American Idol: After the Eliminations Week 1

This was the first week of fan voting on American Idol. After four hours of performances earlier in the week, it is clear who our top 12 will (should) be. No big surprises in the eliminations from last night.





First to go was Garrett. Somebody get this boy a haircut... seriously. I'll be glad when the preppy 80's look is back in style. I am trying to recall anything noteworthy about his performance, but I honestly cannot. Guess that's why we won't be seeing him (or his hair) anymore.




Next out, Amy. She was a very cute girl, but her nerves really got the best of her. I agree with the judges that she should continue to work on her craft. She has proven she's a good singer, but that is only part of it.




The third one to go wasn't a shocker, but I had hoped that the rocker chick would be eliminated instead. Joanne is a great singer and quite striking. She didn't have a great performance and on this show, this early in the competition, that's all it takes.




Lastly, we said goodbye to Colton. Simon caught a bunch of flack from the audience for telling him that he should probably give up on a career singing and focus on getting a good job. I couldn't agree more. This kid didn't suck, but he is not good enough to be successful in the music/entertainment industry. The advice Simon gives is usually right-on, although not always delivered in the most tactful way. Hopefully Colton will heed his advice, study hard, get an education and find a local choir or choral group where he can get his fill of singing without the disappointment that will surely follow if he is to persue a career in music.


I think my faves are David & Alaina. I am amazed at their talent and poise at such a young age. Looking forward to more performances (and eliminations) next week.

Are you an AI fan?

What are your thoughts about the performances and eliminations?

And the winners are...

Address Labels: Linda Chasin
Folded Notes: Kristi Cutler
Calling Cards: Chris Riker
Enclosure Cards: Kelly Atzbach
Flat Notes: Michelle Kohlhase
Luggage Tag: Traci Bayley

Congratulations!! Watch your email for info on how to claim your prize!

Thanks to everyone for playing along. I will definitely be doing this again!

Contest Update

Thanks for playing ya'll!! I will be drawing the winners in just a bit.

SPT: Pick Me Up

When I'm feeling out of sorts and need a pick me up, without a doubt, a crafty project will always brighten my spirit. It doesnt't have to be any particular kind of craft. In this photo, I am trimming a basket I just finished weaving. But, I mostly stick to paper-crafting... card making for the most part. Lately my thoughts have been totally consumed with card making.

Random Act of Kindness

Yesterday, Rich and I were at Bed Bath and Beyond getting some new stuff for his bathroom. We get in the check-out line behind a guy with a buggy full of all sorts of great kitchen stuff. Seriously it looked like he was setting up his first 'big-boy' kitchen. Cookware, knives, small appliances... and the good stuff.

I was shocked at how much money he would be spending. Easily over $1000. I saw the price on the Calphalon cookware ($599) and nearly had a stroke... not because of the price, but because he had NO COUPONS!! I had a stack of them in my purse (seriously, like a dozen). I get them constantly in the mail and even though there is an expiration date, they really never expire.

As he was hoisting the monstrous box of cookware from the buggy, I pulled a coupon out of my purse, made sure calphalon wasn't excluded and gave it to him. The look on his face was priceless. I mean, I basically just handed him $120. He was so appreciative. Then as we were leaving, he drove up and gave us two thumbs up.

I STILL feel great about that. It was such an easy thing to do, and even though he obviously could afford to pay full price, there is something incredible about giving someone an unexpected gift... especially when it doesn't cost you anything.

One thing is for sure, I'm gonna have to do more of this!

great weekend... hard on the pocketbook

Had a marvelous weekend. Didn't do much, lots of chilling out, some baking, some laundry and oh yeah... shopping.

I started out Saturday morning buying this.

Confused? It's the new Crop o dile II Big Bite. I've got the smaller version, but having a 6" reach on this bad boy is quite incredible. Right now you can only get it at HSN, but the price was great, and it will be impossible to find in the stores when it is released.

Went to Joann's Saturday afternoon and picked up some random craft supplies. Nothing too exciting.

Sunday, I made a major purchase.

Yes, an iPhone. I'm obsessed with it. It's so cool, I can't even tell you. The only downside... it's difficult to get any work done with this thing around. Nothing like a new toy!!

Creative Burst Contest

Thankfully, I have had a creative burst in the past couple of days and have designed a couple new stationery collections. It's always fun to see my vision come to life. So, there are quite a few new goodies online that you should really check out!



This is a luggage tag in the new Scallop Label design. I just love how versatile this design can be... and this font just makes me happy. As always, you can customize your colors. This particular color scheme was inspired by one of my favorite blogging friends.


On to the contest...

Next Friday, I will draw one name for each of the following product giveaways. You get to choose from any of the designs on the website and customize to your exact specifications, then I'll pack it up and ship it to you absolutely FREE!

• Address Label
• Calling Card
• Enclosure Card
• Flat Note Set
• Folded Note Set
• Luggage Tag

How do you enter? It's very easy... just enter your name and email address in the promo email signup box (look on sidebar.) Even if you are currently getting my promo emails, you will need to enter your info. Please only one entry per person. Entries received between now and next Thursday at 11:59 pacific time will be included in the drawing.

Totally Gross

So... I'm sitting here at yet another chef conference. As I look to my left, I see a dead hog hanging by it's feet at the end of the room. It has been gutted (ew!) and is ready to be slaughtered. I now understand what a cleaver is really for and I'm disturbed. It's a fairly violent process - definitely nothing I care to witness from such a close distance again. Is it time to go home yet?

By the way, for those of you who prefer a picture with every post, be thankful that I don't have a camera with me.