Christmas, Snowmen, Butterflies, and Halloween..........

Quite the combination, huh??? Boy, I didn't realize quite so much time had gone by since I'd updated my blog!! (Thanks for hanging in there during my absence, though!!) Hopefully, between the next couple of posts, I'll be able to show you some things I've been working on while I've been away. I may do a bit of rambling as well, but if you've been to my blog before, you'll know that that's nothing unusual!
First, I'd like to ask a question...... what do you do to get out of a creative slump?? During the past few weeks, I hit a creative wall---and I mean a huge, thick WALL.....so much so, that I played with the idea of just tossing every creative thing I own. (Gasp!! I KNOW!!! I couldn't believe I was thinking about it either!!) I looked at the paper, the embellies, the ribbon SO many times.....and wanted to pitch it ALL!! It was such a strange feeling.
I finally figured out that my lack of creativity was because I wasn't taking any time for 'me'. I'm a happier person----and a much better wife and mother---when I take time for myself. I guess I've come to the realization that I need to make my needs just as much of a priority as I make my family's needs. I need to stop automatically putting myself at the bottom of the proverbial 'to-do' list. (I hope what I'm trying to say is making sense.)

Last week, I found the most fabulous scrapbooking store called 'A Walk Down Memory Lane', in Rock Valley, Iowa---about 20 miles away from the town I live in. I didn't even know it existed---I'd just done a quick search for local scrapbook stores on the 'net one morning and found it. I now know where I'll be spending a major portion of my creative budget!! Fabulous paper, embellies, stamp sets, ribbon, Nesties...I could go on & on. This place has it all!! (And, it's close enough that I can sneak away for just an hour or two of heavenly shopping!!) If you are anywhere near northwest Iowa, I highly recommend checking out this store!

OK.....enough of my rambling.
The snowman card uses some 'Snowy Jo' papers. I love these soft colors together for winter/Christmas cards! I also used some Doodlebug 'Stick With It' swirls and Doodlebug Sugar Coated glitter. (I had to hunt these down, thanks to Tosh!! Hugs to you, girlie!!) Love these little goodies---so much fun to work with, and they add just the right touch of sparkle.
The brown & pink butterfly card uses a Unity Stamps quote that I've had for a while, and finally had a chance to pair with some Jolie Chocolat DP's that I've had for a while. Love the way the butterflies in the quote mixed with some of the prints in this DP line.

The last couple of pictures are just some fun, sparkly things I made for Halloween. I know the trick-or-treaters put their costumes away a long time ago, and the candy is probably all gone, but I wanted to show these things to you anyway.

I've got another post to get uploaded yet this morning, so I'd better go for now. Thanks for sticking around this long.....and thanks for listening to my ramblings!! Have a great morning!!