Awesome Blog for Busy Cooks

I have discovered this wonderful blog called 5 Dinners 1 Hour. Here is the link if you would like to check it out. www.5dinners1hour.blogspot.com

Michelle, the owner and creator, posts recipes and such on the blog. In addition, you can order a 3 month subscription to her menu plans. I always have the dinner time ho-hums, and when everyone comes home and wants to know what's for dinner, I usually have a shrug, and "I don't know" look to accompany it. Now, with the help of the menu plan, I have a plan in advance. It provides a shopping list, assembly directions, cooking directions, etc with it. The idea is to make EVERYTHING up in advance, store in refrigerator, freezer, and Zip-Loc bags. On the day of the meal, pull the baggie out, put in a dish, pop it in the oven, and Voila! Dinner is ready. I've found that I need to alter some of the meats for my 12 y.o. picky eater (because, "aww mom....you know I don't like sauce on my food"), but easy enough to do, I keep his out of the sauce, and put the rest in. Unfortunately for me, I discovered the site, after already doing some grocery shopping, so I'm slowly but surely trying to get rid of my other food items, to make room for the new plan.

The school lunch planning, has also been a terrific time saver on busy school mornings. I make all my lunch sandwiches in advance, complete with baggy, and pop it in a plastic shoe box in the refrigerator. I also ration out the fruit into baggies and chips/snacks as well. What a time saver on busy mornings. Just grab your lunch sack, and place 1 from each shoebox in the bag. Quick and Easy Peasy!!!

Goodbye Stampin' Up!

It's taken me quite awhile to get to the place where I currently am in regard to my SU business. Business...ha! If 1 can call it that. Some, I suppose, really can call it a business, but to me it has ALWAYS been a hobby. A very expensive hobby. At first, I was doing workshops on a regular basis, and even classes in my basement on a monthly basis. A very dear friend of mine has continued to support me over the last 8 years of my 10 year jaunt with the company, and I am thankful for her. She and I have been the only ones supporting it though for about a year now. I've made many good friends over the last 10 years with other demonstrators. Many from the US and a couple from Canada. It is with great sadness though, that I've decided to give it up. I haven't had the stamping mojo in quite some time. I continue to purchase stamps and supplies, yet I haven't used them. Nothing says, I have to quit having classes. I can still do that, AND I can still learn new techniques. The only difference now is that I won't have a discount when I purchase my supplies. Maybe now, with no quarterly minimum hanging over my head, I can get back to stamping...just for the fun of it!

Stampin' Up!'s New Catalog

The 2010-11 Stampin' Up! New Catalog is here!!! New stamps, new colors, new product designs and so much more. Click on 1 of the links at the right to check out all the latest. Call me or email me with your order.

Current Stampin' Up! Specials

Sale-A-Bration 2010 Promotion Dates: January 5-March 31, 2010 Promotion Details Our Sale-A-Bration promotion gives reason for everyone to celebrate! Customers: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 purchase (before tax and shipping). Hostesses: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $300 in workshop sales*, in addition to our regular hostess benefits. *Note: This benefit only available on qualifying customer, demonstrator, and workshop orders. Online orders do not qualify. Recruits: Choose any retail stamp set (valued up to $47.95) from the current catalogs when signing up during the promotion. Plus, get 15 percent off your Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+)! Starter Kit Regular Price Sale-A-Bration Price (15% off) Standard Starter Kit $199 $169 Digital+ Starter Kit $185 $157 The Stampin' Memories Add-On can be added to these kits, but will not be discounted. All Sale-A-Bration products (except the Scallop Trim Border punch) are exclusive to this promotion and will never be offered again. The Scallop Trim Border punch will be available for sale in the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog, but now is your chance to get it free! *********************************************************

Haitian Disaster Relief

On January 12, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope.

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set you sell will be donated to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name	Item #	Price
I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount (block D recommended)	118571	$18.95
I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount	117010	$26.95

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Build-A-Bear Workshop Coupon Special Offer

Dates: January 5-April 30, 2010

Promotion Details: For every $20 spent on products from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Collection, receive a coupon (item 121105) for $5 off a $25 purchase at any Build-A-Bear Workshop store.

Things to Remember:

• Receive one coupon for every $20 spent.
  

• Eligible qualifying items are listed in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog (pages 38-40).
• Coupon will automatically be added to the order once the qualifying purchase has been met and will ship with customers' order.
• Coupon is printed in English only.
• Coupon has no cash value.
• Coupon includes
  • $5 off a $25 purchase (expires December 31, 2010).
  • Free 1,000 Bear Bills web code.
• Unique codes for Buildabearville.com. This is an award-winning Build-A-Bear Workshop virtual world where kids can go online and create a virtual character and play. In addition, when kids buy a bear at Build-A-Bear Workshop, they also get a virtual bear to play with on the site.

Coupon Restrictions:

• Not valid on prior purchases, a Build-A-Party celebration, Bear Buck$ cards, in Build-A-Bear Workshop within Rainforest Café or in Build-A-Dino within T-REX Café. Not valid with any other offer.
• Photocopied coupons are not valid.
• Valid in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada only.
• Limit one coupon per person, per visit.
• Void where prohibited or restricted.
• Where required, cash value is 1/100 of 1 cent.
• Not valid at www.buildabear.com or www.buildadino.com.

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Country Living Cards à la Carte Stationery Kit

Customer Order Dates: January 5-April 30, 2010, or while supplies last

Promotion Details:

Stampin' Up! has partnered with Country Living magazine to bring you the Cards à la Carte stationery kit.

This exclusive kit (item 119113) includes the following products:

• Dinner Party stamp set (set of 3)
• Ballet Blue Classic Stampin' Spot
• Preprinted stationery (24 sheets: 4 each of 6 designs)

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Clear Mount Stamps Now Available

New Clear-Mount Rubber Stamps by Stampin' Up!

Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps. Well, you asked for it, and now you have it! Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.

Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps.

Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features

• Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
• Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
• Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
• Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
• Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
• Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
• Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

Item	Description	Price
118487	Block A (1-3/16" x 1-1/4")	$3.95
117147	Block B (1-5/8" x 1-15/16")	$5.95
118486	Block C (2" x 2-1/4")	$6.95
118485	Block D (2-7/8" x 2-11/16")	$8.50
118484	Block E (3-7/16" x 4-7/16")	$11.95
118483	Block F (4-7/8" x 6")	$16.95
118489	Block G (3/4" x 2-1/2")	$4.50
118490	Block H (1-5/8" x 4-7/16")	$8.50
118488	Block I (2-1/4" x 5-7/8")	$11.95
118491	Block Bundle (Blocks A-I)	$69.95

Click here to view the Clear-Mount blocks in the Occasions Mini.

Just Released...My Digital Studio!

My Digital Studio or My Digital Digital Starter Kit...Now Available for Purchase

Today marks the release of My Digital Studio, Stampin' Up's! state-of-the-art Digital papercrafting program is available today- October 1st! Don't wait to purchase this new fabulous multi use software. Order # 118108

All of the exclusive Stampin' Up! Colors are included!! In Colors from the past two years,designer papers, dozens of the most popular stamp sets along with Simply Scrappin' Kits, ribbons, brads, hardware, punches, embellishments and more!

If you were to purchase all the stamp sets separately that are included in this software package, you would spend more than $1000, and that's just for the stamped images!

What can you do with My Digital Software? Obviously, it makes scrapbooking simple and quick. Whether you want to use the pages as you design them on the screen or print them out and add your own embellishments and layers (Hybrid projects), or do what I plan and create the project onscreen then take the idea to my studio and create it traditionally, (saving time and all the errors when designing pages or projects) this software will have you sailing through your digitally filed or scanned photographs and turning them into works-of-art. You will also be able to design cards & calendars , DVDs, interactive albums, and e-cards, as well as print out your own designer papers and embellishments to use on traditional projects! WOWZA~ now that is a bargain!

With MDS all the colors perfectly match Stampin' Up! colors, so your possibilities are endless! The program is extremely user-friendly! (Even for me...a Non-Scrapbooker) Use the templates already in the program or start with a blank page and create your own. Within minutes of installing the software on your home computer, you will be creating beautiful projects!

When you purchase from me, I will coach you and assist you in learning how to use the program. I am currently undergoing Certification Training for this program.

You can purchase The My Digital Studio software either by calling me and placing your order, or directly on the Stampin' Up! Website (just make sure you type my name down as your demonstrator) - click on "shop now" at the top of the page in the right corner.

Host a workshop during October or November and you will receive 50% off the cost of My Digital Studio when your workshop orders total $400 or more -- how's that for a deal!

Features and Benefits

Exclusive Stampin' Up! Content

Stampin' Up! artwork and accessories available in a digital format.

Stampin' Up! colors allow for perfect coordination when embellishing professional print projects with traditional embellishments. Add depth and dimension when you combine digital with handcrafted.

With My Digital Studio, your favorite images and colors need not retire--you can keep using them for years to come!

Software

• My Digital Studio starts with nearly 2,000 unique elements--stamps, embellishments, templates, kits, punches, Designer Series papers, card stock, borders, and more.
• Intuitive design for easy navigation and project creation.
• Plenty to do for more advanced users including
  • Customizable stamps and embellishments
  • Photo, background, accent, and page editing
  • Multimedia features including music, videos, and links
• Automatic photo fill for effortless design.
• Program is on 3 DVDs, making downloading quick and simple.
• The program is stored on your computer, not on the web, so you can take it with you.
• PC and Mac compatible.
• Training and quick start materials available to help you learn more.
• Use My Digital Studio as a design tool--create projects digitally before crafting it in paper, or create flyers to print or e-mail to customers.

Digital Downloads

• Download new embellishments, stamps, kits, and templates to My Digital Studio on a regular basis. Digital downloads are also compatible with other design tools.
• Digital downloads feature exclusive Stampin' Up! artwork and colors.
• Embellishments are true to size, making it easier to combine digital projects with paper crafting.

Print

• Professional print service available--print your photo albums, calendars, cards, and individual pages.
• Stampin' Up!'s professional print services ensure that printed colors match with our paper products. Because personal printers and other print services use different settings, their prints may not match Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors within acceptable tolerances. Stampin' Up! has worked to make sure that our professional print services match our colors perfectly!
• Don't limit yourself to print projects! You can also create digital projects like DVDs, interactive albums, and e-cards.
• With My Digital Studio, you can print your projects from your home printer (depending on your printer's settings, printed colors may not match Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors).
• Stampin' Up!'s professional print services use only the highest quality products--papers, album covers (linen, leather, and photo covers).
• My Digital Studio is competitively priced at $79.95.

• questions? email me or call me!

New Business Opportunity

Do you enjoy digital photography? Are you an avid blogger or Facebooker? Do you love computers and technology? Do you enjoy crafting using different mediums? Are you interested in earning extra money doing something you love?

Then Stampin' Up! has the perfect opportunity for you!

Make some extra income, plus get a discount on digital and traditional Stampin' Up! products by becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

With Stampin' Up!, starting your own business is easy! For just $185, you'll have everything you need to get started. Here's what you'll get in the Digital+ Starter Kit:

Digital+ Starter Kit Price: $185 (over $295 value!)

Digital+ Starter Kit Contents:

• My Digital Studio software suite
• Two stamp sets (Party Hearty, Petal Pizzazz)
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Four Classic Stampin' Pads (Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise)
• Four Stampin' Write markers (Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red)
• Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Button Latte Designer buttons
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Mini Glue Dots
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies (product catalogs, order forms, training DVD and other supplies)

Contact me to get started! Anyone joining my team in October will choose a stamp set of their choice valued at $20.00!!

October 1-11 DEAL OF THE WEEK!!!

Deals of the Week

Week 1 Deals of the Week

Item	Description	Special Price
109183	Trio Flower punch	$10.99
109041	5-Petal Flower punch	$10.99
110709	My Way punch	$11.99

Dates: October 1-30th, 2009

Promotion Details:

During the month of October, Stampin' Up! will offer several discounted products as "Deals of the Week." No limits and no minimum purchase required.

The deal of the week is back and what a way to start it! Pick up 1 or more of these punches at a special price for limited time. These punches are great for embellishing cards and/or scrapbook pages. Contact me with your orders today.

(This discounted punch offer is only good thru October 11th.)