Candice Carpenter

Do yourself a favor...

and get a dose of Johnny.

Candice loves her bad boys so, obviously i saw Public Enemies. Loved it.

I've been scrapbooking!

It's been a relaxer at the end of my days...sittin around a bunch of embellishments and just having a good time. On the 4th, i went for a ride on my bike...admired all the block parties...then came back refreshed and inspired to create. I recently reorganized all of my scrapbook stuff. For a few days i was afraid to open it all back up again in fear that i'd create a mess of it again. So far, so good.

I'm soooo into using what i have right now. It's allowing me to eliminate packages, therefore leaving me with less to put away. I have been making little purchases here and there...a scallop piece of cardstock, a new alpha...whatever it takes to get me through some of the product i already own. It's also a lot about what's within reaching distance. If i think there just might be an embellishment in a box under the bed that might match(yes, i have many boxes of scrap stuff stored under my bed...where normal people store sweaters and exercise equipment)...i forget about it. I have x amount of boxes and baggies of embellishments on the table right now - i force myself to use them. Otherwise i'll go on a hunt and come back 3 hours later having forgot what i was looking for in the first place...and will have destroyed the bedroom by opening box after box and spreading out all over the place. lol! If i can reach it, it's going on the page. It's kind of funny because sometimes i feel like i put everything but the kitchen sink on a page! I guess that's just my style...slightly over done. I like a lot of chaos in art.

These next 2 layouts are some that i did for the Autumn Leaves booth a few trade shows back. God, i do miss Foof-a-la...

Every year i start out the scrapbook with a letter, of sorts. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you i write on December 31st...i wrote the 2008 letter last week. One great thing about having a blog is you can go back and relive your year. I just wrote form what i read and remembered...and form the heart.  I try to tell it like it is. All the raw details. The good and the bad. I want my kids to know what we all went through to get where we are. It's fun to do this too...i like title pages.

and a couple more...

It's all about getting the pages done and in the book. My scrapbook pages may be one of the only things in my life that i have control over at the moment (lol)...and i'm going to take advantage of it and feel good about making progress. My scrapbook embellishments don't criticize me...the cardstock doesn't have an attitude...and my glue dots don't have me on a schedule. Thank goodness.

I did 3 more pages tonight while watching a mix of Everybody Loves Raymond and Extreme Home Makeover. Will share soon. :-)

Go scrapbook!

Baby, it's hot outside!

So, it's official...i sweated like a pig this weekend. We're getting our new air conditioner installed on Tuesday...so this weekend we braved the heat...and well, we tried to make the best of it! Friday night, mom grilled some steaks and shrimp on the BBQ...shrimp was marinated in this delicious lemon, cilantro and olive oil mixture....so fresh and tasty! We sat outside and ate and enjoyed the cool evening breeze.

Then on Saturday i babysat for Annie Adams. It was such a beautiful evening...Cami, Charlie, Cara and i  ate our pizza outside, colored on a blanket, did play dough, chalk on the sidewalk and more! Then it was decorating cupcakes and Bedtime Stories. It was such a fun summer night! (p.s. don't they have the cutest jammoes! I told Annie next time i come sit i'm wearing my pjs too!)

Then today, i went to the CUTEST baby shower at Los Rios Tea House in San Juan...Val threw Tammi the snazziest Cat in the Hat themed baby shower. I didn't take one photo...such a shame. I will wait for photos to circulate. Val had this wonderful idea...together Val and i created kits for each person at the baby shower...each attendee got to create one banner pennant with the embellishments we provided which all together spelled out "Welcome" for the baby's room! And bonus...since there were quite a few attendees, we made her another banner that said "Freedom". It was so fun doing this with Val. She has a heart of gold and is the party planner of the century.

After that...i came home to my sweaty house and well...sweated. I attempted to get some projects done but got discouraged from the heat. So instead i sat and watched the original Parent Trap (perfect summer movie!) with my sis while mom and nephew played in the sprinklers. Then, when it cooled down a bit, i took Jacob for a ride. Doesn't he look so happy in this pic. He just lost his first tooth so his smile is a million time cuter than normal...which i didn't even know was possible.

He fell off his bike about 5 seconds after i took this photo. He cried...and cried. Then got right back on his bike and we rode off into the sunset. Arrived home to BBQ chicken, baked beans and corn on the cob.

Such a fun, summer weekend.  Play dough in the backyard, shrimp on the barbie and bike rides. Back to work tomorrow...i'd say the major plus to that is AIR CONDITIONING! lol

I will leave you with a hint...

in just a few days i will share some really fun information with you about an upcoming event this August....Several other talented ladies are in on it too. More to show you soon...

humana humana humana

OMG...cute things are happening in the craft world right now. Look at these 2 lines i was notified about in my inbox this week.

Basic Grey June Bug:

Doesn't this make you want to quilt or something??! Ugh...i can't wait to get this stuff! I shared this with Karen at the Bee as soon as i got it and...we are filling out our order this week!

And...doesn't this new Sassafras Lass line remind you of the uber talented Danielle Thompson? This line is called Me Likey.









This line toootally reminds me of summers in junior high and high school. We would sit around and play Mario Cart and Mario Party for DAYS at a time. I mean no showers, no sleep(except for between the hours of 4am and 12 noon lol). Just fast food/pizza breaks. Don't you just feel the mario brothers/japanese animation/atari feel to this line? LOVE it.

P.S. Bikes are good for the soul.

I road down to the circle and had breakfast at Bagel Me...then went and picked up some treats for later. You see, momma hasn't been feeling good due to a new medication shes taking. So i thought...when she does feel like eating later on she just might want to sink her teeth into a delicious cupcake from A Perfect Circle - Cupcakery

 

 

CUTE huh?!! Can't wait to try the red velvet later on after dinner. Seaking of food, i'm goign to go make mom and me some soup for lunch...then scrapbook! What a gift...I just love days off. I hope you get to do something cute today!

p.p.s. i haven't forgotten about the cruise info i need to share with you. I am getting some more ducks in a row and will have some fun stuff to share with you soon. :-)

Summer Kids Class at Red Bee!

Hey All!

I got quite  a few emails inquiring about my summer kids class at the Bee! Yay! Here is the info. I know this is really a hit because of the response we've gotten already, so don't delay and call now to sign up the kiddos! We have some really fun things planned! 714-838-1200

We will scrapbook for the first half of each day, then play a game, freestyle scrapbook with our scraps and have snack for the 2nd half of the class! Each child will have their own pages as well at the 8 you see below, making this summer book 16+ pages! We will be sure to take a ton of pictures of our crafting adventures as well. Join us!

Photos ala iPhone...featuring Clementine!

Last night i got off work and walked in the door to find this amazing pink cruiser!! Rory got a small coaching bonus and was talking about how he wanted to get a PS3, blah blah blah. To my complete surprise it was all an act! He knew i'd had my eye on one of these and then, BAM...i walk in the door to find i now own the cutest pink cruiser ever! Well, i had to ride it first thing this morning...I took it for a spin and felt like all the other cute girls who ride around the circle. First stop, ABC Cakes in orange. Then i stopped by the bike shop to get a lock and after that straight home.  I really want to sew a little liner for my basket because the ones at the bike shop were like $35 each. Imagine all the cute patterns! I am naming my new bike Clementine. Candice and Clementine and their fantastical summer adventures!

After my bike ride i took a car ride down to Target.

THIS is the CUTEST Baby outfit i've EVER seen. It took A LOT of self control to not buy this and save it for when we have babies. Now i have my regrets. Maybe Clementine and i can go back later. She'd totally get it.

What else...

Oh! I have been making some fun projects at the Bee. Echo is hosting a really fun crop at the Bee this summer called Tropical Cropical. Isn't that the cutest name!! You can read all about it here. For $50 you get catered lunch, dinner, a free 10 minute pressure point massage, games prizes, goodies and a make and take by me!
Here's the little flap book i designed for the crop using that seriously cute Cosmo Cricket Snorkel line.

Also, i will be teaching a 6 week kids scrapbook class! The kids will have a complete 8 x 8 summer vacation mini book by the end of the 6 weeks. Here's a pic of the cover! You can see the sample on display at the store now. The dates and other info will be announced in the next 2 days. Check your red bee email or go to www.theredbee.com for more info!

Also, don't forget...I am teaching this class again at the Bee on June 28th!

I will leave you with this amazing image i found online...it is my desktop wall paper right now...love it!

More coming tomorrow...news about the cruise!! 

New pretties to share with you...

...tomorrow in the shop. Edited: GO Here!

I love these new stickers!!

The Red Bee got in a slew of new Doodlebug stickers, papers and embellishments and...OMG, i just love the sealife stickers and boarders!! I bought them and went home the other night and made 5 acrds instantly. And i am in looove with the Kaiser pearl accents as well...never excited me before...now i must have them in every color!

 

 

 

 

Things have been nuts lately. Working nonstop and also house/dog sitting for a family i've been babysitting for over the past 9 years. Cutest thing ever...the first night i started, i came from work to find a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge...then i got a "welcome" call from the family and was told their was wine in the fridge just for me. And also that i could use the spa bathtub all i want. Um, who's paying who here?! lol God i love them!

I have to be in LA by 6am tomorrow. Ugh. The commute...oh yeah, it's getting to me. I better shut down shop for the night. TTFN

Rave Reviews!

Me, mom and sister had a fabulous time at Paris in a Cup! The food was delicious...every single bite got better. I ordered the Madame du Barry...i was in heaven! First course was scones with creme confit, second course was tea sandwiches and this AMAZING salad (i am still dreaming of this salad...mixed greens, pears, cranberries, feta cheese, etc.) and lastly, mini desserts of cheesecake, lemon custard and carrot cake! My taste buds were very happy, indeed. And i got this lovely vanilla French tea...went through two pots of it!  The service was incredible. They even went along with my bday candle - no song routine for mom. (got that super fun candelabra candle from Heavenly Hostess across the street from Paris in a Cup) They also gave mom a sweet little parisian notepad because she was celebrating her birthday. Very thoughtful.

This is definitely a special occasion kind of place for me...the bill for the 3 of us was over $100. No alcohol! lol! But i have to say i so enjoyed the special treatment and delicious mini treats and hope to do it again someday!

For those of you who couldn't make it out to Vista...

Join me at the Red Bee for an encore of "You Story!"

Go here for all the details!

Artistic Affair Vendor Prep

Mom and i are having a small but tasteful set up as vendors at Kim's Artistic Affair Printemps on May 30th. Mom will be debuting her newest charm bracelet editions...some classic, some summer style patriotic! These are pics of her earlier styles...she will have a couple of these available too!!

I will be providing you all with the latest Jenni Bowlin products including the following...

Just a small but decadent sampling along with some Patriotic treats and inspiration! Maybe more if i can get busy with some projects.

I will try and sneak a peek of the bracelets mom's working on...to die for!

Oh and p.s. It looks like i will be offering the Your Story class again, this time in Orange County! Check back for more details this week!

Pictures from Today's Project!

Hope this inspires your weekend scrapbooking. I may try to teach this as a class again, we'll see!

The class today at Pink Pineapple was wonderful!! Thanks to all that came and to the ladies at PP...and thanks to mom for some delicious pineapple cupcakes with cream cheese frosting! (p.s. Linner was great, Jenny and Val!)

Happy Saturday!

Orange Circle *LOVE*

I now live in historic old town Orange and must share with you 2 amazing places i visited the other day in the circle...

 Heavenly Hostess...OMG, this place was complete overload for me. I had to walk the place 3-4 times to really take it all in. very cute and quirky gifts...extremely fashionable aprons (which they are known for already), pot holders, and more...and they carry some seeeriously cute coin purses and totes. Not to mention jewelry and gag gifts and sooo much more.

Next is Paris in a Cup. You may have heard of this sweet little Tea Salon from Kim or Cheryl's blog. Mom, sister and i have a reservation for afternoon tea this coming Friday. It's mom's birthday and i thought, what better way to celebrate than by sharing a quiet afternoon together over tea and treats! We will be sure to snapshot the day. Very sweet establishment. Must go visit.

TTFN

I Know...

...i've completely lost my blog motivation. Things have been so crazy lately that when i lie down and close my eyes at night, i actually pass out instantaneously.

Work is really fun. I'm getting to know a lot of the other pages. Man do i come home with some hysterical stories. The general public is a crack up! The people that come to certain shows really are a special kind of breed. lol! I've already been bribed with money. These are people from all accross the US...most of whom have no real concept of what it's like to live and work in LA. It's funny stuff. Like they refer it to the likes of Disneyland or something. I am laughing my ass off at work most of the time. lol! And it has been really cool getting to watch American Idol live. I was not into the show prior to working at CBS, but i am now a fan because i'd be nuts not to get excited at the live performances. Of course i want Adam to win. He is like, AMAZING. I work both shows this week (YES!) and i can't wait til Tuesday. Tomorrow...a loooong day at the Price is Right. 2 tapings.

And we are finally almost all unpacked from our move. God, i never EVER want to move again! I am loving our cozy new place. We have really simplied our lives with this move and it feels reeeaally good. 2 garage sales later and some major donations made...i am really loveing how everything we have right now serves a purpose and doesn't just sit around to collect dust.

It's offical, i'm blonde. I got some highlights approx. 2 months ago...but i just went in to get them freshened up and left the salon...well, um...blonde. lol! Here is my "OMG, i'm blonde!" photo. I may not be completely blonde...but this is as blonde as i get!

Ok...lots to catch up on right now. Mom and i are getting ready for a couple fun events coming up...

#1. Our Story Mini Book Class at Pink Pineapple, this Saturday May 16th!

#2. Artistic Affair Printemps on May 30th! Mom will be selling her jewelry! Along with some other goodies...

until next time...which i hope is sooner rather than later...have a wonderful week!

A few lil peeks...

at the "Your Story" class at Pink Pineapple in May. I got a little sidetracked with work and moving and never sent the sample on Saturday. I added even more last minute touches and will have it off to the store on Thursday morning. More pics to come soon...

I went to bed last night at 9:30pm...

...which, if you know me well, is absolutely absurd! I am a night owl. I stay up until at least 1am on a regular basis. Well...this just goes to show how great of a day i had. Yesterday was my first official day and i worked on two tapings of the Price is Right. My feet hurt like hell, my face hurt from all of the smiling, my ears are still ringing from the applause and music...and my heart is still beating too  fast because it was all just too damn exciting! I am on the road in about an hour on my way to my first day on American Idol. I get off sometime between 7-9pm...oh that down comforter is calling my name already! Just wanted to check in and thank everyone once again for the congrats! Your comments mean so much to me...and in a way, they helped give a much needed confidence boost for my first day. Thank you sooo very much!

Now for 2 very important items RE: the scrapbook world:

1. A wonderful lady asked me if am still planning on doing the cruise in October now that i have a "real" job. My Answer: OF COURSE! I am going to need that cruise more than ever now! lol! Go HERE to sign up with me!! We can laugh and eat and scrap...with a few small massage and champagne breaks. :-)

2. The class sample for the Our Story class at Pink Pineapple will be in the mail by the end of the week! So check with the store to see when you can drop by and see the class in person. It one short month away and i believe there are still spots available! Come and spend some time with me creating a precious mini book!

Ok and last but not least...i watched Twilight...oh, i'd say about...um 5 times...in a row! I absolutely LOVED it. I'm not sure what that says about my maturity level, but OMG that Edward is D-E-Licious. (fanning myself to stay "cool") I loved the movie so much i went out and bought the 2nd book, New Moon, on Easter Sunday. It has been 3 days and i am already on page 455. I am officially hooked! I haven't gotten this into a story in a loooong time. Feels great! And i've even heard from a few readers out there that New Moon was their least fav of the books...bonus! I like it so much, i can't imagine how great the others must be then!!

Oh and P.S. Mrs. Jenny Morgan...my reading Water for Elephants was rudely interrupted by Twilight! Will have a review for that one soon too! :-)

Alright, i better get in the shower. TTFN

It's a Beautiful Day!

The sun is shining and there's a perfectly cool breeze...i am off work now...new netflix came in the mail (going to finally find out what all this Twighlight hub bub is about)...oh, yeah and i got a call from CBS offering me a job this morning!!! I got the job!

I am soooo relieved. I knew they were performing a background check and i thought that must be a pretty good sign...but 5 days later i was feeling a little eager and impatient about getting the results. I was pretty sure i covered my tracks...my years in prison for stalking various celebrities and my psychotic spells involving numerous drug additctions. Thank God they didn't find any of that dirt! lol But seriously, i am so excited and i can't wait to start! Or maybe i can...my first day is tomorrow! I know! I go through my orientation in the morning.

 

So i realize i haven't yet mentioned what the job is...I will be working in the Guest Relations department at the CBS studios in Television City, LA (right next to the Grove). It is a part time job to start (which is perfect for me at the moment because i can still keep my hours at The Red Bee). I will be working Monday-Wednesday there and...are you ready for this part...i will be a page on the set of American Idol, The Price is Right and Dancing with the Stars! (various networks tape at the CBS studios) OMG is right. I am a little excited...just trying to control myself. The possibilities are endless at this point. I hope to make a ton of connections and take this part time job directly to the top! The Page position is one of the most esteemed entry level positions in the television industry because of where it can take you. It is a very "wanted" job and i am counting my blessings tonight! I feel like i just won the lottery right now. It will be equal to a competitive internship, i'm sure of that. I'm going to have to be on top of my game at all times. Oy!!

So, i'm sure i will share my experiences a little on my blog from time to time. I also hope to b crafty very soon! We are right in the middle of moving too so my scrapbook supplies are burried at the moment. Ugh, hope to find them soon!

Thank you all again so much for your nice comments...i am still trying to return some emails too. Thank you! Have to go pack and rest for tomorrow! Hope you're all enjoying your week!

62 wpm...

...was my official score at my 2nd interview on Friday! Woooohooo! I'm am so glad that's over with. I happily retired my Mavis Beacon typing software to the CD case yesterday. I NEVER want to see it again. I had the opportunity to interview with a seriously amazing lady. She is basically working my dream job. She will hopefully be my future boss. That's right, i said hopefully. She and i spoke for over 45 minutes. I have never felt more like myself in an interview. We were laughing and sharing experiences in the entertainment industry...of course mine are far, FAR less , but i had her ears when i shared my experiences working for an Emmy award winning talk show. My fate now lines in her hands...if she liked me - well then i hope to get a phone call from HR very soon offering me the job. She had another interview right after me and i reeeaaallly hope it was a flop. We shall see! I want to thank all of you who left me helpful comments and emails!! They really helped. I practiced, practiced, practiced...and Sandy, spelling out the words really helped me too! Thank you!!

Onto to other things...the class yesterday at Paris to the Moon was fantastic! Another stellar group of women!! Here's a peak at the fun we had...

Thanks Darrin, Danielle and Karri for a loverly day!! Paris to the Moon has updated their website with an upcoming class list. Check it out!

Close up and Personal

As i promised you crafty ladies, here are some closeups of the Spring Banner we made today. Have fun tying together all of your gorgeous pennants tonight!

More photos from today's class later...i need to get back to season 2 of Dexter asap! I am on pins and needles...Doaks just found Dexter's box of blood samples in the air conditioner!!!! omg

my fingers need help...& Cruise News!!

Ok, i have my 2nd interview for mystery job this Friday. Here i go getting myself excited when i know the position is very competitive and there is a HUGE chance i may not get it...But, i need some help. I am truthfully way overqualified for the job, but because it is a very wanted position, i am finding myself scraed and nervous. Here's where i could use some help...does anyone out there know how a very itermediate typist can become an very excellent typist?? I know, right? Typing? Well this position requires that i type 60wpm. I type 50 on a reaaallly good day. Who knew that my hopes and dreams would come down to a 1 minute typing test??! It's kind of frustrating for me because it just seems like such a ridiculous requirment, but i guess there is some list of names that i would be typing first thing everyday and it needs to be done very quickly. Sooooo, any advice?? I purchased some typing software (its helping i guess) and i am taking all of the free typing tests online i can. Anyone out there have any other ideas? Drugs? Uppers? lol! Of course i'm kidding...but only a little.

*****************************************************************************************************************************
I need something to look forward to, don't you! I have been asked by the ever-so-nice John Gamblin and Connection to Cruise to host another Scrapbook Cruise! As you have read in the past on my blog...i absolutely loved cruising last year with John and The Red Bee. We had such a great time scrapbooking, relaxing in the sun and enjoying the various cruise entertainments.

Here's the deal. In my honest opinion, this cruise is for the scrapbooker who wants to get away and relax... away from kids, work and life's general worriment. The last 2 times i cruised to Mexico with scrapbookers, most of us never got off the boat! This is more like a spa cruise to me. Scrapbook, go to the spa and get a massage, take a nap, scrapbook some more, eat until you can't breathe, have a few glasses of wine with some really fun women, watch the shows, do a little gambling...then go back to scrapbooking only to take a tiny break to partake in B-I-N-G-O. I could care less where we stop the boat, all i know is i will be pool side at some point enjoying the October sun in Baja Cali and scrapbooking all hours of the night in the cozy conference room complete with large scrap tables, great lighting and refreshments. Maybe we can even get them to set up a big screen like last time for our movie loving enjoyment!

For $465, you get all your meals included, an outside cabin with ocean view (or for $40 less you can get an inside cabin), a 6 foot scrapbook space in the well lit conference room (which will be locked when no one's using it so we can leave our projects spread out the entire trip) and 2 fun classes taught by yours truly!

John and i are working on getting some fabulous sponsorship for this cruise and hope to shower those who sign up with lavish gifts and fabulous scrapbook kits. I am doing this cruise on my own this time (not associated with any one store) so i hope to attract some new people! All Connection to Cruise needs is $100 to reserve your spot and you have until August 1st to pay off the balance!

Click on the flyer above to see all the details and how to reserve you spot! ((Link to Register)) And as always, please email me if you have any questions or concerns. carpenter.candice@yahoo.com