Wednesday, May 5, 2010

A little bit about my Reflections trip...

I made it back from the Reflections event in California late Monday evening. Boy, was I exhausted after being gone for 5 days ~ but in a totally good way! Seems like you always need a vacation from your vacation! It was everything I had hoped and more. The event was so much fun, so much work, but I loved every minute of it, and Karen and Susan really put their hearts and souls into making every detail amazing. I had the best teacher assistant, Ly, she was awesome. Our first class was a little hairy, but after that I think we managed to get right on track to how we wanted to present the material and Ly was wonderful - so much help, loved her! I am super shy in real life, I think everyone who met me can attest to that, but I think they had fun with the project and techniques. lol When I created the mini album, I really wanted to teach some new ideas and things that nobody had done before, so one of the things I came up with was a new kind of "crocheted" flowers (lovingly we called them "faux-chet"). I'll be posting how to make these soon. Here is the mini that we made. And you can see ALL of the rest of the inside photos HERE in my 2peas gallery.
One of the highlights of my trip was getting to meet everyone and my roomie, Katie Watson. She is the sweetest, most down-to-earth person. Very genuine and the kind of friend who would do anything for you! I'm glad we got to room together and get to know each other. I also was also able to meet Kelly Goree and hang out with her - she's a blast. Here we are checking out Newport Beach one day. (I apologize for the quality of the photo, I took my daughter's camera along on my trip! Katie is on the left, Kelly-center, me -right)
A beautiful palm tree...loooooved them. I wish we had them in New York!
The hotel's amenities were unbelievable. If you ever get a chance to go to a Reflections event, you should. There were 3 pools (2 heated), 16 tennis courts, bikes to rent, golfing, etc. Lots, lots more...
View from our terrace, overlooking the tennis courts:
One of my classes hard at work:
On Saturday, my good friend Shonna and I were able to go to Balboa Island and do some touristing.
And on Sunday, I was able to meet up with another great friend of mine, Tiffany, who lives there in Long Beach. They took me to dinner on the Pier and we saw a beautiful sunset over the ocean. I miss her a lot. We met when our hubbies were in the Air Force and if you have been in the military, you know how close you can get to those who don't have any family around. Unfortunately, I forgot to get pictures of her and her family on Sunday when we met up! :(

This was a once-in-a-lifetime thing for me...so I was very honored to be asked to participate with all of the other amazing scrapbook designers. Thank you, Reflections!!

Danielle

18 comments:

Evgenia Petzer said...

you don't have palmes, but you've gotsakura!
the album is amazing!

Cris Cunningham said...

SO glad you enjoyed your trip Danielle! I love California and will most definitely be registering for the next Reflections event. Thanks for sharing your pics! xoxoxo

Jocelyn said...

What great photos...look like lots of fun was had!!

I adore that mini...I am so going to do one of these!! I love altering hoops!!!

Enjoy your day!!

Kay said...

It sounds like your event was a lot of fun! The project you made for it is amazing! I love how you wrapped the photo around the spool and how you "pleated" the the tape measure paper! Those crafters sure were lucky to have you as their teacher!!! ♥♥ Kay

Charity Hassel said...

oh, fun! looks like a gorgeous place and I've met Katie once she seems so sweet! glad it was a blast!

Ronda Palazzari said...

Thud went my heart when i saw that mini album! GORGEOUS! Sounds like you had a fabulous time!

Brandi Talmadge said...

Ahhh what a sweet trip and I love your project, I'm thinking of hyjacking the idea. Sooo pretty as all of your designs are :). Glad you had a great time and what a treat to spend time with your friend.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you had a great time! Wonderful pictures!

b.ary said...

I had a great time at Reflections, and loved your class! The album is soooo beautiful and I can't wait to finish mine up!!! Thanks for helping me figure out the ribbon roses. I think I finally mastered it! :)

Belinda

Larajc said...

great photo and I love the mini album!

Melonie said...

SO glad you had fun! Umm...how amazing is that embroidery hoop mini? I have no words. You are awesome:) Have a great end of your week/weekend!

Jenna Ruth said...

I love that album!!

Jennifer Yates said...

That is a fabulous book and looks like you had such a good time! What a beautiful city!

Lisa said...

Wow, Dani! Looks like you had a wonderful time! And I adore your mini...absolutely beautiful! What I would give to take one of your classes...*sigh*...maybe one day!

Hope you have a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day! {{{hugs}}} -L

Ale Loiacono said...

Hi Danielle!
I had an amazing time at your class, I loved so much!! All the techniques and the colors you picked were beautiful, thank you so, so much!! It was great meeting you!
Alessandra Loiacono :)

Michelle QUinn said...

Oh my goodness you were in Long Beach and I didn't even get to meet you. You were just minutes from my house. :( It looks like you had an amazing time. My first thought when I saw your project here was "Oh no, you di'int!" It is GENIUS!!!

Hugs
Michelle @ AMM

Lydia said...

I too love the mini album. I have added hoops to my ever growing supply list! Was it made with one or two hoops? Just love it!

kelly said...

it was so nice to meet you... wish we had more time to chat! let me know if you're ever down in the city :)