Gettin my hands dirty...

Oh where oh where has my sweet Bella gone...

2012-01-29T18:39:00.000-08:00

I am having quite the productive day in my craft room, getting some cards made for swaps, and some ready to list in my ETSY shop.......but one thing is missing. Crafty cat #2. Upon going to search for her, after realizing she was absent most of the day, I found her in a rather unexpected place...

Napping in the high chair, of course!! :-)

Oh, and P.S. said high chair exists only because I have started a dayhome and not because we are expecting :)

Color Throwdown 176....

2012-01-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm......challenge 2 has left me.........unsatisfied. The colors are great, but my card is not quite right. I am pretty sure this one will end up in my inventory basket for quite some time........LOL!

Or maybe I will re-do it. We shall see.

Color challenge posted over at Color Throwdown is: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Pool Party & Rose Red. And this is my card....

(Click to enlarge)

All cardstock is from Stampin Up

Patterned Paper is from Stampin Up

Ribbon is unkown

Image and sentiment are from "Touch of Kindness" by Stampin Up

365 Days: Day 335 Challenge....

2012-01-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

Time for a Sunday Sketch challenge, posted over at 365 Cards! Heather and I are spending some time together today cyber crafting and I picked the first challenge of the afternoon!

I decided to use this sketch to finish off the last set of 6 cards I needed to make for a swap, so I kinda killed two birds with one stone here........and feel quite productive already!! LOL!

Here is my card....

(click to enlarge)

Cardstock used is by Stampin Up

Patterned Paper is unkown

Ribbon is Unknown

Brad is a build a brad by Stampin Up

Image sentiment is from "Cute by the Inch" by Stampin Up

Dear Verve...

2012-01-28T23:23:00.000-08:00

I still {heart} you!! :-D

It's been a long time since I pulled out any of my verve stamps, and inked them up......poor unloved Verve's. So tonight, when Heather presented the Viva La Verve January Clean and Simple sketch to me.......I couldn't help but get a little giddy!

The stamps I used happen to be from 2 sets that have never even met ink..........so I was happy to let them make an acquaintance tonight!

Here is my card for the challenge....

(click to enlarge)

Cardstock used is So Saffron and Old Olive by Stampin Up

Patterned Paper used is by Close to my Heart

Bird Stamps are from "Anniversary Birds" by Verve Stamps

Sentiment is from "Flirty Phrases" by Verve

Heart punch used is from Stampin Up

Black and Red....

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to make a card that was ONLY black and red? It's surprisingly hard, when there are no white mattes involved!! The only white you can see is where I stamped my sentiment image. This card was also really hard to take a picture of........I think it's all the sparkles!! HAHA!

Here is my finished card:

(click to enlarge)

I also dug into my supplies to play along with the

"USE IT TUESDAY"

challenge this week........a great challenge site that challenges you to use your stash, cut that paper you've been hoarding and make something great with it! In today's case, I have used a stamp that has NEVER met ink before.....and some glittery red paper that I have been hoarding!

All cardstock is by Stampin Up

Striped PP and glitter paper is from Stampin Up

Punch is unknown, but a heart border punch.

Ribbon is from Michael's

Image sentiment is from "So Cute" by Stampin Up

Masculine Card Swap...

2012-01-20T03:04:00.000-08:00

I have joined a few card swaps going on right now over at SCS and one of them is a masculine card swap...I signed up for a spot in both the Birthday category and the Any Occasion category.

This is the card that I made for the Any Occasion category...

(click to enlarge)

Cardstock used is all by Stampin Up
Patterned Paper is unknown
Ribbon is Stampin Up
Image from Best Dad Ever by Stampin Up
Sentiment from Great Friend by Stampin Up

GROUPON.......for CRAFTERS?!?!

2012-01-14T12:00:00.001-08:00

I don't know if I am behind in the news finding this site or what, but if you haven't heard of it or checked it out yet, DO!! It's like GROUPON but for CRAFTERS!! AMAZING PRICES!!!! Visit them HERE

Kaboodle Doodles 101

2012-01-09T00:15:00.001-08:00

Hi all! It's Monday and time for the next challenge over at Kaboodle Doodles!
This time the prompt given to us was "FIREWORKS" and I was pretty stumped at first glance! It took me awhile to come up with something......and then I came across this ADORABLE digi image online! I am not sure where it came from, or who the artist is......but boy oh boy is he CUTE!!!!

Here is my sample for this week...

(click to enlarge)

Hopefully you will have a chance to join us this week!!

Swap Time!!

2012-01-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

One of the goals I have for myself this year is to take a more active role in swaps. I love to do them and get happy mail so my hope is to join many throughout the year. And I am certainly starting the year off with a bang! LOL! I have joined a "masculine" swap and have taken 1 spot in both categories. Birthday & any occasion/no sentiment are the two and so far my Birthday cards are complete!

I am quite happy with them, and even more so thrilled that I managed to combine SU and NON SU product again! I think I am starting to come out of my shell a little bit!!

(click to enlarge)

Let me know what you think! I am off to plan the any occasion/non sentiment cards next!!

DWYT #119...

2012-01-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

My scraproom is finally organized. And functional. YAY! My son left today, and flew on his own for the first time. I was a bit of a nervous wreck, but he made it safe and sound! It was so great having him home for 2 weeks though :)Tonight I am working on some challenges and some swaps I have joined. Time to get my creative juices flowing for 2012 and pump out some cards!This first one is for a great sketch I found posted over at Don't Waste Your Thursdays. Not sure why, but I decided to make a masculine card this time around......and my fisherman Riley got to come out and play!
(Click to enlarge)

Off to work on something else, hopefully I will get it posted tonight!

I'm a weiner!!!

2012-01-04T21:29:00.001-08:00

I took part in a blog hop just before Christmas and am so excited......I won one of the prizes!! I get to pick my choice of (7) images from Bugaboo Stamps!!!

w000000t!!!

This was my first ever prize win, and I am thrilled Bugaboo was the sponsor!!

A special request....

2012-01-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

I was asked to make a special card, for a special lady who recently celebrated her 1 year celebration of sobriety. I wanted this card to be perfect. And beautiful. And special.

I racked my brain for several days, trying to come up with something that is good enough, for such a special occasion and finally it all started coming together.

In the end, I was so proud of this card. The simplicity and beauty, the message......and the lady loved it. I love making these special cards more than anything else :)

A special card....

2011-12-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

Lastnight my dad called, and asked me to "whip up a quick card" for him to give my mom, with the gift her bought for her, from her 5 grandkids. I was flattered he asked, since it was the first time that he has, so of course I said yes!!

I wanted to make something cute, since it was from all the kids, and this snowman image ended up being perfect.....since there are FIVE snowmen, and FIVE grandkids. Image picked, and off to work I went!! Here is the finished card...

(click to enlarge)

The inside is pretty cute too, it says "Merry Christmas from all your little snowpeople...and then the kid's names! Hope dad likes it!! :-)

Merry Christmas Nephew...

2011-12-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about hand made cards is making them say what you want them to say......and this card is for one of our nephew's so I loved being able to make it say NEPHEW on the card! Top that Hallmark!! LOL!

A challenge that I am often faced with is stepping away from Stampin Up. I love their stuff, but sometimes I want to shake things up a bit and find elements for my cards that will work with the SU! cardstock. (I will only use their cardstock, I have found it to be the BEST!)

I wanted to color tonight, and my copics are feeling neglected, so I started going through my digi stamps and found this adorable gnome stamp that I think resembles a Christmas elf perfectly! And this is my final card...

Digital image by Digital Delights
I am happy to say the only SU! that can be found on this card is the "Merry Christmas" sentiment and the basic black card base....oh yeah, and the silver thread too.

Mission accomplished, I think....and I hope Riley smiles when he sees this card!!

This card is my entry into the Craft Your Passion holiday havoc challenge!

Gifts under the tree....

2011-12-22T17:22:00.000-08:00

Just as I was starting to feel sad about how empty it is under our tree this year, my two fur babies sent me a message...

I am going to focus on the real blessings that matter for the rest of the season!! Merry Christmas readers and all the best in 2012!!!

My first photo box!!

2011-12-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

Talk about leaving things to the last minute!! My husband leaves in about 3 hours to drive to his sister's tonight, where he will sleep before driving into Edmonton to pick up Brad and bring him home for Christmas...........and drop off Christmas gifts for the kids and his mom and dad. Money is way tight, as always so I opted for handmade gifts again this year, and decided to make this photo box for my mother and father in law!

(Click to enlarge)

It is the first one I have done, and I am pretty happy with it. It is a lot simpler than I think I would normally do, but I don't think my mother in law enjoys too much "pretty stuff" so I keep her things simple. I hope to find another one of these boxes and do one for us as well!!What do you think?

Family Squabbles....

2011-12-20T14:07:00.001-08:00

YAY!! I am so excited to tell you that I have been made an honorary cousin over at Melanie's family's cooking blog!!! I even posted my first recipe today and can't wait to post more as I go!! Now that my kitchen is up and running after the flood, of course. Come on over and visit us at Family Squabbles!! So many yummy recipes!!

Kaboodle Doodles....Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-20T00:05:00.001-08:00

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree.......you stand in.....OK, OK....I will spare you my singing. But I won't spare you another fab Christmas challenge posted over at Kaboodle Doodles!! Come and check it out! You can make about anything your little heart desires, as long as it follows the "Oh Christmas Tree" prompt!!

This is the card I made for this week...

Christmas Gifts challenge...

2011-12-19T23:57:00.001-08:00

I am so excited for Friday that I can't even sleep!!! Why you ask?! My son is arriving for Christmas :-D I CAN'T WAIT!!!! I haven't spent any REAL time with him since JUNE......so I am really going to treasure these next 2 weeks. 2 whole weeks. YAY!!

My excitement is interfering with my sleep however, and instead of sawing logs I am scrapping. LOL! But it feels nice to have part of my mojo back at least.....and I am working on some challenges :)

This is another one posted over at Colorful Creations. The challenge was to use Christmas gifts as inspiration. So, I have used Christmas colors, ribbon, a bow and stacked my photos like the gifts under the tree!

Happy Holidays Challenge at CC...

2011-12-19T13:16:00.001-08:00

I am working on a last minute Christmas gift for my mom and dad now that I have my scrappy stuff here again. I am making them a calendar for 2012 filled with layouts of the grandkids and our family. Usually I do them an album, but this year I just didn't have time with all the events that took place.

Anyway, I found a challenge posted over at Colorful Creations that inspired me....the Happy Holidays challenge! The challenge was to create a layout using holiday pictures, a grid design and at least 2 different patterned papers.

These are some old holiday pictures I have kicking around of my sister and brothers and I! So I thought I would make this page for the December month of their calendar :) Can you guess which one I am in the pictures??

scrappy friends....

2011-12-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

I am lucky enough to have 2 faithful friends that love to keep me company while I am getting my stampin/scrappin on......whenever I head to my room they are close behind me and spend hours basking in the glory of my company......HAHA!

AND..........meet Miss Bella !! I just realized that I don't think I have even introduced her yet :) She joined our family last week and is a total sweet heart. Her and Diesel are already buddy's and are pretty much glued at the paw! Get it?! HAHA! :-D

"W" Alphabet Challenge...

2011-12-16T18:11:00.001-08:00

Me and my craft room have a hot date tonight.........or should I say my craft room and I........regardless, I am hoping to play along with some challenges and get my creative juices flowing again. I have kinda been in a "funk" for a few months and haven't been creating nearly as much as I used to....

Time to get back to it, I say!!

First one up is the "W" challenge posted over at Alphabet Challenge Blog....the letter is W and the prompt is "White Christmas" and since I still have a couple of last minute Christmas cards to make I thought I would play along! Here is my card:

and now I shall find challenge number TWO that inspires me for tonight :)

Have you been...

2011-12-07T00:42:00.000-08:00

Have you headed over to Kaboodle Doodles yet, for this week's challenge?! If not, you should...it might help you get those last minute Christmas cards completed :) Our challenge this week is to create something using "The Colors of Christmas" and as always you can do a card, layout, digi page or altered item.

For my sample this week I decided to do a card, and this is what I came up with...

It didn't turn out exactly as I had envisioned but I like it alot. The colors are very vibrant and traditional..........and Christmas-y :) Don't forget to head on over and check us out........and show us your creations too on the Mr Linky!

A challenge for myself....

2011-12-06T14:12:00.001-08:00

Fellow hoarders, what the heck am I supposed to do with all my scraps I have been saving for the past 5 years or so?! I am TERRIBLE at keeping ANYTHING bigger than a quarter and I am being over run by both patterned paper AND card stock!! Here is the evidence:

(the big red part at the back of this paper holder is also full and bursting at the seams)

(and this is just TWO of my 12 x 12 paper holders full of Patterned Paper scraps!!)

I really need some tips on getting these organized so that I can actually use them. And at the same time I am issuing myself a challenge........and PLEASE........join me if you are having the same problem :)

My challenge is.......

NO MORE CUTTING A FULL SHEET OF 12 x 12 PAPER UNTIL I HAVE CUT MY SCRAPS AT LEAST IN HALF!!!!

Let me know if you are accepting my challenge, and show me your before/after evidence and someone will win a fab RAK from my scrap room!! I will leave this challenge open until my birthday.....Feb 23rd. Winner will be announced Feb 24th :)

A Song in my Head...

2011-12-05T22:41:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile I hear a song and it just sticks with me. Sometimes for minutes......sometimes for HOURS.......or in this song's case......for WEEKS!!
I can't even remember where or when I heard it first, probably just browsing around on YouTube one day. But it is stuck in my head EVERY DAY! I wake up singing it..........I fall asleep singing it........I listen to it 5+ times every day.
So, now I shall share it with you...

RIP Footy...

2011-12-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

I am a scrapper. And when anything happens in our lives, we usually pull out our paper and photos and embellies and go to town preserving the memory.

This one was a tough one for me. I wanted to do a layout as a tribute to Littlefoot and when I saw the sketch challenge posted over at Colorful Creations I decided to tackle this page.

It's hard saying farewell to our furry friends, but we are glad to know that she is no longer suffering and is at peace. Hopefully sittin right on my Pop's lap getting eternal cuddles :)

(click to enlarge)

2011-12-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we had to put one of our fur babies to sleep. Littlefoot......she was 15 and starting to suffer with arthritis really bad and I am not exactly sure what else was going on, but she lost alot of weight very fast and I am pretty sure her kidneys were shutting down. We were crushed, but know that we made the right choice, so that we don't have to watch her suffer any longer.

The last week has been a very big adjustment at our house. We have had to get used to her not. coming to the door when we come home. Not snuggling us to sleep every night and nuzzling into our necks. Not "building a Brad, mom or dad" and leaving little piles of US around the house.

But the one thing that has broken my heart the most, is how it has affected our other fur baby, Diesel. She is so sad and lonely. Her personality is GONE. She is very clingy and won't let us out of her sight if we are home. If I go downstairs, she is right behind me. If we close the bathroom door she sits outside crying until we let her in.

And today, I am working on some crafty projects. I had to pause and dig through my big chipboard bucket for a few minutes to find the right piece of chipboard I needed. Once I found it and crafting commenced, I heard a noise behind me and was fairly certain it was trouble getting into something....

But never in a million years did I think I would turn around and see this. I burst into tears and pet her for a long time and she just stared at me with one eye. She won't move. I took the picture to capture the memory.....

I never thought that animals would suffer from a loss as much as we do, but she sure has opened my eyes! I hope we all stop hurting soon.

RIP Footy Girl, we love you and miss you SO much!!

Kaboodle Doodles.....

2011-11-21T07:14:00.001-08:00

Good Morning all!! I am so excited to share some news with you today....I have been asked to join the design team over at Kaboodle Doodles!! This week is my first week as a team member and I can't wait to jump in and be a part of their awesome challenges!! The team is so talented, make sure you head over and check them out!!!

This week's challenge is to create something........a card, layout, something digi, ANYTHING inspired by the phrase "BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!" and I decided to play with these pictures of my husband shovelling some crazy snow we had last winter! This is my Digi Page for my sample this week:

(click to enlarge)

I don't know about where you live, but it sure is cold and snowy here already!! I don't remember it being THIS cold and snowy here this early into the winter in a loooooong time!!!

Stay warm!!! And don't forget to visit Kaboodle Doodles!! :)

Inspired by Challenge at CC....

2011-11-20T21:34:00.000-08:00

Today I visited a site I haven't been to in awhile and found a challenge to play along with. I miss hosting my "Inspired By" challenges there, so I decided to find the current one and make a page for it.

At first I was a little thrown off by the quote we were given to use "Sunday is a great day to relax..." until I found these pictures of my niece from when she was a baby, with my mom at a Sunday afternoon baby shower held for my sister! They seemed very fitting :)

(click to enlarge)

It's been a long day, and I am emotionally DRAINED. I sure could use some good news for once. I am off to bed. Goodnight.

CONGRATS!!

2011-11-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hey there MAMA MONKEY........congrats to you cause you have won the free digi software I was asked to give away!! Please leave me your email address so I can get in touch with details!! And thanks for reading my blog :)

VSN Night at SCS!!

2011-11-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

Heather and I are having a cyber craft night........and playing along with the VSN night over at SplitCoastStampers!

Here is my first card of the evening, made for the "Marshmellow World" challenge....we were to create a card using all white and add something SHINY. I colored the diamond with glitter glue and used a glossy patterned paper to add my bling :)

And now I have to take a break because Heather had to go out for a bit, so I shall work on something else until she returns!

Back in a bit with the next one!!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

2011-11-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

***NOTE*** This post will remain at the top of my blog until November 15th....please scroll down for recent posts :)

I am so excited to let all my readers know that I have been asked by My Memories to host a BLOG GIVEAWAY!!! w0000t!!! What does this mean??!?! One lucky reader is going to win their very own copy of My Memories' DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING SOFTWARE!! FOR FREE!!!

All you need to do to have your name entered in the draw is post a comment on this post and tell me why you want to try this great product! I will keep this one open until November 15th and post the winner on my blog November 16th!!

And if you are not selected as the lucky winner, you can still purchase the software and use my coupon code to save $10.00 off the retail price!! My code and a banner to the site is located on the right hand side of my blog at the top!!

ENJOY readers, and GOOD LUCK!!!

PPC - CC #75

2011-10-15T15:52:00.001-07:00

Here is my entry for the challenge posted over at Picture Perfect Creations right now....it's a color challenge that called out to me as soon as I saw it...Wisteria Wonder, Early Espresso and Crumb Cake!! Combined with a few sweet Rileys I made this card set and a cute little card purse holder for them....

CPS 239....

2011-10-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

Working on some challenges this evening and the first one up is the sketch challenge posted over at CPS. It's a great sketch for any occasion and I made this cute "HELLO" card :)

NEXT!!

I loathe you Google+

2011-09-28T01:17:00.001-07:00

:-(

I am so sad.

As you can see, my photos are gone....all the way back to October 20th 2009.

Vanished.

Photos Niente.

Google Plus SUCKS.

A LOVE Card....

2011-07-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Here is card number two for the day! A LOVE themed card in a classic Black, White & Red color combo! This card is very sparkly and romantic :)

NEXT!!

A Masculine Birthday Card.....

2011-07-26T18:26:00.001-07:00

Working on some cards again today and I found a great sketch over at Cards & Things that I wanted to play with. This one came together quickly and the masculine theme turned out great! I really like this card and will have a hard time parting with it....LOL!

NEXT!!

Happy Birthday, Human!

2011-07-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

Working on some cards for an order tonight, and had to make a "child" themed birthday card. I only have limited supplies with me right now, so I dug around in my scrap bucket and found some scraps and set off to work! Here it is for you to see....

July ABC Challenge....

2011-07-22T20:27:00.001-07:00

If your looking for a layout challenge to enter, come check out the July ABC challenge over at Colorful Creations!! The challenge is to use the following elements:

Q is for Quill or Quote

R is for R is for Ribbon or Rub-on

S is for Stickles or Stitches

And here is my finished page:

Come join us! Lots of challenges going on with lots of great prizes up for grabs!! :-)

A Masculine Birthday Card

2011-07-13T13:50:00.001-07:00

Working on a large card order this morning and here is one of the Birthday cards that I made for it. I always seem to have lots of feminine Birthday cards, and even KIDS birthday cards in my boxes, but this time I will be doing (2) Feminine (2) Kids (2) Masculine. One down........one to go! LOL!

NEXT!!

365 Cards Sketch Challenge....

2011-07-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

Working on a card order today and felt the need to lean on some challenges for help! First up is the current sketch challenge posted over at 365 Cards..........and using their sketch I made this cute BIRD-DAY card!

NEXT!! (Oh, and P.S. SORRY for the bad photo.......my camera is out of business and had to use my cell!)

Guest Desiggner Challenge at CC....

2011-07-06T03:06:00.001-07:00

Over at Colorful Creations we feature a Guest Designer and Sketch challenge and the sketch this time inspired me so much that I sat up until 3AM working on it! LOL! It's a digi page and as I have said a million times...........I AM FALLING IN LOVE WITH DIGI!! I never thought I would.......but here I go again :)

Anyway, this is my layout.........

Come on over and join us and take a crack at this awesome sketch!!

Random Wednesday Challenge at CC............

2011-07-03T23:04:00.001-07:00

Over at Colorful Creations, the current Random Wednesday challenge is to use the title of a song, movie, poem, book, TV Show, etc as the title on your layout. I used the song title "Highway Junkie" to create this digi page of my mister and his (OLD) new truck.

Come on over to Colorful Creations and join us for this great challenge!!

Paper Playground Challenge at CC....

2011-07-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

Over at Colorful Creations there is a new challenge started called "Paper Playground" and this time around we are challenged to make Center Step Cards! This is the first time I have made one, and I have limited supplies on hand but it turned out pretty darn cute! I will be making more of these for sure :)

Come on over to CC and try one for yourself!

A crappy update.....

2011-06-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ryan started a new job a few weeks ago, and sadly he was sent home today, 3 days early. The plant has been shut down. AGAIN. This is the third time it has happened since he started. We're not even sure when he will go back to work now........but hopefully it won't take too long!

Here's hoping I can sell lots of extra cards this week :) Maybe I can find a couple more cleaning clients too.

Here's hoping..........

Use it Tuesday #9

2011-06-16T19:37:00.001-07:00

Over at Use It Tuesday they are challenging us to use unused dies, punches or cutouts this time around...........so I dug out my nesties and found a set that has gone untouched. I used it to "cut out" my girl image and then mounted it onto the green cardstock and cute it out again, so it could be layered closely.

This card is so cute and I know EXACTLY who will be getting it :)

She is actually a Digi image! I am really enjoying digi stamps these days, I use them alot! What about you, have you tried any digi stamps out yet?

CC Greetings Challenge at CC!!

2011-06-15T12:44:00.001-07:00

There is a fun challenge going on over at Colorful Creations for the Greetings challenge........it's being sponsored by Whimsy Stamps and they are awarding the winner of the challenge with 5 digital images of their choice!! The DT team was given some images to play with, and I designed a sketch for the challenge.............and here is my sample card! Isn't that mermaid adorable?!?!

Hope you have a chance to come and join us over at Colorful Creations!!

A Graduation Card....

2011-06-05T01:11:00.001-07:00

My best friend's youngest son is graduating from High School next week and I am leaving on Tuesday to go and be there for the celebration. I am SOOOOO proud of him!! I have watched her boys go from young children to grown adults and I can't wait to be there!!

This is the card that I made for him tonight.....

Guest Designer Sketch challenge at CC....

2011-06-03T19:11:00.001-07:00

Over at Colorful Creations there is a fabulous Guest Designer Sketch challenge going on right now! Here is the layout that I made for it! Come on over and check it out :)

This is one of the layouts that will be going into my mom and dad's Christmas album this year! My grandfather, and my cousin many years ago. Grandpa has now passed on and my cousin is a full grown adult!

Pimpin out Stacy...

2011-06-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

From Scrap with Stacy!! Why, you ask? Well........for a few reasons.

1) She has the most adorable blog decor I have EVER seen.
2) She told me to! And I always do what I am told ;)
3) She is hoping to get to 1000 followers in celebration of her Blogaversary!
and last but certainly not least............
4) SHE HAS SOME AWESOME BLOG CANDY UP FOR GRABS!!!!!!!!

So what are you waiting for? Go check her out!! :-)

Inspired By challenge......

2011-05-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

The next Inspired By challenge is up over at Colorful Creations and this is the Digi Layout that I did for my sample!! These are some of the pictures from my sister's baby shower while she was pregnant with my nephew! Who is turning TWO this summer! I can't believe it!!

Come on over and check out the challenge :)

Hope you can join us!!

HELP!!

2011-05-30T18:42:00.001-07:00

Our lawn is being over run by these yellow creatures. Sure, they are pretty and sweet when your 3 year old niece picks you a handful of them and says "here Aunty, I picked you some flowers!" Hell, I even got tears in my eyes and thought my heart might blow up when THAT happened.

But in the front yard.........(and the BACK yard too, for that matter) they are not so endearing. So mighty blog readers..........how do I kill these wretched creatures, once and for all?!

Please share your dandelion killing stories with me!

Use it Tuesday Challenge #8..........

2011-05-29T15:21:00.001-07:00

Next challenge up..........Use it Tuesday! The mission.......create a card using a stamp you have not yet inked..........and FLOWERS! I wanted to play with this digi sentiment given to the CC Design Team from Paper Makeup Stamps.

Here is my card! I love love LOVE that sentiment :)

365 cards challenge.........

2011-05-29T14:09:00.001-07:00

Challenge number two of the day was my choice and I was intrigues by the simple sketch challenge posted over at 365 Cards. I needed to make one more thank you card so I took in the sketch and was off to work! This one came together very quickly for me and I think it's a very simple and elegant card :)

What do you think?

Stamping 411 Challenge.......

2011-05-29T13:28:00.001-07:00

Heather and I are having some crafty time today which is great cause I need to get some cards made! She picked the first challenge of the day and selected the current one posted over at Stamping 411. Which was a SKETCH challenge, and at first I didn't really find the sketch very inspiring. But I picked a stamp set I seldom use and got to work.

In the end.............this is what I created! I love it! :)

What do you think?

First stop on the CC Member Blog Hop!!

2011-05-29T13:23:00.001-07:00

Over at Colorful Creations the final week of the Anniversary Celebration includes a MEMBER blog hop!! And the first blog on tour to visit is Nicolle's.....one of our very talented members! Her challenge is to use one of the sketches found over at Colorful Creations, and add in some CHIPBOARD and FLOWERS to finish up your page!

I am already working on mom and dad's NEXT Christmas gift so I chose these adorable pictures of my little sister from a million years ago to complete this one!

Hope you have a chance to play along in the hop too! And pop on over to CC to wish them a happy anniversary :)

Alphabet Challenge - B is for Brads and Bling

2011-05-16T05:00:00.001-07:00

I decided to enter the Alphabet Challenge this week since I loved their "B" challenge so much..........BLING & BRADS!! w000t! I decided to use glitter for my bling and added it to the frosting on my cupcakes!

Here is my card:

DT Sample Cards....

2011-05-15T15:59:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share with you a couple of cards I made as DT samples for some challenges happening over at Colorful Creations right now!

This first one I did is for the Stryder Fund challenge......we are trying to help raise funds for Stryder to visit the Mayo Clinic in MN and his mom has designed an adorable Monster Truck digi stamp set that can be purchased for $5.00 and all proceeds go to helping send Stryder to his appointment. To see the stamp set and read Stryder's story, visit Sew Many Cards here.

This next card is for the Bugaboo "MAKE A CHILD SMILE" challenge and I made this cute birthday card using "TURT Birthday" -----ISN'T HE ADORABLE?!?!?!

If your looking for some inspiration come on over to CC and jump right in! Lots of challenges on the go!

:-D

Inspired By Challenge........

2011-05-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hey hey all!! It's time for another Inspired By challenge over at Colorful Creations!! This time the challenge is to browse the gallery for inspiration and find a project to case.

I picked this ADORABLE layout made by one of our talented members, Kerys Sharrock......

And this is my take on it!!

Come on over and join us at CC! There are so many challenges going on all the time.........and there is still 2 weeks left of their anniversary celebration!!!

Idol Results..........HELLO TOP 3!!!

2011-05-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

Idol results time!! I am already quite a bit into the show, and I have to say........James the screamer can NOT sing country music. LOL! Him and Scotty singing together was quite odd.......perhaps he wanted to show Jennifer that he can NOT sing everything :)

Lauren and Haley's duet was OK.....Haley tried to steal the show, as always. Didn't happen for me though!

And Ryan just told us Lauren is SAFE!!! Top three baby!! :-D I am soooooooo stoked!! I called her the winner since the night I saw her audition. Remember when she sang "Don't wanna miss a thing" with her family in the room and she got Steven singing with her?! She stoled my heart that night!

Gaga is so weird. Who sings in a latex bra and underwear set, and then stands up on the piano bench and does a stripper waist bed while belting out a ballad?! Only her. What the hell was she doing, farting!? Seriously. That was just too weird.

Well, it was an emotional goodbye. And I am kinda shocked that James went home before Haley.But I have to let out a lil w00t w00t for Lauren & Scotty!! I am tickled pink to see them move on :)

Farewell James. You will do better out from Idol's finger, if you have the career ahead of you they seem to think you have anyway. Don't think of it as a loss..........think of it as an early start to stardom......with the freedom to do what YOU want instead of what Idol plans for you!

Ciao for now fellow Idol lovers........and sorry to those of you who have become Idol haters tonight.

Idol Performance Night........TOP FOUR!!!

2011-05-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

It's Idol time again already! Second time tonight for me! And the top four are performing tonight..........with James kicking off the show. He sang "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey........and I actually really liked it! It was easy to listen to him belt this one out and he really had fun up on the stage! (Like he always does...haha)

Wow. Haley actually did really good with her first song! And the crowd is loving her tonight for sure. I think this is my second favorite performance from her........way to go Haley! Hmmm.....I might have to take it back. I can't believe how lippy she was with the judges tonight!! DIVA ALERT!!!

Scotty sang a great Alan Jackson song.......and played his guitar too! The key was a little high, but he sounded great as always. He is such an awesome country singer.

Lauren is up next and is singing Anyway by Martina McBride................COME ON GIRL BELT IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy CRAP Lauren!!! That's the only thing that we were missing from you. You look AMAZING tonight and you nailed those notes. You actually brought tears to my eyes. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow Haley is being really rude tonight! I can't believe it!! And she is up first for the second round. Gaga is so weird. I don't get her.

Holy Haley! Second song was out of the park crazy good. I could listen to you sing that over and over and over and over!!! That was soooooooooooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!!

Gaga is SO WEIRD!! Oh I already said that, didn't I?! I can't believe the things she said to Scotty!! Go Scotty! Love that Microphone! HAHA! Ya got me boppin in my chair.......you are so good :)

Lauren, you are so NOT evil. But it was a cute performance I guess. This was not one of my favorites from you. But I still love you :)

I think it's funny to hear them say Gaga loosened James up. Like he needed it to begin with. LMAO. Too many shrieks for me. I didn't like it.

Here's hoping James and Haley find their way to the bottom two. I actually thought Haley did great tonight.............but her attitude NEEDS TO GO. And she has not been consistent enough either.

Final three revealed tomorrow!! w000t w000t!!

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 9 -

2011-05-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

Day 9 of the 30 day song challenge is to post a song that you can dance to..........and this just happens to be one of my favorite dance songs ever! I believe it was popular in the '90's.......but maybe it was only popular at my house :)

A couple of new cards....

2011-05-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of the new cards I have made recently. I have been getting some crafty stuff done for prizes, my Etsy Shop and some donations that I made. I still have lots to do though! And I really want to get some scrappy challenges completed as well. Good thing I have lots of time on my hands, hey?!

:)

These cards are both made with Stampin Up product.........it is always my go to faves in my stash! :)

One of those.........

2011-05-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those HOLY CRAP moments??! I just had one. I am Simon! I am harsh! Wow!

Still..........Buh-Bye Jacob.

Idol Results Night........May 5th 2011......

2011-05-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

Jennifer is taking the stage again tonight. Isn't that a bit tacky?! I dunno how I feel about that......

Tonight's mash up is actually pretty weak considering we are at the top 5. Maybe they are just nervous........but no one is really standing out for me tonight. Haley even screwed up.....LOL!

HAHAHA......American Idol Top Chef!! Too funny! Two of my fave shows mashed into one. Gordon Ramsey is laughing and smiling and being fun! I love it :) And my future daughter in law won. YAY.........she can cook too! She is perfect :)

I heart Lady A. Did you know that about me? They are one of my fave country groups ever. Those are some crazy high heels she has on tonight! I wouldn't be able to move in them.

Holy crap it's windy!! Sorry, but I think half the house just blew away. Kinda distracted me.

Time for some results! I dunno why but I have a nervous feeling. Let's see what happens! Lauren and James are standing on different sides of the stage. Are they the bottom 2?! Eeeeek. This is scary. I want to just get on with it!! LOL!

Sorry Jen but I have fast forwarded your song. It just doesn't seem like you are THAT performer anymore.

Hmmmm.....Jacob has joined Lauren! Haley has joined James! What is going on!?!?

Scotty is safe. Lauren and Jacob are the bottom 2. It better be bye bye Jacob. I am NOT saying goodbye to Lauren!!!!!!!!!! She is going to WIN THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh thank God. Wow. That was nerve racking. Poor girl's heart just broke a little bit. Bye Bye Jacob. Your exit is long over due.

Idol Performance Night...........Sheryl Crow Week!!

2011-05-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

I am finally watching last week's Idol performances. I am SOOOO excited to finally see it! I have no idea what happened, or what's going on but I am stoked to see that Sheryl Crow is mentoring this week!! I love her!! EEEEEEEEEEEEK!!

Ok so first up is James. His hair has gotten considerably bigger, hasn't it?! LMAO! It's kinda fun to watch them go from average joe's to super stars thanks to Idol. He is singing so out of key tonight. So far the screaming has been kept to a minimum.........oh I take it back. That was one big long flat scream right there. Blah James. Just blah.

*sigh* Steven Tyler has already said BEAUTIFUL. That didn't take long at all.

Moving on.............

Here comes Jacob. At least my least favorite two are singing first...........saving my faves and Haley for last! HAHAHA! He is singing some Jordan Sparks tonight! I actually don't know this song. So maybe it won't sound so sucky if I have nothing to compare it to. LOL! Nope. Not quite. I think perhaps he has gotten WORSE as the show has gone on. I can't believe he is in the top 5.

LAUREN!!!!!!! I know I am biased, cause I have loved her from her audition and picked her as the winner the first night I heard her sing. But can you blame me?! Check this 16 year old chick OUT!!! She is gorgeous. She is amazingly talented. She is cute and quirky and sassy. And she just done sang the HELL outta Carrie Underwood! Now one has EVER come close to covering Carrie that good! She is just AMAZING. And SOOOOO modest. And my future daughter in law. :-D

*LAUREN* *LAUREN* *LAUREN* *LAUREN* *LAUREN* *LAUREN* *LAUREN*

Come on Scotty keep up my goosebumps! LOL! Let's go country boy!!!! Oopsies. Rough start. Eeeek Scotty. What the heck happened to ya?! Please pull it together. PLEASE. You sound terrible :( But you are rockin it out and moving. That is nice to see :) You's alive country boy!!

*sigh* Steven Tyler said Beautiful. AGAIN.

Alright Haley. Let's see what you got tonight. You look great! Hmmmm. I dunno about that. Had it's moments but you are kinda behind everyone else. You need to wake up and shine or your outta here. There was something lacking there. Not sure what it was. But you look purdy. And stoned. What's up with that!?

There's that word again. Beautiful.

Oh they are singing twice tonight! That's exciting! In some cases :-) Let's see what James has to offer this second time around. Beautiful and surprising song choice. I think we are about to see another side of James. I feel bad if I say anything bad about him after this! Thanks for putting your heart on your sleeve for this one James :)

Can someone please pass Steven Tyler a thesaurus?!?!

Oh good Gravy. Did he just say that Jacob is singing NAZARETH next?!? What the............Oh. Nazareth Jacob style. Yikes. Back to weirdness.

Lauren's take two is next. YAY!! Holy heck she looks gorgeous. I love her dress. WOWZA holy hell! I had to stop typing and just listen. That was a wicked cover of that song!

And ANOTHER Beautiful from Mister Tyler. What are we up to now, 5? 6? At least I can agree with this one.........LOL!

Please redeem yourself Scotty. HAHA......Sheryl Crow wants to horn her way in on Scotty. That's funny! Cougar alert?! Redemption indeed. Wow that was some great Scotty.

Haley..........so good so far! I really like you and this song together actually!! You sound great acapella!!! That was really good Hayley. Nice job!!

And I guess that concludes last week's performance night! Some gooders, some not so gooders.......bottom three in my opinion is an easy call and not surprisingly I am going to say...........James, Jacob and Haley!

On to the results...........

CC Anniversary Blog Hop

2011-05-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

***This post will remain at the top of my blog until Wednesday May 11th, for recent posts please scroll down a bit :)***

Hello hello!! Welcome to the colorful creations blog hop! If you have come to my blog from Rochelle's blog, then you are right were you should be! If you are just joining the hop head on over to the Colorful Creations Blog to start from the beginning! If you don't know what colorful creations is....then you are missing out! It's a wonderful online challenge site, full of fab members, awesome challenges and incredible inspiration! Check out the site here!

My name is Tess and I am one of the DT members and I am so excited to be helping CC celebrate their one year anniversary! Your mission.........should you chose to accept it........is to create a layout (traditional, or digi will be accepted) using the sketch and color combination found below!

Here are the rules:

1. You must be a follower of the CC blog, so if you aren't yet head on over and become one!
2. You must be a registered member of the CC site. Join here now if you are not yet!

The winner will be chosen by random drawing and will receive this yummy blog candy as their prize:

Hopefully you will have a chance to play along with my challenge and some of the other challenges as well! Don't forget to check out all the other DT's challenges for your chance to win more yummy candy!! Those who complete all challenges will also receive an entry into the grand prize drawing! The more you play....the better your chances of winning!

Remember....entries must be tagged and uploaded here to my blog as well as the colorful creations gallery NO LATER THAN Tuesday, May 10th, 11:45PM CST. to be eligible to win the blog candy shown. The winner will be announced on Wednesday May 11th at 6:00PM CST. Tag code for my challenge is ABH7. Use Mr. Linky below to upload here on my blog!

Here is the sketch:

And here is the color combination to use:

Lastly, here is my sample layout:

Have fun and thanks for joining in on the CC Anniversary Celebration blog hop!!! Your next stop in the blog hop is SheShe so head on over there now and see what she has goin on! Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY COLORFUL CREATIONS!!!

***Just in case you lose your way here are all the links for the CC blog hop:***

Colorful Creations Blog
Brenda
Evelyn
Karen
Kathy
Rochelle
Tess
SheShe
Colorful Creations Site

I am around......kind of.

2011-05-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

We have no internet right now. Communication with the outside world has been lacking. Once in awhile I seem to luck out and latch on to an unsecured connection in the 'Hood, and I am able to at least LOAD a few of my daily websites. But if you are feeling neglected by Tess......that is why.

I am also wallowing in self pity right now. My husband left on Sunday (WHICH WAS MOTHER'S DAY, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD!!) to begin his new job. He will be home 3 days a month from now on. GOODY GOODY GUM DROPS! That makes me SOOOOO happy! (NOT!) I hate this job. I hate being alone. I hate missing my man. And no amount of money will make it better. My son is here 2 weeks out of the month, which makes it a bit less lonely.........but my son is also 16 and doesn't really want to play with mommy anymore.

The last couple of days I have kept busy. Breakfast with Loni and the boys yesterday, along with my aunt and Loni's granny.....a visit and lunch with an old friend from back home today. Brad nearly getting run over and then threatened by the driver (who was a 35-ish grown man by the way!) which lead to me calling the cops on him this evening.

Adventerous indeed. Oh and I helped Loni garden Monday too. I blew her granny's mind with my dirt digging skills........she even told me so :)

Hopefully we shall have internet again soon. And life can resume back to normal. And I can have contact with all my peeps again. Til then, text me or pop by for a visit please. I know I would really love the company!! Or if you are a blog reader and neither is an option..........show me the love by comments instead. HAHA!

:-)

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 8 -

2011-05-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

Day 8 of the thirty day song challenge is..............A song you know all the words too! In my case there are many, but for some reason THIS is the one that popped into my head this morning.....so hear you have it! Just be glad you can't hear me singing it right now! HAHA :-D

Lost in Blog Land...

2011-05-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight I have done some serious blog surfing. It started after a new Facebook friend linked me up to her blog. Where I laughed. And cried. And then almost peed myself. And then realized that through the powers that be at Facebook, I have met one pretty cool chick!

And cool chicks only KNOW cool chicks, right? Me being the queen stalker that I am....I clicked on the blogs listed in her Blog List and got lost reading and laughing and drooling.

And then I realized.........all my blog is, is scrapbooking! And Cards! And don't get me wrong, that's great.........and there will ALWAYS be scrapbooking. And Cards. But there needs to be more. There needs to be laughter. And tears. And nearly peeing yourself.

I started this blog to share a piece of me, with you, my readers. And from this day forward I vow to show you that there is more to me than scrapbooking! And cardmaking.

:-D

And P.S. Go have yourself a laugh. And a cry. And nearly pee yourself......HERE!

And P.P.S. Heather.......hope ya don't mind the stalker-ish shout out. But I did warn you! MUAHAHAHA! And you thought I was joking ;)

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 7 -

2011-05-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Day 7 of the 30 day song challenge is to post a song that reminds you of a certain event.........and naturally I thought of our wedding song :)

What was your wedding song?

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 6 -

2011-05-01T23:55:00.001-07:00

Here is my song choice for Day 6 of the 30 Day Song Challenge - A song that reminds you of somewhere......HOME :)

Inspired By - Abstract Art

2011-04-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

Over at Colorful Creations the current inspired by challenge is a fun pink, red, black and white piece that inspired me to create this layout:

This month is LOADED full of challenges over there, as we are gearing up to celebrate our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! Come on over and join us if you haven't yet.......lots of great challenges, games, inspiration, prizes and people on the site!!

Hope to see you there :)

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 5 -

2011-04-30T14:02:00.001-07:00

Today's song challenge is A song that reminds you of someone........and this one ALWAYS makes me think of my son :)

Sage Chocolate Card Set.....

2011-04-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I ordered these "grab bags" that Stampin Up had goin on....and I was actually disappointed in the ones that I got. I ordered 4 of the large ones, expecting a fun variety of items.....instead I got 4 identical sets of SCRAPS.

Anyway, I decided I was not going to give up them........surely I can turn them into SOMETHING great..........and here is the first card set that I have finished up using some of the scrap items from my grab bags!

The cards are very simple.....but elegant looking too. Now I can't wait to play with the other sets! HAHA! Moral of the story......never judge scraps by their cover ;)

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 4 -

2011-04-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

Day 4 of the 30 day song challenge is........A song that makes you cry..........and this is it for me! :-)

What song always makes you cry?

Idol Results Night April 28th 2011.....

2011-04-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

It's IDOL time!! I can't wait to see Crystal perform tonight, she was my fave from last season! The top 6 medley was the best so far.......there were a few Ooopsie moments but all in all it was great :-D

Crystal......what the heck happened to ya?! Ya got your teeth fixed! You have a harmonica player now! And your singing outside the genre you rock!! I am so bummed out right now :(

Moving right along.....wow the suspense is killing me this show. Scotty is in the bottom three along with Jacob and Casey.

I hope it's time to say farewell Jacob..........but I have a feeling I am going to be screaming at my TV in a few minutes. First, I must listen to Bruno Mars, however. *CHEERS* I love that tune! Can't wait to hear it over played on our local radio station ;)

Alright America.........did you piss me off, or not........let's find out!!

Wow that was like ripping the bandaid off super fast. Jacob is safe. And Tess is pissed off. And Casey is leaving us this week :( It's too soon. Casey should NOT be leaving yet. But Tess is relieved that Scotty and Lauren are safe.

I can't believe we have to listen to another week of Haley and Jacob knowing Casey is gone though :( Sorry dude. I love your growl. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Sexy Casey in DA HOUSE!!! That was the bestest sing out ever Casey........you rock!! And so classy.....way to leave us grinin' :-D

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 3 -

2011-04-28T16:50:00.001-07:00

Day 3 of the 30 Day Song challenge is to post a song that makes you happy! Here is mine :) The video always makes me laugh and the song is fun and upbeat.....love it!

Idol Performance Night.......Carole King.............

2011-04-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

Idol time again! And tonight the top 6 are bringing us hits from Carole King. Should be lots of good hits tonight and it looks like Jacob is starting us off!

Jacob......AGAIN you picked an "unpopular" song. Or at least you made it unrecognizable in my ears. And you kinda look like PeeWee Herman. Please go home tomorrow night. I am over you completely. Done. Buh Bye now.

Steven Tyler PLEASE learn a new word. No one has ever over used BEAUTIFUL more than you have this season.

Come on Lauren...........bring down da house!! Hmmmm......a little awkward dancing there girl! This whole song was kinda awkward. Too old for you, or something. I can't really put my finger on it but I didn't like it tonight. Still my fave, and still a patootey though :) See ya next week!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! CRYSTAL IS PERFORMING TOMORROW!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Haley and Casey.....what the heck is goin on with you two?! There is too much blushing for it to be nothin.....me thinks there may be some lovin goin on behind the Idol Stage!! You guys are pretty awesome together!

SCOTTY! SCOTTY! SCOTTY! HOLY HELL BATMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how I can possibly emote this blog entry enough to show how much you blew me away tonight. I am in total AWE. DAYAM boy, that was F-I-N-E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry James. Didn't feel it. Everyone else did, however. *sigh*

Another Lauren and Scotty duet......{LOVE}........oh my heart hurts. AND I have a toothache. Ya'll are just too sweet for me to handle :)

Casey!! That was hot. Loved it!

Haley, you won me over last week but ya lost me again this week. You got the get the first time, but that was as long as it lasted. Thanks for making it easy to pick my top 3 choices this week :)

So, I probably don't need to tall ya but my bottom 3 picks are James, Jacob and Haley.

P.S. Jacob and James...........PLEASE NEVER WEAR WHITE PANTS AGAIN!!!!

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 2 -

2011-04-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today is day 2 of the 30 day song challenge, and we are to post a song that we HATE. I love music, and for the most part I will listen to anything. I can't stand metal or rap however. And this one tops my list of haters :)

(Sorry if there are any fans out there, but this is MY blog and I'm a hater...haha)

Is there a song that you hate?

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 1

2011-04-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

I am taking part in a 30 Day Song Challenge I found on Facebook and decided I am going to share them on my blog too. I love music so this should be an easy one for me :)

Day One - Your FAVORITE song..........surprisingly hard! LOL! There are SOOOO many songs I love that it's hard to pick just one. But this is the one that popped into my head instantly so this is the one I shall call my favorite song :)

What is your favorite song?

Happy Anniversary!!

2011-04-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

My friend Tamara made Ryan and I a GORGEOUS anniversary cake for today! She blew me away with this cake........it was WAAAAAY nicer than our actual wedding cake was! LOL! She made the most amazing flowers and they were PURPLE to boot! This cake looked so amazing that Ryan was drooling and pacing while I was desperately trying to get some good SHOTS of it for Tamara!! Here are a few pics of her amazing work..........and if you are in need of a cake......let me know so I can hook you up with Tamara!!!!

The cake is carrot with a white chocolate ganashe. She topped that with white fondant and those gorgeous purple flowers and there was a little party goin on inside our mouths!! HEHE :-D

Thanks so much Tamara......our anniversary was so much SWEETER cause of you!! ;-)

Brad's 16th Birthday....

2011-04-22T00:42:00.000-07:00

I still can not believe that my son turned 16 last weekend. Time sure has flown by and before I know it we will be celebrating his High School graduation! Why do our babies grow up so fast?! He is even taller than me now, by a couple of inches!

Here are a few pictures I snapped of the occasion :) And just so you get an idea how tall he is now.....my handsome hubby is 6 foot 4 inches.....and he's not much taller than Brad these days!

Isn't he handsome?! :-D

Idol Results Night April 21st 2011........

2011-04-21T23:48:00.001-07:00

It's results night!! w00t w00t! I wonder who we will say goodbye to tonight :) By the way, Happy Anniversary to my hubs and I.............AND I have a really sore knee.

On to the show! Lauren, (who looks adorable as always I might add!) Haley, Stefano and Jacob are mashing it up.....weird combo! Good sound though, I am likin it :) Jacob looks awkward though. I think even Stefano noticed. LOL! And why, may I ask, is Haley wearing Pink, Green AND Yellow?!?!?!? She kinda looks like a bubblegum machine! A walkin, Singin bubblegum machine!

Casey, Scotty and James..........OH MY! They actually sound pretty decent together! Nice harmonies boyz :)

Casey is safe!!! w00t w00t!! Jacob is the first to take a seat in the bottom three.Stefano takes the second seat! I guess that means I got 2 out of three right.....and we'll see Haley in seat #3?!? Yeppers. Haley it is.

My HOPE is that Jacob goes home. But I predict we will be saying farewell to Stefano. *sigh* No more cougar crush for me. What's a girl to do?! Meh.......there is still Mister Sexy Deep Voice!

**********FAST FORWARD THROUGH KATY PERRY**********
(MAN SHE IS WEIRD!!!!!!)

It's RESULTS time!! And we are saying goodbye to...........Stefano. Farewell my crush! We shall meet again :-D

That's it that's all, seeeeeeeeeeeeeya next week!

Idol performance night.....Songs of the 21st Century......

2011-04-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

Hey hey all! Happy hump day! Time for another performance night.....can't believe we are already down to the top 7!

Wow Paul, you have never sounded more monotone than you did tonight! LOL! And Niama you are still bizarre :)

Songs of the 21st century......interesting!

I haven't even heard of this one Scotty is singing. But what's great about that is I get to hear SCOTTY's version of it, and have nothing to compare it too! I actually have a 100% different opinion than the judges here, but what else is new! LOL! I loved him singing this one, and I saw some personality from him too! Good on ya Scotty :)

James, you have reminded me tonight why I am not a fan.

WOW! Haley! You brought it tonight!! I actually enjoyed listening to you for once, and loved the lesser growls :) You look cute too! Nice job tonight, you aced it and fo tonight, I am a fan :)

Jacob I am really sorry you lost your dad so young, that is very sad. But I still don't get you. :( I am sorry.......I just am not a fan.

Casey Casey Casey. You are SOOOO intense! I love it! There are 3 things we can always count on from you. 1) a Grunt. 2) a DODILLYIIDIODOOODOOOOEDOWWWWW 3) A KICK BUTT PERFORMANCE!! And you delievered tonight, all 3. And then some! Way to rock it!!

Stefano.....nice suspenders! LMAO....I had to comment on them. What the heck is happening with you?! I felt like I was at a Stefano concert! You're alive! You're dancing! You're entertaining!!! Welcome to the competition :)

Lauren you are amazing. As always. SOOOOOO gorgeous!! PLEASE MARRY MY SON!! lmao.....you are so sweet and adorable and I want to just put you in my pocket.

Can't wait to see results tomorrow night. My opinion of bottom 3.....Jacob, James, Stefano. See ya tomorrow!

2011-04-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

**THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP OF MY BLOG UNTIL MAY 1ST, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE NEW POSTS!**

Colorful Creations is celebrating it's 1st Anniversary and we would love to have you join us for this exciting event. The CC Design Team has fun and activities lined up, back to back, for the entire month. We will have (4) weeks of different events with lots of challenges, make n takes, games and prizes to win!!!! So if you are planning on attending, RSVP HERE and let us know you will be joining us! P.S. Don't forget to invite your friends to come and party with you! The more the merrier!

Inspired by Challenge at CC

2011-04-15T03:13:00.001-07:00

The next Inspired By challenge is up over at Colorful Creations!! You should come check it out if you haven't yet, it's such a great site! There are so many challenges and talented paper crafters over there. Great place for inspiration for sure :)

Here is the layout that I made for the challenge:

Head on over and check them out if you can, and tell them Tess Davis sent you :) Hope to see you over there real soon :)

Idol Results Night.....April 14th 2011

2011-04-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's results night! I hope that we say goodbye to Haley tonight.....I am all growled out! LOL! I am loving hearing their duets though, Lauren and Scotty sound incredible together. And Casey and Hayley were quite good too! Idol's boy band was good too. All around good mash ups tonight :)

And then there's Miss Kelly Clarkson and Mister Jason Aldean......all kinds of goodness there. I love when Kelly belts out her hits but she has a soft and tender side that is great for country music too, don't ya think?! They were cute on stage together :)

So Haley takes her seat in the bottom three first, followed by Stefano and Paul. I HOPE I HOPE I HOPE it's bye bye Haley time. Only time will tell now...hehe. And first Rhianna takes the stage!

NOOOOOO!!! Haley is SAFE!!!!! Another week of GROWLING!!!! UGH!!! Paul or Stefano..........who' it gonna be?!?!

Paul. Bye Bye Paul. I know I will miss you! But I hope you keep on going for it......see you soon I hope!!

That's it that's all, see ya'll next week!!

2011-04-14T01:27:00.000-07:00

Hiya all! Is there life after Pia?! I say YES! I know we were all shocked, and everyone has been talking about it like crazy all week long. The judges were furious and seemingly heartbroken. As were the contestants. But let's not forget about the rest of the talent still up on the stage!!

Here we go with tonight's performances for MOVIE NIGHT! YAY!! Hope to hear some gooders tonight :) And yes J-Lo, you ARE the most beautiful woman in the world. :-D

*****WAVES***** Good mornin Mel & Jay! Enjoy your commute ;)

First up is Paul singing Old Time Rock and Roll....holy flatness at the start! YIKES! Looks a little less than good Paul.....TURN IT UP! Can I take back my gooder comment?! EEEK. Paul that was NOT good. That was alot of flat, alot of bad breathing and NOT top 8 worthy at all. Sorry dude, but I didn't like that at all. Nice sparkles though.

Hi pretty lil Lauren. Will you marry my son please?!?! HAHAHA! You are so freakin cute. I am sasd that you are singing Miley, but I am pretty sure that you will sang dat song a heck of a lot better than she ever did! Good golly you look amazing. How are you losing so much weight so fast?!?! Lovin the cowboy boots with the bling too. And holy HELL. I have tears goosepimples AND sore hands from clapping! And girl it's 1:00 in the morning! My neighbors probably think I am totally insane screaming and yelling after you done sang that! And truth be told, I knew the words. And sang along. And swayed my lighter. GO LAUREN! GO LAUREN! w00t!

**Offside note, kinda........Steven Tyler you are FLIPPIN WEIRD!!!!!**

OK Stefano....yes, I crush on ya. But let's see WHY America saved YOU and let Pia go. You better BRING IT tonight! And oh heck I love this song so if ya butcher it.....CRUSH NIENTE!!!! Well, I think it was good. Wasn't GREAT but you did a good job. Crush remains in tact. And the most beautiful woman in the world just called you the SHIT. Does it get any better than that?!

Oh Scotty something from Pure Country! I am giddy with excitement :) I hope it's "I Cross My Heart" I love that song. And I will love you singing it. *FAST FORWARD* HELL YA YOU ARE! I have goosebumps and you haven't even started yet, so please don't disapoint :) And hot diggity dog that was amazing!!! I do have to say.....you got kinda eaten up at the chorus, your background singers WAY over powered you. Was it you or a sound thing? Who knows. But that was SOOOOOOO romantic I am swooooooning for ya Scotty! Nice job :-D

Oh Casey, Casey, Casey!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!! And the most beautiful woman in the world called you sexy. You're gonna go places :)

Oy vay Haley. That was terrible. Beginning sucked. Middle sucked less. End was glorious....cause it ended. Sorry girl but I hope your Idol days are over now!

Sorry Jacob, still don't getcha!

Alright James, I am NOT a metal girl. At all......but I gave it a chance. Ummmmm.....I don't think that I could have handled it from anyone but you. So I guess that means you aced it?!

That's it that's all! Oh wait. My predictions. After last week, who the hell can predict this show anymore, really?! But in my opinion, the bottom three SHOULD be....Haley, Paul & Jacob.

See ya all tomorrow for results night! Ciao fellow IDOL fans :)

Feedback Please!!

2011-04-12T23:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I was asked to do Birthday invites for my friend's son, and this is the first sample I have made to show them. (Please ignore the ink pad spot in the middle of the card, wouldn't you just know it....as soon as I put the finishing touches on the card I DROPPED my tear drop Memento Ink pad right on the front of the card!! &*#^&$*#!!!!) LOL!

Anyway, please let me know what you think of this one. It's for a boy turning 11. And my son guessed the party location at first glance.............can you do the same locals?! :-)

Thanks for looking and please leave me a comment on what you think of them!!

Next Challenge at CC!!

2011-04-08T21:52:00.001-07:00

Here is my next card for the Spring Fling Crop happening right now over at Colorful Creations! Come on over and check it out! I can't wait to put this card in the mail this weekend........I know EXACTLY who is getting it....hehehe :)

Double pocket gift card holder........

2011-04-08T21:01:00.001-07:00

Challenges are up like crazy over at Colorful Creations! This is a git card holder I made for the first Tutorial challenge posted! If you want to come make one too then come on over! We still have lots of room for more and the Crop goes all day tomorrow too!!

Hope to see you there!! Tell them Tess D sent ya ;)

Idol Results Night......April 7th

2011-04-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

OK, I know I am a day late.......but I am FINALLY watching the results show! And loving their Rock Medley! (MINUS THE GROWLING FROM MISS HALEY OF COURSE!!!) LOL!

How come miss Lauren looks like she has dropped 30 pounds all of a sudden!? That is either the most flattering outfit EVER or she is working out way too much!!

WOW! Styled by Gwen Stefani! Lucky gals! Pia's outfit was a little wild though....LOL! She wore it well though. Maybe she thinks her outfits make up for her lack of stage presence?! I dunno...

So far we have Stefano in the bottom 3. And next to join him is...........WOAH!! What the?!?! PIA?!?!?! WOW!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHA@the TMZ segmant, that was just too funny!

WOW! Jacob takes the third seat in the bottom three! I am probably the only person on earth glad to see it.....LOL! I think everyone gets him but me ;)

Dude........you are too old to be parading around like that. Put your shirt back on please!!!

OK that was just MEAN Ryan! Poor Jacob. LMAO. WOAH. WHAT THE?!? Did he really just say Pia?!? And did Randy just mouth the "F" bomb?!?!

WOWOWOW! I can't believe she is gone!! I seriously don't even know what to say. Miss big notes and Diva-licious and crazy celeb outfits is gone. I am in shock. Waaaaaaay too soon for her to leave. America done EFFED up big time there!!

COME ON AMERICA VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!! Won't be the last we see of Pia though. I am sure of it.

Alrighty, that's all I got for now, it's getting hard to type with my jaw on the floor! I shall see ya'll next week!

Ciao!

Spring Fling has begun!!!!

2011-04-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Colorful Creations is having an Online Crop this weekend and the first challenge has been posted! Come and join us! Lots of fun and great prizes up for grabs over the weekend :)

Here is the card that I made for the first challenge! You can make either a card OR a layout!

Hello Unmounted Stampin Wheels....

2011-04-07T02:04:00.001-07:00

I have spent some time unmounting my stampin wheels tonight and I am soooooo excited about it! This is less then half of the wheels that I have collected....that have done nothing but sit in a basket on a shelf in my scraproom.

I am very certain that now that they are FLAT and easier to manage I will be using them ALOT more! Stay tuned for cards to prove it...hehe :)

Idol performance night.....Rock and Roll week.....

2011-04-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

Rock and Roll week! I predict lots of screaming tonight....LOL!And kicking off the show is Jacob. I think he should have done Let's Get it on. I didn't like his sing tonight, but I never do. I just don't get him. The judges sure love him though!!

Haley.....the growl is kinda cool but not when you use it on EVERY SECOND WORD!! Goodness girl that's supposed to be something we get excited to hear from you, not something we get sick of. All growling aside....this was one of your best nights on stage I thought!

Casey Casey Casey. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Nuff said :)

Lauren....I think you did good. But I kinda felt like you were scared and holding back. Give us the big notes girl and make us feel! You look cute though :) And it was good. But you are better than good!!

James....I like this soft side of you. I wish we could see it more often. Good on ya guy!

Scotty you are up next and I am feelin kinda nervous for ya! But it's not the first time and you always come out and ace it so I am sure you will again :) DAYAM cowboy! You were rockin! Aside from a couple of silly faces you made you brought down the house! w00t w00t!

Pia, didn't you already sing this one?!!! Sounds familiar....oh no wait. That was on Glee. Nevermind! Um...I never thought I would hear you sing a song that was too big for ya....but this one is. You hit some of the big ones. But you missed some of 'em too. Enough to make me cringe. Eeeek.

Stefano....I think that was kinda weird, kinda good. The arangement was up and down and all over the place, a little like a roller coaster ride. But hey, I like me some amusement parks! LOL!

Paul.......ummm.......my remote just hit the mute button. Sorry dude, but way wrong song.

So that's it that's all, Rock and Roll week has come and gone! Looking forward to results tomorrow night! My prediction for the bottom.....Haley, Stefano & Paul.

Seeya Tomorrow!

2011-04-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Girls are like
apples on trees. The best
ones are at the top of the tree.
The boys don't want to reach for
the good ones because they are afraid
of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they
just get the rotten apples from the ground
that aren't as good, but easy. So the apples
at the top think something is wrong with
them, when in reality, they're amazing.
They just have to wait for the right
boy to come along, the one
who's brave enough
to climb
all the way
to the top

of the tree.

April Blog Challenge at CC...

2011-04-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

I was asked to host the April blog challenge over at Colorful Creations Blog and was given a couple of Digi Stamps from Sassy Studio Designs to play with and make an Easter or Spring themed card! They have some super fun digi images and are sponsoring this blog challenge!

Here is my sample card.....hope you have a chance to join in too!!

Saturday Sketch 197....

2011-04-02T17:31:00.001-07:00

Next up for the day is the challenge posted over at Stamping 411. Another sketch challenge. And my card did not come together quite like I had visioned, so I may be giving this one another whirl. But so far, here is the one I have made!

More snow?!?!

2011-04-02T14:38:00.001-07:00

I can't believe there is more snow coming. Just not right! It's April! And I wanted to see my niece and nephew on Monday! I am pouting.

However I am working on challenges today. First one finished for today is the one posted over at the Riley & Co. blog. It's a sketch challenge and here is my Father's Day card :)