Christmas, Christmas and more Christmas!

So much has been going on over the last little while that I've been neglecting my blog, but I've been enjoying life and taking pictures so I can share. The Christmas season is a wonderful time to celebrate and spend time with loved ones and I been doing just that.

So here is my "share" for today...

Veronica, Kelly and I started a new Christmas tradition last year of going to the spa to spend some quality time together and this year we thoroughly enjoyed a whole day at Ste. Anne's Spa in Grafton, ON. It was my third time visiting and every time I'm always sad to leave.

The three of us spent the morning enjoying the outdoor, yes I did say outdoor, and indoor hot tubs, the steam room and the sauna. After working up an appetite (ha, ha) we enjoyed a delicious lunch in the dining room - you can even wear your robe to lunch, but we opted for our lululemon pants (surprise, surprise - they are the best pants EVER!).

After lunch it was time for our spa services. Veronica and I both tried out a new offering at the spa called the Chakra Balancing massage. We weren't really sure what to expect, but afterwards we both agreed that it was FABULOUS!!! It was a combination of massage, reflexology and energy work - a great option if you are going to Ste. Anne's just for the day and want to try out a couple of the services they offer. I didn't want to get off the table at the end of the hour session - I was sooooo relaxed and very tempted to just drift off to sleep. To be honest, I think I may have for a few moments!!!

Naturally after working up an appetitie again (ha, ha) we returned to the dining room for afternoon tea. What a delicious afternoon! There was a selection various teas - I had pear something or other which was very good - and there were scones with cream and preserves, brownies, cheese with crackers and grapes, cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon rolls, cookies and more. I would go on, but I am making myself hungry!!!

Next we headed off for our group meditation class. So I knew this class would be relaxing, but with the pillows, blankets, dim lighting and music, how was I not supposed to fall asleep?!?!?!?!? At least my friends didn't have to wake me up at the end of the sesssion - cough, cough, Kelly!

Thanks Kelly and Veronica for an amazing day! I'm definitely looking forward to continuing the tradition!

To the rest of you reading this entry, I definitely recommend this spa if you have the chance to go. This place is amazing! Check it out http://www.steannes.com/

Christmas is coming....

Can you feel it? I sure can.

A Creative Weekend

There is a drive inside of me to create and this weekend I was lucky enough to do just that with some amazing women.

Saturday I spent the day scrapping while being distracted by laughing, shopping and eating muffins & fruit salsa - I blame the snacking on the chef - thanks Lori!!! Your treats were delicious.

During this time, I added a few more pages to the mini book I created at the TSF retreat. Here's a peek at my "award-winning" mini book. LOL.

Last week I also designed a Brizezilla and Bridesmaidzillas layout that definitely captures some of the fun we had getting ready for Sonia's wedding this past September.

On Sunday, a few of my friends from university and I continued with our yearly tradition of baking and decorating Christmas cookies together. I was a little disturbed that we were doing this in November!!!! but managed to have a wonderful Christmasy time anyway. They even made me listen to Christmas music, which I typically refrain from until December 1. Don't get me wrong, now that it is December I am fully happpy and prepared to start celebrating the Christmas season, but November was pushing it! LOL!

Brian and I nibbled on the cookies on Sunday and Monday evening and then my coworkers got to enjoy the rest on Tuesday morning - welcome to December!

Retreat in Grand Bend

140 crazy women, 6 delicious meals, 2 spa visits, too many prizes to count, endless scrapbooking ... one fabulous weekend!

Upon our arrival at the inn, Veronica and I rushed over to the spa to begin our weekend truly relaxed. We were lucky to arrive just in time for our appointments despite our slight "detour" on the way to Grand Bend... I didn't even know a town named Seafoam... I mean Seaforth existed and now I can say I've been there! LOL! Our luck continued with our accomodations as we were randomly selected to stay in one of the 2-bedroom cottages for the weekend... equipped with living/dining room, full kitchen and even a fireplace. As fun as sleepovers can be, I think we both really enjoyed having our own bedrooms... especially since I didn't go to bed on Saturday "night" until 5 a.m.

I must have been so pumped from my table's group challenge win that I had enough energy to scrapbook all night. If anyone can provide inspiration, it is the the fairest scrapbooker of them all... the third scrapbook friend that we created that night!

I was doubly lucky the next day to win the product challenge with "my scrap family" mini album. If you want to see a hiliarious picture of the runway walk I took with my prize, you've gotta check out the Two Scrapbook Friends blog - LOL!

Thank you to everyone who made the 2SF retreat in Grand Bend an amazing one!

Let's reveal!

Here is my layout for Sketchabilities this month. The photo was taken this summer in Huntsville and the lovely lady by my side is Sandra, a friend who also used to be a coworker of mine many moons ago. I am so glad that Sandra and I have kept in touch, she is a wonderful person and despite our age difference we are definitely "two peas in a pod."

Be sure to check out the Sketchabilities blog to see what the rest of the team created this month!

Sketchabilities Reveal Day!!!!

Tomorrow is reveal day at Sketchabilities. Be sure to drop by to check out the team's layouts.... I can't wait to see what everyone created!!!!

It's reveal time!

It's reveal day at Two Scrapbook Friends and I am honoured to be featured as a guest designer this month!

Here's a look at my creations using this month's kit, which featured the Basic Grey Indian Summer line. Please visit the TSF online gallery to leave some love for all of the talented designers on their team! Once again, they have created some beautiful creations!