Create Fabulous [Everything]

Nutella Cookies

2011-05-11T22:17:00.000-04:00

Hey there! Here's a super quick, easy & yummy recipe for you...

...with one of my favorite things, Nutella!!

1 cup Nutella

½ cup Sugar

3/4 cup All-purpose Flour

1 whole Egg

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Blend all ingedients together well.

Form into 1″ balls.

Place on a cookie sheet.

Press down firmly with the bottom of a glass.

Bake 7-8 minutes or until set.

Cool.

Enjoy.

original recipe here (I used slightly less flour)

Happy Birthday - Beach Style!

2011-04-11T08:30:00.000-04:00

Hello again!

This card was in serious need of posting. I made it a while back but it's the perfect card for such amazing weather Florida has been having (sorry Non-Florida residents)

I'm ready to kick my feet up, have a fruity drink and soak up the rays...but I have to go to work!

Hope you all have a Happy Monday!

recipe:

paper: stampin up su and papertrey ink pti (sorry don't remember the colors)

stamps: papertrey ink - soak up the sun; random michael's dollar store happy birthday

ink: papertrey ink pti; archival ink - sepia

die cut: sizzix/stampin up butterflies

misc: kaiser pearls; stickles

Look Ma! No Ink!

2011-04-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

Warning: No ink was used on this card!

(lol)

For real though, I have this set of "die cuts" that I got from Michael's Craft Store a while back which included the big flower in the back, the "yeah yeah wow" and the "thinking of you" card. And of course, you can't forget the Martha Stewart doily: one of my most recent crafting staples. Team this up with some butterfly die cuts and some bling and you're good to go! No ink necessary!

So anyway, sorry if the picture is small, but this was taken on my phone at my office! How could I have forgotten to take pictures of my card?! Ooops :/

Please leave a link to your website! I love inspiration and seeing how others layer their cards/layouts!!

Hope you enjoy!

recipe

paper: papertrey ink pti - terracotta tile & stamping up su - dusty durango

ink: NONE!

die cuts: misc from michaels; sizzix big butterflies; martha stewart doily tags

bling: kaiser and misc from michaels

Wedding Wishes - Lattice

2011-04-09T15:32:00.009-04:00

Hi Friends!

WOW! My twitter feed said it has been 54 days since I posted. So, I am asking your forgiveness in telling you that I will be posting a card once per week this entire week! (Hopefully you haven't forgotten all about me and that you still care about my cards!)

So, without further adieu...

I've been really wanting to get into my craft room for a while...I've been avoiding it because it's such a disaster area in there! Seriously, what a mess!

I finally tidied everything up in there the other week and made some (what I think) super cute cards!

This one I did most recently for a friend at my work. One of her husband's family members is getting married and I think I put her in shock when I blurted out "I'll make you a wedding card!!" lol. I was desperate to create something fabulous :D

So, the pressure was on at that point...I never like to disappoint my friends with anything I make, especially when they are giving it to someone else! EEK! I'm really pleased with how this came out though....and don't you just LOVE the lattice die cut? Ya. Me too :)

I'm also a big fan of this color combo. And I forgot how much I love embossing (I impressed myself because as much as I love embossing...I suck at it. But I was determined to make it absolutely perfect.)

I hope you enjoy this post and all the posts this week! Thank you again for coming back to see my after so long :) I truly appreciate each and every one of you!!

recipe

paper: papertrey ink pti - smokey shadow; random yellow shimmer paper from michael's

ink: versamark

die cut: sizzix lattice die cut & big butterflies; sizzlits lots of tags - stampin up su

embossing: silver

misc: kaiser craft bling; tulle from local craft store

Get Your Heart On!

2011-02-14T00:05:00.004-05:00

You're Absolutely Fabulous...No Seriously, You Are!

2011-02-12T17:20:00.009-05:00

Hello Fabulous!

Quick and easy post for a quick and easy card...

...you can really make it for an occasion.

Or any color combination (you know me and my Hawaiian Shores. LOVE.)

(isn't the inside of the card cute, too!?!)

Create [Something] Fabulous Today!

recipe:

paper: papertrey (pti) in hawaiian shores and rustic cream

ink: papertrey (pti) in hawaiian shores and smokey shadow

stamps: stampin up (su) aviary and absolutely fabulous

die cut: sizzix lots of tags

misc: bling; stampin up (su) 3-dimensionals

I Found It!!

2011-02-07T20:06:00.006-05:00

YYYYEEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHH!!

Katy Perry's Black Shatter nail polish by OPI

SOLD OUT in both Ulta's in my city and everywhere online was selling it for $20+ (ridiculous and worth every penny).

However, after over an hour of searching online, I finally found it for the normal retail price of $8.50 here. HA. Take that Amazon.

...the only crappy thing is having to wait 5-7 business days to receive it

...why haven't we invented a way to mix online shopping and instant gratification??!

I'm mixing mine with this awesome shade: The One That Got Away

(also in the Katy Perry OPI line)

I know it's weird...but I've seriously been thinking about this nail polish for days.

And soon I will have it! Be sure to check out the link below!

Black Shatter how-to here

Hope you love it as much as I do!!

Pearl Earrings

2011-02-01T21:24:00.005-05:00

Now that I have your attention..

Go Here: Diary of a Jeweler

To win these:

Aren't they pretty?! Seriously though...this is a good friend of mine's new blog. He's extremely knowledgeable and is a GIA certified gemologist. Big Time. His goal for this blog is to inform and to give confidence to a younger subset of customers who would otherwise be intimidated walking into a jewelry store.

Blog him, facebook him, tweet him - get the word out...and get a chance to win these awesome pearl earrings :)

Here's the website again: www.amirchokr.com

amazing photography by my other good friend, Naomi Chokr (his wife)...a fabulous duo they are

www.naomichokr.com

**by the way blog friends, sorry I've been absent! Happy New Year lol

I'll be back soon :*

Recipe: Corn and Crab Chowder

2010-12-12T21:25:00.005-05:00

OMG 2 posts in one day?

I just had to post this recipe immediately

...because it was so freaking good and everyone needs to try it!

Hubby and I were watching Rachael Ray yesterday (it was the only thing on in the afternoon) and she was making this Corn and Crab Chowder which my husband was drooling over.

So today I decided to make it for him, and DAMN it was delicious. I guess Rachael Ray knows what she's doing ;)

For the original recipe, go here. For my slightly altered recipe, see below!

(I noted my additions/alterations with an *asterisk)

Oh, and this isn't a low-fat meal...it calls for whole milk :)

Enjoy!!

1 tablespoon *extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 potatoes, peeled and diced

2 ribs celery, chopped

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

*2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced

*2 bay leaves, *dried

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning blend, found near seafood department, or on spice aisle at the grocery store

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups *chicken broth

1 quart whole milk

3 cups corn kernels, scraped fresh from the cob (*you'll need 5-6 cobs. I only had four and had to add some frozen)

8 ounces cooked lump crab meat – fresh is available in plastic tubs at many fish counters (*make sure to feel through it to make sure there aren't any bits of shell)

Heat a deep pot over moderate heat. Add vegetable oil or EVOO, about one turn of the pan, and butter (*what the hell is "about one turn of the pan? I have to clue either...I just let the butter completely melt before moving on to the next step).

As you chop your veggies, add them to the pot: potatoes, celery, onion and red bell pepper (*and garlic). Then add the bay leaf. Season vegetables with salt and pepper and Old Bay seasoning.
Sauté veggies five minutes, then sprinkle in flour. Cook with flour for two minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in broth and combine. Stir in milk and combine. Bring soup up to a bubble. Add corn and crab meat and simmer soup, about five minutes.

Adjust the soup seasonings and remove the bay leaf (*I added a mix of thyme, oregano and a few other spices I had in the kitchen...along with a bit more Old Bay and s&p).

*I served it with some buttered French bread. I also saw Rachael add a puffed pastry to the top of hers which looked really nice, but I couldn't find any in the store)

To finish off the night, my husband made us some Peppermint Hot Chocolate :)

Have a delightful night!!

List of Fours

2010-12-12T14:05:00.003-05:00

Hey all!!

I was tagged by Jessi at The Juici Life. I love reading about this crazy girls "misadventures" about fulfilling her bucket list and her "Thirsty Thursdays" for some delish drink ideas!

List of Fours

1. Four shows that you watch:
~ Bravo...Housewives, Top Chef
~ World of Jenks
~ Pawn Stars, American Pickers
~ What Not to Wear, Project Runway, anything Style Network

2. Four things you are passionate about:
~ My hubby
~ My family
~ My wonderful friends
~ Finding time to craft!

3. Four words/phrases you say a lot:
~ The awful "F" word is my favorite...(Jessi, I left this as-is, lol)
~ Woop Woop!!
~ Ummm Yeah
~ Anything from Napolean Dynamite (GOSH!)

4. Four things you've learned from the past:
~ All you need is love

~ Patience is a virtue
~ Don't sweat the small stuff
~ Live life to the fullest!

5. Four places you would like to go:
~ Italy
~ Fiji
~ Sweden
~ Australia

6. Four things you did yesterday:

~ 1 ornament on the Christmas tree
~ Spent way too much time putting in my Bumpit

~ 6 coats of glitter nail polish
~ Partied at my company Christmas Party

7. Four things you are looking forward to:
~ A clean house

~ Finishing the tree and putting up decorations
~ Christmas, New Years and Hubby's birthday!
~ Family and friends visiting!

8. Four things you love about Winter:
~ Peppermint Mocha and candy canes
~ Leaving the Christmas tree lights up all day long
~ Opening the windows and doors
~ CUTE BOOTS!

9. Tag 4 people to play along:
Naomi at Naomi's Space
Liszha at Liszha's Scrappy World
Paulina at Pretty Pink Posh
Ayana at Ayana's Creations

Happy New Baby - Girl!

2010-12-07T21:38:00.003-05:00

Hey there! Sorry I've been MIA...just got back from a cruise a few days ago ;) Jealous? Me too! I'd love to be back on that cruise ship!

This design was borrowed from another blogger (sorry I don't know who!!) but I put a little twist on it with the doily (love)

My friend asked for "minimal pink" but I just couldn't do it. I love hot pink. And I'm sure the new baby will, too!

Hope you all have a wonderful night!

the good stuff

paper: papertrey ink (pti) bitty dots; doily from michaels

ink: papertrey ink (pti) raspberry fizz

circle punch, corner chomper, sizzix big butterflies die cut

ribbon: stampin up (su)

kaiser craft pearl

random button

(side note: the paper in the back is dear lizzy for american crafts)

Obsessed: Pomegranates

2010-11-16T22:48:00.006-05:00

Hello. My name is Julie. I'm addicted to pomegranates.

Well, I don't think it's something that I need to go to a 7-step program for, but they are delicious. and really great for you.

To be honest with you, this is a recent obsession. Pomegranates are an intimidating fruit...I've never really known the best way to cut into them, so I never bought them. They are lumpy and have a weird nub at the top and I didn't know what could and shouldn't be eaten.

So here's a little "how to" care of one of my new favorite blogs for healthy eating - Gina's Skinny Recipes

How To Open A Pomegranate

Step One

Step Two
Remove the top. This easily comes right off.

Step Three
Once you remove the top you will see sections of the pomegranate divided by white membrane, score along those edges and the pomegranate will open up like a flower and all the arils will easily come out.

Step Four
Enjoy!!

Now that you know how to open a pomegranate correctly...here are some wonderful looking recipes. Hopefully I'll get to try them soon and let you know how they are!!!

Spiced Pears and Pomegranate

allrecipes.com

Ingredients

3 pears - peeled, cored and cut into wedges
1 pomegranate, skin and light-colored membrane removed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons finely chopped almonds (optional)
4 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

Place the sliced pears and pomegranate seeds into a bowl. Toss with lemon juice to coat. Combine the brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a small cup or bowl, then mix into the fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to blend the flavors. Serve in individual dishes, and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped almonds and a sprig of mint.

-------------

Pomegranate Pancakes

via Peanut Butter Fingers

Ingredients:

1 c. all purpose flour
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. POM Wonderful pomegranate cranberry or pomegranate juice
1 egg
2 tbsp. vegetable oil

Directions:

Combine flour through baking soda in a bowl
Whisk together pomegranate juice, egg and oil
Pour pomegranate mixture into the bowl with the four mixture and beat until combined
Spray griddle or pan with non-stick cooking spray
Pour batter onto pan in individual pancakes, flipping after approximately 2 minutes
Cook until batter is set
Top with syrup, powdered sugar, fruit or desired toppings

-------------------

Spicy Pumpkin Soup

via Pinch My Salt

long recipe - see above hyperlink :)

-------------------

Mango-Pear Sushi with Pomegranate Blueberry Wasabi

care of Gluten-Free Hippie

This looks really fun...and it might actually be a wasabi I can handle!! (maybe lol)

-------------------

Chocolate Covered Pomegranate Seeds (yes, please!)

via UrbanVegan.net

step by step recipe (see hyperlink)

-------------------

Pomegranate Martini via Gina's Skinny Recipes

Pomegranate Martini
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 1 • Serving Size: 4 oz • Calories: 124 • Points: 2 ww points

3 oz Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice
1 oz citrus infused vodka
crushed ice
lemon or lime twist

Super chill the glass, shake well with crushed ice and add a twist of lemon or lime for a killer drink.

------------------

Pomosa (twist on the traditional Mimosa)

allrecipes.com - no pic, sorry!

1/2 cup brut Champagne
2 tablespoons bottled pomegranate juice
1 teaspoon pomegranate seeds (optional)

And last, but not least, you can always check out the POM Wonderful website for great recipes/ideas :)

Happy eating...and drinking!!

**all pictures are taken from blogs/websites that have all been referenced with the appropriate recipe :p

Vintage Sweet Pea - Birthday Wishes

2010-11-09T19:59:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Brett!!!

the good stuff

paper: stampin up (su) crushed curry; papertrey ink (pti) hawaiian shores; vellum

stamps: papertrey ink year of flowers - sweet pea, mega mixed messages and text background

ink: staz on; papertrey ink chai; archival ink sepia

ribbon: PrarieBirdBoutique from Etsy

misc: michaels button; basic grey bling; twine; white pen; platinum stickles

cuts: martha stewart royal butterfly; papertrey ink eyelet border; corner chomper

side note: to get the light white effect on the sweet peas, I colored on the back side of the vellum with the white pen...less chance for smudging this way too :)

My New Favorite Kitchen Gadget...and Butternut Squash Soup!!

2010-11-07T21:20:00.008-05:00

I've been wanting one of these bad boys for a while now. I have a blender, yes, but this is so much more convenient, less "clunky" and ...prettier.

Yes, pretty is important when it comes to things I put in my kitchen. So which color did I choose? All 5! Just kidding, it was a really difficult decision but after almost leaving Sur la table (love) with the navy one, my friend convinced me that the Pomegranate Immersion Blender would be best as it matches all of my other appliances. Thanks Erin :)

Since today was a bit chilly (windows open, bundled up in sweaters, scarves and long socks) in Florida...so it was about 68 degrees, lol, but that's cold for me, I decided to make some Butternut Squash Soup for the hubs and I.

The recipe was passed along to me from Erin (same shopping buddy) who I'm sure got it from Cooking Light, as she does with most of her recipes.

So here it is...I hope you enjoy as much as my husband and I did. And if you don't have one of these hand blenders yet, no worries, you can use your blender :)

Butternut Squash Soup:

1 1/2 tablespoon butter

1/2 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic

2 springs fresh thyme (I used dried)

1/2 to 3/4 butternut squash - peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes

4 cups chicken stock (or chicken broth)

1 pinch ground cumin

salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, cook the onion,

garlic and thyme in the hot butter until the onion has softened (about

five minutes). Add the squash and chicken stock, bring to a simmer

and cook until the squash is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with

cumin, salt and pepper and remove from heat.

2. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the blender no more than

halfway. Hold the lid of the blender in place with a kitchen towel

and carefully start the blender using a few quick pulses to get the

soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until all

is smooth and pour into a serving bowl. Or, you can use a stick

blender and puree the soup right in the pot. Puree until completely smooth.

Check back in soon for some more tasty soup recipes using my new favorite kitchen gadget :)

Enjoy!

"Skinny" Pumpkin Cream Cheese Recipe

2010-10-15T08:49:00.003-04:00

picture care of SkinnyTaste.com

Quick post...I found this delicious recipe via Everything Yellow who found the recipe here.

I also recommend a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel to accompany this spread. Deeee-lish.

Enjoy!!

Recipe: Spaghetti Squash, Homemade Sauce and Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs!

2010-10-06T20:53:00.007-04:00

Oh how I love fall...

Our local grocery store is carrying lovely gourds and squash(es?) and we're finally getting weather that isn't 80+ degrees and humid here in Florida.

To welcome the new season a couple weeks ago, I decided to cook up some spaghetti and meatballs. But not the traditional kind. Say hello to "spaghetti squash"...

It's a healthier alternative to regular spaghetti and pretty easy to make.

I combined a couple different recipes for cooking the squash and homemade sauce and the Mozzarella Stuffed Turkey Meatballs.

And it was so good...my husband has never that kind of squash before and I made him a believer :)

He thought it was a little over-ambitious but it really didn't take that long to

make, surprisingly.

(He knows how frustrated I can get when I cook) :)

While the squash was cooking (for about an hour and a half, I started making the sauce, which then cooked itself for about an hour and then I started on the meatballs...worked out perfectly!!)

If the meatballs get a little overcooked (as mine did...cooked them a smidge too long), don't worry, just let them steam in the sauce and they will juice back up!

This makes a ton of leftovers (if you're cooking for two) so keep that in mind...

Also, if you try this and love it (or have suggestions on improvement) please let me know!! If you become a believer of spaghetti squash too and you need another recipe, go here! Courtesy of one of my sweet new blog friends Jessi :)

Enjoy!!

Sunday, Sundae, Sunday!

2010-09-26T20:44:00.003-04:00

I just have to say, I have never, ever seen Macadamia ice cream in Florida...and it was at our local grocery store, Publix. Besides having a fantastic weekend with my husband, this was the cherry on top!

On our honeymoon (over 2 years ago) in Kauai, Hawaii, we experienced the Hula Pie.

It was a-ma-zing.

When we got back home, I searched and searched for Macadamia ice cream. I never found any. Until NOW! I love Publix!

Unfortunately, it's a limited edition...so who knows how long it will be around, but I do know that I will be enjoying a few extra sundaes for a while ;)

Enjoy!

Best Ever...Bruschetta!

2010-09-06T21:08:00.005-04:00

(In my opinion, anyway!)

For anyone that really knows me...I am not confident in the kitchen. It gives me anxiety having to cook: having the proper portions for the number of people I'm cooking for, correctly measuring each ingredient, and the possibility of screwing up and having to throw all of my hard work (and all of that food) in the trash.

I envy my husband, for many reasons. Especially his calm demeanor and his ability to throw any random ingredient with another and create a culinary masterpiece. Quite frankly though, sometimes it really pisses me off ;)

Anyway, through another recipe I tried (gone wrong) and buying too much at the grocery store, I found my new love for fresh mozzarella balls!

I had some leftover tonight...along with some tomatoes and I thought I would attempt my first ever bruschetta. I looked online for a few recipes, and the only one that really caught my eye was this one. Um, the bad thing? NO MEASUREMENTS! eeeeek! So, I grew some mozzarella balls (ha) and decided to wing it. I went to the grocery store and picked up a French Baguette and some fresh basil.

A little side note...the only other time I've used a broiler pan was last week, haha, I didn't even know what it was before that. Yeah.

Ok so here's the good stuff (serving for 8 pieces)

3/4 pint/package of grape tomatoes (diced)

4 sprigs of fresh basil

1 shallot (minced)

small package of fresh mozzarella balls (diced)

salt

pepper

Mix the above ingredients in a bowl, stick in fridge while you preheat the oven to a high broil. (tip: make sure while broiling that you leave the oven door open a smidge - found out through another cooking catastrophe).

French Baguette

Olive Oil (EVOO)

Broiler Pan

Cut the French baguette into thin-medium slices at a diagonal. I cut 8 pieces and there was still a good amount of the loaf left.

Drizzle with EVOO lightly. Broil in oven for about 5 minutes (?) or until just "tanned". I'm sure you can also do this in a toaster over. You want it to be crispy, but not burned.

Take out of the oven and put on your serving tray. Drizzle with some more EVOO and put a little bit of salt over it while still warm.

Dish out your mixture on each of the baguette slices and serve. Voila.

Seriously...this is the best bruschetta I've ever had (not to be cocky) but it's amazing. My husband even high-fived me after he ate it. LOL.

If you try out my recipe, please let me know...I'd love to hear what you think!

Oh -- Almost forgot the most important part!! WINE! I paired mine with a super cheap, but delicious, Chardonnay from my beloved Total Wine. It's called Double Dog Dare (and I think that it was 3.99). Bargain!

Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the kitchen!

Hugs and Love,

Circle Circus - Birthday Wishes

2010-09-03T18:40:00.005-04:00

Hello 4 day weekend....!!!

Have a fabulous (and safe) Labor Day :)

...and a very happy birthday to Stephanie!

the good stuff:

paper: papertrey ink (pti) new leaf; white cardstock

ink: papertrey ink (pti): hawaiian shores and simply chartreuse; brillance - white

stamps: papertrey ink (pti) butterfly wishes (sentiment) and stampin up (su!) circle circus

misc: pti button; kaiser and basic grey bling / pearls; prima - flower centers

punch: stampin up circle scallop

Happy Sunday!

2010-08-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Sunday!

How will you celebrate?

Vibrant Thanks!

2010-08-19T19:41:00.007-04:00

...hope you're having a great week so far and the weekend is right around the corner!

I'm actually going with my husband to see Demetri Martin on Saturday and I'm SOO excited. If you've never heard of him, you're missing out!! He's a stand-up comedian and is hilariously funny. You should check out his stuff on youtube or on Comedy Central.

My husband and I are big concert/entertainment junkies...but this is our first comedian that we've seen do stand up in a big arena (tampa bay performing arts center)...we've seen Jeff Dunham and a few other comics, but only in a small venue at one of our local comedy theaters.

I just can't wait, is it Saturday yet!?

So anyway, the card :)

I thought I would do something really colorful for a friend of mine's mom. I was able to spend the day getting a manicure, shopping and lunch with both of them. It was so much fun...I can't wait for her mom to visit again (and I'm going to bring my mom, they would get along so well!!)

Her mom was so adorable and I just thought I would make her a sweet little card to let her know that I appreciated spending the time with her!

Hugs and Love,

the good stuff:

paper: stampin up (su) rich razzleberry;

papertry ink (pti) rustic white, hawaiian shores and simply chartreuse

misc: corner chomper; sizzix - embosslits beautiful wings;

k&company acetate and paper die cuts;

bling by kaiser craft

stamps: papertrey ink (pti) mega mixed messages

ribbon: websters pages "bloomers" in spring green

ink: archival ink - sepia

Thank You Martha Stewart

2010-08-17T07:30:00.001-04:00

I'm now obsessed with doilies.

I've been using them everywhere: here, here and here. Not to mention all the cards I still need to post.

Yikes.

But it makes for a heck of cute card, doesn't it?

This is for a girl at work...she's adorable and just had her 2nd baby girl. And for months, I never even knew she was preggo. She's TINY.

Hopefully if/when I decide to have kids, I'll look like she did.

Besides doilies, I wanted to use my sizzix pocket die with FELT. I love hot pink, and hot pink felt? HELLO!

I just like that I could take the doily/tag out and it's like a card of its own :)

Ok, now I'm off. My company's gym opened up last week and I'm all out of excuses for not working out....maybe it's "too convenient". Is that a plausible excuse? no? darn.

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

the good stuff:

paper: papertrey ink (pti) - rustic white;

american crafts - craft fair

misc: martha stewart tag doily; doily and ribbon from michaels; prima flower; floss from joanns; kaiser crystals

stamps: papertrey (pti) - bitty baby blessings;

close to my heart (ctmh) - tags

ink: papertrey (pti) - raspberry fizz; brillance - yellow

die cut: sizzix pocket

Peach Cobbler :)

2010-08-16T22:32:00.003-04:00

For some reason, I wanted to make a peach cobbler. and I felt the need to start it at 9:45pm.

Hopefully it's good...I'll let you know tomorrow ;)

step by step: here

I plan to serve it warm....a la mode

Update: oh my goodness...this was delicious. you must try it.

recipe

Whimsy Thanks

2010-08-07T09:42:00.005-04:00

It's Saturday. How delightful :)

I just wanted to share my latest card with you

before I go to brunch and get a manicure :)

Don't you just love the weekends?

the good stuff

paper: papertrey ink (pti): hawaiian shores and simply chartreuse

stamps: papertrey ink (pti): simply chartreuse and fresh snow;

stampin up (su!): pocket silhouettes and medallion

die cut: sizzix - embosslits beautiful wings; lots of tags label 1

misc: martha stewart doily; k & company flowers;

white tulle from craft store; bling from kaiser craft; pearl brad from reflections (michaels)

It's a Wonderful Day!

2010-07-19T18:50:00.009-04:00

To my husband of 2 wonderful years...

I love you for being the inspiring, admiring, encouraging, devoted, charming, romantic, sincere, passionate, driven, hilarious, attentive, intelligent (and sexy) man that you are!

To many, many, many more amazing years with you!

Happy anniversary babe!

xoxo wifey

Birthday Wishes!

2010-07-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm really proud of this card :)

I made it for my coworker...she's adorable, preppy and very sweet (and she loves pink).

I have had such a card-making blockage lately. This card took me over an hour. I just couldn't get the layout right..it's like I knew exactly what I wanted to do, but I couldn't do it. Do you ever get that? Luckily, I finished the card

and was happy with it.

The birthday girl liked it, too. Which always makes you feel better about what you've made!!

I know I always say it...but I'm not good at layering. It makes me anxious. I never feel like it quite goes together. This card, for me at least, has a lot of layering -- and detail. I wanted to make sure I took pictures of everything...in case I felt the need to duplicate it later :)

For instance, I hand-stamped the Happy Birthdays at the bottom repeatedly..and sideways (on purpose).

This was stamped in VersaMark. If you've never used it, you definitely should start! It's perfect for

embossing...or like in this case, it makes a watermark effect slightly darker than the color of your cardstock.

I also wanted to use a few new die cuts that I got from PTI ( Papertrey Ink ) a couple months ago. Oh, and the felt. LOVE the felt. YUM!

Everything comes together to make this cute little birthday card :)

Hope you like it too!! Have a wonderful day!!

Hugs and Love,

recipe:

paper: PTI Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores; plain white cardstock; American Crafts Craft Fair

stamps: PTI Papertrey Ink - Mega Mixed Messages and Fillable Frames #1

ink: VersaMark, PTI Papertrey Ink - Hawaiian Shores and Simply Chartreuse

die cuts: PTI Papertrey Ink - Eyelet Lace Border and Fillable Frames #3; Sizzix Big Butterflies; Stampin Up tiny leaves

misc: Martha Stewart doily tags; PTI Papertrey Ink felt in Simply Chartreuse and Raspberry Fizz; Basic Grey Bling It pearls; Glimmer Mist; flower and pins from Michaels

With Sympathy - Butterflies

2010-07-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Good Morning!

I just wanted to quickly post a card that I made last night. It's always tough to create a sympathy card...especially when its for someone close to you.

Our friend just lost her mother a few days ago. I can't imagine the feeling. My heart breaks whenever I hear of someone losing a person close to them. It makes me appreciate everyone I have in my life and a reminder not to take anything...or anyone for granted.

So, with that said, whether I know you or if I've only spoken to you via our blogs...

I love you dearly!

Hugs and Love,

recipe:

stamps: Papertrey Ink (PTI): With Sympathy, Mega Mixed Messages;

Stampin Up (SU): Great Friend

paper: Papertrey Ink (PTI): Rustic Cream, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse

ink: Papertrey Ink (PTI): Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse; VersaMark

misc: Zing! clear embossing powder; Basic Grey Bling It Pearls

punches: Martha Stewart border, Martha Stewart Royal Butterfly

ribbon: Papertrey Ink (PTI) vintage cream

Jardin Botanique de Montreal

2010-07-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

Flowers are probably my favorite things to take pictures of. The vibrant colors, the textures, the intricate, dainty details. Ever since I learned how to use my camera as I mentioned in this post, I have been ever more excited to take pictures!!

We were just in Montreal last week and it was

gorgeous, especially when we visited the Jardin botanique de Montréal / Montréal Botanical Garden.

Here are a few beauties...straight out of the camera :) No photoshop!!

Inside the Botanical Garden, there was a rose garden with a collection of over 10,000 roses. It was incredible.

I really loved taking pictures of the pollen from each of the flowers I saw using the Super Macro function on my camera.

It always makes me nervous when taking my pictures because the screen on my camera is SO small. What looks good on that screen, may be blurry or grainy when I load them onto the computer. But in this case, I was just so thrilled when I came home and saw the pictures on my computer for the first time. They were perfect!

Another thing I loved was this Poppy!

Doesn't it look like crinkled paper? Sooo beautiful and delicate. What I thought was even cooler is that they were growing out of cabbage!?!

I could do a post on Poppies alone...they are awesome. And I took a TON of pictures of all the

different colors :)

I have no idea what this flower is...but how COOL is it? My husband loved this one the most, of all the flower pictures I took!

It's almost electric for me, in a way!

I love Dahlias, too. They're big and bold and they have so many beautiful layers. Just look at the colors on this one...a bunch of these yummies in a vase is a decorator's Heaven :)

I'm not quite sure what this one is...my guess is some kind of daisy with the way the petals are. I've never seen anything like this one. I love the stiffness of the pollen (inside of the flower...whatever you want to call it :) And I love the way the sun is hitting on the left side of it! It could look even been if photoshopped, but I really wanted to focus this post on the raw images, untouched!

Not sure what this one definitely is, either, but I'm pretty sure it's in the daisy family also....it almost looks like a sunflower a little bit, except the center is much more subtle than the normal black-center of a sunflower.

I had SO much fun taking these pictures and I hope that you've enjoyed browsing through them!

My husband was so happy with the way these came out and the way I took them, that he actually told me I should frame them and display around the house! What a sweetheart :)

Come back soon for some architectural and miscellaneous pictures that I took from Montreal!

Have a fabulous day!

Hugs and Love,

Happy 4th of July! (and a Birthday!)

2010-07-04T13:39:00.006-04:00

Happy July 4th!

I thought this card would be appropriate to post today because the stars look like fireworks :)

My nephew (on my husband's side) turned 7 yesterday! I can't believe it...he is growing so quickly! He was only about 6 months old when I started dating my husband, wow, how time flies.

This card was super simple to make...just a few stamps, paper and my Sizzix Stars die cut.

The colors were inspired from the Transformers wrapping paper that we used to wrap my nephew's Nerf gun.

(Jim and I spent at least an hour in the aisle deciding which Nerf gun would be best. They all look exactly the same to me, lol, so I'm glad Jim was there to make the decision).

The birthday boy celebrated in Disney World this weekend -I know they are having a great time :) I really needed a little R & R time...so I did not join them in the festivities.

It's been a super relaxing weekend for me so far, I have the house to myself, I was able to make a couple cards, I've watched a good amount of tv :) and I'm planning on cleaning the floors....at some point...that's my plan, anyway!

Hope you all have a fabulous 4th and be safe!!

Hugs and Love,

recipe:

stamps: Papertrey Ink (PTI) Star Prints, Everyday Button Bits; Stampin Up (SU) Solid Stripes

ink: Versamark

paper: Papertrey Ink (PTI) and Stampin Up (SU)

misc: Sizzix Stars #2 die cut; brads

Giveaway Alert!!

2010-07-01T18:30:00.001-04:00

More blog candy!!

Doesn't this make you so happy?

I'm in love... :)

And there's more where that came from! Leave a comment over at the DeNami blog [you should become a follower if you aren't already...]

They are giving away 2 stamp sets besides these rhinestones...be sure to check our their adorable new collection, too!! They are SO cute!!

AWESOME BLOG CANDY ALERT!!

2010-06-30T22:29:00.004-04:00

If you haven't done so already...visit Paulina over at Pretty Pink Posh for some amazing EK Success blog candy ;)

All you have to do is leave her a comment...but I definitely recommend you become a follower -- she's awesome! Not only that, if you become her follower, you can leave an extra comment for another chance to win!!

Good luck [to me]!!

Just kidding... ;)

Sweet Sweets!

2010-06-22T20:56:00.008-04:00

Hey there!

You'll be glad you stopped by today...I have some pretty pastries to show you from my trip up to New Jersey / Philadelphia a couple months ago.

I should be packing now for my trip up to Montreal tomorrow, but of course, I'm procrastinating :)

I was emptying the pictures on my ca

mera to create room on the memory card and came across these pictures I forgot about. This little bakery in Philly was delightfully cute. The window displays were uber-cute! It's called Termini and if you're in that area...you

really need to stop in for some goodies.

Now, I'm kinda proud of myself because I finally learned how to use my camera after 3 years of having it. I don't have anything super amazing, but it's a perfect little camera for me. The Canon PowerShot S315

is a nice mix between a point and shoot and a fancy professional camera :) My husband's uncle is a photographer in New Jersey (I'll post pictures of his amazing studio soon) and he was pretty impressed with my little camera!

That was exciting to hear, lol.

Anyway...I've always shot with auto and a flash. Isn't that what everyone was taught? Well it's wrong (well, it's not as great as it could be, I should say!)

Uncle Jeff told me that it's really important to experiment with different settings, and he never uses anything other than Aperture and Shutter Speed settings (which on my

camera are Av and Tv).

So, this trip I decided to use none other than those two settings. These pictures on this posts are SOOTC (straight out of the camera) and I am still kind of in shock...I really like the way these came out -- WAY better than if I would have used just an Auto setting.

Don't those Cappuccino Biscottis look incredible? They were! I love how just a few in the center are in focus and the rest is blurred. I did that! Me! I'm just so excited that I'm finally taking good pictures with the camera that I already own!!

And these cupcakes...these were practically in the back room and I was behind the counter! My zoom is pretty good, I'd like to think! I have to confess, I didn't have a cupcake, but they look so fun and yummy!!

Last picture I'd like to end on -- not exactly sure what is chocolate covered, but it looked so good. It was really difficult not sampling everything in the bakery! (Not my best picture, but I don't have time to photoshop it before I really NEED to start packing!!)

Which is now, lol. I have to wake up at 5am to catch an 8:30 international flight at an airport an hour away (and get breakfast...and coffee).

Can't wait to post more pictures of my awesome New Jersey / Philadelphia trip!! And I am so excited to be using my camera in Montreal -- I hope to get some awesome pictures :)

Have a great week and weekend...I'll see you next Tuesday!

Hugs and Love,

Thank you DAD for being you!

2010-06-20T14:59:00.009-04:00

Happy Father's Day!

There are so many wonderful things I can say about my dad...I'm really lucky to have him in my life.

I wanted to share a couple really great poems/songs that remind me of my dad, and if you still need something to write in your Father's Day card...these may be really great for you.

My Father, My Guiding Light
Dad, you’re like the sun to me,
a sure thing, always there,
beaming light and warmth on my life.
Whatever is good in me today,
I owe to your wisdom, your patience,
your strength, your love.
You taught me by example,
as a role model,
how to be my own person,
how to believe in myself,
instructing me without controlling me.
Even when we disagreed,
you held us together,
so our bond was never broken.
I understand what you did for me,
and I am so grateful that I have you
as my solid foundation, my rock.
I respect you, I admire you, I love you,
my guiding light, my father.Here's another to enjoy:
Father Daughter Dance Song

My daddy was my hero
For my very youngest years;
Daddy kept me safe and happy,
And he chased away my fears.
I watched in awe and wonder
At each manly thing he did;
Oh, I looked up to my daddy,
When I was a little kid.

My dad was still my hero,
As the years passed, one by one.
He taught important lessons,
And he took some time for fun.
He was my firm foundation;
On my dad I did depend;
He was always there for me,
My dad, my guide, my friend.

My father is my hero,
Now that I am fully grown.
I love him and respect him,
The best man I've ever known.
I knew when I would marry
That my husband had to be
A great man, just like my father,
Dad, my hero you'll always be.
Both By Joanna Fuchs
I love you Dad! Thanks for always being there for me. And even though my hubby isn't a dad yet, I still want to thank him for all he does for me, too!
To all the Fathers out there...have a wonderful day!
Hugs and Love,J
the good stuff :)paper: Papertry Ink (PTI) rustic cream cardstock; Stampin' Up kraftstamps: hero arts: woodgrain, Unity Kit of the Month ink: Papertrey Ink (PTI): simply chartreuse, tea dye duomisc: burlap from Michael's, PTI ribbon, Martha Stewart doily

Good Luck!

2010-06-18T08:25:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday!!!

Last week (last week? possibly...the weeks are running into each other!) I finally went over to my fellow scrapbooker's house for a day crop. It was SO nice to be able to see all my girls again!! My wonderful friend Terry so generously opens her house up to us to give us all a place to craft together. On top of that...this girl has a collection...of everything. You should see her craft area -- it's her entire living room!!! LOVE!

So while I was at Terry's house, I made 3 cards (I know it doesn't sound like a lot but it takes me for-e-ver to make a card). But every card I made at her house I just loved. Those girls have a way of bringing my mojo back :)

So here's the first. It was for my sister who was taking the biggest exam of her life. The MCAT. She studied for 8-10 hours a day, every day for 2 months! That was her full time job, lol. I wanted to give her this card the day before she took the test, just to let her know how proud I was of her!

I'm so glad I have finally used the Star Prints stamp set by Papertrey. Isn't it delightful? I don't have the coordinating punch (yet) so I just cut these out by hand, but it's worth it!

My sister loved it...and on top of that, she felt like she did REALLY well on the test! Unfortunately, the results take 8 weeks to come in! (How can they make them wait that long??) But, I have all the confidence in the world with my sister...and I know she'll be the best doctor around.

Hugs and Love,

All supplies: Papertrey Ink (PTI)

except for flourish stamp (unknown) that I borrowed from Sherri :)

Wedding Wishes - Damask

2010-06-02T23:32:00.004-04:00

Quick Post!

This was for my friend's wedding from back in MARCH! My goodness...I'm so behind in posting. Hope you like it -- I made the background myself :)

Good night!!!

recipe:

stamps: damask from michaels ($1 - yes, $1...), Papertrey PTI Giga Guidelines (sentiments)

ink: Papertrey Ink (PTI) raspberry fizz and smoky shadow

paper: white cardstock; Papertrey (PTI) smoky shadow

Sizzix Big Butterflies die cut; Martha Steward butterfly punch

misc: rhinestones from michaels

Happy Wedding Doily!

2010-05-25T22:33:00.009-04:00

Meet...my card :)

I think this begins my new found obsession. Doilies. Yes, these little beauties are so versatile....just look at Dawn McVey and Retrospection blog posts. Just fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. I HAD to go to Michael's this morning to pick up these little babies...Martha Stewart Die Cut Lace Doily Tags. For $3.99 you get 3 different styles (4 of each). Aren't they just delightful? Can't wait to see what else I come up with!

Ok back to the card :)

This is the first card (pretty much ever) that I've tried layering. I stink at layering...I WANT to layer, I just have some inability to do it right. Finally, I think I did it right!

I made this for my coworker friend's brother who is getting married this Sunday. Their colors are fuchsia and yellow...such happy colors! I added a little smoke/black to it for some contrast :) I hope my friend (and the new couple) enjoys my card!!

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear what you think :)
Have a fabulous day!!

Recipe:
Stamps: All are Papertrey Ink (PTI) -- sets include
Giga Guide Lines, Background Basics Text Style
Ink: VersaMark; Papertrey Ink (PTI) - Smokey Shadow, Raspberry Fizz
Paper: Papertrey Ink (PTI): Bitty Dots, Smokey Shadow, Clear Cardstock
Embellies: Martha Stewart Lace Tags; Lace from Joann's; black ribbon; Kaiser Craft Pearls
Misc: white embossing powder, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch
Sizzix - Top Note Die Cut and Big Butterflies Die Cut, Little Leaf Die Cut

Dot Spots: Hope You're Feeling Better!

2010-05-12T21:16:00.004-04:00

I have to confess...I totally scraplifted this card :)

Isn't it cute though? I believe I got it straight from the PTI -- Papertrey Ink -- photo gallery.

This stamp set is so cute, I love it. I think for my next card, I'm going to hole punch a few of the dots and raise other dots, that may turn out kinda cool!

I have about 100 bloggers on my Google Reader right now and I am constantly inspired by so many incredible people.

I'd love to know...who's your inspiration??

recipe:

Papertrey Ink -- PTI -- rustic white cardstock

Papertrey Ink -- PTI --inks: orange zest, raspberry fizz, lemon tart, plum pudding

Papertrey Ink --PTI -- stamps: Dot Spot, sentiment: Everyday Button Bits

Kaiser Craft pearls and Basic Grey Bling

Corner Chomper

Beach Wedding Wishes

2010-05-09T20:37:00.004-04:00

Hello!! And Happy Mother's Day to everyone :) Hope you all had a fantastic day! I've been really behind on posting my recent cards and thought this would be a nice one to welcome summer!

Our pool is finally clean and at the perfect temperature for some swimming as I did the last couple days...and I even got to lay out...lol I'm trying to get my "tan" back (who am I kidding..the last time I was "tan" was prom). But it was absolutely gorgeous outside.

I love this card :) I think it's so fun...and I finally got to use this awesome material that's actually some European bouquet wrap. Pretty neat, huh?

The detail of the starfish is actually thick embossing powder adhered with a glue pen! It was really tough finding something that looked like real sand, but I found it!

Thanks for stopping by! See you soon :)

All ingredients are from Papertrey Ink (PTI) except twine, bouquet wrap and thick embossing powder.

Parisian Love: Google

2010-04-14T20:43:00.007-04:00

Love this...

Happy Happy Birthday!

2010-03-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

New PTI goodies!

I am in LOOVE with this color: It's the new Hawaiian Shores from PTI / Papertrey Ink

Yummmm-ooooo!

Not only that, the Delightful Dahlia is gorgeous in this color -- whether you stamp it in white against the turquoise or you stamp it in the turquoise on white paper -- either way...divine!

recipe:

stamps: PTI - Delightful Dahlia and Fillable Frames #1

paper: Stampin' Up (SU!) kraft cardstock, PTI Hawaiian Shores cardstock

ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores, Fresh Snow and New Leaf

misc: Stampin' Up (SU!) leaf die cut

twine from Walmart; pearls from Kaiser Craft, pins from Michaels

SU slot / ticket punch

I made this card for my bestie -- she was in town for the day and we went to the Farmer's Market downtown with her hubby and their little dog, Mac. So much fun! Can't wait to go back soon! ...Our birthdays are only 10 days apart....leave it to us to buy each other baking pans as our gift to each other...while in the store (Sur la Table)...and then exchange them with each other when we left the store. Priceless!! Definitely will make this a tradition :)

Papertrey Goodies!!!

2010-03-22T21:54:00.007-04:00

....happiness is......

a montly routine of Papertrey goodies

this month's purchase:

-every accessory in the new color: Hawaiian Shores

(including buttons, satin ribbon, ink, paper and FELT!)

-plum pudding ribbon (yum!)

-the Ric Rac die cut - my favorite purchase!!

-Delightful Dahlia stamp set

-Year of Flowers: Violets stamp set

-Fillable Frames #1 stamp set

-Recipe Box Label stamp set (because I love the vintage type labels)

What did you get this month?!?!

Rubber Duckie....

2010-03-22T21:24:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the unsightly picture! Since my husband installed Windows 7 on my computer, I haven't had photoshop :( It's coming soon, though!!

The rose is from my backyard (ya, gorgeous right?! AND it smelled aaaa-maaazing! Not only that, but it lasted like 5 days...can't wait for my next one to bloom :)

My husband and I went to our first co-ed baby shower a couple weeks ago for one of his buddies. It was so much fun!!

They are having a little girl, Ariana...who should be due any week now!

This card was super fun to make and here is the recipe:

stamps: PTI Retro Background, Bitty Baby Blessings and Scattered Showers
ink: Brillance - gold

misc: stickles, ricrac, PTI button, Doodlebug flock, Nestabilities die cut set

paper: PTI rustic cream and Berry Sorbet

Martha Stewart border punch

You're My Cup of [Peppermint] Tea

2010-03-13T22:32:00.003-05:00

Ok...so this was one of my Valentine's Day cards that 1) never got sent out and 2) never got posted to my blog. lol, I am so bad!!

You should check out Unity Stamp's Kit of the Month Club...the stamp set I used for this card is from the December kit. Cute, right?!

Sorry to keep it short, but hubs and I took a nap on the beach today and I got sunburned, so I'm a little tired! (there's something wonderful about a sunburn, though, don't you think!?! ) It was just such a gorgeous day today that we couldn't resist spending the whole time outside!

Where are you and how's the weather there?!

recipe

stamps: Unity Dec KOTM, Close to My Heart - Lace

paper: PTI Pure Poppy and Rustic Cream

misc: Joann Fabrics lace; Basic Grey Bling

ink: PTI Vintage Touch inking system; CTMH red; staz-on brown

punch: SU! slot punch

p.s. peppermint is my favorite tea that my husband makes me...especially when i'm not feeling well. he's so sweet!

It's March....?!

2010-03-03T21:51:00.003-05:00

Holy Cow, is it really March?

(Happy Birthday Month to me!! lol)

I keep going MIA on my blog and for that, I'm very sorry! I really, really want to be better at posting. We'll see what happens :)

So, I placed a Papertrey Ink (PTI) order and it came in the other day...very exciting! So here's what I made:

...Don't be too impressed with me (cause I know it's SUPER cute) because I totally scraplifted the whole thing from Lisa Johnson (Poppy Paperie). I changed the sentiment and tag layout slightly, but other than that, I pretty much copied everything (even down to the colors) lol! She's a much better stamper than I am, but I think mine came out ok anyway.

Enjoy!

recipe

stamps: PTI - Dot Spot (new!) and sentiment from PTI Everyday Button Bits

paper: PTI rustic white

ink: PTI - orange zest, raspberry fizz, lemon tart and plum pudding

misc: bling from Basic Grey and pearls from Kaiser

Sweet!

2010-01-31T00:00:00.008-05:00

Oooh Embellish did it again! Fabulous color choice and super cute pics as inspiration!

My take on the challenge:

I've really been wanting to use this ice cream cone stamp from Unity Stamp's June '09 Kit of the Month. (Side note: If you are not a member of the KOTM you need to be! It's such a great deal and the stamps each month get better and better!! Go here to start getting yours!)

The only difference is that I added another layer to the cone -- thought it would be nice to have a "scoop" for each embellish color ;)

I was also reaaally excited to use my new corduroy button from Stampin Up!! So cute (new colors from the Sale-a-Bration perfect for Valentine's day in red and pink!)

Can't wait to see your designs for the newest Embellish Challenge!

Enjoy :)

recipe

paper: PTI/Papertrey (bitty dots) & (rustic white); Basic Grey (nook and pantry); American Crafts (craft fair)

ribbon: PTI/Papertrey

bling: Heidi Swapp

stamps: PTI/Papertrey (signature greetings), Unity Stamp (june 09 kotm)

ink: Staz-On (brown); SU/Stampin Up! (bermuda bay)

misc: SU! 3-dimensionals & corduroy brad

Let Your Love Grow....

2010-01-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

I've got a couple Valentine's cards that I wanted to share with you all...

It wasn't my intention to make Vday cards, but Unity Stamp Co has such awesome lovey-dovey Valentiney stuff in their Kits of the Month that I just had to take advantage of!!

I thought this was cute...for like maybe a recently dating or married couple. Simple but sweet. All of the stamps are from the Unity January KOTM. Soooo cute!

recipe

paper: PTI rustic white

stamps: Unity January KOTM

misc: bling (from Michael's), 3-dimensionals and punch from SU!

ink: CTMH green and tulip; SU! mustard; Archival Ink in sepia

With Sympathy

2010-01-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

We have the sweetest, most adorable older couple neighbors from New York: Sal and Stella. Oh they are so cute...Stella's signature phrase (for when something is expensive) is "you leave a pint of blood" -- lol. She's just hilarious.

We found out that when they went up North for the holidays that her brother passed away. She called us to let us know they wouldn't be back for a little while and asked if we could look over their house, get their mail, etc. I just hate hearing about these things....it's so sad and it breaks my heart for them.

I wanted to make a card for her for when she came back, so that she would know we were thinking about her and we were here if she needed us.

I made a simple, yet pretty card; nothing over the top, but still detailed enough.

It can't help me think of the victims in Haiti from the recent disaster. How their families feel, what they are going through, how horrible the conditions are...I hope everyone is able to donate, volunteer, do whatever they can to help the survivors.

God Bless.

recipe:

stamps: Stampin Up Medallion, Unity Stamp January '10 KOTM (the "wreath" in the center of the medallion) and Bevy of Butterflies (sentiment)

paper: SU Rich Razzleberry

ink: PTI Fresh Snow

misc: corner rounder; jeweled brad

You're so thoughtful!

2010-01-26T21:36:00.003-05:00

Wow...I'm so inconsistent with crafting and blogging...what happened??

I guess it's much harder to go in your craft room when it's 53 degrees... boy it was cold.

I much preferred to be on the couch underneath an electric blanket next to a space warmer ;)

So...since it's a little bit warmer out (we're actually needing our A/C...and it works, lol) so it's much, much easier to be in the craft groove!

Hope you enjoy....I'll actually be posting a few other cards in the next couple days -- come back and check 'em out!

See ya later blogator! (cheesy...I know)

recipe:

stamps: PTI Background Text Basics and Friends Til the End; Unity Bevy of Butterflies (flourishes); Amy Butler (the tiny flowers); Stampin Up (handwriting)

ink: PTI terracotta tile, fresh snow and new leaf; versamark

misc: PTI button; Basic Grey pearls; twine (wal-mart)

paper: SU kraft, PTI terracotta tile

Birthday Wishes!

2010-01-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

I have FINALLY made a card that I like! For the last couple weeks I've been feeling a little sluggish; hopefully that feeling has finally gone away!

This is a card for one of the girls that works with my hubby. She's super adorable and fun and I found out her birthday is today :) So I thought I'd make a card for his office people to give to her...lol, it's going to be pretty funny when he gives her this really girly card...but I'm sure he will immediately mention that I made it haha.

I started with Melon Berry cardstock from PTI, then used American Crafts "Craft Fair" paper (cute, huh?? SUCH a good set of paper!!) Then I used brown cardstock from PTI and punched it with Martha Stewart's Scalloped Scallops border punch and accented with twine. I used Bermuda Bay cardstock from SU! and some yellow patterned paper (some set from Michaels) with the Flower Layers from Sizzix die cuts.

The sentiment is Giga Guidelines from PTI in Melon Berry ink as well...I got the lighter berry effect by just stamping once on a scrap piece of paper then stamping on the actual piece. I accented with a Raspberry Fizz button and some bling!

I think its the perfect touch of fun!

Hope you all have a fabulous day and thanks SO much for stopping by!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-11T21:28:00.003-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and a fabulous start to 2010!

I've been in some kind of funk lately, maybe due to the cold (its like 30 degrees outside...I live in Florida...ya that's cold for Florida). On top of that, the heat in my house is BROKEN! Ugh...so all I have been motived to do lately is sit on the couch with my hubby, curl up under the blankets and watch tv. :)

So obviously, my craft table (and blog) has been neglected...sorry about that!

I just wanted to share this card that I made for my boss with you.

I basically folded patterned green paper in different lengths for each layer. I secured it with pop-dots...that's the only way it was secure (adhesive tape wasn't doing it). Then I accented with bling, floss and a button for the star. The sentiment is from Michael's in the $1 bin and the color is Tulip by CTMH. The faux stitching is a white pen from CTMH.

The stamp on the envelop is the Giga Guidelines stamp from PTI.

(The kraft cardstock and envelope is from SU!)

I really hope you all had a happy, healthy holiday and I would love to hear about it!!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

2009-12-07T20:13:00.005-05:00

Christmas is almost here...I can't even believe it! Thanksgiving came and went so quickly and I'm still not ready to have more turkey, lol, I was having leftovers for DAYS!

Well, this was a very busy weekend for hubs and I. We took several (and I mean several) trips to Home Depot, Walmart and Walgreens trying to supplement our Christmas lights inventory...it seems wherever we went, we forgot something, or they were out of what we needed, etc. It's never just "easy", lol.

We had so much fun putting up th

e lights -- as you can tell, Jim looks thrilled, right? haha.

Sorry for the fuzzy pic...I don't even know what setting my camera was on -- and it poured the

day before and was still overcast outside.

(Thank goodness we have shingle roofing, because if we had tile, you can't step on that...let alone sit on it or it will break.) And so Jim was able to easily put the lights up without having to constantly move the ladder!! (And it helps we have a very short house, lol)

I just absolutely adore these little candy canes...aren't they sweet (hehe, no pun intended)!

They are just the perfect little accent to the yard.

And for the grand finale -- our little house decorated with lights :)

Hopefully I'll get the house cleaned soon and post pictures of the inside all decorated cute! (and post pictures of our tree...which I haven't gotten yet...lol)

Love to see what your house will be decorated like this year!!

Talk to you all soon! Enjoy!

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a Boy!!

2009-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

My cousin, Ashley, just gave birth Tuesday morning to a beauuutiful baby boy!! Giovanni weighed in at 6 lbs 13 oz and is such a cutie pie!! (He's got some stiff competition, cause his older brother and sister are adorable too!!)

(I hope she doesn't read this, I don't want her to see the card just yet!!) :)

So...I made her this card, using the stamp I just love! It's from Unity Stamp's November Kit of the Month (KOTM) Club!!

If you haven't signed up for this yet, you have got to!! It is such an amazing deal...and you get a ton of stamps for only $24 a month! Seriously...check it out, the stamps each month are SUPER SUPER cute...and they keep getting better and better!!!

The paper is Spring Rain from PTI, patterned paper is Stampin Up - Loopdie Doo (or something like that...it was part of a Hostess set) and Kraft paper from SU!. Ribbons are from Michaels. Inks are Tim Holtz Distress Inks (in Fire Brick and Peeled Paint) and PTI's ink duo (but I only used Chamomile). I used a little Stickle for the star at the back of the plane and for the head of the plane, I used a red brad!! (I like that little touch).

and a 5, 6, 7, 8!!

2009-12-01T20:53:00.007-05:00

....caution: extremely long blog post.... :)

Ok wow....so I had posted enough for almost a full week; however, when I checked back earlier today, none of my posts had uploaded and there was nothing pending in my future posts!!! AAAAHHH!! I knew I wouldn't have time to post during Thanksgiving as family was in town, etc, and I knew that I'd be too exhausted to post...so I thought I was totally prepared.

NOT. I don't even know what happened -- but it did, so you're getting the rest of my Thanksgiving cards in this post :)

I thought this card was adorable (above) -- I love the layered flowers from Sizzix and the new Signature Sentiments (care of the lovely and fabulous Dawn McVey for Papertrey Ink (PTI)). The scallop border is Martha Stewart (she has some amazing new border punches as Michaels!! LOOVE!!). Then I used my new Terracotta tile ink and paper from PTI also...and accented with Soft Suede paper from Stampin Up (SU!) and this awesome ribbon from SU. On top of the flowers was just a hint of bling from Basic Grey!

With this one (above), I was able to use a couple goodies that I've had for a while just never used...my lattice die cut from Sizzix, for one, is just so darling. I mounted it behind Soft Suede (SU) and Terracotta Tile (PTI) papers and 3-dimensionaled (thats not a word, I know) it to stick out even more. The ribbon is TT twill and the bling is red...its a little off, but no one noticed!! The sentiments are Ali Edwards (awesome!!!) from her Loving Words set by Technique Tuesday -- also in TT ink.

...this one (above) was inspired by the super incredible Ashley Newell and one of Embellish Magazine's first ever challenges -- Polka Dot Paradise!! Ugh...its was so beautiful, I just had to scraplift it. The patterned paper is Making Memories Autumn Splendor, then Terracotta Tile over it. The flower die cut is again Layered Flowers from Sizzix and I stitched around the edge and accented with a variety of rust/red, orange and yellow brads, bling and pearls. Cute huh?! Thanks Ashley for always inspiring!! The Signature Sentiment (PTI) is stamped with Vintage cream ink also from PTI.

And last but not least....my card for my husband. Can you see the heart? I actually came up with this by myself!!! I have tooons of craftoggers on my Reader and am super inspired every since day with every since post. But once in a great while, I get ideas on my own. Which is such a relief. Don't get me wrong -- you all are incredible, and I love your designs -- but I like feeling a sense of design-accomplishment. :) What do you think? I started off with a ton of scraps (this was the last card I made of the bunch) and was about to throw them away when I bunched them together and thought it would be super cute to make a heart of of it!! My husband is my ultimate inspiration and I wanted to make sure he knew I was thankful for him :)

The sentiments are Ali Edwards (same set as before...Loving Words) and Signature Sentiments (PTI). Then I used my CTMH (Close to My Heart) marker in Tulip to do the faux stitching. The ink is TT from PTI.

...I was making these cards while watching the season finale of Project Runway...can you tell? haha -- this is my "collection" and I hope you have enjoyed it!

Please come back for future card posts...like my little baby boy card that I'll be posting tomorrow...and for my Holiday collection (which I haven't started yet, lol, but I assure you it will be fabulous!!)

By the way -- all white/cream paper was my absolutely favorite staple in my little craft world... Papertrey Ink's Rustic Cream and Rustic White cardstock. It's Ba-Na-Nas! (A little Rachel Zoe plug there!!) lol.

Take care and hope you all had a delicious turkey day!!

[Card 4]

2009-11-24T22:21:00.004-05:00

Ok...it's not my most favorite card, but I thought it was cute...lol.

Yup, that's my post.

recipe

paper: PTI rustic white and terracotta tile; Making Memories autumn splendor; SU soft suede;

stamp: unity KOTM

ink: versamark

misc: glossy accents and 3dimensionals

EK Success corner rounder

PTI buttons and ribbon

border punch: fiskars

Enjoy!!

Grateful for You (card 3)

2009-11-24T22:11:00.004-05:00

Quick post -- I've got like 6 other Thanksgiving cards to post before the Holiday....busy busy!!

I love this stamp!

Tried to keep it simple, elegant and pretty!

recipe

stamps: SU medallion; PTI Friends Til the End

paper: PTI terracotta tile and rustic white

ink: PTI fresh snow; SU crushed curry

misc: liquid pearls, PTI button, wal-mart twine

Today I'm grateful for patience....I went in to work thinking I'd be there 9-5 and didn't leave til after 7:30pm. I was driving home on the interstate only to find out that I missed my exit...and I was dangerously low on gas. Even then, I was thinking how great of a day it was. It only got better when my husband had cooked me dinner. I love that man.

Enjoy!!

grat-i-tude (card 2)

2009-11-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

In our second line-up in my Thanksgiving cards, we have this little cutie!

I wanted the glittery leaf to be the focal point of the card (because I got it in a set from Michaels with papers and stickers and a ton of stuff for like $1.99!! Holy cow!! I would have bought 1 for Naomi and 1 for Christy...but they only had one left :( sorry girls....)

My mom and dad just got off a week long cruise (so jealous) but I was so excited for them because they have not been on a cruise since the Big Red Boat (uh like 12 years ago...and now it's a floating prison, lol -- no joke) and they haven't been on a vacation by themselves since like their honeymoon (I have no idea if that is true or not but it's been a looong time). So they had a great time!! The thing was, I wanted to pick up the phone and call them so many times while they were gone :( It made me realize how lucky I am to have such great parents, and to have them so close (last year, they moved literally right up the street from my husband and I...we were a little worried at first that they would just drop by unannounced, but they have been really good about not doing that, lol, thank goodness...you know, we are are still kind of newlyweds, haha!!)

Well, that's all for now!! Enjoy!

recipe

paper: PTI rustic white and terracotta tile, Making Memories - Autumn Splendor

ribbon: PTI terracotta tile (twill)

sentiment: Stampin' Up (SU)

ink: PTI terracotta tile

misc: glitter leaf from Michaels in their

Autumn Splendor 12x12 page kit ($1.99!! crazy awesome deal)

Season of Blessings: Day 1

2009-11-22T18:37:00.004-05:00

Ya! Thanksgiving Card #1!

This was my first card of the night...it's using Cosmo Cricket's Nutmeg line, super cute, huh??

Today, I am most thankful for my incredible husband. I came home today from my best friend's bridal shower and couldn't help thinking about my husband. We've been married about a year and a half now, and we definitely drive each other crazy sometimes :) but I can't even begin to describe how he makes me feel, and incredibly, I look at him everyday and get the same goosebumps I got when I first met him almost 10 years ago...

What are you most thankful for today?

recipe

paper: PTI rustic cream and new terracotta tile; Cosmo Cricket - Nutmeg

ink: PTI new terracotta tile

stamp: Unity - Oct KOTM

punch: SU scallop square; Marvy 1" square; EK Success corner rounder

misc: PTI lemon tart button, twine from Wal-mart, Basic Grey Bling-It

Sneak Peek for Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for Thanksgiving?

Here's a little sneak peek of the cards I'll be sending

to my family and friends this week!! :) Stick around each day this week...they're fabulous!

(not to toot my own horn or anything....

toot toot)

hehe

OOOOHHH so excited for Thanksgiving...I dream of my mom's stuffing, it is so good, I wish I could share it with all of you. LOL, my dad sits on the couch watching tv for like 3 hours (no joke) tearing apart the loaves of bread....every year, it's hilarious. But it is so worth it!

What are you thankful for? A coworker of mine asked me that question for a post he was writing. I had to think of it for a while....I am really lucky. I have so much to be thankful for that I couldn't think of what to say!

To start with...

In these tough times, I'm really lucky to have a job...that I love...with amazing people around me! I always thought a job was just a job, but being at my new workplace (I've been there just over a month now) has made me realize that you don't just have to have a "job", you don't have to wake up each morning thinking "ugh I don't want to go to work today". I am truly lucky -- and I never would have found this job if it weren't for my amazing friend Naomi (I'm sure you're familiar with her blog, she's awesome). She passed my resume onto her coworker who passed it on to her boyfriend who passed it along to the recruiter at my new workplace!! :) whew!

Well, that's all for now. I'll be showing you the individual cards this whole week (and I'll be letting you know a few other reasons why I'm thankful this Thanksgiving).

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Congrats on Your New Little Bundle!!

2009-11-22T01:43:00.007-05:00

Don't you just love baby cards?

My friend, Erin, at work just had a relative who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Ava and she asked me to make a card for her. I was flattered that she would even want one of my cards to give to someone...and of course, I said yes!

However, when I asked Erin what kind of card she wanted...cutesy, simple, blah blah blah...she replied back "my only requirement is that it has minimal pink" WHAAA? it's a baby girl card, lol, it's supposed to be swarmed with pink.

So, this is my interpretation. And I love it. And Jim even said it was "beautiful" -- he's told me my cards were nice before but never called them beautiful, so I knew he really liked it!!

I really, really like this card, actually. It is very simplistic, yet elegant and I think it really delivers the message! Bonus: I got to use my new Signature Sentiments from the fabulous Dawn McVey for Papertrey :) (I just got my package today and was like a little kid in a candy store!!)

Well, hopefully my friend Erin...and the new parents will enjoy the card as much as I do :)

Enjoy!

recipe:

paper: SU smoky shadow, PTI rustic cream, PTI sweet blush, random Michaels set

ink: versamark

embossing powder: ranger (silver)

stamps: all PTI - Signature Sentiments, Bitty Baby Blessings, Retro Background Basics

Martha Stewart border punch, EK Success corner rounder

button: PTI sweet blush; rhinestones and ribbon from Michaels'

misc - Deco "Just Glitter" pen (which I used on the background for a little more glitz!!)

Sizzix Big Butterflies Die Cut

Embellish with Brads....or eyelets if you're me... :)

2009-11-18T23:21:00.005-05:00

Yah! Another Embellish Challenge!!!

I really had nooo clue what I was going to make for this challenge. Color challenges for me lately have been pretty difficult. But what I did love is using brads! (or in my case, eyelets -- sorry, I didn't have any primary colored brads, oops!!) But I still love my card.

I think these colors are a lot of fun and almost bring you back to childhood -- very elementary colors, and you can really do a ton with them...hopefully I'll be able to make a few more before the challenge ends!!

Really, this is just your basic weaving -- I took Cosmo Cricket's Snorkel Elements and cut the color strips. Then took solid colored cardstock to match (various -- PTI, SU, etc) and wove them into each other. (The strips are a 1/2 inch). Then, (I hope this doesn't disqualify me!!) I took my eyelets using the Crop-o-dile (love this tool), I very easily punched them into the card. I adhered everything with 3-dimensions from SU! so it would pop a little bit. Then, on top - I finally got to use my long oval scallop punch from SU! and colored the edges with Brillance - Red Rocket (I also stamped in that color) on the sentiment from PTI - Mega Mixed Messages.

By the way -- oh my, the paper in the background is part of the new line from Creative Imaginations (holy cow is it cuuuuuute!!)

Create [Something] Fabulous Today!

Enjoy!

Over the Top Award!!

2009-11-15T21:59:00.004-05:00

Aw wow!! My friend Naomi nominated me for this award and I'm so excited!! I've never gotten an award before...or won anything, lol. :) So this makes my day!!

The rules are : I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? curly
3. Your mother? sweet
4. Your father? protective :)
5. Your favorite food? macncheese
6. Your dream last night? none
7. Your favorite drink? mojito
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. What room are you in? living
10. Your hobby? crafting
11. Your fear? failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? VP
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? selfish
15. Muffins? poppy
16. Wish list item? ferrari
17. Where did you grow up? sarasota
18. Last thing you did? laundry
19. What are you wearing? PJs
20. Your TV? huge
21. Your Pets? old
22. Friends? fun
23. Your life? lucky
24. Your mood? relaxed
25. Missing someone? sisters
26. Vehicle? economical
27. Something your not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? forever21
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When was the last time you laughed? now (i'm watching napolean dynamite, lol)
31. Last time you cried? tuesday (while you were sleeping was on)
32. Your best friend? hubby
33. One place that I go to over and over? michaels
34. Facebook? rarely
35. Favorite place to eat? outback

So it's really tough to decide who my favorite blogs are, but these women are really talented and continue to come up with some beautiful creations: Liszha, Beth, Dana, Deanna, and Christy! I wanted to let you ladies know just how much you have inspired me!! You all truly are Over The Top!! :)

Hello! Even Crazier for Plum!

2009-11-14T17:04:00.004-05:00

Plum Crazier! lol

I was so inspired by the plum crazy challenge from Moxie Fab that I did two cards in one night! (Check out my card from yesterday!!)

I started with PTI Rustic Cream cardstock -- I think it measure 4.5x4.5 -- then layered some Plum Pudding (?) Bitty Dots from PTI and then some more rustic cream that I stamped my PTI Guidelines II with -- these stamps are so versatile. I stamped with Chai (PTI), Rich Razzleberry (SU) and lavender from Brillance.

I also stitched in purple on the side and on the felt and accented the chai ink with some purple bling from Basic Grey.

The sentiment is from Mega Mixed Messages (PTI again, lol) and its on the Tab Punch from SU!

The felt was very much inspired by my friend Naomi's blog - take a look, she's soo talented!

To finish it off, the ribbon is Rich Razzleberry from SU and the buttons (that are just decoration for the picture where from papertrey PTI).

Enjoy!

Celebrate! Plum Crazy!!

2009-11-12T18:49:00.005-05:00

Are you Plum Crazy?

I underestimate the color purple a lot. I don't have a lot of it in my stock and rarely ever use it. So thank you Moxie Fab and your Tuesday Trigger - Plum Crazy challenge!! :)

I started with the [amazing] Rich Razzleberry cardstock from SU! LOVE! I took vellum and white embossed the Friends Til the End flowers from PTI and layered the smaller on top of the larger. Accented with a Basic Grey Bling. Then I folded over some Rich Razzleberry polka dot ribbon (SU) and some PTI Rustic White cardstock (of course...my fav).

Then I inked the edges and a PTI Guidelines II stamp with a PTI Scattered Showers sentiment over it. I put that over some more vellum -- punching the border care of Martha Stewart (hello -- have you seen how big her aisle is now at Michael's ?? Holy cow, she's expanded, its fantastic -- can't wait for pay day tomorrow!!!)

Then, to add an even softer border, I put more bling under the border.

I love this card - and these colors - and I hope you do too!! Can't wait to see what you come up with :)

Enjoy!!

Thirty and Flirty!! (With Margaritas, Of Course)

2009-11-10T21:20:00.005-05:00

So my friend at work just had her big 30 and everyone was going out to celebrate. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it as I had another party to go to! (popular, right?!? lol, this never happens, typically i don't have anything scheduled until my husband or my friend naomi plan something for me, lol).

I have seldom used this PTI stamp set "Day at the Beach" but I wanted to use the drinks to make the card really festive!
I used different ink from Brillance and covered them with Stickles! Then I added a border of Stickles to go along with the Lime Rickey-Basic Grey paper!

I didn't have a stamp for 30 and flirty (let me know if you have seen one!!) so I used different color CTMH markers.

Enjoy!!

Embellis with Owls - Birthday Wishes

2009-11-06T19:07:00.003-05:00

Hello!!

Owl are you today?

Quick post tonight - Wes's birthday and my friend from college is staying with my hubby and i this weekend!! So exciting!!

I originally made this for Wes...but hubby said it was way too girly lol (for obvious reasons). So, in the box it goes :)

recipe:

stamps: su - friend to friend, pti - mega mixed messages

ink: pti ink duo

paint: ctmh create-a-shade with tim holtz lettuce alchohol inks

martha stewart border punch

paper: pti rustic cream & bitty dots

kaiser pearls; twine from walmart

Thank You for Being in My Life!

2009-10-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

I FINALLY got to use my Ali Edwards stamp set - such pretty handwriting!

I didn't use any challenges so I just kinda created on my own...I like it but I don't think I love it - what do you think?

Hope everyone is having a great day!!

Enjoy

All supplies from PTI, SU and Ali Edwards (and embossing from Michaels).

Birthday Wishes - Friends til the End!!

2009-10-28T22:01:00.004-04:00

Another beautiful color challenge from the fab Dawn McVey!!

I got my package in the mail from PTI and I was soooo excited. I ran out of my rustic cardstock and was practically dying using "regular white" cardstock...I was so happy to see that package outside when I got home from work!!

Everything on this card is PTI except for the gorgeous ribbon from SU! (embossing powder from Michaels and the pearl from Kaiser)

This card is for our dear friend that we met at our awesome scrapbooking store K2 who moved away to college a few months ago in Arizona. We miss her, but we're looking forward to seeing her around the holidays.

Enjoy!!

Tall Caarvarks - Sunshine!

2009-10-23T19:05:00.003-04:00

I haven't done a caardvarks challenge in for-e-ver!! So when I saw the "tall card" challenge - I knew I had to participate!!

I used a 3.5"x7" card using SU! blue cardstock (in color - but the name has left me at the moment...long - but good - day at work, I'm fried!!)

Then I took white cardstock and embossed with ZING the unity stamp's kotm sunshine and clouds. Using the same stamp set, I used Tim Holtz blue jeans distressing ink to stamp the sentiment. I matted it in Raspberry Fizz cardstock from PTI. The butterflies were Martha Stewart "Royal Butterflies" in Crushed Curry cardstock from SU! Bling from basic grey and peals from Kaiser. Enjoy!!

Thinking of You for a Cure - Embellish Challenge

2009-10-22T22:32:00.006-04:00

What a great challenge inspired by Breast Cancer Awareness!

Ashley at Embellish Magazine has given us some fab inspirations - check it out and you've got to create something!!

I have been itching to use my embossing folder - don't you just love it?? It's so versatile...

I had so many ideas going through my head and it was really difficult coming up with something...even though I love these colors. I tried to keep it simple though. Enjoy!! I can't wait to see what you all create!

recipe:

big shot embossing folder - manhattan flower

paper: su! basic gray and white cardstock

stamp: unity - bevy of butterflies

ink: pti raspberry fizz and smoky shadow

misc ribbon

light pink heidi swapp bling

3-dimensionals from su!

brayer, sponge dauber

Thank You Butterflies

2009-10-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

Simple, but feminine thank you card for you today!

(and cost effective -- practically everything is from Michael's craft store!!)

I started with a white card, added a small amount of black for a border, then pink and on top, placed the Sizzix Big Butterflies die cut with paper from a super cute pack, the stamp and crystals all from Michael's.

Enjoy!!

With Appreciation - Medallion

2009-10-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Another fun medallion card!! I LOVE this stamp!

I used Stampin' Up's in color against white and it pops!

(Sentiment is Papertrey Mega Mixed Messages)

Enjoy!

thanksthanksthanks!

2009-10-16T12:00:00.000-04:00

I thought this one was kinda fun -- I really wanted to use my Sizzix Big Butterfly die cut -- I took my Stampin' Up watercolor paper and sprayed two different colors of glimmer mist. I took my red and orange CTMH markers and colored the flourishes from Unity Stamp's Bevy of Butterflies as the background. Then did the same with the "thanks" sentiment from PTI's mega mixed messages. The paper is SU - and the border punch is EK Success. I finished it off with Kaiser pearls.

Enjoy!!

Go Ahead Wish - Embellish Mag 2

2009-10-15T22:45:00.001-04:00

I like the Embellish Magazine challenge sooo much that I felt inspired to make 2 cards! (You can see my first one here).

Enjoy!!

recipe

paper: su!, pti and vellum

creative memories circle cutters

ink: versamark

white embossing powder

stamps: unity kotm

kaiser craft pearls

twine

Hope You're Feeling Better

2009-10-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

I'll try and be much better about blogging...I promise!

I wanted to do a kind of rustic-y card. So I took the In-Blooms paper in this yellow/orange color and layered them on top of each other. I distressed the edges with PTI's ink duo. Underneath, I used the same ink with Unity's KOTM stamp. The sentiment is from PTI's Everyday Button Bits.

The paper is all PTI including bitty dots. I used Stampin' Up's ticket punch for the corners.

I finished it off with gold stickles and a gold gemstone.

Enjoy!

Happy Holiday Circle Card

2009-10-14T21:45:00.004-04:00

I am so sorry...I have really neglected my blog, big time. The last couple weeks have been really, really busy. This week is the second week at my new job, which I LOVE! Everyone is so nice and I really love it.

I thought the Embellish Magazine challenge was really awesome, and I wanted to participate!

recipe:

paper: su! and pti

nestabilities

ink: versamark, fresh snow - pti, blue - ctmh

cuttlebug embossing folder

stamps: guidelines two - pti, holiday stamp - michaels

lace from joanns

kaiser craft pearls.

Enjoy!! If you haven't checked out Embellish Magazine yet - you need to!!!

Ahoy Pirate

2009-09-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today is my little nephew's birthday! He's having a pirate themed party and I'm so excited to be there!

This card was super easy, but I knew I wanted to use the paper from the All About Boys from DCWV Stack (this is the boat that I just cut out from the paper) and the patterned paper is from the same set. The other papers are PTI rustic cream and SU Pacific Point (past In Color). The sentiment is PTI's Bitty Blessings stamped in Sepia Archival Ink on more patterned paper from AAB.

Enjoy!!

Friend ...more text backgrounds!

2009-09-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Glimmer Mist!! Oh, i just love...it's so gorgeous.

Ok, so I know I obsess over the Background Text Basics from PTI..so I tried to use it in a different way (really, I wanted the card to be vertical, but I messed up the card and it had to be horizontal, lol - don't tell the person I wind up giving this card to!!)

I used the In Bloom stamps and sentiment and accented with Kaiser pearls.

Ink is black Staz-On and PTI Spring Breeze and lace ribbon is from Joann Fabrics.

Enjoy!

Thanks - A few of my favorites

2009-09-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Some more of my favorite things!

Including:

In Bloom stamp set from PTI

THICKERS!

Bitty Dot paper from PTI

and ....Rustic Cream cardstock from PTI

That about sums it up!

lol.

I also went over all of the In Bloom stamps (and some random dots in the paper) with a glitter pen.

Enjoy!!

Celebrate

2009-09-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hello!

Thanks for visiting my blog!!

I know, I know, another repeated background using the Text Basics from PTI...I just love it! Gosh, and I used the Rustic White cardstock from PTI...sorry!

I used inspiration from PrettyPinkPosh (thanks Paulina) -- I saw her use her Scattered Showers upside down and fill it with different flowers and it was simply fabulous! I used Rich Razzleberry from Stampin Up (ink and cardstock) - and Unity Stamp's from April's KOTM - I stamped it in Fresh Snow ink and used Glossy Accents over it. The sentiment is also from Unity's April KOTM stamped in Archival Ink (Sepia) and popped up with 3-dimenstionals. The border is SU also. The twine accents are from Walmart, I just looped one side and used a mini glue dot to hold.

Enjoy!

Wishing You Showers of Blessings

2009-09-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

Good Morning!

I love the Scattered showers set! So cute! I really wanted to use glitter somewhere on the card, I don't really know why I chose little random circles...I think it's because I didn't realize that the Scattered Showers set included little raindrops...that would have been much cuter! I also wanted to try layering stamps. I took the Bermuda Bay from SU and added the Rustic White cardstock from PTI (I know, I always use this, but I loooove it). Then took my Raspberry Fizz ink and the Background Text Basics (both PTI) and repeated the pattern. After that, I added Polka Dot Basics from PTI with Martha Stewart glue and sprinkled Doodlebug glitter on it.

Then I stamped the umbrellas on Raspberry Fizz cardstock and American Crafts paper - which I popped up with 3-dimensionals from Stampin' Up (best pop up dots ever. The handles are inked with Archival Ink in Sepia (also another one of my favorites). The sentiment is also from Scattered Showers - stamped in Spring Breeze ink from PTI.

Enjoy!

Hey There Chickadee!

2009-09-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Little card today but I love it - it almost has like a 70s vibe to it...almost.

I was just trying out my Everyday Button Bits stamp set from PTI and ended up liking the card!

Kraft cardstock as the base with patterned paper (a huge stack from michaels) and chocolate brown SU ink. Buttons from PTI and Melon Berry as the color ink for the wings.

And Kaiser pearls to finish.

Super simple -- enjoy!

You're a Great Friend

2009-09-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Fun card!

I started with Bermuda Bay cardstock from SU and layered with Rustic Cream cardstock in strips then slightly smaller strips of Amy Butler paper. Then I took my "Great Friend" stamp from SU in Bermuda Bay ink and some lime green ink from Brillance for the border. Then I took Raspberry Fizz cardstock from PTI and Rustic Cream behind it. The pearls are from Kaiser (love those!).

Enjoy!

Medallion Stamp - Thinking of You

2009-09-20T21:01:00.004-04:00

I am absolutely in love with this stamp. It's just perfect and beautiful!

And, this color is just fantastic. It makes me happy :)

I started with Rustic Cream cardstock from PTI, then took my Rich Razzleberry cardstock and then stamped the Medallion stamp with the RR ink. Then I accented with Liquid Pearls (thanks Na!) and a RR ribbon. The sentiment is SU Birds on a Branch in RR ink. The crystal is Basic Grey Bling It.

The border punch is SU too (eyelet).

I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more of this stamp soon.... :)

Enjoy!

Blog Candy Alert!!

2009-09-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

Sweet blog candy!!

http://whimsicalwishes.blogspot.com/

Good luck!!

Baby Shower

2009-09-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, another baby card - originally, I made the previous sailboat card for my boss to give to my co-worker, but she ended up buying a card, so I gave the mommy-to-be the other card. But I am still proud of this card as well!

I got all of my inspiration from a card I saw on another blog (sorry, I don't know who it is!!) but she used the card with graduation hats -- if you know which blog this was from, please let me know!!

I just think this is so cute - and I hope I get the chance to give it to someone soon! The stamp is PTI's Bitty Blessings stamped repeatedly, then I stamped on another paper and cut out. I stamped in PTI's vintage cream and used PTI's bitty dots paper, Spring Rain ink for the sentiment from PTI (again....) Scattered Showers.

Enjoy!

Ahoy Little Sailor!

2009-09-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

This card was a lot of fun to make (but also a little frustrating at first...)

I made this along with a present and the chocolate trifle that you saw in my last post. Everything was a hit! The trifle was practically gone and my card was passed around the room! The mommy-to-be was like "you made this??" it was cool :)

This card was all about trial and error...I've never made anything like this (except for my ladybug card) but this I've never seen done before. I used SU and PTI paper, PTI Polka Dot Basics, Background Basics and Bitty Blessings. I also used PTI's Ink Duo to distress the outsides. I used twine from Walmart and my poker from CTMH to keep the sails "together" and create the flag pole. I popped everything up with SU's 3-dimensionals.

I'd love to hear your comments!

Enjoy!

Mmmm Chocolate Trifle!

2009-09-13T12:12:00.000-04:00

Wow! Right?? My thoughts exactly...and it should be quite delicious!

I'm going to a baby shower later today and I knew I wanted to make something with chocolate. And then I wanted to venture out an make my first trifle! I went to allrecipes.com (one of my favorite website for anything cooking) and found a really great looking trifle. This picture is the one that I actually made! (and it goes great with my granite countertops, lol). If you're wondering what the book in the background is, it's "Intercourses"...an aphrodisiac cookbook that I got my hubby for our 1 year anniversary. There are some hot pages in there and lots of yummy looking recipes...I highly suggest this to add a little spice in the kitchen! To read more about the book, go here. I bought mine on Amazon (my husband loved it!).

***Anywho - you can find the trifle recipe here. It's super easy to make...just make sure to cook the brownies earlier and let them cool down...and thaw the Cool Whip!!

Let me know if you make it and what you think!!!

Enjoy

Julie

Happy Birthday - Pocket Silhouette Style

2009-09-12T20:58:00.007-04:00

I know...I have been such a bad blogger lately...I've made a lot of cards, just haven't posted (and my camera batteries are being fussy and not charging!!). I'll try to be better!!

I made this card last week over at my friend Terry's house. I'll be posting my other creations from last weekend (and this weekend) throughout the week - check back for more!!

I was heavily inspired by Hannah Bug Designs for this card. I don't know how I came across her blog, but she does some fabby cards!

I have save this in my "inspiration" folder and have been wanting to recreate for a while now...and finally I did!

I used SU's Pocket Silhouettes stamps using a few different ink colors and ZING embossing powders. The papers I used were PTI's Rustic Cream and SU's in colors. The sentiment was from stamp in the $1 bin at Michael's (it had a candle, too, but I only stamped the HB). I used the Martha Stewart doily punch and used some twine from WalMart. My friend Connie loved it!!!!

(oh - and I distressed the edges, too) -- (and sorry for the fuzzy picture, I tried to snap a quick pic before my camera batteries died!!)

Enjoy!

Avatars, Banners and Backgrounds, Oh My!

2009-09-01T12:00:00.003-04:00

Attention all Twitter users and Etsy store owners:

My awesome hubby works for Captivation Media where one of their specialties is creating digital advertising solutions centered around your brand. Take a look at their amazing work and see what they can do for you! Visit their website here and their Etsy account here for more information.

Let him know that you found Captivation through my blog and he'll take extra great care of you!!

Can't wait to see how he helps you or your company attract new customers!

Take care and happy advertising!

Raspberry Sweet CC #16 - Enjoy the Moment

2009-08-31T22:01:00.006-04:00

It has been quite a while since I have had the creative juices to participate in any challenge, let alone Dawn's fabulous color challenge. And we're already at #16! I can't believe it...

Again, I am using my new favorite ZING embossing powder. Here, I'm using the Mustard and Brown.

I used my huge background stamp by Impression Obsession (an Alesa Baker design) with my brown Staz-on then used my Versamark pen and embossed the centers and petals. Then I tea-dyed the edges with Papertrey's ink duo. I then attached CTMH brown ribbon to it and popped-up the sentiment from PTI.

I attached some Bling It from Basic Grey (the brown and the mustard color were from the same set...perfect!!) Then I put the entire design onto Kraft paper from Stampin' Up. Latly, I punched two butterflies from Martha Stewart...one in brown cardstock and one in SU's new Crushed Curry (In Color).

I'd love to hear your comments and I look forward to seeing your designs!!

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Na!!

2009-08-31T17:12:00.003-04:00

One of my most amazing friends just celebrated a birthday on Saturday. I'm sure you're very familiar with her blog (if you aren't you should be, she has incredible designs) -- Naomi Chokr - Happy birthday Na!!

A couple weeks ago, Naomi, her husband Amir, our other awesome friend, Christy and I went to Whim-so-Doodle...mmm it was incredible!! I bought a lot...including 8 colors of ZING -- it's my new favorite embossing powder, it's just FABULOUS!

Na and I are true shoe-wh*res and when we find a great shoe, we've literally got to have it in every color. Wait, we do that with scrapbooking stuff, too, lol...

Enjoy!!

Dragonfly Birthday Wishes

2009-08-25T18:57:00.004-04:00

I really like the way this card ended up looking.

I started with PTI's rustic cream (of course. i'm obsessed) and embossed PTI's background text stamp with ZING powder (my friend Christy gave me this awesome suggestion and I love her for it!!).

Then, I took my Hero Arts stamp that my other awesome friend, Terry, gave to me (it's just so beautiful). I stamped it in CTMH Poppy ink and exacto knife-d (i don't think that is a real word) the inner boxes. The squares were about an 1, so I punched out 1" boxes from some other paper I had on hand (sorry, don't remember what it was) and glued it to the back of the dragonflies. I took more of the rustic cream and stamped PTI's butterfly sentiment on there. Then I stickled and voila! My boss just loved this card - I gave it to her for her big 50th birthday (there were about 30 of us from work that all went out to Carabbas...it was super fun!) Next time, I'm getting the Lobster Ravioli. MMMM!

Enjoy!

paper: pti rustic cream; patterned: (?)

ink: versamark; ctmh poppy

misc: exacto; stickles

punch: su!

stamps: hero arts; pti background basics & pti butterfly wishes

embossing powder: zing!

Just Duckie!

2009-08-22T18:15:00.005-04:00

My friend Naomi and I went to a baby shower today, so, of course, we had to make a card (duh).

I really wanted to use this onesie stamp from PTI Bitty Blessings. I wanted to have a couple and make 1 stand out...Na suggested the embossed polka dots which was perfect because I wanted to use my new ZING! embossing powders! YUMMY! Then, she suggested doing a duckie from the Bitty Blessings to put on the onesie - and I got to use my flock -- I just love it! Then I used a brown pen and a ruler to create the border.

The mommy-to-be just loved it!

recipe:

paper: pti rustic cream

stamps: pti bitty blessings; su tender tags; pti polka dot basics

ink: archival ink in sepia; versamark

embossing powder: zing navy blue

flock: doodlebug

You're So Sweet!

2009-08-13T21:40:00.003-04:00

Cute challenge, Dawn!

It was kind of difficult though...these are colors I wouldn't typically put together! So, since I was challenged with this, I thought I'd make it simple.

It's hard to really see the colors I used - i don't know what setting i had my camera on...but I just really liked the lollipops and had to do a card with them!

Enjoy!

recipe

paper: pti rustic cream cardstock; su rich razzleberry

stamp: unity kotm, pti everyday button bits

ink: su rich razzleberry, brillance red poppy, pti raspberry fizz

misc: su lattice die cut; pop dots

buttons: pti scarlet

crystals: basic grey bling it

Blog Candy Alert!!

2009-08-10T23:01:00.004-04:00

Some deliciously sweet blog candy for you all...

Steph at Where'd All My Money Go is giving away $150 towards a store OF YOUR CHOICE...can I say WOW??

Thanks for the chance to win! I could do a lot of damage with this...

Good Luck .... to me!!! lol

Happy Graduation!!

2009-08-10T12:00:00.001-04:00

Ok, I love simple cards...this card was super easy and it's one of my favorite "man" cards that I ever did!

Everything is PTI (except the thickers)...rustic cream cardstock with b

lack and white basics and mega mixed messages. The ink is Smokey Shadow and Basic Black.

Our friend, Jared, just graduated and I'm so excited for him (he just graduated from USF...as a civil engineer!! He's so smart!) Wish him luck, he's trying out for a position at Northrop Grumman! We don't want him to go all the way to Virginia, but we're proud that he is

interviewing for such an incredible

job.

Go Bulls...and my Gators!!

Enjoy!

Little Ladybug - Welcome Baby!

2009-08-09T21:37:00.005-04:00

My boss was going to a baby shower this weekend where everything was ladybug themed -- it was adorable, i loved everything she picked out. I got really excited and asked her if she had gotten a card yet, she said no and I was like, I have to make the card - and it's going to be so cute. I didn't really go into much detail, but I made this little cutie.

I had it all in my head what I wanted it to look like, but I've never made anything like this before, so figuring it all out was the difficulty...I used my Creative Memories circle cutter -- the black and red were the same size, and the white was a hair smaller. I cut the red circle in half for the wings. Then I used my PTI polka dot basics (the single dot) and embossed with black powder (and versamark). I stamped the white with PTI's bitty blessings sentiment and CTMH key to my heart flourish. The ink was Brillance "poppy" and the black was Archival Ink. I accented with Black Diamond stickles (mmm).

The head of the ladybug was a smaller half-circle and the eyes even smaller than that (and I embossed the eyes, too, for a little added touch. For the antennae is used black ric-rac.

Now, assembling: I put brads on the wings and attached them to a smaller half circle underneath the head. Then I put mini glue dots on top of the brads and underneath the brads to attach everything...so yes, everything is together with 4 glue dots, lol. But it works and it "flies".

Hope you enjoy!! I'd love to see what you would do if you made a ladybug...or if you made another "moving" creature!

Strike a Pose!!

2009-08-04T18:14:00.005-04:00

I cannot take a serious picture....obviously. So I am notorious for making goofy faces - even in very elegant bridesmaids dresses. My poor Sarah (the Bride) - her wedding photos will be glamorous to every detail until I come along HAHA! j/k. Her wedding is on Jan 2nd at the Crosley, and it will be an old Hollywood vintage red carpet event for sure! She had been going back and forth with the girls' dresses (wanting us to feel sexy and glam) and the other dress just wasn't hitting the mark. Then we found this PERFECT gown. The front has a very subtle V and the most beautiful eggplant color (which actually looks really good next to my very fair, ghostly, skin color).

The straps join together into a fabulous low back and a crystal brooch.

And then...HELLO train! Ugh, this is the dress, we knew it the second I put it on (even though it's a tad too big -- and of course, my b**bs are not big enough to fill it out, go figure...)

So what do you all think? Old Hollywood? I think so!!!

Thank You Series: Card 5 (Final)

2009-07-22T23:57:00.002-04:00

So, I did some more embossing...and it came out ok!

I use PTI's rustic cream for EVERYTHING lately...it's just beautiful and heavy-duty and I love that it's not just plain white or cream, it has little specks in them! It should definitely be in your next wishlist! Along with the "In Bloom" stamp set ...and the text style, and...everything. I love PTI (I feel like a spokesperson!)

recipe:

paper: pti, su

ink: versamark, colorbox moss green, pti chai and chamomile

white embossing powder: michaels

stamps: pti in bloom, pti butterfly kisses, pti background basics

crystals: michaels

Thank You Series: Card 4 (Soaring!)

2009-07-22T23:48:00.004-04:00

Oooh fun...it's been a looong time since I've embossed. I really didn't care for the process before (which is why I haven't done it in so long) but it's really not too bad now! Yes, I tricked myself! hahaha

I wanted to feature some super cute new stamp sets that I just got...my kit of the month from Unity Stamp and Papertrey Ink's new Everyday Button Bits that was just released on the 15th of this month!

Mmm...love!

recipe:

paper: pti rustic cream, su baja blue (?)

stamps: pti mega messages, everyday button bits, unity july kotm

ink: colorbox moss green; archival ink sepia, versamark

buttons: pti

embossing powder: michaels