beautiful blooms~thank you...

Hi all...
I hope your week is going great~the LONG weekend is almost here~woot woot!!! Do you have any exciting plans? Fireworks (Forth of July for USA)? Crafting? Of course I have my list started, and as usual it is a little unrealistic...but, since I am a list maker I like to write down all the things I would like to accomplish so I don't forget *wink* I even added a few things for my hubby (which I am sure he will appreciate, LOL!).

Mike and I are getting ready to go through this program at our church in the fall (which I am pretty excited to start...I think)~so we decided that instead of going away for a few days~we would save some $$ and have a stay~cation (maybe a day trip), which is fine with me, since I really do like being at home (I am such a home~body). I may even do some digi scrapping, which I have not done in ages!!!

I pulled out my cuttlebug and went to town with my die's for this card (I just love my Cuttlebug!!). And for the color scheme I used this list from PTI, I used Nichole's suggested colors (except I left out Summer Sunrise and added Dark Chocolate and Kraft).




Enjoy Today!!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Delightful Dahlia stamp set; Kraft/Lemon Tart/Spring Moss/Melon Berry/White/Dark Chocolate cardstock; Choc Chip (SU!) ink; Beautiful Blooms 2/Delightful Dahlia/Label (Nestabilities) Dies; Fiskars Edge Punch; Dark Chocolate Satin Ribbon; Dark Chocolate Button; Twine

are you ready for a pedi???

Posted by Ashley

Hey blog friends!
So I have a few amazing products to share with you today! If you are anything like me, then you probably try to save money by going for the “do-it-yourself pedicure” during the summer months when the tootsies are on display. Professional pedicures (at least the REALLY good ones) are pricey and living in Arizona, where we wear flip-flops practically all year, I would go broke with that expensive habit. Though I do pamper myself every once in a while, I love to check out the newest and hottest colors by OPI. Though these nail polishes are more expensive than the generic brands (about $8 per bottle), I have to say that they last longer than the others and the colors are super vibrant, even after a couple weeks. I just found the newest summer colors for 2010 and I might have to go get a bottle at ULTA this weekend! The colors are bright and “summery,” but not too overpowering, which I love!




On another note, my mom and I recently took a trip to The Container Store in Scottsdale because we were both in an organizing kind of mood. I’m telling ya… this store is absolutely incredible! I describe The Container Store as heaven on earth! Not only did I purchase some incredible items for household organization, but I also came across this nifty little purse organizer. I’m the kind of girl that likes her purses slouchy and big! I’m all about the hobo bag… but unfortunately, everything tends to fall into the black hole and I end up searching for a pack of gum for what seems like an hour! This amazing invention sits in your purse and has SIX (that’s right… SIX!!) pockets for things like hand sanitizer, a mini lint roller, lotion, and whatever else your heart desires. I can honestly say that this little organizer has kept my slouchy purses manageable and organized! I highly recommend this item, especially if you love neat and clean purses where you can easily find everything.





Well, that’s all for today… thanks for stopping by! On Thursday, I’ll be sharing about an upcoming missions trip to Jamaica!! Have a wonderful day!

C&S (clean & simple)...

Hi All,
I hope you had a marvelous weekend!! I seriously wish the work week would fly by like the weekends!!! I am really looking forward to next week though...because I have the entire week off~woot!!! My hubby has Friday thru Monday off, so we may go out of town for a few days (not sure yet)....then I am going to do some serious organizing (Mike bought me one of these, and I am planning another trip here), and a few home improvement projects (will have pic's too!!). I am excited about a few projects I am going to tackle~so hopefully they turn out well, if so, I may do a how-to post on the old blog.

I decided to use another Clean & Simple sketch (I am loving them!!!). If you'd like to participate just click here (scroll to the bottom of the post for the link).

I used delightful dahlia for this card~in berry sorbet and ripe avocado (yummy color combo, btw). I love that the bow and button are the focal point (cause IMO ribbon and buttons are just a thing of beauty, LOL!!).



Have a terrific Monday peeps!!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Delightful Dahlia/Every Day Button Bits stamp sets; Berry Sorbet/Ripe Avocado/Choc Chip (SU!) ink; Kraft/White/Ripe Avocado cardstock; Berry Sorbet Grosgrain Ribbon; Dark Chocolate Button; Twine

Felt Flowers...

Happy Friday!!! I am so happy to have the weekend ahead of me~such a great feeling!!! Lots to do, but still a great feeling!!

I have been seeing lots of cards lately with felt embellishments and decided to give it a whirl, and I have to say, that I LOVE IT!! The PTI felt is so nice, and great to work with!!! So more colors are now added to my ever growing "want list"

*note~ever since I have been using my new LED screens my colors have been kind of wonky~things look great on my monitor, but when I upload to Flickr or the web they look weird, (which is driving me CRAZY!!!). Tonight I am going to pick up this. So glad they are holding one for me ;) I almost didn't post because I think the colors look funky! Hopefully I will be calibrated and in a better mood tonight, LOL!!!


I used this card sketch from the Clean & Simple blog.


ETA~Calibrated Image


Have a super weekend blog friends!!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Delightful Dahlia stamp set; Kraft/Hawaiian Shores/Spring Moss/White cardstock; Choc Chip (SU!) /Ripe Avocado ink; Raspberry Fizz/Hawaiian Shores Felt; White Button; Twine; Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain Ribbon; EK Success edge punch; Beautiful Blooms/Delightful Dahlia Dies

introducing my favorite daughter...

Posted by Ashley

Hello blog world! I am so blessed to be given the opportunity to guest-blog for my wonderful, crafty mom. Recently, I mentioned to her that I was thinking of starting up my own blog, but working full-time, being a full-time student, and also volunteering for multiple church ministries, I wasn't so sure I would have the time. She suggested that I be a regular guest blogger for her, and I thought it would be an excellent way to get my feet wet, so here I am. I'm not much of a card-maker (unless the paper is pre-cut and all laid out for me!), but I plan on sharing many other interests of mine here. My posts will include photography (with my Canon Rebel XT), cooking experiments, book reviews, random thoughts, fashion blurbs, and of course my new interest in locally-grown, organic products. Speaking of organic... has anyone watched Food, Inc.? This movie is by far one of the most profound documentaries about what our food goes through to get to our grocery stores. I highly recommend watching this documentary, but be forewarned that your grocery shopping habits may change dramatically (for the better, of course!). As a result of watching Food, Inc., I have taken a trip to a local Farmer's Market with my mom and purchased some delicious pineapple salsa, organic bananas, red potatoes, and fresh-baked bread. The next day, I also made a trip to our local Fresh & Easy neighborhood market, where I discovered cage-free eggs, refreshing watermelon, honey-wheat bread, and so much more! Surprisingly, buying organic food isn't as expensive as I had initially thought! The produce tastes so much fresher; even my husband has noticed! If you look closely at the photo of the pineapple salsa, the ingredients are super fresh and minimal. It is honestly some of the best salsa I've ever had!






On another note, you will eventually come to realize that I am a product-junkie. I love to try new things! I plan to try new products out and give honest reviews here. I also have my "go-to" favorite items that I will be sharing. For today's post, I have to talk about how much I absolutely LOVE my Amazon Kindle. My amazing husband bought the Kindle for me this past Christmas, and I think it is the best invention ever! It is pricey, but just recently, Amazon has lowered their price! If you love reading as much as I do, this is a must-have! I even downloaded The Message version of the Bible, which is quite frankly the clearest, easiest way to read it!



Thank you so much for stopping by to read today! I am so excited to be a blog-partner with my mom & I look forward to what is ahead!! Have an amazing day!


Ashley

sparkly flowers and sharing my space...

Hi Friends~It is Wednesday~two more days until Friday~HOORAY!!

I am excited to announce that my favorite daughter, Ashley, will now be contributing to my blog on a regular basis (woot!!). She was a guest blogger here last week...and has been debating starting her own blog~so I suggested she get her feet wet on my blog to see if she liked doing it. She will post about random stuff such as fashion, hairstyles, psychology (she almost has her MA degree), TV shows, church stuff, baking, her cute kitties and lots more!!! She is a great writer, and I am super excited to share my space with her!!! She will keep us all "hip" so check back on Tuesday's & Thursdays for Ashley's posts (and if you have a few moments to spare~leave her some blog love).

So here is a quick card I whipped up the other day, that was really pretty easy (and I didn't use any ribbon or buttons). I used my SU! flower punch (I think it has since been retired and cannot remember the set it coordinated with???). I punched the flowers out of Raspberry Fizz cardstock and then added a rhinestone to the center of each one (way prettier and sparkly IRL). Then just used a mini pop dot to adhere the flowers to a stamped Turning a New Leaf layer.



Enjoy Today!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Turning a New Leaf/Signature Greetings stamp sets; Old Olive/Choc Chip (both SU!) ink; White Raspberry Fizz/Dark Chocolate/Kraft Cardstock; Flower Punch (SU!); Rhinestones; EK Success Edge Punch

a trip to the farmer's market...

Happy Monday my favorite blog friends!!

I hope you had a FABULOUS weekend!!! Why do the weekends always speed by so fast??? Yesterday I had such a nice time with the fam celebrating Father's Day!! We had all of Mike's favorites for lunch all the way down to his favorite beverage! After lunch we opened a few gifts and then the boys took a nap (even Kodi). Ashley and I decided to hit the Farmer's Market in Tempe~it was fun (gonna check this one out next week)!! Of course I brought my camera (so glad my kids don't get embarrassed by their paparazzi mom anymore).

I did not get any stamping in, so I thought I would post a few of the photos from our trip to the Farmer's Market. I have today off from work, so I WILL have some stamping to share this week~and I also have some fun news to share on the blog in the next day or two!!









Enjoy Today!!!

father's day...

I have never been so happy for Friday!!! It has been one crazy, busy week!!! I am working again today, and then next week we are back to our usual work schedule~until Ashley leaves for a mission trip to Jamaica on 7/11. I am hoping to take a few days off in July to do some home improvement projects (painting and re-decorating my family room, updating my laundry room, and some fun and frugal projects that I will share soon~I promise).

I am excited to celebrate Father's Day this Sunday! The family will be here to eat, swim and get their pictures taken, LOL...Mike has requested one of his favorite foods...chicken wings (not sure what I will make to accompany them, maybe some sort of salad...for me and Ashley, and a yummy dessert {I think this is the recipe his mom makes~and it is his fav!!!}).

Here is another Father's Day card, since FD is right around the corner. I promise I won't use this set for a while, LOL!!! I have used it quite a bit lately for my "boy cards". I definitely have some masculine sets on my wish list!!




Have a FABULOUS weekend my blog friends!!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Enjoy the Ride/Fresh Alphabet stamp sets; Garden Green (SU!)/Not Quite Navy (SU!)/Choc Chip (SU!)/Kraft/White cardstock; Not Quite Navy (SU!)/Choc Chip (SU!) ink; Dark Chocolate/New Leaf buttons; Twine

praying for you...

Happy Wednesday!
I am just popping in for a quick post~will be glad when this week is over, and hopefully things will slow down a bit. Can you believe I have not even had a chance to check out the June PTI release??? Now that is busy, LOL!!

Did you happen to read on Nichole's blog that they are discontinuing the current ink pads~gasp!!! So if you {heart} PTI as much as I do you will Def want to stock up on refills of your fav's!!! (I am excited for the new ones that will be coming out in October!!).

And here is a cute idea for Father's Day!!! I think we may give them a try for Mike on Sunday ;)




Have a super Wednesday!!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Beautiful Blooms 2/Scattered Showers stamp sets; Berry Sorbet/Dark Chocolate/White cardstock; Choc Chip (SU!)/Berry Sorbet ink; Berry Sorbet Satin Dotted Ribbon; Dark Chocolate Button; Twine; Beautiful Blooms Die; Cuttlebug Dotted Embossing Folder

enjoy the ride~DAD...

WOW~I do not know where my weekend went!!! It was a busy one.
Mike and I had dinner with some friends on Friday night it was a lot of fun~and enjoyed some yummy food!!! Saturday I shot a graduation ceremony for a friend at church (snapped this cute one of my favorite son), ran a few errands with my hubby, had full day of church on Sunday (then I went to the grocery store, cleaned the fridge and put everything away and fit in a quick nap) Don't I live an exciting life????

I had a few minutes while Mike was studying for Sunday, to whip up a few Father's Day cards. Since I do not have a lot of masculine stamp sets~you guessed it~I used my new Enjoy the Ride set. Nothing fancy schmancy!!


Have a super day!!!!

Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Enjoy the Ride/Clean Alphabet stamps; Pure Poppy/Dark Chocolate/White/Kraft Cardstock; Pure Poppy/Choc Chip (SU!) ink; Pure Poppy Double Stitched Ribbon; Dark Chocolate Buttons; Twine

FIL bday wishes...

Happy TGIF!!
I am off to work today, filling in for a coworker who is on vacation~so another quick post. Mike and I are going out to dinner with some friends tonight at this place~very excited!!! Saturday we have a graduation party, and church on Sunday, so it looks like a full weekend.

My FIL will celebrate his birthday on Monday, so here is the card I made for him. I didn't realize that I used the same layout as my previous post, LOL! Which was taken from the Clean & Simple Blog Challenge. I think this layout is especially nice for "guy" cards, no ribbon or fluff.

And of course I used one of my all time favorite stamp sets, Everyday Button Bits!!!


Supplies used (PTI unless noted): EBB stamp set; Hawaiian Shores/Kraft/White/Spring Moss/Ripe Avocado cardstock; Choc Chip (SU!) ink; Aqua Mist/Lemon Tart/Avocado buttons; Twine; Pop Dots (Michael's)

college bound bug...

hi bloggy friends :)
I hope your week is off to a great start...I have been busy, busy, busy with work and other random stuff (some weeks just feel crazy). So I am going to make it quick today...

Mike and I are attending a graduation on Saturday night, for a guy at our church. So of course I needed a guy card for the occasion. I used my Enjoy the Ride set (don't you just love that little VW bug??). I paired Hawaiian Shores with Black and I have to say...I like it (very clean & simple). I also used several pop dots on the layers for some dimension (it looks like the blue layer is off center, due to the pop dot~trust me it isn't IRL, LOL!). All it needs now is some $$ tucked inside and we are good to go.




Enjoy Today Friends!!!

Supplies used: (PTI) Enjoy the Ride stamp set; Enjoy the Ride Die; Hawaiian Shores/Black/White Cardstock; Black Palette/Hawaiian Shores Ink; Making Memories Mini Button Brads

beautiful blooms...

It's Monday Friends...
It has been a crazy weekend at the Clark house~Mike upgraded my hard drive and bought me 2 giant LED monitors (he is awesome, btw!!), and installed Windows 7 (they are not kidding in the set-up video that it takes a few hours to install it~I went from XP to Windows 7, so it was quite time consuming copying all the files and then doing the install). Now that it is all said and done~it was definitely worth the wait!!! (patience is not my strong suit).

I posted my Friday post last night~so scroll down for that one too :)

I just HAD to purchase the Beautiful Blooms 2 stamp set and dies from PTI, I am really LOVING the new dies!! So I got my order last week and could not wait to ink it up and cut out some blooms!!! We celebrated a co-workers birthday on Friday, so I had the perfect opportunity to whip up a quick birthday card.


I am excited to have today off from work (because I am working Friday to cover for a co-worker), so I can play on my new computer :) Def have a lot of photos to edit (since I didn't have any space to save them on my hard drive before~not a problem now *happy face*). I hope I can get some stamping in too~we shall see~hopefully my ADD won't get me distracted today, LOL!

Enjoy your Day!!

Supplies used: (PTI unless noted) Beautiful Blooms 2/Signature Greetings/Polka Dot Bkgrd (SU!) stamps; White/Dark Chocolate/Raspberry Fizz/Hawaiian Shores cardstock; Hawaiian Shores/Raspberry Fizz/Fresh Snow/Choc Chip (SU!) ink; Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain Ribbon; Raspberry/Ocean Tides Button; Twine

back in business...

Well, I am finally back on my computer~woot woot!! My hubby did a complete overhaul for me (He Rocks!!) I have a new hard drive/Windows 7 (which meant a complete wipe out of everything from my computer (and reload of all files and Programs), since we upgraded from Windows XP/2 new 23 inch LED screens and I am in HEAVEN!!!

I had been without my computer all weekend (which made me realize how dependant (addicted) I am on (to) it, LOL!!!

So since I finally have CS4 re-loaded onto my computer here is my card for Friday's post (very late I might add). I got this color scheme from this post of fashion blog I read everyday (I am not really a Fashion~ista (is that a word), but I like to see her neat wardrobe pairings).

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!!
See ya tomorrow for my usual posting schedule :)

Supplies used: (PTI unless noted) Warm Happiness/Papertrey stamp sets; Enchanted Evening/Scarlett Jewel/White Cardstock; Fresh Snow ink; EK Success Edge Punch; More Mustard Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!); White Button

a new hard drive~hooray!!

Hi ya friends...
My wonderful hubby came home with a 2TB hard drive for my computer tonight (isn't he the best??). I must really sound like a computer geek, huh? We were going to buy a new computer, but decided to get a new monitor (looking for that this weekend, maybe) and hard drive, much more cost effective. I felt good after reading the Frugal Girl's (#2) post yesterday about her same situation ;)

As of 8pm it is only 43% formatted, so I am unable to get on my PC (posting from my laptop) to upload my card for tomorrow. I am however hoping that everything will be uneventful and I will have all my stuff waiting for me after the format (fingers and toes crossed!!). Any kind of computer/software upgrade makes me a little nervous!!! Luckily I back up with Mozy (just in case). If all goes well, I will post Friday's card sometime tomorrow (or Saturday if there are unexpected problems), so my post will be a little late.



On a positive note...tomorrow is TGIF!!! Enjoy :)

sweet dahlia...

Hi all...
The week is zipping right along~it really helps when you have a long weekend *wink* Although I get a little confused as to what day it is~I felt like yesterday was Monday and now today is Wednesday, LOL!

I am still having some computer issues and Mike is going to get me a bigger hard drive tomorrow after work *smile* I have so many photos that I want to edit, but my current hard drive is full *sad face* and my CS4 software won't run some of the tools~We are def in the market for a new one!! Enough computer talk, huh?

I had some time to play in my craft room over the long weekend, and I am still loving this Delightful Dahlia set (especially the die cut). I also got some happy mail (from PTI) yesterday and hope I have a few moments to break out the new goodies.


Supplies used (PTI unless noted): Delightful Dahlia/Blooming Button Bits stamp sets; Enchanted Evening/White/Avocado/Melon Berry cardstock; Fresh Snow/Enchanted Evening ink; Delightful Dahlia Dies; Button; Twine; Melon Berry Mini Dotted Ribbon