Stamping With Di

Hey, it's May

Diana Gibbs — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free 2013 - 2014 Catalog

OK, well it is almost the end of May but I totally forgot to make my little desktop calendar, I just make it with My Digital Studio and I put it in the Desktop Display Calendar Case #127033. I just do one each month.

Here is May. Not super fancy but I have fun every month doing them. To get the word "is" I just cropped the "remember this" stamp.

What do you like to do with My Digital Studio?

Look at one of the newest downloads.

It's that special time of year when you get to start planning your favorite summer event-the family reunion. Okay, maybe it's not your favorite, but it can be this year! The new Family Spotlight Ensemble and Family Spotlight Photobook Templates have arrived just in time to help you send out invitations, create beautiful decorations, and make a lasting impression with keepsakes galore! Check it out today. (PDF)

Don't forget that June 15 is right around the corner so make sure you get your downloads and print products for 25% off before it's too late!

Have an awesome Friday and thanks for stopping in.

It's Gonna be Ruff...

Diana Gibbs — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

...if you miss out on any of the retiring stamp sets and accessories.

Remember you have only until May 30 to order off these lists, and it is while supplies last, so if you really want something, please don't wait, as items do sell out fast, some items are gone already.

Below are the lists.

Retiring List 2013 - stamps

Retiring List 2013 - Accessories

To place an order, please go to this link.

When placing your order, please don't forget about my Country Dozen Reward Points

If you have been thinking about becoming a Demonstrator, I would love to have you join my amazing team. I have Demonstrators all over the US, and through May 30 you will get to pick an extra $30.00 in your starter kit. That is $155.00 for only $99.00 (plus tax, Stampin' Up! pays the shipping)

Joining my team is easy, you can do it online through my website.

Do you know what the retiring list means? It means the new 2013-2014 Catalog is starting soon!

How would you like to get your copy for free?

Here's a couple ways to do it.

1.) Join one of my stamp clubs (I have one starting in June and one in July)

2.) Place an order of at least $60.00 (before tax and shipping) through May 28

This special is from me only, so you will need to place your order in my on-line store,.

Your free catalog will be mailed to you once you place your $60.00 order.

You can start ordering out of the new catalog May 31. Keep in mind that April 1 I will be sending out a new Hostess Code for the April Mystery Hostess Online Workshop...so you might want to hold off a day...just saying.

If you just want to order a catalog, let me know. Catalogs are $6.00 and will be priority mailed, the catalog is free, you are just paying for the postage and fees. I will send a paypal link after you email to let me know you want one.

Please note, I can only send Catalogs to addresses in the US...thanks for understanding.

Here's another cute punch critter from my class. This one is a copy and a tweak from my friends Michelle Suit and Sherri Peters. (Thanks girls!!!) I used the new punch called Artisan Label for the collar...this will be available May 31.

I think this one would be adorable on a frame so that you can let her ears stick out...when she is in the punch book her poor ears are flattened by the page protector.

Speaking of dogs, I did some shopping today for my new little niece Daphne, wow it sure is fun to shop for baby girl clothes, it has been a long time since there was a baby in our family. While I was shopping I had to pick up a few things for Toby, so he got two new toys and you should have seen him trying to decide which one to play with and then trying to pick them both up at the same time. Silly monkey.

Monkey...hey, that will be another cute punch critter to do in August!!! Where is my handy dandy note book?

Well this ol' gal is off to beddie bye.

Have an awesome Thursday and thanks for stopping in.

Kermit?

Diana Gibbs — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

I wanted to show you another of the punch critters (three in fact) from class. These were the ones I did for this card. You can read their back story on the post.

I put them all on one page cause they were a theme. This one took the longest, but it was three individual critters, I love them.

Mummy.

Ghost.

Frankenstein with a broken heart...his wife did run away with the Doctor didn't she?

Should we do a frog at the next punch class? This one was outside tonight when Toby went out to potty, he quick saw him and I was like "Toby...NO!" they puff up, and secrete poison stuff out of their bumps. Blech!

If we do a frog/toad he sure won't be ugly like this guy.

Well this gal is off to watch The Voice, I sure hope they keep all of Team Blake cause I love them all.

Have an awesome Wednesday and thanks for stopping in.

May's Mystery Hostess On-line Workshop Winner

Diana Gibbs — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:38:08 -0700

Congratulations to Lenny!

I picked your name to win the Hostess Benefits for our May Online Workshop orders.

I can hardly wait till next month with the new catalog to order out of, how about you?

Big hugs and thanks to everyone that placed an order, I really appreciate you picking me as your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Oh Bee-have!

Diana Gibbs — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

You have to stay it like Austin Powers.

So today was the last day of the Punch Class 1 (well really my first one was in 2008) but I am still saying Class 1. I will be repeating these creatures in another class on June 1 as a few people missed the class.

This fun little bee is one of the critters that everyone made.

It does use two punches that are retiring, the Ornament punch (for the bee body) #119847 and the Blossom Petals Builder punch (for the bees wings) #121808. So if you want to make this little bee on your own, run, don't walk to order these punches, as they are only available while supplies last and they might not make it till May 30.

Look at the cute picture my sister sent me today of my little niece Daphne, isn't she beautiful? I always love looking at babies pictures to see what they do with their hands. Looks like here she is trying to get some peace and quiet from all the chatter that my sisters and my Mum and Dad were talking about while she was trying to sleep...ha!

Have an awesome Tuesday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Forever Young

Diana Gibbs — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Mystery Hostess Online Workshop - Ends May 20

Watercoloring with Ink Refills PDF Tutorial

Another fun punch class today, and then one in the morning too. I also got my cards done for the GoDiva swap so I can get them in the mail tomorrow.

So another quick post.

This is such a pretty set, and not my normal favorite open line color set, you don't want to miss Forever Young.

Have an awesome Monday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Beautiful Season

Diana Gibbs — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Mystery Hostess Online Workshop - Ends May 20

Watercoloring with Ink Refills PDF Tutorial

A really quick post. I had my punch class today, and I always forget to schedule them as a longer class, will make sure to do that for the August one.

So I have another class tomorrow and Monday so I better hit the hay, I wanna show another stamp set that is retiring though.

I love this set, Beautiful Season, so don't miss out.

Also don't forget that tomorrow, the 20th is the last day for a chance to win the Hostess benefits in my Online Mystery Hostess Workshop for May.

Have a blessed Sunday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Christmas Lodge

Diana Gibbs — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:04:45 -0700

Mystery Hostess Online Workshop - Ends May 20

Watercoloring with Ink Refills PDF Tutorial

Hard to believe that the Christmas sets are retiring from the current catalog, I can hardly wait for the Holiday catalog cause that is when we will see all the Fall, Halloween and Christmas stuff. If you received your new catalog in the mail and freaked out when you saw there were none, that is why.

One of my favorite Christmas sets that is retiring is Christmas Lodge. It has an old fashioned feel.

Don't miss out on Christmas Lodge, this one was quick and easy, I didn't even color it.

As I have been working I have been listening to my The Voice taped shows trying to catch up. I think somehow I missed an episode but oh well, the singers are so good, and I am surprised by a couple that didn't make it, although I am sure someone will sign them to a contract.

OK, this old gal has to hit the sheets it is after midnight and I have class in the morning.

Have an awesome Saturday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Snow Much Fun

Diana Gibbs — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Mystery Hostess Online Workshop - Ends May 20

Watercoloring with Ink Refills PDF Tutorial

This set is so cute and I love to color it and I am sad to see it go.

This is actually a gift card holder, and if you go to the original post there is a video tutorial.

My sweet friend Sherri Peters sent me some pictures from Fiji, I thought I would share a few.

Sherri & I, isn't she adorable?

Lorri & I, she is adorable too.

One of the entertainers pulled me out of the audience to dance, what a welcome to Fiji that was.

Me at my demo, this one is better than the other one I showed, even with my crooked smile.

And this one has to be my favorite picture in a long time......it took me all of 5 minutes to print it and frame it...ok maybe more than 5 but still, it is framed.

My hubby is so stinking cute.

So did you watch Grey's Anatomy? Did you watch Scandal? Wow can't wait till the next season starts up eh?

This girl is off to beddie bye.

Have an awesome Friday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Summer Afternoon

Diana Gibbs — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Mystery Hostess Online Workshop - Ends May 20

Been working on my punch class, with us being gone to Fiji and coming back and being sick it put me a bit behind so will share a few retiring sets for a few days or so then I can catch up.

I love to color and this set is right up my alley. It is actually a hostess set, so don't miss being able to earn the Summer Afternoon set.

Have an awesome Thursday and thanks for stopping in.

Kind & Cozy Sneak Peek

Diana Gibbs — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Mystery Hostess Online Workshop - Ends May 20

So today I went over to MAMMa's and worked on my swap card and I got to use my brand new Kind & Cozy set that we got while we were in Fiji, it is so cute and I love the Gingham Garden DSP. Speaking of DSP, I will be doing my DSP shares and ribbon shares once the new catalog goes live, so look for that announcement.

I took the picture with my new camera, the waterproof one. I might have to play with it more, as it does not seem as bright as my other point & shoot, so I think I need to adjust the settings, but tonight I am going to bed early and trying to get to sleep before 2am! I am still tossing and turning trying to fall asleep. So tonight I at least feel a little tired and I think if I read a little bit this old gal will get back on my right sleep schedule...finally!

Stamp Set: Kind & Cozy

Ink: Island Indigo, Melon Mambo, Pear Pizzazz

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Gingham Garden DSP

Misc: Rhinestone, Small Heart Punch, 2 1/2" circle punch

Toby is loving all the orders that come in and free catalogs that go out every day. I do too, thank YOU! Remember place an online order in my store of at least $60.00 before tax and shipping and I will send you the new catalog for free (through May 30). Why does Toby love it? Because he loves our mailman Carl. He can't wait to go to the door, and Carl can't wait to see him he yells "where's my boy!" and does Toby pee on him? NO!!! He never has! But anyone else just looks at him and wizzzzzz.....

Well that's all she wrote...much shorter than yesterday eh? Have an awesome Wednesday and thanks for stopping in.

Bula! From Fiji - Do the Days Matter?

Diana Gibbs — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Mystery Hostess Online Workshop - Ends May 20

So I am thinking that it really does not matter what day we did things right? Cause I want to post the rest of my pics...well not all of them, but at least finish up our trip.

When last we visited the Gibbs' family in Fiji Jeff had just tackled a mud crab for supper the night before. Let's see what they are up to today...

There was a lot of this...

...and this...

...and this...ha! I stuck my tongue out at Jeff cause he was being a turd.

We had a virgin strawberry daquiri by the pool.

This is my lunch one day at The Salt, delicious, and the ketchup had almost a bbq sauce taste to it.

Jeff had this one day, and I loved the little baskets they brought the fries in.

Lunch/Supper at The Salt with Dan & Lorri Heiling, Scott & Mary Fish, Jeff and I. This was fun us AZ folks chatting it up.

We went for a walk on the beach collecting shells, and Jeff wrote in the sand. Unfortunately the beach was not the kind you swim in, it was more for sailing, and stuff, but thankfully the pool at the resort was gorgeous so we didn't really miss the beach.

My handsome hubby with a boat and a parasail I guess you call it in the background.

We were entertained that night and I love how everyone seems to be so musical. It would be wild eating and hear John Denver songs coming out of a Fiji man's mouth and it sounded amazing.

This might have been the last night and Stampin' Up! had an outside dinner and we had entertainment with singing and fire and it was beautiful.

We had a children's choir sing for us and I didn't get that good of a picture. They were so cute, and they were all sizes too, from where they were being carried to teenage. They waved to us as they went off stage.

We got slippers and a little mat one night.

This was new stuff, so it can't be shown...sorry! I'll just tease you.

The last night was some amazing lotion and we needed it with our sunburned skin.

Stampin' Up! asked me to Demonstrate at the share, so here I am...oh so lovely...ha!

Remind me to show you what I shared another time.

Jeff was up bright and early the next morning and took a picture of the sun rise.

Wanna know why he was excited? We were going Sailing and Snorkeling. This is what we had been waiting for.

This was our fun crew on P'j's Sailing and Snorkeling.

This is Calvin, the best snorkeling guide and you will see why later.

All ready to get going. You know me and my worrying...I was not sure if I should wear my hearing aids or not. I would have to take them out to snorkel and then wondered if they would get stepped on. I had got contacts to wear so I could see under water. I ended up taking my hearing aids and nothing happened...of course. I wasted a worry MAMMa.

That's me! I took a picture of myself.

That is Jeff. I worried about him cause he almost drowned years ago, most of us used pool noodles and I wished he had one too, but with the salt water it kept you afloat, and he did fine, but still I kept an eye on him without him really knowing it.

Enough of us, this is the great part. So anyway Calvin asked who all had underwater cameras, and a bunch did and then he said who had digital and I put my hand up, and he asked how deep it would go and I said 59 feet, and he said he would get me some good pictures. I told him that I am deaf and when we got in the water I wouldn't be able to hear and he said he would take care of me, and to watch his hand signals. So we all jumped in the water and started to snorkel. It was amazing and I didn't even think till later that there could have been sharks.

There were a lot of these needle nose fish. Calvin had a bag of bread and he would sprinkle it and the fish would just come.

Calvin said Diana, come on...so here I am following him...I have the camera, sorry for the butt picture of the other person.

So then we got to a spot and Calvin took my camera and down he went.

It was so cool cause I could watch him taking the pictures. I couldn't see worth a hoot when I took them, I just lucked out half the time.

Look at the coral, neat eh? Some of it we were so close to that you had to really be careful where you kicked.

Calvin said wave, so I did. I think that if we did this all the time I would want to get perscription goggles...I mean they must make those right? With bifocals and stuff?

So cute. Calvin would give me back the camera and then come get it again.

Not sure what this is, but looks cool. Then Calvin said he was going to get a Seahorse picture.

There it is, of course we are like huh, it looks like a worm, but then we looked online later and they curl up to swim, so this is neat. Then Calvin said I am going to go get a picture of a sting ray.

Isn't that the neatest thing? Look at the blue on it? I mean these pictures make the cost of the camera so worth it. Oh and this is the camera we got: Nikon Coolpix AW110, it has Wifi, GPS, an HD and it might even pop popcorn, ok just kidding, but I really liked it, and so did Jeff he carried it most of the time and since it is rugged, I was not worrying about it.

Look how funny he has bread and all the fish are around him. What a job eh?

This reminded me of a cactus.

Neat to see the swimmers in the background.

Then it was back to the boat, and they took us to a private beach for lunch.

My cutie patootie.

Dan & Lorri

Greg & Maggie Patterson

Russ & Michelle Zindorf

Connie Babbert

Tami Ackerson and her sister Linda, Lorri is singing with the crew!!

The guys sang and entertained us all the way back. Even a Johnny Cash song.

We pass our home away from home as we head to the Port to get off the boat.

Hammerock time!

What an amazing day! We were tired!

What we did most of the next day...ha! We had enough sun and packed and napped and enjoyed our last full day in Fiji.

Then the next day it was back on the plane. Do we look a little more tanned?

I know Dan & Lorri do, they played in the pool more than we did...although there was this volleyball game...

Touch Down!!!

Candy Micheal, ready to go home!

I'll share some random pictures I took..

Beautiful flowers.

These were odd looking flowers.

Bula!

I thought this was cool, it looks like fish coming around the pole.

Where you could eat breakfast, there were also two weddings here while we were there.

So when we finally landed in Phoenix, after 13 hours or something...the guys went to the bathroom and I saw this tall guy walking and then he sat down not far from us. I smiled at him and he smiled back and I said to Lorri "I think that is Dan Majerle" and she didn't know who he was. So I got my camera and I said "I'm gonna go ask him", so I went over and sat beside him and leaned over and said "are you Dan Majerle?" and he said "yes", so I asked if I could get my picture taken with him and he said sure. I told him I wanted my husband to meet him and then next thing I knew Jeff and Dan were walking up to us, so I told Dan Marjerle "watch this" so I just sat there smiling and I could see Jeff look at me like who the heck is she sitting with and then as he got closer, his face all lit up and he put his hand out and was like "wow, nice to meet you" I wish I had of taken a picture of that. Jeff and Dan (Lorri's Dan) were pretty impressed I knew who he was.

What a fun way to end the trip eh?

Well I do have videos I took but that will have to be another time, this might be the longest post I have ever done.

Have an awesome Tuesday and thanks for stopping in.

Mystery Hostess - Online Workshop - Ends May 20

Diana Gibbs — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Be the Hostess with the Mostess - Know the Code

We had so much fun last month with my Online Mystery Hostess Workshop, and Charlene was able to pick $175.00 in free hostess dollars! Wowza!

With Stampin' Up!'s announcement of the new Hostess Code, we can now "pool" Online Orders together (place them individually, orders will ship directly to you - within the US only, but use the same hostess code). When smaller orders are put in together, the larger order qualifies for HOSTESS BENEFITS.

That means FREE STAMPS (or other products) I can SHARE with YOU!

So let's get started with May's Online Mystery Hostess Workshop!

How do you get to be part of the Mystery Hostess Workshop?

Simply use the Hostess Code below and place a minimum order of $50 (before tax and shipping) in my online store by 11:00 pm on Monday May 20. Remember if you order $60.00 I will send you the new 2013-2014 catalog for free.

Important: To be part of the Online Mystery Hostess Workshop, once you add your first item to your shopping bag the hostess code must be entered just below the Special Offers section and it should say Diana Gibbs as the Hostess.

Once all the orders are placed, on Tuesday morning May 21, I will draw ONE name to get hostess benefits on the entire order! I will email the winner to get your choices.

Your Hostess Code is: AFAUY4H7

Ready - Set - GO!! Start placing your orders now!... Remember, the deadline for this

event is 11:00 pm on Monday May 20.

Thanks so much!!

Big hugs and thanks for stopping in.

Happy Mother's Day!

Diana Gibbs — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

I wanted to post a quick post and say Happy Mother's Day to my Mum Linda in Canada, my Mother-in Law Darlene in Illinois and MAMMa (My Arizona Mum Marlene) in Arizona. I love you all so much.

I also wanted to say a big Happy Mother's Day to the newest Mother in my life, and that is my little sister Courtney, she became a Mum for the first time on May 10 when she gave birth to my new niece. You'll remember I went home for her wedding a couple years ago.

Introducing Daphne Leigh Britton. Isn't she beautiful? I just wish we didn't live so far away, I want to hold her and kiss her cute little face...well when I am not germy. But I can shop right? You can bet I'll be shopping for fun girl stuff.

I can remember when Courtney was born, my little sister Jacqui and I could hardly wait to see her. I see a lot of Courtney in Daphne.

Congratulations Courtney and Jason and Welcome to the family Daphne.

To all the Mother's out there, I hope you have the best day ever. Hug the one's you are with and call the one's you can't.

Like Magic!

Diana Gibbs — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

This is a quick post, I feel still not good. I mean I feel fine, but my throat hurts like heck and my ears are still messed up. If things are not better by Monday I am going back to the Doc's. The Doc has me using Afrin Nasal spray to fix ear and maybe that is not agreeing with me.

I wanted to make a video to show this but can't talk worth a hoot, so a picture will have to do ok?

Stampin' Up! asked if I would demonstrate during the Share event at Fiji and I said sure. There were a total of ten of us that demonstrated, I always feel so honored to be asked. I could demo whatever I wanted so I do a 10/10/25 class called Now & Wow. Basically you have a Now card which is simpler and quicker and then a Wow card that has more details and embellishments class attendees can pick which one they wanted to do, I thought this would be fun to demo to show how much embellishing changes cards. I changed the name to be "From Simple to Sensational".

One of the things I showed was this.

See any difference? These are the same vintage brads. All I did with the ones on the left was tap them into the versamark pad and then sprinkle with embossing powder. I used Pool Party and Melon Mambo on the smaller one. Then heat with the heat gun. Make sure to hold the brad with pliers as it gets hot really fast. Then let it cool and voila'. I loved how the top one turned out.

So this old gal is going to take a cold pill and hit the hay. Am hoping for a better day tomorrow and I will continue on with Fiji stories.

Bula! from Fiji - Day Four

Diana Gibbs — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Day Four? Already? Yes, it went that fast, especially since we lost a day going over and spent more than a day in airplanes and airports...ha!

Let's see what did we do?

How about eggs made to order? These guys cooked for hours!

Then off to the Hospitality room to toss more bean bags and get a prize.

Word of the day.

My flip flops all alone on the chair..well that might be bird poop beside them...

...I thought I had a better picture of the birds than this, these guys were fast to get your food if you left it unattended at any time.

We finally hit the pool and we were antsy to try out the new waterproof camera.

Here goes nothing...well not exactly nothing $$...but whew, it works!

Didn't realize I puffed up my cheeks underwater...not like I hold air in them...ha!

Loved the bubbles!

Here is Lorri Heiling, Michelle Zindorf and I. Lorri had been in FLA so she had a great base tan compared to Michelle and I.

We were even doing aeorbics in the pool.

That was fun. I lost 1 pound while I was gone, Jeff gained 5. We walked a lot, so now that we are back home, he will lose 8 and I will gain 5.

I finally gave up on the crazy hair and bought a hat. Saved my face from burning...but I had to remember to put sunscreen on my ears.

I think we had New Zealand Ice Cream every day. It was yummy!

Michelle and Russ are loving it too. I so enjoyed getting to know them better, they are a hoot and Michelle has chickens so we had lots to talk about. Speaking of chickens thought these were interesting.

I did not buy them to try them.

Love this one, would be neat to have by the coop, the girls were running around tonight and when they hear me open the back door they run so fast. So then there was shopping, swimming, napping and then we decided we would go to supper. My sweet friend Sherri Peters and her hilarious husband Mike wanted to go to get lobster...well Mike did, so he heard this place was good.

I loved their sign and wanted a t-shirt and they didn't sell them...bummer. I love that fish.

So anyway Mike ordered Lobster, and Jeff wanted to try the Mud Crabs, the waitress was adorable and really was smart in how to order, Jeff wanted his crabs fried and she was like that is not the best way, and suggested steamed. So then food slowly comes to the table...when they say Fiji time, they mean Fi..ji...tim...e....

Here is Jeff's Mud Crab.

Here is Mike's Lobster.

Notice anything missing? Well neither of them got melted butter, or cracking tools. Seems the people putting the food on the plates were not as knowledgable as the waitress??? I think they were just too busy to keep up. Jeff was wacking his with a spoon and we were all trying not to laugh. Three times I had to go ask for tools and melted butter (they sent over little tiny ones that would not crack them at all) when I went back and asked again and said Mud Crabs the guy was like "oh Mud Crabs" and then they brought over monster crackers.

I had ordered fries as I was going to share Jeff's Crab, but after all this time they were cold and not worth it I thought, I mean heck my fries were easy, pick it up, dip in ketchup, eat! Voila!

Here's Jeff and his crazy supper.

He kept wanting me to take pictures, cause it was dark he couldn't see what he was doing but the flash helped.

He had crab and butter all over his hands.

Dripping down his chin, I mean if this was in the US we would have sent it back cause it was not cheap, but we were in Fiji with great friends, and well the entertainment was hilarious.

Mike was having a grand old time with his lobster too. Remind me to never order a whole lobster...it had eyes and everything.

Then we waited for our check....forever and then headed back to the hotel, it was pillow gifts time.

I got a cute hat and Jeff got an awesome back pack. He loves it.

Nice eh?

Then it was bedtime. What a great day. Will continue on with the story tomorrow.

Just a note: I have stamp clubs (Local and Long Distance) starting in June, let me know if you want more information.

Have an awesome Friday and thanks for stopping in.

Bula! from Fiji - Day One

Diana Gibbs — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Two...and Three...

Ok, so we are not in Fiji anymore....the cooking of food (or rather picking up of fast food), the piles of laundry, the doing of dishes, the making of beds make us wake up to reality. Both Eric and Toby, and the girls were happy we were home though. Plus the flowers as Eric was a little slack on the watering...oops. He was too busy painting his room and pulling out the carpet. We knew he was going to, but didn't know what color.

I came home with a bit of a cold which still today has my left ear plugged up from the plane, I hope it goes away soon. I'm already deaf enough as it is.

I will share some of my pictures...I think these were from Day One of our Fiji adventure...it actually kinda turns into Day Three, cause Day Two was on the plane.

Our traveling buddies Dan and Lorri Heiling, we made sure our seats were together on the planes when we made our reservations. They are super fun to be with.

My silly hubby, we were taking pictures on the plane and he was like "We are going to LA!"

Jeff and I. We took off for LAX where we had an almost 8 hour layover to leave for Fiji.

It was fun seeing people arrive. Deke Wood, Jeff and Dan. Trying out the new camera.

Finally on the plane, (Day Two) and we got breakfast at I don't know what time. I took a motion pill and tried to sleep pretty fast, especially after I watched Breaking Dawn 2 on my own little TV in front of me. Time flies while you are sleeping...or at least until the man behind your bangs and bangs on your seat cause he has to potty!!!

We made it! (Day Three) See how big that plane was, it even had an upstairs.

Our home for the next 7 - 9 days.

Bula! We were welcomed at the hotel by singing and a delicious orange juice concoction, that I never even took a picture of, we were kinda like zombies.

We got a Junior Suite which kinda threw me for a minute...or two.

It came with a whole separate bedroom with bunk beds...this was where Jeff would go if he misbehaved...ha! Actually it was handy to keep our stuff in and not have our room be too messy.

There was even little bath robes!

Gotta love the top flushing toilet...and boy their seats are smaller than ours, not as much cushioning for the tush...sit, go and git.

I'm kinda liking that big bowl sink idea...might have to think about that when/if we ever remodel.

Our first Stampin' Up! gift was a fun rug waiting for us in our room, I quick rolled it up so we kept it clean.

This was the view from our room, we were on the bottom floor. It was really close to the pool and the main lobby and breakfast place, nice for me who gets lost easily...I say this cause I park at the same place at the grocery store so I can remember where my car is.

We had to go to the Hospitality room and play a game to win a prize, a new one each day. We handed in our swap, and dropped off our baby clothes donation to the Fiji orphanage.

She shoots, she scores!

Fun, a new word each day!

We went and ate breakfast and then we took a nap. My friend Robin Merriman (hey honey) told us to make sure to take one or by 7:30 we would be out like a light and that is when the welcome party started. Good advice, that nap felt so good. It is amazing what sleeping laying down does to a person.

Lorri and I at The Salt, it was an amazing restaurant and the food was delicious. Best fish and chips I have ever eaten. It took us a while to get use to the Fiji dollars...wowza. We were smart and stayed three extra days at the end of our trip, the Demonstrators that went in three days early had more rain.

Susie Wood and I, waiting to go into the Welcome Reception.

Ouch!!!

This band welcomed us and I even got asked to dance, will have to get a picture from someone since I was holding my camera the whole time.

These warriors danced too, a lot of spears and stuff, kinda scary if we were anywhere else but with Stampin' Up!

At least they had on shorts.

Then into the Welcome Reception and then we got door prizes.

The men (or first guest) even got a present. I love how Stampin' Up! acknowledges the hubby's for all they do to support us. Can't tell you the many dinners and loads of laundry Jeff does cause I am busy cutting paper, in a class or whatever. I wish that was the case with all Demonstrators.

Look at the goodies inside.

Hard to read but a cute little poem.

Then it was pillow gift time!

A fun beach tote.

Oh and look who was in our bathroom...or toilet as they say in Fiji.

He was fast, not as used to people as ours at home.

Well that was it for Day One, Two and Three...we hit the bed and slept all night.

Don't forget if you want to preorder the new catalog, let me know, I am taking pre-orders now. Catalogs are $6.00 and will be priority mailed to you, when I get the catalogs I will let you know so you can pay for the postage. I will send a paypal link at that time.

Please note, I can only send Catalogs to addresses in the US...thanks for understanding.

Will be back tomorrow with more Fiji pictures.

Have an awesome (what day is it?) Thursday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Morning Cup

Diana Gibbs — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

We should be back, God willing, and I bet I am a zombie. So I will set this to post in case I can't even stay awake to turn the computer on. Perhaps if I drank coffee it would help...oh this says tea...I do drink sweet tea...don't miss this adorable set.

Have an awesome Wednesday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Little Friends

Diana Gibbs — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

Oh please, another set I will miss...but will keep, cause look at that little puppy trying to get that present, you can hear him grrr...ing. Don't miss out on Little Friends. Keep in mind this card is from an old post (I was trying to make my getting ready for our trip easier) so the DSP and ribbon retired last year or so...but always check the clearance rack, some things show up there.

This is the last day for double eggs, so don't miss out on those. With the new catalog coming soon, there is bound to be new stamp sets you will want to pick for free.

Have an incredible Tuesday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Kidoodles

Diana Gibbs — Mon, 06 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

I mean when will I use the word Kidoodle now? Wherever will you find an octupus holding cupcakes? You have to have this set in your collection, it is too cute! Don't forget you are earning double eggs through May 7.

Have a terrific Monday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Just Believe

Diana Gibbs — Sun, 05 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

This beautiful card was actually made by a sweet school friend of mine Marcy Denning from Canada, don't you love it? Don't miss out on this beautiful set...oh and the First Edition DSP it is retiring too. Eek!

Have a blessed Sunday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Greeting Card Kids

Diana Gibbs — Sat, 04 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

This set makes me want a big bowl of Campbell's tomato soup, how about you? The Greeting Card Kids set is so fun and I will miss all of them.

Have an awesome Saturday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Established Elegance

Diana Gibbs — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

Be still my heart, oh how I loved making this card...keep in mind I am just showing the stamp set some of the other parts of the card may have retired last year. Don't miss Established Elegance.

Have an awesome Friday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Elements of Style

Diana Gibbs — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

This is also a beautiful set and so much fun to color. Don't miss out on Elements of Style.

Have an amazing Thursday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Countryside

Diana Gibbs — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

OMG! not my precious truck! Well I am totally keeping this set. But make sure you don't miss out on it, Countryside is retiring.

Have a great Wednesday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Cherish Friendship

Diana Gibbs — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

Another one of my favorite sets, Cherish Friendship, you know how I love to color, and for pete's sake there is that jewelry tag punch again, it is retiring and might even be sold out by now. Since we don't have phones or the computer...I think that is called off the grid, I don't really know. Just click on the link above and you can find out.

I am hoping Mike and Eric are feeding Toby and the chickens and not being too much like bachelors. I know that they were going to paint Eric's room and remove the carpet.

Have an awesome Tuesday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Button Buddies

Diana Gibbs — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

Another cute set that is retiring, it was always fun to add personality using the buttons.

We should be at Fiji today but it will be Tuesday there. It's like time traveling.

Have an awesome Monday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Best Dad Ever (Stamp Set)

Diana Gibbs — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Eek, I had to change that blog post title, it sounded bad without stamp set on there.

Here is another stamp set that is retiring Best Dad Ever.

Just so you know if anyone orders my PDF on watercoloring, I won't be able to send it till I get back, so please be patient...thanks!

I am setting these posts up before I leave, this is a longggg travel day/evening/morning.

Have a great Sunday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Bells & Boughs

Diana Gibbs — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

Another gorgeous stamp set retiring, this one is Bells & Boughs - this was a card I did for Founder's Circle one year. I'm just focusing on the stamp sets, there might be stuff on the card that retired last year.

Eek, it has the jewelry tag punch on there too! Another thing retiring! Oh and if you go to the original post (the link is above) I have a video on doing this technique.

Well this old gal is signing off, we have tons to do tomorrow, today I finished up my demo for Fiji, and got it all ready to pack, the last load of wash is in the dryer. Still trying to figure out how I lose 10 pounds in a day???

Have an awesome Saturday and thanks for stopping in.

So Long Aviary

Diana Gibbs — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:01:00 -0700

Free Catalog, Double Eggs, Retiring Lists!

What I will probably do for the next week or so is show past cards that I posted that the stamp set is retiring, that way I can get all I need to do before our trip done. Plus I won't have my laptop or phone while we are gone. Is that called off the grid?

I love this Aviary set and will miss the fun little owls.

When you go to the original post (the link is above the card) I also have a video using the jewelry tag punch and...are you sitting down? It is retiring too...I know...I was so surprised, I love that punch.

Do you watch Scandal? I swear every episode about Huck has me crying at the end.

Have an awesome Friday and thanks for stopping in.