Babies, Babies, Babies

I have not posted anything in a while...Today's thought is...BABIES! It just occurred to me that there has been a lot of talk lately about babies! My cousin is due in a couple of months, a friend is having twins; the topic has come up whether or not I will be adding to my brood (and when!)...Just seems like a lot of baby talk lately! So I got on Splitcoast today and realized I had not yet done a card using the Chalkboard technique.

So, I take a look at my stamp collection and after noticing my lack of bold images I fall upon Wild About You. I don't use this set near as often as I should and I thought-"Hey, let's use this." I decided to go with a baby theme. I did a pink elephant and a blue giraffe. I guess they turned out alright...it appears I wasn't as inspired as I thought I was! LOL

So here's the deets: Pretty in Pink and Bashful Blue DSP matched with Close to Cocoa and Whisper White card stock. Added some green beads and Certainly Celery ink to the giraffe card; Taffeta ribbon, gingham ribbon to the elephant card. Polka dots were done with a versamarker, white gel pen accents. That's about it!

Hope one of you out there gets inspired to make something for a new little someone!

Hugs,

California Dreamin'

So.....I just got back from a CA visit with my good friend Brandy. We had a really good time playing catch up for the five days I was there. Some things I did...

Went to IKEA for the first time ever!!! I absolutely LOVE this store! And it's HUGE!!

I got some really cute things here. I only wish there were an IKEA closer to me! (That's Brandy and me in front of the store..)

Here is my friend......Isn't she darling???




Oroville Dam- One of, if not the largest land made dams in the country. If you look close you can see snowy mountains in the background...

The water side of the dam....that's Brandy's son in the foreground...


And finally...Old Sacramento. This place was pretty neat. We went here just before the airport on my last day.

I had a great time in California. Thanks Brandy for the hospitality!!! I can't wait to return with the rest of my brood!

Hugs!

Coffee...tea....let's see!

So...I signed up for a coffee and tea swap on Splitcoast. I am really excited because we have a local coffee shop that actually sells "Screaming Eagle" blend coffee in honor of the 101st. I thought this would be a perfect time to share something rather unique. Here is the card and coffee I am sending. The only thing not pictured is the mug and Kona coffee cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Company (see their website here...). I just LOVE those cookies! I think everyone should have them once in their life!

And here is the tea swap...
I am putting cute little teacup candle holders with a Wasabi Ginger votive, stickers and a couple of single serve packs of tea. The little tea card is done in close to cocoa using Like it a Latte from Stampin' Up. I used crystal effects on the "tea" in the cup and added a stamped lemon wedge from Tart n Tangy. I am really pleased at how this turned out. I think the little pop of pink on the card really helps it coordinate with the candle holder.

Soooo....now it's your turn...what are some of your favorite coffee or tea treats??? Leave me a comment and I will draw a winner for an extra special treat! Don't forget to post your name! Good Luck! (I am going out of town til the 18th..I will draw the winner then! Spread the word!!!)

PTI Round 5 Swap...SPOILER ALERT!

My first (stamp) love is, and probably will always be, Stampin Up. But not too long ago a friend introduced me to Papertrey Ink's clear stamps and I must say they are a VERY close second! I do not have many sets yet so I like to join the PTI swaps on Splitcoast. The funny thing is, I am ALWAYS a last minute person! This swap is due April 30 and I actually have both my cards done AND sent off! Totally not typical for me! Here are the two cards I have created for Round #5:

What do ya think??

I was inspired to do a kind of "brick" layout because I decided I MUST find another use for Limitless Labels! I think it turned out quite well! I used Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Almost Amethyst and Apricot Appeal for the "Friend" card.

On the "Best Wishes" card I used Beautiful Blooms and was inspired to do a sunflower-type image. I chose Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun and Wild Wasabi. This is actually my rough draft. The swap cards have chocolate chip "lacing" on the buttons and page pebbles in the flower centers.

So, if you enjoy Papertrey as much as I do....Maybe you should swap with us too! There's still time to sign up! Thanks for looking. Have a great day!

My new signature!

Thanks to Taya who led me to Katie who led me here where I learned how to do it!

Thanks gals!

I came, I saw...I caved

So-- This is it. My blog.

I caved. That is the only way to describe my desire to have a blogging voice too. I just caved. I've seen the other blogs out there--so why me?? I really can't explain it. Sure they are cute. Informative. Funny. Touching. Will mine be any better or worse? Could it be?

I find myself up, way later than I should be, doing nothing more than blog-surfing. So it hits me. Maybe it's time to join the crowd.

After all...all the cool kids are doin' it.

This is my blog. Laugh. Learn. Enjoy....