Keeping Calm & Carrying On

Visiting the Getty Museum

After CHA closed I was fortunate enough to extend my trip one extra night. A close friend of mine had planned a trip to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California.

 Fist off, it was a beautiful 80-degree day!!! The museum is fairly new, built in the late 90s all made of stone. It sits on top of a mountain, almost like an acropolis, just huge and awesome!

The views of Los Angeles were breathtaking and since there wasn't a cloud in the sky you could see for miles and miles!This was my best attempt at a selfie, a reflection of us in one of the huge window panes :)

We took a tour of this exhibit including somme stained glass windows from the ancient Canterbury in the UK. Very biblical, inspiring and colorful too! I loved it.

The architecture of the Getty is beautiful. I loved it. We visited other galleries as well including some beautiful and well-known oil paintings by the one and only Vincent Van Gogh. Walking through the galleries and enjoying some time out in the Getty Gardens really took me back to college, when I studied abroad in Italy.

 

The Gardent were beautiful. I could only imagine how much more lush they are in summer when the trees are full and the flowers are in bloom.

I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with Nilmarie. We live so far apart and yet, still find time to see each other time and time again. It's pretty cool.

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico Recap

It was a successful adventure to Puerto Rico as I stayed for several days teaching Bella Blvd workshops. Nilmarie was a fabulous host and her customers were just the same. It's always wonderful to see familiar faces sign up for the workshops; I feel like these ladies are part of my extended family. Thank you Nilmarie and Scrapbook Gallery for a fabulous week of Bella Blvd, laughter, fun and more. Together we make such great memories!

The crop party I hosted included a Halloween costume requirement. The staff showed up all decked out!

Before one of my workshops this beautiful woman came up to me with this handmade gift, a puppy blanket for Mio! Last year I told the students how my dog is like my baby, so spoiled! She found my Puppy Park fabric with Riley Blake Fabric Company and created this thoughtful gift, with hand embroidering along all sides. SO BEAUTIFUL!

Mio has already grown quite accustomed to it :)

This was also the first education trip that Steven traveled with me. While I worked, he played :) and then at the end we spent a couple night together before heading home. Check out this gorgeous sunset!

Single Photo Saturday

(Puerto Rico Oct. 2013)

New Workshops Coming

Just as one event ends, another begins. I've been waiting to announce this next event until IU was successful and finished. I'm beyond thrilled to announce that I will be traveling back to Scrapbook Gallery in just a few weeks! When Nilmarie asked me to come and teach more classes I couldn't wait; Her customers are so much fun, so friendly, fashionable and colorful! I can't wait!

For this event I've put together 5 brand new classes, never taught before, never kit before!

Marathon Layouts: Are you ready to complete 8 total pages in just one workshop?! Build your layouts with simple backgrounds, and we'll embellish them together. Page themes include Christmas, Thankful for You, Girl, Boy, A week in the Life and Family. Feel great as we get eight pages done!

A Day at Play Everyday Mini Album: It's bright, colorful & whimsical just like a day outside with your favorite people! Think sunshine, blue skies and bright flowers as we mix chipboard, paper, vellum and more for this funky vertical 5x8" mini album. When was the last time you spent a day out int he sun? Great for family picnic photos, a day at the swimming pool or at the park!

Trick or Treat Mini Album: At Bella Blvd Halloween is all about the kids. Come and create a darling landscape-style chipboard mini album cute enough to put your faovirte little trick or treaters in! Mix & Match the new Trick or Treat collection with other Bella Blvd products and embellishments.

Christmas Countdown Mini Album: If you're like me, you take plenty of photos in December, especially at Christmas time. I celebrate with more than one side of the family so it seems like my photos are never-ending! Join me for a challenge-a-day in December; I'll give you a fun holiday activity or a photo challenge for each day to keep you going. You'll have lots of extra product as we work through pages for each day of the months, enclosed in a beautiful binder sponsored by Simple Stories.

Year in Review Mini Album (inspired by Bella's Shellye McDaniel): This mini album is colorful and so much fun! Join me in recalling one of your favorite photos from each month of the year. This album is great for your everyday/family photos, a baby album (capture all 12 months), a first year of marriage, or anything you'd like to remember a special year by! The funky chipboard album is made up of tabs pages, circle pages and brackets too! 

 

For a complete workshop schedule, pricing and sign up information contact Scrapbook Gallery at 787-792-0001.

Inspiration Unlimited Recap

I probably should have pulled my camera out of my bag more often. (I always end up saying that), but the hours and days fly by at IU & before I know it's all over ;( Here's a few of my favorites from IU 2013 that just wrapped up this past weekend.

These two, Ginger and Teresa, sure do have a lot to celebrate each year. Both have become dear friends of mine, ladies that I admire and respect so much for all their hard work & success. The impact that successful women can make in this world is worthwhile & amazing.

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of IU again. Teaching Pre-IU allowed me to design more than one workshop and spend a lot of one-on-one time with students. 

As always, I was in good company during Pre-IU with people like Vicki Boutin, Joey from Bazzill and more! Ginger you do an awesome job at picking a diverse group of styles!

I find it very entertaining event after event to look through my camera afterwards. Jenna (my assistant) often snags the camera and takes some of me teaching. They always crack me up because they are never flattering....my mouth is open, I look bossy, etc. etc. :) Here's just a couple :)

This woman, Faye, came up and gave me a handmade gift during our workshop. How thoughtful and sweet of her. The beautiful card inside is a masterpiece--and now in my office at Bella :)

The InstaLove class was the biggest hit. I probably could have sold 50-75 more kits of these. Sorry ladies....I never quite know exactly what everyone is going to take-to. Thank you for your overwhelming support! You'll just have to wait until next year's pre-IU :)

These two (below) were crackin' me up during class. They were a hoot, working together, helping each other, or not helping each other ... lol, you had to be there!

During the closing ceremonies this lucky lady won her deposit for 2014 for free!

Before heading off to Scrapfest in Minnesota, Teresa reminded us Saturday night to be thankful for each moment we have, and to document them because we don't know what's next. 

IU is such a wonderful event filled with friendship, common bonds and the love of crafting. I say it time and time again that I don't take my job, or my career, for granted, ever, and I just think it's so incredibly "cool" (for lack of a better word) at how scrapbooking can bring women together in this way. IU holds a special place in my heart and I can't wait to return for Pre-IU 2014. 

Thank you Ginger Nelson for putting this event together and making it all happen. You and your volunteers are the reason it's such a success. Bella Blvd loves you :)

Inspiration Unlimited Recap

I probably should have pulled my camera out of my bag more often. (I always end up saying that), but the hours and days fly by at IU & before I know it's all over ;( Here's a few of my favorites from IU 2013 that just wrapped up this past weekend.

These two, Ginger and Teresa, sure do have a lot to celebrate each year. Both have become dear friends of mine, ladies that I admire and respect so much for all their hard work & success. The impact that successful women can make in this world is worthwhile & amazing.

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of IU again. Teaching Pre-IU allowed me to design more than one workshop and spend a lot of one-on-one time with students. 

As always, I was in good company during Pre-IU with people like Vicki Boutin, Joey from Bazzill and more! Ginger you do an awesome job at picking a diverse group of styles!

I find it very entertaining event after event to look through my camera afterwards. Jenna (my assistant) often snags the camera and takes some of me teaching. They always crack me up because they are never flattering....my mouth is open, I look bossy, etc. etc. :) Here's just a couple :)

This woman, Faye, came up and gave me a handmade gift during our workshop. How thoughtful and sweet of her. The beautiful card inside is a masterpiece--and now in my office at Bella :)

The InstaLove class was the biggest hit. I probably could have sold 50-75 more kits of these. Sorry ladies....I never quite know exactly what everyone is going to take-to. Thank you for your overwhelming support! You'll just have to wait until next year's pre-IU :)

These two (below) were crackin' me up during class. They were a hoot, working together, helping each other, or not helping each other ... lol, you had to be there!

During the closing ceremonies this lucky lady won her deposit for 2014 for free!

Before heading off to Scrapfest in Minnesota, Teresa reminded us Saturday night to be thankful for each moment we have, and to document them because we don't know what's next. 

IU is such a wonderful event filled with friendship, common bonds and the love of crafting. I say it time and time again that I don't take my job, or my career, for granted, ever, and I just think it's so incredibly "cool" (for lack of a better word) at how scrapbooking can bring women together in this way. IU holds a special place in my heart and I can't wait to return for Pre-IU 2014. 

Thank you Ginger Nelson for putting this event together and making it all happen. You and your volunteers are the reason it's such a success. Bella Blvd loves you :)

Single Photo Saturday

It's that kind of day...enjoying the roses. Today I'm thankful for such an opportunity as Inspiration Unlimited. Friends like Teresa Collins & Ginger Nelson are rare in life. Genuine & real. Months of preparation and work is coming to an end today as IU will close tonight. I promise to share my photos from this amazing trip very soon. Did you get any scrapping does this weekend?

Pre-IU: Last Call to Purchase!!

Happy Saturday everyone! Aren't you thrilled that the weekend is finally here?! In less than a week I'll be headed to Nevada to Inspiration Unlimited 2013. Teresa Collins and Ginger Nelson put on quite the spectacular event, and I can't wait to reunite with industry friends and scrapbookers too, it's going to be great!

Consider this the "last call" on Pre-IU kits! We've sold out of some already, and only have a few, and I mean a FEW left of each of these. Unfortunately for my friends that can't make it to IU all the mail-order kits are SOLD-OUT. Only thing left are class seats at the actual Pre-IU event.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING SUPPORT with these workshops! 

Penny for Your Thoughts Mini album have just about a handful of spots left in class.

The workshop price is $29.50 and takes place on Thursday, Sept. 19th from 10:10am-12:30pm.

Reasons to Relax is the only Layout workshop I'm teaching during Pre-IU. There's only 3 spots left in class, so act now if you want a chance!

The workshop price is $27.50 and takes place on Thursday, Sept. 19th from 8am-10am.

 

And this little gem, the Insta Love Mini album workshop sold quick! We only have ONE SINGLE SEAT left in class for you to join us.

The workshop price is $29.50 and takes place on Thursday, Sept. 19th.

To access the Down To Details Store and sign up for my workshops, click here. You can also email Ginger if you have any questions or requests. Email her at gingbugg {at} cs {dot} com

Thank you again for all the purchases and sign-ups! These workshops are some of my favorite ever and I cannot wait to teach them for the first time. And wait, there's more great news!!!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IU PARTICIPANTS!!!

 For those of you that have missed out on pick-up kits and won't be at the IU event until Friday, we may have, just may have, prepped a few extra kits of each workshop (even the sold-out Dec. Daily album workshop) and will available for purchase at the Bella Blvd table in the IU store next week! The price is a bit higher than the listed workshop prices were, as we always encourage class sign-ups, but rest assured you will still secure a great deal on the retail value of the kit contents, plus step-by-step color directions will be included. While supplies last, first come first serve basis at the IU Store at the IU event at the Green Valley Ranch! 

See you there. Mwwa! (kisses!)

Pre IU: More Peeks Layout Workshop!

I'm back today with more sneak peeks for you! Most of the Pre-IU workshops are filling up quickly/or just about sold-out, but I thought I'd make one more push to sell-out the workshop seats and pick-up/Mailer kits.

The only Layout Workshop I'm teaching at Pre-IU is Reasons to Relax summer & vacation themed layouts. The workshop is $27.50

All these classes are selling now for Pre-IU 2013. Class size is limited, and kit pick-up or Mailing option is available and also limited. (If you purchase a kit to be mailed to you, kits will be mailed right after the event in September, complete with color step-by-step directions). 

Click Here if you'd like to ATTEND the Reasons to Relax Layout Workshop.

Click Here if you'd like to PICK-UP A KIT or HAVE A KIT MAILED TO YOU: Reasons to Relax Layouts.

Here's a reveal of 2 of the 4 pages we'll create during the workshop. If you have plenty of summer photos at the pool, the park or on the beach this workshop/kit will be perfect for you! Check out the original post describing the workshop here.

If you have any additional questions regarding the workshop, Pre-IU or class kits email me!

Pre-IU 2013: More Peeks-Penny For Your Thoughts Mini

Teresa Collins' Inspiration Unlimited event is right around the corner. My team and I have been crazy busy with prepping kits, embellishing my own project samples and writing directions! I have sooo much in store for the weekend including four never-taught-before workshops designed exclusively for Pre-IU 2013, and tons of exclusive page kits to sell in the IU store as well! (My initial post about Pre-IU workshops is here.)

I've added photos and finished up my personal workshop samples. I think seeing these pictures will give you a much better idea of what your completed projects will turn out like, photos & all!

This interactive mini album has a finished size of 6.5x9" and hold more than 25 photos of all different sizes! It's colorful and fun and forces you to write a bit about things and people that are important to you and part of your daily life!

The good news is, there's still time to sign up for the class....or to purchase a kit if you can't make it to class. The class kit comes complete with step-by-step color instructions and all the product you need to create this fun mini album!

Click Here if you'd like to ATTEND the Penny For Your Thoughts Workshop.

Click Here if you'd like to PICK-UP or have a KIT MAILED TO YOU: Penny For Your Thoughts. (Kit mailers will go out post-event, end of September!)

If you have any questions regarding the class, the kit or Pre-IU email me!

Attend or order a Workshop Kit Today!!

Honeymoon Part II: Italy & La Romana (Dominican Republic)

The cruise started and ended in Venice, Italy...one of the most romantic places in the world. I was so excited to show Steven around, walk the streets and enjoy some gelato!

St. Mark's Square, very early in the morning....I've never been there so early that the pigeons weren't around....until now!

The Bridge of Sighs.

Before we knew it, we were on our way to the Dominican Republic for the second half of our honeymoon in La Romana where we would spend time with some really great friends, enjoy the beach and relaxation before heading back home to real-life!

We got to spend a week with these adorable little peeps, Alberto and Lara. Alberto was so helpful in translating. I had a hard time switching from Italian and Spanish and was getting it all confused. I don't know much spanish at all...only the couple years Steven and I both took back in high school. But my Italian came back pretty quickly while we were in Europe and so I was all mixed up! 

Date night at the Marina.

Just the boys!

And guess who was there...at the same beach as us......!!!! Vin Diesel! For real!!! Do you see him below sitting on the paddle board with his daughter...and the paparazzi off to the right and his sexy girlfriend in the white waaay on the left! Steven and I were major stalkers and gawkers!

Steven took tennis lessons just about every morning--loved it!

I even rode a donkey...lol! That poor little donkey!

And Tato taught us to paddle board. I loved it!

Honeymoon Part I: Croatia, Greece & Turkey

Just about 2 months ago we returned from our honeymoon, the most magical 2 weeks of adventure, sun, international travel and romance. We had a lot planned and a lot to see. The two honeymoon posts will be photo-heavy with just a couple blurbs here and there. If you're interested in more details or have questions about our trip just email me or leave a message!

The first half of our trip was on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, Splendor of the Seas.

Croatia was a gem, and surprised me in every way. It was beautiful, breath-taking.

It was important to us, when planning the honeymoon that we traveled to boy Croatia-where Steven's family roots (hence the Smokovich name) and ancestors are, and Italy of course where my mother's family heritage is.

Krka National Park in Split, Croatia.

Steven made a point to taste beer in every country we visited, while I enjoyed a bit of wine :)

Onto Greece....

This is me telling you that this was the most amazing drink I've ever ever ever had. Made with fresh strawberries. Best. Drink. Ever.

This was by far, in both of our opinions, the most beautiful beach we've been on, ever. In Mykonos, Greece.

Next Stop: Kusadasi, Turkey

Well-known for the handmade turkish carpets.

And the infamous Turkish Baths. After Steven and I saw the turkish bath tradition on a season of The Amazing Race, he really wanted to try it out. So we picked up a map and searched one out.

This Turkish Bath experience could be a whole-nother post in itself, but let me just say... A hefty sized, really hairy turkish man wearing only a small towel covering his front parts...who didn't speak any english basically bathed the two of us in this beautiful marble-sauna bath. It was awkward and awesome at the same time.

Makes for a great story let me tell ya! And the massage afterwards was amazing too! Worth every kuna we spent :)

Steve's turkish beer...

And also the famous turkish meat kabob. Everyone told us that we had to give this a try while in Turkey. The chicken was delish, I must say!

I have so many photos from the honeymoon. These are some of the highlights and my favorites from this part. Tomorrow I'll be back with part 2: Venice and the Dominican Republic.

Have a happy Wednesday!

Single Photo Saturday

Yes, I'm still editing honeymoon photographs. I promise more are coming soon! I totally love this one from Krka National Park in Croatia. 

Six Flags Today & A Layout

Today Steven and I are enjoying a day with the kiddos at Six Flags in Illinois. When was the last time you rode a roller coaster? The give me butterflies and make me nervous much more now that they ever used to...something about growing up I guess :)

In 2011 We took the kids to Six Flags and then to Hurricane Harbor water park the following day. I just finished this layout from that adventure and thought it was perfect to share today!

I don't carry my camera with me on roller coasters, much less at water parks....so I was lucky to have a stranger snag one shot that day! It was hot, I remember buying ice cream and it melted way too fast and was just a disaster! 

The Layout features a little bit of Bella Blvd Daily Chevies papers (black star, giant yellow chevron) and lots of Feathers and Crochet Hearts too! I mixed it up with American Crafts Thickers and October Afternoon paper an stickers also.

I wanted to Feathers to be more subtle and be a pop of color off the black background. I tucked them underneath the patterns so just the edges were sticking out!

Making memories with my nieces, nephew and cousin are what the good times are all about. I loved that on our wedding video Anabelle said that one of her favorite memories with Steven & I was the time we took them to Six Flags. I knew we had to do it again....so that's where you'll find us today! This time...Carson's tall enough & brave enough to ride and come along!

Post Wedding Getaway: NYC Part II

We enjoyed a stroll through Central park & also walked in & checked out the famous Plaza Hotel.

 

We ventured on the subway and navigated to Grand Central Station.

While on that side of town we visited Park Avenue and awed at the hundreds of thousands of business men dressed to the nines in their work suits out on their lunch break in the near 90-degree sunny temperatures. 

We purchased tickets to see 2 broadway shows. Steven totally LOVED Jersey Boys at the August Wilson Theater!

And I adored my first chance at Wicked. We had great seats at both & expensive drinks too ;)

During our visit to the NBC Studios we snagged tickets to see Jimmy Fallon perform his monologue rehearsal inside his tv show theater. It was cool to see him make mistakes, improv and be so close to him!

I had to have a photo in front of this window of my all-time favorite show ever! I still watch FRIENDS re-runs every single night before bed. How many of you remember "Must See Thursday Night TV"? Good times.

And we checked out the shops on Fifth Avenue. It's crazy to see how much $$ is spent on the displays in these stores. The window displays and inventory supply was crazy. Along this journey was the Trump Tower!

And last but not least I have to share this series of photos with you. Steven officially discovered his second love in life (besides me, his new bride, that is!).......

FOOD TRUCKS.

This kid must have ate nearly every single meal except dinner at these food trucks! 

Every day was  a different one. 

(as you can see he's wearing the same outfit in some of these photos, which means....only one thing! Multiple visits in one day!)

Let me tell you how not fair it is that he can eat junk like this....and I have to work out every day just to maintain my weight...something is just not right about this picture!

And I fell in love with the Frozen Yogurt trucks! How awesome was this!? And it's pink!!!

And I did cheat once when we randomly, by total accident, discovered the hugely popular and famous Magnolia's bakery. Cupcake, anyone?!