Throwback Thursday – Graduation Card with Slim Sayings & School Days

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This week I’m reaching into my stash to spotlight the retired Slim Sayings stamp set, used here for a bold and joyful “Congrats to the Graduate”. Graduation season is upon us, and I’m loving how this layout blends nostalgia with sparkle using both retired and current Stampin’ Up! products.

🖤 Design Details:

  • Sentiment from Slim Sayings stamped in Secret Sea Ink
  • Graduation cap from the School Days Online Exclusive set
  • Background embossed using the Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder
  • Patterned layer is from the Florals in Bloom 12×12 DSP
  • Secret Sea panel with gold heat-embossed stars
  • Both panels framed in Summer Splash cardstock
  • Embellished with In Color Flat Pearls (Summer Splash)

💡 Pro Tip:
The Mini Corrugated folder shrinks your paper. To achieve a finished panel of 5¼” x 4″, start with a 5½” x 4″ piece, emboss it, and trim the excess. This keeps your layout crisp and even.

✨ A touch of gold embossing on the tassel adds a celebratory feel, while Summer Splash pearls echo the card’s soft colour palette. This design would work beautifully for high school, college, or kindergarten grads alike!

Do you have a go-to retired stamp for milestone celebrations? I love revisiting old favourites like Slim Sayings for bold sentiments that still shine.

🛍️ Ready to craft your own graduation cards?

🛒 Shop the current supplies used in this project here:


Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

NEW CLASS being offered – Sweet Jar Bundle Card Class! 8 cards (2 each of 4 designs!)

See the details and register here

Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday – this week was my monthly card class to go!

See details and get your kit here!

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class
SHOP HERE!

Starting June 3, all available suites and suite products from the 2025–2026 Annual Catalog and Online Exclusives are buy one, get one 50% off! If you’ve had your eye on a new suite from the annual catalog or you really like the look of a stamp set from an Online Exclusives suite, you don’t have to choose—you can get both!

See the Suites here!

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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Festive Friday: Sweet Jar + Peppermint Dots Christmas Card

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Happy Festive Friday, friends!

Today’s project is bursting with charm and sweetness thanks to the Sweet Jar bundle, one of my new favourites. I filled the stamped jar with Real Red hearts and peppermint candies and layered it over a bold print from the Take a Bow 6×6 Designer Series Paper—which is retiring soon, so grab it before it’s gone!

To give the layout some balance and polish, I used the Stylish Shapes Dies to create crisp stitched circles behind the jar and sentiment. The sentiment comes from mixing the a sentiment from the Sweet Jar stamp set with the classic Greetings of the Season stamp set.

But the real magic? That Secret Sea ink and thin trim of cardstock—just enough to cool down all that red and make everything pop. It’s my new go-to neutral and I’m obsessed!

The Adhesive-Backed Peppermint Dots and a simple bow of Real Red & White Baker’s Twine complete the look with a playful, candy-cane twist.

🛒 Want to make this card?

Everything you need is available in my online store:
👉 Shop Now

Product List:


Shop Here

✨ Don’t forget to opt in for Stampin’ Up!’s new rewards program—earn points on every order of $25 CAD+ and redeem them for free products!

👉 This card isn’t part of my upcoming Sweet Jar card class, but it gives you a taste (pun intended!) of the fun designs we’ll create.
Spots are open now! Register here: https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/sweet-jar-bundle-virtual-card-class

See details and reigster here!

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday and if you are local – join my card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class
See the details and register here – there is still time to register from any where in the world!
See the details and register here.

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team! Now is a great time to join with our fabulous Starter Kit deal. This deal expires May 31!! Act FAST!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this card inspires your next holiday creation. Don’t forget to follow for more weekly inspiration and holiday cheer.

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

Throwback Thursday – Saying Goodbye with ‘Welcome to the Team’

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As the school year winds down, it’s time to reflect, appreciate, and sometimes say goodbye. This week’s Throwback Thursday card is dedicated to those bittersweet farewells—to staff moving on to new schools and new roles.

I pulled out a retired gem: Welcome to the Team, one of my favourite sentiment sets for coworkers and colleagues. It was the perfect pairing for the bright, cheerful designs in the Full of Life 6×6 Designer Series Paper (a current Stampin’ Up! product!) and some subtle sparkle from Iridescent Faceted Gems.

🖤 Card Details:

  • Image & Sentiment stamped in Secret Sea Ink – it’s quickly become my go-to neutral!
  • The coffee mug was coloured with Lemon Lime Twist and Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends
  • I stamped the image again on a stitched Stylish Shapes circle, then fussy cut and popped the mug up on dimensionals
  • Finished off with coordinating DSP and a trio of Iridescent Faceted Gems

It’s a clean, modern, and heartfelt card—great for staff farewells, team transitions, or even just a note of appreciation to a hardworking friend.

✂️ Creative Tip:

Fussy cutting and layering stamped images over the same design creates easy depth and dimension, especially when using alcohol markers for vibrant colouring.

🛒 Shop the current supplies used in this project here:


Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

What retired stamp sets do you keep around for thoughtful occasions like this? I’d love to hear which ones you can’t part with!

Shop Here

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

Then you’ll LOVE the all-new Celebratory Sips Suite! I’m featuring this fun collection at my upcoming Celebratory Sips Mega Stamp Camp, where we’ll create even more fabulous cards and projects together.

It’s not too late to join – I still have 3 kits left for this stamp camp – act fast to get your stuff on time!

⭐ Reserve your spot now: https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/celebratory-sips-mega-stamp-camp

NEW CLASS being offered – Sweet Jar Bundle Card Class! 8 cards (2 each of 4 designs!)

See the details and register here

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday and if you are local – join my card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team! We have a great Starter Kit Deal right now! This deal ends May 31 – so act fast!!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

Thanks for joining me for another #ThrowbackThursday. See you next week for more inky inspiration!

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f18https://www.stampinup.ca?09c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter

Festive Friday: Humble Home + Peppermint Dots Christmas Card

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Happy Festive Friday, friends!

This week’s handmade Christmas card is all about sweet details and versatile layouts. I used the Humble Home stamp set and punch to create the cutest gingerbread house focal point, accented with Adhesive-Backed Peppermint Dots for a fun holiday pop.

The Take a Bow 6×6 Designer Series Paper—a retiring favourite on the Last Chance List—adds a joyful mix of stripes and polka dots. I tied everything together with a bow of White 1/4″ Ribbon for that finishing touch.

✅ This layout is a repeat of yesterday’s Throwback Thursday—because when a design works, I say use it again!
✅ Great for batch card-making during the holidays.

🛒 Want to make this card?

Everything you need is available in my online store:
👉 Shop Now

Product List:

Product List

Shop Here

✨ Bonus: Earn Rewards on Your Order!

Stampin’ Up!’s NEW Stampin’ Rewards program is here!
• Earn points on orders of $25 CAD or more
• Redeem points for FREE product
• Be sure to opt in under your customer account to start earning

🎁 A little extra joy with every order!

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday and if you are local – join my card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class
See details and reigster here!
See the details and register here – there is still time to register from any where in the world!
See the details and register here.

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team! Now is a great time to join with our fabulous Starter Kit deal.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this card inspires your next holiday creation. Don’t forget to follow for more weekly inspiration and holiday cheer.

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

Throwback Thursday: Fussy-Cut Fun with Playful Pets DSP

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This week’s Throwback Thursday project is all about celebrating a classic favourite—Playful Pets Designer Series Paper! I absolutely love when a paper pack offers more than just backgrounds, and this one delivers with adorable images perfect for fussy cutting.

🐶 The Card Details:

For this card, I kept the layout playful and clean, letting that sweet pup be the star. Here’s what I used:

  • Playful Pets DSP (retired) – the dog image is fussy cut right from the paper!
  • Basic White & Real Red cardstock – bright and bold to match the playful vibe
  • Stylish Shapes Dies – I used these for both the stitched circle and the sentiment banner
  • Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder – to add texture to the background circle
  • Black Baker’s Twine from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack – tied in a simple bow
  • Neutral Matte Dots – for a pop of contrast and balance

I love how the paws and hearts on the background DSP panel playfully frame the focal point while the corrugated embossing adds subtle dimension. 🐾❤️

💬 Creative Tip:

When a DSP pack includes images that can be fussy cut, you essentially get an extra set of embellishments or die-cuts for free! It’s such a great way to get more out of your supplies.

Here is a full list of supplies:

Product List

Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

Then you’ll LOVE the all-new Celebratory Sips Suite! I’m featuring this fun collection at my upcoming Celebratory Sips Mega Stamp Camp, where we’ll create even more fabulous cards and projects together.

There’s still time to register for this incredible stamp camp – from anywhere in the world!

⭐ Reserve your spot now: https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/celebratory-sips-mega-stamp-camp

NEW CLASS being offered – Sweet Jar Bundle Card Class! 8 cards (2 each of 4 designs!)

See the details and register here

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday and if you are local – join my card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team! We have a great Starter Kit Deal right now!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

Let’s Chat:

What DSP do you own that can be fussy cut for fun focal images?
Leave a comment and let’s share ideas!

🛍 Want to shop for current crafting essentials? You can browse all my favourite products here:
👉 https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587

Thanks for stopping by for another Throwback Thursday! See you next week for more crafty inspiration.

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f18https://www.stampinup.ca?09c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter

Festive Friday: Winter Meadows Meets 2025 In Colors

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For this week’s Festive Friday, I’m spotlighting the stunning Winter Meadows 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper along with the elegant Greetings of the Season stamp set. These cards came together effortlessly thanks to this beautifully illustrated paper—perfect for creating serene winter scenes without needing a lot of stamping.

I chose two of the new 2025 In Colors—Secret Sea and Cloud Cover—to complement the soft, cool tones in the paper. One card keeps it simple with a single stamped sentiment and a peaceful forest scene, while the other adds layers, dry embossing, and a sweet bow for added texture and charm.

Why I Love This Paper

The Winter Meadows DSP makes cardmaking quick and satisfying. The imagery is detailed enough to stand on its own, meaning you can let the paper shine and still end up with a beautiful result. It’s ideal for making multiples during the busy holiday season!

Product List:


If you’re looking to get a head start on your Christmas cards, give this combo a try! You’ll love how quickly your designs come together—and your recipients will love the cozy winter feel. ❄️🦌

Shop Here

✨ New Stampin’ Rewards Program✨

Stampin’ Up! just launched an updated Stampin’ Rewards program—and it’s better than ever!

• Earn rewards on every order of $25 CAD or more
• Redeem your points for free products
• You must opt in to start earning—so be sure to sign up through your account

Now you can be rewarded for every crafty order, big or small!

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday and if you are local – join my card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class
See details and reigster here! (one kit remaining!)
See the details and register here
See the details and register here.

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team! Now is a great time to join with our fabulous Starter Kit deal.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

👉 Let me know which style you prefer: clean and simple or layered and textured?

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

Throwback Thursday with Humming Along and the NEW In Colors!

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Today’s card is a special blend of old and new — a fun way to honour my love of stamping history while celebrating the exciting new 2025–2027 In Colors!

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, I pulled out one of my retired favourites: the Humming Along stamp set and coordinating dies. This set features a beautiful hummingbird that’s just begging to be coloured, and I knew it would pair perfectly with the layout from Global Design Project Challenge #496 (GDP496) — a CASE the Designer sketch.

Mixing Old and New

To bring this card to life, I used the brand new 2025–2027 In Color 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper for the soft floral (Cloud Cover) background. The colours are dreamy and subtle — perfect for spring and summer cards.

I coloured the hummingbird using the new In Color Stampin’ Blends:

  • Secret Sea for the wings and feathers
  • Cloud Cover for soft shading
  • Strawberry Slush for that eye-catching pop of colour on the head and throat
    I also brought in a touch of Soft Sea Foam for the belly so it matches the stitched label and card base, which ties everything together beautifully.

Finishing Touches

A wrapped Gold Striped Mesh Ribbon adds a bit of sparkle and texture, and a few coordinating In Color Flat Pearl embellishments give the card just the right amount of polish. I also folded the top left corner for a little added interest — it’s a small detail, but it really enhances the layered look.

A Note on the Layout

The GDP496 sketch was the perfect layout to CASE (Copy and Selectively Edit). I loved the idea of anchoring the main image to a shaped label and bringing attention to the sentiment with some elegant script. This layout is super versatile and one I’ll definitely use again.

Here is a full list of supplies:


Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

Then you’ll LOVE the all-new Celebratory Sips Suite! I’m featuring this fun collection at my upcoming Celebratory Sips Mega Stamp Camp, where we’ll create even more fabulous cards and projects together.

⭐ Reserve your spot now: https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/celebratory-sips-mega-stamp-camp

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday and if you are local – join my card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team! We have a great Starter Kit Deal right now!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I hope this Throwback Thursday post inspires you to mix and match your old favourites with some new supplies from your stash. 💌

Do you have a retired stamp set you just can’t part with? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear what classics you’re still reaching for!

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f18https://www.stampinup.ca?09c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter

Festive Friday: Bright & Easy Christmas Card with Take a Bow DSP

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It’s Festive Friday, and I’m excited to share this bold & cheerful Christmas card with you!

This handmade card features strips of the Take a Bow Designer Series Paper layered across a clean white background for a simple yet eye-catching design. I added a sentiment from the Greetings For All Ephemera Pack on a bright red banner, finishing with pearls for extra holiday sparkle.

✅ This layout is perfect for using leftover scraps from your holiday crafting!
✅ Change up the colors and patterns to fit any occasion.

Here is a full list of supplies:


📌 Ready to craft this card? Shop anytime (use the link below) or contact me with questions!

Shop Here

✨ New Stampin’ Rewards Program✨

Stampin’ Up! just launched an updated Stampin’ Rewards program—and it’s better than ever!

• Earn rewards on every order of $25 CAD or more
• Redeem your points for free products
• You must opt in to start earning—so be sure to sign up through your account

Now you can be rewarded for every crafty order, big or small!

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday and if you are local – join my card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class
See details and reigster here! (one kit remaining!)
See the details and register here

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team! Now is a great time to join with our fabulous Starter Kit deal.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

I can’t wait to see what you create for Festive Friday—tag me so I can cheer you on!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

Throwback Thursday: Cocktails & Celebratory Sips

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For today’s Throwback Thursday, I’m dusting off the Nothing’s Better Than stamp set—retired, but still one of my favorites! I created this playful cocktail card using Celebratory Sips DSP and Strawberry Slush cardstock for a fun, vibrant background.

The cocktail image is stamped with Memento Black Ink and Strawberry Slush Ink and die-cut, colored with Granny Apple Green (for the lime slice 🍋), Pool Party (for the glass), Berry Burst and Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends for the mini umbrella. I added gold striped ribbon and Holographic Resin Dots for extra sparkle—because cocktails deserve a little bling!

Inside, I stamped “You make everything better”—a heartfelt sentiment that pairs perfectly with this cheerful card.

Here is a full list of supplies:


Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

👉 Love this card? Then you’ll LOVE the all-new Celebratory Sips Suite! I’m featuring this fun collection at my upcoming Celebratory Sips Mega Stamp Camp, where we’ll create even more fabulous cards and projects together.

⭐ Reserve your spot now: https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/celebratory-sips-mega-stamp-camp

Looking for more ways to stamp with me? Make sure to watch my You Tube live each Wednesday and if you are local – join my card class!

RSVP now for the June 14th or July 26th class

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team! We have a great Starter Kit Deal right now!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

Do you still pull out your retired favorites? I’d love to know which sets you can’t let go of!

➡️ Subscribe to my newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/f18https://www.stampinup.ca?09c680508/subscribe-to-stampin-with-leahs-newsletter

Join Us for the Celebratory Sips Mega Stamp Camp!

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I’m so excited to announce the Celebratory Sips Mega Stamp Camp!
This event includes:

  • 10 stunning card projects using the Cheers & Sips bundle
  • Pre-cut card kits shipped to your door
  • Full PDF + video tutorials
  • Bonus projects, prize draws & more!

You’ll also join a private Facebook group for even more crafty fun and community.

Your hosts—myself, Kim Kroeker, Gill Long, Ange McKay, and Lori Willcox—have created an unforgettable experience to spark your creativity.

Here are the beautiful new online exclusive products we will be crafting with:

👉 See the details and reserve your spot now: https://form.jotform.com/leahdixon41/celebratory-sips-mega-stamp-camp

We can’t wait to stamp with you!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂