Happy 2nd Blogversary to me!

Cupcake Nirvana! Cupcake Island in Omaha is where I decided to go to pick up a treat to celebrate my second blogversary!! I can't believe it's been two years since I first started posting on my blog. I know there are periods of time when it's been hard to post something new. Life gets in the way. But what is nice to know is that I have something I can always go back to to share what I've created with folks who appreciate the same things I do.


You can't go to Cupcake Island and just pick out one cupcake. If it were up to me, I would've bought sixteen cupcakes. We decided to pick out these six. Two for each of us. YUM! It's a mix of marble cake, devil's food cake, red velvet cake, white cake...and just tons of chocolate. I love their cupcakes because they're so flavorful and moist; and the frosting isn't too dense. Just delicious!!

Look at this delicious chocolate covered strawberry on top of this Devil's Food cupcake. It's ALL for me! LOL!

And now, it's time to announce the winners of my Blogversary "Twist and Shout" giveaway. A HUGE thank you to everyone who left me a kind and happy comment:

#9

Kim H. said...
Happy Blog anniversary! Your blog has been a true inspiration to me- thank you!

Ok these bags are gorgeous! I am screaming and shouting- PICK ME! LOL!

#2

Sue McGettigan said...
Oh my goodness Ethel, these bags are so gorgeous!! I'd be thrilled to win either one, and if I don't win, I hope you'll share the pattern?

I keep reusable bags in my car all year long so I try not to use disposable grocery bags. It works, except when I forget to take my bags in with me ... duh :)

Ladies, I will send you your bags asap! Thank you, again, for joining in the fun!

Tonight's Project: Cosmetic Bag

I made this cute little cosmetic bag, this evening. It turned out to be much bigger than I thought. It's a fun quilted project that uses up scraps. I think I might give this one to my mom. I would've photographed this in natural light, but since it's always dark by the time I get home, it's sorta too late to catch that "good light." Don't forget to enter my Blogversary Giveaway!! Thanks for stopping by!

Twist and Shout!!! Blogversary Giveaway!

In less than ten days, I will be celebrating my second Blog-versary! Woo-hoo! As some of my friends know, I love to do a wide variety of crafts, not just papercrafts. To celebrate, I made these cute "Twist bags" perfect for taking to the store, or for throwing your beach towel into, when the weather gets warmer. Quick and easy patchwork sewing went into creating these bags. I made one that is in fun, spring/summer colors, lined with pink gingham; and the other is in orange and green tones, but with a funky, retro look lined with a beautiful leaf print. They are both very large, very spacious bags. If you have it hanging on your shoulder, the bottom of the bag will hit well past your hip. How cool will you look strolling around town with one of these funky fresh bags? The straps are handmade, with lines of stitching to give them a "quilted look." I got the idea from my local quilt shop who created the pattern for these bags. If you make a "twist bag" with their pattern, and bring it in when you shop at the quilt shop, they will place your name in a monthly drawing for fun prizes at the shop. They are encouraging their customers to "go green" rather then using the store plastic bags.
If you would like a chance to win one of these "environmentally friendly" bags, please leave me a comment on this thread; and you will be entered for two drawings. Yes! I am giving away BOTH bags!! Deadline to enter is Monday, February 16th, 11:59 PM (US Central Standard Time). I will use the Random Integer Generator to give us our winner. You do not need a blog to enter. I *do* however will need your name (no "anonymous posts") and email address if you win one of these. I would LOVE to send your bag to you so you can start using it long before "Earth Day." Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to announcing our two winners on February 17th, on my blogversary!!

Not much time left....

We received word, very recently, that we are moving within the next five months to Eglin Air Force Base, in the Florida panhandle. This means I don't have too much time left to go through EVERYTHING in the house and purge what I don't want to move with. I will likely do very little crafting between now and our big move, so I'll be on a hiatus of sorts until we're settled down in Florida. Of course, once in a while, I may need to do some crafting just to ease the stress; but since I have limited time between working, taking care of the family and purging, I will update my blog only once in a blue moon. Once we are settled in and unpacked, in Florida, I hope to keep up with my blogging far more than I have been.

This is how I spent the evening on Inauguration Day

As many Americans probably did, I watched the coverage of the Inaugural parade and the Neighborhood Ball, yesterday. I half-watched and half-listened. I was working on a quilt block that I'm going to swap with my friend, Lori; and the colors I ended up choosing seemed to have a "red, white and blue" theme about it. I don't think it was intentional. It just ended up that way. I hope Lori likes her quilt block. We're exchanging blocks, and this is just the first one. I don't know how often we'll exchange blocks, but if we do continue to do this over the course of the year, I may end up with enough blocks to make another large quilt.

Glittery birthday card

When I first looked at this stamp, I immediately thought "Valentine's" or "Love" would be the appropriate theme that it would fall under. But, then, I saw the cute little birthday hat on the little mouse. That's when I was inspired to create this Birthday card. Rather than use pink or red for the glitter hearts, I thought it was more festive to use primary colors, instead. Stickles, as a final touch, makes the "Glitter Hearts" come to life. Thanks for stopping by, today!


Stamp: House Mouse by Stampa Rosa, Riveting by Stampin Up
Ink: Memento Black, COPIC markers
Papers / Cardstock: White, Red, Green, Yellow, Blue
Accessories: Large and Small star punches by Stampin Up, Stickles

Sweet and lovely vintage

A lovely way to begin a weekend. I joined a swap on the Stamp Shack with "vintage" as the theme. Here, I used an image by Tuscan Rose; a stamp (the word "sweet") by Heidi Swapp; papers by Foofala; lace and prima flowers. For the swap, we have to create only the card front. This saves on postage costs.
We received an inch or two of snow last night, with a layer of sleet/ice beneath it. It made driving quite interesting today. We went out to a local restaurant for breakfast, ran a few other errands, and came home. It is certainly chilly, this weekend. My husband found some wonderful "chilli powder" that you add to your hot chocolate. I believe this is how many Mexican people enjoy hot chocolate. Neither my husband and I are Mexican, however, we have seen many shows on television where this spice is shown as a favorite addition to hot chocolate in Mexico. Well, we tried the chilli powder, and it is absolutely delicious!
I hope you are enjoying beautiful weather where you are! Thanks for stopping by!

Edited to add: Some folks have written to me about the "chili powder" I mentioned above. It's not regular chili powder (the red kind). It's a special chili powder called "Cocoa Chili Powder" made by McCormick's. So, please don't use regular chili powder. You have to find the kind that is designed specifically to be added to hot chocolate.

I'm back in the gym, religiously

Yes sirree! Monday through Friday (today), this week. I've been going to the gym each day, after work. Then, I come home, shower, cook supper, eat.....then if I'm lucky, I'll still be awake come 8:30 to watch TV. LOL! Then, day starts all over again when the alarm clock sounds at 0430 (it sounds more like an actual scheduled activity when I post it as military time). I have been receiving the nicest compliments from coworkers. One coworker, who hasn't seen me in three weeks, said she has seen a very noticeable difference, and she can really tell I've lost weight.

I'm down almost 20-lbs (or 9 kilos) since I started working out religiously and watching my calories. This journey began on 11-11-08, and I am proud to say, I continue to do pretty well. I didn't gain any weight over the Christmas Holidays. As a matter of fact, I dropped three pounds. I feel stronger, more energetic, and don't feel like it's so impossible to do, any more.

If you made a New Year resolution to get fit, I wish you all the best. If I can do it, you can do it!! Feel free to share what is working for you; and feel free to drop me an email and ask questions, whenever you like!

My vacation is drawing to a close

I thoroughly enjoyed my little break from work. I can't believe how quickly the days have flown by. As opposed to vacations of the past, we didn't leave our home. We stayed put. What a difference that makes! I enjoy visiting family, seeing other cities, exploring new places; but sometimes, it gets stressful and exhausting, and you don't feel rested. During this vacation, I got to sleep in my own bed, went to see a movie (Valkyrie with Tom Cruise), ate out on weeknights, and stamped, stamped, stamped. This is the most stamping that I've done in months! My husband would like to take me out to see "Australia" with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. We may catch the matinee later on, today. I hope to get one more card completed before going back to work on Monday. (Ooohh....I dread Monday....LOL!)
Stamps: Stampin Up "Fairies"
Cardstock: Brown, White, Red
Ink: Memento Black Ink, COPIC markers, Bayou blue ink (for the sky)
Embellishments: Lace, ribbon, gemstone stickers, Stickles (on her wings)
Tools: Nestabilities, Martha Stewart border punch, Stampin Up scalloped circle punch (to help with creating the puffy clouds), stipple brush

Another birthday card!

One of the best things about cardmaking is the ability to make unique, handmade expressions of your love and fondness for family and friends; especially when their birthdays come along. This card is for a dear friend of mine celebrating a birthday this month. The cupcakes are by Hero Arts (I love this set! I should use it more often). I colored the cupcakes with Stampin Up pens, and blended the colors with my waterbrush. The "sprinkles" are created with Stickles. If you are a January baby, I wish you a very Happy Birthday! Have a heaping slice of cake and an extra scoop of ice cream for me!

Inspiration in the Sugar Bowl

Happy New Year to you and yours!! The Sugar Bowl has kicked off the New Year with it's first Sketch Challenge. I decided to use my very first Leanne Ellis stamp from Sugar Nellie.I stamped the image with StazOn and colored it in with Stampin Up markers and my waterbrush. I hope you'll try your hand at this Sketch Challenge. The prize is awesome! Again, I wish you a very Happy New Year. May it be prosperous, fulfilling, and abundant with creativity, love and special memories.

Birthdays are sweeter when shared with friends

No, it is not my birthday. But, I was in the mood to color this cute Sugar Nellie stamp today. Have you had a chance to visit their website, yet? There are so many cute stamps, perfect for coloring.
Today was a sunny day, albeit cold and windy. We went out for breakfast at a new restaurant that we had not tried before. It's called Bailey's. They're only open for breakfast and lunch. They had the best menu, which included scrumptious seafood (very, very fresh seafood). They get their seafood from a reputable market in town. That's how we knew we were getting quality ingredients.
I hope you're staying nice and warm (or nice and cool, if you live in Australia. LOL!) Are you ready for the New Year? It's just around the corner!
Stamp: Sugar Nellie
Paper: The Paper Studio
Cardstock: white, dark blue, orange, green, red, yellow
Ink: Memento Black Ink, COPIC markers
Tools: Nestabilities scalloped square, labels trio; Cuttlebug flower dies and Swiss Dots embossing folder, circle punches
Embellishments: ribbon, brads, Stickles

Enjoying my mornings

Oh, it's so wonderful to have the freedom to sleep-in in the mornings....to be able to leisurely enjoy a cup of tea and watch the Today Show; sit at my craft table and not be disturbed until I am finished. Yes. This is how my mini vacation is shaping up to be. It's Monday, and I'm not at my desk at work. I got up early, today, and worked on this card. I enjoyed some toast, yogurt and tea for breakfast. Then, when I was finished with making my card, I went to the gym. No rushing about. No schedule. Just taking my time, and doing what I feel like doing, when I feel like doing it. The only thing on my calendar today is to take my son to his orthodontist appointment at 3:30. Otherwise, I'm just going to watch TV, and perhaps, make some more cards this evening.
Don't you love Cuttlebug embossing folders? I chose this particular one because it reminds me of a knit sweater. Thanks for stopping by, today!
Stamps: Boyds Bears
Ink: Memento Black Ink, COPIC markers
Paper: Red, cream, white cardstock, My Minds Eye
Embellishments: Crystal gemstones, Making Memories rub-on
Tools: Sewing Machine, Nestabilities, Colluzle, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Stampin Up Scalloped Circle punch and Photo Corner punch, EK Success 1 1/2" cicle punch, Sizzix flourish die, foam tape.

Glittery Goodness

You gotta love a great clearance sale! This past week, Wally world put their Martha Stewart Christmas items on clearance. I was fortunate enough to grab six bottles of snowflake glitter. If it's anything like purchasing wrapping paper after Christmas, this glitter should last me for the next 12 years (and I'm not kidding!) LOL! It was absolutely the most perfect embellishment for this card. The snow-covered ground is a combination of Stickles (half-a-bottle) and Martha Stewart mica snowflakes.

The snow that fell in our town has just about melted away. When you look outside, you never would've guessed that we got snow and ice the week before Christmas. Our temperatures hit almost 60F the day after Christmas, and the roads were slushy. This week, we're expecting mild temperatures well above freezing. Thank goodness!!! I have an entire week off work, and I didn't want to stay couped up inside during the entire time. I hope you are keeping warm. Thanks for stopping by!
Stamps: Sugar Nellie
Paper and Cardstock: Soft Sky and Bayou Blue by Stampin Up; Heidi Grace "snowflake" paper
Ink: Memento black ink, COPIC markers, Ranger Inkssentials white pen
Tools: Martha Stewart border punches, snowflake punch
Embellishments: Crystal gems, silver jump rings (on center of snowflakes), Stickles glitter glue, Martha Stewart mica snowflakes

Sending you a Hug in a Mug

My set of stamps arrived safely from The House of Sugar, and of course, I couldn't wait to mount them and start playing. I am serving as a guest Design Team member for Sugar Nellie for a few months. I created this card last evening, just before supper. I love a good mug of cocoa, tea, or coffee. Or, warmed cider, during this time of year. I colored this pretty lass with COPIC markers. You can purchase her directly from Funkykits in the UK. She was designed by talented Australian artist Elisabeth Bell. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Sugar Nellie
Coloring Medium: COPIC markers
Papers: The Paper Studio, red cardstock
Embellishments: Chipboard alpha by Heidi Swapp, gemstones by The Paper Studio, flourish die-cuts (Quickutz), Stickles, Prima flowers

Merry Christmas everyone!!

What a wonderful day it is! We have had a leisurely day, opening presents, eating a delicious breakfast.....and crafting time! Oh bliss! It's barely 12:30, and I feel so relaxed and so happy. DS and DH are downstairs playing Guitar Hero. I'm upstairs listening to them jam, while I create away in the studio. This card is for this week's Roses on Paper Sketch Challenge. I used a Magnolia stamp (colored with COPIC markers), DCWV paper, silk flowers, primas and ribbon. The round sentiment stamp is by Stampin Up. I hope you are enjoying your Christmas Day!!

A Christmas card for my coworker

I am participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange at work. I was fortunate to pick the name of a wonderful gal who is kind to everyone; and deserves to have the best Christmas ever. This is the card which will accompany her gift. I used Anna Griffin paper, Whiff of Joy stamp, and the sentiment is by Stampin Up. I colored her with prismacolor pencils. The snowflakes and zig-zag border were created with Martha Stewart Punches.