As you all read, our dog Daisy was due for a grooming! Many of you asked to see Daisy after her make-over!

She has longer fur than most cockapoo’s (one of the reason’s I thought she was SO CUTE), and is buff colored, with copper ears.

Anyway from all the snow, and rain with mudd,  she was looking a little scraggley! I normally give her a bath, but since she needed a trim, figured Id get it done professionally!

I dont even think she could see anymore! LOL! Here is the photo the morning before her grooming

 Daisy & Alexa

See-where are her eyes? LOL!

Now we have the after

 Daisy & Noah

There is her face!

She looked SO different. I wasn’t use to her body hair being so short! They shaved her “under-carriage” as I call it, and her hiney-for sanitary reasons, but I didn’t expect the rest of her to be shorter.

She is SUPER soft, and smells great! She was FUR BALL when I picked her up! LOL!

She looks really cute though-well her face anyway. You can see her sweet eyes now! I just think I have to get used to it KWIM?

Put it this way-we brought Daisy to the groomer when Alexa was at school.

When she returned home, Daisy ran up to greet her and Alexa said “Oh boy! We got a new puppy!”

Um, no Alexa-THAT is our puppy!

Ah! Monday is here.

I normally dispise Monday’s, but today is different.

My kids return to school today after a week vacation. I think by “vacation” they mean a vacation for the teacher’s from our children! LOL! Definitely NOT the parents-:D

We did do some fun stuff this week-like went bowling, a Crafts Day at our Community center, Space Center, McDonald’s play area and a few other misc. places.

I honestly cannot complain, it was a decent week. But to get back to 6 hours, of uninterrupted ”my time” a week, is PRICELESS to a mom of three.

I did get some 5 minute cards in! I know alot of us say “Oh I didn’t have time to MAKE a card” I know I have said that myself. And NO I have NEVER given a store bought card since I began stamping. I think with all I have invested in the obession, I better either make it-or not bother. Jason would have a STROKE if I went and bought a card. Also to then pick one out and drive-I may as well have made it by then.

Now REALLY! Do we not have 5 minutes? My problem is- I have cards on HAND but HAVE to make a new one, if Im giving it to someone. Next time I WILL give away my 5 minute wonder.

I also feel pressure to make sure everything I give away, is a MASTERPIECE-not something that may be just as pretty, but taken under 5 minute’s-KWIM? But I also think it is the THOUGHT that counts. Just knowing someone gave you a hand amde card is a gift in itself-even if it wasn’t tailored FOR YOU!

OK back to the post.

I will say, when patterned paper is your focus, its all a breeze. No brainer.

I decided for these 2 samples to use the PTI Everyday Blessing, and PTI Aqua Mist/White cardstock for my main focus on these. The colors are just plain’ole YUMMY!!!

To keep it quick, I used a sketch of mine from a few weeks ago, that I LOVED!!! You can see it —>HERE

If you already have a pre-done idea for a sketch-thats even faster.

 Pretty Paper Posie

I have to say that I LOVE Shapes by Design. Its one of those that you may look at, and wonder WHAT youy will do with it, but once you get going- its great. I do love shapes and retro stuff so that could be why I enjoyed it so much. Once I got going there was NO stopping! LOL!

For some reason with this circle image-I can’t NOT put it in the SU! Scallop punch! LOL! I think it makes the BEST flower center. Sorry, I just see it that way.

I also used Border’s and Corners Circle for the dotted circle-LOVE that set too! I dont have the hearts or the ovals, but think it may be time to add them to the collection. Especially since I just bought the nestablilites to match  I easily earned that Anniversary set, let me tell you! LOL! Im sure we all did.

I can’t stop using the Twill ribbon either. I really LOVE it. In case you ahven’t noticed its on like everything it will match.

Anyway-this is a quick &  cute card, for any occassion card. SUPAH FAST.

Next up-

 Pattern of Circles

It doesn’t get ANY quicker! Just use random various circle punches, adhere with dimensionals and DONE!

This can be kid, baby, masculine-you name it. Just change the paper and sentiment-then DONE!

Speaking of done-thats it for today! I want to take advantage of “my time” today, so Im off and running.

Hope you have a great week, and will pop by when you can. I have some cool stuff to share this week. The MFT release is coming, more Princess stuff and………. well, lets not give too much away. Just check back in.

Till tomorrow! Or later, you never really know with me. In the meantime, I hope you try an under 5 minute wonder!

 Pretty Partridge thank you-

Well we have gotten slammed with snow :C AGAIN

I wanted to thank you all, who shared your stories, and “ick” for my traumatic mouse drama! We are up to 21 and counting. Jason refuses to get De-con-due to last year, they died and you could smell it in the basement.

Id rather smell the DEAD mice, than have them ALIVE anywhere. I told him he has his choice of D’s its Dec-on or Divorce! LOL! OK I would not divorce him-but you get my dire situation.

He has the weekend to ge these things DEAD!

I heard alot of people in New England are having issue’s with rodents due to the extreme amount of snow we have gotten. There is literally NO FOOD or anywhere else for these critters to stay-OH WELL!!

Thanks for the adive for prevention and devices we can get to get rid of them. Jason is going through the comments this weekend and deciding on the best option for us.

Anyway-gross!!!

I also wanted to say the I went to Stamping Memories-our local SS and got the heart scallop nesties!! Thanks to all who referred me to places. I do have the solid hearts already. I was also able to get the scallop/plain ovals! Im very IMPATIENT and hate waiting for things to ship. I also need them for a project, and can’t keep Paulette’s forever (although I was thinking about it! LOL!)

For all who asked- I personally only like/need the LARGE sets. If I were to only get one-I started with the rectangles. You can make then square, and for me are my most used shape for cardmaking. Its really is a personal opinion and we are all different.

I get dozens of emails everytime I post asking about the sandwich for the nesties in the Cuttlebug. I always answer them, but figure I shold just link you all to the best place for info.

Sharon had a huge write up, full of info on the Craft Critique-so check that out—> HERE. Its a great read, and full of ALL you ever wanted/needed to know. Thank YOU Sharon for taking the time to do ALL the research,  for us here in stamp land.

She is also having a give-away there so check it out!!!

In case you missed it, I did post the SKETCH on my blog yesterday, just not my samples!

 here it is-click for larger view.

Now here is another sample-

A for Always

 
As promised I have 2 samples for the sketch! BOTH use Stampin Up!

I just LOVE the 2 sets in this post! LOVE!!

I am a HUGE bird image lover-HUGE. These sets are really good too. I will say I wish they had a co-ordinating flourish that matches the design in the bird of the Always set. I’m annoyed that there are “elements” of the bird, but not the flourish.

Anyway, I stamped and embossed the bird with Glassy Glaze. Made it more epoxy like. I alway have to color in the hollow flourish on it too-no idea why-I just do!

This also uses the paper Ginger Blossom, which is REALLY PRETTY!!

Now the top card-that one used the Hostess set Spring Solitude. I love that one too.

I decided to pair it up with some rub-on’s that are part of the SAB freebie’s. I really like rib-on’s, and that set is really cool.

It was one of those done in like 5 minute’s cards, that later inspired my card above. I just love white, black and any pink. In case you have yet to notice, I’ve been on a kick with these colors.

Ah! Well that is all for today. I hope you get to play with the sketch, and send us a link here so we can view it! I really enjoy seeing your take on it. Oh and remember-you can do them ANYTIME, and tweak them to suit you! There are no “rules”! Just a starting point for inspiration

Till tomorrow!

Did you see the WINNER of the PTI stamps for a year was announced?!!

HERE it is! THAT is one lucky lady!

AND did you see that Lisa Johnson has a tutorial on her blog? If you get the Papertrey Ink newsletter you may have. If you don’t then -> Check out the Treat-A-Lope

Great way to make favors for any shower.

Well happy Monday. I only use the word HAPPY with Monday today because its a holiday, and Jay is home

Otherwise Monday is my least favorite day of the week :C

I want to say thank you to everyone who had RAK’d me lately. You have made ME very happy.

I have provided photos of some of the cards I have received lately

-I am missing the package from Bonnie. She sent some candy and Daisy some special treats! Thank you Bonnie and Ken! With all you have going on-you are just truly amazing

Click the photos for a larger view.

Photo #1 is a VERY special gift. To the right corner is a polymer clay prayer jar for Alexa! Truly AMAZING!

Ilysa from Polymer Clay Productions has an AMAZING program where she sends these special jars to Cancer patients!! She sent this package of Polymer goodies for Alexa! Can you believe that?

The program is called Bottle of Hope, and you can watch the ceremony filmed at CHA by clicking the link, and checking out her site.(I however cannot watch it) Stuff like that puts me in an emotional FUNK!

But I really want to say THANK YOU Ilysa! What a wonderful thing you are going for so many people.

Now onto photo 2

the cards are from-in order of left to right

Lora (TheStampQueen on SCS)so sweet, Chelsey (who also sent Alexa a wonderful package for a Princess) thanks girl, Bobbie (who cracks me up endlessly).

Photo 2

Renee (scs happystamper05) my long time PSF-hugs!, Chelsey (bubblegumgirl SCS) , Crystal who also sent me the cutest stamp! Thank you!, Charmaine so talented and sweet! She is trying to make me buy that stamp set!

Photo 3

Lynda-who included Elzybells images to tie me over-thanks, Jenn who made me the sweetest bella card for V-day! Another great longtime PSF friend,and Mellie-who included the sweetest poem!

Thanks so much.

Sorry my thanks is LATE :C

Nominated!

I was nominated for the Excellent Blogger award by Kelly! Thanks so much! You are way sweet.

I have a few tags, that I can’t find-SORRY! If you tagged me can you re-send. I came home to 2 days worth of emails and am slowly getting back to people :C

SORRY!!!

OK Now I HOPE to post some eye candy following this-be right back

SO what did you think of the reveal? I can’t believe its over. I doesn’t feel real.

Pretty fabulous stuff huh? I couldn’t get into the forums at all. Insert sad face. I would have loved to chat it up with all of you. Oh well. That what happens when you get a bunch of PTI starvedwomen on one site right-LOL!

If you wonder which stuff is mine-it was posted under gallery administrator. Just a last minute glitch. Im sure it will be fixed soon. Im sure you figured it out anyway, but just thought I’d let you know all the same.

Wait till you have the new things in hand. The ribbon is to DIE for! Seriously. The colors are gorgeous. I can’t wait to play mor with the new colors.

I noticed my friend Tracey Cuccia, and Elisabeth Neumann got an honorable mention! YEAH! Cyber hi-5 girl!

Congrats to the winners and other honorable mentions. I never know HOW Nichole can pick from all the amazing samples she must get. AMAZING.

So speaking of samples here is my Just Hatched project.

Feel free to ask any ?’s. I will edit to answer any here.

This is my Candy Carrot Box.It is suppose to look like the perfect Candy Garden!Just pluck a candy carrot from the “ground” and you have the perfect treat.

This is a DELICIOUS post! LOL! Read to the end for my recipe for you all to try.

It’s ALMOST Valentine’s day, and I am working (last minute of course), on some sweet treat’s for the kid’s teachers!

I saw this image from Lizzie Anne Design’s set Petite Phrases, and also used Celebration Frames (on right), and thought it would be PERFECT for the job!

I LOVE Dove Chocolate’s, and thought that packaging up some would be so SWEET! Since I LOVE making boxes, I had fun doing these.

So I grabbed my trusty Scor-Pal, and I made this candy box holder just PERFECT for 12 Dove Chocolates

WAIT TILL YOU SEE WHAT I HAVE UP MY SLEEVE FOR EASTER!!!! WOW!

Anyway-

I made 2 boxes here-one with Acetate, and the other with Vellum cardstock. I wanted to show the versatility in the design. I think these look so scrumptious, and make giving such a SIMPLE and in expensive gift (works out to be $1 each!!! There are 3 servings per bag ) look so special.

You will need to cut your cardstock

5 1/2 X 8

Score along the 5 inch side at 1-4-and 5

Score along the 8 inch side at 1- 3 1/2- 4 1/2- then 7

See diagram for where to cut!

Finished size- 3 inches high- 2 1/2 across, 1 inch wide

NOTE: Ribbon around box keeps lid flap closed nicely

These are DONE in 5 minutes EASY! After you make one of course.

So I hope you get to test one out. I’d LOVE to see it.

Thanks for all the kind and caring messages/emails/ and even phone calls! I don’t think you are a stalker-I feel so loved!

I really appreciate the fabulous recipe’s you all shared! I am now signed up for Kraft Foods email’s too.

I honestly have NOT tried any yet-we need to go to the food store :C, but we do have a list of items to try them out.

Now I am going to share my FAVORITE recipe-quick, easy and sure to please!

Olive Garden Style Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce

Sauce-

 8 ounces Cream cheese — cut in bits
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese — grated
1/2 cup Butter or margarine
1/2 cup Milk

Black Pepper, and oregano to taste
8 ounces Fettuccine; cook — drain | In large saucepan combine cream cheese, Parmesan, butter and
milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Toss pasta lightly with
sauce, coating well. Leftovers freeze well.

PS you can double everything to get MORE sauce (you don’t have to double the cream cheese though)

Make it with Chicken and Broccoli-

While the noodles Boil- 

I just throw in some frozen breaded chicken tenders in the oven-Like 450 degrees for 20-25 min

I also throw frozen broccoli in the microwave while it all cooks-

Now you have Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine!

I aslo ALWAYS throw a garlic bread in the oven with the last 10 minutes that the tenders cook!

YUMMY!!!

Now tomorrow Not only is it the PTI release (YEAH!!!!) I will share a COOL tip-in regards to a Papertrey Product (yes I got Nichole’s permission first ), and my V-day card for Jason, as well as COOL activity for those of you with children, that will allow YOU more TIME to stamp!!! It will also help them explore their own creative side without driving mommy INSANE.

So come back then!
 Till tomorrow.

OK I was going to wait but decided to post 2 more cards-both using the NEW RELEASE tonight by MFT Eggstra Special Easter, and the same papers by K & co.

Hope you likey.

The chick is flocked too BTW!

Im off to shop! See ya later on the SCS forums-

PS Sorry these are SO BRIGHT! YIKES!

   click for larger view

Today’s sketch is a very simple one. You all seemed to really like the cleaner, less layered one’s.

It can be used with just about ANY image.

You know I LOVE my circles, but really any shape will do.

It can be solemn, cutesy and elegant.

When creating this card I used my new-yet to be released set by MFT  called Eggstra Special Easter. Sentiment is Essential Sentiments also by MFT.

REMEMBER! This week is what we are going to call an MFTeaser I have a super cool gift idea, using one of the new sets that you aren’t going to want to miss. I may just post it Wednesday. Not sure yet.

HINT: It is a template So I have to make sure I write up a nice detailed direction list. (WINK)

My Favorite Things (www.mftstamps.com) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, February 6 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. Lots of fun is planned including finding out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. Head over to the MFT forum on www.splitcoaststampers.com to find out all the details and join us there on Wednesday night.

I plan on being there to chat it up with all my girls.

That being said-back to my card.

I LOVE tulips! They are my favorite flower. No idea why, they just are.

So when creating this, it was going to be whimsical, but it then turned into asimple sympathy card (that God willing will never get used). I think sympathy cards should be kept clean, solemn, and maintain some elegance.

This, to me has all that.

I hope you like the sketch.

Great for a quick card, but it can also be dressed up!

So let see what YOU can do with it.

Don’t forget to send us the link in the comments section OK! We all want to see your take on it.

Till tomorrow.

WOW! What a CRAZY day it has been. I am going to wait till tomorrow for my sketch. Im so sorry if you are waiting. Im am just drained today. In a good way. So much to take in. While I have known about the DT position, FINALLY revealing it, feels so FREEING!

First let me say THANK YOU so very much for the amazing compliments given on my news for becoming part of the PTI Design Team, and my Baby Bouquet.

I put alot of time and effort into that gift, and the comments truly made my day!

As for the PTI Design Team-its also nice feeling accepted by all of you who visit. I was so worried about it.

I readevery comment (ALWAYS) and was so touched that each of you took the time to look, and say some of the nicest things, ever! Each one has made my day! You all mean so much to me. REALLY. Where would I be without other stamp addicts? LOL!

As for the baby bouquet-it was trial an error, and now that I have it figured out, I think it would be relatively easy to reproduce Its always hard the first time when you implement an idea. Sometimes its fast, other times-not so much.

As far as inquiries for me selling them-WOW! Don’t even know what to say. I wouldn’t know where to even begin pricing, and don’t know that I have all the time to create so many. I think if I did price them, they may be on the higher end for baby gifts. Think rich people and boutique’s! LOL!

I presented it to my friend, and she immediately poked and pulled it apart! LOL! (Insert shocked face). Oh well. I had fun making it. It was meant to use.

On to other things I guess…..

Now another thing you may not have seen-My article on Craft Critique —-> HERE! Its for the Making Memories tag maker/rims. I know several of you have asked for that-so there you go!

OK till tomorrow-

I have a bunch to do because we have people coming over for the Patriots game.

Im not into sports but hey 18-0 is pretty  impressive. So with that I say GO PATS!