holiday decorating

You know how much I *adore* making my surroundings beautiful...right? This is one thing that brings me much joy! Now that we are officially *yes, I did sneak one Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving* in full swing of the Christmas season, I'm singing *pa-rum-pum-pum-pum* as I've been creating & decorating. I've created a little forest of Christmas trees & tucked in the forest are the little snowscape scenes I created last year..all different. all festive. & all DIY homemade! I Love a DIY Christmas!

Tomorrow night, we will be having our House of 3 LIVE Web Show (you can access it here or here. We've heard that some have better luck on one entrance or the other...so figure out which connection is best for you & join us!)
Look what Heidi made!

& Janet's got some of her magic to sprinkle, too!

We'll be showing you sooo many fabulous ways to use our Parisian Anthology collection. In fact, Pink Paislee put 2 special kits together for you to play along, too! Check it out! Order NOW even if you missed it because you'll be able to watch the webshow after it's recorded & create along with us!

Here's to a DIY Christmas with a twist! see you tomorrow night! 7:00 PM PST, 8:00 PM MST,  9:00 CST, 10:00 EST.

black friday

Hope you all had a wonderfully fulfilling Thanksgiving yesterday! And....you are in the mood to SHOP! 

 

House of 3 is joining in on the biggest shopping day o' the year....Black Friday...

AND, Cyber Monday..so, for the entire weekend, we are offering 50% off everything on the site!

So....how about some Christmas art to create your Christmas cards, decorations, scrapbook pages....you name it!

 

 Or how about the new 2011 Calendar kits...printables, brushes & even a generic calendar kit that is a printable...made to print out on the inkjet decal paper...to stick on walls, magnet boards, mirrors, windows, lockers, doors....you can re-arrange them every month! LOVE It!

 

 & of course...the ever-useful-for-any-kind-of-project-ornamental-alpha kit! Seriously..I've used them for everything! 

 And...this fab offer also applies to our physical kits:

 

wall art & heart boxes.

so cheap, it's scary! How can you NOT get any of these? Perfect gifts....1 stop shopping for your friends, family members, teachers...

Ok....off to decorate the 2nd tree today! then...making some more FUN projects with our House of 3 Parisian Anthology line....in preparation for our Dec. 1st Web show..you will NOT want to miss it! A holiday with a twist....fun!

Day 21. The finish line...grateful!

day 21.

congratulations! You have made it to the finish line...imagine running under this banner...

for your success! finishing...with your head held high!

ahhh! sweet victory!

I have to apologize, because I'd planned on having a video for you today with me giving you a 'victory speech'...but, alas...technical difficulties! so....

just imagine me talking to YOU!

ok. 

now that we are at the end of the game....I get a little emotional!  Isn't it crazy how you look back & it seemed like we started just yesterday?

see? Now, each time you do another 21 Challenge, it will get easier.

With each step...you will become even more amazing!

You will become the kind of person you want to be.

So..you ask: HOW? How can I continue this fire? What is my maintenance program?

My answer: 

the 100 Creativity Exercises.  I swear by these. This is my answer to the maintenance...it's perfect for the creativity aspect. Whether you are a visual artist, business woman, musician, gardener...whatever! These exercises teach you to think outside the box in anyway you want or need.  They will help you maintain & get through your 'lulls'...ruts...whatever you want to call them!

I promise...it will exercise your creative muscle! *wink*

I only share this because I use them. Daily. And they work!

I have people asking me all of the time..how do you keep up? How do you continue to have new ideas? 

This is my answer.

and...YOU can do it, too!

enjoy. enjoy...you will love thinking in a different way!

even if you choose not to do these..no worries. You have learned the tools to keep going.. enjoy your success. move forward & keep in touch so we all know how you are doing!

We love you!!!

so....

MICHELLE!

You are the winner of the 2011 MyBook Planner!

And the 21 winners of the Compendium goodie bag FINISH line prizes are:

1. Tonya G.

2. Nancy W.

3. Leonie

4. pickles99

5. jerri junque

6. traci S.

7. craftychick

8. jamie

9. lindzie

10. april a

11. keri

12. phillipa

13. roberta

14. delias

15. lesa

16. mollydiane

17. aimee

18. sherry

19. -jen

20. borcherding

21. Kimberly

**ALL WINNERS:

Please email me HERE. And make sure your subject line is: "Compendium giveaway winner." And the other 3 winners for the Parisian Anthology stamps (cinabonbon, ana, karalyn)

& for the Felt*alicious class (which starts tomorrow), Stef, I need your info, too!

Becca...contact, me, too for your Soul Restoration online prize!!!!***

day 20 & a 2011 planner giveaway!

day 20!!!!

lest you think you can give up today...take a rest..or even get lazy...

think again.

It's when we get lazy & think it's OK to 'rest'...that we slip back.

yes.

even one day. i tell ya!

I've had it happen to me!

so, don't let it happen to you!

On our road to success, we go forward or backward...we don't stay still.

Even when you take a day off, you are going backward...not forward.

If you've learned anything from this  I hope it's that when you take it one step at a time, and you are consistent...you will move forward & reach the destination you have been headed toward.

Keep going...

and..how about something to help you plan your course throughout 2011?

For 2010, I've been using myBook planner for my House of 3 Simply Amazing journey. And, I LOVE it! Well, they've generously offered one 2011 planner for me to giveaway!

so.....talk to me, girls! 

I'll announce the winner of that tomorrow, our last day, &....the 21 winners of the Compendium giveaway, too!

Here's to moving forward...not backward!

day 19

 

day 19!

You are TAKING A CHANCE ON YOUR DREAMS. 

Way to go!!!! You are living your best YOU right. now.

Doesn't it feel amazing?

Please, please remember how good it feels to do your best.

& then, strive for that every. day.

You are doing it. 

And those of you that have said you fell off the wagon, or it's not easy, or you've given up...I have this for you:

You are strong. 

You have it in you!

The only way you can live your dreams is by jumping back on that wagon & taking one step at a time.

No one else can do it for you. You must do it yourself. 

You can do this if you really want it.

The question is: Do you really want it?

Do you really want to TAKE A CHANCE ON YOUR DREAMS?

Just because we are on day 19 doesn't mean you can stop.

Girls...listen to me: You need to continue this journey!

All of it is for naught if you just go back to your old ways.

Stay on the road. Stay strong. Stay positive.

You can do it!

now...let's give away some of the House of 3 Parisian Anthology stamps!

 Congrats, Cinabonbon

Karalyn,

&

Ana

Please email me with your addy so I can get these out to you..

and, speaking of winners...ALL of the winners who have not received their prize, please email me...with 'giveaway winner' in the subject please.

Thanks...

see you tomorrow..day 20!!!!!

day 18 & a Parisian giveaway....

 

day 18!

*gulp*

it's true. only a few more days!!!!!

I've been having a lot of personal reflection on this round....I've so enjoyed this round...I'm not going to lie...I've had a lot going on in my personal life. At times...a little overwhelming & not sure I could 'keep it together'...but, this round of The 21 Challenge has really helped me stay grounded, stay happy & remember that:

We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.

Richard G. Scott

As many of you have expressed, this 21 Challenge has blossomed into something more than you would have imagined. 

some of you have said it's become a lifestyle.

some have noticed that it's flowed into other parts of your life.

some have seen the value of consistency & have vowed to keep it going.

I love it!

And, want to share something with you as a little reward....

I've heard that for some of you, it's been difficult to get our House of 3 Parisian Anthology items!!!

I love them...every bit of the collection.

So, today, I'm giving away 3 stamp sets to 3 of you lucky 21ers!

Just leave a comment here & LMK how things are going!

hugs!

day 17

day 17....
oy!
I'm getting so excited. only a few more days!
We are on FI*YAH, girls!


This is not the time to give up. It's the time to stay strong. Believe in yourself. 

You are made to succeed. Did you know that? You have it in you. Every single person does. Each of us are given a great potential...we just have to wade through all of the clutter that tends to gather around us through the years.
Weeding out the bad thoughts. 
The negativity.
Anything that takes away from our growth.


And, when we get tempted to go back to our old ways...think:
WHAT REALLY MATTERS?



GET RID OF THE CLUTTER. 


STOP.
STAY STILL
& 
BE SURE TO LISTEN.

Listen to that voice inside of you that believes in you. That knows of your potential. It's in there. And if you can't hear it..I challenge you to STAY STILL & listen until you *can* hear it.

You are so amazing. There is no one else like you. Only ONE you...isn't that amazing to think of?
No one else can do what you can do. No one else has to offer what you have to offer.
do not discount that. It is a great blessing...& You are a great blessing to so many around you.
Look outward as you listen to that voice inward....& pay attention to what YOU can do to make the world around you a better place.


I know many of you have done this through your 21 Challenge journey. You've shared how your lives are changing; how your families are changing; how your relationships are changing *whether it's the relationship w/ yourself or with others.*
I have LOVED hearing this...THIS is why I do this 21 Challenge...because I believe in it.. I know that when we are focusing for 21 days on being our best self...the ripple effect is a*mazing.
And...doesn't it feel good?
Don't you feel amazing when you've had a *perfect* day being your *best* you?
Now...how would that be if you could feel that way every. day.
Amazing. right?
Is it possible?
You bet it is!
I know it!
so....
kick that clutter aside.
listen.
i love you girls!

*group hug*

day 16

Day 16!

I have to tell you....each round I've done publically has become a very emotional experience...the emails I get, the friendships we make, the stories I hear...they are seriously life changing for me!

I enjoy the fact that many of you feel like you can open your hearts up...to our group or to me. **and,  I haven't responded only because I've been so busy & to keep up the 21 Challenge, is *challenging* in & of itself! *wink* But, please know that you've touched me & I am a stronger person because of YOU!

& even if this is still difficult....you are not alone.

Change is difficult. & if one day seems easier than the next...& one day you just crumble..& feel like quitting...you are not alone.

& even if you pick yourself up & getting going again...feeling strong & crumble another day...

you are not alone.

& even if you feel like you want to quit...remember:

NEVER. NEVER. GIVE UP!

Change is worth it. The things that are of the most worth are not easy. They come with a price. And you have to decide if you want it badly enough.

Dig deep. deep down to your toes & muster up all of the strength, courage, & POWER you can!

& I promise you...it will be worth it.

Through this process of change....you are growing wings. 

But, what you do with those wings is totally up to you. After the 21 days...you can use your wings, or just sit around...

In the end...you will be the one to make that choice.

But, I believe in you....& know you will be able to spread your wings & fly! as the NEW YOU!

 I believe the 21Challenge is a great therapy for us & helps us through our journey to your new you....We can help each other grow our wings & learn how to use those wings...when we know we have someone who will listen to us. I've had many of you ask if I'll be keeping the 21 Challenge Facebook page up...the answer is YES. I would love for it to be a place where we can stay connected, share our on-going journeys & even 'reunions'. What do you think?

Is it time to fly?

day 15

day 15.

I'm feelin' the *electricity* from all of you 21ers!!! Seriously!

I'm loving the amazing friendships, support & strength that you are showing ...it's truly amazing.

Can you feel it?

Ok..to get you even MORE excited for the finish line....& the amazing Compendium prizes...

I wanted to share one of their inspiring books with you: 1.

"It is said that each of us comes into the world with certain gifts in our hands designed to make the world a better place. The "1" book will guide you to discover your special gifts and inspire you to share them with a world that truly needs you."

This gives me chills & goes along so well with our 21 Challenge:

Just think about it:

NOW is the time....for YOU to do this!

day 14 & an *inspiring* giveaway

 

day 14.

You might be saying:

really? it's day 14?

wow...

ok...get ready for the time to fly now...

once we hit day 14...it seems like we are in turbo speed.

Before we know it, we'll be at day 21....

really!

so...hang in there!

and...if you are not where you want to be..i have this for you:

LET GO OF SELF CRITICISM.

LOOK AT IT FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE.

AND

BE HAPPY.

Sometimes things don't go the way we plan.  We tend to beat ourselves up for it...

But, in the process of 'change' it's important to be kind to yourself &  LET GO OF SELF CRITICISM. Our plan may not always come about in just the way we'd anticipated...so it's important to LOOK AT IT FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE.  You never know....this new change of plans might be just what we need to learn something else about ourselves, or others in our lives.  Our plan can change as we change. And that's OK!

The trick is to BE HAPPY during this process.

Focus on the good.

We can do this...

it's a roller coaster ride, I know...but, we can do this.

and...to get you even a little more motivated...

how about a su*weet giveaway goodie bag from your fave & mine:

Compendium Books.

YOU 21ers have caught the attention of the amazing people at Compendium. And they have been so amazed at YOUR journey that they have generously donated 21 Compendium goodie bags to 21 of you!!! 

*just a little sumpin' to get you to the finish line...so, keep a goin... & on our last day, I'll be picking 21 of you to WIN a fantastically inspiring treat from the folks at Compendium! 

Let's hear it for one of THE most inspiring companies I know:

COMPENDIUM!!!!

THANK YOU!

happy day 14!

day 13 & HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AMY!

day 13

awwww. day 13.

can you feel it?

isn't it getting easier?

The light is at then end of the tunnel...we are coming out of the 2nd week that is notorious for being difficult!

So, today's thought:

YOU ARE AMAZING.

just the way you are.

This is something I believe we need to tell ourselves. 

all.

of.

the.

time.

We can't forget our potential to do great things. We must keep focused on being our best self...those little doubts may creep in...but, do NOT let them get you!

Remember:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
from 'A Return To Love' by Marianne Williamson

One person that I adore & think is simply a*mazing is my youngest sister, Amy.

It's her birthday today!!!!!

She's not only AMAZING on the outside, but on the inside as well.

This photo 'splains it all...*no, not the prettiest photo, but the most real photo. *wink*

When we get together, we laugh. and laugh. and laugh. 

I adore my seesters & 

wish my cute Amy the happiest birthday, evah!

She's an amazing sister.

wife.

mother.

stylist.

artist.

person...

i love you, Ame!

Please, please remember: YOU ARE AMAZING, TOO!

HAPPY DAY 13!

p.s. do NOT miss tonight's webshow!!!! It will be fabulously festive...

Heidi & Chari will be getting you ready for Christmas cards!!! holla!
*I'll miss everyone...but, tonight we have  a very special night with our girls.

day 12

day 12

We've come this far! wow.  And another wow! Love it!

so....how many of you want to find out WHO the winner is for Em & Nicole's fab online Felting 101 class?  ok...

how about a drum roll please:

STEF!

You are the lucky winner of the Felt*a*licious Online class!

Send me your info so I can get it to Emily, ok?

And, thanks again, Emily & Nicole!

So...day 12. 

This is a monumental time...it's usually the time that we start to lose our steam in The 21 Challenge.

We are right in the middle & sometimes forget to 

IMAGINE THE END RESULT.

This is critical to your success. You must envision what you will look like.

feel like.

be like.

at the end of Day 21.

You can do this...You are doing it!

Do not give up now!

Find something that will inspire you.

Do something that will make you happy.

I want to share this today...it made me smile.

I *adore* Mindy Gledhill. her music. her style. her!

and...I got a giggle from her little video with The Neilsons, too!

enjoy!

day 11...halfway mark AND a felt*alicious giveaway!

 

day 11.

our halfway mark.

It's HUMP day...

you guys deserve a huge pat on the back....

it's time to FEEL JOY.

BE PATIENT.

BE CALM.

HAVE PEACE.

SPRINKLE MAGIC.

IMAGINE.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART.

BE YOU.

Each of you are experiencing different things...doing the challenge differently & really learning a lot! I love hearing your support for each other, too! This really is a bonding experience, isn't it?

So? How was your weekend?

  I had a wonderful weekend filled with crafting, baking, & just plain creativity!

My creativity was on a HIGH!!!!

....filled orders of my felt flowers & created up a storm...I love these little things...they are so scrumptious! 

I'm in love with felt...& I have to say:  All felt is NOT created equal. I create these flowers out of good felt found at fabric stores...(btw: yes, I'm working on a tutorial for these...just slow going!)

Felt is scrumptious...100% felt. *do NOT confuse it with the craft felt!*I do like 30% & 50% for some projects, too.

but...have you ever heard of felting?

I remember the first time I saw REAL felted wool in Paris many years ago. It was so gorgeous; bright colors, amazing shapes & it was in balls/beads, flowers, rings, pillows, brooches, even curtains! I was in heaven...I'll never forget it!

While I was there, I asked what it was? ...it's called felted wool. And is a whooooole different kind o' crafty goodness.  

Let me introduce you to my lovely, talented Aussie friend, Em Falconbridge.

I adore this woman...she's not only genuine, talented & original, but the most amazing person, inside & out!  She was one of our amazing teachers at Spark No. 2. She shared her Spark with us teaching her passion: wool felting.

Now, in case you missed her deeeelicious class at Spark...never fear. She & her friend Nicole are teaching an online workshop- Felt-a-licious Felting!!!! 

I'm giddy! Sadly, I didn't get to take her class at Spark with all of the 'administrative' stuff we had to do...So, I'm enrolled in THIS online workshop & couldn't be more excited!

And...

she's generously giving away a FREE spot to this fab class to one of you, 21ers!

Isn't that sooo fab!?

I mean....check it out! Their whole workshop is amazing: round felt beads, a layered felt flower, a flat felt scarfette and a dimensional felt mobile-phone pouch....

eeee! I'm simply giddy to learn how to do this...

i'm so in love with wool felting!

so....leave a comment here & I'll pick a winner at midnight!

happy day 11!

day 10

day ten.

I got an interesting email yesterday from a 21er. She was telling me that she started with us on day one. Then, she stopped cuz she fell off the wagon. Then, she got motivated again by our 21 Challenge Facebook page. Then she fell off the wagon again & emailed to apologize for 'not being together enough to stick with it'...& said she'll try another time.

Well....I wanted to run on over to her house & give her a big HUGE hug & tell her it's OK!

She's not alone.

Sticking with things for 21 days is difficult. I know that.

But, guess what?

Life's passing by.

21 days are passing by.

And if we say, 'I'll do it when...'

or

'After XYZ happens, I'll do it.'

or

'I'll wait until then next round of The 21 Challenge.'

um....

Dr. Suess has something to say about that:

The Waiting Place...for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go

or a bus to come, or a plane to go

or the mail to come, or the rain to go

or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow

or waiting around for a Yes or a No

or waiting for their hair to grow.

Everyone is just waiting.

NO! That's not for you!

From 'Oh The Places You'll Go'

You can do this, 21ers! WE can do this!

no waiting. let's do it NOW!