Is Anybody Still Here?

 Hi there! I just stumbled across an email for this blog - I had no idea it was still public. The timing is good - I recently left my job in corporate America as it was unhealthy for me and left me with no energy for the things I enjoy in life. This includes paper crafting. I've re-organized my stash and so far I've been able to mail handmade cards to friends and family for their birthdays and anniversaries...and for "just because" situations too. It's such a simple way to bring some brightness to someone's day.

Since this is a paper crafting blog, here is one of my recent creations. This was from a workshop by Paper Source, one of my favorite stores. I hope you like it!

Julep Maven - My New Beauty Diversion

So, I recently got together with my friend Mary for a day of shopping, lunch and catching up.  We went to the Mall of America and our first stop was at Sephora to pick up an Urban Decay eye pencil sharpener.

While were there we ended up buying some Julep Nail Polish in Liz, sort of a muted robin egg blue color.  That prompted a visit to a nail shop for manicures.  Wow, what a great color - it worked on both of us.  We are showing our nails off in this photo but you can't really see.

After I got home I did some research on Julep and found out they have monthly club called Julep Maven where they send you monthly beauty boxes based on your preferences.  Of course I had to try this out (I was Boho Glam, you get 2 polishes/month and another beauty item for 19.99 but you get a discount if you sign up for a 3 month, 6 month or longer subscription), I started with a 3 month subscription.  But, I used the code FREEBOX and got one month free.  My first purchase was waiting for me just a few days later.  Below is a photo - I added on a "surprise" for 13.99 that consisted of a polish and a foot scrub that looks interesting.  My regular purchased included two very pretty polishes, a nude color names Clara and a deep purple shade called Gabrielle.  Also included was a rollerball cuticle oil that I cannot wait to try.

My first Julep manicure lasted a full week and perhaps would have lasted longer but my nails were getting long so I took it off and trimmed them down.

If you are interested in trying this out please use the link below - they have a referral program and you can earn points to shop with...so, thanks in advance if you try this.  Just remember to use the code.

http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/272051/

Summer in MN. And, I am a yoga teacher now.

Hello out there!  I have not logged in for many months and was surprised that I actually had some pages views last month.  So, thanks for that blog readers.

I am having a very nice summer in MN and have been spending every minute I can outside.  Since my last post I have started a recruiting business and also am a yoga teacher now.  Wow, there's some contrast for you.

Some of my best days this summer have been the spontaneous ones where we just set out on our bikes and play it by ear.  One day we had frozen yogurt at Cherry Berry, stopped by the salon I go to to pick up an eyeliner sharpener (not sure how I lost my other one), had a beer at the local pizza joint, picked up some groceries and saw an eastern kingbird on the trails.  Not super exciting but the simpleness of it all was just so relaxing and I truly forgot about all of my worries.

I love Stella & Dot!! And a Giveaway!

Anyone out there? I have not posted in a while but wanted to let anyone out there who might be reading that I just signed up to be a stylist with Stella & Dot after falling in LOVE with their jewelry. I placed my first online order a few months ago to support a friend and was wowed by the quality of the pieces and impressed with how fast my order came and the packaging is so cute. I loved the cute messages!

There are some great incentives right now. If you host a Trunk Show by January 31st you get an additional $50 in jewelry credits on qualified shows - you can have an online show too! If you sign up as a stylist by January 31st for $199 you get $450 (yes, $450) in jewelry credits instead of $350. To learn more, please visit my website:

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/MichelleHarma

If you comment on this post I will give you a certificate for 15% off one full-priced Stella & Dot item ordered through me by February 18th, 2012.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

A Muse January Pajama Party Challenge #4

This challenge is to create a card using only black, red and white. And now I have a Valentine's Day card to give out next month!

A Muse January Pajama Party Challenge #3

This challenge is to make a card using a single layer. You can use embellishments but no paper layers. I kinda like this one. Definitely love turquoise and orange together. Enjoy!

A Muse January Pajama Party Challenge #2

This challenge is to make a card for your BFF. I made this one with a friend who is going through a very difficult time right now but still maintains a positive attitude - I really admire her. Not sure about this card, not my best work but it was fun anyway. Thanks for looking!

A Muse January Pajama Party Challenge #1

The first challenge is to create a card inspired by a celebrity crush. This was easy for me considering I just got my Amuse "Party Like a Rockstar" stamp in the mail this week. And, anyone who knows me knows I am a huge Pete Yorn fan and saw him three times in three states last year. So, here is my card and a picture of me and Pete last month in Boulder, CO. Thanks for looking!

And, if you would like to listen to his music there are plenty of videos on youtube and you can learn more about him at www.peteyorn.com .

A Muse Fall Pajama Party Challenge #4

This was nice-n-easy. The challenge was to create a thank you card. I love these colors together!

A Muse Fall Pajama Party Challenge #3

This challenge was to create a card inspired by a favorite show that is returning this fall. I chose Desperate Housewives and my card has a row of homes (possibly filled by desperate housewives?). I am most looking forward to the return of Curb Your Enthusiasm but had no idea what kind of card that would be so I didn't waste any time trying to figure that one out. Even this card is a stretch! Again, TFL.

A Muse Fall Pajama Party Challenge #2

This challenge was to create a card using fall colors. Easy - think simple, think A muse.

A Muse Fall Pajama Party Challenge #1

This challenge is to create a card based on your favorite Halloween candy. I chose a card using the colors of candy corn. I actually made two since I happened to have these colors out on my craft table when the challenge started. TFL!

Summer Cards

Hi All - keeping up with this blog thing is more difficult than I thought it would be. I made a couple of cards last night and hope to make more this weekend. The card on the left is one I made using some die cuts I bought from an ebay seller (I bought several colors) and the card on the right was made using scraps I had laying around from previous projects. I added some vinyl Thickers for some dimension. Thanks for looking, enjoy the weekend!