pre-IU fun!

Hey there... I've been back from Inspiration Unlimited (IU) for a week and was so swamped with Aruba's care, catching-up at the lab, car to the body shop after someone scraped-up our bumper in a parking lot (ugh!), etc.... I still haven't finished unpacking (!!), and am just now blogging.

IU was a blast!  It was my 2nd time attending this scrapbooking retreat (in Henderson, Nevada)... and after such a sad summer, I was so ready for fun & friends!  I arrived early to enjoy some down time + recover from the jet lag; it hits me hard!  I was immediately missing Sal & Aruba, but loved how FaceTime kept us connected.

The event is held at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, and I spent a day at their lovely spa.... that jet lag didn't stand a chance against pampering treatments like a brown sugar + vanilla body scrub and a hot stone massage!  

Some time in the steam room & lounging in a poolside cabana under a sun-drenched blue sky perfected the day.  B-L-I-S-S.

I emerged a new woman!  For me, the spa is like pushing life's 'reset' button. Total rejuvenation!

Enjoyed a fun dinner that night at PF Chang's with Lisa & Sandra:

The next day, "pre-IU" festivities began.  A day full of fun optional classes, and I took 2 of them, both by Bazzill.  Had a great time and made an interactive album with Kelli Collins, and layouts with Joey Otlo.  Both are lovely ladies, so sweet & fun!

Also finally met in person Anelsie from Puerto Rico... we had chatted on the IU Facebook group... {waving hello Anelsie!}

I again enjoyed dinner out with Lisa & Sandra, complete with a yummy (virgin) mango-raspberry swirl drink.  And, being scrapbookers, we of course photographed it all !!

Later that evening, IU hosted a 'meet & greet' with the event teachers, plus opened the on-site store... always an exciting moment for the 300 product-hoarding scrapbookers attending!  Of course, I wore my ever-popular special shopping T-shirt... it always gets lots of laughs! :-)

I was caught stalking Thickers & ribbon!

Met up in the 'store' with sweet friends (and fellow Dog Moms) Shannon & Michelle... we shared a group hug.  (Shortly after I lost my precious Buddy, Shannon lost her precious Sassy... shared sadness.)

The next morning, bright & early, IU officially began... I'll be back soon with deets & pics of all the fun!  Thanks for stopping by!