Fall Coffee Lovers Bloghop - better late than never!

So this is going right now - the Fall Coffee Lovers Bloghop!  The fun started on Friday, September 25th!  I didn't have time till to day to create - but it is National Coffee Day today - so guess I'm good.

So here's my card - and just about every element is retired Stampin' Up! - really trying to use my stash.  The cup and sentiment are from a previous SU! Paper Pumpkin kit - one of my favs!  It also uses retired cardstock, twine and DSP.  The only current item is the little mini brads.  I love the look of the coffee cups lined up and hanging on their little hooks (brads).

The theme is fall - and not sure I hit that on the head - but to me coffee is timeless - lol!!  You can see here how I raised the sentiment on dimensionals to give the card some depth.

And here is a close up of those darling little brads!

Now off to get another cup of coffee myself and check out the hop.  To see all the cards - just click on the logo below - and enjoy the inspiration you receive!  ~Maureen

Personal Post Monday - Retirement Life

So - whoever said retirement life was go to slow done - I am questioning that lately :)  But in a good way.  Between keeping house, unpacking, organizing, starting my Stamping business back up here, supporting my downline in a couple different states, keeping up with my personal card making, working in the garden, canning, pickling, crocheting, cooking, traveling, reading, business networking ......well, you get the picture.  My "to do" list actually seems longer than it ever did before - but now it is mostly fun choices - and that makes all the difference. 

So, it is fall - the weather is cooler, we're starting to pull out plants we no longer want, trimming back some we will keep but have become unruly, and reaping the final harvest from our garden.  Yesterday I decided the lavender I had hung to dry was ready - so we pulled out the bunches and I started stripping the stems. 

It smells so wonderful and from the 6 bunches I dried I got this much.  Next year will dry much more and a little earlier, as I think I got it after it's peak.  But this is all new to me so I am happy with the results.

There is enough here to fill six of these little sachets, and then I'll add a little peppermint and lavender essential oils and place them in our clothes closets and linen closets.  They will absorb moisture in the air, lend a nice fragrance to keep clothes and linens from smelling musty, and the peppermint keeps moths and bugs away.

I've got to say - busy or not - I am enjoying this retirement life!!  Hope you all get to enjoy yours someday too!!  But I'm really learning to live in the minute - none of us our promised tomorrow - so we need to be happy in the here and now.  Here's to a life filled with blessings!  See you soon!  ~Maureen

FREE cards with purchase - check it out!!

So since I moved to Prescott a few months ago I've been offering an online ordering bonus - order from me online (details below) and when you reach each $100 in merchandise purchases (cumulative) I will send you a set of four completed notecards and envelopes.  It has been so much fun creating these each time - but I keep forgetting to take pictures before sending.  Also, now a few more are getting near that $100 mark - so I decided to do a set for each month and post them!  Here are the cards you will get now through the end of October if you hit a $100 mark -

All of these cards are made using the new Lighthearted Leaves set from the HOLIDAY catalog, and it is rapidly becoming my new favorite set. 

I LOVE to color - so this is right up my ally - but, watch over the next couple weeks to see more ideas with this set that are not as labor intensive.  Although, with the new popularity of Zentangling and adult coloring books - I have an idea a few of you like to color as much as me.

So if you get to that $100 merchandise threshold (cumulative) - you'll get all four of these cards promptly sent out to you in the mail as a thank you.  NOTE: they may vary just a little as each will be handmade by me.  No need to let me know when you reach that threshold, as I keep track - but 1) you must use a current hostess code - the current code is E4PJJTPF and is valid through Monday, October 5.  Then watch for me to issue a new code. 2) you must allow contact with me as your demonstrator (there is a place you can click for no contact, and if that happens, I do not know how much you have purchased.)  That's it!

You can order now at www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net where you can also check out the current catalogs.  See yesterday's post for more info on how to make the most of your ordering.  See you all soon!! ~Maureen

Just some of the products used to make these cards -
 

Lighthearted Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set

$26.00

Clear Block Bundle

$67.00

Stampin' Pierce Mat

$5.00

Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes

$6.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$6.00

Wild Wasabi 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Hello Honey Classic Stampin' Pad

$6.50

BIG DEAL - End of the Month Incentive!

Hey everyone - I need a little help this month in meeting my goal -so passing on a great deal to you.  For every $25 of merchandise ordered online through my website - 

www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net 

now through Sept. 30, 2015 (using hostess code - E4PJJTPF) you will be entered to win a package of DSP of your choice from the current catalogs - plus, as always each time you hit $100 in online orders (cumulative) you'll receive a set of cards and envelopes from me - here is the one I'm sending for those who reach $100 by the end of October.  It can be one order - or several that add up to $100 in merchandise.  No need to let me know - I keep track and when you hit the magic number - the cards are sent to you as a thank you!

You can see more pictures of these cards on my blog later this week.

Here are a few ways to make the most of your ordering -  
1) Weekly deals - these are good ONLY through Monday - check my website Tuesday for new weekly deals.  These are current items at reduced cost for the days indicated only.

2) Clearance Rack -these products are discontinued and no longer available in our regular catalogs - but are currently on sale for up to 60% off while supplies last.

3) Paper Pumpkin - SU!'s monthly kit in a box that is delivered right to your door.  You can prepay for monthly kits through my site and they can count for this offer.  Plus if you sign up by Oct. 10 you'll get the October kit in a special PINK box and either $2 for new customers or $1 for continuing subscribers will be donated to help in the fight against Breast Cancer.

Just go to my website - www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net and click the SHOP NOW button at the top - and you'll be able to see all these specials and more.  Don't forget to use the code - E4PJJTPF - so what are you waiting for :)  See you soon!  ~Maureen

Patriotism

So I don't really do a lot of military cards - but I've been watching the Republican debates and hearing what they are saying about the lack of support for our military and our veterans and I've got to tell you - it breaks my heart. Living here in Prescott we hear a lot about it as their is a great VA hospital here and a lot of people who support our vets. 

So I came up with this card for a possible upcoming fund-raiser I'll be doing here.  Still have to work out a few details.  But I hope to use it in advertising.  Hope you like it!  ~Maureen
Products used for this project -

For Your Country Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$18.00

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$8.50

Whisper White Medium Envelopes

$6.50

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$6.00

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

$5.00

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$7.00

Medium Star Punch

$16.00

Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack

$17.00

Confetti Stars Punch

$22.00

Personal Post Monday - Fall decorating

So this last week we pulled out all my Halloween/Fall boxes and went through them.  We sorted and got rid of a bunch of stuff - but kept plenty to start decorating the house with some fall colors.  Fall is my favorite time of year and I love all the goldens and oranges and red and yellows of the season.  So we have fall decorations with some Halloween goodies to boot - enjoy!!

The wand tucked in was made by my daughter Heidi, The vinyl on the vase was from when SU carried that line, and the little birdhouse is all decorated with paper and made by my downline, Maria.

Candles - I love candles!! having them out on my coffee table just makes me happy!

Here is what I have burning on my kitchen island - it is an orange and spice candle and smells so good.

Here's our fireplace mantel - Frankie was made in a previous year's stamp camp, as was the framed art to the right, more candles, and this adorable little haunted house with a spinning ghost on the top.

This is what greets you at my front door.  I have a big witch's broom (that I have not unpacked yet :) but I hope to prop that just behind the green plant and add a few more pumpkins and mums.

This is in my front entry - the vinyl again is from when SU sold it.  The witch's hat - well that's in the current Holiday Mini catalog!!

and just in case you'd like to make one, and live in the local Prescott, AZ area - I'm having a class where we'll be doing these on Saturday, Oct. 3 - let me know if you'd like to join us!

The shadow box above we made at a stamp camp at Heidi's last year or the year before.  I added our paper spider webs to the front this year to give it a bit more dimension.

These are just two happy Halloween guys I have hanging around :)  The wine banner is also all Stampin' Up!

The picture above was given to me as a gift by a former Secret Sister - looks like I need to straighten that ribbon.

And I put a couple little Jack O Lanterns on the shelf by our family pictures.

This pretty spray with a cute little scarecrow peeking out, welcomes you at our front, and another at our back, doors.

Once October is over I'll take down the Halloween stuff and add in some more fall/Thanksgiving items.  It's a work in progress but so fun.  Puts me in the mood for warm sweaters, hot cider, fires in the fireplace and a good book.  See you all soon!  ~Maureen
Here is the order info on the witch's hat - click picture to order your kit!

Witching Décor Project Kit

$22.00

Witches' Night Photopolymer Stamp Set

$26.00