CHA: Day 1

As promised, here is a recap of Day 1 of CHA. Mind you, this was my very first CHA, so I was really excited and not quite sure of what to expect.

Each busy day should start off with a good breakfast. Kathy, Linda, and I went to this awesome place called Mimi's. What an incredible breakfast we had. I liked it so much, we went back the next day! Just look at these super cute sisters!


When I got to the Anaheim Convention Center, I was able to see Disneyland, as it is just a mile away!


We were greeted by Martha Galvez, owner of Scrapbook Deals 4 U, and Jenny Stockard, fellow design team member:


Our first stop was at Theresa Collins' booth where they had such super make and takes! Just check out these fabulous new lines coming out from her:





I am such a fan of her clean and elegant style!

I was super happy to have my picture taken with Theresa Collins!


Attendees do anything to try to win things, like a Making Memories Slice die-cutting system. If you wear one of their aprons and get your picture taken by them, you have a chance at winning one. Just check out this get-up:


Stayce, Kathy, and I were CRACKING up at our friend, Linda. She wore her apron backward and adopted the persona of Super Slice!!! She would throw her arms above her head and pretend to glide along the air with her apron. She is just the funniest!!! Love her!


I can't tell you how excited I was to have my picture taken with the talented Tim Holtz. I am such a fan of his products ...they truly bring out my inner artist


Our next stop was to the Basic Grey booth, where they are debuting four fabulous collections. Here are two of them...hint: they will be coming to SD4U in the coming months. Introducing,

Marrakech


and Lime Rickey


And just look at all of this new bling!!!


The super-talented Kelly Goree taught a make and take:


I love this new line by Cloud9Designs, called Bay Blossoms:


Here's one of Pink Paislee's new lines...love the colors!


Bo Bunny came out with some super cute lines. Two of my favorites are Abbey Road and Alissa:




I have saved, what I consider, the best for last. If I was forced to pick only ONE manufacturer to design with, it would definitely be Prima! I LOVE their products! Check out all of the following Prima goodness coming out this season:

This canvas book is to die for! It comes with both canvas and transparent pages. I so have to have one of these!!!


How pretty are these papers?!


This paper is embroidered...Love this layout!


Some unique and gorgeous flowers:


Aren't these album ring covers so clever?


Prima wouldn't be Prima without their famous flowers:


I was thrilled to be able to see Sharon Laakkonen to tell her just how much I admire Prima products:


Remember how I said that people will dress silly to try to win something, like a Making Memories Slice? Well sometimes it pays off!!! I guess it helped that I tied the Making Memories ribbon around my head like an 80's Madonna! My picture made the wall and I was declared a winner! I and my girls are so excited about our new toy!!!


Our evening ended wonderfully with a dinner at Outback with Kathy and Linda. I just had to get a shot of these beautifully decorated palm trees...something we DON'T see in Connecticut!


Thank you for letting me share my fun experiences with you. Stay tuned for Days 2 and 3 over the weekend. :)