My KeepSakes & Scraps

1/29/2012 POD

2012-01-30T07:32:00.001-06:00

I'm still working on organizing photos and putting finished layouts into albums. I have all the photos from both sides of the family. Tom's family photos were in about 10 albums and were glued down with rubber cement. It took a long time but I did get a lot of photos out without doing damage and preserved the captions and journaling the best I could.

My family photos (the old ones) were loose and unlabeled and there were tons of them. The photos from the '50's when my parents met and later when I was born were in unsafe albums and the labeling was mostly on the back. The rest were in those awful magnetic books. I have finally gotten all these out and organized for the most part.

It will be impossible to use all these pictures but at least now I can pick out the best photos and scrap them.

A few more layouts made into 12 x 12.

Photo of the Day 1/28/2012

2012-01-30T07:11:00.002-06:00

I'm behind on posts and for this post I have to cheat a little! I forgot to take a pic so I am borrowing a photo from the original poster of this recipe called Country Club Chicken. I pinned this one on Pinterest and made it. It is easy to make and full of amazing flavor and I definitely make this again!

Click on the link above to get the recipe it is amazing!

1/26/2012

2012-01-26T20:21:00.001-06:00

Working on some old photos today. I've been organizing my originals and big surprise today I actually made a layout that isn't a class. . . . using Simple Stories Baby Steps for my 1st Birthday.

The journaling was copies from my Mother's entry into my baby book!

Photo of the Day and

2012-01-25T12:29:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to my Dad!

This is one of my organizing dilemmas. When I first started teaching Preserving the Past in 2003 I used and 8 1/2 x 11 format. It was more popular at the time but by 2005 more and more of my students were scrapbooking in 12x12. I changed over to 12x12 but now have dozens of layouts that are the wrong size. This morning I started to re-do this page to go in my 12x12 album but I just couldn't do it. I like this page. I interviewed my Mom about my "birth story" and even copied her handwriting from my baby book onto vellum. I decided to keep the page because I like it but instead of re-doing it, I converted it to 12x12 instead. {Actually seems like a better use of time too}

I think this works out just fine and it saved me recreating a page I was already happy with!

1/24/2012

2012-01-25T12:20:00.001-06:00

Kitting for my class on 1/25 . . .

1/23/2012

2012-01-25T12:18:00.001-06:00

Making progress . . . years of teaching Preserving the Past. Each month I teach a 2 page Heritage Layout and when the class was over I slipped the layout into a page protector and eventually a 12 x 12 W R Memory Keepers album. The only problem with this "System" is all the "families" are mixed up. I finally took the time to separate the "families" and put them in their own album. So far, so good. I still need 4 more books though . . . baby steps.

Photo of the Day 1/21/2012 and 1/22/2012

2012-01-22T18:21:00.004-06:00

1/21/2012: Happy Birthday to my best friend and partner and husband! We went to Powell Hall last night to see the St. Louis Symphony. I wanted a picture of both of us so took this in the bathroom mirror.

1/22/2012: We went to Adam's for a Birthday Dinner.

Brownie Trifle {pinned on Pinterest} Beer Can Chicken, Hash Brown Casserole, Broccoli . . .

Photo of the Day 1/20/2012

2012-01-22T18:14:00.003-06:00

A few of my favorite things, my Grand Dad's typewriter, an old counted cross stitch I did in 1981. A vintage camera . . .

1/19/2012

2012-01-19T20:50:00.004-06:00

Started a new layout today . . . here's a peek:

This is my Dad and us kids, love this picture!

1/18/2012

2012-01-18T20:03:00.000-06:00

Love . . .

1/17/12

2012-01-18T20:00:00.001-06:00

Pinned from Pinterest:

And this is my window, a week's worth of Nose Art:

1/16/2012

2012-01-18T19:55:00.001-06:00

Photo taken with my Android tablet PixlrOMatic . . . kitty behind me on the back of my chair.

1/15/2012

2012-01-15T18:06:00.003-06:00

Surprise pretties from my DH.

1/14/2012

2012-01-15T10:02:00.002-06:00

Best ribs ever . . . DH has been talking about the great food at Bogarts for a few months. It's conveniently located close to where he works, the guys go there for lunch pretty often and DH comes home bragging about the amazing ribs, delicious chicken wings and just last week the burnt end sandwich. Today he brought the ribs to me and they were right up there with the best I've ever had!

Bogarts closes @ 4pm daily so you have to plan for lunch! If you go, try the baked beans too!

2012-01-13T15:08:00.003-06:00

Afternoon delight when it's 20 degrees . . .

1/12/12

2012-01-12T17:00:00.000-06:00

2012-01-11T21:06:00.004-06:00

HOMEMADE CHICKEN POT PIE

January 10

2012-01-10T20:07:00.000-06:00

I'm doing what everyone else is doing this time of year . . . organizing, cleaning, purging. Oh and finding stuff I've forgotten about too. I found these cool, vintage silver trays that I bought in a junk store in Phoenix. I really want to do something cool with these. Putting it on my to do list.

Photo taken with my Android Retro Camera app.

January 9

2012-01-10T19:53:00.000-06:00

Monday, January 9th . . . Backyard view.

Day 8 and My Class this Week!

2012-01-08T18:54:00.001-06:00

Wednesday, January 11 @ 6PM
Each month we will create a 2 page layout perfect for your Heritage scrapbook. This month's edition features papers from Authentique.

Please bring basic supplies plus:
Paper piercer
Brown Distress Ink
pop dots
Adirondack Marker Stream
Black Fine Line Pen (I used Copic Multi-liner)

Today I put the finishing touches on next month's Preserving the Past!
Wednesday, February 8 @ 6PM

Bring your basic supplies plus:

Black Distress Ink

Day 7: Holy Guacamole!

2012-01-07T19:37:00.000-06:00

DH {Darling Hubby} requested guacamole today. He thinks I make the best guacamole he's ever tasted. I can't really take the credit for it and I don't have a recipe other than the avocadoes, lemon or lime juice, salt, comino and my secret ingredient. Smoked garlic. My #1 Son Adam makes smoked meats, cheeses and a couple of years ago decided to give garlic a try. I've never seen it sold in a store anywhere but when he makes the garlic he usually make us enough to last a couple of months. It gives the guac a great smokey flavor. It's almost addicting. . . . he really should think about selling this stuff!

2012-01-06T16:35:00.001-06:00

It's Friday. January 6 . . . in the midwest. I shouldn't be sitting here with the back door open to let the fresh air into the house but it's 70 degrees! The first week of the New Year has been more like the first week of Spring!

Someone was itching to get out the kayak he got for Christmas and test it out. We took it out to Simpson Lake in Valley Park for the Maiden Voyage. I took the Flip Video camera just in case something amazing and or embarrassing happened but it was pretty boring so I'll leave you with this one!

1/5

2012-01-05T17:42:00.001-06:00

The Best Broccoli of Your Life

I found this recipe while grazing PINTEREST. {seriously addicted} I love simple recipes that aren't too fussy since it's just the two of us. I wasn't too sure about this one, The Amateur Gourmet wrote that the person he made it for said it was "as good as biting into steak". Alrighty then, I gave it a try and I have to admit, it is yummy. Seriously, can't stop eating it good. He credits the Barefoot Contessa for the recipe and I'll let you grab it HERE! Try it, you will love it!

Photo of the Day

2012-01-04T19:52:00.001-06:00

1/3/12:

Busy packing all the Christmas away . . . I love getting it all out but when it's time to put it away I love the cleaning and organizing that goes along with it. {a little crazy?}

1/4/12:

Found this little gem at an antique store. I picked it up because I love the cover so much! This guide to Meal-Planning, Cooking & Serving was published by Good Housekeeping in 1928. On the first page after the contents it says: "Sooner or later your friends will learn that you possess this book. You will be having them in for dinner some evening, and they will express their enthusiastic admiration for your delightful hospitality!" So cute.

Inside you will find amazing recipes such as Hotch Potch and Creamed Lima Beans, and advice for Making frozen desserts in mechanical refridgerating units. I'm reading up on Squabs, Partridges & Pheasants now, gotta go!

Day 2: Photo of the Day . . .

2012-01-02T19:24:00.002-06:00

Playing with my new Tablet tonight. My boys gave it to me for Christmas and I just realized it had a camera built in...shows how much I know, right? It actually will take a photo from either side, back or front like the newer smart phones. I wonder what else this thing does?

2012-01-01T19:57:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

It's 2012 and though I don't want to wish my life away, I'm not to sad to see 2011 go. I'm looking forward to a New Year and I even made a couple of resolutions. Sure they are the usual promises that I make to myself, but I like to think I'll stick to them at least for awhile!

walk everyday
make stuff {preferably my own scrapbooks}
finish the unfinished
purge & organize {the annual work room clean up}
Take a photo a day & keep up on my blog

Not too many, not too hard, I can do this!

Started working on this today . . .

Goodbye 2011 . . .

2011-12-31T17:16:00.000-06:00

Goodbye 2011!

We are looking foward to 2012!

New Classes . . .

2011-12-29T17:33:00.000-06:00

It's almost 2012! In 2011 I managed to keep up on blogging fairly well until Fall when life just got hectic and I put it on the back burner. In 2012, I'm doing Project 365 or {a Photo a Day} and hopefully I can keep up for the whole year!

In January I have 2 classes planned. Preserving the Past returns for the 9th year. Each month I create a 2 page layout for your Heritage Scrapbook. Many of the pages I create have old black and white photos in mind but can easily be used with more updated or modern pics. We have a great group of regular ladies that come each month and it's a great night out! Join us the 2nd Wednesday of each month @ 6PM. Here is this month's page:

Preserving the Past with Sue

Wednesday, January 11 @ 6PM

Please bring basic supplies plus:
Paper piercer
Brown Distress Ink
pop dots
Adirondack Marker Stream
Black Fine Line Pen (I used Copic Multi-liner)

My next class is an annual tradition! Each year I create a Holiday themed 2 page layout for your current or older Holiday photos. This layout uses papers from Simple Stories and some added sparkle from K and Company.

Christmas Layout with Sue

Wednesday, January 25 @ 6PM

Bring your basics Plus:
Foam dots or squares
Brown Distress ink
Green, Red or Gold Pearl Pen

Sign ups are required for both classes! Call For Keeps Sake to save your spot! 314-487-8131

Upcoming Classes

2011-10-25T20:47:00.003-05:00

Once again . . . so far behind! I just wanted to quickly share my December class:

Sunday, December 11 @ 12:30-3:30

Christmas Mini Album

In this class we will decorate a plain Unibind Photobook with Gorgeous Papers from Bo Bunny! The inside pages feature pockets, tags, foldouts and envelopes and more. We will be using the Unibind Photobook Creator to bind our finished book. Limited space available in this class. Call 314-487-8131

Cost: $30

Bring your basics plus:

Claudine Helmuth's Matte Medium/foam brush

SunFlower Perfect Pearls Mist

Beacon 3 in 1 Adhesive

Red line or Scor Tape

Brown Distress Ink (Vintage Photo)

Sanding Tools

Optional: Craft Drill if you have one

Scoring Tool

Photo of the day and my classes this week!

2011-10-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

Preserving the Past for October, Wednesday, October 12 @ 6PM. This class is sold out. Thanks to everyone that signed up!

Fright Fest, Saturday, October 15 @ 2pm

After a Frightfully Fun class creating Missy's Spell Book, join Sue to create 2 sweet projects to end your SpooKtacular day! In this class you will create 2 projects for the price of one. Trick or Treat Hanger and Little Witch Cone.

Call For Keeps Sake to make your reservation! 314-487-8131

Photo of the Day and a new class!

2011-09-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

I've been a bad blogger lately I know . . . yesterday I spent some time creating a new class for November. I haven't put it on the calendar yet but I will later today. This class uses the Unibind Photo Creator and Simple Stories Generations. It was so fun to put together and having it bound in a hard cover is just icing on the cake! This would be a great Holiday gift either for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Cost and Dates pending . . . Have a great day!

Photo of the day and a recipe

2011-09-18T10:43:00.000-05:00

Fall is Apple Time!! When my boys were growing up we took our annual trip to Eckerts to ride the wagon and pick way more apples than we needed!
Nowadays Tom and I end up going to pick "up" apples from the Country Store instead of picking them outselves!
This is a recipe from my mom that has become a tradition as much as picking apples. I usually make this at least twice every Fall!!

Grandma's Fresh Apple Cake
3 cups flour 3/4 cup oil
1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder 2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 c sugar 4 cups coarsely chopped apples

Mix together dry ingredients. Stir remaining ingredients except apples into dry mixtures. This is a very thick mixture. Stir in apples. I usually wash my hands really well and mix it with my hands.
Place batter into an ungreased tube or bundt pan.
Preheat oven to 350 and bake 1 1/2 hours.

Sometimes I go crazy and whip up a cream cheese frosting and it takes this yummy cake to whole new level of decadence!

1 stick margarine

8 oz cream cheese

1 tsp vanilla

16 oz box of confectioner's sugar

Try it!! You'll house will smell as good as mine!!

Photo of the day

2011-09-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

"Never Forget"

Photos from the "America's Heartland Remembers" display

in Forest Park in front of the Art Museum.

By Teresa Woodard Reporter

September 10, 2011

FOREST PARK (KTVI-FOX2now.com)—

In honor of the nearly 3,000 people who died ten years ago Sunday, a tribute unlike anything St. Louis has ever seen has been set up on Art Hill in Forest Park. A display titled "America's Heartland Remembers" features 2,996 flags in perfect symmetry, a flag for each person who died in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Each flag features information about a victim.

It took 300 volunteers, including city firefighters, to put up the display. Rick Randall came up with the St. Louis idea. The design was actually copied from a display at Pepperdine University a few years ago, but putting the names on each flag pole is unique to St. Louis.

Photo of the day

2011-09-08T18:12:00.000-05:00

Scenes from Door County, WI

We left St. Louis when the predicted high temperature was 103.

Door County was cool at night and perfect during the day with a high temperature of about 75.

Our Motel

The view from our second floor room.

A little shopping in Fish Creek.

Our breakfast place.

Pretty Scenes.

Photo of the day

2011-09-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

Sneak Peek . . . Each year Missy & I host a spooky little event called FRIGHT FEST at For Keeps Sake. FRIGHT FEST is so popular that Nancy W and Mary will join us this year to bring you an entire weekend of Frightful Fun!

Missy has already shown her amazing SPELL BOOK on the FKS blog!

Saturday, October 14 @ 10:30-1:30

A Frightly Festive Spooktacular! One of the scary classes offered at the ever popular Fright Fest! Create a Spell Book/ Recipe Book with a Spooky twist to display near your cauldron full of Halloween goodies!

- - - - - -so I thought I would give you a peek of one of my projects!

Saturday, October 14 @ 2:00-4:30

After a Frightfully Fun class creating Missy's Spell Book, join Sue to create 2 sweet projects to end your SpooKtacular day! My class will be limited to 11 participants. You will create 2 separate projects! Call For Keeps Sake to make your reservation 314-487-8131.

Projects are on display @ For Keeps Sake!

St. Louis Metro Area Scrappers

2011-08-31T13:55:00.000-05:00

Check out today's GROUPON DEAL!

Photo of the day

2011-08-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

While my family is suffering through the aftermath of Hurricane Irene {they are all fine-though without electricity}, we had a gorgeous late summer weekend in St. Louis. We decided to check out The Festival of Nations @ Tower Grove Park and then stopped off @ Ted Drewes for my favorite Fox Treat {frozen custard topped with hot fudge sauce, raspberries & macadamias}.

Photo of the day

2011-08-27T20:59:00.000-05:00

We saw these albums when we went to CHA Summer in July!

Now we have them in the store and they are beautiful.

The covers are made with the uniform shirt and even has the velcro to attach the name and rank patches. We have them for each branch of the service plus Fireman and Policeman!

Get yours @ For Keeps Sake!

Photo of the day

2011-08-26T19:45:00.000-05:00

Earlier this summer I shared this project. I altered this old Samsonite train case. My original idea was to use the case to carry supplies but after I finished it didn't seem like the right use for it. I decided to use the case to store some of the heritage mini albums I've made.

Anyway, in July I taught a class and one of my students came in with her altered suitcase. Check this out:

Isn't this adorable? All the girls in my class loved it and I've been looking for a "new" old case to alter ever since! I just happened to find one yesterday at the right price! Awesome! Okay now Barb, have you got yours yet?

Oh and the trim is green! How perfect is that!

Hello and today's photo . . .

2011-08-25T14:53:00.000-05:00

I've fallen behind on blogging again but I'm working on it! Today's photo is yesterday's supper. Let's just say Nancy W. made me do it!

Last week we went to lunch @ the Blue Owl to celebrate Nancy N's birthday. I casually mentioned that I had the recipe from their cookbook for the Chicken Salad Pie. Nancy wanted the recipe so since I had it out I had to make it! So yummy.

Photo of the day

2011-08-15T19:26:00.000-05:00

Just a pretty picture from our little road trip to St. Genevieve Jour de Fête yesterday.

Photo of the day

2011-08-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

Pink Paislee Mistables are @ For Keeps Sake! We saw these @ CHA Summer and we thought "this is pretty cool"! I wanted to make a sample using the papers, frame, flowers and trim!

The wood frame was colored with Weathered Wood Distress Stain. So easy and fast drying! I used Ranger Color Washes on the paper, Butterscotch and a little Lettuce. I gathered the muslin trim to make the large flower (dyed with Cranberry Color Wash). What a fun project!

Photo of the day

2011-08-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

Class A Uniform inspection went well . . .

Photo of the day

2011-08-09T19:24:00.000-05:00

Today's Photo is next month's Preserving the Past.

Wednesday, September 14 @ 6PM

For Keeps Sake is celebrating it's 10th Birthday in September!

Soo, September's class has a birthday theme!

Call 314-487-8131 for your reservation.

Photo of the day

2011-08-08T19:58:00.000-05:00

I recently got a new toy to play with . . . I watched Ken Oliver demo the Unibind Photo Creator and knew I had to get one of my own! I finally got a chance to use it yesterday and made this cute little sample book for the store. . .

Good news, Mr Unibind is coming to For Keeps Sake, September 16 for a weekend of fun! On Friday he will demo and host a FREE Make and Take from 4-8PM. Be sure to stop by and see for yourself how easy this system is to use.

Photo of the day

2011-08-07T20:14:00.000-05:00

My class this week!

Preserving the Past, Wednesday, August 10 @ 6PM

I believe this class is full but if you are interested, call For Keeps Sake @ 314-487-8131 and I'll see what I can do!

Photo of the day

2011-08-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

I've had to take a break from bloggy stuff. Soldier son is back in Georgia after his month long leave. The weather is still HOT and this week DH had to have a minor surgical procedure done. I think he's on the mend now and the nest is once again empty sooo I'm trying get back into this gradually . . .

He he, I hope he doesn't pop in and see this!

Photo of the day

2011-07-26T20:17:00.000-05:00

Spent the day on the Huzzah with my boys . . .

no friends or girlfriends just the 4 of us, almost like when they were little!

Photo of the day

2011-07-25T20:03:00.000-05:00

Smile. . .

Photo of the day today is very important.

2011-07-24T11:02:00.000-05:00

This is the son of a fellow Army Mom. He was critically injured after stepping on an IED yesterday. He was flown to Germany and is currently stable. His injuries are severe and has already lost a leg in the explosion. Please keep this family in your thoughts, hearts and prayers. This is a military family's nightmare. If you would like to send a card to this soldier or his family please email me privately.

MIA & POD & CHA

2011-07-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

I've been MIA but I had very good reasons! Soldier son is still home and we are enjoying our family time together! PLUS, CHA last week kept us busy from morning till nighttime! So much good stuff coming to FKS in the next few months! I am posting peeks of all the scrappy goodness we found at the trade show on the FKS Facebook Page.

Today's POD is my class next week:

Life is Good Travel Journal

Friday, July 29 @ 10-1

In this workshop we will create a binder style travel journal using products from
7 Gypsies, Tim Holtz and Wendy Vecchi

This class is full but class takers will need to bring the following supplies to class:

Claudine Helmuth's Matte Medium

Foam brush

Red Line or Score It Tape

Pop Dots

Cropidile

Ranger Archival Coffee Ink

Vintage Photo Distress Ink

Tiny Attacher

Of course you will want to bring your basics!

Photo of the day and A new class!

2011-07-12T18:18:00.000-05:00

Next month's Preserving the Past
Wednesday, August 10 @ 6PM

Call For Keeps Sake to sign up 314-487-8131

Photo of the day plus my class this week!

2011-07-10T19:40:00.000-05:00

Preserving the Past for July . . . Wednesday, July 13 @ 6PM
Call For Keeps Sake: 314-487-8131

Photo of the day

2011-07-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

Can't get enough of this guy!
His little dog is especially glad to have him home . . .

Photo of the day

2011-07-07T21:02:00.000-05:00

Started working on my very special altered book! Special because my friend Mary June started it for me, it's my first one so I'm taking it slow but here is the cover so far:

Photo of the day

2011-07-06T21:24:00.000-05:00

Real quick share, sample for the store using Bazzill Collection

Worth Remembering

Photo of the day

2011-07-05T19:47:00.000-05:00

Remember this project?

I think I'm finished . . . I haven't yet decided how to use this case yet but it may wind up being storage for something or another. I thought originally that it would be case to carry supplies in but it feels more like a place to keep a collection, maybe old photos?

Here's how it turned out.

Photo of the day

2011-07-04T20:28:00.000-05:00

Had a few computer troubles here the past few days but got it all fixed up just in time to show you our 4th of a July gift.

He's finally home. He'll be spending a couple of weeks in his own bed and his own room. Hope your Independence Day was as happy as ours!

Photo of the day

2011-06-29T20:46:00.000-05:00

We headed to the field for our happy "Homecoming" around 11:00pm. We knew that he wasn't going to be there until 12:45am but we were excited and wanted to find our spot on the bleachers.

Lots of families were there already. You should have seen the little kids with their handmade signs and t-shirts. It was so sweet just thinking about them reuniting with their daddies!

While we wanted {no so patiently} the Red Cross was their serving cold drinks and cookies. The veterans were there handing out little flags to wave. The soldiers were actually coming in on a military aircraft 45 minutes away and would have to get on busses with all their equipment and travel to where we waited. We got to see them getting off the plane on a JumboTron screen on the field.

Of course it only added to our impatience and by now it was going on 1AM.

Finally after seeing a stream of busses and waiting patiently {okay the crowd was screaming} for the soldiers to come out in formation. It was pitch black out but we knew they would come out on the left of the sign.

Finally! They were on the field and we waited while a flag ceremony was performed. Have I ever mentioned how all these guys look a like in their uniforms? You think you would be able to pick out your own kid but it just doesn't work that way. . .

OMG. It is like a scene in a movie. Soldiers are dismissed and the crowd is encouraged to find their soldier. Babies are scooped up. Kids are screaming Daddy-Daddy. Couples are renunited and then you see your son. . . wow! There is NOTHING better than this moment!

Photo of the day

2011-06-28T20:57:00.000-05:00

This is the second installment of our Homecoming/Savannah Road Trip. When we arrived in Savannah we had hours to kill before our Welcome Home Zack time.

We decided to find a nice dinner somewhere:

Wow, wonder what all these people are waiting for?

Paula Deen's famous "Lady and Sons" restaurant looked fun but we didn't have reservation.

Instead we ate at a great tavern/restaurant called The Cotton Exchange where I had something I had never eaten before. I'd heard about it but couldn't even imagine what it would be like. It turns out that this is a particular specialty of the house and we had to try it!

Shrimp and Grits. Probably one of the most amazing meals ever! I know you'll have to trust me on this one.

It's also the kind of thing you should have only once a year because it is so decadent. . . tomorrow Happy Homecoming pics.

Photo of the day

2011-06-27T20:17:00.000-05:00

Of course we took a ton of photos on our trip to Georgia last week. Adam, is his Mama's son and documents everything along the way.

Amazing antiques (Adam thought it was amazing anyway!)

Groves of Pecan Trees. . .

Vidalia onions. . .

When choosing a service station,

pick one with a petting zoo . . .

Finally made it . . . The Inn @ Ellis Square in downtown Savannah. More tomorrow . . .

Photo of the day

2011-06-26T08:09:00.000-05:00

We are back...

took so many photos but I love this of me and my boys ...

Photo of the day

2011-06-19T07:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day, DAD!

Sorry we can't be with you for Father's Day this year!

Photo of the day

2011-06-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

Still working on it . . .

Photo of the day

2011-06-16T20:39:00.000-05:00

Last year for my birthday, Timi and Nancy W.
gave me this great old Samsonite train case.

I've wanted one ever since a student came in the store for a class with her supplies tucked inside one of these vintage suitcases. This one is in perfect condition and I have been trying to make up my mind

how to alter it ever since.

The inside is lined with a plastic, washable material and has the original pockets, mirror and storage tray. I wanted to keep the pockets but decided to disquise them with a wide lace and I lined the inside of the case with a pretty fabric. So far, I like it a lot.

I need something for around the mirror and I may do something with the plastic tray that sits inside still. I may just leave the outside alone for the time being.

Photo of the day

2011-06-15T19:57:00.000-05:00

Today's photo is a sneak peek:

Preserving the Past for August

and for those of you wondering . . .

still waiting.

Photo of the day

2011-06-14T20:10:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted to make an Altered Book.

I've long collected books with great titles or interesting covers intending to start but just never taking the plunge.

Now I have no excuse . . . my sweet friend,

Mary June gave me this today . . .

She didn't just find this amazing title,

she created several pages to get me started

on my 1st altered book.

I almost cried when she gave me this special gift.

It is perfect and I cannot wait to start working on my book!

Thank you Mary June, {geez-now I really am crying}

Photo of the day

2011-06-12T18:13:00.000-05:00

Got a call @ 5am this morning . . . Soldier Son's flight was canceled so we won't be leaving tomorrow for our Happy Homecoming Reunion Party in Georgia. At least not yet. With the military you must learn patience. And realize that things can change at a moments notice.

Photo of the day

2011-06-11T20:46:00.000-05:00

Photo from soldier son, last official mission!

Photo of the day

2011-06-10T20:21:00.000-05:00

St. Louis

Susan G. Komen

RACE FOR THE CURE

Saturday, June 11, 2011

See you there!

Photo of the day

2011-06-09T19:25:00.000-05:00

Another sample made for the store:

The new My Mind's Eye along with K & Company!

Photo of the day

2011-06-07T19:31:00.000-05:00

Today's photo is a store sample using the brand new "Zoology" from Bo Bunny . . .

Love this collection and so will you! Get yours @ For Keeps Sake~

Photo of the day and my class this week!

2011-06-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

Wow, today was a hard Army Mom day. There was a terrible incident in Iraq today and 5 US soldiers were killed. My heart was in my throat most of the day until a got this message: "Mom, that was nowhere near where I am!" Anyway I want him home and Soldier son should have boots on US soil sometime next week.

My class, Wednesday, June 8 @ 6pm
314-487-8131

Photo of the day

2011-06-05T20:45:00.000-05:00

Counting down the days now . . . new photo from soldier son.

Photo of the day

2011-06-04T19:31:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, before the heat wave we took a short road trip. We visited this park once before when our boys were little but it is a really cool spot. We packed a lunch and drove to Dillard Mill State Park. This park has everything we like,

maps for the map guy

an old cemetery,

a picnic area . . .

a nice trail,

a water feature

and of course,

old stuff. On the way home we stopped in this old store in Caledonia, MO.

I didn't take the camera inside but it is just such a neat old store. We bought a couple of Coca-colas in a bottle. So good . . .

It was a great little trip, on a beautiful day!

Photo of the day

2011-06-03T20:22:00.000-05:00

Okay, I did take pictures of the cicadas after all. According to this article the season will peak in mid-June. It's only the 3rd! Every day {more than once a day} I go out and knock the little nasty, dead things off of everything. A while ago, one rode in on the little dog and was flying around the house, ewwwwwwwwwww!

COLUMBIA – After 13 years of hibernating cicadas are expected to make their appearance in Missouri by mid-May.
Cicadas come up from the ground every 13 years and flock to the trees. They’re known for being noisy making their mating sound. When the eggs hatch the baby cicadas crawl back underground to hibernate for another 13 years.
The cicadas do not sting or bite and the season peaks in Mid-June. However, some residents claim they are already here.
One expert claims that in heavily wooded areas there may be more than a million cicadas per acre. [source]

Photo of the day

2011-06-02T20:07:00.000-05:00

I was going to take a picture of a cicada but decided not to. Those little creatures have invaded my back yard. The noise is deafening, their crunchy exo-skeletens are everywhere. They attach to everything, Uggh. Anyway, I'll spare you the photo and show you a sneak peek of next month's Preservning the Past. It's just about finished.

It's that time of year again & photo of the day!

2011-05-31T19:22:00.001-05:00

It's the Komen St. Louis Race For the Cure! In year's past you have supported our little team Carolina Sue's Crew. This year we are asking for your help raising money for the Komen Race with this amazing gift basket on display @ For Keeps Sake.

Our team captain, Missy writes:

Breast Cancer has touched most of our lives in one way or another. Many of you know our own Sue is a Breast Cancer Survivor, as is Missy's mom, Sue. We have joined as a team to support the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure each year, going back several years now. This year, with some sadness, we are not participating in the race as a team.

However, our good friend, Nancy Connelly, in a creative and fun way of donating to the cause, put together a huge gift basket to auction off at For Keeps Sake to keep our team alive and kicking! Timi and Nancy jumped right in to help fill the basket even more! You can join in and support Carolina Sue's Crew by purchasing a raffle ticket for $1 with all proceeds going to Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure in the team name! Long live Carolina Sue's Crew!

Thank you so much to Nancy Connelly and the girls at For Keeps Sake, Timi and Nancy, for their very generous gifts and support and friendship.

Stop in and donate $1 for each chance to win this amazing basket worth over $200!

Drawing on June 13th.

Photo of the day

2011-05-29T21:05:00.000-05:00

Each year our local Cub & Boy Scouts decorate the over 180,000 graves @ Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The tradition was started by the by our local Boy Scout Council in 1951 and when my boys were in Scouts "The Annual Good Turn" was a highly anticipated event. Even before soldier son was old enough to be in Scouts he participated right along with the older boys.

Today we went over to the cemetery to admire the flags. It is an amazing and moving experience.

Memorial Day is more than just another 3 day weekend. Take the time to honor the ones that gave everything for their country and remember the soldiers that are serving today!

Photo of the day

2011-05-28T17:53:00.000-05:00

Did a little shopping and found these:

We bought 2 of these rockers @ Harbor Freight for only 39.99.

Map Guy says they are cheap

because it was $100 in labor to put them together

but I disagree. I helped by reading the instructions.

Now all they need is some stain or paint!

Photo of the day

2011-05-27T20:34:00.000-05:00

New Class for July:

Life is Good Travel Journal
friday, July 29 @ 10-1

In this workshop we will create a binder style travel journal using products from

7 Gypsies, Tim Holtz and Wendy Vecchi.

Limited space available for this class!
Call FKS @ 314-487-8131 to reserve a seat.

Photo of the day

2011-05-26T17:31:00.000-05:00

Soldier son sent me this photo today. He is just now hearing about the devastating tornado that went through Joplin, MO.

Photo of the day

2011-05-25T18:51:00.000-05:00

Made this layout using the new My Mind's Eye.

That's all I got . . . now back in the basement!

Photo of the day

2011-05-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

A few photos of a project for the store. I used the Simple Stories Destinations Line to scrapbook a road trip from 2007. It was my first time using the concept and I thought it was a lot of fun using the pre-designed elements in the sectioned page protectors.

Check it out in person, only @ For Keeps Sake!

Photo of the day

2011-05-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

Great evening for a Grad Party . . . Congratulations Class of 2011!

Photo of the day

2011-05-20T20:49:00.000-05:00

My camera battery died so I can't upload my pics but . . . I found these oldies but goodies!

Stop laughing! You know you have some like this . . .

Photo of the day

2011-05-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

So much going on in my world lately. . . but I {finally-just about-almost-nearly finished} this:

New Class for July, it is a travel journal. We will create this mini book from 7 Gypsies, Grunge paper, paper, tissue, stamping and more. I'll have this finished up this weekend and in the store on Monday. I think that space is available for 8 but I may be able to do more. Pricing is pending. Stay tuned.

Photo of the day

2011-05-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

We're getting ready. . .

I got this today from an amazing company

Build A Sign

they make banners and will create a Welcome Home Banner for the Military for FREE.

It's weatherproof and about 2x4 ft!

Hooah!

Photo of the day or not

2011-05-17T20:23:00.000-05:00

I've decided to share a video here today, not one of mine, it's one going around facebook, omg. . .

The song may stay with you, I'm just sayin'

Photo of the day

2011-05-16T20:03:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since we walked up by the river @ Jefferson Barracks!

Love this park so much . . .

Photo of the day

2011-05-15T18:08:00.000-05:00

It's rainy & cold so I whipped up a couple of new samples for the store . . . do not be shocked . . . I did some girly stuff. Pink even. Yeah that's right Pink. I did a boy sample too. It's Little Yellow Bicycle's Baby Saurus & Tiny Princess. So darn cute. I didn't add photos but they are on display at For Keeps Sake!

I also made a banner which is a little hard to appreciate in this pic but here we go:

I'm just waiting for someone to lend me girly photo!

Photo of the day

2011-05-13T19:40:00.000-05:00

Blogger was down yesterday . . . so today you get more than one photo!

Great day to go to the St. Louis Zoo!

Gotta love the elephants!

Photo of the day 5.11.11

2011-05-11T15:06:00.000-05:00

Class tonight with my Preserving the Past ladies.

Today I spent some quality time here:

My annual check up, chest x-ray, bloodwork, blood pressure, examination . . .

No problem.

Photo of the day

2011-05-10T20:37:00.000-05:00

Store Sample using Webster's Pages.

Photo of the day & my class this week!

2011-05-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

This is for my Preserving the Past ladies:

Preserving the Past for June 8 @ 6PM

June's class will include fun papers from October Afternoon, Tim Holtz Stamps, border punch from EK Success and 7 Gypsies Tissue. This class is limited to 12 students.

My class this week:

This class is full, students should bring their Milled Lavendar or other similar colored ink. Thanks!

Photo of the day

2011-05-08T20:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Photo of the day

2011-05-07T19:10:00.000-05:00

It's not Mother's Day yet but already I've had some sweet surprises!

Yesterday, I had a box delivered and it was full of chocolate goodness! Soldier son knows my weakness. He's so far away this Mother's Day but didn't forget his Mama. It just made me smile all day to read the sweet note with the chocolates.

Today, was yet another surprise! It was a busy day @ For Keeps Sake and at the end of the day a cute delivery guy came to the door! I let him in to present the flowers to the lucky Mom and it turns out they were for me!

My #1 Son had beautiful flowers delivered to his Mama at work!

Still smiling here, I am such a lucky Mom to have these boys in my life.

Photo of the day

2011-05-06T18:24:00.000-05:00

It was a beautiful day here in St. Lou . . .

Dave Murray calls it a TOP TEN, GOLD STAR day!

I'll go along with that . . .

Today we walked the trail @ Queeny Park

Map Guy checking the map of course.

Map Guy trying to keep up . . .

See! I told you it was a beautiful day!

Photo of the day

2011-05-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

Sneak Peek: Preserving the Past for June

Photo of the day

2011-05-04T20:32:00.000-05:00

Working on stuff . . . Saturday is National Scrapbook Day. . . a little bit of Holiday in the Scrapbook Biz, right? We'll be celebrating @ For Keeps Sake of course. I'll be doing demos . . . Ranger Color Washes, Tim Holtz Distress Stains and other good stuff. Anyway, tonight I've been playing! Stop by, you won't be disappointed!