Back to the regularly scheduled programming… Challenge with a RAK September 24, 2008

So, if you know me, you know that I have two out of three children involved in ice hockey.  We live and breathe hockey most days. 

In the summer the schedule seems to wind down a bit so we have multiple days in a row without having to drive to practice or a game.  It’s heaven!!  However, this week we start tryouts so we’re back to the regular chaos.  My husband and I try to divide and conquer but it means a lot of time seperated as a family.  With my impending craziness I have come up with a new challenge.  Being gone at dinner time most nights, I have decided to drag out the old crockpot so I can start meals before work and have them ready to eat when the kids and I get home.  We also hold several pasta parties throughout the year for our kids to ramp up on the carbs the night before a big game so that darn crock pot gets lots of use this time of year. 

The challenge:  Please share your favorite all-day in a crock pot recipe and I will choose a random winner.  The prize:  some fun kitchen related items that will be a surprise!!  Thanks for playing along.  My kids thank you from the bottom of their little stomachs!!

The Aftermath…Scrapfest ‘08 September 15, 2008

Whew!  What a weekend.  Who knew working could be so much fun!  I spent both Saturday and Sunday helping out at the Fiskars booth at Scrapfest and I can’t wait for next year when hopefully, I can do it all again.  It was such a busy event that I didn’t get much time to snap photos but here are a few for the “day in the life” file.

Here is Stephenie, Fiskateer Legend, demo-ing products.  I was particullary impressed that she was able to help out a scrapbooker in line that was hearing impaired as she knows sign language.  The crowds also loved Stephenie even more at the end of the show as she gave away almost every product they brought with!!  Fiskars, Stephenie, Suzanne, Cheryl, Angela and Rebecca were very generous throughout the weekend, not only with product, but with teaching and sharing their considerable knowledge.  I’m very proud to feel like I was a part of that even for just a couple of days.

 

Here’s a full shot of the demo table.  This is at the head of the line so the crafters have some tools to play with and learn about while they wait in line.  An average wait was a minimum of 30 minutes so any break from the waiting was welcomed by all.  The best part was seeing someone learn how to use a Fiskars tool and see how easy it is.  I really love teaching; and seeing that “aha” moment is what makes it fun.  By the way, that’s Fiskars TV host, Suzanne, manning the table. (see the man off to the left?  That’s the kind of look we got all weekend from the non-crafters.  It always makes me chuckle when I see it.)

 

Here are Cheryl, Lead Fiskateer, and Jennie, a Fiskateer from MN, teaching the make-n-take.  Fiskars offered a progressive mini-album thorughout the weekend, with two pages each day.  Each page was a different line from Heidi Grace, Lil Davis and Cloud 9.  Cloud 9 creators Amy and Nancy were also there teaching classes and bringing joy with bright pink Scrapanista wrist bands.  The crowds loved seeing these two ladies!! 

I was lucky enough to get to spend a few minutes chatting with Cheryl before we got down to work and I’m so grateful that I did.  She is one special lady and I look forward to more Fiskateer events that may bring us together.  It’s obvious that her heart is in her job and I admire her for that.

And finally, I had to show this one…My son and his friend tagged along to spend the day at the Mall of America on Sunday.  I think it is so ironic that they were standing in front of the Lucky Brand jeans store.  Because I was “lucky” to get even this one photo of them at all!!

Scrapfest 08 September 10, 2008

I have been away from blogging for awhile.  Life gets so darn busy sometimes that I don’t take time for myself.  But now I am, and this weekend I will be also.  I will be attending Scrapfest 08 at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.

Never been to Scrapfest?!?  Well, if you are a crafter you shouldn’t miss it!  Take a look at the official site here http://www.scrapfest08.com/.  It is three days of make-n-takes, classes and crops.  Here’s a peek at some of the wonderful designers and artists that will be attending – http://www.scrapfest08.com/creative_experts.asp.  This year I will be attending the show on behalf of Fiskars and the Fiskateers.  I am a Cerftified Fiskars Demonstrator and have been asked to help demo Fiskars fabulous products on Saturday and Sunday, 9/13-9/14.  If you are attending please stop by and say hello.  I am so excited to be part of this fun event.  I was checking out the crop and class schedules and many of them are already booked solid!  If you can’t make it this year, save the date for 2009.  I’ll be sure to blog about my experiences at the “mega-mall” (as we Minnesotan’s affectionately call it).  And if you want to learn more about the Fiskateers click here http://fiskateers.com/