Happy Easter ~ 2013

Yesterday was all about good food and good times. 

XO

Cathie and Steve

Dear Diary, A few bumps, bruises and rip-offs are not going to get me down.

A few bumps, bruises and rip-offs are not going to flipping stop me.  Repeat.  Repeat. Repeat.  It has been a really hard couple of weeks.  Really hard....and even though I have cried my eyes out and pounded my fist over the past few weeks.....I am so grateful for my guardian angels and the support of the art & craft community.  I truly feel blessed to be in this industry and will continue my efforts with joy, pride and piss &  vinegar!

Dear Diary, Gussie (Gussy) Moran it was fun knowing you.

Gorgeous Gussie Moran

Gertrude Moran (Gussy) 

Sept 8, 1923 - Jan 16, 2013

A few days ago the world lost a Tennis great, fashion dare devil and someone who I would call an eccentric with a heart of gold.  Steve and I, were lucky enough to meet her and have her visit us once a week at our shop in Hollywood.  She was a treasure to us and we were to her.  We brought a little sunshine to her block.  A block that was a far cry from where she grew up in Santa Monica with an ocean view.

Dear Diary, BRING IT! We are so ready.

Pinch, pinch (just not my love handles)!  We got some really fantastic news today and soon, Steve and I will be able to share all the scoop.  Today started with a sobbing breakdown at my desk and ended with a high-5 and celebratory sushi lunch.  I knew 2013 was gonna be a roller coaster, I just didn't know it was gonna happen today.

BRING IT! We are so ready.

Cathie

Dear Diary, I have been waiting 10 years for 2013!

It's a reminder to myself that I am worth it.

I know it sounds kind of funny but it is 100% true... I have been waiting 10 years for 2013.  10 years ago I made a written promise to myself and that promise has hung in my office or studio since the day I wrote it.  I wrote the promise on 10/14/2003 after hearing a story from Jim Carrey.  It was never intended to be a 10 year goal or about making a certain amount of money....it was just a reminder to value my ideas, keep going, keep daring and to keep swinging my glittery bat. 

I had been a costumer for 10 years on film.  I did some amazingly fun films but was ready for a change.  I wanted to make a difference in the handmade and DIY world so I took the biggest risk ever and left my career to pursue a new dream.

Over the past 10 years that little promise has paid off ten-fold..... In TV world we did 104 episodes of Creative Juice on HGTV & DIY, A Halloween mini-series called Witch Crafts, a pilot for VH-1 and Craft Wars on TLC.  Steve and I opened a handmade boutique in Hollywood.  We have invented new products like Hot Glue Gun Helpers and items for Mod Podge.  We have were nominated for multiple Daytime Emmys.  I launched a successful Supply Shop on etsy and wrote four craft books.  Over the years we have personally employed over 50 people and that is something I am really proud of!

With all the "hits" we had our share of misses too!  So many that we can't even count them or even remember all of them.  But remember for me, it's the swings that count and the failures that I am most proud of because that means we are trying, going for it and daring to do it!

I can't wait to see what the next year brings!  2013 is going to be a whopper... Steve and I have something so big in the works that I don't really know how to wrap my brain around it. Our line of craft products for Mod Podge is getting expanded...and I LOVE the new goodies!!  Plus, I am launching a new line of ready-to-wear jewelry.  I am so excited that some of our swings are paying off.

2013 is also bringing us (me and Eddie) a BABY!  Yep, we are becoming foster / adpot parents. We are in the final stages of approval and by spring we will be a family of THREE!!!! Hang on world it is about to get wild!!!

Here is my formula for 2013 and every year!

do what you love

believe in your ideas

take calculated risks

make cold calls

juggle well with a smile

trust others

say NEXT to the naysayers

be proud of your failures

I hope 2013 brings you everything your heart desires.  Keep pushing yourself and keep believing in YOUR ideas.  You owe it to yourself.....you deserve it!

Happy New Year!

xoxo

Cathie 

Dear Diary, The house is silent without Max....

It's been one of those weeks.....when life jumps up and bites you when you least expect it.  Eddie and I are sad to say that we lost our beloved Max.  He was 17 years old and he will be missed greatly.  He was never really "sick"....he just started to shut down.  We are on day two of healing and we are starting to feel a little better.

I'll be taking a few days off and will be back soon. 

xo Cathie

"Elevator Moment" for me......I've been waiting a long time.

Not the awkward "your cute" you see in the movies....
Not the "oh crap....we are STUCK" you see in the movies.....
Not the "what floor?" I say in real life....

Working Girl.....1988 (the year I graduated from High School) "Elevator".....cue the Carly Simon.

I encourage you to take a swing too.

Feeling pretty lucky to get this glittered bat in the mail....{and the timing is perfect!}   I recently wrote about success and how I'm personally most proud of my failures because that means I am "swinging my glittery bat", going for it and taking risks.  You can read the original post here.  I had no idea the spark that blog post would ignite in people.  I have received so many letters and emails from folks who are getting up everyday and going for their dreams.  It has been amazing!  

This morning as I'm getting reintroduced to my desk after a big trip to HSN. I spot a long fed-ex tube near the printer.  It was a gift from a young couple from Oklahoma.  They are a two very talented people who are going after their dreams, following their passions and daring to risk.  You can imagine that I had no idea what could be in the tube but figured it would be cool knowing them.  As I opened the tube, it didn't take long for me to figure out that it was a glittered bat.  My grin grew wide and I picked up the bat and took a swing.

I encourage you to take a swing too.

XO

Cathie

Dear Diary: Really....not a good time...

UGH for a girl who likes control...today has been terribly difficult.  I'm due in Tampa for a live show at HSN beginning at 3am east coast time on Thursday morning.  That means arriving at 11-midnight for table display and makeup.  My flight is still messed up....

Dear Diary: Why I need to bring shampoo to the gym.

I joined a gym.

I hired a trainer.

They swiped my card.

It's settled.

I am doing this.

I am not dieting....I am getting strong.

{{I am doing this for many different reasons and a little vomit won't stop me.}}

Last week was my first time working with a trainer and it ended horribly embarrassing.  Trainer pushed me hard.  I was doing exercises that I never thought I would be able to do.  60 crunches, 60 squats, 60 lunges, 60 flying in the air things and 60 pull ups/downs while hanging.  I was dripping with sweat and feeling pretty good.  We were finished!!! I did it!!! It was time to stretch and shower up. 

I headed towards the stretching bench with trainer by my side and then it hit me....my stomach was turning.  I felt a little sick.  I turned to trainer and said "I feel sick to my tummy" - he said "get to the bathroom!"  I started to march off....fully confident that I would make it to the porcelain bowl.  Then it hit hard....and before I knew it, in the middle of the gym, I lost my breakfast all over my ponytails, my shirt, my notebook, my headphones and the floor.  It was awful.  Poor trainer looked so shocked and I just wanted to cry.  I began laughing and laughed all the way home. Me and working out were not off to a good start.

The next day, I was scheduled to do cardio at the gym.  UGH - the thought of going back was killing me.  I was praying that the girl who helped clean up the mess would not be working.  I was hoping that she would not remember me.  Who was I kidding?! Who would forget the redhead who lost her breakfast the DAY BEFORE.  I kept coming up with reasons why I didn't need to go.

And then I thought about who I am at the core.  I'm a girl who gets back on the horse.  I'm a girl who never gave a damn about what others thought about me as long as I am happy with me.  I'm a girl who doesn't back down over a little "lost breakfast." I'm a girl who can laugh at my most embarrassing moments. I'm a girl who needs to get stronger.  Yep, I'm a girl who needs to get her tush to the gym and that's what I did.

Today, was day two with my trainer and thankfully I didn't get sick.  Every time I winced, trainer would ask if I was going to be ok???  It was like we were playing a game of "will-she....will-she-not-get-sick?"  I did feel a little twisty-tummy after the work-out but I worked through it and now feel better, stronger and pretty dang good!

My Reasons.....

1. I need to get stronger.  Soon we will have a little one and chances are he/she might be a little bigger than a newborn and this mama's upper arm strength just sucks.  It is pathetic and has to change.

2. I want to eat and drink what I want and at age 42 that means balance and lifestyle alterations. I need more education about working out and I want to make room for fitness in my life.

3. I have a big project in January and I want to look my best for it.  I owe it to myself and to the people who believe in and are investing in us.

4. I want to get involved in classes for fun and friendship and to take my mind off of work.

5. I want to push myself and challenge myself in new ways.

Where I am today.......

Joined Crunch Burbank - August 24th
Weight 145 (I don't have a goal weight...looking for lifestyle change)
First day with Trainer - August 30th (Zocai sp? - he is awesome)
Second day with Trainer - September 4th
Learned that I need to add more protein to my diet - especially after working out.
Laundry, laundry and more laundry.  Working out is messy and stinky.

XOXOXO
Cathie

Dear Diary: Trusting

 
I am a firm believer in dreaming and doing.  Anyone who has followed my adventures over the past few years knows that about me.  Now, I am faced with trusting our team of advisers and even though that feels scary.....it feels pretty freaking good too!

I can't wait to share what lies ahead....and trusting that you will love it!

XO
Cathie

It arrived via Fed Ex.

I feel like a smitten kitten. We have been working pretty hard behind the scenes on a new craft line. It is pretty much a dream come true. Our first samples arrived and I squealed in delight. I wish I could share more than this picture of me holding the fed ex box...but I can't yet.

My Week in Pictures

I created a cookie monster..... Little Max is 14 years old and he sleeps all day long except for when it comes time for his mini cookies - then he acts like a wild teenager.

I wore this to a BIG meeting.  I have had this skirt for over 10 years and I still adore it!  The meeting went awesome and we are moving on to another round.

I baked with tofu....a first for me.

Steve and I crafted with our new product line.  It's been a long journey. They are coming soon to Michaels. It has been worth the wait. Proof that you HAVE to keep going for it, keep believing and keep swinging.

 Things got messy when I tie-dyed old bed sheets to make outdoor throws.  Love this color!!

We got the infinity fountain installed, bamboo wall up and  24 bags of river rock placed.  Full blog post on the makeover is coming soon!

Another Milestone: grieving

Today we donated my father-in-laws 1988 Cadillac to cars for causes.  He passed away two years ago and we had a hard time parting with the car.  He was on a restricted license due to his age - but he still drove himself to English class and to the community center every week.  He loved that car.

The car was fun to drive around. Driving her was like sailing on cement.  No doubt she was old....and she had a few problems. Like a failing AC and a crap radio.  We never let her bleed our wallets but we did extend her life with a few trips to our favorite mechanic.  

We knew this day was coming......

The old Caddie didn't pass smog and the tags expired yesterday. We made the swift decision to donate it and now 10 hours later...she is gone.

 We clipped the hood ornament and took her for one last spin.

We took turns driving through Griffith Park and went to Pop's final resting place at Forest Lawn Hollywood.

It was hard going through the trunk....we still had all of pop's fishing gear in the back. I found a rhinestone elephant in the glove box, a rosary, an evil eye and a book of matches from a casino.

He loved that car.
xo

Dear Diary, I am most proud of my failures.

UPDATE: since writing this post I have received so many letters, emails and even a glittered bat!  I am so grateful for the support and hope that our story encourages others to believe in their dreams and go for it!

Fingers crossed.....

Hopefully we will have an announcement soon!

I feel blessed to work in the craft industry! Not just because I get to make things (all the time) or that is perfectly acceptable to work in pj's all day with glitter on your face and Mod Podge on your clothes.

It is the artists, crafters and creative risk-takers that keep me inspired and keep me swinging my glittered baseball bat.  I love that the people are supportive and encouraging of each other.  I love that the people are authentic.  And, I love that the people respectfully learn from each other and grow with every brushstroke. 

Last year, I did an interview with my publisher {{Lark Crafts}} about my Crafty Enthusiasm.  Yesterday, I stumbled across the interview and realized how much has changed in just one short year. One response in the interview really stands out to me..... I was asked "what I was most proud of in my crafting career" and I responded... "So many things! My TV show, my books, my product lines, my failures and my dare devil attitude towards crafting are all on the top of the list for things I am proud of. If I had to pinpoint one thing I am most proud of, it would be that I have always made a living being creative."

Did you see that?  I said I was most proud of my failures. LOL.  Sounds crazy - but it's true.  Failures mean that I am swinging my glittered bat.  I have been asked many times about my success and I just now realized that having an idea, believing and taking a swing is the key to my success and creative happiness.

Steve and I, have been swinging so hard this past year and I think we are going to the World Series.  I know that no one will ever really know how many misses and strikes we have had.  Or how many glitter tears were shed.  I can tell you we had many misses....but I am counting the home-runs and staying proud of the misses.

Our Home-Runs!

1. We have a line launching in Michaels this summer that I could not be more proud of.  

2. A new show in development that would change food and crafts on TV.  

3. The craft room is half organized.

4. A craft show we helped produce is coming to TLC this summer.  

5. We stayed true to ourselves.

6. Hot Glue Gun Helpers are exploding at HSN and are being re-branded under Mod Podge.

7. We are developing ((two)) new top-secret lines for ((two)) major retailers.

Here is my formula....do what you love, believe in your ideas, take calculated risks, make cold calls, juggle well with a smile, say NEXT to the naysayers.....and be proud of your failures.

XO Cathie

p.s. I am off to find a bat to actually glitter and hang in the studio.

Cereal Marshmallows

A few years back I tasted this candy that reminded me of Lucky Charms.  It was given to me for free with a purchase from one my favorite stores in Pasadena...Lula Mae.  I love that they tuck a candy or goodie in your bag.  Ever since, I have been obsessed trying figure out what candy it was.  I even called Lula Mae to ask.  They had no idea what I was talking about.  I check every candy store and never see anything close to it.  I have googled and no luck.  Well finally today, I figured it out! Cereal Marshmallows Now I can rest. LOL

How I Met My Soul-Mate

What can I say, I love a good love story. I had one first (and only) date with my husband 13 years ago. I met my husband, Eddie, a few weeks before our first date at work. I think we were destined to meet. It sounds silly but the first time I saw him...I saw my life with him.

It was Eddie's first day and I immediately noticed him and it was not just because he was "the new guy." Lucky for me he noticed me too.

It was tricky though, I had an ex-boyfriend who had started calling and asking me out again. When I dated Mr. X, I was pretty smitten with him and really did not know how to handle him popping back up in my life after I was OVER him. He had crushed my heart before but now he was telling me that breaking up was a mistake and that he wanted me back.

I was juggling thoughts of seeing Mr. X again and the idea of maybe something happening with the cute "new guy." It was weird because I had a magnetic draw to Eddie and he was a total stranger. I was not sure how to process my feelings for a complete stranger. It is such an odd feeling...a draw that pulls you.

Over the next few days, Eddie tried many attempts at flirting with me, but for some reason I was not noticing his efforts. All the while Mr. X was leaving little notes at my door and calling.

Finally, Eddie made his bold move. I was wearing a red flower-printed dress and red Dr. Scholl's shoes...the wood kind that make tons of clack noises. In his last-ditch effort to get my attention, he approached me and asked if my shoes were comfy. He said, "I like those shoes. Are the comfortable? I was thinking about getting a pair." I was in shock and replied in a semi-snarky tone, "They are girls shoes." He stared at me and said nothing.

Then he got a huge smile on his face and he tried to recover. Then he blurted out, "Do you want to go out to dinner with me?" I froze. All week I had been thinking about him and the possibility of seeing him outside of work, and when he asks, I freeze up. The tension was cut short as a meeting was called.

All I could think was that I blew it. During the meeting, I crafted a paper airplane that had my phone number on it and I flew it over to him. He knew we were on and the date was set for Saturday. When I got home that night I checked my answering machine and I had a message from Mr. X asking me out for the same night. I politely declined and informed him that he was a day late and a dollar short.

Saturday, I was a ball of nerves. I got a new dress to wear and spent hours getting ready...I think back now and it all seems silly. Eddie picked me up with a rose in hand and we went to a jazz dinner club, where we dined on delicious food and listened to music. After dinner we headed over to The Lodge for a cocktail.

We stood under the carved red light and he leaned in and kissed me. It was as if no one else was even in the club. The chatting voices became silent and the faces were as still as a painting. It was just us....and Mr. X! Yes, Mr. X was sitting in the booth next to us, but we were so caught up with each other that I never noticed him.

When Eddie walked me to my door he asked me for a second date for the following weekend and I was elated saying yes. I just knew he was the one. I just knew. Wednesday morning I became very sick and had to miss work.

I was green, I was sick, I was a mess. By Thursday it was worse and I was beginning to feel like I would not be well by Saturday for our date. I called Eddie and told him about how sick I was and that I worried I would not be better by our date. He asked me what kind of movies I like...ya know, romance, thriller or comedy? He asked if I had food. He asked if I needed medicine. And then he told me he wanted to bring me some soup.

I almost passed out. I was green and looking like a monster. This was no way for him to see me...we had only been on one date! About an hour later Eddie arrived with a bag of movies (every genre was covered), a bag of groceries and homemade soup. I couldn't move from the sofa, so he brought me a tray with soup and we started watching movies.

For the next three days, he kept me hydrated and fed. We played cards and told each other our life stories. He slept in the chair, keeping watch over me while I slept on the sofa. After that he never left...we moved in together the week of November 6th, 1999, after one date. People thought we were nuts...but we knew better. We were soul mates that were destined to find each other.

xoxoxoxo Cathie

Cooking Mini Quiches Cured my Blues

Mini Quiche makes me SMILE!

Today was my first day off in 12 days and I was in need of major retail therapy, some time in the  kitchen and a good movie.  Thankfully a shopping trip to Target yielded a tube of Tom's of Main Toothpaste, an awesome mini pie pan from Wilton and a neon pink bangle bracelet. 

My Week in Pictures

Went to Hollywood and got inspired by the palms.

Prepped a bunch of Zipper Flowers for my next video shoot.

 Got my hair cut.....3 inch off!

 

 This bloomed in the front yard!

 Scored these cuties for my sissy's baby shower!  I have no idea what I am going to do with them.  Thinking about stocking them at the supply shop cause they are sooooo cute!

Loved the rain and stormy clouds in LA this week.

Read this and packed it in my carry-on for my trip to HSN.

Baked PUMPKIN MUFFINS!!  So yummy. 

Working on a recipe - will share soon.

My Week in Pictures

This bloomed in the backyard. 

My favorite shade of PINK!

Grandma Bush's "Fork and Spoon" were hung in the kitchen. 

They are huge!

We bought this camera! 

More project videos are coming your way!

 Sneak Peek: Crafted this set for Mother's Day projects for Plaid. 

Made with Mod Podge and DCWV paper.

Organized my ribbon stash!


Another shoe score...$25 at Target.

Baked these goodies as gifts.