wow wow wow!!!!cruising is the most fun ever!

okay, cruising is the life. The following post is going to be from my perspective (Leica) as everyone has so many stories to share with you!!!! A little teaser...

I will tell you a little about it as I sit with Jim in our hotel lounge watching the Las Vegas Nascar race. (we are race fans, and so glad to be sitting and chillaxing!) we spent the day touring around Miami, South Beach, Fort Lauderdale. It is a zoo. Spring Break has started and this state has been invaded by young people...EVERYWHERE.

so we started out boarding the cruise in Miami, and we sat on the boat looking at the sites. Everything in Florida is blue, beautiful and warm!!!! recognize this road??? watch CSI Miami? after the cruise Jim and I were let into this security area (I think the security guard didn't feel like working or must have thought we were famous (LOL!!!!)cause he lifted the security gate and waved us through. so of course we went in to look at the multi million dollar houses and yachts.  We were looking everywhere for Horatio and his new crime scene. 

anyways, this skyline was really neat. this is the part in the ocean where the cruise ships turn around. We had Jackie Ludlage, her mom & dad, Katharina Doyle and Deanna & Geordie Hutchinson with us as all side by side on our balconies enjoying the departure as we left port we all loved visiting together as we watched the land get farther and farther away. such a great experience with friends. I highly recommend it to EVERYONE!!!!! look closely at the photo below, do you see the building that has one whole floor that you can see through?? how cool is that? There are lot's of buildings down here like that.

the next few are going to be random shots, with a little explanation.

Laura Lees (aka Buffy-Jill's sister) riding the donkey. lot's of laughs had by all.

of course where do farm girls go for shore excursions?? well we go quadding of course!!! can't take us too far from the farm...BUT as I make a little fun about ourselves. WE HAD SOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!!! I definitely have about 30 pictures from this excursion!!!! LOL! but it was priceless. IT was so unique because the kids all come out to slap our hands as we drive by. they are fascinated about the tourists. however, this is not always a good thing as in Samana, Dominican Republic that we did this at, the kids skip school in hopes of getting money from the tourists. sad, education is sooo important.

we saw a waterfall, the beach, (quadding on the beach was absolutely fun, I would love to do that everytime I travel anywhere from now on. Are you in???

Look at Miss Jill, looking sexy 

Katharina Doyle (Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine publisher) took this photo. She has a brand new Olympus Camera that will "seam" together your photos so you can have a panoramic photo that you don't have to edit when you get home, it does itself on the camera in seconds.  Pretty darn awesome! This is a photo of St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands. We took a fabulous tour here with a group of about 16 of us. FUN FUN! Pretty island, with lot's of places to buy bling. however, if you get a good tour guide you can see the best of what the island has to offer.

In Tortola (british virgin islands) we hired the most awesomest local to just drive us around.   we saw the whole island and loved the sites! on one of the walls going down to the beach was a wall full of murals. absolutely stunning. this is just one of the 20+ photos.

In all the ports it was like a race to the pier. Cruise ships were always everywhere. and if you didn't get there in time you had to tender in on little boats, which wasn't that bad, kinda fun actually. so at Tortola, this ship pulled up beside us.how cool of a photo is this???

I don't know why but I loved taking different pics of our ship from all angles. I guess it will never get old. the exotic feel of cruising, the life, (you HAVE to join us in 2010!!!!)

okay, just a small selection of pics. Kyle Busch is leading the race, 27 laps to go, must watch the rest with Jim.  but keep tuned all the rest of this month for more pics.

keep in mind, if you were on this cruise, please send us your favourite pics to share with everyone. I have a goal...

TO SHARE PHOTOS OF EVERYONE THAT WAS ON THE SHIP WITH US. I want to see the madness, the excitement, the unique shots, and of course  the blue speedos. Brad, are your sharing yours with us???

until the next post. 

 

a little eye candy...

so the countdown is here. we leave in 2 days. can't wait. So I was reminiscing about our fabulous companies. we are blessed to have such fabulous support. so I thought I'd show you a few of my favourite layouts I've done in the past few years with some of our sponsors product. Look for new stuff after the cruise, we will have lot's to show. until then...

the above layout is one of my favourite ever. So simple, showcasing the awesome Hambly. LOVE the teal circles!!!! Then I added a little Luxe jotters for my journaling, their rub ons for decoration and obviously the fabulous Prism cardstock!




this layout, I spritzed and sprayed, multi colours of Glimmer Mist all over this layout. I used Prima felt for a border and loads of their flowers, Rose Moka papers layered and layered. Of course Clearsnap Colorbox ink!love that goodness.

• here is one full of Luxe patterned papers, ribbons, letter stickers and Prima flowers. (see a habit???)

• This one I did for Basic Grey's website a few years ago. I loved it. the picture is so full of fabulous memories. Basic Grey patterned paper & chipboard. Making Memories rub ons. They are still my #1 rub on ever made. Ranger glossy accents. great product!

• This is an assignment I did for the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine "all about me". Lots of Prima flowers. Ranger alcohol inks.

• this one is so fun! A mix of Hambly transparencies that go with any product line. In this case a2z. but the Luxe rub ons again.

• This one is created with all different colours of Clearsnap Colorbox Ink, the Scor-It board, Gelatins fabulous stamps. you will get to play with these on the ship!!!!!! yummy!

• This one I did for Stampin Up! It started out as a plain white sheet of paper, I used their stamps to layer and create a background.

• The Scenic Route paper is fabulous!!! They always have such great stuff. I also loved using American Crafts thickers for the title. such clear, well made alphabet stickers.

• here's another Rose Moka page.fun patterned paper and Prism cardstock.
  

• more Luxe pages, I have lot's of Luxe stuff, love their pp, rub ons,jotters. They are a fun colourful company.
  

• hambly rub ons are awesome for Halloween. they are simple crisp designs. artsy type and fun!!!
  

• Here are some Stix 2 projects using foils. I think you guys will get a chance to play with some glitter and foils!

• these Christmas balls show the foils too!

• Another Luxe...pp, jotters,rub ons

• This page is covered in Clearsnap Top Boss embossing powder, Making Memories rub ons (LOVE these!!!!)

• A oldie but a goldie using Crate Paper pp. Love it!

Jackie Ludlage and the Steven & Chris show

1, 2, 3 ays till WE leave! woohoo. I am soooo excited. but first I thought I'd tell you about an exciting thing happening tomorrow afternoon. We are very excited to have Jackie Ludlage & Katharina Doyle (editor/publisher) from Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine coming on the cruise with us. Let me tell you, they are a blast! LOVE them dearly!!!! Anyways, TOMORROW, Jackie is on the Steven & Chris show talking about scrapbooking. Tune in if you are available!

9 more days, 8 sleeps...

The time has sure has gone fast! Can you believe we set sail next Saturday??? awesome.
thought I'd leave you with a little photo to remind us how wonderful paradise is going to be!!!!
can't wait to scrap with you guys!
Leica

okay seriously I just can't stop blogging...

someone pull me away from the computer....please! haha just joking!

WE DON'T THINK YOU NEED TO BRING ANYTHING BUT YOUR BASIC TOOL KIT & PHOTOS, BUT IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO HERE IS MY HELPFUL LIST:

Basic tool kit:
camera & manual
pencil,eraser, ruler
black/brown journaling pens
favourite adhesives
your must haves, cannot live without.

items sponsors are GIVING you to keep:
marvy trimmer with interchangeable blades
scissors
bloom titanium knife
adhesive
patterned paper
loads of embellishments & treats!~


okay let's get done to the nitty gritty. This is exactly how I pack for events when I was pregnant (why did I say pregnant? because you CANNOT carry too much due to injuring your baby, so you have to pack much wiser. I got good at this since I seemed to be pregnant non stop for the last 5 years. LOL!!!)

I sit down and think, how many layouts do I realistically do on an average night of hanging with my friends? Be true to yourself. If you only do 4-5 , don't plan for 20 a night cause the cruise ship does offer LOT'S of fun stuff to tantalize you, WE are going to offer lot's of fun extras to do. you re going to want to mingle, laugh, go on adventures. So I look at my pictures that i want to get done. Pick ones that will keep you really interested in scrapbooking. if you always scrapbook chronologically maybe spice it up by doing some layouts that are from recent photos in between your older ones. This will keep your interest as well as giving you some recent memories to reflect upon, and new family photos to share with your new friends on the boat...everyone wants to talk and get to know their neighbors, whether it is chatting about your kids, husband, friends, pets, work, etc. Then I take those pictures, go to my patterned paper stash, pick papers I would probably use with those pictures. I do give myself a selection incase, but I DO NOT take 10-15 pages I might use. I take maybe 3-4. Then I go to my cardstock stash and pick my staples. black, brown, white and the a few extra for choice. I especially bring any "colours" that really match my photos. Then I go to the "embellishment" area. I pick out a few, but I DO NOT take too many of these. Cause I may need one 5 letter word of chipboard letters, and end up taking 2-3 different packages of chipboard letters. NOW I have just packed way too much. Instead take alphabets like " American Crafts thickers." They provide lot's of choice for less weight and bulkiness in the suitcase. Remember it is all about the bulk. do NOT bring bulk. I find that maybe I didn't bring something that I know would've been good on the page. I flip the page over and write myself a note, then I add it and finish the page when I get home. I don't ever take my albums, they for one could get wrecked, and 2 they are HEAVY! So I plan paper holders to hold my finished results.

So quick summary of what I said:

• plan exact photos you'd like to accomplish, and then bring a few extras.
• pick out your favourite patterned papers and cardstock , and then bring a FEW extras
• bring a few coordinating embellishments, especially things that take less space and weight. maybe use stickers, rub ons, bling versus chipboard, acrylic, metal. or be select on what you bring
• if you want to bring ribbon, ribbon maybe 14" of each colour, DON"T bring entire rolls. UNLESS you are making mini albums where you will use that ribbon throughout. I scrap pretty intensely and I have NEVER used a whole roll at a crop before.
• bring essentials like black/brown markers for journaling, your favourite cannot live without adhesive, but remember we have a huge Diamond level adhesive sponsor, so just keep that in mind...

Things I like to share between friends:

• acrylic blocks
• crop a diles
• staplers
• ink colours
  
• stamp sets
• multi coloured watercolours, pencil crayons, gel pens, journaling pens in other colours
  
• slice machines
• cricuts, etc
  
• magazines/idea books
• embossing guns/powder

items that will be available for use in classes & crops:

• westcott cutting mats
• scor-it boards
• acrylic stamp sets (even more from other companies than what I am bringing!!!!)
• a few acrylic blocks
• crop a dile
• a few stamp pad colours
• staplers
• a few random embellishments: flowers, ribbon, brads, etc

there is probably more, if you think of any please add to this list. Just keep in mind, you probably will not be using these items at all times, so why not share?

JUST KEEP THIS IN MIND, DO NOT TAKE ANY GLUES, SCISSORS ON CARRY ON, THEY WILL BE TAKEN AWAY!!!! I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE!!!!

Here's a few of the stamps I am bringing that you are welcome to use:
please click their links to see the images of the stamps

Stampin Up
Central Park-2 step stamping
Fifth Avenue Floral
Petal Pizzazz
Playful Petals
Flower Fancy

My Stamp Box:
Alphabets:
Lots of Dots
Letterboxes
Rough copy
Other:
Colorful Companions
He loves me
Seal it
Neighborhoods
All Year Round
Just add Notes
Your Story
small boxes:
Small greetings (small box)
Happy Birthday (small box)

Daisy Bucket
You & Me
Heart Seal
Loves Me
With Love
( There might e a few more surprises we were chatting about for stamps, but I won't know till Florida)

Magenta
There are a whole bunch of stamps here to play with:
15 different flowers in all sizes
5 leaf sets
3 art deco sets

Gelatins- this one I haven't receied them yet, so they might be a surprise! LOL! surprises are good.



Okay, hope that answers some questions!!!! If you have any more keep asking, love to help in any way I can!!!

Leica's optional classes

Leica here.... are you guys getting excited???? I just came back from my brothers wedding in Hawaii, it was absolutely fabulous. But it did put me back in check for airline rules. They really are cracking down on weight guys,. so please please don't bring the "extras". I know it is tempting, because that is how you scrap at home, but for real, the charges are pretty intense if you are overweight. so here is a few hints for you so that you feel more reassured that we are really providing the best experience as possible. So I thought I would tell you a few things that I will be using in my classes that I would love to lend you!

• stamps from a plethora of companies.
• blending wands
  
• mica pigment colour
• scor-it boards
• ribbon
• embossing powder
• ink
• crop-a-dile
• stapler
• edge distresser
  

This is just a few things I can think of, I know the fabulous Jill has treats up both sleeves for the crop nights too!!!! So don't worry, talk with your friends, or ask on this blog before packing so that everyone doesnt bring all the same stuff. heck if I can let the can out of the bag for a minute... LEAVE your scissors at home! I DARE YOU!!!!!! okay I better stop being a naughty girl and leaking the goodies, I might get in trouble, but seriously, LEAVE them!!!!LOL.


So here's a little more about my optional classes:

My " Let's make you the designer" class is very hands on using a range of different stamps from lot's of companies, having an assortment of stamps, such as flowers, abstract pictures, alphabets, I'm sure there is something that will meet your scrapbook needs. In this class we will start with totally white canvases, then we will go through lot's of different techniques on how to apply ink to create the background colours. Using many different stamps of your choices we will layer them over the background, learnng how to determine which ones should be in prominent colours and which should be subtle detail in the background. Taking the same stamps we will create embellishments that we will "colour" with mica pigment colours. This creates more intensity in the designs. When we are ready to assemble the project the real fun will begin. Break out those Scor-It boards! Have you ever tried these? Well I am going to show you ways to use them, no card making here, all creative design!!!! Then let's do some distressing, raising elements, this class is totally TECHNIQUES!!!!!Come create your own custom mats for photos. This whole project will be an extnsion of you. I guarantee that no 2 will look the same. This class is a complete continuance from Vol.2 & 3 of Canadian Scrapbooker Basics Series. Can't wait to see your masterpieces. Keep in mind there will be NO KITS available for this class, as it is exclusively hands on.


I am bringing all the different colour palettes so you will hae a great selection of colours.


Don't forget that in our classes we are giving so much extra product to play with. We want to make sure that you leave with an abundance of fabulous products!

My second optional class is really just playing with more patterned paper in one sitting than anyone knows what to do with. Come one, let's get those pages done, kicking it a little Leica style. Combining colours, different patterns, go crazy or stay in your comfort zone. I am all about YOU loving your page!!!! Create your own twists on my design.

Layouts, layouts, fabulous layouts!
Join our mission to create beautiful layouts, catch up with scrapbooking our favourite photos and learning new techniques! Do you have trouble wondering where to start when creating a layout, how to combine different patterned papers, or maybe you are looking for a new way to include multiple photos on one page? In this class, we will create 3 layouts in all skill levels. We will work with "negative" space, patterned paper layering, and a layout that has neat techniques with multiple photos. Just think... 3 beautiful completed layouts!!

I just received this week the gorgeous Daisy Bucket "Loves Me" line that we will be using to make a double page layout and Rose Moka sent me their papers to create a single page (however, I have a secret... There is soooooo much extra paper in this class that I designed more pages if you don't want the fun to end! tee hee. )for the same class too. So this week I am going to have so much fun preparing the kits!!!! So come play with me in this class as we dabble with stamps, ink, magic mesh, ribbon, buttons, LOT's of patterned papers, cardstock and flowers.






Keep in mind, that sign up for the classes is coming to an end soon. So if you want to take any extra classes make sure you don't leave it too long, because we are all busy cutting and kitting. Due to the weight issues we will only be making a certain amount of class packages so be sure to reserve yours today!!!! There will only be a handful of extra kits available on the ship.

the winner is...

Leica here, okay last week I ran a contest asking what type of layouts you guys enjoy doing, totally loved hearing the answers. My little guy drew Taranova for the winner, so when I get back in 2 weeks I will be sending you a prize! please email me your address, and if you would like a boy, or girl layout or generic, or maybe something specific! I am going to custom created so you can pretty much ask for anything!
my email is:
leica@canadianscrapbooker.ca

thanks!

things to do on our ship

okay does that look like fun or what??? Above is a view of some of the hot tubs. There is 6 public hot tubs on our ship. I'll tell you a secret, one night it was actually quite brisk and windy, and about 11pm Jim and I snuck off to sit in the hot tub. It was soooooo awesome. hot hot water, with the wind on our faces. watching the lights reflect off of the waves. yummo! But keep in mind the hours of operation, we did get in trouble. oops!
or maybe you'd like to do a little reading, they have a very resourceful library.
would you like to partake in Sunday service? They have a chapel on board. very gorgeous with a wall of windows.
or maybe you'd like to do some sports outside. This is lot's of fun. last year the ship even had huge chess pieces and shuffle board on the deck. Jim & I LOVED playing shuffle board at night, it was so cool, (it did feel a little like a premonition of how we might be still competitive when we are older,) but it was fun!!
or maybe a spin class is what you'd like. They have a huge fitness area, new equipment. check it out! they even have an outdoor track to take a walk/run.
This is the lap pool that is indoors, in the fitness area. Totally just for doing laps and fitness stuff. The lounging pool is on the top deck.
There are like 13 different places to eat on the ship. I dare you to try them all, you really don't have enough time! And it is really unique how they work. There is a handful of restaurants that are totally FREE, except for any liquor you would like. But then there are some that have a cover charge. For example, Jill, Heather, Jim & I went to Cagney's steakhouse (fantastic steak & lobster!!!!!!) and they had a "cover charge". So how this worked was you phone early in the week and book a sitting time, then you still get to choose absolutely anything off the menu, but you only pay the cover charge. So I had the steak & lobster, an appetizer,salad and dessert and I only paid the cover charge. It just gets billed to your room. So consider trying one of the fancier places. They are really worth it, and usually less people, and more intimate atmosphere. There are a lot of specialty restaurants too, like, sushi,asian, salsa, teppanyaki, italian, steak,and more. If you choose to never try the cover charge restaurants, there are still quite a few totally free choices, which are superior food too! And you know the coolest thing, you get to order an appetizer, salad/soup, bread course, main course, and dessert is all inclusive in every restaurant. granted the buffet one you choose anyways. But if you decided one night you wanted to try the creme brulee and cake, you can order both. wow! some girls did last year. I didn't as I didn't know they did this till the last day. Now you are probably thinking why on earth would you order 2 dishes. well this is why, either you are super hungry (just kidding) or you want to try something new. They DON'T serve the ssame desserts twice! They have so many new choices all the time, same with the appetizers, salads, every night, every restaurant is a new meal menu. So you will eat very luxuriously! And my husband is super picky about what he eats, and half the time he didn't even understand the menu, I felt like a translator. but he DID NOT ever get something he didn't like, and he tried new things. I was so proud of him!

Here is the spinnaker lounge, last year they had bingo during the day for everyone, but at nightime, children are NOT allowed. But they have different things every night, fun music to dance to, live bands, hypnotists, comedians and sometimes they play CRAZY adult games. No I did not partake in any, I am not sure if I know how to take my bra off without removing my shirt anymore...I am a mother you know.LOL! but it definitely will make you laugh harder than you have ever laughed in your life if they play these games again! The games were hilarious, and lot's f different ones. And Jim discovered this while I was in a class; but the next day they play a video of the night before that you can watch in your own room. They video tape the performances.
the outside bar was nice, caus eyou could just sit by the pool and have beverages of any kind, we sat with Jill & Heather as we were leaving the port, it was the best!!!!! So neat to watch us pull away from the dock.
oh and room service at absolutely ANY time of the day (24hours!!!!)was great. at no cost! free!!!!unless you ordered liquor. but we ordered breakfast in bed a few times, ate it onour balcony. Jim even ordered pizza in the middle of the night and said it was great.


are you thinking of maybe trying out some unique spa treatments?? I definitely am this time. Well check out this link to see a plethora of things to do. click here
maybe even test your luck in the casino. I do have to admit that my husband enjoyed himself one day here while I was teaching. He said it was GREAT! However, when I tried my hand at it one night, I was one of the kind people that felt I should donate my money to the ship...LOL! I wonder if they will issue a tax receipt...hmmm? just kidding. but I do admit it was fun if you like that kind of thing.
Oh and there is an internet cafe that you can purchase minutes and keep in touch with your family. (or blog like I did!I know I am highly addicted, but I wanted to share the awesome time we were having!!!)

So what else to do on the ship? Maybe Allison or Jill will post some things that they did last year. I know that we didn't get to do half the things cause you run out of time!!!!

okay, talk later,
Leica

Shore Excursions

So have you explored the shore excursions at the different ports? Well there is literally over a hundred choices between the 4 stops. I don't know how a person is to choose. The coolest thing is that NCL really goes the distance for these adventures, they are fabulous, well planned and safe. They offer so many different types of day excursions from shopping, site seeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran rides, speed boat rides, hiking, lounging at the beach, sailing, wow, this list goes on and on. I thought about showing you guys pictures for most of these events, BUT NCL has made most of them into little videos to watch to learn about, which is even better!!!!! So I am putting a few photos up for teasers but I really insist that you go and click on the links at the end of this post and watch some videos, they are really well done.

So the thing I would advise to you is this, really read the labels. Each excursion is classified in numbers and letters. They tell you LOT'S about the day. Whether it is age or weight restrictions, difficulty of physical exercise. All of these are things that you will want to know before embarking. So just make sure to read them through.

When it comes to the actual booking you can do it before hand, but if you don't decide now, you are able to book them ON the ship. They are extremely helpful.

So who's in for some adventures??? maybe we could take Allison's photo class WHILE parasailing, imagine the photo ops! just kidding. But I did Parasail in Cabo San Lucas last year while pregnant, and I will tell you iot was one of the BEST things I have ever done in my life, AND I felt incredibly safe the entire time. So have fun in choosing your adventures.

here's a few examples:
seal lion adventure
snorkel adventures

Whale watching tour
horse back riding adventure (Jill & Laura Lee, I'm thinking this is for you!!!!)
4x4 Jeep adventure
Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursion link: click here
Tortola Shore Excursion link: click here
Samana Shore Excursion link: click here
St. Thomas Shore Excursion link: click here

Can't wait to hear what you guys have planned!!!tell me, share with us, maybe we will want to join you!

ciao!
Leica