PTI

Tools: Scallop Punch by EK Success

Thanks again for stopping by!  Don't forget to leave me a comment today so I know you have been here! I'll see you back for the last revels of the Holiday Sparkle before it's up for purchase on Oct 15th!!! 

Have a super day.

Hugs;

Alli

Holiday Sparkle Day 3

Welcome to day 3! We are at the half way mark and I am sure you are eagerly counting down to the 15th by now.  I just wanted to thank everyone of you who left me a comment. It's always nice to get happy mail.  As many of you know we just finished celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada so all that turkey and the turkey leftovers have really put my in the festive mood! 

My first project for today is a decorative mini box.  I love these pillow boxes because they are easy to make and they are a perfect place to store small gifts and treats.  You can find many different templates online or go HERE to print yours.

INSTRUCTIONS

Gift Pillow Box

1. Print outline on cardstock and use a stylus to create folds.
2. Cut layers and punch scallop edge.
3. Stamp image.  Apply rhinestones (colour using RV19) and stamp sentiment.
4. Attach ribbon and twine.  Attach threaded button.
5. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th,

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Garden Green by PTI, Raspberry Fizz by PTI

Ink: True Black by PTI, Garden Green by PTI

Accent: Clear Rhinestones, Ribbon by PTI, Baker's Twine by PTI, misc wood button

Tools: Copic Marker: RV19, W1, Scalloped Punch by EK Success

For my second project I created a masculine holiday card since I send out cards to all my husband's coworkers including the single guys (normally I can make the other cards a little more feminine...but can't get away with that for the single guys LOL). This card and colour combo is the perfect touch: simple and not over the top.

INSTRUCTIONS

CARD

1. Create card base.
2. Cut layers, scallop circle and other circles.
3. Stamp image and background.  Punch using die cut.  Apply rhinestones.
4. Stamp sentiment.
5. Attach ribbon and folded circle with stapler.
6. Attach thread.
7. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th, Background Basics Retro by PTI,  Holiday Spirit Sentiments by PTI

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Garden Green by PTI, Aqua Mist by PTI, Pure Poppy by PTI, Kraft by PTI

Ink: True Black by PTI

Accent: Clear Rhinestones, Ribbon by PTI, Baker's Twine by PTI

Tools: Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities by Spellbinders, Scalloped Punch by EK Success, Circle Punch by EK Success

Thanks again for stopping by!  Don't forget to leave me a comment today so I know you have been here! I'll see you back for day 4 of the Holiday Sparkle sneak peeks.

Alli

Holiday Sparkle Day 2

Hello peeps!! I hope you are enjoying these previews.  If you didn't have a chance to see, Betsy and Nichole showcased Holiday Sparkle yesterday.  I always love seeing what others do with the stamp sets I create.  If you ever create something with one of my stamp sets PLEASE link me up.  I try my best to peruse the web but I certainly can't make it to every blog out there.

So here we are on day two and there is more sparkle in sight...  I have always been fond of reindeer so it was only a matter of time before I created one that could be used for my holiday cards.  The reindeer has no nose or eyes so you can add them by stamping circles, adding rhinestones or pearls or even drawing them.

INSTRUCTIONS

CARD #1

1. Create card base and impress using die.
2. Cut layers and punch scallop edge.
3. Stamp image.  Colour and outline image. Stamp sentiment.
4. Apply rhinestone.
5. Attach ribbon
6. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th,

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI, Pure Poppy by PTI

Ink: True Black by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI

Accent: Red Rhinestone, Ribbon by PTI

Tools: Picnic Plaid impression plate by PTI, Copic Markers: E00, E39, E59, W2, O

For the second card I decided to make an extra sparkly card!  Yup.  That is what I LOVE about this snowflake because you can make it sparkle to the max.

INSTRUCTIONS

CARD #2

1. Create card base and impress using die.
2. Cut layers and felt.
3. Stamp image and sentiment.
4. Apply rhinestones.
5. Attach ribbon.
6. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

 

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th,

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI, Pure Poppy by PTI

Ink: True Black by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI

Accent: Clear Rhinestones, True Black Felt by PTI, Ribbon by PTI

Tools: Polka Dot Basics 2 impression plate by PTI, Copic Marker: BG49 (to colour rhinestones)

 

Thanks again for stopping by!  I've said it before but I mean it...you truly are my inspiration.  Don't forget to leave me a comment today so I know you have been here! I'll see you back for day 3 of Holiday Sparkle previews.

Have a wonderful start of the week!!  And Happy Turkey (aka Thanksgiving) to all my Canadian visitors!!  

Alli

Introducing Holiday Sparkle

Welcome to countdown week!! I am over the moon excited about sharing sneak peeks for the newest release from the Urban Design collection called Holiday Sparkle.  It is a collection of super fun images and sentiments that you can use to create sparkle in all of your holiday creations.   I can hardly wait to show you some of my creations.  Holiday Sparkle will be available through Papertrey Ink on Oct. 15th, 2010.


First up is a unique design that I created that will surely dazzle the eyes.  I have several uses for the image below so make sure to check back during the release to see how you can use this focal border for all of your holiday projects and designs.


I began with the focal image.  I stamped it using True Black and coloured it with a light blue copic marker.  I also outlined the image using a W2 copic marker.  I stamped the sentiment using hibiscus burst ink.  Then, I applied the pink gems!!

INSTRUCTIONS

CARD #1

1. Create card base and impress using die.
2. Cut layers and punch scallop.
3. Stamp image.  Colour and outline image. 
4. Stamp sentiment.
5. Apply gems.
6. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th,

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI, True Black by PTI, Aqua mist by PTI

Ink: True Black by PTI, Hibiscus Burst by PTI

Accent: Gems

Tools: Woodgrain impression plate by PTI, Corner Chomper by We R Memory Makers

The second card was inspired by my tree at home.  We set up our tree either the last day of November or the first day of December.  I know that seems early for some people but truth be told the tree is down by December 26th.  What I love most about the tree is the soothing lights.  I love the twinkle and shimmer they give.  I love the glow and the warm feeling they create.  When I create this tree stamp I wanted a way to add dazzle and sparkle to each and every one of my projects so I left openings to add that extra touch!  

I began by creating my textured background using an impression plate.  Next I stamped my image and sentiment on separate pieces of paper and lightly edged the sides with a sponge and Dark Chocolate ink.  The I applied my gems and attached my ribbon.

INSTRUCTIONS

CARD #2

1. Create card base and impress using die.
   
2. Cut layers.
3. Stamp image and sentiment.  Edge the paper with sponge and ink.
4. Apply gems to tree.
5. Attach ribbon and thread.
   
6. Adhere all layers

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):  Holiday Sparkle by PTI available October 15th, sentiment from Holiday Spirit Sentiments by PTI

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI, Dark Chocolateby PTI

Ink: Dark Chooolate by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI

Accent: Gem, Ribbon by PTI

Tools: Picnic Plaid impression plate by PTI, Sponge

 

I'd love to hear which of these cards is your favourite. Thanks again for stopping by.  I'll see you back for Day 2 of the previews!

Alli 

Sept Jiffy in Oct!

Hello everyone!!  We are running a week behind on our Jiffy post but considering we had to coordinate a group of BUSY paper crafters I figure better late than never!  As it stands it is PERFECT timing for me because today's share is about thanks and Canadian Thanksgiving is on Monday.  I am looking forward to sharing my thanks with family and friends.

I am so glad you joined me today for another month of the JFF excitement. Every month the J(ust)F(or)F(un) crew collaborate for an exciting challenge using the same patterned paper and stamped image. Julie picked the images from So Thankful by Hero Arts and Carole picked the cute Dried Egg Noodles from the Chicken Noodle Collection by Jillibean Soup.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Create card base and layers.
2. Stamp image and colour.  Stamp sentiment.
3. Thread button and attach.
4. Attach ribbon.
5. Adhere all layers.  

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s): So Thankful by Hero Arts, Falling Leaves by PTI

Cardstock:Dark Chocolate by PTI, Vintage Cream by PTI

Patterned Paper:Dried Egg Noodles from the Chicken Noodle Collection by Jillibean Soup

Accents: Wood Button, misc ribbon

Make sure to check out the other card variations by my very talented jiffy friends...

Carole Burrage
Lori Craig
Julie Campbell
Kim Hughes
Michele Boyer
and guest Lisa Silver  is also joining us! 





Have a super duper jifferific day!
Alli