Blog Hop! Holiday Shimmer

Welcome to this blog hop!  This month we will be doing holiday shimmer!  I've been spending so much time on My Digital Studio that I haven't been stamping as much on my own personal projects--I forget how much fun it is!!  That being said, I'm a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal and I sometimes have a brain cramp when I'm trying to finish a project by a deadline (does that ever happen to you?)  Well, this project took several days of just sitting half done and then coming back to it later just to change it completely!  AHHHHHHHH!  Well, I hope you like what I came up with.  I used Christmas Blessings stamp set, Baja Breeze, Whisper White and Lucky Limeade cardstock, silver Glimmer Paper, watercolor paper, Versamark pad, silver embossing powder, markers and an aqua painter. I ran the Baja Breeze cs through the Big Shot with the Delicate Designs embossing folder. I finished it off with white taffeta ribbon and some Dazzling Details on the mistletoe berries.  I hope your Christmas has a touch of shimmer!!!

1. Julie Davidse NV (You're here!)

2. Michelle Stoll UT

3. Kris Kilkenny OK

4. Cathee Anderson UT

5. Julie Wadlinger UT 

6. Jolene Harris ID
7. Jill Wakefield UT

Enjoy the rest of the hop! And don't forget to swing over to help me name my new trimmer for your chance to win your own Stampin' Trimmer!!!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

"Charity suffereth long and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  doth not behave itself unseemly; seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth" 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Charity Never Faileth is the motto for the Relief Society, one of the largest women's organization in the world with approximately 6 million members. I have the honor of being a part of this wonderful organization and although membership usually starts around 18 years old (or after graduation from high school) I feel that I've belonged all my life!  It's so delightful to spend time with the women in the Relief Society, I have learned so much from them. There are women from all walks of life; single, married, widowed, divorced, stay-at-home moms, working moms, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, great grandmothers, daughters, wives, friends, and neighbors.  We call each other "sister" because that's what we are, spirit daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We all have something to offer and something to learn.  Last night we had a delicious dinner of yummy soups, salads, and homemade rolls and of course, dessert!  Bishop Yamane talked to us about service and charity and how we can become closer to our Savior by serving others and being truly charitable, by actually helping others in need and learning to love them.  As I helped clean up, it warmed my heart to see these women that I love and admire putting together hygiene kits for humanitarian aid and write letters to people who might need a kind word of encouragement, and even write memories of a young man who has passed away so that the family can have a priceless book of remembrance of their son.  I know that what I do is so little compared to some of these great women, but I'm thankful to be able to learn from their example.
I love this quote from Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley:
"The history of the organization has shown that women of the church have not had to wait to sit together in heaven to taste the sweet fruit...They have experienced much of heaven on earth as in life they have cherished one another, comforted one another, and instructed one another."
That is exactly how I feel about these women!  I get to catch glimpses of heaven when I am with them! We are all on the same path, some moving faster and some slower, but headed in the same direction--toward their Heavenly Father and their Savior!  What a divine blessing!

Julie

LAST DAY! DON'T WAIT!

Today is the last day of Stampin' Up!'s Online Extravaganza and along with all the wonderful discounts, today there's a 24-hour special on 3 more items, the clear block bundle (for the clear mount stamps), the clear block storage caddy, and the Stack and Store caddy for all of your little Stampin' Up! embellishment containers!  Make sure you also check out the exclusive bundles and the great tools that are discounted too!  This sale is only good until 11:50 pm (MT), so here in Vegas it's only good until 10:50 pm, so don't wait any longer, time is ticking!

Clear Block bundle

Clear Block storage caddy

Stack and Store caddy (embellishments sold separately)

And I know it sounds like nagging, but you've GOT to get My Digital Studio 2!  There are really so many things you can do with this software, if you even have the desire to be crafty or creative, this is a wonderful beginning.  If you are local (here in Vegas) I will come help you get started and give you some great tips and techniques and help you learn some of the basics.  If you're not local, please feel free to give me a call (702-321-9898), email (stampinjul@cox.net), or even Skype (Julie.Davidse) so we can get you on your way to creativity!  You can always check out my YouTube videos-- beginner and intermediate techniques that will help you learn more once you get started.  There. Enough nagging, just do it! (I don't want to have to tell you again!! hehe)
Have a fabulous day!

Julie

Download Tuesday

Holy Reindeer!!!  (nope, no cows here!!) Lookie at what Stampin' Up! has got for us today!

*FREE* For You From Us designer template

Jingle and Joy kit

Ornamental Christmas postcard template

Reindeer Games designer template

To You From Me designer template

Oh, I am in TROUBLE with a capital "T"!  These are all so cute!  Make sure you get the FREE For You From Us tag template--that is just perfect for a few people I happen to know!!  You can purchase all of these right here.  Don't forget the 50% off sale for My Digital Studio 2!  It is so awesome!  Did I tell you that you can make DVD's with this software too?  Well, you can! So, if you want a gift to give the whole family, but don't want to break the bank making everyone a beautiful keepsake book, then just burn the albums to a DVD and send those instead!  Have I talked you into it yet?  Go, go, go! NOW!  I know you'll be sorry tomorrow night at 11:51 pm!  Click here to go right to my website to order your own My Digital Studio 2!  Have a great day!

Julie

Are you getting ready?

I'll admit, I still haven't put my Thanksgiving decorations away, because the thought of getting all the Christmas boxes out does not sound very fun to me right now.  I'm sure I'll get into the spirit of the season by the end of the week, I just kind of have to get warmed up first.  Maybe if I listen to the new Pentatonix Christmas album it will kick start my Christmas decorating mojo!  If you are a fan of "The Sing Off",  they were last season's winners and they are so talented!  Here's one of the singles from the album!

What did I tell you?  Their harmonies rock!  I can feel the juices flowing already!!  Here's something else to get the Christmas spirit flowing...a FREE printable!  I put together a fun Christmas subway printable that you can upload and have it printed wherever you want!  I am going to print it as a 16 x 20 poster (even though it says that the quality may be compromised) I've had pretty good luck with having it blown up that big.  I would suggest printing it as an 8 x 10.  If you have an option, make sure they don't auto correct the photo.

Download

Have fun and enjoy the holidays!

Julie

*Edited*-Make sure you check out the bright colored printable, too!

Shared on WhipperBerry , Somewhat Simple, Skip to My Lou, Simply Kierste

Cyber Monday

No more Black Friday shopping for me!  I HATE getting up early to beat the crowds--I don't thrive on that kind of adrenalin!  I am really enjoying the fact that most items that I want to purchase can be bought online and I don't even have to get out of my PJ's!  Of course, I do like to see things in person. I'm very "hand's on" and tactile but if I can ever avoid waiting in line for something I probably don't need that badly, then I'm all for that!  So with that being said, I'm going to remind you of our Online Extravaganza still going on!  There are still items available for 20%, 25%, 30%, 40% and even 50% off!  The best deal is with My Digital Studio 2 at half price!  It's a deal at full price, but 50% off is a no brainer!  You need to get this software if you ever do any Christmas cards, calendars for the grandparents, handouts for a class, favors for a party, the list goes on and on!  Stampin' Up! has a great printing service and their quality is excellent or you can even print at home.  Wednesday the 28th is the last day to get your discount, so don't delay!  Check out all the great deals here.  Have fun shopping!

Julie
P.S. You can still enter my Stampin' Trimmer giveaway!  Help me choose a name for her and you could win your own!

Sweet Sabbath

It just seemed like yesterday when I was putting my Christmas decorations away from last year (seriously, I think it was at least a week into the new year before I put everything away)!  I can't believe it's the Christmas holiday already!  I am excited for Christmas and I am looking forward to the wonderful celebrations that this special season brings.  One month from today we will celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, and I will do my best to share his love with those around me.  I know he lives and that he loves all of his children.  He is my example, my elder brother, and my personal savior.  I will stand as a witness "at all times and in all things and in all places" even and especially when it's not popular with the world.  I know I am far from perfect, but I can be forgiven of my sins if I repent.  I am grateful for his atoning sacrifice so that I have the opportunity to return to my Heavenly Father one day. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  This is a gift I can never repay, but I will spend my life showing him how grateful I am for it!

I hope you have a beautiful Sabbath and enjoy this Christmas season!

Julie

Happy Thankful Thursday!

I had a little laugh the other day when my husband asked me "what day is Thanksgiving on?" He probably just wasn't thinking but I was like "REALLY? Thanksgiving is on Thursday!! Just like last year, and the year before!!"   "Black Friday always comes the day after Thanksgiving and I've never heard it called 'Black Tuesday'!!!"
Well, this year, Thanksgiving is thankfully on Thursday--Thankful Thursday, so I will share with you what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.  As always, I am so thankful for my family, my friends and my faith!  My life would be sad without them.  This year, on top of the basics, I am thankful for my new friends... YOU!  I know there are a few lurkers out there and I hope that one day you will comment so I can thank you personally, every little comment encourages me in this blogging experience and on my YouTube channel!  Seriously!  So, I wish you all a very wonderful Thanksgiving and pray that you have more than enough to be thankful for!

Julie

One more day...

Ok, I think I'm ready!

 I do not do well with large dinners, so Thanksgiving is usually stressful for me!  If I have more than two dishes that need to be ready to eat at the same time, I get a bit crazy!  Over the last few years, we've been up to Salt Lake at my mom's and then last year we were invited by some friends here in Vegas, but before that we actually went to the buffet at the Red Rock Station casino and it was really good.  The best thing was that there were no dishes to clean up, the worst thing was there were no leftovers to have sandwiches with!  This year, the vote was taken and we are doing ham instead of turkey (phew!!). I love turkey, but a ham is much easier for me since it's already cooked and I just have to warm it!  Yay!  I've also delegated most of the dishes to my family!  My kids are old enough that they could really make the whole meal, but I'll go easy on them this year and just give them a dish or two to prepare.  My sweetie is doing the potatoes and stuffing, the boy is making his oma's mac and cheese dish and some corn, and the girl is making a Jello salad and a dessert!  I have the ham and rolls--I think we are set!  I am more relaxed this year and I know that tomorrow will be great!  Hopefully we will be able to Skype with the rest of the family after dinner.  Here is a little framed decor item I made with Autumn Accents Bigz die (and the Big Shot) and the houndstooth and chevron embossing folders, Orchard Harvest DSP and a small piece of Crumb Cake seam binding.  I was going to put some words in there, and maybe I will later, but I think I like it just plain.  What do you think?

I added just a bit of Glitter paper to tie in with my brushed silver furniture and I used glue dots to ruffle up the seam binding.
I hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving and remember, there's always something to be thankful for!

Julie

50% off My Digital Studio 2

You still have time to get My Digital Studio 2+ for $39.95!  That's 50% off, folks!  I don't know if you know what a great deal that is?  Check out the above infographic...it only has a few of the hundreds of things that I love about this software!  Plus, Stampin' Up! has a wonderful print service that has calibrated their colors to match, so when you choose Baja Breeze, it looks like our Baja Breeze cardstock and ink and embellishments!  That means you can make hybrid projects with 3D effects like regular cardmaking.  I also love that we can recolor part of our stamps, recolor Designer Series Paper, and recolor our embellishments! Did I even mention that many of our stamps are SVG files, so they can be used with e-cutters?  I'm telling you, you will love this software! Get My Digital Studio 2+ now!  You only have until Wednesday, November 28th to get it at 50% off, so don't wait!

Oh, I almost forgot, today is also Digital Download Tuesday!  Here's this weeks offerings:

Freehand Frames Overlay Stamps

Hanukka Happiness Ensemble

Waiting for Santa Ensemble

Click here to see more of the wonderful discounts available during our Online Extravaganza!  There's something for everyone!

Julie

Never before!!!

I've been a demonstrator for 16 years and I have never seen the deals that Stampin' Up! has this week!  I'm serious!  This is just amazing!  Check out the sales that will be available this week along with some 24-hour sales!  My favorite is 50% off My Digital Studio 2+!  That's cheaper than what I paid with my demonstrator discount!  You won't be sorry if you get it now!  You can even earn hostess benefits if you order $150.00 worth of product (do you need gifts, ribbon, supplies for christmas tags/cards?)!  If you have questions, please contact me and I can help you put together an order!

Sweet Sabbath

My cup was filled today as I was reminded about selfless service and what it means to be more like the Savior.  I know I can be a better visiting teacher (listen more, talk less), and Primary leader (hug more, "shush" less), and mother (love more, yell less) and wife (kiss more, nag less)!  I have a long way to go, but I'm headed in the right direction--that should count for something, right?  This song always seems to lift my spirit and remind me who I am and where I'm going.
"Come thou fount of ev'ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; Streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise.  Teach me some melodious sonnets, sung by flaming tongues above.  Praise the mount!  I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love."

"prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above."

Happy Sabbath!

Julie

Giveaway!!! Please help me name my Stampin' Trimmer!

I LOVE my new Stampin' Trimmer!  L-O-V-E her!  She's so smooth, curvy, durable, and no sharp corners (she even has extra storage underneath)!  I just think she needs a name!  I will be giving away a Stampin' Trimmer to the person who's name suggestion I choose!  That's right--you can have your very own Stampin' Trimmer!  Sorry, I can only offer this to US customers only!  This is only available from me,  Julie Davidse, Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator and you have until December 7, 2012 to submit your suggestions, so start thinking!  Just leave a comment with your name suggestion and make sure to leave an email address so I can contact you if you win! Please help me get more followers by sharing this with your friends and family.

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Julie

Giveaway is closed!

Online Extravaganza! Nov. 19--Nov. 28

Don't you just love to get something on sale?  I know I do!  Stampin' Up! is having their biggest online sale of the year and you're invited!  There will be savings of 20-50%!  On top of that, there will be two 24-hour sales on Monday, November 19th and Wednesday, November 28th!  Here's the products that will be on sale Monday 12am-11:50pm only:

Big Shot Sale price $79.96

Big Shot Doctor's Bag sale price $55.96

Simply Scored Diagonal Plate sale price $9.56

Check back often for more information!  Which one of these are you going to get?  Or are you going to get all of them????

Julie

New Talking Tags!

Ok, sorry about so many posts today, I'm just so excited!  This is such a fun product, my head is spinning from all the ideas I have to use these with!  These are the new Talking Tags and they look like so much fun!  When you order a sheet ($7.95 for a sheet of 10 labels), you download the FREE app and then scan the QR code on the sheet.  They will give you a prompt to record your message/song/poem/announcement (60 seconds) and then you place the label inside the card.  When the recipient gets the card, they also download the free app, scan the QR code and then they can listen to the message!  Isn't that great?  The codes are good for 2 years so they can be listened to over and over!  You can also record the same message and use it for all the labels on the sheet.  Can you imagine your little toddler saying "Merry Christmas"or announcing that you're expecting another baby?  What about the whole family singing "Happy Birthday" to someone overseas or in the service?  Or maybe just a heartfelt message to someone who needs to hear how much they are loved!  The possibilities are endless!

What ideas can you come up with?  I'd love to hear what you'd do!

Julie

Cute gift idea--Texture Boutique

If you love the look of embossed, textured paper, this is for you! Sizzix Texture Boutique!  Isn't she darling? It's only available while supplies last so if you want one, get it quick!  Click this link and it will take you straight to the bundle (Texture Boutique, shim,  two embossing plates, and two exclusive embossing folders).  It's such a  great deal!  If you have any questions, please let me know!

This is sooooo cute!  Hurry and get one today!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

Since we honored our veterans this week, I decided that today I would share how thankful I am for all those who have served my country!  I imagine it cannot be easy to leave your friends and family behind to go into an unknown, dangerous land to defend your own country, and for those who willingly defend other countries, it's even more astonishing!  Where would we be without all those who have served, fought, loved and died for this country? I am so grateful for the supportive families of those who have served and are serving, and I share my deepest, heartfelt appreciation for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country they love!  I just don't know that "thank you" will ever be enough to express my gratitude, but it will have to do.

I would love to hear what you are thankful for today!

Julie

Mydigitalstudio.net challenge

Here is my Mydigitalstudio.net challenge entry for this week using any October 2012 downloads.  It's a 3 1/4" square tag.

I used Here & There Designer Series Paper, Nursery Necessities sailboat, round scallop punch, circle punch, freeform line (welcome baby, dots).

Julie

New App from Stampin' Up!

There's is an app for that!!  Yay!  Just go to this link on iTunes and download this free app and you'll be on your way to fun and creativity!  This app is just a very, very small version of what My Digital Studio can do, so don't expect to be able to do all the things that the software can do, but it's a fun app to send birthday cards to friends, tell someone you're thinking of them, or how much you miss your mom! It is only available for iphones right now, but keep your eyes open for and app for ipads and android phones soon! Now to get me a new phone!  Oh, Saaanta...

Julie

New My Digital Studio 2 video--Importing Non-Stampin' Up! components into MDS2 on a Mac

DISCLAIMER: Ok, I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and I LOVE STAMPIN' UP!  That doesn't mean I can't like other digital designers too, right?
Ok, so occasionally I come across some super cute paper or other components and I just have to have them in my "stash".  I've kept them in a folder in my documents file and I have been able to easily import them into a specific project.  The other night I decided to add a "non-SU" folder to the My Digital Studio components file so that they would be right there for me to use without having to open a file just to import what I was looking for.  Maybe many of you have already done that, but for those of you who haven't, this video will show you how it is done on a Mac.  Feel free to ask questions if you have any!  I will do my best to help you!

I love comments, so if you like this video, please let me know!
Thanks,
Julie

New My Digital Studio 2 video--Organizing your stamps (and embellishments)

Ok, so if you're like me you have been "collecting" all sorts of digital downloads and you just can't seem to find that one stamp brush that you saw two months ago and just can't remember which set it was in!  Phew!  I knew I wasn't the only one!  So, Stampin' Up! has come up with a little help.  Now, this takes a bit of effort--only because you have to think ahead a bit (unless you have a few hours to spend going through all of your stamp sets...NOT!!!)  Think of different file names for your stamps, let say "babies", or "backgrounds", and just add those, then drag and drop stamps into those files as you come across them (or as you download them).  The thing about this option is that even if you are looking for a stamp on the global search, it will only show up if the word you are looking for is in the title! This is a "go to" file to quickly find a specific type.  It may take you a little bit of time to get it done, but just take little "bites" every time you get on MDS2 or each time you download something, just quickly add it to the file you want (you may also want to add it to more than one file!). EDIT: I have noticed that you can only have about 40 items in each folder, so if you have more stamps, add another folder, ie: Christmas 1, Christmas 2, etc.

There!  Are you thoroughly confused?  Just watch the video and if you have more questions, please feel free to leave a comment and I will try to help you!  Just remember that this is on a Mac, so windows based computers may be just a bit different.  Oh, and this can all be done with your embellishments, too!

How did you like the video?  I love hearing comments, so if you have some constructive criticism, or any ideas on things you'd like to see on an upcoming video, please leave a comment!
Thanks,
Julie

Download Tuesday

I am NOT ready for the holidays!  I love the holidays but somehow it crept up on me this year! I haven't even planned out my Thanksgiving dinner menu--I hope that it's not too late!  I'm also really not big on BLACK FRIDAY!  I got up early once, but it really wasn't worth it to me. (I love my sleep too much!)  More and more I'm thinking CYBER MONDAY is much better!  Make sure you keep me in mind for all of your crafting gift needs!
Well, today is download Tuesday and there are 3 fun journal templates, a beautiful monogram stamp brush set, and a fun Holiday SVG set that can be used with your e-cutter! (oooh, should I ask for one of those for Christmas?) If you need some great (and easy) gift ideas, just let me know!  I just need to get my lists together and finish everything early instead of waiting until the last minute--does anyone else do that?

Daily Direction Journal template

Good Life Journal template

Thankful Thoughts Journal template

Shine Bright Designer template

Merry Monograms stamp brush set

It's getting colder here in Vegas, but at least we don't get a lot of snow...usually! Have a great day!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today is Stake Conference.  A stake is a congregational unit made up of 8-10 wards--I've heard a stake compared to a diocese.  Stake conference is held twice a year and we are taught gospel principles by our Stake Presidency (a president and two counselors) and usually a few other speakers selected from stake members.  I am participating in the stake choir today and we are singing two beautiful hymns,  Pilgrim Song and Amazing Grace!  It is very hard for me to sing these songs without crying my eyes out, so hopefully I can be strong and sing through it!  Now, I would never think to compare our stake choir to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but I do think we sound beautiful!  I know that there will be unseen concourses singing with us, I've actually experienced it and felt them there!  Please enjoy these beautiful hymns performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!  One day, you really should see them sing in person--it will literally take your breath away!

Have a beautiful Sabbath!
Julie

Shelli Gardner loves My Digital Studio 2!

Have you been afraid to try digital crafting?  Already have a craft you love to do and think, "I just can't do one more thing!"?  Well, I think that is how Shelli Gardner, CEO of Stampin' Up! feels.  She's a busy business woman, a wife, mother and grandmother, too.  She's a talented paper crafter and has not spent a lot of time on My Digital Studio.  She decided to try it and she loves it!  Will she give up her beloved rubber stamps and cardstock?  HECK NO!!!  But digital crafting is so easy and takes up so little space, it fits right in with ANY craft!!  Just try it for 30 days FREE and see what you think!  I'd love to see what you come up with!
Click here to see what Shelli created!

Julie

Stampin' Success--customer version!

Do you want to see some of the fun ideas I receive from Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator?  Stampin' Success is our bimonthly publication and it is chock full of ideas and projects!  Check out just a few of the ideas from our last Stampin' Success and if you want to do what I do, you can join for just $99 and on top of the more than $190 worth of stamps, ink, tools and business supplies, between now and December 16 each new demonstrator will receive a set of 10 classic ink pads!  That's a value of $49.95!  Just think of all you could create with those!!!  I'd be happy to help you get started, just contact me and we will get you started on the right foot!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

Although Tuesday was a bit disappointing for me, I am still thankful that I had the opportunity to vote!  It's hard to believe that it's been less than 100 years since all adult women were given the right to vote in the US (women in Utah had the right to vote long before the amendment in 1920).  I know that there are still places today where peoples voices are silenced and those who stand up for freedom are jailed or killed for their courage!  I pray that one day, all countries will allow their citizens to vote for things that are important to them and not just have the ones in power make all the choices, that is not a government!  Agency is a God-given right and those who take that right by force will be held accountable.
Even though only a few of my choices actually won in this election, I wouldn't trade my vote for any amount of money in the world--it means that much to me!
I'd love to hear what you are thankful for, please leave a comment and let me know!

Julie

VOTE! and Download Tuesday

I hope everyone who is registered gets out to vote!  It's so important that we exercise our rights as citizens to vote for those who we feel will do the best job for our country!  That's the wonderful thing about living in the USA, we have great privileges and freedoms that have been fought for and people have sacrificed their lives for!  Just get out and vote!

Today is download Tuesday!  There's a sporting theme today with a cute holiday woodcuts set.  You can still download the free 30-day trial and create many beautiful gifts for the holidays!  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will get back to you quickly!

Game Day Baseball

Game Day Basketball

Game Day Football

Game Day Photo Template

Game Day Hockey

Game Day Lacrosse

Merry Woodcuts kit

I have been a little under the weather, hopefully I'll get back to creating soon!

Julie

Last Day of Digital Scrapbooking Day Celebration

Do you love your digital photos but just don't know what to do with them?  You need to try My Digital Studio 2!  You can get the 30-day free trial and use all the print products, too! (Print products aren't free, but the prices have recently been reduced!)  Today is the last day for the free downloads and also for 50% off Digital kits!  I got several kits that I've had my eye on, and with the discount, how could I pass it up?  If you have questions about My Digital Studio 2, please leave a comment and I will try to get back to you quickly!  MDS components can be used with other digital software products, so if you happen to have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, you can use these free downloads, too!  Just a few hours left, so go to my website to get your free trial, your free downloads, and your discounted kits!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today is "Fast Sunday".  No, it's not very quick, in fact at times it seems to stand still!  Today and usually each first Sunday of the month we fast, or go without food or water for 24 hours (2 full meals).  We believe that fasting brings our spirits closer to our Savior by weakening the body, we also use the money we would've used for those meals and donate it for the needy in our ward boundaries.  100% of that money is used for those in need!  We also have the opportunity to donate to humanitarian aid and 100% of that money goes to help others in need all over the world!  How? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers ALL the overhead, meaning, there is NO administrative costs on the money donated to the church at all!  NONE! Not one penny!  The LDS Church sends millions of dollars and millions of pounds of aid to people all over the world! Not just food and supplies for disasters, but also for impoverished areas where they need wheelchairs or immunizations or maybe just a warm coat. So next time you want your donations to go to those in need and not just the executives, you can donate here.  

My heart breaks for all of those who have suffered this last week during the storm.  It's always hard to see anything good coming out of a disaster, but sometimes I think that it's just so that we can appreciate the things that are truly important to us!  I hope that you have a beautiful Sabbath!

Beautiful Heartbreak by Hilary Weeks

Julie

Prayer of Thanksgiving

While I am grateful throughout the year for all of my blessings, it is especially during this season that I try to focus my gratitude and be more mindful of all that I have; my family, my faith, my home, my friends, my country, my LIFE!  I know that none of this would be possible without my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.  I know that I don't always have "an attitude of gratitude",  but I try each day to think of things that I am grateful for.  I know I can do better, that is something I will have to work on every day of my life. " We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” " 
So, for all of you who have blessed my life, I say, thank you!!

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Be grateful!

Julie

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Free Ink Pads!

Have you ever thought, "I'd love to do what Julie does!"?  Well now is such a good time to join!  Not only do you get a great starter kit with just the stamps you want for $99, from now until December 16, 2012, you can get a set of 10 Classic Stampin' Pads!  That's a $49.95 value for FREE!  If you don't think joining Stampin' Up! is for you, you can still earn this incredible gift--have a workshop totaling $450 and you can pick your ink pad set, and that's on top of your $65 in hostess dollars!  I'd love to help you earn your free ink pads, so contact me soon!

Julie

NEW Stampin' Trimmer!

You need to get this new Stampin' Trimmer!  I got mine last week and I have to say it is sooo sweet!  I've had a few trimmers in my day and this one is nice and sturdy with so many new upgrades! Click here if you are interested in purchasing one of these Stampin' Trimmers, there's even a video showing this lovely trimmer at work!  Isn't she pretty?

Julie

Thankful Thursday

I am...
That was the theme for this year's Stampin' Up! convention.  It may look a little vague but it was our opportunity to choose from all the wonderful descriptors that could fill that space!
I am...a daughter of God!
I am...a wife!
I am...a mother!
I am...a loyal friend!
I am...creative!
I am...grateful!
I am...a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!
I am thankful to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator--for 16 years now!  I saw my first Stampin' Up! catalog just a few weeks before giving birth to my baby girl in 1995 and I loved it!  I had dabbled in rubber stamps for a few years before that, but I had no idea what Stampin' Up! could offer.  Well, the very next year I had my first "party" and I decided that I could do this!  It was quite a sacrifice at the time to buy my kit, so thankfully my mom could see my potential (thanks mom!) and helped me get my starter kit.  I have met so many wonderful people and gained lifelong friends.  It has definitely been a blessing in my life.  It's been quite a ride and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
I'd love to hear what you're thankful for.  Please leave a comment! (I'm so thankful for comments!!!)

with my friend Sherrill Garff (in yellow) at this year's convention

15 year "march" (walk across stage for anniversary)

Julie