Cosmo Cricket

News Flash: Dr. Lindsayburgh and Dr. Juliestein conducting Chocotology experiment at CHA

Tomorrow morning before the rooster's start crowing, two amigos and one amigette will be boarding a plane headed to CHA. We love CHA! Everyone at CHA are our friends. Having friends is important to us and when we make a friend we make them for life.

This year we are doubly excited! We get to work with some of the best people that you will ever meet. There's Rana who is brilliant. She is committed to making sure that we are bringing out great products that customers will be happy with and that everyone is taken care of.

Then there's Sarah, who when I'm in trouble, which is a lot, she bails me out. I like talking to her on the phone because there are no crisis's that can't be fixed. 

Laura is my new boss. She lives in Texas and has that Southern charm. She makes me feel important and smart! We have never met, but she told me she can't wait to meet me. She may someday live to regret saying that and should be careful what she wishes for.

Scott who is the Sales Manager that takes care of our products internationally and some domestically, is a great guy. My nickname for him is "Cropper Hopper Man." AlGore I heard invented the Internet, Scott created something far more important, The Cropper Hopper. In my mind he's kind of a Super Hero. He sent me an email today asking if I was ready for CHA. I told him I was and that we were going to have a blast. He sent me an email back saying he was glad I was part of the company. That was so nice! It gave me that warm feeling that you get when someone does something for you that is not expected. It was out of the blue.  I would take a bullet for him or buy him a pack of life savers. :)

I haven't forgot Erica, She is the V.P. of Craft and Hobby. When I don't know who to go to, I go to Erica. I always ask if there is someone else I should be contacting, she always say's "no" and that  I can go to her. She's very dedicated as are all of the people that I mentioned.

There are others that are coming that we haven't met, but were super excited to!

In other CHA news, we have a new booth (booth #1348), we have amazing show specials (it was Rana that gets credit for this), and were giving away bags that Eric designed. This is cool because Eric has designed some super fun art for some major companies outside of this industry and is really making a name for himself. You're going to love the bags!

Not only are we giving away bags, but Julie has promised that anyone who comes to the booth and uses a "Faux-swear word", she will give them a hug. ( see Wednesday January 25th blog) You need to know, this in many ways is greater than the bags because Julie is not a hugger and wouldn't even hug me at my daughters wedding. I hope she's hugging all day everyday.

 According to Julie, one rule, you can't use the word " Holy Glubers". It's already been taken. :)

And then there's our great new collections. Evangeline is Queen, Tea for Two "is just for you", Baby Jane, "it's right down your lane", and 23 is a "must see".

Speaking of a "must see", our friend Heidi has been one busy scrapbooker. Take a look!

I almost forgot, and this is important, the famous and world-renown scientists, legends if you will, DR. Lindsayburgh and Dr. Juliestein will be conducting a scientific experiment with a group of stores on Friday.

 I hear it's going to be interesting!

 

 

CHA, Demos, Interviews, Oh My!

(Card by Debbie Olson)

Holy Mostaccolli, I had a fric-fracken good time reading all your blippity-blip-blip comments yesterday! I nearly laughed my arse off.... but not quite, the big thing is still hanging around dagnabit!

I had Ethan read yesterday's blog entry. Then, I asked him what swear words he uses. (That's how tricky mom's get the truth, you just act as if you know the truth already!). He is almost too smart for me though. He replied that he is really good not to swear..... around people.

When I pointed out that he didn't really answer my question, he came clean with, "Well Mom, like father, like son."

I made him smile by exclaiming, "Holy Shiiiitttttake Mushrooms!" Then I threatened him with his life if he ever let his Grandma hear him say it. (I'm already on her black list!)

Yesterday actually turned out great. It seems that using made up swear words as a greeting everytime Lindsay calls really can make one feel better! The phone would ring, I would identify his cell number on the caller ID and pick it up with something like, "What the free willy, do you want to talk to me about now?!"

I have concluded that a good sense of humor in stressful situations may be just as much of a relief as a good four letter word!

So, since this is our inside joke, if you are going to be at CHA, please greet me with your best made up swear word! If you make it crafty, you get extra points. For example, kiss my buttons or what the ric-rac!

I'll be hanging out at booth 1348 demoing all my Gluber techniques, teasing Lindsay and have a great time showing off the brand-spankin' new booth and lines!


In other news, I will be interviewed by Pat Sloan of American Patchwork and Quilting Radio on Monday! If you're not at CHA, tune in to hear it live at the following times:

4pm - 5pm Eastern
3pm - 4pm Central
2pm - 3pm Mountain
1pm - 2pm Pacific

Honestly, I'm a bit nervous about it because I seem to always say whatever it is I'm really thinking... even when it's silly. I know, I know, you guys have never noticed that about me before! Promise me this, even if you can't listen, have a "good luck, Julie" thought in your head for me!!!

 

 

Oh my Heck!

(Layout by Heidi Sonboul)

Today was one of those mornings, like so many lately, that I wish I knew how to swear. You see, I grew up in a very conservative home. A home where tank tops were scandalous, carbonation made a strong drink, movies were PG and the harshest language spoken was "Nell's Bells."

In fact, I have heard my father swear once. It was the night before my wedding day as he was balancing precariously on a ladder while my mother directed him in the ways of making a chandelier sparkle. I have never heard my mother swear. EVER!

But sometimes, I think swearing could do a person good. Is it really healthy to keep in such frustration? Is self control beneficial, or would letting an appropriately timed, four-letter word slip my lips make me feel better and reduce my level of stress? I don't know, but on days like today, I start thinking about conducting some experiments!

I am simply not convinced that the curse-replacements I have learned are strong enough to alleviate the emotional frustration of some life experiences.

In Utah, it is very common to hear the following:
Oh my Heck
Dang it
Gosh darn it
Oh my goodness
Freak
Shoot

In our house, we are much more clever except for Eric who likes one particular four-letter word for every swearing occassion! His word of choice starts with SH and rhymes with fit. He says limiting himself to just that word is self-control.

Some of the phrases we have used include:
Holy Cat's Pajamas
Swearword, swearword, swearword
Shitake Mushrooms
Clean up this SHhhhtuff
The whole Famdamily
Snap
Oh my... followed by silence when my self control kicks in
What the... followed by silence when my self control kicks in

So tell me, do you swear? If you do, does it help or hurt? If you don't, what do you say instead? How do swear words become swear words anyway?!?!?

What the freak does this blog post have to do with Cosmo Cricket anyway, gosh darnit?!

Ghosts of CHA past and Lessons Learned

CHA has always been an extremely exciting time for us Cosmo-nuts! Why Cosmo-nuts? Because seriously most days we should be legally institutionalized (Julie thinks I'm speaking only for myself but I and my other 6 personalities know that it applies to all of us here).

For those of you who are not familiar with CHA, it is the Craft and Hobby Associations Trade show that occurs 2 times a year, in January and July.

It's in Anaheim next week which I know is "the happiest place on earth." It's a giant family reunion where people get to see some amazing stuff!! These events are a ton of work but very rewarding. "Why?" Because we get to show new product that were really excited about, meet many of our friends that we have known for years, meet new friends, have some really great dinners, and have almost too hard to believe experiences. To believe it, you had to be with us, right Natasja?

Like last year, when just like something out of The Borne Ultimatum movie, right before our very eye's, a small station wagon loaded to the top of it's windows with bean sprouts, got side swiped, twirling the car around, and bean sprouts flying everywhere. We saw the whole thing happen and missed being involved with it ourselves by mere seconds and a few noodles. When the paramedics arrived they said that the driver of the beansproutmobile may have well saved his own life because the bean sprouts took most of the impact.

Lesson- Air bags have nothing on beansprouts and you should always have your movie camera on!

Or the time we were in Orlando and we decided after setting up our trade show booth (which is a monumental task in itself) decided to take the afternoon and go to Cocoa Beach (Yes the same place that Major Nelson found Jeannie). A fight broke out between two highly uneducated and inebriated 20's something punks who decided they needed to see what two guys, one in his 50's and the other in 60's could teach them. Let's just say that the two young guys got a well deserved education that day. You might even say that they got the beer beat out of them. :)

Lesson- Always bet on the old guys and watch more "I Dream of Jeannie."

There was also the time, which I'm a little ashamed to admit, where the line for people to get into the show was super long. Because we are manufacturers they let us right in and make everyone else wait until the pre-determined time. We as a Cosmo Cricket management team decided it wasn't fair to make our good friends wait, soooooo we would take a few people from the line, instruct the un-suspecting security guard that it was okay to let them in because it was a "1067". "Whats a 1067", you ask?

Um.............It's a number.......That sounded kind of official..........Not just to us....But also to the security guard. It was so official that he let us and our new found friends through. It was about 4 hours later he found us and told us not to do it again. We said we were sorry and gave him some Buck Naked Chipboard. :)

Lesson- Everyone likes getting naked including Security guys and this blog was brought to you by the number "1067" :)

I am the kid in the Candy Shop at CHA! I love it and love more than anythinig the people! Wish all of you could come , I really do!

Since you can't, we thought we would show you another layout for our booth from our new Evangeline Collection. Courtesy once again of Heidi Sonbul. I love it!

Lesson- Heidi is super talented and so are you. Go out and buy Evangeline :)

We love you guys!

Twenty-Three, Smarter, Robins

I think I did get smarter over the weekend even though I can't take credit for this simply marvelous layout by Heidi Sonboul. But, I did beat Lindsay in Words with Friends by more than 60 points!

We have now started a new game. He thought he was so clever when he scored big with "naked." However, did you know nakeder is a word? I didn't until I tried it. I mean how can one be more than naked? But it landed the "r" on a triple word spot, so now I am quite a bit ahead again. He says it because I drink coffee and he doesn't, giving me the cup of Joe edge!

Also over the weekend, I planned to get some crafting done. It didn't happen. However, I did sit and watch these cute little robins outside my window most of Sunday morning. If I can carve out an hour or two, I can't wait to use these photos with Evangeline.

Becoming a Genius / Baby Jane Card

It's fun Friday! Today for our fun little get together, Eric, Lindsay and I spent about thirty minutes at a local cafe discussing my latest fascination.... the brain. (I call Lindsay my girlfriend, he calls me Cliff Claven because of my ability to rattle off weird statistics and information.)

Newsweek has the most interesting article on raising one's IQ with 31 tips to make yourself smarter. Did you know that dark chocolate may improve memory, cutting yourself off from your smart phone on occasion is good for your brain, memory games may boost overal intelligence and coffee makes you learn things faster.

Scientists have now shown that people can increase their IQ's by as much as 21 points, or lose their mental prowess by as many as 18 depending on how well they are caring for their grey matter.... when you say you are losing your mind, it could actually be true!!! We SAHMs really do need mental stimulation.

But stimulation isn't the only necessity. Rest is vital. Taking a nap helps you learn better whatever it was you were practicing or studing before the nap. Meditation can help the brain become more creative.

So, this weekend, I plan to take a nap, drink some coffee and turn my email off. On Monday, I'm pretty sure I'll be a genius!!!

If I am, you will see me designing cards like Debbie's.

Evangeline Card / My Girlfriend, Lindsay

Take a look at this super-romantic and beautiful card by Debbie.


Boy, I wish I could make cards like her!

In other news...

I have often teased Lindsay about being my "girlfriend." It all started a few years back when I was shopping at Target. I was having a business-related conversation on my cell with Lindsay as I wandered the sales racks.

Suddenly I had to interupt the work-talk with a question, "Lindsay, do you think I look good in Navy because there's a sweater that's kind of cute." As I finished asking, a passing shopper leaned over and said, "Aren't girlfriends the greatest!"

As far as girlfriends go, I have to say Lindsay has made a pretty good one! True he sometimes makes me furious with male comments regarding women... which I always respond passionately too with something like, "You're a MANN (it's a four letter word in this setting) you will NEVER understand!" True, he takes a grandparent role with my kids spoiling them rotten with candy right before dinnertime. And also true, he would rather talk sports than Anthro sales which is a problem because I know as much about sports as he knows about shopping. One more little difference, there can never be spousal complaining. Sure it's fun to vent about husbands with the girls, it is not fun to hear them vent about us and they don't like hearing our side any better!!!

Now that he's taking on the Mr. Mom role at his house, I told him he needed to borrow a few kids and join the playgroup circuit, get together with the coupon clippers or the morning walkers and join the recipe exchange.

So, here's the latest recipe I tried to talk him into trying. I promised that it's really good. I didn't grow up eating anything remotely similar to squash (my mother hates it) but I love this. If you like butternut squash please enjoy! If you're not sure, give it a try!!

Sweetly Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash cut into cubes (I buy it this way at Sam's, but you can do the work yourself. You're looking for around 3 cups.)
1 Apple diced
1/2 Red onion diced
1/2-1 C Chopped Almonds
1 Tablespoon melted butter
2 Tabelspoons pancake syrup
Salt and Pepper to taste
Feta Cheese if desired

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix everything except the Feta Cheese together. Spread on a cookie sheet and place in the oven. Bake until squash is soft, about 20-30 minutes, turning every so often. If you like Feta cheese, sprinkle some on top when you dish it up. It's soooooo good!

Lindsay's Ephiphany- "He's becomming Julie!"

I have never really ever worked primarily from home and lets just say, it has it's rewards but also it's challenges.

My wife has decided to return to college and finish her education. (Julie thinks that the timing of me coming home to work and her going back to school is more than a coincidence.) Now what would ever make her think that?

I am not only her number #1 fan, but also try really really hard to show support in other ways. I'm the first one up in the morning so I usually go and start a batch of laundry, then empty the dishwasher, and straighten up the house while she's getting ready.

Because I know how important it is for her to have the brain power and energy to make it through the rigors of college, I make her a healthy breakfast and lunch. Today she had oatmeal with Craisins for breakfast and Dark Hot Chocolate for her to drink on her way to school.

For lunch, straight from the kitchen of Lindsay, a tossed salad with pickled beets, olives, celery, shredded carrots, radishes, and tomatoes with Lite French dressing, accompanied by a small dish of peaches, an orange, and a Chipotole Moo cheese wedge. I refuse to let her eat like college kids eat!

Then at 8:40AM, I hurry her little self out the door to make sure that she gets to school on time.

In the afternoon I usually talk to Julie for a few minutes and ask her what's she's having for dinner and to give me some ideas. We usually talk about the yummy meal that she created the night before and she always gives me hints on what to make. My mouth literally salivates when she tells me what they had.

Yesterday while on the phone with her I asked her what day it was. I thought it was Thursday, she told me it was Tuesday. I thought it was the 12th she corrected me by letting me know it was the 17th.

The other day she called and I was so busy working I thought it was 10:30 in the morning and she said "Ah Lindsay it's  3:30". I noticed that I hadn't showered and was still in my pajama's. Seriously!

Is it just me or is there a pattern here?

Straightening the house

Obsessed with healthy lunches

Worrying about her making it to school on time

Not knowing what day of the week it is

Not knowing what the date is

Loosing track of time

Going over recipes (tonight super yummy beef stew)

In my PJ's and un-showered at 3:30 in the afternoon

HOLY CRAP!!!!!

Do you see what's happening to me? These are the exact things that I made fun of Julie for doing!

Now If start designing fantastic scrapbook products or bribing my wife that she can have school lunch to get her to go to school, lord help us all.

Speaking of scrapbooking. Here's another little something from Debbie Olsen using our new "Tea For Two collection:

 Have a great day and thanks for following us!

 

 

  

Twenty-Three Card & Motivating Children

The following card featuring Twenty-three was made by the amazing Debbie Olson.

On another note, Jack and Abby are grumpy this morning. Jack doesn't want to go to school. Abby doesn't want her hair combed. And world war four nearly broke out in the Comstock house.

It's times like these when I think back on the many methodologies of motivating children that I have read about. Is bribery really that bad? And, when that doesn't work, how about corporal punishment? Maybe the child psychology studies are wrong and it really is a necessary evil???

As my mind was contemplating the worst possible "consequence" to threaten my children with.... No friends, No TV, No Ipod. I discovered a motivational technique unmatched by any other I've attempted in my 14 years as a parent. It went like this, "Hurry and get ready and I'll let you have school lunch."

Yes, that's technically bribery, but it worked way better than any bribe EVER!

Those socks that were feeling wrong and causing tears are fine now.

The too-tired child is happily bouncing through halls brushing her hair.

It's AMAZING!!! Who knew!!!

There is one drawback however... For this technique to work, you will have to have made healthy lunches for 3-4 consecutive weeks including a high percentage of vegetables and weird "grown-up" foods like hummus and pesto.

Cosmo Cricket CHAW 12 Sneak Peek

It's what you've been waiting for. ALL THE GOODS!

Let's start with Tea for Two. My favorite thing about this line is the linen texture in each of the papers! By the way, my sister Becky of Ravenberg Photography took all the photos featured in my layouts. The first are of my nieces, aren't they sweet?

Maybe you want something a bit more graphic. Let's turn to the artistic stylings of Eric who designed this ultra-cool line, Twenty Three. You'll notice his modern 60's design influence with a bit of vintage flair. (FYI: This layout was made with "proofs", not actual product. The color is off a bit and the actual papers will look more like the images below the layout.)

If you are expecting a little one and feel like getting your domestic goddess on, then Baby Jane is perfect for you. Even though I am featuring my sister's baby on the layout, this line's paper designs are versatile enough for almost any photos.

Or, maybe you're a romantic. And what with Mother's day and Easter coming up Evangeline's spring motifs may just sweep you off your feet. By the way, this layout features one of my favorite photos Becky has ever taken. It's shot on a rooftop in downtown Salt Lake.

Here's some things I'd like to bring to your attention that are new and different for us.

Element Decks Think of our Element sheets done as, well, a deck. Each line has one. Each one contains 24 sheets that are ALL unique! Each line's shape is a little different. They are super fun for cards, layouts and journals!


Washi Tape I like this better than any other adhesive! There are two different patterns in each package. One set works with Evangeline and Twenty-Three which share two colors in common. The other set works with Baby Jane and Tea for Two.

Stacked Stickers These make doing layouts so easy, I almost felt like I was cheating! Fun embellishments, pre-cut, stacked with foam adhesive, embellished with bling... what's left for me to do??? Just peel and stick!

You already know about our mini decks, but now they are printed on an even heavier weight paper.

Our cardstock are just the same, FSC certified, double-sided and beautiful. The following pattern is one of my personal favorites!

Our cardstock stickers are even heavier and have more precise cutting.

The chipboards are back in 6" and peel and stick just as good as ever.

It's all so much fun, I can hardly stand it!!! By the way, there are many "behind the scenes" friends that deserve a big thanks for all their help in getting our work produced, but especially Tracey and Bryan. If you like the new items and features, they are the two to thank!

If you own an independent store and have any questions, Lindsay is your man. Feel free to contact him with anything you need and he will take care of you, as always!