Taking a Break

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend! I'm here just momentarily to let you all know that I'm taking a break from crafting and blogging for a little while. It's time to just step away and regroup some of my crafty mojo and maybe read some of the books I've been wanting to read. Don't forget, though, to go and leave a comment on the My Memories post I did so that you can have a chance to win the free software!!
I'll be back Tuesday Sept 6th with the announcement of the winner!!!
Until then, happy crafting and best wishes!

Just for me....Just Because!

Happy Saturday Everyone!!

Have you ever made a card and thought to yourself, "Wow! I did a great job on that!"? Well, not to be boastful or anything; but that is how I feel about this card I have to share with you today. I just couldn't be anymore pleased with the final outcome of it. Truly though, the picture doesn't really do it justice.
I started with a Kraft base and then added a layer of Blushing Bride (PTI) paper that I embossed with a new embossing folder I got from Hobby Lobby. Unfortunately, I don't know the name of it, however. I do wish that Provo Craft would put the names of the folders somewhere on the actual embossing folder because I always throw the packaging away and never remember the name! I scraped the edges and distressed them with Vintage Photo distress ink. The music sheet DSP is from a new pad I also got from Hobby Lobby (can you tell I did a bit of shopping?!) It is My Mind's Eye Lost and Found collection: "Madison Avenue" It is such a pretty package with all these amazing pink and brown vintage type patterns in it. I absolutely love it!! I added the edge punch details as shown before added the focal image. I stamped the Eiffel Tower from OCL's Vintage Traveler set in Chestnut Roan fluid chalk ink onto another piece of pattern from the same MME collection. The ticket and the clock are also from the Vintage Traveler set. I layered the Prima flowers and added the button. One note though, I actually edged the white flower with little bit of pink chalk ink because I didn't have a pink flower that matched. I've added a close up of the flower and side image so you can see the detail.
Anyhow, I was actually going to send this to someone; but the more I look at it, the more I can't help but think that I just want to keep it for myself...just because I can! I So, I think I'll put a little frame with it and find a nice place on the wall for it!
Have a great weekend everyone; and thanks so much for spending some time with me!!

Challenges:

Freshly Brewed: Embossing

The Sisterhood of Crafters: Flowers

Truly Scrumptious: Mostly Pink

Craft us Crazy: Anything Goes

Card Making Mamas: Pink

Inspire Me Fridays: Anything Goes

Jellypark Challenges: Punches and die cuts

Sew Many Cards: Edge Punches

Crafting Misfit: Anything Goes

My Memories: First Day of School

Hi Everyone!!

I have another digital page using the software from My Memories to share with you. This page was a little different than the last one I showed you simply because it wasn't already pre-done. I had to put all the elements in myself. Took a lot longer than the last time; but was still fun! I downloaded some more free kits and pages from the website. I may go back and tweak it some more later; but for now, this is it.
If you haven't read about the free software give away I am doing, please go to my original post and leave a comment. Don't forget also that there is a special coupon code worth $20 in the Making Memories Store.
If you are new to digital scrapbooking as I am, you may find this videos. It is a great introduction to the My Memories product and can really give you some great pointers and help with any questions you might have.

Welcome to the Family! from Lisa Jurrens on Vimeo.

Kindness Mojo

Hi Everyone!

Well, I have thoroughly been enjoying my first week of all the kids being in school! I'm sure many of you can relate to that. I have just been wandering around leisurely between Starbucks, Barnes and Noble and the crafting stores! I know it's been a couple of days since I've posted a card, so I wanted to go ahead and share something with you before the day gets away from me once again. I am going to try to come back and post a recipe for recipe Thursday if I can; but I may have to wait until next week for that.
Anyhow, on to the card. I started with a Vintage Cream base and added the layers as shown. The green is a mellow moss type green I had in my stash, then the Aqua Mist which I punched using my Fiskar's April Lace punch. Don't ask how I got the corners to work out that way...I really have no idea; but I was ecstatic when it did!! I used the Swirls embossing folder before adding to the green background. The pattern paper is from DCWV "Linen Closet" mat stack. I cut a small piece of Aqua Mist using the Label 11 Nestabilities and then stamped the sentiment from SU's "Whimsical Words" set with Mellow Moss ink and rounded the corners. The circles at the bottom were cut using Petite scalloped circle nestabilities and then I added the Prima flowers and brad.
I was unsure at first how I would like the thread wrapped around; but I wanted to say as true to the Mojo Monday sketch as possible. In the end, I think I rather like how it creates a uniformed diagonal line across the center of the card with the sentiment and the flower.
Ok, so that's all for me for the moment! Have a great day and thank you so much for spending some of your time with me!

Challenges:

Mojo Monday: Sketch 206
Kaboodle Doodles: Ribbons
Karen Doodles: Punches and Die cuts
KB Cute Monday: Use Twine
Make it Monday: Anything Goes
Stamps R Us: Anything Goes
Paper Take Weekly: Die cuts

Forever Young

Hi Everyone!

Well, yesterday was the first day of school and being the sentimental mommy I am, I couldn't help but take a little mental trip down memory lane. Fortunately, I have plenty of pictures to help with that. This is a big year for us as it relates to school. Reagan is starting Middle School and Jonathan is in Kindergarten. Tyler and Jonathan are at the same school; but Reagan is at a different one. I got to thinking about how close the three of them are and the kind of friends they've become. Yes, I know that sibling rivalry will become more and more prevalent as they get older; but I also hope that they always remember they are brothers and sister bound together by all that means.
I have a little video to share with you of some of my favorite moments of them together. Thanks for watching! I hope you have a great day. Also, don't forget to go and comment on the post for My Memories for your chance to win a free software package

My Memories Giveaway!!

Hello Everyone!

***LEAVE A COMMENT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FREE SOFTWARE***

Well, it's official, school has started and I'm off to Starbuck's this morning to enjoy a delicious peppermint latte!! It's my favorite treat from Starbuck's and I've not had one since school let out in June!

Before I go however, I wanted to share some this fantastic news with you. I am so very excited about this!! I know that most of the time I only share cards with you here on my blog, so many of you may be surprised to learn that I actually scrapbook as well. I tend to keep my layouts a bit more on the quiet side and just for personal use. I don't work on them very often; but when I do it's all very relaxing with no requirements for challenges etc.

I have been a traditional paper and pictures scrapper for about 8 years now; but I have always been very intrigued by the idea of digital scrapbooking. It is something that I have seen and watched from afar for a couple of years now and just couldn't quite take the plunge in to doing. It all seemed so complicated and I really didn't want to have to learn a whole new process. After all, like I said scrapbooking is meant to be fun and relaxing, right?!!

Well, then along came this amazing offer from My Memories for me to sponsor a give away for the latest version of their fantastic digital scrapbooking software. They were so kind to give me a copy so I could play and experiment with it and they have ever so graciously decided to give away ANOTHER set of software to a lucky lucky reader here on my blog. How cool is that?!!

I have spent the last week learning, working and experimenting with this amazing product. Being brand spankin' new to the world of digital scrapping, there is, of course, a bit of a learning curve for me to get around. I like a challenge though, as I'm sure many of you do too. They have so many options available including free kits and a dollar store! The page I am showing today was a free kit that I downloaded. Isn't it GORGEOUS?!!

Now, I know you all think that the free software is a fantastic prize; but wait....there's more!!!

I have been given a unique coupon code for all my readers and visitors here on my blog to use in the My Memories Store! This coupon will give you not only $10 off the My Memories V2 software BUT ALSO $10 worth of free merchandise in the My Memories Store.
Just go to the My Memories website and use the coupon code STMMMS67314 when placing your order!

In order to be entered into the drawing for the free software (a $39.97 value!!) visit the My Memories Store and take a look at their digital kits and then come back here and leave me a comment on THIS POST telling me which one is your favorite. That's it, that's all you have to do!! Once comment per person please, and the drawing will be held 2 weeks from now on Tuesday Sept 6th

I hope you enjoy the wonderful selection they have and can't wait to see what you think! Have a great day and thanks for spending some time with me today.

King Toby Shelton

In January 2007, my delightful husband went to the store to get bread and milk. THREE HOURS LATER, he called me and this is the conversation we had:

Me: Where are you? I thought you were only going to get bread and milk.

Jim: Well, I took a little detour.

Me: Ok....

Jim: I think we need to get a dog.

This is where silence ensued for a good 30 seconds....

Me: You're at the pound getting a dog, aren't you?!

Jim: No, I am not....

Me: uh huh, why don't I believe you?

Jim: 'cause I'm not at the pound anymore, I'm pulling in the driveway.

Me: With a dog?

Jim: Maybe....

Needless to say, I was not surprised at this point when the front door opened and in walked my husband with what was to become the newest member of our family!
It took less than 30minutes for Tyler to name him Toby, Reagan to fall in love with him and Jonathan to give his seal of approval as well.

Now as the picture clearly indicates, since becoming part of our family 4 years ago, Toby Nikolas Shelton has been living LIKE A KING!! I am sure, you all wish now that you could be as lucky as Toby here. I know you all wish you could lead the pampered life of leisure that he has so obviously mastered.
Well, all I can say to that is....
yeah, me too!!

Delightful and Delicious Gift Basket

Hi Everyone!

TGIF on this last Friday of summer vacation! Only two days left for lazy sleep in days. I think the only person in my family that's going to have difficulty with that is Reagan!

Ok, so today I want to share with you the last two pieces of this gift set I have been working on and then show you how I brought it all together with the gift basket. This is the second basket I have done. Some of you may remember the last basket set I did. I will be sending this one to my mom as a gift and as a possible promotional item in her office, as I would very much like to figure out a way to perhaps to start selling them! It's a work in progress that I'm still trying to figure out all the details.
As you can see, I obviously kept the papers, patterns and colors the same throughout the basket and more images from Verve's "Delightful and Delicious" set. I've already shown you the altered notebook, and the simple note card set. Here I have the gift card holder, and the post it note holder. Now, I must tell you that I have looked everywhere (but Staples, which is where I know they are....) for the little mini gel pens that will fit with holder. Believe it or not, there isn't a Staples close to where I live; but I know there is one where my mom lives, so I'll just have her pick up one for me.
I also included a small Ghiradelli chocolate treat box as well; but I forgot to take a picture of it! You can see it in the front of the basket there though, it's the little box that says "Sweet Treats"
As you can see, I took two pictures for you of the basket. One so you could see how I arranged it and then one with it all pretty and wrapped up with the bows.

It's been a few days since I've linked to any challenges; so I wanted to make sure and do that today. Lots of Anything Goes Challenges this time! Anyhow, enjoy your weekend and be sure to check back with me on Monday, as I hope to have some REALLY REALLY good news to share with you!!!
Challenges:
Art Impressions Stamps: Anything Goes
Paper Crafting Journey: Anything Goes
Shelly's Images: Anything Goes
Stamp Insanity: Anything Goes
Creative Belli Blog: Gingham (I have the little strip of red gingham ribbon (from Lil Davis Designs) that is on the gift card holder FOREVER....seriously like almost 7 years!
Joyful Stamper: Inspire Me Friday

Simple Note Card Set

Hi Everyone!

I have a very simple little note card set to share with you today. As you can probably tell, they coordinate with the notebook that I showed you yesterday. I will have some more stuff to show you tomorrow that is part of another collection that I am making and then I will be showing what I made to bring it all together.
For this note card set, I actually used white note cards that I bought from Michael's. I covered each one with Fine Linen card stock from PTI and then used more papers from the Mirabelle Collection from The Paper Studio. As you can see I followed the same design and just altered the paper choices and sentiments. I used Antique Linen Distress ink for the edges to add a bit of character to each one. The sentiments are all from Hero Arts "Everyday Sayings" This set is so versatile, and is probably my most used set that I have. I added the embroidery floss around the bottom of each one as a final decorative element.

Again, just a short and sweet post. I'm still working on things to share with you in the very near future that I am so excited about!! I did do a post for Recipe Thursday as well this morning. It is for Enchiladas! Click the link and give it a go. Trust me, you will love them!!

Thanks for stopping by and spending some of your time with me. See ya soon!

Recipe Thursday: Enchiladas

Hi Everyone!

This week's recipe is definitely in my husband's top three favorite dish list. In fact, it's probably his very favorite period! I have been making these for years and no, they are not what is considered to be traditional Mexican enchiladas; but they are nevertheless yummy yummy!! They are also what you will be eating if you are ever invited to dinner at my house. It's funny because every time I ask Jim what I should make for company that comes, he just looks at me and says, "Really? After all these years you're still asking me that?!" Chances are too that if you come back again, you'll have them then too! So I just want to go on the record at this point and say, yes, I CAN cook other food...you may never experience it; but I CAN!

Ok, so here we go. The tip I have for these enchiladas is you must use the ingredients listed. I tried once to use different brands of sauce and tortillas, and well let's just say that didn't work out so well. Now, if you are of culinary talent to make your own homemade sauce and tortillas, by all means. However, if you can do those things, you probably really don't need this recipe!

Ingredients:

--1lb Hamburger meat
--1/2 of each: onion, green pepper, red pepper all finely chopped.
--1/2 package of Taco Seasoning. (This is a personal preference. You can use the whole package if you want; but I use half because I just find the whole package to be too salty)
--2 cans Old El Paso Mild Enchilada Sauce (the heat level is personal preference)
--1 package Old El Paso Burrito Tortillas (yes, you need the large ones!)
--Grated cheese. (I usually use some sort of Mexican or Fiesta Blend)

Instructions:

1. Heat the oven to 375 and open a can of the enchilada sauce. In a 13x9 pan, pour a little bit of the sauce in the bottom of the pan. Just enough for a little "non-stick layer to coat the bottom

1. Brown the meat and then drain

2. While the meat is draining, add the onion, green pepper and red pepper to the skillet (add a splash of oil if needed) and sautee for about 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.

3. Add the meat back to the skillet and then also add the 1/2 package of taco seasoning and stir

4. Add a couple of handfuls of cheese to the mixture. I don't ever really measure this, I just add however much I think looks good.

5. Open up the other can of the enchilada sauce and add to the mixture. You may need part of the can that you used to coat the bottom of the pan as well. In the end, you should have a mixture that looks similar to this.

6. Remove the skillet from the heat and prepare to fill the tortillas. You will want to add about 3 tablespoons down the center of each tortilla. I rotate the tortilla then, to make it easier to fold.

7. Folding the tortilla: I fold over a flap, not quite in half; but almost and then I sort of tuck it under the filling and then continue to roll the whole thing over.

8. Place seam side down in the prepared pan. Take some more of the sauce you should have from the first can and drizzle over the enchiladas. Drizzle...don't just pour it! Sprinkle with some more cheese.
9. Bake in oven for 15-20 mins until cheese is melted and edges of tortillas start to brown.
10. Try to let them sit for about 5-10 mins before cutting.

I have also done a crafty creation for you today sharing a simple note card set in a separate post. I would love for you to stop by and check it out!
Enjoy the enchiladas and thanks for spending some time with me!

Delightful Notebook

Hi Everyone!

So sorry I didn't get a chance to post yesterday. I've been busy working on some things "behind the scenes" that I can't share with you just yet; but I will soon! Also the kids are getting ready for back to school next week, so we're doing meet the teacher nights etc at the moment. I'm sure you all know how that is.
Anyhow, I am sharing an altered notebook that I made using Verve's "Delightful and Delicious" set. The patterned paper is from the Mirabelle collection by Paper Studios. I also used the same paper to make the matching pen.
Just a quick post today! Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks so much for stopping by.

Challenges:

Craft Your Passion: Anything But a Card
Make it Monday: Anything Goes
Paper Playtime: Anything Goes
Try it on Tuesday: Anything Goes

You Rock

Hi Everyone!

Well, I don't know about all of you, but my weekend sure was busy! We did all of our back to school shopping for supplies and clothes on Saturday because I absolutely REFUSE to be part of the chaos that will be tax-free weekend next Saturday! No thank you!! I will pay the $10 in taxes and save my sanity. I was exhausted Saturday evening and swore I wasn't leaving the house on Sunday and the next thing I knew...zip zam zoom Reagan and I were back at JC Penney yesterday afternoon and then Barnes and Noble!
Then this morning, we did the dreaded trip to the immunizations clinic and 2 of the 3 needed vaccines, Ugh! So, anyhow it's all done and everyone should be rip roaring ready to go for the first day of school next week.
Didn't have any time to stamp this weekend, so I am very glad I was able to do this card on Friday. This is for the third week of Verve Stamps Viva La Verve Sketch Challenge for the month of August over on SCS. Last week they had a fantastic blog hop showcasing their new Verve Sets which were released on Friday. Although I wasn't able to buy anything (yet!!) I was truly inspired by all the fantastic creations that the Verve Divas had for us to see. They really gave me some wonderful ideas and I think the end result turned out pretty well!
I started out with some pattern papers from My Mind's Eye Stella Rose Collection (Mabel). I used my Cricut for the Lace Circle. I used Ruby Red, Aqua Mist and Yellow for the coordinating colors. I stamped the large tag image from Verve's "Sweet Treats" set 3 times using Ruby Red, So Saffron and Cool Caribbean Ink and then layered them at an angle on the front of the card. I wrapped some embroidery floss around the strip of card stock to the left and then gathered it at the bottom and secured it with the flower and button/thread embellishment. I added the three little hearts and brad in the corner for a bit of a balancing piece in the top right corner. I also wanted to add a little something extra, so I added some gold stickles in the little loops on the cut out circle.

Challenges:
Fun with Shapes: Die Cuts, Punches and Twine
Inspire Me Fridays: Anything Goes
Jellypark Challenges: Use your favorite embellishment. I love flowers and buttons.
The Stamp Man: Anything goes with Summer Colors
One Stitch at a Time: Anything Goes

Aloha Kona

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I didn't get a chance to post yesterday. Busy day with some other things including a 2 hour dentist appointment for all the kids to have their teeth cleaned.
I also posted a recipe yesterday for Recipe Thursday: Deep Fried Chicken Nuggets. Click the link and check it out!
My card for today is one that I can't decide if I really like or not. I think somehow these papers from Basic Grey just don't match well with the fun Kona image from OCL. I don't know...what do you think? I used Kraft, Dark Brown, and some greens and rusty orange from my scrap pile to coordinate with the pattern paper. I stamped Kona with Memento ink in Rich Cocoa and then filled him with various Copic Markers. I used Petite Scalloped Circle Nestabilities for the mats behind him. I took a couple of close-up photos of Kona and the distressing around the dark brown piece.
If for nothing else, it makes a cute boy card for someone!
So, just a quick post for today. Thanks for stopping by and sharing some of your time with me.

Today's Challenges

1. Charisma Cardz: Distressing
2 Craft us Crazy: Anything Goes August Challenge
3.Crafty Sentiments: Punches and Die Cuts
4. Do You Stack Up: Emboss it
5. My Time Made Easy: Sketch
6. Pals Paper Arts: 1 pattern paper, 1 punch, 1 sentiment
7. Sassy Studio Designs: Distressing.

Recipe Thursday: Deep Fried Chicken Strips

Hi Everyone!!

Well, it's Thursday, so it's time for another recipe. I'm sorry for not posting one for a couple of weeks now; but I hope you like this one. It's super easy and everyone in my family LOVES it. Who knew it could be so easy to make crispy chicken nuggets (or strips) right at home!

Ingredients:

1 package Boneless Chicken Strips or Tenders

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups flour
1tsp salt
1 cup to 1 1/4 cup milk
1 egg slightly beaten
1 Tbsp melted shortening.
1 bottle (yes...the whole bottle) of Vegetable/Canola oil blend. Use whatever kind you want, just not Olive Oil because that one doesn't hold up to high temperatures well.

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large deep dutch oven over Med-High heat. I use number 7-8 on my stove. It will take a while to heat, so be sure to do this step first.

2. Cut chicken into various sizes of strips and nuggets depending on personal preference. (Wash pieces if desired; but make sure pieces are well dried because if they are too wet, the batter won't stick) Season as desired. I did mine with S/P, Paprika and Garlic Powder

3. Combine the ingredients for batter. The batter is a bit of a judgement call. You want it to be thick; but not like paper mache and on the other hand not to thin either. I try to make mine just slightly thicker than pancake batter. Start with the lowest measurements and adjust accordingly between the flour and the water until you get the desired consistency. Remember, you can always add; but you can't take away!

4. Using tongs start coating the chicken pieces into the batter and then put gently into the hot oil. This is not a recipe I recommend you do with young helpers in the kitchen! I usually only put in about 6 pieces at a time depending on the size because the more you put in, the oil temperature will drop.

5. Cook the chicken about 3-5 mins until golden brown and crispy. Use a wooden spoon to kinda separate them at first so they don't all stick together. They won't take long. Remove to paper towels and let drain.

I also make waffle fries to go with the chicken and it's fantastic! I usually just put them both on the table as they get done and the family eats them as they come and I'm usually snack on them while I'm making them. This is definitely an easy casual, no silverware kinda meal!

I hope you all enjoy it!!

My Angel Girl

On Monday, my oldest child, Reagan, turned 11 years old. Like most moms on their child's birthday, I spent the better part of the day trying to answer the infamous, "where has all the time gone?" question. I'm not exactly sure where it went; but I do know it sure has gone by quickly, and that there are so many things I'll never forget and yet there are so many things I wish I could remember.
In the beginning it was sleepless nights, crazy feeding schedules, and cuddles in the rocking chair. It was work full time, and never feeling as though we had enough time together. Then suddenly before I knew it, it was time for sippy cups and finger foods, first steps and the first birthday.
Dress up, and make believe inspired by the giggles of delight over Barney, Disney Princesses and Strawberry Shortcake, brought the beautiful sound of laughter and happiness throughout our home.
Always sweet, forever tender and caring, there was no doubt the role of big sister would be one she would fill with love and compassion. She has always been there to help, to guide, to inspire her brothers. They annoy and pester her as little brothers do; but they never fail to put a smile on her face every single day. The boys are happy and delight in everything she does for them as well. Her greatest quality is, without a doubt, the beautiful way she loves each and every member of her family. She loves with a tenderness that is pure and true, sweet and just incredible.
Her confidence, strength and courage to constantly adjust to new homes and new schools is truly inspiring. She packs up and moves every 3 years without complaint, and without fear. She is a loyal and true friend to so many people she has met over the years.
I look back and I see how the days of baby dolls and carriages, pigtails, and barbies have slowly given way over the years to make-up, and nail polish, music concerts, magazine posters and Facebook. I see the little girl she was and catch glimpses of the beautiful woman I know she has yet to become.
I hope that in some ways I have inspired her. I hope that I am guiding her in a way that will teach her the lessons in life she will need to know. I know without a doubt though that she has taught me some of the greatest lessons I have ever learned in my life. She has taught me to enjoy life in the moment, that every day is to be cherished. To live, to love and to laugh with everything you have is what makes life wonderful and amazing.
I thank God every day for everything she brings to our lives. She is my Angel Girl and she makes my heart happy every day. I love her more than words could ever truly say with all my heart.

Cupcake Celebration!

Good Morning Everyone!!

So, it's been cloudy and overcast here in San Antonio all morning. It would be positively wonderful if it would actually rain; but I'm not holding my breath!!
I was up early this morning working on this fun card to share with you today. Whenever I see cards that feature a white on white element I always think they are so pretty. I wanted the focus to be on the white parts of the card, so I wanted a simple image to go in the corner. I stamped the cupcake from "
by Inkadinkado. I wanted to put some "frosting" on the cupcake, so I put some Tombow Mono Multi liquid glue in the center of the cupcake and then poured some white embossing powder over it and set it with my heat gun until it crackled and popped a bit and just like magic I had frosting!! I colored the rest of the cupcake with Copic Markers. I thought the frosting was a bit bland looking, so added a bit of confetti with the same Copics. I took an up close picture of the cupcake so you could see the frosting.
I embossed the first white layer with Inkadinkado Polka Dot background stamp with versamark and clear EP. It's hard to see in the picture; but it does add some pretty texture to the card in real life. So, I hope you like this one. Thanks for coming by and sharing part of your day with me!

Today's Challenges:

1. Stars and Stamp: Sketch 81
2. Crazy Amigo Challenge: Anything Goes
3. Anything Goes: Celebration/birthday
4. Craft Room: White on White
5. Tuesday Throwdown: Birthday
6. A Spoon Full of Sugar: Birthday

Easel Mojo Thank-You

Good Morning Everyone!

Usually, when I read the challenges over at "Feline Playful", I'll see a challenge for a card with a unique fold such as an Easel Card or Gate-Fold card etc; but it never fails that when I sit down to work on it, I completely forget that I'm supposed to do it, until after I've already made a regular style card. Well, this one I was determined not to forget. I really like doing Easel cards. They are not nearly as difficult as they first appear; but I did have to watch a video over at SCS for a quick refresher.

For the front of the card I used the Mojo Monday sketch as my inspiration. I coordinated the colors around the pattern papers from the "Hopscotch" collection from Basic Grey. I used Cameo Coral, Sage Shadow, Blushing Bride, Dark Brown and Kraft. The flower and circle image at the bottom is a combination of images from OCL's "Fabulous Florals" and SU's "Circle Circus" I took a close up picture of the front of the card in order to show the embossing I did with the "Bloom Dots" embossing folder. I also took a side view picture so you can see the Easel Card design.

That's all for me today! Thanks so much for stopping by and spending some time with me. Have a great day and I'll see you all tomorrow!



Today's Challenges;

The Crazy Challenge: #79 Embossing
Cupcake Craft: Stitching
Make it Monday: Anything Goes
Mojo Monday: Sketch 203
Squigglefly: Buttons
Digi Design House: 3-2-1 Challenge (3 buttons, 2 DSP, 1 ribbon or floss)

Basketful of Wishes

Hi Everyone!!

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was quite busy and lots of fun. We went out with some friends for lunch yesterday to a place called Big Lou's where they serve a 42" pizza!! It was massive to say the least!! Reagan and I had a pool party to go later in the afternoon and that was a great time as well.

Ok, so ya'll know how much I LOVE my Our Craft Lounge Stamps. Love Love Love this company! I was beyond thrilled to learn that I had won ANOTHER free set from them while I was on vacation a couple of weeks ago. Seriously, this group of ladies is so very generous that I have honestly lost count of how many stamps I have received as gifts from them. All I've ever had to do is either participate in challenges, which ya'll know I love to do, or simply hop around and give OCL love whenever there's a blog hop going on.
I have wanted this set "Out for a Spin" for a while now, so it was a no brainer that I chose it for my free gift. The OCL challenge for this week was to create a non-traditional (or shaped) card. I chose to use my Label 8 Nestabilities to make a card which is actually just slightly smaller than a normal A2 sized card; but it's the largest die size I have.
I decided to use some fun bright colors with this card and at first I didn't have the white twine and flower there; but I added it because I just felt as though it needed a little more oomph!
Well, it is 10:30 and I've not done one productive thing at all this morning! So that is all for me at the moment. Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks so much for spending some time with me!


Challenges for today's card:

Fabulous Friday: Color an image

Pattie's Creations: Stamped Image plus real or faux stitching

Our Craft Lounge: Shaped Card

Catch the Bug: August Anything Goes

Crazy for Challenges: Shaped Card

Ellephantastic Challenge: Add some layers

Mark's Finest Paper: Shaped card

Up Up and Away with Birthday Wishes

Hi Everyone!

I'm back as I said I would be earlier with my crafty creation for today. I posted another non-crafty blog earlier today about my favorite things. Scroll down after this to read it! I used Verve's Viva La Verve Sketch from SCS for my inspiration today. I thought the balloons from "Up Up and Away" would be a cute way to put something inside the oval. I seem to be in the mood to make somewhat simpler cards lately. Well, simple for me I suppose! Anyhow, thanks for looking! Have a great weekend and I'll see ya'll on Monday!!


Challenges:

Delightful Challenges: Stitching

Sassy Studios: Use a sentiment on the front of your card

For Fun Challenges: Anything Goes

Card Making Mamas: Birthday Card

Inspire me Fridays: Anything Goes

Raise the Bar: Anything Goes

The Stamp Man Challenge: Stitching

My Favorite Things

Good Morning Everyone!

TGIF! I'm not sure exactly what prompted the idea of sharing my favorite things with you this morning; but the idea just sprung into my head, so I thought I'd just roll with it! When I decided to share them, I thought to myself that I really wanted to keep it to five things total. After all, you have busy lives and so do I and I know you have better things to do than to just spend hours reading my blog! Of course, if you did I promise I wouldn't tell anyone!
I realized it was actually quite hard to narrow it to just five things! There is so much happiness and joy in my life, even with the typical and very minor stresses of the days. So many things I enjoy and so many things I love to do! So, I did what any organized person does: I grouped some of them together!
My first favorite thing, is my family!! Now, this may seem obvious; but I just couldn't start the list any other way. My husband, my children and even Toby are my number one favorite things in the world! They are the reason I get up every morning. They drive me insane on a daily basis; but they never ever cease to make me smile and to make me laugh! They remind me how blessed I am, they give me hope for the for the future and remind me how important it is to enjoy every single second of life!
My second favorite thing is TV!! I admit it, freely and openly! I am a TV junkie!! I enjoy my prime time shows, and am so very glad that between DVR, Netflix, Hulu.com, and On Demand there's really little chance of me missing a show I like! It would take me a very long time to list all the shows I like! I know I'm not the only one out there that enjoys watching either. Again, though your secret is safe with me! Now, the picture here shows the boys playing Mario Kart Wii. They are as addicted to the TV as I am, and so is Reagan. They come by it honestly and yes it truly is all my fault. Jim exercises much more discipline than I do about the TV; but he still watches with me every night!
Next on the list is crafting. Honestly if this is coming as a shock to anyone,
well....I just don't know what to say! I enjoy this hobby so very much. It is, for me, the best free therapy in the world. It calms me, it gives me satisfaction to know that I can visualize something in my head and turn it into something I can hold in my hand. I donate many of my creations to Operation Write Home every month as well as other charity organizations and knowing that I perhaps bring a smile to someone's face makes me feel great and gives me encouragement to continue. I also enjoy putting together scrapbooks of our favorite family memories. I look forward to sitting and sharing them and telling the stories to my grandchildren one day.

I have enjoyed reading since I was about 11 years old. I read all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, adored Beverly Cleary and shared adolescent woes with Judy Blume. Some of my fondest memories growing up are of crawling in my mom's bed to read together everynight before going to bed. So, my next favorite item is my Barnes and Noble Nook. I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this little item. I never go anywhere without it! I love the fact that I can have so many books and regardless of how big or small they are, they are always the same size! I love being able to start a new book as soon as I finish another one. And although it was a bit difficult to figure out at first, I'm so very glad I can borrow books from the library and get free books as well!
Ok, and finally the last favorite thing is another item that really needs no explanation if you know me! I love love coffee, wine and chocolate!! Now, when I took this picture, I didn't have any chocolate (clearly, I'm going to have to remedy that later!) I love good freshly brewed coffee. (if you missed my post about the Percolating Coffee Experience, click the link to read it) I enjoy a good glass of wine in the evening as well. My favorites are reds especially Cabernets and Pinot Noirs. Jim teases me about it sometimes; but I find that so ironic considering that my love for wine really started because he kept giving it to me when we first started dating!!
So, there you have it. Just a little glimpse into the things that make me happy in life! Again, the list is far longer than the items I've shared here. Could you narrow your list down to only 5?!
Enjoy your weekend and if you feel so inclined, come on back a bit later for today's crafty creation, which I'm now going to go make! LOL!!

Awesome Birthday

Hi Everyone! I hope you have all had a wonderful day. As you can see, I am posting this late in the day; but finally getting around to it. I did another blog post earlier with pictures and a fun recap about our camping vacation. Scroll down after this post and take a look!

Today's card was very easy to put together, and it wasn't until I got finished with it that I realized why. It has no stamps on it! I didn't stamp one single piece of the card. This is for the Viva La Verve Sketch challenge Week 1 (August) over at SCS. I will be uploading it to that gallery as well. I try very hard to use my Verve stamps when using those sketches; but I just couldn't get one to work out the way I wanted it to. So, I decided if I wasn't going to use a Verve Stamp, I was going to make sure I kept the heart as part of the design. I used my Cricut to cut the two hearts and then pieced them together. The rest of the card is truly as simple as it looks!
Now, I'm off to get dinner for the little man and myself. Have a great night and thanks so much for taking the time to visit me!

Challenges for this card are:

Cute Card Thursday: No pattern paper

Little Miss Muffet Challenges: Outside the Diecut

Color Throwdown:

Crafts and Me: Anything Goes

Truly Scrumptious: Buttons and Bows