.

Sharing time.

2009-12-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

Well the snow storm has come and go leaving us with about a foot or more of snow. Its all so beautiful when its coming down and its just fresh on the ground, then come the plows and the neighborhood dogs, dirtying it up, haha. Anyway, there it is, our first snow storm of the season and it was a good one.

Last night did not consist of buying my camera:( booo, the gift card I was gifted was not the actual gift card, it was just the paper work. So now I must wait for them to resend a new one. When that will be? I do not know, hopefully before this camera goes off sale.

I was able to finally empty that camera of mine, and I have edited all of my pictures to share with you:) Lets get started.

First off, I participated in the Scrap in Style "Fall" ATC swap. The theme was where you live, you had to make a card based on that and add a fact about where you live. Well I live on Long Island, NY and so I did a Long Island ATC. I used some local newspaper for the background, cut out the shape of our island, glittered it green and then just stamped Long Island, New York. My fact was that Long Island is one of the largest island in the 48 contiguous states, woo hoo, haha.

Next I participated in another ATC swap on SiS, this one was called "The twelve days of Christmas" and I chose 6 geese a laying. All I knew is that my card had to have an egg on it somewhere:) I used the Basic Grey Eskimo kisses line on here, I glittered my Tim Holtz grungeboard letters(big mess, the glitter not the grungeboard) and I ordered these cute egg tags from this great little shop on etsy. I thought they came out pretty darn cute:)

This year I decided to make my Christmas/Holiday cards!!! I have not made Christmas cards probably since I was like 10, and why that is, I have no clue. I had a lot of fun making these, and it felt good to give something handmade instead of bought. I really loved the Jolly By golly line by Cosmo Cricket. It was perfect for making cards for everyone no matter their religious backgrounds. A perfect all around Holiday paper. I also used alot of Marshmallow glimmer mist(I am starting to become addicted!!) and also some of the stickle products. Another fun thing I used that I love is the Crayola Glitter glue(good for temporary things like cards, not sure if acid free) So my cards were glittery without all of that glitter mess!! Score!

This one was my favorite!!!

I have a pretty big collection of paper doilies, it was time to get those out and use them. I love how I made them look like real vintage lace. Simply sweet:) I actually have to make a few more cards, I still have to send out a few more as well!! I am so behind.

Now how about some Christmas decorations!!

A Red Ryder BB gun tucked behind our tree:)

AND last but not least, how about an image of my boyfriend digging out his mother's car, haha.

Let it snow, or perhaps, blizzard??

2009-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am back.  No more hiatus.  I finished out my work week, the one before my two week holiday break:)  I have been crazy busy trying to make cards,   finishing up all of my shopping, and just basically running around.  I feel like I can now just put my feet up and relax, well sort of.  At least I will not have to deal with the daily commute into the city before the holidays, it is killer.   Well today was suppose to be our double date in to see the tree in NYC, followed by a nice dinner.  We had to scratch that off the list today because all of sudden we are going to be hit with a blizzard, or something close to it.  At first I was all go, I love snow, I love the city, and I thought it would make everything all that more the merrier.  But then the thought of being trapped in the city, perhaps maybe sleeping on a cold, dirty train station floor, did not sound all that fabulous to me.  So we ran around this afternoon, had lunch here on the island, did some shopping and now I am sitting here on the couch finally blogging again.  

Tonight's plans are buying this wonderful camera:  It was a hard decision choosing between this and the Canon Rebel Xsi, but I finally made that choice, and one of reasons I choose this one was because my friend who lives out here purchased one recently and I figured we could give each other hands on help with learning all of the features.
I was also very lucky to have been gifted a GC to B&H from my boss's to help fund this camera:)  So here is to better pictures and of course free over night shipping!

Of course with a big storm coming you have to have some good flicks and of course some good beer, haha.  We picked up the limited edition of Planes, trains and automobiles and some Magic Hat winter brew.  I think its gonna be a good one.

 I have lots of pictures to upload and show of Christmas cards I made as well as some ATC swaps I was involved in. They are currently in my camera, awaiting that magic moment.  That shall be my next post.  Ok, I feel good, I finally did it, I posted.  Phewwwwww, the pressure from my sister is off my back, lol.  I also need to catch up with everyone else out there, I feel disconnected. I miss everyone!!!  Till we meet again, stay warm(if your on the east coast) Otherwise have a good one!

2009-12-15T17:35:00.001-08:00

testing

Drum roll please..........................

2009-12-03T09:40:00.000-08:00

Ok first of all I want to thank EVERYONE for buying raffle tickets, donating and helping in any way you can when it came to this fundraiser.  We sent out 375 tickets, 250(we had alot of referrals and if you buy 5 or more freebies) of those which were sold, so we raised $250 dollars. 

Now since it was hard for me to choose just one winner, I will be doing either 2 or 3 more giveaways for those of you who purchased tickets and helped out.  I did one yesterday and I will be sending out that prize this weekend.  It was so nerve wrecking to have to just choose one, thank you Random.org.  Anyway, that's that.

Here is the video of who is the winner:

If that's you, please email me at coloredsprinklegirl@Hotmail.com.  I have not gotten the chance to check my list and see who it was, I probably will after I post this.  Congrats you lucky duck you:)

I have been mega busy, feeling a tad overwhelmed with the holidays approaching which is what always happens.  SO much to do and it feels like sooooooo very little time.

Well I am off to get ready for work.

Have a nice day and stay tuned for those giveaway:)

Happy Turkey day!!!

2009-11-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!! Enjoy this day:) I am off to spend it with my family and friends.

Star wars anyone???

2009-11-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well for those of you who do not know, my boyfriend is a dork(nothing wrong with that as we all know:)  He loves all things comic books and runs his very own site that's well known in the underground world of fan films.  He goes by the name Fanboy Will and well Fanboy Will was chosen by this company called Klutz to give away a couple of brand spanking new books  that teach you to draw Star Wars figures.  Soooooooooooo, if you know someone who loves Star Wars and loves to draw, or even if its you who dig all things Star Wars, then head on over to his site(or his blog) and play along for a chance to win one of the 5  books he is giving away.  One lucky winner will win the book which will be  autographed  by the artist Bonnie Burton.  The contest is open for 2 more weeks, so head on over there while you can!!!  AND good luck!!!

Hot cocoa for breakfast.

2009-11-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

I think its about that time of year to starting treating myself to hot cocoa for breakfast:) I have been feeling sick this week, germs fly around fast when you work with children. I feel like I have been over exposed! So yesterday to make myself feel better I treated myself to some hot chocolate mix from Whole Foods as well as a new mug to keep my drinks warm this hopefully snowy season(so far its been a tad warm out)

I do know that the dry winter season is coming because my back is always so itchy and dry. I need to find a really good soap, so if any of you know of any, please let me know!

I cannot believe that next Thursday is Thanksgiving, where has this year gone?? I have already started Christmas shopping, feels good, one or two checks off the list.

Well, since November has flown by, that means that we are drawing to close on our raffle(phewwwwwww) I cant wait to pick that winner and get that box out of my studio room. I also cant wait to see who is the lucky person to get all of those items. If you have not bought a ticket and would like to, you have until December 1st to do so. The close off time is 12 midnight. I would say that there is well over $400 dollars worth of items to be won. You can purchase tickets over on the right hand side. I will try and snap a picture soon of the overall prize. I just need to figure out how to pull off such a large picture.
The list below is an updated list of those who have donated product!:

Making Memories,
Evalicious,
Studio Calico,
Tara Anderson of With a Twist,
Ormolu,
Stephanie Wheeler of The Living Room Floor,
Tim Holtz,
Michelle Clements of Bubbly Shnooks,
Me and my Big Idea,
Creative Xpress,
Kitchen Sink Stamps,
Font Werks,
Kiwi the Creator

So a pretty good amount of companies/people have contributed awesome kits, products and gift certificates!!!

On the flier we listed Label Tulip, however after many an emails after they originally said yes to donating, we never heard from them again:(

At this time I would have to say they are a no go and IF they happen to be reading this and would like to still donate, please feel free to email me.

I am off to relax, hope you have a great one:)

Slacking in the blog department.

2009-11-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello:) So I did not go to the Yankee Parade. I was at work, did not feeling like asking for the day off(seemed silly) and was not in the mood to deal with piles of drunk people(they were everywhere) I did however watch it on the TV. The last time I attended a Yankee Parade was back in 2000 when we won our 26Th World Series, and although it was fun, it was a bit overwhelming. After the parade was over, we were pretty much herded around like cattle back to the subways. This year I was able to enjoy it on a big screen TV, in a warm place(while the baby I took care of slept) and then afterwards I got to watch the drunkards across the street over at the bar making fools of themselves all in the name of a 27Th win.

Ok, enough baseball talk!

I have been very drained creatively, I find myself more into buying supplies then actually using them. I think I just have to many ideas in my head, so many things I would like to do, and just no energy to do it. I have been slowllllllly working on my Halloween mini, next step is actually getting the pictures printed. I have done no work on my "Twenty" mini, none at all. I think what I need to do is focus on getting rid of the supplies and papers I wont use and then I wont feel like I am drowning in to much to choose from.

My mind is just somewhere else, I think it may also be the onslaught of the holidays, it sort of gets to me. My head gets in that "oh my gosh, I have to get this done and this done" sort of mode. Breathe in, breathe out. Maybe I need a mini get away, really badly.

I have been so behind on The Creative Type as well, I finally started to put that back in action. We are now a week behind, which sort of works out for the better. With Thanksgiving only like two weeks away, it will allow everyone to not worry about finishing up a prompt during that busy time.

I have been so worried and carried away with the Fundraiser, that in a way I cant wait for it to be over!!! Cant wait to find out who wins such a great prize. The box is so packed, my boyfriend keeps teasing me about the shipping cost, might have to be like two smaller shipments, I will see.

Speaking of Scrapbook for Cecilia, I have a new video of three more contributions from three very lovely and creative ladies. So go and take a look:

AND we still have more rolling in, maybe like one or two more. We had one today that I will show probably tomorrow and Kenner Road has written me to let me know that they will be sending a kit:)

I am looking forward to the weekend!! Looking forward to being home and not away(although I love to go and visit friend's and family) We will be spending Saturday with our friend's, off to see Where the Wild things are and some shopping. Sounds good to me:)

Hip hip Hurray!!

2009-11-04T21:10:00.003-08:00

After nine years we did it, the 27th time, back on our own turf in our new stadium:)

You bet your bottom dollar that I will be at that parade(unless I have to work, boo hoo)!!!!

Way to go Yankees.

Halloween short video.

2009-11-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

And there ya have it:)

I am alive once again:)

2009-11-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

So how was your Halloween?? Our Halloween was pretty awesome. My friend threw a great party, there were lots of cocktails(my newest favorite being a Hennessy Pina Colada) great food, fantastic company, and a really great attraction in the bath tub done by our friend.

The night before Halloween I tried out my makeup, I wasn't all that amazed with how it came out so I headed on over to Youtube and watched some Zombie makeup tutorials. The next evening I winged it and I think I pulled it off. One person didn't even recognize me until an hour into her being there. I think I was a real trooper to, because the liquid latex and fake blood was so sticky and gross, and my face was itchy and I couldn't scratch it. I kept it on until about 11pm, not bad.

Lets do a before and after, shall we??

ewwwwwwwwww!!!!

I even had a hand to chew on!!!!

Will as a Red shirt from Star Trek(not so sure about these guys, I never watch the show)

I also like cupcakes, not just hands.

Me and DJ Tanner from Full House.

Body in the bath tub.

Becca and Dan in their couple costume. They were attached at the hip, organs and all. Cute costume that they came up with and made!

And then the makeup came off, and the guests left(except for us) and we watched The Lost boys, one of my all time favorites:)

Now I think its time to start getting ready for the holidays, yikes!! I said to Will "its time to start watching Christmas movies now" after we have been watching horror movies all month long. I feel like holidays get rushed so fast, in the store they had an aisle of Halloween stuff and right next to it Christmas stuff. Its crazy. I think its important they we just slow down and really ignore all of these corporate stores, and refuse to move at their pace. Hey I am in still in Halloween land:)

I wanted to say a very BIG Thank you to all of you who have purchased tickets, I was blown away after I got home from our Halloween weekend. If I were to end the drawing today, I would be very proud of what we have raised, I mean even 5 dollars is something. It just makes me very happy:) I also want to thank everyone for spreading the word around, I appreciate every single one of you!!

Ok, well the Yankees are surely not winning this game tonight, so we are about to pop in a movie. Just wait though, once we are back in our house, we will bring them Phillies down!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!!

2009-10-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

Boo!!!!

Here is some Halloween loving for you all:)

My favorite Halloween movie of all time!!!

Ok, well I am off to become a Zombie!!  Hope you have a safe and fun Halloween:)

Breathless.

2009-10-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today I read an article about an Autistic man from London who took a 45 minute helicopter ride over the Manhattan Skyline, then proceeded to draw the whole thing from memory over at the Pratt institute! Wow is Pretty much all I have to say. I have walked NY city streets oh so many times, have been high up in many buildings, on many bridges in the area and there is no way I could ever remember every detail like he did. Its amazing, simply put. Read story here.

Overall prize pictures, finally.

2009-10-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I took everything I have received so far(we have about 5 more packages on there way) and I snapped away. I am really hoping for this raffle to be somewhat successful, I am a tad worried that it wont be and after so many people donating such wonderful stuff, that would be a bummer.

BUT chin up, move along and just keep on spreading the word. I feel that this is for such a special cause, one so close to my heart. Yes there are organizations galore for different things like Breast Cancer, and believe me I do believe that they are very important. But when something so close to home effects people I love very dearly, I only see the need to help out the best I can.

This to me is my way to help, using my passion, my hobby and reaching out to friends and even strangers in the scrap booking community and seeing if we can come together to help support a small cause.

I wanted to have a picture of just how big the prize has become! I did not realize myself until I took it all out and tried to take a good picture(its not the best but it will do) Also I made a small video for more close up details.

(click on images for a better view)

Thank you so much to the following companies and individuals:

Studio Calico, Making Memories, Evalicious, Ormolu, Fontwerks , Tim Holtz, Creative Xpress, The Living Room floor, Tara Anderson, Michelle Kitchen Sink Stamps, Label Tulip

You guys have helped to make this raffle amazing and I really appreciate and so does Erin and her family!!!

Please feel free to blog about the raffle!!! We could use all the help we could get:)

forceciliaocchiogrosso.blogspot.com

Thank you guys!!! I dont have huge hopes, but I have hopes!!!

I think I saw a snowflake:)

2009-10-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did, I did. On my way home this morning from my friend's house I could have sworn that there were a few snowflakes. Here in our home, we are pro winter, I would not mind living somewhere that has tons of snow. I can be such a home body!!

So last night I helped out my friend's who are throwing a Halloween party this weekend by cutting out bats. They are putting together all of these great homemade decorations, so wish we had a place to do the same. I am totally looking forward to the party, and tomorrow night I have to get working on my costume. Its all about the zombies!!!!

Prompt # 21 is up at The Creative Type! Negative space is the name of the game this time.

I have shown this one before, but its my take on Prompt #21:)

Well I just wanted to say hello everyone! I feel so caught up in so much at once that I have not had a chance to really get around to other people's blogs and say hello, or comment and that's a bit of a bummer. I will after this holiday weekend is over.

The raffle is up and live, EARLY!

2009-10-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have decided to give the raffle a head start and it. We have had so many donations come in, I am just getting to excited to let it sit. More donations are on there way, so the grand prize is only getting bigger. All details behind raffle ticket purchasing is located on the right hand side of this blog as well as the "add to cart" Paypal button. You can also purchase tickets directly through the ForCeciliaOcchiogrosso.blogspot.com.

Please free to spread the word on your blogs, message boards, etc. Just copy and paste the flier that has been created.

Also, be sure to check out Ali Edwards site to see my friend Cynthia's tutorial which has been featured on her site!!! Cynthia is an amazing talent and I am so happy for her!!! Yay Cynthia:)

Tim Holtz Contribution!!!

2009-10-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

Look at what we received from Tim Holtz for the drawing!!! The pile is getting bigger and bigger, the box of winnings is over flowing!!!!

And I just had to share with you this very pretty flier that Cynthia created for me:) This will be on display during the duration of the raffle!!!

Be sure to click on it to get a better view, also we have had more people say they are going to donate. Not everyone has been listed!

Getting ready for Halloween.

2009-10-22T09:38:00.001-07:00

I couldn't be happier that Halloween is actually on a Saturday this year!!! So perfect, that means you don't have to worry about waking up early for work, or if you have a bit of a hangover from Halloween cocktails:) This year we actually have plans, aside from sitting around, eating candy and watching Halloween flicks over and over again(don't get me wrong, I love doing that) But its always good to get out and put on a costume and have a good time every now and then on Halloween.

This year we are heading on over to our friend's who is throwing a Halloween party, we are really looking forward to this. I still though however have to get the rest of my costume, I decided that I will be an old lady..................................zombie!! Wrinkles, cuts and all:) lol.

Will of course is being a Star Trek character, I think he calls them "red shirts"

My friend is also going with us and she is going as DJ Tanner from Full House, hilarious, so random and off the wall.

With all of these happenings, I knew I had to get some sort of mini book kit that I can use to make a Halloween album. I actually found some great stuff on a site that I have read about through other people, Scrap Book Alley(or on some Youtube videos) They don't charge tax or shipping. I was able to snag up a bunch of The making memories stuff that I showed in my video for the giveaway. I fell in love with it as soon as I opened the package and I knew that I had to go find me the same thing. And I did.

So that was my excitement for the morning, haha. I am heading back to work this afternoon, which I am quite happy about, I have cabin fever oh so bad!!

I will soon be adding the donation button on my site and the memorial site for those of you who want to purchase raffle tickets. This will be done through a special Pay pal account that will be linked up directly to the bank which is home to Cecilia's fund.

My very sweet friend Cynthia is actually working on the whole online flier for me! It will have all of the details. For those of you who purchase raffle tickets, we will be sending them via email that way you can have them to print out. Also I will be having a special that if you buy 5, you get 2 free. So a better chance for you to snag the prize.

Also, I have started to add widgets on the right side of my blog for those who have contributed:) So be sure to check them out.

What are your plans for Halloween?????

Add them onto the prize pile!

2009-10-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Making Memories!!

Creative Xpress

We have boxes.

2009-10-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Two more boxes came today. One from Making Memories, and let me tell you, such a great kit!!!! WOW:) And a big box from Creative Xpress which I am just getting ready to open. Videos to follow!!!

A series of reveals.

2009-10-20T21:17:00.001-07:00

This video is the first in a few of reveals of what will be in the raffle fundraiser for Cecilia. As I receive contributions from companies, I will be posting videos of what they have donated. I thought this would be a good way to share with you guys what is up for grabs and who was generous enough to help out.

I am hoping to have all the details and raffle tickets up for sale in the beginning of November!!

Be sure to check back for more(I will also be posting them on my Youtube account)

Tissues and great voices.

2009-10-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well I am home sick today and probably tomorrow(well I am always off on Tuesdays) We got a movie in the mail from Netflix, and have dined on hot dog stand fare(pretzel for me) I have been doing some Internet venturing, and I have found a new favorite band!

I found them on Sarah Bowen's site, and fell in love with the "My Favorite things" cover. Her voice is just so sweet, I love it. So now I have been on an uploading spree of Pomplamoose and her solo Nataly Dawn. You can download all of the cover songs for free off of their Myspace. And you can purchase their originals on itunes

I especially love her cover of Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose"

Well, my raffle giveaway to benefit Cecilia is coming together oh so nicely.

The following companies will be donating product:

Tim Holtz

Making memories

Studio Calico

Label Tulip

Evalicious

Ormolu

Creative Express

I will be listing more as we go along as well as all of the details!!!

Part two of the zoo

2009-10-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Well this is part two(and the final video) of our Bronx zoo trip. As you can tell, Simon and Garfunkel plays like 10 thousand times in both videos, I am not good with movie editing, so its sort of funky but you get the point. Will was really satisfied with the final part of the video where he is shaking his popcorn bag(lol, he was actually mad) and I must fix my hair like sixty times. Oh well, its to the point, what can I say?

What else?.....................I did a new layout!! I got some new things today, I lack in the embellishment department, so I stocked up on some. I tried to stick to the discounted things, and I have to say I found a good handful of pretty decent items. This layout is of CC and her dad at the Strawberry Festival this past June. I decided to make it bright and colorful. When I scanned it though, the background came out look like I did it on one of those big manila office envelopes, it was actually a really bright yellow. Oh well:)

I have been working on a very big giveaway that I will be holding from November-December. I will be selling raffle tickets for a dollar, and we have some pretty big sponsors so far that are going to be donating. All proceeds from the tickets will go directly into Cecilia's fund through Capital One bank. If you or someone you know would like to donate a scrap book related product or service, please free to email me at coloredsprinklegirl@hotmail.com. Otherwise be on the lookout for more details!!!!

The Bronx zoo part one.

2009-10-13T15:30:00.001-07:00

In memory of.

2009-10-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

I just finished working on a simple blog for my friend and her daughter. It is a memorial page for Thomas, and it also includes details on a fund that has been set up in Cecilia's name for her future. I am happy to have done this for my friend, I think its important for us to keep him alive in all of our memories.

You can visit it here.