Link is fixed!

Halloween card link is fixed!!  you can download it HERE too!!

Happy BOO to you...

Happy Halloween!!

Last night we had our little pumpkin carving party~it was a lot of FUN!!  I enjoy seeing everyone's creativity!! 

We had a little trick-or-treater~that was SUPER cute, if I do say so myself!!  Hershey was not really a fan of the costume, because it kept falling over his eyes and he couldn't see, but for the 15 minutes that it was on~it was CUTE!!

 
I meant to post this last week~but time just got away from me.  I made up a Halloween card to share.

 
You can down load it HERE.  
Just print; cut at 4.25 inches; and fold each card at 5.5 inches.  

Have a fun & safe Halloween!!

{365} 10.30.11 weekly iPhone dump

From Left to Right:
*Filled up our coffee jar with SB French Roast~YUM!
*Our kitty Dewey, who never sits still long enough for a photo (got him!!).
*Partners in crime!!
*Took an online journaling class by Ali Edwards.
*Another interview (this job market is the PITS!!).
*Friday date with my hubs.
*Stopped at Sam's Club and cannot believe the Christmas stuff is already out!!
*Got a little crafty for our pumpkin carving get together (more pics to follow).
*My pumpkin BEFORE the knife.

{365} 10.29.11

Tomorrow we are having a little family pumpkin carving get together~I am whipping up a few little crafty things~here is a sneaky peaky :)

 

too kind...

Hi Friends!

How are you doing on this Friday??  Any exciting plans for the weekend?  I am going to try to rally my family together on Sunday for lunch and pumpkin carving, but I'm not sure if that is going to work out with all of our crazy schedules (Ashley's being the craziest!!).  I hope we can make it work *fingers crossed*  Of course my camera will be present if it does, LOL!!

Here is another simple card I whipped up a few days ago, had a bunch of scraps on my craft table and put them to good use.  Of course I had to add some ribbon and a button to complete it ;)

I have been getting a little excited about starting my DDA (December Daily Album)~is anyone else going to play along?  I find that the "less young" I get the less I remember~so this is a nice way to document the holiday season!

Happy Friday!!

{365} 10.27.11

 sweater weather...
Today was the first day we were able to leave our doors and windows open ALL DAY!!  I think it is finally cooling off here in AZ.  I actually wore a sweater to work this morning~cause it was 68 degrees!!  I really do not mind the AZ heat, but the cooler temps are really a welcomed change!!  Plus I like LOVE wearing sweaters!!  Must be the CT blood in me, LOL!!

 
And my CT peeps are getting their first snow today~which is WAY early!!  That is just CRAZY!!

bloom...

Hi all,

I hope you are having a great week!!  I don't have much chit chat today~things are getting pretty busy around here and I imagine it will only be getting worse with Christmas right around the corner *gasp*  (59 days from today) it seriously sneaks up on me every year, LOL!! 

Since I have been in the market for a new job, you can read about it HERE.  I thought it would be nice to have a few cards on hand for people when they LAND their new job (which I hope in my case is pretty soon!!).  I love the sentiment~to BLOOM where you are planted!!

 

Enjoy Today!!

{365} 10.25.11

This is whats for dinner tonight~YUM!!  I have been craving lasagna all week, and finally had a few moments this afternoon to whip one up *smile*  Now Josh just needs to come home from work so we can DIG in!

Here is the recipe I use, I substitute the sausage/ground beef with turkey sausage and only use one egg to keep it on the lighter side.

Enjoy Today!

friend birthday...

Happy Monday!

Today is gonna be quick.  I needed to make a few birthday cards for some of my friends who have October birthdays.

This one came together very quickly and is pretty plain and simple (my favorite kind of cards!!).

Enjoy today!

a little delay...

today's post will be a little delayed...please stop by a little later :)

10.23.11 {weekly iphone photo dump}

From Left to Right:

*Came home and found these two cute boys taking a nap.

*Crazy Pete is so curious!

*Kodi relaxing on the couch.

*This is what my office looks like now (very sparse!!)

*After work snack (I love fishy crackers!!!!)

*Surprised my favorite daughter by sneaking into her apartment and cleaning it for her (she has been out straight with her new job, internship, and clients).

*The kids from church sang a song for Pastor Appreciation Day (SO CUTE!!)

*Flowers from my church family (I am so blessed).

*Stopped at Trader Joe's to pick up some of these yummy (low WW points) snack; they are a cross between potato sticks and french fries.

{365} 10.22.11

Last week Mike was in a minor car crash.  Thankfully no one was hurt, except his car.  We are so blessed to have a friend that REALLY knows how to  fix cars!!!  Last night they ripped off the hood and fenders and replaced them with brand new ones.  Unfortunately I didn't take an "after" photo (it's to dark tonight), but the "before" was pretty cool!!

Yeah, it's a Saturn wagon~that's how my cute hubby rolls, LOL!!

Josh was helping out~he needs to really wash those hands!!

I love this crazy Saturn driving guy!!

Thanks Andrew and Greg!!!  We are so very thankful for your kindness!!

a little autumn freebie...

I love when fall begins to "fall" here in AZ, although it is MUCH different from where I grew up back east in CT.  The temps for us here in AZ are now in the 80's-90's, which is a happy relief from our summer temps!!  Back in CT however, when fall arrives, you can feel the crisp air and the leaves turn so many beautiful colors.  Even though it is much different here in AZ I still enjoy fall!!

I just love fall colors and decided to make a little sign art with a few of my favorite fall things!!  And just because I love my blog readers, I have a link to share.

There are 2 files, the autumn sign and the autumn card.  The sign is 8.5 x 11 (I trimmed a little off the edges to fit in my 8 x 10 frame), I printed mine on photo paper.  The card is also 8.5 x 11 (2 cards per sheet), just print it onto cardstock and cut it at 4.25 and fold in half~easy peasy!!

Download sign art HERE.

Download card HERE.

Enjoy!!

Have a FABULOUS weekend!!!

{365} 10.20.11

Am I the only one that cannot believe that October is almost over??  It is just flying by!!  

You may remember THIS post a while back, when I picked up LOTS of prints from Costco.   I did get them all organized (chronologically), and I am hoping this weekend to at least get the rest of 2010 into the album (I think I may have to use 2 albums~I take lots of pic's, LOL).  I really do LOVE Project Life and plan on doing it again for all my 2011 pictures.  I love how people do their PL albums on a week by week basis, but I  know, I could not keep up with that kind of pressure, so I do what works for me.  And I have to say that having 3/4 of my 2010 pictures already in an album, makes me pretty darn giddy!!  (it doesn't take much to make this gal happy!).

Here is my stuff all ready for me to sit down and work on it...

Here is a peek of where I left off~August 2010.

I am super excited to order the new PL designs, which are coming out soon, you can read about it HERE.

thinking of you...

Hi all,

Here is a quick card (and post for today).  I started working on this card before I took my little blog break, and I found it in my pile of scrap paper.  I already had the cork mat and image adhered to the card, so I added a few other elements to finally finish it up (it was not an easy task trying to lift the cork and add the ribbon, LOL!).

I found the cork sheet at Hobby Lobby a while back.  I think it adds nice texture to the card.

Enjoy today!!

{365} 10.18.11

I had a few minutes to kill this afternoon before I went to pick Mike up from the airport~so of course I grabbed my camera and took a few shots:)

Kodi always wants to play when I have to leave...

 
I also stopped at Michael's on my way home from and picked up a cute little plaque (50 % off) for the house, hung it up and then headed to get my hubby~so happy to have him back!!

 

Hi all,

I hope you had a great weekend!!  

If you are friends with me on Facebook, than you may have seen my post about our cat "Kitty" who we had to put down on Saturday night.  It is really hard loosing a pet, and since Mike was is of town, Josh came with me.  Josh is one of the most sensitive people I know, and he is taking it pretty hard (this is the first pet we have lost as a family)  :(  I just have to remember that we had her for 13 years and she will always hold a special place in our hearts.  We had a little ceremony and buried her in our garden yesterday.  RIP Kitty (1998-2011)!!!

I did have a little time in my stamping room over the weekend.  I and am trying to get my stamping mojo back~so bear with me, LOL!!  I am really attracted by anything "chalkboard" these days, and I thought I would try to mimic that in a card.  It felt a little plain, so I added a doily to the back, just to give it some "frill".

Enjoy today!!!

weekly iphone photo dump...

From left to right:

*  went to visit a friend, brought a little flowery cheer

*  packed my hubby for his trip to CT

*  I am addicted to this very easy pumpkin cake (topped w/whipped cream)~YUMMY!!

*  I have to make my own coffee when Mike is out of town (I miss him!!)

*  LOVE this product!!  Sandals and desert temps take a toll on my heels!!

*  washed all my make-up and hair brushes  (exciting stuff!!)

*  the pic I sent my hubby~just in case he was missing seeing my face, LOL!!

*  SUPER CUTE candy dish I found at Target dollar spot (can you guess what kind of candy I filled it with??)

*  Our cat "kitty" had to be put down last night~the vet made us this memorial to remember her :(  She will always hold a special place in my heart!! 

around here...

Josh comes home for lunch every day.  You can usually find him playing his guitar if he has a few minutes to spare.  Yesterday as soon as he came home, he grabbed his guitar, and started playing a new song he had in his head (which was AWESOME btw!).  

Notice Kodi, who follows him EVERYWHERE and treats me like chopped liver when Josh is around, LOL!!  I grabbed my camera and snapped a few photos.

 
This is everyday life around the Clark house. 

5 on Friday...

1. I took this little quiz to see which font I am (since I am a LOVER of fonts).  It is cute and only has 5 questions *give it a try*.

2.I have already ordered my supplies for this years DDA, even though my 2010 album still needs the photos added *wink*

3. You may remember me posting about making my own laundry soap (which I LOVE, btw).  This is my next under taking.

4.  I just printed out my issue of Making the Shot, by Karen Russell, and am excited to dig in (these are only available for purchase by her former students~if you want to learn how to take your camera off "auto" and take better photos~her class ROCKS!!).

5.  I have been addicted to this simple pumpkin cake recipe~so yummy, easy, and guilt free (I add a little low fat whipped cream). 
**ETA~all you do is mix the can of pumpkin with the dry cake mix~the batter is a little thick~but trust me, it turns out YUMMY!!**

Have a FABULOUS Friday!!

{365} really 5???

My hubby is on his way to CT for a quick visit, which makes me a "single lady"  for a few days.  I have a few chick flicks that I plan on watching.  

Mike is usually KING of the remote/remotes (I don't really watch much TV), so it didn't dawn on me, until right now after he is gone,  that I have NO idea how to play my DVD's!!!  Do we really need this many remotes??? 

It is a good thing Josh is still here to give me directions!!

a hybrid card...

Happy middle of the week day!

I have been into hybrid projects these days (the combination of traditional and digital elements).  Here is a quick card I made up for my niece who celebrated her birthday Sept 25th.  I used a digital scrapbook paper for the background then added a banner and text to the circle.  

I have included a download without the name if you'd like one, download is HERE.  You can either stamp, write or add the name in a photo editing program (I used THIS font for the name).  Then just tie it up with some ribbon and adhere to your card, another easy-peasy card.

I promise to have some ALL stamping projects soon!!

Enjoy Today!!!

{365} 10.11.11

With the weather getting somewhat cooler here in Arizona, I tend to use my crock-pot a LOT!!  I love that I can dump everything in it and it does the cooking while I am at work.  I usually put all the ingredients in it the night before, keep it in the fridge then just pop it in the base and turn it on (helps streamline my morning routine). 

Tonight we are having...

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice

2 cans (10.75 oz each) Cream of Chicken Soup

1 1/2 Cups Water

1 Pkg (6 oz) Seasoned Wild Rice Mix (I am using brown rice instead)

4 lg Carrots (I used a bag of baby carrots to make it easier on myself)

8 boneless Chicken Breast halves (I used 4, since it is only 3 of us)

Mix soup, water, rice and carrots in the crock-pot; add chicken and turn to coat; cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until done.

Happy Tuesday!!

birthday freebie...

Hi all!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!!  It is nice to be back to blogging!!  The little blog break was nice, but I did miss this little creative outlet *wink*

I have been pretty busy wrapping things up in the office, and looking for a new job, so that has been keeping me somewhat occupied.  

I whipped up a non-stamped card for my nephew's birthday a few weeks ago in Illustrator, I am really drawn to the "subway art" look lately, and like using multiple fonts.  

I made up a generic (without the name)  one to share with you!!  If you would like to download the file just click HERE.  All you have to do is save it to your computer and then print it on cardstock~EASY PEASY!

Have a super Monday!!!

weekly iPhone photo dump...

From left to right:

*Made my favorite pumpkin cake (2 ingredients...spice cake mix/sm can of pumpkin, I could only find the big can so I used 2/3 of the can), bake as directed on box, top with whipped cream or Cool Whip.

*Stopped at Jamba Juice on my way into work on Tuesday.

*Sharing a treat with Kodi.

*Mike and I went out for lunch at Genghis Grill.

*I waited in the car while Mike went into Home Depot for 1 thing (and took forever!!).

*This was the 1 item (see above), a part for our sprinkler system.

*Finally tried SB's Salted Carmel Mocha (White Chocolate Mocha is still my FAV!).

*Wore my red shoes to church this morning.

*Currently this is my FAVORITE coffee creamer (Safeway brand Pecan Pumpkin Pie). 

I have some crafty posts coming this week!!!

{365} 10.8.11

Ashley & Nate came over today so I could give Nate a haircut.  Ashley asked if we could also cut Hershey's hair, I was thinking "how hard can that be?"  Let me just say..."don't let this cute little doggie fool you"~he is ferocious, LOL!!  He does not like getting his haircut, AT ALL!  Ashley and I spent about an hour and a half distracting him and getting most of it cut.  He still looks pretty cute even with his amateur pet groomers, LOL, but next time we are leaving it up to the professionals!  I am sticking to people haircuts!!

This is Hershey before~we didn't get any after photos, cause he was not in the mood after his hour and a half haircut *wink*



Here is the look I got from Hersh when I got my clippers out, LOL!!

 

{365} 10.7.11

Today I got a nice surprise in my mailbox *smile*   thanks Mom!!

I have said it many times before...I am an "apple snob"  growing up in CT I ate the BEST apples (I think it has to do with the crisp fall air)!!  The only kind I can find in the grocery store here in AZ that I {sorta} like are honey crisp.  

My mom went to Woodstock Orchards (which is right down the road from where I grew up) and got me some of these beauties!!  She wrapped each apple individually in newspaper and then in bubble wrap~luckily only one bit the dust, and there were only a few bruised casualties, LOL!!  

And since the weather has officially cooled down here in the desert (76 degrees today), and I have some yummy apples, it now feels like FALL! 

If you would please excuse me~I am going to eat a nice crisp and juicy apple~YUM!!!

I'm back...

Hi blog friends!  Long time no bloggy!!

I have really missed blogging!!

Over the past month, I have been re-organizing my blog.  I have decided to bring everything to one place (so now my craft/project 365 will now all be in one place, along with other this & that).  

I hope you will continue to follow along :)

I have also moved my domain to www.gretchenclarkblog.com which I think automatically forwards my old blogspot account.

Happy Friday!