Insprink

Glee Inspired Quinn Fabray Crochet Hat!

2011-02-17T23:54:00.000-08:00

Ok. So I finally watched the "Comeback" episode of Glee last night, and I was LOVING all the knit/crochet items that were featured: Quinn Fabray's super cute maroon pixie hat, Brittnay's fingerless gloves, the girls' unicorn sweaters, and the list goes on.

source of pic: here

Update! I got a better view of the Quinn hat

Source of pic here

After seeing Quinn's hat on the show, I wanted it...very badly. I proceeded to google like crazy, searching for every possible phrase that would lead me to this delicious Quinn Fabray hat: "Quinn Fabray's knit hat," "Quinn Fabray's Comeback hat," "Glee Comeback Quinn hat,""Quinn's super cute Comeback hat that I really really want." Nothing. Nadda. Zilch.

I did find this pattern on Etsy, which came close to the ribbing style + small nubbin at the top, but I already spent my "hobby" budget this month, but I have it bookmarked to purchase next month (heee). I decided to search my favorite crochet/knit sites: Raverly, Crafster, and Crochet Pattern Central for a free pattern. I stumbled upon this great free pattern here. It wasn't exactly what I wanted because it didn't have the ribbing pattern I wanted, but it came close. I decided to MODIFY by using a different hook, added some different stitches, made a flower (of course) and viola! See my pics below. It's a quick pattern. I whipped it up in a couple hours. I think it came out alright. I think the next one I do will have a smaller nubbin at the top. Thank you Hermie for the fantastic pattern!! Now, for the fun part: figuring out how to make one for my mini me....

If you were inspired by the same episode, I'd love to see what you made. Leave me a link in my comment :)

Finally!! There are items in my Etsy store

2011-02-16T01:03:00.000-08:00

So as you can see, i've been a busy bee. Check out the products that I've listed in my Etsy store. I've put a mini Etsy store link to the left. Isn't that fancy! I will pop back in later on this week to write more about what I'm creating for my shop. I'll give you a hint. It has something to do with feathers!!

Ok. Off to bed!

Kung Hee Fat Choy!!! Welcome to my latest hobby ;)

2011-02-07T01:03:00.000-08:00

This week we sort of celebrated Chinese New Year. What I mean by sort of, is that I thought about it, was bummed that I missed the festivities in Chinatown, told my kids that we missed the celebration, and now I plan to attend next year. I'm going to consider this year a lucky year for me because it's the year of the rabbit. I wasn't born in the year of the rabbit, but I like rabbits, so there you go. Maybe I'm already off to a bad start because I didn't attend any festivities. Does eating a Chinese Tea Cookie this week count as celebrating the new year? Probably not. I'm so sorry Chinese grandpa. I promise to be a better Chinese granddaughter....next year.

I've been busy doing handmade crafts versus digital designs. Trust me, I will get back to digital designs, but at the moment, with little kids running around, it's much easier to chase them with a yarn ball and crochet hook in hand versus my laptop computer. A smarter person would just stop what they're doing to chase the kids, but sometimes, just sometimes, i'm not that bright.

Since I've been crafting more, I thought, what the hey, I should sell this stuff. I've given a bunch away to friends and sold a bunch of items at a craft fair, so I have high hopes. I hope to be better about posting pictures and updated of what I'm doing, craft wise. I hope to treat my poor neglected blog better than I did over the past year. With that said, I REALLY appreciate my 4 blog followers. You guys are loyal. You rock and you are totally awesome!! If you actually were following my blog, please email me cause I'd love to send you a handmade gift :) If you weren't, then you missed this message and there's no gift for you :(

This week, I will be adding more pics of the crafty goodies I've been working on. Here are a couple images of what I'll be posting in my shop. Unfortunately, my beautiful model tends to be moody, so I can't take pics as often as I want, so please bear with me if you see pictures of my products on the floor or the table or inappropriately placed on my son; it's the best I can do.

Right now, I've got a promotion going on my Facebook store page. For the first 15 people to "Like" my store, will receive a 15% discount off of their first purchase through my store and a chance to win a custom crochet hat for their little one.

So go ahead and "Like" my Facebook page. You can see the very nifty and easy to find "Like" button in the right column. You see it? It's right there. Go ahead. Click "Like"

Thank you!!! Oh and by the way, my store can be found here. There's nothing in the store at this moment, but give me a good night's worth of sleep and I promise to have at least one item posted by tomorrow :) But know that just because nothings in my shop, that doesn't mean I don't have items to sell. So email me if you have any inquiries.

I am going to cry with excitement

2009-12-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

There are two FANTASTIC looking craft fairs happening this weekend and I want to go to both SO BADLY. Even though I'm done with all my Christmas gifts, I want these goodies for ME ME ME!! God I LOVE living in California!

It's not too late to get your Customized Holidays cards!!

2009-12-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hope that you are on target with all of your holiday shopping and festivity planning. If you haven't had a chance to get your holiday cards, it's not too late. I've uploaded a ton more designs in my Etsy shop, so when you get the chance, check them out. I do my best to design unique custom cards to make your Holiday card stand out. If you are interested in getting custom work, feel free to email. I can easily customize your cards to COSTCO which allows you to easily upload your custom card and pick up your prints in an HOUR! Can you believe it! No more paying for shipping & handeling of customized cards. God I love the digital age!

Here are some of the latest cards from my shop:

Hope you are having as stress free of a time as you can possibly have this time of the year. Check back again soon, because I am a designing mad woman these days. My next plan is to roll out a bunch of Hawaii themed Holiday cards for all my 'ohana and peeps back home.

I've launched my Etsy Shop!!

2009-11-09T00:06:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to do this for a really, really, really long time. I finally have the motiviation, and am making the time, to get this off the ground. I am making customized birth announcements, holiday photo cards, invitations, and eventually much more.

I offer a varied selection of designs in hopes to capture a wider audience. Feel free to check out my designs here. In celebration of the opening of my shop, all week long, I will be posting more designs into my shops, doing a random drawing giveaway for a customized Christmas card, and posting a couple freebies to entice you to come back for more. Check back tomorrow for the first of many fun surprises to promote my new store!!

Here are some peeks at what I'll be adding to my etsy store in the coming weeks...

Thank you so much to my friend Jodie for allowing me to use her photos in my cards. You can check her out here. She is a photographer for Central and Northern California.

ScrapMatters is having a blog train and I'm on it!!

2009-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome fellow ScrapMatters fans. We are celebrating yet another wonderful year at the SM home. Yipee!! I'm so excited. Aren't you? We've come a long way baby.

It's so great to see here you. You've probably journeyed from afar to get here. Did you get the chance to pick up a bunch of goodies along the way? Can you believe how many different freebies we're giving away today?!? You must have come from Christine's site. Well, lucky for you, there is more to come...

But first, let's talk about me. Haha. Yes, I'm going to share my best picnic memory too. It would have to be my most recent trip with my family. My son asked if we could go on a picnic and we couldn't resist. So we went to the local lake, parked our butts near the lake's edge, and ate our wonderful meal. My son loved watching the ducks swim by and waved to the people on the canoes. Then, we spent the rest of the day riding bikes around the lake. Sigh. Don't you just love summer? I'm sure going to miss it when it's gone.

Here is the pic of my son and neice sitting by the lakeside.

So now, on to the fun part. As a token of gratitude for stopping by my blog, I am giving you this:

Download here

You not only get a fun element cluster from the Perfect Picnic kit, but you also get a wooden frame and flower stickers created by me. Woohoo!! So make sure to tell all of your friends to jump on the ScrapMatters blog train because you never know what goodies you will find! In case you forgot where the starting point is, it is at Andilynn Design's blog.

Your next stop will be the lovely Designer Mickey B. Make sure to tell her I said hello.

Don't forget to stop by the Scrapmatters.com website for more fun, games, speed scraps and prizes. I hear they are doing giveaways like crazy. Well, it wouldn't be a party without a bunch of treats!

Have Fun!!

Gravity

2009-07-20T23:33:00.000-07:00

I had seen these two birds fly into my little yard today. I was drawn to how close they were to each other. It was not only a proximation, but an unspoken connection. I had to take a picture of them and scrap about it, of course. It also reminded me of the two little souls we've lost in the last couple of years. I imagined that it was the two of them who came back to visit me. In that moment, I felt blessed.

credits

Here are the entire words to this beautiful song...

Gravity by Sara Bareilles

Something always brings me back to you.

It never takes too long.

No matter what I say or do I’ll still feel you here ’til the moment I’m gone.

You hold me without touch.

You keep me without chains.

I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love and not feel your rain.

[CHORUS]

Set me free, leave me be. I don’t want to fall another moment into your gravity.

Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I’m supposed to be.

But you’re on to me and all over me.

You loved me ’cause I’m fragile.

When I thought that I was strong.

But you touch me for a little while and all my fragile strength is gone.

[CHORUS]

Set me free, leave me be. I don’t want to fall another moment into your gravity.

Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I’m supposed to be.

But you’re on to me and all over me.

I live here on my knees as I try to make you see that you’re everything I think I need here on the ground.

But you’re neither friend nor foe though I can’t seem to let you go.

The one thing that I still know is that you’re keeping me down

Your keeping me down,

Your on to me, your on to me and all over

Something always brings me back to you

It never takes to long…

Sneak Peeks of my Renegade Fair Excursion

2009-07-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

I went to San Francisco over the weekend to check out the Renegade Fair. Here are some teasers of all the cool things I took pictures of while at the fair. The stuff they had there was amazing. It felt like I was walking through the halls of Etsy in person. It was AWESOME!!!

Here is my little monster holding the bini monster named Belvadiere, which i bought for him at the fair. He LOVES it!

I've been crafty

2009-07-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of hair clips I've made.

I threw in the wine for affect. Yes, that's my glass and I'm proud of it :)

Fun owls I made for the bathroom decor. I love it!!

I made one for each one of us in the family. I used Kenner Road for the yellow paper and brown alphas. The light blue paper is American crafts. The owls are photoshop brushes. Not my own but they were a freebie. Hope you like it!

Designs Designs and more Designs

2009-07-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hey My Few Fellow Readers. It's been awhile since I posted something. Today my family and I decided to play at a "park" and capture some great shots of our adorable 3 year old. Here are some pictures from our "session" taken with our fancy camera (Canon 40D). Overlays were purchased from We are Storytellers.com.

I also recently did so one layout (woohoo) created with the Scrapbookgraphics site collab Impressions of Travel.

I'm working on the Scrapmatters newsletter, as usual, this time of the month. But more importantly, I've been working on my own designs. I made some digital thank you cards that I'm hoping my friend will like and I am working on an alpha pack to giveaway. I've also got tons of projects in the works, so I hope to post final pictures here. Did I mention how obsessed I am with Kenner Road? Their stuff is totally adorable and I love the goodies I get from them. I recently made some items which I need to take pictures of so I can post them. Stay tuned!

Studio Tangie is having an awesome sale!!

2009-06-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

Studio Tangie

Now it's time to update

2009-06-04T01:39:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot of time doing things offline, which has been fun for me. I'm expanding my crafting abilities beyond the computer screen. I realize that I LOVE the feel of products. I really adore paper, which is why I could easily go crazy in a scrapbooking store. I have to walk into a store and give myself a dollar amount limit to make sure I don't go crazy. I've been enjoying some occasional kits from Kenner Road. Kerry's kits are fantastic. I hope to be able to be a regular customer soon once I make more $$$. Here are some fun gifts I made over the course of the a couple weeks:

Actually, come to think of it, I did get to do some layouts. Nothing to really "write home" about, but it did get some of my creative digi juices flowing.

credits

Some of my favorite designers came out with funky, lovely new kits. Check them out below...

Teen Grunge

Paddy Whack

Artist Sheets

WM[Squared] has a new kit coming out...

2009-05-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Check out the preview..

will be available tomorrow at scrapmatters.com

NSD ScrapMatters Blog Train: My kind of paradise

2009-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is my first [inter]National Scrapbooking Day event. I'm so excited. The Design Team at ScrapMatters worked really hard to bring you an amazing MEGA kit called Hawaiian Happy Hour that you'll get for FREE with the purchase of $15 or more at the ScrapMatters store. Isn't this kit fantastic?!?

Here is what I created with this kit:

In case you were wondering what "no ka 'oe" means, it means THE BEST! My idea of paradise is traveling to the Big Island, otherwise known as Hawaii. No place can compare to how amazing the Big Island is. Granted, I may be biased because I lived there for 4 years, met my husband there, and have family roots from there, but hey. Who's keeping track of those minor details?

I lived in the beautiful town of Kamuela (aka Waimea). It was a small town with the friendliest group of people who truly showed the meaning of Aloha (love).

My favorite places to visit on the Big Island is Waipi'o, Kamuela, Kohala, Honoka'a, and Ka'u. All of these places have the most incredible vistas you've ever seen. Here are some pictures I found on the internet due to the fact I have yet to take decent pictures of my favorite island.

Kamuela (can you believe I use to have a view from my room of this? now why did I move again?)

Honoka'a (this view is similar to what I would see every day at school)

Waipi'o (the valley where the Chiefs would meet)

When I travel to the Big Island, here is what I like to do (in order of travel from east to west): go to Hilo for Big Island Candies (they have the best chocolate dipped cookies I've ever had); go to Honoka'a for some Tex Malasadas and hanging out in their historical downtown (best place to get antique items); drive to Kamuela to visit my old house and eat a loco moco at Kamuela Deli; then drive along the Waikoloa coast where I'll probably stay at my favorite hotel (where I also happen to have several proms there; ah, memories); continue driving to Kona where I'll pick up a few bags of genuine kona coffee at a very cheap price; then head south to Ka'u (where my grandma is from) to hang out at the beach with the sea turtles and stop by Punalu'u Bake Shop for lunch and to purchase a couple loafs of their sweetbread. After all that eating, I'd head back northeast to Hilo to fly out of their international airport. Can you tell how much I miss the food there?

Ok. I'm done teasing you with pictures and links to my idea of paradise. Here is what you were probably looking for:

grab here

I made 2 5x7 quickpages and loved it so much, that i also made a 5x7 card. I really loved this kit. The color scheme was so much fun. I know I know. I should've put this at the beginning of my blog, but then you wouldn't have read all those wonderful things about the Big Island.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You should have arrived from Leslie's blog. Your next stop from here will be Jeni's blog. In case you are keeping track of how many quickpage freebies to collect, I am #29 out of 35.

Andilynn Designs has new kits! Read more about it.

2009-05-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've been able to create for Andilynn Designs, so I am beyond thrilled that she came out with TWO new kits. I've really been into vintage stuff lately, so it is perfect that Andrea would create 2 kits in a row that would have all the elements I love.

Here is what I created with night music:

I haven't had a change to play with the beauty kit, but I hope to do that soon. It's been a crazy day. Hurry over to scrapmatters and get these kits because there is a MEGA sale going on there right now in honor of National Scrapbooking Day.

Ok I seriously need to go to bed. Can't wait to see you back here later on in the morning because I will be a part of the ScrapMatters Team blog train. Choo choo! See you then.

All aboard the Shabby Chic blog train with WM[squared]

2009-05-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

In celebration of National Scrapbooking Day and the new release of WM[squared] (one of my favorite Designer) kit, her lovely CT team (which I am gleefully a part of) is hosting a blog train with quickpage FREEBIES. Make sure that you've already grabbed freebies from Jen, Kim, Melissa, Heidi, and Heather.

Here is what I created for you:

grab here

And my fun layout of me and my sis:

This kit was so much fun. Wendy has bird cages, vintage buttons, and these fantastic papers that can inspire endless hours of scrapping. Check out her NSD grab here at ScrapMatters.com

Thanks for stopping by my blog. You probably got here from Heather's blog. Make sure you head on over to Krisi's blog to grab the rest of your freebie quickpages.

Hope you're having a fun scrapbooking day!

NSD at ScrapMatters is going to be wicked cool

2009-05-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Aunty's B-day Gift

2009-04-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

I did my first ever creative SB present (that wasn't digital). I am totally happy with it. Everything I used from Kenner Road's April add on kit. This kit was flippin fantastic. I'll definitely order from them again. They had so many fun papers and elements. I also got the shadow box from them.

Here is the side. It's pictures of my nieces. I know. I can't take pictures worth crap. Trust me, I was very tired that day.

On this side, I put pictures of my son. Ah, isn't he cute.

And here is the back. I totally loved this. I wished I could've made one for myself. Maybe one day.

It sucks to feel blue...

2009-04-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

I've been having one of those yucky down on your luck type of week. Sometimes life is going just perfectly fine; sometimes even better than perfectly fine. Then you get bad news and everything goes downhill from there. I can't believe I was on an emotional high just a week and a half ago and now I find myself in this awful funk that I just can't get out of. Thank goodness for music. I heard this song on Pandora the other day and just had to have it. After hearing the words, I just knew this was a song that my husband would dedicate to me if we were still in Jr. High and requesting songs to each other on the radio. :) It's called "We All Need Saving" by Jon McLauhghlin.

You have got to move on
This is no the you i know
This isn't real
It's just all you can feel
And that's the way that feelings go
And whether or not it's right or wrong you'll do what you will do

When the cloudi in the sky starts to pour
And your life is justa storm you're braving
Don't tell yourself you can't lean on someone else
Cause we all need saving sometimes

We all need saving by Jon Mclaghlin

Say what you will but the time that we fill
While we're on the earth
Should not be alone
We were meant ot be known
You make me what i'm worth
But i can't keep you from yourself you'll do what you will do

I don't know why it has to be this way and
I don't know the cure
But please believe someone has felt this before

We all need saving
Sometimes
Sometimes

Digital Candy is doing another CT call. Check it out!

2009-03-29T01:16:00.000-07:00

Made it to Round 3, but didn't move on to Round 4

2009-03-25T01:39:00.000-07:00

Aloha! Thank you so much for being supportive in downloading my freebie kits. It's been really exciting to see those numbers on my stats rise with every download. The Design Star contest has been a great challenge at ScrapMatters. If you are thinking about designing, this is the place to do it. I've learned tons from my fabulous mentor Wendy and I hope to get to work with her again. She also happens to be one of my fav digi designers. :) You can check out her EXCELLENT work here.

Here is a picture of my element pack. You can download it here.

I thought I'd also post some LOs that I've been working on. I feel like this part of my life has been neglected due to the DS contest, so it felt great to scrap again tonight.

credits

As you may have notice, the last two are kinda funky. I've been honored to be a Creative Genius for Tangie Baxter Designs. I'm super excited because I think her stuff is amazing. I love the vintage items she has and her team challenges really stretch my comfort zone. :) You can find me here on Sundays with inspiration interviews. Here is some of her most recent releases:

Make sure you head over to scrapbookgraphics.com to pick up Tangie's latest kits.

I'm off to bed. Until next time, take care! Kel

Design Star Week 2!!

2009-03-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,
Just thought I'd give you an update on the designing. So, I had only two days to put together my paper pack because I've been working on the ScrapMatters March newsletter, and I have to say. I feel pretty good about my paper pack. Clearly not a lead contender, but certainly something I can be proud of. I hope you all get a chance to download my freebie kit along with everyone elses. There are some good paper packs out there.

Here is my kit. As you can see, I chose a brigther shade of rainbow colors for this kit. You must be registered at Scrapmatters.com in order to download the kits. Once you are registered, you will find it in the gallery at the very bottom under the title DESIGN STAR. Click on that. Then got to ROUND TWO. Any that's where all the goodies are. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I promise it's worth the hassle. You'll get 30 paper packs FOR FREE!!!

Here are some of my favorites, besides mine of course :)

So hurry on over to grab a bunch of freebies! Thanks for viewing and downloading.
Kelly

I made it! I made it! I could be the next Design Star!!!

2009-03-10T00:13:00.000-07:00

So ScrapMatters.com has a Design Star contest where the winners will be Design Apprentices for this amazing online digital scrapbooking community. I haven't won (yet) but I made it to the top 24. Woohoo! And let me tell you, that was no easy task. There were 89 other FABULOUS and TALENTED aspiring designers. As a part of the first round, we had to create mini kits using a specific color scheme. The result was NINTY free mini kits to the general public. If you're interested in downloading a bunch of free kits, please register at scrapmatters.com before Friday the 13th and click away.

Here is my fun kit I lovingly named "What A Hoot!" You can grab this fun freebie here.

Hubby is glad to hear that I've moved on because he knows how hard I worked on that darn owl. I'll keep you posted as the weeks continue. Luckily, next week is not an elimination round, so I'll get to chance to be paired with a mentor and create a fun paper pack. I can't wait!

In Celebration of Women's History Month...

2009-03-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

Glamour has done this amazing photo shoot of young hollywood starlets recreating famous poses by influential women in history. I was beyond thrilled to see some of my favorite poses recreated by some of my favorite young actresses....

I absolutely adore Alexis and I LOVE that she did this pose.

Who doesn't like Audrey Hepburn? If you don't, you need to stop reading my blog.

Such an amazing picture and movement...

And of course, Carrie Bradshaw. She made sex liberating for all single women in America. Love it!!

You bet you bottoms that I'll be scrapping these pictures some time soon. I am by no means claiming these photos my own and I've got them from the Glamour gallery. Please check out the other photos. It's such a great tribute.

Glamour is one of my all time favorite magazines. They not only cover fashion and beauty, but some of their non-fiction articles are riveting. Check them out some time.

WOW. Has it really been 2 months?

2009-02-24T00:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the last time I posted was back in December. A lot has happened since then. I successfully potty trained my son. Woot woot. We do a little potty dance together. Something similar to John Travolta's potty dance in "Look Who's Talking", but not really. We went to Hawaii to see my sister run in a cultural scholarship pageant. She won the 3rd Princess spot. You can see her in the Chinese New Year parade here. Yes. I googled my sister to find that picture. Isn't that hysterical. You can google your siblings. Crazy. I'm still loving my new job like crazy. The side effects of working at the Culinary Arts office is GAINING 2 POUNDS. EEK! Sorry Nat. I don't know if I can still fit in that bridesmaid dress in April. Hubby promises to find me the best girdle out there. I'm still the newsletter editor at Scrapmatters.com. Did you get a chance to head over there to sign up for the newsletter? It's pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

I've been scrapping like crazy. I feel like I've been on hiatus from scrapping for awhile that it's been really fun to scrap. I promise you I didn't do this all in one night. This is over the course of 3-4 weeks. Well, 5 of them were done over the course of 5 days, but that's besides the point. Here are just some of my fun layouts...

Simply Sweet Design's "Take Me To The Orient" kit at ScrapMatters.com

"sweet shop kit" by Aubrey Pierce at The Red Porch.com

"Love, Life, Nature" twice as nice collab kit now available at ScrapMatters

2/17 Tuesday Template Challenge by Denise Beaty

"Castle in the Sky kit" by Cath Cher designs

felt candy elements: "Sweet Shop kit" by Aubrey Pierce at The Red Porch

white doodles: Britt-ish Designs "Doodlie-Do: Shapes" available at scrapmatters

other white doodle stamps: Corina Nielson/Miss Tiina "XOXO kit"

polka dot yellow paper: Britt-ish Designs "used & abused paper pack vol.2" available at scrapmatters

aqua blue paper: Andilynn Designs "Extreme Solids Paper Pack" available at scrapmatters

white stamp frame: Andilynn Designs "Stamplets 1" available at scrapmatters

"Vintage love letter" kit by WM[squared] designs at ScrapMatters.com

Jane Austen font

Mujka Designs "floral" brush

Vignette photo overlay: Two Sisters Designs at We are Storytellers

This layout is actually very dear to me. All products are from Andilynn Designs and you can read the detailed journaling here.

ScrapMatters is hosting their very first design challenge. So if you're interested, check out the details at this thread. I'm joining, so hope you get a chance to stop by and download my products for free.

I'm hosting a color challenge at The Red Porch and if you participate, you get this free kit, so why not play?

I promise to keep up with writing here more. That's one of the new years resolution that I'll probably break. Happy Scrapping,

Kelly

Christmas Cards that weren't meant to be

2008-12-16T23:12:00.000-08:00

Didn't do these in time :( So we got Costco Christmas cards instead. Oh well. At the very least, I thought I'd post them here. Happy Holidays!

Just keep breathing...

2008-12-11T23:26:00.000-08:00

So as you can tell, I haven't had much of the creative juices flowing. Lots have been going on with my new job(s). I can't wait for the next couple of weeks to settle down so i can focus more on my creative projects. But until then, I leave you with this picture from this site of amazing photos. I love this pic because my hawaiian middle name happens to mean "heavenly dew" and if there was a photo that described my middle name, I think this would be it...

Guess Who's Having Another Speed Scrap...

2008-12-11T23:23:00.000-08:00

Lattes anyone?

2008-12-03T00:45:00.000-08:00

I am so loving my new job. I get free batches of assorted fresh baked cookies and free lattes to start. Tomorrow I get a whole buffet meal FOR FREE. I am living the good life at the Culinary Department :) This is exactly what the doctor ordered. New job. More time with my son and the opportunity to go back to school. AND free lattes...

Be safe! Stay indoors! And shop online on Black Friday!!

2008-11-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

The blog train has arrived at Insprink

2008-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This year has been a crazy year for me. I feel like I've grown 10-fold in the last three months. I have a new job coming up, which is very exciting and frightening at the same time. I'm thrilled to be spending more time with my son. I get to focus now on the things that will fulfill me creatively, intellectually, and emotionally. These changes are all great and a long time coming. I am so thankful for the ability to change with the opportunities it will provide. I have a lot more things to say about what I am thankful for, but who are we kidding. I know you're waiting for those freebies. *wink*

In celebration of Andilynn Designs' latest kit "Abundantly Blessed" her wonderful CT (which includes me) decided to celebrate with freebie giveaway through the blog train express. Collect the fun quickpages and thank you card I created here.

I am the last stop, so make sure you've collected the rest of the freebies through the blog train. Go through the list below and visit my fellow Andi's Artists to collect all the goodies.

1. Andrea (the designer)
2. Melanie
3. Krista P
4. Shari & Heidi
5. Emilee

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday!

The Red Porch is having a CT call

2008-11-23T23:15:00.000-08:00

Monthly Responsibilities:

- Create a minimum of 3 layouts using 60% of the store's kits and post them in 4 galleries (The Red Porch, DST, and 2 other galleries of your choice)

- Actively participate in the CT forum

- Create fun challenges and activities for the community to participate in

- Promote the store's products on your personal blog and/or social networking profiles (ie. myspace, facebook, twitter)

- Actively participate in the community by posting complimentary comments

Benefits:

- Free access to ALL the amazing and unique kits from the store

- Be a part of a fun, up and coming community

How to apply:

Send an email to kelly@theredporch.com with "CT call" in the subject line, with the following information:

- a short bio

- list of your other CT responsibilities

- whether you are a digi-scrapper or hybrid

- a link to your most active gallery

- if you're interested in being a CT leader

Please email your interest by Saturday, November 29. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you are interested in receiving an update on the store launch, visit theredporch.com and sign up for the newsletter.

One more thing...

2008-11-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Check out my blog on Monday, 11/24 because I'll be part of a Blog Train for Andilynn Designs. Choo-choo!!

It's here It's here. My first kit debut

2008-11-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Ohayō gozaimasu Insprink readers!!!

Check out Brownie Scraps to download my very own first digi kit called Moon Love. I know, it's not a stroke of genius, but cut me some slack. This is my first shot at designing and I'm just learning.

When my husband saw the kit, he said "oh that's nice hon. i don't get it." Since I couldn't put this in the description, I thought I'd explain the inspiration for the kit. The challenge was to create a mini kit using a certain color palette. I chose the pink and yellow. As soon as I saw the colors, I immediately thought of the time my sister Kacie and I watched a 15 hour tv marathon of Sailor Moon. Have you heard of it? It was a very popular anime in Japan in the late 90's about five girls who represent each planet and they fought evil for justice and love. Yeah, I know. Pretty corny, but it was fun. So this is the kit that was inspired by the dim-witted girl Serena (aka Sailor Moon) and her super cool friends Mina, Raye, Lita, and Amy.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. If you're going to give me some tough love, please email me instead :)

Dōmo arigatō

It's been way too long

2008-11-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

since my last post. It feels like ages ago. I've done so many layouts since then. I've also decided to change jobs and work for two totally different places (scrapbookin site and Culinary department). These changes are in the process or about to start. I'm also participating in a design challenge. I'm really excited because I've always wanted to attempt to design but never had the motiviation. Now I do. If you're interested in joining the design challenge, it's not too late. Feel free to check out Brownie Scraps. You check back here in a few days because I'll be participating in a freebie blog train for Andilynn designs, my freebie kit download for Brownie Scraps, and I'll be planning some fun games/challenges for the new site The Red Porch which launches soon. All very exciting. I've also completed another ScrapMatters newsletter. Woohoo! With energy in tact. Here are some fun layouts I've made with Andilynn Design's latest kit "abundantly blessed" now available at Scrapmatters.com, oh and don't forget to check out Andilynn's blog for the freebie add on...

I'll post the credits for this one soon. It's one of my favorite LOs...

Women on What Matters Most

2008-10-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

There is a really great article in Newsweek on successful women and how they got to where they are today. I love reading this kind of stuff. It's inspiring. I especially love it when they interview other people who are real, everyday people. Check it out.

Autumn is Finally Here!!

2008-10-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Autumn is my favorite season of the year. There is something magical about mother nature transitioning into the "dead of winter." Crispy brown and red leaves begin to fall. Kids are hopping from puddle to puddle in their adorable raincoats after a rainy evening. The grey and white clouds gather in the sky to converse about their upcoming storm plans. The spicy aroma of pumpkin pie looms from the nieghbor's home. (Not my home. You know I don't cook. At the most, I'll go get one of those Glade candles that smells like pumpkin pie.)

Since Fall weather tends to be slightly dreary in California, it reminds me of my two favorite places: Seattle, WA and Waimea on the Big Island. Both places have signature fog that engulfs you so you can't see within 5 feet in front of you. Both places encourage you to cuddle up next to a warm brick fireplace and drink hot cocoa or cider. Both places make me want to read a good book or write about a captivating short story. What a magical season to make me feel so inspired. Now, can you tell me what season inspires me to clean the house more often? Would that be Spring?

The best is celebrating Halloween and Thanksgiving. The kinds of treats and meals that come out of those two holidays are delightful. It's also one of the greatest ways to get the family together to hang out; talk story. We reflect upon the year and what we've done so far. We discuss what our Christmas plans will be and when we'll see snow. Sigh. I love Fall.

This Fall, I hope you're enjoying some hot cider, scaring the neighborhood kids, and being thankful for everything you have.

A sad sign of the times...

2008-10-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

Halloween is going to suck this year

It's not too late to celebrate! Scrapmatters turned 1!

2008-09-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

In the midst of the Fashion Show, I didn't get a chance to post this. Check out Scrapmatters.com for all of the fun activities surrounding their 1st birthday!! Today is the last day to receive their killer discount! Hope to see you there!!

Funny thoughts for Hump Day!!

2008-09-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday. I honestly have more urgent things going on in my life than my 9-5pm job that I'd rather be focusing on right now, but I'm chugging along, doing my thing, blogging to the cyberworld.

First, I'd seen this post on my favorite gossip site. I had to share because as a mom, I find the thought simply silly: http://perezhilton.com/2008-09-24-this-is-not-a-joke-62

Second, I would hate to be the two people pictured next to that headline on the front page of MSN.com website.

SRMC Fashion Show

2008-09-22T23:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend I get to host my very own fashion show with the latest Fall baby and kid couture fashions. It's going to be tons of fun and I'm really excited! My son's going to be in the show, so I'm crossing my fingers he'll be on his best behavior. If you're in Santa Rosa this upcoming Saturday, come check us out. Here's the ad I made for the show! Hope to see you there!

Template Challenge- Come out and Play

2008-09-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

We've posted a template challenge over at Andilynn Designs blog! Come check it out and get a fantastic participation prize!! I would have posted my fanciful LO here, but I left my gear (that carries all of my enormously huge files) at home today. :( I feel so naked without my portable HD. I can't believe how dependant I've become to it. It's like forgetting my wedding ring at home or my watch. BTW, don't tell the hubby I forget the wedding ring at home. He'll give me that "I told you to put it in the same place every day" look. I hate that look. I get that look everytime I lose something in the house. But, I have to admit, I should appreciate the 'look' because that means he cares. If he didn't care, I wouldn't get a 'look.' I would probably be ignored.

Oh well. Happy Monday!! Oh who am I kidding. Mondays are never happy. How about "Have a Disney Day!" That sounds a lot better.

XOXOXO

Food for thought...Thanks Whit for having me in your front row

2008-09-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

Everyone can't be in your front row!

Life is a theater - invite your audience carefully.Not everyone is spiritually healthy and mature enough to have a front row seat in our lives.There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize your time with draining negative, incompatible not-going-anywhere relationships/friendships/fellowships!

Observe the relationships around you.Pay attention to: Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know and appreciate you and the gift that lies within you?When you seek growth, peace of mind, love and truth, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the Front Row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.You cannot change the people around you but you can change the people you are around!

'Greatness is not a function of circumstance.Greatness is largely a matter of conscious choice and discipline.'

9/13/08 Special Saturday challenge at Scrapmatters

2008-09-18T23:11:00.000-07:00

So this was a really fun challenge. We had to scrap something about our wedding. I got to play around with some paper and fonts. This has motivated me to start thinking about the wedding book I've been wanting to make. I can't wait to get started!!

Did I mention I am a CT for Andilynn Designs?! Woohoo!

2008-09-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

I'm only recently learning about the language of this new world I belong to. CT means Creative Team. I was recently selected to be a CT member for Andilynn Designs who is the owner of Scrapmatters.com. I have tons of affection for this digital online community. Feel free to check them out at http://www.scrapmatters.com/. As a budding CT member, I created layouts using Andilynn Design's kits. Here are some layouts I've created thus far. Stay tuned for more!

Lovebirds kit- Andilynn Designs

Hot August Night kit - Andilynn Designs

Speed Scrap at ScrapMatters

2008-09-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Join in on the fun!!

Woot! Woot! Go Casey!

2008-09-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

My dear friend from high school back on the Big Island of Hawaii, Mr. Casey Stone just got some great reviews in our local paper. Here is my favorite part of the review "Yay! Pastry Chef Casey Stone knocked one out of the park with his Layered Orange Cheesecake ($9 ****), a light, airy, floaty confection in pastel colors that offered sweet relief after the disappointments of the dinner." (Jeff Cox, Press Democrat)

Click to read the rest of the review: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080904/LIFESTYLE/809030135/1309

My playgroup mom friends and I are going to enjoy some of Casey's delicious creations. I'll make sure to post some pictures when we get back.

Busy Busy Busy

2008-08-31T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun things I've done with my scrapbooking projects. Enjoy!

Safety-Tat latest product!

2008-08-27T12:53:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited to see Safety-tat has come out with a writeable applique. I bought the rocket ship tattoos for Liam a few months ago and have used it on many of our weekend adventures. At the time, I only bought one pack with my husband's phone number on it, which is not helpful when I'm the one taking my son out. With their latest product, I can write my phone number, nana's phone number, or uncle's phone number. This is brilliant. The tattoos are non-toxic and can last up to 5 days. Note: Do not try to apply it over sunscreen. It will come off very easily. The skin needs to be perfectly dry before applying. If you sign-up for their free newsletter, you get helpful tips on how to keep your kids safe when you're out in crowded adventures. Visit their site at: safetytat.com

Why God Made Moms?

2008-08-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

My lovely MIL sent this to me the other day and I wanted to share. Kids really do say the darndest things. I wonder what Liam would say about me?

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms &dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power because that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1 Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Saturday-Word Challenge

2008-08-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, one more layout before I go to bed. As you know, I had tons of fun with the hubby in Vegas. Wanted to scrap about it. The word challenge is-Remember at scrapmatters.com. Hope you like it. Credits: Veronic Ponce's DateNight freebie kit

Bonus Challenge for Designs In Digital

2008-08-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

I had a ton of fun with this layout. Because the challenge was not to use a photo, it actually went fairly quick. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! credits: designed by Lori Cameron-Delta Blues kit

ScrapMatters Tuesday Template Challenge!

2008-08-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

I had tons of fun with the challenge because I had a chance to scrap about Liam's first day at preschool. I can't believe he is going to school already. He is growing up way too fast for me. These really are the days to cherish. Hope you like the layout from scrapmatters.com. Credits for papers and elements from freebie kits: Digital Freebie's welcome kit, Steirny's Mango Tango kit, and Designs In Digital Brownie Scraps kit.

Hubby and I celebrated 5 years! Woohoo...

2008-08-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

And of course, I had to scrap about it. We spent our anniversary in Viva Las Vegas, which I haven't had a chance to scrap yet. I took fabulous photogs from our beautiful room in one of the top floors of the Bellagio hotel. We had the best view of the famous water show in front of the Bellagio. This scrap page is a quickpage done by Retrodiva {designs} from digitalfreebie.com. I love the paper and elements so much that I may purchase the whole kit.

Here is my first Scrap Factor Challenge!

2008-08-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge was to use one 3x3 photo using their specified kit. Feel free to leave my comments at Designs In Digital: http://www.designsindigital.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/15624/cat/1033/limit/recent

Projects! Challenges! Digiscraps! Where do I begin...

2008-08-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm in the works of participating in the Scrap Factor challenge from DesignDigital.com. I haven't uploaded my first challenge yet, but I will make sure to do so here. I'm also taking a class from SIStv fashionista Ashley Wren. I've done a couple pages for her already, but am not allowed to post them until the class is done. I'm having tons of fun with her "assignments." I'm also in the beginning of an online writing class from a fellow Momwriter. I'm excited to receive my first assignment from her as well. As you can tell, lots of creative juices flowing but not a lot to show for it right now. Check back soon to see what I've been cooking up.
Ciao for now!

Dark Knight-I finally watched it!

2008-07-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

I've been a huge Batman fan since Michael Keaton took on the role in the late '80s. I loved Val Kilmer as Batman. Clooney was ok. But Christian Bale takes the cake. He is absolutely dreamy. My husband and I loved 'Batman Begins' so much, we jokingly threw in Bruce Wayne as an option for our first born's name. We ended up choosing Liam (from Liam Neeson in the 'Batman Begins' movie). The second installment is by far one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's incredibly long, but definitely not boring. If I ever am lucky enough to get pregnant again, I think Bruce Wayne will go back into the running list of names ;)

Project Runway is Back!! Woohoo!

2008-07-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

So I finally caught up with the first two Project Runway shows that aired and I TOTALLY LOVE KENLEY COLLINS! I think she is absolutely adorable and I hope her new line is very similar to what she wears because I really like her clothes. Go Kenley! Hope you make it to the top 3!

Beach Fun!

2008-07-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

I love this photo I took of Liam on our last trip to Oahu. He watched the surfers ride waves from his safe sand dune. I did the whole page and then felt like something was missing. Once I added the "retro" look to it, it felt complete. Enjoy!

credits: Christine Ousley of christinescraps ~ Summer Splash kit

and

Pton Designs ~ Tropical Oasis kit

Here's another one of my creations...

2008-07-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

I had fun with this page because I forced myself to be creative. I know, that sounds weird but I think being creative can be the best remedy for a crummy mood. Hope you like it.

Buying and Giving up a rabbit turned out to be more than I bargained for….

2008-07-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

I had an impulse purchase yesterday and it was very bad. It wasn’t like the over priced red Dolce & Gabbanna sunglass splurge that I did while waiting in the airport because it matched my favorite pair of shoes… I bought another rabbit; a brown & caramel lop eared baby rabbit to be exact. Corey specifically said to me, as I walked out the door to the pet store to purchase items for Sachi (our current rabbit), “Kelly, DON’T buy another rabbit.” I don’t know if its because the hubby said ‘no’ or because she stole my heart when she licked my hand (an old trick my previous rabbit Keihi use to do to get what he wanted), but I had to have her.

Liam was beyond thrilled to buy this baby rabbit and bring her home. Once we got home, I found it strange that I wasn’t as excited with her as I thought I would be but I quickly brushed the thought aside because my two year old was running around the kitchen screaming “I’m HUNGRY! I wanna EAT Mommy!”

After feeding, bathing, and putting the little rugrat to bed, I came back downstairs to take care of the rabbits. Sachi was not happy with her new neighbor. I had no idea bonding rabbits were going to be a challenge. I’ve always considered my rabbit a friendly animal, so it totally threw me to see Sachi throw a tantrum in her cage similar to a 2 year old child. She kicked up her litter, thrashed her toys around in her cage, and stomped loudly. It was clear she was not smitten by the doe eyed baby rabbit.

Even though I purchased the brown & caramel rabbit, she didn’t really feel like she was mine. I didn’t even get a chance to name her. Upon a reasoning discussion with the hubby, I decided to take the rabbit back the next morning.

The next morning comes. I carefully pack the bunny in the cardboard box she came in and head to the pet store. The shop didn’t open for another 10 minutes. I decided to get my last cuddles in with this rabbit before I returned her. As I’m petting her in my lap, she forms into a ball with her fur puffed out. I start talking to her (yes, I talk to animals, don’t you?) and apologizing for her traumatic overnight experience and that she deserves a better home with the possibility of being purchased with one of her siblings. Then all of a sudden, a thought hits me like a three car impact. I impulsively purchased this rabbit to fill the gapping whole in my heart…my desire to have another child. I’ve been in major denial because we’re having a hard time conceiving again (no surprise), so I’ve been acting like it’s not a big deal; that I accept it will happen when the time is right. But I never fully realized the desire until I had to give up the baby rabbit today.

It brought me back to the moment I purchased Sachi almost three years ago. We’ve been desperately trying to conceive with no luck and when I met Sachi, I felt she was going to fill the whole in my heart of wanting my own child. She did for the first two months, and then I got pregnant with Liam. Who knew? But now that I have a child of my own, I realize that no rabbit can really fill that deep desire I yearn for. This explains why I wasn’t as happy as I thought I would be with the purchase of this adorable baby rabbit. Buying both rabbits gave ME the power to have “babies”. In both situations, I needed to have that control, even though the universe is telling me “no babies for you”.

I brought the baby bunny into the pet store once it opened. I stuck around for a little while to make sure her peeps didn’t hate her for leaving. I got a good sign from a fellow brother rabbit when he hopped over to groom her while she gobbled down the food they provided. It warmed my heart. Once I left the store, I knew I did the right thing for her. But now, I feel like I’m walking around with a big fat dark cloud that is pouring cold bitter rain over my head because I’m having to face the raw emotions of not being in control of my childbearing destiny and I may never be …which is more than what I bargained for today.

And here is my 3rd

2008-07-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

2nd Digi page

2008-07-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

This was fun! Can't wait to do more like this one.

Fish Give Pedicures

2008-07-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

Well this definitely has to go down in the history books. Read the article about the latest spa treatment craze in Washington, D.C. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25783483?GT1=43001

Me personally, I enjoy pedicures but I couldn't stick my feet in a tank and let little fishes nibble at my feet. It would remind me too much of a bug infestation on my feet. Eeww!

My first Digi page

2008-07-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. I just finished my first digi scrapbook page. Here it is...

Birth Announcements!!

2008-07-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share the birth announcement I created for my niece. Do you like?

Remi Newman demystifies 'the talk' in her Infant Sexuality Workshop

2008-07-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

“Today, we interview the first Pregnant Man ever! Live....On Oprah,” were the shocking word spewing out of the announcer’s mouth. Intrigued by this scientific marvel and the beginnings of redefining family members’ roles, I decided to watch the show for a few minutes. Being lost in the mind- boggling possibilities of gender identification, my then 22-month old reminds me of his presence by blurting out “BABY!” in seeing the man's belly. With a nervous chuckle, I say to my son, “You're right sweetie. There's a baby in that belly,” while at the same time I'm thinking, “Oh Crap! My job as a parent just got harder.” Not only is the sex talk going to be a challenge for me because I don't have man parts, but now I have to explain how some “men” can have babies while others can't. Where do I begin?

Sensitive topics like this are a walk in the park for local infant/child sex educator and fellow SRMC mom Remi Newman. In overhearing a conversation in Yoga class about someone’s toddler self exploring body parts that were thought to have been discovered late into their adolescents, Newman thought she’d put her Masters degree in Sexuality Education from NYU to use with the brilliant idea to present a workshop where parents can actively learn about their infant/toddlers sexuality in a comfortable environment. “Having ‘the talk’ before they can talk” workshop was born.

In Newman’s published article through the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality (http://www.ejhs.org/volume11/Newman.htm), she states the workshop “is a sexuality education parenting workshop designed to give parents knowledge about infant sexuality and increase their comfort with the topic, so they can be an active participant in their child's healthy sexual development from the very beginning. Workshop topics include biological gender and gender roles, responding to their infant's natural exploration of their bodies and communicating with them about their bodies. Through several interactive workshop activities, parents explore and share their personal values around sexuality and increase their knowledge of infant and child sexuality.”

I took this workshop in hopes to learn more about how to communicate with my toddler when he explores his body after diaper changes or what to say when he’s wearing the sparkling pink bracelet he got from daycare. In Newman’s workshop, she creates an interactive and comfortable environment to talk about uncomfortable topics. I walked away from the workshop with a wealth of communication tactics to not only have a healthy conversation with my son about self exploration, but help me get over some of the “hang ups” I had due to the lack of sexual education in my own childhood.

According to Newman and her research, “Human beings are sexual from the moment they’re born. Our sexuality is an integral part of our personality that requires healthy nurturing just like any other aspect of our being. Early parent education allows parents to understand what this means and to feel comfortable with the idea, so they can take advantage of all the years they have to nurture a healthy sexuality in their children. Research shows that parents who begin communicating with their children earlier have an easier time carrying that conversation over into adolescence, which is when most parents get concerned about issues of sexuality.”

When reflecting upon your own childhood ‘talk’ experience, it may have lacked any openness, but don’t be too quick to blame your parents for your inability to naturally communicate with your children about sexual education. “They did the best they could for the time they were in,” says Newman.

Fellow SRMC mom Andrea Faivre took the workshop in April and felt the information effective. “[The workshop] has helped me become more aware of the way I communicate with Sebastian and to use the correct terminology,” said Faivre.

Newman makes it clear that she is not telling workshop attendees how to raise their kids. “I give information to create a consciousness of what kind of sexual educator you want to be for your kids,” says Newman.

Faivre offers advice for future workshop goers who are thinking about leaving the wingman at home. “I would totally encourage both parents to go together. There was a father in our workshop and it was nice to hear his point of view, his thoughts about the topic, and his reactions.”

The internet, television, advertising, and peers are common ways our children can learn about sex, sexuality, and gender identification. If I am able to provide my son one resourceful, non-judgmental ear to his questions about his body and his feelings about his body, I feel I am taking an encouraging step in shaping a confident and positive human being who will lead a happy life. Ten years from now, if Liam asks me if he can get pregnant, I'll be able to sit him down and have ‘the talk’ with courage and ease.

Upcoming “Having ‘the talk’ before they can talk” workshops through California Parenting Institute:

August 2 (English), 10:12-30pm
August 16 (Spanish), 2:00-4:30pm

Cost: $25 per person; $30 per couple

Presenter: Remi Newman, M.A. in Sexuality Education from NYU

To register by phone: 707-585-6108
To register online: http://www.calparents.org/classes.shtml#sexualityeducationcpiaug2

Feel free to visit Remi Newman’s blog www.havingthetalk.blogspot.com for additional resources

Someone's got balls

2008-07-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

Did you see the recent cover of the New Yorker? Satire or not, this is still outrageous. Their whole point of publishing this offensive cover is to illustrate how awful the media's propaganda has been on the Obama campaign. What adds fuel to the fire is that 20-30% of Americans who didn't understand the true message of what the New Yorker was trying to potray, will actually believe this is what Obama stands for. It breaks my heart that we haven't come that far from racism and skepticism of other cultures/beliefs. Is America really ready for an African-American president? When the campaign began, I thought we were. But the reactions to this cover makes me believe we are far from it. It saddens me that the struggles we've made for race equailty will continue to be a struggle for my son and nieces' adult lives. I believe in Martin Luther King Jr.s "I have a dream" speech. I felt, for the most part, I lived it by growing up in Hawaii. But living in Hawaii and the North Bay has created an illusion for me that everyone can live in harmony. I had no idea racism still existed, but by golley it is alive and well.

Random Thoughts

2008-07-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have a couple random thoughts for the day:

- Have you seen the ad in the Roxy theatres about the woman with too many arms doing too many things (eating, drinking, applying make-up, entertaining her kids, talking on the cell phone) while she's driving. The message to the audience is "Be Safe on the Road." I didn't know whether I should be offended because they used a woman as an example and not a man, or embaressed because I too have done many of those things while driving. How would you react?

- 'WTF: Weekend Travel Fairs now on sale' was the title of an email in my inbox. Its striking how anyone (whether appropriate or not) will use swearing texting phrases to get noticed.

- I'm stealing this one from a dear friend's blog: "Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along." -Rumi

Ciao for now...

I'm an idiot

2008-07-09T13:04:00.001-07:00

Like a moron, I've deleted my last Insprink blog by accident. Thank goodness I didn't delete my Liko blog. I would've cried because I've been blogging there for the past year and a half.

So to start things off on this blog (part duex), I thought I'd write a mission statement. I'm making it my mission to create, design, write, and sometimes vent about my passions. I want this to be a live journal of my struggles and triumphs to get to where I want to be in life. Don't ask me where that direction is. I'm starting with one blog entry at a time.

Currently, I'm working on a couple articles for our local mother's club newsletter. When I'm done, I'll post one of them here. Let me know what you think. Until then, I wish you well.

Love, K