Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Happy November!!

So where has this year gone??? Right?? And now it's the 15th of November and I'm gearing up for Christmas mode. UUGGHH!
This year had blown by, and I feel like I have lived 2011 by events. As soon as one event happens then I'm focused on the next event/trip/function/vacation. And I feel like I've lost out on the day to day. Again, UUGGHH!
Any way, I found this cute little post titled "12 days of Christmas (Kindness)" on the Little Lucy Lu blog: http://www.littlelucylu.com/2011/11/12-days-of-christmas-kindness.html, and thought how awesome this would be to really get into the Christmas SPIRIT! So, I'll post later my own little version of the 12 (or maybe 25) days of Christmas Kindness and post here...
You should do it too!!

Happy Holidays! Gobble Gobble!
Susan ;)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Meet My Newest Friend!

Every year there is a Southern Women's Show that comes to Charlotte NC, and I usually go with my Mom. It gives us a much needed afternoon to talk, catch up and just hang out together. I really enjoy this time with her.... well.... this year... my daughter wanted to go. They did have a craft area this year and turns out my daughter did actually enjoy this ALL DAY trip. (she is 6, I really didn't see it going as good as it actually did)
So as we are cruising the isles of goodies for women... we did a complete HALT in the middle of a busy thoroughfare, because....
there stood....
in cardboard form, was....
Justin Beiber!!!!!!!
Yes... I know.. this could be considered Illegal. But who cares! He is just so dang cute! And I did let the kid get her picture with him also:
Gracie was a little more reserved with herself.

Good Times at the Southern Women's Show.




Thursday, October 6, 2011

MemoryWorks "Life's Celebrations" Blog Hop sponsored by Simple Stories

Welcome to the MemoryWorks Blog Hop sponsored by Simple Stories!!
You are in for a real treat today... TeamWorks members got to choose which of the 4 new Simple Stories Collections ( Baby Steps, Happy Days, Generations, 25 Days of Christmas) they wanted to showcase for the Blog Hop. I chose the Baby Steps Collection. I usually gravitate toward bright and bold colors, but I just LOVE the antique look of Baby Steps.
I hope you enjoy my projects, and if you like.. follow my blog and leave a comment! One lucky commentor/follower will win a small prize, make sure somewhere in your comment you put the words 'MemoryWorks Rocks!"!! hehehe!


Now on with the Hop!

Here is a gift bag and accordion card, for a baby shower or birthday:
They are a little hard to see, so here are a couple of close ups.


I discovered paper fortune cookies on the 'For the love of paper' blog by Kimberly Crawford, and loved them! I thought they would make such a cute little extra gift at a baby shower. With a few special sentiments hidden inside of each! Pretty cute HuH! Here is a link to Kimberly's Fortune cookies and her tutorial: http://kimberly-crawford.blogspot.com/2008/04/pti-blog-hop.html

A layout of my Family... before ME!

I've been wanting to preserve this little handmade sweater and hat that my daughter wore when she was born. And I thought that the Baby Steps collection was perfect! This sweater was actually given to my MIL when my husband was born (before they new he was a he). Then she gave it to me when my Gracie was born. What an heirloom!

Thanks for checking out my projects, I hope you enjoyed! In addition to the little prize that I will be giving away, a prize will be given to one lucky commenter (from all the blogs along the hop). The more blogs you comment on the better odds to win!

Now hop on over to the next blog on the list:

To order any of the fabulous products that you've seen here, please go to : http://www.memory-works.com/susannichols/

Happy Hopping!

Monday, October 3, 2011

MEMORYWORKS TEAMWORKS “LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS” BLOG HOP

Come join me and some of the other MemoryWorks TeamWorks members for another wonderful Blog Hop! This go round we are showcasing 'Life's Celebrations'. All of the TeamWorks members will be posting projects using one (or more) of the NEW Simple Stories collections. Check each of them out here:

So join me this Thursday, 10/6, and hop your way through the list below.... and who knows, you may just win a PRIZE!!!!!!!!! So leave plenty of comments, and don't forget to follow each of the blogs. Happy Hopping!

5. Susan (http://susan-nichols.blogspot.com/)
13. Sarah J (www.snippetsofme.net)


Also, the new Fall MemoryWorks Catalog is out!! Want to check out all of the great new products? Well, here's the link to that: https://www.memory-works.com/admin/images/site/Fall11MemoryWorksCatalog.pdf



















See Ya'll Thursday!
Susan





Tuesday, September 13, 2011

My first Fall/ Halloween Craft of 2011

So I was Blog Stalking around last week and found an absolute GORGEOUS Fall wreath made by Staci over at Just So Sassy (here's the link, so you can see what I was shooting for: http://justsewsassy.com/2011/08/29/tuesday-tutorial-rolled-burlap-and-rosette-fall-wreath/#comments).
Believe it or not, but this wreath is made entirely of Burlap... yes Burlap (I just love the smell of Burlap in the Fall, it reminds me of those stuffed scarecrows that you decorate with)!
I just love the way this turned out! I can't wait to get it on my door (sorry, it IS on a door right now... my laundry room door).

Thanks Staci for sharing such a wonderful idea!

Have a Great Tuesday!

Susan ;)

Thursday, August 25, 2011

1st Day of 1st Grade!

Well... we are officially a 1st grader!! Gracie picked out her own clothes for school today, and she was excited to finally get to use her new 'littlest petshop' book bag.


















Do you notice the front tooth that sticks out just a little? Yeah... it's barely hanging on! We should be front toothless by school picture time! Classic!

And here is what we learned from spending our summer at the YMCA Summer Day Camp:


















(no, seriously the Y summer camp ROCKED!)
So good luck today.. to the Graduating Class of 2024! I'm so proud of you Gracie Lou!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

MemoryWorks Blog Hop Featuring Simple Stories 100 Days of Summer

Welcome to the MemoryWorks TeamWorks blog hop.
You are going to find fabulous projects and inspiration today as you visit everyones blogs! The new Simple Stories line, 100 Days of Summer, is Wonderful. The colors and patterns instantly take you on a vacation!
Don't forget to comment on each of the blogs, one lucky commenter will win a fabulous PRIZE!!


Here is a list of all of the Blogs you will be visiting:
Take a look at the perpetual calendar that I created from the Simple Stories 100 Days of Summer line:
I put the calendar in a frame, so I can use a dry erase marker to write in the days of the month.. and any events (Vacations) that I need to remember. The Ribbon is attached on the outside of the frame so I can clip on the month card, and a cute embellie or picture.

Here are a couple of close ups:
Mini Clothespin and Month Card.

Flower embellie and Mini Clothespin.

Thanks for stopping by! And if you like my blog, click on the 'join this site' tab to follow my adventures.

Have a scrappy kind of day!
Susan ;)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

All I Can Say Is............














YUMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

Our Blueberries are Ready! And I've already made a Blueberry Cobbler, Blueberry Jam and planning on making Blueberry Pancakes this weekend!

Happy Wednesday!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Our Garden

Summer is here!! And I have to say... we are knee deep in Squash right now. Zucchini, Cucumbers and Tomatoes are all doing good, but our Squash.... whew! I actually had a salad with no lettuce, just Cucumbers, Broccoli, with lots and lots of Squash.

Let me show you around our Garden..






This is the Garden. Everything is so green it's hard to see where it begins and ends, but believe me... it's there!




Here is Gracie showing you just how tall the corn has grown. Not quite ready for picking!



















Ahhhh... Blueberries!




This is one of the first Blueberries of the season! YUMMM, can't wait for Blueberry Pancakes.



















Well, I guess that Blueberry didn't make it long off of the bush. Looks like there are lots more on the way.











I'll post some more pictures once more things become ripe. We still have lots more blooming.

Have a great Summer!

Father's Day

Hello everyone! Just wanted to post a pic of the cute little candy bouquet I made for my husband for Fathers Day. Needless to say, he loved it! I saw it on another blog... I'll put up a link tomorrow (forgot where I got the idea from).




Happy Belated Father's Day, to all of the wonderful Dad's out there!









Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Mother's Day Gifts

Just wanted to share these cute little bags that I made for my Mom and my Mother-in-law for Mothers Day... ok, so I didn't actually MAKE the bags, but I did have the letters monogrammed and I did make the flowers.



(Sorry, please excuse the pineapple behind them. It looks like they are growing hair!)
Anyway.. I plan on filling one with goodies and the other with a plant! I hope they like them!
Happy early Mothers Day to everyone!


Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Anniversary!!

Today, my Husband, Scott, and I have been married for 8 years. WOW! I'm sure to some that is just a drop in the bucket, but to me it's amazing! Here are a couple of my favorite pictures of US...

We met in High School (this pic is from 1993, the year we graduated):



















And many, many years later... we were married (2003):















And with the boss of our family, Gracie, in 2010...













Thanks for putting up with me! Happy 8th Anniversary!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

MemoryWorks Simple Stories Destinations Blog Hop - TODAY!!!













Welcome to the MemoryWorks Simple Stories Destinations Blog Hop! Glad you could stop by and visit. The Simple Stories Destinations line is fabulous for all of your travel photos (and then some). I hope you enjoy what goodies I have created for you... and don't forget to leave comments everywhere you hop (there will be a prize)!


Here is a Mini Travel Book (made from just 1 piece of 12x12 paper):

































Here are a few paper flowers:














A 12 x 12 Layout:



















An Altered Frame:

















Making this next layout was a breeze! I used the Simple Stories divided page protectors and just inserted my pictures. This was a great way to get all of my pictures on one page:




















Thanks for checking out my projects using the Simple Stories Destinations line.. if you would like to see more of my project, you can follow my blog!

Don't forget to hop on over to the next Blog - #4 Danielle Hunter.


Blog Hop order:

Thursday, April 21, 2011

MemoryWorks Travel Blog Hop
Come travel the MemoryWorks TeamWorks members blogs on Thursday, April 28, 2011 for a blog hop highlighting the Simple Stories: Destinations line!

DestKit

The team will display projects that will inspire you on your summer adventures and trips, as well as life adventures using this fabulous paper line! The hop starts at the MemoryWorks blog and ends at the Simple Stories blog. A prize, sponsored by Simple Stories will be given to one commenter. We hope you come travel with us on April 28th!

SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, April 28, 2011!

Whether you have signed-up to participate or not, please support each other on the blog hop date! You will not be eligible for the prize, but sending love to fellow teamwork's members is always nice.

Here is our line up:
MemoryWorks Blog
Lacey Igo
Susan Nichols
Danielle Hunter
Sharon Hill
Sheri Feypel
Kelly Holbrook
Sarah Crawford
Sarah Jimerson
Shirelle
Sandy Zent
Simple Stories

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

MemoryWorks Spring / Summer 2011 Catalog

Just Released! Fantastic new products! Click the link below to go to check out the catalog.



To browse the catalog: https://www.memory-works.com/admin/images/site/Spring11MemoryWorksCatalog.pdf

Please Note: Due to manufacturer's shipping dates and release dates, some products may not be available yet.





Father Daughter Dance

Gracie is a Daisy Girl Scout. And on March 19th, the Girl Scouts, in our area, hosted a father daughter dance. When we found out about the dance, Gracie was SO excited! When we came home from our meeting, she immediately found Scott, and asked him to go to the dance with her. How could he say no to that??
Skip forward a few weeks, to the big day... We had her dress out and she had already discussed, numerous times, how she wanted her hair and what shoes she was going to wear. When it came time to get Daddy ready, Gracie had to approve his outfit. I pulled out a couple of his shirt, which she snubbed her nose at, until she finally approved of a black button up that matched her dress. Yes, high maintenance already!
As they were walking out the door, of course, I made them pose for pictures!



Scott looks less than thrilled! But Gracie is happy to spend some Daddy Daughter time together. The dance went great. There was a picture taken there with a balloon arch background that we have yet to receive. And Gracie got a balloon and candy, and decorated a picture frame for their picture. So, all in all, they both had a wonderful time! And, as a wife and mother, my heart was full that night for the simple fact that my wonderfully manly husband, took our 6 yr old daughter on her first date.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Orlando, FL

So I have found myself in Orlando Florida this weekend. My company participates in a Hardware and Tool trade show twice a year. While I've had the chance to visit a few cities that I have never been too, and a couple of times my husband has even tagged along, the actual trade shows are BBBBOOOORRRRIIIINNNNGGG. Long days and sore feet are what I get out of it most days. Here is a picture of the booth I am at:

Not very exciting.

But I have to say that this trip will be exciting soon! In less than an hour I will be headed back to the hotel where my husband and daugter are. We decided that this trip would be a family event. So today, while I was bored at the booth all day.... this is what my husband and daughter were up to:



So... We are off to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. Fun Fun Fun!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Happy Birthday, MOM!


Today is my Wonderful Mother's Birthday!

A Late Valentine's Post



So, this year, we decided to make all of Gracie's Valentine's for her Kindergarten Class. I cut out all of the butterflies, then Gracie loaded them up with stickers. I will say that she was very particular on what sticker went where. I'm not sure why, but I let her be the leader on this one. We used blow pops as the bodies, because they are Gracie's favorite. We just had to make sure that there was at least one left for her.
On Valentine's Day, when she brought her box home from school, she was so excited! I sat in the floor with her as she went thru each valentine and showed be what it was and who it was from (ya'll know, kindergarten valentines are big time important). She was just so cute. After we were done, with a little cockiness in her voice, she said "nobody else made their own valentines. Mine were different".

Happy Belated Valentines!

Monday, January 3, 2011

2011 is here...

A friend of mine told me that she just loves a new year. She said that when she opens that new calander and nothing is written on it, she just feels as though there are 365 days of Possibilities. And that she can't wait to see what this year has in store for her. I don't think that I've ever thought of a new year as, '365 Possibilities', but as simply 'more days'.

Well, it's time for my resolutions. Of course, there are the usuals:

Loose a little weight
Exercise a little more
Spend more time with the Family
Save more Money

But this year, inspired by my friend, I think I've decided to make a new Resolution:

To learn or experience at least one new thing a month.

I know, I know... 1 a month? May seem a little low. But, I'm sure there may be some months that I learn or experience more than 1 thing. This way I make sure that I reach my goal. So, I've listed the months below, and hopefully, I'll remember to update my post with what I learned.

January - I learned to value my family. My darling Grandmother passed away on the 17th. She was the politest and warmest little lady I've known. And even though there was a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease, it still catches you off guard.
Here are some words of wisdom that I can still hear Grandmaw Polly saying:
* Eating onions will make you pretty.
* Come and see me sometime!
* Only wear red on Valentines and Christmas, otherwise you just look like a street walker.

Feburary - I promise I did learn something new... it just don't remember! I guess I could say that I learned that I need to write more things down.

March - We may grow up and older... but our friendships never do! Together, we are still silly, and stupid. We still talk about boys (aka, our husbands), and complain about our hair and weight. But I would NEVER have it any other way! (This is for Allison, Rebecca & Melody, you are the best!)

April - I've always thought of myself as not having much of a 'motherly' instinct. Gracie's 6 now and I still sometimes forget to: order her food at a restaurant, to get her chocolate milk in the morning or forget that she needs shoes before going outside. However, this month, I learned that I TOTALLY have an instinct!! We have been having some very bad storms in the Southeast, with Tornadoes, which we never have. Well, I've always heard that a tornado sounds like a train. So a few weeks I awoke in the middle of the night, to what I thought sounded like a freight train. Instinct finally kicked in!!!! I jumped out of bed, not saying a word to my husband, and scooped up Gracie and went strait for the safest place in our house. Mom saves the day! However, there was no tornado... just VERY high winds. Regardless, I have a new respect for myself. I know that in a crazy moment, I will think of the kid 1st!

May - This month, I learned that after 8 years, my Husband can still surprise me! He planned a weekend away for us (during Mother's Day weekend, so he had to get some clearance from our Mothers first) and I had no idea where we were going. We went to a small little town in the NC Mountains, he had booked us a jacuzzi on the river and a couples massage. It was a wonderful, quiet weekend. PS.. he also brought along my Mothers Day gift from our Daughter and surprised me with that on Sunday morning. He did a great job!

June - I've learned that you have to make your own happiness... don't depend on others for your well being, just get out there and make YOUR everydays great! To many of us let others determine if our days are going to be good or bad, fun or boring... and why? Because we aren't doing it ourselves. Now, off to have a good day of fun! HA!

July - July is already here.. and almost gone! I'm posting a little early this time, because what I learned this month hit me right in the face.... "Never say Never". (maybe I'll elaborate more later... maybe not)
August - Summer is coming to an end.. we're now in September and there was a cold snap this weekend! Burrrr..60 degrees!! In August, I learned that I will NEVER become a nurse or a doctor! As my daughter's teeth become more loose my fists seem to tighten at the thought of one of them getting stuck in her gum and getting yanked from her mouth with blood flowing from her toothless grin. Ewwwww!
OK, so maybe it's not that bad. She actually lost her first tooth in July, while brushing her teeth, right after she had thrown up all over the bedroom, kitchen, laundry room and bathroom (yes, bad night). We didn't even know the tooth had come out until the next day. But now, the second tooth came out during the day, at the local cloth store, while we were getting some fabric cut. I thought my daughter, myself and the store employee were all going to vomit. And at the thought of blood, after I realized the tooth fell out, I became slightly queezy and had to hold on to the fabric table for a few minutes.
But we made it through... now on to the next tooth!
September -
October -
November -
December -

Now, go out and create your own Possibilities!

Happy New Year!
Susan