Sincere thank you!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

This week I thought I'd share a card I had published in this months Scrapbooking.com issue! One thing I have always loved about Boxer is that they coordinate the newer papers to go with some of the older paper, allowing us to get a 2nd use from our stash. The striped paper on this card is from the calendar papers (fall) and it really goes well with the older orange dot paper. Plus the ribbon coordinates with both! Awesome!

Boxer products: Fall stripes; orange dot; orange grosgrain; Thank You stamps;

Check out your older Boxer papers and see which of the newer papers you can coordinate them with! Definitely gives your older papers a second wind!

Di

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Our latest purchase

Friday, November 27, 2009

Many of our close friends and family will know that for a while now we've been considering buying an RV. Mostly for when we go dirtbiking but hoping also that we would get out and about on vacation a bit more being able to take the dogs with us without hotel restrictions. After many months of research, checking out retailer websites and doing lots of walkthroughs, we knew what we were looking for in an RV and what we did and did not want in our RV. So then the search began for real, for a class A motorhome with a floorplan we liked and that had the conveniences we preferred. After viewing a couple of disappointing units we finally came across a Fleetwood Southwind in Thousand Oaks, reasonably priced, and it had all the things we were looking for so off we went to check it out.


We weren't interested in going into debt for this venture and opted instead for an older cheaper model and this was a 1999 but in really good condition! We liked it, took it for a test drive, played with all the features and decided to go ahead and purchase it! It's a little longer than what we had in mind, but it does fit on the driveway as you can see.


Of course, after filling it with supplies we had on hand (and making a list of things to buy) we had to check and make sure the VIPs liked the new mobile living quarters! Here is River inside the RV waiting for me to come back while I went to grab the camera!


As I said it's a long one! 35ft to be precise but it has a lot of living space which is what we wanted. The decor is kinda neutral which is more our style compared to some of the motorhomes we'd seen recently! Here you can see Bob in the lounging area checking out the internet reception on his mac! We were only on the driveway so we were using the wireless internet from the house :)


The RV has a 3 seater couch which jackknifes into a bed. Not sure we'll use it but it's handy as a couch when you have two spotty dogs who insist on lounging on or near you!


This is the dinette opposite the kitchen area. This so reminds me of camping in caravans back in England! Something about dinettes take me right back to caravan holidays at Skegness! This also transforms into a bed. Oh and this section (dinette and sofa) slides out about 3ft when static to increase the living area walkway. Really make a HUGE difference when it's out!

Here you can see the kitchen on the left and the dinette on the right. Down the little hallway with the two sniffy monsters there is the bedroom. On the left is a fridge/freezer then a huge closet, on the right is the bathroom.


The kitchen is great! Lots of cupboards, oven, hob and microwave! Also there is a big fridge freezer like I mentioned. The countertops are corian. Honestly it's better than the kitchen we have in the house!


As you can see here is the huge closet space. We have lots of room for all the biking gear, extra blankets and clothes too! Not sure we need all this storage but hey it's better to have more storage than not enough right?

The bedroom area is pretty small, just a walkaround bed and some storage, but it serves it's purpose. There is more storage under the bed too, room for extra pillows, another comforter or blankets. Or for dog beds ;)


The bathroom is pretty standard. One of the things we looked for was a contained bathroom, not one had a shower in the bedroom. We wanted the sink, toilet and shower all in the same bathroom. Pretty standard RV bathroom really.


We have been out for our first test camping trip and I will post details of that soon so stay tuned! Posting this now because we are out and about this week dirtbiking and dry camping int he RV at El Mirage (fingers crossed) with other RVing and dirtbiking friends. Hopefully we're having a whale of a time in the desert on the dirtbikes, but with some home comforts of the RV! Prepping for this trip was a bit of an ordeal with the bike trailer etc but I think we're gonna get better at that as we get more experience.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy the weekend! I'll be back next week with more scrapbooking projects, sketches and RV tales from Oak Park and our thanksgiving biking bonanza at El Mirage :)

Di

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Card Sketch Nov #4

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A new sketch this week and this one is gonna be great for using up thin scraps of paper! We all save them right? Just adhere them randomly and add a greeting. Y'all know I am all about the scraps :)

I've been trying to use up my Autumn Leaves papers so these scraps were lying on my scraptable and just begged to be used on this sketch. I did alter the sketch a little as I added a die cut, but hey I'm stashbusting!

"Missing You" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Papers & Die Cut: Autumn Leaves; Cardstock: DCWV; Rub-on: ohom;



"Happy Day" card by Jackie Price
Supplies: scraps of Fancy Pants paper, flowers, stickles, cat’s eye ink, alpha rub ons



"Happy Christmas" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers ~ Imagination Project; Stamp ~ Anitas; Brads ~ from stash



"Thanks" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: Making Memories' Mistletoe line - patterned paper and embossed glittered cardstock, Bazzill embossed cardstock, Graphic 45 cardstock alphas



"Winter Wonderland" card by Chrys Rose
Supplies: Basic Grey paper; Scenic Route rub on; Boxer Scrapbook ribbon



"Wedding" card by Jo Willis
Supplies: Papermill card, DCWV papers, Scrapworks Rubz sentiment rub-on, Prima crystal. Ribbon and pins from stash.




"Xmas" card by Linda Flinders




Di

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Manufacturer Monday

Monday, November 23, 2009

I've decided to bring back my Manufacturer Monday "thing". Kind of a challenge, kind of an excuse to make me actually create something. Lately my creating has been a bit haphazard, so I needed to get back to my schedule and challenge myself. So here it is, back, Manufacturer Monday. The idea is that each month I pick a manufacturer and use their products each Monday throughout the month. This is a great way to use the stuff in your stash so why not join in?

As there is only a couple of Mondays left in November I decided to use Autumn Leaves. I only have a few pieces of Autumn Leaves papers left in my stash so it seemed like a good idea to use these bit up and have them out and used up :)

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill; Paper & Die Cut: Autumn Leaves; Stamp: Kim Hughes (CHF)

I also used these papers to make my card for last Wednesdays sketch. I remember making some great layouts and cards previously with these papers and that was a LONG time ago, so it's high time I used up these scraps!


How about you? Do you have some Autumn Leaves products sitting in your scrapbooking stash? Why not join in with me this month and get it used up! If you don't have Autumn Leaves, then just choose a manufacturer beginning with A and get to it! As long as you use your stash and no new product then you're good to go for a stash challenge!!!

Di

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Sunday Sunday

Sunday, November 22, 2009

There is a new digital kit available at Scrapwow, it's the RAKscraps November Add-On kit and designed by me :) The color palette is delicously fall deep and rich autumnal colors. A great kit for any occasion really! On sale for just $3.95


Coordinating with the kit is a series of Quick Pages I designed. Each one is a 12x12 Quick Page with transparent windows, simply add your photos and journaling and you' re page is done! Available in my Scrapwow store only!




Check out my digital stores for more quickpages, templates and digital kits: Scrapwow, 3scrapateers and Di Hickman Designs


Today I thought I'd also share a care that was published in the current issue of Ready Set Create. This one is a get well card, and ANY dot paper usually works well for this kind of card and I LOVE dot papers :)


More projects coming soon!

Di

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Sew Saturday

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Ok so I tried to start this Sew Saturday blog posting/scheduling before I got sick, but then I got flu and things just went to crap. So here is the first Sew Saturday update! My goal for these posts each Saturday is to provide updates on the projects I am working on, to hopefully force myself to MAKE/ALTER things with my sewing machine and serger, and to hopefully inspire you to do the same! I know some of you are sewers as well as scrapbookers, and if you're like me you tend to forget about other hobbies in favor of playing with paper!

So my scrap/office/sewing room is a bit of a mess right now. I had projects due the week after I was sick, so I had to do a quick turnaround on a couple of articles which always means the organisation suffers in here. I have an office mascot (Sky), who comes in and forces me to take breaks ;) Well Monday she decided to set up camp in here on a pile of clothing I have to alter in my sewing corner.


Not like I could be mad at her, afterall it DID look comfy! She seemed to enjoy it, and it's further proof to myself that I needed to tidy up, get organised AND get my mascot her own bed in here. For those wondering, River tends not to come in here much. She prefers to nap in the living room on the sofa. She's a Daddy's Girl for sure! Sky however is apparantly attached to me with velcro :) Anyway I got to work shortly after this photo was taken, tidied up the alterable stuff and set about organizing. Now all the clothing is folded neatly into piles in the closet. I can SEE what needs to be done, pull out ONE project, work on it and then move onto the next project!

Coming soon, the sewing projects!

Di

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Fit Friday

Friday, November 20, 2009


I started the final phase of P90-X this week! That's week 9 of 12 so still a ways to go yet, and I'm not sure how good next week will pan out for exercise as Bob is off work, it's Thanksgiving and we have family plans :) Guess we'll see if I do a modified week or just skip a week and start again on the 23rd. Gonna fly by the seat of my pants on that one.

Overall I am enjoying P90-X. The first week or so was tough, not just on my body but on my "fitness instructor brain". I struggled to turn off the knowledge and was constantly yelling at the screen telling Tony to teach more and pump iron less. Eventually though I learned to 'tune out' and just take it for what it is, an exercise DVD. I had to realize that it's not a live class, and they can't tell you everything you need to know in the 45-60 min workout. After that I learned to enjoy it. My favorite workouts are Plyo-X, Kenpo-X and legs/back... oh and of course the infamous Ab Ripper X. Can't forget the Abs! My least favorite would be Core synergistics or Cardio X. Not because I don't like them persay I just don't get the calorie burn I need doing them and honestly I'd rather do one of the other workouts instead. Another one I have a love/hate relationship with is the yoga. My biggest peeve is that it's 90 minutes long (way too long)! Also it's a lot of wrist work, which I have weak wrists so I'm not so keen. I manage to get further and further without needing a break though so that's good. Damn weak wrists!

I've definitely gotten a lot stronger since starting the routine though so it DOES work for sure. And although I haven't lost a lot of weight (didn't need to so I didn't do the diet plan) I have changed body shape a bit more and have a lot more muscle definition so I've dropped fat for sure.

I'm already thinking of what to do when this round of P90X ends. Maybe continue another round, but do doubles? Or change to something else? Not sure yet. Any suggestions?

Di

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Thrity Thursday

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Well I've had a couple of Thrifting trips recently that I haven't blogged about, and I'm sure I'm missing some items of clothing in this update but what the heck! Lately I've been trying to get out of my usual t-shirt phase and get some other tops to wear. Well I certainly did that with these tops! The first one was one that was hung on the front of the rack at the thrift store, and initially I walked past it thinking it was a bit 'loud'. The pattern itself isn't bad it's the fact that it has rhinestones on it. But I figured no, try it on, push yourself outside your box! I actually like the fit, but it's a litte on the revealing side as I can't wear a bra with it due to the style. It only cost a dollar though ;)

*Ignore the jeans, I couldn't be bothered to put a belt on and these Jeans are a size or two too big*


I have been looking out for halter style tops since I bought a brown one I loved a few months ago. This one I think it pretty springy but will also be good for summer. Really not sure about the softer color pallette, but again for a dollar I wasn't going to pass it up. I really like the length on this top too, and it's very comfortable!


The next one I nearly didn't buy. It's a barely there top by Forever21 and cost me $2. I like it but man there isn't much to it! Again it's braless, no other option with the totally open back! I do need another person to tie me up in it though as I can't seem to line the straps up properly myself, hence it's a little wonky.


This next pic is a two-fer. The stripey top is one I really didn't like that much when I tried it on, but for a buck I can wear it round the house. It's short sleeve with a hood. Not sure what's with that lately, I bought a pink one similar to it a few months back. The jacket cost me $4 but I like it alot! It's a light blue corduory jacket and looks great with jeans. My only beef with it is the lapel pockets which won't lie flat. I think I'll be sewing some press studs on there to keep them down. On a side note, don't think I'll be wearing this top and jacket together.


And finally a handbag I got just before I got the flu, it was $3. I've been looking for some black boots to match but no luck so far. Still that's an excuse for more shopping right?



Well like I said I think I missed a few items, especially stuff I plan on refashioning but you'll see those at a later date ;)

Di

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Card Sketch Nov #3

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Another card sketch on the blog today. I have to say I am loving the card sketches lately. The more simpler sketches are my favorites so I love the recent sketches, where you can add your own little twists to the design, this weeks is no exception!


I chose some old paper scraps this weeks for my card, paired with a stamp from Kim Hughes (CHF) and some general craft supply flowers. Cards don't have to be made with all the latest products, you can just use what you have on hand around your scraproom! Use those scraps! This weeks and last weeks sketches are great for scraps!

"Missing You" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill; Paper: Autumn Leaves; Stamp: Kim Hughes (CHF); Flowers: Craft Supply; Brads: Doodlebug




"Thanks" card by Jackie Price
Supplies: scraps of Fancy Pants paper, flowers, cat’s eye ink, alpha stamps, Sharpie




"Merry Christmas" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers ~ Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly; Rub on ~ Imaginisce; Brads ~ from stash




"Merry Christmas" card by Chrys Rose
Supplies: Making Memories paper and flower; Bazzill cardstock; October Afternoon rub on




"Merry Christmas" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: Melissa Frances patterned papers , Making Memories' Mistletoe line - glittered foam stickers , Queen & Co pearls




"Happy Christmas" card by Linda Flinders




Di

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Rosie-D's Challenge

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Sharing my Guest Design Team card for this weeks challenge at Rosie-D's Challenge Blog. This weeks challenge is to use Lemon/Lime color combo with a dash of ribbon. We were also using digital stamps from Heather Dennis who is this weeks prize sponsor so make sure to go check out the challenge and get your cards uploaded for a chance to win.


Supplies: Digital Stamp: CoffeeCake 3 by Heather Dennis; Cardstock: DCWV; Patterned Paper: DCWV; Ribbon: Offray; Rhinestones: MAMBI; Font: Ravie; Photoshop

Really enjoyed using the digital stamp and seeing Heather's store has really made me think about doing my own digital stamps for cards! Maybe something to work on it the future!

More creativity soon!

Di

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Monday Musings

Monday, November 16, 2009

Friday was a busy day, with phone calls to family back home, grocery shopping, working out, cooking and household chores. Amazing how time flies with just general everyday life 'stuff'. Saturday we did the usual stuff. I cleaned the kitchen, Bob tinkered around the house doing his projects.

Saturdays are my day off from exercise so I have a cheat day and don't watch my diet so much. In the evening we went to Souplantation and I nearly lost my wedding ring down the drain :( Yeah I know I lost weight but haven't lost that much recently! I only got this one in September (our 10 year anniversary!). Apparently though the body SHAPE is changing (as happens) and my fingers are much thinner than they used to be. I went to the bathroom, washed my hands, and when I shook them to get the excess water off before turning and grabbing some paper towel to dry them - My ring flew off, and rolled around the sink! Thank heavens the drain holes were small! Otherwise I'd have lost it. Guess it's time for a new/smaller ring!

Sunday I kept busy busy busy! I started the third phase of P90-X, cut Bobs hair, did some household chores, tidied up my scraproom/office, caught up on some TV and did some creating (sharing that tomorrow). Hopefully the productivity from Sunday continues throughout the upcoming week!!!

Anyway sharing another Boxer card today. Whilst making the card I showed on the blog last week I whipped up another using the same supplies. Always good to have one card to send and another to put aside in the stash for a rainy day :)


More cards soon!

Di

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Born to Ride!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Regular readers of my blog will know that I'm not you're ordinary scrapbooker, heck I'm not a normal girl either! One of my other hobbies besides scrapbooking, cardmaking, digital, and working out is... dirtbiking. Now I haven't been doing it all that long, maybe 3 years now? But I REALLY enjoy it! I started out with my Yamaha TTR 125cc and I had that a year before I outgrew it. So I upgraded to a Honda 230 CRF, back in January 2008. Unfortunately our nearest area to ride, Rowher Flats burned to a crisp back in fall 2007 when some kid decided that playing with matches in the tinderbox hills of Southern California sounded like a good idea! Idiots! Long story short I've ridden this bike twice since I bought it, until today!


This was me today on my third outing and it's at my old haunt, Rowher Flats, cos after over 2 years of closures for revegetative growth, regrading etc due to the fires it's open again! This is the first week and it's GREAT! We love this place as it's so much closer to our house (30-40 min drive) and totally doable for a morning ride like today. Plus it's where I learned to ride so it's always kinda special for me to go there, be biking along going "I fell off there, and there, and there" lol.

Anyway the bike was great, sooooo great to be able to get out on trails without sand (urgh). And this is pretty much a new riding since I last time I used it as Bob bought some gizmo's to lower the height of it. Because of that I only had problems with it twice today. Once when I just lost it for no reason (not sure what happened) and another time, when I basically got stuck ontop of a hill with a big crater on one side. I hate being shorter than the rest of the group! Also the good thing is that on solid ground I can now know I CAN lift the bike back up when I get into trouble and drop it. Yay! I had no end of trouble picking it up on sand as my feet just slid and I had no leverage. Plus I am lighter now than I used to be! Good side effect of that is that I can fit into my original bike pants from 3 years ago and they are rooomier than they used to be :)

Feeling nice and chilled today from a great ride!


Di

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Card Sketch Nov #2

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Another card sketch for November! This one makes holiday cards super quick and easy and obviously a few of the sketch girls thought so too as they also made holiday cards! Really stretches the supplies too this one, and would be a great way for using up scraps!


A couple of the girls mentioned that this weeks card was the quickest they'd made and I'd have to agree, and yet the cards look nice, simple and classic. Just the way I like them! My card came together in a jiffy. Simple sticker sentiment really took the work away from any stamping etc! 2 strips of paper, knot the ribbon and Voila!

"Merry Christmas" card by Di Hickman
Supplies: Paper, Sticker & Ribbon: Pebbles Inc; Cardstock: DCWV;



"Holiday Greetings" card by Linda Flinders



"Joy" card by Jo Willis
Supplies: Papermill card, Trimcraft adhesive ribbon, American Crafts Thickers, transparent window sticker and snowflake ribbon from garden centre, Prima crystals, pins from stash.



"Seasons Greetings" card by Pearl Liu
Supplies: MM Glittered cardstock, Melissa Frances trim, Making Memories' Foam stars , Fiskars Apron Lace Border punch



"Merry Xmas" card by Louise Connell
Supplies: Papers ~ My Mind’s Eye Be Merry; Alpha Stickers ~ Papermania and Making Memories; Brads & Ribbon ~ from stash



"Happy Birthday" card by Jackie Price
Supplies: scraps of Fancy Pants paper, flowers, stickles, cat’s eye ink, rhinestones



"December" card by Chrys Rose
Supplies: EK Success paper; Basic Grey tag; Scenic Route rub on; Boxer Scrapbook ribbon; Bazzill cardstock; Making Memories snowflakes




Di

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