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San Francisco Day 2

Stuff I Love /

San Francisco: Day 2
Day 2 in San Francisco was a rush around day since Jen and I had decided to paint her apartment. She had picked out colors the night before and picked up paint and supplies in the morning.
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Now that I have mentioned it, I must explain the 7 Layers of Hell. I feel as if I’ve explained this concept before, coined by one Lachelle Smith while Josh and I lived in student housing at the University of Minnesota. It’s basically used in the context of a situation in which you would hate to be doing forever (the reference, I believe comes from Dante’s Inferno). Such things may include washing dishes (Lachelle and Nick’s 7th layer), checking voicemail (a Jen Shaw favorite), or putting gas the car (yes, one of mine…don’t ask me why! I just hate doing it!).

Have a Layer of Hell you want to share? Go ahead. Oh ya, one of my layers includes single cruises (sorry, this is a reference to the post called Airplane Conversations).

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Airport Conversations

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Have you ever sat next to a conversation you NEVER wanted to listen to, but alas, there you were completely stuck. Tonight at the Long Beach airport (on my way to Salt Lake), I got stuck listening to a 20-something year-old conversation. It was like watching The Hills but in real life, and I hate The Hills. “Sarah from the airport” (as she referred to herself) managed to convince some guy that “Erica” had played him. It worked too. I slowly saw her convince him that he saw how “Erica” wasn’t a real person and had been a fake with him. “Sarah from the airport” could have written the book The scheming of womanhood. Her manipulation was so subtle and sly from the inside, while completely obvious from the outside(like watching a TV show). My analysis: “Sarah from the airport” liked the poor-manipulated boy and was jealous of “Erica.” Among “Erica’s” terrible traits: a drinker, a liar, and a player.

I’d like to meet this infamous Erica.

So there it is…the one thing I am FORCED to write about because I am STILL stuck listening to this ridiculous conversation about how “Sarah from the airport” hates drama, while she manages to create it. Classic.

Just be happy you are not currently stuck listening to this.

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My first trip to San Francisco

Stuff I Love /

Day 1: San Francisco with Jen

I have been on a part-business and part-pleasure trip to California now for 3 days. So I’m here to report on all the fun and fabulous things we have been up to. My girlfriend Jen lives in San Francisco (I am in Salt Lake City) and you can grab her perspective on this trip at theprojectgirl.

So Jen took me to her favorite cupcake place Sprinkles. I am a fan!
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My favorite is white coconut frosting over chocolate, fluffy goodness! Who knew that happiness was so easily attained? I also had the red velvet (not at the same time…although I wanted to eat every cupcake they had there!). If you have a favorite, post it!

We spent the first day I was in town shopping the cool boutiques of San Francisco. Check out some of the shops we went to!

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Why do I love pretty things so much? These shops were filled with the most adorable things! Ahh, you will like this one…

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Hehee. Might be helpful, huh? Had to buy the book just in case…I’d hate to lose my soul! For some reason I am having trouble loading the photos of my very cute buys at the antique store, so I will have them up in the next post!

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Initial Review of The Artist’s Way

4 Comments / Book Reviews, UPDATES FROM CARINA /

 So today I got on an airplane to visit my friend Jen in San Francisco. While on the plane, I started reading the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, which is my book of the week. I first heard about this book three or four years ago in a graduate class taught by Marilyn DeLong, which was about untended consequences in design. So I knew the concepts that this book proposed before I sat down and read it…and I have even tried some of these concepts based on my knowledge. Unfortunately, none of them stuck. Now, having read the first 33 pages of the book, I know why. Julia Cameron lays out two things that you have to do to help unleash your inner creativity…morning pages and the artist date. I have tried both without much success….here is why: I was uncommitted. I did them because I knew about them, had them explained to me, but I was praying for a miracle. That these two concepts would simply fix my creativity. Now that I am actually reading the book, I am realizing that the only way to do these, is to read the book and be committed. 

Some of the concepts she has thrown out, definitely hit home. I think that you will find that it does too if you read it. So I am proposing the following: I am going to finish reading the book and try the experiment of doing morning pages and the artist date and report of what happens with me on the blog! How does that sound? I hope being the guinea pig will convince me (and you) that there are new avenues of creativity to be found. 

So what are morning pages and the artist date? I am a little hesitant to tell you because I’m afraid you’ll do what I did…do them and not really be committed. But here they are so I can talk about some of the things she says in the book. Morning pages are three pages of stream-of-conscious writing when you first wake up in the morning. This is NOT a journal. It is a forum for getting all the “gunk” out of your head to leave you open for the rest of the day. Julia Cameron has a number of other caveats about how to do the morning pages, but for the purpose of my review, I think this definition works (again, you should read the book to get everything Julia Cameron says). The second tool she proposes are artist dates. You are suppose to dedicate a block of time (1 or 2 hours) to take your self on a date and do something that you really want to do or that would nurture you. Now, I don’t know about you, but this is VERY hard for me. Sure, 1 or 2 hours should be easy to come by during the week…but somehow those hours are never there.  When there are kids, jobs, and cleaning to do, when is there time to ever take time for yourself? The sad part is, we with everything going crazy in our lives, probably need to take ourselves on a date the most. Agreed? Julia Cameron makes the argument that if you where in a relationship that you wanted to save, you would go to therapy, find a mediator, and try to save it. Why wouldn’t you do the same for yourself (and your creativity)?

So, I will start morning pages (I’ll find a beautifully designed book to make it more motivating) and I’ll set a time next week to do the artist date. Julia Cameron suggests 12 weeks of this. She says she’s been doing it for a decade. It helped her be more creative, perhaps I just need to give it a go if I want the same result? Man, I am so commit-a-phobic! I’ll report on the rest of the book ASAP and let you know what happens. If anyone wants to do this with me (always more motivating), please feel free to comment on this post and I’ll keep updates on this project going so you can post as well.

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My Blog Move

UPDATES FROM CARINA /

Hi everyone! I just made the move from my blogspot site to this site (carinagardner.com). A little more freedom of design! You’ll find several new improvements on this site including image previews of my digital scrapbooking products coming out at 2Peas a week before they premier there (special sneak peeks for you!) and recent cards from Card Nirvana. I’ll hopefully get a lovely list of my favorite things going too (not just for your benefit but really for MINE…love to keep track of those pretty things). I’m also hoping to add some fun content for scrapbookers and designers alike. Some design 101,design book reviews,  interviews with innovative designers…other fun things like that. Josh has taken over the family blogging (http://www.mormonmistermom.blogspot.com), but you’ll probably get posts from me every now and then about my family as well. I just know that Josh tends to have a more comical view of things:). Who can compete against that?

Anyway, I’ll keep you updated! Hopefully, many things on this site will be up and running within the week and I’ll be able to post on my Monterey trip soon!

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Heather Bailey and Madsen Bikes

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Well, Jen is in town for business and she’s over tonight (yes, it is 12:25 in the morning) and, of course, we start talking about design (what else? we’re a couple of obsessed neurotics!). She introduced me to a fabric designer’s blog that I MUST tell you about because it is so FABULOUS! Her name is Heather Bailey and it is such a great blog! She has a real way with color:

here’s her blog: http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com.

My second obsession that i keep meaning to post about is Madsen Bikes. I MUST have one of these bikes in the spring (I am totally going to get one come march). The buckets in the back can hold kids or groceries. I love them! Take a look!

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RUN 100

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I just started a new group called Run 100 in Facebook and to get people to join the Challenge on Nike Plus!
Go check it out! If you want to be part of the Nike Plus challenge you can leave your email to be invited in the comment section or email me at carina@diginirvana.com with your email and I will invite you!

And seriously, if you don’t feel like you can run 100 miles, but just want to walk or run a little and be motivated by everyone else doing it , join the facebook group and give us your miles or join the Nike Plus challenge anyway!

Facebook Group—Run 100

Nike Plus Website

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Happy 2009!

3 Comments / UPDATES FROM CARINA /

Well, I feel as if I have already start the year off quite badly. I can’t find my Nike Plus so although I’ve spent the day in my work out clothes, I probably won’t go running! Great, huh? I’ll keep looking for it and report back!

I thought I would do a year in review and things to look forward to in 2009. This will probably be the most open about my personal life that I have ever been on my blog. I usually only report on business or what my kids are doing, so this may prove an interesting blog post for those that don’t know me that well. I must admit, 2008 was not a fun year for me. Lots of hard decisions and events happened this year including a move to a new state, the closing of Digi Nirvana, my husband took the bar, website troubles, family unemployment, disappointment in my own personal life with my parents & family, a decision to go back to work, and well, just finding balance with everything going on. Lots of good things happened in 2008 too—I opened Card Nirvana, moved to 2Peas, and signed a deal with My Minds Eye to start making paper lines. Siri has learned to write and draw and Felicity learned to walk and talk this year. And Josh passed the bar—another blessing (not sure if we could go through that again!)!

In 2009, I really hope that things are a little less stressful and that I can find my place in our new hometown. I am really excited for my new Bella Bella line coming out at the January CHA (I can’t wait for you all the see it! The moment is comes out I will post it) with My Minds Eye and will hit paper stores soon thereafter! I love being at 2Peas and you’ll continue to see new stuff every week from me including old stuff coming from Digi Nirvana (improved) and new lines including my up and coming Paris & Co. Collection (3 more weeks!). Card Nirvana has been exciting and fun. I love my day job as a Communications Director and am excited about our conventions, events, and site checks coming up! In 2009, Siri will go to KINDERGARTEN!!!! I’m so excited for her! I’ll be a little sad, but she is such a bright and social child, I know she will love it. Felicity will continue to be my baby this year (what a cuddlebug!). I know that 2009 will be better than 2008 and that excites me!

If you can’t tell, designing scrapbooking materials has become an essential part of my life. If you had asked my two years ago if this is what I’d be doing, I’d have said , NO! I had no idea how much I would love it, how giving the community is, and what a challenge it would be! Designing for scrapbookers has become more than a hobby for me, it’s become an obsession! I look forward to everything I get to design and scrap in 2009! Hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Here’s a few pictures from the last few days!
Christmas Eve Siri got a Hungry Hippo Game

Christmas Day: Siri got a My Little Ponyvilel Amusement Park, but guess who else was obsessed with it?

On her new trike.


Siri’s new game: Dr. Seuss something or other. Josh plays it very well.

The many art supplies we got for Chritmas is getting put to good use…everyday, on every wall, on every leg and arm in the house.

East High School Alumni Basketball Tournament—It brings families together.


Showing off their candy bracelets!

Happy New Year everyone!

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2Peas, Card Nirvana, and New Year’s Resolutions

1 Comment / Card Nirvana, UPDATES FROM CARINA /

Have I mentioned how much I look forward to Tuesdays now? I love going over to 2Ps in the morning and seeing my new products up. It’s so fun! I never really had the anticipation when I owned Digi Nirvana because I’d just put products up when I wanted. 
This week I put up the Cupcake kit and Flora kit at 2Peas. Next week the Playtime Kits (Boy and Girl) comes out. Also, if you have a chance, I changed a few subcategories at cardnirvana. Check these subcategories designs.

I have also been thinking about New Year’s Resolutions for a while and one of my resolutions is to get more in shape. I’ve been going running for a few months now but I am COMPLETELY inconsistent. I’d run for 3 miles one day and then not get around to it for two more weeks. So one of my new year’s resolutions is to go running at least 4 times a week…hopefully more than that. So I thought I’d start a Challenge at NikePlus and see if any of you want to join me. The goal is to run 100 miles by March 28th. If anyone wants to join in this challenge, it’s called the Card Nirvana Challenge and is by invite only. If you want to be part of this challenge (PLEASE DO!), you need to have a Nike Plus account. Just comment on this post with your NikePlus email so I can invite you. I’ll even throw in a $12 gift certificate (2 cards) to card nirvana to everyone who actually runs the 100 miles within the 90 days!

Okay, so hopefully this motivates me to run more and get a little thinner for the wedding I have to be in April 3rd (that should be motivation enough!), but it would be fun if we all did it together. If you don’t have a NikePlus, I would totally recommend buying one. They are about $30 and you don’t have to buy Nike shoes. I have a small pouch that my sensor is in that attaches to one of my shoes. I bought it for about $12 at a running store. Before the NikePlus, I hated running. Now I love running. It’s so nice to know how far I’ve gone and how much I have left. 
Anyway, hopefully some of you will join me!!! Click here to see the challenge. 
Here is my new mini-running me:). Okay notice that I’ve only had 10 workouts? That is since August. Ya, that’s how bad I’ve been. So join this challenge with me and lets get running!

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MormonMisterMom.blogspot.com

UPDATES FROM CARINA /

So if you decide you want to read something funny, my husband started a blog called MormonMisterMom (http://www.mormonmistermom.blogspot.com/). I can’t tell if it’s just because I know everyone he blogs about that makes it funny, but I just spent the last five minutes bursting out in laughter. Go ahead. Give it a try. You’ll have a nice laugh at a stay-at-home dad.

(BTW, I’d highly recommend taking a closer look at the snowman profile picture he has up for himself.)

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Eating Snow

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A few recent pics…

Felicity and I are watching the snow play at the window.
Clemintine nose, vanilla wafers, pomogrante seed mouth…creative, eh?
Yes, I love you snowman!
Mmmmm, yummy snow.

Donuts with the cousin Caroline.


Yes, I’m stuffing my face too.

Delicious! Maybe I’ll have a second…
This is my flat, um, I mean destroyed tire while driving to work the other day. Excellent work, huh? Oh ya, and the ticket I got when I parked the car on the wrong side of the street and left the car there for three hours.

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Sneak Peak

UPDATES FROM CARINA /

So, at 2Peas we always submit a week in advance and I put in mine yesterday. I feel like I can’t wait to show you guys what’s coming out next Tuesday because I’m really excited about it. The first is my new Holiday Magic Kit. I’m dying over the alpha…I can’t wait to make the album.

I’ve also beefed up the SWATCHES line. Three kits from this collection will come out next week along with Calendar Cards and Journaling Stamps. The other 3 kits from Swatches will come out in two weeks.

Hope you liked the sneak peek!

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So I started a post…

3 Comments / UPDATES FROM CARINA /

I actually wrote two paragraphs yesterday with the complete intent of posting, but somehow I got interrupted and my whole day was crazy to begin with. I turned 29 yesterday. I also had my work Holiday Party (In which I was the Event Director for…so I working not GOING to a work party). It was really fun because it was a fabulous event—It was at the Grand America and the food, my oh my, was SPECTACULAR! So my day was filled with getting ready for that. Josh gave me a nice card that was a Happy Birthday from Obama (just what every girl needs, hehee) and a gift card (also a VERY smart gift for this girl of his!).
I wanted to post on Thanksgiving, but of course, didn’t get around to it. Josh and I ran /walked in the Cold Turky race on Thanksgiving morning. After a glorious 6K run (Josh hadn’t trained, I run a bit), Josh and I walked back to our car to find that it was out of gas. Brilliant! Uncle John came and saved us, but I was feeling a bit frantic about the turkey that was sitting in my oven at home. It all turned out okay though as my turkey was still in beautiful shape (and was perfectly delicious as I brined it for the first time this year…I completely recommend it!) when we got home after picking the kids up from Liz and Tim.  Anyway, Thanksgiving was good, but what was REALLY good was the long weekend of hanging out. This is our first year of not being in school during the holidays and it is NICE! No studying although Josh did have to work a bit. Somehow I can deal with that SO much better than all the studying.
As it is Tuesday, my digital kits are up and rocking out at Two Peas. Some of it you have seen before: Simply Solid Collection, Element-ary Collection, Autumn Sparkles, and Worn Stamps. I added a new Winter Wonderland kit though.


Be sure to check out everything else in my shop there! Hope you are all having a happy December!

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A word about Karaoke

1 Comment / UPDATES FROM CARINA /

Did I mention that we have a Karaoke machine? We have managed to have only one party even though when I bought it I thought it would be a regular Friday night bonanza. I guess we’ve just been too busy! Anyway, it looks like the kids have caught the bug! Siri and Fliss LOVE holding the mics and pretending to sing. Here they are with their cousin Caroline. Catch them on American IDol in 15 years.



ummm, did I mention this was taken at 2 in the afternoon. And what are my kids wearing? Yep, that’s right—pajamas. We’re starting a new fashion trend for singers.

I think flissa’s “puffball hair” is ABSOLUTELY fantastic enough for American Idol…lol

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Hooray, I’m officially on 2Peas!

UPDATES FROM CARINA /

It’s Tuesday, and it means that my premier on 2Peas has happened! Go check out the Digi kits or my name here! Enjoy!

A couple of days ago, we watched Dan in Real Life. It was fantastic! I was afraid I was getting a glimpse into what my darling little girls might be turning into though…Ahhh!!!

I’d totally recommend renting it. I thought it was good flick ESPECIALLY if you like Steve Carrell (which I do!).

In other news, I have been looking for a black dress for a formal I have for work. It was AWEFUL! I just could find anything age appropriate, sophisticated, and modest. It’s like those things aren’t allowed to go together. I tried everything online (Nordstroms, Dillards, Macys, specialty boutiques, and more!) and the malls (Banana R, JCrew, etc). After much searching and being completely annoyed at the selections, I saw a girl in a shop wearing EXACTLY what I wanted. She said her neighbor owned the shop she bought it from and it was online (music to my ears!!!). Anyway, I’m sharing with you because it is a FABULOUS store! It’s call the Shabby Apple.


I love their selection…it’s modest, but fashionable. i got the Antiquated with the red sash (the perfect christmas dress!).

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Big News! I’m Moving to 2Peas!

1 Comment / DESIGN, UPDATES FROM CARINA /

Hi everyone! I know, I know, I haven’t updated for a while and I SERIOUSLY have so many photos, etc. etc that I have been meaning to blog. This one is going to have to be a short one though because I have a lot of preview-making to do tonight. Why you ask? Because, the good news, is that I am moving my entire store into Two Peas In A Bucket!!!! I am so excited for the move and I hope you guys will check me out there! I’m the newest digital designer and I think it’s going to be a great group to work with!!!!

The sad news is that because I am moving to 2Peas, I will closing Digi Nirvana. Digi Nirvana will be redirected to Card Nirvana (which will still be up and running as usual—in fact you should see all the cute new baby announcements and holiday cards!).

Digi Nirvana’s closing date is this Sunday (yes! I know it is fast!), November 16th and a few of my products will be premiering at 2Peas on Tuesday November 18th! Thank you all for your support of Digi Nirvana!

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It’s Coming!

UPDATES FROM CARINA /

So, I am finally back from my Art Convention (well, rested, but now freaking out at the mountain of stuff in front of me!) and I have SO much to tell you guys about!!! Because there is so much to tell, I’ve broken it into three parts (mostly so I can organize my pics for you and make sure I have all the website links that you need:)). I’ll put Part 1 up tonight!

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First Day in Albuquerque

DESIGN AROUND THE WORLD, UPDATES FROM CARINA /

So, I know that I said I woudl not be writing on my blog, but as it turns out we were in Albuquerque all day today (and spending the night in town) and we’ll be in Santa Fe all day tomorrow. So here I am, with a friendly update on life. 
Today, after my very short plane ride and talking to a gentleman who had SERIOUS New Mexico pirde (Texas pride—yes, California pride—yes, but New Mexico—This was new!), I met up with my little group at convention. Amy Flowers is the coordinator of this event and we spent the day at the Albuquerque Museum of History and Art, shopping at a stamp store, and then a FABULOUS paper store (Will post photos of those soon), dinner at a cool little diner (can we say Greek Goddess Salad—Deep fried FETA cheese—yum!).
Here are some pics of the day (sorry there are not many):


The outside of the museum…yes, yes, I see your interested peaked, even rising.

What do you THINK of this sculpture, how do you FEEL when you look at it, what do you…(Okay, done pretending to be an art critic).

Josh, I took a photo of this one in honor of you.

This my still-life that I put together. I may become a painter after-all with such awesome skills. Or make a career of it…still-life-putter-together-er.

I really do in-fact love this one.

And that’s it. No giving away all my creative inventions as of yet! More to come…(don’t act so scared!)

I also got an email today from my friend Amy, who just started a new blog that is all about fun things to do with your kids. She has up A TON of things to do for october/halloweenish type stuff on the blog that I would totally recommend checking out. Here’s the link: http://amy-fun4kids.blogspot.com/

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How Cute Are These!

UPDATES FROM CARINA /

Check out the darling new invitations Jen Shaw just put up at CardNirvana:



Alright a bit about me—no blogging for me for a week. I’m off to an art convention for a week in Santa Fe. I’m so excited about it! I’ll let you all know how it goes. Apparently, there is barely any Internet service, cell phone service because we are staying at a mission in the middle of no where. Okay, so everyone have a great week!

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Giveaway at DST

Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, UPDATES FROM CARINA /

There is a cardnirvana giveaway going on a DigiShopTalk right now! Just click on the link and it will take you right to the thread! We’re giving away gift certificates to pick up some of the new digital cards in the store. Go head and submit to the thread! 
Check out the new French Boutique Collection that I just put up last night:

You can see them individually in the designer collection or general party categories.

More invitations being uploaded daily so keep checking back!

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Card Nirvana Grand Opening

1 Comment / Card Nirvana, UPDATES FROM CARINA /

Well, sort of a grand opening. Card Nirvana is my brand new digital invitation site..meant to give anyone, and I mean ANYONE the ability to customize a designer made invitation. Card Nirvana is absolutely ready for business, except that all the cards haven’t bee uploaded yet:). So go ahead and take a look at the site—especially check out how it works. If you can download Adobe Acrobat (which is completely free if you don’t have it already on your computer) and can open a pdf, you can download these super, INEXPENSIVE cards, and customize it for any event. Check out the site here: http://www.cardnirvana.com. The other designers will also be uploading their cards this coming week. Many of you may have heard of Jen Shaw, who is the Art Director and Product Designer for My Minds Eye. She is joining the site and has some beautiful cards for you! So keep an eye for this new site!

I’ll have sample cards for free download within the next week so everyone can see how easy it is!

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Nicole’s Photo Actions

2 Comments / UPDATES FROM CARINA /

So I’m trying to be a more dedicated blog writer…especially because I love sharing some of the stuff I find that I consider “design worthy.” So here’s my latest find: http://shop.nicholev.com/
I’ve actually known about Nicole for a while, but I have to rave about her Photoshop Actions. They really do amazing things! Seriously take a look:
This is her Studio Action Set. It’s this kind of thing that makes a decent photo into a FABULOUS photo!

This is Nicole’s Essential Color Pop. Amazing, huh?

Take a look at her website for more! Her main site is here: http://www.nicholev.com/. Honestly, if you get a chance you ought to take a look at her photography. It is AMAZING! I’ve been checking out her weddings one…and the photos are very unique.

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Better go to Bed

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So I think I am procrastinating going to bed. I watched Made of Honor one and a half times (after which I read on another blog that Project Runway Season 5 has been going on! WHAT!). On to that topic (yes, I am rambling), I decided to go ahead and watch on youtube.com episode 12 and just skip everything (I’ll watch it all when it comes out on DVD). I feel completely out of it because we have to rely on our blockbuster rentals to give us news of the outside world. Well, either that or my receptionist at work, Sarah (today she introduced me to the Veronicas). It’s because we get NO TV RECEPTION at this house we are renting. Lame-o! So, I am sadly behind on The Office as well. 
Done with the rant…Anybody else watching Project Runway? can you tell me if Kenly (Is that her name?) has been that annoying the entire first 11 episodes? 
Okay, other news, the digi nirvana sale ends on Saturday, so go and check out the 29 cent quickpages and 39 cent spooky alpha! 
Also pick up the new October Challenge Minikit! It’s of course, very halloweenish. I’m sure there will be a rant soon enough about how much I love fall and halloween, what my kids will be wearing, and so forth. I know you are just DYING for that rant (listen, please know that was sarcastic!)
Hope everyone has a fabulous Friday tomorrow!!!

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Things I’m Obsessed With

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I was just on decor8blog and Holly was asking what our obsessions are right now. I’ve actually been meaning to post a couple of things I love right now, so here they are:

I think this is the Univers font of silverware. The proportions are so beautiful and timeless. Modern, sleek, and classic! It’s from Crate and Barrel and called the Cirrus Set.

I found this doll on etsy. The link is:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=14182467. I think it is super darling.

This one’s from cb2.com. I’ve been in love with peekabo tables for a while. Other than budget, I have no idea how it would fare with my 1 and 4 year olds….I’m not sure it’s made to stand up to finger prints….but I love it anyway!

This one certainly is not for everyone. I LOVE Bertoia chairs though. I like the shape and design.

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What would you put in a Night time or Morning Video for your kids?

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So when I’m not working on Digi Nirvana (and a new website coming soon:)), I have this thing called a day job, lol. I’m a Communications and Event Director for an association. So this coming week, my first big convention that I have been planning is in Los Cabos, Mexico (yes, a tough life, I know). Anyway, it’s the first real time that we have been away from both of the girls. And it’s not just some mini-trip. It’s a WHOLE WEEK! I’m a tiny bit freaked out and every time I think of it, I think of something new that needs to be taken care of before we leave. Wait, it just happened again…I had to stop writing this post and make another note in my planner! So I have been procrastinating writing up the itinerary for the girls (need for such a thing because of preschool, relative switching, etc). Plus, my sister will be watching them for part of the time (SuiKim) and she’s never watched them before (you’ll be great, hon! I’m just a nervous wreck!) And of course, YOU know all your kids routines, but other people don’t so it is all very crazy! 

So headsup, not much blogging that week, but I will FOR sure get some pics and info up when I get back! 
One thing that we are doing, which I’m really excited about (and makes me less nervous) is creating video footage for each night and morning for the kids…fixing it up in iMovie and making a DVD for the girls. That way they get a book read each night from us and “I love you’s” in the mornings…and perhaps a count down for when we are coming home. Wondering if any of you have done this before…and even if you haven’t, what would you put in your bedtime and morning videos to your kids? 
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Public Service Announcement

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Okay…2 really. The first is for anyone who thinks they need website hosting. I had BIG problems with my previous hosting company. Whatever you do DO NOT use dot5hosting! They made everything a hassle and I sat on the phone for over an hour at a time (I think I left my phone on one time for an hour and a half!) just to speak to someone completely incompetent! Anyway, so I made the switch in June to this new hosting company (by the way, did I mention that the old hosting company LOST all my databases?, which is all of you had to create new logins at the store?). Thenew hosting company’s name is bluehost.com and I am doing another website (You guys will see it’s launch October 1st!) and the entire process to get the domain name, upload my shopping cart system, and do a redirect took 10 MINUTES! It rocked!!!!!! Thanks bluehost!!!!

Okay, the second service announcement is a bit personal, but I would feel like an absolute idiot to keep this information to myself. This is for all the mom’s out there! I first heard of the BioFit bra from my sister-in-law’s friend Lacy a couple of weeks ago. As it happens, I was looking for a bra and went to Victoria Secrets to find one. I just happened to try this one on…..OM Gosh!!!! It is heaven!!!!!!! I am telling you, if you have suffered what many of us breastfeeding moms have suffered, this bra is for you! It’s a bit expensive, but COMPLETELY worth it! Okay, done with all the talk that may make my husband blush when he reads this.

In other news, my daugher Siri has 4 new invisible friends….do any of you have kids with invisible friends? We’ve never experienced it before, but for the most part, it is hilarious! Two of the friends are brother and sister (Jack and Chelsea). They live in Minnesota and their mom drops them between Utah and MInnesota (we moved from Minnesota to Utah 3 months ago). She also has a BABY invisible friend named Caroline (same as her cousin Caroline who happens to be older than her). I think she likes invisible baby Caroline because she can tell her what to do (something that isn’t always the case with real life older cousin Caroline). Oh, and the last invisible friend is Sierre. Aparently invisible Caorline and Sierre are cousins. I didn’t think there was anything to analyze there, but now I’m looking at this and thinking is Sierre Siri’s alter ego?

If any of you have kids with invisible friends, I’d like to hear about it…I’m wondering how long this will last. I don’t think it’s a big deal (it’s actually pretty funny), but I’d just interested! Happy Friday everyone!

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Josh’s Surprise Party

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Okay, once again, I’m behind in my updates. I just need another hour in my day (preferably when the kids are asleep to get everything finished that I say I am going to finish hehee). So I was going to report on the surprise party I threw for Josh’s graduation (and for taking the bar).

After changing the date once (from July to August…and yes, the invites were already sent out and I had to call everyone back. Josh failed to inform me of a class he was taking on Saturday) and changing the time once (August 2nd at 11:45am got rearranged to 12:45 pm when Josh told me the NIGHT BEFORE THE PARTY that he had an MPRE class until 1pm—man, I was stressed!), we had a really great party! Josh was COMPLETELY surprised. It made it worth it because he was SO confused and then just happy!


My sister-in-law Taylor feeding Fliss a lime.


View from the other side of the table…lol


Two cousins with lollipops!


A photograph by Taylor

Siri bathed in gopher-colored balloons!

Thanks to everyone who came! It was so fun!

As for the store, there’s a new challenge minikit freebie on the homepage of the shop. In the forum, you can win gift certificate money by using the challenge freebie for layouts! Here’s the link to the forum challenges to see how it works. It’s easy and fun. Here’s a peek at the freebie:

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Make your Blog a book!

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So I was perusing digishoptalk today and someone posted a link I have been looking for! It’s a company that changes your blog into a book. The thing that I love the most about it, is that this sort of takes care of two birds with one stone. I can blog/journal…well, at least the highlights, and then get it into a family book! It makes me so happy! I like digi scrapping because I think it really captures the moments in our lives that are interesting and beautiful, but I tend to put a lot of “other” stuff on my blog…things I’m into, funny antidotes about the kids, etc.

So tired of me rambling about it, and just want the link….lol. Here is it http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook . Check it out and tell me what you think!

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Pioneer Day and Lola’s B-day Party

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In Utah, we have a Pioneer Day celebration on the 24th of July. I’ve never really celebrated it before (mostly because I only lived in Utah as an undergrad), but we had a great time going to the parade and having a bbq with friends and family. Here are some of the highlights:


water balloon toss with Liz and Caroline (me and Siri).


Felicity doing a lot of wandering around (and generally having a great time) at the bbq


My two angels! (Flissa has her bottle because she was almost ready for bed)



Siri’s obsession with Bob and Judy’s Sugar Plum Princess and fairy dolls (yes, she took these pictures)


Watching the fireworks


Making “snakes” (Siri’s favorite part!)

And because I have been a slacker (and didn’t post these ON Pioneer Day), I also have photos of Lola’s Birthday Party from last night. It was at Nate and Michelle’s house and was SO fun! The first part was outside…there was a huge wind storm that can in and blew away napkins, plates, chips…I even chased after a sack and got made fun of (I couldn’t really tell if I was going to really get it or not, so I kept stopping then chasing…you can imagine how ridiculous I looked).

I can’t believe Lola is 2! Happy Birthday Lola!


Felicity with flower in her hair and lay


The birthday girl!


Siri posing for the camera


Tim and Jack


I feel like this is the face I got from her every time I snapped a picture!


Baily and Lola

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Josh and Hey Jude

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So I’ve been meaning to post this picture of Josh and his big win. We were at the Millcreek Festival (organized by our good friend Aimee McConkie) and we stopped by the Zion’s Bank booth. Siri really wanted a soda…but anyone who stopped at that booth had to sing for a treat. So Josh being the good father that he is, asked what they wanted him to sing. They said they didn’t care as long as it wasn’t “Happy Birthday” (they were pretty sick of that one). So Josh sang, “Hey Jude.” The girls loved it so much that Josh was declared the official winner of the day and won this fun goodie basket. 

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Just a regular Ole Day

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These a couple of quick pictures we took this morning! I just felt like the girls looked so sweet this morning! (I guess I feel that everyday but I actually had the camera within reaching distance this morning).

Siri was insistent on taking a couple of pictures of me and Flissa. Not bad for 4-year-old with the light behind her subjects, eh?

Congrats on the winners in the Happy Place in the forum! Have fun with your free letters of love quickbooks!

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